NEIL DIAMOND - THE BANG YEARS 1966-1968

With the Rock & Roll Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings have just released Neil Diamond's The Bang Years 1966 - 1968, 23 core cuts establishing the artist's electrifying transition from struggling Tin Pan Alley songwriter to full-on American rock star lovingly restored to full-impact original mono for this definitive edition. Neil Diamond The Bang Years 1966 - 1968 was officially released everywhere on Tuesday, March 8.

The American independent label Bang Records was founded by songwriter Bert Berns ("Twist & Shout," "Hang On Sloopy") in 1965 and produced a string of AM pop radio hits in the mid-1960s  which included the earliest recordings of Neil Diamond, a Brill Building songwriter transitioning into performing his own songs.

Neil's period as a Bang records artist produced one of the most vibrant and timeless catalogs in pop history. Arriving on the American pop radio scene in the middle of the British invasion and an emerging West Coast psychedelia, Neil Diamond's songs of inner personal struggle and introspection, mixed with an exuberant love of life and sense of awe, struck a chord with an ever-expanding audience through some of the most beloved songs of his career: "Cherry, Cherry," "Solitary Man," "Kentucky Woman," "Shilo," "Red, Red Wine" and others.

Over the years, Neil's Bang Records catalog has inspired some of the most memorable covers in pop history: The Monkees' "I'm A Believer," the best-selling record of 1967; UB40's reggae-fied "Red, Red Wine," a US Number 1 in 1984; Urge Overkill's "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," pulsing through Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in 1994; and Johnny Cash's weighty "Solitary Man," on his third American Recordings album with Rick Rubin in 2000.

As a special bonus for Neil Diamond fans, the artist has written a set of extensive and revelatory liner notes especially for Neil Diamond The Bang Years 1966 - 1968, capturing his feelings about the songs and the era as only he could:

"I realized that something was happening that had never happened before for me. My new songs contained something that none of my previous ones had…they contained me and my life at their core.... I had finally found, on the crossroads of desperation and opportunity, the understanding of what I needed to do to write truly affecting songs—I had only to be open and honest, dammit, about my own life and experiences and to stop trying to make up silly songs about made up people, situations and relationships for singers whose lives and feelings I knew nothing about.

"'Solitary Man' would be the first of many 'me' songs and that element along with the superb quality of my producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, the great recording engineers Tom Dowd, Phil Ramone and Brooks Arthur (who never once allowed me to double my voice—they wanted the real Neil), the musicians (who were the best players in the world) and our arranger, Artie ("It's been a real 'pressure' working with you") Butler would make all the difference.

"Throw all those elements together and you had the beginnings of a Big Bang career that all finally came together in one explosive spiritual expression of creativity. When the dust of that first session settled, my first chart record 'Solitary Man' was born and my life was forever changed. That day led to other days and other sessions and other spiritual moments which were all connected to my life and dreams."


Neil Diamond - The Bang Years 1966 - 1968

TRACK LIST:
1 SOLITARY MAN
2 CHERRY, CHERRY
3 GIRL, YOU'LL BE A WOMAN SOON
4 KENTUCKY WOMAN
5 THANK THE LORD FOR THE NIGHT TIME
6 YOU GOT TO ME
7 I'M A BELIEVER
8 RED, RED WINE
9 THE BOAT THAT I ROW
10 DO IT
11 NEW ORLEANS 
12 MONDAY, MONDAY
13 RED RUBBER BALL
14 I'LL COME RUNNING
15 LA BAMBA
16 THE LONG WAY HOME
17 I'VE GOT THE FEELING (OH NO NO)
18 YOU'LL FORGET
19 LOVE TO LOVE
20 SOMEDAY BABY
21 HANKY PANKY 
22 THE TIME IS NOW
23 SHILO

http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.legacyrecordings.com/
http://www.neildiamond.com/

THE 858 QUARTET - SIGN OF LIFE

Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Bill Frisell has reassembled The 858 Quartet and is preparing for the release of Sign Of Life, their first recording in over five years.  The 858 Quartet was conceived when Frisell was commissioned to compose music inspired by the artist Gerhard Richter's 858 series of paintings which was exhibited by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  Produced by longtime collaborator Lee Townsend and recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California in late 2010, Sign Of Life features Frisell on guitar, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello. Technically a string quartet, Frisell steers clear of any preconceptions with his distinctive textural and rhythmic guitar playing which anchors a tight yet improvisational ensemble. Sign of Life is set for release on the Savoy Jazz label on April 26th.

Says Frisell: "I write the music down on paper. It is difficult to say what is composed, orchestrated, improvised, or arranged. I don't really have to tell anyone what to do. It is a musical language alive and changing all the time…growing and developing."

Bill Frisell will be performing throughout the year including a residency at the Village Vanguard from April 19-May 1.  In addition, Frisell is at work recording his definitive interpretations of John Lennon songs which is set for release in September 2011 and Floratone, his collaborative group that includes Matt Chamberlain, Tucker Martine and Lee Townshend, scheduled for March 2012.

Sign Of Life track listing:
1. It's A Long Story (1)  (2:39)
2. Old Times (4:59)
3. Sign Of Life (2:49)
4. Friend Of Mine  (5:48)
5. Wonderland (3:18)
6. It's A Long Story (2)   (6:32)
7. Mother Daughter (2:20)
8. Youngster (3:01)
9. Recollection (2:54)
10. Suitcase In My Hand (2:22)
11. Sixty Four (3:52)
12. Friend Of Mine (2)   (1:49)
13. Painter (1:14)
14. Teacher (1:28)
15. All The People, All The Time (2:05)
16. Village (4:20)
17. As It Should Be (1:50)

MONTY ALEXANDER - UPLIFT

Jamaican jazz piano man Monty Alexander is acclaimed the world over for his seemingly extraterrestrial technique and sublime, heartfelt swing. Now with the release of his Jazz Legacy Productions debut Uplift, the pianist opens his personal concert archives to eager listeners everywhere, for an unforgettably riveting recorded affair. "Music is a healing force," Alexander says, who is joined by bassist Hassan Shakur, drummer Herlin Riley, as well as drummer Frits Landesbergen (on one track). "My hope is that by the end of a concert, and by the end of this album too, everybody will be taken with a feeling of uplift. That's what I always want to do." Featuring performances from Alexander's acclaimed live concerts over a three-year period, Uplift includes tracks the prodigious pianist has made his own over a storied, fifty-year career. From heartfelt renditions of standards like "Come Fly With Me" and "Body And Soul," to affecting originals like "Renewal" and "Hope," the album grooves hard and wide, much like Alexander himself. "I like to paint a rainbow of many emotions during a program," Alexander says. "You'll hear me play some blues with a good, old backbeat like 'One Mint Julep," and then I play "Django," which is a very reverential piece to me, having known so many of the musicians associated with it. For me, almost everything I play has a personal reference."

 Alexander was born in Kingston, Jamaica and felt the gravitational pull of music at an early age. "When I was a kid in my Country, I used to hear the folk bands play Calypso music and other songs made popular by people like Harry Belafonte," Alexander explains. "Every time I came into contact with the musicians playing that music, there was always joy. And that was my whole experience with music and what led me to be a musician in the first place." Self-taught and unable to read traditional music notation, Alexander's seemingly unorthodox approach to the piano would not prevent him from attaining widespread global acclaim. He would make musical waves in his homeland first, (leading the group Monty and The Cyclones), and soon after, his two-fisted piano pyrotechnics would send him into the musical stratosphere, performing and/or recording with legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson, Ray Brown, and countless others. A commanding career as a solo artist would soon follow, with Alexander recording over sixty albums as a leader himself, and anchoring countless tours to support them.

Uplift finds Alexander at the peak of his creative form, with the kind of musically adventurous set the esteemed pianist's concerts are known for. The album opens with a swinging nod to Frank Sinatra on the Jimmy Van Heusen/Sammy Cahn standard "Come Fly With Me," with Alexander's technical tenacity on full, recorded display. "That tune takes me right back to Frank Sinatra sitting in the back room at Jilly's when I was playing piano there at the age on nineteen, he says. "I like to tell people that I'm really a saloon piano player at heart." Other arresting album tracks include the scintillating, shuffle-fied "One Mint Julep," and a stride-meets-Monk take on "Sweet Georgia Brown," with a nod to two of Alexander's musical mentors. "The real heroes on that tune for me were Nat "King" Cole and Oscar Peterson," he explains. "Nat Cole had a real simultaneously hot and cool style in his fingers, and Oscar Peterson's mastery of the piano, powerful rhythm and full orchestral approach was very effecting to me." Known for his ability to leap tall chord changes at breakneck speeds, Alexander surprises on Uplift with a healthy dose of musical variety as well. A mournful reading of John Lewis' venerable jazz ballad "Django," (complete with mid-song swing interlude), a masterfully-modulating, waltz-like rendition of the jazz staple "Body and Soul," and nods to his Jamaican homeland on Calypso-flavored tracks like his own "Home" and Blue Mitchell's "Fungi Mama," round the album out with fire-filled flair.

montyalexander.com 

LEE RITENOUR - 6 STRING THEORY

Lee Ritenour has announced the launch of the second annual Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition, in partnership with the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop. Entries will be accepted from February 15-April 30 for rock, blues, jazz/fusion, acoustic, classical/flamenco and country guitar players. Six winners from each musical genre will be invited to Montana for the finals and will receive scholarships to participate in The Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop. The final competition will take place in conjunction with the workshop’s activities and is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Bigfork Performing Arts Center. The event will be open to the public. The contest is the inspiration of the legendary GRAMMY® award winning guitarist/composer and producer, Lee Ritenour, who debuted the international competition in 2010 with the release of his all-star guitar CD, 6 String Theory. The CD has been named Guitar International’s “Best Album of 2010,” Jazziz’ “Publisher’s Album of the Year – and culminated in Ritenour recently receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player Magazine. The CD features 20 world-class guitarists including George Benson, BB King, Slash, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, and the winner of the 2010 competition Shon Boublil. Prizes for this year’s competition include a weeklong stay at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork for a family of four, a potential Concord Records recording contract, a National Guitar Workshop scholarship, as well as many other prizes from Yamaha Guitars, Monster Cable, D’Addario Strings, and others. Competitors are required to send an online video submission. To enter and for complete contest rules and regulations, visit http://www.sixstringtheory.com/.

AMBROSE AKINMSIRE - WHEN THE HEART EMERGES GLISTENING

Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire has announced Spring tour dates with his quintet in the U.S. and Europe in support of his forthcoming Blue Note Records debut When The Heart Emerges Glistening. The tour will kick off April 14 with a four-night engagement at the Jazz Standard in New York City, and includes a 12-date run in Europe, as well as a homecoming performance at SFJAZZ in San Francisco on May 22 and an appearance at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles on June 11. Akinmusire.' touring quintet will feature tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Sam Harris, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown. Additional Summer tour dates in the U.S. and Europe will be announced shortly.

 TOUR DATES:

April 14-17 – Jazz Standard – New York, NY
April 26 – Redwood Jazz Alliance – Arcata, CA
April 28 – Outpost Performance Space – Albuquerque, NM
April 29 – Detroit Institute of the Arts – Detroit, MI
May 1 – Tri-C JazzFest – Cleveland, OH
May 6 – Vincenza Jazz – Vincenza, Italy
May 7 – La Spirale – Fribourg, Switzerland
May 9 – Musig im Ochsen – Muri, Switzerland
May 10 – A-Trane – Berlin, Germany
May 11 – Sendesaal Bremen – Bremen, Germany
May 12 – Club Unterfahrt – Munich, Germany

May 13 – Théâtre de Cavaillon – Cavaillon, France

May 14 – Bimhuis – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

May 16 – DeWerf – Brugge, Belgium

May 17 – Jazz à Saint-Germain-Des-Pres 2011 – Paris, France

May 18 – Ronnie Scott’s – London, United Kingdom

May 19 – Club Fasching – Stockholm, Sweden

May 21 – Athenaeum’s San Diego Studio – San Diego, CA

May 22 – SFJAZZ @ Yerba Buena Center  for the Arts – San Francisco, CA

May 23-24 – Daly Jazz – Missoula, MT

June 11 – Playboy Jazz Festival – Los Angeles, CA

MISHKA @ THE 2ND ANNUAL PUNTA SAYULITA CLASSIC

Mishka is an authentic musician in an underrepresented genre with an incredible story—from growing up on a boat in Bermuda to having one of film's most iconic figures, Matthew McConaughey, start his own record label exclusively for his music. McConaughey first became familiar with Mishka on New Year's Eve in 2000 after he had been unable to sleep for three consecutive days. When he heard Mishka's music, McConaughey admits he "slept like a baby for 5 straight hours," and was immediately hooked to Mishka's comfort-inducing, soulful melodies. McConaughey became a man on a mission, determined to track down the artist that was behind the "soundtrack of his life," and searched for Mishka for almost five years before finally catching him at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. McConaughey made a quick phone call to his lawyer upon meeting Mishka and officially created the j.k. livin record label to release Mishka's music to the masses. Mishka's 2009 release, "Above the Bones," debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts, and Mishka was named 2009's Best New Artist by iTunes in the Singer/Songwriter category.

Mishka will perform a special benefit concert on Saturday night, March 12th, following Day 1 of competition at the 2nd Annual Punta Sayulita Longboard & Stand-Up Paddle Classic. The free concert will be recorded by Telehit, Mexico’s #1 music television channel, for airing on Telehit at a later date. “We are excited to announce that Mishka will be playing at the Punta Sayulita Classic- Mishka’s reggae roots music has great sound and soul and will be a fantastic addition to the weekend festivities for all to enjoy the ‘aloha spirit’ of the Punta Sayulita Classic. Moreover, the fact that Mishka, having grown up a waterman himself and having an appreciation for the ocean and environment are attributes that make him an ideal fit for the Punta Sayulita Classic,” according to Kevin Roberts of Punta Sayulita.

“This year’s Punta Sayulita Classic is very fortunate again to feature some of the world’s top ranked professional longboard and SUP surfers and paddlers along with a mix of talented amateurs which is one of the unique qualities of this charity event,” added Roberts. We are also pleased to announce another addition to the event schedule whereby on Friday, March 11, a surfing clinic for special needs and underprivileged children from Sayulita and the greater Bay of Banderas area will feature personalized instruction by Malibu, California longboard surfer Jimmy Gamboa and members of his TheraSURF Foundation along with other participating Punta Sayulita Classic professionals and instructors from local Sayulita surf schools.

Mishka was named the 2009 “Best New Artist” by digital music leader iTunes. In March 2010, Mishka released his fourth album, Talk About, featuring tracks produced by Butch Walker and a collaboration with country legend Willie Nelson. The album debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Music Charts. Mishka’s 2009 release, Above the Bones, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts and was followed by an extensive world tour.

http://www.mishka.com/

BIANCA ROSSINI – KISS OF BRASIL

Producer Peter Roberts of BDM Records has announced the release of multi-talented, singer and songwriter Bianca Rossini’s debut album, Kiss of Brasil. The evocative original songs of Kiss of Brasil are destined to become Bossa Nova classics alongside of those written by João Giberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim; the “fathers” of Bossa Nova. Kiss of Brasil’s intoxicating beat is the new extended genre of Brazilian music that’s taking over the cool jazz movement. Kiss of Brasil offers mesmerizing songs, like: Ipanema Paraiso, Nós Dois, and Corazón de Oro that are destined to become hits. The album contains songs, which were co-written with Marilyn Berglas, Harvey Mason, Peter Roberts, Ken Hirsch, Steve Rawlins and Patrick Lockwood. The album also includes performances by Grant Geissman, Grecco Buratto, Roberto Montero, Marco Tulio, and Sandro Feliciano.

A significant voice in Brazilian music, Rio de Janeiro-born, Los Angeles based Bianca Rossini is renowned for her sensuous performances of Bossa Nova, Samba and Bolero at the forefront of L.A.'s current wave of Brazilian music. Kiss of Brasil is the latest achievement in Bianca’s multi- faceted career, which includes featured film and television acting roles opposite stars that include James Spader, Hector Elizondo, Richard Dreyfuss, Christian Slater, Dick Van Dyke and Dom DeLuise. Bianca also appeared in Moon Over Parador, The Fast One, Brainiacs, Mobsters, and Bad Influence. Bianca has composed music for TV series The Sentinel and Chicago Hope. Along with producing and hosting The Bianca Rossini Show, a weekly Los Angeles TV talk show, Bianca has authored three books: Love in Black and White (2009), A Brazilian Heart – Rubies, Murder, Love and Other Poems (2006), and Julia – Confessions of a Brazilian Super Model (2001).

Taking a cue from her friend and co-writer, music critic Don Heckman, Bianca created an album that is sure to fan the flames of romance. Bianca grew up with international musical influences, and has always had a gift for composing lyrics and music. She has co-written with Brazil's leading composer and singer Sergio Santos, Claudio Nucci and Andre Mehmari. In the LA area, Bianca has also written with Dana Kaproff, Jon Gilutin, Don Heckman and Glenn Scott Lacey. Bianca has stopped counting after writing more than 350 songs in less than 2 years! Kiss of Brazil available on the world wide net stores after March 10, 2011.

To listen to Bianca's Kiss of Brasil sample songs go to http://www.biancarossini.com/cd-page

BARRY WHITE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

Barry White was the ultimate Love Man; known for his sensual deep voice, size, and highly romantic image. From his own records to his own orchestra and "girl group," Barry has ruled the heart of his fans for more than four decades. He is a five-time Grammy Award-winner with his greatest soul, funk, and disco successes in the 1970s as a solo artist. Barry White has many gold and platinum albums and singles, with worldwide sales of over 100 million albums. He also appeared on many television shows such as Soul Train, The Today Show, and even guest appearances on The Simpsons. Now Barry White is about to have a digital presence via the Penté Group, a leading developer of entertaining applications for mobile devices and social media based on entertainment personalities' licenses, today announced an exclusive digital media partnership with the estate of Barry White to create and develop mobile and social applications while controlling and maintaining barrywhite.com. The agreement will create a unique experience around Barry White who was known for his deep, seductive voice and sultry music.

"Penté Group has the experience and understanding of the music industry to know how best to develop and host creative web sites, mobile media applications and social networking for any artist," noted Jack Perry, Management, Barry White Estate. "Their idea of fun and entertaining mobile apps featuring Barry White will please every fan. Barry would have loved taking his legacy to the next level with the technology Penté can provide." Under the partnership, Penté Group will be developing a series of mobile and social applications for multiple platforms while controlling and maintaining a new web presence for Barry White and plans to roll out iPhone and Facebook platforms in 2011 and will likely add other popular platforms in the coming months. The applications will reflect Barry White's unique personality while leveraging his voice and music to create both novelty and fan driven applications.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ADDS ISLEY BROTHERS TO LINEUP

Jazz in the Gardens has announced a new addition to the star-studded line up to include The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald & Ernest Isley "Celebrating 50 Years Of Music" to the sixth annual music festival. The festival returns to Miami Gardens' SunLife Stadium, March 19 and 20, 2011for the 6th consecutive year. This highly anticipated performance marks the first time in over five years that The Isley Brothers have performed together. With a music catalogue spanning over 50 years including hits, "Twist & Shout," "It's Your Thing," "Summer Breeze" and "Between The Sheets," this performance is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Elyse Murray, CEO of Elyse Group 7, Agent for The Isley Brothers, comments, "We wanted to preserve music history by reuniting The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernest Isley for the sake of the next generation. They are living, walking archival legends of all genres of music," says Murray. "Now everyone can see them making history at Jazz in the Gardens."

Saturday, March 19, 2011, Jazz in the Gardens attendees will be treated to electrifying performances by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway and Bobby Brown/Johnny Gill/Ralph Tresvant aka "Heads of State." On Sunday, March 20, 2011 the line-up will feature R&B legends The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald & Ernest Isley, Gladys Knight, EnVogue, and Branford Marsalis. Joining the star-studded cast, and adding his unique and internationally renowned mixing skills, is Miami's own bright star, D.J. Irie, the official DJ for The Miami Heat and now Jazz in the Gardens.

http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/

ROBERT HURST – BOB YA HEAD & UNREHURST VOL. 2

Robert Hurst has delivered two released simultaneously - two new and very different CDs on his Bebob imprint—Bob Ya Head, an intriguing foray into world music and electronica (with Darryl “Munyungo” Jackson, Marcus Belgrave, and Karriem Riggins), and Unrehurst Vol. 2, a 2007 all-acoustic trio date recorded at Smoke in New York City (with Robert Glasper and Chris “Daddy” Dave). Robert Hurst was born in Detroit and took up bass as a young boy after seeing the Modern Jazz Quartet perform and meeting Percy Heath. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, a Detroit icon, was an early mentor for Hurst, who began working professionally with Belgrave at 15. After meeting drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts on a gig, Hurst was recommended by Tain to his boss, Wynton Marsalis, whose group the bassist joined after college and with whom he recorded seven albums for Columbia.

In 1989, Hurst began working with Branford Marsalis and remained for five years, again recording for Columbia. Hurst continued on with Branford to California to begin work on The Tonight Show. When Marsalis left leadership of the show’s band in 1994, Hurst stayed on for another six years. “It is so rewarding to finally be releasing this new music,” says the bassist. “It’s been quite a magical journey becoming the man and musician my audience has come to know. The majority of my fans identify me as a ‘straight-ahead’ jazz bass sideman, and while I love playing jazz and will always do so, I found it necessary as an artist to express my many other musical influences. I believe the one constant in jazz is ‘change.’ Each generation has broken the mold of the previous. With so much more of my music already written and even recorded, I look forward to all of my upcoming projects further addressing the notion of change and the evolution of our music.”

Hurst, who in 2008 became an Associate Professor of Music with tenure at the University of Michigan, worked on Bob Ya Head over a two-year period while commuting between Los Angeles and relocating to his native Michigan. He describes the music on his latest release as “the culmination of my experiences while working and living in L.A,” where he was based throughout the 1990s, as a founding member of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s Tonight Show Band. Also, while becoming an active studio musician on the Los Angeles music scene, he “got into world music and heard African musicians and musicians of all ethnicities.” Hurst’s electric and acoustic bass playing is featured on the Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen soundtracks, “and a lot of that music had an electronica-type vibe. Some of it sounds really acoustic, but it’s quite sampled and very high-tech.”

Due to record-breaking winter storms, Unrehurst Vol. 2 was recorded in New York without any rehearsal, but Hurst, pianist Robert Glasper, and drummer Chris Dave clicked from the moment they hit the bandstand and their empathy is evident from the adventurous performances on the new disc. Hurst describes Dave as “an underground, super funky cat.” Glasper, the bassist says, “is open to all kinds of music, and he’s extremely fearless. It’s the gamut of total restraint to total abandon.” Glasper was also featured on Unrehurst Vol. 1 (Bebob, 2001), with drummer Damion Reid.

The bassist debuted on record as a leader in 1993 with Robert Hurst Presents: Robert Hurst(DIW/Columbia), featuring Kenny Kirkland, Branford Marsalis, Marcus Belgrave, Ralph Jones, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Most of the music on the disc was specifically written with this exact personnel in mind. The following year, Hurst released a trio session, "One for Namesake" (DIW/Columbia), with Kirkland and Elvin Jones.

In recent years, the bassist has recorded and toured extensively with Diana Krall and Chris Botti, and continues to do so. He’s maintained his long association with Jeff “Tain” Watts and will perform with the drummer’s band at the Jazz Standard in New York 1/18-23 and at the Detroit Institute of the Arts 2/11 (also featuring Geri Allen).

Hurst is planning his CD release show—at Detroit’s Virgil Carr Center 3/11—and is scheduling a series of spring and summer appearances across the nation. He’s also preparing a fall 2011 release of "Bob: A Palindrome" (on Bebob), a sextet session with Glasper, Belgrave, Branford Marsalis, Tain Watts, and Bennie Maupin. “Branford recently told me, ‘You’ve got to be brave to do what WE do,’” says Hurst. “I boldly agree and look forward to compiling a wealth of work which exemplifies such bravery!”

SOLOMON BURKE – HOLD ON TIGHT

Solomon Burke recorded his final album in October 2009 in Brussels, Belgium with the Dutch band De Dijk.  One year later, on October 10th, the "King of Rock 'n' Soul" died on his way to Amsterdam where he was to perform with De Dijk.  Now that masterful album, which was issued in Europe prior to his passing and reached platinum status, debuts in the U.S.  Hold On Tight (Verve Forecast), which will be released March 22, 2011, from Solomon Burke & De Dijk, marks the legendary singer's last musical testament.

Burke first met De Dijk when they shared a stage in the Netherlands in 2007.  The quintessential Dutch rock and soul band (eight members including a horn section) is considered to be one of the most important Dutch bands of the past 25 years but had never recorded in English.  But with their musical hero Burke taking on lead vocals and co-writing the music and lyrics of every song but "Text Me," they recorded an album in English for the first time.  Also featured is music icon and long-time friend of Burke, Jools Holland, on piano for "What A Woman."

Burke and De Dijk worked together on Hold On Tight at the ICP studios in Brussels for six days. The (originally Dutch) songs of De Dijk were translated in English and re-recorded with Burke for this special occasion including the band's hit songs like Hold On Tight (Hou me vast), What A Woman (Wat een vrouw), Good For Nothing (Nergens goed voor), Seventh Heaven (Zevende hemel), I Gotta Be With You (Ik kan het niet alleen), and My Rose Saved From The Street (Mijn van straat geredde roos).

In the mid-'60s, Burke scored a series of R&B and pop hits for Atlantic Records, including his signature R&B #1 "Got To Get You Off Of My Mind," R&B #2 "Tonight's The Night" and classic "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love."  Enormously influential not only with his music but also his stage presence, Burke always performed wearing a regal robe and sporting a crown.  In the 2000s, he enjoyed a revival of interest, in 2003 winning a Grammy for Don't Give Up On Me.  Two years earlier, he had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a man who bridged gospel, blues and R&B, the very foundations of rock and roll.

Hold On Tight Tracklisting:
Hold On Tight
My Rose Saved From The Street
What A Woman
No One
More Beauty
I Gotta Be With You
Seventh Heaven
Good For Nothing
Text Me
Don't Despair
The Bend
Perfect Song

Musicians: De Dijk with Solomon Burke; Peter van Soest trumpet; Kim Kops keyboards; Huub van derLubbe vocals; Nico Arzbach guitar; Hans van der Lubbe bass; Roland Brunt sax; JB Meijers guitar

http://www.thekingsolomonburke.com/

FREDDIE HUBBARD – PINNACLE, LIVE AND UNRELEASED FROM KEYSTONE KORNER

Freddie Hubbard was, next to Miles Davis, the most dramatic and far-reaching brass player of the past 60 years. He died at age 70 in December 2008, leaving a legacy of some 100 recordings under his own name and with everyone from Wes Montgomery and Art Blakey to Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Oscar Peterson, Quincy Jones, Dexter Gordon, George Benson, Sarah Vaughan, Max Roach, Count Basie, Ornette Coleman and many others. Throughout the course of his luminous international career, Hubbard established a standard of pure sound that brass players aspire to today. Hubbard's explosive and lyrical virtuosity (first noted during a high school band performance in his hometown of Indianapolis) as well as his flow of brilliant, spontaneous ideas and determination to play loudest, hardest, fastest and most imaginatively, will never go out of style. Pinnacle comprises more than an hour of highest level performances by Hubbard on trumpet and flugelhorn, with pianist Billy Childs, bassist Larry Klein (better known now as Joni Mitchell's producer), saxophonists Hadley Caliman and David Schnitter, trombonist Phil Ranelin, and drummers Eddie Marshall and Sinclair Lott.

From the very start of Pinnacle, Live And Unreleased From Keystone Korner it's clear Hubbard and company came to Keystone Korner to play. "The Intrepid Fox," a memorable tune from Hubbard's 1970 hit album Red Clay, contains one of the trumpeter's signature solo strategies: He rises within a minute from intimate musings to sustained trills and an acrobatic upper register push, resolving it all in a post-climactic chorus replete with perfectly placed lip buzzes. "First Light," the title-track from Hubbard's 1971 album, is a swinging mid-tempo blues in which the trumpeter quickly shifts to double-time.

"One of Another Kind" was Hubbard's contribution to the repertoire of V.S.O.P., the mid '70s hard-bop quintet he co-led with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and Tony Williams. "Happiness Is Now," which Hubbard introduced on his 1980 studio album Skagly, is one of his unusual tunes, and pairs languid melody with hip back-beat. "The Summer Knows," Michel Legrand's ballad for the soundtrack of the film Summer of '42, is graced with some of Hubbard's warmest, most relaxed feelings. It's followed by "Blues for Duane," which is inspired by Hubbard's son and portrays another dazzling, top octave trumpet solo.

Pinnacle concludes with Hubbard's only known recording of "Giant Steps," Coltrane's chord-racing composition, which has become a jazz standard, with its peculiar set of chord progressions and racing tempo. In eight choruses of variation stretching over four and a half minutes, Hubbard demonstrates complete mastery of the difficult line's fast-paced changes. Here and on "One of Another Kind" tenor saxophonist Caliman, who died in September 2010, solos with power to match Hubbard's own. Throughout all of Pinnacle, Hubbard enjoys solid support from his working ensemble, most especially grand- and electric-pianist Childs, who joined Hubbard's band shortly after his graduation from University of Southern California as a composition major. Childs has earned continued acclaim as an instrumentalist and music writer, receiving a Guggenheim Foundation fellowship in 2009. Drummers Eddie Marshall and Sinclair Lott share responsibilities for unfailing propulsive rhythms.

Though the world is poorer now that Freddie Hubbard is gone, it gets richer as previously unheard documentation of his art emerges for the public to savor. Pinnacle, Live and Unreleased: From Keystone Korner is an occasion for rejoicing in the thrills and beauty Freddie Hubbard could wring from his trumpet and flugelhorn. It is as the title suggests, music by a jazz giant in peak form.

http://www.resonancerecords.org/

YELLOWJACKETS - TIMELINE

New from jazz group Yellowjackets is their latest release – Timeline. In music, time flies, styles unstoppably evolve, and bands come and go. But there are also rare stable, forward-moving forces on the scene, one prime example in jazz being the Yellowjackets. As of 2011, this beloved eclectic, electro-acoustic jazz band that keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip built celebrates the ripe young, deep age of 30, a milestone commemorated with another powerful and heartfelt album, fittingly named Timeline.

In fact, Timeline is a special occasion on more than just the 30th anniversary front, also being the first step in a new relationship with the respected jazz label Mack Avenue Records, and the first new album with an important alumnus back in the ranks, the dynamic and flexible drummer Will Kennedy. Kennedy, who worked with the group for ten years and appeared on half its discography to date, returns to the ranks after a dozen years away. He fits seamlessly into the band, alongside Ferrante, Haslip and the multi-talented saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer, whose critical role in helping define the group's current sound goes back to 1991.

For longtime Yellowjackets fans, the new album arrives as a confirmation and extension of the high expectations for this band. For new listeners, it's an ideal introduction. Timeline is the band's 21st official recording not including special side projects and guest spots. The band's background gleams with various honors, including 17 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards to show for their efforts - so far. As Haslip explains, "We get extremely engaged with every project and we try to elevate and open things up. That's always the goal with every project. I'm not saying we always succeed. But the focus is to always try to do something that is hopefully engaging. And being that Russell, myself and the guys in the band have a certain chemistry." He adds, with a laugh, "It's not easy to accomplish this after thirty years."

For this eleven-track song set, most of the material was penned by the prolific and inspired Mintzer and Ferrante, kicking off with Mintzer's bold, boppish but propulsively-grooving "Why is It" and the snaky, syncopated and aptly-named "Tenacity," which could also be an operative descriptor for the group's m.o. Ferrante's title track is a lovely and lyrical, anthem-like piece, its melody-a sweet but also artfully thickening plot--stated first on Haslip's fretless bass and expanding into saxophone and arrangement twists. It's as if the song's emotional grounding and searching qualities tell the tale of this band, to date.

Musically, the terrain on Timeline is characteristically diverse but also cohesive, melodically accessible and also gently experimental, in keeping with the Jackets' concept for three decades. Beautiful balladry, such as Ferrante's "Indivisible" and Mintzer's "My Soliloquy," intertwine with modern-day variations on traditional swing themes, on Mintzer's "Like Elvin" (also one of the songs featuring a new sound for the band, guest trumpeter John Diversa) and Ferrante's "Numerology." Kennedy's one composition, "Rosemary," explores an inventive rhythmic-melodic feel, with its lyrical balladic melody laying atop an exotic drum groove.

And roughly in the middle of it all comes the slinky-funky Ferrante-Haslip tune "Magnolia," originally written during the time of the 2008 album Lifecycle, but coming fully to light here. And as it happens, that song becomes a great vehicle for another strong historical linkage in the band's history, as guitarist Robben Ford makes a rare cameo on record, with a spicy wah-wah-fied guitar solo. This is Ford's first appearance on a Yellowjackets album since 1994's Run For Your Life, engaging in easy dialogue with the band he half-accidentally launched.

Yellowjackets, as a unit, was actually assembled for Ford's popular 1978 album Inside Story. Remembering back to the Inside Story project, Haslip laughs "I wasn't even thirty years old when we did that. I think I was 26 or 27. About a year later, in 1980 we got a deal with Warner, through Tommy Lipuma, to do an instrumental record! That was a really exciting moment, to actually realize that we had been signed by a major record label to do an instrumental project. Our first recording, Yellowjackets, was released in 1981."

And from those humble, auspicious and unforced beginnings grew the long and ongoing saga of one of jazz' most long-lasting bands. Another early blast of affirmation came after they received a Grammy nomination for that 1981 debut album. "We never thought that could happen," Haslip recalls. "We didn't win, but just having a nomination was certainly a boost, a shot in the arm. “Multiple chapters and subplots have wended through the band's history, including the presence of more R&B-geared alto saxophonist Marc Russo for most of the '80s, before Mintzer's jazzier voice shifted the stylistic balance. Drummers have included Peter Erskine, for a brief and unfortunately unrecorded incarnation, a happy decade long stretch with Marcus Baylor, and Kennedy, then, now and into the future.

All along, the band has mastered the art of being both accessible and adventurous, with strong grooves and melodies blended in with surprising twists. Calling them a "fusion" band doesn't do the project justice. Haslip comments, "I think it's just how we're wired. We are very passionate about the music, obviously, and I we love to listen to everything. It motivates us in many ways. And with that motivation, we are also creatively inspired to continue our progression." All in all, Timeline is another significant link in the strong historical chain of this band's story. Haslip notes that "We have a legacy that follows us around, going on thirty years now, which is self-propelled at this point and fuels our motivation and honorable intent to create music. But at the same time, it takes patience, hard work and nurturing.

http://www.yellowjackets.com/

THE ANGELA BOFILL EXPERIENCE RETURNS

Smooth Jazz New York, New York City's premier live jazz concert promoter, has announced the return of The Angela Bofill Experience for 2 shows at 7:30pm and 10:00pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Times Square.

Back by popular demand, the show features star-studded performances including Grammy award winner Dave Valentin, Maysa, and Kim Waters. As most fans know, longtime Jazz/R&B music great Angela Bofill suffered a stroke in early 2006. Later that year, she received the SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award and appeared to be on her way to recovery. Unfortunately, in July 2007, Angie suffered another massive stroke and was in critical condition for quite some time. "We feel very fortunate to be able to present Angela Bofill's special New York City return engagement and support her in the next phase of what has been an amazing career," notes Sam Kimball, Smooth Jazz New York co-founder. "Fans recognize her musical contributions and continue to come out in full force to see this dynamic woman and the talented line up she has assembled to share her music."

The show features a narrative from Ms. Bofill and a musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career. "Angel of the Night," "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," "Break it to me Gently," "Under the Moon and Over the Sky," "I'll Try," and many other songs will be performed by Bofill's longtime friend and confidante Dave Valentin, captivating vocalist Maysa, and critically acclaimed saxophonist Kim Waters. In between the talented line up's performances, Angela will provide on-stage narratives about the tunes, touching on some humorous anecdotes.

Smooth Jazz New York is a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts, producers of the CD101.9 Smooth Cruises for the last 12 years. With CD101.9 off the air, enthusiasts of this genre of music have come to rely on Smooth Jazz New York to fill the void. The organization produces and promotes New York's biggest and best Smooth Jazz shows and serves as the portal for live jazz shows in the New York Metropolitan area. Learn more at

http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com/

TRI-C JAZZFEST CLEVELAND FEATURING SMOKEY ROBINSON, DAVE KOZ, TROMBONE SHORTY & OTHERS...

From April 28 to May 8, the 32nd annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland will feature a line-up of jazz, blues and R&B artists from around the corner and across the globe. Iconic R&B singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson, the King of Motown, plays JazzFest for the first time, crooning selections from his seemingly endless arsenal of Top 40 hits. Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Cleveland Orchestra salute Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, plus Orchestre National de Jazz, straight from France, pays tribute to drummer and vocalist Robert Wyatt. The always popular Smooth Jazz All-Stars return with an award-winning cast, including Dave Koz and Brian Simpson, and "avant-groove" group Medeski, Martin & Wood highlight a jam-band evening of free jazz, funk and hip hop. New Orleans legend Trombone Shorty and his band Orleans Avenue kick off the festival with their rollicking "Supafunkrock" sound at the House of Blues. JazzFest continues its tradition of spotlighting up-and-coming artists with the "Debut Series," this year featuring trumpet players Ambrose Akinmusire and Maurice Brown and saxophonist Tia Fuller. "Women in Jazz" salutes singer Betty Carter, the Godmother of Jazz, while local great Ernie Krivda and an all-star band of Midwestern artists pay homage to jazz from the Heartland. For the young, and young at heart, Joe Hunter reprises his "Jazz for Kids" series at the Children's Museum of Cleveland, while MOCA hosts versatile pianist Robert Glasper, who effortlessly connects jazz and blues to contemporary urban sounds.


Here's the 2011 Tri-C JazzFest lineup::

Wednesday, April 27, 8:00 p.m. – Special JazzFest Preview for the Community: The Eddie Baccus Organ Summit with Special Guest Bobby Floyd, Karamu House

Thursday, April 28, 5:00 p.m. – Kick Off Day: Mardi Gras Parade, Tower City Center

Thursday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, House of Blues

Friday, April 29, 8:00 p.m. – A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with Dee Dee Bridgewater and The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall

Friday, April 29, 8:00 p.m. – Orchestre National de Jazz: The Robert Wyatt Project, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Saturday, April 30, 1:00 p.m. – Women in Jazz – A Tribute to Betty Carter, Olivet Baptist Church

Saturday, April 30, 8:00 p.m. – Smooth Jazz All-Stars Featuring Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Kenny Lattimore, Ray Parker, Jr. and Brian Simpson, State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare

Sunday, May 1, 4:00 p.m. – Debut Series with The Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet and The Tia Fuller Quartet, East Cleveland Public Library

Sunday, May 1, 8:00 p.m. – Debut Series with Maurice Brown, Nighttown

Monday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. – Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta at the International Children's Festival, "Celebrating the Music of Tito Puente", State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare

Monday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. – The Dave Sterner Quintet and the Tri-C Jazz Studies Performance Combo, Brothers Lounge

Tuesday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. – Ernie Krivda's "Thunder from the Heartland", The Hermit Club

Wednesday, May 4, 8:00 p.m. – The Robert Glasper Trio, MOCA Cleveland

Thursday, May 5, 8:00 p.m. – "Miles & Trane @ 85 – Re-Imagined" TCJF Soundworks with special guests NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson and drummer Ndugu Chancler, Tri-C Metro Auditorium

Friday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. – "Tri-C JamFest" – Three Bands-One Jam: Medeski, Martin & Wood, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Will Bernard, State Theatre at PlayhouseSquare

Saturday, May 7, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. – Jazz for Kids, Children's Museum of Cleveland

Saturday, May 7, 3:00 p.m. – Gospel Jazz with Present Day and special guest Sean Jones, Antioch Baptist Church

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 p.m. – Smokey Robinson, State Theatre at Playhouse Square

Sunday, May 8, 11:00 a.m. – Oikos Ensemble - Jazz Vespers, Pilgrim United Church of Christ

Sunday, May 8, 3:00 p.m. – Regina Carter's "Reverse Thread", Gartner Auditorium, Cleveland Museum of Art

BOB MARLEY - LIVE FOREVER: THE STANLEY THEATRE, PITTSBURGH, PA, SEPTEMBER 23, 1980

Universal Music Enterprises and Tuff Gong Records have teamed up to present Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, September 23, 1980. This never before released 2 CD concert was recorded 30 years ago while Bob was touring in support of his famed album, Uprising. Live Forever features many of Bob's most cherished songs. Live Forever also immortalizes his final concert, and the last song Bob ever performed in concert: his rally cry for equality, "Get Up Stand Up." Available on CD for the first time, unforgettable performances of "No Woman No Cry," "Jammin'" and "Is This Love," to name a few, appear on this incredible audio documentary depicting an innovator and inspiration to people of many generations.  "Bob's music has always conveyed a message of hope, unity and love. It has brought countless people together as it did that night 30 years ago in Pittsburgh. To hear that music today and to be able to share it with a new generation shows that Bob is as relevant today as he was 30 years ago," says Rita Marley.

With an unbelievable more than 18+million Facebook followers, Bob Marley and his music are being celebrated throughout the country. Some events include Amazon.com's exclusive premiere of "Redemption Song" performed by top artists around the world, Mog.com's streaming the album in its entirety, radio markets across the US premiering Bob Marley radio specials, and Clearchannel.com's national broadcast premiere of the Live Forever songs.

In celebration of Bob Marley's would-be 66th birthday on February 6, 2011, the Marley Family launched a brand new website which will offer a more intimate Bob Marley experience and include fresh, exclusive content. To learn more, visit the Marley Family's primary website at http://www.bobmarley.com/.

Also coinciding with Bob Marley's birthday, the Marley family's philanthropic website, 1Love.org, is partnering with charity: water (http://www.charitywater.org/), to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. This is a special Marley Mission to drive awareness and support of this great cause.

The epicenter of a global movement, 1Love.org is a not-for-profit business created with the Marley Family that is dedicated to spreading Bob Marley's message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of "young gongs" to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that empower youth, protect our planet and encourage global peace. A portion of the proceeds from product sales of two new Marley Family ventures, The House of Marley personal audio products and Marley's Mellow Mood 100% natural relaxation teas and sodas, support 1Love.org. Join the movement and learn more at http://www.bobmarley.com/, http://www.1love.org/, http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/ and http://www.marleysmellowmood.com/.

http://www.bobmarley.com/

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises

SERGIO MENDES - CELEBRATION: A MUSICAL JOURNEY

Sergio Mendes is about to be celebrated with his first ever career retrospective. Marking the 50th anniversary of his debut album, the two-CD Celebration: A Musical Journey (Emarcy/Verve), released 4th April, 2011, brings together more than three dozen selections spanning the entire career of the master of the bossa nova beat. The collection ranges from the classic "The Look Of Love" to recent collaborations with will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas ("Mas Que Nada" is featured on the soundtrack to the 3-D animation feature RIO premiering April 15) to new recordings guesting Siedah Garrett and Ivete Sangalo. Celebration: A Musical Journey's earliest tracks were culled from 1961's Dance Moderno and groups Bossa Rio and the Sergio Mendes Trio. But it was Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 which sparked global stardom. Performing "The Look Of Love" at the 1968 Oscars, their version went Top 10, quickly followed by the hits "The Fool On The Hill" and "Scarborough Fair." Enjoying immense popularity, Mendes added soul and funk to his jazz and pop, but always with a Brazilian rhythm. In the '80s, he scored with the Adult Contemporary #1 and pop Top 10 "Never Gonna Let You Go" and in 1992 won a Grammy for Brasileiro. From the 60s to now, Mendes and his cool factor is ever present. In 2006, his CD, Timeless, spotlighted hip-hop artists, including The Black Eyed Peas with a re-recording of early gem "Mas Que Nada" alongside Gracinha Leporace, Mendes' wife. 2008's Encanto found neo-soulster Ledisi and Spanish-language favorite Juanes as guests. Adding new recordings with Sangalo and Garrett, among them a remake of "The Fool On The Hill," Celebration: A Musical Journey brings up to date the extraordinary career of Sergio Mendes.


Tracklisting:
CD1
Outra Vez
Garota De Ipanema
So Danco Samba
Mas Que Nada
Going Out Of My Head
Constant Rain
Night And Day
The Look Of Love
So Many Stars
The Fool On The Hill
Scarborough Fair
(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
Pretty World
Wichita Lineman
Norwegian Wood
Masquerade
What The World Needs Now Is Love
Pais Tropical
Viramundo
After Sunrise
Promesa De Pescador

CD2
Never Gonna Let You Go
My Summer Love
The Sound Of One Song
Kisses Daylight
Sarara (Bring Me The Sunlight)
Cinnamon & Clove
Rio de Janeiro
Holografico Olodum
Mas Que Nada
The Frog
Waters Of March
Y Vamos Ya
So Tinha De Ser Com Voce
Magalenha
The Fool On The Hill
Chove Chuva

Source: Universal Music Enterprises

iNETRADIO.COM LAUNCHES UNIQUE MUSIC CHANNELS

iNetRadio, where you can hear "what you want, when you want it," now offers users a unique selection of music channels that have become scarce on the traditional radio dial. Thanks to an outpouring of requests from iNetRadio users, classic formats ranging from Big Band Standards to 50's Rock to Beautiful Music have all found a home at iNetRadio. This includes Blues and both Traditional and Smooth Jazz. iNetRadio allows users to combine their favorite music channels with instant access to news, weather, sports, and many other programs, making iNetRadio stand apart from other sites that just offer either music or talk. Users can also add their favorite podcasts to iNetRadio, making the choice of content virtually limitless. It's all together in one versatile player so there's no need to search the net for content, save a lot of sites as favorites, or download a different app for each site. "While these formats may not garner enough support in a given broadcast area, they have a significant following throughout the U.S. and around the world. We've heard from these listeners, and now they have a place to hear their favorites," said Bob Bayne, Co-Founder and VP/Music Programming at iNetRadio. Even some newer formats, such as the recently launched "90's Dance" channel can be considered niche as most radio stations don't focus full-time on specific decades. iNetRadio offers several music channels organized in decades, including Hits, Country, and Rock. "Many listeners have a music period that they're fond of, that brings back memories. We want to give them a pure experience regardless of the era or style of music," commented Bayne. iNetRadio is available as a free app and as a player for desktop or laptop computers.

http://www.inetradio.com/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inetradio/id365802037?mt=8

THE HITMAN RETURNS: DAVID FOSTER & FRIENDS

Hitman David Foster and the hugely successful Foster & Friends franchise has returned with another extraordinary night of music which is thrillingly captured on his latest DVD and CD "The Hitman Returns: David Foster & Friends." Which was released on 143/Reprise Records on March 1st. . PBS is now simultaneously broadcasting the show beginning in early March as part of their Great Performances Series. "Hitman Returns" was filmed before a sold out crowd last year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The lineup of talent lead by Foster as maestro of ceremonies includes performances by Seal, Donna Summer, Martina McBride, Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, All-4-One,"Glee" star Charice, Chaka Khan, Jackie Evancho, Lara Fabian and other artists whose careers have been touched by Foster, a 15-time Grammy winning producer and songwriter. The first David Foster & Friends Hitman Show on PBS was one of the highest rated pledge shows of the last decade and was viewed by millions of fans. David Foster's four decade career includes writing and producing with a who's who in music including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Jennifer Holiday, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart and scores of others. The Hitman also discovered, signed and produced Michael Bublé and Josh Groban whose CDs have sold well over 20 million copies apiece. He is currently producing "America's Got Talent" runner up -- 10 year old Jackie Evancho as well as writing a Broadway musical about Betty Boop. The success of the Foster & Friends franchise also includes sold out tours around the world. "This turned out to be one incredible show. I was thrilled to be able to get some of my very favorites on this go round who weren't free last time out including Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. There were so many magic moments that night. I'm especially proud of the terrific combinations of talent including a medley with Chaka, Seal and Michael Bolton, a breathtaking duet with Natalie Cole and Ruben Studdard and a standout performance by Charice, Ne-Yo and Robert Randolph. And of course, accompanying the great Donna Summer on keyboards for 'Last Dance' brought me right back into the studio when we first recorded the song," commented Foster about the show. Once of the highlights from the show/CD is the duet between Donna Summer and Seal, where they sing Unbreak My Heart/Crazy/On The Radio – simply irresistible!

Now word comes to us that the enormously successful Foster & Friends Hitman show is returning to Las Vegas for a series of shows at the Mandalay Bay Events Center with the first two performances scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1st and on Thanksgiving Weekend Friday, Nov. 25th. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in May. Foster, the multi-talented 16-time Grammy winning producer, songwriter and maestro of ceremonies will once again host a lineup of talent including a return visit by show stopping “Glee” star Charice. His Mandalay Bay shows and the national tour of Foster & Friends previously included performances by Earth Wind & Fire, Jackie Evancho, Donna Summer, Andrea Bocelli, Seal, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Josh Groban and scores of others. “I love bringing all different sorts of talent together on stage for one night. These upcoming Foster & Friends shows will continue the tradition of one big party along with exciting combinations of artists performing together,” commented Foster. "In a dizzying showcase, David Foster shows he is the rare music genius who can summon the greatest stars of both past and future generations," raved John Katsilometes from the Las Vegas Sun about the Hitman's previous Vegas show. The original "Hitman" show broadcast from Mandalay Bay was one of PBS' most successful pledge shows. Foster, who is scheduled to appear on The Today Show on Wednesday, March 9th also will be visiting local PBS stations nationwide where fans will have the opportunity to make a pledge to their local station during the broadcast. Premiums will include the new DVD/CD and tickets to one of the "Hitman" Las Vegas shows.Check your local listings for a schedule of airtimes for the "Hitman Returns: Foster & Friends" "Great Performances" show on PBS. For more information on David Foster, go to www.davidfoster.com

40th ANIVERSARY OF CTI RECORDS CONTINUES...

Masterworks Jazz continues the celebration of the 40th anniversary of CTI Records, the beloved jazz label founded in 1970 by producer Creed Taylor with the release of 6 more classic reissues. They include: White Rabbit by George Benson, All Blues by Ron Carter (first time on CD in the U.S.), Prelude by Deodato, Pure Desmond by Paul Desmond, Concierto by Jim Hall, and Milt Jackson's Sunflower. The reissues are packaged in eco-friendly softpack sleeves that replicate the original gatefold LP design and their iconic covers most with photos by Pete Turner.
 
White Rabbit is perhaps George Benson's finest album for CTI, featuring the signature title track arrangement of the Jefferson Airplane classic – a 1972 Grammy® nominee for Best Jazz Performance by a Group.

All Blues by Ron Carter makes its debut on CD in the U.S. (it was previously only released in Japan). Carter was voted Bassist of the Year in DOWNBEAT's Readers' Poll in 1973, 1974 and 1975, highlighting his work with CTI.

Deodato's Prelude includes his Grammy®-winning hit title track, an arrangement of Richard Strauss's fanfare from Also Sprach Zarathustra, used as the main theme in 2001: A Space Odyssey. This song is the biggest hit the CTI label would ever have. The album's title track won 1974 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, and rose to No. 2 on the U.S. pop charts.

Pure Desmond by Paul Desmond was not only highly praised but it also brought to the spotlight the considerable talents of Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert. It also features Ron Carter on bass and Connie Kay on drums. Paul Desmond was voted by DOWNBEAT's readers into its Jazz Hall of Fame in 1977.

For his work on Concierto, Jim Hall received a Grammy® nomination in 1975 for Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist. He was also named Guitarist of the Year in DOWNBEAT's Jazz Poll in 1974, the year before he recorded Concierto.

Sunflower is the most revered album by Milt Jackson, one of the greatest of jazz vibraphone players, and most acclaimed improvisational blues instrumentalists of all time. He was a founding member of the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet, voted by DOWNBEAT's readers into its Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.

Sony MASTERWORKS Jazz kicked off the 40th anniversary celebration with the release of CTI Records: The Cool Revolution, a deluxe 4-CD multi-artist box set retrospective in the Fall. Receiving rave reviews The Associated Press dubbed it "…the most comprehensive anthology to date" and NPR said it was "… as striking a portrait of the Jazz World in the '70s as you'll find anywhere."

Also released in the Fall was the double-CD restoration of California Concert: The Hollywood Palladium (1971) which included 90-minutes of music rarely heard and never before available. It 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…"

The celebration also included reissues of the first set of 6 classic CTI albums: 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.

In addition, Sony also released the following 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.

KEIKO MATSUI - THE ROAD...

Keiko Matsui is a citizen of the world. She tours relentlessly and has brought her music to virtually every corner of the globe. Her music transcends boundary and her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered her a devout international following. “Music has no borders and it creates a oneness among people,” confides the Japanese born pianist, composer and producer. “There have been many occasions when I have felt like music saved me. There is a connection between my fans and I and together in my music we are sharing harmony.” An activist by nature, Keiko (pronounced Kay-Koe means ‘happy, celebratory child’ in Japanese) has not only used her music to speak to the world but she has lent her voice to causes championed by organizations like The United Nations World Food Programme, Be The Match Marrow Registry and The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation. With over a million and a half albums sold and scores of sold out concerts across the globe, Keiko Matsui is one of the brightest stars in instrumental music. Her free spirit and creative genius have afforded her the luxury to share the stage with everyone from Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis to Hugh Masakela and Bob James. Her latest release on Shanachie Entertainment is The Road…, Keiko’s long awaited, self produced and 22nd album released in the US. “Keiko Matsui is beyond category,” states Danny Weiss, VP of Jazz A&R for Shanachie Entertainment. “She is a great jazz player, of course, but her music has such strong classical, world and new age influences that the result is truly unique. But it is in her compositions that Keiko's genius outshines all others - her amazing melodies are simply breathtaking!”

The Road… is Keiko Matsui’s first new recording in four years and a follow-up to her acclaimed 2007 South African inspired Moyo, which features Hugh Masakela among others. “It is unusual for me to have such a long space between my albums so when I started recording this CD it was like a miracle,” says Keiko. “It is also the first time that I invited my band members from the road who have been going through my survival tour!” The Road… is a riveting collection of timeless, passionate, cathartic, emotional and exotic melodies, lush harmonies and global rhythms. “I have been constantly on the go touring and supporting my family,” shares the strikingly beautiful and introspective single mother of two. “When I started this project I spent a lot of time reflecting on the soul and where it comes from. I am on a new journey and have come this far and I still find that this life is wonderful…even the challenges create a beautiful tapestry and the road continues…” Keiko’s soul searching includes the ethereal shape-shifting title track, which exemplifies her ability and brings to mind some of the brilliance heard in great cinematic scores.

One of the most salient and recognizable elements of Keiko Matsui’s music is her gift for crafting memorable melodies, which she describes as a “mirror or reflection of herself at any given moment.” “I have always wanted to write melodies that stay in people’s hearts like traditional music or classical music, where the music lives on for centuries.” Keiko exhibits her affinity for melody on The Road’s opening track “Secret Pond,” which was inspired by a letter she once received. “A fan in the US sent me a note and told me that my music brings people back to the roots of their soul,” shares the soft-spoken yet commanding pianist. “His words have stayed with me and this song is about where we all begin our journey in this life.” “Embrace & Surrender” is another song that magnifies Keiko’s unmatched ability to make a song sing and exude tenderness and warmth. Her emotional attachment to the meaning behind this song transcends every note. “Playing this melody I expressed so much emotion that I was in tears. It is about the love that is found in you that is really deep but not carnal. There is something that connects everyone. We all have the ability to send love and receive love and we are all surrounded by a love from the universe.”

A high point on The Road… is Keiko Matsui’s collaboration with revered Cameroonian bassist, guitarist and vocalist Richard Bona, who co-wrote the songs “Nguea Wonja” and “Touching Peace.” “Richard is such a great artist and I believe that he has a special spiritual element that he connects to that when he plays and when he sings I feel like I am hearing an angel,” declares Keiko. The spirited dance-inducing “Nguea Wonja” (which means to ‘take pride in the road you are traveling on your journey’) and the divine ballad “Touching Peace” affirm the virtuosic brilliance and versatility of both artists. Bona also joins Keiko on the impressionistic “Falcon’s Wing,” which shines light on the pianist’s classical influences. “I love falcons,” she says. “I saw a beautiful picture of one that inspired me and following the song “Secret Pond” it was a natural progression to take flight and fly.”

Keiko Matsui is a consummate artist and freely at home in any musical context. As The Road… demonstrates she borrows from such diverse idioms as jazz, classical, rock, blues, world music, traditional music of the world and beyond. Keiko draws upon the appeal of all of these influences on “Bohemian Concerto,” an exhilarating show stopping number and the final song she composed for The Road... “This song came to me at the last minute while I was on a three-week Eastern European tour,” explains Keiko. “I had written the melody in a notebook but somehow the song just stayed in my head and I was singing it the entire tour. I could hear the string arrangements and everything. I felt like something was telling me to record this song.”

The road of life is sometimes circular and Keiko Matsui returns to her early beginnings on The Road…, joining forces with one of the first musicians she ever recorded with, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, who appears on four of the album’s tracks, including the deeply moving “Awakening.” “It was great to finally connect with him. He was the first drummer I recorded with in the 80s along with Nathan East when I was a student. The two also later joined me on my US recording debut. “Awakening” also features saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who Keiko records with for the first time on The Road… He also appears on the song “Affirmation.” “His music and spirituality are always connected,” says Keiko. He is wonderful.” The idea of spirituality and music being intertwined is a recurring theme in Keiko Matsui’s music. She has often said that when she creates music it is as if she is offering her music as a prayer.

Keiko’s composing ritual is one of patience and dedication. “I always set aside special time for composing charts,” explains the dynamic artist. “I sit in front of the piano in a quiet space and wait to hear a melody come from somewhere. It may take all day but when I hear it I catch it and take note.” Although Keiko has always had a connection to music it was not something she originally thought she would do professionally until she came to the US and experienced the responses from the audiences. She does not come from a musical family; her father was a businessman and her mother had an affinity for traditional Japanese dance but both supported her musical endeavors once they gleaned the happiness it brought their daughter.

Keiko Matsui made her US recording debut in 1987 with the recording A Drop of Water. Under Northern Lights followed in 1989 and her subsequent albums of note include, No Borders (1990), Night Waltz (1991), Cherry Blossom (1992), Doll (1994), Sapphire (1995) and Dream Walk (1996), which remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for over 15 months and further cemented her reputation as a force to reckon with. In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer, and released a four-song CD entitled A Gift of Hope that benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in Say It, Fight It, Cure It, a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. “My fans come from all backgrounds and I have been approached by various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to then I am always willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back,” states Keiko Matsui. In 1999, the pianist performed at "A Golden Moment," a skating concert featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefitted the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 1998 saw the release of her album Full Moon And The Shrine which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees. In 2000, the special earned Keiko a National Smooth Jazz Award for “Best Long-Form Video Achievement” and she was honored with an award for “Best Female Artist.” She claimed the award again in 2001. During this time she released the poignant recording The Ring, which was meant to communicate a message of peace, compassion, and humanity to listeners around the world.

Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. Keiko is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003 she enjoyed success with her recording The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works. In 2004 the title track of Keiko’s Wildflower was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts in Africa. "I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can change people’s lives for the better," shares the activist." Keiko has also collaborated with A3M (Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches) in numerous charity concerts. In addition proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, A Gift of Life, went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M. In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a major success and in November 2010 she made her highly anticipated debut at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out. Keiko also recently recorded and toured with Bob James on a 4 Hand Piano project that will be released in 2011. Keiko depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to soundtracks in Japan, the U.S. and Russia.

Fortunately for us The Road… continues for Keiko Matsui and she is inviting us along for the ride. “Music, touring and recording are not like a job for me but more like my calling. It is these experiences that energize me,” says Keiko. “ I look forward to sharing the oneness with people when I am on the road. We all need to stop fighting and come together. Music has a magical power that brings people together and I am hoping my music will help to bring harmony to the earth. This album is so special and important to me. I hope my music can reach inside my fans and touch and move their souls.”