LALAH HATHAWAY – WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

Lalah Hathaway, one of contemporary R&B’s most prized artists and in-demand vocalists will release her sixth solo album and second for Stax Records, Where It All Begins on October 18th, 2011. The versatile, critically acclaimed musician, songwriter, vocalist and producer found creative regeneration and newfound energy making this record, an artistic re-birth she’s eager to share with anyone willing to listen. “Everybody is an artist in some way,” Hathaway enthuses, “I wanted to explore what that really means. For me it meant walking into being the artist I’ve always wanted to be. It was an opportunity for me to embrace my independence as an artist through my music and connection to my fans.” Hathaway brings that message home splendidly on the gorgeous title track, penned by her and Ernest Green. “If you say what you mean/And mean what you say,” she croons at the beginning of “Where It All Begins”, showcasing her sensual alto over a languid, hypnotic groove.

In addition to Green, Hathaway recruited other esteemed kindred spirits to either co-write or contribute tailor-made tunes. The list includes Lewis Williams, Lee Hutson, Jr., Errol Cooney, James Day, James Fauntleroy, Rahsaan Patterson, Terrence Lilly, Jonathan Richmond, Mike City, Dave Young, Bryan Sledge, Eddie Serrano, Rich King,Andre Harris and Vidal Davis. Recruiting such top-tier songwriters – some of who have penned hits for Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Bilal, Babyface, Musiq Soulchild, and host of others, demonstrates Hathaway’s long-held status in contemporary R&B. This album contains several up-tempo gems that are sure to heat up urban radio stations and nightclubs. For example, check out “If You Want To,” the album’s thumping, synth-driven first single, penned with Patterson, Richmond, and Lilly and the effervescent “My Everything,” which she co-wrote with Jonathan Richmond. The slinky groove of Hutson, Jr.’s “Small of My Back” is also undeniable.

Where It All Begins comes on the heels of Hathaway’s most successful album to date, 2008’s Self Portrait, her first record for legendary soul label Stax Records. The album reached the top ten on the Top R&B Albums chart and included the Grammy® nominated (Best Female R&B Vocal) song “That Was Then.” Indeed, Hathaway intoxicates as a storyteller. Even though her voice brims with magnetism, she never overpowers it to point of drowning out the lyrics. As with previous albums, Where It All Begins comes loaded with enduring songs that sound personal yet easily relatable, touching upon affairs of the heart as well as the everyday joys of life.

The disc comes on strong from the get-go. Andre Harris and Vidal Davis’ gutsy “Strong Woman,” is a sassy cautionary tale, urging lotharios to step up to the plate and stop taking their devoted female lovers for granted. Naturally, the singer hasn’t abandoned her R&B roots. Where It All Begins includes luxurious slow jams such as “This Could Be Love” (co-written with Green and Lewis), on which she sings of joys and fears of truly falling in love with that someone special, and City’s bittersweet “Always Love You,” which hints of the sadness leaving an unfulfilling romantic relationship.

Hard-core fans will certainly be delighted with the newly arranged and recorded “I’m Coming Back,” a Quiet-Storm jewel, written by Gary Taylor, which appeared on her 1990 eponymous debut. It’s a song that’s remained a highlight of her live shows for two decades. “No matter, where I go – churches, festivals, Japan, South Africa – people love that song,” Hathaway says, “This version has a different arrangement, because it’s morphed over the years. I decided to rerecord it. We added vocalist Rachelle Ferrell at the end, which is really sublime.” When it comes to honoring her predecessors, perhaps there’s no other greater example on Where It All Begins than with her spellbinding take on “You Were Meant For Me,” a chestnut that her late father – the incomparable Donny Hathaway recorded.

In view of Donny Hathaway’s landmark albums and indisputable influence on generations of singers worldwide, she speaks of him as a guiding light, especially when it comes to interpreting other people’s music. “I really listened to my dad’s own songs,” Hathaway says fondly, “ ‘Jealous Guy’ by John Lennon – I always thought my father owned that,” she laughs, “I just grew up with the approach of opening yourself up to create something beautiful, that’s a love letter to what came before.” On Where It All Begins, Lalah Hathaway unquestionably succeeds at opening herself up in new and profound ways, striving for artistic higher ground and to ‘create something beautiful.’ “I feel like I’m at the top of my game, like I’m at the beginning again,” she says, excitedly. “There aren’t many artists, particularly female singers, who after 20 years, are kind of still on the come up. I feel like I’m on the come up.”

DEAN MARTIN - COOL THEN, COOL NOW

Dean Martin’s latest release include a new 60+ page hardcover book and musical collection titled Cool Then, Cool Now. Never before seen photos compiled from personal collections and family archives Cool Then, Cool Now goes behind-the-scenes to capture the spirit and life of one of the most unique, and by far coolest entertainers, Dean Martin. Featured inside is a 2-CD, 28-song collection, spanning Dean Martin’s musical career featuring a host of hits including “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Mambo Italiano,” “That’s Amore,” “Sway,” “Volare,” and rarities such as “Any Man Who Loves His Mother” from the original film soundtrack to Robin and the Seven Hoods. Some selections, like the “L.A. Is My Home” (Dean first ever video show on MTV back in the early 80’s) have never been released on CD before until now. This is being hailed as a one-of-a-kind collection showcases Dean as The Entertainer, The Family Man, The Sportsman, The Man-About-Town, and The Movie Star providing a behind-the-scenes look of the legendary Dean Martin in the studio, on stage, and from sets of films including The Caddy (1953), Artists and Models (1955), Rio Bravo (1959), Oceans 11 (1960), Airport (1970) and many more. Photos included, from personal collections and family archives, are highlighted by pictures of Dean with many of his closest friends. The book features heartfelt tributes from some of the people that knew him best including; comedian and co-star Jerry Lewis, Academy Award winning actress and co-star Shirley MacLaine, and legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, as well as admirer and global star Robbie Williams, and others. “I was fortunate to work with Dean from the very start, he was always the consummate professional, instantaneous and funny,” said Lewis. “He was magic to be around and had the exquisite ability to know what was funny.” Recalled MacLaine, “Dean was the man-about-town that everyone wanted to spend time with. He was kind, funnier than anyone else, and adorable in all ways.”

Dean Martin Cool The, Cool Now Tracklist:
Disc One
1. Ain't That A Kick In The Head
2. Mambo Italiano
3. Little Ole Wine Drinker Me
4. I'm Sitting On The Top Of The World
5. (Open Up The Door) Let The Good Times In
6. Snap Your Fingers
7. C'est Si Bon
8. Everybody Loves Somebody
9. That's Amore
10. Memories Are Made Of This
11. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
12. You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You
13. You'll Always Be The One I Love
14. Gimme A Little Kiss, Will Ya, Huh?

Disc Two
1. Sway
2. Volare (Nel Blue Di Pinto Di Blu)
3. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone [Featuring Robbie Williams]
4. Bumming Around
5. L.A. Is My Home
6. Welcome To My World
7. King Of The Road
8. Who's Got The Action?
9. Five Card Stud

10. Born To Lose

11. Side By Side

12. The Glory Of Love

13. Any Man Who Loves His Mother

14. Red Sails In The Sunset

http://www.deanmartin.com/

RAMSEY LEWIS RECEIVES JOIE DE VIVRE AWARD

The Clare at Water Tower, a high rise continuing care retirement community in Chicago, announced that Ramsey Lewis, world renowned composer and musician, will receive the organization's inaugural Joie de Vivre Award. The Joie de Vivre award program honors local seniors who have experienced the "joy of living" through business accomplishments, contributions to the community, and a life that reflects the core values of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago of respect, service, dedication, stewardship and joy. Residents of The Clare at Water Tower will present the award to Lewis on Wednesday, October 12, during a special ceremony.

"Ramsey Lewis is an inspiration to us all. His commitment to Chicago and music, particularly through his work with the Ravinia Festival's Jazz Mentor Program, Merit School of Music and The Chicago High School for the Arts, has brought great joy to many in our city and even more around the world," said Michel Desjardins, executive director, of The Clare at Water Tower. "Our residents felt it was incredibly important to recognize the vibrancy of mature adults and the contributions they make to the communities they live and work in. And as such, the Joie de Vivre award program was born."

"I am honored to be acknowledged by my peers in this way and grateful to the residents of The Clare for this award," said Ramsey Lewis. "My passion for music has fueled my ability to reach out to Chicago youth, along with young people from many countries, and teach them about how music can be such a powerful, positive force in life - just as it has been for mine."

Lewis, a native Chicagoan, is known as "The Great Performer," a title reflecting his performance style and musical selections which display early gospel and classical training along with a love of jazz and other musical forms. Bringing musical joy to millions, Lewis has recorded more than 80 albums, seven of which went gold, and is the recipient of three Grammy Awards. He also received the National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 2007, as well as holds five honorary doctorate degrees and is the beneficiary of numerous accolades. Additionally, Lewis has enjoyed a long career in radio and television.

In 1995, Lewis helped organize the Ravinia Festival's Jazz Mentor Program. He currently serves as the Artistic Director for the festival's jazz series. An active proponent of the Merit School of Music, an inner city music program in downtown Chicago, and The Chicago School for the Arts, the city's first public high school for the performing arts, Lewis serves on the schools' Boards of Trustees. He also is a member of the Loyola University Chicago Council of Regents.

 Lewis’ 80th album release, entitled Ramsey, Taking Another Look is being released on the Los Angeles based Hidden Beach Recordings.

THE DINING ROOMS – LONESOME TRAVELLER

Three years after Ink, The Dining Rooms have now released their sixth studio album entitled Lonesome Traveller. This album is distinctly mellower than some of their previous records, but it's a lot more soulful too – very focused on vocals, sung by Jake Reid on most tracks – and on the well-penned lyrics of the tunes. Instrumentation still has the warm jazzy focus of other Dining Rooms records, with lots of nice keyboards – and the vocals bubble forth with a gentle groove, a bit like the change on Jazzanova on their recent records, but nicely laidback overall. Titles include "Stoic Calm", "We Are The Music Makers", "Running Dog", "Interiors", "Hotel Rooms", "Elsewhere", and "We Are The Dreamers". Lonesome Traveller is described as an elaborate record, as it crosses the traditional song format by means of complex melodic textures and a minimalist approach to the vocals, all of which is interwined with the instrumental parts in a kind of a psycho-jazz, soul mantra. But Lonesome Traveller is also a concept album about the journey, inspired by a series of writings by Jack Kerouac ("Lonesome Traveller", released in 1960). The song titles and the order of the tracks are designed like chapters of a book or scenes from a movie, a sort of emotional narrative that becomes the underlying theme of the album and blends, seamlessly, literary, musical and cinematic references, from Don DeLillo (“Running Dog”) to Woody Allen (“Interiors”); from Can (“Fading Gradually) to half-breed jazz (Io cammino ma….) passing through Erik Satie meeting Aphex Twin and Boards Of Canada ("We are the music makers," "We are the Dreamers," "Hotel rooms"). The ‘traveller’ is lead by "existential" questionings and embarks on a journey that is primarily research based, with self-discovery as the central focus. The journey, an unexplored horizon, becomes a metaphor for life: the conquest of man’s own internal world evoked in this album by the dialectic between voice and instruments. This highlights the gap between stability and instability, speed and slowness and between established values and absolute freedom. It is the driving force of human will to look ahead to the future and the unknown as a new challenge. The journey therefore contains a substantial polarity between loyalty to man’s own roots and the challenge of research, between the promise of the conquest and the risk of loss, between the hope of return and surrender to the unknown.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE – THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA MASTERS COLLECTION

During their heyday in the 70’s, they became one of music's most beloved groups with catchy songs like "September," "Shining Star," "Let's Groove," "Boogie Wonderland," "Sing a Song," "Can't Hide Love," "Reasons" and "After the Love Is Gone." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and this new compilation demonstrates why the group became the soundtrack for 20th century American life and their horn-powered hit machine represents the best in pop melodies, harmonizing voices, funky syncopation and rhythms of the world. This collection is the best of Earth, Wind, & Fire all in one exclusive bundle with 15 newly mastered CDs encompasing their astonising recording career on Columbia Records, plus a bonus disk of rarities, instrumentals and unreleased tracks. Supervised by Earth, Wind & Fire's founder and spiritual guide Maurice White, with each individual album is packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album’s original cover art – with 16 great albums on 16 CDs! Included in the set are rare instrumental versions of "Let's Groove" and "Boogie Wonderland" (with The Emotions); Maurice White's unmistakable productions for Neil Diamond, Ramsey Lewis, Jennifer Holiday and Barbra Streisand; a 40-page booklet with photos and commentary by Maurice White; two unreleased tracks from the Touch the World sessions; two scintillating live performances ("Getaway" and "In the Stone") recorded in Rio de Janeiro in 1980; with all of the original LP jackets meticulously reproduced.

Albums included:

Last Days and Time

Head to the Sky

Open Our Eyes

That's the Way of the World

Gratitude

Spirit

All 'N All

Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1

I Am

Faces

Raise!

Powerlight

Electric Universe

Touch the World

Heritage

Bonus Disc: Constellations: The Universe of Earth, Wind & Fire

http://www.popmarket.com/

PATRIZIO BUANNE - PATRIZIO

Concord has releasd Italian singer Patrizio Buanne's newest album, Patrizio. Having sold over one million albums worldwide, and already making a mark on the UK album charts with his first two albums of Italian standards. Known for his engaging and spectacular performances, Buanne will be touring in support of Patrizio. For Patrizio Buanne, it is all about the voice, and an instinctive ability to convey real emotion. The dark, ruggedly handsome singer has already won over a legion of fans with two previous albums rooted in the pop traditions of his Italian homeland that he released internationally. Now he is stepping up a gear with his new collection, Patrizio, which has already been released and reached platinum status in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Africa. The traditional Italian compositions with which Buanne made his name are still there, but Patrizio finds the Neapolitan broadening his horizons and putting a more international slant on his natural way with a song. It includes new songs written specifically for him alongside standards from the Great American Songbook.

"I'm not just an Italian guy singing Italian songs. It's important to give people the kind of music I am known for, but I also wanted to open myself up artistically and give them something else or rather something "more of me" that's why we called the album Patrizio. I wanted to present my passion for interpreting any great song-no matter if Italian, American or New. I basically did the same as Elton John, George Michael or Tom Jones. I'm searching for that same, timeless quality. If I sing a standard, I pick a song where the words really mean something. It's important to convey the sentiments in a credible way. An old song has to translate into the 21st century," Buanne says.

Patrizio showcases Buanne adding more strings to an already elegant bow. Recorded in Hollywood's Capitol Studios with Humberto Gatica (Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson) and in London with Brian Rawlings (James Morrison, Andrea Bocelli, Cher), the record augments his vocals with some of the classiest players in pop. On one level, the album remains true to Buanne's role as an ambassador for Italian song. The Italian compositions with which he made his name are still there, and several of them were even written in his homeland ("Never Never Never," "Estate," and "Tu vuo' fa l'ammericano"). But there are also new compositions, including Diane Warren's "Why Did You Have To Be?," "This Kiss Tonight," by UK songwriter Paul Barry and the self-penned "Solo Tu (My Baby)."

Moreover, there are spirited interpretations of Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman," the Willie Nelson-Patsy Cline hit "Crazy," and "You're My Everything," an undiscovered gem by Franco-American disco act Santa Esmeralda. Buanne accomplishes a beautifully international slant on his natural way with song with Patrizio which heralds a new era for the young Neapolitan.

Patrizio Track List:
1. Solo Tu (My Baby)
2. Why Did You Have To Be?
3. Crazy
4. Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman
5. Mambo Italiano
6. Americano (Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano)
7. Never, Never, Never (Grande, Grande, Grande)
8. Maybe This Summer (Estate)
9. Fly Me To The Moon
10. This Kiss Tonight
11. Make Love (Amore-Sempre Con Te)

Patrizio Buanne tour dates:
11/15/11 Anthology San Diego CA
11/17/11 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA
11/19/11 Napa Valley Opera House Napa CA
2/18/12 Ruth Eckerd Performing Arts Center Clearwater FL

JOE BLESSETT – CHILLIN’ OUT IN DARK PLACES

A saxophonist/six-stringer/keyboardist/bassist, Joe Blessett unabashedly confesses that he “does not play well with others” and has chosen to create his own unique sound solo, with the aid of modern computer technology. Influenced by the barrier breaking electric music of Miles Davis and like minded players from fusionists Weather Report and Buddy Miles to soul survivors Junior Walker and Booker T and the MG’s, Blessett’s songs are inspired by the myriad sights he’s seen throughout his world travels. In explanation of the visual inspiration for his sonic adventures, Blessett told AllAboutJazz.com, “Best way to put it is that I translate what I see into a musical composition. Imagine hovering above a freeway with a night sky as the canvas. Watch the automobiles traveling at different speeds heading two different directions, moving along separately but in unison; getting on and off as needed, creating a fluid motion.” The thirteen tracks that comprise Chillin’ Out In Dark Places do indeed move fluidly, unconstrained by the restrictive demands of typical song form. Describing his music as “embodying a nice groove with a little edge,” the songs come together to paint a telling portrait of an artist creating from his own personal perspective.

Blessett declares that the opening title track Chillin’ Out In Dark Places may seem “a little out of place,” but Blessett explains its genesis and its place within the context of the disc. Written for his favorite female comedian, Margaret Cho, with whom he was photographed at the 2011 Grammy Awards, he says that what he heard was “dark places” – an astute appraisal of the humorist’s biting satire. The lyrical eastern tinged alto saxophone, in conjunction with a ringing open belled trumpet, contrasts effectively with the contemporary keyboard/guitar cushion over which it is played, creating a sense of dramatic tension and release as the moods shift seamlessly, much like Cho’s mischievous monologues. “Tell Me Something” is a modern love song, a passionately played saxophone melodically dialoguing with a virile male vocal that pleads, “Baby tell me something” and declares “I do love my baby,” while in the background ethereal swirling keyboards transition to a soulful earthy organ, offering a resolving narrative quality to the track. The churchlike organ that is at the fore of “Help Me Pray” is most appropriate to the song’s message clearly stated in its title. Blessett’s lyrical synthesizer voice, gives the piece a peaceful hymnal quality that fades easily into the heavens.

“Better Days” opens with atmospheric keyboards laying down a groove with sampled drum rhythms over which Blessett’s soulful saxophone soars with a bluesy zeal in a call and response pattern with the various other instruments, with everything coming together for a truly appealing conclusion. The down and dirty mood of “Slayers and Players” is set by a curious repeated guitar/keyboard figure – alternately alluring and portentous -- with Blessett’s gritty sax calling out with a potent urban sound. Here the composer’s uncanny ability to create sound from sight is at the fore, as he conjures the image of street corner society with all its danger and excitement. “What’s Your Secret” is a sexually charged anthem - a softly inviting ambient environment with the sensually sighing voice of a female steadily moving to the rhythms of the music, eventually crying out in ecstasy and before settling back into restful repose. Miles meets minimalism on “Deep Dish Grind” with an insistently repetitive machine-like melodic line reminiscent of the former’s “Jean Pierre” setting the tone that organically develops into a funky dance groove, with a barrel house trad piano coming to the fore only to be replaced by a futuristic keyboard that takes things out into space.

Full bodied brass opens “Morning After” - one of the date’s jazziest tracks – with a steady sizzling sock cymbal beat setting a groove with a synthesized female vocal choir – reminiscent of Earth, Wind and Fire -- counting of the time in unison. Trumpet and trombone sounds converse with the voices as the piece slowly builds in dynamic intensity to a rewarding resolution. “Taking Pause” blends Blessett’s soulful sax with his signature synthesizer sound, the two slowly grooving together in a sensuous dance, with various voices and other instruments joining in the festivities. The influence of Miles Davis can be heard again on “Friends, Wine & Good Times” with a trumpet fanfare and swinging tenor introducing an “In A Silent Way” styled background giving way to a spacey female scat chorus. Blessett’s grooving guitar is heard to good effect for a chorus prior to the trumpet/voice coda. “Scotch & Water Please” is an exciting soul excursion built upon a hard hitting piano figure, with a voice crying out “It’s like your money can buy anything” before Blessett blasts off on tenor, revealing his affection for the sounds of Junior Walker and the Crusader’s Wilton Felder. Once more the composer displays his ability to conjure up a cinematic view with distinctive collage-like style of writing.

Pleasing honky tonk and toy piano sounds introduce “Dark Places” contrasting with a gritty Weather Report “Birdland” groove that sets an undertone for the shadowy sounds that point to the contradictory elements of the night life. The closing “Honey Hush Café” is a straight ahead jazz outing that shows the deepness of Blessett’s roots, revealing his talents as a guitarist, keyboardist and horn player, a fitting conclusion to a fine creation of art.

http://www.joeblessett.com/

RUMER – SEASONS OF MY SOUL

Atlantic Records has announced the US release of Seasons Of My Soul the acclaimed debut album from British singer/songwriter Rumer. The award-winning collection arrives on January 24th, 2012. Rumer will herald the album's release with a number of eagerly anticipated US live performances. The schedule begins October 23rd with stops set for New York, Washington, DC and Philadelphia (see itinerary below). Additional North American dates are slated for early 2012 -- complete details will be announced shortly. Fueled by the much-admired hit singles "Slow" and "Aretha," Seasons Of My Soul was a platinum certified popular success upon its UK release last year. What's more, the album proved an international sensation, reaching the top 10 in Belgium, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Moreover, Seasons Of My Soul was a critical sensation, earning extraordinary acclaim for a debut album. Mojo hailed the collection as a five-star "Instant Classic," praising Rumer for "(achieving) perfect balance between effusion and restraint... It's as if Rumer is laying bare humanity's soul, such is her ability to create intimacy and emotional depth within a song." "A mellifluous aural balm of jazz and soul, these are songs of yearning and loss," declared Q in a four-starred rave, while Uncut applauded the album for its "dream-like melancholy, thanks to the tension between Rumer's sweet voice and her troubled lyrics." "Sensationally good," affirmed The Sunday Times, "Rumer has one of those voices - a sort of confiding, conversational sigh, equal parts Laura Nyro, Karen Carpenter, Dusty Springfield, and Joni Mitchell - you would be happy to listen to for days and days."

In an Interview with Robert Copsey of Digital Spy she explained why the album was called Seasons of My Soul, she said: "Mainly because it took me so long to make the album that I noticed that the songs were coming round again. I'd have these moods in my soul that would come around like seasons over the years and the songs matched the moods. It was like an emotional landscape. There are different shades, different feels and different colours to the album. Some people have been saying that 'Slow' is an autumnal song and so is 'Aretha' in a way."

Rumer also received rapturous praise for her live performances, with Q extolling "a voice pure as a primary colour, dappling occasional light towards Carole King, more seldom Alison Goldfrapp, but for the most part a fiery phoenix rising from the unmistakable ashes of Karen Carpenter." "Her vocals are a deft blend of bright, shining delicacy and the darkness of genuine heartache," declared The Independent of a headline appearance at London's famed Bloomsbury Theatre, with The Times proclaiming the show as "a classic pop moment." In addition, a performance at New York's Joe's Pub earned the admiration of the Daily News, who noted, "It's particularly gratifying in these melisma-mad days to hear a singer who doesn't throw her voice around athletically. Instead (Rumer) trusts the essential quality of her instrument to tell the tale."

Rumer left school at 16 and drifted around England, attending Art College in Devon before joining a fledgling indie band, La Honda. Everything changed when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rumer dealt with her pain by writing a series of intensely powerful songs, documenting her personal journey through grief. She returned to London upon her mother's death in 2003, performing anywhere and everywhere she could, ultimately catching the attention of producer/composer Steve Brown. Together the two musicians began crafting what would become Seasons Of My Soul. In addition, Rumer also had a fateful encounter with one of her personal heroes, the legendary Burt Bacharach, who flew her to Los Angeles after hearing the album's extraordinary first single, "Slow." Earning the master's approval was just the beginning of what's proven to be a somewhat dizzying ride for Rumer.

Meanwhile, in terms of its musical and lyrical influences, Rumer told Pete Lewis, Assistant Editor of Blues & Soul: "I think all the songs have elements of different things that have influenced me, and different MUSIC that's influenced me. Songs like 'Slow' and 'Come To Me High' have little dreamy, Bacharach-type chords and those lilting, gorgeous melodies that remind me of songs that I've heard and loved in films that were written by the fantastic composers from the Thirties like Irving Berlin and Rodgers & Hammerstein. Then 'Take Me As I Am' is very Laura Nyro & LaBelle - soulful with a gospel feel. ("When we did Take Me As I Am, we were listening to the Laura Nyro/Labelle album Gonna Take a Miracle. That was a huge influence on the record. New York Tendaberry as well." ) While 'Thankful' I think is very Joni Mitchell from her Hejira phase, where it's like a poem which describes a season in each verse... While lyrically the album is largely just classic autobiographical storytelling." Other influences on the album Rumer has cited are Judell Sill and, " Not necessarily in the songwriting, but in the production."

Seasons Of My Soul Track Listing:
1. Am I Forgiven
2. Come To Me High
3. Slow
4. Take Me As I Am
5. Aretha
6. Saving Grace
7. Thankful
8. Healer
9. Blackbird
10. On My Way Home

11. Goodbye Girl

Rumer- Fall Tour Dates:

October 23 – World Café -Upstairs, Philadelphia, PA

October 25 – Birchmere Music Hall, Washington, DC

October 26 – Rockwood - Stage 2. New York, NY

October 27 – World Café – Upstairs, Philadelphia, PA

October 28 – Rockwood – Stage 2, New York, NY

"ARETHA"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERzNIzrEnLg&feature=relmfu
"SLOW"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFCC8ZDHlNM
"I AM FORGIVEN"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z7Uxo625w&feature=relmfu
EPK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7XDrQFA65I&feature=related

HAL DAVID’S “LOVE, SWEET, LOVE” CELEBRATION

Multi-award winning lyricist Hal David will be honored with a musical tribute, in celebration of his 90th birthday, Monday, October 17, at the Music Center of Los Angeles County.  "Love, Sweet Love" features a star-studded evening of music and dining, benefitting The Blue Ribbon of the Music Center and The ASCAP Foundation. Paul Williams will emcee. Legendary performers paying tribute to David in a once-in-a-lifetime concert include long time collaborators, Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick along with Herb Alpert, Dwight Yoakum, Kristin Chenoweth, Freda Payne, Jackie DeShannon, Lani Hall, Albert Hammond, Michele Lee, Smokey Robinson, Valerie Simpson, B.J. Thomas, Steve Tyrell, and more along with the LACHSA Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Academy Award-winning lyricist Hal David is an icon in the music industry.  "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on my Head,"  "This Guy's in Love With You," and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," are just three of the hits in a string of standards written by David.  "Don't Make me Over," "Close to You" and "Walk on By" are all in the Grammy Hall of Fame.  Among Hal David's million-sellers, all of which have become Pop standards, are "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "Walk on By," "What The World Needs Now is Love," "I Say A Little Prayer," "One Less Bell to Answer" and "To All The Girls I've Loved Before."

David has been honored for his way with words from every major award bestowed upon the music industry, including 20 gold records, several Grammys, an Academy Award, the NARM Presidential Award, the B'Nai B'rith Creative Achievement Award.  He has also been elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  David's Broadway show Promises, Promises received a Grammy and was nominated for a Tony Award, when it first appeared on Broadway.

DAVID BENOIT, PETER WHITE, KIRK WHALUM, MINDI ABAIR TOPLINE SMOOTH JAZZ NEW YORK CONCERTS

Smooth Jazz New York, New York City’s premier live jazz concert promoter, has announces two star-studded December smooth jazz shows with holiday themes at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. The David Benoit Quartet performs the beloved classics from A Charlie Brown Christmas on Friday, December 2, 2011 and A Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair & Kirk Whalum takes the stage with jazzy arrangements of holiday favorites on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Both shows feature performances at 7:30pm and 10:00pm. “It’s always exciting for us to bring some of smooth jazz’s finest acts back to New York with their special holiday shows,” notes Bill Zafiros, Smooth Jazz New York co-founder. “These fan favorites really know how to celebrate the season with their own twists on holiday classics.” On Friday, December 2nd, composer and pianist David Benoit returns to the Big Apple for a special Peanuts-inspired holiday show featuring his renditions of Vince Guaraldi’s compositions for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Over the past 25 years, David Benoit has been a passionate musical innovator committed to the exploration of many different art forms on the American landscape. His prolific output of the last decade includes several notable Charlie Brown related projects including Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and his star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas. These memorable works reflect his lifelong passion for the music of Peanuts’ original composer, and solidify Benoit’s role as his musical heir. David has also released the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charting albums Fuzzy Logic, Right Hhere, Right Now, Full Circle, and Heroes, which paid homage to the pianist’s top jazz and pop influences. In 2010, the year of his most recent release, Earthglow, Benoit was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at The American Smooth Jazz Awards.

On Saturday, December 10th, “A Peter White Christmas,” now in its 7th year, returns to audiences with a new feel for 2011. Eight-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum has signed on to shake up the holiday season with guitarist Peter White and singer/saxophonist Mindi Abair playing dazzling arrangements of seasonal favorites. For nearly two decades, Peter White has kept smooth jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and inviting, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone. Consistently finding unique ways to bring his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics, White’s holiday renditions are sure to captivate.

http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com/

MIAMI GARDENS ANNOUNCES 7th ANNUAL JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

The City of Miami Gardens has announced that the 7th annual “Jazz in the Gardens” music festival will be held March 17 & 18, 2012, at SunLife Stadium, located at 2269 Dan Marino Boulevard, in the heart of Miami Gardens. Since its 2006 inception, "Jazz in the Gardens" has consistently delivered a dynamic mix of musical genres including Jazz, R&B, Neo-soul and World Beat sounds. Among the legendary entertainers who have performed at "Jazz in the Gardens" are Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Kenny G., Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton and Roy Ayers.

"I am elated about the success of 'Jazz in the Gardens' and really feel like I've made an impact on the community during my time here as Mayor. I remember when no one knew anything about the event and now everyone has the desire to be involved! 'Jazz in the Gardens' has become so much more than just a music festival. It's become a reunion point for friends and family, a source of economic opportunity for small and large businesses and a vacation destination for adults seeking a break from the winter cold," said City of Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson. "This may be my last year as Mayor, but I know 'Jazz in the Gardens' will continue to grow, and I look forward to attending the festival year after glorious year."

This year the City has partnered with AEG Live to produce and showcase the 7th Annual Jazz in the Gardens as a premiere festival in the country.  AEG Live, one of the world's leading concert promotion and touring companies is devoted to all aspects of live entertainment. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Justin Bieber to name a few. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America.

Mayor Gibson created "Jazz in the Gardens" seven years ago to help boost the City of Miami Garden's economic growth and since then the festival has positioned itself as one of South Florida's most highly anticipated musical events, attracting audiences from all across the nation and abroad. In March 2011, over 45,000 people attended the music festival.

The annual "Jazz in the Gardens" music festival formula for success is simple: a stellar line-up, great exotic foods, affordable ticket prices and amazing weather. The 7th annual "Jazz in the Gardens" music festival will undoubtedly live up to its reputation that has been established over the previous years as one of the premiere music festivals in the country. For the past six years, it has enjoyed unprecedented growth, constantly delivering stunning increases in attendance, enjoying a burgeoning worldwide popularity and attention for the City of Miami Gardens, with attendees from as far as Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.  "Jazz in the Gardens 2012" performers will be announced soon and tickets will be on sale in December 2011 for the two-day star-studded music festival.

http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2011

In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. On September 22, 2009, Dave Koz, the six-time Grammy nominee, was honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star in the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame. The list of artists who Koz has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart. With a triumphant career as an artist and radio personality, and the well-earned respect of the recording industry, Dave's artistry, commitment and influence continue to grow. His recent Concord Records release, Hello Tomorrow, features 13 tracks written by Dave and his collaborators, friends and legends and focuses on new beginnings along with a bright future. Now Dave Koz is preparing to embark on his annual Dave Koz and Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour which will take him across 10 states for a total of 23 performances. Joining Koz on this outing will be Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun and Jonathan Butler.

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2011

With Special Guests: Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Candy Dulfer

November 25 – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA

November 26 – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, FL

November 27 – Kravis Center, West Palm Beach, FL

November 28 – Philharmonic Centers for the Arts, Naples, FL

November 29 – Maxwell C. King Center, Melbourne, FL

November 30 – Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL

December 2 – Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL

December 3 – Palace Theatre, Columbus, OH

December 4 – Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH

December 5 – Strathmore Music Center, North Bethesda, MD

December 6 – Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, VA

December 7 – State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ

December 9 – Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA

December 10 – Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA

December 14 – Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theatre, Mesa, AZ

December 15 – McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA

December 16 – Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA

December 17 - Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA

December 18 – Plaza Theatre, El Paso, TX

December 20 – The Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA

December 21 – Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto, CA

December 22 – Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, CA

December 23 – Balboa Theatre, San Diego, C\

http://www.davekoz.com/

NEW RELEASES FROM MARCOS VALLE, SABRINA MALHEIROS & SEU JORGE

MARCOS VALLE – VALLE TUDO – DISCOGRAFICA DE 1963 A 1974 (11-CD BOX SET)

If you are into the music of Marcos Valle then you are in for a fantastic treat! Valle Tudo – Discografica De 1963 A 1974 features some of the most amazing music ever recorded. Every record in this massive package is a delight – from the early bossa sides, to the more complicated singer/songwriter material, to Valle's incredibly rich experiments with baroque pop! Valle is certainly one of the greatest Brazilian artists to ever enter a recording studio. Not only does the set include 10 rare albums, but each CD comes with bonus tracks – plus the whole thing also features a previously unreleased full album from 1966. Albums include Samba Demais, O Compositor E O Cantor, Braziliance, Viola Enluarada, Mustang Cor De Sangue, Marcos Valle (1970), Garra, Vento Sul, Previsao Do Tempo, and Marcos Valle (1974) – plus The Lost Sessions from 1966.  

SEU JORGE – PARA CHURRASCO VOL. 1

Sunny, energetic sounds from Seu Jorge – the first in a what will be series of Musicas Para Churrasco releases, which loosely translates, we reckon, as music to bring to a barbecue – lightly funky Brazilian soul with that gritty, charismatic, instantly identifiable voice! What's so great about this set to us, is that it's sort of set up by Seu Jorge himself as simple, fun, everyday, don't take it so seriously kinda grooves – but it's too damn good for that. The arrangements are fairly uptempo and summer-y, generally in 10 piece setting with heavy rhythms, killer percussion, guitar, brass, keys and an all around effervescent style – but this ain't no tossed off effort! On par with his best recent work. Includes "A Doida", "Meu Parceiro", "Veia", "Ole, Ole", "Japonesa", "Quem Nao Quer Sou Eu", "Vizinha", "Amiga Da Minha.”


SABRINA MALHEIROS - DREAMING
Always-lovely work from Sabrina Malheiros – serving up a sublime blend of Brazilian roots and soulful overtones – a style that's easily made her one of the best artists on the Far Out label over the years! Sabrina's got a family lineage that traces back to Azymuth – and the music here has the similar blend of fusion instrumentation, earthy Brazilian percussion, and soaring American soul that you'll find in the best classics by that group – all with the added special spark that comes from her sweet vocals too! Production and arrangements are by Daniel Venom Maunick, who brings in a slight dose of Incognito soul too – really making for a record that's quite possibly the best we've heard from Sabrina so far – and that's saying a heck of a lot. Titles include "Lirio De Venus", "Bobeira", "Opara", "Candeia", "Fragil", "Can't Hide Love", "Primeira", and "Paranoia".

PAUL DESMOND – COMPLETE RCA ALBUM COLLECTION

Available now is the most complete package to date of Paul Desmond's RCA Albums, with each individual album is packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album’s original cover art. Included is a stand-alone booklet with full discographical info., rare in-studio photos and liner notes by Grammy-winning box producer Richard Seidel. A total of 24 bonus tracks- are heard across all six albums. Five of the six albums feature melodic guitar giant Jim Hall, the ideal musical partner for Desmond.

For the bulk of the 1950s and 60’s, Paul Desmond had one of the sweetest gigs in jazz history.  As the featured alto saxophonist in the Dave Brubeck quartet, Desmond was a central figure in the most commercially successful jazz ensemble of the time. The sole horn in the group, Desmond attracted considerable critical and public acclaim for his supremely lyrical, sublimely melodic playing. His dulcet phrases couched in what he himself dubbed a “dry martini” tone, Desmond’s alto was a defining sound of the era.

But even a beloved sideman has to step into the full glare of the spotlight at times. While the delightful Two of a Mind found Desmond in a spare collaboration with just Gerry Mulligan’s baritone saxophone and bass and drums, his other RCA albums paired him with Jim Hall, a brilliant guitarist whose lyrical sensibilities matched those of the altoist himself. Exploring standards and the occasional Desmond original, the two proved to be perfect musical partners.

While the majority of Desmond’s recordings found him fronting a quartet with the ever-present Hall, the tasteful drummer Connie Kay, and the resourceful bassists Gene Wright and Gene Cherico, the 1961 Desmond Blue matched the saxophonist with a string orchestra and outstanding arrangements by Bob Prince for a set of exquisitely rendered classics including a memorable “My Funny Valentine.” Take Ten signaled Desmond’s deepening interest in Brazilian bossa nova; Boss Antigua explores the genre with further depth and idiomatic understanding. The final RCA album, 1964’s Glad To Be Unhappy, is yet another quietly majestic quartet recording that made it clear that Desmond had developed a solid musical identity of his own. That he left the Brubeck fold just a few years later came as little surprise to those who had tracked the star saxophonist’s monumental RCA work of the 1960s -- it was time, and he was more than ready.

This box celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Desmond’s signing to RCA in 1961, which kicked off his most prolific and acclaimed period of solo recordings. Desmond, as a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet between 1951 and 1967, was one of the most popular saxophonists of his era, and wrote jazz’s greatest hit of the 1950s and 60s - “Take Five”. Albums featured include his gorgeous string session, Desmond Blue, and his classic match-off with Gerry Mulligan Two Of A Mind. Five of the six albums feature melodic guitar giant Jim Hall, the ideal musical partner for Desmond. Desmond was a master at Bossa Nova, heard here on both the Bossa Antigua and Take Ten albums.

Albums included:

Desmond Blue (1961)

Take Ten (1963)

Bossa Antigua (1964)

Glad To Be Unhappy (1963-1965)

Easy Living (1963-1965)

Two Of A Mind w/ Gerry Mulligan (1962)

http://www.popmarket/

ARTIST PROFILE: CARMEN SOUZA

Carmen Souza was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1981 within a Christian family of Cape Verdeans. She grew up in a mixed language environment of Creole (the Cape Verde dialect her parents spoke at home) and Portuguese, and was always surrounded by the Cape Verdean way of life. In her teens she sang professionally in a Lusophone Gospel choir. Being a strongly spiritual person, Carmen always saw music as her mission and felt privileged to have the opportunity to express herself through it, working hard every day to deserve that opportunity. Musicians like Luis Morais, Theo Pas'cal, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, and Diana Krall are among those that truly inspire her evolution and search for a unique personal style. Theo Pas'cal, her producer, mentor and one of the best bass players in Portugal, discovered her talent and introduced Carmen to jazz, fusion and other contemporary sounds that influenced her musical development.

In 2003, Carmen began working with Theo on the compositions that would be included on her debut album, Ess e nha Cabo Verde. Using the Creole dialect of her ancestors and featuring traditional African and Cape Verdean rhythms (Batuke, Morna, Cola djon, and others), Carmen mixed in her contemporary jazz influences to create a more intimate and acoustic vibe, different from the traditional festive environment of Cape Verdean sounds. Ess e nha Cabo Verde was released in 2005 to critical acclaim and led to her international breakthrough performance at the WOMAD Festival in Reading, England that same year. Verdade, her second album, was released in 2008. In addition to co-producing the album, Verdade featured Carmen’s talents on Wurlitzer organ and guitar, as well as an exciting and melodically vibrant vocal repertoire in Creole. Verdade received glowing reviews from the international press worldwide.

Carmen Souza returned in 2010 with the impressive recording Protegid (Protected), blending the elegance and sophistication of African and Cape Verdean traditional rhythms with contemporary jazz and Afro-Latin music. Once again the two composers, Carmen Souza and Theo Pas’cal, present an album that pushes the limits of what constitutes the Cape Verdean music, world music and jazz even further. Carmen co-produces, plays guitar and Fender Rhodes, and sings eleven of the twelve songs on the album.

On Protegid, Carmen Souza’s singular vocal approach and musical choices have earned her being compared with Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Cleo Laine, Eartha Kitt, and Marie Daulne. Her unique talent as a singer, composer and musician sets her apart from the crowded Cape Verdean scene and is gradually carving her own space in world music and jazz. Protegid is receiving outstanding reviews worldwide. World Music Central considers the album “a landmark that will prompt you to embrace and at the same time rethink everything you know and love about the sounds of Cape Verde.” NPR said the album “opens a window to another world entirely” and The Independent declares: “the poetic voice is as original as the musical one.” In 2010, Protegid received a nomination for the German Record Critic’s Award, and entered the World Music Charts Europe (WMCE). A new edition of Verdade, re-released by Galileo Records, also entered the WMCE and, by the end of the year, the album was included in several lists of “Best World Music Album” for 2010.

Carmen Souza has been touring extensively around the world since 2005. In 2010, she performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the London African Music Festival and the Leverkusener Jazztage Festival in Germany. Her concerts have been broadcast around the world by major TV and radio stations including the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, the Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, Radio 6 in the Netherlands, WDR/3SAT TV in Germany, and more. Her unique sound has been recognized by ethnomusicologists Gerhard Kubik and Fernando Arenas; a closer look into Carmen Souza’s groundbreaking work is included in Beyond Independence: Globalization, Postcolonialism, and the Cultures of Lusophone Africa, a new book by Fernando Arenas, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2011.

RETURN TO FOREVER – THE COMPLETE COLUMBIA ALBUMS COLLECTION

Available now is the most complete package to date of Return to Forever’s Columbia albums. The set includes 3 great albums on 5 CDs, with each individual album is packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that album’s original cover art. The booklet includes full discographical info., rare photos, and liner notes by Grammy-winning producer Bob Belden, plus a complete reproduction of the original 12 page booklet from the Return To Forever Live box.

Pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Chick Corea (b. 1941) flaunts his eclectic musical nature like a badge of honor. Moving fluidly within the realms of jazz, classical, fusion and Latin-Jazz, Corea’s stylistic identity cannot be pinned down; his musical personality is defined only by the consistent excellence of his multifarious endeavors. Fifty years into his career, Corea is unquestionably a jazz icon, beloved by devoted listeners, and as influential with fellow musicians, as he has ever been.

After important early experience with both Latin music bands and jazz ensembles, including those of Mongo Santamaria, Stan Getz, and Sarah Vaughan, Corea gained significantly wider recognition when he replaced Herbie Hancock in Miles Davis’s acclaimed quintet in 1968. His work with Davis and his own recordings, including the brilliant Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, positioned Corea as one of the premier post bop pianists of his generation. Yet his eclecticism was about to blossom. After delving into free jazz with the band Circle, Corea turned to the electric piano and formed Return to Forever, which in its original incarnation, took Latin jazz as its focus. Return to Forever would then quickly morph into a highly successful fusion band, one that found Corea making extensive use of synthesizers and electronic keyboards.

From the mid-1970s onwards, the musically peripatetic Corea has formed new ensembles – both acoustic and electric – collaborated with a dizzyingly diverse cast of prominent musicians (Gary Burton, Bobby McFerrin, and Bela Fleck, among them), composed works that range from classical extravaganzas to children’s songs, and has continued to exert wide influence as an adventurous improvising pianist who is nonetheless thoroughly grounded in the jazz tradition. Recent tours with John McLaughlin and a reunited Return to Forever proved that Corea’s popular esteem is rock solid.

The ultimate Return To Forever statement was the 1977 4LP box Return To Forever Live. This version is the first time that the entire concert has been released on CD in the U.S. Unavailable for some 20 years the complete 2 and 1/2 hour concert is heard here remastered by multi Grammy-winning engineer Mark Wilder.

Albums included:

Romantic Warrior (1976)

Musicmagic (1977)

Return To Forever Live (1977) [3 CDs]

http://www.popmarket.com/

JACK JONES – LOVE BALLAD

Four-time nominated and two-time Grammy-winning recording artist Jack Jones is back front and center with a new album titled Love Ballad, a very personal take on love found and lost. Love Ballad was launched September 20 by Aspen Records and available via BFM Digital Music Services on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Napster, and Nokia, among others, as well as in stores. “You can imagine how hard we all cried at the end of it.”

“There is a personal story behind each of the songs,” Jones says. “The title song, ‘Love Ballad,’ was being played as my wife Eleonora and I were first introduced. It expresses the hope of finding the perfect lifetime partner, who must exist somewhere. “Being a parent, I see ‘Not While I’m Around’ as a wonderful adult version of ‘Who’s Afraid of The Big Bad Wolf?’ from ‘Sweeny Todd,’ with a much darker meaning.”

Jones considers one of the most moving moments in his life when he sang “The Impossible Dream,” for hundreds of wives of MIAs at the Washington Armory. “We were all wearing wristbands with MIAs’ names on them,” he recalls. “You can imagine how hard we all cried at the end of it.”

“Call Me Irresponsible” came about after Sammy Cahn asked Jones to come to Jimmy Van Heusen’s house to hear a song they wanted him to record. When he got there they played Frank Sinatra's recording of the song, which caused Jones to ask, “What do you need me for?” They explained that Sinatra’s performance was too realistic and too good to be a hit, which is why they called him. Choosing not to take issue with this, Jones recorded the song - and “was subjected to having a major hit record on his hands!”

Jones, who has always been actively involved in the creation of his records, is credited as producer, personally selected all the songs and did the in-studio mixing and mastering of all the tracks. Jones continues a busy schedule of live performances in performing arts centers throughout the year. He just completed appearances in front of 12,000 people in the Philippines; the McCallum theater; the South Point Casino Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas; and is scheduled for his biennial tour of Great Britain this fall.

Love Ballad Track Listing:
1. Love Ballad (Pat Tuzzolino & Carl Saunders)
2. I Can't Get Started With You(Vernon Duke & Ira Gershwin)
3. I Can't Wait To Miss You (Jack Jones & Tom Garvin)
4. Sit Down And Write Myself A Letter (Fred E. Ahlert & Joseph Young)　　
5. Speaking Softly (Pat Tuzzolino & Carl Saunders)
6. Not While I'm Around (Steven Sondheim)
7. Don't You Quit Now (Johnny Mercer & Jimmy Rowles)
8. People (Jule Stein & Robert Merril)
9. The Lorelei (Barclay Allen, Jerry Goldstone, Rosetta Bent)
10. All Or Nothing At All (Arthur Altman, Jack Lawrence)
11. Lollypops And Roses (Tony Velona)
12. Wives And Lovers (Burt Bacharach & Hal David)
13. Call Me Irresponsible (Sammy Cahn & Jimmy Van Heusen)
14. If (David Gates)
15. The Impossible Dream (Joe Darion, Mitch Leigh)
16. Love Ballad Epilogue (Pat Tuzzolino & Carl Saunders)

Produced by Jack Jones
Under the musical direction of Mike Renzi
Arranged by Mike Renzi
Bass: Chris Colangelos
Drums: Kendall Kay
Keyboards: Patrick Tuzzolino, Frankie Randall, Gary Nesteruk
Sam Most featured on Sax (Love Ballad)
Mixdowns, Vocals, Sweetening and Mastering at the Orchard Engineer: Jack Jones
Rhythm tracks recorded at Umbrella Media Inc.
Recording Engineer: Nady Waterman
Second Engineer: Luke Fackler

Upcoming Jack Jones Tour Dates:
October 22, 2011 – Opera House, Buxton, UK
October 23, 2011 – York Barbican Centre, York, UK
October 24, 2011 – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, UK
October 25, 2011 – The Sage, Gateshead, UK
October 27, 2011 - Town Hall, Birmingham, UK
October 29, 2011 – Cliffs Pavillion, Southend, UK
October 30, 2011 – Fairfiled Hall, Croydon, UK
October 31, 2011 – London Palladium, London, UK

November 1, 2011 – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, UK

November 2, 2011 – The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK

December 3, 2011 – Private Event, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

December 16, 2011– Wichita Country Club, Wichita, KS

January 17-22, 2012 – The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikki, San Fran, CA,

January 31-February 4, 2012 - Riverside Resort, Laughlin, NV

February 25, 2012 – Wold Performing Arts Center, Boca Raton, FL

March 5, 2012 – Private Event, Tampa, FL

April 17-May 12, 2012 –The Oak Romm at The Algonquin Hotel, New York, NY

September 24-29, 2012 – Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Branson, MO

TAKE A LOOK: ARETHA FRANKLIN COMPLETE ON COLUMBIA

Columbia Records has assembled the most complete package to date of Aretha Franklins Columbia albums. The collection celebrates the 50th anniversary of Aretha’s pop performance career spanning her electrifying output spanning 1960-1965. Included are master takes, unissued performances, rare mono mixes and studio conversations, in one deluxe 12-disc (11 CDs + DVD) box set. The 12 discs are housed in a beautiful box and are accompanied by a lavish 64-page, full color book. The book features extensive new liner notes, complete discography, and incredible, rare photography of a young Aretha. The bonus DVD contains soul-stirring TV performances not available in years.

Take A Look begins with expanded editions of Aretha’s seven original Columbia albums:
Aretha (with the Ray Bryant Combo) (released February 27, 1961)
The Electrifying Aretha Franklin (1962)
The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962)
Laughing On The Outside (1963)
Unforgettable – A Tribute To Dinah Washington (1964)
Runnin’ Out Of Fools (1965)

Yeah!!! In Person With Her Quartet (in two sequences: the original 1965 album recorded live in the studio with overdubbed applause, followed by a new previously unreleased version without the nightclub ambience)

Two CDs reflect Aretha’s collaborations with the influential producers Bobby Scott and Clyde Otis -- collaborations that were either shelved or issued as singles, but never on LP:

Tiny Sparrow: The Bobby Scott Sessions (1963)

Take A Look: The Clyde Otis Sessions (1964)

Two CDs are new compilations:

A Bit of Soul (the full album as it was compiled in 1965, but never released)

The Queen In Waiting (includes Aretha's last Columbia recordings produced by Bob Johnston, noted for his work during this period with Bob Dylan; and songs that Columbia "sweetened" with new musicians after Aretha left the label)

A bonus DVD, Aretha '64! Live on The Steve Allen Show, features Aretha singing and playing piano on the legendary comedian's television program in the spring of 1964. The performances include “Lover Come Back to Me,” “Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody,” “Won’t Be Long,”