BETTYE LAVETTE - INTERPRETATIONS

Betty LaVette’s latest CD latest CD, Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook is due May 25. Produced by Bettye, Rob Mathes and Michael Stevens, the album is a 13-song journey through compositions by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others, before concluding right where the very idea for "Interpretations" started: Bettye’s visceral show-stopping rendition of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" from the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, which appears here as a bonus track. That performance - which first brought Bettye together with Stevens (the event's producer) and Mathes (its musical director) - served notice that Bettye is no mere singer. As an extraordinary interpreter of song, she doesn't merely mold a piece of music to suit her tastes; she is a conjurer of deep, emotional truths: "Bettye LaVette punched a hole right through her version of Pete Townshend's 'Love Reign O'er Me,' letting all the song's emotion pour out in a way that its creators never conceived," observed the New York Daily News. Townshend himself came up to Bettye after her performance, took her hands into his and said, "You made me weep."

Throughout Interpretations, her performances are a revelation not just of raw emotion, but of the inexorable ties between British rock 'n' roll and the American blues and R&B, which when combined, catalyzed popular music. That Lennon, McCartney, and so many others who crossed the Atlantic in their wake, were deeply influenced by American music is no great secret. What Bettye demonstrates here so convincingly is the degree to which rock 'n' roll and American soul remain bound by bloodlines.

The Beatles' pre-psychedelic Rubber Soul classic "The Word" takes on an almost religious fervor, while Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" is transformed from a majestic pop song into a stark, almost desperate expression of devotion. Profound alienation becomes intense longing on Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," and the wistful naiveté of The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin" matures into a deep and unshakeable lament. Bettye inhabits these songs, revitalizes them and exposes the humanity that makes these 13 tracks not just pop songs, but enduring works of art.

The full track listing for Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook is as follows:

The Word (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
No Time To Live (James Capaldi/Stephen Winwood)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus)
All My Love (John Baldwin/Robert Plant)
Isn't It A Pity (George Harrison)
Wish You Were Here (David Gilmour/Roger Waters)
It Don't Come Easy (Richard Starkey)
Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)
Salt Of The Earth (Michael Jagger/Keith Richards)
Nights In White Satin (David Hayward)
Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (Eric Clapton/Bobby Whitlock)
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John/Bernard Taupin)
Love Reign O'er Me (Peter Townshend) [BONUS TRACK]

CHUCK LOEB JOINS FOURPLAY

Guitarist Chuck Loeb has announced that a few weeks ago he received a call from some of his favorite musicians in the world: Bob James, Harvey Mason, and Nathan East who invited him to join the band Fourplay. Loeb will be taking over the guitar chair from Larry Carlton, who has decided to focus more on his own projects for now. His first show with the band is scheduled for April 18th at The Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Destin Florida. After that he will head in to the studio to start work on the new Fourplay CD

Fourplay has had the distinct privilege of enjoying the past 12 years of its 20 year history with legendary guitarist Larry Carlton. As Larry takes his leave to delve further into his solo career, the band extends their heartfelt gratitude for his contributions and wishes him continued success in all his pursuits.Larry Carlton will remain an integral part of our musical family & legacy. Fourplay now welcomes its newest member, multi-faceted virtuoso guitarist, Chuck Loeb. His musical contributions will undoubtedly enhance the creativity and pursuit of excellence Fourplay his enjoyed in the studio and on the stage. Fourplay thanks its many loyal fans and promises that this latest incarnation will inspire the band to explore new avenues of creativity while maintaining its core musical values.

For nearly two decades, the contemporary jazz quartet known as Fourplay has enjoyed consistent artistic and commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of ten recordings – five of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts – the supergroup has continued to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience. The Fourplay story begins in 1990, with keyboardist Bob James, who had already established himself as a formidable figure in keyboard jazz – not just as an instrumentalist but as a composer and arranger as well – with solo recordings dating as far back as the mid 1960s. In 1990, James reunited with his old friend, session drummer Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock, Sergio Mendes, James Brown), during the recording of James’ Grand Piano Canyon album. Also involved in the project were guitarist Lee Ritenour (Sergio Mendes) and bassist/vocalist Nathan East (Barry White, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins).The Grand Piano Canyon sessions marked the genesis of the group that eventually came to be known as Fourplay. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1991, and included a blend of jazz, R&B and pop.

The original lineup of James/Ritenour/East/Mason stayed together for three successive albums, including Elixir (1994), a set that features some high-profile guest vocalists: Phil Collins, Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson. East also delivers some noteworthy vocal contributions on Elixir, and has continued to do so throughout most of Fourplay’s subsequent studio outings. Ritenour, whose guitar work in tandem with James’ keyboards served as the cornerstone of the early Fourplay sound, left the lineup in the mid-1990s and was replaced by Larry Carlton (The Crusaders, Joni Mitchell, Quincy Jones). Carlton made his first studio appearance with the band with the release of 4 in 1998. 4 included compositions by all four members, as well as an impressive crew of guest vocalists: El Debarge, Babyface Edmonds, Kevyn Lettau and Shanice.

Following the 1999 release of Snowbound, a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs, Fourplay shook things up a bit with Yes Please!, an album that challenged the standard definitions of contemporary jazz by incorporating elements of blues, funk and even Celtic music. JazzTimes critic Hilarie Grey called Yes Please! “an expansive album that incorporates each artist’s strengths, and in the process travels in some unexpected directions.” Grey added: “Yes Please! works where similar projects fail simply because it lets its artists play, without imposing artificial boundaries.”

The sense of experimentation continued with the 2002 release of Heartfelt. The material in this set emerged from a series of improvisational performances that were assembled into full compositions. As a result, the tunes have less clearly defined melodies, but the overall album is both exploratory and accessible at the same time. Journey, released in 2004, is a laid-back affair, but complex at the same time. Consistent with Fourplay’s eclectic philosophy, Journey incorporates a range of stylistic elements – as evidenced by such high points as the delicate cover of the 1993 Sting hit “Fields of Gold” and the bossa nova flavored “Rozil.” X followed in 2006, with guest vocals by blue-eyed-soul icon Michael McDonald, who delivers an inspired rendition of Steve Winwood’s “My Loves Leavin’.” JazzTimes called X “a softly funky, superbly crafted and unapologetically low-key album.”

Fourplay joins the prestigious roster of artists on the Heads Up International label with the September 23, 2008, release of Energy. Carlton promises that the band’s maiden voyage with Heads Up “will be a continuation in the growth of the Fourplay sound. We look forward to delivering the next chapter in the Fourplay story and having Heads Up deliver it to the world.” East is equally optimistic. “I look forward to an adventurous, classy and soul-filled record that showcases our talents individually and collectively,” he says. “Until the last note is played, it’s hard to predict the exact direction. That’s what we love about jazz – the improvisation that happens in the moment.”

We wish Chuck Loeb the best of luck in the next step of his career!

JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWS...

Robert Glasper - Double Booked
Fresh off the road with R&B hearthrob Maxwell and working with Mos Def, Grammy Nominated Robert Glasper is spending some quality time with his trio. Hear tunes from Double Booked on the dates below. Robert Glasper tour dates inlcude: Feb. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21: Village Vanguard, New York, NY; Feb. 27: Regatta Bar, Boston MA; Mar. 12-13: Bohemian Caverns, Washington DC; and Mar. 18-19: Dazzle's, Denver CO.

Maysa - A Woman In Love
Maysa’s newest release, A Woman In Love, who has amassed an impressive collection of work, both as the lead singer from Incognito and as a solo artist, has totally outdone herself on this CD, from “‘Round Midnight” and “Willow Weep For Me” to her new single, “Am I Wrong (For Lovin’ You?” and her duet with Will Downing on “Love Theiry.” Maysa covers all the bases here, from straight-ahead to R&B to Neo-Soul, all with her signature jazz sensibility.

Kim Waters – Love Stories
Sax man Kim Waters’ new release, Love Stories, is a collection of songs that begs to be enjoyed late at night with a glass of wine, a full moon streaming through the window, and a lushly romantic vibe in the air! Every song on the CD is a winner, including the original vocal featuring Kenny Lattimore (“One More…”), and a fantastic version of the Rose Royce classic, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” with vocals by Dana Pope. Waters launched his solo career with a series of R&B recordings on the Warlock label (beginning with 1989’s Sweet and Saxy), and has sold over a million units of both his original material and thematic projects like his sax tribute to The Platters.

Hulon - First Impressions
First Impressions is the debut release from sax player Hulon, who is being billed as ‘jazz music’s cool new sensation.” The tracks on this CD include a killer version of War’s “Cisco Kid,” the funky “Sax On The Beach” and “Sax Machine”, to the romantic with “Follow Me” and “Cool Blue.”

In other news...
Bobby Caldwell and Diane Schuur have teamed up and have a brand new show called Sing ‘n Swing, and you can catch their performances in Kohler, Wisconsin on February 12 and in Eureka, California on April 16.

Bobby Caldwell upcoming tour dates:
Feb. 12: Kohler Memorial Theatre, Kohler, WI (with Diane Shuur)
Feb. 13: California Center For The Arts, Escondido, CA
Feb. 14: Marines’ Memorial Theatre, San Francisco, CA
Apr. 3: The Soiled Dove Underground, Denver, CI
Apr. 16: Arkley Center, Eureka, CA (with Diane Schuur)

New releases out now include:

Abbey Lincoln - Through The Years

Adriana Evans - Walking With The Night

Bamboos - 4

Bei Bei & Shawn Lee - Into The Wind

Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea

Darnell Kenricks - Smooth Soul Cafe

Fanga - Sira Be

Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

Myra Melford's Be Bread - Whole Tree Gone

Sade - Soldier Of Love

Various Artists - Luxury Soul

Upcoming releases to look out for: Cassandra Wilson - Silver Pony (Blue Note) - Spring 2010, and Jason Moran - TEN (Blue Note) - Summer 2010.

LIONEL LOUKE - MWALIKO

Mwaliko (pronounced mwah-LEE-koh) which is Swahili for "invitation" is the follow up to Loueke's 2007 acclaimed debut,Karibu. Mwaliko is a series of searching, innovative, intimate duets with Richard Bona, Marcus Gilmore, Angelique Kidjo and Esperanza Spalding. Loueke also includes three new tracks featuring his longtime trio with Massimo Biolcati on bass and Ferenc Nemeth on drums and displays Loueke's inspired mix of acoustic and electric guitar. Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past several years. Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as a musical painter, he has appeared on numerous standout recordings such as Hancock’s Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters (2008) and Terence Blanchard’s Grammy-nominated Flow (2005). Loueke’s 2007 Blue Note debut, Karibu, established him as a one of the brightest new stars on the scene, and prompted The New York Times to declare him a startlingly original voice and one of the most striking jazz artists to emerge is some time.

Lionel Loueke tour dates:

Feb. 18: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 19: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 20: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 21: Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL
Feb. 25: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 26: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 27: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Feb. 28: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Mar. 8: Blues Alley, Washington DC

Mar. 11: Regattabar, Boston, MA

Mar. 13: Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA

Mar. 25: Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI

Mar. 26: Mancheseter Craftsman Guild, Pittsburgh, PA

Apr. 6: Capilano College, Vancouver, BC

Apr. 7: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 8: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 9: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA
Apr. 10: Mondavi Center, Davis, CA

WE ARE THE WORLD 25

Quincy Jones, producer, and Lionel Richie, co-writer, of the iconic 1985 philanthropic anthem "We Are The World," have announced details surrounding the world premiere and global distribution of the contemporary version of the song and accompanying video We Are The World 25 For Haiti. Recorded on February 1st in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier (Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Recording Studios) the new version, in which Jones and Richie serve as executive producers and producers, was created in collaboration with executive producers Wyclef Jean, Randy Phillips and Peter Tortorici; producers Humberto Gattica and RedOne; and co-producers Rickey Minor, Mervyn Warren and Patti Austin to benefit the Haitian earthquake relief efforts and the rebuilding of Haiti. This production was made possible through financial support from Visa Inc.

The world premiere of We Are The World 25 For Haiti will air during NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Olympics this Friday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 C.T. Shortly after the premiere, details about a multi-network international roadblock simulcast will be announced. Academy Award-winning writer-director Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby), whose own personal efforts as well as those of Artists for Peace and Justice have already saved countless lives in Haiti, filmed the private recording session to create the accompanying video and "behind-the-scenes" production, and serves as Film Director and as an Executive Producer with Jones, Richie, Jean, Phillips and Tortorici. Immediatley following the world premiere, fans will immediately be able to download the song and view exclusive footage from the recording session on the official website: WORLD25.org. Downloads will also be available on iTunes, and through a partnership with YouTube, the video will be viewable on the "We Are the World 25" YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/wearetheworld). Immediate donations will be made possible by clicking on the "Donate Now" button on YouTube or by downloading the song on iTunes.

Commented Jones, "It warmed my heart to see that the experience during the recording of We Are The World 25 For Haiti embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago. Every one of the artists who participated, regardless of genre or generation, walked into the room with their hearts and souls completely open to coming together to help the people of Haiti. Through the contributions of their voices to this new rendition of 'We Are The World,' and with the help of our partners, the We Are The World Foundation will be the most transparent not-for-profit foundation ever created."

"When I was first approached about recording a new version of We Are The World, I was lukewarm because the first effort was so iconic, then Haiti happened and I realized that this was the kind of crisis for which the song was originally written," said Richie. "The new version takes the copyright to a different place while staying true to the iconic nature of the original. What a better way to help rescue our Haitian brothers and sisters in distress, bring a heightened awareness to that country's plight and needs, and bring some of the world's greatest talent together. The result speaks for itself so DOWNLOAD TO DONATE!"

All proceeds will go to the We Are The World Foundation, a newly created not-for-profit organization founded by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie whose other board members will include Wyclef Jean, Paul Haggis, Randy Phillips, Peter Tortorici and Ambassador Luis Moreno of the Inter-American Development Bank. The Foundation is dedicated to raising money and making grants to charitable organizations with meaningful and efficient relief and development programs that are responding to the continuing crisis in Haiti. Charities are currently being identified whose relief programs best fit the Foundation's vision of marshalling the support of the community for the benefit of the victims of disaster and poverty. Grants will soon be made and the funds put to work towards charitable and relief efforts. Until then, The Foundation will hold and guard the funds dedicated to this important work.

"I am touched by the enthusiasm and support we are seeing from the entertainment community," said Wyclef Jean. "With the continued efforts of the global community, we increase our chances of successfully bringing Haiti much needed relief; and taking the next step in reconstructing a 21st century Haiti."

"Careers are often measured by the positive effect of one's actions on the human condition, not just by the accumulation of wealth," said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG Live. "When AEG Live and I were asked to help squire this effort by Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones, we knew this would leave an indelible mark on our souls and on the rebirth of the island nation of Haiti. Our mantra throughout the entire process was simply: FOR HAITI!"

Upon its original release, We Are the World quickly became the fastest selling single in history and in the years that have followed, USA for Africa has raised and distributed more than $63 million in revenue from the sales of more than 7 million units of the album, single and cassettes, plus nearly 2 million digital sales and related merchandise. Just over half the total was spent on emergency relief (food, medicine, and refugee services) and the balance was used to support more than 500 different relief, rehabilitation and development projects in 18 different countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

We Are The World 25
Artist & Creative Roster

WYCLEF JEAN
JANET JACKSON
P!NK
CARLOS SANTANA
JENNIFER HUDSON
JAMIE FOXX
SUGARLAND
ADAM LEVINE
JASON MRAZ
EARTH WIND & FIRE
NATALIE COLE
THE JONAS BROTHERS
T PAIN
BRIAN WILSON
JUSTIN BIEBER
NICOLE SCHERZINGER
INDIA.ARIE
JULIANNE HOUGH
MARY MARY
MELANIE FIONA
BEBE WINANS
MYA
TYRESE GIBSON
ANTHONY HAMILTON
RAPHAEL SAADIQ
GLADYS KNIGHT
KERI HILSON
JOEL & BENJI MADDEN
HEART
BRANDY
KIDADA JONES
MUSIQ SOULCHILD
MILEY CYRUS
AKON
JORDIN SPARKS
CELINE DION
ROB THOMAS
KATHARINE MCPHEE
JEFF BRIDGES
RANDY JACKSON
BUSTA RHYMES
KID CUDI
USHER
WILL.I.AM
KANYE WEST
LL COOL J
ISAAC SLADE (AKA THE FRAY)
SNOOP DOGG
NICOLE RICHIE
TREY SONGZ
ETHAN BORTNICK
TARYLL JACKSON
TAJ JACKSON
TJ JACKSON
VINCE VAUGHN
DRAKE
FREDA PAYNE
FAITH EVANS
ROBIN THICKE
RASHIDA JONES
BARBRA STREISAND
JIMMY JEAN LOUIS
ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
ZAC BROWN
LIL WAYNE
TONY BENNETT
JOSH GROBAN
SEAN GARRETT
HARRY CONNICK, JR.
AL JARDINE
BONE THUGS AND HARMONY (BIZZY BONES)
AR RAHMEN
FERGIE
MARY J BLIGE
ORIANTHI
MANN
NIPSEY HUSSLE
IYAZ
KEITH HARRIS
NIKKA COSTA
NI BRAXTON
FARNSWORTH BENTLEY
PLAIN PAT
IL TRIO

SOURCE We Are The World 25 For Haiti
http://www.World25.org

JOHN LEGEND JOINS GEORGE BENSON & SERGIO MENDES @ CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Grammy award winning singer and pianist, platinum selling artist, John Legend will headline the first ever Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, September 3-4th 2010. Legend is expected to wow the crowds along with music legends George Benson and Sergio Mendes as well as other international acts. The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival will be held in the World Trade Center Curaçao, but will also include a number of exciting, vibrant and energetic jazz concerts all over the island a full week before the festival. John Legend made his break-through with hits like “Ordinary people” and “P.D.A. (We Just Don’t Care).” In 2008, he collaborated with Estelle and Andre 3000 to release his third studio album, Evolver. The popular R&B and soul singer with the distinctive voice is a certified star, his many Grammy awards a testament to the success of his career.

“The North Sea Jazz Festival is an unprecedented event for Curaçao and to have John Legend headline this all encompassing musical experience is a coup for Curaçao, the Festival and the fans,” says Brenda Benjamin, Director of Marketing, and Curaçao Tourist Board. “Including Mr. Legend, we could not have a better line-up of illustrious musicians to kick off this Jazz Festival. Curaçao visitors who come for the jazz festival will not only love the event but will want to experience everything our unique island has to offer from remarkable diving to historic sites, beautiful beaches, high-end shopping and fun casino entertainment.”

www.Curacaonorthseajazz.com

JOE SAMPLE, DAVID SANBORN & CASSANDRA WILSON - JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

Jazz legends David Sanborn, Cassandra Wilson and Joe Sample are set to take the stage during the 5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Sun Life Stadium (formerly Dolphin Stadium), 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. Internationally-known and well-respected, these jazz musicians are at the top of the genre, oftentimes pulling in audiences of over 6,000 on their own bill. Sanborn, Wilson and Sample are just three of the artists on the star-studded line-up for the nearly sold-out festival. Other confirmed artists include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige; R&B crooner, Robin Thicke; Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, John Legend; 90s R&B/pop super group, Boyz II Men; funk/R&B diva, Teena Marie; Grammy nominated R&B vocalist, Melanie Fiona; and R&B newcomer, K'Jon.

Jazz in the Gardens, a two-day weekend festival now in its fifth year, has grown to be one of the top cultural events in South Florida. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres that range from jazz, R&B, Caribbean and African sounds. Having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price, the 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40,000, which was more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the Jazz in the Gardens crowd enjoyed the hip-hop flavor of Common, the beautiful neo-soul melodies of Erykah Badu, the smooth R&B of Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds and the crowd-stopping soul of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, among other a-list artists.

The iconic David Sanborn truly merits his position as a saxophonist, unrivaled as a player who straddles the pop and jazz worlds while commanding respect in both. In pop, he is justly famed for his standout solo on David Bowie's 1975 hit "Young Americans" -- one of many celebrated recording projects that evolved out of Sanborn's live supporting roles. Indeed, his matchless tone has additionally been sought to bolster performances by the esteemed liked of Eric Clapton, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Miles Davis, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder -- many of whom have likewise gone on to enlist Sanborn's inimitable sax presence in the studio. Sanborn's high visibility live and on record is only part of his story. His music has been heard in films, most notably on the Michael Kamen penned scores for the "Lethal Weapon" movies. His television work includes the theme for "Saturday Night Live," sitting in regularly with the Late Night with David Letterman band, and hosting the dearly-remembered "Night Music." The six-time Grammy winner has consistently recorded his own albums, and since his first album Taking Off from 1975, through his acclaimed Closer from 2005, he has rarely gone over two years between releases. Sanborn's new album, Here and Gone, is the 23rd solo album of Sanborn's extraordinary career and features guests such as Eric Clapton, Sam Moore and Joss Stone.

One of the many jazzmen who started out playing hard bop but went electric during the fusion era, Joe Sample was, in the late '50s, a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders along with trombonist, Wayne Henderson; tenor saxophonist, Wilton Felder; and drummer, Stix Hooper. Sample, a hard-swinging player who could handle chordal and modal/scalar improvisation equally well, stuck to the acoustic piano during the Crusaders' early years -- but would place greater emphasis on electric keyboards when the band turned to jazz-funk in the early '70s. Although Sample had recorded as a trio pianist on 1969's obscure Fancy Dance, 1978's Rainbow Seeker was often described as his first album as a leader. Since the early 1980's, he has enjoyed a successful solo career and has guested on many recordings by other performers and groups, including Miles Davis, George Benson, Jimmy Witherspoon, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan and The Supremes.

Defying categorization and convention, Cassandra Wilson never fails to surprise and inspire. Sexy, honey-velvet vocals wrapped around her own jazzy blue compositions or inventive interpretations of others' material led TIME magazine to name her "America's Best Singer" in recent years. Wilson's journey can be traced back to Mississippi where she was raised by musician and educator parents. In the eighties, Wilson moved to New Orleans and performed with Earl Turbinton and Ellis Marsalis. Quite by accident, she was relocated to East Orange, New Jersey where she made the decision to take her chances on the New York jazz scene. Her development can be tracked through her discography. From the standards on Blue Skies to the Grammy-winning New Moon Daughter, to the combination of originals and interpretations played by a collection of Mississippi and New York musicians on both the 2001 release, Belly of the Sun, and 2003's Glamoured, to the 2006 T-Bone Burnett produced Thunderbird, Cassandra continues to evolve. On her acclaimed 2009 release, Loverly, Wilson returns to a more stripped down jazz setting, and gives a tantalizing, rhythmically driven collection of jazz standards new luster.

www.jazzinthegardens.com

THE MARCH CONCERT CALENDAR

John Mayer @ Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI, Mar 1
Pat Metheny @ Congress Hall, Warsaw, Poland, Mar 1
John Mayer @ Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, Mar 2
Chris Botti @ Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA, Mar 2
George Winston @ Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, CT, Mar 2
Pat Metheny @ Philharmonie Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Mar 2
Pat Metheny @ Laeiszhalle, Hamburg, Germany, Mar 3

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Westpac Arena,
Christchurch, NZ, Mar 3

John Mayer @ Qwest Center, Omaha, NE, Mar 4
George Winston @ Stage One, Fairfield, CT, Mar 4
Pat Metheny @ Die Glocke, Bremen, Germany, Mar 4
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Town Hall, New York, NY, Mar 4
Patti Labelle @ Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ, Mar 4
Mavis Staples @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Mar 4-7
Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Vector Arena, Auckland, NZ, Mar 5
John Mayer @ Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK, Mar 5
Norah Jones @ Brady Theater, Tulsa, OK, Mar 5
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ The Keswick, Philadelphia, PA, Mar 5
Bill Frisell @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, Mar 5
Patti Labelle @ Niagra Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagra Falls, ON, Mar 5
Pink Martini @ Kahilu Theatre, Kamuela, HI, Mar 5-6
John Mayer @ Toyota Center, Houston, TX, Mar 6
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ House of Blues, Boston, MA, Mar 6
Bela Fleck & The Africa Project, Rialto Center For Arts, Atlanta, GA, Mar 6

Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Luckman Fine Arts Complex,
Los Angeles, CA, Mar 6

Cassandra Wilson @ New Jersey PAC, Newark, NJ, Mar 6

George Winston @ Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center,
Old Saybrook, CT, Mar 6

Norah Jones @ The Midland, Kansas City, MO, Mar 6
Pat Metheny @ Kolner Philharmonie, Cologne, Germany, Mar 6
Norah Jones @ Oepheum, Omaha, NE, Mar 7
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, Mar 7
John Mayer @ Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX, Mar 8
Pat Metheny @ Konzerthaus, Dortmund, Germany, Mar 8
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium, Mar 8
George Winston @ Firehouse Center For Arts, Newburyport, MA, Mar 8-9
Norah Jones @ Civic Center, Des Moines, IA, Mar 9
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, Mar 9

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald @ Araneeta Coliseum,
Manila, Philippines, Mar 9

John Mayer @ American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, Mar 9
Boz Scaggs @ Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines, Mar 9
John Scofield @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Mar 9-10
Pat Metheny @ Alte Ope, Frankfurt, Germany, Mar 10
Pink Martini @ Billboard Live, Tokyo, Japan, Mar 10
Michael Buble @ Amway Arena, Orlando, FL
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Sortie Quest Theatre, Beziers, France, Mar 10
John Mayer @ New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA, Mar 10
Norah Jones @ E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Akron, OH, Mar 11
Pat Metheny @ Festpielhaus, Baden-Naden, Germany, Mar 11
Gladys Knight @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Mar 11
Spyro Gyra @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Mar 11-14
Norah Jones @ Whitney Hall, Louisville, KY, Mar 12
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Cobb Energy Center, Atlanta, GA, Mar 12
George Winston @ The Sanctuary Concepts, Chatham, NJ, Mar 12

Bettye LaVette, Maria Muldaur @ The Community Theater At Mayo Center,
Morristown, NJ, Mar 12

John Mayer @ Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH, Mar 12
Pat Metheny @ Volkshaus, Zurich, Switzerland, Mar 12
Delfeayo Marsalis @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Washington, DC, Mar 12
Smokey Robinson @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Mar 12
Michael Buble @ Bank Atlantic Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mar 12
John Mayer @ Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY, Mar 13
Michael Buble @ St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, Mar 13
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ James K. Polk Theater, Nashville, TN, Mar 13
Dionne Warwick @ Park Lane Hilton, London, UK, Mar 13
Keiko Matsui @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Mar 13
Joshua Redman, Kurt Elling @ Ancienne Belgique, Brussels, Belgium, Mar 13
Norah Jones @ Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, IN, Mar 13
Pink Martini @ Melon Ax Hall, Seoul, South Korea, Mar 13
McCoy Tyner @ Manchester Craftsmen, Pittsburgh, PA, Mar 13
Michael Buble @ Gwinnett Civic Center, Atlanta, GA, Mar 14

Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Robert Orpheum Theater,
St. Louis, MO, Mar 14

George Winston @ The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen, VA, Mar 14
McCoy Tyner @ McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ, Mar 15
Pat Metheny @ Teatro Smeraldo, Milan, Italy, Mar 15
Tower Of Power @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY, Mar 15
Norah Jones @ Overture Hall, Madison, WI, Mar 15

Pink Martini @ Dewan Filharminik Petronas,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mar 15

John Mayer @ Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC, Mar 15
John Mayer @ John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesbille, VA, Mar 16
Pat Metheny @ Saschall, Florence, Italy, Mar 16
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Park West, Chicago, IL, Mar 16
Michael Buble @ Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA, Mar 16
John Mayer @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA, Mar 17
Norah Jones @ The O’Shaughnessy, St. Paul, MN, Mar 17
Pat Metheny @ Rome Auditorium, Rome, Italy, Mar 17
Michael Buble @ Peterson Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Mar 17
Pink Martini @ Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore, Mar 17
Bobby McFerrin @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Mar 17-18
Pat Metheny @ Palapartenope, Naples, Italy, Mar 18
Average White Band @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Mar 18
Bettye LaVette, Maria Muldaur @ Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown,
NY, Mar 18

Maceo Parker @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Mar 18-21

Bettye LaVette, Maria Muldaur @ Flynn Center For The Performing Arts,
Burlington, VT, Mar 19

John Mayer @ FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN, Mar 19
Pat Metheny @ Teatro Team, Bari, Italy, Mar 19
Michael Buble @ DCU Center, Worchester, MA, Mar 19
Norah Jones @ Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI, Mar 19
Average White Band @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Mar 19-20
John Mayer @ Scottstrade Center, St. Louis, MO, Mar 20

Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Commodore Ballroom,
Vancouver, BC, Mar 20

Michael Buble @ Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, Mar 20
Norah Jones @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, Mar 20

Bettye LaVette, Maria Muldaur @ Quick Center Of The Arts,
Fairfield, CT, Mar 20

Johnny Mathis @ Philharmonic Center For The Arts, Naples, FL, Mar 21

Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Walt Disney Concert Hall,
Los Angeles, Cam Mar 21

George Winston @ Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD, Mar 21
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA, Mar 21
Dianne Reeves @ Billboard Live, Tokyo, Japan, Mar 21-22
John Mayer @ Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO, Mar 22
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR, Mar 22
Pat Metheny @ Teatro Metropolitan, Catania, Italy, Mar 22
John Mayer @ Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, Mar 23
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA, Mar 23
Michael Buble @ Wolstein Center, Cleveland, OH, Mar 23

Pink Martini @ Emerald Coast Conference Center,
Fort. Walton Beach, Fl, Mar 23

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Mar 23
Kenny G @ Vilar Center For The Arts, Beaver Creek CO, Mar 24
Michael Buble @ U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH, Mar 24
McCoy Tyner @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, Mar 24-28
John Mayer @ The Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Mar 25
Jamie Cullum, Imelda May @ Avalon, Los Angeles, CA, Mar 25
Norah Jones @ Wang Theatre, Boston, MA, Mar 25
Michael Buble @ Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI, Mar 25
Gladys Knight @ ArtsBlock: Grand Theater, Wausau, WI, Mar 25
Michel Camilo @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Mar 25-29
John Mayer @ HP Pavillion, San Jose, CA, Mar 26
Gladys Knight @ Overture Hall, Madison, WI, Mar 26
Norah Jones @ MGM Foxwoods, Mashantucket, CT, Mar 26
Cassandra Wilson @ Ford Center For Perf Arts, University, MS, Mar 26
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Laurie Auditorium, San Antonio, TX, Mar 26
The Four Tops, The Temptations @ 02 Arena, London, UK, Mar 26
Lorna Luft @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Mar 26

Pink Martini @ Times-Union Center For Performing Arts,
Jacksonville, FL, Mar 26-27

Steve Tyrell @ McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Mar 27
Michael Buble @ Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL, Mar 27
Norah Jones @ WaMU Theatre at Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY, Mar 27
Ashford & Simpson @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Mar 27
Cassandra Wilson @ MSU Riley Center, Meridien, MS, Mar 27
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Paramount Theatre, Boston, MA, Mar 27-28
Tower Of Power @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Mar 28
Michael Buble @ Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, Mar 28
John Mayer @ Rose Garden, Portland, OR, Mar 30
Michael Buble @ Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, Mar 30
Norah Jones @ Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, MD, Mar 30
Pink Martini @ Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH, Mar 30

Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Lenny White @ La Plaza De Armes,
Azarecas, Mexico, Mar 30

George Winston @ Metropolis PAC, Arlington Heights, IL, Mar 30-31
John Mayer @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA, Mar 31

Michael Buble @ The E Center, Salt Lake City, UT, Mar 31

SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Sade is back after nearly a decade with Soldier Of Love (Epic Records), which is being released on Tuesday, February 9th. The new album was recorded in England and features the stunning and powerful hit single of the same title "Soldier of Love" which has already garnered much critical acclaim from both the press as well as her loyal fans. The accomplishments of Soldier Of Love so far are astounding. The single, "Soldier of Love" - which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, and was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthew man and Paul Spencer Denman continues to make radio history. In less than four weeks "Soldier of Love" propelled into the top five at both Urban Hot AC and Smooth Jazz radio charts, making it one of the fastest moving records of the year. The track reached the top of the Urban AC chart three weeks ago and remains the # 1 song at both Urban AC and Smooth Jazz today. Sade is now the first group since the Isley Brothers in 2001 to earn a #1 spot as a lead act on the R&B Chart. The intriguing and seductive video, which Sophie Muller directed is currently the # 1 most played video on both VH1 Soul, and BET Centric and this past week became the # 4 most played video on VH1 proper.

Tomorrow, Sade will kick things off with a performance on BET's 106 & Park, followed by a phenomenal TV campaign which includes appearances on The Today Show, Letterman, The View, Jimmy Kimmel and Ellen Degeneres. Upon pre-order release at iTunes, the album immediately entered the Top 5 on the overall album chart. Soldier Of Love is currently the # 1 album pre-order at Amazon as well.

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.

http://www.sade.com

MICHAEL BUBLE - SPECIAL DELIVERY

Reprise Records announced today that beginning February 9th, Michael Bublé fans in the online community will have an opportunity to purchase Special Delivery – via digital download - a group of six Bublé recorded songs that are currently unavailable in the marketplace. Special Delivery includes Bublé’s interpretations of classics including “These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You),” “Dream A Little Dream,” “I’m Beginning To See The Light,” “Mack the Knife,” “Orange Colored Sky” and "Softly As I Leave You.” These songs are now available for the first time at iTunes and all digital retailers in one digital package – perfect timing for Valentine’s Day. These songs were previously available in limited edition and special packages. Bublé, who is scheduled to appear on the Ellen Show on Feb. 9th and the Today Show on Feb. 12th is expected to begin his “Crazy Love” Tour on March 10th in Orlando, Florida. The multi- platinum Canadian has just received a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album on his previous release, Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden… His current CD Crazy Love has remained a staple on the Billboard Top 200 since its release last October.

Michael Buble Crazy Love Tour Dates:
Mar 10 – Amway Arena, Orlando, FL
Mar 12 – Bank Atlantic Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mar 13 – St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL
Mar 14 – Gwinnett Civic Center, Atlanta, GA
Mar 16 – Wachovia Center, Philadelphia,PA
Mar 17 – Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Mar 19 – DCU Center, Worchester, MA
Mar 20 – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Mar 23 – Wolstein Center, Cleveland, OH
Mar 24 – U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH
Mar 25 – Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
Mar 27 – Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL
Mar 28 – Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Mar 30 – Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
Mar 31 – The E Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 2 – Rose Garden, Portland, OR
Apr 3 – Key Arena, Seattle, WA
Apr 6 – Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Apr 8 – US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ
Apr 9 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
May 6 – Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, UK
May 8 – SECC, Glasgow, UK
May 9 – MEN Arena, Manchester, UK
May 11 – Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, UK
May 12 – Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, UK
May 14 – LG & NIA, Birmingham, UK
May 15 – O2 Arena, London, UK
May 16 – O2 Arena, London, UK
May 18 – Bercy, Paris, France
May 19 – Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands
May 22 – Arena Di Verona, Verona
May 23 – Medio Forum, Milan, Italy
May 25 – Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
May 16 – Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland
May 28 – 02 Arena, Berlin, Germany
May 30 – Sportpalais, Antwerp, Belgium
May 31 – Kopi Arena, Oberhausen, Germany
June 1 – Colorine Arena, Hamburg, Germany
June 22 – BOK Center, Tulsa, OK
June 23 – Instrust Bank Arena, Wishita, KS
June 26 – Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
June 27 – Qwest Center, Omaha, NE
June 27 – Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
June 30 – Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
July 2 – Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
July 3 – Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
July 6 – Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA
July 7 – Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk, VA
July 9 – RBC Center, Raleigh, NC
July 10 – Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC
July 11 – Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
July 13 – Civic Center, Pensacola, FL
July 14 – New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
July 16 – Toyota Center, Houston, TX
July 17 – AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
July 18 – American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Aug 5 – Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Aug 7 – Scotiabank, Ottawa, ON
Aug 9 – John Labatt Centre, London, ON
Aug 10 – Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON
Aug 13 – MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Aug 14 – Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK
Aug 17 – General Motors Plaza, Vancouver, BC

TONY BENNETT PAINTS LOUIS PRIMA

The world knows Tony Bennett as a peerless interpreter of the American songbook. His singing career just entered its sixth decade and he has 15 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and two Emmy Awards. He was named a Kennedy Center Honoree and NEA Jazz Master and the United Nations presented him with their Humanitarian Award and Citizen of the World Award. Yet as a child growing up in Queens New York he wanted to be a painter. He studied at the School of Art and Design in Manhattan and continued with private studios and teachers. It's an open secret that art is as much a part of his life as music.

Bennett paints under his family name of Benedetto. He lives out his visual passions through this alter ego: As Tony Bennett tours the world, Anthony Benedetto paints and sketches a rarified daily scene, from intimate musical gatherings to international cityscapes. The United Nations twice commissioned his artwork, including their 50th Anniversary "Peace" and "Brotherhood" (purchased by Oprah Winfrey). Three Bennett originals are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection, including his portrait of Duke Ellington, which was recently accepted into the National Portrait Gallery. Bennett's work is also on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio and is part of the collection at the National Arts Club in New York. Bennett's work graced the collections of the late Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and artist Robert Rauschenberg and is owned by President Bill Clinton, Carol Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump and Katie Couric, among a select few. The first book of his paintings, "Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen," was released by Rizzoli in 1996 and his second, "Tony Bennett In the Studio" was published in 2007. At 83, he is a master of the arts and has earned his status of living legend.

Legendary performer and 15-time Grammy Winner Tony Bennett graced the stage at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2009 to the delight of fans that attended that exhilarating performance. This year, the singer who paints under his family name Benedetto, will participate as the official visual artist of the Festival by painting the image to be displayed on the Festival's annual poster. Bennett's portrait of his friend and colleague, the late Louis Prima will be reproduced as the 2010 New Orleans Jazz Festival poster in honor of the centennial anniversary of Prima's birth, a New Orleans native, which is celebrated in December of this year. To view the poster image, visit nojazzfest.com

Bennett, who is an accomplished visual artist with three of his original paintings included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution, commented, "Louis Prima was an absolute original and I was thrilled to be asked by the Jazz Festival to paint his portrait for this year's poster art – he was an exceptional performer and a dear friend and he embodied the buoyant spirit of New Orleans."

Quint Davis, producer/director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, said, "Tony Bennett's performance at the 2009 Jazz Fest was a highlight for everyone who attended. We are honored to present his portrait of Louis Prima as this year's Festival poster. This tremendous tribute to one of New Orleans' great musicians by one of America's great musical artists is the kind of celebration of our culture to which Jazz Fest itself is dedicated."

2010 marks the centennial year of Louis Prima's birth. Prima's contributions to the American music scene are measured by the decade. In the 1930's he took his New Orleans trumpet and vocal style to New York and Los Angeles where, with his New Orleans Gang, he helped define an era. Prima wrote Sing, Sing, Sing, the Swing Era anthem immortalized in Benny Goodman's later cover. The success of the Big Band sound led Prima to form a 22-piece orchestra that regularly topped the Big Band Era charts of the 40's. Big Bands having faded by the 50's, Prima moved to Las Vegas were he fashioned the Witnesses with New Orleans' great tenor saxophonist Sam Butera and defined yet another music scene. That band's shuffle beat combined with its New Orleans jazz roots laid the foundation for early Rock & Roll. Prima relaunched his recording career in 1957 with Just a Gigolo / I Ain't Got Nobody; two songs that Prima combined so successfully that Van Halen's David Lee Roth had a hit with Prima's joinder in 1985. In 1958 Prima won the first Vocal Category Grammy for That Old Black Magic. In 1966 he gave voice to King Louis in Disney's The Jungle Book, the album of which went gold.

In 1982 Sing Sing Sing was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, followed in 1999 by his 1957 album The Wildest. During his five-decade career he recorded nearly 800 songs and was a regular on The Ed Sullivan Show where he showcased the incredible talent of Butera, Keely Smith and Gia Maione. Even after his passing in 1975, Louis Prima still spins gold: The Louis Prima Capital Collectors Series compilation CD went gold in 2008 – and top the charts: His Live From Las Vegas hit the Billboard Top Jazz Album chart in 2005. If you don't know Prima, you No Capicia.

Bennett's silk-screened poster is the first edition in a new generation of poster series for Jazz Festival, "Performance Art: The Musical Artist As Visual Artist," which will showcase the visual artistry of musical performers. Bennett's poster, titled "The Chief of New Orleans: A Portrait of Louis Prima" will be available in four numbered editions: 12,500 unsigned posters on archival vellum paper, 23" x 35" ($69); 2,000 artist-signed prints on museum-standard 100% cotton rag paper, 24" x 37" ($295); 500 artist-signed remarques bearing a hand drawing by the artist and the estate-stamped signature of Louis Prima, 25"x 39" ($795); and, 300 C-marques (over-painted canvases) 26" x 40" ($995). The Bennett editions are available for pre-ordering on the website.

JAMIE CULLUM - THE PURSUIT

Just in time for Valentine’s Day is Jamie Cullum’s Love Ain’t Gonna Let You Down (EP (Verve) released exclusively through iTunes on February 2, 2010. Featuring three songs of love his upcoming album The Pursuit out March 2, 2010, the EP highlights two Cullum originals "Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down" & "I Think, I Love," and his heartfelt take on the Stephen Sondheim standard "Not While I'm Around' from "Sweeney Todd." "Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down" is a song that ties up Cullum's album's over-arching theme in the lyric "the pursuit of love consumes us all." Mixing modern influences with his love of jazz and timeless classics, no one can move from Cole Porter to Rihanna to epic dance tracks as boldly and deftly as Cullum does on The Pursuit. Cullum's genre-defying career has entertained an ever-growing fanbase across the globe since his Verve debut in 2004. The Pursuit builds on, and bursts through, Cullum's previous albums opening with the swinging sounds of the Count Basie Orchestra on the timeless "Just One Of Those Things" and ending with the 7-plus minute tour de force "Music Is Through."

The songs on The Pursuit began life at Cullum's Londond studio as well as in his kitchen before recording moved to Los Angeles. The bulk of the album was performed solely by Cullum and the album's producer Greg Wells (One Republic, Katy Perry, Mika) with a cross section of stellar talent fleshing out songs including members of Beck's band and the horn section from Michael Jackson's Thriller. One of the few touring artists who consistently sells out, Cullum starts his coast to coast U.S. tour with Verve labelmate Imelda May on March 4th in New York.

Jamie Cullum Tour Dates:
Mar 4 – Town Hall, New York, NY
Mar 5 – The Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Mar 6 – House Of Blues, Boston, MA
Mar 7 – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Mar 9 – Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
Mar 12 – Cobb Energy Center, Atlanta, GA
Mar 13 – James K. Polk Theater, Nashville, TN
Mar 14 – Robert Orpheum Theater, St. Louis, MO
Mar 16 –Park West, Chicago, IL
Mar 20 – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
Mar 21 – Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
Mar 22 – Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Mar 23 – The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
Mar 25 – Avalon, Los Angeles, CA

ELLA FITZGERALD - LOVE LETTERS FROM ELLA

On sale for a limited time at select Post Offices nationwide, Love Letters From Ella is a collection of the jazz singer's most cherished love songs, recorded with some of her favorite collaborators, including Count Basie and his orchestra, Joe Pass and Andre Previn. This special edition, first released in 2007, also boasts a full reproduction of Fitzgerald's commemorative postage stamp. The 10-track CD, mixed in high-definition audio, includes Fitzgerald singing "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" with the Count Basie Orchestra, a duet of Joe Pass and Fitzgerald on "The One I Love" and her performance of "Our Love is Here to Stay" with pianist, conductor and composer Andre Previn. "Love Letters From Ella" also features the celebrated singer accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra on a rendition of "Cry Me a River." The London Symphony Orchestra recorded the accompaniment, arranged by 24-time Grammy Award nominee Jorge Calandrelli, at Abbey Road studios in London. The CD is available for $10.99 at a select group of 3,200 Post Offices across the nation and online at usps.com/shop.

Love Letters From Ella track listing:
1. "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"
2. "Cry Me a River"
3. "You Turned the Tables on Me"
4. "I've Got the World on a String"
5. "Witchcraft"
6. "My Old Flame"
7. "The One I Love"
8. "Take Love Easy"
9. "Our Love is Here to Stay"
10. "Some Other Spring"

BOB MARLEY - IN DUB VOL. 1

On February 2, 2010, in commemoration of Marley's 65th birthday, Tuff Gong/Island/UMe has released a new digital-only collection, In Dub Vol. 1, exclusively on the iTunes Store. In Dub Vol. 1 is the first in a series of collections of classic, rare and new dub excursions in the Bob Marley & The Wailers catalog. The debut set features 10 classic dub remixes (most previously unavailable on album) and a newly crafted dub of "Lively Up Your Dub," exclusive to this package, by foundation dub mix engineer Scientist. In 2010, the year he would have celebrated his 65th birthday (February 6th), Bob Marley continues to inspire and influence people around the world. One of the most charismatic and challenging performers of our time--a musical, political and even spiritual figure of mystical proportions, both poet and prophet, hero and rebel-Marley remains reggae's greatest icon and a monumental musical figure of our time. Throughout 2010, Island/Tuff Gong/UMe, his worldwide catalog home, will honor with new album releases a legacy which continues to resonate as Marley's music is revealed and rediscovered by new generations.

No artist has so dominated his genre in modern music as Marley has reggae, with his greatest hits album Legend, the biggest selling reggae album in history. Marley sang of rebellion and uprisings, Rasta and the power of love. A man who rose from the humblest of origins to become a champion for the oppressed, he was the most renowned Jamaican artist to give voice to the struggles of his people and to the Rastafarian culture, and the first to gain global fame. Marley cut his first single in 1962 and the next year teamed with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston. Soon they would be known as the Wailers. In the late '60s, with Marley now devoted to Rastafari, they recorded the gems "Sugar Sugar," "Soul Shakedown Party," "Duppy Conqueror," "Soul Almighty," "My Cup," "Trenchtown Rock" and "Small Axe." In the '70s, Bob Marley founded the Tuff Gong label and signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records. The albums that followed, from Catch A Fire, Burnin' and Natty Dread (his first without the Wailers) to Rastaman Vibration, Exodus (which Time magazine anointed Album of the Century), Kaya, Survival and Uprising, earned global acclaim. "Stir It Up," "Concrete Jungle," "I Shot The Sheriff," "Get Up, Stand Up," "No Woman, No Cry," "War," "Positive Vibration," "Jamming," "Waiting In Vain" and "One Love/People Get Ready" became anthems.

Although he passed away at the young age of 36, "no one in rock and roll has left a musical legacy that matters more or one that matters in such fundamental ways," wrote music writer Robert Palmer upon Marley's posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Attesting to the power and relevance of that music, Bob Marley lives on.

In Dub Vol. 1 tracklisting:
"Roots, Rock, Dub"
"Is This Love Dub" (previously unavailable on album)
"Forever Loving Jah Dub" (previously unavailable on album)
"Lively Up Your Dub"
"Three Little Birds Dub"
"Crazy Baldhead Dub" (previously unavailable on album)
"Waiting In Vain Dub" (previously unavailable on album)
"Jamming Version"
"One Love/People Get Ready Dub" (mix previously unavailable on album)
"She's Gone Dub" (previously unavailable on album)
"Smile Jamaica Version"

http://www.bobmarley.com/

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED

APRIL 23 - 25 (1st weekend)
Friday, April 23: Lionel Richie, Black Crowes, Dr. John, Steel Pulse, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Baaba Maal, Elvin Bishop, Chocolate Milk, Jon Cleary, Frankie Ford, Deacon John, Joe Lovano, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band’s 100 Year Celebration, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Joe Krown Trio with Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Russell Batiste Jr., Lena Prima, Anders Osborne, John Fohl & Johnny Sansone, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie Sr., Maurice Brown Effect, Kenny Neal, Glen David Andrews, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, OTRA, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Leah Chase, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Little Freddie King Blues Band, The Revivalists, Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest, Tommy Sancton New Orleans Quintet, Lost Bayou Ramblers, New Orleans Night Crawlers, The Revealers, Rotary Downs, James Rivers Movement, Spencer Bohren, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, David Egan, Kipori Woods, Semolian Warriors and Comanche Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mas Mamones, Shades of Praise, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, Jambalaya Cajun Band with special guest Merlin Fontenot, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Beth Patterson, June Gardner & the Fellas, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Native Nations Intertribal, Chip & Polly Radke with the God’s House Choir, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble, Mount Hermon Mass Choir, Alexis Marceaux Band, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Black Mohawk Mardi Gras Indians, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Natasha Richard of Canada, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, The Bester Singers with the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, Keep N It Real and Single Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Grey Hawk, Brass Band Throwdown with the Behrman Charter & O. Perry Walker School Bands, Family Ties and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Club, McDonogh #42 Elementary School Performers…

Saturday, April 24: Simon & Garfunkel, My Morning Jacket, Drake, Better Than Ezra, Ledisi, Sam Bush, the funky Meters, Campbell Brothers, Smokie Norful, Cowboy Mouth, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Walter “Wolfman” Wahington & the Roadmasters, Papa Grows Funk, Tab Benoit, Sax for Stax feat. Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Terence Blanchard, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Bonerama, Bounce Extravanganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katey Red, and Magnolia Shorty with DJ Poppa, The Wiseguys, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, New Orleans Bingo! Show, Treme Brass Band, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, George French & the Original Storyville Jazz Band, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Midnite Disturbers, Kirk Joseph & the Sousaphone Symphony Parade honoring Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen, Tin Men, Judy Spellman, Mahogany Brass Band, Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, Rockie Charles & the Staxx of Love, Kirk Joseph & Tuba Tuba, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Panorama Jazz Band, Red Stick Ramblers, Blessed, Patrice Fisher & Arpa and the Honduran Connection, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Chris Clifton, Bleu Orleans, Tonia Scott & the Anointed Voices, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Black Feathers, Wild Mohicans, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Da Souljas Brass Band, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Resurrection Mass Choir, Greater Antioch Full Baptist Church Mass Choir, Betsy McGovern & Patrick O’Flaherty, Lindsay Mendez, Ladies of Unity, Dumaine Gang, and Divine Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche and Seminoles Mardi Gras Indians, Native Nations Intertribal, Johnette Downing, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, Golden Voices Community Choir, Curtis Pierre & Samba Kids, RRAAMS Drum and Dance, Single Men and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs…

Sunday, April 25: Allman Brothers Band, Anita Baker, Darius Rucker, Jonny Lang, The Levon Helm Band, Juan Luis Guerra y 440, Imagination Movers, Keely Smith, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Blind Boys of Alabama, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Donald Harrison, Voice of the Wetlands All Stars, Theresa Andersson, Louisiana LeRoux feat. Tab Benoit, The Radiators – Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Davenport, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Preservation Hall with special guests Jim James and Terence Blanchard, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Susan Cowsill Band, Grayson Capps, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Guitar Slim, Jr., Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Germaine Bazzle, Leah Chase, and Betty Shirley, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, The Electrifying Crown Seekers, Watson Memorial Music Ministries, Honey Island Swamp Band, Seguenon Kone & L’Ivoire Spectacle, Marc Stone, Free Agents Brass Band, Kim Carson, Michael Ward, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Miss Sophie Lee, Sammy Rimington’s Jubilee Band, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Nineveh Mass Choir, Gospel Soul Children, Rumba Buena, Minister Jai Reed, Robert “One String” Gibson, Julio y Cesar, Golden Star Hunters and Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Gospel Stars, Voices of Distinction, University of New Orleans Jazz Ensemble, Big Chief Kevin Goodman & the Flaming Arrows Mardi Gras Indians, Olympia Aid, New Look, and the First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Young Audiences presents Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Angela the Yarnspinner, New Orleans Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Golden Blade and Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Red Hot Brass Band, Native Nations Intertribal, Kai Knight’s Dance Academy, Guardians of the Flame…

APRIL 29 – May 2 (2nd weekend)
Thursday, April 29: Widespread Panic, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Blues Traveler, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Dee Dee Bridgewater: A Celebration of “Lady Day”, Bernard Allison, Martin Sexton, Four Freshmen, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Soul Rebels, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. Charlie Gabriel, David Torkanowsky, and Peter Bernstein, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima with Johnny Pennino & the New Orleans Express, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Elysian Fieldz, Derek Miller, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders Band, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Dala, Walter Payton with Snapbeans & Gumbo Filé, Vivaz!, Jazz Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, Tereasa B., and Heather Rothstein, R. Scully Rough 7, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, Mark Adam Miller, Grupo Sensacion, 101 Runners, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Loose Marbles, Hot Club of New Orleans, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Lucky 7, Bonsoir Catin, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, McDonogh #35, O. Perry Walker, and McMain High School Gospel Choirs, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Black Seminoles Mardi Gras Indians, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Tulane University Jazz Ensembles, Thunder Hill, The Wright Brothers, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Red Hawk Mardi Gras Indians, Heavenly Melodies, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Tornado Brass Band, VIP Ladies and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, David & Roselyn, Miss Claudia & her Traveling Troubador, Geronimo Hunters and Creole Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase with Seva Venet and the Wilson Charter School, OPSB Talented in Theatre feat. McMain Secondary, Bethune, and Franklin Elementary Schools…

Friday, April 30: Aretha Franklin, Allen Toussaint, Gipsy Kings, Kirk Franklin, Jose Feliciano, Take 6, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, The Dixie Cups, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, the subdudes, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Buckwheat Zydeco, Eric Lindell, Nicholas Payton Sextet, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Louis Prima, Jr., The Iguanas, Nadirah Shakoor, Fredy Omar con su Banda, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, Astral Project, John Boutté, Kent Jordan, The Jon Batiste Band, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Onward Brass Band, New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, The Selvys, Big Al Carson, Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Cajun Band, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, Jimmy Robinson, The Rocks of Harmony, Connie & Dwight with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Dee-1, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Pfister Sisters, Ray Abshire, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, Brother Tyrone, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Forgotten Souls Brass Band, Bamboula 2000, Kristin Diable, Creole String Beans, Rev. Jermaine Landrum and Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, First Ladies Brass Band, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Voices of Peter Claver, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Heritage School of Music Band, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, Nashville Children’s Choir, Thunder Hill, New Wave Brass Band, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Original Big Seven and Original Four Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Adella Adella the Storyteller, KIDsmART and ISL Circus Arts Program, Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Scene Boosters, Ole N Nu Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, KIDsmART Artist Troupe, The Jazz Cats Marionettes…

Saturday, May 1: Pearl Jam, Jeff Beck, Teena Marie, Pete Fountain, Band of Horses, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Galactic, Sonny Landreth, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Rebirth Brass Band, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Old Crow Medicine Show, Marcus Miller, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Anders Osborne, Henry Butler, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Chris Thomas King, Sagbohan Danialou of Benin, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, MyNameIsJohnMichael, Charmaine Neville Band, Aaron Neville, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Bobby Lounge, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, New Birth Brass Band, Germaine Bazzle, The Johnson Extension, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Pine Leaf Boys, Gregg Stafford & the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Driskill Mountain Boys, DJ Soul Sister, Pinstripe Brass Band, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan & Billy Iuso, Lynn Drury, Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott, AsheSon, White Cloud Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Zion Trinity, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Roderick Paulin & the Big Easy Groovers feat. Nicole Slack-Jones: A Tribute to Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Trouble Nation and Ninth Ward Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, New Generation, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Paula & the Pontiacs, Xavier University Jazz Ensemble, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Jonno’s Cajun Experience, Jamil Sharif, Ayla Miller, Undefeated Divas, and Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Saltimbanqui of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Cherokee Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, Thunder Hill, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Alana Villavaso…

Sunday, May 2: The Neville Brothers, Van Morrison, B.B. King, Irma Thomas, The Dead Weather, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Richie Havens, Clarence Carter, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Wayne Shorter Quartet feat. Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Danilo Perez, Tye Tribbett, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, The Radiators, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Ellis Marsalis, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, DJ Captain Charles, The Davell Crawford Singers, Ruthie Foster, Sagbohan Danialou of Benin, Luther Kent, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Preservation Hallstar Revue, Mia Borders, Jimmy Johnson Band, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, John Rankin, Tim Laughlin, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Willie Tee, Warren Storm & Cypress, Feufollet, Reggie Hall & The Twilighters, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Phillip Manuel, TBC Brass Band, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Dukes of Dixieland, Margie Perez, Keith Franks, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Jonno & Bayou DeVille, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Some Like It Hot, Jo “Cool” Davis, St. Joseph the Worker Choir, Franklin IV, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance Ensemble, Wild Tchoupitoulas, Black Eagles and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, Morikeba Kouyate & Friends, Highsteppers Brass Band, Original Lady Buckjumpers and Original Prince of Wales Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Ven Pa’ Ca, Zulu Male Ensemble, Golden Sioux and Apache Hunters Mardi Gras Hunters, Thunder Hill, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Hobgoblin Hill Puppet Theater, Lady Rollers, Original CTC, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Morning Star Mass Choir, KIDsmART Performer Showcase…

96.3 HD-3 ST. LOUIS OFFERS SMOOTH & SEXY FORMAT

Coupled with the loss of another smooth jazz station in St. Louis, now Emmis Communications has announced that the new 96.3 HD-3 came to life at 1:15 P.M. on Tuesday, January 5th 2010. The ‘new’ station (if you will) is now filled with artists like Dave Koz, Paul Hardcastle, David Benoit, The Rippingtons and Boney James, as well as many of your usual smooth jazz favorites...all coming together to provide a "Smooth and Sexy" sound. Although I haven’t had a chance to listen to 96.3 HD-3, the press release mentions that the intent is to produce a familiar, but yet a unique sound, that will include some stand-out gems sprinkled throughout the day. Such examples include tracks from staight-ahead jazz atist Miles Davis, or a chilled out groove from Zero 7, or something a little funkier from Deodato. Plus, they also mention plans to expand both the station library as well as the programming.

Here is a synopsis of the new programming:
--"Sunday Morning Tranquility," which will start your Sunday off chilled and relaxing with an eclectic mix of music which will include Enya, Rufus Wainwright, Ottmar Liebert, Eva Cassidy and Nick Drake, among others.

--"The Groove Suite" is an evening program which will air on Friday and Saturday nights. The Groove Suite takes our same, great music and ramps it up a bit to get your energy going. You will hear artists like Down To The Bone, Four80East and Soundscape UK.

--"The Saturday Night Lounge" will wrap up an energetic Saturday night with a chilled out and groovy playlist filled with artists like Zero 7, Air, Moby and Massive Attack. Just perfect for winding down after your Saturday night plans are over with.

--"All-Request Saturday Afternoons" will be an interactive show which will allow the listeners to run the station for a 3-hour period every Saturday. Listeners can e-mail their requests and hear them played on Saturday afternoons.

So now we have a 'smooth jazz' station that offers straight-up jazz, smooth jazz, chill, dance, new age, soft rock - - - now why didn’t they do this before the station got dropped off of the radio dial??? Personally speaking, I think it's a great format, but then again who the hell is going to get the chance to enjoy it when it's only available in the HD graveyard. By the way, if any of you readers desire to check out this type of format - - - check out Jazz FM and Solar Radio (both in the U.K., and both available online.

JAMIE CULLUM & IMELDA MAY SET U.S. TOUR DATES

If you witnessed the entrancing performance by singer Imelda May accompanying Jeff Beck on "How High The Moon" for the Les Paul tribute on Sunday's Grammy® Awards broadcast, then you will surely want to see the rising Irish star live on her upcoming U.S. tour. After opening for Eric Clapton/Jeff Beck at London's O2 in February, Imelda May will return to the States and join Verve label mate Jamie Cullum for a series of U.S dates. Dublin-born May, who has previously shared stages with Jeff Beck as well as Van Morrison, made her major label debut in late 2009 with Love Tattoo (Verve), which shot to #1 on the Irish charts, ahead of Bruce Springsteen and Eminem. Throughout the U.K. and Ireland, she has won honors from "Rising Star of 2009" and "Jazz Artist of 2009" to "Best Female Newcomer." Shaking up traditional jazz with a magnificent voice that channels both Janis Joplin and Patsy Cline, her mix of jazz, rockabilly and blues yields a cool, swinging fusion both classic and oddly modern. Her fierce, unbridled concert performances have a reputation for being impassioned events, a prime example being her interpretation of "Johnny Got A Boom-Boom."

Jamie Cullum's third Verve album, The Pursuit, will be released March 2, 2010. Genre-defying and wonderfully eclectic as always, Cullum mixes modern influences and an infectious devil-may-care swagger with his love of jazz and timeless standards. A 2005 Grammy® nominee, he also earned a Golden Globe nomination last year for "Best Original Song" for co-writing the title song for the film Gran Torino with star Clint Eastwood. With both May and Cullum's reputation for commanding live performances, many dates on the tour are already sold-out.

Jamie Cullum and Imelda May Tour Dates:
Mar 4 – Town Hall, New York, NY
Mar 5 – Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Mar 6 – House Of Blues, Boston, MA
Mar 7 – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Mar 9 – Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
Mar 12 – Cobb Energy PAC, Atlanta, GA
Mar 13 – Polk Theatre @ TPAC, Nashville, TN
Mar 14 – Roberts Orpheum Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Mar 16 – Park West, Chicago, IL
Mar 20 – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
Mar 21 – The Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
Mar 22 – Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Mar 23 – Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
Mar 25 – The Avalon, Los Angeles, CA

DAVID FOSTER, ANDREA BOCELLI & MARY J. BLIDGE TEAM FOR "BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER"

In an extraordinary effort, accomplished with unprecedented speed, global icon Mary J. Blige, world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, and esteemed producer David Foster have bridged genres and continents to record an emotional duet of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in order to benefit earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, available exclusively at iTunes.com/Target. Blige, Bocelli and Foster will perform the song live on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 31, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, broadcast on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The historic performance will mark the 40th anniversary of the original hit receiving the Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Target and iTunes have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind download opportunity of the studio version of the song, arranged and produced by Foster, that will be available for purchase and download exclusively at iTunes.com/Target following the Grammys broadcast. In addition, a once-in-a-lifetime live video performance will also be available exclusively at iTunes.com/Target following the telecast. All U.S. proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to aid Haitian earthquake relief and recovery efforts.

Said Blige, a nine-time Grammy winner: "My prayers go out to all who are suffering. I'm lending my voice to help inspire others to join me in making a difference to rebuild the lives of the people in Haiti. I feel that I am them and they are me and I would want to be helped in this same capacity." Added Bocelli: "Today in this very sad moment, we all come together, and through our music we work to rebuild not only the physical structures but the lives of those who have been devastated by this horrible disaster. For the past several years I've collaborated with a charity in Haiti and last year met the incredible people who work there. After the earthquake, they reported to me a situation well beyond despair. I think it's up to each of us to do whatever it takes to assist after this catastrophe. I am extremely honored to be a part of the recovery efforts and lend a helping hand to the people of Haiti." Foster concurred: "We all need to contribute in our own way to help alleviate the devastation and grief of the families of Haiti, and through this song we strive to bring hope to those who need it most."

The project was led by Jimmy Iovine, Ron Fair and Steve Berman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, who brought together a philanthropic partnership including Target, iTunes, Sugar Records, The Recording Academy, Warner Music Group, CBS and Paul Simon.

AMERICAN SMOOTH JAZZ AWARDS

The American Smooth Jazz Awards (ASJA) has been set for Friday, October 29, 2010, at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa, located in Michigan City, Indiana."This event will draw the most influential national and international contemporary jazz artists from around the world to award them for their outstanding musical talents," said Bernie Scott, president of Scott & Company Music Group and ASJA Awards. Scott is asking smooth jazz aficionados to be part of the 2010 awards voting process. "We want smooth jazz fans, from all over the globe, to be part of the voting process – beginning March 15th, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite artists in 18 categories." said Scott. The website for voting is

www.AmericanSmoothJazzAwards.com.

The categories, which, in part, include both Male and Female Vocalists, Instrumentalists, Song, Album and Entertainer of the Year, also include 4 International categories. Award presenters will be coming in from around the world to be part of this event. To date, high profile radio personalities Jimi King (London); Michael Tozzi (Philadelphia); Carmen Kennedy (Cleveland); Doug Thomas (Sacramento) and Lynn Bridges (Las Vegas) will be in attendance. Jazz pianist, composer and producer David Benoit will be presented with the illustrious Lifetime Achievement Award. Regina Tisdale, wife of the late jazz guitarist Wayman Tisdale will be in attendance to present the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award. Jazz guitarist, Nick Colionne, who will be the musical director, will also be the evening's host, along with Chicago radio personality Rick O'Dell.

Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa is located just 50 miles east of Chicago on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Tickets for the dinner and awards ceremonies are available to the public through Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster outlet. Special packages are available through Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa by calling 888-879-7711, select option #1.The American Smooth Jazz Awards, through all print media, will join in the effort to promote Breast Cancer awareness.

http://www.AmericanSmoothJazzAwards.com

'HOPE FOR HAITI NOW' ALBUM #1 WITH MORE THAN 171,000 DOWNLOADS

"Hope for Haiti Now" today announced that it has raised more than $66 million to date for Haiti relief and recovery efforts. The figure includes proceeds from sales of the "Hope for Haiti Now" album, a collection of live performances from last week's global telethon that today became the first-ever digital-only album to debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. According to Nielsen SoundScan, "Hope for Haiti Now" was purchased for download more than 171,000 times in the United States through Sunday, January 24. The album sold an additional 60,000 copies outside of the U.S. through Sunday. "Hope for Haiti Now" also sold 300,000 individual audio performances as well as 15,000 downloads of the full two-hour video telecast through Sunday. The album has hit no. 1 on iTunes in 18 countries, and "Hope for Haiti Now" is the first project to simultaneously reach the No. 1 spot on the U.S. iTunes album, song ("Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)" by Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge and Rihanna), and television charts. All retail partners, the record labels, and the artists will donate their share of the proceeds to Haiti relief and recovery funds managed by "Hope for Haiti Now" charities. Performances are available for purchase on iTunes, AmazonMP3, Rhapsody, and Napster. All distribution is provided by INgrooves.

"Hope for Haiti Now" today also announced the formation of an Advisory Committee to oversee the distribution of funds donated through the global telethon. The Entertainment Industry Foundation, in concert with the Committee, is advising "Hope for Haiti Now" to ensure that the donated funds are quickly and effectively put to use in Haiti. The first installment of donated funds is due for distribution next week. The Committee is comprised of the following recognized and distinguished leaders in philanthropy, nonprofit oversight, and Haiti relief:

· Diana Aviv, President & CEO, Independent Sector
· Brian Concannon, Jr., Esq., Director, Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti
· William Foster, Co-Partner, The Bridgespan Group
· Steven Gunderson, President & CEO, The Council on Foundations
· Nancy Lindborg, President, Mercy Corps
· Jacques-Philippe Piverger, PineBridge Investments
· Judith Rodin, Ph.D., President, The Rockefeller Foundation
· David Saltzman, Executive Director, Robin Hood Foundation

This week, each beneficiary organization is submitting to "Hope for Haiti Now" its plans for use of funds donated through the telethon, its key partners, and its goals and measurement for success. The Advisory Committee is meeting this week to review the information from partner charities and help "Hope for Haiti Now" begin to distribute funds next week. The Committee will also provide recommendations on maintaining the due diligence process and continued oversight as "Hope for Haiti Now" continues to distribute funds to its partner charities.

"The outpouring of generosity around "Hope for Haiti Now" is truly remarkable, and I look forward to helping ensure that generosity has a direct and measureable impact on the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti," said Steven Gunderson, President & CEO of the Council on Foundations.

"Our top priority is ensuring that proceeds from the telethon are distributed as quickly, responsibly and effectively as possible. We are pleased to have individuals with such extraordinary expertise on our Advisory Committee to help facilitate the process," said Lisa Paulsen, President & CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing philanthropic support to "Hope for Haiti Now."

"Hope for Haiti Now," benefits the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, and Yele Haiti Foundation. With the exception of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, each organization was selected for its history of operation and collaboration within the nongovernmental organization (NGO) community in Haiti.

"Hope for Haiti Now" will continue accepting donations for six months via the following methods:
· Online: www.hopeforhaitinow.org
· Phone: 877-99-HAITI
· Text: Text "GIVE" to 50555
· Mail: Hope for Haiti Now, FILE 1372, 1801 West Olympic Blvd. / Pasadena, California 91199-1372

"Hope for Haiti Now" was produced by Joel Gallen and Tenth Planet Productions, in collaboration with Viacom's MTV Networks and George Clooney.

JOSE JAMES - BLACKMAGIC

Since his arrival onto the international scene in 2008, vocalist Jose James has continued to dazzle critics and audiences alike with his deft combination of soul, hip-hop and jazz. Ever since being picked up for a track on Peterson's first Brownswood Bubblers compilation, the Minneapolis-born singer has become a firm part of the Brownswood family, and it's easy to see why with the silky smooth vocals and dusky jazz grooves that were showcased on his debut album. James was signed to Gilles Petersons, Brownswood Records in 2008 and released his debut album, The Dreamer, to worldwide acclaim. Since then he has toured internationally at venues such as the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Vitoria Jazz Festival, Billboard Live Tokyo, Centro Cultural Sao Paolo, the Hermitage St. Petersburg, Central Park Summerstage New York, and London’s Royal Festival Hall. As a recording artist and guest vocalist, Jose James has worked with Junior Mance, Chico Hamilton, Gilles Peterson, Bassment Jaxx, Nicola Conte, Jazzanova, Christian McBride, Toshio, Matsuura, Elan Mehler, The Heritage Orchestra, Soil & Pimp Sessions, Flying Lotus, J.A.M., Robert Mitchell, Jazzy Sport, and Simbad.

Now Jose James will issue his second album via Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings label on February 22, 2010. While James took it upon himself to produce most of The Dreamer solo, with sophomore effort Blackmagic, he's called on the likes of Flying Lotus, Moodyman, and Jazzy Sport's DJ Mitsu The Beats to help him go one further this time around. Fly Lo was involved from an early stage in the writing and recording process, and lends his loose hip-hop charms to a wide number of tracks on the record, with Kenny Dixon Jr. contributing the lilting jazz-funk of "Detroit Loveletter," and Mitsu going for a warm and uplifting brass vibe on "Promise In Love." James has even turned his hand to a jazz adaptation of Benga's pulsating dubstep anthem "Emotions," adding his own vocals and re-titling the track "Warrior."

Blackmagic Tracklist

01. Code

02. Touch

03. Lay You Down

04. Promise In Love

05. Warrior

06. Made for Love

07. Save Your Love for Me

08. The Greater Good

09. Blackmagic

10. Detroit Loveletter

11. Love Conversation (ft. Jordana de Lovely)

12. Beauty

12. No Tellin'

NEW RELEASES FROM: JOSE JAMES, RONNY JORDAN, T.W.O., WALTER WILLIAMS & MORE...

Albert Elma & Ron Grainger – Man In A Suitcase Original Soundtrack
Bill Kurtis & Friends – With The Fatback Band
Brazilian Groove Band – Anatomy Of A Groove
Candycream – Chance
Chris Godber – One Breath At A Time
Clara Hill – Best Of Three
Collage & Company - Checkmate
Cro-Magnum – 4U
DF Michael – Dances And Walks
Dean Grech – Look Out
Delton Walker – Back In Your Arms Again
Diana Ross – Diana (Rarities Edition)
Dreamtime – New York Lounge Funk
Ella Fitzgerald – 12 Nights In Hollywood
Fin Johnston – Let Every Note
Fumi Hito – This Goes
Glawdys N’Dee - Lyannaj
J.D. Daniel – Back To The Groove
Jaga Jazzist – One-Armed Bandit
Jason Stein – In Exchange For A Process
Jaye Q – From My Soul
Jean F. Cochois – Gold In The Attic
Johnny James – The Cure
Jose James – Blackmagic
Juan Rozoff – Maison Rozoff
Karen Deuroop –Reminiscing
Lalo Shifrin – Bullit Original Soundtrack Plus Bonus Tracks
Leland Alexander – Full Bloom
LEMS – Ping Pong Box
Limbo – Out Of Body
Living Proof – Feel Good Music
Maiko Watson – Sweet Vibration
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (Rarities Edition)
Matt Bianco – Free Soul Drive
Matt Bianco – HiFi Bossanova
Michael Scherer – Exceeding Expectations
Milano Jazz Dance Combo – Milano Jazz Dance Ensemble
Orleya – Chill Out Hits Of The World:The String Sessions
Robin Duke - Life
Ronny Jordan – The Rough & The Smooth
Shaun LaBelle – Desert Nights
Soulpersona – Solacoaster
Soul Cycle - Mosaic
Soul Jazz Dynamiters – Soul Jazz Dynamiters
Soiree – Zim Zim Zah Zah
T.W.O. – The Whispers Orchestra
Tribe -Rebirth
Trizonna McClendon – New Familiar
Various Artists – Ambient Summer
Various Artists – Bar Jazz Vol. 1
Various Artists – L’Anthologia Funk – D’Aglia Anna 70 Ad Oggi
Various Artists – Lola Luna Paris Lounge
Various Artists – Lounge Affair – Pop Meets Lounge Vol. 2
Various Artists – Mezzanine De Lalcazar 8
Various Artists – Nu Jazz Essentials
Various Artists –Sambossica 2
Walter Williams - Exposed

AL/CAPONE BAND TO PERFORM IN MINNEAPOLIS

The Al/Capone Band will perform live and debut their new single entitled, The Mini Apple, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center hotel on Monday night, January 25, 2010 at 6:00pm. The Marriott's Mini Apple Event puts the spotlight on Minneapolis nightlife and features entertainment from the Al/Capone Band, a Minneapolis based high-energy, six-piece jazz band. "We're very excited to host this exclusive event of great music, food and fun in the heart of downtown Minneapolis," said Tim Cahill, Director of Sales & Marketing, Minneapolis Marriott City Center. "This is only the beginning of new campaign we will launch in February designed to build significant interest in the city of Minneapolis as well as our hotel's extraordinary accommodations," he concluded. Composed by band leader and drummer, Jeep Capone and partner horn player, Allen Young, The Mini Apple, is a tribute to the Minneapolis experience. Based in the Twin Cities, the Al/Capone Band mixes jazz, R&B, funk, fusion and Latin, always staying true to its jazz roots. The Marriott Mini Apple event includes food and beverage specials and music from Mr. Smooth record album, the band's most recent CD. The live performance begins at 6:00 pm on the fifth floor of the Minneapolis Marriott at City Center. Autographed CDs will be available for purchase.

Mr. Smooth, the new smooth jazz CD from the Al/Capone Band charted at number 45 on the Smooth Indie Star its first week of reporting. The CD, a mix of smooth jazz, fusion, R&B, funk and Latin music, is now being aired on 47 radio stations around the country. “Mr. Smooth brings the listener many styles of music on one CD,” says Jeep Capone, Al/Capone’s band leader and drummer. “Although we’re found under the smooth jazz genre, our band crosses the lines giving us a unique sound that appeals to a wider audience. I think it’s that smooth blend of musical styles that makes all the difference.” One popular cut from Mr.Smooth, Jamatude, is receiving air play on the 47 stations and three more songs from the eleven-song CD have already been edited for radio, and are on their way to more stations.

http://www.caponelive.com/
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