SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS: BUDDY GRECO, TELLURIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL, LEE RITENOUR, PRINCE, KIRK WHALUM & MORE...

SMOOTH JAZZ AND CHILL NEWS BITS…Legendary jazz pianist/vocalist Buddy Greco and his wife, singer Lezlie Anders, will launch the area's first Vegas-style, intimate dining and entertainment venue at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, in ribbon-cutting ceremonies at "Buddy Greco's Dinner Club," 68805 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City. The new dinner club, open for two shows nightly from Wednesday through Sunday, will feature headline entertainers, beginning with Buddy, March 24-26. Roberta Linn will appear March 29-April 2; Pete Barbutti, April 5-9; Barbara McNair, April 12-16; Buddy, April 19-May 7; and Fred Travelena, May 10-14. Also featured will be late-night jazz following the last dinner shows, up to 1:30 a.m., with well-known guest star performers who reside in or visit the desert. Greco, recognized internationally as one of the world's top jazz performers, has sold millions of records, been a Vegas headliner since the 50's, and played with music's all-time greats including Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and many more……….The Telluride Jazz Festival has been scheduled for August 4-6 in Telluride, CO for the 29th year. A number of performers are being lined up for the festival, including Herbie Hancock, John Mayall, Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Eyedentity, Soulive, Regina Carter Quartet, Terence Blanchard Sextet, Nnenna Freelon, and the Larry Coryell Trio……….Concord Records is planning to release Lee Ritenour And Friends on August 8………. Prince’s new CD 3121 features guest appearances from new Prince protégé Tamar as well as saxophonist Maceo Parker. The CD features splashes of rock, R&B and jazz, including the recent smooth jazz playlist favorite – Te Amo Corazon. Prince’s last album, Musicology, has sold 2 million copies in the United States according to Nielsen Soundscan……….Christina Aguilera is working on her latest, Back To Basics, for release on RCA on June 2. The CD will feature a mix of soul, jazz and blues, with production from Gang Starr principal DJ Premier, among others………. Kirk Whalum is currently on tour with the following upcoming dates: Brandt’s in St, Louis, MO (March 23 & 24); Single Island Municipal Beach in West Palm Beach, FL (March 25); The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan (April 1-4); and The Blue Room in Atlanta, GA (April 14 & 15).

ARTURO SANDOVAL TO OPEN JAZZ CLUB ON MIAMI BEACH

Arturo Sandoval, the world-renowned jazz musician, composer, trumpet player and pianist, is set to open his own jazz club in Miami Beach, Florida, on April 2, 2006. Located between Miami's famed Art Deco District and Bal Harbour in the Deauville Beach Resort, The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club will showcase the talents of the Grammy Award-winning musician, as well as internationally recognized headliners such as Roberta Flack, Dee Dee Bridgewater, James Moody and Roy Haynes. The Deauville has an illustrious music history, having hosted some of the world's most prominent artists. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Diana Ross, Buster Keaton, Judy Garland, Tito Puente and Barbra Streisand are among those who have performed at the hotel.

"The Deauville maintains the spirit of those great artists who shared their souls in each magnificent performance. Their energy is infused within its walls," commented Mr. Sandoval, in explaining why he personally chose the Miami Beach hotel as the site of his first jazz club. "Miami's music and nightlife scene is already packed with stars and charged with excitement, but the opening of a club by a jazz legend like Arturo Sandoval will bring our entertainment scene to a new level," noted William D. Talbert, president & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to its "red hot" club scene, Miami is also home to numerous recording studios, is at the nexus of the Latin American music industry and regularly hosts numerous music awards, he noted. "Arturo has been one of Miami's great ambassadors over the years and we're delighted he has chosen Miami for his first club."

SMOOTH JAZZ & CHILL NEWS BITS: MATISYAHU, KEM, NAT KING COLE, MALO, KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS, GEORGE BENSON, BRIAN CULBERTSON & MORE

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS…Rising reggae superstar Matisyahu has joined the lineup for this summer’s Lollapalooza, which will be held Aug. 4-6 in Chicago’s Grant Park……….R&B and popular smooth jazz crossover artist KEM’s sophomore CD, KEM Album II has crossed over and reached #5 on the Pop Albums chart and remains on the R&B Albums chart, and it has been certified gold after only two weeks of release. His hit single I Can’t Stop Loving You was designated Radio & Records’ and Billboard’s #1 Adult R&B Record of the Year for 2005. Nearing Platinum selling status, KEM Album II was self-produced by the multi-talented artist, and is the highly-anticipated follow-up to KEM’s 2004 certified gold debut, Kemistry, which delivered the sleeper hit, Love Calls. The single stayed in the Top 20 of radio airplay for more than a year. KEM is currently touring and his remaining tour dates include: San Diego, CA (March 23); Anaheim, CA (March 24); Los Angeles, CA (March 25); Oakland, CA (March 26); and Seattle, WA (March 28)……….Capitol/EMI is set to release The Very Best Of Nat King Cole on May 2. The CD will include 28 remastered Cole classics, from his 1940’s cuts with his Trio to his 1960’s solo singles. The new anthology also includes a previously unreleased version of Morning Star as it was originally recorded for the classic film, St. Louis Blues. Cole recorded nearly 700 songs for Capitol and during his 30-year career and he had more than 150 charted singles on Billboard’s Pop, R&B and Country charts. In January 2005, Nat King Cole made his first return in 40 years to Billboard’s Top 50 with the #41 debut of The World Of Nat King Cole CD. Cole’s last album to reach the Top 50, Unforgettable, peaked at #30 in 1965……….Thump Records will release a live set for Malo called Malo Live on April 25……….Several upcoming UMe imports include The Very Best Of African Soul by Manu Dibango and Wonderful Thing by Kid Creole And The Coconuts (both due on May 2)……….June 13 will see the release of The New Boss Guitar Of George Benson by George Benson……….Upcoming concert dates for smooth jazz pianist Brian Culbertson include: Washington, DC @ the Warner Theatre (March 24); Wyomissing, PA @ the Sheraton Reading Hotel Ballroom (March 25); Wyomissing, PA @ the Berks Jazz Festival (March 26); Jacksonville, FL @ the Jacksonville Jazz Festival (April 8); and Destin, FL @ the Seabreeze Jazz Festival at Seascape Resort (April 22).

SMOOTH JAZZ ARTISTS SET TO TAKE THE STAGE AT THE 6TH ANNUAL RIVIERA BEACH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

The City of Riviera Beach (Florida) will host the 6th Annual Riviera Beach Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday, March 24, 2006 from 6 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, March 25, 2006 from 2 p.m. to midnight on Singer Island's Municipal Beach. Staged along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the City known as the 'Best Waterfront City in Which to Live, Work and Play,' the Riviera Beach Jazz & Blues Festival attracts thousands of music lovers from around the country. It continues to grow in both popularity and magnitude and always delivers an impressive roster of A-list recording artists. The annual 'Jazz on the Beach' celebration provides family-oriented fun for all ages and is a 'must do' tourist attraction.

English duo Floetry will showcase their unique blend of Hip-hop and spoken-word poetry as the headliner on Friday, March 24, 2006. R&B icons Peabo Bryson and Jeffrey Osborne will contribute their trademark smooth vocals along with soul balladeer Percy Sledge. Rounding out the evening's star studded line-up will be smooth jazz favorites David Benoit, Mike Phillips and funk specialists the Zapp Band.

On Saturday, March 25, 2006, the Festival will shift into overdrive with a headline performance from the legendary diva Patti LaBelle. With multiple awards, platinum albums and an endless list of No 1 songs, this industry powerbroker is sure to perform to standing room only and bring down the house like only she can. Contemporary smooth jazz pioneer Najee will also perform along with fellow quiet storm favorites Alex Bugnon, Keiko Matsui and Kirk Whalum. The evening will also feature a performance by R&B crooner Eric Benet.

Scheduled Appearances and Performances:
Friday, March 24, 2006 - 6 p.m. – Midnight: Zapp Band, Percy Sledge, David Benoit, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne & Floetry

Saturday, March 25, 2006 – 1–2 p.m.: Donna Richardson Joyner & Shirley Murdock

Saturday, March 25, 2006 – 2 p.m. – Midnight: Mike Phillips, Keiko Matsui, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Kirk Whalum, Eric Benet & Patti LaBelle

THE GROOVE BOUTIQUE RADIO STATION LISTINGS & BROADCAST TIMES

KDEC-FM10.5 – Decorah, IA (Sundays 7-9 p.m.)
KJJZ/K Jazz – Palm Springs, CA (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
KJZY Jazzy 93.7 – Santa Rosa, CA (Saturdays 8 p.m. -12 midnight)
KKSJ/KTSJ – Lafayette, LA (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
KTOY – Texarcana, TX (Sundays 7-9 p.m.)
WCIR/103CIR – Beckley, WV
WJSY/WSJF – Jacksonville, FL & St. Augustine, GA (Saturdays 8-10 p.m._
WQCD/CD101.9 – New York, NY (Saturdays 8 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WSBZ/106.3 The Seabreeze – Destin, FL (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WSSJ/Smooth Jazz 92.3 – St. Augustine Beach, FL (Saturdays 8-10 p.m.)
WWWS/AM 1400 Solid Gold Soul – Buffalo, NY (Saturdays 10 p.m. – 12 midnight)
WXJZ/Smooth Jazz 100.9 - Gainseville, FL (Saturdays 9-11 p.m.)

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: TOWER OF POWER, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, HERBIE HANCOCK, GLADYS KNIGHT, TOM BRAXTON & MORE...

CD101.9 FM in New York presents an evening of soul and funk when Tower Of Power and the Average White Bank team up for a concert on Sunday, March 26 at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway, NJ……….Herbie Hancock pays tribute to jazzmaster Toots Thielemans at Carnegie Hall, Thursday, March 16, along with Brazilian superstar Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera, Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias, Oscar Castro-Neves, Kenny Werner and others……….New releases this week from…Bonnie Bramlett & Mr. Groove Band (Roots, Blues & Jazz); Donald Fagen (Morph The Cat); Etta James (All The Way); George Benson (In Your Eyes, 1983 album); Hugh Masekela (Hugh Masekela Presents The Chisa Years 1965-75 Rare And Unreleased); and Jazz Crusaders (Paris Concert November 9, 2004 DVD)………. Gladys Knight is working on her upcoming covers CD entitled Before Me . It’s doe out on June 6 via Verve Records, the set features songs originally performed by Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Sammy Davis, Jr., among others. Knight is also slated for a handful of upcoming shows on her itinerary, including tomorrow (March 16) in Huntsville, Ala., and Saturday in Westbury, N.Y. A six-date European tour begins June 30 in Birmingham, England. Track listing for Before Me includes: Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, The Man I Love, Good Morning Heartache, Since I Fell for You, God Bless the Child, This Bitter Earth, I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good, Someone To Watch Over Me, But Not for Me, I'll Be Seeing You, Stormy Weather and Come Sunday……….Tom Braxton has released his fifth CD Bounce on the Rendezvous Music label. Produced by Wayman Tisdale, the CD features Al Green’s signature classic Let’s Stay Together, weaving old school vibes and smooth jazz work by Braxton……….The Dave Brubeck Quartet hit the Gold Circle Santa Cruz (CA) Civic Auditorium on March 15. Saxophonist Bobby Militello, bassist Michael Moore and drummer Randy Jones make up the rest of the Quartet……….Jazz greats of the past, present and future will finally get what the music world acknowledges is due to them at the new International Jazz Spectacular being scheduled for later this year. All jazz artists who released an album between June 1, 2005 and May 31, 2006 will be eligible for a nomination. The event will be presented on global television by IJA through Tamar Entertainment.

MR. SCRUFF, NICOLA CONTE, NOUVELLE VAGUE, DJ CAM, MIGUEL MIGS CONCERT NEWS...

Upcoming New York City Concerts:
Thursday, March 23rd: Mr. Scruff @ Cielo (NY) Thursday, March 23rd: Charles Webster DJ Set @ King King (CA) Friday, March 24th: Mr. Scruff @ Element (NY) Saturday, March 25th: Miguel Migs, DJ Harvey, Norman Jay & More @ Pawn Shop Lounge (FL) Friday, March 31st: Ursula 1000 @ Zanzibar (CA) Friday, April 21st: Nouvelle Vague @ Irving Plaza (NY) Sunday, April 23rd: Norman Jay DJ Set @ Cielo (NY) Thursday, April 27th: DJ Cam @ King King (CA) Wednesday, May 17th: Coldcut @ Irving Plaza (NY) - JUST ANNOUNCED Thursday, May 25th: Nicola Conte DJ Set @ Cielo (NY) - JUST ANNOUNCED

CASSANDRA WILSON'S NEW RELEASE - THUNDERBIRD OUT APRIL 4

Cassandra Wilson never fails to surprise and inspire. Sexy, honey-velvet vocals wrapped around her own jazzy blue compositions or inventive interpretations of others’ material led TIME magazine to name her "America’s Best Singer" in recent years. On her new CD Thunderbird, which Blue Note Records will release on April 4, 2006, she has collaborated with red hot producer T Bone Burnett to surprise, yet again.

"Working with T Bone took the songs into a whole other place," explained Wilson. "He guided me into the deepest recesses of the material, and that attention to detail and nuance allowed me to delve into my own innermost emotions." What’s emerged is a post modern and, at times, primal take on roots music that begins with the title itself.

The legend of the thunderbird is an ancient myth that survives today in some Native American cultures. In the eyes of the ancients, it was a divine and magical animal sent by the gods to protect them from the powers of evil. The thunderbird brought calm and growth to the region. For Cassandra, the spiritual and magical aspects to this creature perfectly described the environment from which these 10 songs grew.

Deftly combining her own compositions—the irresistible Go To Mexico, the sultry It Would Be So Easy, the lovely Poet and the spiritual and celebratory Tarot—with carefully chosen songs that spoke to her like Closer To You by Jakob Dylan, Easy Rider by Blind Lemon Jefferson, the traditional song Red River Valley and Willie Dixon’s I Want To Be Loved, Wilson has woven her plaintive, delicious voice in and out of these tales of betrayal, intimacy and wonder. T Bone contributed two songs to the album in Lost and Strike a Match.

"With Easy Rider, I had always heard the C.C. Rider version of this song covered, but never heard anyone do the Blind Lemon version, which resonated with me," Wilson says. "Jakob’s song Closer to You was, to me, the epitome of intimacy and I just had to do it, couldn’t help myself!" she teases.

The instrumentation chosen for the songs was also a different experience for Cassandra. The groundbreaking sound that Cassandra crafted with producer Craig Street in the mid-1990’s on such classic Blue Note recordings as Blue Light 'Til Dawn and the Grammy-winning New Moon Daughter, was defined by it’s sparse acoustic guitars. However, keyboards play a much larger role in many of the songs on thunderbird, courtesy of keyboardist (and sometimes electric bassist) Keefus Ciancia, who is also the co-producer of the album.

"I hadn’t worked with keyboards for a long time," says Cassandra, referring to her co-producer as "an alchemist. Keefus is amazing. He’s a texture person, very organic and between T Bone, Keefus and I came a lot of the nuances." Also on the album are uber musicians Marc Ribot and Colin Linden on guitar, Mike Elizondo on electric bass, Reginald Veal on acoustic bass and Jim Keltner, Bill Maxwell and Jay Bellerose on drums. Gregoire Maret also plays harmonica on Tarot.

Ultimately, T Bone was the glue that kept it all together and it was his "secret ingredients," as Cassandra describes them, that added that aural special something you just couldn’t put your finger on. So what were T Bone’s "special ingredients?" "I can’t talk about those," she says. "Otherwise, he’d have to kill me."

THE VERY BEST OF PEABO BRYSON RELEASED MARCH 7

Peabo Bryson is recognized as one of contemporary music's premier male vocalists and legendary soul balladeer, with a career spanning nearly three decades. His musical repertoire has earned many honors including an Oscar, multiple Grammy awards and numerous Billboard top listings. Time Life has created a special 16-song CD entitled the Very Best of Peabo Bryson available on March 7 in retail stores nationwide.

Bryson' portfolio of greatest hits includes Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, the ever-popular hit duet with R&B legend Roberta Flack; Show and Tell; Let The Feeling Flow; Can You Stop The Rain; Feel the Fire; Closer Than Close; the Oscar and Grammy-winning A Whole New World from Disney's hit movie Aladdin recorded with Regina Belle; and the Grammy-winning Beauty and the Beast recorded with Celine Dion.

His unprecedented international success resulted in being the first artist in music history to have separate records topping four different charts in 1992: A Whole New World (Alladin's Theme), which topped both the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts. During this time, Peabo teamed up with Tony Winner Lea Salonga and recorded the song We Kiss In A Shadow for the classical musical The King and I, which was No.1 on the Classical Crossover charts; while saxophonist Kenny G's multi-platinum Breathless which also featured Peabo on By The Time This Night Is Over topped Contemporary Jazz charts.

"For the first time in Bryson's career, his timeless music is available on1 CD for his loyal fans and music enthusiasts to enjoy worldwide. The Very Best of Peabo Bryson represents a blockbuster of greatest hits. He is the undisputed master of romantic ballads. As spokesperson for Classic Soul Ballads Collection on television, Peabo was seen by more than 75 million viewers and instrumental in the 3 million CD's sold", states Mike Jason, Senior Vice-President of Audio & Video, Retail at Time Life.

Bryson demonstrates a passion for the music he writes and produces which is evident in his live performance and continued sold out concerts. "My primary objective when writing a love ballad is to share what I would like for others to feel through music. When I perform Feel The Fire, Can You Stop The Rain, A Whole New World, or my other favorites, I want my audience to recognize that love is real," states Bryson.

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: CHRIS BOTTI, CESARIA EVORA, FELA KUTI, SERGE GAINSBOURG, TAKE 6, PAT MARTINO, ANDREW HILL & MORE...

JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWS BITS…Chris Botti Live, his concert special airing on PBS is soon to be released on DVD. Last December in Los Angeles, Chris Botti, on the heels of his breakthrough Gold-certified album, When I Fall In Love, and the record-breaking follow-up, To Love Again, played two shows at the Wilshire Theatre. On the DVD, he is joined by Sting, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Burt Bacharach, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan, and Gladys Knight. The DVD is scheduled for release later in the month……….Cape Verde native Cesaria Evora has released Rogamar, an ode to the sea. On this release, Evora teams with Ismael Lo on Africa Nossa, and as usual, lends her sweet, melancholy voice to songs that evoke familiar Cape Verdean themes that reflect her country’s mixed heritage as a Portuguese colony. All in all – this is a must have……….Miami R&B/Jazz/Rock band Sophia Darcell will release their second studio album this coming June. The CD entitled Soul Eclectic features the first single, Charades, which has been made available as a free download from the band’s web site (http://www.sophiadarcell.com). Their sound is reminiscent of the Brand New Heavies, Les Nubians, Sade, Incognito and No Doubt……….Releases out this week include: Aldo Romano (Chante); Blossom Dearie (Sweet Blossom Dearie); Dinah Washington (Through The Night With Dinah); Dom Minasi (The Vampire’s Revenge); Eric Darius (Just Getting Started); Fela Kuti (Koola Lobitos 64-68); Fela Kuti (Opposite People/Blood); Fela Kuti (Upside Down); Gonzalo Rubalcaba (Solo); Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass (Whipped Cream & Other Delights – Rewhipped); Joe Cocker (Gold); Larry Carlton (Fire Wire); Marco Cappelli (Extreme Guitar Project: Music From Down Town New York); Matisyahu (Youth); Martin Denny (The Best of Martin Denny’s Exotica); Monday Michiru (Routes); Nightmares On Wax (In A Space Outta Sound); Peabo Bryson (The Very Best Of Peabo Bryson); Ray Charles (Genius Sings Country & Western); Rolf Lislevand (Nuove Musiche); Sarah Jane Morris (After All These Years); Serge Gainsbourg w/ Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare & Ansel Collins (Gainsbourg Et Cetera – Live Au Palace 1979); Torun Eriksen (Players & Observations); Trilok Gurtu and the Frikyiwa Family (Farakala); Van Morrison (Pay The Devil); Wood Brothers (Ways Not To Lose); ………. Grammy award winners Jazz and R&B vocal group Take 6 are releasing their first independently released CD Feels Good on March 21……….Blue Note Records presents Pat Martino Remember ~ A Tribute to Wes Montgomery. This exceptional recording is one guitar icon's homage to another. Pat Martino utilizes his intimate knowledge of Wes Montgomery's music to demonstrate what it truly means to "get inside" another musician's head & heart. On Remember, Martino leads a first-rate band featuring pianist David Kikoski, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Scott Allan Robinson, and percussionist Danny Sadownick, covering such Montgomery classics as Four on Six, Full House, & West Coast Blues. Remember will be released on April 4, 2006. Pat Martino’s upcoming tour dates include: 3/30-4/2 San Francisco; 4/3 San Diego; 4/4-4/9 Los Angeles; 4/11-4/12 Seattle; 4/20-4/23 New York4/28 Houston; and 6/23-6/25 Washington DC……….Note Bleu - The Best of the Blue Note Years 1998 - 2005 from Medeski Martin & Wood will be released on April 4, 2006. A special edition will feature bonus tracks plus a DVD of assorted videos, a mini documentary made in France, live footage, and various goodies filmed during the Blue Note years. Both versions will feature tracks from all five Blue Note albums: Combustication, Tonic, The Dropper, Uninvisible, and End of the World Party (Just In Case)………. With his first recording for the label since 1990, the innovative, acclaimed pianist/composer Andrew Hill begins his third era with Blue Note Records with his new quintet recording, Time Lines. Hill first made a name for himself with a series of groundbreaking albums for the label between 1963–1970 that included Point of Departure, Black Fire & Judgment!..........Diana Krall has recorded a duet with Vince Gill which will appear on his next album due for release later this year. Vince and Diana also gave a brilliant performance of this duet Faint Of Heart at the Grand Ole Opry recently.

THE NEW BET J IS COOL LIKE THAT

BET Networks is pioneering yet another ground-breaking evolution in television programming. Jazz, the purest and oldest form of American music, has both chronicled and celebrated the African- American journey. Today Jazz is seen, heard and felt in a number of related genres including blues, soul, R&B, Caribbean and neo-soul music. African-American adults want to engage in this even more today, which is why BET Jazz is evolving effective March 1 into the new BET J. Now available on DIRECTV through its first satellite TV carriage agreement, BET J reflects these powerful cultural roots, and the overall diversity of music and culture today.

DIRECTV is launching BET J to continue its tradition of providing the most exciting and unique programming for its customers. BET J is available on Channel 330 on DIRECTV's TOTAL CHOICE(R) PLUS programming package. MTV Networks negotiated this new carriage agreement as part of its Affiliate Sales and Marketing representation of BET Networks. With the DIRECTV launch, BET J has built a total distribution platform that reaches approximately 21 million homes. In addition to DIRECTV, other distributors already carrying BET Jazz that will now offer the revamped channel for viewers include Charter Communications, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable.

BET J will offer engaging lifestyle, musical and cultural fare 24 hours a day. Advertising and marketing elements promoting BET J will carry the tagline "Cool Like That" to epitomize the new branding. The new slogan represents the sophisticated and chilled vibe of the rhythms, shows and artists being presented on the channel, from cool cats like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Wynton Marsalis to smooth poetic divas like Jill Scott, India.Arie, and Erykah Badu. Examples of the new BET J programming blending with an already stellar jazz lineup include:

* SOUL SESSIONS -- Viewers will experience an old school/new school music overload as Neo-Soul, Alternative R&B, Classic Soul and Rhythm and Blues come together on weeknights and weekends in SOUL SESSIONS. It's an old school basement 'blue' room showcasing the best of Soul Music. From Alicia Keyes to Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross to Leela James: the best of Soul all under one roof. The Sessions are about to begin ...

* INFLUENCES -- An intimate chat with contemporary soul and R&B artists about the influence that traditional jazz has had on their music. Artists such as Floetry, Dwele, and Meshell Ndegeocello will not only reveal the musicians and vocalists who have influenced their music but will go even deeper, explaining how life experiences and world events
have shaped their musical journey.

* VIDEO SOUL GOLD -- A classic BET show from the past returns as Donnie Simpson hosts VIDEO SOUL GOLD, a weekly trip down memory lane. VIDEO SOUL was a BET mainstay and Donnie Simpson held down the fort showcasing hot new artists and their videos to an audience hungry to see themselves reflected on the small screen. The "Green-Eyed Bandit" returns in this vintage series that connects with old and new viewers alike.

* MY TWO CENTS -- A topical talk show with five fresh and original voices discussing the issues of the day stitched together with Classic Soul & R&B videos. Issues will range from the light -- discussing the latest celebrity hook-ups and break-ups of the moment -- to the heavy -- issues of race, skin color, sex and religion. With Kevin Powell, Selwyn Hinds, April Silver, Raquel Cepeda and Keith Boykin at the helm, this series will be charged with intense and riveting dialogue mixed with old and new school grooves from the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Floetry and more.

* THE BEST SHORTS: A BET J SHOWCASE -- Viewers can enjoy the best in drama, comedy, horror, suspense and more. Short films tell stories in a way no other medium can. Short Films have been and continue to be the purest form of filmmaking, as experienced and inexperienced filmmakers find unique ways to express their vision. This is unique opportunity to catch the best and brightest emerging filmmakers tell their stories, their way.

JUNIOR VASQUEZ MAKES DEBUT ON VOLUME 7 OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WHITE PARTY CD MUSIC SERIES FROM CENTAUR MUSIC

Centaur Entertainment is thrilled to announce that DJ/Producer Junior Vasquez will make his debut on the Centaur label with a new CD entitled Party Groove: White Party Volume 7. The new mix, Junior's first commercial CD in several years, is the latest addition to Centaur's highly acclaimed White Party series and is being presented in conjunction with Junior Vasquez Music. The official release date is set for January 10, 2006. "What an incredible way to start the 2006 year of music," says Centaur's President Nick DeBiase. "We're very excited to be working with Junior Vasquez and his new CD will definitely be one of the best dance albums of the year." "I tried to make it edgy, uplifting, anthemic and spiritual," says Junior."For many years I was criticized for playing pots-and-pans but I'm over that sound. I love great vocals with instrumentation that's tough-as-nails to underpin the song." Junior's well-publicized sobriety in the past year has certainly influenced him musically, taking him in the direction of more succinct and uplifting sounds. Junior describes his new CD as "not so different from Anthems 1 & 2," quickly pointing out that on this CD he has included a lot of the music that he did not produce himself. Two Junior Vasquez mixes that do appear include the Destiny's Child song Stand Up For Love, which is the 2005 World Children's Day Anthem and appears on their new #1's album, as well as Junior's exclusive new mix of Stupid Like U which features Deborah Cox. Junior is also proud to have included productions from Tom Stephan/Superchumbo, Offer Nissim, Rooster & Sammy as well as his favorite newcomers: Matt Piso and Tim Letteer.

ON MARCH 17th SHOUT! FACTORY RELEASES FIRST FULL ALBUM REMIX OF WHIPPED CREAM & OTHER DELIGHTS FROM HERB ALPERT

Legendary trumpeter, arranger, recording artist and music-industry trailblazer Herb Alpert has connected with a stellar crew of visionary remixers on Rewhipped, due March 7th on Shout! Factory. The 12-song collection serves up groovalicious takes on every track from Whipped Cream & Other Delights, the landmark, 4X GRAMMY-winning 1965 LP by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass that spent eight weeks at #1 when it was originally released.

Not content to merely hand off his originals for contemporary reinvention, however, Alpert has recorded tasy new trumpet solos for every track, personally revisiting each one with the passionate, signature sound for which he is renowned. The release of Rewhipped corresponds with Herb Alpert's March 13 induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, when he'll receive a Lifetime Achievement Award along with his fellow A&M Records co-founder, Jerry Moss, Rewhipped is the first project to remix an album in its entirety.

The list of producer-mixers adding 21st-century flavor to these classic recordings includes John King of famed production team the Dust Brothers ("A Taste of Honey"), L.A.'s fiercely eclectic collective Ozomatli ("Whipped Cream," "Love Potion #9"), jazz-funk masters Medeski Martin & Wood ("El Garbanzo"), avatars of electronica Thievery Corporation ("Lemon Tree"), sample-juggling genius Mocean Worker ("Bittersweet Samba"), film composers Anthony Marinelli ("Whipped Cream," "Love Potion #9," "Green Peppers," "Butterball," "Peanuts," "Lollipops and Roses") and Camara Kambon ("Ladyfingers"), and Teutonic turntablist DJ Foosh ("Tangerine").

Whipped Cream's sexy blend of jazz, pop, salsa, bossa nova and Dixieland set a new standard for stylish instrumental music and the all-time classic album continues to influence artists 40 years post-release. Rewhipped not only underscores Alpert's impact on the development of electronic music and remixing--his inventive use of overdubbed trumpet parts has been widely copied--it also stretches the original's global sensibilities, adding slinky breakbeats and unexpected arrangements, among other sonic innovations. GRAMMY winners Ozomatli took the remix idea to the extreme by providing a spicy vocal track to the previously instrumental "Love Potion #9."

Boasting contributions from drummer Hal Blaine and pianist Leon Russell and loosely based on a theme of delectable edibles, Whipped Cream & Other Delights (reissued by Shout! Factory in 2005 as part of the Herb Alpert Signature Series) spent eight weeks at #1 and more than a year in the Top 10, eventually logging nearly three years in the Top 40. "A Taste of Honey" was a Top 10 single and snagged "Record Of The Year," one of the album's four GRAMMY Awards. For his part, Alpert has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Whipped Cream's provocative cover, meanwhile - depicting a voluptuous model named Dolores Erickson wearing nothing but whipped cream - became an essential tableau of the era. The artwork for Rewhipped salutes this trailblazing iconography with a beguiling shot of cream-clad Guess girl Bree Condon.

In 1965, Whipped Cream & Other Delights was as cool as it got. Four decades later, Rewhipped cruises the cultural cutting edge courtesy of today's hippest remixers. Take it for a spin and get swanky.

TRACK LISTING
1. Whipped Cream, Anthony Marinelli Remix Featuring Ozomatli
2. A Taste of Honey, John King Remix
3. Green Peppers, Anthony Marinelli Remix
4. Ladyfingers, Camara Kambon Remix
5. Love Potion #9, Anthony Marinelli Remix Featuring Ozomatli
6. Peanuts, Anthony Marinelli Remix
7. Tangerine, DJ Foosh Remix
8. El Garbanzo, Medeski, Martin & Wood Remix
9. Lemon Tree, Thievery Corporation Remix
10. Lollipops and Roses, Anthony Marinelli Remix
11. Bittersweet Samba, Mocean Worker Remix
12. Butterball, Anthony Marinelli Remix

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: CHARLIE HUNTER, LARRY CARLTON, STANLEY JORDAN, MINA AGOSSI, JACK DEJOHNETTE & MORE...

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS…Washington, D.C. area upcoming concerts: French-African chanteuse Mina Agossi at La Maison Francaise on March 9. Her latest CD is Well You Needn’t , and on her current tour she is supported by bassist Remi Chaudagne and drummer Ichiro Onoe. Karrin Allyson is at the Kennedy Center’s Terrrace Theatre on March 17 as she showcases selections from her new CD, Footprints. Guitarist Larry Carlton appears at Blue Alley on March 27, and guitarist Gene Bertoncini will be at the Smithsonian Jazz Café in the Natural History Museum on March 3. His new CD is Quiet Now.……….In the twin cities area of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Stanley Jordan is line-up for March 6 and 7 at the Dakota Jazz Club; Chris Botti at the State Theatre on March 11; and Freddy Cole (and his trio) with his tribute to his brother Nat King Cole on March 19 at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. His special guests will be Irv Williams on saxophone and Doris Hines, vocal soloist……….A new double CD from Roy Ayers becomes available as 33 tracks, including some of the best of Roy’s work for Polydor in the 70’s come together in Destination Motherland – The Roy Ayers Anthology……….New from the Charlie Hunter Trio is Copperolis on the Radeadope label. Tracks include Cueball Bobbin’, The Pursuit Package, A Street Fight Could and Break Out, with nine songs in total. Rounding out the Charlie Hunter Trio are John Ellis on keyboards and horns and Derrek Phillips on drums……….Jack DeJohnette’s latest CD is Jack DeJohnette featuring Bill Frisell – The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers.



KIRK WHALUM, JEFF LORBER & GERALD VEASLEY HEADLINE RIVERWALK JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
The Riverwalk Jazz and Blues Festival is gearing up for April 28 and 29 in Montgomery. Alabama, The festival will feature such well-known jazz musicians as saxophonist Kirk Whalum, keyboard player Jeff Lorber, bass player Gerald Veasley, sax player Quintin Gerard W. and sax player Dee Lucas.

Since being discovered in 1983 by Bob James, Whalum has been a major force in smooth jazz. The sax player, who has seven Grammy nominations, became one of smooth jazz's biggest stars in 1998, when his album For You was on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz charts for more than 65 weeks, including 53 weeks in the top 10. His 2000 album Unconditional again topped the jazz charts, creating the No. 1 jazz hit Now 'Til Forever. More recently he has collaborated with guitarist Norman Brown and trumpet player Rick Braun.

Jeff Lorber released six albums while leading the Jeff Lorber Fusion in the '70s and '80s and received a Best R&B Instrumental Grammy nomination for Pacific Coast Highway. Since going solo, not only has he done well with his own music, but he's produced albums for artists such as Kenny G. and Michael Franks.

Quintin Gerard W. released his album debut, Fnkysax, last year. But the sax player, who studied under noted jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis in New Orleans, has already played with a who's who of jazz musicians, including Whalum, Lorber, Brown, Kenny Garrett, Najee and Dave Koz.

Veasley was a bass player in Joe Zawinul's band for seven years before going solo, leading a renowned "bass bootcamp," and releasing several acclaimed fusion albums, including his most recent, At the Jazz Base.

Lucas released his debut recording Remembrance on Mo Better Recordings in 2005, and is scheduled to release the CD Something to Ride 2 in spring of 2006.

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: THIEVERY CORPORATION, MICHEL CAMILLO, HAROLD MELVIN'S BLUE NOTES, BRIAN SIMPSON, PHILLIPPE SAISSE, JONATHAN BUTLER & MORE...

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS…….…Thievery Corporation have made available their unreleased track, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, originally recorded back in January 2006. This AOL Music DJ Sessions exclusive release features the Govinda Remix version woven together with other gems from the ERSL music catalogue. The track is now available for download from iTunes and AOL MusicNow……….Upcoming March concerts: Harold Melvinss Blue Notes, Sharon Paige, Blue Magic, Frankie Morales and Timothy Wilson will appear at the New Jersey University, and Leon Ware will appear at the Temple Bar in Los Angeles……….Michel Camillo’s latest release, Rhapsody in Blue, features covers of George Gerswhin songs, along with backup by the 95-piece Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. The album is also available in a Hybrid SACD version on the Telarc label……….Jonathan Butler recently performed at the largest Black History Month event ever, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival. The festival, which kicked of on February 9th in Los Angeles, celebrated its 14th anniversary and featured more than 150 movies by filmmakers from around the world. The opening night festivities, at which Butler performed his current single Rio, began with the critically acclaimed new film from South Africa, Tsotsi, nominated for an Academy Award for best foreign film……….Warner Latina releases Italian diva Laura Pausini’s Live in Paris 2005 CD along with a bonus DVD of the concert………..Watch for new CD’s coming out in the next couple of months from Dionne Warwick, Billy Griffin, Karrin Allyson, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Take 6, The Yellowjackets, Maria Muldaur, Bugge Wesseltoft, Bobby Lyle, Anthony Braxton, Nestor Torres, Fela Kuti, Nelson Rangell, India.Arie, and Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore……….Smokey Robinson has joined the cast of the Broadway play Chicago. Robinson will appear in the role of Billy Flynn and has contracted to stay with the show through June 2006……….Phillippe Saisse has signed with Rendezvous Entertainment and will be releasing an album, The Body And Soul Sessions on April 18. Saisse’s first single, Do It Again, hit the radio airwaves last week and was the most added song on the Smooth Jazz playlists. The single has also made its debut on the Radio and Records national airplay chart……….Brian Simpson will be doing a series of free performances at Borders and Books and Music stores this month: March 13 at the Washington, D.C. Borders (1801 K Street NW); March 14 at the Baltimore Borders Timonium (170 W. Ridgeley Rd.); March 16 at the Philadelphia Borders (1. S. Broad); and March 17 at the New York Borders in Columbus Circle. Kirk Whalum will join Simpson for the March 16 and 17 performances……….Dionne Warwick has signed on to appear at the upcoming 10th annual St. Kitts Music Festival this June……….Ultra cool public radio station KCRW and KCRW.com present a Tina Dico performance at Boca in San Francisco on March 22……….Atlanta-based quartet, Jiva release their debut CD, Sun & Moon, presenting a mix of styles from soul to Brazilian jazz to house grooves. Rhonda Thomas and Alex Lattimore provide the vocals……….Apple has announced the iPod Hi-Fi, it’s an all-new high-fidelity speaker system that works seamlessly with the iPod to redefine the home stereo system. According to Apple, iPod Hi-Fi delivers breathtaking acoustic performance and room-filling sound unlike any other speaker system designed for the iPod in an innovative, all-in-one design that can be powered from a wall socket or by six D-cell batteries. iPod Hi-Fi is easily controlled by the Apple Remote for an amazing stereo experience in any room in the house.

NEW JAZZ CHILL RELEASES FROM AZYMUTH, EDDIE PALMIERI, JULIE LONDON, LARRY CARLTON, ROY AYERS, SANTANA, TOOTS THIELEMANS & MORE...

Ahmad Jamal – Pittsburgh
Ahmad Jamal – Live At The Montreal Jazz Festival 1985
Ahmad Jamal –Digital Works
Andrew Hill – Time Lines
Anthony Braxton – Sextet
Apollo Nove – Res Inexplicata Volans (includes contributions from Seu Jorge, Cibelle, Ceu and Tia Lama)
Arsen Shomakhov – Dangerous
Azymuth – Pure, The Best of The Far Out Years 1995-2006 (includes tracks done in the last decade for London-based Far Out Recordings)
Barrington Levy – Barrington Levy In Dub – The Lost Mixes From King Tubby’s Studio
Billy Burnette – Memphis In Manhattan
Billy Cobham – Drum ‘N’ Voice
Billy Preston – You & I
Blue Magic – Blue Magic
Bob James – Urban Flamingo
Bob Marley & The Wailers – One Love At Studio One 1964-1966
Carlos Barbosa-Lima – Carioca
Chris Montez – Best Of The A&M Years
Cleo Laine – Shakespeare And All That Jazz
Dalindeo – Go Ahead Float/Voodoo
Dave Askren – Some Other Things
Dom Salvador & Abolicao – Som, Sangue E Raca
Eddie Palmieri & Cal Tjader – Babboleate
Ella Fitzgerald – Things Ain’t What They Used To Be
Ella Fitzgerald - Ella
Elton Dean & Mark Hewins – Bar Torque
Elvis Costello – My Flame Burns Blue
Ennio Morricone – Mondo Morricone Trilogy (56 tracks ins 3-CD box set)
George Benson – While The City Sleeps
Gianluca Petrella – Indigo 4
Grant Green – Iron City
Herbie Hancock – The Essential Herbie Hancock
Jazztronik – Cannibal Rock
Jimmy Smith – Softly As A Summer Breeze
Joanie Sommers – Softly, The Brazilian Sound
Jon Mayer – My Romance
Julie London – Julie/Love On The Rocks
June Christy – Cool School/Do Re Mi
Jungle Brothers – Straight Out Of The Jungle
Karin Krog – By Myself
Kleer – Winners
Larry Carlton – Eight Times Up
Louis Moholo – Bra Lous Bra/Spirits Rejoice
Madeline Eastman – Mad About Madeline
Mary Jane Girls – Mary Jane Girls (their debut album re-released)
Maysa Leak – Sweet Classic Soul (includes covers of 70’s classics by Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, Isley Brothers, Chaka Khan, The Stylistics, Roberta Flack and others)
Michel Camillo – Rahpsody In Blue
Mike Del Ferro – New Bel Canto
Mimmo Campanale – Of Course!
Monday Michiru – Routes
Monty Alexander – We’ve Only Just Begun
Nancy Wilson – From Broadway With Love/Tender Loving Care (both from 1966)
Nick Colionne – Keepin’ It Cool
Nicol Willis & The Soul Investigators – Keep Reachin’ Up
Nils Landgren & Joe Sample – Creole Love Call
Paul Winter – Celtic Solstice
Quantic – One Offs, Remixes & B-Sides
Raquel Bitton – Paris Blues
Rhett Miller – The Believer
Riccardo Del Fra – Roses & Roots
Rick Haydon & John Pizzarelli – Just Friends
Rick James - Wonderful
Rosalia De Souza – Brasil Precisa Balancar (features production and guitar from Roberto Menescal)
Roy Ayers – Destination Motherland: The Roy Ayers Anthology (2 CDs of recording from the 1970’s)
Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (incudes remixes by Kenny Dope, Osunlade, Platinum Pied Pipers, and others)
Roy Hargrove – Reflections And Distortions
Santana – Santana III: Legacy Edition
Shirley Horn – Marian McPartland’s Piana Jazz Radio Broadcast
Soesja Citroen – Don’t Cry Baby
Soft Machine Legacy – Live In Zaandam 0 May 10, 2005
Spyro Gyra – Wrapped In A Dream
Stanley Turrentine – Home Again
Steve Grossman – The Bible
Steve Khan – The Green Field
Steve Khun – Watch What Happens
Steve Tyrell – The Disney Standards
Sun Ra – Concert For The Comet Kohoutek
Thievery Corporation – Satyam Shivam Sundaram
Tom Scott & Phil Woods – Bebop United
Tony Esposito – Viaggio Tribale
Tony Monaco – East To West
Toots Thielemans – Over The Rainbow
Trammps, The – Where The Happy People Go
Ulf Wakenius – Note From The Heart: The Music Of Keith Jarrett
Uniao Black – Banda Uniao Black
Various UFO Lounge – Compiled by United Future Organization

NEW JAZZ CHILL FEATURED RELEASES FROM ROY AYERS, AZYMUTH, BILLY PRESTON, JULIE LONDON, MAYSA LEAK, NICK COLIONNE, SANTANA & OTHERS...

Andrew Hill – Time Lines
Anthony Braxton – Sextet
Apollo Nove – Res Inexplicata Volans (includes contributions from Seu Jorge, Cibelle, Ceu and Tia Lama)
Arsen Shomakhov – Dangerous
Azymuth – Pure, The Best of The Far Out Years 1995-2006 (includes tracks done in the last decade for London-based Far Out Recordings)
Barrington Levy – Barrington Levy In Dub – The Lost Mixes From King Tubby’s Studio
Billy Cobham – Drum ‘N’ Voice
Billy Preston – You & I
Bob James – Urban Flamingo
Carlos Barbosa-Lima – Carioca
Chris Montez – Best Of The A&M Years
Dalindeo – Go Ahead Float/Voodoo
Dave Askren – Some Other Things
Dom Salvador & Abolicao – Som, Sangue E Raca
Eddie Palmieri & Cal Tjader – Babboleate
Elton Dean & Mark Hewins – Bar Torque
Ennio Morricone – Mondo Morricone Trilogy (56 tracks ins 3-CD box set)
Gianluca Petrella – Indigo 4
Grant Green – Iron City
Jazztronik – Cannibal Rock
Jimmy Smith – Softly As A Summer Breeze
Joanie Sommers – Softly, The Brazilian Sound
Jon Mayer – My Romance
Julie London – Julie/Love On The Rocks
June Christy – Cool School/Do Re Mi
Jungle Brothers – Straight Out Of The Jungle
Kleer – Winners
Louis Moholo – Bra Lous Bra/Spirits Rejoice
Mary Jane Girls – Mary Jane Girls (their debut album re-released)
Maysa Leak – Sweet Classic Soul (includes covers of 70’s classics by Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, Isley Brothers, Chaka Khan, The Stylistics, Roberta Flack and others)
Mike Del Ferro – New Bel Canto
Mimmo Campanale – Of Course!
Monday Michiru - Routes
Nancy Wilson – From Broadway With Love/Tender Loving Care (both from 1966)
Nick Colionne – Keepin’ It Cool
Nicol Willis & The Soul Investigators – Keep Reachin’ Up
Nils Landgren & Joe Sample – Creole Love Call
Paul Winter – Celtic Solstice
Quantic – One Offs, Remixes & B-Sides
Raquel Bitton – Paris Blues
Riccardo Del Fra – Roses & Roots
Rick Haydon & John Pizzarelli – Just Friends
Rosalia De Souza – Brasil Precisa Balancar (features production and guitar from Roberto Menescal)
Roy Ayers – Destination Motherland: The Roy Ayers Anthology (2 CDs of recording from the 1970’s)
Roy Ayers – Virgin Ubiquity Remixed (incudes remixes by Kenny Dope, Osunlade, Platinum Pied Pipers, and others)
Santana – Santana III: Legacy Edition
Soesja Citroen – Don’t Cry Baby
Soft Machine Legacy – Live In Zaandam 0 May 10, 2005
Steve Grossman – The Bible
Steve Khan – The Green Field
Tony Esposito – Viaggio Tribale
Tony Monaco – East To West
Ulf Wakenius – Note From The Heart: The Music Of Keith Jarrett
Uniao Black – Banda Uniao Black
Various UFO Lounge – Compiled by United Future Organization

URSULA 1000 - HERE COMES TOMORROW

New from Ursula 1000 is the single Boop off of his eclectic forthcoming album Here Comes Tomorrow. The A side features Boop, a swingin’ be-bop house monster featuring Italian jazz siren Barbara De Dominicis alongside a spy-film inspired jazz percussion re-work by Skeewiff. The B side us the zany funk groove of Kaboom featuring Japanese chanteuse Izumi Ookawara with a high-octane blaxploitation breakbeat remix by The All Good Funk Alliance. The new album, Here Comes Tomorrow is due March 21. The new CD explores a mind meld of jazz, electro, Latin, swing, ska, bossa nova, hip hop, psychedelia and glam rock. It features guests Los Amigos Invisibles, Christina (Ze Records), Members of the Gentle People, Qyphone, Cabaret Noire, Misty Roses and more.

Ursula 1000 Here Comes Tomorrow DJ Tour Dates:
March 17 @ APT, New York City
March 22 @ Madiba, Miami, FL
March 23 @ Cafeteria, Miami Beach, FL
March 25 @ Poplife at the District, Miami, FL
March 31 @ Bossanova, Los Angeles, CA
April 1 @ Boca, San Francisco, CA
April 6 @ Cezayir, Istanbul, Turjey
April 7 @ Capri Bar, Essen, Germany
April 8 @ Lindenkeller @ Munich (Freising), Germany
April 12 @ Jelly Jazz @ Plymouth, UK
April 13 @ 603 Club, Saarbrucken, Germany
April 14 @ Sugar Factory, Amsterdam, Holland
April 15 @ Vanue Camelot, Santa Pola, Spain
April 16 @ Kraftwerk, Krummenau, Switzerland
April 19 @ A38, Budapest, Hungary
April 20 @ Club Paptrowka, Warsaw, Poland
April 21 @ Ministers Two, Krakow, Poland
April 22 @ La Paloma, Barcelona, Spain
April 29 @ Persona Club, Kiev, Ukraine
May 13 @ Mosaic, Baltimore, MD
June 2 @ Next Door, Honolulu, Hawaii
June 3 @ Hi-Fi Club, Calgary, Canada

ERIC CLAPTON ANNOUNCES SUMMER EUROPEAN TOUR

Tour Kicks-Off in May With Stops in 13 European Countries

On the heels of his latest album, Back Home, Eric Clapton hits the road again launching a just announced world tour beginning in Europe on May 5 and travelling to 13 European countries with an already sold out 7-night run at London's Royal Albert Hall. Additional news of this tour will follow shortly, including announcements of several exciting tour dates featuring venues never-before-played by Clapton and his band. Clapton has assembled an impressive band, including several album collaborators. The 2006 tour band will consist of: Eric Clapton, Guitar, as well as Doyle Bramhall II and Derek Trucks also on Guitar, Chris Stainton and Tim Carmon on Keyboards, Willie Weeks on Bass, Steve Jordan on Drums, The Kick Horns: Simon Clarke, Roddy Lorimer, and Tim Sanders on Brass, and backing vocals by Michelle John and Sharon White.

CURRENT LIST OF EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
FRANCE
May 5 2006 (Fri) Le Cannet La Palestre

UNITED KINGDOM
May 8 2006 (Mon) Glasgow SECC
May 9 2006 (Tues) Manchester MEN Arena
May 11 2006 (Thurs) Birmingham NEC
May 12 2006 (Fri) Sheffield Hallam FM Arena
May 14 2006 (Sun) Nottingham Arena
May 16 2006 (Tues) London Royal Albert Hall
May 17 2006 (Wed) London Royal Albert Hall
May 19 2006 (Fri) London Royal Albert Hall
May 22 2006 (Mon) London Royal Albert Hall
May 23 2006 (Tues) London Royal Albert Hall
May 25 2006 (Thurs) London Royal Albert Hall
May 26 2006 (Fri) London Royal Albert Hall

FRANCE
May 28 2006 (Sun) Paris Bercy

BELGIUM
May 31 2006 (Wed) Antwerp Sports Paleis

NETHERLANDS
June 1 2006 (Thurs) Rotterdam Ahoy

GERMANY
June 3 2006 (Sat) Frankfurt Festhalle
June 4 2006 (Sun) Stuttgart Schleyerhalle
June 6 2006 (Tues) Leipzig Arena
June 7 2006 (Wed) Berlin Wuhlheide

UNITED KINGDOM
June 9 2006 (Fri) Surrey Hampton Court Palace Festival
June 10 2006 (Sat) Surrey Hampton Court Palace Festival

ITALY
July 7 2006 (Fri) Lucca Piazza Napoleone
July 8 2006 (Sat) Perugia Arena Santa Giuliana
July 10 2006 (Mon) Verona Arena

GERMANY
July 13 2006 (Thurs) Cologne Arena
July 14 2006 (Fri) Dortmund Westfalenhalle

AUSTRIA
July 16 2006 (Sun) Vienna Stadthalle

HUNGARY
July 18 2006 (Tues) Budapest

CZECH REPUBLIC
July 20 2006 (Thurs) Prague The Arena

GERMANY
July 22 2006 (Sat) Munich Olympiahalle
July 23 2006 (Sun) Mannheim SAP Arena
July 25 2006 (Tue) Hamburg Colorline Arena

DENMARK
July 26 2006 (Wed) Augustenborg Castle

NORWAY
July 28 2006 (Fri) Oslo Spektrum

SWEDEN
July 29 2006 (Sat) Stockholm Globen

FINLAND
July 31 2006 (Mon) Helsinki Hartwall Arena

ANDRE DELANO'S FULL CIRCLE, ONE OF THE YEAR'S BEST - JAZZIZ MAGAZINE

Andre Delano, best known as the saxophonist for R&B artist Maxwell, is preparing to take 2006 by storm with additional releases off his groundbreaking album, Full Circle released by 7th Note Entertainment, Inc. With Andre's diverse mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and funk combined with his cool personality and sophisticated style, the music industry tastemakers and celebrities alike are definitely taking notice. "Andre Delano is hands down one of the best saxophone players on the planet. His talent and showmanship is equal to that of Kirk Whalum and Dave Koz. The music he creates is edgy, smooth, and funky which goes well with his neo-soul look," said Darren Strothers, president of 7th Note Entertainment. "Andre Delano is The New Face of Smooth Jazz."

Andre's first solo album, Full Circle, reflects an R&B-infused smooth jazz mixture depicting his amazing musical journey. With the success in 2005 of his first two singles, Night Riders and Foot Steps, 7th Note Entertainment is gearing up for a big push of his next single. According to R&B singer Maxwell, "like the full circle itself, Andre Delano takes from his mix of sorrow and sings through a multiple joy. A rare sound of voice, word and saxophone."

Only two months into 2006, Andre has been embraced by everyone from mainstream radio with spins in major markets to radio stations among the U.S.college market. Andre recently signed an exclusive booking agreement with the internationally renowned agency, Fabrika International represents numerous notable artists such as Keiko Matsui, Norah Jones (middle east), Julio Iglesias, Jr. (Europe & Asia), Veronica Martell and Bond (East Europe).

TEENA MARIE'S NEW TRACK - OH WEE - IS MOST ADDED AT URBAN RADIO PLAYLISTS

The legendary 'blue-eyed' soulful songstress Teena Marie has the #1 most added song at Urban AC Radio this week. Her sizzling new single Ooh Wee, is the first release from her forthcoming sophomore album Sapphire, on Cash Money Classics a division of Cash Money Records. The album is a follow-up to Teena's critically acclaimed 2004 album, La Dona, which heralded Ms. Marie's return to the music industry after a 13-year absence.

Sapphire, produced by Ms. Marie, is the fifteenth album from the effusive vocalist, who is regarded as one of the most influential R&B female singers of all times. Known for her ability to effortlessly navigate soul/R&B/funk and hip-hop, Teena Marie has also forged many chart-topping collaborations with superstars such as the late Rick James, Common, Gerald Levert and MC Lyte, among others.

A multi-instrumentalist herself, Teena Marie has maintained a production-hand in every one of her albums except her debut Wild And Peaceful (1979). The popular songstress and 3-time Grammy nominee has delivered an arsenal of genre defying albums along the way, including Lady T (1980), Starchild (1984), Naked To The World (1988), which featured the #1 classic Ooh La La, and 1994's independently released Passion Play. Ms. Marie has released 10 compilation albums as well since her stunning national debut on Motown Records in 1979.

Known for her tireless and universally acclaimed live performances, Ms. Marie is currently making plans to showcase selected songs on her upcoming album Sapphire, due in stores Spring 2006.

HIGH DEFINITION (HD) RADIO ALLIANCE NAMES FIRST 28 MARKETS FOR NEW HD2 PROGRAMMING ROLLOUTS

The High Definition (HD) Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the rollout of HD digital radio, recently announced the initial 28 markets that will begin broadcasting HD2 multicast programming under the Alliance’s format-selection program. Alliance members are readying individual HD2 channel launches in each market, and the first are already broadcasting via HD2 technology.

The rollouts mark the first wide-scale launch of HD2 multicast channels in the country, with each market airing new and unique content. The Alliance’s approach also dramatically increases the diversity of radio programming in every radio market. Through the selection process, each market is guaranteed its own mix of new programming. Collectively, some 264 new HD2 channels will carry a variety of music or talk formats. Member broadcasters are responsible for programming each of their multicast channels and all HD2 formats are initially commercial-free. In addition, all current analog radio signals will also be available as HD digital radio broadcasts (on HD1 channels). No subscription is required to hear HD digital radio broadcasts.
The first 28 markets where HD is available are: New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; Seattle, WA; Baltimore, MD; Portland, OR; Cincinnati, OH; San Jose, CA; Indianapolis, IN; Memphis, TN; Hartford, CT; Birmingham, AL; Dayton, OH; McAllen, TX; Tulsa, OK; Albuquerque, NM; El Paso, TX; Springfield, MA; and Wichita, KS.

Some of the totally new formats being introduced in the first wave include: Viva La Voce (Opera), Classical Alternative, Traditional Jazz & Blues, Coffee House, Female Talk, Future Country, Extreme Hip Hop, Deep Cuts Classic Rock, Live Rock, New Alternative, Fusion Hispanic-Anglo Rock, Chick Rock, Indie, New Rock, and In-Depth News.

HD2 Radio technology enables radio broadcasters to segment a single, existing radio frequency so that it can carry multiple, simultaneous, higher-quality AM and FM broadcast streams as well as wireless data. All HD broadcasts are free from the static, hiss, pops and fades that can be associated with analog signals. For listeners, AM-band broadcasts sound like FM, and FM-band broadcasts have digital CD-like quality.

Here are some examples of the markets and their new HD2 channels:
KKSF-FM San Francisco (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Traditional Jazz
WNUA-FM Chicago (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Traditional Jazz
WDAS-FM Philadelphia (Urban Adult Contemporary), HD2 Channel: R&B Love Songs
WJJZ-FM Philadelphia (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: AAA/Adult Alternative
WLVE-FM Miami (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Classical
WSMJ-FM Baltimore (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Traditional Jazz
KRVO-FM Portland (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Traditional Jazz
WENN-FM Birmingham (Black Gospel), HD2 Channel: Smooth Jazz
WDSJ-FM Dayton (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: WLW 2 In-Depth News
KRBB-FM Wichita (Adult Contemporary Mainstream), HD2 Channel: Smooth Jazz
WQCD-FM New York (Smooth Jazz), HD2 Channel: Chill

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: THIEVERY CORPORATION, OM RECORDS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS, DAVID LANZ, SANTANA, PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL, TONY BENNETT & MORE...

Thievery Corporation have a new album due on May 17 and it’s entitled Versions. It includes 18 dubbed out remixes of songs from The Doors, Sarah McLachlan, Astrud Gilberto, Nouvelle Vague, Wax Poetic feat. Norah Jones, Anoushka Shankar, Transglobal Underground and others. Also included is a new original Thievery Corporation track featuring reggae legend Sister Nancy. The group’s label, ESL Music, has scheduled a listening party on March 16 @ Quilombo in Austin, TX…….…"Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio" comes to Vacaville, CA for a concert event on march 18. This unique concert series features Scott D. Davies (playing music from his just released Rockinfluence album, Narada recording artists David Lanz and pianist David Nevue. Launched in August 2003, "Whispering: Solo Piana Radio" is now the #1 broadcast on Live365.com, the Internet’s largest radio network……….To celebrate 10 years of independent underground music, Om Records presents Om:10 – A Decade of Future Music. This massive 10 year anniversary 3XCD set contains new and never before released tracks from the entire Om roster, along with classics from the first 10 years. Be it Om’s trademark jackin’ funky deep house, soul based hip hop, groovin’ downtempo and everything in between……....Columbia/Legacy releases Santana III: Legacy Edition this week. It’s a 2- CD collection with the first disc consisting of the original classic album plus four bonus tracks from the same session, plus the second disc features a complete concert recorded at the Fillmore West in San Francisco on July 4, 1971…….…The 2006 Playboy Jazz Festival will include performances by Branford Marsalis, Jamie Cullum, McCoy Tyner and Elvis Costello and the Imposters with Allen Toussaint. In addition, Bill Cosby will return as master of ceremonies for the 28th anniversary festival after last year’s hiatus. The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra will feature vibraharpist Stefon Harris in a tribute to the late Milt Jackson, Eddie Palmieri will bring his Afro-Caribbean Jazz All Stars with special guests Regina Carter and David Sanchez, plus Lesa Terry and the Women’s Jazz Orchestra of Los Angeles will also appear…….…Concord Records is preparing the 20th Anniversay Celebration CD of The Rippingtons due for release on July 25…Columbia Records will release a Tony Bennett duets album to commemorate his 80th birthday. Among the acts who have committed to the project include Barbra Streisand, Elvis Costello, James Taylor, John Legend, Sting, Billy Joel and k.d. Lang. Release is set for Sept. 26……….Rafe Gomez adds the Chakra Restaurant and Lounge to his schedule as he has signed to bring the Groove Boutique’s PM Groove there every Wednesday night beginning March 2…….…It official!, Apple has now sold one billion music downloads on its iTunes Music Store nearly three years after the iTunes Music Store first was launched. In addition, iPods have already crossed the 40 million mark. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how long it takes apple to hit its second billion.

MARVIN GAYE - THE REAL THING IN PERFORMANCE 1964-1981, FIRST TIME ON DVD 16 VINTAGE MARVIN GAYE PERFORMANCES

Reelin' In The Years Productions and Hip-O Records are proud to announce the April 4, 2006 release of Marvin Gaye - The Real Thing In Performance 1964 - 1981 on DVD. Featured for the first time on DVD are 16 classic full-length performances from American and European television appearances, spanning three decades. The DVD includes more than 70 minutes of performances by Marvin Gaye, one of Motown's greatest stars. Issued with the full cooperation of the Marvin Gaye estate, this is the first official DVD anthology of classic archival television performances by a Motown artist. The DVD includes a wealth of classic performances with re-mastered sound and video plus a host of bonus features.

Marvin Gaye - The Real Thing In Performance 1964 - 1981 begins with Gaye singing one of his earliest hits, Hitch Hike on "American Bandstand" in 1964; the DVD progresses through the artist's entire Motown career including vintage performances of Pride And Joy, Ain't That Peculiar, Can I Get A Witness, Let's Get It On and a host of others. Further treasures include a beautiful 1967 duet performance of Ain't No Mountain High Enough with Tammi Terrell; a staggering live concert performance of What's Going On and What's Happening Brother from 1972, from the long-lost documentary film "Save The Children;" and an amazing live 1969 performance of I Heard It Through The Grapevine from "Hollywood Palace" recorded while the song was still number one on the charts. Interspersed between the songs, Gaye talks about his life and music in interview segments from various TV shows throughout his career.

For Marvin Gaye - The Real Thing In Performance 1964 - 1981 every effort has been made to locate the best possible sound and video; each of the performances, has been re-transferred and re-mastered from the best-quality, original masters (some resting in the television vaults for over 40 years). In the case of lip-sync performances, the original Motown stereo master recordings have been used, replacing the original mono broadcast sound and making for a much more enjoyable viewing and listening experience.

Marvin Gaye - The Real Thing In Performance 1964 - 1981 also includes unique bonus content. For the first time anywhere, an audio only feature of six original a cappella (vocal only) performances of Gaye's classic hits discovered in the Motown vaults. In addition, viewers have the option to watch these performances while listening to only Marvin Gaye's original studio vocal master track. Fans will feel as if they're in the original Motown recording booth with Gaye. The DVD further includes a 24-page booklet with an extensive essay by Grammy Award®-winning writer, Rob Bowman, including rare photographs and memorabilia.

MARVIN GAYE - THE REAL THING IN PERFORMANCE 1964 - 1981 DVD (Track List)
1. Hitch Hike (Filmed in 1964)
2. Pride And Joy (Filmed in 1965)
3. Can I Get A Witness (Filmed in 1965)
4. Pretty Little Baby (Filmed in 1965)
5. Ain't That Peculiar (Filmed in 1965)
6. You're A Wonderful One (Filmed in 1965)
7. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (with Tammi Terrell) (Filmed in 1967)
8. I Heard It Through The Grapevine (1969) (Filmed in 1969)
9. What's Going On (Filmed in 1972)
10. What's Happening Brother (Filmed in 1972)
11. Come Get To This (Filmed in 1981)
12. Let's Get It On (Filmed in 1981)
13. Distant Lover (Filmed in 1979)
14. A Funky Space Reincarnation (Filmed in 1979)
15. Ego Tripping Out (Filmed in 1979)
16. Heavy Love Affair (Filmed in 1981)

ANGELA BOFILL SUFFERS STROKE

The "Angel of the Night," singer Angela Bofill is paralyzed on her left side following a stroke suffered on Jan. 10, according to her manager Rich Engel. Bofill is currently convalescing at Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA .Bofill, 51, was released from intensive care on Sunday (Jan. 15) and will require speech and physical therapy, Engel said. A benefit concert has been organized to pay her hospital bills, as Bofill did not carry health insurance. The show, planned by Engel along with CD 101.9 will be held on March 11th at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, N.J. CD101.9 & Friends of Angela Bofill Present "A Helping Hand Concert" a benefit for Angela Bofill Hosted by Sergio Dean Featuring: Pieces of A Dream, Angela Bofill Band, Najee, Marion Meadows, Phil Perry, with appearances by Shawna Bofill, and Narada Michael Walden on Saturday, March 11th 8pm Bergen PAC Englewood N.J. Reservations: Ph: 973-761-6801 or at www.liveatnight.com On-sale now. Email Angela your words of encouragement and wisdom. Support_Angela@cd1019.com

DEAN MARTIN CAPITOL RECORDS CATALOG TO BE REISSUED BY COLLECTOR'S CHOICE MUSIC, MARCH 14

Rat Pack fans rejoice: renowned reissue label Collectors Choice Music will re-release the nine albums Dean Martin recorded for Capitol Records between 1953 and 1962, as well as the compilations of various non-LP singles that Capitol released in the mid ‘60s. Each album will be released separately (with the exception of four compilations the label released on the Tower imprint, which are paired on two CDs). Each single album reissue will include bonus tracks. Martin, whose 10-year partnership with Jerry Lewis, subsequent Rat-Pack years and boozy TV persona all but overshadowed his recording career, produced a long discography that showcases both his warmth and his cool, the swingin’ and the laid-back. Any of these Capitol releases would be the life of any party.In the series, all to be released March 14, 2006:

Martin’s first effort, Dean Martin Sings (1953), which includes That’s Amore along with songs from the Martin & Lewis film The Stooge. Among the bonus tracks is the B-side to That’s Amore, You’re The Right One.

Swingin’ Down Yonder (1955), featuring such Southern-themed tunes as Waiting For The Robert E. Lee, When It’s Sleepy Time Down South and Way Down Yonder In New Orleans.

Pretty Baby (1957), Martin’s first release after his breakup with Jerry Lewis; he may have lost his partner but he found his voice — relaxed and confident — on this third Capitol recording.

This Is Dean Martin! (1958), originally released as part of Capitol’s "Star Line" series of compilations of non-LP singles, includes Volare, Buena Sera and Return To Me.

Sleep Warm (1958), Dino’s first stereo release; another "concept" record, this time with romantic renderings of dreamy tunes such as Cuddle Up A Little Closer, Dream and Hit The Road to Dreamland. Lush orchestration conducted by Frank Sinatra.

A Winter Romance (1959), featuring Christmas classics Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland and even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, along with ultimate romantic cold-weather tunes I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm and Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

This Time I’m Swingin’ (1960), with orchestra conducted, fittingly, by that swingin’est of arrangers, Nelson Riddle; includes Just In Time, I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me and You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You, plus early, rare singles as bonus tracks.

Dino! Italian Love Songs (1962), Dino’s biggest seller for Capitol, which was released just after he left the label for pal Sinatra’s Reprise; here are Vieni Su, Arrivederci Roma and Take Me in Your Arms (Torna a Surriento).

Cha Cha De Amor (1962), an Afro-Cuban-Latin collection conducted by Nelson Riddle; Dino’s swan song at Capitol. Among the bonus tracks is an earlier version of Vieni Su than the one on Italian Love Songs.

Hey, Brother, Pour the Wine (1964) Capitol capitalized on Martin’s success at Reprise by releasing this combination of hits and B-sides. Includes Memories Are Made of This, Standing On The Corner and Just in Time; bonus tracks highlight duets with the likes of Peggy Lee, Margaret Whiting and, natch, Jerry Lewis.

The Lush Years (1965) / Relaxin’ (1966) (one-CD reissue). With Dino now at Reprise, Capitol released these collections of ‘50s and ‘60s singles and previously unreleased tracks, including Rio Bravo, from the 1959 film by the same name that featured Martin in one of his many acting roles.

Happy in Love (1966) / Dino—Like Never Before (1967) (one-CD reissue) Love is in the title of the singles, EP tracks and unreleased side on Happy In Love. Singles from ’50-’54 are collected on Never Before.

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: RAY BARRETTO, JAZZMASTERS, HARDCASTLE, ELVIS COSTELLO, SMOOTH JAZZ WJZW, GILLES PETERSON, BETH ORTON & JAZZ FESTIVALS & MORE...

Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm presents an all-star line up for the music of The Jazzmasters and Hardcastle live in the U.S.A. For the first time ever there will be two dates announced for the U.S. only. We’ll pass on the information once we receive it. The only downside, though, is that producer Paul Hardcastle will not be in the shows…Smooth jazz pianist Marcus Johnson is now the regular talent at Juste Lounge in Bethesda, Maryland as he appears there every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. We have received information that he is also working on his new album. In stores now is Smooth Jazz WJZW 105.9 Volume 3 compilation CD which includes Johnson, as well as favorites from Paul Hardcastle, Ken Navarro, Chaka Khan, Richard Elliot, Michael McDonald, Pieces Of A Dream, and many others…Jazz festival updates: the 2006 Sea Breeze 106.3 Jazz Festival is set for April 21-23 in Destin Florida; the 2006 St Lucia Jazz Festival will take place on May 4-14 in St. Lucia; and the Cocoa Beach 2006 Jazz Festival will happen April 21-23 in Cocoa Beach, Florida…Check out the free Jazziz Magazine February 2006 disc as it features selections from Lee Ritenour, Rigmor Gustaffson & The Jacky Terrasson Trio, Eric Truffaz, Bobo Stenson/Anders Jormin/Paul Motian, David Pack, Jean-Michel Pilc, Chiara Civello, Lars Danielsson, Chuck Perrin, Tord Gustavsen Trio, Otis Taylor, Guillermo Klein, Warren Hill, and Lalo Shifrin…Elvis Costello’s latest CD My Flame Burns Blue (Deutsche Grammaphon), features one disc recorded live with the Netherlands’ 52 piece Metropole Orkest, and another his 45-minute Il Sogno, the vocalist/pianist/guitarist’s first full-length orchestral work. The Metropole material includes revamped Costello rock hits, plus songs by jazz legends Charles Mingus and Billy Strayhorn….Gilles Peterson Worldwide mix show comes to chill radio station blu 102.9 Sunday nights at 5 p.m. with a rebroadcast at 9 p.m (Santa Fe, New Mexico local time). Those of us stateside can now listen to Gilles Peterson as he brings the same show that he does for BBC1 every week…Legendary percussionist and bandleader Ray Barretto died February 17 in Hackensack N.J., he was 76. Barretto was a virtuoso conguero and a fixture in New York’s Latin jazz scene and his career spawned more than 50 albums. He was a key member of the Fania All Stars and recorded alongside greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt and Tito Puente. He was hospitalized on Jan. 30 with post-surgical complications (the result of a quintuple bypass operation earlier) and pneumonia. His most recent album – Time Was-Time Is, was released in 2005 on the O+Music label…Guitarist Mike Keneally is scheduled for performances in late Feb. and March, 2006 as he performs with the Absolute Ensemble in Germany, and also a performance of his album, The Universe Will Provide, with the Dutch Metropole Orchestra…Bassist Chris Wood (a member of the trio Medeski, Martin & Wood), and his brother, singer and guitarist Oliver Wood (of the blue’s band King Johnson) will reunite at Joe’s Pub in New York City on March 7. The occasion will be the CD release party for the duo’s debut, Ways Not To Lose (Blue Note), produced by John Medeski. Percussionist Kenny Wolleson contributes on several tracks…Beth Orton releases Comfort of Strangers, her first record in nearly four years. With the album, as she shakes off any remaining rave dust from her early collaborations with William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers. The U.K. singer/songwriter instead enlists eclectic indie icon Jim O'Rourke as producer, and the result is a lovely set of pop-flavored neo-folk…Smooth jazz station WUBU-FM (106.3) in South Bend, IN has brought back The Tom Joyner Show (effective Feb. 6). In addition to bringing back Joyner, WUBU will become known as The New Mix 106 and the format will open up to include artists such as Marvin Gaye, The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, R. Kelly and Alicia Keys as part of the smooth jazz mix. The station has been broadcasting smooth jazz since 2003 at which time they had dropped the Joyner show, however, fans never forgave the station for yanking the show.

ETTA JAMES, NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL, CAPE TOWN JAZZ FESTIVAL, JAMIROQUAI & MORE...

ETTA JAMES NEW ALBUM TO INCLUDE SONGS BY MARVIN GAYE, PRINCE, BOBBY WOMACK & FRANK SINATRA
With a new slimmed-down look, are rejuvenated stage show and celebrating an incredible five decades as a recording artist, music legend Etta James will showcase her enduring artistry on an amazing diversity of the eleven songs featured on her new RCA Victor album, All The Way. Due in stores March 14, 2006 and produced by Etta's sons Donto and Sametto and longtime musical associate Josh Sklair, All The Way includes a range of material that would prove challenging for even the most competent vocalists: "This is an album of songs that I've always loved, tunes that I heard and thought, 'wish I could have been the one to do that one first!'" explains the three-time Grammy winner, who has also been the recipient of a NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, a Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award and is a W.C.Handy Foundation honoree. "For the first time in my fifty-three years of recording, I really had control over an entire album, start to finish. And that feels really good! I got to make an album that I can listen to and say, "I really like this record!'"

During the month of its release, Etta will also be feted by NABOB (The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters) with the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award at its 22nd Annual Communications Awards Dinner, a staple event held each year in Washington, D.C. Hosted by comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey, the show will be on March 10th and NABOB 2006 honorees will also include Alicia Keys, S. Epatha Merkerson, Maya Angelou, Albertina Walker and Robert L. Johnson with Aretha Franklin providing the evening's entertainment. James, honored with a much-deserved star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, adds her special vocal magic to songs originally recorded by Prince ("Purple Rain"), Marvin Gaye ("What's Going On"), Bobby Womack ("Stop On By") and Simply Red ("Holding Back The Years") alongside Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" (from 'West Side Story') and "All The Way," the standard most often associated with Frank Sinatra. For good measure, Etta also included R. Kelly's contemporary classic, "I Believe I Can Fly," James Brown's enduring "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" and John Lennon's "Imagine." Rounding out the musical solid set are "Calling You," (from 'Baghdad Cafe') and "Strung Out," a tune originally cut by R&B legend Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, with whom Etta toured during her teen years after being discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis in 1955.

The release of the 1993 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee's latest project, the follow-up to the 2004 Grammy-winning RCA Victor set Blues To The Bone, comes at a time when Etta is showing off her new look: after losing some 200 pounds in weight, the Los Angeles native grins, "Now I can flaunt my figure wherever I go. I can go shopping and buy those outfits I always wanted to wear!" The loss of weight has also dramatically changed Etta's always-exciting stage performances: "Now I can stand up on the stage again like I used to after five years of sitting down while I sang ... "

OTHER MUSIC NEWS…
Lionel Richie, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Yolanda Adams, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Pete Fountain, Charmaine Neville and Fats Domino have been added to the lineup of the upcoming New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival taking place on April 28-30 and May 5-7…Jamiroquai is performing at the Piazza Castello at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy on Feb. 16. In addition, Jamiroquai will be heading to South America in March and April making the following tour stops: March 22 at Club Cuidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires; March 24 at Credicard Arena, San Paolo; March 25 at Claro Hall, Rio de Janeiro; March 27 at Polidro de Caracas, Caracas; March 29 at Rodzio de la Caro, Bogota; and April 1 at Autodromo, La Guasima, San Jose…Javier Limon has produced the self titled debut release of La Negra. The album is a mix of flamenco, jazz, tango and Brazilian music. Nino Josele and Jerry Gonzalez also collaborated on the project…Nina Pastori’s Maria get a rerelease and included on this version is Ave Maria (Hail Mary), which the cantori from Cadiz performed in front of Pope John Paul II during his last visit to Spain. This edition features a preview from an upcoming album by Nina Pastori – Joyas Prestadas, which will be released internationally later in the year…Rafe Gomez will be spinning his Groove Boutique sounds at The Cellar Bar in The Bryant Park Hotel in New York City between 6 and 10 o.m. on the following Wednesdays: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and Mar. 8…Patti LaBelle along with Earl Klugh and George Clinton headline the CIAA ‘A Night at the Apollo’ in Charlotte, NC on March 2…The 7th annual Cape Town (South Africa) International Jazz Festival will once again take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on March 31 and April 1. Taking the stage this year will be Manu Dibango & The Soul Makossa Gang, Chucho Valdes Quartetr feat. Mayra Caridad, Charlie Haden Quartet West, Freddy Cole Quartet,Louis Vega & His Elements of Life Live Band feat Anana, Blaze & Luisito Quintero, Nestor Torres, Terence Blanchard, Joe McBride, Gerald Veasley, Kenny Blake, Miriam Makeba, Omar Sosa Quartet feat. Pee Wee Ellis, Jose Feliciano, The Moreira Project, Richard Bona, Tiale Makhene, Spencer Mbadu Sextet, Winston Mankunku Sextet with Robbie Jansen, Thandiswa Mazwai, Kwani Experience, Viktoria Tolstoy, Dan Patlan & The New Orleans All Star Blues Band, The James Schofield Trio feat. Billy Hart & Arno Krijger, Juan Carlos Romero Trio, Johnny Mekoa & His Herd and Mark de Clive-Lowe, among others.

JAZZ CHILL NEWS AND NEW RELEASES FROM GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION, NINA SIMONE, TEDDY PENDERGRASS, SERGIO MENDES, TOTO, SALOME DE BAHIA, LABELLE & MORE...

Releases out now…
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones – The Hidden Land; Burt Bacharach – The Definitive Collection; Dee Dee Bridgewater – Dee Dee Bridgewater; Doris Day – The Love Album; Eric Kamen – Native Unit; Graham Central Station – Graham Central Station; Graham Central Station – Release Yourself; Graham Central Station – No ‘Bout-A-Doubt It; Graham Central Station – Now U Wanna Dance; Graham Central Station – Mirror; Graham Central Station – My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me; Jaheem – Ghetto Classics; Jody Whatley – Looking For A New Love (Remixes); Liza Minnelli – The Definitive Collection; Miles Davis – Out Of Nowhere; Nina Simone – I Put A Spell On You; Nina Simone – Broadway-Blues-Ballads; Nina Simone – Nina Simone In Concert; Nina Simone – Pastel Blues; Nina Simone – High Priestess Of Soul; Nina Simone – Wild Is The Wind; Salome De Bahia – Brasil; Sergio Mendes – Timeless; Slow Train Slow – Illegal Cargo; Stacy Lattislaw – With You; Stacy Lattislaw – Sneakin’ Out; Talking Heads – Speaking In Tongues; Talking Heads – Little Creatures; Talking Heads – True Stories; Talking Heads – Naked; Toto – Falling In Between.

Legacy will release a Teddy Pendergrass live album, entitled Live From LA 2/14 on April 25.


Joseph Williams, Ian Anderson (from Jethro Tull), Lenny Castro, Steve Porcaro, L. Shankar and Roy Hargrove join Toto on their new release – Falling In Between. The new CD is out now and is available on Frontier Records. The final track listing includes Falling In Between, Simple Life, Dying On My Feet, Bottom Of Your Soul, Let It Go, Nowhere In Sight, Spiritual Man, Ain’t Your World, The Reefer Man and Hooked. We wish them lots of luck with plenty of deserved airplay on this project, so get on board radio and open up those playlists!

While we are on the subject of hot music, here are some old and new songs that we’ve heard recently that we like very much. Note that most of these (except for the Vincent Montana tracks) were heard on the highly recommended Internet radio station www.swissgroove.ch -
Alex Cortiz – Barfly; Average White Band – I Wanna Be Loved; Cal Tjader – Lucero; Llorca – I Cry (Alton Miller Remix); Tortured Soul – I Might Do Something Wrong; Vincent Montana Jr. – The Africa Track (Louis Benedetti Remix); and Vincent Montana Jr. – What Love Does (Louis Benedetti Remix).

Grammy award-winner and legendary club diva Jody Whatley revisits her own 1980’s signature song Looking For A New Love with her latest release on the Water Music label. A series of remixes are available here including the lead ROCAsound house mix, a formulaic Circuit-styled Chus & Ceballos Mix, the Deep House vibe on the Craig C. Mix, and the Chris Joss Vocal Mix.



Salome De Bahia’s latest release – Brasil – is filled with modern house and electronic percussion by French DJ and producer Bob Sinclar. Brasil reads like a Brazilian standards songbook by including such familiar melodies as Pais Tropical, Fiesta Para Um Rei Negro and Cada Vez, the latter made popular in the house circuit by Negrocan. There’s nods to tunes north of the border with Bahia’s take on Stevie Wonders Another Star, listed here as Sambala, and on Taj Mahal, there’s the familiar signature riff from another song that told us if we though Rod Stewart was sexy. We should just let him know. And there’s even a cover of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Bob Sinclar is widely known for his own productions and remixes, including his collaboration with Cerrone on Cerrone vs. Bob Sinclar.

Eric Kamen’s new album – Native Unit – features flowing melodies to compelling sweeps, and the songs on Native Unit transport the listener into a unified dimension of world, new age and R&B grooves. My Father’s Mandolin is established by a steady hip-hop beat and rhythmic strumming of the bouzouki. Flamenco guitar leads over angelic chimes and rolling percussion on Arenys By The Sea. The track. Mykonos At Midnight was recently selected as Best Instrumental Songs of the Year by The Muse’s Muse in 2005 and offers contagious and melodic guitar music. Recently, the Muses’ Muse named Native Unit the Best Instrumental CD of the Year. "The project will appeal to hardcore hip-hop fans, jazz enthusiasts, and world music lovers alike…" raves The Muse’s Muse. Kweevak Music Magazine praises, "A magical blend…melding the edge of hip-hop with the soul of R&B."

In other news…Legendary band, Earth, Wind & Fire, have joined the lineup to perform at the 2005 Essence Music Festival. The festival is set for July 1,2 and 3, and will take place in its new interim home, state-of-the-art Reliant Park in Houston, Texas. Earth, Wind & Fire are joining previously announced artists: Frankie Beverly and Toni Braxton. Additional talent will be announced in the coming weeks…The Fujitsu Jazz Festival will present The Magic Of Toots on March 16, starring Toots Thielemans with a cast of renowned artists, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Eliane Elias, Paquito D’Rivera, Oscar Castro-Neves, Joe Lovano and some special surprise guests who will celebrate Toots and his music. The Magic Of Toots concert event will speak of the beauty, warmth, virtuosity and soul of a one-of-a-kind artist who – at 83 – still stands at the ‘top of his game’. Music Director, Kenny Werner, Toots’ longtime duo partner – the ‘Maestro’ as he calls him – will take you on a journey, weaving in and out with Toots and his star-studded program…Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash are in the process of planning a reunion album as LaBelle, set for release in 2007. The trio have already recorded two songs thus far – Preaching To The Choir and Dear Rosa. Both songs appear in the film Preaching To The Choir starring Patti LaBelle. Nona Hendryx is also hard at work on her first album in 10 years with a release date later in the year… Aezra recording artist, Billy Miles, has been honored with an NAACP nomination in the Outstanding Jazz Artist category. Her debut CD, Billy Miles, is a stylish brew of jazz, pop, soul and trip-hop. The lead single of the CD, Sunshine, was an iTunes Song Of The Week, a #6 R&B track and it has charted on HOT AC, AAA and Smooth Jazz radio…Barry Manilow will follow-up his chart-topping success The Greatest Songs Of The Fifties with an album featuring songs from the sixties. His hit CD debuted last week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with sales of 156,000 copies in the U.S.according to Nielsen SoundScan.