NEW CHRIS BOTTI ALBUM CHART DEBIT COINCIDES WITH JAZZ TRUMPETEER'S MOST SUCCESSFUL SALES WEEK EVER

To Love Again, the much-anticipated new album of pop jazz standards from acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti, has debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 best-selling album, making history as the first album release from a jazz trumpeter to debut in the Top 50 during the SoundScan era. In addition to its Top 200 breakout, To Love Again has debuted at #1 on the Jazz Traditional Album Sales and the Jazz Overall Album Sales charts, according to SoundScan. With first week's sales of 43,853 copies, it's Botti's best sales week ever. To Love Again has already reached a higher position on the Top 200 than any of Chris's previous albums, including his previous release, the RIAA Gold- certified When I Fall In Love. (When I Fall In Love debuted at #124 before its rise up the charts, peaking at #1 on the Top Jazz Albums chart and #37 on the Top 200.)

Chris Botti has launched a major U.S. tour in support of To Love Again (see full itinerary following). To Love Again, which is available as both a traditional CD and as a DualDisc, showcases Chris Botti's inimitable velvet tone and sublime trumpet phrasings on 13 newly recorded pop and jazz standards featuring nine stand-out vocal performances by some of the greatest singers in modern pop, jazz, and rock. Joining Chris on To Love Again are guest vocalists Sting (What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?), Paula Cole (My One And Only Love), Michael Buble (Let There Be Love), Jill Scott (Good Morning Heartache), Paul Buchanan (Are You Lonesome Tonight?), Gladys Knight (Lover Man), Renee Olstead (Pennies From Heaven), Rosa Passos (Here Comes That Rainy Day), and, yes, that Steven Tyler (on Charlie Chaplin's Smile).

Rounding out To Love Again are the instrumental tracks What's New?, I'll Be Seeing You, Embraceable You, and To Love Again. As on his last album, Chris Botti is joined once again by the London Session Orchestra, who provide lush tonal coloration to the album's arrangements.

The DualDisc edition of To Love Again features an exclusive short film, "Live From Studio A," shot in the famed studio at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Chris and his quartet jammed as the cameras rolled and the result is four live songs and twenty three minutes of gorgeous sounding (and looking) contemporary jazz. Two of the four songs performed live on the DualDisc, To Love Again, and I'll Be Seeing You, also appear on the audio CD in their original/studio versions with full orchestra. The other two songs, a pair of Miles Davis classics, Flamenco Sketches and Milestones, do not appear on the audio CD in any form. As a bonus for jazz aficionados, Flamenco Sketches features guest saxophonist David Sanborn. To Love Again follows the extraordinary success of Botti's groundbreaking last album, When I Fall In Love, which has sold more than 500,000 copies to-date.

Chris Botti Tour Dates
10/28/05 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Raymond F. Kravis Center For The Performing Arts
10/29/05 - Melbourne, FL @ Maxwell King Center For The Performing Arts
10/30/05 - Naples, FL @ Performing Arts Center
11/02/05 - Durham, NC @ The Carolina Theater / Durham
11/03/05 - Annapolis Junction, MD @ Ramshead
11/04/05 - Easton, PA @ Pennsylvania State Theatre
11/05/05 - Lebanon, NH @ Lebanon Opera House
11/07/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/08/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/09/05 - San Diego, CA @ Dave Koz Cruise
11/17/05 - Morristown, NJ @ Morristown Community Theatre
11/18/05 - Troy, NY @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
11/19/05 - Westville, CT @ Southern Connecticut State College
11/25/05 - Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Concert Hall
11/26/05 - Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Concert Hal
12/01/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Ebell Theatre
12/02/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Ebell Theatre
12/06/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/07/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/08/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/09/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/10/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
12/11/05 - New York, NY @ The Blue Note - New York
01/07/06 - Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Art Hall
01/08/06 - Columbus, OH @ Ohio Theatre
01/13/06 - Texarkana, TX @ Perot Theatre, Theatre
01/19/06 - Green Bay, WI @ Meyer Theatre
01/20/06 - Cedarburg, WI @ Cedarburg Performing Art Center
01/21/06 - Jasper, IN @ Jasper Community Arts Center
02/03/06- Greenvale, NY @ Tilles Center For The Performing Arts

FRANK SINATRA DUETS ALBUMS RE-RELEASED AS 2-CD COLLECTION

New 2-CD Collection Includes Both All-Star Collaborative Albums, Plus a Previously Unreleased Willie Nelson Duet of My Way

28 Duets on New Commemorative Collection Include Charles Aznavour, Anita Baker, Tony Bennett, Bono, Jimmy Buffett, Natalie Cole, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Kenny G, Lena Horne, Chrissie Hynde, Julio Iglesias, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Luis Miguel, Liza Minnelli, Lorrie Morgan, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Jon Secada, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Barbra Streisand, and Luther Vandross.

December 12, 2005 marks the 90th anniversary of Frank Sinatra's birth. Combined, Frank Sinatra's final studio albums, the immensely popular all-star collaborations Duets and Duets II, have sold more than four million units in the U.S. since their original 1993 and 1994 release. On November 22, Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing presents Frank Sinatra - Duets and Duets II: 90th Birthday Limited Collector's Edition, a new 2-CD commemorative package with both original Duets albums, plus a previously unreleased version of My Way, as sung by Willie Nelson and Sinatra. Regarded by many as the greatest popular singer of the 20th Century, Frank Sinatra's dynamic entertainment career spanned an unparalleled seven decades, and he became a household name around the world, also known as "Ol' Blue Eyes" and "The Chairman of the Board."

From 1953 to 1960, Sinatra recorded more than 17 albums for Capitol Records. During Sinatra's years with Capitol, he pioneered and perfected the idea of the "concept album" by recording and sequencing songs on his LPs to strike and complete a specific mood. In 1956, Frank Sinatra was the first artist to record in the newly-built Capitol Studios at Hollywood & Vine in Los Angeles. In June and July 1993, Sinatra returned to his Capitol Records' Studio A home to record his first new album in more than nine years. He was joined by many of the world's most popular contemporary recording artists for what was referred to as "The Recording Event of The Decade." For the recording of Duets and Duets II, Sinatra and his collaborators were accompanied by a 54-piece orchestra. The albums' Musical Director and Conductor was Patrick Williams, one of the music and film industries' most acclaimed conductors. Both albums also feature the work of another great talent, the world-renowned artist LeRoy Neiman. The albums' original covers display Neiman's specially commissioned paintings of Frank Sinatra, both of which are included in Duets - 90th Birthday Edition.

From his first recording sessions in the 1930s until his death in May 1998, Frank Sinatra earned global acclaim as a recording artist and conductor, film producer, director and actor, and radio and television personality. Sinatra's impact on American culture endures to this day, reflected not only in the new music and countless young artists he's inspired, but also as an icon of timeless suave cool. The CD will be released on November 22.

CLUB MODERNO, TONI BRAXTON, GWEN MCRAE & SINEAD O'CONNOR

Club Moderno - Clube Da Esquina - features 14 tracks that bring together some of the best key recordings from EMI/Odeon Brazilian catalogue. Songs include Trio Cruzado by Nelson Angelo & Joyce, Calibre by Lo Borges, Catavento by Alaide Costa, Monte Azul by Beto Guedes, Chuva Na Montanha by Lo Borges, Aqueles Coisas Todas by Toninho Horta, Saidas E Bandeiras by Milton Nascimento, Clube Da Esquinha 2 by Nana Caymmi, and Nada Sera Como Antes by Elis Regina.

Multiple platinum and Grammy winning superstar Toni Braxton has the #1 R&B record this week - Libra. The Blackground/Universal release also lands in the Top 5 on The Billboard Top 200 Album Chart this week at #4. Libra, which is Braxton's sixth studio album - hit stores on September 27th, features the hit song Trippin. The hot single was the #2 most added song at the Urban Adult Radio format when it debuted at the end of September. Toni's eagerly awaited new album was helmed by star producers such as Scott Storch and Vincent Herbert, with the highly regarded disc faithfully embodying the trademark Braxton soulfulness which has made the spirited vocalist a worldwide phenomenon.

Two classic albums from Gwen McRae are finally available on CD – Let’s Straighten It Out and Melody Of Life, both now available on one CD. Let’s Straighten It Out features Latimore’s Let’s Straighten It Out, plus Love Insurance, Cradle Of Love, At Bedtime, and Early Morning Love. Melody Of Life features more of the dance floor classics that McRae is known for, including All This Love I’m Givin’, I Can Only Think Of You, I Found A Love and The Melody Of Life, a total of 14 all together.


Sinéad O’Connor is back with the Roots Reggae inspired Throw Down Your Arms. Though several of her older tracks incorporated her reinterpretation of the reggae sound, Throw Down Your Arms, delves deeper into the genre as she went to Jamaica to work with the legendary production team Sly & Robbie who recruited Jamaica's most esteemed musicians for the project. The record features Sinéad's take on inspirational Roots Reggae songs from the 1970s by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Lee Perry and others

BOB MARLEY, DETROIT INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CANDY DULFER & MARTHA STEWART HOLIDAY MUSIC

Bob Marley and the Wailers 1977 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre will finally make it’s DVD debut on November 8. The 12-song concert features such songs as Trenchtown Rock, I Shot The Sheriff, No Woman, No Cry and Jamming, among others. The concert was previously available on VHS (minus bonus features).

Sony BMG has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to brand market compilations for special occasions. The first series of Christmas-holiday themed disc will feature jazz and smooth jazz artists such as Chris Botti, Grover Washington Jr., Luther Vandross, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Louis Prima, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Eartha Kitt, Chick Corea, Louis Armstrong, Steve Tyrell, Russell Malone, and the Dexter Gordon Quintet. The collections will be available on October 18 via Epic.

The recent 2005 Detroit International Jazz Festival drew an estimated one million people into downtown Detroit - nearly doubling attendance over the previous year. This year's Festival featured one of the strongest Jazz lineups of any festival in the country in recent years, including Dave Brubeck, David "Fathead" Newman, McCoy Tyner, Medeski Martin & Wood, Les McCann, Gerald Wilson and Charles McPherson. For the first time, the Festival also featured significant blues, R&B, and funk acts, including The Funk Brothers, Dr. John and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Over the years, the festival has hosted Jazz legends such as Woody Herman, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Earl Hines, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughn, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Connick, Jr.

Candy Dulfer will join Van Morrison for his shows next week in Amsterdam. He plays the Carré theatre on October 10th and 11th. Both shows are sold out. More dates have been added to her tour schedule as follows:

Nov. 18 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
Nov. 19 – Ludwigsburg, Germany @ Scala
Nov. 30 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Volkshaus
Dec. 1 – Bern, Switzerland @ Bierhubeli
Dec. 3 – Rankwell, Austria @ Altes Kino
Dec. 4 – Koln, Germany @ Gloria Theatre
Dec. 6 – Aschaffenburg, Germany @ Colos-Saal
Dec. 8 – Herisau, Switzerland @ Casino
Dec. 10 – Worgi, Austria @ Komma Club
Dec. 11 – Gleisdorf, Austria @ Forum
Dec. 18 – Praha, Czech Republic @ Lucerna Music Bar
Dec. 16 – Luxembourg, Luxembourg @ Den Ateller
Dec. 17 – Paris, France @ Cabaret Sauvage
Dec. 18 – Tongeren, Belgium @ De Velinx

KENNY G - THE GREATEST HOLIDAY CLASSICS A COLLECTION OF SEASONAL FAVORITES IN STORES OCTOBER 18

10 Tracks From His Best-Selling Holiday Albums – Wishes, Faith and Miracles

Arista recording artist Kenny G – the biggest-selling instrumental musician and biggest-selling jazz musician of the modern era, with total global sales of more than 75 million albums, singles and videos since 1982 - has personally selected the tracks for The Greatest Holiday Classics, an indispensable collection of 15 seasonal tunes that will arrive in stores October 18th. Ten of the tracks originate from Kenny G's trio of holiday releases: 2002's RIAA gold Wishes, 1999's triple-platinum Faith - A Holiday Album, and 1994's Miracles - The Holiday Album - the biggest-selling seasonal album in history, at 8-times platinum and counting. The four brand new recordings featured on this album include We Wish You A Merry Christmas, My Favorite Things, Jingle Bell Rock and Jingle Bells. The balance of the tracks are holiday favorites: Deck The Halls, the medleys of Hark The Herald Angels/O Come All Ye Faithful, and Rudolph/Frosty The Snowman (from Wishes); Ave Maria, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! and the medley of We Three Kings/Carol Of The Bells (from Faith); and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Miracles, Winter Wonderland, and The Chanukah Song (from Miracles).

The Greatest Holiday Classics, Kenny G's sixteenth album for Arista Records, follows up the release of the RIAA gold At Last ... The Duets Album last November 2004. The all-star project featured a stellar lineup of great guest performers (vocalists and fellow instrumentalists) from different musical genres showcased alongside Kenny G in stunning performances of classic and contemporary songs. Among his distinguished guests were Barbra Streisand (The Music That Makes Me Dance), LeAnn Rimes (Everything I Do) I Do It For You), Gladys Knight (Misty), Earth Wind & Fire (The Way You Move), Yolanda Adams (I Believe I Can Fly), Burt Bacharach (Alfie), and Arturo Sandoval on the title tune tribute to Etta James, At Last.

DAMON COOPER, MOJO CLUB, JAMIE CULLUM, DONNY OSMOND & SAMBA PARADE

Singer and guitarist Damon Cooper debuts with They Call Me Coop. The album is very smooth overall with some neo-soul thrown in to give it a very nice vibe. Tracks include My Heart, I Love You, Wanna Be Your Lover, Soul Seduction and Will You Be My Lady.

Feeling Good by the Mojo Club is the next volume in a series that features a mix of funk, soul, Latin and punk from the 60’s and 70’s. This is a 2-CD set for a total of 24 tracks that includes Z'Avez Pas Lu Kafka by Suzanne Gabriello, In The Name Of Love by Jenny Evans, Let The Music Play by Charles Earland, Speaking Of Happiness by Gloria Lynne, Tema De Kiko by The Youngsters, Pop Mod by Claude Bolling, Joker by Ambros Seelos, Blows by Gerson King Combo, Ape Shuffle by Lalo Schifrin, The Rock by East Coast, Stand Up & Be Counted by The Flames, Pick Up The Pieces One By One by AABB, I Don't Need No Doctor by Nick Ashford, and Up Above The Rock by Ray Bryant.

Jamie Cullum is celebrating the release of his newest album Catching Tales with two upcoming U.S appearances. He’ll perform on October 11 at the Irving Plaza in New York City, and on October 14 at The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA.

Smooth jazz radio has made its way to Lansing, Michigan as WJZL 92.7 FM switches formats from a sports-talk station. Smooth instrumentals and soft vocals will now fill the airwaves.

New smooth jazz artist Donny Osmond is lining up 2006 tour dates with four appearances scheduled at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. He’s been booked for March 2-5, June 22-25, October 19-22 and December 14-17,2006. He is currently developing a new syndicated talk-show tv pilot that will hopefully hit the airwaves in 2006.

Samba Parade (Various Artists) features many key numbers from the samba revival years of the 70s! This set brings together 22 tracks from the legendary EMI/Odeon catalog including Juiso Final by Nelson Cavaquinho, Samba De Roda by Quinteto Violado, Falsa Baiana by Roberto Silva , Sensibilidade Da Bossa by Novos Baianos, Danca Da Solidao by Paulinho Da Viola, O Ultimo Dos Mohicanos by Moreira Da Silva, Casa De Bamba by Djalma Pires, Maracangalha by Dorival Caymmi, and Ensaboa Mulata by Cartola.

JAZZ CHILL MUSIC NEWS

Kyle Eastwood’s latest, Paris Blue, is already an international hit as it is currently the number #1 Jazz Album in France.

Chris Jasper, formerly of the Isley Brothers and Isley Jasper Isley has a new album out entitled – Amazing Love. Many of the songs are reminiscent of the Isley Brothers style, so fans will truly enjoy this outing from keyboardist and songwriter Chris Jasper.

Felton Pilate (of ConFunkShun) has released a solo project Nothing But Love Spoken Here. This is smooth and romantic album with plenty of falsetto-led ballads. If you like the old Philly soul sound of the 70’s, then pick this one up and make sure you play it in the late evening to set the mood.

Gilberto Gil, Rokia Traore, Patti Austin, Neneh Cherry, Peter Gabriel and Youssou N’Dour will perform at an October 8 concert in Geneva as part of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations.

New from Morcheeba is The Antidote as they progress from the downtempo trip-hop groove towards a nouveau rock direction. On this one they work with vocalist Daisy Martey.

Enrique Herdia "El Negri" of La barieria del Sur makes his solo debut with a tribute album to composer Agustin Lara. The CD is entitled El ultimo beso (The Last Kiss).

Illumination is the new album from the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, with 13 tracks produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Will I Am and Raphael Saadiq. The album is more in the neo-soul vein with tracks including Lovely People featuring Will I Am (Black Eyes Peas), Show Me The Way featuring Raphael Saadiq, Work It Out and Elevated People featuring Floetry.

Soul diva Betty LaVette returns with I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise which is already making headwaves on the European scene as clubs and DJs throughout have added select tracks ti their playlists. It’s definitely a great comeback album worth checking out.

NEW JAZZ CHILL CD RELEASES FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 4...

2 Good To Go – Early Morning
Alex Bugnon – Free (Narada)
Anders Jormin – Xieyl (ECM)
Andrew Hill – Andrew !!! (Blue Note)
Andrew Hill – Blue Black (Test Of Time)
Arild Anderson – Electra (ECM)
Carlos Giffoni – Welcome Home (Important)
Cream – Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-4-5, 2005 (2-CD, Warner Bros..)
Cream – Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-4-5, 2005 (2-DVD, Warner Bros.)
Cream – Farewell Concert (1968, DVD, Image Entertainment)
Don Cherry – Where Is Brooklyn (Blue Note)
Dr. John – Live At Montreux: 1995/1986 (DVD, Eagle Rock)
Dr. John – Live At Montreux: 1995 (Eagle Rock)
Enrico Rava – Tati (ECM)
Erwin Helfer Trio – Careless Love (The Sirens Records)
Esquivel – Merry Xmas From The Space-Age Bachelor Pad (Bar None)
Freddie Hubbard – Artist Selects: Freddie Hubbard (Blue Note)
Gerald Levert - Voices (Rhino)
Gerald Wilson – Artist Selects: Gerald Wilson (Blue Note)
Gilfema – Gilfema (Obliqsound)
Ike Quebec – Consequence (Blue Note)
Jane Monheit – The Very Best Of Jane Monheit (Warlock)
Jeff Kaye – Just Like Me (Jazzed Media)
Jeffrey Osborne – From The Soul (Koch)
Joyce – The Essential Joyce: 1970-96 (Mr. Bongo)
Kenny Burrell – Artist Selects: Kenny Burrell (Blue Note)
King Curtis – Sweet Soul/Everybody’s Talkin (Ambassador Soul Classics)
Kirk Whalum – Performs The Babyface Songbook (Rendezvous)
Linda Eder – By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland (MaxJazz)
Lou Donaldson – Artists Selects: Lou Donaldson (Blue Note)
Marian McPartland – Piano Jazz with Bruce Hornsby (The Jazz Alliance)
Merzbow - Merzbata (Important)
Michael Buble – It’s Time (Warner Music)
Paris Combo – Paris Combo (DRG)
Pyramid – Pyramid (Video Arts/Japan)
Rita Lee – Bossa N Beatles (Ghordo Music)
Robert Glasper – Canvas (Blue Note)
Sarah DeLeo – The Nearness Of You! (Sweet Sassy Music)
Si Se – More Shine (Giant Step)
Sylvie Lewis – Tangos And Tantrums (Cheap Lullaby)
Triptych Myth – Beautiful (Aum Fidelity)
Urzula Dudziak – Magic Lady (Harkit/UK)
Various Artists – A Charlie Brown Christmas: 40 Years (Peak)
Will Downing – Soul Symphony (GRP)

NEW CD FROM BURT BACHARACH WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ELVIS COSTELLO, DR. DRE & CHRIS BOTTI

Columbia Records will release At This Time, a new album by Burt Bacharach, with melodies performed by an orchestra of more than 35 musicians, on Tuesday, November 1st. Bacharach wrote lyrics for nine of the album's 11 songs, many with collaborator Tonio K. Collaborations on At This Time include Elvis Costello, with whom Bacharach teamed on the Grammy-winning album, Painted From Memory in 1998. Costello performs Who Are These People, perhaps the CD's most-controversial and haunting track, with music by Bacharach and lyrics by Bacharach and Tonio K.

Also contributing is Dr. Dre, with whom Bacharach started collaborating a couple of years ago. The original project changed, but Dre contributed drum loops for three of the tracks that Bacharach describes as "adventurous." Trumpeter Chris Botti co-wrote Dreams with Bacharach and performs on that track, as well as on In Our Time. Other vocals are performed by singers John Pagano, Josie James and Donna Taylor.

At This Time will be released in the UK by Sony BMG Music. The project was originally commissioned for the UK, but Columbia saw its universal musical and emotional themes and appeal and is releasing it in the U.S., as well. UK release date is October 24th.

Six decades into one of songwriting's most successful and honored careers - marked by 48 Top 10 hits, nine #1 songs and more than 500 compositions and a landmark 47-year run on the charts, Bacharach's music continues to set industry records and creative standards. The recipient of three Academy Awards and six Grammy Awards (including the 1997 Trustees Award with collaborator Hal David), he revolutionized the music of the 1950s and 60s and is regularly bracketed with legendary names such as Lennon and McCartney, Paul Simon, Leiber and Stoller, Cole Porter and the visionaries who pioneered new forms of music from the second half of the 20th Century in the 21st Century.

GET YOUR JAZZ CHILL GROOVE GOING WITH SWISSGROOVE.CH

Here’s a Internet radio station that we highly recommend – it’s called SwissGroove and quite simply put it’s just great. Their sound is a mix of smooth jazz, funk, chill, Brazilian with some Latin-tinged and dance grooves thrown in. Below is a recent sample playlist. Be sure to check them out at www.swissgroove.ch.

Michael McDonald – I Want You
Rodney Hunter – Is This Your Body
Maysa – Dangerous Summer Nights
Eric Clapton –One Chance
Tom & Joyce – Vai Minha Tristeza
Steel Mascara – Random Rufus
Simply Red – Perfect Love
Pieces Of A Dream – Who U Wit?
Lucio Alves – Little Boat
Kyoto Jazz Massive – Deep In Your Mind feat. Victor Davies
Bonobo – Flutter
Depeche Mode – Precious
Kleer – Get Tough
Nicola Conte – Several Shades Of Dawn
Steve Cole – Keep It Live
Joan Osborne – Ladder
Steely Dan – Josie
Trio Exklusiv – Figure Out
Gilbero Gil – Extra
Roy Ayers – I Did It In Seattle
Doobie Brothers – You Belong To Me
Lin Roundtree - Groovetree
Heavy – Do For You
The Temptations – Get Ready (New Version)
Calm – Introducing Bluendo
Madeka – Mokote The Shadow Of The Earth
Gabin – Gabin Vs. Cal’s
Groove Collective – In Your Mind
Labi Seffre – I Got The
Incognito – Roots (Back To A Way Of Life)
Roman Andren – Amber Lady
Ian Pooley – Since Then
Paulinho DaCosta – Love Till The End
Café All Stars – Used To Be
Chieli Minucci – Got It Goin’ On

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.