ROD STEWART'S GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK CONTINUES WITH VOLUME 4 IN STORES OCTOBER 18

Multi-Platinum Great American Songbook Phenomenon Tops 13 Million Worldwide Sales

J Records recording artist Rod Stewart's chart-topping, multi-platinum, and now Grammy Award-winning The Great American Songbook series will add a fourth title with the release of Thanks For The Memory... The Great American Songbook: Volume IV, due to arrive in stores on October 18th. Produced by Steve Tyrell and Clive Davis, Thanks For The Memory... is highlighted by vocal duets featuring Rod with Sir Elton John (on Ray Charles' signature remake of Makin' Whoopee) with Chaka Khan (on Sam Cooke's You Send Me), and with Diana Ross (on the Gershwin's I've Got A Crush On You, from 1940's Strike Up The Band, echoing the original duet by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland). The new album is the follow-up to 2004's #1 Stardust...The Great American Songbook: Volume III, also produced by Tyrell and Davis, which won Rod's first Grammy this year for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Performing on the album Thanks For The Memory are a number of guest star appearances of major virtuoso instrumentalists who span several generations: guitarist George Benson on Harold Arlen's Let's Fall In Love, trumpeter Chris Botti on I Wish You Love, trumpeter Roy Hargrove on My One And Only Love, and Dave Koz on Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You). Other solo performances by Rod slated for Thanks For The Memory include a pair of Irving Berlin standards, Blue Skies and I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Jerome Kern's Long Ago & Far Away, Vernon Duke's Taking A Chance On Love, Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine, and the title song, Bob Hope's eternal theme, Thanks For The Memory.

In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, a deluxe 4-disc box set entitled The Great American Songbook will package together Thanks For The Memory... The Great American Songbook: Volume IV along with Stardust...The Great American Songbook: Volume III, 2003's As Time Goes By ... The Great American Songbook, Volume II, and the album that started it all in 2002, It Had To Be You ... The Great American Songbook. The four albums - which are now the biggest-selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history - have cumulative sales of more than 13 million copies worldwide. The box set will arrive in stores on November 15th.

COOL RELEASES FROM KING BRITT, HIRD, MARTIN DENNY, LARRY HEARD & MARC COURTNEY JOHNSON

KING BRITT - This Is King Britt
Here is a fantastic collection of King Britt’s work! This is 2-CD set that features 26 tracks from a wide variety of sources which covers the true range of his talents. Disc 1 features King Britt himself while Disc 2 is comprised of his remixes for other artists.



MARTIN DENNY - Primitiva
Primitiva is one of Martin Denny's best albums!. This CD comes in both mono and stero mixes and it includes all the elements that you would typically expect from Denny – complete with a wealth of odd added percussion - including gongs, cymbals, tuned logs, steel drums, chimes, and "chromatic bamboo"!

LARRY HEARD - Loose Fingers Soundtrack From The Duality Double-Play Excellent work from Larry Heard as he displays a jazzy sensibility on the keys that really sets him apart.

HIRD - Moving On
Very nice keyboard plus cool soul and rhythms on this set from the Scandinavian scene. Multiple tracks can be heard on chill and smooth jazz stations worldwide.




MARC COURTNEY JOHNSON - Marc Courtney Johnson & The Dan Cray Trio

Marc Courtney Johnson is a new jazz vocalist hailing from Chicago, with a sound reminiscent of Al Jarreau and George Benson. The Dan Cray Trio provides wonderful support for Marc on the set -- allowing for lively rhythms, long runs on the piano, and the right sort of energy to match Johnson's lyrically flowing style.

JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWS BITS

The Dionne Warkwick: 45th Anniversary Spectacular, is a television special that will be filmed at the Kodak Theatre on January 26 & 27, 2006. American Airlines has been set as the "official airline and exclusive carrier" for the special. More than 100 stars will participate in the All-Star Salute to the legendary Dionne Warwick, whose professional career began in 1961. Warwick has had over 60 Top 100 records in her 45-year career and has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Singer-Songwriter Maxwell is set to releasea new album for Columbia/Sony Urban Music in February 2006, his first since 2001’s Now.

Smooth jazz guitarist Nick Colionne has signed with Narada Jazz. Colionne’s new album, his fifth, will be released in early 2006. As a solo artist, Nick Colionne has scored top 10 hits on the Radio & Records (R&R) charts, honored in 2005 with a Smoothie Award from internet jazz hub, smoothjazz.com, as well as nominated for 2005’s "Best Jazz Jazz CD" prize by the Chicago Music Awards.

MusicNet, the world’s leading business-to-business digital music service has announced that it has expanded its catalog of licensed music to 2 million tracks. MusicNet who’s distribution partners include Yahoo!, HMV, Virgin Digital, AOL, iMesh, Cdigix amd others, offers a suite of fully customized digital music experiences, including the ability to buy digital music subscriptions, portable subscriptions and downloads.

XM Satellite Radio has now surpassed the 5 million subscriber count, increasing its leads as the nation’s number one satellite radio company. Upcoming XM programming highlights include comprehensive coverage of Major League Baseball playoffs and the World Series, the debut of National Hockey League games on XM, and the launch of Take Five, a new 24-hour talk radio channel aimed at women, featuring satellite radio broadcasts of high-profile programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Innova Recordings has just released Beyond, an album of new electro-acoustic music by composer Barry Schrader.

Stevie Wonder’s long awaited album, A Time 2 Love will finally be released on October 10 on the Motown label. Guests on the CD include Bonnie Raitt, Prince, Kim Burrell, India.Arie, Paul McCartney, and Wonder’s daughter Aisha.

Keith Jarrett held his first solo concert at Carnegie Hall in New York in more than 10 years on September 26. He is set for three upcoming solo concerts in Japan – October 14 and 20 in Tokyo and October 17 in Osaka. His most recent release is the live album, Radiance, which recently debuted No. 5 on Billboard’s Top Jazz Album chart.

Marcus Miller with special guests Take 6 will perform two shows at B.B. King’s in Times Square, New York City on Saturday, October 1. Rafe Gomez (of Groove Boutique fame) will be spinning his vibe selections in between sets.

Apple has begun selling iTunes music cards in the United Kingdom. These pocket size cards are available in British denominations of 15 pounds ($26.50) and 25 pounds ($44.17), and are used to credit a user’s iTunes Music Store account. Stateside, these cards have been available in the U.S. (through Amazon) since November 2004.

Singer Melba Moore’s latest track, My Heart Belongs To You is garnering major spins on the European club circuit. The remix by Jon Cutler is a hot commodity in places like Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Ibiza, Spain. Other hot dance floor remixes enjoying worldwide popularity include Roy Ayers’ Holiday (DJ Spinna and Kenny Dope remixes), Mica Paris’ Bodyswerve (GN remix), Jamiroquai’s Give Hate A Chance (RedSoul remix), Francois K’s Mindspeak, Bob Sinclar’s Love Generation (Booty mix), Angelique Kidjo’s Makumba (b.b.t.l. remix), Anane’s Move, Bounce, Shake, Bah Samba’s Calma (Louis Vega remix), Roy Ayers’ Tarzan, and Vincent Montana Jr.’s What Love Does (Louis Benedetti remix).

NEW MUSIC FROM VINCENT MONTANA JR.

Vincent Montana, Jr., legendary Producer, Arranger, Composer and Creator of The Salsoul Orchestra, and his Philly Sound Works label are back with this extraordinary new production from the forthcoming Revival Project Album. That’s What Love Does is a dedication to Montana’s love of Philly Soul and symbolizes a time that he is proud to have been a part of; both as key member of the MFSB as well as Arranger and Conductor of his own Salsoul Orchestra. The original version with its laid-back feel is a genuinely soulful piece complete with lush strings, cool vibes and all the added touches and quality expected of a Montana production. To bring it all together, Montana calls on veteran performer William ‘Smoke’ Howard, formerly of ‘The Ebonys’ to complement the classic feel of the project with his timeless powerhouse vocals. Right at home, Smoke effortlessly captures and projects the very heart and soul of the song and dynamically delivers the message ‘Love Always Finds A Way’…and may even raise a goose-bump or two!

While keeping the integrity of the original song, Louis Benedetti takes the controls and gives the original ‘his treatment’ on the remixes, bringing The Philly Sound to a whole new level by speeding it up a notch and adding an infectious groove driven bass line and funky guitars. To top it off, Louis brings Vince Montana himself back to the studio where he executes, as always, a tight and precise Vibraharp solo. On the flip side Louis provides two Dubs: the first following the footsteps of his Vocal Remix and on the second he goes back to the Original Mix and utilizes some of its funkiest elements on his Reprise DUB including the real drum tracks, which in this case are in time and can be easily mixed with another record without speed variations as found on many Dance Classics from yesteryear. With Montana and Benedetti collectively on such an impressive project, the outcome is inevitable – an exceptional production that captures the best combination of clever arrangement and today’s dance floor accessibility. That’s What Love Does has ‘hit‘ written all over it and is without a doubt a classic from the 21st Century.

JAZZ AND SMOOTH JAZZ RELEASES WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27

Achim Goettert - Skajazz (Bibi World Jazz)
Alain Broadbent - Round Midnight (Artistry 7005)
Al Green - Greatest Hits (Deluxe Edition - CD/DVD 1995 album expanded, Capital/EMI
Andrea Wolper – The Small Hours (United One)
Bill Charlap & Sandy Stewart - Love Is Here To Stay (Blue Note)
Bob Baldwin – All In A Days Work (215 Records)
Bona Fide – Soul Lounge (Heads Up)
Boz Scaggs – Fade Into Light (Virgin)
Brad Mehldau – Day Is Done (Nonesuch)
Brian Auger – Second Wind (Castle)
Brain Auger – Straight Ahead (Castle)
David Doruzka – Hidden Paths (Cube Bohemia)
Dianne Reeves – Good Night And Good Luck (Concord)
Dizzy Gillespie – One Night In Washington (Collectibles)
Dramatics, The - 20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Dramatics - The Millenium Collection (MCA/UME)
Frigg – Oasis (Northside)
Gato Barbieri – Chapter 4 Alive In New York (Impulse! LPR)
George Benson – Best Of George Benson Live (GRP)
Gregg August - Late August (Iacuessa)
Houston Person - All Soul (HighNote)
Jenny Scheinman – 12 Songs (Crytopramophone)
Joe McBride – Texas Hold ‘Em (Heads Up)
Keith Jarrett – Tokyo Solo 2002 – DVD (ECM)
Lafayette Gilchrist - Toward The Shining Path (Hyena)
Mark Murphy – Once To Every Heart (Verve)
Mica Paris - Soul Classics (UK/Sanctuary)
Michael White – The Land Of Spirit And Light (Impulse)
Miles Davis – The Cellar Door Sessions 1970 – 6 CD box set (Columbia)
Miles Davis – The Essential Plus – 2 CDs + DVD (Columbia)
Nachito Herrera – Bembe En Mi Casa (FS Music)
Pharoah Sanders – Elevation (Impulse! LPR)
PJ Perry – Time Flies (Justin Time)
Ramsey Lewis – With One Voice (Narada)
Ranee Lee – Just You And Me (Justin Time)
Renee Bloch - Mister Latin (Collectibles)
Sergio Mendes - Timeless (Concord)
Sonny Rollins – Live In London, Volume 2 (Harkit/England)
Sylvie Lewis – Tangos And Tantrums (Cheap Lullaby)
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane – Live At Carnegie Hall (Blue Note)
Theo Jorgensmann - Fellowship (Hatology)
Tineke Postma – For The Rhythm (215 Records)
Toni Braxton – Libra (Blackground/Universal)
U-Nam – Past Builds The Future (Trippin’ ‘N ‘ Rhythm)
Woodstore – 41st Parallel (Nagel-Heyer)

NEW BURNING SPEAR CD TO BE RELEASED ON DUALDISC

Disc Makers, the nation's leading independent media manufacturer,and Grammy-award winning reggae artist Burning Spear have announced the release of Spear's new studio album, Our Music, the first-ever independent release on DualDisc. This release marks the first project by a non-major label artist to incorporate the revolutionary new technology that combines CD and DVD content onto one double-sided disc. The album will contain new tracks from the reggae legend along with exclusive behind the scenes interviews and live footage from the recording sessions for Our Music. Since the introduction of DualDisc in early 2004, only the major labels have had the budget to utilize DualDisc technology for their artists' new releases. Disc Makers, a long-time champion for independent artists, recently began offering DualDisc to customers at an affordable price, giving them access to this cutting-edge technology for the first time. "The DualDisc option continues Disc Makers' tradition of helping independent artists level the playing field with major label artists," explains Tony van Veen, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Disc Makers. "Now independent artists can afford this cutting-edge, retail- savvy product that creates an exciting purchase for their fan base -- an option that has been outside of their radar and budget since the technology was introduced last year. Disc Makers is proud to bring the latest album by a true reggae icon to market using this exciting new format." "I'm very excited about the ability of the DualDisc to combine music and video on one disc, playable on either a CD player or a DVD player," added Winston Rodney, the artist known as Burning Spear. "For an independent artist like myself, my message and image are a total experience that extends beyond just the music. Disc Makers made it easy for my fans to experience the full Burning Spear effect on one DualDisc.

4-CD COLLECTION DUE NOVEMBER 8th ON SONY LEGACY

Windham Hill Records is the story of a music company that began as a labor of love on a shoestring budget and soon evolved into one of the world's most distinctive record labels. In anticipation of its 30th anniversary in 2006, the label will be releasing a four CD collection, A Quiet Revolution: 30 Years of Windham Hill. Housed inside the evocative package is an overview of a historic musical movement brought alive by a colorful roster of innovative musicians. Each disc on the Sony Legacy collection titled Elements, Peace, Artistry and Excursions respectively, showcases classic compositions by stalwarts Will Ackerman, George Winston, Liz Story and Michael Hedges, as well as songs from newer members of the Windham family such as Jim Brickman, Janis Ian, Snuffy Walden and Cesaria Evora. A Quiet Revolution: 30 Years of Windham Hill is released on November 8th.

The set kicks off with Will Ackerman's The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter - the first track from the first Windham Hill release from 1976, In Search of the Turtle's Navel. Subsequent releases expanded upon the musical "statement" and it soon became clear that Windham Hill had introduced a "new" and cohesive musical sensibility. Windham Hill artists created aural compositions that effectively weaved together the sound of acoustic, instrumental, folk, pop and jazz music. Maverick musicians such as Will Ackerman, George Winston, Michael Hedges, Liz Story and Philip Aaberg became indelibly associated with the sound of the new age - a sound characterized by pastoral ambiences introspective melodies and immaculate song craft.

30 years on, Windham Hill remains the reference standard for a genre of music. The label's new motto for this banner year and beyond is "Windham Hill-In Tune With Your Life" - a sentiment that pays tribute to the label's legacy and carries its spirit into the future. Windham Hill will steadfastly continue to release projects by respected and innovative artists.

NEWS BITS: RHIAN BENSON, ERIC DARIUS, BETTE MIDLER, CHRIS BOTTI & OTHERS

Spanish-flamenco at its best from a new offering by Enrique Morente entitled Morente suena La Alhambra (Morente Dreams of the Alhambra). Ute Lemper, Pat Metheny and Cheb Khaled guest.

Columbia has scheduled November 1 as the release date for a new album by Burt Bacharach - At This Time.

Kirk Whalum and his band will be performing selections from his new album – Kirk Whalum Performs the Babyface Songbook - on Monday, October 3 in New York City. The event will take place at the Au Bar. Whalum will perform two shows and will have a CD signing after each performance.

Jazz legend Miles Davis is among the 15 acts being considered for the 21st class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Artists are eligible 25 years after the release of their first record. Other artists making the final ballot are John Mellencamp, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Blondie, Cat Stevens, the Patti smith Group, the Sex Pistols, the Stooges, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Sabbath, the Dave Clark Five, the J. Geils Band, Chic, Joe Tex and the Sir Douglas Quintet. There results will be announced by year-end.

Digital jazz record label, Blue Canoe Records has released two CDs from it’s catalog of diverse jazz artists. Traditional jazz drummer, author and educator Philip Smith’s Jazz Consortium and Curtis Mayfield alumni, Buzz Amaato’s smooth jazz CD entitled A Collection were both released on September 13, 2005. Drummer Philip Smith’s CD, Jazz Consortium is a swinging mix of traditional jazz standards while famed R&B producer Buzz Amato’s debut CD, A Collection is a smooth jazz selection of original compositions that span nearly two decades in the making.

New from Bette Midler in both CD and DualDisc format is Bette Midler Sings The Peggy Lee Songbook. It’s available on October 25.

Singer Rhian Benson won the Best Jazz Act at the recent 10th annual Music Of Black Origin (MOBO) awards held in London. If you haven’t heard Rhian sing then you are truly missing out on a great talent. Congratulations Rhian on a well-deserved award! Other winners include Damien Marley - Best Reggae Act, Youssou N’Dour - Best African Act, Bob Marley – Posthumous Achievement Award, and John Legend – Best R&B Act. The awards show featured a tribute to Luther Vandross and Damien Marley, accompanied by brothers Stephen and Julian, closed the show with a performance of his fathers classic Could You Be Loved.

Eric Darius has been booked for the following upcoming appearances: Sept. 28 – Park City Jazz Festival in Park City, UT; Sept. 30 – Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach, CA; Oct. 1& 9 – Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in Avalon, CA; Oct. 2 – Thornton Winery in Temecula, CA; Nov. 12 – Gainesville Jazz Festival in Gainsville, FL; and Nov. 19 – Rick Braun All Star Jazz Cruise in Galveston, TX. And speaking of Galveston, let’s keep our fingers crossed that Hurricane Rita doesn’t cause extensive damage to the wonderful city of Galveston (or any other city for that matter).

To Love Again is the title of Chris Botti’s upcoming album being released in both CD and DualDisc formats. To Love Again features 13 tracks with guest vocals from Michael Buble, Paul Buchanan, Paula Cole, Gladys Knight, Renee Olstead, Rosa Passos, Jill Scott, Steven Tyler and Sting. Songs on the CD include the timeless classics Embraceable You, What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life, My One And Only Love, Let There Be Love, Love Man, Smile and the title track To Love Again. The DVD side of the DualDisc edition includes the entire album in enhanced LPCM Stereo, 5 brand new performances of Chris Botti and his quartet filmed on location at Capital Studios in Los Angeles and features new live performances of all four instrumental songs from the To Love Again CD – Embraceable You, What’s New?, To Love Again and I’ll Be Seeing You, plus additional bonus performances and features including special guest David Sanborn and Botti in a duet, backed by a quartet, on a great version of Miles Davis’ Flamenco Sketches. Release is set for October 18 on Columbia.

Norah Jones has joined the lineup for the 19th annual Bridge School Benefit concerts to be held October 29-30 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre outside San Francisco.

Barbra Steisand reteams with Barry Gibb for Guilty Pleasures. It’s a reunion of sorts as they attempt to revisit the success that they had 25 years ago with their massive hit album Guilty. This one is also very good as Gibb brings out the best from Streisand on songs such as Stranger In A Strange Land, Come Tomorrow, Golden Dawn, and the Bee Gees cover (Our Love) Don’t Throw It All Away. Also included is the soon to be club classic – Night Of My Life which has just been remixed for the dancefloor.

MUSIC LEGENDS KENNY GAMBLE AND LEON HUFF INDUCTED INTO DANCE MUSIC HALL OF FAME...AGAIN!

For the second year in a row, music legends Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff were respectably inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame this week, this time in the distinguished "producer"category for creating an "outstanding body of work," which for three decades has packed dance floors around the world. Songs like I Love Music, Expressway to Your Heart, Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky, Get Lose, Love Train, Bad Luck, I'm Not Jivin,' I'm Jammin' and Now That We've Found Love, drew Gamble and Huff a standing ovation from the audience of hundreds of cheering music industry professionals when they took the stage together at the famed Manhattan Center as the showpiece and grand finale of the induction ceremony.

"We are honored by this incredible distinction and humbled by this exceptional tribute," Gamble said. "It feels wonderful to be recognized by dance music experts around the globe for a collection of music that we put our hearts and souls into producing and worked tirelessly, day and night, to create." A concurring Huff said, "We are especially ecstatic and overjoyed that such a prestigious honor has been bestowed upon us for two years in a row," and enthusiastically instructed the audience to "keep on dancing." Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Sharon Paige and Bunny Sigler performed a medley of songs in the Gamble-Huff music collection, including Hope That We Can Be Together Soon, For The Love Of Money, Me And Mrs. Jones and Backstabbers, in a special Dance Music Hall of Fame tribute to Gamble and Huff. Their music collection accounts for the majority of classic R&B songs played on R&B-themed radio stations nationwide and represents the second largest R&B/Soul music catalog in the world. When developing the catalog some 30 years ago, Gamble and Huff coined the catch-phrase "understand while you dance," a philosophy reflecting their commitment to writing and producing "message" music of love, peace, strength, unity and empowerment - even for the dance floor.

Last year, the co-founders of Philadelphia International Records enjoyed induction into the Dance Music Hall of Fame's esteemed "record" category for creating dance songs Love Is The Message, recorded by MFSB featuring The Three Degrees and Don't Leave Me This Way, recorded by Thelma Houston. The Hall of Fame hailed Love Is The Message as "a timeless classic" embodying "the highest calling of music" and lauded Huff's keyboard solo as a "critical" component to the song. It recognized Don't Leave Me This Way for its "supercharged rhythm playing" and "breathtaking tambourine-driven break."

"One go-round at the Dance Music Hall of Fame is tremendous but a back-to-back induction takes the cake," said Philadelphia International Records Executive Vice President Chuck Gamble, who accepted the high honor on behalf of Gamble and Huff last year. "Two years in a row is a huge testament to the commanding rhythms, seamless melodies and impeccable beats that round out the thought-provoking messages in the Gamble and Huff music collection."
Gamble and Huff have been very active since last year's Dance Music Hall of Fame induction. The legendary songwriters and producers appeared on "American Idol" during the TV show's nationally-televised tribute to their music catalog; they represented in-person at the 2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony as The O'Jays, one of their most successful and
influential recording artists, were honorably inducted; they announced an intense campaign to aggressively license the abundance of songs in the Gamble-Huff music catalog for active commercial use around the world through label executive vice president Chuck Gamble; and Kenny Gamble became a doctor as Cheyney University presented him with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.

Other music industry veterans inducted at the ceremony were Gloria Gaynor, Cheryl Lynn, Quincy Jones, Chic, The Trammps and the Bee Gees. Each year, the Dance Music Hall of Fame's nominating committee and board of advisors select nominees in the categories of performer, record, producer, remixer and DJ. Ballots are then sent to an international voting committee of more than 1,000 dance music experts. Artists, producers and others who helped shape the dance music industry become eligible for induction 25 years after their first contribution or record release.

HOT NEW ACOUSTIC JAZZ GUITARIST MAKING INROADS IN SMOOTH JAZZ

Jazz Acoustic guitarist Noel Lorica from South Florida recently released his first album entitled "First Dance"

Jazz lovers will groove to the fresh compositions of Noel Lorica. His mastery of the acoustic guitar brings out the beauty of true Smooth Jazz stylings with subtle, sensual diiversions that make the melodies memorable. Winding his way through classic forms of jazz, from the provocative rhythms of Latin jazz adding the precision of its Asian counterpart to the heartfelt melodies of Smooth Jazz, Noel is able to meld them into a vibrant, rich resonance. National performer, Mark Eddie, refers to him as "one of the most talented guitarist" he's worked with in his career. Noel Lorica's debut album, appropriately titled First Dance, has just been released and is getting national attention at Amazon.com, CDBaby and Tower Records. In addition, he has gotten praise and recognition for his personal commitment to his craft. Recently, being reported by BroadJam as one of the top ten for Jazz and Latin Jazz for two of his songs from his debut album and honored as the #1 fan pick for ages 37-50 yrs old. Karl Stober, jazz columnist calls Noel's album " one of the rare stunning pieces of Latin jazz to hit the scene today". His dedication extends to his personal convictions as well, donating a portion of the proceeds to animal welfare and performing at various events. It is a cause close to his heart, being a veterinarian as well ala Wayman Tisdale who also has a second job. But, it is Noel's love for music has taken him back in the studio recording a Christmas album due out this season. And with 30 unpublished original songs, the studio will become Noel's second home.

TONI BRAXTON - NEW ALBUM "LIBRA" DUE OUT ON SEPTEMBER 27

Multiple platinum and Grammy winning superstar Toni Braxton is as eager as her fans to release her sixth studio album Libra, on the Blackground/Universal banner, on September 27th. Joined by star producers such as Scott Storch and Vincent Herbert, the highly anticipated disc faithfully embodies the trademark sense of style and soulfulness that has sparked critics across the globe to cast Toni Braxton in the upper echelon of music divas.

Trippin,’ one of the gems from her new album is scheduled to be delivered to multiple radio formats on Sept. 20th. The new song, vibing with a 'classic Toni' temperature, is just one of the many hits on Libra. The six-time Grammy winner Toni can be seen this week and in upcoming weeks as a co-host on the Tenth Annual Soul Train Lady Of Soul Awards, in a performance on the Oxygen network "custom concert" special and on Live With Regis and Kelly.

Toni Braxton first exploded on the music scene in 1993 with her multi-platinum, self-titled smash debut album. Toni Braxton won 3 Grammys, netting Toni the Best New Artist statue, and selling more than 10 million copies worldwide, propelling the elegant singer into the R&B and pop stratosphere. Her follow-up album, 1996's Secrets sold 12 million copies worldwide, garnered two Grammys, and established the husky-voiced songstress as one of the music world's most hypnotic vocal divas. Three more hit albums followed, placing her in the ranks of legendary female vocalists such as, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Whitney Houston among others.

Toni took a temporary hiatus from the limelight to enjoy motherhood (she has two sons with musician Keri Lewis) and to explore creative avenues outside of the recording arena. The versatile performer starred in the Broadway musical hit Aida in 2003, (in 1998 she starred as Belle in Broadway's Beauty And The Beast) but her own brush with a heart ailment (Pericarditis) while she was on stage, led the singer to take a break from most of her entertainment duties. Braxton, now fully recovered, has recently become a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, joining their efforts to educate women about heart disease. Excited about her return to recording and performing, the charismatic Toni is also rumored to be preparing for a return to live concert venues, a reward to her loyal fans who eagerly await the September 27th release of Libra.

JAZZ SINGER ANTOINETTE MONTAGUE HAS 3 PEFORMANCES IN NYC IN OCT 2005

Jazz singer Antoinette Montague performs at combined celebrations of All Nite Soul Jazz Festival 2005 Celebrating 40 Years of the Jazz Ministry at St. Peter’s Church, the 10th Anniversary of International Women in Jazz and a Tribute to Cobi Narita. Antoinette is frequently seen and heard at Manhattan’s (NY) premier jazz venues including Birdland, JVC Jazz Festival, Madame X, Cornelia Street Café, The Cove, Cleopatra’s Needle, Tribeca Bar and Grill, Water Colors, Danny’s Skylight Room, Cajun and Yvonne’s Southern Cuisine. She and her quartet have performed at NAACP’s Tribute to Milt Jackson, the famous jazz Vespers at St. Peter’s Church, the Brooklyn Library, the Harlem Theatre Company, the 96th Street Library, and the St. mark’s Poetry Project.

Antoinette will be performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Birdland on October 11 at 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm as a part of the Great Women in Jazz Festival and on October 18 with Mike Longo and the NY State of the Art Orchestra as a part of the Dizzy Gillespie Birthday Tribute at the NY Bahal Center at 8:00 pm.

Each month Antoinette is the featured singer on Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s Living Today Show, aired on WNYE (91.5 FM). Antoinette also appeared at the Jazz Showcase at Scotties in Riverdale, NY and performed a memorable set at the 17th Annual Croton on the Hudson Music Festival. Antoinette will soon release a CD entitled For The Love Of Music featuring Mulgrew Miller, Bill Easley, Kenny Washington and Peter Washington. See www.antoinettemontague.com for additional information.

NEW GERALD LEVERT "VOICES" ALBUM DUE OCTOBER 4

Collection of New and Classic Duets Available From Rhino October 4

A gifted singer, songwriter, producer and romance facilitator, Gerald Levert has collected an impressive string of hits that scored on the charts and helped countless others score in the bedroom. Rhino Records salutes the soul icon whose dynamic and lusty baritone brings people together with the first-ever compilation of Levert's duets. Voices is available October 4.
Voices unites a trio of newly recorded tracks -- including a reunion with LeVert -- with 10 songs from the soul superstar's solo albums, his guest appearances on other artists' albums, and his work with soul supergroup LSG featuring Levert, Keith Sweat, and Johnny Gill.
I Like It reunites LeVert for the first time since the trio -- Levert, his brother Sean and Marc Gordon -- released its last album, Whole Scenario, in 1997. Going back to the beginning of Levert's solo career, Voices includes the singer performing the #4 Billboard single, That's What Love Is with Miki Howard. The collection also features Levert singing It Hurts Too Much To Stay with Kelly Price from 1999's #8 Pop album G, and My Side of the Bed from LSG's 1997 album Levert.Sweat.Gill.

The retrospective of Levert's greatest duets also includes his version of Wind Beneath My Wings performed with his father and O'Jays founder, Eddie Levert Sr., All The Times featuring the all-star line-up of LSG, Faith Evans, Coko and Missy Elliot, plus Written All Over Your Face from The Rude Boys' 1990 debut, Rude Awakening. Along with duets with Men At Large, Teena Marie, and Yolanda Adams, Voices also features the newly recorded tracks Last Time I Saw You with Vanessa Williams and Storm Has Passed with Sherena Wynn.

Levert got his start in 1985 founding the trio LeVert. The successful group recorded five #1 singles, seven Top 10 singles, and four Top 20 singles on Billboard's R&B chart. The group's last album, Whole Scenario, was released in 1997. Levert has released nine solo albums since his 1991 solo debut Private Line, whose title track reached #1 on Billboard's R&B chart.

GERALD LEVERT: Voices
Track Listing
1. "I Like It" with LeVert *
2. "All The Times" LSG with Faith Evans, Coko & Missy Elliott
3. "Storm Has Passed" introducing Sherena Wynn *
4. "It Hurts To Much To Stay" with Kelly Price
5. "Wind Beneath My Wings" with Eddie Levert Sr.
6. "Written All Over Your Face" with Rude Boys
7. "The Last Time I Saw You" with Vanessa Williams *
8. "That's What Love Is" with Miki Howard
9. "A Rose By Any Other Name" with Teena Marie
10. "All I Want Is You" with Kelly Price and K-Ci
11 "I Believe I Can Fly" with Yolanda Adams
12. "My Side Of The Bed" with LSG
13. "So Alone" with Men At Large

BOX MUSIC-SET NEWS: RAY CHARLES + MILES DAVIS

RAY CHARLES: PURE GENIUS – THE COMPLETE ATLANTIC RECORDINGS (1952-1959)
Rhino released two albums by Ray Charles on September 20 – a new collection of duets, Genius And Friends, and The Complete Atlantic Recording (1952-1959). a 146 track boxed set of his seminal work. The new duets album has Charles singing with Chris Isaak, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, Jill Scott, George Michael, Angie Stone, John Legend, Laura Pausini and Idina Menzel, star of the Broadway play "Wicked." The album also includes two tracks originally recorded for other purposes: Alicia Keys performance of America The Beautiful, and Charles singing Busted with Willie Nelson from a 1991 TV special. The boxed set contains 36 unreleased rehearsal performances.

MILES DAVIS: THE COMPLETE JACK JOHNSON LEGACY
New from Columbia/Legacy is Miles Davis: The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions. This is a 5-CD box set that includes more than 6 hours of music and contains 42 tracks, including 19 previously unreleased and 15 previously released tracks in full form. The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions includes music from the original albums A Tribute To Jack Johnson, Live Evil, Big Fun, Get Up With It and Directions.

USHER AND PATTI LABELLE GIVE MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO LUTHER VANDROSS ON OPRAH SEPTEMBER 20

'Entertainment Tonight' & 'The Insider' Gives 6 Days of Vandross Coverage 'So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross' in Stores 9/20

As part of Oprah's 20th season premiere week, music icon Patti LaBelle and multi-platinum recording artist Usher will grace the stage to pay musical homage to one of the greatest singers of our time -- Luther Vandross. Airing on Tuesday, September 20, LaBelle excites the Oprah audience with a soul-stirring performance of Here and Now while Usher gives an electrifying rendition of Superstar, songs which also appear on the J Records' release, So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross (in stores 9/20). Also paying tribute to Vandross are Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, with six days of heart-warming interviews leading up to the September 20 release of the album, with Mrs. Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Clive Davis and footage of Celine Dion's recording studio session of Dance With My Father. So Amazing is a collection of the most memorable hits from Vandross' musical legacy.

Artists and songs featured on the album thus far include Mary J. Blige (Never Too Much), Aretha Franklin (A House Is Not A Home), Usher (Superstar), Beyonce & Stevie Wonder (So Amazing), Alicia Keys (If This World Was Mine -- duet with Jermaine Paul), Donna Summer (Power of Love), Celine Dion (Dance With My Father), Patti LaBelle (Here and Now), Jamie Foxx (Creepin), Elton John (Anyone Who Had A Heart -- duet with Luther's original vocals), Fantasia (Till My Baby Comes Home), John Legend (Love Won't Let Me Wait), Babyface (If Only For One Night), Angie Stone (Since I Lost My Baby) and Wyclef Jean (Always and Forever).

Luther Vandross was undeniably one of the most significant balladeers of our time. Since the 1981 platinum-selling release of Never Too Much, Luther's recording career spanned over two decades and resulted in a lifetime of chart topping hits. Through the 1980's, he recorded a string of platinum albums, including Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body and The Night I Fell In Love. He scored his first Grammy Award in 1989 with Here And Now. His last studio album, 2003's Dance With My Father, received 4 Grammy Awards (including Song of the Year for the title song Dance With My Father) and has generated worldwide sales exceeding 3 million copies. Collectively, Luther's body of work has sold in excess of 30 millions records worldwide, winning eight Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image Awards and American Music Awards. Vandross died on July 1, 2005 from complications from the stroke he suffered in 2003. He was 54.

NEW RELEASES FROM JAMES BROWN, CANDY DULFER, GERALD CANNON, TRIO DA PAZ, JIMMY CLIFF & OTHERS

Upcoming Releases the Week of September 20, 2005...

Andreas Vollenweider – Vox (SLG)
Bad Plus – Suspicious Activity? (Columbia)
Ben Thomas Group – Triskaidekaphobia (Origin)
Candy Dulfer – Live At Montreux 2002 (Eagle)
Chick Corea – Rendezvous In New York – 10 DVD box set (Image)
Claude Bolling – Warm Up The Band (Fremeaux)
Crimson Jazz Trio – The King Crimson Songbook, Volume 1 (Voiceprint)
Eddie Daniels – Blue Bossa (Candid)
Eric Marienthal – Got You Covered (Peak)
Gerald Cannon – Gerald Cannon (Woodneck)
James Brown – Getting’ Down To It (Verve)
Jamie Cullum – Catching Tales (Universal)
Jimi Tunnell – Trilateral Commission (Art Of Life)
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come: The Definitive Collection (2CDs UK-Trojan/Sanctuary)
Jonathan Kreisberg – Unearth (Mel Bay/Guitar Sessions)
Ken Clark Organ Trio – Mutual Respect (Severn)
Kim Waters – All For Love (Shanachie)
Kyle Eastwood – Paris Blue
LaToya London – Love And Life (Peak)
Matt Otto – Red (Origin)
NDIO – Airback (Cunieform)
Ray Charles – Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1952-1959 – 7 CDs + 1 DVD (Rhino)
Ray Charles – Genius And Friends (Rhino)
Ray Charles – At The Olympia: Concert Of November 22, 2000 – CD + DVD (WEA/England)
Sam Cooke – Night Beat (RCA)
Sam Cooke – Best Of Sam Cooke (RCA)
Sam Cooke – Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963 One Night Stand (RCA)
Sun Ra Arkestra – Live In West Berlin 1983 – DVD (Transparen)
Sun Ra Arkestra – Love At The Palomino LA 1988 – DVD (Transparen)
Thelma Houston – Ride To The Rainbow (1979 album, UK-Motown)
Traffic – Last Great Traffic Jam – DVD + CD (Epic)
Trio Da Paz – Somewhere (Blue Toucan)

TRUTH & SOUL/FASTLIFE MUSIC RELEASES NEW ALBUM BY CINEMATIC SOUL GROUP EL MICHELS AFFAIR

Truth & Soul / Fastlife Music has released El Michels Affair's debut album Sounding Out The City. El Michels Affair are true originals of "cinematic soul." On this album, the group has put together eleven, instrumental gems that will have producers running to their samplers and record collectors reaching for their wallets. Through its Jamaican production aesthetics, lush cinematic arrangements, and raw, soulful musicality, Sounding Out The City is not only a record that will incite dance-floor frenzies, but is also a story expressed through music, a reflection of life in a bustling metropolis -- good, bad, and indifferent. Highlights on Sounding Out The City include Detroit Twice, Musings To Myself (El Michels Affair's tribute to deep funk guru, Timothy McNealy), Behind The Blue Curtains, and a unique cover of the Isaac Hayes classic, Hung Up On My Baby.

El Michels Affair was started in early 2001 by Leon Michels, who at the time was recording steadily for Phillip Lehman's underground, New York based funk label, Soul Fire. Prior to this, at age 16 Michels had been part of a deep funk organ quartet called the Mighty Imperials which thrived in the deep funk scene along with the Poets of Rhythm and the Dap Kings. In 2001 the band disbanded and Michels and band mate Movshon went to work and record for Lehman's label Soul Fire. Both Michels and Movshon had been reared on a strict musical diet of James Brown and the Meters and had begun to widen their horizons with heavy doses of Rock Steady, Dub, Garage Rock, Afro Beat, and 70's soundtrack records. With these influences fresh in their heads, they began to record music that strayed from the usual cookie cutter funk that had begun to saturate the genre.

In 2003, when Lehman's interest in his label began to wane, Michels purchased a Tascam 388, a 1/4 inch, 8 track home recording module from the late seventies and started to record songs in his parents basement, experimenting with different sounds and off-beat recording techniques, and officially started El Michels Affair. The band soon expanded into a nine-piece outfit. Members are: Toby Pazner, Homer Steinweiss, Sean Solomon, Jeff Silverman, Quincy Bright, Michael Leonhart, Aaron Johnson, Thomas Brenneck, and Stuart Douglas Bogie. There first single as El Michels Affair was a 12" entitled Easy Access on Soul Fire's label and it soon became a classic for underground hip hop and funk DJ's such as Rich Medina and Keb Darge, who kept it in heavy rotation for years. The band slowly worked at achieving its sound and their first and upcoming record was finished in 2003 but shelved for two years.

In 2004 Michels and former Soul Fire employee and engineer, Jeff Silverman, started their own label, Truth & Soul, which has now become label and production house based out of Brooklyn, NY that specializes in deep funk and soul. Truth & Soul has recently teamed up with Fastlife Music. (Fastlife's Soul Fire: the Majestic Collection recently chronicled the history of the label). Sounding Out The City was released on August 23rd.

MUSIC NEWS: DAVID HOLMES, JAZZ FESTIVALS & DANCE MUSIC HALL OF FAME

DAVID HOLMES & THIEVERY CORPORATION ON GAME SOUNDTRACK
Thievery Corporation, Supreme Brings Of Nature, David Holmes (from the Ocean’s 11 and 12 soundtracks) and the Dave Matthews Band are among the artists contributing music to the in-game soundtrack for Electronic Arts’ (EA) Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06. For more information go to www.tigerwoods06.com.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2006
Rest assured that the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) will return next year according the event organizers. The specifics are being worked out and whether or not New Orleans will host the events will depend on how the clean-up process is coming along. Nearby Baton Rouge could host the event through default.

DANCE MUSIC HALL OF FAME AWARDS
Tickets are now on sale for the Dance Music Hall of Fame 2005 induction ceremony. The event will take place on September 19 in the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center (NY), and the party will feature a special reunion of the original members of The Trammps, as well as performances by Gloria Gaynor, Martha Wash, Byron Stingly, Kathy Sledge, Bunny Sigler and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. Also making appearances will be Nile Rodgers, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Montel Williams, Cheryl Lynn, Carol Douglas, Taana Gardner and Full Force. The 2005 inductees will be voted upon by more than a thousand dance music experts for the following categories: Performing Artist: Chic, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester; Records: Disco Inferno by The Trammps, Good Times by Chic, Got To Be Real by Cheryl Lynn, I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor, and Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees; Producers: Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards, and Quincy Jones; Remixers: Francois Kevorkian; and DJ’s: Francois Kevorkian, Frankie Knuckles and John "Jellybean" Benitez.

CLEARWATER JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Clearwater Jazz Festival is shaping up to be quite eclectic as we have just received the confirmed lineup. The event is scheduled from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 16. Here is the final lineup: October 14: ABCD with Billy Norris, Nestor Torres and Trio! with Stanley Clarke, Bela Fleck and Jean-Luc Ponty; October 15: Les Sabler & Citiheat, Sakesho with Andy Narell, Rayford Griffin, Koko Taylor, Boney James and Fireworks; October 16: Liquid Soul, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Coolie Family Gospel Singers and REH/CJH Jazz Youth Band.

CAYMAN JAZZ FEST
Pageant Beach on Grand Cayman Island in the in the Cayman Islands is where the Cayman Jazz Fest will take place on December 1-3, 2005. The festival will include a diverse mix of both jazz and smooth jazz performers. Featured artists include Bliss Adagio, Terence Blanchard, James Carter, Nick Colionne, Norma Zenteno, Marion Meadows, Steve Oliver, James Perkins, Brian Culbertson, Kyle Turner, Michael Ward, Erin Fisher Wright, Kwame & Chavanduka Cobb, Mark Dini, Robert Glasper, Al Jarreau, Earl Klugh, George Duke, Ravi Coltrane and Chris Botti.

SANTANA'S 38th ALBUM "ALL THAT I AM" DUE NOVEMBER 1

Carlos Santana returns to the recording spotlight November 1 with the 38th album of his monumental career, All That I Am. The hotly anticipated new disc marks the third Santana album release on Arista Records, and features a star-studded gathering of world class guest artists including Steven Tyler, Michelle Branch & The Wreckers, OutKast's Big Boi, Mary J. Blige, Metallica's Kirk Hammett, Sean Paul, Los Lonely Boys, Joss Stone, will.i.am, Anthony Hamilton, Bo Bice and Robert Randolph. In addition to delivering guitar wizardry throughout, Carlos Santana co-produced All That I Am with industry legend, Arista/J Records founder/BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO Clive Davis, who also produced the multi-platinum and GRAMMY(R) award winning albums Supernatural and Shamen.

All That I Am's first single is I'm Feeling You, featuring Michelle Branch & The Wreckers. The instantly infectious track is already winning airplay at stations across the country. Co-written by John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi and Michelle Branch, the song's poetic and soulful celebration of young love, fueled by Carlos' lyrical guitar and Michelle's strong vocals, is an ideal end-of-summer serenade. Previously, Carlos famously teamed up with the vibrant songstress on the lead single from 2002's Shaman, The Game Of Love a GRAMMY(R)-winning, #5 Billboard pop hit.

All That I Am opens with the raw beauty of the Santana-penned, Afro-beat flavored stunner Hermes one of several potent, high-energy brews from Carlos and the Santana Band. Like Supernatural and Shaman, the new disc is also graced by a diverse assemblage of stellar guest collaborators on a string of blazing tracks. One of the stand-out tracks of the album, Just Feel Better, merges Santana's powerful musicianship with the legendary voice of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Others include My Man, a blissful guitar and dub master-mix boasting the artistry of Mary J. Blige and OutKast's Big Boi (co-written by Big Boi and Rob Thomas), and the passionate Cry Baby Cry, featuring Sean Paul and Joss Stone.

On Twisted, neo-soul star Anthony Hamilton unwinds an earthy and masterful vocal that wraps around Carlos' guitar line seamlessly for a track that sounds classic on first listen. The funky, up-tempo groove of I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love showcases alt-rock/Tex Mex favorites Los Lonely Boys, and the instrumental fervor of Trinity fuses Carlos' magic with the virtuoso licks of pedal-steel ace Robert Randolph and Metallica axeman Kirk Hammett. Other highlights pair Santana with American Idol star Bo Bice on Brown Skin Girl, and Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am on I Am Somebody.

All That I Am represents a continuation of the shared artistic vision of Carlos Santana and Clive Davis, who first collaborated at Columbia Records during Santana's initial rise to fame over three decades ago. When Davis signed Santana to Arista in 1998, it was a music history-making deal: 1999's now over 23 million sold worldwide blockbuster Supernatural went on to net a record-tying nine GRAMMYs for one project, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for the smash single Smooth. The most recent of Carlos Santana's many career honors was the World Music Awards 2005 top "Legend Award," received at the August 31 concert/gala at Los Angeles' Kodak Theater. ABC-TV recently ran a 2-hour taped Stateside broadcast on Sept. 13; in all, 160 countries will air the festivities. Presented annually since 1989 in recognition of outstanding contributions to music, "Legend" recipients also include Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Elton John and Chaka Khan, among others. A charitable event, the Awards are overseen by H.S.H. Prince Albert and the Monaco Aide & Presence Foundation, supporting schools, hospitals and orphanages worldwide.

Also in August, Carlos received an Honorary Doctorate from Southern California's Occidental College, and spoke at the school's opening convocation. All That I Am's release date approaches, the second leg of Santana's 2005 Embrace Your Light Tour kicked off in San Jose, CA on September 15, visiting the western and southwestern U.S. and cities in western Canada through mid-October. Robert Randolph and the Family Band will open, and fans will also experience the next generation of Santana music via sets from the Salvador Santana Band.

An inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Carlos Santana has won ten GRAMMY Awards, sold more than 90 million records, and performed to over 100 million people. Ever since Santana's electrifying performance at the original Woodstock in 1969, Carlos has been a globally renowned artist who continues to evolve and grow with every new endeavor. All That I Am builds on the legacy of one of the most extraordinary creative and personal journeys in music.For more information, visit www.santana.com

HOUSE OF OHM - MIXED BY GROOVE JUNKIES (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Veteran DJ/Producer Evan Landes, and accomplished Drummer/DJ Parrish Wintersmith (collectively known as Groove Junkies) have crafted a style influenced by soul, funk, r&b, jazz, gospel, and latin rhythms. The sound is full of pumping soulful grooves, uplifting lyrics, and unforgettable hooks are the addiction behind the Groove Junkies. This new CD collection contains 31 reedits and mixes. Disc One is the early evening-just beginning your evening mix (10PM – 1AM). Disc one is the early evening-just beginning your evening mix (10 pm –1 am) while disc two is the harder hitting, funk-driven tunes for the late night dancefloor (1 am to 4 am). The CD features a bunch of tracks from DJ Spen, Jay J, Rosie Gaines, Reese Project, Hardsoul, Kerri Chandler, Frankie Knuckles, Kenny Bobien , Miguel Migs , Jamie Lewis, Dawn Tallman & Bobby & Steve.

Here is the full track listing:
Disc 1
1. Groove Junkies Feat. Solara – Just Groovin" (Gj’s Unreleased Mix)
2. Reese Project feat. Paul Randolph – This Means That (Bobby & Steve Urban Groove Vox)
3. Jay-j & Halo Vaga with Latrice Barnett – Make My Heart (Miguel Migs Salted Remix)
4. DJ Spen & The Muthafunkas – Holy Ghost
5. Jamie Lewis presents Michelle Weeks – Be Thankful (Jamie Lewis Main Mix)
6. Dennis Ferrer feat. Kenny Bobien – So Grateful (Df’s Sub)
7. Richard Earnshaw – Feel Love (Club Mix)
8. Red – Release The Pressure (Rask & Salling Mix)
9. Blaze feat. Palmer Brown – My Beat (Sumo Rebounce)
10. La Fiesta Sound System – Dancando Domingo (Original Mix)
11. Karizma feat. DJ Spen – 4 Love (Spen-apella)12. Blaze feat. Kenny Bobien – Hi Ya Luv (Phil Hooten Remix)
13. Dawn Tallman – You Are Why (Bobby D’Ambrosio Remix)
14. Groove Junkies feat. Dianna L. Carter – Feels Like Home (Groove Junkies Classic Vocal Mix)

Disk 2
1. Bobby Blanco – Black Sugar
2. Knee Deep & Rasmus Faber presents Seawind Project feat. Emily Mcewan – Free Part 2
3. Rockers Revenge – Walking On Sunshine (Hott 22 Rhodes Revenge Mix)
4. Coffee Kids – Dangerous Frequencies (Original Mix)
5. Sandy Rivera – So Alive (Accapella)
6. Nu Rhythmix – Origins (Neo Funk Mix)
7. Pepe Link feat. Malcom "Molly" Duncan – Kalakuta (Original Mix)
8. Holt 22 – 8th Wonder
9. Groove Junkies feat. Diane Carter – Feels Like Home (Groove Junkies Soul Excursion Vocal)
10. Ian Carey – The Power (Sunday Morning Mix)
11. Hardsoul feat. New Cool Collective – Bounson (Hardsoul’s Latin Directions Original)
12. Groove Junkies feat. Indeya – Oh Lord (Preachapella)
13. DJ Meme presents Mandala – Viva (Original DJ Meme Club Mix)
14. Kerri Chandler – Bar A Thym
15. Bongoloverz feat. An-tonic – Power Of Music (Accapella)
16. Groove Junkies feat. Indeya – Music’s Gotcha Jumpin’ (Groove Junkies Room Madness Mix)
17. Frankie Knuckles feat. Nikki Richards – I’ve Had Enough (Groove Junkies Excursion Dub)

SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

SUSAN TEDESCHI: HOPE AND DESIRE
Verve Forecast is set to release Susan Tedeschi’s latest album entitled Hope And Desire on October 11. It’s her first for the label and the 12-track album features interpretations of the Rolling Stones’ You Got The Silver, Bob Dylan’s Lord Protect My Child, Aretha Franklin’s Share Your Love With Me, and Ray Charles’ Tired Of My Tears. Tedeschi will perform this Friday, September 16 at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado.

RICHY KICKLIGHTER RELEASES 7th SMOOTH JAZZ CD
Richy Kicklighter and Midnight Pass Music announce the release of Richy’s new CD Moving Skies collection of 12 original smooth jazz songs. Moving Skies also features the piano of Neil Larsen, percussionist Gumbi Ortiz and others. Moving Skies follows in the path of Kicklighter’s earlier smooth jazz CDs that charted well on radio (R&R, Gavin), and features Kicklighter’s soulful, haunting melodies and distinctive guitar style. Moving Skies is his seventh CD and his first with the new Midnight Pass Music label. The label is based in Sarasota, Florida and specializes in producing smooth jazz, blues, world beat and folk. For additional information go to www.richykicklighter.com or www.midnightpassmusic.com.

NATALIE COLE LINING UP TOUR DATES
Singer Natalie Cole has scheduled a handful of tour dates through the end of 2005 with more to be announced shortly. The dates are as follows: Sept. 13: Salt Lake City, UT @ Abravanel Hall; Nov. 20: Aurora, IL @ Paramount Arts Center; Dec. 3: Costa Mesa, CA @ Orange County Performing Arts Center; Dec. 4: Palm Desert, CA @ McCallum Theater; and Dec. 31: Honolulu, HI @ Hilton Hawaiian Village.

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL TO HOST HURRICANE KATRINA BENEFIT
John Mayer Trio and Joss Stone are among the artists who have signed on to appear at a September 20 benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims at Radio City Music Hall (in New York). This event will be held simultaneously with another benefit being held at Madison Square Garden. Diana Krall, Bette Midler, Ry Cooder and Elvis Costello are among those line-up for the Madison Square Garden benefit.

OTHER SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist Celso Fonseca has a new Ziriguiboom/Six Degrees CD, Rive Gauche Rio, which blends the classic sounds of the 60’s bossa nova with some nice jazz overtones. He’s worked alongside Brazil’s best musicians – including Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Marisa Monte and Virginia Rodrigues. He’ll be making his San Francisco Bay Area debut on September 20 at Yoshi’s Club.

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival at the Embarcadero Marina Park North kicks off this Saturday, September 17, from 11 a. m. until dusk.

New York Chill station 101.9 (CD101) has formally changed its logo to CD101.9 Smooth Jazz, thereby fully abandoning the format that they had embraced for a mere 10 months. For now though, they will still be carrying the syndicated Chill With Chris Botti and Groove Boutique programs. No need to worry though as a nearby Long Island station (formerly WLIR-FM) has migrated to an Adult Contemporary/Smooth Jazz/Chill hybrid station called NeoBreeze. This new station kicks off on September 15 and we’ll have more information for you once we have had a chance to check it out.

JOHN MAYER TRIO TO TOUR

Steve Jordan and Pino Paddadino join John Mayer Trio

John Mayer has announced formation of the John Mayer Trio. Drummer Steve Jordan and bass player Pino Palladino have joined Mayer for a fall tour that began in San Francisco on September 6 and will include dates with the Rolling Stones in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Here are the remaining tour dates:
Sept. 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
Sept. 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ House Of Blues
Sept. 17 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
Sept. 19 – Kansas, MO @ Uptown
Sept. 21 – Chicago, Il @ House Of Blues
Sept 22 – Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
Sept. 23 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Quest
Sept. 24 – Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
Sept. 26 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
Sept. 27 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Sept. 28 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
Sept. 30 – Orlando, FL @ House Of Blues
Oct. 1 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
Oct. 3 – Washington, DC @ MCI Center (opening for The Rolling Stones)
Oct. 4 – Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
Oct. 5 – Toronto, ONT @ Kool Haus
Oct. 6 – New York, NY @ The Beacon
Oct. 8 – Atlantic City, NJ @ The Borgata
Oct. 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center (opening for The Rolling Stones)
Oct. 11 – Boston, MA @ The Avalon
Oct. 12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center (opening for The Rolling Stones)

WLIR-FM TO SWITCH FORMAT TO SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL

On Thursday, September 15, long-time Modern Rock station WLIR-FM will switch to a mix of Adult Contemporary, Smooth Jazz and Chill music as "FM Channel 107: NeoBreeze." The Long Island, New York station will be commercial and jock-free, however they will have advertisers who will sponsor airtime but not run quick traditional commercials. Calling it "brandcasting," sponsors will buy four quick mentions an hour and the stations will encourage not just traditional advertisers, but listeners to buy a "brandcast" for whatever they want to announce. The brandcasts can even be purchased online. NeoBreeze will not have an airstaff and only minimal imaging. Owners of the stations (The Morey Organization) are making the changes to better compete with iPods, satellite and Internet radio. Two other Long Island stations are also being revamped at the same time by The Morey Organization: Dance station WDRE will be tweaked as a CHR/Pop station called "FM Channel 105: Party Hits," and Classic Rock WBON will become "FM Channel 98: Long Island Rock."

FEATURED JAZZ CHILL RELEASES THIS WEEK

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Blunted In The Backroom - Mixed By The Nextmen
The third set in the ongoing Blunted series from Brad Baloo and Dom Search as they heat things up with some hot n’ spicy reggae mixes. The duo live up to their name, taking the mix to the next level with some brand new production of their own!

JAZZTRONIK - Cannibal Rock
Great work from Jazztronik as they return with yet another album that seems to open another chapter in their endless pursuit of the groove! As before, keyboardist Ryota Nozaki is firmly at the helm of the proceedings - playing a mixture of acoustic piano and electric keys in a way that fleshes out the spirit of his tunes!

GAL COSTA - Hoje
This one is a fantastic new album from Gal Costa - a sweetly jazzy session that features some great arrangements and keyboards from the legendary Cesar Camargo Mariano! Mariano gives the album a nicely laidback feel - one that's almost rootsy at times, especially on the more percussive numbers!

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Bossa N Stones -- The Electro-Bossa Songbook Of The Rolling Stones
So well done that you would never even imagine you were listening to songs by the Rolling Stones - but one that works surprisingly well. I highly recommend this one!

CHET BAKER - Live In France 1978
Recorded in France around the time as his French studio album Broken Wing -- but done in a style that features long takes and a relaxed groove! Chet Baker works here with a quartet with Phil Markowitz on piano, Scott Lee on bass, and Jeff Brillinger on drums.

THIS WEEK’S OTHER RELEASES
Albert Ayler – New Grass (Impulse! LPR)
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diavate – In The Heart Of The Moon (Nonesuch)
Angela DeNiro – My Shining Hour (CAP Records)
B.B. King - Original Greatest Hits (2CD/Virgin)
B.B. King & Friends - 80 (Geffen)
Badi Assad - Verde (eDGe/Deutsche Grammophon)
Bill Evans – The Complete Village Vanguard Recordings: 1961 – 3 CDs (Riverside)
Blossom Dearie – Blossom’s Planet (Daffodil)
Blue Mitchell – Down With It (Blue Note)
Bob DeVos – Groove Guitar! (Blues Leaf)
Bobo Stenson/Anders Jormin/Paul Motian – Goodbye (ECM)
Bonnie Raitt - Souls Alike (Capitol)
Changes Trio – Nann (CAP Records)
Charlie Wilson - Charlie, Last Name Wilson (Jive)
Chick Corea – Acoustic Band – featuring John Patitucci & Dave Weckl (Ganeon/DVD)
Clairdee – Music Moves (Hyena Records/Declare Music)
David Benoit – Orchestral Stories (Peak)
Dee Dee Bridgewater – J’ai Deux Amours (Sovereign Artists)
Elissa Lala – Touch Of Your Love: New Takes On Chet Baker (OmniTone)
Eric Clapton, Steve Gadd, Marcus Miller, Joe Sample & David Sanborn – Legends Live At Montreux 1997 (2 CDs/Eagle Rock)
Evan Parker Electro-Acoustic Ensemble – The Eleventh Hour (ECM)
Freda Payne – After The Lights Go Down (Impulse! LPR)
Gabor Szabo – Spellbinder (Impulse! LPR)
Gene Ludwig – Hands On (Blue Leaf)
Hank Mobley - Reach Out (Blue Note)
Jazzanova – Blue Note Trip – 2 CDs (Blue Note)
Jessie Allen Cooper – Pacific Lounge (Cooper Sound Waves)
Jimi Hendrix – Live At Woodstock – 2 DVDs (Geffen/Experience Hendrix)
Jimmy Ponder – What’s New (Highnote)
Jimmy Smith – The Sounds Of Jimmy Smith (Blue Note)
John Klemmer - The Very Best Of John Klemmer (GRP)
Judith Owen – Lost And Found – featuring Cassandra Wilson, Tom Scott, Richard Thompson and Keb’ Mo (Courgette)
Keith Jarrett – Concerts – 2 CDs (Bregenz/Munchen)
Lenny White – Attitude (Wounded Bird)
Leo Parker - Let Me Tell You Bout It (Blue Note)
Lonnie Smith – Turning Point (Blue Note)
Maceo Parker – Schools In! (Bhm)
Marc Johnson – Shades Of Jade (ECM)
Michael Pagan – Pag’s Groove (Capri Records)
Mike LeDonne – Night Song (Savant)
Omar Sosa – Ballads: Compilation 1997-2000 (Ota)
Poncho Sanchez – Baila Baila – 2 CDs (Recall)
Ray Barretto – Time Was Time Is (O-Plus Records)
Ray Charles – Live At The Olympia 2000 – DVD (XIII Bis R)
Ray Charles - The Dick Cavett Show: Ray Charles Collection (2 DVDs/Shout! Factory)
Red Young – The Organizer (Blues Leaf)
Soulive – Breakout – featuring Chaka Khan, Ivan Neville, Corey Glover & Robert Randolph (Concord)
Stanley Turrentine – That’s Where It’s At (Blue Note)
Steve Smith & Vital Information – Orion (Wounded Bird)
The Mizell Brother – Mizell (Blue Note)
Thievery Corporation – Sounds From The Verve Hi-Fi 2 (Verve)
Various Artists - More Of The Most Relaxing Guitar Music In The Universe (Savoy Jazz)
Various Artists - 20th Century Masters: The Best Of Smooth Jazz Christmas - The Christmas Collection (Hip-O/UME)
Yusef Lateef – Psychicemotus (Impulse! LRP)

WILL DOWNING TO RELEASE "SOUL SYMPHONY" IN OCTOBER ON GRP

October Release Includes Powerful Rendition Of The Luther Vandross Hit "Superstar"

On Tuesday, October 4, 2005 Will Downing will release Soul Symphony, his newest album for GRP Records. The disc is a solid collection of well-crafted songs each showcasing Downing's trademark voice and style. Soul Symphony opens with the seductive beat of Put Me On and winds through a range of grooves and emotions. The first single from the album is the hit-bound slow jam, Crazy Love.

Other songs on the album include the emotive A Promise, Make Time for Love, a romantic ballad, and a rendition of Brian McKnight's What's It Gonna Be, from his album Superhero (Motown Records). Downing co-wrote several of the songs featured on Soul Symphony, including the beautiful Heart of Mine, Soul Steppin’ with its danceable groove, and Will Still Loves You, a respectful dedication to hard-working women and mothers everywhere.

One of the album's highlights is Superstar, a song originally made famous by The Carpenters and later closely associated with one of Downing's idols, the incomparable Luther Vandross. In fact, Downing brought down the house when he performed this song at the Forever, For Always, For Luther tribute and benefit concert held in New York at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in October 2004. Downing plans to tour following the release of Soul Symphony. Visit www.willdowning.com for dates and more information

NOUVELLE VAUGE U.S. TOUR

French bossa nova duo Nouvelle Vague embark on their first ever east to west U.S tour this week. After playing clubs in France, Germany and the U.K., they now turn their attention stateside with 12 September dates lined up. Their most recent self-titled album peaked at number 9 on Billboard’s Top Electronic Albums chart and they have just finished their follow-up album which has yet to be released.

Here is the Nouvelle Vague U.S. tour schedule:
Sep. 10 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
Sep. 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Live Café
Sep. 12 – Boston, MA @ Paradise
Sep. 13 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub
Sep. 14 – New York, NY @ Canal Room
Sep. 17 – Chicago, IL @ Shuba’s
Sep. 18 – Chicago, IL @ Hot House
Sep. 20 – Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
Sep. 22 – Portland, OR @ Holocene
Sep. 24 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365
Sep. 25 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Sep. 27 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah

BOZ SCAGGS "FADE INTO LIGHT" ALBUM MAKES U.S. DUALDISC DEBUT

New Songs, Fresh Re-Interpretations of Scaggs Classics, Three Video Performances Are Combined in American Edition

Fade Into Light, an intimate and understated studio album from the singer Boz Scaggs, will be released by Virgin Records on September 27, 2005. Previously released by Virgin Japan, Fade Into Light has become a much-sought-after prize among Scaggs aficionados who've paid high prices for the import. It offers "unplugged" versions of some of Scaggs' best-known songs, along with several new compositions. Included in this U.S. Virgin DualDisc edition is a new recording by Scaggs of the 80's classic, Love TKO.

The DVD side of the U.S. package contains the entire album in Enhanced Stereo, along with concert performances in 5.1 Surround Sound and High Definition Video of Lowdown, Harbor Lights and We're All Alone, taken from the Boz Scaggs Greatest Hits Live DVD, recorded in San Francisco.When asked about his approach to this production, Scaggs says: "I've always worked like this in my recording. I hire good musicians and let them do what they do. What you hear on this album is those guys, in that room, on that day." Scaggs initiated the original session when he was hired to write and record the title track as a theme song for a Japanese film. Later, the label requested four more songs to make up an EP, and then more songs to make a full album. Scaggs and the band recorded new arrangements of his classic songs Lowdown, Harbor Lights and We're All Alone, from his landmark album Silk Degrees, as well as Simone from 1980's Middle Man, along with several newly written songs, at Skywalker Sound in Northern California.

Among the players joining Boz are Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, David Paich, Ray Parker, Jr., Lenny Castro, Dean Parks and Booker T. Jones. Tom Scott did the solo on Lowdown. Born in Texas, and raised with an abiding respect for a wide spectrum of American roots music, Boz Scaggs recorded early on with his high school buddy Steve Miller. He made his solo debut in 1969 on Atlantic Records with Boz Scaggs. His 1976 album Silk Degrees has been RIAA-certified for sales of over 5 million copies, its classic hit singles and frequently covered album tracks sparking an extraordinary album chart run of well over two years. Other notable Scaggs albums include the platinum-certified Middle Man, Slow Dancer, and the three albums he made in the 1990s for Virgin: his label debut Some Change, the Grammy-nominated blues collection Come On Home, and the critically acclaimed Dig. In 2003 he released But Beautiful, a classic jazz quartet outing through the Great American Songbook on his own Gray Cat label.

Fade Into Light was produced by Boz Scaggs, with the exception of Lowdown (produced by Scaggs and David Paich, the original co-author of that song and the original arranger of the Silk Degrees album), Love TKO (produced by Paich), Lost It, Time, Sierra and I'll Be the One (produced by Scaggs and Ricky Fataar).

Starting in November Scaggs will be in Japan on tour...

Nov. 13 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 14 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 15 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 17 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 18 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 19 – Tokyo, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 21 – Nagoya, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 22 – Nagoya, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 24 – Osaka, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 25 – Osaka, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 26 – Osaka, Japan @ Blue Note (2 shows)
Nov. 26 – Sendai, Japan @ Sun Plaza Hall
Dec. 1 – Sapporo, Japan @ Hokkaido

THIEVERY CORPORATION TO HEADLINE OPERATION CEASEFIRE

Thievery Corporation has stepped forward to headline Operation Ceasefire, potentially the largest anti-war concert ever held in Washington, DC. This FREE concert is on September 24th, immediately after the massive march on Washington, DC., organized to demand the return of American troops from Iraq . The scheduled start tie is approximately 3pm. Taking the stage with Thievery Corporation will be alt-country legend Steve Earle, 60's MC5 frontman Wayne Kramer & The Bellrays, The Evens, Bouncing Souls, Le Tigre, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Jello Biafra, and many others. Thievery will warm up for the Festival with two shows in Austin, TX including an appearance at the famed Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Thievery Corporation Live Band Tour:
9/22: @ Stubbs Bar-b-q, Austin, Texas (w/ Z-Trip)
9/23: @ Austin City Limits (Heineken Stage), Austin, Texas
9/24: @ Operation Ceasefire on Washington Monument Grounds, Washington, DC (w/ Le Tigre, Ted Leo/Pharmacists, Steve Earle, Bouncing Souls, Head-Roc, The Coup, Wayne Kramer/MC5, The Bellrays and many more)