ETTA JAMES: 1938-2012

Etta James had a singing style that spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid 1950s, she gained fame with hits such as "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" for which she claimed she wrote the lyrics. She faced a number of personal problems including drug addiction before making a musical resurgence in the late 1980s with the album, The Seven Year Itch. She is regarded as having bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and is the winner of six Grammys and seventeen Blues Music Awards. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. Rolling Stone ranked James number twenty-two on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and number sixty-two on the list of the 100 Greatest Artists.

James has received six Grammy Awards. Her first was in 1994, when she was awarded Best Jazz Vocal Performance for the album Mystery Lady, which consisted of covers of Billie Holiday songs. Two other albums have also won awards, Let's Roll (Best Contemporary Blues Album) in 2003, and Blues To The Bone (Best Traditional Blues Album) in 2004. Two of her early songs have been given Grammy Hall of Fame Awards for "qualitative or historical significance": "At Last", in 1999, and "The Wallflower (Dance with Me, Henry)" in 2008. In 2003, she was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.[49]

 
James was hospitalized in January 2010 to treat an infection caused by MRSA. During her hospitalization, her son Donto revealed that James had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2008, and attributed her previous comments about Beyoncé Knowles to "drug induced dementia. In 2011, it was announced that James had been diagnosed with leukemia and was undergoing treatment. She was hospitalized in May 2011 with a urinary tract infection and the blood infection known as sepsis. In December 2011, it was announced that she was under 24-hour care and is terminally ill from the cancer she has been battling throughout 2011. Her manager, Lupe De Leon, stated to the media that she is "in the final stages of leukemia", has been diagnosed with both dementia and Hepatitis C, has been placed on oxygen, is receiving constant care from her husband, and is being visited regularly by her sons. De Leon went on to say, "We're all very sad. We're just waiting..."

She died on January 20 after a lengthy struggle with leukemia. She was 73. Her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon, first confirmed the news to CNN. "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world," De Leon said. "She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always

HART RAMSEY - MY NEXT HEARTBEAT

Hart Ramsey has returned with his second contemporary jazz album entitled My Next Heartbeat, which is the follow up to his debut album Charge It To My Heart, and joining him once again are musical greats Eric Essix, Kelley O'Neal, and Rick Watford. My Next Heartbeat is co-produced by bassist Sean Michael Ray who has toured extensively with soul-extraordinaire Maxwell, John Waite, Alex Bugnon, Dionne Farris, and other notable artists in both the R&B and Jazz arenas. Hart Ramsey is a sought after producer, keyboard player, engineer, songwriter, and is also the Sr. Founder and Pastor of Northview Christian Church with weekly services accommodating 6,000+. Hart explains, "from my early years of playing keyboards in R&B bands through my years of producing gospel artists, I've always loved the sound and feel of Contemporary Jazz." Hart pulls from his experiences, and continues on his musical journey by contributing to the art form he holds so dearly to his heart. My Next Heartbeat demonstrates his remarkable ability to create phenomenal music compositions that are rich with melodies, and represent his offering to contemporary jazz.

Hart Ramsey - My Next Heartbeat Track Listing
1. Two Roads
2. Written In Red

3. The Commitment

4. See Into Me

5. Look You In The Face

6. My Next Heartbeat

7. In Spite Of Myself

8. Until The End Of Time

9. Merry Heart (Like Medicine)

10. Cover Me

11. Start Now!

12. The Better Part

13. Don't Be Afraid To Try Again

http://twitter.com/hartramsey

THE CONCERT SINATRA - REMIXED AND EXPANDED

On January 17, Concord Records and Frank Sinatra Enterprises will reissue a remastered edition of The Concert Sinatra for the 21st century, promising use of the original master recordings which have “not been used in any re-release of The Concert Sinatra since the original sound mix was prepared nearly 50 years ago.” In preparation for this expanded reissue, producers located the original film canisters where the masters had been stored since the 1963 sessions. Frank Sinatra Jr. led the production team to create a new mix utilizing “contemporary digital recording technology” for this 2012 edition. Other reissues in Concord’s ongoing Sinatra series have also employed remixes, some more pronounced than others. Sinatra Jr. promises a new experience for this release. In his liner notes, he writes, “If you have had this magnificent album in the past and compare the orchestral content of previous releases to this new rendering, you will undoubtedly notice the amount of music, originally recorded on the master film that was never present before. Listening to other parts of Nelson Riddle’s classic orchestrations, never before heard on record, was indeed an experience for me.”

The 2012 Concert Sinatra is expanded by two bonus tracks, “America, the Beautiful” and the Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen “California.” Both songs were arranged and conducted by Nelson Riddle, and recorded at the same February 18-20 sessions that yielded the original album. Though their non-Broadway pedigrees would have made them an uncomfortable fit on the LP, they are welcome bonus tracks. Release is set for January 17, 2012.

Frank Sinatra, The Concert Sinatra

1. I Have Dreamed

2. My Heart Stood Still

3. Lost in the Stars

4. Ol’ Man River

5. You’ll Never Walk Alone

6. Bewitched

7. This Nearly Was Mine

8. Soliloquy

9. California

10. America, The Beautiful

LLOYD GREGORY - GENTLE WARRIOR

The New Year finds award winning jazz guitarist, composer Lloyd Gregory’s CD, Gentle Warrior, surging up the jazz indie and radio airplay charts with its first single “Haiti.” January 9, 2012, Gentle Warrior jumped from 79 to 46 on the “SmoothJazz.com Current Top 50 Indie Chart.” It moved from 23 to 18 on the “SmoothJazz.com Radar Chart.” The album is on jazz icon Stanley Clarke’s new label, Roxboro Entertainment Group, which is distributed by Bungalo Records division of Universal Music Group. Clarke wisely selected Gregory as one of only four artists to launch his record label.

A Cleveland native, now long time San Francisco resident and popular entertainer on the Bay Area music scene, Gregory is a well-established classic jazz guitarist whose style is smooth, soulful, melodic, flowing and immediately charismatic. He is a master of both acoustic and electric guitar. His extensive R&B roots add a distinct texture to his styling. Minor 7th: Acoustic Music Review says, “Lloyd expertly fuses soul, pop and jazz, forging a hybrid that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.”  Recording the Gentle Warrior was a labor of love for Gregory. “As we grow in time, age, experience, knowledge and wisdom, there comes a time to put it all to music and share it with the world,” he states. “For this album, it’s time to make music for my friends.”

Gregory effortlessly incorporates genres of African, reggae, Brazilian, R&B and smooth jazz in Gentle Warrior’s making. AllMusic.com reviewer William Ruhlmann states, “Lloyd Gregory takes listeners on a musical travelogue… The album boasts more variety than the usual smooth jazz guitar collection, reflecting the musician's lengthy experience and mastery of different styles.” Gentle Warrior starts out with "Brazilian Sea," a retro fusion vibe written by Sunnie Paxton and accompanied by the soothing, subtle vocals of Jeanie Tracy. Next is “Germ,” a satisfying pop-jazz piece centered over techno beat foundation. The third cut and first single to be offered to radio, "Haiti," has an appropriately warm, tropical, Caribbean rhythm track, which supports Gregory’s melodic soloing. In “Slither” the artist gets his funk on and comments, “I kind of felt like a snake (guitar) swimming and slithering through the bayous playing inside the groove.” The CD title song “Gentle Warrior” is a contemplative piece with thoughts of Africa in its inception. The sixth cut, “Dream of Love,” displays Gregory’s delightful artistry when he’s into his tender, relaxed mood.

In the second half of the album “Desert Wind” features a hypnotizing duet with bassist Stanley Clarke. A SmoothJazzTherapy.com review describes this song as “tranquility personified.” The song “Philly” successfully takes a daring leap at combining the feel of a 1970’s Philly International soul sound with unexpected Indian percussion and sitar-like sounds. It works. The guitar artistry in “El Espiritu de Diana” evokes the feel of a laid-back version of Carlos Santana. Not by coincidence Gregory in his early days performed with some members of Santana. “Remembering Carmel” is a tender song with a jazzy twist. In the eleventh cut, “A Moment In Time,” Gregory channels his best Wes Montgomery tones and styling influence. And finally “Zulu, Son of Cobra,” rounds out the album will a mellow intro building into a joyous, uplifting anthem.

Bass legend Stanley Clarke, whose 40 albums and 60 film scores have made him one of the most recognized names in the annals of contemporary music, was a hands-on architect of the CD. He wrote, performed and produced various tracks on Gregory’s album as well as served as Executive Producer. Other contributors are Felton Pilate, Derek McKenney and Jeanie Tracy.

Although Gregory has released five critically acclaimed albums of his own, he has also recorded with Martha Reeves, MC Smooth and Freddie Stewart (Sly & The Family Stone); and has performed onstage with Rodney Franklin, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Gerald Albright, Lenny Williams (Tower of Power), Freda Payne, The Dells, and Lowell Fulsom. He spent years touring extensively while serving as the musical director for The Ballads, Natural Four and Jesse James, and performed on their albums. As a studio musician in Los Angeles, Gregory worked with producer Richard Perry and played sessions with top musicians such as Klaus Voorman (The Beatles), Arthur Adams (B.B. King, Quincy Jones), Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock, George Benson) and Joe Sample (The Crusaders).

“I love Lloyd’s style as a musician,” Clarke says. “He is a sweet, warm guy, which comes out in his music. His music reminds me of a modern-day Wes Montgomery.”

Lloyd Gregory – http://lloyd-gregory.com/

DAN BLAKE - THE AQUARIAN SUITE

Saxophonist/composer Dan Blake has appeared on recordings and in performances with a staggering array of high profile artists, such as Esperanza Spalding, Anthony Braxton, Kenny Werner, Julian Lage, Herbie Hancock, Danilo Perez, and many others. He is currently in demand as a saxophonist, and is a regular member of Lukas Ligeti's Kaleidoscope Point, Peter Evans' Sparks Orchestra, and composes and performs with the Grammy-nominated Julian Lage Group. As a recording artist, Blake is a featured soloist on Grammy Award winner Esperanza Spalding's forthcoming Radio Music Society, Anthony Braxton's opera Trillium E, and a featured artist on Danilo Perez's Grammy-nominated, Panama Suite. Blake is currently a Ph.D. candidate in composition at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, and serves as adjunct lecturer in music history at The Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College. He was recently awarded the 2010 Baisley Powell Elebash Fund for an ongoing research project examining New York City's improvised music scene.

With Blake's The Aquarian Suite, recently released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records, you have a recipe for a wildly successful jazz recording; eight new jazz compositions for "chordless quartet" that stretch the boundaries of modern jazz while staying true to the forms set by the masters; a "Mingus meets Monk" quality of blues-inflection, compositional unity, and ever-present melodicism; and an incredible band comprised of Blake on tenor saxophone, Jason Palmer (Greg Osby, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Roy Haynes, Ravi Coltrane, etc) on trumpet, Jorge Roeder (Gary Burton, Julian Lage, Alex Acuna, Maria Schneider) on bass, and the ubiquitous Richie Barshay (Herbie Hancock, Esperanza Spaulding, Lee Konitz, Chick Corea, etc) on drums and percussion.

While Blake's previous recording, The Party Suite, represents his own personal revelation that the history of early jazz is in fact a raucous celebration of life and the endless possibilities to experience joy in its many facets, The Aquarian Suite, "connects to the tumultuous and fertile energy of the bebop revolution, in an effort to further expand my understanding of tradition and how it relates to my life as a musician. By connecting to a rich musical heritage and claiming it as my own, The Aquarian Suite is for me a 'water bearer'; a sonic body through which a hopeful transition between tradition and the potential for a greater future can flow easefully and with great joy", states Blake.

Most of the pieces on The Aquarian Suite paint a musical portrait of a different master of the bebop era. "The Whistler" is dedicated to Horace Silver, with a sparse and focused melody that is punchy, vibrant and full of mysterious simplicity. "Mister Who", takes a cue from Thelonious Monk's "Skippy". "This piece is a celebration of freedom in precision; that marriage of qualities, being together and independent at the same time. Always swinging yet persistently off beat," explains Blake. "The Best of Intentions" is a plaintive piece that begins with a lullaby, hinting at the more forlorn aspects of the suite. "How It's Done" builds from the poignancy of the previous piece into a blistering chromatic melody evoking the formidable Clifford Brown/Max Roach Quintet, "who in their brief tenure showed us all, 'how it's done'", says Blake.

Other highlights on the recording include, "You Cry So Pretty", a ballad dedicated to Miles Davis; the title track, "Aquarian", which is "dedicated to Anthony Braxton, an icon of creative music. This piece imagines an expanded terrain for jazz improvisation", explains Blake; and the closing piece, "Epilogue: Cavemen Do It Too". Blake describes the meaning behind this composition, "I have long been a proponent of a rugged approach to performing, as I feel people can connect with those performances that abandon the overly self-conscious mindset in favor of the immediacy of now. This piece, and my music in general, is a celebration of that human ability to not take oneself too seriously, to enjoy life as it is. I imagine that quality has been around since the cavemen (and women), and whatever it is we do, we can be sure that the cavemen did it too!"

JOSH GINSBURG – ZEMBLA VARIATIONS

Brooklyn-based bassist and composer Josh Ginsburg is one of the most sought-after players on the New York jazz scene. He has performed and recorded across Europe, Asia, and the Americas with some of the greatest musicians of our time. Throughout Josh's bass playing with many different artists, certain qualities emerge as constants: a beautiful tone, a powerful rhythmic sensibility, a mastery of the musical language, and the open-hearted spirit of a true improvisor. In addition to his international career as a sideman, Josh is also an emerging force as a bandleader and composer. Along those lines, Josh is proud to announce the release of his debut recording of all original compositions, Zembla Variations, featuring the amazing band of Eli Degibri on saxophone, George Colligan on piano, and Rudy Royston on drums. The album will be released by Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records on February 7, 2012. On this stunning recording Josh seeks new areas of unexplored musicality, yet he also brings to his music a deep love for our shared musical traditions of melody and song, rhythm, and drama. In celebration of this release, Ginsberg will be previewing the new album with a CD release party on Thursday, January 12 at The Jazz Gallery in New York City. In addition to Josh Ginsburg (bass/compositions), also appearing will be Eli Degibri- saxophones, and Danny Grissett- piano & Rudy Royston-drums. The band will also premiere the album on January 14 at An Die Musik in Baltimore, MD.

http://www.joshginsburg.com/ + http://www.bjurecords.com/

RUMER – SEASONS OF MY SOUL NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Atlantic recording artist Rumer has announced plans for a North American tour. The acclaimed British singer/songwriter will kick off the headline trek with a very special record release celebration at Los Angeles' Hotel Café on January 24th, marking the day her award-winning debut album, Seasons Of My Soul, sees its US release. The tour will then travel North America through early February, with further stops slated for San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia (see below itinerary). Fueled by the much-admired hit singles "Slow" and "Aretha," Seaons Of My Soul was a platinum certified popular success upon its release in the UK. What's more, the album proved an international sensation, reaching the top 10 in Belgium, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.

Seasons Of My Soul was also 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."

Furthermore, Rumer 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."

You can hear Seasons Of My Soul at: http://soundcloud.com/atlanticrecords/sets/rumer

Rumer North American Tour Dates:

January 24 @ Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA

January 25 @ Bimbos, San Francisco, CA

January 27 @ State Room, Salt Lake City, UT

January 31 @ Varsity, Minneapolis, MN

February 2 @ Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL

February 6 @ Mod Club, Toronto, ON

February 7 @ World Café Live, Philadelphia, PA

February 9 @ Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA

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