CTI RECORDS: THE COOL REVOLUTION

Masterworks Jazz celebrates the 40th anniversary of CTI Records, the beloved jazz label founded in 1970 by producer Creed Taylor, beginning October 5 with the release of 6 classic CTI titles remastered on CD followed by CTI Records: The Cool Revolution, a deluxe 4-CD multi-artist box set retrospective on October 12. Two weeks later on October 26, the double-CD restoration of California Concert: The Hollywood Palladium (1971) will be released with 90 minutes of music rarely heard and never before available. The 40th anniversary commemoration will also include reissues of 6 more classic CTI albums, plus four collectible vinyl LPs in the coming months.

CTI Records: The Cool Revolution will contain four hour-long-plus discs, each presenting a thematic overview of a particular aspect of CTI: Straight Up Jazz, Deep Grooves/Big Hits, The Brazilian Connection, Cool and Classic. The 39 tracks in the box set – as well as all CTI anniversary edition titles – are remastered for the first time from the original analog 1/4-inch tapes. Reissues producer Richard Seidel and engineers Mark Wilder, Maria Triana and Dave Darlington recapture the rich, distinctive sound of the original LPs achieved by Taylor and original engineer Rudy Van Gelder. CTI Records: The Cool Revolution includes a lavishly illustrated 20-page, LP-sized booklet containing rare photos, plus new liner notes by noted jazz critic Dan Ouellette with comments by CTI artists and enthusiasts.

The 2010 edition of California Concert: The Hollywood Palladium is the most complete version of the historic Hollywood Palladium all-star concert recorded July 18, 1971. It doubles the content of the original five-song LP release with five additional tracks - three of them previously unreleased - and restores the original concert sequence for the first time. Creed Taylor hand-picked a dream team of CTI artists for the occasion: Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Hank Crawford, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Johnny Hammond, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham and Airto Moreira. Liner notes are by multi-Grammy winning musician-producer Bob Belden who says California Concert: The Hollywood Palladium "...ranks up there with the greatest jazz concerts of all time..."

There will also be a full slate of classic CTI album reissues packaged in eco-friendly softpack sleeves that replicate the original gatefold LP design and their iconic covers most with photos by Pete Turner. Six titles will arrive on October 5: She Was Too Good To Me by Chet Baker, God Bless the Child by Kenny Burrell, Red Clay by Freddie Hubbard, StoneFlower by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Morning Star by Hubert Laws (first time on CD), and Stanley Turrentine's Sugar. Upcoming January 2011 CD releases include White Rabbit by George Benson, All Blues by Ron Carter (first time on CD outside of Japan), Prelude by Deodato, Pure Desmond by Paul Desmond, Concierto by Jim Hall, and Milt Jackson's Sunflower. October 26 sees 180-gram vinyl LP reissues of 4 classic CTI albums using the original gatefold sleeve designs accompanied with digital download cards: Red Clay by Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine's Sugar, White Rabbit by George Benson and Prelude by Deodato.

In the 1970s, CTI, its music, its style and its discriminating quality transformed contemporary jazz. The roster worked almost like a repertory company, in which great musicians took turns in the spotlight and accompanying each other. The albums they and their colleagues created set new standards in their look as well as their sound. "[Creed Taylor's] plan was ingeniously simple, yet famously maverick: record top-tier musicians, keeping their artistic integrity intact while also making their art palatable to the people. CTI thus achieved that rare balance of jazz and commercialism," writes Dan Ouellette in the liner notes. CTI surpassed the majors and fellow indies to be named the #1 Jazz Label of 1974 by Billboard. The immediate success of CTI's recordings has echoed across the decades in a profound influence on jazz, pop, R&B and hip-hop.

CTI Records: The Cool Revolution
Disc 1
1. Sugar – Stanley Turrentine
2. Moment’s Notice – Hubert Laws
3. So What – Ron Carter
4. Autumn Leaves – Chet Baker
5. Speed Ball – Milt Jackson & Stanley Turrentine
6. Intrepid Fox – Freddie Hubbard
7. Ifrane – Randy Weston
8. Free As A Bird – Don Sebesky
9. So What? – George Benson

Disc 2:
1. Red Clay – Freddie Hubbard
2. It’s Too Late – Johnny Hammond
3. Home Is Where The Hatred Is – Esther Phillips
4. We’ve Got A Good Thing Going – Hank Crawford
5. White Rabbit – George Benson

6. Fire And Rain – Hubert Laws

7. What A Difference A Day Makes – Esther Phillips

8. Follow Your Heart – Joe Farrell

9. Also Sprach Zarathrustra – Deodato

10. Mister Magic – Grover Washington Jr.

Disc 3:

1. Stone Flower – Antonio Carlos Jobim

2. Ponteio – Astrud Gilberto & Stanley Turrentine

3. First Light – Freddie Hubbard

4. Salt Song – Stanley Turrentine

5. Pensativa – Hubert Laws

6. Tombo In 7/4 – Airto Moreira

7. Sunflower – Milt Jackson

8. Return To Forever – Airto Moreira

9. Wave – Paul Desmond

10. Carly & Carole – Deodato

11. Brazil (Alternative Take) – Antonio Carlos Jobim

Disc 4:

1. My Funny Valentine (Live) – Chet Baker & Gerry Mulligan

2. All Blues – Ron Carter

3. Song To A Seagull – Paul Desmond

4. Pavane – Hubert Laws

5. What I’ll Do – Chet Baker

6. Westchester Lady – Bob James

7. A Child Is Born – Kenny Burrell

8. Take Five – George Benson

9. Concerto De Aranjuez – Jim Hall

GREEN BAY'S WAUN SWITCHES FORMATS TO SMOOTH AC

Green Bay Wisconsin’s Smooth Jazz station WAUN has shifted to a new Smooth AC (Adult Contemporary) format. The new format is being delivered from Broadcast Architecture and features smooth AC music from Mchael Buble, Leona Lewis, John Mayer, Colbie Caillet, Alicia Keys, Kenny G, Beyonce, Norah Jones, Sade, Jason Mraz, Dave Koz and Mariah Carey, as well as favorites from Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams, Simply Red, George Benson, and other. "We're pleased to have SMOOTH AC on Smooth Bay's WAUN," Program Director Denny Heier said. "It fills a need in the Green Bay market for Soft AC that’s smooth and relaxing." "We are very excited to assist DAVE and his team on bringing this exciting new radio format to the Green Bay area," Broadcast Architecture President Allen Kepler states. "With typical AC stations moving away from the softer approach we know that there are many adults looking for a companion to help them relax and enjoy their day. The music mix offers a variety of styles, genres and eras of music not found on other stations and we see this to be a solid opportunity to deliver strong 25-54 ratings wherever Smooth AC in on the air." The music will be 75 percent vocals and 25 percent instumentals. Prior to adopting the current smooth jazz format, WAUN aired a satellite-fed classic hits format from Jones Radio, branded as "U-Rock.", prior to that it FM Talk, and during much of the 80s and 90s it aired various country formats, including Hot Country and Polka known as "Moo 92".


http://www.smoothbays.com/

DREW DAVIDSON – WE 3 STRINGZ

Drew Davidsen’s new Christmas CD features prformances setting the backdrop for a wonderful holiday season, evoking rich textures and new reveries in these brilliant, classic melodies. We 3 Stringz, features guitarists Chuck Loeb, Paul Jackson, Jr. and a host of wonderful Nashville session players, released just in time for the upcoming holiday season. In a day where some smooth jazz is programmed, a distinctive of Drew's music is a commitment to capturing the essence of jazz, 'having live musicians in a room together.' This new offering confirms there’s always room for those with talent to rise to the top. He is exceptionally grateful for his collaboration with producer Eric Copeland of Creative Soul Jazz www.creativesouljazz.com and says that his fourth CD project will show a ‘deeper side’ to his playing slated to be released in January of 2011.

Being a forward thinker, Drew has paired up with innovator Mark Payung, and is the # 1 endorsing artist for the unique new GlassTones guitars. Unlike traditional guitars, everything the strings touch is essentially made of glass, a significant innovation in guitar manufacturing since Les Paul made them electric. The pure tones that result made this guitar the perfect choice for "O Holy Night." Drew also enjoys playing his custom Brubaker guitar and his custom Ibanez archtop. He is very thankful to Martin for his new Artist Series instrument and is excited to explore the world of acoustic guitar.

Davidsen came relatively late to the electric guitar, he dabbled in guitar as a youngster, but studied cello and went on to play bass in high school. At the age of twenty-one, is when he started taking the electric guitar seriously, his musical direction was due in part to jazz guitar icon George Benson. “What an incredible player,” says Davidsen, who was inspired to scat while listening to Benson. He soon drew crowds that turned out regularly at his live shows, which have included the prestigious Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival in Southern California and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach, Florida.

http://www.drewdavidsennetwork.com/

THE MAX WEINBERG BIG BAND TOUR

Max Weinberg builds upon his celebrated career with The Max Weinberg Big Band tour in October and early November of 2010. Bruce Springsteen's long-time E Street Band drummer and the leader for 17 years of what Tom Shales of the Washington Post has called "...the best band in late night television," leads a muscular, swinging 15-piece big band that continues the traditions established by Max's musical heroes including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen, and Maynard Ferguson. The band is comprised of a three-piece rhythm section — piano, bass and drums — and a horn section consisting of five saxophones, four trumpets and three trombones. Recent concerts this summer include performances at Count Basie Theater and the Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series.

An intuitive drummer with powerful yet controlled playing, Weinberg has showcased his talent with Springsteen and the E Street Band for 36 years. In addition, he has performed with Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, B.B. King, Sting, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr (on Ringo's drums!), Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard – and even Isaac Hayes in a rousing version of "Shaft." He is a past winner of Playboy's Pop and Jazz Music Poll as Best Drummer, as well as Rolling Stone Magazine's Critics Poll as Best Drummer. Complementing his legendary musical career, he authored "The Big Beat: Conversations with Rock's Great Drummers," making an important contribution to rock literature. The book is a compilation of a series of interviews he conducted over two years with his favorite drummers from different eras including Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, Levon Helm, and Elvis' original, longtime drummer D.J. Fontana.

Following is The Max Weinberg Big Band tour schedule:
• 10/8 Buffalo, NY – Center for the Arts
• 10/9 Syracuse, NY - MIC
• 10/12 Harrisburg, PA – The Whitaker Center
• 10/13 Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
• 10/14 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
• 10/15 Saratoga Springs, NY – Universal Preservation Hall
• 10/17 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar
• 10/20 Indianapolis, IN – Jazz Kitchen (2 shows)
• 10/21 Alton, IL - Eagles Ballroom
• 10/22 Iowa City, IA – Englert Theater
• 10/23 Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
• 10/24 Chicago, IL – The Old Town School of Folk
• 10/25 Minneapolis, MN – The Guthrie Theater
• 10/27 Milwaukee, WI – Northern Lights Theater
• 10/28 Milwaukee, WI – Northern Lights Theater
• 10/29 Des Moines, IA - Hoyt Sherman Theater
• 10/31 Kansas City, MO – Jardine's (2 shows)
• 11/2 Nashville, TN – The Belcourt Theater
• 11/4 Kent, OH – The Kent Stage
• 11/6 South Orange, NJ – South Orange Performing Arts Center

http://www.maxweinberg.com/

WSJT 98.7FM SWITCHES FORMATS

CBS has pulled the plug on Tampa Bay's Smooth Jazz radio station WSJT 98.7FM. CBS Radio changed the format of the longtime jazz station earlier in the month to Adult Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) called "Play 98.7." Smooth jazz lovers will have to be content to listen to the station's high-definition (HD) frequency, 98.8HD2 - but you'll need an HD radio for this. The handwriting was on the wall last year when WSJT was shifted from it's longtime dial position 94.1 to the lower-powered 98.7 to make way for WLLD, which plays rap and dance music. We thought we would share some comments from irate smooth jazz lovers from the Tampa Bay area...

"I hate this I loved Smooth Jazz and miss Alicia Kay this really is awful"

"I agree with all the comments. Who needs one more station like this in the area. I don't have HD, but will certainly not be listening to this station any longer. Guess it will be CD's in the car."

"This new format is AWFUL!! Why did Tampa Bay need another Pop station?! Now 98.7 is playing exactly the same music that Mix 100.7 plays. That's 1 too many....if I wanted to listen to that kind of music, I'd tune into 100.7.....please bring back the old "Smooth Jazz" music!! My husband & I have been fans of this station for several years now and really enjoyed the variety of music/artists they played. We became fans of local artist, Eric Darius, because of hearing his music on this station & enjoyed a wonderful outdoor concert w/Eric a few months ago. (I even got his autograph & a picture w/him!) CBS has done the Tampa Bay area a terrible disservice making the decision to change the format. I will no longer continue to support this station.....bring back the wonderfully different SMOOTH JAZZ/ADULT COMTEMPORARY music we've grown to love & discontinue the repetitive CRAP you're now playing!!!"

"The new format will have listeners (tone deaf) but it will not include me . And I will not be playing this station in my office. Sorry guys.....you might be playing today's "music" without the rap but as for me listening to your station...well, "it's a wrap" for me!"

"This is terrible. We do not need another radio station like this "play" we NEED a great jazz station like we had. I will NOT listen to this - they need to bring back Smooth Jazz."

"So sorry to see that Smooth Jazz is gone. This station was on my car & home radio and not ever changed. Not all of us have or can afford to get an HD radio."

"Im mad, we have already 4 other stations in tampa bay that play sissy chick music all day so we need to add a 5th come ON!"

"SUCKS!!!! totally absolutely positively sucks!! and what sucks even worse is there are NO jazz type stations anywhere on the FM dial!!! it's back to 88.5 but their jazz is sporadic and never did fill the bill. i am heartsick over this. i went to sleep with 94.1/98.7, woke up to that station, drove to work, listened at work, etc. it was THE ONLY station as far as i was concerned. this is just terrible!!!!"

"This is bullshit! First they start to ruin 98.7 by reducing the number of actually jazz songs they played an that made me mad but now they completely get rid of it. Screw CBS and screw Orlando and crappy ass Wild 94.1!"

"I am deeply saddened.. I agree with others that their are more than enough of these types of channels available.. I really liked Smooth Jazz.. I too had noticed the format changing and playing less jazz in the past months and was about to email asking why the change.. but now it's too late.. My heart is broken!!! :o("

"I can't believe this!!! The only station I was listening to - is gone ?? WTF I don't have HD, wher do I find some jazz now?"

"I don't believe this!!! I am extremely disappointed! Needless to say, I WILL NOT be listening to the new 98.7. I guess I'll just listen to CDs in my car and stream WSJT.com from my computer at work!!! This really sucks!!! A new raido station that plays "today's best hits" is the last thing we need... I hope CBS realizes they made a horrible mistake!!!!"

"Smooth Jazz 94.1/98.7 was the best station in tampa ,I was listening to songs before my time and I loved it, others thought I had an old soul because I listened to this station; but what they didnt know was it protected me from horrible times,it took me to another world and made me very happy; Its very sad it had to end likes this, now I have no more smooth jazz to listen to, which will get me depressed all over again, TOO BAD!!!!!!!!"

"This really STINKS!!!!! I hope you enjoy your new fan base because it will NOT include me!!!! What do all of us fans do if we don't have HD radio???????? How do we find our favorite station????!!! You guys are a bunch of JERKS to take our station OFF without at least moving it to another location where we can access it!! We want great JAZZZ, not this JUNK stuff you call music!!!"

"I AM TRULY SADDENED BY THE ABRUPT CHANGE IN THE MUSIC FORMAT. THIS REALLY IS ABOUT THE ONLY STATION I TRULY ENJOYED. WOULD CBS HAVE ASKED ITS LISTENERS WHAT THEY THOUGHT ABOUT A CHANGE, THEY MAY HAVE FOUND ITS LISTENERS WERE CONTENT. I WILL NOT BE LISTENING TO THIS STATION."

"This is not only an lack of knowing what your listeners want in the Tampa Bay area but how out of touch CBS is in general."

"Main stream radio had only ONE decent station - SMOOTH JAZZ. CBS obviously has one concern - MONEY. I agree with comment above, CBS is out of touch. This is a real loss for those of us who love smooth jazz."

"Wow...I miss living in a city where one can truly indulge in listening to creative music. I suppose that's just reflective of the American nation...we're followers of rubbish as opposed to being creative leaders. Perhaps I'll begin BANGING out some noise to become famous!!!"

"One more thing...my radio was set to Maxima FM and Smooth Jazz; however, now it's back to my CDs since both stations have compromised for the lesser cultured listeners."

"I am very mad about this move bring our jazz station back NOW."

"The Jazz station format was the best format I have ever heard. CBS you really Screwed-up. I am calling for everyone to boycott anything to do with CBS. We want our SMOOTH JAZZ staion back. The people who made this decision are complete "IDIOTS".

"I agree with most other posts too. I will not listen to the new format. I'll have to pop cd's in now, and that will somewhat limit the variety that WSJT provided. I'm tired of most of the music formats in the bay area... Such a shame that the station owners (CBS) didn't let listeners know so we could have voiced our opinion BEFORE this happened.... No more CBS for me.. PERIOD."

"Ya know what really cracks me up is that CBS is so stupid. DO THEY NOT REALIZE TAMPA BAY HAS THE JAZZ FESTIVAL WHERE THEY ( all the musician Kenny g Mindi Abair etc...) come and play at Coachman park."

"THIS WAS THE ONLY REAL RADIO STATION AND NOW IT IS GONE. EVERYONE ALWAYS SAYS LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR VIEWERS WANT. WELL WE WANT OUR SMOOTH JAZZ BACK. THIS NEW RADIO STATION IS JUST AS BAD AS ALL THE OTHERS. I WILL NOT LISTEN TO MORE HEADACHE CAUSING GARBAGE! WE WANT AND NEED THE CLASS AND SOPHISTICATION THAT IS MISSING FROM TODAY'S MUSIC. SHAME ON YOU CBS FOR SUCH AN ABRUPT MOVE!!!"

"I cannot believe this I have been a loyal listener for the last 8 years since I moved to the area - I will not be listening to the new format - CHANGE IT BACK - NOW - WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING."

"Will not listen to this station any more, I think you have made a terrible mistake with that change. There is no jazz station in the bay area, almost make me want to move back to the real bay area on the west coast."

"I wonder how this will affect the jazz festival. WSJT seemed to play a large part in their marketing and providing their on air staff to host and introduce acts."

"CBS is totally out of touch with the market and the spin they are putting on it is absurd. HD radio is pathetic and does not work unless you are in the right location and hardly anyone has receivers. In fact there is a class action suit coming against Ibiquity-the creator of HD radio. The plan here for 98.7 is to try and cut the listener shares on Clear Channel's 93.3 and 100.7. It is sader yet becasue CBS has some of the best Urban adult stations in the US and Smooth was a major part of the community culture. The loss of ratings was directly proportionate to the loss of signal when it was moved to 98.7. At the least they could put the Smooth format on 1010-the 50,000 watt AM station that they own and don't care about. I think it is in the seriously bottom end of the Arbitron ratings if it shows at all..I would rather hear Smooth on AM than nowhere and that way the folks in Polk and Highlands and a bunch of other places would get Smooth again since they lost it when 94.1 went HipHop. Makes one wonder if CBS is going to flip KTWV, Los Angeles from smooth anytime soon."

"I think CBS seriously made a mistake by taking the only jazz station off the air. I like many others listened to this station it kept me calm and peaceful on the long rides home from work and throughout the day. Obviously they were only thinking of themselves and didn't bother to get the publics opinion about the station. Well you won't have to worry about me listening to this new mess to many stations out there like it same old crap. Hope you are happy CBS."

"Give me a break top 40 without the rap. I have gone away from this jazz station and went almost entirely to WDUV 105.5 better music and also sports talk radio."

"What are smooth jazz listeners going to do now? We seem left out in the cold for our genre of music. WSJT was the only radio station that satisfied my culturally diversified office. The music played agreed with everyone's musical taste. We are severely handicapped with trying to find a station that provides easy listening and is comfortable to listen to at work."

"I also agree with most of the prior comments. I am very upset, that the Jazz station has disappeared. and I will not listen to the current station. There is definitely a huge fan base for Jazz music and taking it away is doing a huge disservice to the Tampa Bay area. It was great listening music at any time, whether going to or from work or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

"Bring it back!"

"Totally agree with the other comments. We only had the ONE jazz station and CBS took it away just to add yet another station that plays the same stupid songs over and over. CBS SUCKS."

"BIG mistake!"

"Years ago we had The Wave which was a Smooth Jazz channel ahead of it's time,we lost it for years and then the time was right and WSJT was born and life was good again......... Now this?? Sorry but go to any other large metro area and there is a Jazz channel, this is all about the $$$ as usual! Public out cry or boycott is the only way to deal with this kind of BS!"

"That sucks!! I'm from Orlando where we have the best jazz station around I used to look foward to listening to wsjt when in town. What a dissappointment!!"

SANTANA: GUITAR HEAVEN: THE GREATEST GUITAR CLASSICS OF ALL TIME

Santana’s upcoming new album, entitled Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time is due September 21 and it will feature some of the greatest guitar classics of all time. The album features all-time guitar-centric rock songs chosen by Carlos Santana and Clive Davis, with special guest vocalists on every track – Chris Cornell “Whole Lotta Love”; Pat Monahan “Dance The Night Away”; Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek “Riders On The Storm”; Rob Thomas “Sunshine Of Your Life”; Scott Weiland “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’”; Chris Daughtry “Photograph”; Gavin Rossdale “Bang A Gong”; Nas and Jonelle Monae “Back In Black”; Joe Cocker “Little Wing”; Jonny Lang “I Ain’t Superstitious”; and the first single “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” featuring India.Arie and Yo-Yo Ma, plus more. The Deluxe Editon of Guitar Heaven will feature two extra songs and “The Making Of Guitar Heaven” DVD with behind the scenes, in the studio performance footage and interviews with guest vocalists and producers. Guitar Heaven follows the trilogy of award –winning album collaborations by Carlos Santana and Clive Davis – Supernatural (1999), Shamen (2002), and All That I Am (2005). The album is scheduled for release on September 21 and will be available as a 12-track standard edition and a 14-track deluxe edition.

Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time tracklisting:

1. Whole Lotta Love (featuring Chris Cornell)

2. Can’t You Hear Me Knocking (featuring Scott Weiland)

3. Sunshine Of Your Love (featuring Rob Thomas)

4. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (featuring India.Arie and Yo-Yo Ma)

5. Dance The Night Away (featuring Pat Monahan)

6. Back In Black (featuring Nas and Janelle Monae)

7. Riders On The Storm (featuring Chester Bennington and Ray Manzarek)

8. Smoke In The Water (featuring Jacoby Shaddix)

9. Photograph (featuring Chris Daughtry)

10. Bang A Gong (featuring Gavin Rossdale)

11. Little Wing (featuring Joe Cocker)

12. I Ain’t Superstitious (featuring Jonny Lang)

13. Fortunate Son (featuring Scott Stapp)*

14. Under The Bridge (featuring Andy Vargas)*

*Deluxe Edition only.

BILL FRISELL - BEAUTIFUL DREAMERS

Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Bill Frisell returns with a new project and a new ensemble, Beautiful Dreamers, a trio consisting of Frisell on guitar, Eyyvind Kang on viola and Rudy Royston on drums.Beautiful Dreamers — a stunning recording of original compositions and striking reinterpretations was released August 31st and will be the first of many new releases by the guitarist on Savoy Jazz. To commemorate the release, Frisell made a special appearance August 30th at Barnes & Noble in New York City (Lincoln Triangle store, 1972 Broadway, NYC 10023) for a solo performance and signing @ 5pm. Bill Frisell will perform and tour throughout the year and into 2011 with the Beautiful Dreamers trio as well as his other ensembles.

Confirmed upcoming performances:
September24 - Caramoor International Music Festival, New York - Bill Frisell Trio w/ Rudy Royston & Tony Scherr

October 23-24 - Noe Valley Ministry, San Francisco, CA - Frisell's 858 Quartet w/ Eyyvind Kang, Hank Roberts & Jenny Scheinman

November 2 - Silver Platters, Seattle, WA - Bill Frisell solo in-store performance
November 3 - Triple Door, Seattle, WA Fretboard Journal 5 Year Anniversary -Beautiful Dreamers
November 5 - University of Alabama - Beautiful Dreamers
November 6 - Dan's Silverleaf, Denton, TX - Beautiful Dreamers
November 7 - One World Theater,Austin, TX - Beautiful Dreamers
November 18 -Purdue University,IN - Disfarmer Project
November 19 - Space, Evanston, IL - Disfarmer Project
November 20 - Society for Ethical Culture, NY - Disfarmer Project
February 11, 2011 - Mondavi Center, Davis, CA - Beautiful Dreamers
February 12, 2011 - Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA - Beautiful Dreamers

http://www.songtone.com/
http://www.savoyjazz.com/

ISAAC DELGADO - L-O-V-E

Sony Masterworks has released L-O-V-E by Cuban superstar Issac Delgado. On L-O-V-E, Delgado recreates 12 sultry and sexy Spanish recordings originally sung by crooner Nat King Cole. He does so with the help of a number of outstanding musicians including a special contribution by Nat King Cole's brother, Freddy Cole. This is the first time that Freddy Cole has participated in a tribute album for his brother. Nat King Cole's relationship with the Spanish language is interesting and relatively unknown. Between 1958 and 1962, Nat King Cole released his three albums in Spanish. Recorded in Cuba, Brazil and Mexico, they included hits 'Perfidia', 'Quizas, quizas, quizas', 'Ay cosita linda', 'Piel canela', 'Aquellos ojos verdes' and 'Yo vendo unos ojos negros'. His Spanish albums created a new awareness for Latin-American music globally. Among Nat King Cole's fans was Cuban vocalist Issac Delgado who grew up listening to Cole's Spanish recordings which he felt combined Cuban bolero music with the sounds of classic American romantic ballads.

Eight of the twelve songs on L-O-V-E can be found on Nat King Cole's three Latin albums and the remaining four, are Cole classics that Delgado reinterprets in Spanish by infusing his own personal style and Latin Jazz elements into each one. A charismatic musician, Delgado transforms these 20th century classics into 21st century masterpieces while staying true and authentic to his Cuban roots. Of the recordings Freddy Cole says, "A good song can become the shortest way between two hearts, especially when the best singers and performers hold our hands to take us there. Issac Delgado belongs to this generation of stars. He successfully and newly versioned, for a new generation of listeners, the essence and the spirit of the classic albums my brother recorded from the late fifties. It's been a great honor and a true pleasure to be part of this recording. This is the kind of music that always fills our hearts."

The album features a long list of guest musicians including music director and pianist John di Martino, contrabassist Charles Flores, drummer Dafnis Prieto, percussionist Pedro Martinez, guitarist Romero Lubambo, clarinet and saxophone player Ken Peplowski, trombonist Conrad Herwig and trumpeter Brian Lynch. The stellar array of musicians also includes the great Cuban singer Xiomara Laugart "La Negra", and Issac Delgado Jr. as backing vocalist. L-O-V-E was produced by Nat Chediak, Delgado and Fernado Trueba. L-O-V-E is a Calle 54 Records production released by Sony Masterworks in the U.S.

Often referred to as the "Frank Sinatra of salsa" Delgado started studying music formally at the age of 10 when he attended the Amadeo Roldan and Ignacio Cervantes music conservatories. At 18, he debuted with the Gonzalo Rubalcaba's Grupo Proyecto, to later start playing with the Pacho Alonso Orchestra and NG La Banda. This latter contribution helped him to become one of the most important representatives of timba, a new style created from Afro-Cuban music. In 1991, he debuted as a solo artist and has since recorded a dozen albums and traveled around the world as "El Chevere de la Salsa".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE_Ts2KaTpA&feature=related

L-O-V-E Tracklisting:
1. Perfidia
2. Quizas, quizas, quizas (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)
3. Tiernamente (Tenderly)
4. Ay Cosita Linda
5. Suas Maos
6. A Su Mirar Me Acostumbre (I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face)
7. Piel Canela
8. Aquellos Ojos Verdes (Green Eyes)
9. L-O-V-E
10. Yo Vendo Unos Ojos Negros
11. Hojas Muertas (Les Feuille Mortes)
12. No Tengo Lagrimas (Nao Tenho Lagrimas)

KEM - INTIMACY

Universal Motown Records singer-songwriter-producer KEMs third album, Intimacy, is now available in stores and at all online digital retailers. The album’s first single is a soulful ballad called “Why Would You Stay,” which was produced by Rex Rideout (Luther Vandross, Angie Stone). Featuring a string arrangement by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra string section that was arranged by the late Motown legend David J. Van dePitte - who famously produced Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece, What’s Going On —“Why Would You Stay” is currently No. 19 on Billboard’s Hip-Hop/R&B Songs chart and was the No. 1 Greatest Gainer on both the BDS and Mediabase Urban AC Published Charts. Named “New and Noteworthy” by iTunes, Intimacy was inspired by KEM’s deeply personal lessons on intimacy and it will allow fans to experience him unlike ever before musically, lyrically, and visually. For the first time in his career, KEM will lay all of his cards on the table and grant fans the opportunity to get up close and personal while delivering a 10-song collection of timeless music for the grown and sexy.

Intimacy features vocal and production collaborations with the likes of Grammy-winning soul diva Jill Scott, who delivers enchanting verses of spoken word in “Golden Days.” Los Angeles producer Rex Rideout (Luther Vandross, Angie Stone) also joined KEM in the studio to help round out the Intimacy listening experience. The result is a richer sound buttressed by classical instruments and a greater range of musical styles that will certainly expand KEM’s audience by garnering success across multiple formats, including pop, R&B, and urban adult contemporary. Smooth grooves, powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and just plain feel-good music best describe KEM’s instantly recognizable sound. In 2002, the self-taught musician wrote and produced his critically acclaimed debut solo album, Kemistry, which spawned the hit single “Love Calls.” The classic track went on to break records for longevity on the Urban A/C chart while the disc achieved gold-plus status and solidified KEM’s position as a leading man in the world of R&B music. The success of his gold certified follow-up CD, 2005’s KEM Album II — which debuted at an impressive No. 5 on Billboard’s all-important Top 200 Chart —proved KEM’s staying power in the very competitive world of R&B.

Now with the release of Intimacy, KEM is opening up to reveal the elusive man behind the voice. In fact, working on this project not only led KEM, a proud father of two daughters who self-produced his first two albums, to a deeper understanding of the true meaning of intimacy, but it also helped him achieve a greater appreciation for the significance of intimacy in all aspects of his life beyond romantic relationships. “I’ve spent the past five years working on this project in the midst of many personal trials, which caused me to pause and take a more introspective look at myself, my family relationships, my walk with God, and even how I relate to my music,” said KEM. “What I found was that giving each more time and attention is essential.”

http://www.musicbykem.com/
www.facebook.com/kemofficial
www.myspace.com/kemofficial
twitter.com/kem_intimacy
www.youtube.com/kemtv

MICHAEL BUBLÉ CRAZY LOVE TOUR DATES 2010

2010 continues to be Michael Bublé's golden hour as Reprise Records confirmed the release of "Hollywood," the Canadian superstar's highly anticipated new single which follows up his previous No. 1 single, "Haven't Met You Yet." "Hollywood" was co-written by Bublé and will have an accompanying video that will be released later this month with Bublé portraying a number of different celebrities. The label will also be releasing the deluxe Crazy Love Hollywood Edition on October 25th. Bublé's sold out "Crazy Love Tour," whose national promoter is Beaver Productions, has added 14 more shows beginning November 23rd in Hershey, Pennsylvania. (tour dates are listed at end of release). New dates include a return visit to Madison Square Garden in NYC on November 28th and will finish up at LA's Staples Center on December 13th. The "Crazy Love Tour" has received the best reviews of Bublé's career including the Orange County Register which glowed, "You're witnessing one of the greats... a performer in peak form. Every night, another 15,000 people or so are left convinced that this performance was among the very best and most important he's ever given. Such superstars are rare indeed."

Michael Bublé's current multi-platinum CD will be re-released in a deluxe package, Michael Bublé- Crazy Love Hollywood Edition, on October 25th and will contain several new songs including "Hollywood" as well as live show-stopping versions of "Haven't Met You Yet" and the Billy Vera tune, "At This Moment." These select new songs will also be sold as a standalone CD. In other Michael Bublé news, the artist has teamed up with Beringer Vineyards who will become the official wine of "The Crazy Love Tour." The exclusive partnership will include valuable offers and experiences for Bublé fans at numerous retail, restaurant and concert venues. The collaboration will also include unique online components throughout the duration of the tour.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ CRAZY LOVE TOUR DATES 2010:
11/23/10 Hershey, PA Giant Center
11/24/10 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
11/26/10 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
11/27/10 Boston, MA TD Garden
11/28/10 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
11/30/10 Washington, DC Verizon Center
12/1/10 Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena
12/3/10 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
12/4/10 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
12/5/10 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
12/7/10 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
12/8/10 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
12/11/10 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
12/13/10 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

www.michaelbuble.com.

PAT METHENY'S ORCHESTRION TOUR

Following a wildly enthusiastic reception to shows around the world last spring, 17-time Grammy Award-winner Pat Metheny brings his Orchestrion Tour to another 19 North American performance halls beginning October 1. The Orchestrion album, which came out in January on Nonesuch Records, has received critical praise from the New York Times, Associated Press, Village Voice, and Billboard, among many other publications. Metheny, whom the New York Times calls "easily one of the most enterprising jazz musicians of his generation," has performed shows to sold-out audiences in some of the world's best-known halls, including the Barbican in London, l'Olympia in Paris, the Konzerthaus in Vienna, and two sold-out nights at New York City's Town Hall. London's Telegraph calls the show "a triumph," while the Kansas City Star says, "Metheny's Orchestrion is nothing short of spectacular... Endlessly fascinating and visually dazzling." Orchestrion brings a musical idea from the late 19th and early 20th centuries -- a large mechanical multi-instrument device that utilizes actual orchestral instruments of various types, called an "orchestrion" -- to the technologies of today. Metheny's concept includes a large ensemble of acoustic instruments -- including several pianos, drum kit, marimbas, "guitar-bots," dozens of percussion instruments, and even cabinets of carefully tuned bottles. Through Metheny's guitar and compositional mind, five new original pieces showcase the instruments as they are struck, plucked, and otherwise played via the technology of solenoid switches and pneumatics. Metheny worked for months with a brilliant team of inventors to develop and assemble the "New Orchestrion" for this project.

"As the instruments started to trickle in from the various inventors," Metheny says, "the experience of writing for them and figuring out what might be possible with them provided a self-imposed challenge that proved to be difficult and time-consuming, but absolutely exhilarating. I am excited to share this project. If nothing else, this has turned out to be something unique. And in the process of developing all this music and these instruments and discovering what they can do and what they are good at, I learned so much. It feels like progress and has gotten some notes out of me that I didn't know were there. But the surprise was just how far I was able to go with it all. Within this new environment, I found something in there that took me to some new places."

Over the course of more than three decades, guitarist Pat Metheny has set himself apart from the jazz mainstream, expanding and blurring boundaries and musical styles. His record-setting body of work includes seventeen Grammy Awards in twelve separate categories; a series of influential trio recordings; award winning solo albums; scores for hit Hollywood motion pictures; and collaborations and duets with major artists such as Ornette Coleman, Steve Reich, Charlie Haden, Brad Mehldau, and many others. His band, the Pat Metheny Group, founded in 1977, is the only ensemble in history to win Grammys for seven consecutive releases.

Hear Orchestrion: http://www.nonesuch.com/albums/orchestrion.
See the Orchestrion in action: http://www.nonesuch.com/media/videos/pat-metheny-introduces-orchestrion.

Pat Metheny Orchestrion Performances
Friday, October 1 Birmingham, AL Alys Stephens Center
Saturday, October 2 Louisville, KY Brown Theatre
Sunday, October 3 Munhall, PA Carnegie Library Music Hall
Tuesday, October 5 Burlington, VT Flynn Center
Wednesday, October 6 Peekskill, NY The Paramount
Thursday, October 7 Princeton, NJ McCarter Theatre Center
Friday, October 8 Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
Saturday, October 9 Morristown, NJ Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, October 10 Great Barrington, MA Mahaiwe Theatre
Tuesday, October 12 Montreal, Canada Maisonneuve
Wednesday, October 13 Quebec City, Canada Theatre Capitole
Friday, October 15 Bethlehem, PA Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University
Saturday, October 16 Buffalo, NY Univ. of Buffalo Center for the Arts
Sunday, October 17 East Lansing, MI The Wharton Center
Tuesday, October 19 Binghamton, NY Anderson Center for the Arts
Wednesday, October 20 Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theatre
Thursday, October 21 Northampton, MA Calvin Theatre
Friday, October 22 Brookville, NY Tilles Center
Saturday, October 23 Torrington, CT Warner Theatre

KIRK WHALUM TO PERFORM AT DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL

Seven-time Grammy nominated Jazz saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, performs live, Saturday, September 4, 2010 at the 31st Annual Detroit Jazz Festival for The Woodwind and Brasswind’s live webcast. To take advantage of this amazing opportunity and hear one of modern jazz’s finest musicians, tune in from 9:00 to 10:30 p.m., EST. Whalum, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, first gained wide notice in the mid-‘80s through a partnership with Bob James. That collaboration produced 3 well-received albums, including his 1988 break-through outing, And You Know That! Whalum went on to record hits that ranked at the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, earned Grammy nominations, and won him a Stellar Award. Kirk Whalum’s music collection and his podcast 2010 Bible in Your Ear are both currently available online. Whalum’s performance at this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival is a tribute to one of his principal musical influences—influential R&B artist Donny Hathaway. The eldest daughter of the legendary Mr. Hathaway (who passed away in 1979), Lalah Hathaway, will make a special guest appearance as the key vocalist during Whalum’s set. Whalum and Lalah will be backed John Stoddart on keyboards and vocals, Braylon Lacy on bass, Kevin Turner on guitar, and Marcus Finnie on drums. Whalum brings his own voice to the stage while celebrating Hathaway’s life and musical stylings.

Whalum was recently named president and CEO of the Memphis-based Soulsville Foundation as he takes over for longtime Soulsville head Deanie Parker. Parker originally retired from her post in late 2007, but returned last year in an interim capacity after the departure of her replacement, Marc Willis. In addition to Whalum's appointment, Memphis businessman Mark Wender has joined Soulsville as the foundation's chief operating officer. The 51-year-old Whalum is no stranger to Soulsville, having grown up in the famed South Memphis neighborhood and having served as the Stax Music Academy's artist in residence since 2006. "I felt I was already invested in Soulsville on so many levels," said Whalum. "And so it was a matter of asking myself, 'Is this something you can do?' And the answer was yes." "I just really wanted to qualitatively invest -- more so than I was doing as artist in residence -- in the Soulsville kids and community," said Whalum. Although Whalum will continue to record and tour, his new duties at Soulsville will mean a change in his performance obligations. "I'm 51, and I've been out here traveling for 25 years or more, and I've gotten to the point where I'm actually ready to scale back a little," said Whalum.

JACK JONES - LOVE MAKES THE CHANGES: THE LYRICS OF ALAN & MARILYN BERGMAN

Legendary singer Jack Jones, best known for his Grammy-winning vocals for Wives and Lovers and Lollipops and Roses, releases the next chapter in his long history of making hits, Love Makes the Changes: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, out on August 3rd, 2010. Jack Jones, noted the “best jazz singer in the World,” by Judy Garland, “THE greatest ‘pure’ singer in the world” by Mel Tormé and “One of the major singers of our time” by Frank Sinatra, is one of the most recognizable artists in the world. During the 60’s, Jack released his first of many hits Lollipops and Roses, soon followed by Wives and Lovers, She Loves Me, Lady, The Race Is On, What I Did For Love, and the Grammy nominated Impossible Dream. These songs paved the way for his musical career spanning over five decades and encompassing more than sixty albums, including Grammy nominated Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett. 

A double Grammy winner, Jack performs around the globe to sold-out audiences in venues ranging from Jazz clubs to the London Palladium. Whether he performs with his trio or full Symphony orchestra, his musical perfection, vocal passion, phenomenal breath control and impeccable phrasing all unfailingly illustrate why he stands with the luminaries. From the thematic threads of his shows to his ability to make the largest halls intimate, Jack Jones is the very definition of a complete and total entertainer.

Love Makes the Changes: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, was created as a tribute to the lives and shared love of Jack’s good friends and celebrated songwriters, Alan and Marilyn Bergman. During their distinguished career, their songs have been nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, for which they have won three: "The Windmills of Your Mind" in 1968, "The Way We Were" in 1973, and the score for "Yentl" in 1984. "Windmills" and "The Way We Were" also earned Golden Globe Awards, and "The Way We Were" earned two Grammys. Among their songs are: for Frank Sinatra "Nice 'n' Easy;" for Ray Charles "In the Heat of the Night," for Fred Astaire "That Face," " You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," "So Many Stars," "The Summer Knows," "Where Do You Start?," "On My Way to You," "You Must Believe In Spring," to name but a few.

Jack explains the motivation behind the release, “For years, my dear friends Alan and Marilyn Bergman have had the ideal loving and pure relationship, truly sharing almost every ounce of life. I call them: "The Masters and Johnson of Romance.” So I wondered, ‘How could they possibly perceive what it feels like when the music doesn't keep playing?’ Well, on this CD We pay tribute to the most perceptive and creative couple I know. They have inspired me to put many of their wonderful creations into one of my weak story lines…Each of these song tells part of the story, most of which you and I have lived through. You write your own story as you follow the songs, and even if it doesn't turn out to be much of a book, it will be one hell of a score.”

Track Listing:
1. That Face
2. It Might Be You
3. I Won’t Believe My Eyes
4. Nice ‘N’ Easy
5. The Windmills of Your Mind
6. In Another Life
7. The Summer Knows
8. Where Do You Start?
9. Medley: the Way We Were / How Do You Keep the Music Playing?
10. On My Way To You
11. Love Makes the Changes
12. What Matters Most

http://www.jackjones.org/
http://www.jackjonesmusic.com/

BOBBY CALDWELL JOINS TIMELESS COOL MUSIC RADIO

Continuing with his celebrated, award-winning devotion of bringing music to fans of all ages across the globe, famed number one hit maker and artist Bobby Caldwell is now hosting mornings 6-10 am on Timeless Cool Radio. Joining current Timeless Cool afternoon and evening singer/song writer hosts Steve March-Torme’ and Janet Planet, Bobby brings a background of international live performing and studio recording to the Timeless Cool morning audience. Well known for his classic, “What You Won’t Do For Love”, Bobby’s music has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. His songwriting skills include hits for himself as well as Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant, Neil Diamond and Al Jarreau. Drawing from his vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz stylings, and big band songs, Bobby’s has devoted his entire life to song writing, recording and performing. He has toured His vast catalogue ranging from pop to soul to big band epitomizes the variety and diversity of the Timeless Cool mix. Timeless Cool blends classic and contemporary artists and songs that are carefully selected to produce a blend not shared with existing formats in any market.

Scott Gilreath, President of Radio Affiliate Services & Syndication (RASS) who is syndicating the format nationally says “the balance of artists, like Michael Buble and Diane Krall who get limited or no airplay, help to balance the appeal to a younger adult demo allowing Timeless Cool to offer a “wider variety” than existing formats and voids excessive repeats of music found on other radio stations. Since the announcement was made on New Year’s Eve that Timeless Cool would be available for national syndication, response has been strong from broadcasters wanting to do something “different” in 2010. Broadcasters in over 30 markets have expressed interest for both AM and FM stations. Whether they need a format to replace another providers product or they’re just tired of being “another flavor of oldies, AC or country, etc.” duplicated in their marketplace, broadcasters are reacting positively to Timeless Cool.” The new Timeless Cool format, delivered on AMC-8 (by Clear Channel Satellite) and received on X-Digital, began airing immediately on southwest Florida affiliates, WMYR (Ft. Myers) & WCNZ (Naples-San Marco).

Timeless Cool Music

ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL - "IF IT WASN'T FOR BAD" SINGLE RELEASED

Decca Records has announced the single release of "If It Wasn't For Bad," available August 24th on iTunes and all digital retailers. The highly anticipated single is the first to be made available from The Union, the collaborative album with Elton John and Leon Russell to be released October 19th in the U.S. on Decca (October 25th in the U.K. on Mercury Records). The album marks the first time these iconic artists have worked together since 1970."If It Wasn't For Bad," written by Leon Russell, features vocals by Elton John and piano and vocals by Russell along with an extraordinary band bringing a bold rock/country sound organically crafted by these true musical legends. Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, The Union was recorded live in the studio with Elton and Leon on dueling pianos. The album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. The 14-track disc includes selections written by Elton and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as the combined incomparable songwriting team encompassing Leon, Elton, Bernie and T Bone. Leon first met Elton in 1970 when he attended Elton's first ever U.S. show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists. "In the late '60s and early '70s, the one piano player and vocalist who influenced me more than anybody else was Leon Russell," Elton said. "He was my idol." The pair went on to tour together shortly thereafter at New York's Fillmore East and to this day have held such high admiration for each other's work. After years of being out of touch, Elton listened to Leon's music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. "Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him," Russell said. "I'm very happy that he chose me to do this."

SHEILA E. TO HEADLINE CHCI'S 33RD ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

Hot and sexy Grammy-nominated recording artist and drumming legend Sheila E. featuring the E Family will headline the entertainment at CHCI's 33rd Annual Awards Gala, the hallmark event of Hispanic Heritage Month, on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. With the theme, "Celebrating History, Heritage, and the American Dream," CHCI will present Medallion of Excellence awards to actress Eva Longoria Parker and jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, and the CHCI Chair's Award to Broadway composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. CNN's Soledad O'Brien will serve as the celebrity host. Former Kumbia Kings member and Latin pop sensation Irving "Pee Wee" Salinas will open the evening's program with a new single before performing the national anthem.

Born into a musical family, Sheila E. has been performing for close to four decades and her 1984 single "The Glamorous Life" was nominated for an American Music Award and a Grammy Award. She is the President of Heaven Productions Music and the co-founder and co-chair of the Elevate Hope Foundation, a charitable organization that uses music therapy to work with abused and abandoned children. Her impressive career has exposed the talents of a truly multi-faceted performer- from drumming, percussion, vocals, song writing, arranging, producing, and composing, to her inspiring humanitarian efforts. Sheila E. was also a judge at the most recent Miss Universe Pageant broadcast live from Las Vegas on August 23, 2010.

Each year, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala is the hallmark event that launches Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., and serves as the unifying event for the Hispanic-American community. CHCI would like to thank its Hispanic Heritage Month Conference & Gala Planning Committee members Reps. Ben Lujan, Ciro Rodriguez and Lucille Roybal-Allard. The 33rd Annual Awards Gala Premier sponsor is Comcast and Millennium sponsors include Anheuser-Busch Companies, Lilly USA, Lockheed Martin, and Univision. Proceeds of the Gala benefit CHCI's award-winning leadership development programs.

BOB JAMES, JANE MONHEIT & KURT ELLING HEADLINE THE TANGLEWOOD JAZZ FESTIVAL

The annual Labor Day Weekend Tanglewood Jazz Festival will take place September 4-5 at the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Lenox, Massachusetts. Jazz greats highlighting this year's festival include Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Donal Fox, Maya Beiser, Jane Monheit, Eddie Daniels, Bob James, Peter Erskine, the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Julian Lage, Jessica Molaskey, Laurence Hobgood, and Jazz Café Video Contest winners Noah Baerman, Audrey Silver, Kelley Johnson and Brandon Wright. All shows will be held at Seiji Ozawa Hall and in the Jazz Café tent.

On Saturday, September 4, at 2 pm the 2010 Tanglewood Jazz Festival will open with "Radio Deluxe" co-hosted by John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey. The program will be taped live at the festival for later broadcast on more than 60 stations nation wide. Normally broadcast from their living room "high atop Lexington Avenue," the Tanglewood program will be the second consecutive year they have taken it on the road since the program's inception in 2005. The show's format, marked by the duo's urbane, sophisticated humor, inventive playlist and extensive knowledge of the Great American Songbook, has an expanded repertoire to include such rock era voices as Randy Newman and Joni Mitchell. "Radio Deluxe" from Tanglewood will feature special guest vocalist, Jane Monheit. Monheit skyrocketed to the top of the list of female jazz vocalists ten years ago with her first recording, Never Never Land, and has subsequently released recordings that often debut as number one on the Billboard charts. Her upcoming release, Home (September, 2010, Emarcy/Universal Records), features guest artists Pizzarelli, violinist, Mark O'Connor, pianist, Larry Goldings, guitarist, Frank Vignola and vocalist, Peter Eldridge. Ms. Monheit last performed at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival in 2008 with Mark O'Connor's "Hot Swing" with Vignola and guitarist, Julian Lage.

On Saturday, September 4, at 8 pm, pianist, composer and arranger Laurence Hobgood and his trio will bring Hobgood's exquisite original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards to the stage of Ozawa Hall. Referred to as "one of the most incredible pianists I've ever heard" by Dave Brubeck, Hobgood has collaborated with vocalist Kurt Elling since 1993 when they co-produced Close Your Eyes, their first of six Grammy nominated records on the Blue Note label. Hobgood received his own Grammy statue in 2010 for "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying a Vocalist" for Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman (Concord Records 2009). A powerful, imaginative innovator from the Chicago school of hard-driving swing, Hobgood's latest CD, When the Heart Dances, (Naim Records), features legendary bassist, Charlie Haden.

Following the Laurence Hobgood Trio, Grammy winning vocalist, Kurt Elling will make a triumphant return to the Tanglewood Jazz Festival. Recipient of the 2010 Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album of the Year (Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman), Elling is known for his cutting edge vocalese technique and four-octave baritone voice. A native of Chicago, Elling has worked extensively with the Steppenwolf Theater on multi-disciplinary events incorporating music, poetry, acting, dancing and visual art. He has recorded and toured extensively and was awarded the Prix Billie Holiday from the Academi du Jazz in Paris, placed six consecutive years at the top of the Downbeat Critics and Jazz Times Reader's polls and has received five Jazz Journalists' Association Awards for Best Male Vocalist.

The Sunday afternoon concert on September 5 will open at 2 pm with a rare performance by clarinetist/saxophonist Eddie Daniels, pianist, Bob James, drummer Peter Erskine and bassist James Genus in a new program called "Broadway Boogie." Musical collaborators for forty years, Daniels and James refer to this swinging, integrated quartet as "chamber jazz. "Chamber jazz," says Daniels, denotes music in a close setting that is finely tuned and woven together, even in its improvisation and composition, that pulls the listener into the utter intimacy of the setting. I believe this approach can transform the performer as well as the listener." Repertoire ranges from jazz standards to Bach. Bob James, best known for his smooth and fusion-flavored music and collaborations with guitarist Earl Klugh, David Sanborn and Fourplay, has a wide range of musical talent from classical music to straight-ahead jazz. Pianist for Sarah Vaughn in the 1960's, James' discography includes work with guitarist Lee Ritenour, bassist Dave Holland and pianist Joe Sample as well as an eastern influenced CD entitled, Angels of Shanghai, that features students from the Shanghai Conservatory of music. James says, "Perhaps more than any other art form, jazz happens in the moment. You can talk about it, you can rehearse, you can theorize, but what I crave most is the unique feeling I get when I'm about to embark into unknown territory, especially when my captain for the journey is someone I trust and respect. Individually and together Eddie and I want to inspire and challenge our listeners. We've spent our lives with a deep passion for jazz and the dialogue we plan to engage in during this long overdue reunion will give our audience the opportunity to hear the influences that have shaped our styles.

Following "Broadway Boogie" on Sunday afternoon will be the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Since its creation in 1935 by William "Count" Basie, the orchestra has toured and performed around the globe for fans and dignitaries in every country. Since Basie's passing in 1984, the orchestra has been led by Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Grover Mitchell and--currently--by Bill Hughes (who was hired by Basie in 1953). The multi-Grammy winning orchestra continues to tour the world and perform for enthusiastic fans of every age.

Sunday evening's performances on Sept 5 at 8 pm will begin with the Julian Lage Group. While Lage has performed several times at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival (most recently with Mark O'Connor's "Hot Swing" in 2008) this marks the first appearance on the Ozawa Hall stage with his own group. Regarded a guitar prodigy at the age of 8, Lage spent several years under the tutelage of instrumentalist Gary Burton and subsequently gained recognition from jazz superstars Herbie Hancock and Bela Fleck. His premier recording Sounding Point (Emarcy Records 2009) was nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. The Julian Lage Group has received critical acclaim for their unique compositions and improvisational style blending the influences of classical, blues, jazz and folk music. The 21-year old Boston based guitarist recently performed with Mark O'Connor's "Hot Swing" and with the Julian Lage Group at the Newport Jazz Festival in August.

The festival will close on Sunday evening with an encore performance by pianist and composer Donal Fox, performing a new program titled the "Piazzolla to Bach Project," with special guest, classical cellist Maya Beiser. Fox appeared at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival in 2008 with his Scarlatti Jazz Suite Project and returns by popular demand. Named a Martin Luther King Visiting Artist at MIT in 2009, Fox crosses the classical music and jazz music boundaries and continuously received critical acclaim for his compositions and integration of the two musical genres. Following Fox's world premiere in December of his piano concerto "Peace Out" for Improvised Piano and Orchestra to a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall, Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times wrote, "Mr. Fox's piano playing, bursting with violent, keyboard-spanning runs, drove the music. A searching middle section quotes fragments of a Charlie Parker blues tune, "Now's the Time." After a steely solo piano cadenza, the piece concludes with a pensive finale based on a descending and strangely haunting four-note refrain…an arresting piece…compelling music…exceptionally interesting."

Called a "cello goddess" by The New Yorker, Maya Baiser has captivated audiences worldwide with her virtuosity, electric repertoire and quest to redefine her instrument's boundaries. She has collaborated with Philip Glass, Mark O'Connor, Brian Eno, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Tan Dun Crouching Tiger Concerto) among many others. Her major teachers were Aldo Parisot, Uzi Weizel, Alexander Schneider, and Isaac Stern. Beiser was the founding cellist of the legendary new music ensemble, the Bang on a Can All- Stars. This will be her first appearance at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival. Beiser's latest CD, Provenance, peaked at #6 in overall music sales and #1 in classical music on Amazon. It also hit #1 in world music on iTunes and #3 in classical music on Billboard.

Also appearing with Donal Fox and Maya Beiser will be Cuban born drummer Dafnis Prieto whose arrival in the US has been compared to that of an asteroid hitting New York. "Bedazzlement is a proven strategy for Mr. Prieto," the New York Times said, and Latin jazz musician Eddie Palmieri calls him "extraordinary." Vibraphonist Warren Wolf and bassist John Lockwood round out the quartet.
http://www.tanglewoodjazzfestival/.

THE SOULFUL RADIO NETWORK PRESENTS THE ALFONZO BLACKWELL CHANNEL

The Soulful Radio Network has announced a series of 8 new channels added to the existing 16 channel internet radio network, which now boasts a total of 24 channels of amongst the best music selections across the globe. The Soulful Radio Network has also just announced the official internet radio launch of the Alfonzo Blackwell Channel. Among the new channels are the Old Skool Hip Hop Channel, the Classic Rock Channel and the Classic Country Channel. In 2005 Mr. Blackwell was appointed the Music Director of the premier Soulful Smooth Jazz Channel. Under his leadership and expertise, the station began a steady rise in mass popularity. Broadcasting for over 6 years now, the Soulful Smooth Jazz Channel is one of the leading internet radio stations for the best mixture of Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, R&B and Soul music. Blackwell has been writing, producing, recording and playing the saxophone amongst other instruments for well over 15 years. Throughout his career, he has performed with luminous and legendary recording artists such as Roy Ayers, Gladys Knight, The Whispers, Mary J. Blige and Brian McKnight to name a few. Like in the vein of the late great Miles Davis, his music transcends all cultural and musical boundaries. Alfonzo’s music has been described as “Rhythm & Cool”. The newly launched Alfonzo Blackwell Channel presented by The Soulful Radio Network will broadcast Blackwell’s full music catalog, hundreds of previously unreleased tracks, remixes, concert excerpts and so much more exclusively on the channel. The Alfonzo Blackwell Channel is the latest addition to the soulful internet radio network that currently broadcasts a total of 24 stations that covers a vast range of music genres and also features a station dedicated to the music of Michael Jackson. With unique, soulful and quality programming, SoulfulRadioNetwork.com is among the top internet radio stations in the world.

www.soulfulradionetwork.com/media
www.alfonzoblackwell.com/radio.htm

KaZaA RELEASES CLOUD BASED STREAMING APPLICATION

KaZaA is quickly returning to the forefront of the digital music experience with the beta release of its cloud based music streaming application allowing consumers unlimited access to over 1.6 million tracks and 1 million song lyrics.KaZaA’s new application puts consumers in charge of the music they want, when they want it and then allows them to immerse their whole experience within an on-line community through the integration of the latest social media capabilities.Emanuel Krassenstein, KaZaA’s CTO said, “While there is no shortage of smart devices in the market until KaZaA’s launch no-one was offering music consumers the opportunity to fully integrate their music into their lives and social networks.” The KaZaA music service is accessible via a web browser, the consumers play lists, favourite artists, songs, genre’s and profiles are harmoniously synced and stored securely in the clouds allowing subscribers to access their music downloads how they want it and when they want it. KaZaA supercharges the music experience for consumers, by streaming at the optimal speed for listening quality with the KaZaA Music Player. The ability to share play lists with friends or the on-line community has been enhanced allowing customers to become on-line DJ’s. Music discovery is also enabled by a Real Time “Explore” feature, that instantaneously tracks and displays what music is being played, added to playlists or added to favourite lists throughout the KaZaA site. In keeping with the mission to return control of the music to fans and artists, KaZaA’s API facilitates access to music interaction data allowing developers to create exciting new music interfaces. “The interactive experience is focussed on giving consumers music on their terms which will result in more content being delivered and more revenue being generated for artists,” said Emanuel Krassenstein.

ART OF NOISE, BRUCE SUDANO, SEU JORGE & OTHER NEW RELEASES

Art Of Noise - Influence
Blundetto - Bad Bad Things
Budos Band - Budos Band III
Bruce Sudano - Life And The Romantic
Cachao Sounds - La Descarga Continua
Cherry Boppers - Remix It Again
Doug Hammond - New Beginning
George Duke - Deja Vu
Jason Roebke - In The Interval
Jimmy Smith - Respect/Livin' It Up
Kenya - Starting Over
Manu Katche - Third Round
Nick Rosen - Into The Sky
Nico Fidenco - Black Emmanuelle Original Soundtrack
Nico Fidenco - La Via Della Prostituzione Original Soundtrack
One For All - Incorrigible
Roy Ayers - Lots Of Love
Roy Bud - Get Carter Original Soundtrack
Saravah Soul - Cultura Impura
Seu Jorge & Almaz - Seu Jorge & Almaz
Shawn Lee - Sing A Song
Tamba Trio - Brasil Saluda A Mexico
Various Artists - Afrobeat Airways
Various Artists - Brownswood Electric - Presented By Gilles Peterson
Various Artists - Tropicalia - A Brazilian Revolution In Sound
Willie Jones III - Next Phase

7th ANNUAL PEMBROKESHIRE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

The 7th Pembrokeshire Jazz and Blues Festival, set in the heart of Britain’s only coastal National Park, takes place from Thursday, August 26th to Monday, August 30th (during the UK bank holiday weekend). This years’ Pembrokeshire Jazz and Blues Festival features 27 artists performing in 18 venues, and the festival takes place around Fishguard in South-West Wales. Among the highlights are Arun Ghosh’s Indo-Jazz quartet, which takes South Asian themes and injects them with elements of funk, jazz and urban beats; Organic’s soulful, swinging Hammond B3 trio chock full of groovy standards; and vocalist Molly Brown’s feel good mix of blues, jazz and swing. Sax master and founding member of Hawkwind, Nik Turner will be playing storming funk and Latin; and the Chocolatejazzsalsa Band bring their tasty Cuban sounds; while 5 Go Swing specialize in hot club-style Gypsy jazz. Also appearing are Youtuba, a knockout tuba quartet who have performed all over Europe and are guaranteed to leave any audience with a smile on their face. Also look out for superb slide guitarist and singer Will Killeen who has been described as ‘Ireland’s finest blues export since Rory Gallagher‘. Elsewhere, the Albino Frogs present their Steely Dan and Blockheads-inspired funk, fusion and jazz featuring superb original songs and legendary Pembrokeshire R’n'B act Cottonmouth thrill with their hard-driving grooves. There are also fantastic workshops throughout the festival, from how to play and dance salsa with Chocolatejazzsalsa to a brass workshop with the unique Youtuba. Says actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones of the festival, “Impossible though it is to get the blues in Pembrokeshire in my experience, I am happy to support the coolest thing in West Wales since frozen crabmeat was invented – let the good times roll!” For more information on this fine festival, full listings and details about buying tickets, check out the Aberjazz website.

THE BLACK EMANUELLE SOUNDTRACK SERIES

One of the most sweetly sexy soundtracks of the 70's Italian scene - Black Emanuelle – an out and out classic from the legendary Nico Fidenco! The style here is quite striking – almost earthy at times, but warmly erotic at others – kind of a blend of rootsy percussion with some of the more electric touches you'd hear on other Italian scores – but all wrapped up with a really unique feel! The more electric cuts feature lots of isolated instruments, slowly gyrating basslines, choppy guitar, and cool electronic bits on keyboards – and the set list is quite different than the American issue of the soundtrack in the 70s on West End Records. Titles include "Of Your Body", "Emmanuelle's Theme", "Unavoidable", "Sudden Ride", "Wild Cry", "Rhythum Again", "Skin In The Wind", "Flute & Skin", "Black Rhythum", and "Thoughtless". 34 tracks in all – and a sweet fold-out set of notes! (Limited edition of 1000 copies.)

A late entry in the Black Emanuelle series starring Laura Gemser and featuring music by Nico Fidenco – La Via Della Prostituzione – featuring a mix of sulty Fidenco sounds and more funky and disco oriented grooves! Much of the material here has never been released before this great CD from Beat Records – and it's full of funky 70s dancefloor styled sounds with spacier touches, clapping rhythms and evocative wordless vocals. Great stuff – benchmark late 70s erotic soundtrack grooves after the international dancefloor sounds seeped into the style! Titles include "Run Cheetah Run", "A Modern Reportage", "Performing Joy", "Red Room", "Lady Surprise", "Reporter In Action", "Strange Hospital", "Lady Fighting", "Too Much Again" and more.
Source: © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

GARY GRANT - DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH

Featured soloist and Grammy-nominated trumpeter Gary Grant, who has recorded with such notable artists as David Foster, Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion and Toni Braxton, released his latest album, Don’t Hold Your Breath, on July 20th. The album is being distributed by BFM Digital, a leading digital music aggregator and distributor of independent music. Grant’s rich and clear sound can be heard all over the world with an impressive accumulation of 2 billion recordings sold. Gary has been 1st trumpet for Quincy Jones for the past 25 years, and with over three decades in the business, Gary has accumulated an extraordinary list of recordings that include many top hits. Grant’s sound has been heard as the accompaniment to diverse projects including the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, 20 seasons of the hit TV show The Simpsons, and 14 recordings with Earth Wind and Fire. The trumpeter’s second album, Don’t Hold Your Breath, accentuates the important healing power of breath with acoustical instruments that engulf the listener with the feeling of enjoyable innovative music. The exciting tunes, whether up-tempo or sensual ballads, features Gary throughout the album of original jazz and jazz Latin compositions and includes guest artists Dan Higgins, Vinnie Colaiuta, Wally Minko, Wayne Bergeron, Brian Bromberg, and Johnny Friday.

Grant says, "Don’t Hold Your Breath is an expression of my deep connection and feeling for jazz music. Throughout my career and this recording process, I’ve strived to be true to myself and to the art form I represent. My role is not only a player but also a producer, composer and arranger. My sincere hope and desire is that you enjoy this music and it brings you happiness.” The album takes the jazz lover on a different journey that is refreshing and interesting, a journey that weaves a brilliant harmonic concept into an infectious rhythm section. Grant’s sound and improvising is sensitive as it is powerful. The essence of the quality of sound and execution of his performance is a musical joy for the listener. Don’t Hold Your Breath was released to all digital services on July 20th, 2010 through Gary Grant Music.

TROPICALIA - A BRAZILIAN REVOLUTION IN SOUND

An amazing introduction to one of the most significant cultural movements in the latter half of the 20th Century – the ground-breaking years of Tropicalia in late 60s Brazil! The music and legacy of Tropicalia are referenced often, but hardly ever presented this well – and this package is everything we could have hoped for as an introduction to the movement – filled not just with great music, but also an overwhelming amount of notes that trace the history of Brazilian music and art through their changes in relation to Tropicalia! In fact, the notes are almost worth the price of the compilation alone – very densely written over 48 pages in the CD booklet, with more information in one place than we've ever seen before. But as you might imagine, it's the music that really makes the set special – and Soul Jazz have done an excellent job of pulling together key late 60s works from the most important musicians associated with Tropicalia – an great starting point for the movement that's filled with most essential tracks! Titles include "Bat Macumba" by Gilberto Gil, "Tuareg" and "Sebastiana" by Gal Costa, "A Minha Menina" and "Panis Et Circenses" by Os Mutantes, "Alfo Mega" and "Tropicalia" by Caetano Veloso, "Gloria" and "Jimmy Renda-Se" by Tom Ze, "Procissao" by Gilberto Gil, "Ave Genghis Khan" by Os Mutantes, "Take It Easy My Brother Charles" by Jorge Ben, "Quero Sambal Meu Bem" by Tom Ze, "Lost In The Paradise" by Caetano Veloso, "Bat Macumba" by Os Mutantes, "Domingo No Parque" by Gilberto Gil & Os Mutantes, and "Irene" by Caetano Veloso.

Source: © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

JIMMY SMITH - RESPECT / LIVIN' IT UP

A pair of near perfect soulful jazz organ sets from Jimmy Smith – 1967's Respect and 1968's Livin' It Up – plus the rare non album single "Mickey Mouse" as bonus track for the first time on CD! Respect is really nice jazz album from Jimmy, although one that got hidden in the years of Jimmy's more "concept" oriented sessions for Verve. Most of the material is quartet stuff, with players like Bernard Purdie, Eric Gale, and Ron Carter backing up Jimmy's soulful organ. The tracks are longer than usual too, with lots of nice soloing going on, and a stone easy soul groove. Includes a tasty loping version of "Get Out Of My Life", with a very different drum groove than usual, plus "Funky Broadway", "T Bone Steak", and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy". Livin' It Up is a straight up stunner – and quite possibly one of his greatest records for Verve! The set has Jimmy working with arranger Oliver Nelson – in a setting that's got big band backings, but done in a style that's cool enough to cut through all the BS of similar sessions. There's no hoke at all – just a lean and soulful approach that has Nelson serving up a powerhouse jazzy groove underneath – and Jimmy soloing madly over the top! The album's filled with great tunes too – including a fab cover of "Mission Impossible", the original "Big Boss Man", a version of Richard Evans' "Burning Spear", a great takes on "Valley Of The Dolls" and "The Gentle Rain". Great stuff throughout! (Limited edition.).

Source: © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

GEORGE DUKE - DEJA VU

George Duke is back with Déjà Vu, a new album of jazzy soul fusion. On this new release, George plays lively set that shares a tendency with his great 70s albums in that it feels fresh and live in its craft in a really transcendent way. Duke plays pianos, a range of synths, Rhodes, Moog, electric Wurlitzer and more plus sings on a number of tunes and players include Larry Kimpal on bass, Ray Fuller and Jef Lee Johnson on guitar, Teddy Campbell & Ronald Bruner Jr on drums, Hubert Laws on flute, Sarah Thornblade on violin and others. Déjà Vu is a look back at some styles that Duke was interested in during the early parts of his career. In some ways it’s similar to his previous album Dukey Treats but it is a different look back. For one thing he chose to do a lot more synthesizer playing on this album using vintage analog synths along with current technology digital synths.

Here’s a song by song breakdown from Deja Vu:

1. A Melody: on this track Duke revisits the “Brazilian Love Affair” vibe in a slightly different way. Here he had the opportunity to play an extended Voyager (mini moog) solo which he had not done in a long time. This is a great this vibe and the vocals are definitely A Melody.

2. You Touch My Brain: actually written for the Dukey Treats album but never recorded. This is a real loose “Sly” kind of funk groove which gave Duke a chance to sing a simple song and though most fans are not used to hearing Ron Bruner Jr. play this way, he puts that simple spice on the drum track allowing the music to flow naturally – after all.

3. What Goes Around Comes Around: originally written by Everette Harp and George Duke for the latest Everette Harp album that Duke produced. With an over abundance of songs it was never recorded for his album. The song has been altered a bit and decided to include it in Deja Vu. The melody is played by Everette Harp on soprano sax and George Duke on Voyager, a real nice blending of timbres. This tune may remind some of a funky type of Weather Report vibe. Michael Manson plays great bass on this track along with some tasty guitar work from Ray Fuller. Duke also played synth bass along with computer drums, the latter being programmed to sound like a real drummer.

4. Bring Me Joy: will remind some of a Stevie Wonder song. Duke here plays lead Voyager and sings some easy vocals but overall allow the synths to dominate the feeling. Most of the synths are Arp Oddesey and Mini Moog – all played one note at a time to achieve a chord. The vibe solo is a played via Giga Studio, Cool Vibe patch.

5. Ripple In Time: a tribute to Miles Davis from his funky free “Tutu” period. This tune allowed Duke to create what has been called tone poems using various synths to create the environment. It features Oscar Brashear’s interpretation of Miles, and he did a great job. Ron Bruner is solid throughout as is Jeff Lee on guitar. Here Duke plays the Marcus Miller sounding bass on this one.

6. Oh Really?: Kinda funky in an off beat way. Ron Bruner Jr. lays the beat back and George and company all ride the wave. Once again Jeff Lee is amazing! Larry Kimpel laid the law down on this one as well. Duke’s old Wurlitzer 140B sounds like it’s stuffed with socks – and that Castlebar Clavinet – oh boi!!!

7. 6 O’Clock Revisited: exactly what it says. Originally recorded for Duke’s Warner Brothers album Snapshot. This time around he wrote lyrics and changed up the groove. It’s mostly an all synth track except for Ray Fuller on guitar and Duke on piano.

8. Come To Me Now: a song Duke wrote some years ago and never recorded. It’s got a great melody and allows Duke the chance to play some sensitive lead piano.

9. Stupid Is As Stupid Does: a track in the typical jazz tradition of solos by all (except the bass). Duke used to record these type tracks almost on an everyday basis back in the day – this is truly a Déjà Vu moment. Bob Sheppard, Nicholas Payton and Hubert Laws throw down along with a blazing Nord Lead 3 solo by Duke followed by a crazy Ron Bruner solo.

10. Déjà Vu: a track where the melody begins very simply and grows and grows. The tune allows Duke to stretch on a Motif ES8 synth guitar patch and gives Bruner a chance to shine especially at the end of the tune. Mention must also be given to Sarah Thornblade who has quickly become one of Duke’s favorite violinists. This tune will remind some of the Mahavishnu Orchestra experience and that is appropriate.