Monday, September 11, 2006
RHINO TO RELEASE FRANK SINATRA 5-DISC CD/DVD ‘SINATRA: VEGAS’ ON NOV. 7
Track Listing For Sinatra: Vegas
Disc 1:
Introduction/Announcement
The One I Love Belong To Somebody Else
Don’t Cry Joe
Imagination
Moonlight In Vermont
Without A Song
In The Still Of The Night
Here’s That Rainy Day
The Moon Was Yellow (And The Night Was Young)
Monologue
You Make Me Feel So Young
The Second Time Around
River, Stay Away From My Door
The Lady Is A Tramp
You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You
Bows
Young At Heart
Witchcraft
On The Road To Mandalay
Bows
Sinatra Speaks On Segregation In Nevada
Disc 2:
Introductions
Come Fly With Me
I’ve Got A Crush On You
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
The September Of My Years
Street Of Dreams
Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
Monologue
You Make Me Feel So Young
The Shadow Of Your Smile
Get Me To The Church On Time
Luck Be A Lady
It Was A Very Good Year
Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me
My Kind Of Town
Introductions
My Kind Of Town
Sinatra Speaks On Working With Count Basie
Disc 3:
Get Me To The Church On Time
I Get A Kick Out Of You
I Can’t Get Started
Without A Song
Hey Look, No Crying
The Lady Is A Tramp
Monologue
Night And Day
All Or Nothing At All
The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)
Somethin’ Stupid (with Nancy Sinatra)
Theme From New York, New York
Bows
Disc 4:
I’ve Got The World On A String
At Long Last Love
Witchcraft
The Gal That Got Away/It Never Entered My Mind
For Once In My Life
My Heart Stood Still
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Monologue
Spring Is Here
What Now My Love
I Get Along Without You Very Well
Pennies From Heaven
Angel Eyes
Mack The Knife
Bows
DVD:
Backstage (Before The Show)
Welcome To Caesars
All Of Me
Maybe This Time
The Lady Is A Tramp
Didn’t We"
Someone To Watch Over Me
Something
Baubles, Bangles And Beads
The Gal That Got Away/It Never Entered My Mind
Monologue
My Kind Of Town
Send In The Clows
Monologue
Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me
Introductions
Sunday, September 10, 2006
KCRWMUSIC.COM SET TO EXPAND
KCRW has expanded the online presence of KCRWmusic.com as KCRW star DJs like Nick Harcourt, Chris Douridas, Tom Schnabel, Jason Bentley, Garth Trinidad and Anne Litt are back to back instead of spread out over differenct days and times. Staring on September 4, KCRWmusic.com hit the airwaves at 88.9 FM in Santa Monica, CA. In this unprecedented move, the feature the programming from KCRWmusic.com on their broadcast stations, beaming out to channels throughout Southern California. As one of the top 20 webcasters worldwide, KCRW puts the best of underground flavors, independent records and progressive major releases withing reach 24/7. KCRWmusic.com boasts the same variety and cutting edge music that defines the station’s eclectic identity, featuring electronica to progressive pop, Latin alternative to modern soul, hip-hop, trip-hop, world music and more. Plus, now KCRWmusic.com is featuring "Today’s Top Tune," a 24-hour-only downloadable song of the day. As of this writing, this option has not yet become available, however, I do look forward to downloading some free cool music.
BRIAN MCKNIGHT TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ON NOVEMBER 14th
Friday, September 08, 2006
LIONEL RICHIE ANNOUNCES COMING HOME TOUR
"We are thrilled that Lionel Richie's upcoming concert tour will benefit United Way and we thank Tickets-for-Charity for making it possible," said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way of America. "United Way is committed to making a difference in people's lives throughout the country. This is a great way for Lionel Richie fans to contribute to the work of United Way, such as ensuring children are ready for school or improving access to healthcare. Besides," Gallagher continued, "Lionel Richie is an incredible entertainer."
Tickets and VIP packages, including backstage passes to an exclusivepre-show party and a meet-and-greet with Lionel Richie, are available at http://www.tickets-for-charity.com for purchase at face value plus a pre-determined donation amount, which will benefit United Way, especiallyin the 16 tour cities.
"Based in theatres and small venues, Lionel Richie's Coming Home tour will be an intimate, unforgettable experience for fans," said Jord Poster, founder of Tickets-for-Charity. "They'll not only get access to some of the best seats in the house, they'll also receive the satisfaction of knowing they've helped United Way in their important work supporting communities
across the country."
"I have always believed in the work of United Way," said Richie. "They are there day-in and day-out in towns across America to make things better for young children, families, or those affected by crises like Hurricane Katrina. I couldn't be happier that this great organization will benefit from my tour thanks to Tickets-for-Charity."
United Way makes a difference every day in the lives of millions of Americans by addressing the underlying causes of critical issues facing communities. While local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs, common areas of focus include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to healthcare, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening
families.
Tickets-for-Charity offers fans access to great seats at their favorite sports, music and theater events that are not available anywhere else and - in the process - gives them an easy way to support important charitable causes. Tickets-for-Charity.com, which launched in August 2005, has raised more than $1.6 million for highly respected national charities through charitable sales for music and sports events, including The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang 2005-2006 Tour, Barbra Streisand's 2006 Tour and The Boston Red Sox 2006 Season.
UPDATED TOUR DATES INFO FOR BRIAN SIMPSON, JONATHAN BUTLER, KIRK WHALUM, KYLE EASTWOOD, MICHAEL LINGTON, WAYMAN TISDALE & PEANUTS WHALUM…
Sept. 10 – Jersey City @ NJ Liberty Park
Sept. 16 – Scotssdale, AZ @ AZ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (with Nils and Turning Point)
JONATHAN BUTLER
Sept. 8 – West Bend, WI @ Ziegler Moraine Jazz Festival
Sept 9 – Lithonia, GA @ Stewart Amphitheatre
Sept. 10 – Jersey City, NJ @ Liberty Park
Nov 4 –11 – Dave Koz Cruise – Mexican Riviera
Jan 20-27 – Smooth Jazz Cruise Hosted by Wayman Tisdale –Caribbean
KIRK WHALUM
Sept 10 – Jersey City, NJ @ Liberty State Park
Nov 4 –11 – Dave Koz Cruise – Mexican Riviera
KYLE EASTWOOD
Sept 16 – Mission Viejo, CA @ Lake Mission Viejo
Oct 10 – Dallas, TX @ W Hotel Dallas
Oct 12 – New Orleans, LA @ W Hotel New Orleans
Oct 16 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Oct 18 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Soho’s
Oct 20 – Palm Springs, CA @ Annenberg Theatre
Oct 21 – Avalon, CA @ Avalon Casino Ballroom
MICHAEL LINGTON
Sept 8 – West Bend, WI @ Ziegler Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival
Sept 9 – Huntington Beach, CA @ BB Jazz Festival
Sept 21 – Las Vegas, NV @ Santa Fe Station Casino
Nov 4 – 11 – Dave Koz Cruise – Mexican Riviera
PEANUTS WHALUM
Sept 20 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Oct 5 – St, Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Oct 12 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Oct 19 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Oct 26 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounhe
Nov 16 – St Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Nov 23 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
Nov 30 – St. Louis, MO @ Brandt’s Red Carpet Lounge
WAYMAN TISDALE
Sept 10 – Jersey City, NJ @ Liberty State Park
Sept 12 – Mew York, NY NBA Store
Sept 13 – Springfield, VA @ Circuit City Washington, DC
Sept 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ City of Refuge Church
Sept 30 – Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Opera House
Oct 6 – Newport Beach, CA @ Hyatt Newport Beach
Oct 7 – Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
Oct 14 – Windsor, CA @ The Windsor Green
Nov 4 – 11 – Dave Koz Cruise – Mexican Riviera
Nov 20 – Harrisburg, PA @ Sunoco Performance Theatre
Dec 31 – Reston, VA @ Hyatt Regency Reston
Jan 20 – 27 – Smooth Jazz Cruise Hosted by Wayman Tisdale - Caribbean
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS...
Upcoming New York City area Jazz concerts…
Charlie Hunter 3 @ Jazz Standard on Sept. 7-10.
Gloria Lynne @ Trumpets on Sept. 7-8.
Luciana Souza ‘Brazilian Duos’ featuring Romero Lubambo @ Jazz Standard on Sept. 13-17.
Airto Moreira @ The Stone on Sept. 17.
Gabriela Anders @ 55 Bar on Sept. 17.
Beat Kaestli @ 55 Bar on Sept. 19.
Eliane Elias @ Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola on Sept. 19-24.
Michael Camilo & Tomatito @ Blue Note on Sept. 25-27.
Patrice Rushen featuring Terri Lyne Carrington @ Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola on Sept. 25-26.
Karrin Allyson @ Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola on Sept. 27-30.
Fourplay @ Blue Note on Sept. 28-29.
Chieli Minucci @ Trumpets on Sept. 30.
Boney James and Aaron Neville headline the Smooth Jazz CD101.9 concert at the Nokia Thaeter in New York on Oct. 13.
Simply Red have a new single, Oh What A Girl, coming out for release on September 25.
Jeanie Byron and Chuck Mangione headline the upcoming Cape May Jazz Festival, NJ coming up from Nov. 10-12, 2006.
NINA SIMONE GETS REMIXED AND REIMAGINED THIS FALL!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
NEW CD RELEASES FROM ALICE RUSSELL, BLAZE, TANIA MARIA, RANDY CRAWFORD, JAZZTRONICK, FLORA PURIM, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, CAROL RIDDICK & MORE…
Afrodizz - Froots
Alice Russell – Under The Munka Moon 2
Alphonso Johnson – Spellbound
Ann-Margret – Love Rush
Arista All Stars – Blue Montreux
Art Of Noise – What Have You Done With My Body, God?
Average White Band – The Definitive Groove Collection (2-CDs)
Ayetoro – Omo Obukun – The Afrobeat Chronicles Vol. 2
BB&Q Band - Genie
Birmingham Sound – The Soul Of Neal Hamphill Vol. 1 (Various Artists)
Blaze – Most Precious Love – Blaze Essentials
Blue Note Plays Billie Holiday (Various Artists)
Blue Note Plays Cole Porter (Various Artists)
Blue Note Plays Gershwin (Various Artists)
Blue Note Plays Rodgers & Hart (Various Artists)
Bonnie Raitt – VH1 Classic Decades Rock Live Presents Bonnie Raitt And Friends (CD/DVD)
Brisa Roche – The Chase
Buddy Greco – Route 66: A Personal Tribute To Nat King Cole
Bugz In The Attic – Back In The Doghouse
Carlos Garnett – Black Love
Carol Riddick – Moments Like This
Chaka Khan – The Platinum Collection
Chic – The Definitive Groove Collection (2-CDs)
Christina Aguilera – Back To Basics
Crusaders – Crusaders 1
Crusaders – The 2nd Crusade
DJ Logic – Zen Of Logic (with John Medeski & Charlie Hunter)
DJ Spinna – Intergalactic Soul
Dave Hollister – The Definitive Collection
David Grisman Quartet – Classic Dawg (DVD)
Dells –Oh, What A Night
Dexter Gordon – Great Encounters
Doc Powell – Doc Powell (w/Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, Bobby Lyle)
Eliane Elias – Around The City
Eric Roberson –Erro Live Vol DC (CD/DVD)
Flora Purim – Nothing Will Be As It Was
Fontella Bass – The Very Best Of Fontella Bass – The Chess Collection
Fourplay – Fourplay X
Free Spirits Volume 1 (Various Artists)
Freddie Hubbard – Rose Tattoo
Gap Band – Gold (2-CDs)
Geri Allen – Timeless Portraits And Dreams
Grant Green – Live At Club Mozambique
Harvey Mason – Funk In A Mason Jar
Harvey Mason – Marching In The Street
Heritage Orchestra – Heritage Orchestra
Hermine Pinson – Changing The Changes In Poetry And Song
Horacee Arnold – Tales Of The Exonerated Flea
Imagination – Just An Illusion – The Best Of Imagination
JR Bailey – Just Me And You
James Brown – Live At Montreux 1981
Jane Bunnett – Radio Guantanamo
Jazz Allnighters 5 Compiled By Tatsuo Sunaga Sunaga T (Various Artists)
Jazz House Independent Vol. 5 – Jazzy House Meets Disco & Nu Soul (Various Artists)
Jazztronick – Remixes Part 1
Jazztronick – Remixes Part 2
Jazztronic & Others – Jazztronica 2
Jean-Luc Ponty – Fables
Jean-Luc Ponty – Aurora
Jean-Luc Ponty – Individual Choice
Jean-Luc Ponty – Open Mind
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come: Film & Soundtrack Edition (CD/DVD)
Jody Watley – The Makeover: Journey To Electronic Soul
Juke Joint 2 Compiled By Boozoo Bajou (Various Artists)
John Lee Hooker - Crawlin’ King Snake
Julie Dexter & Khari Simmons – Moon Bossa
King Curtis – King Curtis Live At Fillmore West
Laurindo Almeida featuring Bud Shank – Brazillance Vol. 1
Lee Ritenour – Smoke ‘N’ Mirrors
Leon Ware – Leon Ware
Lou Rawls – The Lou Rawls Show: With Duke Ellington (DVD)
Luther Vandross – The Ultimate Luther Vandross
Mandingo – Primeval Rhythm Of Life
Maria Muldaur – Heart Of Mine: Maria Muldaur Sings Love Songs Of Bob Dylan
Monday Michiru – Free Soul Collection
Mongo Santamaria – Fuego
Monica Salmaso – Trampolim
Motown – The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 5 – 1965 (Various Artists)
Nancy Wilson – Turned To Blue
Natural Selection – Come On Over
Patrick Adams – Master Of The Masterpiece – The Very Best Of Patrick Adams
Patti LaBelle – The Definitive Collection
Randy Crawford & Joe Sample – Feeling Good
Ready Or Not Vol. 2 – Deep Jazz Grooves From The CBC Radio Canada Archives (Various Artists)
Rice And Beans Orchestra - Dante’s Inferno
Rodney Lee – Satellite Orchestra
Rurals – Nettle Soul
Sambajazz – Batida Diferente (Various Artists)
Sammy Davis Jr. – The Definitive Collection
Serge Gainsbourg – Monsieur Gainsbourg – The Originals
Sleep Walker – Voyage
Smokey Robinson – Pure Smokey
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – Gold (2-CDs)
Soul Com Bossa – Compiled By Khari Simmons (Various Artists)
Tania Maria – Intimidade
Touch Of Class – Move Means Everything
Victor Davies – Hear The Sound
Wax Poetics – Issue #18 – August/September 2006
Willie Bobo – Lost And Found
Wilson Simonal – Wilson Simonal Canta Tom E Chico
Yma Sumac – Mambo
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
AARON NEVILLE TO HEADLINE SOUL TOUR WITH HIS QUINTET
Of Neville’s new CD, Joe DiMuro, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Burgundy Records states "Legendary soul classics performed by one of the greatest soul voices of the 20th Century...it doesn't get better than that. Only a voice like Aaron's can make these soul classics new again. It's All Right has been one of the most added songs at AC Radio for two weeks in a row. This week It's All Right is also the second most added song at the Smooth Radio Format.
Bring It On Home ... An Evening Of Soul Classics Tour Dates (Partial List - Additional Dates Added Daily)
Sept. 8 - Meridian, MS (Riley Center for the Performing Arts – Mississippi State Theater)
Sept. 9 - Meridian, MS (Riley Center for the Performing Arts – Mississippi State Theater)
Oct. 2 - Saint Petersburg FL (Mahaffey Theater)
Oct. 3 - Stuart, FL (Lyric Theatre)
Oct. 4 - Tallahassee FL (Florida State University)
Oct. 6 - Atlantic City, NJ (House of Blues)
Oct. 7 - West Long Branch NJ (Monmouth State Univ. Pollak Theatre)
Oct. 8 - Boston, MA (Berklee Music Hall)
Oct. 9 - Annapolis, MD (Rams Head On Stage)
Oct. 13 - NY, NY (Nokia Theatre - CD 101 Festival)
Oct. 14 - Westhampton Beach, NY (Westhampton Performing Arts Center)
Oct. 16 - Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Cabaret)
Oct. 17 - Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Cabaret)
Oct. 18 - Alexandria VA (The Birchmere)
Oct. 20 - Chicago, IL (Live From Studio A - NBC Tower)
Oct. 21- Chicago, IL (Live From Studio A – NBC Tower)
Monday, August 28, 2006
BRIAN MCKNIGHT SIGNS TO WARNER BROS. RECORDS
McKnight, whose multi-platinum albums include Back At One and Anytime, has sold more than 16 million records worldwide since his platinum self-titled debut was released in 1992. As a songwriter and producer, the Buffalo, New York native has recorded with some of the music industry's biggest stars, including Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Willie Nelson, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, and Kenny G. Rolling Stone magazine praised his last album, 2005's Gemini, calling it "painstakingly crafted contemporary R&B that is creative, innovative artistic expression." Brian has earned countless award nominations -- Grammy Award, MTV Music Award, and Blockbuster Award -- and received a Soul Train Award for Best Male Singer, an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Male Artist and an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist.
"Brian is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter, and producer," says Warner Bros. Records CEO Tom Whalley. "His ability to reach audiences of all ages and musical tastes is a testament to his talent and versatility. We're delighted that he is joining the Warner Bros. family." Brian will be a musical guest on the new Fox series "Celebrity Duets." The show, debuting with a two-hour episode on Aug. 29th, is an elimination contest that pairs recording stars with celebrities, with judges and viewers deciding the fate of each duo. The celebrities will compete for a $100,000 cash prize that will be donated to the charity of their choice.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
NOUVELLE VAGUE RELEASES 'BANDE A' PART'
Friday, August 25, 2006
THE CD101.9 PLAYLIST: THE TOP 10 SMOOTH JAZZ SONGS
1. Ray Parker Jr – Mismaloya Beach
2. The Jazzmasters – Free As The Wind
3. Eric Darius – If I Ain’t Got You
4. Euge Groove – Chillaxin’
5. David Benoit – Beat Street
6. Peter White – What Does It Take
7. Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On
8. Mindi Abair – True Blue
9. Fourplay feat. Michael McDonald – My Love’s Leavin’
10. Wayman Tisdale – Get Down On It
GEORGE BENSON ADDED TO CD101.9 LIBERTY JAZZ FESTIVAL
September 9: Alex Bugnon, Gato Barbieri, George Benson, Gil Parris, Norman Brown, Patti Austin, Paul Taylor & Raf Gomez.
September 10: Brian Simpson, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Rafe Gomez, Richard Elliot, Stanley Jordan & Wayman Tisdale.
SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISES WITH DAVE KOZ, JEFF GOLUB, GEORGE BENSON & OTHERS...
Jeff Golub and the Warren Hill Band set sail on the CD101.9 Smooth Cruise season finale on Aug. 30. The smooth jazz cruise will sail along New York’s Hudson Bay.
George Benson, Gerald Albright and Nick Colionne will headline yet another smooth jazz cruise, this one departing from Galveston, Texas. The cruise dates are Jan. 28 – Feb. 4, 2007 and will travel through Jamaica and Mexico.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
LEGENDARY MUSICIAN MAYNARD FERGUSON DIES
Walter "Maynard" Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and band leaders in the history of Jazz,passed away August 23, 2006 at 8:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California. He was 78 years old. His death was the result of kidney and liver failure brought on by an abdominal infection. Ferguson's four daughters Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family members were at his side when he passed away after this brief illness. He spoke by phone with his friend and manager Steve Schankman from St. Louis, longtime tour manager Ed Sargent, and friend, and fellow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
Ferguson had recently returned home to California from New York after several sold out performances in July at the famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey. Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928 in Montreal, started his career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He played with some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940's including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945, at age 17, Ferguson became the leader of his own Big Band. The 78-year old musical phenomenon went on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards including the GRAMMY(R) nomination for Gonna Fly Now. In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. In addition to those accolades, Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious "DownBeat" Award.]
"The Boss," as Ferguson is known, has been performing for packed houses for decades. His recent DVD release, "Live at The Top," captures one of his most memorable performances, a concert held at the Plaza Hotel in Rochester, New York in 1975, with Ferguson performing alongside fellow music pioneers Stan Mark, Ernie Garside and Bruce Johnston. Most recently, Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau Band had been touring the United States. He was preparing for a Fall Tour beginning mid-September in Tokyo, Japan. He had also been invited to play for the King of Thailand's 80th birthday in January.
Ferguson's body will be cremated in his hometown of Ojai, California. Memorial contributions can be made to the Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at University of Missouri - St. Louis, which was established by Steve Schankman at Maynard's 75th birthday celebration. Schankman and the Ferguson family are planning a memorial concert to take place in St. Louis which will feature many of the band's alumni and friends who Ferguson performed with during his more than 60-year musical career.
Maynard Ferguson's latest, and last, recording will be released later this year as a legacy to the life of Maynard Ferguson.
CONCERT NEWS: DAVE VALENTIN, PATTI AUSTIN, HERBIE HANCOCK, JAZZ ON THE ISLANDS & MORE…
Jazz legend Charlie Haden, Ernie Watts, Alan Broadbent and Rodney Green are set to perform at the River Run Centre in Ontario, Canada on Aug. 31. Their tour is to promote the latest album by the Charlie Haden Liberation Orchestra, Not In Our Name. Haden won a Grammy award in 2005 for the best Latin jazz performance on Land Of The Sun.
The Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day weekend from Sept. 1-4 and headliners include Ahmad Jamal, Joe Locke & Milt Jackson Tribute, Detroit Jazz All Stars, Oscar Castro-Neves, The Funk Brothers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Lewis Nash Quartet, Lonnie Liston-Smith, Taj Mahal, Rachelle Farel, Dianne Shuur and many others. For more information click to www.detroitjazzfest.com.
Funk-inspired Brazilian drum ensemble, Wailing Junket, perform at Supperclub in San Francisco on Sept. 9.
Al Green is set to perform at the Charleston Music Heritage Festival being held on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC on Sept. 16.
Banco De Gaia will perform a mixed set of Banco dance-floor classics old and new at Boca in San Francisco on Sept. 16. Banco is currently touring the West Coast supporting his critically-acclaimed new album, Farewell Ferengistan.
Quincy Jones, Billy Dee Williams and Phylicia Rashad host the 2006 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 16-17. This 20th Anniversary Gala will also include appearances by Patti Austin, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Jane Monheit, Joshua Redmond, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, John Pattitucci, George Duke, Andrew Hill, Terence Blanchard, Carl Allen, Danilo Perez, and others still to be announced.
"Jazz On The Islands" is a 10-day annual music festival with an international flavor is in the planning stages and will debut in 2007 in Bradenton, FL. The festival will include a series of live performances at outdoor venues along Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. The Bradenton Convention and Visitors Bureau will partner with a German firm, JazzRadio Ltd., which operates Europe’s only 24-hour commercial jazz station. The Berlin station, Jazz Radio 101.9 attracts visitors via satellite and on its popular Web site, www.jazzradio.net.
The upcoming Catalina Island, CA Smooth Jazz Extravaganza is gearing up for some smooth jazz weekends in October, with the following artists line-up: Peter White (Oct. 5); Marc Antoine (Oct. 12); and Jonathan Butler (Oct. 19). Also appearing at the Catalina Extravaganza for the first time will be new British keyboardist Oli Silk and brand new saxophonist Jesse Jay.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
NEW RELEASES FROM DAVE HOLLAND, JODY WATLEY, GREGER HILLMAN & MARK WEINSTEIN
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
RICHARD BONA RELEASES ‘TIKI’ HIS 4TH ALBUM
TOWER RECORDS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY; SEEKS IMMINENT BUYER
Monday, August 21, 2006
ADULT CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC JAZZ TRUMPHET PLAYER, GUYMON ENSLEY RELEASES SOLO CD
Saturday, August 19, 2006
RAY CHARLES & THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA TECHNOLOGICALLY PAIRED
Friday, August 18, 2006
UPCOMING CONCERTS: MARCUS MILLER, LEE RITENOUR, NAJEE, ERIC DARIUS, PETE ESCOEDO, NONA HENDRYX, FRANK MORGAN, MAYSA & OTHERS…
Thursday, August 17, 2006
MICHAEL MANSON’S 2nd RELEASE ‘JUST FEELIN’ IT’ SET FOR RELEASE SEPT. 12
With the release of his previous CD, The Bottom Line, Michael Manson joined the ranks of today's premiere jazz artists as he moved from sideman to center stage. His first single Outer Drive reached the top 10 on the R&R Smooth Jazz. His passion and precision are displayed with both unrelenting power and laid-back grace on the album that, he says, "reflects the deepest expression of all I have felt making music for the last twenty years."
For Michael Manson, the bottom line has always been great music. Since he first picked up a guitar (not a bass), he has moved persistently from strength to strength, one association leading inevitably to another in a career that has brought him front and center with the most esteemed names in jazz, gospel, R&B, rock and pop. A native of Chicago, he joined City Lights and began performing regularly on Chicago's jazz circuit. In 1999, he was invited to play the Montreux Casino Lights Festival. Sharing the stage with the likes of Boney James, George Duke and Kirk Whalum, he made connections that would eventually lead to a spot performing on the Montreux Jazz Tour.
On Michael Manson's new CD Just Feelin' It, he is credited for writing and production. For this album Michael has collected the who's who of Smooth Jazz: Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson, Nelson Range, Norman Brown, Paul Jackson Jr., the legendary George Duke and many more great jazz musicians. This album is a great mix of contemporary jazz, R&B and even a little gospel. For Michael Manson, love of musical communication, exploration, collaboration and celebration is clearly what it's all about. This sophomore release reflects Manson's unabating passion with joy and inspired artistry, "There are musical conversations that are intriguing and I hope the audience shares in that. But it is just great for musicians to communicate in that way. That's the joy of music. To make great music like that every night, that's what it's all about."
ADDITIONAL SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO STATIONS TO COME AS THE HD RADIO ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES 18 NEW HD2 MARKETS
The next 18 markets to roll out HD2 multicast programming are:
Austin, TX
Raleigh, NC
Nashville, TN
Greensboro, NC
New Orleans, LA
West Palm Beach, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Monmouth
Ocean Buffalo, NY
Oklahoma City, OK
Rochester, NY
Louisville, KY
Richmond, VA
Greenville, SC
Honolulu, HI
Tucson, AZ
Albany, NY
Ft. Myers, FL
Among those groups in the next wave are: CBS Radio, which has added stations in Austin, Buffalo, Rochester and West Palm Beach, and will launch their multicast format this fall.
MARKET / STATION / HD2 FORMAT
AUSTIN / KKMJ-FM / Oldies 60s & 70s
KAMX-FM / Oldies All 80s
KXBT-FM / Urban AC
BUFFALO / WYRK-FM / Young Country
WBLK-FM / Urban AC
WJYE-FM / Smooth Jazz
WBUF-FM / My HD
ROCHESTER/ WRMM-FM / Oldies 60s & 70s
WCMF-FM / Brother Wease Show (Eclectic)
WPXY-FM / Modern AC
WZNE-FM / IndieRock
WEST PALM BEACH / WEAT-FM / Hot AC
WBMX-FM / Old School Hip-Hop
WIRK-FM / Country Southern Rock Blend
WJBW-FM / Gospel
WPBZ-FM / Triple A
Emmis Communications has unveiled its next wave of HD2 channels in Austin. Emmis will roll out these multicast channels in the coming months.
KBPA-FM (BOB-FM) will air a smooth jazz channel on its secondary signal, KDHT-FM (HOT 93.3) will broadcast an "Old Skool" hip-hop channel, KLBJ-FM will air an Austin blues channel, KGSR-FM listeners hear a "Deep, Deep Tracks" channel, and KROX (101X) will play hard rock and metal on its HD2 channel.
And Greater Media has announced details of two new HD2 multicast channels in the New Jersey market. In addition to WDHA-FM and WMGQ-FM, Greater Media New Jersey will soon be able to double its program offerings to WRAT-FM and WJRZ-FM listeners with an HD radio.
New Multicast Formats: WRAT- FM HD 2: "RAT 2" will be the name of the new, female friendly, Rock-based format which will play a variety of artists ranging from the Pretenders to Coldplay. The multicast channel will complement WRAT’s current male dominated rock format.
SMOOTH JAZZ SUMMER NIGHTS WITH MICHAEL LINGTON, STEVE COLE & THE SAX PACK AT PENN’S LANDING
ALICE SMITH ‘FOR LOVERS, DREAMERS, AND ME’
Alice Smith Tour Schedule
Aug 22 - The Mercury Lounge, NYC
Aug 30 - Rockwood Music Hall, NYC
Sep 13 - Burlington, VT Higher Ground
Sep 14 - Boston, MA Avalon Ballroom
Sep 15 - New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Sep 16 - Atlantic City, NJ Borgatta Music Box
Sep 19 - New Haven, CT Toad's Place
Sep 20 - Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Sep 21 - Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Sep 22 - Carborro, NC Cat's Cradle
Sep 23 - Charleston, SC Center Stage at the Plex
Sep 26 - Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
Sep 27 - Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre
Sep 28 - Nashville, TN City Hall
Sep 29 - Athens, GA Georgia Theatre
Sep 30 - Atlanta, GA Center Stage (Earthlink Live)
Oct 12 - Los Angeles, CA HOB
Oct 13 - Los Angeles, CA HOB
Oct 14 - Anaheim, CA HOB
Oct 15 - San Francisco, CA The Independent
Oct 16 - San Francisco, CA The Independent
Oct 18 - Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
Oct 19 - Vancouver, BC Richard on Richard's
Oct 20 - Seattle, WA The Showbox
Oct 21 - Seattle, WA The Showbox
Oct 22 - Seattle, WA The Showbox
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
NATALIE COLE TO RELEASE ‘LEAVIN’ HER 20th STUDIO ALBUM
The launch of the new CD will be led by a remake of the 1972 #1 Billboard R&B single, the Aretha Franklin smash Day Dreaming. Updated with a bit of hip-hop flavor, the song is the first single from the album, and marks the release of Cole’s first urban/pop single in nearly 16 years.The title track is a soulful recast of the Shelby Lynne song from her Grammy winning 2000 release I Am Shelby Lynne. She also tackles a rock standard by taking on Neil Young’s Old Man, an eloquent compliment to the original that shows the warmth and subtlety of her voice. Then there’s Fiona Apple’s hit Criminal, on which Cole and Austin gave a bluesy feel, as well as The More You Do It, a track that pays homage to her first husband and musical collaborator, the late Marvin Yancy. The track completes a trio of soulful cuts including the Isley Brothers Don’t Say Goodnight and the Etta James inspired Lovin’ Arms, each of which grants Cole the opportunity to move back to her 70’s roots with rich, shimmering vocals. Other highlights include remakes of songs written and made famous by Sting and Kate Bush.
UPCOMING CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENTS: BEAT KAESTLI, KEITH WASHINGTON, NICK COLIONNE, MATTHEW HERBERT, CARMEN LUNDY & MORE…
'BONNIE RAITT AND FRIENDS' CD/DVD FEATURING NORAH JONES, BEN HARPER, ALISON KRAUSS & KEB’ MO’ RELEASED
DVD track listing
1. Unnecessarily Mercenary (featuring Jon Cleary)
2. I Will Not Be Broken
3. God Was In The Water
4. Gnawin' On It
5. You (featuring Alison Krauss)
6. Papa Come Quick (featuring Alison Krauss)
7. No Gettin' Over You (featuring Keb’ Mo’)
8. Love Letter (featuring Keb’ Mo’)
9. Crooked Crown
10. Trinkets
11. Two Lights In The Nighttime (featuring Ben Harper)
12. Well, Well, Well (featuring Ben Harper)
13. Something To Talk About
14. Hear Me Lord
15. I Don't Want Anything To Change (featuring Norah Jones)
16. Tennessee Waltz (featuring Norah Jones)
17. Love Sneakin' Up On You (featuring All Special Guests)
CD track listing
1. Introduction
2. Unnecessarily Mercenary (featuring Jon Cleary)
3. I Will Not Be Broken
4. God Was In The Water
5. Gnawin’ On It
6. You (featuring Alison Krauss)
7. Love Letter (featuring Keb’ Mo’)
8. Two Lights In The Nighttime (featuring Ben Harper)
9. Well, Well, Well (featuring Ben Harper)
10. Something To Talk About
11. I Don't Want Anything To Change (featuring Norah Jones)
2. Love Sneakin' Up On You (featuring All Special Guests)
IN THE STUDIO WITH AMOS LEE, NORAH JONES, & SUZANNE VEGA
BOOZOO BAJOU JOINED BY NICOLE WILLIS, DENNIS BOVELL, MULATU ASTAQUE & HANNE HUKKELBERG ON ‘JUKE JOINT 2’
Monday, August 14, 2006
AARON NEVILLE NEW 'SOUL CLASSICS' ALBUM DUE SEPT. 19
"By putting our own twist on it, we are making these beloved soul classics new again." Stewart Levine produced the album. Levine, who has worked with a bevy of platinum selling artists, including Jamie Cullum, Simply Red and B.B. King, has produced over 10 Grammy-award winning records. "This is very natural ground for Aaron, as he grew up immersed in the sounds of classic rhythm and blues. It's not a departure or some grand 'concept' -- it's a very natural fit for him and something he's wanted todo for a very long time," says Levine. "The idea behind the record was simplicity itself. We took these iconic songs and stripped them to their essence. We didn't want Aaron to cover them; we wanted him to redefine them. He did just that." "I am excited to be a part of Burgundy Records and look forward to giving my existing fans and, hopefully, new fans some brand new music,"says Aaron Neville. New Orleans' "first son" and four-time Grammy(R) award-winning artist, Neville has a trademark angelic voice and an impressive body of work to go along with it.
The Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group (SMG) recently launched its new record label, Burgundy Records. The Sony BMG SMG imprint plans to sign legendary multi-platinum artists and release new titles in conjunction withan innovative marketing campaign that will promote the artists through traditional and non-traditional channels.
Final Aaron Neville track listing and sequence
1. Rainy Night In Georgia (featuring Chris Botti)
2. Ain't No Sunshine
3. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
4. Stand By Me
5. You Send Me
6. Respect Yourself (featuring Mavis Staples)
7. When A Man Loves A Woman
8. Let's Stay Together (featuring Chaka Khan)
9. It's All Right
10. People Get Ready (featuring Art Neville and David Sanborn)
11. My Girl
12. Ain't That Peculiar
13. A Change Is Gonna Come
Friday, August 11, 2006
ANDRE DELANO ON TOUR AND PREPPING NEW ALBUM
On July 21, 2006, Delano returned to his alma mater as the featured performer at Jackson State University’s Battle of the Saxes. The 1994 graduate wowed a sold-out crowd including high school buddies, new fans, music enthusiasts, city officials and onlookers from every Southern state. This fall, Delano's release Funkbone off his debut album Full Circle, can be hears on the Sony BMG Jazz compilation CD The Lounge Connection featuring other great artists like Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Alfonzo Blackwell, George Benson and many others. Delano continues his musical journey with the release of a Jazz Christmas album entitled First Christmas due for release in November.
GEORGE BENSON & AL JARREAU PAIR UP FOR NEW CD ‘GIVIN IT UP’
NEWPORT JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND; MSN VIDEO TO BROADCAST ONLINE
Thursday, August 10, 2006
JOHN MAYER, GIL PARRIS, BRAD MEHLDAU, PAT METHENY. DAVID BENOIT, ALEXANDER ZONJIC & MORE
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
DIANA KRALL'S LATEST CD 'FROM THIS MOMENT ON’ SET FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 19
PHILADELPHIA’S SMOOTH JAZZ RADIO WJJZ TO SWITCH FORMATS
CONTEMPORARY/SMOOTH JAZZ AND SOFT R&B FROM MS. JAZ
Contemporary/Smooth Jazz and Soft R&B are the styles of music you will hear when attending a Ms. Jaz performance. Be it a festival or indoor venue, you will feel as though you are sitting front row at a national concert. Smoky and smooth are the words used to describe her vocals. Named among the "Top Ten Jazz Albums" in British Columbia in 2003, and named by Cincinnati's Citybeat Magazine as one of the "Top Local Artists to Produce a CD on A National Level", Ms. Jaz rose to popularity with her 2002 CD release Chances.
A Cincinnati based vocalist and writer; she has performed in various cities across the nation. She has shared the stage with such artists as jazz great Gumbi Ortiz, percussionist for guitar great Al Di Meola. Many have compared her smooth vocals to the great Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Phyllis Hyman and Anita Baker. Ms. Jaz performed background vocals live in concert for Phil Perry, Windham Hill's hot vocalist at Cincinnati's Aronoff Center and opened for Regina Belle at the 1999 Applause Magazine Image Maker Awards Gala, Bobby Blue Bland, Marion Meadows and Pieces Of A Dream. 2004 was her debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) as the featured artist on a Jazz Cruise sponsored by the CSO.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: MICHAEL ASHANTI, OCOTE SOUL SOUNDS, HUGH “PEANUTS” WHALUM & MORE...
JIM BRICKMAN RETURNS WITH “ESCAPE’ FEATURING MARC ANTOINE, GERALD LEVERT & SARA EVANS
Brickman's first collaboration with SLG Records is a fine return to form for the chart-topping, multi-platinum artist. Escape is a lush, unabashed work of romanticism, both in the instrumental compositions and vocal ballads - a niche that he almost single-handedly dominates. Like his numerous gold and platinum-selling projects, Escape features an enchanting collection of gorgeous piano compositions, romantic piano and vocal ballads and rhythmic light jazz selections. Gerald Levert (who attended the same high school in Cleveland with Jim) adds his effortlessly fluid vocals on the beautiful lullaby, My Angel - it's a collaboration that reaches beyond musical genres and fits seamlessly into Brickman's repertoire. Other guest artists include jazz guitarist extraordinaire Marc Antoine, Jake Simpson (a fantastic singer who won "Star Search" and made a heartwarming appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show with a surprise appearance by his idol, Stevie Wonder), and Geoff Byrd, an incredible vocal talent who has been touring the past few months with Hall and Oates.
The singles being released to Adult Contemporary radio will be the evocative When It Snows featuring Geoff Byrd and Never Alone featuring Sara Evans on vocals with lyrics and music by Victoria Shaw. Both were produced by Dan Shea, the musical genius responsible for Brickman's chart-topping singles, Valentine and The Gift. Much like the Brickman/Martina McBride song Valentine (Jim's first #1 single on both the Adult Contemporary and Country charts), Never Alone matches that impeccable styling, unforgettable melodies and lyrical beauty.
Jim Brickman's remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine's New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" award, a Canadian Country Music Award for "Best Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration," a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for The Gift and sold out concert tours internationally.
The SLG relationship reunites Jim Brickman with Savoy Label Group's Steve Vining, who presided over Windham Hill Records when Jim first began his impressive run of blockbuster releases. The charismatic performer quickly became known as a fresh and vibrant recording and concert artist who created and performed enormously moving solo piano compositions as well as established himself as an Adult Contemporary radio iconoclast. Brickman also regularly handles TV hosting chores and presents most of his own concerts worldwide. He also finds time to run his own online marketing company, Brickhouse, which provides virtual and physical marketing services for a broad array of artists and management companies.
The Savoy Label Group (SLG) features not only the historic Savoy Jazz label but also the Denon, Denon Classics, Kin Kou and 429 Records labels. SLG is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan. Newly reorganized and now headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, Columbia Music Entertainment has re-emerged as a significant creative force with a stable of newly signed platinum-selling artists. SLG is one of the most successful marketers of adult music in the U.S. and focuses on classical, jazz, new age, world and adult alternative genres.
Monday, August 07, 2006
JAZZ CHILL CORNER NEWS BITS: THE ROYAL DAN: A TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN, MADELINE PEYROUX, MASSIVE ATTACK & MORE
MARCUS MILLERTO HOST JAZZ CRUISES THAT BLEND JAZZ CRUISE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 05, 2006
JODY WATLEY TO APPEAR AT VIRGIN MEGASTORE FOR 'THE MAKEOVER'
The Makeover is a groove-laden odyssey of fresh sounds that find the Grammy Award winning artist doing "makeovers" of contemporary classics such as: Bob Marley's Waiting in Vain, Diana Ross' Love Hangover, Chic's I Want Your Love and Madonna's Borderline, in addition to inspired new material including A Bed of Roses with the UK's soul-jazz, broken beat outfit 4 Hero. The Makeover, heavily influenced by club culture that inspires Watley, features collaborations with some of the finest forward thinking trailblazers in the contemporary dance and electronic music landscape including: King Britt, 4 Hero, DJ Spinna, Ron Trent and Chris Brann yielding top-shelf, beat savvy results. The Makeover clearly exemplifies the importance of reinvention, endless creativity and, most importantly, why Jody Watley is such an unbeatable force in the global music scene. The album went on sale August 8.