PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS: THE TOM MOULTON REMIXES

This will be 31 true full-length Philadelphia International Classics in total delivered in a deluxe box with 4 separate CD's plus a 16 page booklet with sleeve notes by Lloyd Bradley and containing some rare photos of Tom Moulton and Sigma Sound studios. Following on from the massively popular Philadelphia International: The Re-Edits package, here is the 2nd release of the special "Philly 40" campaign which is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Philadelphia International Records. Welcome to the hugely anticipated Philadelphia International Classics: The Tom Moulton Remixes. Release is set for February 2012.


Here is the track listing:
Brand New Remixes:
1. Back Stabbers
2. She's A Winner
3. Slow Motion
4. The Whole Town's Talking
5. The Love I Lost
6. The Devil Made Me Do It
7. Year Of Decision
8. When Will I See You Again
9. Trammps Disco Theme/Zing Went The Strings
10. Let's Groove
11. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
12. Where Will You Go When The Party's Over
13. I Don't Love You Anymore
14. See You When I Get There
15. This Time Baby
16. Party Time Man
17. My Love Don't Come Easy
18. Nights Over Egypt

Extended ReEdits:
19. Love Epidemic
20. Where Do We Go From Here
21. Trusting Heart
22. Jam Jam Jam

Remastered from the 1st Generation Tapes***:
23. Love Train
24. Always Love My Mama
25. Dirty Old Man
26. TSOP
27. Love Is The Message
28. Bad Luck
29. Do It Anyway You Wanna
30. I Love Music
31. Don't Leave Me This Way

***When the Philly Classics LP was re-issued on CD in 2002, they did not go to the original master tapes...they just used the same mastering that was used for the 1977 vinyl....so this will be the first time that we will hear these jams straight from the source....

REINHOLD SCHWARZWALD - SUNSET

A collaboration with a pair of Grammy nominated artists ushered the amorous title track to soul-jazz saxophonist Reinhold Schwarzwald's Sunset album onto the radio waves of influential Los Angeles radio station 94.7 KTWV The Wave. The kissing on the beach - or by the fireplace - ballad written by the international saxman was produced by keyboardist Patrice Rushen and includes fretwork from guitarist Doc Powell. "I was inspired to write this song by watching a sunset surrounded by the breathtaking and romantic beauty of the California coastline at Point Dume in Malibu," said Schwarzwald, whose sound and style incorporates soulful contemporary jazz and funky R&B along with swatches of Brazilian influences. "It was a thrill to work with Patrice (Rushen) as we have a long association together. Doc (Powell) is such a wonderful person and a gifted musician. I'm grateful for the artistry that they both contributed to Sunset. It's exciting that The Wave, one of the most important radio stations in the country in this genre, is the first radio station in the country to embrace this cut."

Possessing a sultry groove and an intimate, inviting hook emoted with heartfelt passion, Sunset began receiving airplay in regular rotation on The Wave last week. The single is from the album of the same title that was reissued last month on the artist's VIP International record label. Schwarzwald produced and wrote or co-wrote nine of the eleven songs on the Sunset album, which features contributions from musicians hailing from Los Angeles, Paris and Brazil. Rushen produced three songs for the record. Both the single and album are available as a physical CD and digitally on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Schwarzwald's website will soon be available at all major digital retail outlets.

Born in Austria to an Austrian father and a Hungarian mother, Schwarzwald was raised in a musical family and studied in music conservatories where he was trained in classical and jazz. After school, he landed in Paris, where he was invigorated by the vibrant Paris music scene. Schwarzwald performed extensively throughout Europe including at prestigious halls, clubs and festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, and recorded as a studio musician in an eclectic array of genres. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, he won an International Song Expo award for his cinematically beautiful ballad "All Your Love," which also appears on the Sunset album. His music has garnered airplay on radio stations and television shows around the globe. Schwarzwald has collaborated with Grammy winners and platinum selling artists including Kirk Whalum, Hugh Masekela and Luis Conte, and has opened shows for Ray Charles and Chris Botti. He anticipates performing with his band in the Los Angeles area this spring.

http://www.reinholdschwarzwald.com/.

HULON - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hulon (Dr. Hulon Crayton) is a smooth jazz saxophonist hailing from Panama City, FL who made his started his jazz career as a member of noted jazz group the On Call Band®. Hulon released his debut release, First Impressions, via Premier Musique Group where the album peaked at #25 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart back in April 2010. First Impressions was produced by noted smooth jazz artist Jeff Kashiwa and included eight original songs co-written by Kashiwa and Hulon, and also features a cover of the song "The Cisco Kid" by the band, War. The song "Sax on the Beach," served as the album's first single and reached #16 on the SmoothJazz.com Top 50 Indie Chart and was featured on the noted jazz website AllAboutJazz.com, in addition to receiving national and international airplay at terrestrial and online radio.

The song "Dr. Goodfoot" served as the album's second single. First Impressions was recorded at SGR Studios in Panama City, FL with additional drum tracks recorded at Two Sticks Audio in Seattle, WA and Ahhsum Studios in West Covina, CA. The album was mixed by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording in New York City, NY. When asked about this new CD and artist, Jeff Kashiwa said, “It's every producer's dream to come across an artist who has 3 qualities: drive to develop their unique voice, enthusiasm for creating music and passion to perform. Hulon possesses all of these qualities. The music on his debut CD reflects many moods to showcase this emerging artist.

In addition to his jazz career, Hulon is also a noted entrepreneur and philanthropist. Hulon runs The Arthritis and Infusion Center, a successful medical practice that specializes in the treatment of Rheumatological diseases and disorders as well as sports-related injuries. Hulon has been practicing Rheumatology since 1986, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and of the American Board of Rheumatology. Hulon has a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration and has served in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserve obtaining the rank of Captain. Hulon, and his wife, Dinah, created the Crayton Foundation which assists minorities with funding their college education.

Hulon - First Impressions tracklisting:

1. Cisco Kid

2. Sax On The Beach
3. Cool Blue
4. Sweet Spot
5. So Naturally
6. Follow Me
7. Dr. Goodfoot
8. Sax Machine
9. No More Goodbyes
10. Interview (92.5 Wrap-Fm Clear Channel Radio)

http://www.hulonsax.com/ 

www.facebook.com/pages/hulon/191366030967.

CANDY DULFER - CRAZY

When saxophonist Candy Dulfer steps onto the stage or into the studio, everything is immediately up for grabs and anything can happen. This sexy, high-energy vibe seemingly out-of-control, yet always carefully calculated is a direct result of her consistently hot and sweet confection of jazz, funk, R&B, soul, pop, techno and more. It's a no-holds-barred recipe that has served her and her worldwide fan base well since her earliest recordings at the start of the 1990s. Now Dulfer pushes the whole musical experience to the edge once again on her new recording, Crazy. The 13-song set includes numerous tracks co-written and produced by multi-instrumentalist Printz Board whose mile-long list of credits includes musical director for the Black Eyed Peas for more than a decade, as well as work with a broad range of artists: Macy Gray, Mariah Carey, Sergio Mendes Gomez, Katy Perry,Burt Bacharach and dozens more. Seven of the twelve tracks on the album were produced by Printz Board. For the other tracks Candy once again collaborated with Dutch producer and longtime guitarist Ulco Bed, who was responsible for Candy's first major hits in her career with the albums Saxuality and Sax-a-go-go. Crazy was released worldwide starting in Holland on October 1st.

“I wanted to return to working with Ulco Bed, a great guitarist and my songwriter partner since we were both very young,” says Candy, a native of the Netherlands and the daughter of jazz saxophonist Hans Dulfer. “We hadn’t recorded together for a long time, so I was looking forward to connecting with him again. But I also wanted to work with someone who could show me something new, something I‘d never done before. When I met Printz, I knew right away that we could do something great together. I was surprised at how easy it was. I would put a beat down and just play a few licks, and it would be enough to inspire him to put together a whole chord sequence and write a song.”

It’s the kind of versatility and adaptability that comes from working with such a diverse spectrum of talent over the years. “I just go with the energy that’s in the room,” says Printz. “I try not to work with anybody whom I haven’t at least hung out with for a little while. I need a chance to get to know their energy and their personality. When Candy and I got started on this project, we knew the goal. We knew what we were going for. It just grew organically. I don’t think either of us knew what the end result would be, but we’re very excited with what it turned into.”

Like just about every other recording in Candy’s body of work, Crazy kicks off like a party. Literally! The opening track is a churning saxophone riff, supported by a swell of voices in full party mode. It all comes to a halt when a neighbor puts a damper on things by demanding some quiet.

Fat chance. The title track picks up where the noisy room leaves off, and keeps the intensity level well beyond the acceptable range of peace and quiet. Built on a call-and-response between Printz’s lyrics and Candy’s punchy alto riffs, the song is inspired by Printz’s recent heady experiences with a new romance. “You don’t know what to do with yourself,” he says. “You just want to see this person, and talk to this person, and hang out with them. The title is no mystery. I was just crazy about this woman.”

“Hey Now” starts in a midtempo groove, with generous doses of low-end electronic dance beats holding it together. “But there’s a moment when it really kicks into high gear and gets wild,” says Candy. “It’s that moment when I want people to say, ‘Wow, this is really something I didn’t expect. This is something amazing.’”

“Complic8ted Lives” is less about specific solos and parts, says Candy, and more about generating an overall mood. “It was just a really spontaneous track,” she says. “We made it in five minutes, but it was a beautiful song. It’s really about a specific feeling. You can take the vocals off and you can still hear what the song is about in the chord progression and in my saxophone work.”

Midway through the party, the neighbors are apparently getting increasingly frustrated. One tries to make a call, but there’s no hearing the phone amid the revelry.

The inspiration for “Electric Blue” originally came from the neon blue lights of Tokyo, says Printz. Candy adds quirky sax lines on top, while Printz inserts some slide instructions that culminate with the simply stated “Get your ass on the floor.” The throbbing backbeat dares the listener to defy the command.

Printz indulges his fascination with the vocorder on “Rocket, Rocket,” a track that morphs his voice into an electronic layer that merges seamlessly with his keys and Candy’s fresh alto licks. “We just recently started playing this live,” says Candy. “We didn’t know how it would go live, but we had people of every age dancing to this one.”

The riffs are still coming when the police arrive at the door, accompanied by the same irritated neighbor. Their efforts are apparently ineffective, because the music keeps coming for just a bit longer.

In the home stretch, it’s the sultry and suggestive “Please Don’t Stop,” followed by the “Too Close,” a quiet instrumental ballad that shifts the festivities into a more laid back vibe. Powered by a distinctly Euro groove,

“I’m very happy with this record,” says Candy. “It’s been a super-positive experience. In the last ten years, I was always in a safe environment with my own friends, and it was beautiful. This was a big leap for me, so it’s nice to see that the rewards for that risk were so great. It’s nice to be rewarded for taking risks. And on the other hand, reconnecting with Ulco has been great. It brought back a lot of beautiful memories. We realized that we can still make great music together.”

Candy Dulfer - Crazy - track listing
1. Stop All That Noise

2. Crazy

3. Hey Now

4. Flame

5. Good Music

6. Complic8ted Lives

7. Calling Next Door

8. Electric Blue

9. In Or Out

10. I Do

11. Rocket, Rocket

12. No End

13. Open Up

14. Please Don't Stop

15. Too Close

Upcoming Tour Dates:

January 15-22 @ Smooth Jazz Cruise

January 22-29 @ Smooth Jazz Cruise

February 12 @ The Blue Note: Nagoya, Japan

February 13 @ The Blue Note Tokyo, Japan

February 14 @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan

February 15 @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan

February 17 @ Club Quattro, Hiroshima, Japan

March 10 @ Goois Jazz Festival, Bussum, Netherlands

March 11 @ Luxor Live, Arnhem, Netherlands

March 30 @ Groene Engel, Oss, Netherlands

April 1 @ Mezz, Breda, Netherlands

April 5 @ Hedon, Zwolle, Netherlands

April 6 @ Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands

April 7 @ P3, Purmerend, Netherlands

April 8 @ Tivoli, Utrecht, Netherlands

April 13 @ Bolwerk, Sneek, Netherlands

April 14 @ Metrpool, Hengelo, Netherlands

April 15 @ Patronaat, Haarlem, Netherlan

April 17 @ Kaufleuten, Zurich, Switzerland

April 18 @ KKL, Luzern, Switzerland

April 19 @ Volkshaus, Basel, Switzerland

April 21 @ Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands

April 22 @ Underground, Lelystad, Netherlands

NICHOLAS PAYTON - FROM THIS MOMENT

Nicholas Payton is the embodiment of every trumpet player who came before him, and he leads the way for all who follow. Hailed as a virtuoso before he was even out of high school, his maturation as a prodigious talent has earned him praise as one of the most important artists of our time. In 1994 Nicholas Payton made his recording debut as a leader with From This Moment (Verve), where he was immediately recognized as a "young lion". Since then, Payton has consistently committed himself to developing a distinct voice beyond the strict labels that fans and critics alike have sought to pin on him. He says: "As a musician, as an artist, you're always trying to zero in on the bull's eye as a means of becoming a better version of yourself. I've been able to find the kind of music that's more inclusive of all of my life. The approach and the ideas of my music have become more singular, more cohesive. I have no agenda in terms of a specific genre or style, only to be true to who I am."

Nicholas Payton was born September 26, 1973, in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a musical family. Encouraged by his mother, a pianist and vocalist, and his father the legendary bassist, composer and educator Walter Payton, Nicholas showed talent for music at a very early age. He received his first trumpet at age four and by age nine was sitting-in with local bands including the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. By the age of 12 he was a member of the All Star Brass Band that performed and toured extensively. As he grew up and studied, Nicholas successfully learned how to play several instruments including but not limited to the trumpet. He is an accomplished pianist, bassist, drummer, and plays tuba, trombone, clarinet and saxophone, et al. During his high school years, Payton attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts to study with Clyde Kerr Jr. and after graduation attended the University of New Orleans where he studied with Ellis Marsalis.

Nicholas has toured with scores of musicians including Clark Terry, Marcus Roberts, Ray Brown, Elvin Jones, and Roy Haynes and many more. He has also performed and recorded with many musicians representing a multitude of musical genres from jazz, R&B, and hip-hop and is credited on well over 120 recordings as a composer, arranger, special guest or sideman. As a leader, Nicholas has recorded 8 albums under his own name including Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton-a 1997 Grammy award-winning collaboration with the legendary trumpeter. He also released Dear Louis, Nick @ Night, Gumbo Nouveau, Sonic Trance, Payton's Place, and Into The Blue.

Payton says in reference to both his music and his life that he has finally arrived "most solidly in a place where I'm coming to terms with who I am. I've weeded out those things that don't feel right for me. I'm not out to try to impress and I'm not worried that what I play is going to upset some people. I want to write and play music that speaks for me and means something to me and that I feel passionate about." To that end, Nicholas has recently completed his 9th recording as a leader. Bitches is a bold autobiographical solo masterwork, released on his own imprint, BMF Productions in partnership with Independent label and distributor.

Bitches is a love story that musically chronicles the joys and heartbreak of relationship. A provocative and breakthrough recording on many levels, Nicholas played every instrument, composed all the songs, wrote all the lyrics, produced each track, and sings and plays trumpet throughout. He is accompanied by special guest vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, N'Dambi, Chinah Blac and Saunders Sermons. Payton explains of the album's concept: "The idea was to express how mature men feel in a relationship when things don't work out. It's actually a very vulnerable record. . . a love record essentially. The title might suggest something else to people, but none of the lyrical content is derogatory."

In speaking about the 16 songs on Bitches, Nicholas continues by expressing that: "To me, the whole point of life is to be in a relationship, with one's self and with other people. Without that mirror of relationship, we can't discover who we truly are. My mission is to constantly define and redefine who I am and what I am . . . to try to be better and to live the things I believe and say. That's not an easy road, but to me that's the only way to live." If it sounds like Nicholas Payton is a genius musician, a gifted composer and producer, a skilled astute writer and sometime social provocateur, and a shrewd businessman, he is all that, and more. His craft and artistry defy all restrictions leaving little that he cannot do and so it's clear that Nicholas is rooted in more than just traditions.

Upcoming tour dates:
January 31: @ Birdland, New York, NY
February 1: @ Birdland, New York, NY
February 2: @ Birdland, New York., NY
February 3: @ Birdland, New York, NY
February 4: @ Frank Mantooth Jazz Festival @ New Trier High School
February 9:  @St. Cecilia Music Center, NE Grand Rapids, MI
February 10: @ KC Jazz Club at The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
February 13: w/ Ulysses Owens Quartet @ Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, New York, NY
February 27: Master Class with Nicholas Payton @ Tulane, Room 260, New Orleans, LA
March 6: Master Class with Nicholas Payton @ Tulane, New Orleans, LA
March 9: w/Television Studio Orchestra @ Chicago Symphony Center,Chicago, IL
March 28: @ Jazz at The Bistro, St Louis, MO
March 29: @ Jazz at The Bistro, St Louis, MO 
March 30: @ Jazz at The Bistro, St Louis, MO
March 31: @ Jazz at The Bistro, St Louis, MO
April 3: Master Class with Nicholas Payton @ Tulane, New Orleans, LA

DIANA ROSS DELUXE EDITION

Here’s a brand new deluxe edition of Diana Ross’ legendary 1976 self-titled album, her studio LP in three years, following 1973′s Last Time I Saw Him. As with previously expanded editions of solo Diana albums, Diana Ross features the original remastered album with some bonus tracks across two discs. Notable highlights include original single masters, the ultra-rare “Coming Home,” released on a Japanese flexidisc for Coca-Cola; a cover of Elton John’s  “Harmony” along with two unreleased tracks from the album sessions, and alternate takes of nearly every track on the original album. The album is produced by Michael Masser. Included here is "Love Hangover" which was her fourth number one single. It was released in March 1976, and rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts simultaneously.

Diana Ross - Disc 1: Original LP, single versions and bonus tracks

1. Theme from “Mahogany” (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)

2. I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love)

3. Love Hangover

4. Kiss Me Now

5. You’re Good My Child

6. One Love in My Lifetime

7. Ain’t Nothin’ But a Maybe

8. After You

9. Smile

10. Sorry Doesn’t Always Make It Right

11. Together

12. I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love) (Single Version)

13. Love Hangover (Single Version)

14. One Love in My Lifetime (Single Version)

15. To Love Again (Alternate Version/Previously Unreleased)

16. We’re Always Saying Goodbye (Alternate Version/Previosly Unreleased)

17. This Christmas (Alternate Version/Previously Unreleased)

18. Coming Home (Stereo Mix from Japanese Coca-Cola promotional flexdisx)

Diana Ross Disc 2: Alternate Takes (all tracks previously unreleased) 

1. Theme from “Mahogany” (Do You Know Where You’re Going To) (Alternate Version)
2. I Thought It Took a Little Time (But Today I Fell in Love) (Alternate Version)
3. Love Hangover (Alternate Version #1)
4. Kiss Me Now (Alternate Version)
5. You’re Good My Child (Alternate Version)
6. One Love in My Lifetime (Alternate Version)
7. Ain’t Nothin’ But a Maybe (Alternate Version)
8. After You (Alternate Version)
9. Sorry Doesn’t Always Make It Right (Alternate Version)
10. Together (Alternate Version)
11. Theme from “Mahogany” (Do You Know Where You’re Going To) (Alternate Version #2)
12. Harmony
13. Le Lo Li
14. Go Where Your Mind Is
15. Diana Ross Interview (Excerpted)

PAUL McCARTNEY - KISSES ON THE BOTTOM

Paul McCartney is about to release a new studio album on February 7th, this time comprised of his favorite childhood pop standards, as well as two original compositions. For the new album entitled, Kisses on the Bottom, McCartney recorded his versions of the classic tracks at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, New York and London last year with producers Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall. The album will feature two new collaborations: "My Valentine" with Eric Clapton, and "Only Our Hearts" with Stevie Wonder.

A deluxe edition of the album will be available on McCartney’s official site on February 14th, featuring two bonus tracks (“Baby’s Request”, “My One and Only Love”) in addition to longer liner notes and expanded packaging. Kisses on the Bottom (his 15th solo album) is McCartney's follow-up to Memory Almost Full has been described as a collection of classic songs that inspired the songwriting of the Beatles legend, and on "Bottom," the singer will reinterpret tracks made popular by Sam Cooke ("Home (When Shadows Fall)"), Ella Fitzgerald ("It's Only a Paper Moon") and Danny Kaye ("The Inch Worm"), among others. The album title comes from the lyrics of Fats Waller's 1935 hit "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself a Letter," which serves as the opening track on McCartney's album. Kisses on the Bottom will be reelased on February 7th via Hear Music/Concord.

Kisses on the Bottom tracklisting:
01 – I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
02 – Home (When Shadows Fall)
03 – It’s Only A Paper Moon
04 – More I Cannot Wish You
05 – The Glory Of Love
06 – We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)

07 – Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

08 – My Valentine

09 – Always

10 – My Very Good Friend The Milkman

11 – Bye Bye Blackbird

12 – Get Yourself Another Fool

13 – The Inch Worm

14 – Only Our Hearts

15 – Baby’s Request (Deluxe Edition)

16 – My One and Only Love (Deluxe Edition)

2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES POWER LINEUP!

The 2012 Essence Musical Festival celebrates "The Power of Our Voice" during its 18th anniversary held in New Orleans July 6, 7 and 8. This year's theme reflects the audiences' turn to powerful voices whether through song, the political arena or community organizing for strength and inspiration during challenging times. The annual Festival promises to deliver a stellar line-up of musical artists as well as leading thinkers, authors, innovators and influencers who will empower and motivate the audience to make a difference in each of their communities. The annual weekend of entertainment and empowerment will feature an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations over the festive Fourth of July holiday weekend in the Crescent City. With a combination of iconic musical performances and thought-provoking dialogue, the 2012 Essence Music Festival will be an unforgettable experience.

"The theme of this year's Essence Music Festival celebrates our most powerful voices. Whether it's Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul commanding respect or Rep. Maxine Waters demanding better conditions for our community, these powerful voices resonate with our audience like no other," said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. "As we all face a new reality in these critical times, we want to inspire our Festival-goers to leave this year's Festival even more resilient and motivated so that they can be empowered to create change in their own communities."

After another record-breaking year in 2011, this year's line-up promises to be a weekend to remember. Stellar acts leading the list of artists set to perform at the legendary Louisiana Superdome include: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, Ledisi, SWV, Dru Hill, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Goapele, Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul, Luke James, Eric Roberson, The Stylistics, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Bridget Kelly, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, The Stooges Brass Band and Khris Royal & Dark Matter. In addition, Essence will honor iconic singer Aretha Franklin with "The Power Award." The Queen of Soul previously performed at the Festival in 1995 and 2005.

In addition to the colossal music line-up, the audience can look forward to the annual Essence Empowerment Experience, which is free and open to the public at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Festival-goers will experience three full days of socio-political dialogue, health and wellness discussions and spiritual inspiration led by dynamic motivational speakers. The initial roster of leading authors, speakers and leaders include: Steve Harvey, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters and Dr. Steve Perry. The weekend will culminate on Sunday with a rousing All-star Gospel tribute honoring gospel mega-stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.

Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Essence magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age. The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O'Jays, Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.

FREDDIE HUBBARD - SPLASH

Freddie Hubbard is one of the most recorded trumpeters in jazz history, his huge catalogue covering stylistic bases ranging from straight jazz, soul-jazz, fusion to some of the most pioneering free jazz of all time. He's also got one of the most recognisable trumpet sounds in jazz history, identifiable after just one note, and had one of the most formidable techniques ever heard on the instrument. He made some legendary solo albums on the Blue Note, CTI and Atlantic labels and also performed with the likes of Herbie Hancock on 'Maiden Voyage', John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman on 'Free Jazz' and Oliver Nelson on 'Blues And The Abstract Truth'.

Splash, his sole release for the famous jazz label Fantasy, was originally released in 1981 but quickly became out of print. but now it's received a shiny makeover and has never sounded better. This is one of the key jazz/funk albums of the '80s featuring the likes of James Gadson and Paul Jackson Jr. and some of Hubbard's finest solos. But it has always attracted a legendary status, mainly due to its main vocal track ‘You’re Gonna Lose Me’ which was also the album’s only single. Recorded at Hit City West in Los Angeles and mixed at Fantasy, Splash was co-produced by Al Hall Jr and features Paul Jackson Jr and David T Walker on guitar, James Gadson on drums and vocalists Jeanie Tracy and Maurice “Mo” Long. The music is an exquisite mix of soul, funk and jazz and Hubbard’s superlative playing reaches its peak on the beautiful slow number ‘Mystic Lady’ and classic jazz/funk instrumental ‘Sister ’Stine’. The title track and ‘You’re Gonna Lose Me’ are vehicles for sublime vocalist Jeanie Tracy, with Hubbard also delivering exquisite solos on both.

THE 2012-2013 CONCERT CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2012

Larry Carlton @ Dokkhuset, Trondheim, Norway, Feb 1

Peabo Bryson @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 1-3

Jack Jones @ Riverside Resort, Laughlin, NV, Feb 1-4

Mario Biondi @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Feb 1-4

Rumer @ Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL, Feb 2

Vieux Farka Toure @ La Clef, St. Germain En Lave, France, Feb 2

Larry Carlton @ Folken Olavskleiv, Stavanger, Norway, Feb 2
Bobby Caldwell @ Catalina Bar & Gril, Hollywood, CA, Feb 2-4
Narada Michael Walden @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 2-5
Larry Carlton @ Sardinen, Bergen, Norway, Feb 3
Vieux Farka Toure @ Centre Culturel Juliobona, Lillebon, France, Feb 3
Larry Carlton @ Trollblues, Rauma Kulturhus, Andalsnes, Norway, Feb 4
Tony Bennett @ Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ, Feb 4
Bobby McFerrin @ Lehman Center for Performing Arts, New York, NY, Feb 4
Vieux Farka Toure @ The Arches, Glasgow, Scotland, Feb 5
Rumer @ Mod Club, Toronto, ON, Feb 6
Rumer @ World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA, Feb 7
Vieux Farka Toure @ The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, UK, Feb 7
Vieux Farka Toure @ Howard Assembly Room, Leeds, UK, Feb 8
Eric Benet @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Feb 8
Jeff Lorber, Randy Brecker @ Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis,MN, Feb 8-9
Vieux Farka Toure @ Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, UK, Feb 9
Rumer @ Le Poisson Rouge, New York, NY, Feb 9
Kenny Garrett @ Central Oklahoma Jazz Club, Edmond, OK, Feb 9
Eric Benet @ Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC, Feb 9
Vieux Farka Toure @ Brewery Arts Center, Kendal, UK, Feb 10
Michael Lington @ Santa Fe Station, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 10
Rumer @ Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA, Feb 10
Eric Benet @ Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, GA, Feb 10
Nicola Conte @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Feb 10-11
Joe @ Boulder Station, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 11
Take 6 @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 11
Vieux Farka Toure @ St. George’s, Bristol, UK, Feb 11
Eric Benet @ Lumiere Place, St. Louis, MO, Feb 11
Vieux Farka Toure @ Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank, London, UK, Feb 12
George Benson @ Arizona State Capital Grounds, Phoeniz, AZ, Feb 12
Candy Dulfer @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 13-15
Vieux Farka Toure @ Band On The Wall, Manchester, UK, Feb 14
Angela Bofill @ Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, Warren, MI, Feb 14
Marsha Ambrosius @ House of Blues, Atlantic City, NJ, Feb 14
Eric Benet @ Arie Crown Theatre, Chicago, IL, Feb 14
John Pizzarelli @ Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 14-17
Brian Culbertson @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, Feb 14-19
Vieux Farka Toure @ Komedia, Brighton, UK, Feb 15
Angela Bofill, Melba Moore @ Birchmere Music Hall, Alexandria, VA, Feb 15
Vieux Farka Toure @ Turner Sims, Southampton, UK, Feb 16
Candy Dulfer @ Club Quattro, Hiroshima, Japan, Feb 17
Billy Cobham Band @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Feb 15-18
Chris Botti @ Harrah’s, Atlantic City, NJ, Feb 18
Vieux Farka Toure @ Festival La Roue Waroch, Plescop, France, Feb 18
Marsha Ambrosius @ Detroit Opera House, Detroit, MI, Feb 18
Mindi Abair @ Punta Gorde Wine Jazz Festival, Punta Gorde, FL, Feb 18
Michael McDonald @ Eastside Cannery, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 19
Candy Dulfer @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 19-20
Chris Standring @ Cliffs Pavillion, Southend, UK, Feb 23
Robert Davi @ The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 23-25
The Five Quintet Corners @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 23-25
Melissa Manchester @ Boulder Station, Las Vegas, NV, Feb 24
Chris Standring @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London, UK, Feb 24-25
WAR @ House of Blues, Atlantic city, NJ, Feb 25
Jack Jones @ Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL, Feb 25-26
Robert Randolph & Family Band @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Feb 27-27
Chris Standring @ Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb 29

MARCH 2012
Kenny Garrett @ Band On The Wall, Manchester, UK, Mar 1
Kenny Garrett @ Sardirview USF Club, Bergen, Norway, Mar 2
The Isley Brothers @ Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 2-3
Jeff Lorber @ Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mar 2-4
Kenny Garrett @ Sting Jazz Club, Stavanger, Norway, Mar 3
Chris Standring @ Java Jazz Festival, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mar 3-4
Kenny Garrett @ Porgy And Bess, Corbevoie, France, Mar 4
Santana @ Auditorio Telemex, Guadalajara, Mexico, Mar 7
Kenny Garrett @ Espace Carpeaux, Corbevoie, France, Mar 8

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Del E. Webb Center for PAC,
Wickenberg, AZ, Mar 8

Mindi Abair @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, March 8-11
Kenny Garrett @ Maison des Artes, Evian, France, Mar 9
Santana @ Arena Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico, Mar 9
Chicago @ Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 9-10
Tower of Power @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Mar 9-10
Kenny Garrett @ Theatre du Casino, Hyeres, France, Mar 10
Candy Dulfer @ Goois Jazz Festival, Bussim, Netherlands, Mar 10

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Mesa Arts Center Piper Theatre,
Mesa, AZ, Mar 10

Kenny Garrett @ Salle Pleyel,, Paris, France, Mar 11
Santana @ Arena Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, Mar 11
Candy Dulfer @ Luxor Live, Arnhem, Netherlands, Mar 11
Boz Scaggs @ Eastside Cannery, Las Vegas, NV, Mar 11
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Victoria Hall, Geneva, Switzerland, Mar 12
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ KKL, Lucerne, Switzerland, Mar 13
Kenny Garrett @ La Passerelle, St. Brieuc, France, Mar 13
Kenny Garrett @ La Coursive, La Rochelle, France, Mar 14
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Rome Auditorium, Rome, Italy, Mar 14
Ron Carter @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Mar 14-15
Kenny Garrett @ Cedac, Nice, France, Mar 15
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Athens Concert Hall, Athens, Greece, Mar 15
Michael Feinstein @ Smith Center for Performing Arts, Las Vegas, NV Mar 15
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Palance Hall, Bucharest, Romania, Mar 16
Kenny Garrett @ Paradox, Tilburg, Netherlands, Mar 17
Kenny Garrett @ Bimhuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Mar 18
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Palace of the Arts, Budapest, Romania, Mar 18
Kenny Garrett @ Modo, Salerno, Italy, Mar 20

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Carolina Theater of Durham,
Durham, NC, Mar 21

Kenny Garrett @ Moody, Foggia, Italy, Mar 21

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Wiener Konzerthaus,
Vienna, Austria, Mar 21-22

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Sunrise Theater, Ft. Pierce, FL. Mar 22
Kenny Garrett @ Ueffilo, Gioa, Italy, Mar 22
Roy Hargrove @ Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Mar 22-26

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Stokholm Concert Hall,
Stockholm, Sweden, Mar 23

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Parker Playhouse,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mar 23

George Benson @ Sovereign Performing Arts, Reading, PA, Mar 23
Kenny Garrett @ Pizza Express, London, UK, Mar 23-25

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Philharmonic Center for PAC,
Naples, FL, Mar 24

Liza Minnelli @ Borgata Events Center, Atlantic City, NJ, Mar 24
Toni Braxton, Babyface @ Caesars, Atlantic City, NJ, Mar 24

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Goteborgs Konserthus,
Goteborg, Sweden, Mar 25

Brian Culbertson, David Benoit @ Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL, Mar 25
George Benson @ Knight Theater, Charlotte, NC, Mar 25
Kenny Garrett @ Budapest JazzClub, Budapest, Hungary, Mar 26-27
Marlena Shaw @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Mar 27-31
Kenny Garrett @ Hodaly Center, pecs, Hungary, Mar 28
Kenny Garrett @ Grand Casino, Basel, Switzerland, Mar 29
Candy Dulfer @ Groene Engel, Oss, Netherlands, Mar 30
Chick Corea @ Universty of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC, Mar 30

Marcus Miller, Third World, Hugh Masekela, Dave Koz, Patti Austin,
Kevin Mahogany, Ron Carter, Lenny White, David Sanchez
@ Cape Town Jazz Festival, Cape Town, South Africa, Mar 30-31

APRIL 2012
Candy Dulfer @ Mezz, Breda, Netherlands, Apr 1
Chick Corea @ Miller Center for the Arts, Reading, PA, Apr 1
Jack Jones @ The Algonquin Hotel, New York, NY, April 1-30
Chick Corea @ Palaias Montcalm, Quebec, CAN, Apr 2
Lionel Ritchie @ MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, Apr 2

Chick Corea @ Markham Theate for Perf Arts,
Markham, Ontario, CAN, Apr 3

Chick Corea @ Massry Center for the Arts, Albany, NY, Apr 4
Paco de Lucia @ The Fillmore, Miami Beach, FL, Apr 5
Candy Dulfer @ Hedon, Zwolle, Netherlands, Apr 5
John Oates @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 5-8
Chick Corea @ Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA, Apr 6
Candy Dulfer @ Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Apr 6
Kenny Garrett @ Regatta Bar, Boston, MA, Apr 6-7
Candy Dulfer @ P3, Purmerend, Netherlands, Apr 7
Candy Dulfer @ Tivoli, Utrecht, Netherlands, Apr 8
Michel Legrand @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Apr 10-12
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Barbican, London, UK, Apr 11

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Le Rocher de Palmer,
Cenon Aquitaine, France, Apr 12

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Theatre Simone Signoret,
Confians St. Honrine, France, Apr 13

Sergio Mendes @ Adriene Arsht Center, Miami, FL, Apr 13
Candy Dulfer @ Bolwerk, Sneek, Netherlands, Apr 13

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Espace des Arts,
Chalon-sur-SaA’n e Bourgogne. France, Apr 14

Kenny Garrett @ Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, Apr 14
Candy Dulfer @ Metropool, Hengelo, Netherlands, Apr 14
Jeff Lorber @ Pensacola Jazz Festival, Pensacola, FL, Apr 14-15
Candy Dulfer @ Patronaat, Haarlem, Netherlands, Apr 15

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Maison de la Culture,
Amiens Picardie, France, Arp 16

Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Salle Pleyal, Paris, France, Apr 17
Candy Dulfer @ Kaufleuten, Zurich, Switzerland, Apr 17
Candy Dulfer @ KKL, Luzern, Switzerland, Apr 18
Frank Sinatra Jr. @ Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ, Mar 18
Esperanza Spalding @ Center for the Arts, Buffalo, NY, Apr 18
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ La Filature, Mullhouse, France, Apr 18
Nile Rodgers & Chic @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 18-21
Candy Dulfer @ Volkshaus, Basel, Switzerland, Apr 18
Esperanza Spalding @ Metro Campus Auditorium, Cleveland, OH, Apr 19
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Flagey, Brussels, Belgium, Apr 19
Candy Dulfer @ Boerderij, Zoetermeer, Netherlands, Apr 21
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Arsenal, Metz Morraine, France, Apr 21
Esperanza Spalding @ Webster Hall, New York, NY, Apr 21
Chicago @ Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, Pompano Beach, FL, Apr 21
Chick Corea, Gary Burton @ Philharmonie, Luxenbourg, Apr 22
Candy Dulfer @ Underground, Lelystad, Netherlands, Apr 22
Esperanza Spalding @ Optheum Theatre, Boston, MA, Apr 22
Chris Standring @ Spaghettini, Seal Beach, CA, Apr 24
Esperanza Spalding @ Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA, Apr 24
Esperanza Spalding @ Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR, Apr 25
Paco de Lucia @ Smith Center for Performing Arts, Las Vegas, NV Apr 25
Ramsey Lewis, Al Jarreau @ Smith Center for Performing Arts, Las Vegas, NV Apr 25
Kenny Garrett @ Iridium, New York, NY, Apr 26-29
Esperanza Spalding @ The Music Box, Hollwood, CA, Apr 27
Jeff Lorber @ Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival, Mallorca, Spain, Apr 27

Bugge “n Friends feat. Eric Truffaz, Ilhan Ersahin & Joaquin ‘Joe” Claussell
@ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 27-29

Esperanza Spalding @ JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, AZ, Apr 28
The O’Jays @ Cannery, Las Vegas, NV, Apr 28
Eric Benet, Keith Sweat @ Clark County Gov’t Center, Las Vegas, NV, Apr 29
Omara Portuondo & Chucho Valdes @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Apr 30

MAY 2012
Esperanza Spalding @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX, May 1
Omara Portuondo & Chucho Valdes @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, May 1-5
Jack Jones @ The Algonquin Hotel, New York, NY, May 1-12
Esperanza Spalding @ House of Blues, Houston, TX, May 2
Esperanza Spalding @ New Orleans Jazz Festival, New Orleans, LA, May 3
Kenny Garrett @ Soiled Dove, Denver, CO, May 3-4
Manu Dibango @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, May 3-5
Brian Culbertson @ The Stables, Keynes, UK, May 4
WAR @ Cannery, Las Vegas, NV, May 5
Esperanza Spalding @ Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX, May 5
Brian Culbertson @ Pizza Express, London UK, May 5-11
Kenny Garrett @ Yoshi’s, San Francisco, CA, May 6-7
Kenny Garrett @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, May 8-9
Kenny Garrett @ Catalina’s, Los Angeles, CA, May 10-13
Dave Koz @ Glendale Art-Pops Concert, Glendale, CA, May 11
Keiko Matsui @ Green Valley Ranch, Las Vegas, NV, May 12
Al Di Meola @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, May 16-18
Buddy Guy @ Smith Center for Performing Arts, Las Vegas, NV May 19

Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Howard Hewett, Freddie Jackson
@ Cannery, Las Vegas, NV, May 19

The Manhattan Transfer @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, May 20-21
Esperanza Spalding @ La Cigale, Paris, France, May 23
Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, May 24-26
Esperanza Spalding @ Koko Club, London, UK, May 28
Lou Donaldson @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, May 28-30
Dionne Warwick @ The Sage, Gateshead, UK, May 30
Dionne Warwick @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK, May 31

JUNE 2012
Neil Diamond @ BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, FL, Jun 1
Kenny Garrett @ Liviv Jazz Festival, Liviv, Ukraine, Jun 1
Dionne Warwick @ Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK, Jun 1
Stanley Clarke Band @ Santa Fe Station, Las Vegas, NV, Jun 1
George Benson @ Merriweather Post Pavillion, Columbia, MD, Jun 3
Neil Diamond @ St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL, Jun 3
Kenny Garrett @ Usadba Jazz Festival, Moscow, Russia, Jun 3
Dionne Warwick @ Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, UK, Jun 3
Dionne Warwick @ Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, UK, Jun 4
Neil Diamond @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA, Jun 6
Neil Diamond @ Jones Beach Theater, Wantaugh, NY, Jun 8
Kenny Garrett @ Blues Alley, Washington, DC, Jun 8-10
Neil Diamond @ Verizon Center, Washington, DC, Jun 14

Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Ortoabrsky Grand Concert,
St. Petersburg, Russia, Jun 14

Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Tchaikowsky Concert Hall,
Moscow, Russia, Jun 15

Neil Diamond @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, Jun 16
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Philharmonie, Luxembourg, Jun 17
Neil Diamond @ Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, Jun 18
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Meistersingeralle, Nurnberg, GER, Jun 18
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Alte Oper, Frankfurt, GER, June 19
Neil Diamond @ Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, Jun 21
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Festspielhaus, Baden-Baden, GER, Jun 22
Neil Diamond @ TD Garden, Boston, MA, Jun 23
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Gasteig Philharmonie, Munchen, GER, Jun 23
George Benson @ Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, Canada, Jun 23
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Liederhalle Hegelsaal, Stuttgart, GER, Jun 24
George Benson @ Royal Theatre, Victoria, Canada, Jun 24
Jeff Lorber @ Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY, Jun 25
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Philharmonie Essen, Essen, GER, Jun 25
Curtis Stigers @ Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, Jun 25-29
Neil Diamond @ Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Jun 26
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Berlin Philharmonie, Berlin, GER, Jun 26
Neil Diamond @ John Labatt Centre, London, ON, Jun 28
Esperanza Spalding @ Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal, Quebec, CAN Jun 29
Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin @ Hamburg Laeiszhalle, Hamburg, GER, June 30

JULY 2012
Neil Diamond @ Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH, Jul 1
Neil Diamond @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Detroit, MI, Jul 3
Neil Diamond @ United Center, Chicago, IL, Jul 6
Neil Diamond @ Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, Jul 8
Neil Diamond @ Excel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, Jul 11
Neil Diamond @ Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Jul 13
Neil Diamond @ Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB, Jul 16
Neil Diamond @ Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, Jul 18
Neil Diamond @ Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC, Jul 21
Neil Diamond @ Key Arena, Seattle, WA, Jul 23
Neil Diamond @ Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT, Jul 28

AUGUST 2012
Neil Diamond @ HP Pavillion, San Jose, CA, Aug 7
Neil Diamond @ US Airways Casino, Phoenix, AZ, Aug 29
Santana @ North Sea Jazz Festival, Curacao, Aug 31

SEPTEMBER 2012
Neil Diamond @ MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, Sep 1
Jack Jones @ Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Branson, MO, Sept 24-29

Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson @ Dave Koz & Friends At Sea: European Cruise,
Sept 26 – Oct 3

JANUARY 2013
George Benson, Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot,

Jeff Golub, Bob James, Brian Simpson, Angie Stone, David Sanborn,

Marcus Miller, Candy Dulfer, Jonathan Butler @ Smooth Jazz

Cruise, Jan 1-17-18; Jan 24-25, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

MAY 2013

Kenny @ Kenny G Cruise To Alaska, May 17-24

SEPTEMBER 2013

Dave Koz, Michael McDonald, Mindi Abair, Peter White, Gerald Albright,

Keiko Matsui @ Dave Koz & Friends Cruise, Italy, Greece, Sicily, Sept 22-29

HERBIE HANCOCK MUSIC VIDEO FEATURES CROWD-SOURCED IMAGES

Legendary recording artist, bandleader and icon of modern music, Herbie Hancock, has collaborated with Canon U.S.A. to launch a first-of-its-kind music video generated from 1,800 crowd-sourced images for Hancock’s hit song “Chameleon.” Hancock’s special live performance at Canon’s “Legends in Imaging” event on October 26, 2011, served as the backdrop and inspiration for the music video. At the launch event, Canon invited guests to photograph 14-time Grammy® Award winner Hancock’s performance of “Chameleon” using Canon EOS 5D MarkII & EOS 7D Digital SLR cameras. These high quality stills were printed with the new Canon PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet printer and edited together using time lapse and stop motion film production techniques. The photographs were then synched with a live audio recording of the performance to help create a stop-motion-style music video which will live on Canon’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CanonUSA.

“As a technology enthusiast, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Canon U.S.A., giving me the chance to combine my passion for music and innovative tech products,” said Herbie Hancock. “It was an honor to be a part of the collaborative process and work with talented photographers whose images served as the building blocks for my latest music video.”

"Mr. Hancock was the perfect artist for this ambitious, creative collaboration as he is someone that embraces how new technology can transform the arts,” said Katsuichi Shimizu, managing director, member of board chief executive inkjet products operations, Canon Inc. “We aligned the launch of Canon’s new printer with the launch of a ‘crowd-sourced’ music video that leveraged photography – an experiment that only an icon such as Mr. Hancock could help us execute.” Grey New York, Canon’s agency partner for over thirty years, produced the music video. Alliance, the entertainment and lifestyle marketing division of Grey, is managing the partnership with Herbie Hancock and executing the public relations efforts.

BILL MEDLEY - BILL MEDLEY 100% / SOFT AND SOULFUL

Bill Medley has released seven solo albums to date for several different labels over the course of his career. His first two efforts were issued following the break-up of the Righteous Brothers. Real Gone Music has now reissued these two albums recorded for the MGM label, combining Bill Medley 100% (1968) and Soft And Soulful (1969) onto one disc. Here you can enjoy one of the great bass voices in all of popular music, that of one-time Righteous Brother Bill Medley, who had just split from Bobby Hatfield when he recorded these two solo albums for MGM in 1968 and 1969, respectively. Fans who swoon over the Righteous Brothers’ blue-eyed soul sound will find a lot to like here, as these two records feature the same blend of pop and R&B styles that graced their classic sides, all backed by the kind of production value you’d expect from a guy who learned some studio chops from Phil Spector (and had some of his own, as Medley himself produced some of the Righteous Brothers’ biggest hits). Neither of these albums have ever been on CD, and appear here on a single CD inside a snazzy four-panel, full-bleed wallet with liner notes and photos.

The Righteous Brothers always had a soulful quality to their music and on Bill Medley 100% he is on solid ground with the Goffin-King composition, “I Can Make It Alone,” and “Brown Eyed Woman,” written by the songwriting team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, was a moderate hit single; Medley presented his bass voice well on the building ballad. He also gave a credible performance on the old Little Anthony hit, “Goin’ Out Of My Head.” Soft And Soulful was an overall more satisfying album as he stuck close to his soulful roots. “Peace Brother Peace” had a gospel feel with lyrics that fit the peace movement of the late 1960s well. Other cover songs songs include “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” (The Casinos), “For Your Precious Love” (Jerry Butler & The Impressions), “Any Day Now” (Chuck Jackson), and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby” (Sam & Dave) all came to life through his soulful vocals.

A FUNKY SENSATION WITH JAZZ FM AND JOEY NEGRO

Joey Negro was one of the first producers to sample disco music and was largely responsible for giving meaning to the term ‘disco house'. Today he continues to reflect his extensive love of a massive variety of quality music by playing the kind of eclectic and mind-blowing sets which showcase the many edits and updates of old tracks he's become famous for. The real skill of Joey Negro though, lies in his ability to make these tracks mix in seamlessly and stand alongside the very freshest cuts in his box. “I'm forever chopping up new records in the studio to make them work better in clubs – I can't help myself – I want dancers to experience the very best highs a record has to offer, even if it means I have to spend a few days in the studio re-editing something. I couldn't be a producer without being a DJ and certainly DJ'ing would be a whole lot less fun if I didn't get to tweak the music I was playing out.” Negro is also one of the star DJs appearing at Funky Sensation – which is Jazz FM’s now-legendary weekly club event. The event takes place every Saturday night at Ronnie’s Bar upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, Frith Street in Soho, London. There you can catch Jazz FM presenters such as Mike Vitti, Nigel Williams, Pru Fiddy and Chris Philips, as well as guest DJs including none other than Joey Negro. Here they take control of the decks for an evening of classic jazz/funk, disco and soul. The fun starts at 8pm and carries on until 3am on Sunday morning.

A hugely respected producer first and foremost, Negro uses his DJing talents as a sound-bed for tweaking his musical creations to perfection. His work ethic is legendary, having been involved in well over 200 productions, countless albums and hit singles. He has worked with a stars such as Lionel Ritchie, Mariah Carey to Seal. This man is always on the move. Not content with being the most commercially successful house producer in the UK (this is the man that has had more top 10 hits than other UK house producer after all), Joey Negro continues to play out all over the world simply because he enjoys it. “Being in the studio and making music is one kind of luxury, but nothing ever beats the buzz of playing out my latest tunes to a bunch of eager, crazy-eyed dancers. It doesn't matter if it's Singapore or Southport, Sydney or Sunderland, the buzz is always pure gold and the scope for fun massive."

The lineup for the next few events is as follows:

14th January: Gavin Kendrick, Mike Vitti and Jay Wagner
21st January: Gavin Kendrick and JazzCotech
28th January: Ralph Tee and Eddie Piller
4th February: Pru Fiddy, Mike Vitti and Claudio Passavanti (from Sunlightsquare)
11th February: Jeff Young and Mark Webster
18th February: Ralph Tee and Fitzroy da Buzzboy
25th February: Gary Parker, Mike Vitti and Ash Selector
3rd March: Gary Parker, Mike Vitti and Dean Rudland
10th March: Gavin Kendrick and Bigger
17th March: Chris Philips and Gary Parker
24th March: Gavin Kendrick and Fitzroy da Buzzboy
31st March: Gary Parker, Mike Vitti and John Stevenson

BARRY WHITE - UNLIMITED

Unlimited presents 72 tracks from when he stepped out with his own sound, with Love Unlimited in 1972, through his final studio album, the Grammy®-winning Staying Power, released in 1999. Highlighted throughout the four CDs are extended and/or rare versions of his hits – newly mixed and/or edited with great care by Jack Perry, Barry White’s longtime friend and collaborator – as well as never-compiled personal favorites and LP tracks. Of particular delight to Barry White fans is two discs’ worth of rare Barry productions for a dozen different artists, including Tom Brock, Love Unlimited, Love Unlimited Orchestra, Gene Page, Jimmie & Vella Cameron, Westwing, Jay Dee (a.k.a. Jackie Lee), White Heat and Gloria Scott, who is represented by an unreleased cut and a rare non-LP single – one of six single-only tracks in this set. A special DVD included in Unlimited offers every video from Barry White’s tenure on A&M Records – the hits “Practice What You Preach,” “Sho’ You Right,” “Come On” and eight more – as well as rare bonus clips, including a live duet with Luciano Pavarotti that has become a YouTube phenomenon; each clip has bonus commentary from Jack Perry. The set is housed in lavish packaging befitting Barry’s deluxe grooves. Inside, the set including an essay and selected commentary by Barry himself, and by Perry, with additional notes from Quincy Jones – revealing the stories behind the songs and the man who made some of the funkiest, most romantic music of all time.

Disc 1
1. I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More, Baby - Alternate Version
2. Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up - Alternate Version
3. Honey Please, Can’t Ya See - Alternate Version
4. Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe - Alternate Version
5. You’re The First, The Last, My Everything - Alternate Version
6. I’ll Do For You Anything You Want Me To - Alternate Version
7. What Am I Gonna Do With You - Alternate Version
8. Let Me Live My Life Lovin’ You Babe
9. You See The Trouble With Me
10. Let The Music Play - Alternate Version
11. Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long - Alternate Version
12. Your Love–So Good I Can Taste It
13. I’m Qualified To Satisfy You - Alternate Version
14. I’ve Got So Much To Give

Disc 2
1. Playing Your Game, Baby - Alternate Version
2. It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me -Alternate Version
3. You Turned My Whole World Around
4. Your Sweetness Is My Weakness – Alternate 12-Inch Version
5. It Ain’t Love, Babe (Until You Give It) - Special Disco Version
6. Ghetto Letto
7. Sheet Music - Alternate Version
8. Ella Es Todo Para Mi (She’s Everything To Me)
9. Barry & Glodean – Our Theme, Pts. 1 & 2
10. Love Song
11. Good Dancin’ Music
12. You’re What’s On My Mind - Non-LP Single
13. Super Lover - Undercover Mix
14. Don’t Play Games

Disc 3
1. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Midnight And You - Alternate Version
2. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Baby Blues
3. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Love’s Theme - Alternate Version
4. Love Unlimited Orchestra/My Sweet Summer Suite - 12-Inch Promo Version
5. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Theme From King Kong - 12-Inch Disco Version
6. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Sweet Moments - Non-LP Single
7. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Whisper Softly
8. Love Unlimited Orchestra/Welcome Aboard
9. Love Unlimited/Walkin’ In The Rain With The One I Love
10. Love Unlimited/It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It’s Spring) - Alternate Version
11. Love Unlimited/Under The Influence Of Love - Alternate Version
12. Love Unlimited/I Belong To You - Alternate Version
13. Love Unlimited/He’s All I’ve Got
14. Love Unlimited/High Steppin’, Hip Dressin’ Fella - Alternate Version

Disc 4
1. Tom Brock/I Love You More And More
2. Tom Brock/If We Don’t Make It Nobody Can - Non-LP Single Version
3. Jay Dee/Strange Funky Games And Things
4. Jimmie & Vella Cameron/Be Fair To Me
5. Gene Page/Satin Soul
6. Gloria Scott- Just As Long As We’re Together (In My Life There Will Never Be Another) - Alternate Version
7. Gloria Scott/I’ve Got To Have All Of You- Previously Unreleased
8. Smoke/Oh Love (Well, We Finally Made It) - Non-LP Single
9. Jay Dee/You’ve Changed
10. White Heat/Take A Look At Yourself (Before You Frown On Someone Else)
11. Black Satin Featuring Fred Parris/How I Wish We Could Do It Again
12. Westwing/Falling In Love Is A No No – Non-LP Single
13. Tom Brock/Have A Nice Weekend Baby
14. Danny Pearson/What’s Your Sign Girl
15. Quincy Jones Featuring Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, El DeBarge & Barry White/The Erotic Garden
16. Tina Turner Featuring Barry White/In Your Wildest Dreams

DVD
1. Sho’ You Right

2. I Wanna Do It Good To Ya

3. When Will I See You Again

4. Follow That And See (Where It Leads Y’all)

5. Put Me In Your Mix

6. Barry White Featuring Isaac Hayes/Dark & Lovely

7. Practice What You Preach

8. Come On

9. I Only Want To Be With You

10. Just The Way You Are

11. I Wanna Do It Good To Ya – Wet Remix

12. Let The Music Play – Funkstar’s Club Deluxe Mix Video

13. Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up – Live From Brussels

14. Barry White & Luciano Pavarotti/You’re The First, The Last, My Everything Live

BERNARD PURDIE - SOUL DRUMS

Every so often you come across a really hot album that you want to tell everybody about – well here is one for you all. I was listening to Jazz FM (from the U.K.) the other day when they were playing a track entitled Soul Drums from Bernard Purdie and then I decided to do a little research to find out more about this artist. Come to find out that Bernard Purdie is one of the most well known drummers of all time, in all genres of music and probably the most recorded in history. He was a session player in the early days, Aretha Franklin’s musical director, over-dub drummer for The Beatles, and he recorded albums with King Curtis, Steely Dan, Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker, Herbie Hancock, Hall & Oats, Quincy Jones, The Last Poets, Roberta Flack & James Brown, just to name a few. In 1967 he entered the studio with several other musicians to record his first solo album, Soul Drums. The album was originally released on the Date label, which is a new subsidiary of Columbia Records. More recently Bernard Purdie was the drummer for the 2009 Broadway revival of Hair and he also appeared on the associated Broadway cast recording. Soul Drums has become one of the most sought after drum LP’s amongst vinyl collectors and it is now finally available for the first time on CD with the inclusion of an additional eight bonus tracks. These songs are rumored to be the follow-up LP titled Alexander’s Rag Time Band which has been shelved since it was recorded. Another favorite track on here is Groovin' originally recorded by The Rascals.


Soul Drums track listing:
1. Soul Drums
2. Bee ‘N’ Bee
3. Caravan
4. Soul Bossa Nova
5. Jimmy’s Back
6. Funky Monkey
7. Bill’s Groove
8. On The Outskirts Of Minitown
9. Testifyin’
10. Modern Jive
11. Blow Your Lid (But Watch Your Cool)

Bonus Tracks
12. Alexander’s Rag Time Band
13. Fickle Finger Of Fate
14. Genuine John
15. Soul Clappin’
16. Groovin’
17. If You Never Cry
18. Stop
19. Time Is Tight

UPCOMING RELEASES: TOM WETMORE, GREGORY PORTER, WES MONTGOMERY & BILL ORTIZ

TOM WETMORE -

THE DESIRED EFFECT

The buoyant grooves and graceful melodies heard on the forthcoming CD The Desired Effect serve to introduce a fresh new voice in jazz—Tom Wetmore, whose Crosstown Records will release the pianist/composer's exceptional debut, The Desired Effect,  on January 17. The 29-year-old Massachusetts native has been active on the New York scene since 2005, leading his own traditional jazz trio as well as his eclectic sextet. He's also performed and/or recorded with Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, T.K. Blue, Bernard Purdie, and the fine contemporary players showcased on his new disc.

GREGORY PORTER -
BE GOOD

On Be Good, (out February 14, 2011 on Motéma), Porter has crafted a work that not only meets, but is likely to surpass, the heightened expectations of the jazz and soul audiences eagerly awaiting his follow up to Water. Featuring Porter's winning combination of "outstanding original songs, erudite lyrics and social comment, top drawer musicianship and improvisation, and a voice to die for" (Jazz Wise), Be Good is a musical compendium of groove-driven delights, ranging from quiet ballads to up-tempo burners, from romantic charmers to powerful, blues-tinged anthems. Be Good finds Porter surrounded by the core of his powerhouse working band, with whom he recorded his Grammy® nominated debut, and who have performed with him for over three years now: Chip Crawford on piano, Aaron James on bass, Emanuel Harrold on drums, and Yosuke Sato on alto sax. Under the sure hand of producer Brian Bacchus, Porter and the band rise to new heights on Be Good, which is further fueled by richly emotional horn arrangements by Kamau Kenyatta, who produced Water and who continues to play an important role in Porter's sound. Kenyatta also performs on one track ("Painted on Canvas") and guest instrumentalists Keyon Harrold ontrumpet and Tivon Pennicott ontenor sax are also featured throughout.

WES MONTGOMERY -
ECHOES OF INDIANA AVENUE

Resonance Records will release Echoes of Indiana Avenue - the first full album of previously unheard Montgomery music in over 25 years - on March 6, 2012, which would have been Montgomery's 88th birthday. The tapes are the earliest known recordings of Montgomery as a leader, pre-dating his auspicious 1959 debut on Riverside Records. The album showcases Montgomery in performance from 1957-1958 at nightclubs in his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as rare studio recordings. The release is also beautifully packaged, containing previously unseen photographs and insightful essays by noted music writers and musicians alike, including guitarist Pat Martino and Montgomery's brothers Buddy and Monk. On this scintillating discovery, Montgomery plays it strictly straight ahead, swinging with a momentum and ferocity that is positively visceral - a clear display of Montgomery's bebop side. Listening to these recordings only reaffirms how Montgomery exerted such a profound influence over generations of guitarists - from George Benson, Pat Martino and Joe Pass to John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Kevin Eubanks, and Russell Malone to Kurt Rosenwinkel.

BILL ORTIZ -
WINTER IN AMERICA

A follow up to his debut solo album From Where I Stand, the new project features conscious emcees such as The Grouch, Zumbi (of Zion I) and K-Maxx, as well as fellow Santana member (and 11 time Grammy Award Winner) Tony Lindsey, and iconic poet/vocalist Linda Tillery, featured with a spoken word performance of Dr. Martin Luther King's Nobel Peace Prize speech. "My musical upbringing contains a wide variety of musical styles, including Jazz, Hip Hop, Latin, African, R&B/soul, and blues, ” he states. “What I am trying to do with my musical voice is reflect all of those elements of who I am as a musician and a person. I'm not a purist; I try to bring all these elements of who I am musically into one voice." “Carlos has always used music to inspire and bring people together, ” explains Ortiz. “I follow in that tradition. I’ve been really encouraged by some of the Bay Area hip-hop artists like Zumbi and the Grouch who make music with enlightened lyrics, ” Ortiz adds of how he chose his featured guests. “We often celebrate ignorance in our society, so I wanted to celebrate consciousness.” Ortiz covers Gil Scott Heron’s 1973 hit on the title track “Winter in America” as an homage to the recently departed Heron. The worldwide digital and physical release is scheduled for January 31st, 2012.