SANTANA - SUPERNATURAL THE LEGACY EDITION

With a chart record that now spans five decades – from the '60s to the '00s – and one of the most consistently best-selling catalogs in modern recording history, Santana's torrid gumbo of blues-rock, rhythm and soul, Afro-Cuban jazz, Mexicano, and world music flavors is an enduring wonder of contemporary popular music. More than 40 summers after their trail-blazing Saturday afternoon performance at the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair on August 16, 1969, and the release of their iconic debut LP three days later, Santana occupies a unique status among surviving American bands. A decade ago in June 1999, 30 summers after Woodstock, Santana released an album destined to be the biggest of their career. Supernatural, a long-overdue reunion between producers Carlos Santana and Clive Davis, brought fresh collaborations with (in alphabetical order) Cee-Lo, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Eric Clapton, Everlast, Lauryn Hill, Mexican supergroup Mana, Dave Matthews and bandmate Carter Beauford, producers the Dust Brothers, KC Porter, Wyclef Jean, and others. The album spun off two huge RIAA platinum #1 hits – "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, and "Maria Maria," produced by Wyclef Jean, featuring his hip-hop proteges the Product G&B – the first Hot 100 #1 hits of Santana's career. They spent a cumulative half-year at #1 and paved the way for the album to amass chart honors and generate Grammy Awards® beyond anyone's imaginations or expectations (except, of course, Clive's).

In commemoration, Supernatural: Legacy Edition presents the album's first new remastering – personally supervised by Carlos – since its original release. In the tradition of the prestigious Legacy Edition series, the new package adds a second disc of rarities – 11 tracks, eight of them songs that were not contained on the album, seven of them previously unissued, including outtakes, dance club mixes, and instrumental material. A 24-page full-color booklet includes rare photography and memorabilia from the Santana archives. The specially-designed double-CD package, encased in the distinctive Legacy Edition mylar slipcase, will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting February 16th through Arista/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. On February 3rd, Santana will kick off 11 of the "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits" residency show concert dates at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, running through February 21st.

The bonus content on disc two of Supernatural: Legacy Edition will amaze Santana fans as if hearing a new album. The bulk of the outtakes that "didn't make the cut" on the original album are Santana band tracks: "Angel Love (Come For Me)"; "Ya Yo Me Cure"; a cover of Cuban band Irakere's classic "Bacalao Con Pan" by Chucho Valdes; a cover of Lighthouse's 1971 hit "One Fine Morning"; the medley of Bob Marley & the Wailers "Exodus/Get Up Stand Up," all previously unissued; and "Olympic Festival" (from the Girlfight movie soundtrack, 2000). The only collaboration that "didn't make the cut" features Dave Matthews and Carter Beauford, "Rain Down On Me." There are dance club mixes of "Corazon Espinado" featuring Mana, and "Maria Maria" featuring the Product G&B. "Smooth" is heard in an instrumental version, without vocal. Likewise, "The Calling Jam" featuring Eric Clapton is an instrumental version, without vocals.

Featured in the Supernatural: Legacy Edition booklet is a 2,000-word liner notes essay written by veteran Albany music journalist Hal Miller, who has annotated previous Legacy releases by Santana (2004's Santana: Legacy Edition, and 2003's expanded restorations of the fusion-influenced Caravanserai, Love Devotion Surrender, Welcome, and Moonflower), plus numerous Weather Report reissues.

"My role was to complement the music and to be gracious, patient, and trusting," Carlos told Miller. "In fact, that became my mantra as Clive Davis, the visionary, began to hook me up with all these wonderful and different musicians. And once we got started, just about every song was done in one take!"

Santana's first album for Arista Records proved an irresistible magnet for rock, R&B, and Latin markets. Supernatural debuted at #19 on the Billboard 200 chart in early July, the band's highest debut in the Soundscan era. At the same time, "Smooth" began its glide up the singles charts, rising to #1 on the Hot 100 on October 23rd – the first #1 single of Santana's career and Soundscan's longest-running #1 pop single of 1999, at 12 consecutive weeks. ("Smooth" actually spent 25 weeks at #1 on the Adult Top 40 chart, segueing into 2000. Billboard columnist Fred Bronson's book Hottest Hot 100 Hits ranks "Smooth" as the #1 Song Of The '90s.)

One week later on October 30th, Supernatural hit #1 – Santana's first #1 album in nearly three decades (since 1970's Abraxas and 1971's Santana III). It eventually was named Soundscan's #1 album of 1999, outpacing close contenders Millennium by Backstreet Boys and …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. (The success of Supernatural and "Smooth" overlapped the release of the new single in January 2000, "Maria Maria." In April, "Maria Maria" began its own 10-week stand at #1 on the Hot 100 (and three weeks at #1 R&B).

At the Grammy Awards in late-February, Supernatural generated an all-time record-breaking nine awards, starting with Album Of the Year and Best Rock Album. "Smooth" was named Record Of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Collaboration. The depth of Supernatural was confirmed as four more songs also won Grammys: "Maria Maria" for Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group; "El Farol" for Best Pop Instrumental Performance; "Put Your Lights On" featuring Everlast for Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group; and "The Calling" featuring Eric Clapton for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. At the first annual Latin Grammy Awards in September, "Corazon Espinado" featuring Mana won Record Of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo/Group; and "El Farol" won for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Supernatural spent a total of 102 weeks on the Billboard 200 album chart, including 12 weeks at #1 (no album since then has spent more than 9 weeks at the top). It was certified 15-times RIAA platinum in the U.S., with worldwide sales north of 25 million copies to date. But there were implications far deeper than the charts could ever show. The album's success was intended to inspire younger hopeful musicians to accept the challenge of devoting long years to their goals. At the same time, veteran established recording artists were reminded that there is no age ceiling on creativity and no moratorium on staying in touch with every development in contemporary music.

Mexican-born Carlos Santana organized the original Santana Blues Band in el barrio of San Francisco in 1966. From the very onset, their embrace of the full musical spectrum drew audiences into packed clubs and ballrooms around the Bay area. Credit Fillmore West impresario Bill Graham for bringing Santana to the attention of Clive Davis, who signed the band to Columbia Records after seeing their Christmas week 1968 premiere at the venue. Twenty-five years after Woodstock, Santana was one of only three acts from the original festival invited back to play at Woodstock '94. Their odyssey, which reached the highest heights with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 1998, soared to even loftier peaks with the success of Supernatural.

Supernatural, Miller concludes, "touchéd something special in the hearts and spirit of millions around the world, and the music industry is still struggling to figure out how it all happened. Carlos, himself, credits a higher power for the success of Supernatural, averring that this music was assigned and designed to unite people from young to old."

Carlos Santana's "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits", inspired by the Grammy-award winning album Supernatural, is live at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino thirty-six times per year. Providing an evening of high-energy music, the concert-style show features career-spanning classics such as "Maria Maria," "Oye Como Va," "Black Magic Woman," and "Smooth." Each free-flowing performance includes a unique take on the band's repertoire with its rebel-from-the-street vibe and Santana's uniquely passionate guitar-playing. The Joint is the only place west of the Mississippi that fans can see Santana through 2010.

Supernatural: Legacy Edition by SANTANA (Arista/Legacy 88697 48080 2, originally issued June 1999, as Arista 19080)

Disc One – Selections:
1. (Da Le) Yaleo
2. Love Of My Life featuring Dave Matthews & Carter Beauford
3. Put Your Lights On featuring Everlast
4. Africa Bamba
5. Smooth featuring Rob Thomas (1st single, Hot 100 #1, 12 weeks)
6. Do You Like The Way featuring Lauryn Hill & Cee-Lo
7. Maria Maria featuring the Product G&B (2nd single, Hot 100 #1, 10 weeks; R&B #1)
8. Migra
9. Corazon Espinado featuring Mana
10. Wishing It Was featuring Eagle-Eye Cherry
11. El Farol
12. Primavera
13. The Calling featuring Eric Clapton.

Disc Two – Selections:
1. Bacalao Con Pan (previously unissued)
2. Angel Love (Come For Me) (previously unissued)
3. Rain Down On Me featuring Dave Matthews & Carter Beauford (previously unissued)
4. Corazon Espinado (Spanish Dance Remix) featuring Mana
5. One Fine Morning (previously unissued)
6. Exodus/Get Up Stand Up (previously unissued)
7. Ya Yo Me Cure (previously unissued)
8. Maria Maria (Pumpin' Dolls Club Mix) featuring The Product G&B
9. Smooth (Instrumental)
10. The Calling Jam featuring Eric Clapton (previously unissued)
11. Olympic Festival.

HOPE FOR HAITI NOW: A GLOBAL BENEFIT FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

"Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," today announced its lineup of superstar musical performances. The global telethon will feature performances by Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Sting in New York City; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna in a newly added London location. All musical performances will be available for purchase for $.99 per song through the Apple® iTunes® Store beginning Saturday, January 23, with all proceeds benefiting Haiti relief funds managed by "Hope for Haiti Now" charities. In addition to musical performances, Wyclef Jean in New York City, George Clooney in Los Angeles, and CNN's Anderson Cooper reporting from Haiti, "Hope for Haiti Now" will feature more than one hundred of the biggest names in film, television, and music supporting the cause with testimonials and by answering phones during the telethon. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and United Nations World Food Programme have joined the list of relief organizations that will benefit from "Hope for Haiti Now," which also includes Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Yele Haiti Foundation. Proceeds from "Hope for Haiti Now" will be split evenly among each organization's individual funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

"Hope for Haiti Now" will be the most widely distributed telethon in history, both internationally and across media platforms. The two-hour telethon will air on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and 7:00 p.m. CT. “Hope for Haiti Now” will also air on newly added networks including PBS, TNT, Showtime, COMEDY CENTRAL, Bravo, E! Entertainment, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, CENTRIC, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, EPIX, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health, Planet Green, and Canadian networks including CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, and MuchMusic. The event will be live streamed online globally across sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, CNN.com, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Rhapsody and on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV. "Hope for Haiti Now" will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic, and MTV Networks International, which is available in 640 million homes worldwide. "Hope for Haiti Now" will be the first U.S.-based telethon airing on MTV in China. Facebook and Twitter have signed on as official social media partners to help drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.

Based on production needs and venue sizes, all "Hope for Haiti Now" studio locations will be closed to the media. Photos, pool video footage and talent interviews from "Hope for Haiti Now" will be serviced to news outlets immediately following the event. "Hope for Haiti Now" is produced by Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with Viacom's MTV Networks and George Clooney.

FUNDRAISING FOR HAITIAN ORPHANS

Groove Evolution Music (GEM) Festival (www.grooveevolutionfest.com), founded by Sky Dietrich, vocalist of the band Sky D and LeGrange Evolution (www.skydandlegrange.com), is creating a new paradigm shift in charitable partnerships. GEM's mission is to benefit local and international non-profit communities from New York City to Europe to South Africa. The first fundraising music festival is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 9pm to 2am at Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette Street, NYC. GEM has named Haitian Orphans Wish (HOW) and Artworks for Youth as charitable beneficiaries of its first concert and dance party of 2010. Both organizations provide education, nutrition, and spiritual relief to children worldwide. Tickets for GEM Fest are available at the website (www.grooveevolutionfest.com) in advance for $15 or $20 at the door. Attendees who purchase three (3) raffle tickets for $80, receive free admission and a chance to win a roundtrip ticket to South Africa to volunteer with Artworks For Youth (www.artworksforyouth.org).

When asked what prompted her to create this festival, Sky Dietrich said, "I am not only here to play music but to grow the dreams and aspirations of my fellow world citizens. GEM Fest is one way to make that happen for those in need and my fellow artist comrades."The missions of both recipient organizations clearly resonate with the Groove Evolution Music Festival goal to inspire, enlighten and motivate people to act on their visions and passions for a better world. HOW 's mission is to provide nutritional, financial, medical, and spiritual relief to the orphaned children of Haiti. Artworks for Youth is dedicated to providing free after school visual art instruction, mentoring, and academic support to under-served students in South Africa. GEM's purpose is to raise funds for non-profit organizations globally, while providing a venue throughout the year for progressive artists, actors, and poets. Their artistic endeavors are of substance and groove and make profound statements that empower and move the world. Key artists who are donating their performances to this event are Sky D & LeGrange Evolution, Beyond Belief & Kwame, Dani Fonseca, and DJ Structure.

www.haitianorphans.com
www.artworksforyouth.org
http://www.grooveevolutionfest.com

SOLDIER OF LOVE VIDEO PREMIERE

A full decade has passed since the world has experienced a Sade video and on Monday, January 11th at 12 AM ET, "Soldier of Love," the first single off Sade's forthcoming album, makes its worldwide video debut on Amazon.com. The video can be found on Amazon's music homepage and Sade's artist page.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YIHO7I?ie=UTF8&tag=epicrecords-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002YIHO7I

The video, directed by Sophie Muller, utilizes powerful yet dreamlike imagery with militant style dancing that coincides with the martial drums pulsating throughout the song. Channeling a futuristic wild-wild-west battleground coupled with her smooth, seductive voice, the video creates an intriguing contrast that captures the ultimate struggle and purpose to find love. "Soldier of Love" continues to make radio history with a listening audience of over 17 million. In less than four weeks "Soldier of Love" is a top five record at Urban Hot AC and Smooth Jazz, already making it one of the fastest moving records of this year's radio charts.

"Soldier of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthew man and Paul Spencer Denman. Recorded in England and set for release on February 9th, SOLDIER OF LOVE marks Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love," and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

WWW.SADE.COM www.sadeusa.com

THE FEBRUARY CONCERT CALENDAR

Charlie Hunter @ Nightcat, Easton, MD, Feb 1
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Konserthuset, Goteborg, Sweden, Feb 1

Bettye LaVette @ Hopkins Center For The Performing Arts,
Hopkins, MN, Feb 2

Dionne Warwick @ Youkey Theatre, Lakeland, FL, Feb 2-3
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Victoria, Oslo, Norway, Feb 3
Joss Stone @ Olympia, Paris, France, Feb 3
Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Feb 3
Pat Metheny @ De Oosterpoort, Groningen, Netherlands, Feb 3

Santana @ The Joint At The Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, NV,
Feb 3, 5, 6, 10, 12-14, 17, 19, 20, 21

Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Moods, Zurich, Switzerland, Feb 4
Al Di Meola @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA, Feb 4
B.B. King @ King Center, Melbourne, FL, Feb 4
Bobby “Blue” Bland @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Feb 4
Pat Metheny @ Stockholm Concert Hall, Stockholm, Sweden, Feb 5
B.B. King @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Feb 5
Al Di Meola @ Largo Cultural Center, Largo, FL, Feb 5
Chris Botti @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR, Feb 5
George Winston @ Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ, Feb 5
David Sanborn @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Feb 5-6
Lainie Kazan @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Feb 5-6
B.B. King @ Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA, Feb 6
Walter Beasley @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Feb 6
Chris Botti @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Feb 6
Pat Metheny @ Concert House, Oslo, Norway, Feb 6
David Sanborn, Joey DeFrancesco @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Feb 5-6
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Is Sanat Istanbul Hall, Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 6
Al Di Meola @ The Plaza Theatre, Orlando, FL, Feb 6
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Blue Note Milano, Milan, Italy, Feb 7
Pat Metheny @ Tivoli Koncerthouse, Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb 7
Booker T & The MG’s @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 7-10
John Mayer @ North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston, SC, Feb 8
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Konzerthaus, Wein, Austria, Feb 8
John Mayer @ BJCC Arena, Birmingham, AL, Feb 9
Chris Botti @ Dodge Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, Feb 9
Pat Metheny @ Palais Des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, Belgium, Feb 9
B.B. King @ Ryman, Nashville, TN, Feb 9
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Russelsheim Theatre, Russelsheim, Germany, Feb 9
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Casa da Musica, Oporto, Portugal, Feb 10
Pat Metheny @ La Comete, Champagne, France, Feb 10
John Mayer @ Sommet Center, Nashville, TN, Feb 10
Chris Botti @ Flint Center For Performing Arts, Cupertino, CA, Feb 10
Pa Metheny @ Barbican Centre, London, UK, Feb 10
B.B. King @ Constitution Hall, Washington, DC, Feb 11
Al Di Meola @ Granada Theater, Dallas, TX, Feb 11
Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Feb 11
Chris Botti @ Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, CA, Feb 11-13
Pat Metheny @ Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Feb 11
Angie Stone @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Feb 11
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Univ.Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, Feb 11
John Mayer @ Palace Of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI, Feb 12
Pat Metheny @ Frits Philips Musiccentre, Eidhoven, Netherlands, Feb 12
B.B. King @ United Palace Theatre, New York, NY, Feb 12
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Dixie Carter PAC, Huntington, TN, Feb 12
Gladys Knight @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Feb 12
Acoustic Alchemy @ Latvian National Symphony, Riga, Latvia, Feb 12
Al Di Meola @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Feb 12
Patti Labelle, O’Jays @ Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, Feb 12
Eliane Elias @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Feb 12-13
Tower Of Power @ Cannery Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 12-13
Branford Marsalis @ Touhill PAC, St. Louis, MO, Feb 13
Pat Metheny @ Olympia, Paris, France, Feb 13
Angie Stone @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, Feb 13
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Rialto Center For The Arts, Atlanta, GA, Feb 13

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Leeuwin Estate Winery,
Margaret River, Australia, Feb 13-14

B.B. King @ Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre, Atlantic City, NJ, Feb 13
John Mayer @ Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Feb 13
Branford Marsalis @ Missouri Theatre, Columbia, MO, Feb 13
Patti Labelle @ Caesar’s Windsor Coliseum, Windsor, ON, Feb 13
Michael Feinstein @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Feb 13
B.B. King @ MGM Grand, Mashantucket, CT, Feb 14
Chris Botti @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Feb 14
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Germantown PAC, Germantown, TN, Feb 14
Smokey Robinson @ Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, WA, Feb 14
Pat Metheny @ Salle Berlioz, Montpellier, France, Feb 15
John Mayer @ Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, ON, Feb 16
B.B. King @ Fox Theater, Detroit, MI, Feb 16
Pat Metheny @ Femina, Bordeaux, France, Feb 16
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA, Feb 16
John Mayer @ Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, Feb 17

Box Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Adelaide Entertainment Center,
Hindmarsh, Australia, Feb 17

Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Jazz At Lincoln Center, New York, NY, Feb 17
B.B. King @ Family Arena, St. Charles, MO, Feb 18
Eddie Palmieri @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Feb 18
Gladys Knight @ King Center For Performing Arts, Melbourne, FL, Feb 18
John Mayer @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, Feb 19

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Palais Theatre,
Melbourne, Australia, Feb 18

Majestic Fox Theater, Bakersfield, CA, Feb 18
Al Di Meola @ Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ, Feb 18
Al Di Meola @ Scottsdale Center For Perf Arts, Scottsdale, AZ, Feb 19
B.B. King @ Midland Theatre, Kansas City, MO, Feb 19
Chris Botti @ Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks, CA, Feb 19
David Sanborn @ DreamCatcher At Viejaz, Alpine, CA, Feb 19
Michael Feinstein @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Feb 19
Phil Perry @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Feb 19-20
Chicago @ Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 19-20

Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Punta Gorda Wine & Jazz Festival,
Punta Gorda, FL, Feb 20

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Sutton Grange Winery,
Melbourne, Australia, Feb 20

B.B. King @ Orpheum, Minneapolis, MN, Feb 20
David Sanborn @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Feb 20
Al Di Meola @ Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa, Henderson, NV, Feb 20
John Mayer @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC, Feb 20
Dave Mason @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Feb 20
Branford Marsalis @ Strand Capitol PAC, York, PA, Feb 20
Oleta Adams @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY, Feb 20
John Mayer @ Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA, Feb 21
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Clarice Smith PAC, College Park, MD, Feb 21
David Sanborn @ Lancaster PAC, Lancaster, CA, Feb 21

Box Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort,
Yarra Valley, Australia, Feb 21

Jack Jones @ Kimmel Center For The Performing Arts,
Philadelphia, PA, Jan 21,24,26,27

B.B. King @ Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, IA, Feb 22
David Sanborn @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, CA, Feb 22

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Royal Theatre,
Canberra, Australia, Feb 23

Pat Metheny @ Deutches Theater, Munich, Germany, Feb 23
Al Di Meola @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, Feb 23-24
Janiva Magness @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Feb 23-24
John Mayer @ TB Banknorth Garden, Boston, MA, Feb 24
David Sanborn @ Tower Theatre, Fresno, CA, Feb 24
Eddie Palmieri @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Jan 24

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Sydney Entertainment Centre,
Darling Harbour, Australia, Feb 25

John Mayer @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Feb 25
Pat Metheny @ Vienna Concert Hall, Vienna, Austria, Feb 25
Al Di Meola @ The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Feb 25

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Win Entertainment Centre,
Wollongong, Australia, Feb 26

Steve Tyrell @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Feb 26
Pat Metheny @ Incheba Expo Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia, Feb 26
Al Di Meola @ House Of Blues, West Hollywood, CA, Feb 26
Frank Sinatra Jr. @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Feb 26

Bob James, Acoustic Alchemy @ Cerritos Centre, Cerritos, CA, Feb 26

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Brisbane Riverstage,
Brisbane, Australia, Feb 27

Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Luzerna Saal, Lucerne, Switzerland, Feb 27
Bobby McFerrin @ Paramount Center, Peekskill, NY, Feb 27
Rachelle Ferrell @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Feb 27
Richie Havens @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, Feb 27
Al Di Meola @ Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco, CA, Feb 27
Acoustic Alchemy @ Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, CA, Feb 28
Pat Metheny @ Hala Stuleca, Wroclaw, Poland, Feb 28
John Mayer @ Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI, Feb 28
Rachelle Ferrell @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Feb 28
Angelique Kidjo @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, Feb 28

SMOOTH JAZZ WNWV 107.3 THE WAVE BITS THE DUST!

Another one bits the dust as WNWV 107.3 FM in Elyria, Ohio switched over at noon on December 28 from The Wave’s smooth jazz format to 107.3 Boom!, a new alternative and classic rock “Triple-A” format. The new Triple-A format promises a diverse playlist blending emerging artists with alternative rock and classic rock stars. A statement on The Wave’s Web site says, “After more than 20 years of providing smooth jazz to Northeast Ohio, we’re unable to sustain the format any longer due to a change in Ratings Service methodology. Simply put, lower measurement equals lower ratings. Consequently, we cannot sustain the overhead associated with bringing you the music you love.” Fans of Kenny G and Dave Koz will be able to hear their style of smooth jazz on the station's HD frequency, streamed on wnwv.com. Some on-air hosts, such as morning man Mike Kessler, are expected to stay, while others will be replaced with new talent, according to the post. "The Wave" is abandoning the format after 22 years because of a newcomer to town - Portable People Meters, or PPMs. For decades, Arbitron Inc., the main radio ratings company, gathered information in weekly logs filled out by a selected pool of listeners. In 2007, Arbitron rolled out the PPM, a pager-sized device that electronically records what the person is listening to. A hub, or collector, uploads the information each night via a modem. People meters give broadcasters a more precise look at what listeners hear, said Jessica Benbow, corporate communication manager for Arbitron. The company plans to gradually introduce PPMs in the top 49 markets by next year, Benbow said. Oldies, news and country stations are showing audience growth under the new system, according to a recent New York Times article. Some Spanish-language stations' ratings fell so sharply that concerned broadcasters testified before a congressional committee this month, protesting that the PPM system discriminates against minority audiences, according to the article. PPM measurements also hit smooth-jazz broadcasters hard. Stations in New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago have abandoned the format, according to Tom Taylor, executive news editor at Radio-Info, a Chicago-based Web site that covers the radio industry. Arbitron tested PPMs in Cleveland in the fall. Starting this month, the PPM numbers will determine ratings and how much broadcasters can charge for advertising. Preliminary PPM statistics showed that smooth-jazz listeners average in their mid-50s, 10 years older than the average radio listener in Cleveland. Advertisers generally want to reach a younger demographic group. Unfortunately, smooth jazz is not sustainable under this new methodology.

Wave fans can still hear smooth jazz live online at www.wnwv.com or on an HD radio at 107.3 HD2.

NEW RELEASES FROM: OSUNLADE, QUASIMODE, JEFF GOLUB, ALICIA KEYS, DONELL JONES & MORE...

Alicia Keys –The Element Of Freedom
Build An Ark – Love, Part 1
Cassandra Steen- Darum Leben Wir
Club Des Beluges – Zoo Zicaro
Dee Brown – A Little Elbowroom
Donell Jones – The Lost Files
Emi Tawata - Sings
Jacksoul – Soulmate
Jazziel Funkard – Jazzified Tranquilizer
Jeff Golub – Blues For You
Jeff Kashiwa – Back In The Day
John Abercrombie – Wait Till You See Her
Justin Young – Nothin’ But Love
Linn & Freddie – Waiting For Spring
Maisey Rika – Tohu
Marcell & The Truth – Symbols
Mayer Hawthorne – A Strange Arrangement
Mdungu Afro – What?
Naoki Kenji – Good For Me
Osunlade - Rebirth
Quasimode – Daybreak
Smooth Genester – Rem Phase
Tribe – Rebirth
Trilok Gurtu - Massical
Trizonna McClendon – New Familiar
Various Artists – Aural Affairs Vol. 1
Various Artists – Bar Blue Note
Various Artists – Best Of Chill Out Lounge
Various Artists – Chillbar Vol. 2
Various Artists – Erotic Jazz Moments 2
Various Artists – Homme Et Femme
Various Artists – In Chill Out
Various Artists – Ocean Chill Out Lounge
Various Artists – Relaxing Bossa Lounge
Various Artists – Space Lounge & Chil Out Vol. 05
Various Artists – Take A Chill Pill Vol. 2
Venueconnection – Madrid Boogie

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Soldier Of Love, the highly anticipated anthemic first single off Sade's forthcoming album, Soldier Of Love is already making radio history. Following it's release on December 8th, the track debuted at #11 on the Urban Hot Adult Contemporary chart, making it the highest debut of the decade and the third highest all-time on the Urban Hot Adult Contemporary chart. But, that's not all! "Soldier Of Love" also debuted at # 5 on the Smooth Jazz airplay chart while also becoming the first ever vocal to hit # 1 on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown. "Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthew man and Paul Spencer Denman. It was recorded in England and set for release on February 9th, Soldier Of Love is Sade's first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

THE MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS - TOP 10 LIST

As the week of Christmas kicks off and last- minute baking, shopping, decorating and planning kicks into high gear, holiday music is being played more and more on radio airwaves across America. As a matter of fact, there are a number of radio stations that have been playing Christmas songs since last October, not to mention those that are Christmas year round. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), has released its listing of 2009's most played holiday songs, tracked by radio airplay monitoring service, Mediaguide, from over 2,500 radio stations nationwide.

The top 10 most-played holiday songs in the ASCAP repertory this holiday season are:
1. "Sleigh Ride" (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish) - played 118,918 times
2. "Jingle Bell Rock" (Joseph Carleton Beal, James Roth Boothe) - played 118,601 times
3. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Edward Pola, George Wyle) - played 101,614 times
4. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) - played 89,348 times
5. "Winter Wonderland" (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith) - played 77,599 times
6. "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells) - played 74,360 times.
7. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (Johnny Marks) - played 57,948 times
8. "Little Drummer Boy" (Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone) - played 55,617 times.
9. "Feliz Navidad" (José Feliciano) - played 51,072 times
10. "Frosty the Snowman" (Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins) - played 51,068 times

Note: The above list represents an aggregation of all differentartist versions of each cited holiday song.

ENIGMA - THE PLATINUM COLLECTION

This is the 20th anniversary of a musical phenomenon which has always been ahead of its time: producer Michael Cretu's ENIGMA. To commemorate the milestone, Virgin/EMI will release a deluxe, career-spanning 3CD boxed set on February 9 titled ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection, featuring 17 standout album tracks, 12 sought-after remixes and 11 previously unreleased recordings. The collection will also be available for download purchase from all major digital service providers. Romanian-born producer Michael Cretu has never shied away from breaking into uncharted terrain with his musical creations, catapulting his frequently experimental songs and albums into remarkable commercial dimensions. ENIGMA's many worldwide accomplishments include more than 50 million records sold, 100 gold and platinum sales awards and 50 number one positions in the international charts.

ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection sees Cretu not only taking stock of his success, but also presenting an impressively comprehensive portrait of his creative oeuvre. Disc One, "The Greatest Hits," features 17 of ENIGMA's most popular and successful songs, all of them prototypes of a unique conglomeration of ethnic, electronic and classical music transformed into mythical, sensual pop symphonies. Vocal protagonists, from Ruth-Ann to Andru Donalds to ENIGMA's best-known Gregorian choirs, were integrated by Cretu into a sonic bed in which energetic rhythms and spherical spaces combine. Disc Two, "The Remix Collection," showcases 12 of ENIGMA's tracks, remixed for lounge and club play, including favorites "Mea Culpa" and "Principles Of Lust" alongside more recent compositions "Voyageur" and "Dreaming of Andromeda." Disc Three, "The Lost Ones," will be of particular interest to true ENIGMA fans, offering a 36-minute voyage through 11 drafts from the personal vault of sonic alchemist Michael Cretu, who describes the consecutively numbered curiosities, "Lost One" to "Lost Eleven," as follows: "Everything starts with trial and error. Sometimes it's a sound, then a melody, a harmony or a mood. The 'Lost Ones' are my way of instrumental drafts developed from a boiling cauldron full of unordered, naive and carefree musical ideas."

ENIGMA: The Platinum Collection (3CD, digital) Tracklist:

Disc One: THE GREATEST HITS
01. Sadeness (Part 1)
02. Mea Culpa (Orthodox Version)
03. Principles Of Lust
04. Rivers Of Belief
05. Return To Innocence
06. Age Of Loneliness
07. Out From The Deep
08. Beyond The Invisible
09. T.N.T. For The Brain
10. Gravity Of Love
11. Push The Limits
12. Turn Around
13. Voyageur
14. Boum-Boum
15. Following The Sun
16. Seven Lives
17. La Puerta Del Cielo

Disc Two: THE REMIX COLLECTION
01. Sadeness (U.S. Violent mix)
02. Mea Culpa (Fading Shades mix)
03. Principles Of Lust (Everlasting Lust mix)
04. Return To Innocence (Long and Alive version)
05. Age Of Loneliness (Enigmatic club mix)
06. Out From The Deep (Trance mix)
07. T.N.T. For The Brain (Midnight Man mix)
08. Gravity Of Love (Judgment Day club mix)
09. Push The Limits (ATB remix)
10. Voyageur (Club mix)
11. Boum-Boum (Chicane club edit)
12. Dreaming Of Andromeda (Jean F. Cochois remix)

Disc 3: THE LOST ONES
01. Lost One
02. Lost Two
03. Lost Three
04. Lost Four
05. Lost Five
06. Lost Six
07. Lost Seven
08. Lost Eight
09. Lost Nine
10. Lost Ten
11. Lost Eleven

MIDEM 2010 JAZZ CLUB

The MIDEM Jazz event will once again be welcoming a selection of international artists next month. A sparkling line-up of performers will take the stage at the event's jazz club in the Salon Zephyr at the Hotel Carlton from 24-26 January 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Talent Jazz stage will offer one concert each evening from Sunday through Tuesday: Sunday 24 January, Swiss singer Sophie Hunger will transport the audience to her unique universe, where folk meets pop and jazz. The composer, pianist, guitar player and singer will be joined by trombonist Michael Flury and Christian Prader (flute, piano and guitar). Monday 25 January will see Tigran Hamasyan performing his virtuoso improvisations. The 22 year old New York-based Armenian pianist has already produced three albums, won prizes from international competitions (Montreux, Juan-les-Pins and the Martial Solal Competition) and collaborated with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Tuesday 26 January is when Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa will share his daring musical explorations. This master of polyrhythm, whose remarkable compositions are heavily influenced by French music, has spent the last twenty five years travelling the world with his musical collaborators.

Each night, Talent Jazz will be followed by MIDEM Jazz Club, from 11pm to 1.30am:Sunday 24 January will have a Spanish flavour with two of the hottest acts from the Catalan scene: Double bass player Giulia Valle will explore her experimental rhythms, followed by a concert from the Xavier Dotras Trio. Monday 25 January, MIDEM will be presenting the Carte Blanche SACEM evening. The line-up includes guitarist Louis Winsberg, winner of the Django d'Or 2008, and his amazing Jaleo project where jazz blends with flamenco and Indian music. The second part of the evening will be dedicated to Davy Sicard, with his Creole-tinted jazz and its Madagascan, Indian and African influences. Tuesday 26 January, MIDEM will be honouring German producer Siggi Loch, founder of the Act label. Two exceptional events will mark the celebrations: The reforming of the mythical jazz fusion group of the 1970s that made his name, Passport, with its leader Klaus Doldinger; followed by a unique session with artists from his hotbed of budding talent brought together under the moniker Act Family Band: Niels Landgren, Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Froy Aagre, Wolfgang Haffner and Nguyen Le

GEORGE BENSON - SONGS AND STORIES ON HIGH DEFINITION SURROUND SOUND

10-time Grammy Award winner George Benson’s new album Songs And Stories on High Definition Surround Sound SuperDisc has been released by Monster Music and The Concord Music Group. The Monster SuperDisc version of Songs and Stories is now available at select Best Buy stores for a suggested retail price of $24.95 (the original version (in traditional stereo) by the Concord Music Group & Monster Music was released in the U.S. in August). The SuperDisc version features the entire album as well as behind-the-scenes video footage. The Monster Music SuperDisc of Songs And Stories has been mixed in Monster High Definition Surround (HDS). Like Monster Music’s previously released SuperDisc release of George Benson and Al Jarreau’s Givin’ It Up, the remastered SuperDisc marks a major step forward in the evolution of audio quality, delivering Monster’s own highest fidelity stereo and surround experiences in Dolby Digital and DTS for both home theater systems and iPod/MP3 players.

Monster HDS is specially engineered to capture music’s true harmonic depth and tonal richness and sound significantly different than traditional surround sound. HDS selectively places artist and instruments around the room for the ultimate listening experience, and unlike DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, HDS on a SuperDisc plays in any DVD player. Notably, Monster HDS is also an interactive music experience, allowing listeners with a home theater system to select their own “Surround Experience,” choosing to be “in the studio” of a live recording or “in the room” sitting next to the band. Additionally, to provide users of portable music players, including iPods and iPhones, as well as computer users, with easy access to the enhanced tracks, the SuperDisc includes digital music files specially encoded in Dolby® Headphone surround, allowing users to enjoy a virtual surround sound experience from any pair of headphones on any portable music player.

Songs And Stories is Benson’s second album on the Concord Records/Monster Music label. The album is a collection of tunes penned by some of the most prolific and enduring songwriters of the last half-century. Some were written specifically for this new recording, such as Bill Withers (who came out of retirement to write “A Telephone Call Away” for George), Rod Temperton’s “Family Reunion” and Lamont Dozier’s “Living in High Definition”; while others, including James Taylor’s “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”, Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” were hand-picked by Benson for their ability to convey simple but universal truths about the human experience. Songs and Stories was produced by Concord’s Grammy winning, creative head John Burk and renowned bassist/composer/producer Marcus Miller. Benson, Miller, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, guitarist Jubu and drummer John Robinson make up the core unit for the project. They were joined by special guests: guitarists Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Wah Wah Watson and Norman Brown, vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Patti Austin, keyboardist David Paich, saxophonists Tom Scott and Gerald Albright along with several others.

PHILIPPE SAISSE - AT WORLD'S EDGE

At World’s Edge represents one of Phjlippe Saisse’s most ambitious and adventurous solo projects to date. While Saisse produced the lion’s share of the project in Los Angeles, he enlisted an All-Star cast of musicians, engineers, and singers from New York, London, Paris, and Japan, who sent him tracks from around the world. Musicians featured on the CD include Simon Phillips and Skooter Warner on drums, bass players Pino Palladino, David Finck, and Ron Jenkins, guitarist’s Jeff Golub, Marc Antoine, and Annas Allaf, horn players, Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone), Jason Golley (trumpet and flugelhorn), Jeff Beal, (trumpet and flugelhorn), Rick Braun (trumpet), and Michael Davis (trombone and bass trombone), Lenny Castro on percussion, and singers Angelique Kidjo, Jasmine Roy and David Rice. Saisse used noted Japanese engineer Goh Hotoda, who has collaborated with him on his most recent projects to engineer the CD. Last week, Philippe Saisse, scored a personal triumph and first when NARAS voters opted to honor and acknowledge this progressive and daring solo album, with a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Saisse has enjoyed a distinguished career over the past 30 years, but finally attaining the milestone achievement on his ninth solo effort has even more special significance, because he dedicated the album in loving memory to his late father Maurice Saisse. “Hearing the news that At World’s Edge was nominated elated me beyond words,”revealed a delighted Saisse. “I felt particularly grateful for the validation of the incomparable contributions all the musicians, singers and engineers made to the record. I just wish my father would have lived long enough to share this special honor with me.”

2010 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL LINEUP

APRIL 23 - 25 (1st WEEKEND)
Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Johnny Lang, Band of Horses, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katie Redd, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators--Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd WEEKEND)
Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutté, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and Filé Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmART…

MIDEM 2010 JAZZ EVENTS

The MIDEM Jazz event will once again be welcoming a selection of international artists next month. A line-up of performers will take the stage at the event's jazz club in the Salon Zephyr at the Hotel Carlton from 24-26 January 2010. For the third consecutive year, the Talent Jazz stage will offer one concert each evening from Sunday through Tuesday: Sunday 24 January, Swiss singer Sophie Hunger will transport the audience to her unique universe, where folk meets pop and jazz. The composer, pianist, guitar player and singer will be joined by trombonist Michael Flury and Christian Prader (flute, piano and guitar). Monday 25 January will see Tigran Hamasyan performing his virtuoso improvisations. The 22 year old New York-based Armenian pianist has already produced three albums, won prizes from international competitions (Montreux, Juan-les-Pins and the Martial Solal Competition) and collaborated with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John McLaughlin. Tuesday 26 January is when Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa will share his daring musical explorations. This master of polyrhythm, whose remarkable compositions are heavily influenced by French music, has spent the last twenty five years travelling the world with his musical collaborators.

Each night, Talent Jazz will be followed by MIDEM Jazz Club, from 11pm to 1.30am: Sunday 24 January will have a Spanish flavor with two of the hottest acts from the Catalan scene: Double bass player Giulia Valle will explore her experimental rhythms, followed by a concert from the Xavier Dotras Trio. Monday 25 January, MIDEM will be presenting the Carte Blanche SACEM evening. The line-up includes guitarist Louis Winsberg, winner of the Django d'Or 2008, and his amazing Jaleo project where jazz blends with flamenco and Indian music. The second part of the evening will be dedicated to Davy Sicard, with his Creole-tinted jazz and its Madagascan, Indian and African influences. Tuesday 26 January, MIDEM will be honouring German producer Siggi Loch, founder of the Act label. Two exceptional events will mark the celebrations: The reforming of the mythical jazz fusion group of the 1970s that made his name, Passport, with its leader Klaus Doldinger; followed by a unique session with artists from his hotbed of budding talent brought together under the moniker Act Family Band: Niels Landgren, Michael Wollny, Lars Danielsson, Froy Aagre, Wolfgang Haffner and Nguyen Le.

GRAMMY SALUTE TO KENNY BURRELL

As they continue on their mission of recognizing excellence in music, The Recording Academy® will present the GRAMMY Salute To Jazz ® to this year's honoree, guitarist Kenny Burrell on Jan. 26, culminating with the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. The Grammy's will be broadcast live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on the CBS Television Network, from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The GRAMMY Salute To Jazz event will feature live performances and a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to these accomplished artists in honor of their professional achievements.

The GRAMMY Salute To Jazz honoring Kenny Burrell will be held at the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Burrell is a celebrated and respected jazz guitarist who pioneered the guitar-led jazz trio with bass and drums in the late 1950s, and one of the earliest proponents of solo jazz guitar. He has recorded more than 100 albums and has played with the likes of John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson. One of his songs, "Dear Ella," was the title tune for the GRAMMY-winning album by Dee Dee Bridgewater in 1997. In addition to his extensive performing, recording and composing schedule, Burrell is the founder and director of the jazz studies program at University of California, Los Angeles, where he is a professor of music and ethnomusicology. He is a lecturer and director of workshops on guitar and jazz studies, and the co-founder of the Jazz Heritage Foundation and the Friends of Jazz at UCLA. He will be featured on the Delta Airlines' GRAMMY Salute To Jazz channel for the month of January.

TEENA MARIE & DAVID SANBORN HEADLINE "JAZZ IN THE GARDENS" FESTIVAL

Teena Marie, David Sanborn and Cassandra Wilson are among the artists set to headline the upcoming City of Miami Gardens “Jazz in the Gardens" festival. The City of Miami Gardens has announced the star-studded lineup for the 5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, taking place on Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Dolphin (Landshark) Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. Confirmed artists include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige; Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, John Legend; R&B crooner, Robin Thicke; funk/R&B diva, Teena Marie; '90s R&B/pop super group, Boyz II Men; Grammy-nominated R&B vocalist, Melanie Fiona; jazz chanteuse, Cassandra Wilson; saxophone king, David Sanborn; already classic newcomer, K'Jon; and famed pianist, keyboarder and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, Joe Sample. Local artist names will be released soon.

Jazz in the Gardens, a two-day weekend festival, is now in its fifth year and has grown to be one of the top cultural events in America. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres and mixes jazz, pop, R&B, Neo-soul and Caribbean flavors, having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price. "I am proud to proclaim 'Jazz in the Gardens' as an undeniable premier stop on the national festival circuit. With audiences coming from international and domestic markets, it has become a major destination event for anyone seeking the combined ambience of fabulous music, sunshine, great food, shopping and beautiful people all in one setting," says Shirley Gibson, Mayor Miami Gardens.

The 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40,000, more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the "Jazz in the Gardens" crowd enjoyed performances by Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, Kenny G, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Erykah Badu, Common, Roy Ayers, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, and Angelique Kidjo.

http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/

STEVIE WONDER - GRAMMY NOMINATION FOR ALL ABOUT THE LOVE AGAIN

Stevie Wonder has been nominated for a Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance of his song "All About The Love Again." With a total of 22 Awards, Stevie Wonder has been awarded the most Grammy® Awards for a Male Artist in history. Wonder's "All About The Love Again" was first introduced to Grammy® voters during last year's 51st award ceremony. Wonder went on to perform the song, which was written for President Obama, during a PBS command performance at the White House. "All About The Love Again" marks the second time in Wonder's storied career where his music has been used for social change such as his "Happy Birthday" ode to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the campaign to adopt a Federal Holiday in his honor. Wonder began writing "All About The Love Again" in the 70's during his history breaking Grammy® run and was moved to complete the song by the Obama campaign message of Change. Grammy® insiders recognized Wonder's broad popular message and placed it in the Pop Male Vocal category this year. Will this become Stevie's 23rd Grammy®?

Wonder's songwriting genius and legacy continues to provide the world with music that permeates popular culture. The heartfelt simplicity of the message in the music has never departed from his songs. "All About The Love Again" speaks to the power of love to cure the problems of hunger, war, and poverty. "All About The Love Again" appears exclusively on the Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise CD+DVD from set from Hidden Beach Recordings and is available at retailers nationwide and online from iTunes and Amazon.com. In addition to Stevie Wonder's track, Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise features tracks by will i. am, the Tony Rich Project, Ozomatli, Sheryl Crow, India.Arie, Melissa Etheridge, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, Usher Raymond IV, BeBe Winans, Wilco, James Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Ritchie, Death Cab for Cutie and Common.

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Epic Records has announced the release of "Soldier Of Love," the highly anticipated first single off Sade's forthcoming new body of work by the same name. "Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman. The track, featuring a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with haunting vocals that Sade is known for, is set to hit airwaves December 8(th) and will kick off the countdown for SOLDIER OF LOVE. Recorded in England and set for release worldwide on February 8(th), SOLDIER OF LOVE marks Sade's first studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000. The first single "Soldier Of Love" will premiere on Tuesday, December 8(th) at 7am EST on http://www.sade.com/. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

BERNARD PURDIE - SOUL DRUMS

Every so often you come across a really hot album that you want to tell everybody about – well here is one for you all. I was listening to Jazz FM (from the U.K.) the other day when they were playing a track entitled Soul Drums from Bernard Purdie and then I decided to do a little research to find out more about this artist. Come to find out that Bernard Purdie is one of the most well known drummers of all time, in all genres of music and probably the most recorded in history. He was a session player in the early days, Aretha Franklin’s musical director, over-dub drummer for The Beatles, and he recorded albums with King Curtis, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Herbie Hancock, Hall & Oats, Quincy Jones, The Last Poets, Roberta Flack & James Brown, just to name a few. In 1967 he entered the studio with several other musicians to record his first solo album, Soul Drums. The album was originally released on the label Date, which is a new subsidiary of Columbia Records. More recently Bernard Purdie was the drummer for the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair and he also appeared on the associated Broadway cast recording. Soul Drums has become one of the most sought after drum LP’s amongst vinyl collectors and it is now finally available for the first time on CD with the inclusion of an additional eight bonus tracks. These songs are rumored to be the follow-up LP titled Alexander’s Rag Time Band which has been shelved since it was recorded. One of my other favorites on this album is Groovin' originally recorded by The Rascals.

Soul Drums track listing:
1. Soul Drums
2. Bee ‘N’ Bee
3. Caravan
4. Soul Bossa Nova
5. Jimmy’s Back
6. Funky Monkey
7. Bill’s Groove
8. On The Outskirts Of Minitown
9. Testifyin’
10. Modern Jive
11. Blow Your Lid (But Watch Your Cool)

Bonus Tracks
12. Alexander’s Rag Time Band
13. Fickle Finger Of Fate
14. Genuine John
15. Soul Clappin’
16. Groovin’
17. If You Never Cry
18. Stop
19. Time Is Tight

ANTHONY HAMILTON RECEIVES GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton has received three Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his fifth studio album, The Point Of It All and the title track. The North Carolina native also earned a third nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for "Soul Music" a track from the 2008 Soul Men movie (which featured Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac). This brings Hamilton's total Grammy nominations throughout his musical career to ten. Last year, Hamilton won his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for collaboration with Al Green, "You Got The Love I Need." Hamilton released The Point Of It All on SoSo Def/Jive Records last December and the project garnered widespread critical attention. Entertainment Weekly declared Hamilton has "a voice that bridges seduction and gospel fervor." Boston Globe raved, "His singing...is flawless and expressive...Anthony Hamilton has proven himself to be one of the logical heirs to Marvin Gaye." Remarking on Hamilton's stature in the musical landscape of R&B, USA Today described him as "one of the genre's rare singers." The album thus far has spawned two successful Top 5 singles on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart, "Cool" featuring David Banner and the title track "The Point Of It All" which has been a Top 15 staple on the chart for over six months. Hamilton first rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album Comin' From Where I'm From (2003), which featured the singles "Comin' From Where I'm From" and "Charlene."

NEW RELEASES FROM ANDY CALDWELL, LIZZ FIELDS, RICHARD ELLIOT, RICK BRAUN, MONET & OTHERS...

Andy Caldwell - Obsession
Al Kent – Secret Sounds
Alan King – The Experiment
Deep Jazz – Heaven And Earth
Emily Nicole – Like Someone In Love
Hibere Orchesta Familia – Contrastes
Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidore – Three Less Than Between
Karen Briggs – Soulchestral Groove
Laura Vane & The Vipertones – Laura Vane & The Vipertones
Leak Smith – Beautifully Made
Lizz Fields – Reproduced
Mike Stern – Big Beighborhood
Monet - Vain
Quartetto Trevi With Max Ionata – Night Watch
QPSM Unit With David Durrah – Great Symbolisms
Rasmus Faber – Platina Jazz Anime Standards Volume 1
Richard Elliot – Rock Steady
Rick Braun – All It Takes
Sherry Winston – For Your Love
Soul Cycle - Mosaic
Various Artists – Atomic Café
Various Artists – Atomic Café: Music From The Soundtrack Plus Music Inspired By The Film
Various Artists – Brazil Sambossica 2
Various Artists – Electro Swing Volume 2
Various Artists – Hotel Costes by Stephane Pompougnac: A Decade 1999-2009
Various Artists – Il Sexy e Pericoloso
Various Artists – Jazz Club: Black Power
Various Artists – Ladies Jazz For Christmas
Various Artists – Ladies Jazz Volume 5
Various Artists – Ram Cafe
Vienna Art Orchestra – Third Dream

DEAN MARTIN - ESSENTIAL LOVE SONGS

Capitol/EMI has assembled Dean Martin's most romantic ballads for a new mood-setting collection, Essential Love Songs, to be released January 26, just in time for Valentine's Day. 16 classics are featured, including "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You," "Just In Time," "That's Amore," "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face," and "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." For Dean Martin, singing came as naturally as breathing. Effortlessly cool and dynamic in his life and career, Martin's recordings showcase his trademark style of casual, easy charm. His timeless love songs remain universal favorites and perfect accompaniments to any romantic occasion. Martin's velvet voice provided his entry into show business, when he began singing professionally in Ohio's ballrooms. He built a loyal following and moved on to the supper clubs and cabarets of New York City, before moving to Los Angeles and signing with Capitol Records. Martin's meteoric rise to fame also made him a big-screen draw and landed him acclaimed film roles alongside legends including John Wayne and Marlon Brando. Dean Martin is recognized as one of the 20th Century's greatest entertainers for his decades of hit recordings, films, TV shows and stage performances.

Dean Martin: Essential Love Songs (CD, digital) track listing
1. Just In Time
2. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
3. All I Do Is Dream Of You
4. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You
5. Let Me Love You Tonight
6. How Sweet It Is
7. Innamorata (Sweetheart)
8. Let's Be Friendly
9. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
10.That’s Amore
11. It Looks Like Love
12. My One And Only Love
13. It Won’t Cool Off
14. Heaven Can Wait
15. I Have But One Heart (O Mareniello)
16. Everybody Loves Somebody

FREE DOWNLOADS @ AMAZON.COM

Amazon.com has announced that the Amazon MP3 store will be kicking off their second annual “25 Days of Free.” For each day of December until Christmas, a new holiday-themed song will be available as a free download from the Amazon MP3 store. Now in its second year, “25 Days of Free” began Dec. 1, and lasts until Christmas. Every day in December leading up to Christmas, a new song — hand-picked by Amazon MP3 editors — will be unveiled, and customers will be able to download each of these songs for free. For more information about “25 Days of Free” and to download your free music, visit: http://www.amazon.com/25daysoffree. The MP3 selections range from traditional holiday songs performed by modern artists to some unique holiday-themed originals. A few of the available tracks will be Tori Amos’ “Snow Angel,” Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree,” and Casting Crowns’ “Joy to the World.” Tori Amos’ “Snow Angel” is an original holiday-themed song from Amos’ newly released album “Midwinter Graces.” Casting Crowns, one of music’s top Christian rock bands, performs the classic carol “Joy to the World,” from their holiday album “Peace on Earth.” Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree” is a festive romp from one of 2009’s biggest breakthrough artists. “Our customers love that we offer free songs all year since it’s an easy way for them to experiment with artists they are unfamiliar with,” said Pete Baltaxe, director of Amazon MP3. “25 Days of Free is a fun way to discover new holiday music to keep our customers in the spirit at home or on the go.” Since launching in 2007, Amazon MP3 has grown its selection to include over 10 million songs. Amazon MP3 offers everyday low prices on bestselling albums starting at $7.99, most bestselling songs for $.99, hundreds of free songs, and a daily album deal. All music downloads sold at Amazon MP3 are DRM-free, which means they work on virtually any MP3 player, including the iPhone and iPod. Installing the Amazon MP3 Downloader allows users to easily import music into Windows Media Player or iTunes. Amazon MP3 is also available on-the-go via the Amazon MP3 mobile application, available preinstalled on a variety of mobile phones, including the Palm Pre, T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, Motorola Droid, HTC Droid Eris, T-Mobile G1, Palm Pixi, Samsung Moment, HTC Hero, Motorola Cliq, and Samsung Behold II.

GEORGE WINSTON - LOVE WILL COME: THE MUSIC OF VINCE GUARALDI, VOL. 2

In 1996, pianist George Winston recorded a tribute album to jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, a musician beloved by generations for the compositions he recorded for various Charlie Brown television specials and for his standard "Cast Your Fate to the Wind." That album was Linus & Lucy-The Music of Vince Guaraldi, and Winston revisits his musical hero a second time with Love Will Come-The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Vol. 2, a collection of a wide range of Guaraldi interpretations. The 16-song album will be available February 2nd. Many of the songs from Winston's new album are from the Charlie Brown episodes, and tracks for them written by Guaraldi include "Time For Love" from the episode, There's No Time For Love Charlie Brown, "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown," "Love Will Come," "Woodstock," "Little Birdie," "It Was a Short Summer Charlie Brown," "Rain, Rain, Go Away," "Air Music," and "You're Elected Charlie Brown." The album also features other Guaraldi compositions from his jazz albums. On December 1, George Winston hit the stage in New York, NY to kick off his 29-city tour.

Love Will Come - A Tribute to Vince Guaraldi - Volume 2 Track Listing
Time For Love
It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown
Macedonia/ Little David
Woodstock
Fenwyck's Farfel/ Calling Dr. Funk
Room At The Bottom
Air Music
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
You're Elected, Charlie Brown/ Little Birdie
Brasilia
Jambo's (Casaba)
Pebble Beach/ Dolores Park
Love Will Come/ Slow Dance
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Nobody Else
Love Will Come 2

George Winston 2009/2010 Tour Dates:
Dec 1 - New York, NY @ Baruch Performing Arts Center
Dec 4 - Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo State Performing Arts Center
Dec 6 - Mahwaw, NJ @ Berrie Center for Performing & Visual Arts
Dec 9 - Pittsfield, MA @ Colonial Theatre
Dec 11 - Fairfax, VA @ Center for Arts at George Mason University
Dec 15 - Minocqua, WI @ Campanile Center for the Arts
Dec 17 - Green Lake, WI @ Thrasher Opera House
Dec 20 - Minneapolis, MN @ Minnesota Orchestra Hall
Dec 21 - Zumbrota, MN @ Crossings at Carnegie
Dec 22 - Zumbrota, MN @ Crossings at Carnegie
Jan 2 - Walnut Creek, CA @ Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts
Jan 7 - Sacramento, CA @ Crest Theater
Jan 9 - Fresno, CA @ Tower Theatre
Jan 22 - Saratoga, CA @ Montalvo-Carriage House
Jan 29 - Encinitas, CA @ La Paloma Theatre
Jan 30 - Encinitas, CA @ La Paloma Theatre
Feb 5 - Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center
Feb 8 - Santa Fe, NM @ TBA
Mar 2 - West Hartford, CT @ Saint Joseph College
Mar 4 - Fairfield, CT @ FTC Stage One
Mar 6 - Old Saybrook, CT @ Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Mar 8 - Newburyport, MA @ Firehouse Center for the Arts
Mar 9 - Newburyport, MA @ Firehouse Center for the Arts
Mar 12 - Chatham, NJ @ The Sanctuary Concerts
Mar 14 - Glen Allen, VA @ The Cultural Arts Center
Mar 21 - Easton, MD @ Avalon Theatre
Mar 30 - Arlington Heights, IL @ Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Mar 31 - Arlington Heights, IL @ Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Apr 7 - Phoenixville, PA @ Colonial Theatre
Apr 9 - North Bethesda, MD @ The Music Center at Strathmore
Apr 12 - Tryon, NC @ Tryon Fine Arts Center
Apr 15 - Greenville, SC @ Peace Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 22 - Berea, KY @ Phelps Stokes Auditorium

NORAH JONES ANNOUNCES 2010 U.S. TOUR

Norah Jones has announced her 2010 U.S. tour in support of her newest album, The Fall. The 36-city tour will kick off March 5, 2010 in Tulsa, OK and conclude May 15, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. The tour dates are as follows:
March 5: Tulsa, Ok. (Brady Theater)
March 6: Kansas City, Mo. (The Midland)
March 7: Omaha, Neb. (Orpheum)
March 9: Des Moines, Ia. (Civic Center)
March 11: Akron, Oh. (E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall)
March 12: Louisville, Ken. (Whitney Hall)
March 13: Indianapolis, Ind. (Murat Theatre)
March 15: Madison, Wisc. (Overture Hall)
March 17: St. Paul, Minn. (The O'Shaughnessy)
March 19: Milwaukee, Wisc. (Riverside Theatre)
March 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
March 25: Boston (Wang Theatre)
March 26: Mashantucket, Conn. (MGM Foxwoods)
March 27: New York City (WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden)
March 30: Baltimore, Md. (Lyric Opera House)
April 1: Charlottesville, Va. (The Paramount Theater)
April 2: Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)
April 3: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
April 18: Seattle (Paramount Theatre)
April 19: Portland, Oreg. (Arlene Schnitzer Hall)
April 21: San Francisco (The Fillmore)
April 23: Los Angeles (Orpheum Theater)
April 24: San Diego, Calif. (Spreckels Theatre)
April 25: Phoenix, Ariz. (Dodge Theater)
April 28: Albuquerque, N.M. (Kiva Auditorium)
April 29: El Paso, Tex. (Plaza Theatre)
May 1: Austin, Tex (Stubb's Bar-B-Q)
May 4: Dallas (Majestic Theatre)
May 5: Houston (Verizon Wireless Theater)
May 6: Mobile, Ala. (Saenger Theatre)
May 8: Memphis, Tenn. (Orpheum Theatre)
May 9: Birmingham, Ala. (Alabama Theatre)
May 11: Asheville, N.C. (Thomas Wolfe Auditorium)
May 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)
May 14: Nashville, Tenn. (Ryman Auditorium)
May 15: Atlanta (Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre)

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE

Atlantic Records has announced the release of ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE, an incredible boxed set celebrating the iconic label's past and present through music, images, and words. The most comprehensive project ever devoted to the Atlantic story, this numbered, limited edition collection spans the label's entire history, from its inception in 1947 to the present day.

TIME CAPSULE is housed in a custom-designed metallic box featuring:
-- 9 CDs containing 165 tracks from 141 artists spanning more than six
decades
-- DVD of the acclaimed PBS "American Masters" documentary, "Atlantic
Records: The House That Ahmet Built"
-- 140-page book featuring over 200 rare and/or previously unseen
photographs from the Atlantic Archives; reflections and stories from
artists and other key players in the company's history; and a complete
Atlantic timeline
-- Boxed set exclusive 45 rpm vinyl single reissue of Atlantic's first
hit, "Drinkin' Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee" by "Stick" McGhee and His Buddies
(1949)
-- Reproductions of memorabilia and vintage swag, including posters,
handbills, ticket stubs, lyrics, backstage passes, and more
-- Individually numbered certificate of authenticity

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE is dedicated to Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun, who remained active at the company until his passing in 2006 at the age of 83. The artists Ahmet championed, the music he pioneered, and the executives he mentored led a revolution in contemporary music that reshaped and reflected the modern cultural landscape. In the label's formative years, the groundbreaking "Atlantic Sound" was forged by the most formidable production team to ever reside at a single company - including such industry icons as Atlantic co-founder Herb Abramson, Jerry Wexler, Ahmet's brother Nesuhi, Tom Dowd, Leiber & Stoller, Arif Mardin, and Joel Dorn. Today, led by chairmen Craig Kallman and Julie Greenwald, Atlantic remains inspired by its deep roots as a company driven first and foremost by a passion for the music and a steadfast belief in its artists.

TIME CAPSULE was created in the same spirit that infused the label's very beginnings. Just as the company's founders, to quote Ahmet, "wanted to make the kind of records that we would want to buy," the team set out to assemble a collection that would tell a story that they would want to hear. From the outset, the idea was to present Atlantic Records "from the inside," drawing on rarely seen material from the Atlantic Archives, Ahmet's personal papers, the work of staff photographers through the years, and recollections from artists, producers, and other pivotal figures in the company's history.

As Atlantic grew from literally a one-room operation into a major international recording company, the label released an extraordinary body of recordings that have had a profound impact on the course of modern music. The music on this comprehensive collection traces Atlantic's dramatic evolution from its R&B roots into its wide-ranging prominence in jazz, pop, soul, folk, rock'n'roll, and hip-hop. TIME CAPSULE is living history - a diverse mosaic of our times, given voice by an exceptional array of singers, musicians, and composers.

The Package Concept & Development of ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE was overseen by Mark Obriski, Liz Barrett, and Livia Tortella. The Compilation Producers were Liz Barrett and Bob Kaus, with Art Direction by Mark Obriski, and Design by Mark Obriski and Zachariah Mattheus. Liner Notes & Editorial Content was written, collected, and edited by Bob Kaus. The music was A&R'd by Craig Kallman, Craig Rosen, and Bob Kaus. The Executive Producer was Ahmet Ertegun.

In the fall of 1947, two passionate jazz fans and obsessive record collectors - Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson - decided to start their own record label. The Istanbul-born Ertegun, son of a renowned Turkish diplomat, was an embassy-bred graduate student of philosophy. New York-born Abramson was a dental student turned record company A&R man. They shared a love of black American music, and with a $10,000 loan from Ahmet's dentist, together they formed what would become one of the most successful, influential, and enduring companies in music industry history.

A pioneer, icon, and true original, Ahmet's eclectic tastes and boundary-crossing life set the course of Atlantic and defined its essence. "I thought that we had a small chance of survival," Ahmet said. "I knew that we knew the music better than our competitors. We understood what made people buy records, and we knew the kind of records we wanted to make... All that really mattered was that we loved the music, and we made up the rest as we went along."

In contrast to other independent labels born in the '40s and early '50s, Atlantic never became irretrievably locked into one musical style. So while its foundation was built on a string of pioneering rhythm and blues recordings, before the '50s had passed, Atlantic had branched out into groundbreaking jazz and crossed over into white pop territory. In the '60s, the company reclaimed the black music crown with the definitive soul roster, while at the same time moving full-bore into the new rock era on both sides of the Atlantic. By the time Woodstock defined a cultural sea change in 1969, two decades after Atlantic's formation, the label had grown into a global music powerhouse.

Today, sixty years since scoring its first hit, Atlantic's original entrepreneurial spirit remains its driving force, and unlike countless long-departed labels, it has thrived through constant evolution and determined diversity. What has mattered most to the company's long-term survival is that it continues be run by true music people. At the end of the first decade of the new century, the "house that Ahmet built" is in the midst of a renaissance, ranking #1 in an industry in the midst of radical change. It is a testament to Atlantic's unique place in history that it remains such a vital force six decades down the line.

ATLANTIC RECORDS: TIME CAPSULE
ARTISTS IN CHRONOLOGICAL/DISC ORDER:
Joe Morris * "Stick" McGhee And His Buddies * Ruth Brown * The Clovers * Professor Longhair * Big Joe Turner * The Chords * Ray Charles * Ivory Joe Hunter * LaVern Baker * Chuck Willis * The Bobbettes * Modern Jazz Quartet * The Coasters * Bobby Darin * Charles Mingus * The Drifters * John Coltrane * Ornette Coleman * Ben E. King * Herbie Mann * Booker T. & The MG's * Barbara Lewis * Doris Troy * Rufus Thomas * Don Covay * Solomon Burke * Otis Redding * Wilson Pickett * Sonny & Cher * The Young Rascals * Percy Sledge * Sam & Dave * Carla Thomas * Buffalo Springfield * Arthur Conley * Aretha Franklin * The Bar-Kays * Bee Gees * Vanilla Fudge * Albert King * Cream * Archie Bell & The Drells * Iron Butterfly * Crazy World Of Arthur Brown * Dusty Springfield * Led Zeppelin * Blind Faith * Thunderclap Newman * Crosby, Stills & Nash * The Allman Brothers Band * Les McCann & Eddie Harris * R.B. Greaves * Brook Benton * Clarence Carter * Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young * The Velvet Underground * King Floyd * Stephen Stills * Emerson, Lake & Palmer * Derek & The Dominos * Donny Hathaway * The Rolling Stones * Betty Wright * Yes * The Spinners * Roberta Flack * Dr. John * Bette Midler * Manu Dibango * Genesis * Blue Magic * Dionne Warwicke & The Spinners * Bad Company * J. Geils Band * Average White Band * Major Harris * Roxy Music * Hall & Oates * ABBA * The Trammps * Foreigner * Peter Gabriel * Peter Tosh * Chic * The Blues Brothers * Sister Sledge * Manhattan Transfer * Pete Townshend * Slave * Phil Collins * Stevie Nicks * Laura Branigan * Robert Plant * Shannon * Ratt * Twisted Sister * Honeydrippers * Nu Shooz * Debbie Gibson * Levert * INXS * Mike + The Mechanics * Skid Row * Rush * Alannah Myles * En Vogue * Marc Cohn * Mr. Big * Tori Amos * Stone Temple Pilots * All-4-One * Collective Soul * Hootie & The Blowfish * Everything But The Girl * Trans-Siberian Orchestra * Jewel * Matchbox Twenty * Sugar Ray * Lil' Kim * Brandy * Aaliyah * Kid Rock * Uncle Kracker * P.O.D. * Sean Paul * Simple Plan * Rob Thomas * Staind * Death Cab For Cutie * James Blunt * Gnarls Barkley * T.I. * Panic! At The Disco * Paramore * Flo Rida * Lupe Fiasco * Estelle * Jason Mraz * Zac Brown Band * Shinedown

TRIPPIN 'N' RHYTHM PRESENTS - THE VERY BEST OF CHRISTMAS

Here’s a fantastic Christmas compilations with some of your favorite Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm artists lending their own magic to nine of our best-loved holiday tunes, and Paul Hardcastle adds a sparkling original classic (“Coming Home For Christmas”) to the mix. There’s even a track from the Trippin Allstars (U-Nam, Gregg Karukas, Jaared, and Oli Silk) laying down a killer version of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm stable of artists has been hugely successful in ’09, with major chart-topping hits from Paul Hardcastle, Tim Bowman, U-Nam, Gregg Karukas, Oli Silk, Jaared, The Trippin’ All Stars and newcomer trumpet sensation Cindy Bradley. You’ll hear them all at their very best on this polished Christmas collection. The Very Best Of Christmas from Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm will not only brighten this Christmas season, but many more to come. It’s already a classic! As a matter of fact, we recently received an email from the Trippin’ N’ Rhythm label that this CD was already a big seller and had gotten lots of pre-orders from Retail, so if you haven’t already done so pick up your copy fast before they sell out.

THE VERY BEST OF CHRISTMAS Tracklisting
1. Greensleeves – Gregg Karukas
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Tim Bowman
3. Christmas Time Is Her – Jaared
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Oli Silk
5. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Cindy Bradley
6. Coming Home For Christmas – Paul Hardcastle
7. This Christmas – U-Nam
8. The Christmas Song – Gregg Karukas
9. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – The Trippin’ All Stars
10. Winter Wonderland - Jaared

LIVE NATION TEAMS WITH ITUNES

Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, has joined with the iTunes Store the world's #1 music retailer, to launch a new live music program, which debuted recently. Live Nation Studios will now offer exclusive recorded and filmed concerts from its network of "wired" venues for purchase and download only on iTunes. Exclusive live recordings from OK Go, Jesse McCartney, Saving Abel, A Fine Frenzy, Duffy, Plain White T's and Ziggy Marley, to name a few, have been released this week, with many more to follow. Live Nation, through its Studios division, regularly records concerts in more than 80 of its venues, which have been transformed into next-generation "wired" live recording studios, and will now offer a variety of them for purchase and download exclusively on iTunes. The program extends the live concert experience well beyond the show itself, giving customers exclusive content at a great value and opening a new avenue for touring artists to easily offer audio and video recordings of live concerts directly to their fans, creating new sources of revenue for Live Nation and its partners - artists, labels and music publishers. To coincide with the program's launch, iTunes has added a new area dedicated exclusively to live recordings. Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Their core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via thier global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com.

JOE LOCKE - FOR THE LOVE OF YOU

E1 Music has announced the release of a new album from vibraphonist Joe Locke. For The Love Of You will be released on January 26th, 2010 and features vocals from Kenny Washington. Joining Locke and Washington is an all-star rhythm section: pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Clarence Penn. Locke, a top radio charting jazz artist, is highly regarded as an instrumentalist, composer and band leader. Elegance, lyricism and soul are the sublime qualities at play in this magical new release. For the first time in many years, the vibesman includes vocals as a primary part of the mix. Forging a style that seems to be made of equal parts Nat King Cole and Donny Hathaway, Kenny Washington weaves his unique spell around a diverse repertoire. The seven vocal tunes include pieces taken from the contemporary pop / soul lexicon as well as the Great American Songbook. There is also a Locke original, "Verrazano Moon," which is given a deeply poignant reading by Washington and the band. Three instrumentals round out the collection -- the swinging "I Miss New York (When I Been Gone Too Long)," the contemporary "Bright Side Up" (both Locke originals) and an elegant reading of Ennio Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso." When Locke's group made its debut last year at New York's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, word quickly got out that this was a "can't miss" gig, and the lines at Jazz at Lincoln Center were proof positive of the fact. Now, with the release of For The Love Of You, jazz fans everywhere can hear what all the talk was about.

The critical community continually cites Locke for his artistic work. He has been given the "Mallet Player of the Year" Award by the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) on three occasions, and he has received two Golden Ear "Concert of the Year" Awards for his performances at the Ballard and Port Townsend Jazz Festivals. He has been voted the #1 "Rising Star" vibraphonist in DownBeat Magazine's Critic's Poll several times and has been acknowledged as "best vibraphonist" in Brazil's International Jazz Poll. In addition to his strengths as an instrumentalist, recent recordings and live performances by his Force of Four quartet, The Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group and his 4 Walls of Freedom project offer further evidence of his ever-growing stature as a band leader, composer and conceptualist. Joe Locke and his band will launch For The Love Of You with a week-long engagement at New York's world-famous Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center, January 26th through January 31st, 2010.

Track listing for For The Love Of You:
1. Two For The Road
2. Old Devil Moon
3. For The Love Of You
4. Verrazano Moon
5. I Miss New York (When I Been Gone Too Long)
6. Birds
7. The Shadow Of Your Smile
8. Cinema Paradiso
9. Pure Imagination
10. Bright Side Up

http://www.joelocke.com/
http://www.e1music.us/

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Epic Records has announced that Sade has finally completed her long-awaited sixth studio album, Soldier Of Love, Sade’s first collection of new material since 2000's Lover's Rock. Solider Of Love will be released Feb. 8, 2010 worldwide on Epic. Sade and her longtime bandmates including Stuart Matthewman, a.k.a. Cottonbelly, regrouped in a U.K. recording studio in June and were recording and mixing into October. Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984, the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards -- first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock. Though no details about Sade's new music have yet been revealed, one artist heard early versions of several songs: Maxwell, a fellow Sony recording artist and longtime friend and collaborator with Matthewman. The R&B singer sent a message to fans in March via his private Facebook page in which he indicated that he'd heard some of his labelmate's new recordings. "Trust me, it's so monolithic it'll shake you in your shoes!" he wrote. Sade's 2000 release, Lovers Rock, sold 3,881,000 copies in the U.S. and the prior album, 1992's Love Deluxe, sold 3,407,000. Since 1984's Diamond Life debut, Sade has sold nearly 17 million units in the U.S. alone according to Nielsen SoundScan. Soldier Of Love was recorded in England and produced by the band and their longtime collaborator Mike Pela.