THE JAZZ MAFIA

The Jazz Mafia—an intricately woven collective of jazz virtuosos, top MCs, singers, arrangers, and composers that include many of the Bay Area's most innovative and prolific musical forces — have announced their first tour of major festivals nationwide. Traveling as a 45-piece group for the tour, Jazz Mafia will perform their critically acclaimed hip-hop symphony "Brass, Bows & Beats," which they premiered to sold-out audiences in San Francisco in 2009. Jazz Mafia will take to the road to appear at many of North America's best-known jazz festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (6/13); the Montreal Jazz Festival in Montreal, Quebec Canada (6/27); the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, RI (8/7); and the Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, CA (9/17). Select stand-alone dates include shows at The Grand Theatre in Reno, NV (5/8), (le) Poisson Rouge in NYC (6/25), Laxson Auditorium in Chico, CA (10/15), and the Kimo Theater in Albuquerque, NM (10/30).

The 60-piece incarnation of Jazz Mafia that came together last year for two sold-out performances of "Brass, Bows & Beats" at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts were recorded for a forthcoming live album due out on June 8th. "Brass, Bows & Beats" will be released on Jazz Mafia Recordings. On May 8th, the Jazz Mafia will also be launching a free download on their website for a 15 song sampler, which will include two tracks from the forthcoming "Brass, Bows & Beats" live album.

"Brass, Bows & Beats" is a genre-defying, multi-thematic, and community-oriented work that ecstatically embraces and fearlessly expands on jazz tradition. Jazz Mafia's 2010 tour brings this borderless tour de force—by principal composer, arranger, and conductor Adam Theis—outside the Bay Area for the first time. Rick Marianetti, reviewing "Brass, Bows & Beats" for the San Francisco Examiner, wrote that the monumental symphony is, "one of the most exciting new works of American music in years—a seamless fusion of jazz, funk, hip-hop, electronica and digital turntable that deserves to be heard worldwide." Bohemian.com's Gabe Meline wrote that it is, "on par with Miles Davis and Gil Evans' Live at Carnegie Hall or Charles Mingus' Epitaph—visionary in scope, staggering in depth."

TOUR DATES
June 8 – Grinstead Amphitheatre, Sonoma, CA
June 11 – Sonoma Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA
June 13 – Playboy Jazz Festival at Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA
June 25 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York, NY
June 27 – Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, QC
Aug 7 – Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, RI
Aug 14 – San Jose Jazz Festival, San Jose, CA
Sept 17 – Monteray Jazz Festival, Monteray, CA
Oct 15 – Laxson Auditorium, Chico, CA
Oct 30 – Kimo Theater, Albuquerque, NM

www.jazzmafia.com

BRIAN MCKNIGHT TO LEAVE THE WAVE 94.7

L.A.’s The Wave, KTWV-FM (94.7), the one time smooth jazz station has announced the departure of morning-show host Brian McKnight. McKnight, the multi-platinum R&B star, has also hosted his own TV show, a syndicated radio show, toured the world and is writing a book — a schedule that forces him to prerecord some programs for KTWV. Apparently station management prefers a live and local host every day. McKnight said that his weekday 6- 9 a.m. show hampered his playing live concerts, except on the weekends. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time the last three years. I love the one-on-one with the fans," McKnight said, but "it seemed like a good time to get out." Replacing McKnight will be Kim Amidon, who for 22 years co-hosted mornings at adult-contemporary station KOST-FM (103.5), until the station replaced her in November 2007. She'll join co-host and producer Pat Prescott, who has been on mornings at KTWV, better known as "The Wave," since 2001. McKnight is scheduled to finish Friday, with Amidon taking Monday.KTWV was one of the first radio stations in the country to call itself smooth jazz after it changed from a rock format back in 1987. But now the Wave markets itself as "smooth adult contemporary." Actually, the station is typical of many other so-called smooth jazz stations that include in the playlists instrumentals, plus more vocals, R&B songs in particular. So even though Wave listeners can still hear saxophone works by Boney James and Dave Koz, they'll also get Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson and Fleetwood Mac, artists who overlap and now compete with the playlist on KOST.The changes seem to have paid immediate dividends. In January, the station placed 16th in Los Angeles/Orange County ratings, averaging 2.9% of the audience age 6 and older. In February, KTWV shot up to a fifth-place tie, at 3.5%. The station remained at 3.5% and placed sixth in March, the most recent figures available from the Arbitron ratings service.McKnight, whose own songs pepper the station's playlist, called the new music Kaye has added "a breath of fresh air." But he's also wary of disappearing venues for instrumentalists. "Smooth jazz is a dying breed. The Wave is kind of like the last man standing," he said, alluding to the demise of smooth jazz stations over the last two years in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

NORMAN BROWN - SENDING MY LOVE

Smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown has completed a new album, Sending My Love, which follows 2007's Stay With Me. The latter featured the smooth jazz hits "Let's Take a Ride" and "Pop's New Groove." Sending My Love (Brown's eighth CD) is scheduled to be released on June 22 via the Concord Records label. It includes nine original songs and a cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home," which was co-written by pianist Bob James. Other songs include "Come Go With Me," "Here's My Number," "Play Time" and "Special Moments," among others. Producers on Sending My Love include Brown, Herman Jackson, Tha Bizness, Lloyd Tolbert, Emmery Williams and Rochella Brown. Musicians include Herman Jackson on keys, Alex Al on bass, Teddy Campbell on drums, Jubu on rhythm guitar, Kevin Richard on percussion, and Melvin Moore III and Rochella Brown on vocals.

Sending My Love track list
1. Come Go With Me (Norman Brown) - 4:04
2. Here's My Number (Norman Brown/Herman Jackson) - 5:47
3. Sending My Love (Norman Brown) - 4:16
4. Celebrate Me Home (Kenny Loggins/Bob James) - 4:41
5. Play Time (Norman Brown/Herman Jackson) - 4:40
6. Special Moments (Norman Brown) - 5:05
7. I'm Pouring My Heart Out (Norman Brown/Melvin Moore III./Floyd E. Bentley III/J. Henderson/Chris Whitacre) - 2:26
8. Thinking About You (Norman Brown) -Â 4:28
9. Coming Back [Return Of The Man] (Norman Brown/Herman Jackson) - 4:10
10. One Last Goodbye (Norman Brown/Melvin Moore III./Floyd E. Bentley III) - 3:46

FEATURED FROM DUSTY GROOVE...

ALDO ROMANO - ORIGINE

The music of Aldo Romano, re-scored by saxophonist Lionel Belmondo -- in a wonderful set that offers up an expansive vision of two of the best contemporary talents on the European jazz scene! The compositions have the warmth that we love in some of Romano's other records, but Belmondo also brings in a bit of his own spaciousness too -- stretching things out, and leaving a nice degree of pause at points that furthers a sense of suspense in the music. Romano plays drums, plus a bit of guitar and vocals at one point -- and other players include Belmondo on tenor and soprano sax, Stephane Belmondo on trumpet, and Eric Legnini on piano. Titles include "Pasolini", "Silenzio", "Celestina", "Dreams & Waters", "For Michel", "Elis", "Touch Of A Woman", and "Il Camino (parts 1 & 2)".

JAMES BROWN - THE SOUL BROTHER'S JAZZ

The jazz side of James Brown -- a totally cool collection of cuts from his 60s years on King and Smash -- with a definite focus on more jazz-based bits than usual! Most of the numbers here are vocals, but the set also features a few instrumentals with James on organ -- and the package often mixes up 60s mod and soul jazz modes with the deeper styles that you'll hear on Brown's hits, a wonderful blend that really makes the set a great way to uncover this side of The Godfather's music! Titles include a jazz version of "Cold Sweat", plus "Cottage For Sale (alt mix)", "It's Magic", "There", "Willow Weep For Me", "That's Life", "All The Way", "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag", "What Do You Like", "Strangers In The Night", "Sunny (with Marva Whitney)", and "The Thing In G".

MILES BONNY - INCENSE AND WINE
Slow rolling moody soul sounds from Miles Bonny -- a mix of relaxed beatcraft that's rich in hypnotic atmosphere! Beats, bass and keys flavor the sound, with Miles' vocals laid down as part of the overall atmosphere as much as the driving force of the tunes, and makes for an interesting blend of danceable keys & synth soul to more of a headphones head nodding experience. Titles include "Spiritual Nutrition", "Do You", "Blue And Green", "Satisfy", "Never Be The Same", "Joy", "Shouts Out", "Aggressively Calm."

Source: Dusty Groove America

DETROIT JAZZ FEST LINEUP ANNOUNCED

Festival organizers have announced the lineup for the 31st Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF), Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6, in downtown Detroit. Subtitled "Flame Keepers – Carrying the Torch for Modern Jazz," the Detroit Jazz Fest will feature a veritable "dean's list" of alumni who passed through the "schools" of Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Betty Carter, Ray Brown, Miles Davis and Gil Evans. "2010 artists Mulgrew Miller, Bobby Watson, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Randy Brecker, and Benny Green were all in Blakey's band at one time or another," says festival director Terri Pontremoli. "These musicians went on to develop their own bands, explore new territory and nurture a new generation of flame keepers," she added. "In jazz, a lot of press is given to the veterans or to the young lions. I am happy to focus this year on these 'middle men' who are in the peak of their creative and technical powers, making significant music in our time."

As the 2010 artist in residence, pianist Mulgrew Miller will be featured on several stages throughout the weekend. On opening night, his trio will be joined by Take 6, and his other appearances include a duo piano session with Kenny Barron, a performance with his own band Wingspan, and a project with Detroit-based artists Karriem Riggins and Bob Hurst.
Bobby Watson will reunite HORIZON with Terell Stafford, Victor Lewis, Edward Simon and Essiet Essiet. Michael Weiss's quintet will feature Randy Brecker in a tribute to Horace Silver, and Benny Green, along with Christian McBride and Greg Hutchinson will pay homage to Ray Brown. Maria Schneider, a clear disciple of composer/arranger Gil Evans, will bring her entire orchestra to town.

In recognition of the 100th birthday of Django Reinhardt, the Hot Club of Detroit will perform. "Brownie Speaks" will feature 20-somethings Dominick Farinacci and Jonathan Batiste remembering Clifford Brown. A special tribute to Detroit's Pepper Adams will feature the great baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan with another Detroit hero, pianist Barry Harris. "Defenders of the Groove" with vocalist Ernie Andrews, Detroit's Louis Hayes, Donald Harrison, Eddie Henderson, and Melvin Sparks are sure to tear it up. Vocalists this season include Tierney Sutton and Grammy-winner Kurt Elling with special guest Ernie Watts. The Manhattan Transfer will perform some of their recent Chick Corea material and then swing standards with the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra, under the direction of Dennis Wilson.

Other artists include pianist Danilo Perez, saxophonist Tia Fuller, Freddy Cole Trio, Scott Kinsey Quartet, Poogie Bell Band with Victor Bailey, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Newly signed Mack Avenue Records artist Kirk Whalum, joined by Lalah Hathaway and Robert Randolph, will perform the music of Donny Hathaway. Pumping the B3 in a Saturday night fish fry will be Pat Bianchi Trio and Mike LeDonne Quartet. The Mambo Legends Orchestra with former members of Tito Puente's band will get folks out of their seats. The legendary Roy Haynes will appear with his Fountain of Youth Band, and drummer extraordinaire Matt Wilson will present Trio M with pianist Myra Melford and bassist Mark Dresser in an adventurous set.

The Detroit International Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival in North America. It has become a major tourist attraction, with 23% of its audience coming from out of state. It has a $90M economic impact on Detroit and showcases the city in its most positive light. In 2010, the festival has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Erb Foundation and the Kresge Foundation. Major corporate sponsors include Chase, Carhartt, Absopure, Mack Avenue Records, DTE Energy, Meijer, Budweiser, Pepsi, Comcast and Fox 2. In addition, there is a growing base of individual support. Nightly after-hour jam sessions will be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, the official festival hotel.

www.detroitjazzfest.com.

MILES DAVIS 84th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Fifteen years and eight Grammy Awards after its launch in 1996, Columbia/Legacy's critically acclaimed Miles Davis Series continues to honor the most prolific and influential figure in 20th century modern jazz. In celebration of Miles' 84th birthday on May 26, 2010, the stage is set for a multi-tiered commemoration of the life and times, and the music and art, of Miles Davis.

A full slate of Columbia/Legacy releases – Bitches Brew: Legacy Edition, Bitches Brew: 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition, the mammoth The Genius of Miles Davis collection, Kind of Blue in two separate vinyl LP configurations – along with the gala opening of the "We Want Miles" exhibition in Montreal, the newly redesigned MilesDavis.com website, and Monster Cable's new "Miles Davis Tribute" headphones are among the key elements in the campaign.
Underscoring the festivities is Bitches Brew, Miles' groundbreaking double-LP of 1969, whose 40th anniversary will be celebrated with two separate retail packages, both released August 31st by Columbia/Legacy, a division of Sony Music Entertainment:

· Bitches Brew: Legacy Edition (a three-disc set, comprising two CDs that contain the original 94-plus minutes of music, in their original 8-track studio mixes unavailable on CD for many years, plus several bonus cuts; and a DVD that contains a previously unissued concert performance by the Miles Davis Quintet filmed in Copenhagen, November 1969); and

· Bitches Brew: 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition (the same three discs as above, plus a third CD comprising a previously unissued performance by the new septet lineup at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, August 1970; alongside a 54-page color booklet and a 180-gram vinyl double-LP gatefold replication of the original album).

(At DSPs, consumers will be able to purchase both discs from Bitches Brew: Legacy Edition, but the DVD will not be available. The same two discs in Collector's Edition will be available at DSPs but the third audio disc and the DVD will only be available in the physical box set. Amazon and other retail outlets will sell both titles, with a pre-order campaign for Collector's Edition launching at MilesDavis.com on his birthday, May 26th.)

In September, The Genius of Miles Davis will be unveiled. A limited-edition box set designed as an actual trumpet case, the case will house the eight deluxe multi-CD box sets that are the crown jewels in the Miles Davis Series' 15-year history. The distinctive gilt-edged metal spines and the lavish packaging of those eight box sets have placed them in a class by themselves:

· Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings
· Miles Davis Quintet 1965-'68: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings
· The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions
· Miles Davis & John Coltrane: The Complete Columbia Recordings 1955-1961
· The Complete In A Silent Way Sessions
· The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions
· Seven Steps: The Complete Columbia Recordings Of Miles Davis 1963-1964
· The Complete On The Corner Sessions

The eight heavyweight box sets – with a cumulative total of 43 CDS and eight Grammy Awards between them – will now be gathered in their original metal spine editions (except for The Complete In A Silent Way Sessions, which did not originally appear with a metal spine) in the 21-pound collection known as The Genius of Miles Davis. The trumpet case will contain a number of additional items, including an exact replica of the "Gustat" Heim 2 model mouthpiece used by Miles; a previously unavailable fine art lithograph chosen by the Miles Davis Estate; and a boutique-quality t-shirt manufactured exclusively for this package by Trunk Ltd.
Starting on Miles' birthday, The Genius of Miles Davis will be available for pre-order at MilesDavis.com.

In November, Miles' 1959 classic Kind of Blue album will be released in two separate vinyl configurations. Collectors will be able to choose between a standard 180 gram vinyl single LP, or a 2-LP 180 gram set cut at 45 RPM.

In 2010, Legacy's presentation of the music of Miles Davis on record joins a global campaign organized in conjunction with the Miles Davis Estate and Miles Davis Properties LLC in partnership/collaboration with Sony Music. Dominating the cultural landscape is the colossal "We Want Miles: Miles Davis vs. Jazz" historic exhibition of art and memorabilia at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, on view from April 30th through August 29th (following its illustrious run at the Musee de la Musique in Paris from October through January).

The first North American multimedia retrospective exhibition devoted to Miles is divided into eight thematic sections ranging from his childhood in East St. Louis to the final concert of his life, at La Villette in Paris just weeks before his death in 1991. A wide range of exceptional works of art, archival materials, and objects, many of which are on view for the first time, chronicle Miles' impact on the course of jazz, including rare or previously unscreened concert film footage; original musical scores; a selection of his trumpets and fellow band members' musical instruments; original documents relating to his albums; stage costumes; vintage record pressings, and more. 20 listening stations throughout the 8,600 square foot area permit visitors to immerse themselves in the multiple musical currents reinvented by Miles: jazz, rock, funk, and more.

On display are compelling personal portraits taken by legendary photographers Annie Leibovitz; Herman Leonard; William Gottlieb; Dennis Stock; Baron Wolman; Amalie Rothschild; Lee Friedlander; Bob Willoughby; Anton Corbijn, and Irving Penn, among others. Not only are a number of Miles' paintings on display, but also paintings and sculpture by contemporary artists influenced by him, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mati Klarwein, and Niki de Saint Phalle, among others. Images of works are available on the Museum's website at www.mbam.qc.ca/media/index_en.html.

A sample copy of The Genius of Miles Davis trumpet case will also be on display at the Museum. In a unique partnership/collaborative effort between the Miles Davis Estate and Sony Music, the MilesDavis.com website has been completely redesigned. It is now the first unified and regularly updated site highlighting all aspects of his life. The dynamic web environment is not specific to Columbia/Legacy and Sony Music; instead it will include events and product releases by other companies as well. The website, featuring news and vital information, video content, exclusive photography, and more, will also offer special daily and weekly deals. The website already has four Miles t-shirts for sale through the Threadshop store, with many more items slated to go up for sale on his birthday.

One of the items for sale at MilesDavis.com (and other general retailers) is the critically-acclaimed "Miles Davis Tribute" high-performance in-ear headphones from Monster Cable. This is the world's first audio hardware product to bear Miles' name and signature and is available as a strictly limited edition item. Headphone purchasers will receive a bonus copy of Columbia/Legacy's Kind of Blue: Legacy Edition 2CD set. Monster is offering a unique one-time Limited Lifetime Replacement Guarantee with the Miles Davis Tribute headphones – even if users accidentally break the headphones themselves, Monster will replace them once for no charge.

MilesDavis.com
http://www.milesdavis.com

FREDERIC YONNET - REED MY LIPS

Urban Jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet has announced that his upcoming album, Reed My Lips, will be available to fans before it is actually complete. On May 4, in a pioneering effort that leverages technology, art and reality, Yonnet halts all aspects of production -- recording, packaging and video -- to give fans a snapshot of his work at that very moment in the creative process. The work in progress, subtitled The Rough Cut, is available exclusively to fans purchasing digital download cards at live concerts or at http://www.fredyonnet.com/. A unique code gives users access to The Rough Cut files. Email alerts will announce when new material is available for download. Comments posted to the website will be considered in the subsequent Reed My Lips: The Final Mix, releasing this summer and available on iTunes.

Yonnet coined the term "Reality CD" to describe the bold concept of allowing fans to observe key phases of the production. "People are curious about the creative process so I decided to make them a part of it at a point when they could actually make a difference," said Yonnet. While many of the tracks have been recorded and a packaging direction developed, Yonnet still has to make decisions about artwork, guests, background vocals, song titles, etc. Works on The Rough Cut are copy written.

According to Yonnet's manager and publicist, Carla Sims, the reality is that fans were constantly asking about the status of the new album. In order to give them an early listen, Yonnet decided to release the draft artwork and music tracks in their evolutionary state despite the fact that it might open up a floodgate of comments. "I realize it's risky to expose drafts outside of musical circles, and even more risky to encourage feedback, but I welcome it," said Yonnet. "I'm confident in my work and view all comments as constructive."

As one of the most innovative harmonica players on the music scene, Yonnet is best known for his strong improvisational skills and ability to play chromatically on a diatonic harmonica. His impressive style has led to recordings and performances with music legend Stevie Wonder and award-winning songwriter David Foster. Rolling Stone magazine referred to Yonnet as "Prince's killer harmonica player" and praise from trendsetters has affirmed his mission to change the way the music industry and enthusiasts regard the "pocket" instrument.

Yonnet collaborates on Reed My Lips with New York production team nVMe and Washington, DC-based hip-hop producer Sean Miles to feature the harmonica as the lead voice on beats laced with jazz, hip-hop and R&B. "Yonnet's sound is stunning," said producer Mesta Bish. "Neither he nor the harmonica can be contained in a box," referring to the industry's tendency to pigeonhole it as a blues and country sound. With the album's bold, aggressive and head-bobbing rhythms, Reed My Lips defies the categorical labeling assigned to instrumental projects.

http://www.fredyonnet.com/

'RARITIES EDITIONS' FROM ERIC CLAPTON, MARVIN GAYE, AND BOB MARLEY

Universal Music Enterprises is releasing a series of albums comprised of essential collector's tracks associated with a classic album from a classic artist, Rarities Editions from Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, and Marvin Gaye, among others. These were released on April 27, 2010 (physical and digital) by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Originally issued as the bonus CD in the Deluxe Edition series, these discs are now available individually, at a single-album price, for the first time.

Eric Clapton – 461 Ocean Boulevard – (Rarities Edition) (Polydor/UMe): Clapton's 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard stands as a milestone in his revered catalog, the album on which he reinvented himself as a solo artist with some of his most personal music. Musicians on the disc then served as his backing ensemble on tour, which concluded with a triumphant two-night stand at London's Hammersmith Odeon that December. Those concerts provide the tracks on this Rarities Edition, from versions of "I Shot The Sheriff," "Let It Grow," "Badge," "Layla" and "Can't Find My Way Home" to a bittersweet rendition of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" and an extended medley of blues originally by Elmore James, Robert Johnson, and Freddie King.

Bob Marley – Legend – (Rarities Edition) (Tuff Gong/Island/UMe): This collection from the reggae great brings together 13 remixes, many of which were issued on 12" singles in the mid-'80s and had never appeared on album until 2002's Legend - Deluxe Edition. Along with extended remixes of "Jamming," "One Love/People Get Ready" and "Could You Be Loved" are the five remixes originally issued on the U.S. version of 1984's Legend--"No Woman, No Cry," "Exodus," "Jamming," "Waiting In Vain" and "Buffalo Soldier"--plus a remix of "Lively Up Yourself" available only on the Deluxe Edition and now this Rarities Edition of Legend.

Marvin Gaye – I Want You – (Rarities Edition) (Motown/UMe): Gaye helped define the early 1970s with two classic self-produced albums: What's Going On and Let's Get It On. Then, after building his own studio, he began collaborating with Leon Ware, then best known for co-writing "I Wanna Be Where You Are" for Michael Jackson and "Body Heat" for Quincy Jones. Together they created 1976's I Want You, even more sensual, layered and personal than Let's Get It On. This Rarities Edition lays bare that album with demo versions, a "stripped" version of the #1 hit title track, alternate vocals, extended takes, alternate mixes and more.

BETTYE LAVETTE - INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK

Ever since her appearance at the Obama inauguration, things have been coming up roses for Bettye LaVette. Upcoming is the the May 25 release of Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook and Robert Plant has invited Bettye to open for his July tour. Betty’s 3rd album for Anti-, and the follow-up to her Grammy-nominated Scene Of The Crime, is earning considerable praise from both the press and her artist peers, and she's already booked for a performance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" for June 23. The request to join the legendary Led Zeppelin vocalist on tour is not so much a notch in Bettye’s belt as it is another link in the chain: Her latest work is an impassioned dissertation on the much-documented influence that American blues and soul had on British rock n' roll- but more than that, it's an exploration of how those echoes from a foreign shore in turn influenced and reshaped American blues and soul. Fittingly, Bettye's rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic "All of My Love," will premiere exclusively on AOL's "Spinner" April 27.

Meanwhile, both the press and her peers have been singing advance praises for her upcoming album. In the Huffington Post, Leonce Gaitner wrote: "I find myself living this record. LaVette inhabits these tunes, wraps her skin around them... There's something so deeply human going on here that it's incantatory, so distinct that it's indelible. So true that it dares to be ugly sometimes. So right that it can cause you pain."Elvis Costello and Sheryl Crow are the latest artists to join a growing chorus of enthusiastic support for Bettye's singular Interpretations. "It's hard to believe that Bettye LaVette's version of 'The Word' didn't exist before this moment," says Costello.

Sheryl Crow attests, "I've been on the same stage with Bettye twice in the last year and have been captivated each time. On her new album, Bettye finds her own way into these legendary songs yet still is able to remain faithful to the spirit in each of them. Her unique phrasing and raw honesty enables us to appreciate the words in these classics in a whole new way. Just a master class in song interpretation."

Others who have expressed their praise of Bettye include Keith Richards, Joss Stone, Pete Townsend, Jon Bon Jovi, Rob Thomas, Ringo Starr, Steve Windwood, James Taylor and Elton John.

Produced by Bettye, Rob Mathes and Michael Stevens, Interpretations is a 12-song journey through compositions by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Traffic and Pink Floyd, among others, before concluding right where the very idea for the new album 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 an extended bonus track.

Tour dates with Robert Plant are as follows:
July 20 – Phoenix, AZ @ Dodge Theatre
July 21 – Tucson, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Amphittheatre
July 23 – Dallas, TX @ Meverson Symphony Center
July 24 – Houston, TX @ Woodlands
July 26 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s
July 28 – Mobile, AL @ The Saenger Theatre
July 30 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Theatre
July 31 – Miami, FL @ Bayfront

http://www.bettyelavette,com/
www.anti.com

JAMES TAYLOR & CAROLE KING - LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR

In November of 1970 James Taylor and Carole King first performed together at the Troubadour on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. Taylor had just released his debut album for the Beatles' newly formed Apple Records and King was finding her way as a first time solo performer even though by then she was a famous songwriter with a string of hits for other artists. When they returned to the club for a two-week co-headlining run in 1971 their lives were somewhat different. That summer Taylor's "Fire and Rain" was topping the charts and King's landmark Tapestry was on its way to making her a music superstar. Thirty-six years later, in November 2007, James Taylor, Carole King and members of their renowned original band "The Section" (featuring guitarist Danny Kortchmar, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russell Kunkel) returned to the Troubadour for a three-night, six-show run to celebrate the venue's 50th anniversary. Those historic shows are documented in Live At The Troubadour, a special 2-disc CD/DVD to be released on May 4th from Hear Music/Concord Music Group.

This remarkable recording, culled from these unforgettable shows, features 15 songs and 75 minutes of stunning performances of the pair's most beloved hits such as Carole King's "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" as well as James Taylor's "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," and "Fire and Rain," to name just a few.The return to the intimate Troubadour-the fertile ground that served as the unofficial home to a some of the era's defining musicians such as the Eagles, Elton John, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell--rekindled King's and Taylor's love for making music together.

Variety enthused at the time, "Taylor and King reminded us about the intensity of the song, that the artistically-rich and commercially-viable are not mutually exclusive and how one tiny club continues to be a birthing room for some of this city's most memorable music." The experience was deeply felt by everyone, the musicians on stage, and the fans in attendance as well as the project's technical crew: audio producer Peter Asher (an instrumental figure throughout Taylor's career) and Emmy-winning video director, Martyn Atkins. Live at the Troubadour is captured in sterling 5.1 stereo and state-of-the-art high definition video.

In the album's liner notes, Taylor states: "The Troubadour in 1971 wasn't the beginning, but it was a big step into the light for both of us. When we reunited for the Troubadour's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2007, it felt like yesterday. It was, and still is, all about the music and the celebration of performing together." King adds, "What's even more remarkable is that James's and my musical connection and friendship continue to transcend time and place. Whenever we're together, there we are. I feel a tremendous gratitude to be able to share this experience with James, with this fine band, and most of all, with the fans."

The pair are currently touring the US.

LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR DISC ONE
1. Blossom 3:10
2. So Far Away 4:42
3. Machine Gun Kelly 2:59
4. Carolina In My Mind 4:16
5. It’s Too Late 4:59
6. Smackwater Jack 5:25
7. Something In The Way She Moves 4:04
8. Will You Love Me Tomorrow 4:12
9. Country Road 3:49
10. Fire And Rain 5:45
11. Sweet Baby James 3:35
12. I Feel The Earth Move 4:05
13. You’ve Got A Friend 5:51
14. Up On The Roof 4:09
15. You Can Close Your Eyes 2:49

LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR DISC TWO
1. Intro 3:41
2. Blossom 2:59
3. So Far Away 5:54
4. Machine Gun Kelly 2:55
5. Carolina In My Mind 4:22
6. It’s Too Late 5:16
7. Smackwater Jack 5:58
8. Something In The Way She Moves 4:38
9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow 4:25
10. Country Road 4:30
11. Fire And Rain 6:33
12. Sweet Baby James 3:39
13. I Feel The Earth Move 4:44
14. You’ve Got A Friend 6:27
15. Up On The Roof 11:18
16. You Can Close Your Eyes 2:54
17. Credits 2:09

VERVE & HDTRACKS TEAM UP TO DELIVER 96/24 SOUND

The Verve Music Group, the world's leading jazz label and a division of Universal Music Group, has recently announced a new agreement with HDtracks whereby it will provide consumers with access to many of the world's chart-topping and seminal jazz recordings in better-than-ever pristine 96/24 quality sound. "With HDtracks, Verve continues to bring consumers more choice in how they enjoy music online," stated Nate Herr, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Verve Music Group. "Along with the digital revolution, sound quality online has suffered. And for jazz fans in particular, this has been an issue. At least until now. Through HDtracks, jazz lovers will now be able to download DVD quality sound, as well as get full artist biographies, album descriptions and reviews, all of which creates an even richer musical experience."

Transfer of Verve 96K masters was done using a combination of the best new and vintage equipment available. The carefully chosen original analog masters were played back on vintage Studer 820 tape machines. These machines provide the most stable transport for handling these priceless analog tapes. The analog masters were converted to the digital domain using classic DCS 972 and Lavry analog to digital converters and recorded directly onto a SoundBlade Workstation with minimal processing in order to allow the music to be formatted for digital distribution. The shortest signal path and highest quality cabling were used to prevent any signal loss and additional noise from being introduced into the transfer. The entire digital process was driven with the Antelope Audio Atomic Clock, the industry leader in digital clocking technology. It enables the entire digital process to reference the same highly regulated clock master, preventing any loss in the digital signal due to jitter and clock degradation.

The Verve Music Group is a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company with wholly-owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. UMG's businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's leading global music publishing operation. Universal Music Group's record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino and Verve Music Group, as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division; and Helter Skelter, its live music agency.

HDtracks was founded by multi Grammy-nominated jazz and classical composer and inventor of new sound technology, David Chesky and his brother, Norman Chesky, HDtracks raises the bar for digital download sound quality and enjoyment. Developed by musicians for musicians, HDtracks provides a superior listening experience in purity, tone and expression, presenting uncompressed CD and DVD audio quality and crystal-clear recordings of each world-class musician, vocalist and ensemble. HDtracks presents artists in the best possible light, allowing listeners to experience the true depth of their talent and individuality. David says, "The tone is what moves us. It is the poetry of the music. It is what gives artists their own identities." HDtracks deepens the listeners' experience beyond the music by being the only digital music service to provide complete liner notes with every download. "Listening to an album without liner notes is like going to a concert without a program. The writers add to and enrich the musical experience."

ERYKAH BADU - NEW AMERYKAH PART TWO: RETURN OF THE ANKH

Erykah Badu has confirmed dates for her 2010 North American tour, Out My Mind, Just In Time. The tour takes its name from the closing track on the multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, director, and actor’s new album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh, which debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Digital Albums chart and No. 4 on the Top 200 chart. Erykah Badu’s Out My Mind, Just In Time Tour will make stops at a mix of amphitheaters and concert halls throughout North America this spring, beginning on May 22 at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD and wrapping up on June 24 at The Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, NV. An amazing live performer renowned for her electrifying stage presence and soulful vocal ability, Erykah Badu’s Out My Mind, Just In Time Tour promises to deliver a fantastically funky live experience not to be missed. The outing will also feature an exciting revolving cast of opening acts that vary by city, including N.E.R.D., Bilal, Janelle Monae, and drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson from The Roots.

Released by Universal Motown Records on 3.30 2010 AD (((333))), Erykah Badu’s fifth studio album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh, arrived to a chorus of critical acclaim that hushed critics of the controversial music video for the album’s first single, “Window Seat” New Amerykah: Part 2 is the long-awaited follow-up to Erykah Badu’s superb 2008 disc, New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War. The current single, “Window Seat,” has been heating up airwaves and will be featured as Delta Airlines in-flight boarding music throughout the month of April. Other highlights from the new album include the funky fresh party jam “Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY),” a hypnotic hustler’s anthem called “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” that famously contains a sample of “Arrow Through Me” by Paul McCartney and Wings, and the breathtaking three-part suite “Out My Mind Just In Time,” which also inspired the concept and title of the album cover artwork designed by Erykah Badu in collaboration with famed artist and poster designer EMEK.

Erykah Badu has been busy promoting the release of New Amerykah Part Two: Return Of The Ankh with recent television performances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (March 3), The Wendy Williams Show (March 25), Good Day New York (March 26), Jimmy Kimmel Live (March 30), Chelsea Lately (March 31), and The Wanda Sykes Show (April 3). She is also visible on newsstands on the April cover of EQ and featured in Nylon, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Time Out New York, Newsweek, and New York Magazine, among many other publications. In addition to Erykah Badu's Out My Mind, Just In Time Tour, she has joined the lineups for this summer’s Lollapalooza festival and will reunite with the revamped Lilith Fair tour for 7 Canadian and U.S. dates. She will also be featured as a special guest at Maxwell’s upcoming concerts at Phillips Arena in Atlanta on June 11 and Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 26.

ERYKAH BADU 2010 OUT MY MIND, JUST IN TIME TOUR DATES
May 22 - Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Pavilion w/Bilal
May 23 - Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre w/Janelle Monae
May 25 - New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom w/?uestlove
May 26 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater w/Bilal
May 28 - Washington, D.C. @ Constitution Hall w/N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
May 30 - Detroit, MI @ Chene Park w/N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 2 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater w/N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 3 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater w/N.E.R.D., Janelle Monae
June 5 - Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theatre w/Janelle Monae
June 6 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium w/Janelle Monae
June 8 - Kansas City, KS @ Midland Theatre w/Janelle Monae
June 9 - St. Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre w/ Janelle Monae
June 13 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater w/Janelle Monae
June 14 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre
June 16 - Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium w/Janelle Monae
June 18 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre w/Janelle Monae
June 19 - Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theater w/Janelle Monae
June 22 - San Diego, CA @ TBA
June 23 - Phoenix, AZ @ TBA
June 24 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl Concert Theater

TOUR DATES WITH MAXWELL
June 11 - Atlanta, GA @ Phillips Arena w/Maxwell
June 26 - New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden w/Maxwell

LILITH FAIR & FESTIVALS
June 27 - Calgary, AB @ MaMahon Stadium (Lilith Fair)
June 28 - Edmonton, AB @ Northlands Spectrum (Lilith Fair)
June 30 - Vancouver, BC @ Pitt Meadows Airport (Lilith Fair)
July 2 - Portland, OR @ Sleep Country Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)
July 3 - George, WA @ The Gorge Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)
August 4 - Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion (Lilith Fair)
August 8 - Chicago, IL @ Grant Park, Hutchinson Field (Lollapalooza)
August 11 - Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre (Lilith Fair)

For more info click to:
http://www.lollapalooza.com/
http://www.lilithfair.com/
http://www.philipsarena.com/
http://www.thegarden.com/
http://www.erykahbadu.com/
http://www.outmymindjustintimetour.com/

NEW RELEASES FROM CHRIS BOTTI, CHRIS STANDRING, RAY CHARLES, STEVE OLIVER & MORE...

Bickley Rivera – Chillin’ After Five
Butch Harrison – What It Is
Chris Botti – In Boston
Chris Standring – Blue Bolero
David Lanz – Liverpool
Elegante Orchestra – It Was Too Hot In There
Freddy V – Easier Thant It Looks
Hiram Bullock – Late Night Talk
Jaared – Manhattan Nights
Joyce & Joao Donato - Aquarius
Ken Navaroo – Dreaming Of Trains
Kenny Rankin – After The Roses
Kurt Maloo – Summer Of Better Times
Lawson Rollins – Esprito
Lloyd Miller Trio – Lloyd Miller Trio
Lynn Riley – Too Cool
Mats Oberg Trio – So Very Mats
Nicolai Dunger & Jonas Kullhammer – Vallmo Original Soundtrack
Osaru – Home With The Keys
Paula Atherton – Groove With Me
Ray Charles – Genius + Soul = Jazz
Solomon Burke – Nothing’s Impossible
Stan Getz – Mellow Jazz
Steve Oliver – Global Kiss
Steve Raybine – In The Driver’s Seat
Sunaga T Experience w/Jukka Eskola & Timo Lassy – Kite/St. Vitus Dance
Tomazz – Lucid Dream
Tony Allen – Secret Agent
Various Artists – Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third Presented By Tatsuo Sunaga
Vivian Green -Beautiful
Young Jazz Rebels - Slave Riot
Zanussi Five – Ghost Dance

PHIL COLLINS - GOING BACK

Long-time Atlantic recording artist Phil Collins has announced the forthcoming release of "Going Back," a personal labor of love that finds the eight-time Grammy winner faithfully recreating the Motown and soul music that played such an influential role in his creative life. Due in September, "Going Back" is the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee's first new studio album in eight years. To celebrate "Going Back," Collins will play a string of very special live concerts at New York City's Roseland Ballroom from June 22-25. Billed as UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: PHIL COLLINS PLAYS 60'S MOTOWN & SOUL, the shows will be exclusively devoted to the music from "Going Back" and other classic R&B/pop gems. The concerts will be presented as an "old school" style, standing-room-only dance concert.

Supporting Collins will be an extraordinary 18-piece ensemble of musicians and vocalists. Anchoring the group will be three of Motown's legendary session players, aka The Funk Brothers - bassist Bob Babbitt and guitarists Eddie Willis and Ray Monette - who are also featured on the "Going Back" album. The live band will also include long-time Collins cohorts Chester Thompson (drums), Daryl Stuermer (guitar), and Brad Cole (keyboards), plus Leslie Smith (percussion). Rounding out the ensemble will be a five-member horn section and six backing vocalists.

Presented by Live Nation, tickets for all four Roseland shows will be available to Citibank cardholders through a special pre-sale at livenation.com beginning at 10a.m. ET on Monday, April 19th, and will go on sale to the general public at 10a.m. ET on Saturday, April 24th at livenation.com and charge by phone.

Coinciding with Collins's Roseland shows, on June 17th he will receive the Songwriters Hall of Fame's prestigious Johnny Mercer Award at the organization's annual gala awards dinner in New York City. Significantly, Collins --a previous Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee - will join an esteemed list of past Mercer Award winners that includes several legendary composers whose work he celebrates on "Going Back," including Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King. In addition, among Collins's fellow Mercer Award honorees this year is Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, with whom he collaborated on the hit single, "Easy Lover."
While in the past Collins has paid tribute to his roots by covering some of his favorite songs -- including "You Can't Hurry Love," "A Groovy Kind Of Love," "Tomorrow Never Knows," "True Colours," and others -- this marks the first time in his 30-year solo career that he has devoted an entire project to the work of other songwriters and performers.

"It shouldn't really be a surprise to anyone that I've finally made an album of my favourite Motown songs," explains Collins. "These songs - along with a couple of Dusty Springfield tracks, a Phil Spector/Ronettes tune, and one by the Impressions -- make up the tapestry, the backdrop, of my teenage years. I remember it as if it was yesterday, going to the Marquee Club in London's Soho and watching The Who, The Action, and many others, playing these songs. In turn I'd go out the next day to buy the original versions.

"My idea, though, was not to bring anything 'new' to these already great records, but to try to recreate the sounds and feelings that I had when I first heard them. My intention was to make an 'old' record, not a 'new' record. To be able to have three of the surviving Funk Brothers play on all the tracks was unbelievable. There was one moment when they were tracking 'Heat Wave' that I experienced a wave of happiness and wonder that this was actually happening to me! I learned more about production skills and the wonderful songwriting of those concerned whilst making this album, than I have from anything else. To those pioneers... much love and gratitude."

The songs slated for inclusion on "Going Back" range from the album opener, the Temptations' Holland-Dozier-Holland-penned "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" to the moving album-closing title track, a Collins-arranged version of the Gerry Goffin/Carole King tune "Going Back," made famous by Dusty Springfield. In between, the collection captures multiple songs by Stevie Wonder -- "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," "Blame It On The Sun," "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"; Martha And The Vandellas -- "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave," "In My Lonely Room," "Jimmy Mack"; and the Four Tops -- "Standing In The Shadows Of Love," "Something About You," "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever."

The Temptations get another shout-out with "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," while the Goffin-King team is again represented by a second Dusty Springfield track, "Some Of Your Loving." Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions are captured on "Talking About My Baby," while Phil hails the Ronettes with "Do I Love You?" The Motown-fest continues with Smokey Robinson & The Miracles' "Going To A Go-Go," the Supremes' "Love Is Here," and Kim Weston's "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)."

The career of Phil Collins is one that, by any measure, stands among the most creative, prolific, and impressive in the history of modern music. It is a career that really has been many careers -- musician, singer, composer, producer, actor -- from art rock beginnings to pop stardom, from big band leader to film soundtracks and Broadway. It has been an exceptional musical life spanning four decades, some 100 million solo albums sold (250 million if you count his work with Genesis), an extraordinary string of hits, eight Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, numerous industry accolades, and, above all, an inestimable influence on countless fellow artists and passionate fans around the globe.

CARLOS SANTANA UNIVERSAL TONE TOUR 2010

The Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour 2010 gets underway on June 30 with an initial North American leg running through early August. Carlos and the Santana Band will be joined on the road by special guest Steve Winwood, who will open the dates. Following the kick-off concert at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN, the tour travels through the Midwest and Canada for the first half of July, and then heads to the East coast.

Highlights along the way include shows at Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL (7/9); Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, ON (7/11); Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (7/15); Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY (7/18); Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA (7/23); Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre in Virginia Beach, VA (7/27), and Cruzan Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, FL (8/1). Additional North American dates and international legs of the Universal Tone Tour 2010 will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Universal Tone Tour 2010 will feature hits from Santana's four-decade-long career, as well as songs from a brand new studio album that Carlos Santana is currently putting finishing touches on. Santana's most recent release was the 2010 reissue of Supernatural as a 2-CD Legacy Edition — featuring 11 previously unissued bonus tracks — in celebration of the classic nine-time GRAMMY-winning album's 10th anniversary.

Exclusive Best Seat ticket presales for the Carlos Santana Universal Tone Tour 2010 will take place on SantanaFanClub.com starting April 13. Sign up for the SantanaFanClub.com mailing list to receive additional information about specific presale start times, which will be sent out to all subscribers on April 12.

This spring — prior to the launch of the Universal Tone Tour — Santana can be seen in Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits, exclusively at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas (supernaturalsantana.com). The Joint is the only place west of the Mississippi where fans can see Santana through 2010; tickets are currently on sale for dates in April and May.

For more information, log on to http://www.santana.com/.

SANTANA TOUR DATES:
6/30/10 - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
7/1/10 - Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest
7/3/10 - Sioux City, IA @ Saturday in the Park Festival
7/4/10 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
7/6/10 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
7/7/10 - Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/9/10 - Tinley Park, IL @ Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/10/10 -Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/11/10 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Amphitheatre
7/15/10 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
7/17/10 - Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
7/18/10 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
7/20/10 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
7/21/10 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun
7/23/10 - Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center
7/24/10 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
7/25/10 - Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
7/27/10 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre
7/28/10 - Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/29/10 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
7/31/10 - Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
8/1/10 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater

THE MAY CONCERT CALENDAR

Baaba Maal @ Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA, May 1

Norah Jones @ Stubbs Bar-B-Q, Austin, TX, May 1
Simply Red @ National Auditorium, Mexico City, Mexico, May 1
Toots & the Maytals @ House Of Blues, New Orleans, LA, May 1
Nick Colionne @ Smooth Jazz For Scholars, Milford, CT, May 1
Peter White @ JP Riddle Stadium, Fayetteville, NC, May 1
Angelique Kidjo @ National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland, May 1
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Theatre Of Living Arts, Philadelphia, PA, May 1
Eddie Palmieri @ Rialto Center For Arts, Atlanta, GA, May 1

Mindi Abair, Chieli Minucci, Nick Colionne, Ken Navarro, Shilts
@ Parson’s Complex, Milford, CT, May 1

Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Shaftman Performance Hall,
Roanoke, VA, May 1

Pat Metheny @ Centre In Vancouver For Perf Arts, Vancouver, BC, May 1
Pink Martini @ James Hall For Perf Arts, Houston, TX, May 1-2
Baaba Maal @ Lebanon Opera House, Lebanon, IH, May 2
Toots & the Maytals @ House Of Blues, Dallas, TX, May 2
Pat Metheny @ Silva Concert Hall, Eugene, OR, May 2
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Webster Hall, New York, NY, May 3
Basia @ The Pigalle Club, London, UK, May 3
Peter White @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, May 3-9
Norah Jones @ Majestic Theatre, Dallas, TX, May 4
Pat Metheny @ Kingsbury Hall, Salt Lake City, UT, May 4
Toots & the Maytals @ La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX, May 5
Pat Metheny @ Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO, May 5
Norah Jones @ Verizon Wireless Theater, Houston, TX, May 5
Norah Jones @ Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL, May 6
Toots & the Maytals @ Brewery, Santa Fe, NM, May 6
Basia @ Kino Centrum Kijow, Krakow, Poland, May 6
Michael Buble @ Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, UK, May 6
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY, May 7
Toots & the Maytals @ Aggie Theatre, Ft. Collins, CO, May 7
Pat Metheny @ Uptown Theater, Kansas City, MO, May 7
Basia @ im. Stanislawa Moniuszk, Poznan Theat Wielki, Poland, May 7
Nick Colionne @ Jazz On The Vince Fest, Elkhart Lake, WI, May 7-8
Norah Jones @ Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TX, May 8
Toots & the Maytals @ Colorado, College, Colorado Springs, CO, May 8
Basia @ Filmow Fabularnych, Wroclaw Wytwornia, Poland, May 8
Michael Buble @ SECC, Glasgow, UK, May 8
Pat Metheny @ Blanche M. Touhill PAC, St. Louis, MO, May 8
B.B. King @ Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, May 9
Toots & the Maytals @ Fox Theatre, Boulder, CO, May 9
Michael Buble @ MEN Arena, Manchester, UK, May 9
Nancy Wilson @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY, May 9
Norah Jones @ Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL, May 9
Pat Metheny @ Fitzgerald Theater, Saint Paul, MN, May 9
Basia @ Centrum Kultury, Katowice Gornoslaskie, Poland, May 9
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra@ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, May 9
Pat Metheny @ Orchestra Hall, Chicago, IL, May 10
Peter White @ High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells, UK, May 10
Chris Botti @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, May 10-11
Michael Buble @ Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, UK, May 11
Toots & the Maytals @ The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT, May 11
Basia @ Centrum Stocznia Gdanska, Gdansk, Poland, May 11
Peter White @ The Stables, Milton Keynes, UK, May 11

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Bourbon St Music Club,
Sao Paolo, Brazil, May 11

Corinne Bailey Rae @ Center Stage, Atlanta, GA, May 11
Norah Jones @ Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville, NC, May 11
Pat Metheny @ Taft Theatre, Cincinnati, OH, May 12

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ SESC Pompeia,
Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 12-13

Toots & the Maytals @ The Orpheum, Flagstaff, AZ, May 12
Basia @ Palladium, Warsaw, Poland, May 12
Michael Buble @ Newcastle Arena, Newcastle, UK, May 12
Patti Austin @ B.B. Kings, New York, NY, May 12
Norah Jones @ Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC, May 12
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, May 12-16
Eddie Palmieri @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, May 13
Steel Pulse @ House Of Blues, Anaheim, CA, May 13
Toots & the Maytals @ SoundWave, San Diego, CA, May 13
Corinne Bailey Rae @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, May 13

Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Ancienne Belgique,
Brussels, Belgium, May 13-14

Pat Metheny @ Music Hall Center For The Perf Arts, Detroit, MI, May 14
Norah Jones @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, May 14
Steel Pulse @ Hollywood Park, Inglewood, CA, May 14

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Teatro Coliseo,
Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 14

Toots & the Maytals @ The Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, May 14
Michael Buble @ LG & NIA, Birmingham, UK, May 14
Corinne Bailey Rae @ Ram’s Head, Baltimore, MD, May 14
Mindi Abair @ Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, May 14
Rick Braun, Richard Elliot @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, May 14
Norah Jones @ Cobb Energy PAC, Atlanta, GA, May 15
Steel Pulse @ House Of Blues, San Diego, CA, May 15

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Teatro Libertador,
Cordoba, Argentina, May 15

Nick Colionne @ DuSable Museum, Chicago, IL, May 15
Toots & the Maytals @ Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach, CA, May 15
Mindi Abair @ Palm Springs Riviera Resort, Palm Springs, CA, May 15
Basia @ Republic, Salzburg, Austria, May 15

Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub
@ Radisson Ballroom, Sacramento, CA, May 15

Spyro Gyra @ Clark County Amphitheatre, Las Vegas, NV, May 15
Michael Buble @ O2 Arena, London, UK, May 15-16
Steel Pulse @ Pozo Saloon, Santa Margarita, CA, May 16

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ La Trastienda Club,
Montevideo, Uruguay, May 16

Toots & the Maytals @ The Key Club, West Hollywood, CA, May 16
Angelique Kidjo @ Barbican Theatre, London, UK, May 16

Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, Gerald Albright, Peter White
@ Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, CA, May 16

Pat Metheny @ Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie, NY, May 16
Sonny Rollins @ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, May 16
Mindi Abair @ Petco Park, San Diego, CA, May 15
Pat Metheny @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA, May 18
Michael Buble @ Bercy, Paris, France, May 18
Toots & the Maytals @ Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, CA, May 18
Steel Pulse @ House Of Blues, Boston, MA, May 18
Mindi Abair @ Borders, San Diego, CA, May 18
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Teatro Espanol, Neuquen, Argentina, May 18
Eddie Palmieri @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, May 19
Toots & the Maytals @ McDonald Theatre, Eugene, OR, May 19
Michael Buble @ Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands, May 19
Kenny G @ Geijutsu Hall, Nagoya, Japan, May 19
Pat Metheny @ Music Center At Strathmore, N. Bethesda, MD, May 19
Pat Metheny @ Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA, May 20
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Teatro Oriente, Santiago, Chile, May 20
Steel Pulse @ Trocadero Theater, Philadelphia, PA, May 20
Angelique Kidjo @ Theatre Romain Rolland, Villejuif, FR, May 20

Dee Dee Bridgewater @ The Kennedy Center For Perf Arts,
Washington, DC, May 20-22

Pat Metheny @ Town Hall, New York, NY, May 21
Steel Pulse @ Chesapeake Jubilee, Chesapeake, VA, May 21
Mindi Abair @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, May 21
Angelique Kidjo @ Festival Face-Et-Si, Moulleron Le Captif, FR, May 21
Kenny G @ Forum Hall, Toklyo, Japan, May 21
Dionne Warwick @ Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV, May 21-23
Michael Buble @ Arena Di Verona, Verona, Italy, May 22
Toots & the Maytals @ Wilma Theatre, Missoula, MT, May 22
Steele Pulse @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC, May 22
Angelique Kidjo @ Musiques Metisses, Angouleme, FR, May 22
Nick Colionne @ Jazz In The Park, Las Vegas, NV, May 22
Steel Pulse @ The National, Richmond, VA, May 23
Michael Buble @ Medio Forum, Milan, Italy, May 23
Angelique Kidjo @ Afro-Pfinsten Festival, Winterhur, CH, May 23
Kenny G @ Kobe International Hall, Osaka, Japan, May 23
Michael Buble @ Olmpiahalle, Munich, Germany, May 25
Toots & the Maytals @ First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, May 25
Angelique Kidjo @ Winer Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria, May 25
Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau @ Cultural Centre, Hasselt, Belgium, May 25
Michael Buble @ Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland, May 26
Toots & the Maytals @ Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI, May 26
Steel Pulse, Toots & the Maytals @ House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, May 27-28
Michael Buble @ O2 Arena, Berlin, Germany, May 28
George Benson @ National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, UK, May 28

Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Peter White
@ Boulder Station, Las Vegas, NV, May 28

Angelique Kidjo @ Festival Mawazine, Rabat, Morocco, May 28
Basia @ Reigen, Vienna, Austria, May 28
Steel Pulse @ Summer Camp, Chillicothe, IL, May 29
Mindi Abair @ Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA, May 29
Toots & the Maytals @ Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY, May 29
George Benson @ SECC, Glasgow, UK, May 29
Basia @ Centre Of Arts, Melbourne, FL, May 29

Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, Gerald Albright, Peter White
@ Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA, May 29

Nick Colionne @ KIFM Gaslamp Fest, San Diego, CA, May 29
George Benson @ Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, UK, May 30
Michael Buble @ Sportpalais, Antwerp, Belgium, May 30
Basia @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, May 30
Nick Colionne @ KSBR Oso Viejo Park, Mission Viejo, CA, May 30
Alex Bugnon @ The Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, May 30
Toots & the Maytals @ House Of Blues, Boston, MA, May 30
Toots & the Maytals @ Higher Ground, S. Burlington, VVT, May 31
Michael Buble @ Kopi Arena, Oberhausen, Germany, May 31

BASIA - IT'S THAT GIRL AGAIN PLUS NEW TOUR DATES

Smooth jazz singer Basia has returned to the stage. Luckily for us all both are back this year. Basia has just released her first solo album in 15 years It’s that Girl Again and the tour dates were just announced. The CD and tour will feature long time collaborator Danny White, brother to that other Smooth Jazz king Peter. Basia did make a comeback with her old band Matt Bianco in 2005 and had a hit “Ordinary Day” from the album Matt’s Mood but she is best known for her hits “New Day For You,” “Cruising For Bruising” and “Time And Tide.” Her latest single is “Blame It on the Summer.” Basia Tour Dates 2010:

London
May 3 London @ The Pigalle Club

Poland
May 6 KrakowKino Centrum Kijów
May 7 Poznan Teatr Wielki im. Stanislawa Moniuszki
May 8 Wroclaw Wytwórnia Filmów Fabularnych
May 9 Katowice Górnośląskie Centrum Kultury
May 11 Gdansk Centrum Stocznia Gdańska
May 12 Warsaw Palladium

Austria
May 15 Salzburg @ Republic
May 16 Vienna @ Reigen

U.S.
May 28 Jacksonville, FL @ Jacksonville Jazz Festival
May 29 Melbourne, FL @ King Centre Of Arts
May 30 Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 2 New York, NY @ The Highland Ballroom
June 4 Boston, MA @ The Wilbur Theatre
June 5 Columbia, MD @ Capital Jazz Festival
June 9 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbos
June 10 San Diego, CA @ Humphries
June 11 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia

NEW RELEASES FROM MILES BONNY, FEMI HITO, SHARON JONES & OTHERS...

Antonio Fugura New York Trio – Strong Place
Bamboos - 4
Barrio Jazz Gang –Barrio Jazz Gang 2
Bonobo – Black Sands
Candice Monique & The Opticss – In My Soul
Chicago Underground Duo – Boca Negra
Darnell Hendricks – Smooth Soul Cafe
Edna Wright – Oops! Here I Go Again
Elizabeth Shepherd – Heavy Falls The Night
Femi Hito – This Goes
Georg Levin – Everything Must Change
Incognito – Always There: The Best Of Incognito
Jive Turkeys – Bread And Butter
Erik Rico – Journey Back To Me – A Japan Selection
Hadley Caliman – Straight Ahead
James Brown – Soul Brothers’ Jazz
Miles Bonny – Incense & Wine
Mulatu Astatke – Mulatu Steps Ahead
Right Home – Carry Me Home
Savath And Savalas – Predicate Dub Versions
Sem ‘Bro – Tired Heroes Of The Lost Revolution
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard Way
Silhouette Brown - Two
Socia Lybrium – For You For Us For All
Various Artists – Brownswood Bubblers Vol. 5 – Compiled by Gilles Peterson
Various Artists – Carlos Nino’s Ocean Swim Mix
Various Artists – Contemporary Jazz
Various Artists – Funky Sensation: Jazz, Funk & Soul Classics
Various Artists – Jazz Club: Movie Themes Go Disco

MICHAEL J. THOMAS - CITY BEAT

New smooth jazz artist Michael J Thomas roared into March with his self-released CD, City Beat, which was warmly welcomed with rave reviews. On its day of release (March 2), City Beat peaked at #4 on the Amazon) smooth jazz chart. The title track is presently #1 on Smooth Jazz Now's singles chart and is receiving spins on terrestrial and internet radio stations around the globe. Additionally, three tracks – “City Beat,” “Amante Del Vino” and “Back Home” - are receiving regular airplay on the Weather Channel. Imagine what this one-man record label could accomplish with the backing of a major or a leading independent record label. Much of the material on the record was inspired by eye-opening and perspective-altering visits to metropolitan meccas like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Bangkok, which zestfully sparked Thomas’ wanderlust. In the studio, he produced a live sounding collection with Shannon Wallace. Thomas, who played tenor, alto and soprano saxes on the tracks, had a crack band to help bring City Beat to life. The Best of the Emerald Coast winner in the “Best Musician/Vocalist/Band” category is anxious to take that band on the road.

Following are recent snippets from the numerous enthusiastic reviews City Beat has received thus far.

Smooth Jazz Therapy: “…‘City Beat’, which hits the streets on March 2, is a tremendously accomplished piece of work and, given that Thomas writes or co-writes all but one of ten choice tracks, proves also to be a wonderful showcase for his art… a tremendously commercial collection that has every prospect of doing very well… in terms of personal favourites there is much to commend the Michael J Thomas-Shannon Wallace arrangement of Michael Jackson’s seminal ‘Billie Jean’. Starting out slowly and quickly hitting a familiar beat this could well be one of the best covers of the year whilst just as good is the original composition ‘Amante Del Vino’.”

Soul Tracks: “His globe-trotting and love of the soul greats are what fed into the delectably-diversified mix found on his Harbor Street Records debut, City Beat, rich with mesmerizing melodies, pulsating beats and even a pinch of hip-hop. Backed by instrumentalists like bassist Eric Lampley, drummer Johnathan Davis and trumpeter Paul Scurto, Mr. Thomas co-composed nine of the ten tracks and conveys the emotions expertly…”

The Smooth Jazz Ride: “Saxman Thomas delivers on City Beat the kind of self-confidence and stand-up solid material that has ushered in so many of our smooth jazz greats today… Thomas obviously knows home when he sees it, as he’s honed right in on smooth jazz like an old neighbor. With equal amounts of sway (the opening track, ‘Midtown Manhattan,’ and the title track) and respect for the genre (the soothing allure of the more mellow tracks), the artist thoroughly enjoys his seduction of this music. Stepping to pieces like his warm, hook-sweet tune called ‘Wedding Song (Forever and Always)’ and demonstrating why it should be the song in demand at all weddings, he then takes you on a bright, high-steppin’ walk with ‘30-A Degrees.’… A big fan of catchy hooks, I couldn’t help noticing the beauty of the mid-tempo ‘Pretty Skin’ and the slick and funky ‘Mind Your Step,’ with its own hot hook. In fact, the hooks throughout are full, catchy, and attractive.”

Smooth Jazz Daily: “City Beat reveals Michael J Thomas' big talent as composer and sax player. We will certainly hear more of this blessed artist.”

http://www.michaeljthomas.net/

JAZZ FM - FUNKY SENSATION

The latest Jazz FM release entitled, Funky Sensation, is inspired by the now legendary weekly club event held at Ronnie’s Bar at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London’s swingin’ Soho. Funky Sensation is a mix of 28 jazz, funk and soul classics, including The Blackbyrds, Luther Vandross, Gil Scott-Heron, Gwen McCrae, Sister Sledge and Earth, Wind & Fire. This release is a well-rounded set of classic soul, funky jazz, and other choice bits from the 70’s and early 80’s. There's plenty of old favorites here as the 2-CD set features tracks that include "Make My Dream A Reality" by GQ, "City Living" by Linda Williams, "Love Has Come Around" by Donald Byrd, "Funky Sensation" by Gwen McCrae, "Til You Take My Love" by Harvey Mason, "Is It Love You're After" by Rose Royce, "The Bottle" by Gil Scott-Heron, "Rock Creek Park" by The Blackbyrds, "Straight To The Bank" by Bill Summers, "Glide" by Pleasure, "Los Conquistadores Chocolates" by Johnny Hammond, "Spring High" by Ramsey Lewis, and "Whistle Bump" by Deodato.

Every Saturday, fans of jazz, funk and soul can be found partying at Funky Sensation ’til 3am, dancing to music selected by Jazz FM’s presenters and guest DJs including Joey Negro, Eddie Piller and Steve Cole. Given the success of the club, releasing a companion CD was a must for us. So Mike Vitti, the presenter of the Funky Sensation show broadcast on Saturdays at 6pm, and Ralph Tee, presenter of the Jazz Lounge show which airs every Sunday, sat down to try to capture the flavour of the live event. In Mike’s words “This album is a mixture of timeless classics, Jazz Funk rarities and quality Disco. At some point all of them have featured both on my show on Jazz FM and at the Funky Sensation club night. Ralph and I have spent an enormous amount of time sourcing these songs for you and we are certain that you will enjoy listening to them. “We think you will particularly love the hard-to-find (and never previously issued in the UK) ‘City Living’ by Linda Williams, a track that was first released in 1979 on Arista Records. Likewise from 1983, Michael Wycoff’s ‘(Do You Really Love Me) Tell Me Love’ very rarely makes an appearance but was a real floor-filler back in the day.

“For the Jazz-Funkers and Disco lovers – I include myself in that category by the way – we can party to: Harvey Mason, The Blackbyrds, Donald Byrd’s solo track ‘Love Has Come Around’, G.Q.., Jackie Moore, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ramsey Lewis and Bill Summers to name but a few. On the more soulful side, this album is laced with some amazing tracks by: Luther Vandross, Gwen McCrae (without whom the concept would be nameless), Chaka Khan and the Phil Hurtt/Thom Bell penned anthem ‘I’ll be Around’ by The Detroit Spinners. For the real Funkateer: I’m certain you will love Beginning of the End’s ‘Funky Nassau’ and Johnny Hammond’s ‘Los Conquistadores Chocolates’. When you mix all of this with Rose Royce, Gil Scott-Heron, deodato, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions, how could you possibly go wrong?

“We’re Funky Sensation crazy at Jazz FM. it’s all down to the phenomenal success of our club night, Ralph Tee’s Jazz Lounge on a Sunday afternoon and my programme on Saturday nights from 6 ’til 8pm. Thank you for your continued support, enjoy this album and watch out for a ‘Funky Sensation’ night near you!” Ralph says “When asked to pick a handful of tracks to write about from ‘Funky Sensation’ I was faced with a true challenge. Every track is unique and special in it’s own right, with a story to tell. What each track has in common is it’s ability to fill a dancefloor to capacity at our Jazz FM night, sound great on the radio and have all the best ingredients in the jazz, funk and soul genre we love so much.

“Some of the tracks have gone beyond their own boundaries and reignited themselves through sampling (’Is It Love You’re After’ by S-Express), re-writing (’This Time Baby’ in ‘Love On My Mind’ by The Freemasons) re-recording (’I’m Every Woman’ by Whitney Houston and ‘The Bottle’ by Maysa Leak), while “Love has Come Around” brought Isaac Hayes back to the fore as a producer and “Space Princess” helped establish Marcus Miller as an exciting new writer and bass player.

“Still, here are a few I have hand picked.

“Gwen McCrae ‘Funky Sensation’: a track that defines the CD and whose title inspired Jazz FM’s choice of name for the club event at Ronnie’s Bar. “Funky Sensation” is a cool and classy piece of sophisticated disco. Organic, timeless, and irrespirable, the string-laden steppers’ groove is given a powerhouse vocal by the queen of rare groove that’s soulful, funky and sensational!

“Sister Sledge ‘Thinking Of You’: a song created by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the force behind Chic, ‘Thinking Of You’ finds Kathy and her sisters at their ultimate best. The song started out as an album track in the 70s and championed by rare groove DJs in the 80s to become one of their most loved songs, which retains its feel good factor to this day.

“Harvey Mason ‘’Till You Take My Love’: Harvey was the man on drums in the 70s and 80s on the jazz funk and soul scene, playing with everyone from Johnny Hammond (including “Los Conquistadores Chocolates” featured here) to George Benson, Patti Austin and Jean Carne. He made several albums for Arista, from which ‘Till You Take My Love’ remains massive floor filler.

“Michael Wycoff ‘Tell Me Love’: Very rare on CD until now, this track is also known as ‘Do You Really Love Me’ (it’s chorus hook) and is produced by one of jazz funk and soul’s true legends, Webster Lewis. It has every ingredient for a jazz funk party with some mighty instrumentation, a soul dripping vocal performance and beats that even the most tired of dancing feet wouldn’t be able to resist.

“Linda Williams ‘City Living’: What makes this compilation special is the inclusion of more unusual gems like this among the classics. Linda had a big tune on the rare groove scene in the 80s – ‘Elevate Our Minds’, but today ‘City Living’ sounds particularly fresh and keeps the mood uplifted at Ronnie’s Bar late into Saturday night and Sunday morning. Linda recorded this inspired track taking time off from her day job, working as arranger and music director for Natalie Cole!

“Kleeer ‘Open Your Mind’: One of Kleeer’s finest, this is a masterpiece, totally original and atmospheric. When the sax solo comes, it’s a moment of soul ecstasy and brings out the goose bumps in a dancefloor classic created by drummer Woody Cunningham, a guest on my Jazz FM show in the 90s who created the group and played sessions with Sylvester, Faith Hope & Charity, Candido, and Luther Vandross”

Funky Sensation was released as a double CD on April 5th.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO - OYO

Angelique Kidjo follows up her Grammy-winning Djin Djin with Oyo. On this new album, Kidjo collaborates with Bono and with John Legend on a version of Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up." The focus on Oyo is the music that shaped Kidjo's artistic formation, including "Lakutshona Llanga," a lullaby made famous by Kidjo's hero, Miriam Makeba; Yoruban interpretations of Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember" and Santana's "Samba Pa Ti;" a collaboration with Diane Reeves on "Monfe Ran E," an homage to the Aretha Franklin hit, "Baby I Love You;" and a take on James Brown's "Cold Sweat." Recorded and mixed by Russell Elevado (D'Angelo, The Roots, Erykah Badu) and produced by Kidjo and longtime collaborator Jean Hebrail, Oyo features a band of highly accomplished musicians, including guitarist Lionel Loueke, Christian McBride on upright bass, Kendrick Scott on drums and Thiokho Diagne on percussion. Trumpeter Roy Hargove makes a memorable appearance on "Samba Pa Ti."

Angelique Kidjo Tour Dates:
Apr-11 - Krefeld, Germany @ Kulturfabrik

Apr-12 - Berlin, Germany @ Kesselhaus

Apr-13 - Hamburg, Germany @ Fabrik

Apr-15 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Botfrabrick

Apr-16 - Zurich, CH @ Cully Jazz Festival

Apr-17 - Paris, France @ La Cigale

Apr-20 - Copenhagen, DL @ Amager Bio

Apr-21 - Helsinki, Finland @ Savoy Theatre

Apr-22 - Oslo, Norway @ Cosmopolitan

Apr-24 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Gotakallaren

Apr-27 - Athens, Greece @ Gazarte

Apr-28 - Athens, Greece @ Gazarte

May-01 - Dublin, Ireland @ National Concert Hall

May-16 - London, UK @ Barbican Theatre

May-20 - Villejuif, FR @ Théâtre Romain Rolland

May-21 - Mouilleron Le Captif, FR @ Festival Face-Et-Si

May-22 - Angouleme, FR @ Musiques Métisses

May-23 - Winterhur, CH @ Afro-Pfinsten Festival

May-25 - Vienna, Aus @ Winer Konzerthaus

May-28 - Rabat, Morocco @ Festival Mawazine

Jun-10 - Johannesburg, South Africa @ Fifa World Cup Kick Off Concert

Jun-17 - Montreal, Canada @ Le Franco Folies De Montreal

Jun-20 -San Francisco, CA @ Stern Grove

Jun-26 - Westhampton, NY @ Westhampton Beach Pac

Jun-27 - Lancaster, PA - Long's Park Amphitheatre

Jul-01 - Toronto, Canada @ Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival

RAY CHARLES - GENIUS + SOUL = JAZZ

Ray Charles was best known for his work in the idioms of R&B, rock 'n' roll and even successful forays into country. But he also recorded influential jazz albums, including the groundbreaking Genius + Soul = Jazz originally released in 1961, and continuing into the '70s with My Kind of Jazz, Jazz Number II and My Kind of Jazz Part 3. Concord Records has just released a deluxe edition two-CD set featuring digitally remastered versions of all four albums. Genius + Soul = Jazz was recorded at the Van Gelder Studios in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, in late 1960. The producer was Creed Taylor; arrangers, Quincy Jones and Ralph Burns. Ray Charles played the organ with three vocals ("I've Got News for You," "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" and "One Mint Julep") and band members included members of the Count Basie Orchestra: Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Billy Mitchell, Frank Wess, Freddie Green, and Sonny Payne among others. Issued originally on ABC Records' legendary Impulse jazz label, the record rose to the #4 spot on Billboard's pop album chart, and spawned the very first singles on Impulse, inlcuding, "I've Got News for You," which rose to #8 R&B and #66 on the Hot 100. In addition, Charles' version of "One Mint Julep" charted #1 R&B and #8 pop, and his rendition of the blues standard "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" reached #25 R&B and #84 pop. Some nine years later, Charles recorded another jazz album, My Kind of Jazz. With sessions in Los Angeles this time, Charles surrounded himself with such players as Bobby Bryant and Blue Mitchell, trumpet; Glen Childress, trombone; Andy Ennis, Albert McQueen and Clifford Scott, saxophone; and Ben Martin, guitar. The album contained Charles' own "Booty-Butt" (which was issued as a single on his own Tangerine label), Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder," and Horace Silver's "Señor Blues." In his original liner notes to My Kind of Jazz, Quincy Jones wrote, "This album is the essence of what Ray used to tell us when we were kids: Be true to the soul of the material you're dealing with."Jazz Number II was recorded roughly two years later at Charles' Tangerine/RPM Studios and issued on Tangerine Records. Charles enlisted an impressive cast of arrangers: Alf Clausen, Teddy Edwards, Jimmy Heath and Roger Neumann. The tracks included Ray Charles and Roger Neumann's "Our Suite," Teddy Edwards' "Brazilian Skies" and "Going Home," Thad Jones' "Kids Are Pretty People" and Jimmy Heath's "Togetherness."Finally, My Kind of Jazz Part 3, which concludes the Genius + Soul = Jazz deluxe package, was recorded in Los Angeles circa 1975, featured the Ray Charles Orchestra including Clifford Solomon, alto sax; Glen Childress, trombone; Johnny Coles, trumpet; Leroy Cooper, baritone sax; and James Clay, tenor sax. Included are compositions by Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Jimmy Heath and Benny Golson. Issued on Charles' own Crossover Records, the album reached #55 on the R&B chart in 1976.The reissue of Genius + Soul = Jazz continues Concord Music Group's long-term reissuing of the Ray Charles catalog in cooperation with the Ray Charles Foundation. Among the other albums repackaged in the past year are Genius Hits the Road, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Message From the People, plus the career compilation titled Genius.

Genius + Soul = Jazz Track Listing
Disc One
1. From the Heart 3:35
2. I've Got News for You 4:32
3. Moanin' 3:17
4. Let's Go 2:42
5. One Mint Julep 3:05
6. I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town 3:42
7. Stompin' Room Only 3:46
8. Mister C. 4:31
9. Strike Up the Band 2:37
10. Birth of the Blues 5:11
11. Golden Boy 3:32
12. Booty Butt 4:11
13. This Here 4:41
14. I Remember Clifford 3:38
15. Sidewinder 3:31
16. Blusette 3:19
17. Pas-Se-O-Ne Blues 4:42
18. Zig Zag 4:30
19. Angel City 4:23
20. Senor Blues 5:24

Disc Two
1. Our Suite 8:07
2. A Pair Of Threes 5:28
3. Morning Of Carnival 3:33
4. Going Home 4:20
5. Kids Are Pretty People 4:59
6. Togetherness 4:02
7. Brazilian Skies 5:10
8. I'm Gonna Go Fishin' 5:31
9. For Her 6:18
10. Sister Sadie 4:05
11. 3/4 Of The Time 2:49
12. Ray Minor Ray 3:46
13. Samba De Elencia 4:38
14. Metamorphosis 4:11
15. Nothing Wrong 3:32
16. Project "S" 3:16
17. Misty 5:22

AMERICAN SMOOTH JAZZ AWARDS

Nominees for the inaugural American Smooth Jazz Awards have been announced recently, with the awards to be held October 29 at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, Indiana. Nominating ballots were sent to the top 30 smooth jazz radio stations in the U.S., along with significant producers of smooth jazz Internet and satellite music and top smooth jazz journalists nationwide. The top nominees in each of the categories will be placed online for public voting at americansmoothjazzawards.com. Voting begins April 15.

Nominees include Brian Culbertson, with three nominations including entertainer of the year; Dave Koz with two nominations, including entertainer of the year and broadcaster of the year; Paul Hardcastle with two nominations. In addition, pianist, composer and producer David Benoit will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Regina Tisdale, wife of the late bassist Wayman Tisdale, will be in attendance to present the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award. 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 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 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Special packages are available through Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa by calling 888-879-7711, option #1.

American Smooth Jazz Awards Nominees:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Dave Koz
Nick Colionne
Brian Culbertson
Richard Elliot

MALE VOCALIST
Spencer Day
Will Downing
George Benson
Phil Perry
Kenny Lattimore

FEMALE VOCALIST
Maysa Leak
Melody Gardot
Norah Jones
Vanessa Williams
Randy Crawford

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Rippingtons
Sax Pack
Fourplay
Pieces of a DreamS
pyro Gyra

BRASS/WOODWIND
Rick Braun
Boney James
Richard Elliot
Darren Rahn
Euge Groove

PERCUSSIONIST
Harvey Mason
Alex Acuna
Rayford Griffin
Lenny Castro
Russ Kunkel

GUITARIST
Peter White
Nick Colionne
Jeff Golub
George Benson
Nils

KEYBOARDIST
Brian Culbertson
Gregg Karukas
Jeff Lorber
Philippe Saisse
Brian Simpson

NEW ARTIST
Cindy Bradley
Spencer Day
Drew Davidsen
Kyle Wolverton
Darren Rahn

GOSPEL JAZZ
Greg Vail
Take 6
Jonathan Butler
Angella Christie
David Wells
Kirk Whalum
Ben Tankard

SONG
“Bright” (Peter White)
“I’m Waiting For You” (Jackiem Joyner)
“Living In High Definition” (George Benson)
“Talk Of The Town” (Darren Rahn)
“Go For It” (Bernie Williams)

ALBUM
Send One Your Love (Boney James)
Bloom (Cindy Bradley)
Rock Steady (Richard Elliot)
Good Day (Peter White)
In Boston (Chris Botti)

JOURNALIST
Carol Archer (All That Jazz Inc.)
Melanie Maxwell (Smooth Jazz News)
Denis Poole (Smooth Jazz Therapy/Smooth Jazz Vibes)
Brian Soergel (Smooth Jazz Network/Smooth Jazz News/JazzTimes)
Jonathan Widran (Jazziz/Wine & Jazz)

BROADCASTER (TERRESTRIAL RADIO)
Randy Bennet
Brian Culbertson
Art Good
Allen Kepler
Dave Koz
Rick O’Dell
Alexander Zonjic

BROADCASTER (INTERNET RADIO)
Jimi King
Ted Hasiuk
Mike Scott
Cameron Smith
Michael Tozzi

INTERNATIONAL MALE VOCALIST
Michael Buble
Seal
Matt Dusk
Anders Holst

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST
Basia
Diana Krall
Sophie Milman
Carol Welsman
Corinne Bailey Rae

INTERNATIONAL GROUP
Four80East
Hiroshima
Jazzmasters
Down to the Bone
Incognito
Groove Kings

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST
Jesse Cook
Oli Silk
Marc Antoine
Candy Dulfur
Paul Hardcastle

CORINNE BAILEY RAE TOUR DATES

Corinne Bailey Rae is launching her first North American tour in three years with a sold-out benefit show for Santa Monica-based public radio station KCRW (89.9 FM and KCRW.com). Her dates in Portland on Sunday (April 11) and Seattle next Monday (April 12) will be (RED )NIGHTS shows, with a portion of the proceeds going to RED in support of the Global Fund, the dominant financer of programs that fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. While on tour, Bailey Rae will play the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on April 17 and the St. Lucia Jazz Festival on May 8. She’ll also play select Lilith Fair dates, to be announced. Corinne Bailey Rae is also scheduled to perform “The Blackest Lily” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday (April 7). She’ll appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on May 3 and CBS’ The Early Show on May 6. In addition, she’ll be featured on the Dave Koz Radio Show, which is syndicated worldwide on more than smooth jazz radio stations, on May 8th.

Corinne Bailey Rae tour schedule:
04/06 Los Angeles, CA @ Vibiana
04/09 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
04/11 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre (RED) NIGHTS CONCERT
04/12 Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre (RED) NIGHTS CONCERT
04/15 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
04/17 Indio, CA @ Coachella Music and Arts Festival
04/22 Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
04/24 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
04/26 Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
04/28 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
04/30 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
05/01 Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
05/03 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
05/04 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
05/08 St. Lucia St. @ Lucia Jazz Festival
05/11 Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
05/13 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/14 Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live