KIRK WHALUM - EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING: THE MUSIC OF DONNY HATHAWAY

Eight-Time Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum has already had a whirlwind year with the recent release of the long-awaited third installment in his popular genre-bridging gospel jazz series, The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III (GATJ3). GATJ3 debuted at #4 on the Billboard Jazz Album chart and #11 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. After recently being named President & CEO of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music & Stax Music Academy, Whalum now caps off a stellar year with the release of Everything is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway on August 31st on Rendezvous Music, an imprint of Mack Avenue Records. To celebrate the release of his new CD, on Monday, August 2nd, Whalum is set to appear on The Tonight Show and will sit in with Rickey Minor and The Tonight Show Band. This is a reunion of sorts for Whalum and Minor who played together on the Whitney Houston ‘The Bodyguard’ World Tour.

Everything Is Everything consummates Whalum’s chart-topping For You and The Babyface Songbook trilogy to complete a collection that brilliantly exhibits Kirk’s singular interpretive skills. Donny Hathaway would have been 65 years old on October 1, 2010. Although the passing of this visionary and multi-talented artist left a significant void, his pervasive influence left an indelible mark on popular music. There could be no better standard bearer for Hathaway’s work than tenor saxophonist Kirk Whalum, whose work has similarly crossed the boundaries between R&B, gospel and jazz with an emotional immediacy that is beyond compare.

Highlights on Whalum’s Donny Hathaway tribute standards CD include “You Had To Know,” featuring a heartfelt performance by Donny’s daughter & neo-soul phenom Lalah Hathaway. Also, R&B crooner Musiq Soulchild gives a retro take on “We’re Still Friends.” This intricate and principled CD also features arrangements by Gil Goldstein and John Stoddart and collaborations from a virtual who’s who of contemporary jazz masters such as Rick Braun, Jeff Golub and Christian McBride. Helping to push the boundaries on this musical tribute celebration is pedal steel scorcher Robert Randolph. All of these dynamic artists come together with Whalum’s passionate tenor to tell the musical story of one of the most important figures in popular music.

GERALD LEVERT - THE BEST OF GERALD LEVERT

After notching hits and four platinum records in the 1980s with the R&B trio Levert, Grammy®-winning singer Gerald Levert went solo in 1991, topping the R&B charts with his first album, Private Line. The hits kept coming as the superstar's soulful baritone fueled a long run of beloved music that sadly ended in 2006 with Levert's unexpected death. Rhino Records pays tribute to Levert with a collection of his greatest work, including the previously unreleased "Can It Stay." The Best Of Gerald Levert will be released on August 31. "Can It Stay" is available for download now at all digital retailers. Spanning two decades, the 16-song set is the first collection to span Levert's entire extraordinary career and also features liner notes by Cornel West. Arranged chronologically, the album begins with the single version of the Grammy-nominated "Casanova," a #1 R&B/#5 Pop smash he recorded in 1987 with Levert. Three tracks come from Levert's 1991 solo debut Private Line, including the single version of the title track, "School Me," and the R&B #1 "Baby Hold On To Me," which features the singer teaming up with his father, Eddie Levert, the lead singer of The O'Jays. The father and son recorded together frequently over the years, including the poignant ballad "Already Missing You" (#7 R&B), which is featured here and taken from the duo's first album together, 1995's Father And Son. The Best Of Gerald Levert touches on Levert's work with singers Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill in the R&B supergroup LSG with "My Body" (#1 R&B/#4 Pop), from trio's Grammy-nominated, double-platinum debut, Levert-Sweat-Gill (1997). The collection concludes with two tracks from Levert's posthumous Grammy-winning 2007 album In My Songs, the title track and "DJ Don't," as well as the previously unreleased "Can It Stay."

THE BEST OF GERALD LEVERT Track Listing
"Casanova" (Single Version) – Levert
"Private Line" (Single Version)
"Baby Hold On To Me" – with Eddie Levert, Sr.
"School Me"
"I'd Give Anything"
"Answering Service"
"Already Missing You" – with Eddie Levert, Sr.
"My Body" – LSG
"Thinkin' Bout It"
"Taking Everything"
"Made To Love Ya"
"Funny"
"U Got That Love (Call It A Night)"
"In My Songs"
"DJ Don't"
"Can It Stay"*

*previously unreleased

NEW RELEASES FROM NORMAN BROWN, PAUL HARDCASTLE, STANLEY CLARKE & OTHERS...

Blundetto – Bad Bad Things
Dalindeo – Soundtrack For The Sound Eye
Dee Dee Sharp – Happy Bout The Whole Thing/What Color Is Love/Dee Dee
Drizabone Soul Family – All The Way
John Pizzarelli – Rockin’ In Rhythm: A Tribute To Duke Ellington
Kenya – Starting Over
Lucy Woodward – Slow Recovery
MFSB – Gamble-Huff Orchestra/Mysteries Of The World
MFSB – Philadelphia Freedom/Summertime
Manhattans – Black Tie/Love Talk
Michael Scherer – Exceeding Expectations
Nick Rosen – Into The Sky
Norman Brown – Sending My Love
Norman Connors – You Are My Starship/Romantic Journey
Onra – Long Distance
Os Ipanemas – Que Beleza
Paul Hardcastle – Jazzmasters VI
Quantic Presents Flowering Inferno – Dog With A Rope
Randolph – Echoes Of Lonely Eden
Saravah Soul – Cultura Impura
Stanley Clarke – Rocks Pebbles & Sand/Let Me Know You
Sting - Symphonicities
Urban Jazz Coalition – Gravitate
Various Artists – African Lounge
Various Artists – Bella Musica 5 By Jose Padilla
Various Artists – Chillin’ Africa
Various Artists – Chillout In Black 2
Various Artists - Disco Meets Bossa Volume 2
Various Artists - Jazzy Lounge Volume 2
Vox Arcana – Aerial Age
Willie Jones III – Next Phase

FAYOLA - LOVE, HATE & PASSION

Singer Fayola is preparing for her debut album release on July 21 this month, which is a huge step in her career. She has been crafting the sound of this album very carefully to give an innovative perspective on relationships. Her goal is for this album’s message to strike a nerve to inspire, in order to reach far and wide to build upon her fan base. The album, entitled Love, Hate & Passion consists of 11 original powerfully messaged songs relating to relationships from a woman’s perspective. Styled with her unique and distinct vocal sound, she delivers a performance that gives you an impression of a friend who’s got your back. The musical undercurrent of this album has a touch of Jazz, a little Soul, a sprinkle of R&B and a dash of Pop. Fayola’s style has drawn inspirations from pioneering Neo-soul artists D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, in addition to, soul divas Anita Baker and Regina Belle among several others in helping to create in her, the unique fusion that she entitles, jazzy-neosoul. The album was recorded out of Queens, New York and produced by Joe Wize who has worked with artists such as Faith, Groove Theory, Tina Moore and Lorenzo. The album is available online now for digital downloads, and fans are encouraged to visit Fayola’s website (http://www.fay-o-la.com/), which provides you with everything you could want to know about the young vocalist. You can also sign up for the mailing list to receive news and information about upcoming gigs and new releases. Fans can also check out her MySpace.com/fayola page and can even join up to be her friend on Facebook.com/Fay Ola. Fayola was born and raised in Trinidad, W.I..

http://www.fay-o-la.com/

http://www.indiggo.com/

INCOGNITO FEAT. CHAKA KHAN & MARIO BIONDI - TRANSATLANTIC R.P.M.

Shanachie Entertainment is about to release probably the best album in years from pioneering and groundbreaking UK groove-masters Incognito. As the legendary band embarks on its third decade of creating mind blowing, hit-making classics, they have outdone themselves with their stellar new recording, Transatlantic R.P.M, to be released on July 27, 2010. Incognito is joined by an all-star lineup that includes the iconic Chaka Khan, R&B/jazz/soul diva and longtime Incognito vocalist Maysa, spoken word goddess Ursula Rucker, Motown legend Leon Ware and renowned Italian singer Mario Biondi, Incognito delivers what promises to be one of the musical highlights of the summer.

Incognito mastermind Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick reflects on his 30 year journey and shares how Transatlantic R.P.M was born:

Being a teenager in 1970’s London, you could not escape the music. It was all around you. Every pub had live music and there were several record shops on every main road. Basements and garages doubled up as rehearsal rooms for eclectic musicians and energetic teenagers getting their kicks playing Rock & Roll, Reggae, Ska, Folk, Jazz, Funk and Soul music, all preparing to take on the world! There was a buzz in every record store. People searching through the crates to catch up on the latest offerings from across the pond. I’d be looking for the names… Harvey Mason, Steve Gadd, Ralph McDonald… “Hey heard the new one from Rufus & Chaka Khan?” In another corner funky folks would be boogying down to B.T. Express and Eddie Russ beneath huge sets of headphones and exploding afros! Long haired students with patches on their jeans trawling through the Prog Rock section. That was the scene and I was hooked, line and sinker… those vinyls transported across the Atlantic had me buzzing like a junky looking for his next hit!

Transatlantic R.P.M. Tracklisting:

1: Lowdown – featuring Chaka Khan, Mario Biondi & Stuart Zender

2: Everything That We Are – featuring Lucky I am, Tony Momrelle & Tiffany Smith

3: 1975 – featuring Joy Rose

4: Your Sun My Sky – featuring Maysa

5: Line In The Sand – featuring Leon Ware

6: Gotta – featuring Ursula Rucker

7: Let’s Fall In Love Again – featuring John-Christian Urich (Tortured Soul)

8: The Song – featuring Chaka Khan & Al McKay (EWF Guitar)

9: Put A Little Lovin’ In Your Heart – featuring Tony Momrelle

10: All Of My Life – featuring Joy Rose

11: Expresso Madureira – Instrumental

12: Life Ain’t Nothing But A Good Thing – featuring Vanessa Haynes

13: Make Room For Love – featuring Tony Momrelle

14: Can’t Get Enough – featuring Mario Biondi & Stuart Zender

15: The Winter Of My Springs – Acapella / No Capella

16: Tell Me What To Do – featuring Bluey

REGGIE HINES - LIVE YOUR LIFE

Two time Grammy Award winner and founder of Smooth Jazz, musician Najee has donated his own saxophone to renown Jazz artist Reggie Hines. As soon as Najee landed in JFK recently, from his tour in Europe, he learned via text, about the demise of saxophonic player Reggie Hines’ missing horns. Mr. Hines’, who has previously performed with Najee, two saxophones came up missing after a recent gig in Atlanta. This sour note quickly turned into a melody when Najee called and offered Hines his very own saxophone for replacement. One final piece was short in this perfect score; the instrument had to be picked up in Orlando where Najee resides. Chountelle Bullock, a member of his marketing staff, was contacted by Hines’ manager Clifton Camp of MarketingCamp, LLC, and she flew to Orlando and back with sax…the final score! Thanks Najee.

For those of you who don’t know about Reggie Hines, he was born to captivate the world with the multitude of talents he possesses. Instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and composer; he is a multi-faceted talent playing guitar, piano, bass, EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument) and of course, the saxophone. Music is his mistress, a true lover of the art Salsa, Meringue, Jazz, and Funk. Writing for Gerald Alston (The Manhattans), Regina Belle; Hines musicology breached the music industry when he masterminded The Prime of My Life album for the late songstress, Phyllis Hyman. “I Can’t Take It Anymore” and “When You Get Right Down To It”, attained Grammy nominations for best R&B song of the year. Hines was honored with an ASCAP Award for his skilled musical composition. Nationally, Mr. Hines appeared on ‘The Regis and Kelly Show’, ‘The David Letterman Show’, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, ‘Tom Joyner’s Sky Show and Cruise’ and 'VH1 2010 Hip Hop Honors'. After touring the world in a multitude of music festivals, Hines released the 2009 chart topping CD, Live Your Life, the return to his musical roots, infusing multiple music genres with Jazz. With his recent return from the 2010 Harlem Nights Japan Tour, he continues to “live”.

Reggie describes his styling as “life music” choosing to surpass traditional jazz boundaries. Aptly, he has named his CD Live Your Life. On July 29, 2010, MarketingCamp, LLC, will re-release Reggie Hines’ album debut entitled Live Your Life.

MARC HOFFMAN - CURIOSO

Virillion Music recording artist Marc Hoffman has announced the release of Curioso, an all-original jazz CD that features Hoffman on keyboard and vocals, Tim Gordon (Mr. Groove) on sax, Grammy nominee John Sharp on guitar, Terry Peoples and Nathan Scott on bass, and Gray Fallin (The Brubakers), Mike Lanier and Ryan Scott on drums and percussion. Curioso follows the release of a single track from the CD several weeks ago entitled “Hefti,” Hoffman’s tribute to his former composition professor, the late Neal Hefti. "‘Hefti’ makes you smile with its delicate riffs and uplifting swing,” said DJ Jelly Roll Justice of WWOZ-FM in New Orleans. "‘Hefti’ is one of those great tunes that is instantly recognizable within two to four notes [of the opening lick] -- no easy achievement, and very satisfying, “ said Preston Ryback, composer, arranger, orchestrator, and owner of Shore Club Studios in Vancouver, BC. The Curioso project began as a compilation of various jazz tunes Hoffman had written over two years, representing as many styles of jazz as there are tracks on the CD. He initially entitled the quickly mastered collection “Jazz” and intended to use it to pitch tunes to TV and film projects. “After circulating what I thought was the finished product for a few months, I was delighted by the response,” Hoffman said. “So, two years after the initial project was completed, I decided to remix and re-master all tracks for wide release and at the same time rename the CD Curioso after my favorite piece in the collection.”

Producer and engineer Jerod Jacobs of Charlotte, NC, co-mixed and co-mastered the CD with Hoffman. Curioso combines tunes that are inspired by other musicians’ work with tracks that were inspired by events in the artist’s life. Besides, “Hefti,” which channels the light, lyrical work of Neal Hefti, there’s “Pontified,” Hoffman’s take on the late ‘70s music of Jean-Luc Ponty; “Introspective,” smooth jazz reminiscent of David Benoit; and the Vince Guaraldi influence apparent on Curioso. For “Q,” Hoffman wanted to capture what he observed as the “calm strength” of a former piano student of his who was battling a brain tumor during the three years he worked with her. A friend who died suddenly inspired “Bender.” “I imagined a desolate night in NYC as a reflection of my sadness over his passing.” Hoffman said. Other tracks are more lighthearted, such as “Thumbs,” which evolved from a spontaneous rhythm Hoffman started playing on his desk one day, “literally with my thumbs.” “Dog Days,” which features “a soulful sax solo by Tim Gordon,” represents a winding down during the Dog Days of summer. And “G Min” is a modern jazz swing piece that offers up a John Sharp guitar solo. Hoffman is as well-known for his vocal performances as his instrumentals, but Curioso contains only one vocal piece, “Aila Leya.” He explains: “I was looking for syllables that fit the melody and sang the first thing that came to mind. I then went to a word meaning reference and found that both of these actually mean something! This one is reminiscent of the jazz-rock of the late ‘70s to early ‘80s.” When Hoffman circulated the initial release of the collection, Gary Dalkin, editor of Film Music on the Web, wrote in a review: “Hoffman brings a light, fluid grace to his eloquent improvisations, the tone largely optimistic though shot through with an enquiring spirit which adds an intriguing melodic quirk to the disc.” The artist is hoping for many more positive reviews now that the remixed and re-mastered Curioso is available.

Tracks from the CD can be heard on Marc Hoffman’s website http://www.marchoffman.com/. Samples are available on Amazon.com.

ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL - THE UNION

Decca Records has announced the release of the highly anticipated collaboration between two musical legends, Elton John and Leon Russell with The Union available October 19 in the U.S. (To be released October 25 in the U.K. on Mercury Records.) This album marks the first time these iconic artists have worked together since 1970. Produced by Oscar and multiple-Grammy winning producer T Bone Burnett, who took home numerous awards in 2009 for his production work on Raising Sand with Robert Plant and Alison Krause, The Union features songs written by John and his lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, as well as in combination with the extraordinary talents of Russell and Burnett. Recorded live in the studio with John and Russell on dueling pianos, the album features a variety of musical genres from R&B, soul, gospel, country, pop and rock. Icons Neil Young and Brian Wilson provide guest vocals on the 16-track record along with legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir.

Russell first met John in 1970 when he attended John's first ever U.S. show at the famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. The meeting heralded the beginning of a long friendship and a mutual appreciation between the two artists. "In the late '60s and early '70s, the one piano player and vocalist who influenced me more than anybody else was Leon Russell," John said. "He was my idol." The pair went on to tour together shortly thereafter at New York's Fillmore East and to this day have held such high admiration for each other's work. After years of being out of touch, John listened to Russell's music while on safari in Africa last summer and was inspired to reconnect with his idol. "Elton called to ask if I would do a duet album with him," Russell said. "I'm very happy that he chose me to do this."

The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than three decades. He is the one of the top-selling solo artists of all time with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums and more than 250 million records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has awarded John multiple Grammys, including the Grammy Legend Award.

Russell has performed his gospel-infused southern boogie piano rock, blues and country music for over 50 years. This legendary and Grammy award winning musician and songwriter has topped music charts, led the famous Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen' tour, performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert for Bangladesh and in 2006 was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Bare Bones International Film Festival.

The Union is a unique collaboration of two of the most talented artists in the music business. Combining forces and fusing diverse talents, John and Russell along with Burnett have produced an extraordinary album.

B.B. KING TOUR DATES

B.B. King will perform the following concerts throughout 2010:
June 27 @ Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI
July 4 @ Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, IN
July 7 @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside PA
July 8 @ Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
July 9 @ House of Blues, Boston, MA
July 10 @ Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA
July 13 @ Amphitheatre at Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA
July 15 @ Pier Six Concert Pavilion, Baltimore, MD
July 16 @ NTELOS Pavilion, Portsmouth, VA
July 17 @ Charlottesville Pavilion, Charlottesville,VA
July 18 @ Filene Center, Vienna, VA
August 9 @ Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, AZ
August 11 @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
August 13 @ Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, CA
August 14 @ Harrah's, Valley Center, CA
August 20 @ Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, CA
August 21 @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA
August 24 @ Deer Valley Resort Amphitheatre, Park City, UT
August 25 @ Red Rocks, Morrison, CO
August 27 @ Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK
August 28 @ Black Oak Mountain Resort, Lampe, MO
August 29 @ Allen Events Center, Allen, TX
September 19 @ Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, CO
October 4-5 @ BB King's, Nashville, TN
October 7 @ Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival, Helena, AR
October 10 @ Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
October 31 @ Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA
November 3 @ Hult Center, Eugene, OR
November 4 @ Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
November 5-6 @ Red Robinson Theatre, Coquitlam, BC
November 8 @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB
November 10 @ Conexus Centre, Regina, SK
November 11 @ Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, MB
November 12 @ State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
November 13 @ Riverside Theater. Milwaukee, WI
November 18 @ Shea's PAC, Buffalo, NY
November 19-20 @ Casino Rama, Rama, ON
November 21 @ National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON

MARY TALBOT FEE – MIDWINTER NIGHT’S DREAM

Jazz vocalist Mary Talbot Fee will be the featured artist debuting her CD, Midwinter Night’s Dream the week of June 18th on The Jazz Network Worldwide. The collection of jazz standards, international songs and contemporary compositions were produced by Rob & Amber Whitlock of Sketchin’ Records. In addition, they composed three new songs for the disc, including the title track, which was co-authored by Talbot Fee, who fluently sings in four languages on the CD (English, French, Italian and Portuguese). Midwinter Night’s Dream is the culmination of Talbot Fee’s years of jazz vocal study with the likes of Kevyn Lettau and other well-respected vocalists. “Winter’s dream enters my slumber, stills my thoughts, and encourages me to rest, renew and restore for the coming year’s journey,” reflected Talbot Fee about her inspiration for the project.

A masterful ensemble backed her in the studio including keyboardist Rob Whitlock (Jazz Crusaders, Eddie Harris), bassist Trey Henry (Tierney Sutton), drummer Cliff Almond (Michele Camillo), guitarist Pat Kelley (George Benson), percussionist Luis Conte (James Taylor), violinist Charlie Bisharat (John Tesh) and flutist John Rekevics (Checkfield) along with a talented cast of singers that included Amber Whitlock (Max Bennett) and Kleber Jorge (Sergio Mendes). Standards like “If I Had You” and Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer’s “Moment To Moment,” sultry sambas (“Nuages”), romantic duets (“Anema E Core”), cabaret tunes (“On An Evening In Roma”) and modern gems including John Lennon & Paul McCartney’s “Norwegian Wood,” Joni Mitchell’s “River,” and a pair from Stevie Wonder (“Knocks Me Off My Feet” and “Bird Of Beauty”). The three originals - “Winter Snow Ballet,” “Inverno Di Gielo” and the title track - unify and further the album’s motif – the gifts of winter - despite their varied stylings, moods and languages. "Mary is a wonderful story-teller in any language, she brings an authentic sound 'all her own,'" says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

Talbot Fee grew up in New England in a musical household. Her mother, Angela, for whom the album is dedicated, was an opera singer and a musical comedy actress who performed at Carnegie Hall. With these influences there is no wonder that the end result of this musical project is sophisticated, swoon-inducing vocals that take listeners on an enchanting artistic and theatrical musical journey.

http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/

http://www.marytalbotfee.com/

http://www.sketchinrecords.com/

THE WEST COAST CAPITAL OF JAZZ IN THE SUMMER OF 2010

Claiming its status as one of the nation’s most vibrant summer jazz destinations, Newport Beach is host to two high-profile jazz events in summer 2010. In its 18th year, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series Through October 1st, 2010 (every Friday night and a special show on July 4th), a diverse collection of jazz musicians will entertain audiences at the 18th Annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series, which takes place at the resort’s intimate outdoor amphitheater. Top act’s include the Max Weinberg Big Band, David Sanborn, Bobby Caldwell Fourplay and Steve Tyrell.

The Sunset Jazz at Newport Series will take place each Wednesday evening in summer from July 7th to August 25th, 2010 and will feature straight ahead jazz performed by some of the most popular artists from the long-running West Coast Jazz Party, also in Newport Beach. The producers of the very successful West Coast Jazz Party, together with the nation’s #1 jazz station- KJAZZ, have converted their 4 day jazz party, which for the last 15 years has taken place over Labor Day Weekend, into an 8 week series of Wednesday nights. The Rose Garden of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa sets the stage for talent such as Houston Person, Ken Peplowski, Byron Stripling and Graham Dechter.

Not to be confused with the annual Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island in August, these two high-level events extend the entire summer season and take place in Southern California’s Newport Beach, allowing visitors ample opportunity to catch top notch performers.

Known for its picturesque views of the Pacific and one of the world’s largest small yacht harbors, Newport Beach is a chic seaside community located on Southern California’s Orange County coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego. The city is acclaimed for its beaches, mild year-round weather, boating/yachting community, sophisticated atmosphere, international film festival, three annual epicurean festivals and the oldest holiday boat parade in the nation. Newport Beach was named “One of the top ten resort towns in the U.S” by AOL Travel in 2008.

www.visitnewportbeach.com/event_details

AMERICAN GREETINGS INTRODUCES NEW CARDS WITH SONG DOWNLOAD FROM ITUNES

American Greetings Corporation has introduced its latest innovation in the card aisle: greeting cards with a song download from iTunes. Through the innovative offering, American Greetings is bringing the country's #1 music retailer to the card aisle, and helping consumers put the gift of music into the greetings they send. The complete line includes 36 cards, each with a code redeemable for a song download from iTunes. There are also eight gift card holders that can be used to send any iTunes gift card. Having both options available creates the perfect solution for any shopper who wants to send a card with a little something extra, or one who wants to personalize a great gift with a fun greeting. "From our research, we already knew that consumers loved the pairing of music and greeting cards, and we wanted to elevate the overall experience," said Carol Miller, executive director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "By giving someone a card with a gift that empowers them to choose their own song, you make the connection even more personal and enjoyable, which is what sending a card is all about." Consumers can find the new cards with a song download from iTunes, at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. For more information, including store locations in your area, you can visit the following sites:

http://www.corporate.americangreetings.com/.
www.twitter.com/amgreetings
www.facebook.com/AmericanGreetings.

MICHAEL BUBLE & "THE CRAZY LOVE" TOUR

Following a series of sellout European shows, Canadian superstar Michael Bublé continues his phenomenal ability to fill arenas for his "Crazy Love" summer tour in the midst of reports of low ticket sales for many of this summer's concerts. The Grammy winning Bublé returns to the US beginning June 22nd, in Tulsa, Oklahoma for the second leg of his "Crazy Love" tour which will play 21 markets ending August 28th in Las Vegas. The tour is expected to be a complete sell-out. "In the current climate of summer tours, Michael Bublé is a shining star," stated "Crazy Love"'s national tour promoter Don Fox of Beaver Productions. "With Michael's following including such a wide demographic span along with the amazing reviews of this show around the world, this is surely going to become one of the biggest tours in the US this summer," he concluded. "It was sensational, positively sensational... The sort of superstar-solidifying show you just know they'll be talking about 25 years and more from now," raved the Orange County Register. "What truly separates this king from all the other pretenders to the throne is the live show... For it's on the concert stage that Bublé shines the brightest," said the San Jose Mercury News. Tickets for Bublé's tour in three Texas markets of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio sold out in 30 minutes. The first leg of the month long "Crazy Love" tour which began March 12th of this year was also a total sell out and was seen by a quarter of a million Michael Bublé fans. Three new dates have been added to the tour including Sacramento on August 24th, San Diego on August 27th and the closing show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Bublé, a multi-Grammy winner has been riding high with the multi-platinum success of "Crazy Love" which has remained on the Billboard Pop Charts since its No. 1 debut 37 weeks ago and has held the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts since its release. "Haven't Met You Yet," the Bublé penned current single, remains a staple at pop radio.

HERBIE HANCOCK - THE IMAGINE PROJECT

Herbie Hancock's The Imagine Project is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. It utilizes the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility. The Imagine Project embodies an extraordinary lineup of international superstars from all corners of the world. Artists include Dave Matthews, Anoushka Shankar, Jeff Beck, The Chieftains, John Legend, India Arie, Seal, Pink, Juanes, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Chaka Khan, K'Naan, Wayne Shorter, James Morrison, and Lisa Hannigan. The album and film stands, on one level, as powerful testaments for the goals of world peace, humanity and tolerance, and respect for our planet, but The Imagine Project shall remain at its core, entertainment content that is creatively and emotionally deeply fulfulling.

The Imagine Project Track List:
1. "Imagine Intro" (featuring Pink and Seal)
2. "Imagine" (featuring India.Arie and Jeff Beck)
3. "Don't Give Up" (featuring Pink and John Legend)
4. "Tempo de Amor" (featuring CeU)
5. "Space Captain" (featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks)
6. "The Times, They Are A Changin" (featuring The Chieftans and Lisa Hannigan)
7. "La Tierra" (featuring Juanes)
8. "Tamitant Tilay/Exodus" (featuring K'naan and Los Lobos)
9. "Tomorrow Never Knows" (featuring Dave Matthews)
10. "A Change Is Gonna Come" (featuring James Morrison)
11. "The Song Goes On" (featuring Chaka Kahn, Anoushka Shankar, and Wayne Shorter)

Herbie Hancock is celebrating the release of his newest CD entitled, The Imagine Project, with a tour. Hancock will perform the following concerts:
June 24 @ Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
June 25 @ Ottawa Jazz Fest, Ottawa, ON
June 26 @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
June 27 @ Place des Arts, Montreal, QC
August 6 @ Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor, Buffalo, NY
August 7 @ Lowell Summer Music Series, Lowell, MA
August 8 @ Jazz Fest, Newport, RI
August 9 @ Tanglewood, Lennox, MA
August 10 @ Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, NH
August 13 @ Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
August 18 @ Chene Park Music Theater, Detroit, MI
August 20 @ Northern Lights Theater, Milwaukee, WI
August 21 @ Symphony Center, Chicago, IL
August 22 @ Ryman, Nashville, TN
August 25 @ Vilar PAC, Beaver Creek, CO
August 26 @ Center For The Arts, Jackson Hole, WY
August 28 @ Mt. Baker Theater, Bellingham,WA
August 29 @ Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle,WA
September 1 @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA

BOB BALDWIN - NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE: A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON

June 25th, the day that rocked the music world with the tragic death of the King Of Pop, will mark a day of celebration of the life of Michael Jackson with the release of Never Can Say Goodbye, a fitting title to this thoughtful collection of past to present Jackson hits from contemporary jazz pioneer, Pianist/Arranger Bob Baldwin and speaks of the sentiment felt by millions of fans worldwide. Radio promotions as well as a pre-produced radio special, will be made available for broadcast on June 25th across the terrestrial, satellite, internet jazz radio spectrum, including Baldwin’s own “NewUrbanJazz” Lounge' radio program.

Having received the blessing of the Jackson estate, and as a follow up to previous Jackson hits on previous discs, Never Can Say Goodbye is the first jazz record to pay homage to MJ and boasts a sterling handpicked collection of Jackson classics served up Baldwin style. This stirring and feel good tribute to all the man was and the influence he had across the musical spectrum, features original Baldwin reads on the early Jackson 5 hit, 'I ll Be There', Jackson and McCartney s 'The Girl Is Mine', the laid back and soul drenched 'Lady In My Life' (from the 'Thriller' vaults) to the funky side with unique touches on 'Bad' and the Gamble and Huff classic 'Let Me Show You The Way Go', and the highly infectious title track, featuring a cameo appearance from new Fourplay guitarist Chuck Loeb. "She's Out of My Life" gets the Nashville treatment, with the soulful guitar riffs ushered in by Special Efx staple Chieli Minucci. The personal Baldwin tribute "Prodigious" is soulful and sensitive, much like his approach to the entire project, while "Don't Say Goodbye" is haunting and reflective.

Baldwin was not a late-comer to the fanfare of Michael Jackson. "In 2000, it was time to give MJ his kudos", says the NY native. "I grew up listening to 'Never Can Say Goodbye' as a kid and watching the J5 on the Ed Sullivan Show, so he was in the fabric of my musical pop life, in between listening to Duke Ellington and Miles. Quincy really elevated his sense of harmony and you heard it in his later work". Baldwin also released "I Wanna Be Where You Are" in 2004 after recorded the song in Ipanema with some of his Brazilian compadres, so in many ways, the seed was already planted. A week or so following his death, my associate Brenda Hazel suggested I just finish the MJ thought and go full circle. We had to get the business straight, however, so getting the Jackson estate blessing was a real honor". Collaborating with Trippin' N Rhythm will bring this project full circle, which is also an honor.

Baldwin is no stranger to tributes and kudo efforts as his 2nd Haiti effort, the "2010 Jazz For Haiti" benefit concert has led to a worldwide collaboration with the American Red Cross to further assist that tragedy. Goodbye, should do well to invigorate Baldwin’s massive legion of fans across the world as he continues to look forward, but not without keeping an eye on and honoring those who influenced his past. It's the "Feelgood" album of 2010 indeed.

Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson Track List
Bad (feat. Ragan Whiteside)
Human Nature
The Girl Is Mine (feat. Steve Oliver)
I Can’t Help it
I’ll Be There
Prodigious
I Wanna Be Where You Are
Lady In My Life
Let Me Show You (feat. Joey Sommerville)
She’s Out of My Life (feat. Chieli Minucci)
Don’t Say Goodbye
Never Can Say Goodbye (feat. Chuck Loeb)

NEW RELEASES FROM ANGELA BOFILL, BOB BALDWIN, HERBIE HANCOCK, NORMAN BROWN & OTHERS...

Andy Scott – Hope
Angela Bofill – All This Time
Angela Johnson – It’s Personal
Auteur Jazz – Aphorisms
Benedikt – Violin Passion (After Midnight)
Bob Baldwin – Never Can Say Goodbye
Build An Ark – Love Part 2
Carmen Rizzo – Looking Through Leaves
Cosmic Groove Orchestra – Time Has Come
Cyndi Lauper – Memphis Blues
Earl Hagen – I Spy: Music From The Television Series
Eric Darius – On A Mission
Freedom Jazz Dance – New Under The Sun
Gideon Van Gelder – Perpetual
Grupo Fantasma – El Existential
Half Seas Over – Half Seas Over
Herbie Hancock – The Imagine Project
Jacques Coursil – Trails Of Tears
Jason Moran – Ten
Julie London – Latin In A Satin Mood
Julie London – London By Night
Julie London – Nice Girls Don’t Stay For Breakfast
Julie London – Send For Me
Julie London – Sophisticated Lady
Kenny G – Heart And Soul
Kings Go Forth – Outsiders Are Back
Konono No 1 – Assume Crash Position
Lady Daisy – In My Pocket
Lee Ritenour – Six String Theory
Los Charly’s Orchestra – Chicano Disco Funk
Macy Gray – Sellout
Madlib & Others – Madlib’s Medicine Show No. 6: Brain Wreck Show
Manu Katche – Third Round
Nat Birchall – Guiding Spirit
Noesis – Blue Six
Norman Brown – Sendig My Love
Pouo –Yellow Of The Sun In You
Q Orchestra – Journey Through Sounds
Renegades Of Jazz – Karabine
Robert Aarono – Trouble Man
Speaker Sgt – Speaker Sgt
Studio Apartment _ 2010
Sylvia Bennett – Smile
Suely Mesquita – Sexo Puro: A Life In The Brazilian Song
Various Artists – Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Culture Remixed

THE RETURN OF ANGELA BOFILL

Not only does Angela Bofill have a new song out, but she is now set for her first stage appearance since 2005! Angela’s newest release is the song “All This Time,” which was recorded in Philadelphia three months prior to her stroke in 2005. You can download the song at her website http://www.angelabofill.com/. I first heard it on Solar Radio and it’s definitely one that you want to add to your collection. Angela is also scheduled for her first stage appearance and although she will not be singing, it will certainly be an entertaining show entitled “The Angela Bofill Experience” as told by Angel and sung by Maysa. The show will be a narrative and musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career. Beginning with video of her days in Central Park and peppered with footage from her appearances on The American Music Awards, with Michael Jackson, The Tonight Show, and Soul Train. Angela will be doing on-stage narratives about the songs, along with humorous anecdotes. In addition, good friend Dave Valentin will be a part of the sow serving up some inside dialogue, as well as playing his flute. The incredible Maysa (from Incognito), will grace the stage with her vocal portrayal of Angela. The opening of the show will mark her first public appearance since her stroke in 2005, and it will take place at The Razz Room in San Francisco, from July 22 – 25. To add to the excitement, of the four night engagement, special guests and friends (including Phil Perry and Norman Connors), will also be performing. After the show, Angela will meet and greet her fans to personally thank them for their support. Other dates scheduled include Detroit on July 28, and a special sailing of The Smooth Cruise aboard The Spirit of New York on October 8. You can listen to Angela’s first interview since her second stroke at www.hinesite5.com. This interview was conducted by longtime radio personality Rosetta Hines of WJZZ Radio in Detroit.

THE CONCERT CALENDAR 2010-2011

JUNE 2010

George Benson @ Manchester Evening News Arena, Manchester, UK, June 1

Michael Buble @ Colorine Arena, Hamburg, Germany, June 1

Pink Martini @ Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall,
San Francisco, CA, June 1-2

George Benson @ The O2 Arena, London, UK, June 2
Toots & the Maytals @ BB Kings, New York, NY, June 2
Basia @ The Highland Ballroom, New York, NY, June 2
Patti Labelle @ B.B. Kings Club, New York, NY, June 3
Kenny G @ Metro Toronto Convention Center, Toronto ON, July 3
George Benson @ Brighton Centre, Brighton, UK, June 3
Toots & the Maytals @ Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY, June 3
George Benson @ Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, UK, June 4
Craig Chaquico @ One World Theatre, Austin, TX, June 4
Basia @ The Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA, June 4

John Butler Trio, Medeski Martin & Wood @ Red Rocks
Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, June 4

Toots & the Maytals @ Hunter Mountain,
Hunter Mountain, NY, June 4

Pink Martini @ Holland Performing Arts Center,
Omaha, NE, June 4-6

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Free Pass Summer Fest,
Houston, TX, June 5

Dave Koz, David Benoit @ Japanese American Cultural Center,
Los Angeles, CA, June 5

Basia @ Capital Jazz Festival, Columbus, MD, June 5
Johnny Mathis @ Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV, June 5

Toots & the Maytals @ Cape Cod Melody Tent,
Hyannis, MA, June 5

Nick Colionne @ Capital Jazz Festival, Cumberland, MD, June 6
Basia @ Bimbos, San Francisco, CA, June 6
Joan Osborne @ Summerstage Gala, New York, NY, June 8
Norah Jones @ Celebrate Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY, June 9
Basia @ Humphries, San Diego, June 10
Jamie Cullum @ Olympia, Paris, France, June 10
Mindi Abair @ Bradley Fair Shopping Ctr, Wichita, KS, June 10

Angelique Kidjo @ World Cup Kick Off Concert,
Johannesburg, SA, June 10

Basia @ Club Nokia, Los Angeles, CA, June 11
Norah Brown @ Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN, June 11
Steel Pulse @ Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, CA, June 11
Mindi Abair @ Jazz In The Woods, Overland Park, KS, June 11

Tower Of Power @ South Point Hotel & Casino,
Las Vegas, NV, June 11-13

Simply Red @ Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk, UK, June 11
Patti Austin @ Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC, June 11
Harry Connick Jr @ Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, June 11

Diane Schuur @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts,
Washington, DC, June 11

Pink Martini @ Palmer Events Center, Austin, TX, June 11-12

Simply Red @ Bredgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Goudhurst,
Kent, UK, June 12

Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright @ Hollywood Bowl Playboy Festival,
Los Angeles, CA, June 12

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @ Hollywood Bowl,
Los Angeles, CA, June 12

Harry Connick Jr @ PNC Pavilion, Cincinnati, OH, June 12
Steel Pulse @ Truckee River Park Amphitheater, Truckee, CA, June 12
Nick Colionne @ Jazz In The Woods, Overland Park, KS, June 12
Steel Pulse @ Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, Cam June 13
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN, June 13
Joan Osborne @ Riberbend Festival, Chattanooga, TN, June 13
Harry Connick Jr @ Charlottesville Pavilio, Charlottesville, VA, June 13
George Benson @ Playboy Jazz Festival, Hollywood, CA, June 13

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @
Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA, June 13

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @
Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO, June 14

Harry Connick Jr @ Filene Center, Vienna, VA, June 15

Simply Red @ Hampton Court Palace Festivak, E. Molesey,
UK, June 15-16

Harry Connick Jr @ Blumenthal PAC, Charlotte, NC, June 16

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @
Charter One Pavilion, Chicago, IL, June 16

Kenny G @ Accra Conference Center, Accra, Ghana, July 17
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra @ Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV, June 17

Angelique Kidjo @ Le Franco Folies de Montral,
Montreal, Canada, June 17

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Sound Board at Motor City
Casino, Detroit, MI, June 17

Simply Red @ Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nr Edwinstow,
Nottinghamshire, UK, June 18

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Harrah’s,
Atlantic City, NJ, June 18

Harry Connick Jr @ Peace Center, Greenville, SC, June 18
Spyro Gyra @ Scullers Jazz Club, Allston, MA, June 18-19
Harry Connick Kr @ Chastain Park Amphotheatre, Atlanta, GA, June 19

Simply Red @ Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury,
Gloucestershire, UK, June 19

Dionne Warwick @ Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, June 19
Mindi Abair @ Robin Hood Resort, Big Bear Lake, CA, June 19
Nick Colionne @ JazzTrax Big Bear Fest, Big Bear Lake, CA, June 19
Angelique Kidjo @ Stern Grove, San Francisco, CA, June 20
Simply Red @ Cardiff Int’l. Arena, Cardiff, UK, June 20
Joan Osborne @ Clearwater Festival, Croton-on-Point, NY, June 20
Harry Connick Jr @ Morris PAC, Sound Bend, IN, June 21
Michael Buble @ BOK Center, Tulsa, OK, June 22

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @
Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA, June 22

Harry Connick Jr @ Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, June 22-23
Michael Buble @ Instrust Bank Arena, Wichita, KS, June 23
Norah Jones @ Olympia, Paris, France, June 24
Herbie Hancock @ Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, June 24
George Benson @ Mountain View Plaza, Snoqualmie, WA, June 24

Simply Red @ Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley,
Staffordshire, UK, June 25

George Benson @ Royal Theatre, Victoria, Canada, June 25
Harry Connick Jr @ Jazz Aspen, Aspen, CO, June 25
Herbie Hancock @ Ottawa Jazz Fest, Ottawa, ON, June 25
Acoustic Alchemy @ One World Theater, Austin, TX, June 25

Gladys Knight, Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E, Keith Sweat @
Hampton Jazz Festival - Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, June 25

Fou80East @ Genuine Jazz & Wine Festival,
Copper Mountain, CO. June 25-26

Teena Marie, Charlie Wilson, Joe, Down To The Bone @
Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, June 26

George Benson @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC, June 26
Michael Buble @ Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO, June 26

Nick Colionne @ WRCH Lite 100.5 FM Smooth Jazz Concert,
Manchester, CT, June 26

Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center,
Saratoga Springs, NY, June 26

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ House of Blues,
Dallas, TX, June 26

Simply Red @ Dalby Forest, Nr. Pickering, North York, UK, June 26
Herbie Hancock @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, June 26
Angelique Kidjo @ Westhampton Beach, Westhampton, NY, June 26

Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gerald Albright, Sax For Stax, Kirk Whalum @
Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA, June 27

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ House of Blues,
Houston, TX, June 27

B.B. King @ Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, June 27
George Benson @Casino Regina Show Lounge, Regina, Canada, June 27
Michael Buble @ Qwest Center, Omaha, NE, June 27
Herbie Hancock @ Place des Arts, Montreal, QC, June 27
Simply Red @ Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire, UK, June 27
Angelique Kidjo @ Long’s Park Amphitheatre, Lancaster, PA, June 27
George Benson @ Casino Regina Show Lounge, Regina, SK, June 27
Four80East @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, June 27
Four80East @ Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA, June 28
Michael Buble @ Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN, June 28
Michael Buble @ Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH, June 30
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN, June 30
Down To The Bone, Spirit of NY Cruise, New York, NY, June 30

JULY 2010

Angelique Kidjo @ Downtown Jazz Festival, Toronto, Canada, Jul 1
George Benson @ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier, Montreal, QC, July 1
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI, July 1
Simply Red @ Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Surrey, UK, July 1
Chris Standring @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, July 1-3
Simply Red @ Delamere Forest, Delamere, Cheshire, UK, July 2
Kenny G @ Metro Toronto Convention, Toronto, Canada, July 2-3
Michael Buble @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, July 2-3

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Satruday In The Park Fest,
Sioux City, IA, July 3

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Starlight Theatre, Kansas City, MO, July 4
Nick Colionne @ The Wave’s Hyatt, Newport Beach, CA, Jul 4
B.B. King @ Horseshoe Casino, Elizabeth, IN, July 4
Michael Buble @ Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, VA, July 6

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Riverbend Music Centre,
Cincinnati, OH, July 6

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre,
Indianapolis, IN, July 6

Michael Buble @ Constant Convocation Center, Norfolk, VA, July 7
Spyro Gyra, Spirit of NY Cruise, New York, NY, July 7
B.B. King @ Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA, July 7
B.B. King @ Longwood Gardens, Kenneth Square, PA, July 8
Nick Colionne @ Summer Jazz Series, Walnut Creek, CA, July 8
Michael Buble @ RBC Center, Raleigh, NC, July 9
B.B. King @ House Of Blues, Boston, MA, July 9
Simply Red @ Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, UK, July 9
Oleta Adams @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, July 9
Kirk Whalum @ Cardena Theatre, Durham, NC, July 9

Santana, Steve Winwood @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre,
Tinley Park, IL, July 9

Santana, Steve Winwood @ DTE Energy Music Theatre,
Clarkston, MI, July 10

Simply Red @ The Brighton Centre, Brighton, UK, July 10

Nick Colionne, Joyce Cooling @ Lakefront Jazz & Blues Festival,
Prior Lake, MN, July 10

Mindi Abair @ Silver Beach, St. Joseph, MI, July 10
B.B. King @ Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA, July 10

Joan Osborne @ Vancouver Island Musicfest,
Vancouver, BC, July 10-11

Michael Buble @ Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL, July 11

Nick Colionne @ Smooth Sounds of Hot Summer Nights,
Jacksonville, FL, July 11

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Molson Amphitheatre,
Toronto, ON, July 11

Michael Buble @ Civic Center, Pensacola, FL, July 13
B.B. King @ Amphitheatre At Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA, July 13
Michael Buble @ New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA, July 14
Najee @ Spirit of NY Cruise, New York, NY, July 14
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, July 15
B.B. King @ Pier Six Concert Pavilion, Baltimore, MD, July 15
Michael Buble @ Toyota Center, Houston, TX, July 16
B.B. King @ NTELOS Pavilion, Portsmouth, VA, July 16
Dee Dee Bridgewater @ Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN July 16
Simply Red @ Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket, UK, July 16
Jean Carn, Gwen McCrae @ O2 Indigo, London, UK, July 16

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler @ Weesner Amphitheatre,
Minneapolis, MN, July 16

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Peabo Bryson @ Horseshoe Casino,
Hammond, IN, July 17

Michael Buble @ AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX, July 17
Nick Colionne @ Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, IN, July 17
B.B. King @ Charlottesville Pavilion, Charlottesville, VA, July 17
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Bethel Woods Center, Bethel, NY, July 17
Simply Red @ Haydock Park Racecourse, Haydock, UK, July 17
Mindi Abair @ Glenora Wine Cellars, Dundee, NY, July 18
B.B. King @ Filene Center, Vienna, VA, July 18
Michael Buble @ American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, July 18
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, NY, July 18
Santana, Steve Winwood @ PNC Bank Arts Centre, Holmdel, NJ, July 18
Simply Red @ Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, UK, July 18
Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler @ Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI, July 18
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT, July 21
Alex Bugnon, Marion Meadows @ Spirit of NY, New York, NY, July 21
Mindi Abair @ Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA, July 22

Angela Bofill, Dave Valentin, Maysa, Phil Perry, Norman Connors @
The Razz Room, San Francisco, CA, July 22-25

Mindi Abair, Keb @ Regency, Newport Beach, CA, July 23
Simply Red @ Summer Festival Piazza Napoleone, Lucca, Italy, July 23
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA, July 23
Gladys Knight @ Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY, July 23
Michael Franks @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, July 23

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Riverbend Centre,
Austin, TX, July 23

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Sunset Station Hotel &
Casino, Henderson, NV, July 24

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Susquehanna Bank Center,
Camden, NJ, July 24

Rochelle Fleming, Colonel Abrams @ Park Central Hotel,
New York, NY, July 24

Joan Osborne @ Hullabalou Festival, Louisville, KY, July 24
Simply Red @ 105 Stadium, Rimini, Italy, July 27
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA, July 25

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Virginia Beach Amphitheatre,
Virginia Beach, VA, July 27

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre,
Charlotte, NC, July 28

Pieces Of A Dream @ Spirit of NY Cruise, New York, NY, July 28
Four80East @ Crown Plaza Concert Series, Melbourne, FL, July 28

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre,
Atlanta, GA, July 29

Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra@ One World Theatre,
Austin, TX, July 29-30

Jack Jones @ South Point Hotel & Casino,
Las Vegas, NV, July 30-31

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, CA, July 30

Four80East @ Wonderland Of The Americas Amphitheater,
San Antonio, TX, July 30

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Pier Six Pavilion,
Baltimore, MD, July 30

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Fraze Pavilion,
Kettering, OH, July 31

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Thornton Winery, Telecula, CA, July 31

Santana, Steve Winwood @ Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, FL, July 31

AUGUST 2010
Santana, Steve Winwood @ Cruzan Amphitheatre,
W. Palm Beach, FL, Aug 1

Jack Jones @ South Point Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 1

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler @ Robin Hood Dell East,
Philadelphia, PA, Aug 2

Rick Braun, Richard Elliot @ Spirit of NY Cruise,
New York, NY, Aug 4

Michael Buble @ Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, Aug 5
The O’Jays @ Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV, Aug 6

Herbie Hancock @ Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor,
Buffalo, NY, Aug 6

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Villa Montalvo,
Saratoga, CA, Aug 6

Nick Colionne @ Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 6
Norah Brown @ Musikfest, Bethlehem, PA, Aug 7
Michael Buble @ Scotiabank, Ottawa, ON, Aug 7
Herbie Hancock @ Lowell Summer Music Series, Lowell, MA, Aug 7

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Rodney Strong Winery,
Healdsburg, CA, Aug 7

Chris Standring @ Laguna Beach Festival of Arts,
Laguna Beach CA, Aug 7

Nick Colionne @ Jazz In The Park, Olympia Fields, IL, Aug 8
Herbie Hancock @ Jazz Fest, Newport, RI, Aug 8
Norah Brown @ Durham PAC, Durham, NC, Aug 8

Four80East @ Assiniboine Park Bandshell,
Winnpeg, MB, Canada, Aug 8

Michael Buble @ John Labatt Centre, London, ON, Aug 9
Herbie Hancock @ Tanglewood, Lennox, MA, Aug 9
B.B. King @ Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, AZ, Aug 9
Norah Brown @ Cruzan Amphitheatre, W. Palm Beach, FL, Aug 10
Herbie Hancoclk @ Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, NH, Aug 10
Michael Buble @ Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON, Aug 10
Kenny G @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI, Aug 11
Norah Brown @ Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, FL, Aug 11
B.B. King @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, Aug 11

Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Peter White, Kirk Whalum @ Spirit Cruise
Ship, Pier-63 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, Aug 11

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Keswick Theatre, Glendale, PA, Aug 12

Norah Brown @ Verizon Wireless Center, Birmingham, AL, Aug 12

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
The Pageant, St. Louis, MO, Aug 13

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E., Peabo Bryson @ Humphrey’s,
San Diego, CA, Aug 13

Michael Buble @ MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Aug 13
Herbie Hancock @ Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 13
B.B. King @ Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, CA, Aug 13
Harry Connick Jr @ Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA, Aug 13-14
Michael Buble @ Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Aug 14
Kenny G @ Rosemont Theatre, Chicago, IL, Aug 14
B.B. King @ Harrah’s. Valley Center, CA, Aug 14
Kenny G @ Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL, Aug 14
George Benson @ Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord, CA, Aug 14

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Long Beach Jazz Festival,
Long Beach, CA, Aug 14

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, OH, Aug 14

Norah Brown @ CW Mitchell Pavilion, Houston, TX, Aug 15

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, Aug 15

Chris Standring, Tom Scott, Ronnie Laws, Jason Miles @
San Jose Jazz Festival, San Jose, CA, Aug 15

Norah Brown @ Superpages Center, Dallas, TX, Aug 16
Norah Brown @ Century II, Wichita, KS, Aug 17
Michael Buble @ General Motors Plaza, Vancouver, BC, Aug 17

Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons @ Spirit of NY Smooth Cruise,
New York, NY, Aug 18

Herbie Hancock @ Chene Park Music Theatre, Detroit, MI, Aug 18
George Benson @ Ravina Festival Pavilion, Chicago, IL, Aug 19
Norah Brown @ Red Rocks, Morrison, CO, Aug 19

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @ Charles Ives Center,
Danbury, CT, Aug 19

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Blaisdell Concert Hall,
Honolulu, CA, Aug 20

Herbie Hancock @ Northern Lights Theater, Milwaukee, WI, Aug 20
Norah Brown @ Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City, UT, Aug 20
B.B. King @ Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, CA, Aug 20
B.B. King @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA, Aug 21
George Benson @ Crown Center, Kansas City, MO, Aug 21
Herbie Hancock @ Symphony Center, Chicago, IL, Aug 21
Kenny G @ Portland Center for Performing Arts, Portland, OR, Aug 21
Herbie Hancock @ Ryman, Nashville, TN, Aug 22
Norah Brown @ The Pearl, Las Vegas, NV, Aug 22

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Belmont Country Club, London, VA, Aug 22

Mindi Abair @ The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Aug 24

B.B. King @ Deer Valley Resort Amphitheatre,
Park City, UT, Aug 24

Norah Brown @ Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA, Aug 24
Norah Brown @ Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Aug 25
B.B. King @ Red Rocks, Morrison, CA, Aug 25
Mindi Abair @ Moonlight Cruises, Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, Aug 25
Herbie Hancock @ Vilar PAC, Beaver Creek, CO, Aug 25
Kenny G @ Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, TX, Aug 25

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @ Road Runner
Mobile Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC, Aug 25

Mindi Abair @ Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA, Aug 26
Herbie Hancock @ Center For The Arts, Jackson Hole, WY, Aug 26

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. @ Benaroya Hall,
Seattle, WA, Aug 27

Norah Brown @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA, Aug 27
B.B. King @ Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City, OK, Aug 27
B.B. King @ Black Oak Mountain Resort, Lampe, MO, Aug 28
Kenny G @ Honolulu Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, HI, Aug 28
Herbie Hancock @ Mt. Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA, Aug 28

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Innsbrook Pavilion, Richmond, VA, Aug 29

Herbie Hancock @ Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA, Aug 29
B.B. King @ Allen Events Center, Allen, TX, Aug 29

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Wang Theatre, Boston, MA, Aug 31

SEPTEMBER 2010
Jonathan Butler @ Spirit of NY Cruise, New York, NY, Sep 1
Herbie Hancock @ Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, Sept 1

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
PNC Amphitheatre, Holmdel, NJ, Sept 2

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Jones Beach, Wantaugh, NY, Sept 3

George Benson @ World Trade Center, Curacao, SA, Sept 3
Simply Red @ World Trade Center, Piscadera, Bay, Curacao, Sept 4

Pink Martini @ Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center,
Dallas, TX, Sept 4-5

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, St. Paul, MN, Sept 6

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, Sept 8

Patti LaBelle @ Silver Legacy Casino, Reno, NV, Sept 10

Jeff Golub, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Peter White @
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, Sept 11

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL, Sept 11

Mindi Abair @ Thornton Winery, Temecula, CA, Sept 12
Kirk Whalum @ Detroit Jazz Festival, Detroit, MI, Aug 14

Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen @
Mid America Center, Council Bluffs, IA, Sept 14

Dionne Warwick @ Mayo Event & Convention Center,
Rochester, MN, Sept 18

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Kenny Garrett @
Monterey Jazz Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA, Sept 18

B.B. King @ Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Telluride, CO, Sept 19

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Between The Beats Jazz Festival,
Denzlingen, Germany, Sept 23

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Le Bataclan, Paris, France, Sept 24

Mindi Abair, Peter White @ Camarillo Art & Jazz Fest,
Camarillo, CA, Sept 25

Simply Red @ Tokyo Forum, Tokyo, Japan, Sept 25
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Salon, Istanbul, Turkey, Sept 25-26
Medeski, Martin & Wood @ Moods, Zurich, Switzerland, Sept 27

Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Auditori de Girona,
Girona, Spain, Sept 28

Ramsey Lews @ Blue Note Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Sept 28-30
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Treibhaus, Innsbrook, Austria, Sept 30

OCTOBER 2010
Medeski Martin @ Wood @ Leipzig Festival, Leipzig, Germany, Oct 1
Ramsey Lews @ Blue Note Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 1-2

Tower Of Power @ South Point Hotel & Casino,
Las Vegas, NV, Oct 1-3

B.B. King @ B.B. King’s, Nashville, TN, Oct 4-5
B.B. King @ Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival, Helena, AR, Oct 7
Nick Colionne @ Catalina Jazz Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 7

Angela Bofill, Dave Valentin, Maysa @ The Smooth Cruise, Spirit of
New York, NY, Oct 8

Mindi Abair, Chris Standring @ JazzTrax Catalina Island,
Avalon, CA, Oct 9

B.B. King @ Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX, Oct 10
Nick Colionne @ Autumn Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Oct 14
Mindi Abair, @ JazzTrax Catalina Island, Avalon, CA, Oct 14
Mindi Abair @ Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, NV, Oct 15

Four80East @ Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival,
Rehoboth Beach, DE, Oct 16-17

Nick Colionne @ Autumn Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Oct 16-17
Nick Colionne @ Jazz Concert Series, Casselberry, FL, Oct 23

Incognito feat. Maysa, Will Downing, Spyro Gyra, Kirk Whalum,
Brian Culbertson, George Duke, Walter Beasley, Lalah Hathaway,
Phill Perry, Marion Meadows, Leela James, Jeff Lorber, Take 6,
Jeffrey Osborne, Ledisi, Teena Marie, Chuck Brown, Conya Doss,
Calvin Richardson, Paul Jackson, Jr., B,K, Kirkland @
Capital Jazz Super Cruise IV, Miami, FL, Oct 23-30

B.B. King @ Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA, Oct 31

NOVEMBER 2010
B.B. King @ Hult Center, Eugene, OR, Nov 3
B.B. King @ Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualme, WA, Nov 4
B.B. King @ Red Robinson Theatre, Coquitlam, BC, Nov 5-6
Simply Red @ O2 Arena, Dublin, Ireland, Nov 7
Simply Red @ Belfast Arena, UK, Nov 8

B.B. King @ Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium,
Calgary AB, Nov 8

Nick Colionne @ Jammin’ In Jamaica,
Rose Hall, Jamaica, Nov 8-13

B.B. King @ Conexus Centre, Regina, SK, Nov 10
B.B. King @ Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg, MB, Nov 11
Simply Red @ Arena Fyn, Odense, Denmark, Nov 11
B.B. King @ State Park Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, Nov 12
B.B. King @ Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI, Nov 13
Simply Red @ O2 Arena, Berlin, Germany, Nov 13
Simply Red @ Tesla Arena, Prague, Czech Republic, Nov 14
Simply Red @ Arena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Nov 16
Simply Red @ Festhalle, Frankhurt, Germany, Nov 17
B.B. King @ Shea’s PAC, Buffalo, NY, Nov 18
Simply Red @ Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland, Nov 18
B.B. King @ Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Nov 19-20
Simply Red @ Mediolanum Forum, Milan, Italy, Nov 20
B.B. King @ National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, Nov 21
Simply Red @ Arena, Innsbruck, Austria, Nov 22
Simply Red @ Stadhalle, Vienna, Austria, Nov 23
Simply Red @ Olymnpiahalle, Munich, Germany, Nov 24
Simply Red @ Hanns Martin Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany, Nov 26
Simply Red @ SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany, Nov 27
Simply Red @ Color Line Arena, Hamburg, Germany, Nov 29
Simply Red @ Konig Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany, Nov 30

DECEMBER 2010
Simply Red @ Lanxess Arena, Koln, Germany, Dec 1
Simply Red @ Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands, Dec 3
Simply Red @ Rockhal, Esch Alzette, Luxembourg, Dec 4
Simply Red @ Sportpalais, Antwerp, Belgium, Dec 5
Simply Red @ London O2 Arena, UK, Dec 8
Simply Red @ Nottingham Arena, UK, Dec 9
Simply Red @ Glasgow, SECC, UK, Dec 10
Simply Red @ Manchester Men Arena, UK, Dec 12
Simply Red @ Birmingham NIA, UK, Dec 14
Simply Red @ Sheffield Arena, UK, Dec 16
Simply Red @ London O2 Arena, UK, Dec 18-19

JANUARY 2011
Joan Osborne @ Legendary R&B Cruise, Ft. Lauderdal, FL, Jan 22

APRIL 2011
Pink Martini @ Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, Apr 8-9
Pink Martini @ Kennedy Center For Perf Arts, Apr 12-16

AUGUST 2011
Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Chris Botti, Peter White, Sheila E, David Benoit,
Warren Hill, Jeffrey Osborne, Keiki Matsui @ Dave Koz & Friends At
Sea Alaska, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Aug 26-Sep 2

JANUARY 2012
Smokey Robinson, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Boney James,
Eric Darius, Patrice Rushen, Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright,
Rick Brwaun, Candy Dulfer, Jeff Golub, Rahsaan Patterson,
Joe Sample, Brian Simpson, Peter White Alonza Badden @
Smooth Jazz Cruise, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Jan 15-29

NEW SANTANA ALL-ROCK CLASSICS COVERS ALBUM DUE

Carlos Santana’s next album release, Santana's first since All That I Am in 2005 is due out in September and is not yet titled. The track list is being finalized as well, but during sessions Santana reunited with "Smooth" partner Rob Thomas on Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and worked with Joe Cocker on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," Scott Weiland on the Rolling Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," Chris Daughtry on Def Leppard's "Photograph," Soundgarden's Chris Cornell on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," Papa Roach`s Jacoby Shaddix on Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and Nas, who lays down rhymes on AC/DC's "Back in Black." Santana chose half of the songs while Davis picked the other half. While he considers ever song "incredible," Santana says his very favorite is the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which he recorded with India.Arie and cellist Yo Yo Ma. He recalls that, "I sent the song to George Harrison's widow, Olivia, and I got back an email that says, 'Carlos, I listened to the song and I started crying and jumping with joy at the same time. And I want you to know that George really loved you, because he understood your passion for compassion.' And I was like, 'Bam!' that's like George Harrison himself, through his beautiful wife, validating my existence and what I did with that song." Santana plans to preview some of the covers during his upcoming summer tour with Steve Winwood, which gets under way June 30 in Saint Paul, Minn. He also plans to have Winwood "join my band" for collaborations he hopes are "totally different" than what fans might expect. After the summer tour with Winwood, Santana is returning to Las Vegas in August for his second residency at the Hard Rock Hotel. Santana is touring Europe in Sept. and Oct., including a stop at London's O2 Arena. In addition, Santana also has another album ready to go as well, an all-instrumental set called Shape Shifter that he recorded with his band and he plans to release after the next album has run its course.

MONICA MANCINI - I'VE LOVED THESE DAYS

Concord Records has announced the release of I've Loved These Days, the latest album from vocalist and double-Grammy nominee, Monica Mancini. I've Loved These Days is an 11-track collection of classic 60s songs and an opportunity for Monica to collaborate with her musical heroes, many of whom are featured on the album. I've Loved These Days was produced by famed producer Phil Ramone and his producing partner Gregg Field. Ramone, who produced a number of the original recordings, hand picked world-class musicians to surround Monica and her guests that he knew could bring a contemporary perspective to these classic songs. On I've Loved These Days, Mancini is also joined by an orchestra arranged and conducted by multi-Grammy winner Jorge Calandrelli, who also collaborated with Monica on a previous album, Cinema Paradiso. The gorgeously crafted collection of songs is by artists who had a profound impact on Monica's formative musical years, including Lennon & McCartney, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jackson Browne, Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson, Billy Joel and Janis Ian. Joining Monica on "I've Loved These Days" are original composers Jackson Browne, offering guitar and vocal accompaniment on "These Days", Brian Wilson and the multi- Grammy winning vocal group Take 6 contributing vocals and arranging on "God Only Knows," Stevie Wonder harmonically duets on "Blame It On the Sun," and the Young Rascals', Felix Cavaliere provides B-3 organ accompaniment on his classic "How Can I Be Sure." "I'm beyond thrilled to have made this album and work with these artists and producers! For me, it's always about the songwriters and their songs" said Mancini. "As an artist, it has been an important project for very personal reasons and what I needed to do. I hope people will discover new meaning in the music as I have. This is my way of exploring my musical heroes and discovering what their songs continue to reveal."

I’ve Loved These Days Tracklisting:
1. The Days (4:31)
2. God Only Knows (3:15)
3. American Tune (4.27)
4. Blame It On The Sun (5:00)
5. How Can I Be Sure (3:39)
6. I’ll Follow The Sun (3:04)
7. Ballad Of The Sad Young Men (5:53)
8. Something So Right (3:46)
9. I’ve Loved These Days (3:04)
10. Joy (3:25)

NEW FROM THE STANLEY CLARKE BAND

Bassist Stanley Clarke’s new recording, The Stanley Clarke Band, is scheduled for release on June 15, 2010, on the Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, and the Roxboro Entertainment Group label. The album is produced by Clarke and Lenny White. Unlike his previous acoustic bass release, Clarke feels that this album’s music is new and different from just about anything he’s done before. The range of collaborative material here has allowed him to venture to new levels of experimentation utilizing his arsenal of bass instruments. If forced, he compares this new CD to the first three albums of his solo career on Nemperor Records, Journey To Love, Stanley Clarke and School Days, with long extended electric pieces – a kind of journey.

Also new for Clarke, the album is made up of compositions from members of the band. He is joined by Stanley Clarke Band keyboardist Ruslan Sirota and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. – who have been performing and recording with him for the better part of five years. Innovative young musicians, they have virtually grown up in Clarke’s band and bring a freshness he admires. Following 2009’s Jazz In The Garden, this is featured artist Hiromi Uehara’s second Clarke recording collaboration. Clarke’s rugged and complex bass work serves as the ideal foil for her trademark fiery and expressive piano chops.

Featured artist, pianist Hiromi, is a huge star in Japan and quickly making her name here in the states as a performer and recording artist. Generally regarded as a solo artist, she shifts effortlessly into a band setting, says Clarke. “She doesn’t need to be on the stage with anybody else, because she’s a phenomenon on the piano,” he says. “But, she likes collaborating with other musicians. She can play faster than anybody, but she can really listen, and she’s right there with you.” Hiromi composed and performs “Labyrinth” on the album. She performs on several other tracks as well.

Acoustic pianist/composer/arranger Ruslan Sirota, a child prodigy now twenty-seven, has already traveled the world, playing with some of the biggest names in classical and pop music. Born in the Ukraine, he was exposed early in his youth to American Jazz and improvisation, and now shows an intelligence and understanding of the genre way beyond his years. “Ruslan is becoming a recognizable force in the music world,” Clarke notes. “He is one of the few musicians I’m aware of that knows a thousand songs. He has a unique understanding of the Jazz language.” On this album Ruslan brings an unparalleled contribution in piano performances, not only on keyboard but with his profound melodic techniques on the acoustic piano. On The Stanley Clarke Band he wrote “Soldiers” and performs on almost all tracks. Ruslan has a solo album coming out later this year that has him playing duets with renowned pianists Chick Corea and George Duke. It will be released by Roxboro Entertainment Group.

Ronald Bruner, Jr., also a twenty-seven year old child prodigy, is a second-generation drummer extraordinaire. His earliest influence was his father, Ronald Bruner, Sr., a world class drummer who has performed and recorded with Diana Ross, the Temptations and Gladys Knight. Clarke feels that Bruner is probably one of the most important young drummers on the scene today and compares his innovation, technique and skill to that of the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Although a dynamic fixture in Clarke’s touring band, Bruner has also performed with George Duke, Lee Ritenour, Suicidal Tendencies, Wayne Shorter and many more. Clarke observes, “drummers young and old look in Ronald’s direction and they are all taking noticed of this young power house.” Bruner co-wrote and arranged with Clarke “How’s the Weather Up There” for The Stanley Clarke Band. He is also finishing up his first solo album.

Among the additional players in the album’s supporting cast are vocalist Cheryl Bentyne (a longtime member of The Manhattan Transfer); guitarists Charles Altura (a powerful, young virtuoso to keep an eye on), Rob Bacon and Armand Sabal-Lecco; saxophonist Bob Sheppard; bass synthesizer Lorenzo “Larry” Dunn (of Earth, Wind & Fire fame); keyboardist Felton Pilate; horns Andrew Lippman and John Paperbook; and drum programmers Chris Clarke and Jon Hakakian.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of The Stanley Clarke Band is the exceptionally organic nature of its genesis – the sense of grassroots creativity that existed outside of any efforts to tailor the music to any specific segment of the market.

This year The Stanley Clarke Band and Hiromi will be touring together domestically and internationally. Clarke concludes, “This is the last electric album I’m going to do for awhile. The legacy of this release is that I’m providing lots of material and homework for a new generation of bassists to catch up with. I’ve worked hard to give the bass a distinctive voice. Now with bass conventions, all types of bass accessories as well as hundreds of bass magazines and blogs, I feel so excited about where it’s going.”

http://stanleyclarke.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruslan_Sirota

http://www.myspace.com/drummaboiblue (Ronald Bruner, Jr.)

http://www.hiromimusic.com/

DEEP FOREST TO PERFORM RARE & INTIMATE PERFORMANCE IN BOSTON, MA

Deep Forest will be making a rare and intimate performance at the Beehive in Boston, MA. Deep Forest is a musical group consisting of two French musicians, Michel Sanchez and Eric Mouquet. They compose a new kind of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica, mixing ethnic with electronic sounds and dance beats or chillout beats. Their sound has been described as an "ethno-introspective ambient world music." They were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1993 for Best World Music Album, and in 1996 they won the Award for the album Boheme. The group also became World Music Awards Winner - French group with the highest 1995 world sales. Their albums have sold over 10 million copies.

The Beehive is an award-winning restaurant, art gallery and live music venue in Boston, MA, and will be making musical history during their 3rd Annual Bastille Day Celebration on July 14, 2010 from 5:30PM – 2:00AM. The Beehive's "Une nuit a Paris" Bastille Day celebration will host a special intimate performance by the Grammy award-winning band Deep Forest with special guest Thierry Eliez in support of their new Album Deep Africa. In addition to Deep Forest's performance, the Electro-Lounge Pop artist ElodieO will open the show! "We're delighted that Deep Forest is playing at our rather small venue in contrast to the stadiums they normally fill. But, this is pretty common for our establishment. We're the kind of place that you'll stop in and see a Grammy-award winning Jazz artist on a Tuesday night during dinner or you might look over and see one of the celebrities that frequent the restaurant and it just rolls out quietly without a bunch of hype. I think that is part of The Beehive's appeal," said Jack Bardy, Co-Owner of The Beehive. Festivities will begin at 5:30PM on the patio, and doors to The Beehive will open at 7:00PM for a truly amazing night of French music. Tickets to this 21+ event are only $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door (if available). The event is a cash bar with pay-as-you-go Parisian food. 

http://www.beehiveboston.com/ .

ZERO 7 - RECORD

Atlantic recording group Zero 7 has announced the details of their upcoming retrospective collection, Record. The album will be released July 13th. In compiling Record, Zero 7 - duo Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns have combed through their back catalogue to compile a track list spanning their extraordinary ten-year history, including such classic tracks as "Destiny," "Home," "Futures," "In The Waiting Line," and "Everything Up (Zizou)." What's more, a special digital deluxe edition of the album will include a collection of remixes and rarities personally selected by Hardaker and Binns. Childhood friends Binns and Hardaker began their musical career as sound engineers before teaming up as Zero 7 to produce remixes for the likes of Radiohead, N.E.R.D., Sneaker Pimps and Lambchop. In 2001 they captured the attention of music lovers around the world with their now-classic debut, Simple Things.  That era-defining collection was followed by 2004's acclaimed second album, When It Falls, along with their contribution ("In The Waiting Line") to the Grammy-winning soundtrack of Garden State. The Garden  followed in 2006, featuring guest vocals from such like-minded stars as Sia and José González. The album's inimitable brand of ambient soul earned Zero 7 a bounty of critical praise, not to mention a Grammy Award nomination as the year's "Best Electronic/Dance Album." Three years later, the duo returned with the bold Yeah Ghost, which featured a phalanx of guest vocalists, including singer/songwriters Eska and Martha Tilston, as well as a rare vocal from Binns himself on "Everything Up (Zizou)." Record is scehduled to be released on July 13.


Zero 7 Records Standard Edition Tracklist:
1. Futures
2. I Have Seen
3. You're My Flame
4. Destiny
5. Throw It All Away
6. Polaris
7. Everything Up (Zizou)
8. Home
9. Mr McGee
10. Swing
11. Somersault
12. In The Waiting Line
13. The Pageant Of The Bizarre
14. Salt Water Sound
15. Distractions
16. End Theme

Additional Tracks on Digital Deluxe Edition:
1. Distractions (Madlib's YNQ Mix)
2. Home (Stereolab Remix)
3. Lo (KLING edit)
4. You're My Flame (Dabrye Remix)
5. Today (Pepe Bradock WTF HPPND Remix)
6. Everything Up (Zizou) (Mock n' Toof Remix)

7. Everything Up (Zizou) (Gold Panda Remix)

8. Destiny (Kwes./[o=o]. Faltering Requipwork)

9. Futures (Metronomy Remix)

10. Everything Up (Zizou) (Joker & Ginz Remix)

11. Everything Up (Zizou) (dÉbruit Remix)

12. Ghost sYMbOL (Julio Bashmore Remix)

13. Futures (Carl Craig Remix)

14. Destiny (Photek Remix)

http://www.zero7.co.uk/

www.myspace.com/zero7official.