NEW MUSIC RELEASES FROM HERBIE HANCOCK, JEFF LORBER, KIRK WHALUM, HI FLY ORCHESTRA, VERVE REMIXED & OTHERS...

Al Green – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart (Music Club)
April Hill – Love 360 (Jazzy Peach Music )
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones – Jingle All The Way (Rounder)
Bette Midler – Jackpot!: The Best Bette (Rhino)
Bette Midler – Some People’s Lives (Rhino Flashback)
Billy Paul – 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul (Legacy)
Bryn Christopher – My World (Universal)
Boomers – What We Do (Phantom Imports )
Cal Tjader – Cal Tjader Plays The Contemporary Music of Mexico & Brazil (Verve)
Charlie Haden – Friends & Family (Decca)
Claudia Acuna – In These Shoes (Zoho Music)
Cro-Magnum – III (Lastrum)
Cro-Magnum – Remixes (Lastrum)
The Crusaders – Pass The Plat (Verve)
Edda Dell’Orso – Sogni Di Bambina-A Child’s Dream (GDM)
Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band – Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band Meets King Pennett (RCA)
Dr. John – Goin’ Back To New Orleans (Rhino Flashback)
Damon Aaron – Highlands (Ubiquity)
Dele Sosimi – Identity (Helico)
Diana Ross & The Supremes – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Don E – Natural (Dome)
Drawbar – Flight Of The Tempest (Counterpoint)
Earl Johnson – Juicy (First Domain)
Ed Motta – Chapter 9 (Trana)
Eliane Elias - Bossa Nova Stories (Blue Note)
Esther Phillips – Alone Again, Naturally (Kudu/Reel Music)
Fourplay - Energy (Heads Up )
Four Tops – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
George Duke - Feel (Verve )
Gladys Knight & The Pips – The Definitive Colllection (Motown/UME)
Grover Washington Jr – All The King’s Horses (Verve )
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Wake Up Everybody (Legacy)
Herbie Hancock – Definitive Herbie Hancock (Verve )
Herbie Mann – London Underground (Wounded Bird )
Hi Fly Orchestra – Mambo Atomico (Ajabu)
James Taylor – Covers (Hear Music)
Jason Miles – 2 Grover With Love (Koch)
Jazz Cafe – Sight Unseen (Unison )
Jeff Lorber – Heard That (Peak)
Joe Sample – Fancy Dance (Gazell )
Junior Walker & The All-Stars – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Kenny Garrett – Sketches of MD Live At The Iridium (Mack Avenue )
Kenny Loggins – How About Now (180 Music)
Kirk Whalum – The Millenium Promise Jazz Project (Koch)
Kloud 9 – Enjoy The Ride (Expansion)
LaSonya Gunter – Crazy Beautiful (BlakDol/Regular)
Lalo Shifrin – Piane Strings & Bossa Nova (Verve )
Leon Huff – How To Create Music (Legacy)
Lin Rountree – Sumthin’ Good (Nu Millennium )
Linda Eder – The Other Side of Me (Verve)
Lizzy Parks – Raise The Roof (Tru Thoughts)
Love Train: The Sound Of Philadelphia (4CD, Various Artists, Legacy)
Luiz Bonfa – Plays & Sings Bossa Nova (Verve )
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Martin Medeski & Wood – Zaebos: The Book Of Angels Vol 11 (Tzadik )
Martin Taylor – Double Standard (P3 Music Ltd )
Mary Wells – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Michael McDonald – If That’s What It Takes (Rhino Flashback)
Mike Thompson with Ernie Watts – Menagery
Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (Columbia)
Natalie Cole – Good To Be Back (Rhino Flashback)
Nicole Henry - Very Thought Of You (Banister)
Nicola Conte – Rituals (Universal)
Nicola Conte – Sketches Of Samba (Schema)
Nina Simone – To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story (RCA)
The O’Jays – Back Stabbers (Legacy)
Pat Metheny – New Chautauqua (ECM)
Patricia Barber – The Cole Porter Mix (Blue Note)
Peter Maneri – Peace Concert (Atavistic )
Randy Brecker – Randy In Brasil
Raphael Saadiq – Way I See It (Columbia)
Ric Laue – The Weight (Sunset Classics & Jazz )
Robin Thicke – Something Else (Interscope)
Roy Ayers – You Send Me (Verve )
Russ Kunkel - Rivage (Mailboat )Russell Gunn – Love Stories (Highnote )
Santana – Multi-Dimensional Warrior (2CD)
Sarah Vaughan – Jazz Manifesto (Delta)
Shuya Okino – United Legends – More Remixes (Genenon)
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Soil & Pimp Sessions – Planet Pimp (Brownswood)
Sonar Kollektiv Orchester – Guaranteed Niceness (Sonar Kollektiv)
Soul Bossa Trio – Soul Bossa Trio (Cubop )
Spyro Gyra – A Night Before Christmas (Heads Up )
Stan Getz – Big Band Bossa Nova (Verve)
Stanley Turrentine – Dearly Beloved (Blue Note )
Steve Tilleli – The Field (Sunset )
Sylvester – Sell My Soul/Too Hot Too Sleep (Fantasy)
Sylester – Sylvester/Step II (Fantasy)
Swing Out Sister – Beautiful Mess (Miso)
Taj Mahal – Maestro (Heads Up)
Teddy Pendergrass – Teddy Pendergrass (Legacy)
Teddy Pendergrass – Life Is A Song Worth Singing (Legacy)
The Temptations – The Definitive Collection (Motown/UME)
Thievery Corporation – Radio Retaliation (ESL)
Toninho Horta – To Jobim With Lovedig (Resonance )
Tony Rich Project – Exist (Hidden Beach)
Traffic – Love At Santa Monica (DVD, Pinnacle)
Two Banks Of Four – Junkyard Gods (Somar Kollektiv)
UB40 – UB40: Greatest Hits (Virgin/EMI)
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (Vinyl LP)
Van Morrison – Moondance (Vinyl LP)
Van Morrison - His Band & Street Choir (Vinyl LP)
Van Morrison – A Period of Transition (Polydor)
Van Morrison - How Long Has This Been Going On (Polydor)
Van Morrison - Hymns to the Silence (Polydor)
Van Morrison - Poetic Champions Compose (Polydor)
Van Morrison - Saint Dominic’s Preview (Polydor)
Van Morrison - Tell Me Something (Polydor)
Verve Remixed Holiday (Various Artists)
Verve Unmixed Holiday (Various Artists)

Vince Mendoza - Blaukland (Amv )
YahZarah – Prelude EP (Yahzarah)

D'ANGELO - I FOUND MY SMILE AGAIN

R&B-soul singer-songwriter D'Angelo has returned with his new single "I Found My Smile Again (Radio Edit)", which is slated for a September 30th release date exclusively through iTunes. The track is a true representation of D'Angelo's soul fusion, as the song is sprinkled with hints of hip hop, funk and jazz and layered with some of the most charismatic R&B vocal styling.

D'Angelo was one of the founding fathers of R&B soul movement of the mid- to late '90s, which took classic R&B fused it with new age hip-hop soul. D'Angelo's debut album, "Brown Sugar" earned him significant critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone Magazine who proclaimed, "D'Angelo keeps moving forward even when he's looking in the rearview mirror. Like his fellow retrolutionaries Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Joi, Omar and Dionne Farris, he's shattering the conventional definition of black music." The album's double platinum success triggered extensive touring and soundtrack recordings for films like Space Jam, Get On The Bus, Down In The Delta, and Scream 2; and a duet with Erykah Badu for the "Marvin Is 60: A Tribute Album".

The singer-songwriter's follow-up, "Voodoo", debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200, despite a five-year wait in between and positioned him firmly a the top of the R&B heap. Produced and written by D'Angelo and recorded live with no overdubs, "Voodoo" featured high profile collaborations with Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, Method Man and Redman. The album took D'Angelo's career to new heights and earned the singer songwriter his first of two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album, and D'Angelo also won the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Untitled (How Does It Feel)."

D'Angelo is currently putting the finishing touches on the next chapter in his book of musical fusion with his third solo offering, which is slated for release in early 2009 through the RCA Music Group and J Records.

For more information click tot Myspace.com/dangelo.

ROBIN THICKE OFFERS SIX REMIXES FROM ‘SOMETHING ELSE’

Grammy winner, Robin Thicke has a top 5 hit on his hands with "Magic," the lead single from his new album, "Something Else," due Sept. 30 from Interscope Records / Star Trak Records. The certified platinum soul singer is truly creating the "magic" with a first-of-its-kind partnership with GenAudio, which is debuting its new audio technology, AstoundStereo(TM), by providing alternate mixes of six tracks from "Something Else." "As an artist, having this kind of technology is a dream come true. My goal is to always have my audience hear my music on a deeper level, so I am thrilled about AstoundStereo(TM)," says Robin Thicke.

The six AstoundStereo(TM) re-mixed tracks -- "Magic," "Sidestep," "Dreamworld," "Sweetest Love," "Shadow of Doubt" and "Cry no More" – are available as a gift-with-purchase for anyone who orders the digital version of the album on the artist's website (robinthicke.com) or the physical CD on Amazon.com. Robin Thicke is the first artist to showcase his music using
AstoundStereo(TM).

Developed by GenAudio, the new technology, AstoundStereo(TM), is the next dimension in the evolution of audio. A next generation 4D audio technology, AstoundStereo(TM) immerses the listener with sounds, elevating and widening the sonic landscape to create a much more enjoyable listening experience. "This will change the way the world listens to audio," says Jerry Mahabub, Chairman/CEO of GenAudio. "AstoundStereo(TM) is not only the next dimension in the evolution of audio, it will become the new standard for listening to audio."

AstoundStereo(TM) requires no special hardware or decoding. Headphones or two speakers are all that is needed to experience 4D audio. In addition to providing for a better stereo listening experience, AstoundStereo(TM) also integrates seamlessly with all Surround Sound delivery formats yielding a better multi-channel audio experience. In other words, it is compatible with all audio playback systems including but not limited to home theater setups, portable music players, computers, car stereos, etc.

Interscope Records credits the artist's musical palette for the GenAudio partnership. "There is an inherent richness to Robin's music, as well as a variety of musical styles, that we thought would work well with the new GenAudio technology -- and it does," says Ted Mico, EVP of Digital at Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA). "We see this as a good fit between artist and technology."

Thicke's customized Musicane widget will be posted on his official site (http://www.robinthicke.com/) offering fans the opportunity to buy the entire album and/or individual songs directly from him, via his website. Fans that buy his album directly from his site will instantly be able to download the AstoundStereo(TM) files directly from the widget. The widget will contain previews of the album, news, videos and, for the first time, sell his branded merchandise. The digital music downloads sold via Thicke's Musicane will offer his full catalog in unrestricted 320 kbps MP3 format. All music is DRM-free and will be playable on any portable and home music players including the Apple iPod(R) and iPhone(R).

Robin Thicke's manager Neil Jacobson, of Interscope Management, concurs. "I compared the original mixes versus the AstoundStereo(TM) mixes on all six tracks," he says. "You can close your eyes and hear how the audio expands around your ears and above your head -- it completely immerses you in Robin's music. This technology takes Robin's music to a new
level."

Because Robin Thicke's music is varied -- from upbeat and funky to soulful and atmospheric -- GenAudio showcases the different ways that AstoundStereo(TM) can be applied to different styles of music, Mahabub explains. "With Robin having such a wide range of musical style, it enabled us to have a new level of creativity using our AstoundStereo(TM) technology." From a marketing perspective, Interscope now has a different type of bonus offering for Robin Thicke fans. "This is a great incentive for fans to buy the album," Jacobson notes. "This is real, tangible, and makes perfect sense."

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES LIVE AT THE TROUBADOR

Last May, Daryl Hall and John Oates took the stage at the legendary Troubadour for the first time since playing their earliest Los Angeles shows there 35 years before. The best performances from this much anticipated two-night concert, which included hits such as "Maneater," "Private Eyes," "Rich Girl," "Sara Smile" and "Kiss On My List," will be made available in three formats - DVD, Blu-Ray, and a 1-DVD/2-CD combo, via Shout! Factory on November 25. Beyond the classic hits, the sold-out shows featured rarely performed fan favorites and deep album cuts, as well as Daryl Hall solo material, with the duo backed by a band comprised of longtime member T-Bone Wolk on guitar and voccls, Mike Braun on drums, Charles DeChant on sax, keys and vocals, Eliot Lewis on keys and vocals, Zev Katz on bass, and Everett Bradley on percussion and vocals.

The concerts were filmed by Blaze TV with 10 remote-controlled HD cameras, allowing the viewer to experience the performance as if they were inside the crowded LA club. Although an abridged version of the show will be broadcast on VH1's Rave HD channel in late 2008, the Live At The Troubadour DVD will be the only way to catch performances of all of the songs, as well as exclusive new interviews with Hall and Oates.

Originally formed in Philadelphia in 1972, Daryl Hall & John Oates have enjoyed six #1 singles between the mid-'70s and the mid-80's, including "Rich Girl" (also #1 R&B), "Kiss on My List," "Private Eyes," "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" (also #1 R&B), "Maneater" and "Out of Touch," from their six consecutive multi-platinum albums -- '76's Bigger Than Both of Us, '80's Voices, '81's Private Eyes, '82's H2O, '83's Rock N Soul, Part I and '84's Big Bam Boom. The era would also produce an additional 5 Top 10 singles, "Sara Smile," "One on One," "You Make My Dreams," "Say It Isn't So" and "Method of Modern Love."

Hall and Oates have recently been receiving recognition from younger artists including KT Tunstall, Gym Class Heroes and Finger Eleven, all of whom have appeared on Daryl's media and fan-praised web show, http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/ the captivating series that has been receiving kudos from Rolling Stone, Spin, Daily Variety and the influential Lefsetz Letter.

Daryl also wrote the H&O single "Everytime You Go Away," which singer Paul Young scored a number-one hit with a cover of the song in 1985. That same year, Daryl and John, participated in the historic "We Are the World" session as well as closing the Live Aid show in Philadelphia. By 1987, the R.I.A.A. recognized Daryl Hall and John Oates as the NUMBER-ONE SELLING DUO
in music history, a record they still hold today.

On May 20, 2008, the duo was honored with the Icon Award during BMI's 56th annual Pop Awards. The award has previously gone to the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Ray Davies, Carlos Santana and Dolly Parton.

VIEUX FARKA TOURE SIGNS WITH SIX DEGREES RECORDS

Six Degrees Records has recently announced the signing of Vieux Farka Touré, the fast rising Malian guitarist, singer, songwriter, and son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré. Vieux quickly stepped into the spotlight after the release of his self-titled debut album in 2006, which continues to receive press accolades worldwide. Starting the second week of September, Vieux is embarking on his fall North American tour that includes New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and more (see full tour dates below). He is hot on the heels of three months of touring Europe, the U.S. and Canada this summer followed by the critically acclaimed African James Brown tribute tour entitled "Still Black, Still Proud," alongside Brown's players saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and trombonist Fred Wesley.

Born in 1981, Ibrahim "Vieux" Farka Touré is a Malian singer and guitarist born in Niafunke, Mali. Touré is the son of famed African musician Al Farka Toure. Vieux's debut solo album, released online in fall 2006 and in retail worldwide February 2007, features Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabate on several tracks. His touring band consists as follows:

Vieux Farka Touré: lead guitar, vocals

Mama Sissoko: ngoni, guitar

Seckou Touré: calabash, vocals

Tim Keiper: Drums, aux percussion

Eric Herman: bass guitar

Vieux Farka Touré, North American Tour Dates

10/01 - Quebec City, Canada @ Palais Montcalm

10/03 - Bloomington, IN @ Lotus Festival

10/04 - Nelsonville, OH @ Stuart's Opera

10/05 - Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere

10/10 - 10/11 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Folk

10/13 - Pittsburgh, PA @ New Hazlett Theatre

10/15 - 10/19 - Black Mountain, NC @ (LEAF)

SMOOTH JAZZ FORMATS LOSE RADIO STATIONS…BUT GAIN ONLINE PRESENCE

As a result of so many major-market radio stations dropping the Smooth Jazz format, it’s no wonder that Greater Media has officially partnered with AccuRadio to produce PhillySmoothJazz.com, described as a new, unique online music station which provides Philadelphia’s dedicated jazz and R&B fans with a place to hear all of their favorite Smooth Jazz artists. Greater Media, if you recall, is the same company, who after two years dropped the smooth jazz format over at WJJZ in Philadelphia on September 9. Then they turned around and resurrected the format online in partnership with Radio and Internet Newsletter (RAIN) founder Kurt Hanson. This should satisfy the 20,000 or so core smooth jazz fans over in Philadelphia who were nothing short of pissed when they tuned on the radio one day only to find that the format has changed.

PhillySmoothJazz.com is the worlds' first multi-channel Smooth Jazz radio station, offering six different channels of Smooth Jazz. These options include a main channel, plus Smooth Piano Jazz, Smooth Guitarists, Smooth Saxophones, Smooth Jazz Vocals, and Smooth Instrumentals. Once listeners launch a channel, they can personalize it to their individual tastes, including skipping songs they don't like, or even "deselecting" artists they don't want to hear. Additional channels slated to be unveiled later this month include Broadway Jazz, Groove Jazz, and a Smooth Jazz channel devoted specifically to Philadelphia-based musicians. In addition, the "Other Channels" tab on the media player will provide Jazz fans with access to 14 channels of Mainstream Jazz. The webcast is available now at http://www.phillysmoothjazz.com/.

THE OCTOBER CONCERT LISTINGS

Eric Benet @ South Beach, Detroit, MI, Oct 1
Vieux Farka Toure @ Palais Montcalm, Quebec City, Canada, Oct 1
Teddy Thompson @ Bercy, Paris, France, Oct 1
Herbie Hancock @ Opera House, Vienna , Austria, Oct 1
Blues Traveler @ Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA, Oct 1
Jesse Baylin @ Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 1
Brian Culbertson, Ledisi @ Capital Jazz Supercruise, Baltimore, MD, Oct 1-2
Marcus Johnson @ Holiday Inn, Washington, DC, Oct 2
Linda Eder @ Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 2
Jesse Baylin @ Nokia Theatre, New York, NY, Oct 2
Mindi Abair @ Unplugged at the Wrigley Ranch, Avalon, CA, Oct 2
Teddy Thompson @ Scala, London, UK, Oct 2
Eric Benet @ Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH, Oct 2
Santana @ Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 2-3
Vieux Farka Toure @ Lotus Festival, Bloomington, IN, Oct 3
Marcus Johnson @ Montepelier Arts Center, Washington, DC, Oct 3
Teddy Thompson @ Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff, UK, Oct 3
Ledisi @ Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX, Oct 3
Leona Naess @ Union Theater, Madison, WI, Oct 3
Brian Culbertson @ Hyatt Newport Amphitheatre, Newport Beach, CA, Oct 3
Brazilian Girls @ The House Of Blues, Chicago, IL, Oct 3
Blues Traveler @ Harrah’s, New Orleans, LA, Oct 3
U-Nam, The Sax Pack: Keff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, Kim Waters @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 3
Jackiem Joyner, LA Chillharmonic, Jessy J, Acoustic Alchemy @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 4
Brian Culberton @ Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA, Oct 4
Blues Traveler @ Free Bird, Jacksonvill,e Fl, Oct 4
Santana @ MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Oct 4
Ledisi @ The House Of Blues, New Orleans, LA, Oct 4
Vieux Farka Toure @ Stuart’s Opera, Nelsonville, OH, Oct 4
Brazilian Girls @ Diesel Playhouse, Toronto, Ontario, CA, Oct 4
Marcus Johnson @ Charlestown Resort & Casino, Charlestown, WV, Oct 4
Eric Benet @ State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ, Oct 5
Herbie Hancock @ Centro Cultural, Angra, Azores, Oct 5
Vieuz Farka Toure @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Oct 5
Brian Bromberg, Warren Hill @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 5
Brazilian Girls @ Club Soda, Montreal, Quebec, CA, Oct 5
Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Blues Traveler @ The Social, Orlando, Fl, Oct 6
Eric Benet @ B.B. King’s, New York, NY, Oct 6
Santana @ Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA, Oct 6
Herbie Hancock @ Semperoper, Dreisden, Germany, Oct 7
Blues Traveler @ Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, Oct 7
Brazilian Girls @ Club Metronome, Burlington, VT, Oct 7
Chris Standring @ Cinnamon Club, Manchester, UK, Oct 7
Eric Benet @ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Oct 7-8
Herbie Hancock @ Philharmonie de Luxembourg, Louxembourg City, Luxumbourg, Oct 8
Marcus Johnson @ United States Postal Service, Washington, DC, Oct 8
Chris Standring @ Pizza Express Jazz Club, London, UK, Oct 8-10
Marcus Johnson @ Holiday Inn, Washington, DC, Oct 9
Susan Tedeschi @ Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT, Oct 9
Denny Jiosa, Lindsay George, Joe Johnson @ Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, TN, Oct 9
Blues Traveler @ Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, FL, Oct 9
Brazilian Girls @ Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA, Oct 9
Paul Brown, Jay Soto, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot @ Unplugged at the Wrigley Ranch, Avalon, CA, Oct 9
Nicola Conte @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 9
Jay Soto, Eri Darius, JazzTrax Destival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct. 10
Nicola Conte @ Motion Blue, Yokohama, Japan, Oct 10
Herbie Hancock @ Salle Pleyel, Paris, France, Oct 10
Santana @ Reno Events Center, Reno, NV, Oct 10
Brian Culbertson @ JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, AZ, Oct 10
Blues Traveler @ Floyd’s Music Store, Tallahassee, FL, Oct 10
Susan Tedeschi @ Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie, NY, Oct 10
Eric Benet @ Attucks Theatre, Norfalk, VA, Oct 10
Paul Anka @ Peppermill Tuscay Ballroom, Reno, NV, Oct 10
Theivery Corporation @ Principal Club Theatre, Thessaloniki, Greece, Oct 10
Norman Brown, Shilts, Nick Colionne @ Smooth Cruise at Chelsea Piers, New York, NY, Oct 10
Vieux Farka Toure @ Richmond Folk, Richmond, VA, Oct 10-11
Eric Benet @ Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC, Oct 11
Santana @ Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA, Oct 11
Herbie Hancock @ Le Volcan, Le Havre, France, Oct 11
Theivery Corporation @ Theatro Vrahon, Athens, Greece, Oct 11
Blues Traveler @ Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach, Fl, Oct 11
Brazilian Girls @ The Note, West Chester, PA, Oct 11
Marcus Johnson @ Cramton Auditorium Howard University, Washington, DC, Oct 11
Jackiem Joyner, LA Chillharmonic, Nyee Moses, Keiko Matsui @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 11
Paul Jackson Jr, Gregg Karukas, Jessy J, Keffrey Osborne @ JazzTrax Festrival, Avalon, CA, Oct 12
Eric Benet @ Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC, Oct 12
Chris Standring @ Churchills, Southend, UK, Oct 12
Santana @ Sleep Train Pavillion At Concord, Concord, CA, Oct 12
Susan Tedeschi @ Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, Westhampton, NY, Oct 12
Nicola Conte @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 12-13
Brazilian Girls @ Sonar, Baltimore, MD, Oct 13
Vieux Farka Toure @ New Hazlett Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 13
Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Osaka, Japan, Oct 13-15
Herbie Hancock @ Le Grand Theatre , Grenoble, France, Oct 14
Susan Tedeschi @ University Of Buffalo Center For The Arts, Buffalo, NY, Oct 14
Blues Traveler, Late Night With David Letterman, New York, NY, Oct 14
Ledisi @ The Blue Note, New York, NY, Oct 14-19
Susan Tedeschi @ Sunoco Performance Theatre, Harrisburg, PA, Oct 15
Thievery Corporation @ Sala Palatului Bucharest, Romania, Oct 15
Herbie Hancock @ Avant Scene, Colombes, France, Oct 15
Vieux Farka Toure @ LEAF, Black Mountain, NC, Oct 15-19
Eric Benet @ Arena Theatre, Houston, TX, Oct 16
Thievery Corporation @ Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK, Oct 16
Blues Traveler @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY, Oct 16
Herbie Hancock @ La Comete, Chalons-en-Champagne, France, Oct 16
Marcus Johnson @ Holiday Inn, Washington, DC, Oct 16
Eric Benet @ River Theate, Baton Rouge, LA, Oct 17
Marcus Johnson @ Café 611, Frederick, MD, Oct 17
Herbie Hancock @ Chapiteau, Nancy, France, Oct 17
Mindi Abair, Nyee Moses @ Catalina Jazz Fest, Avalon, CA, Oct 17
Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Fukuoka, Japan, Oct 17-19
Eric Benet @ Nokia Theatre Grand Prairie, Dallas, TX, Oct 18
Herbie Hancock @ Docks, Marseille, France, Oct 18
Chris Standring @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, Oct 18
Emanuel Raheim (GC), Rochelle Fleming (First Choice), Colonel Abrams, Barbara Tucker @ The Grand Ballroom, New York, NY, October 18
Ray Parker Jr, Jessy J, Nick Collione, Jay Soto, Euge Groove @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 18
Chris Standring @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, Oct 18
Jackiem Joyner, Paul Brown, Marc Antoine, Chris Standring, Sekou Bunch, Gerald Albright @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 19
Blues Traveler @ The Stone Pony @ Asbury Park, NJ, Oct 19
Thievery Corporation @ Lisbon Coliseum. Lisbon, Portugal, Oct 19
Chris Standring @ Jazztrax Festival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct 19
Herbie Hancock @ Sebastopol, Tourcoing, France, Oct 20
Marcus Johnson @ Hyatt Regency, Scottsdale, AZ, Oct 21
Herbie Hancock @ Lanteren, Rotterdam, Holland, Oct 21
Blues Traveler @ Showcase Live, Foxboro, MA, Oct 21
Blues Traveler @ Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT, Oct 22
Blues Traveler @ The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY, Oct 23
Marcus Johnson @ Holiday Inn, Oct 23
L.J. Reynolds, Alicia Meyers @ Bert Warehouse Theatre, Detroit, MI, Oct 24
Thievery Corporation @ House Of Blues, Houston, TX, Oct 24
Billy Paul @ City University, Jersey City, NJ, Oct 24
Thievery Corporation @ Voodoo Music Festival, New Orleans, LA, Oct 25
Nikka Costa @ Saints, Montreal, Canada, Oct 25
Bobby Caldwell, Kenny Rankin @ Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, Oct 25
Blues Traveler @ Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Oct 25
Herbie Hancock @ Monk Institute, Los Angeles, CA, Oct 26
Nikka Costa @ El Mocambo, Toronto, Canada, Oct 26
Thievery Corporation @ House Of Blues, Dallas, TX, Oct 26
Blues Traveler @ The Note, West Chester, PA, Oct 26
Marcus Johnson @ Washington Times Arbor Ballroom, Washington, DC, Oct 26 & 28
Blues Traveler @ State Theatre, Falls Church, VA, Oct 27
Nikka Costa @ Park West, Chicago, IL, Oct 28
Nikka Costa @ The Rave, Milwaukee, WI, Oct 29
Blues Traveler @ Mr. Smalls Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 29
Marcus Johnson @ Holiday Inn, Washington, DC, Oct 30
Richie Havens @ Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, CA, Oct 31

MARC BROUSSARD - KEEP COMING BACK

Atlantic recording artist Marc Broussard, who’s latest release is “KEEP COMING BACK”, has unveiled a new slate of headline dates The just-announced schedule, featuring The Gabe Dixon Band and Josh Hoge as main support, begins November 8th at Washington, DC's Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, and then continues through the end of the month (see below itinerary. Broussard has also scheduled an upcoming live performance on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," set for Wednesday, October 8th.. The national television appearance will herald the Louisiana-based bayou soul troubadour's North American tour supporting longtime friend Sara Bareilles, which kicks off the following day, October 9th, at San Diego's Spreckels Theatre. The schedule will then travel through early November. Broussard, who is currently on the road headlining his own "Keep Coming Back Tour," has also confirmed a festival appearance at New Orleans' annual Voodoo Music Experience, slated for October 25th.

"KEEP COMING BACK" arrived on September 16th to acclamation. "Justin T., take note: Marc Broussard is the real blue-eyed, blond, Southern soul singer," wrote Vanity Fair's Lisa Robinson. "He's been compared to Donnie Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Van Morrison, and his new album, 'KEEP COMING BACK,' features the outstanding 'Real Good Thing.'" Performing Songwriter also praises the collection, stating, "Next time you hear a soul-music fanatic say, 'They don't make 'em like that anymore,' let them hear 'KEEP COMING BACK'... Broussard gives what amounts to a master class in soul singing."

"Broussard possesses the soulful baritone pipes and honest delivery of a musician at least twice his age," hailed Live Daily. "Think Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder and Otis Redding." The New York Post declared that "KEEP COMING BACK" "captures (Broussard's) groovy live sound," while the Philadelphia Daily News praised the set in a three-and-a-half starred rave as "one of Broussard's best efforts. It allows him to bend his voice from the raspy blues of swamp rock to the pitch-perfect tenor that dominates most of the tracks."

"KEEP COMING BACK" more than confirms Broussard as an artist uniquely gifted in channeling the multiple spirits of classic R&B and soul into contemporary terms. The Louisiana-based bayou soul troubadour recorded the collection earlier this year in a whirlwind 11-day session at Nashville's historic Ocean Way Studios. In addition, two noteworthy guests appear on "KEEP COMING BACK": LeAnn Rimes - whose country-meets-swamp-blues turn on "When It's Good" returns the compliment Broussard paid as co-writer and vocal partner on "Nothing Wrong," from her top 5-charting 2007 album, "FAMILY" -- and pop/rock sensation Sara Bareilles, who has opened several Broussard tours, and lends vocals to the powerful ballad, "Why Should She Wait."

MARC BROUSSARD ON TOUR 2008 (10/9-11/7: w/Sara Bareilles except *)
Sept 25 - Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
Sept 26 - Chicago, IL @ Lakeshore Theatre
Sept 27 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
Sept 28 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
Sept 30 - Council Bluffs, IA @ Whiskey Roadhouse/Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Oct 2 - Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
Oct 3 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theatre
Oct 4 - Lafayette, LA @ NiteTown
Oct 5 - McKinney, TX @ McKinney Performing Arts Center
Oct 7 - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
Oct 9 - San Diego, CA @ Spreckels Theatre
Oct 10 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Oct 11 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
Oct 14 - Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Oct 15 - Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre
Oct 20 - Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
Oct 22 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Oct 23 - Houston, TX @ House of Blues
Oct 24 - Austin, TX @ Antone's *
Oct 25 - New Orleans, LA @ Voodoo Music Experience *
Oct 27 - Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre
Oct 28 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Oct 30 - Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
Nov 1 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
Nov 2 - Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
Nov 3 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
Nov 5 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
Nov 6 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
Nov 7 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Music Box
Nov 8 - Washington, DC @ Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
Nov 9 - New York, NY @ The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza
Nov 11 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Nov 12 - Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore @ The TLA
Nov 13 - Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head Live
Nov 14 - Albany, NY @ Revolution Hall
Nov 15 - Buffalo, NY @ Buffalo State College Performing Arts Center
Nov 18 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls Funhouse
Nov 19 - Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
Nov 20 - Milwaukee, WI @ Northern Lights Theatre - Potawatomi Casino
Nov 21 - Davenport, IA The Redstone Room
Nov 22 - Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck

JUDE JOHNSTONE – MR. SUN

Jude Johnstone offers an intelligence and sophistication in her music that is dramatically revealed in her fourth CD "Mr. Sun," from BoJak Records. "Mr. Sun" continues with the jazzy/blues musical rhythms found in her last project "Blue Light," while maintaining her trademarks of emotional depth, passionate vocals and haunting melodies. Johnstone's level of artistry continues to grow with "Mr. Sun."

In the creative atmosphere of Mad Dog Studios in Burbank, CA, while recording "Blue Light," Johnstone's inspiration intensified creating a flood of new songs, which became "Mr. Sun." The chemistry of working with these compelling musicians motivated Johnstone to record the new songs immediately. Musicians David Piltch (upright bass), Danny Frankel (drums, percussions), Freddy Koella (guitar), and Marc Macisso (sax) who worked on "Blue Light," remained for the recording of "Mr. Sun." In addition, premier musicians Dean Parks, Mark Goldenberg (Guitar), Jon Ossman (upright bass), Daniel Savant (muted trumpet, flugelhorn) and background vocals by Stephen Bishop and Maxayn Lewis topped off a select group of performers that contributed to these recordings. Johnstone was the producer, played keyboards, melodica, chimes and wrote all the songs.

"Mr.Sun' was largely inspired by the musicians that played with me on 'Blue Light'. It is about the beauty of that rare musicianship that challenges and influences... these players just seem to understand exactly what I'm after in the studio, and then make it happen effortlessly. 'Mr. Sun' is my ode to them," says Jude Johnstone.

Jude Johnstone is a critically acclaimed, award-winning songwriter. Her songs have been covered by a stellar list of artists including Bonnie Raitt (Wounded Heart), Bette Midler (The Girl is Onto You), Stevie Nicks (Cry Wolf), Johnny Cash (Unchained), Trisha Yearwood (Hearts in Armor, The Women Before Me) and most recently Emmylou Harris (Hold On) from "All I Intended To Be."

DAVE HOLLAND SEXTET– PASS IT ON

Bassist, composer, and bandleader, Dave Holland has worked in a vast array of settings over the last 40 years, from classic dates with Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, and Wayne Shorter to his own adventurous recordings, seven of which have been honored with Grammy Awards or nominations in the last decade alone. Holland's latest CD, the third for his Dare2 imprint (distributed by Emarcy/Universal), is a stellar sextet session called "Pass It On" which will be released September 23.

Holland first unveiled the new sextet in early 2006, during a week of showcase presentations at Birdland in New York. The group's potent musical chemistry led to other concert and club dates, and the bassist soon resolved to document their music. Comprised of three horn players - trombonist Robin Eubanks, alto saxophonist Antonio Hart, trumpeter Alex "Sasha" Sipiagin - who have been regular collaborators of Holland's in his quintet or big band, the sextet also includes pianist Mulgrew Miller and drummer Eric Harland, with whom he'd recorded on only a couple of occasions. "I always wanted to do more playing with both of those wonderful players," says Holland, "so I saw this as an opportunity."

"Pass It On" features new arrangements of several Holland originals first recorded in the '80s and '90s. "Some of the compositions that I've written in the past evolve in my mind a little bit over time," he says, adding that "One of the advantages of the sextet is that it's still a smaller unit than big band or octet, but it also gives you a lot of options in terms of orchestrating and utilizing backgrounds. So I thought that was a good way to fill out these old compositions and expand on them a little bit where something new could happen. And, of course, this group of people brings some new creative ideas to the pieces."

Fresh from an extensive series of dates with Herbie Hancock's River of Possibilities Tour, Holland plans to take his sextet out for several key appearances this fall: 9/18-20 Regattabar, Boston; 9/21 Yale University, New Haven; 9/24-28 Yoshi's, San Francisco & Oakland; and 10/8-11 Birdland, New York. (Vibist Steve Nelson, a longtime member of Holland's quintet, will replace Mulgrew Miller for all except the New York shows.)

When not touring, Holland has been occupied with plans for his Dare2 label. Following the release of "Overtime" (which won the 2005 Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble), the quintet CD "Critical Mass," and the new sextet project, "Pass It On," Holland is preparing to do an octet record in January, "which is essentially the quintet plus three - Gary Smulyan on baritone sax, Sasha Sipiagin on trumpet, and Antonio Hart on alto sax," he reports. Also in the works is a flamenco recording with several Spanish gypsy players, including the guitarist Pepe Habichuela. Finally, the label has been recording a lot of live gigs which will be made available as downloads on its web site.

But his working groups remain a top priority. "The business doesn't encourage it these days," Holland has observed. "They encourage much more all-star kinds of situations and mix-and-match groups. But as the great Betty Carter understood, there is a need for groups and people working together to develop continuity and evolve together. That's what moves this music forward and is an idea that needs to be preserved and continued."

WANTED – COME ALONG!

Record labels Black Wolf and Pyramid, along with Fontana Distribution under the Universal Music Group umbrella, have launched a full-blown record campaign for reggae recording artist Wanted. In his campaign initiatives, Wanted focuses on his humanitarian contributions by giving back to his Haitian community under the Jacmel Haiti American Children's Assistance Foundation (JHACAF), an organization he co-founded in 2007. Wanted and his management/label team (also members of the JHACAF) left for Gonaives, Haiti recently to assist in relief efforts from the destruction left by hurricane Hanna. In Gonaives, the JHACAF will begin to plan a tree planting aid campaign for the Haitian people and their land, which may be the perfect natural element to help promote water erosion, on top of cleaning up their poor air quality in the near future. To kick off the new campaign initiative, Wanted, along with additional Haitian recording artists, will collaborate on a new song written to bring awareness on how important tree planting is for the Republic of Haiti.

Leading up to the tree planting campaign, Wanted's record campaign will provide initial public awareness, starting with radio promotions where over 200 terrestrial radio stations, as well as prominent Internet radio stations like Eye97.com, have already played numerous tracks from the debut record, primarily spinning focus track 'Come Along'.

"So far the Wanted campaign has established interest from a handful of our industry relations for editorial and programming consideration," mentions Josh East, Senior Project Manager for MusiK1. "Our next steps will be to step up the buzz by introducing the tree planting campaign through PR efforts, while expanding the presence of Wanted's debut record and video assets with content providers and video outlets," adds Mr. East.

MusiK1 has scheduled additional key campaign tactics to be launched by the end of September, which will include Online Editorial PR, Content Provider Servicing and Music Video Promotions. Wanted's music video for focus track 'Come Along' is currently in production and is set to release by the end of September.

As a new voice in the reggae music scene, Wanted gets ready to go on tour, primarily in the U.S., while touching in the Caribbean Islands where he frequently visits Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. In his visits back to Haiti, Wanted continues to battle the fight of hungry children in the town of Jacmel, Haiti. His debut album, 'Come Long', is releasing this September 23, 2008 on both CD and in digital formats world wide.

SONNY ROLLINS – ROAD SHOWS VOL. 1

An extraordinary double dose of Rollins in concert is due on October 28, when the tenor saxophonist's Doxy Records label (distributed by Emarcy/Universal) will release a new live CD compilation entitled "Road Shows, vol. 1" as well as a DVD ("Live in Vienne") of a 2006 European festival performance. "Road Shows" is the exciting inaugural release in a planned series of outstanding live Sonny Rollins recordings from the last 30-plus years. The seven tracks on the new CD, culled from the Carl Smith collection and Rollins's own personal soundboard tapes, were recorded in the U.S., Canada, Poland, Japan, France, and Sweden. Featuring the saxophonist with a variety of sidemen - including, on one track, the Christian McBride-Roy Haynes trio that appeared with him at his 50th Anniversary Carnegie Hall concert in 2007- "Road Shows" captures the Saxophone Colossus in full flight, dazzling audiences around the world.

"Live in Vienne" was produced by French television and offers an up-close glimpse at Rollins onstage in high-definition video as he unfurls a superb hour-long set before a euphoric crowd at the 2006 Jazz à Vienne Festival. The saxophonist, who famously spent two years (1959-61) practicing on New York's Williamsburg Bridge, above the East River, finds that "playing outside is always great. But Vienne, with its Roman amphitheater, is a particularly photogenic place, a beautiful venue. The little town is on the Rhône River. And it was warm that night--just perfect weather."

In the late 1980s, Rollins began to record many of his concerts for archival purposes with possible future release in mind, and also to circumvent bootlegs, which have been a long-standing problem for the artist. "I was much less intimidated by the tape at live concerts" than in the studio, he admits. When the tape was always rolling, "it was much easier for me to get a natural performance." From the start the intention was to record all of Sonny's concerts. Due to unforeseen technical problems or permission problems with venues, however, it was not always possible, according to "Road Shows" producer (and Rollins trombonist) Clifton Anderson. Of the approximately 600 concerts Rollins has performed since the late '80s, Anderson estimates that as many as one-third are in their archive, in whole or in part.

"There were performances that at the time they were done, I thought they might be acceptable at a later date in case I chose to release," says Rollins. "But I hadn't really listened; I filed it in my mind, and later had to stir my memory as to which ones might be good." When the time came to program the new CD, says Anderson, "we both remembered that the concert in Toulouse was a pretty good show, and Sonny remembered that Tama was a good performance, so I went back and listened to those in particular. That's how we arrived at our choices."

Four tracks from the Rollins archive are included in "Road Shows, vol. 1": "More Than You Know" (2006, Toulouse), which Sonny "brought out of retirement," not having played it since the 1950s, when he recorded it with Thelonious Monk; "Tenor Madness" (2000, Tama City, Japan), whose last appearance on a Rollins disc was the live "G-Man" in 1987; "Nice Lady" (2007, Victoria, BC), the first recording of a new Rollins calypso; and "Some Enchanted Evening" (2007, New York City), from his 50th anniversary Carnegie Hall concert with Christian McBride and Roy Haynes. "Road Shows"' remaining three tracks were selected from Carl Smith's collection--"Blossom" (1980, Umea, Sweden), a fascinating, little-known Rollins original that "came and went pretty fast in the repertoire," says Rollins; "Easy Living" (1980, Warsaw), from Sonny's first trip behind the Iron Curtain ("the people were starved for music"); and "Best Wishes" (1986, Tokyo), previously recorded on his 1982 "Reel Life" album.

For future "Road Shows" compilations, Anderson and Rollins will have not only their own archives and Carl Smith's to draw from. "People have also submitted things to us," says Anderson, "most recently a tape from Keystone Korner in the mid-1970s and a cassette from the Bottom Line. The bands are different, the material's different; the one common denominator is Sonny killin' through all of it." Rollins, for a chance of pace, is looking ahead to his next studio album, which he is planning to begin at the conclusion of his fall concert season (Brazil in October, Germany in November/December).

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CHARTER CRUISE

Nick Colionne, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Larry Carlton, Heather Headley, Acoustic Alchemy, Greg Adams, Marion Meadows, Steve Cole, Shilts, Steve Oliver, Chieli Minnuci, Michael Lington, Alan Hewitt and Althea Rene, among others are scheduled to perform at the Smooth Jazz Charter Cruise. According to their announcement the Smooth Jazz Charter Cruise is Single Travel International's backstage pass to sail the Caribbean with jazz music superstars performing. This luxurious, five-star experience aboard the beautiful Celebrity Century, is ranked one of the world's best cruise lines by Conde Nast Traveler, is a specially chartered cruise. Included are exclusive singles events and access to your favorite jazz performers aboard this one-of-a-kind cruise vacation! Leaving Miami, the cruise sets sail to Key West, Nassau, and Coco Cay (for a private beach party) and features afternoon and evening performances every sailing day. Starting at $1,849, this special cruise vacation includes gratuities, all taxes, government fees and fuel charges, with no hidden fees! Smooth Jazz Cruise host, Norman Brown, will introduce live jazz performances by Nick Colionne, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Larry Carlton, Heather Headley, Acoustic Alchemy, Greg Adams, Marion Meadows, Steve Cole, Shilts, Steve Oliver, Chieli Minnuci, Michael Lington, Alan Hewitt and Althea Rene, among others. Daily performances are scheduled in the afternoons and all evening, and all musicians will perform their show at least twice during the cruise to accommodate all guests. Autograph and interview sessions, as well as late night jam sessions are part of the jazz experience. Exclusive Singles Travel International amenities include a $50 shipboard credit, welcome aboard party with open bar, breakfast and happy hour club each day, singles seating for dinner, and farewell party. And of course, Singles Travel International invites all single guests to the big game party on February 1st for football's greatest game of the year.

#1 ON THE CHARTS! DAVE KOZ – GREATEST HITS

Congratulations go out to Dave Koz as his Greatest Hits CD, his first-ever retrospective album debuts at No. 1 on both Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes' Jazz Album chart. Meanwhile, lead single "Life In The Fast Lane" claims the No. 1 spot on the R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator chart. The album, which was completely re-mastered by the legendary Bernie Grundman, contains 11 Koz classics (including "You Make Me Smile," "Faces of the Heart," "Can't Let You Go (Sha La Song)" featuring Luther Vandross and "Honey Dipped") plus four brand new songs.

Dave, who has received six GRAMMY(R) nominations will be honored with a star in the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame in 2009, will play some of these hits on his 11th annual Smooth Jazz Christmas tour, which kicks off on November 28th. The Dave Koz And Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour 2008 will feature special guests Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub and Keiko Matsui. Highly respected South African singer/guitarist Butler, guitarist Golub, revered for his unique blend of blues, soul, rock and jazz, and acclaimed Japanese pianist Matsui will perform songs from their respective catalogues and join with Dave on a variety of holiday standards. Rendezvous recording artist Brian Simpson will be the tour's Music Director. (See below for a full itinerary.)

Over the summer, Koz went into the studio with Barry Manilow, who asked him to play sax on three tracks for his upcoming album, and taped a performance for the upcoming PBS special "Lights - a Hanukkah Celebration." In the past week, Dave appeared on "Entertainment Tonight," performed at a fundraising concert for Barack Obama and at the ET-People Magazine Emmy party, and picked up the R&R "Personality of the Year" award for his show on Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network. He'll wrap up his summer tour this Saturday, September 27th, with an appearance at KTWV Wave Fest at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre. He then travels to Asia for concert dates in Japan, Korea and Thailand, returning home in time to embark on the fourth annual "Dave Koz & Friends At Sea" cruise on November 2nd.

Dave Koz And Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour 2008 With Special Guests Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub And Keiko Matsui

11/28 - Ft. Pierce, FL @ Sunrise Theatre
11/29 - Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
11/30 - Sarasota, FL @ Van Wezel Performing Arts Center
12/1 - Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts
12/2 - Naples, FL @ Philharmonic Center for the Arts
12/3 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
12/5 - Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre
12/6 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
12/7 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theatre
12/8 - Newport News, VA @ Ferguson Center for the Arts
12/10 - Sewell, NJ @ Commerce Bank Arts Center
12/11- El Paso, TX @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center
12/12 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre
12/13 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wilshire Theatre
12/16 - Santa Rosa, CA @ Wells Fargo Center
12/17 - Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theatre
12/18 - Santa Ynez, CA @ Chumash Casino
12/19 - Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12/20 - Cerritos, CA @ Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

JAMES TAYLOR - COVERS

Over the course of his long career, James Taylor has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards for a catalog running from 1970's "Sweet Baby James" to his Grammy Award-winning efforts "Hourglass" (1997) and "October Road" (2002). Taylor's first greatest hits album earned him the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) elite Diamond Award, given for sales in excess of 10 million units in the United States. For his accomplishments, James was honored with the 1998 Century Award, Billboard magazine's highest accolade, bestowed for distinguished creative achievement. The year 2000 saw his induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences selected James its MUSICARES Person of the Year in 2006 and most recently, James Taylor's "One Man Band" (2007) was nominated for an Emmy(R) Award for "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special," in September 2008.

Fast forward to today and retail giant Borders will host legendary singer/songwriter James Taylor live Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Borders store on Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor. The five-time Grammy Award winner is set to perform acoustic renditions of tracks from his forthcoming CD, "Covers." Following his performance, Taylor will sign copies of the "Covers" CD for fans. The CD officially goes on sale Tuesday, Sept. 30.

For those who cannot attend, the James Taylor event will be featured online at Borders.com beginning Oct. 7 on "Borders Live at 01," the retailer's popular broadband program that captures all the magic and excitement of in-store performances and other events at Borders' first store in Ann Arbor. In addition to featuring Taylor's much anticipated in-store performance, the episode will also include an exclusive interview with the singer talking about his new CD as well as the music, books and movies that inspire him, and more.

"It's truly an honor to have James Taylor perform at Borders," said Rob Gruen, executive vice president of Merchandising and Marketing for Borders Group. "He's a remarkable talent and one of the most prolific and beloved singer/songwriters of our time. This will be an event to remember for all who attend and we're pleased to be able to host James for this very special acoustical performance and to offer it online on our 'Live at 01' program." "I've enjoyed performing these songs during my career and now I have the opportunity to sing my own renditions of them at Borders," said Taylor. "The Borders store will offer an intimate and personal setting for me to share these songs with my fans who attend the event, and then millions of others will be able to enjoy the performance later on by watching it on Borders.com."

"Covers" features Taylor's own musical interpretations of tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s by artists including Buddy Holly, the Dixie Chicks, The Temptations, Leonard Cohen, George Jones and Eddie Cochran. Tracks include: "It's Growing," "(I'm a) Road Runner," "Wichita Lineman," "Why
Baby Why," "Some Days You Gotta Dance," "Seminole Wind," "Suzanne," "Hound Dog," "Sadie," "On Broadway," "Summertime Blues" and "Not Fade Away." The songs on the CD were recorded live in a barn in Massachusetts with his "Band of Legends," that included musical heavyweights Luis Conte, Michael Landau, Jeff Babko, Lou Marini, Arnold McCuller, Jimmy Johnson, David Lasley, Walt Fowler, Andrea Zonn, Kate Markowitz, Steve Gadd and Larry Goldings.

NEW JAZZ CD FEATURES PROGRESSIVE AND CLASSIC ROCK TUNES AS PERFORMED BY JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Wave Mechanics Union is a recording project orchestra with nearly thirty contributing musicians from four states. The group has recently recorded repertoire from progressive and classic rock icons set in a big band jazz style. The new CD, Second Season, is due in late September, 2008. With a full-scale jazz orchestra and vocalist Lydia McAdams, the group has recorded striking new arrangements of songs from progressive rock giants Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, The Who, Queen, The Police, They Might Be Giants, The Beatles, and more.

The brainchild of composers Ryan Fraley and Ralph Johnson, along with vocalist McAdams, the project seeks to honor the sometimes complicated sounds of progressive rock with jazz treatments. "Most jazz standards began their life as popular music," says Fraley. "We believe that these songs are as worthy of restatement as any popular music has ever been. As clever, relevant, and moving as any tune that has delighted a jazz arranger's imagination."

A large cast of nearly thirty musicians assembled to record the project, including session players from Indianapolis, Nashville, and Los Angeles. "A lot of jazz musicians also happen to be fans of progressive rock," says Ralph Johnson, the group's drummer and one of the arrangers.Second Season by Wave Mechanics Union will be available in late September 2008, and will be available for purchase via Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and iTunes You can click to the Wave Mechanics Union website for more information, click to progjazz.com.

MARCUS JOHNSON RELEASES 'FLO' CD TRILOGY

Marcus Johnson is an accomplished keyboardist, the chairman and CEO of Three Keys Music and Studio 8121, and founder of FLO(TM) Brands. Three Keys, Studio 8121 and two music publishing companies were created from Johnson's partnership with Bob Johnson (no relation), founder and former president and CEO of BET. Over his 15 year career, Johnson has released more than 10 CDs, all charting in the Top 20 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts., and his music has been widely lauded by jazz critics and aficionados.

Three is Marcus Johnson's lucky number this week. His "FLO ... " CD trilogy all broke Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts this week. Released September 9th and after one week of sales the "FLO" (For the Love Of) CDs - "Romance", "Chill" and "Standards" hit the Billboard charts at # seven, # nine and #13 respectively. The release of three CDs simultaneously is an amazing accomplishment. And, to have them each hit Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Top 15 at the same time should be one for the jazz music history books. "We are grateful for the support of jazz music lovers and Marcus Johnson fans," says Johnson. "We knew we'd created a masterful collection of music, and the sales prove that we were right."

"FLO ... Romance" features the sexy vocal stylings of Keith Atler, Alyson Williams, Stoney Ellis, YahZarah and Frank McComb who join Johnson on this smooth sultry mix of R&B and jazz. "FLO ... Chill" is just the right touch of jazz from the opening grooves of Plush (featured on the "Urban Groove" CD) to the dance grooves. " ... Chill" delivers a musical journey of incomparable 'chillin'. "FLO ... Standards" is a smooth jazz journey of classic jazz standards featuring Marcus Johnson's melodic and intricate interpretation of Cannonball Adderley's "Moanin" and "My Funny Valentine." Johnson is joined on " ... Standards" by keyboardists Bobby Lyle and Michael Price and drummer Lenny Robinson. This combination of dynamic musical performances lifts " ... Standards" to glory for any jazz lover.

TWO NEW RELEASES FROM NICOLA CONTE – RITUALS & SKETCHES OF SAMBA

Nicola Conte returns to the fold with two brand new releases – the full-length album, Rituals, and a 10-inch EP – Sketches Of Samba. Rituals features mostly live jazz instrumentation. The album has echoes of bossa, modal jazz, and more - served up by combos with players that include Timo Lassy on sax and flute, Fabrizio Bosso and Till Bronner on trumpets, Pietro Lussu on piano, and Conte himself on guitar. Vocals are by Alice Ricciardi, Jose James, Chiara Civello, and Kim Sanders -- and the album's got an even deeper feel than Conte's previous album on Blue Note. Tracks include "Karma Flower", "I See All Shades Of You", "Black Is The Graceful Veil", "Caravan", "Rituals", "Macedonia", "Awakening", "The Nubian Queens", and "Like Leaves In The Wind". Japanese pressing features the bonus track "The Nubian Queens (Samba version)".

On Sketches Of Samba, you’ll find Nicola Conte delivering one of his most 60’s-styled recording yet and he continues with his trademarked sublime samba grooves. The EP definitely lives up to its title - jazzy sketches of samba tunes, two by Conte, the other two by Sergio Mendes and JT Meirelles - all played by hip small combos with guest work from Fabrizio Bosso on trumpet, Timo Lassy on flute, and both Kim Sanders and Jose James on vocals! The EP, features two tracks that are supposedly exclusive to the set . Titles include "The Nubian Queens (samba version", "Paper Clouds (uptempo version)", "Solo", and "Groovy Samba".

THE OCTOBER 2008 CONCERT LISTING

Mindi Abair @ Unplugged at the Wrigley Ranch, Avalon, CA, Oct 2

0-Nam, The Sax Pack: Keff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, Kim Waters @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 3

Jackiem Joyner, LA Chillharmonic, Jessy J, Acoustic Alchemy @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 4

Brian Bromberg, Warren Hill @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 5

Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Chris Standring @ Cinnamon Club, Manchester, UK, Oct 7

Chris Standring @ Pizza Express Club, Soho, London, Oct 8-10

Paul Brown, Jay Soto, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot @ Unplugged at the Wrigley Ranch, Avalon, CA, Oct 9

Nicola Conte @ The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Oct 9

Jay Soto, Eri Darius, JazzTrax Destival, Catalina Island, CA, Oct. 10

Nicola Conte @ Motion Blue, Yokohama, Japan, Oct 10

Jackiem Joyner, LA Chillharmonic, Nyee Moses, Keiko Matsui @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 11

Paul Jackson Jr, Gregg Karukas, Jessy J, Keffrey Osborne @ JazzTrax Festrival, Avalon, CA, Oct 12

Chris Standring @ Churchills, Southend, UK, Oct 12

Nicola Conte @ The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Oct 12-13

Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Osaka, Japan, Oct 13-15

Mindi Abair, Nyee Moses @ Catalina Jazz Fest, Avalon, CA, Oct 17

Bobby Caldwell @ Billboard Live, Fukuoka, Japan, Oct 17-19

Ray Parker Jr, Jessy J, Nick Collione, Jay Soto, Euge Groove @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 18

Chris Standring @ Anthology, San Diego, CA, Oct 18

Jackiem Joyner, Paul Brown, Marc Antoine, Chris Standring, Sekou Bunch, Gerald Albright @ JazzTrax Festival, Avalon, CA, Oct 19

NEW RELEASES FROM DAVE KOZ, ERIC BENET, JASON MILES, LARRY CARLTON & OTHERS...

Airborne – Winds Of Change (Tilt)
Al Williams III – Heart Song (Pacific Coast Jazz)
Andre Delano – My So Fine (NuGroove)
Arturo Romay – Alma Latina (ArturoRomay.com)
Bernie Kenerson – Bernie Game (Bernup)
Bobbi Humphrey – Fancy Dancer (Blue Note)
Brian King – Caribbean Sunset (A King’s Dream)
Cates Fomin Project – Journey With Us (Attack)
Cloning Einstein – Cloning Einstein (Independent)
Dangling Success – Chilled Champagne (Electric Reels)
Darren Motamedy – Don’t ChaKnow (Mashhad)
Dave Koz – Greatest Hits (Capitol)
Dave Stewart – The Dave Stewart Songbook Vol 1 (Surfdog)
David Sanborn – Here And Gone (Decca)
DeNate – Reminisce (NuGroove)
Douye – Journey (DouyeTheArtist.com0
Ember Made – Visions (Independent)
Eric Benet – Love & Life (Warner)
Horace Alexander Young – Acoustic Contemporary Jazz (Pacific Coast Jazz)
J-Exclusive – Notice Me (Steppin Muzak)
Jason Miles – 2 Grover With Love (Koch)
Jazz Crusaders feat. Wayne Henderson – Kick The Jazz (WMGW Digital)
Jeff Lorber – Heard That (Peak)
Jim Brickman – Unspoken (Savoy Jazz)
Joan Osborne – Little Wild One (Womanly Hips/Plum)
Jonathan Fritzen – Love Birds (Nordic Night)
Larry Carlton – Greatest Hits Re-Recorded (335 Records)
Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin – Amparo (Decca)
Lisa Hilton – Sunny Day Theory (Ruby Slippers)
Marilyn Scott – Every Time We Say Goodbye (Venus)
Michael Lington – Heat (NuGroove)
Mike Wheeler – Mikey’s Waltz (Blue Bamboo)
Motown Moe – Blue For U (Motown Moe)
Natalie Cole – Still Unforgettable (Rhino)
Peter Cor Featuring Jazzy Devils – 2 Hott (WMGW Digital)
Robin Avery – Light The Way (Green Eyes)
Robin Thicke – Something Else (Interscope)
Sadao Watanabe – Basie’s At Night (Koch)
Savio Rego – All I Want (Independent)
Terrence Howard – Shine Through It (Columbia)
Urban Jazz Coalition – A New Day (Continuum Music Grp)
Wayne Brady – A Long Time Coming (Peak)
Woody Witt – A Conversation (Blue Bamboo)

CHRIS BOTTI & THE BOSTON POPS

Best-selling chart-topping American jazz trumpeter and composer Chris Botti will join Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops on stage at Boston's historic Symphony Hall for two extraordinary concerts on Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19 at 7:30pm (both nights).

Both Sting and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler will be appearing with Chris Botti and the Boston Pops each night, performing a wide range of songs from Botti's recorded repertoire as well as a host of unexpected musical delights. In addition to appearances by Josh Groban, slated for Thursday's
concert, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, scheduled for Friday's show, Chris has invited some of the top names in contemporary music, a secret roster of very special surprise guests to help make these concerts the year's most memorable.

"Chris Botti Live in Boston," a remarkable music collaboration with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, will be broadcast nationally during the PBS pledge drive in March 2009 with a DVD from the concert(s) and other bonus items to be released exclusively through PBS during the pledge drive. Columbia Records will release a live CD of the performances in November 2008, followed by the release of DVD and Blu-ray editions of the concerts in the spring.

A limited number of tickets for each of the "Chris Botti Live in Boston" concerts has been recently released for sale to the general public. Please check your local ticket outlet for details.

"Chris Botti Live in Boston" promises to be a worthy successor to the artist's first PBS pledge drive special, "Chris Botti Live with Orchestra & Special Guests." First aired on PBS during March Pledge Week 2006, the special became a perennial pledge drive favorite nationwide while a DVD of that show has achieved RIAA platinum status.

In the studio and on stage, Chris Botti has worked with such leading singer-songwriters and composers as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Sting and renowned film composer John Barry, among others; as a sideman, he has appeared on dozens of albums, compilations and soundtracks. His association with Sting-- who appeared on Botti's To Love Again and When I Fall In Love--dates back to 1999, when the trumpeter joined the pop legend's band as featured soloist on the "Brand New Day" tour, which lasted two years.

In addition to receiving an RIAA gold-certification for When I Fall in Love in 2004 and To Love Again (both produced by Bobby Colomby) in 2005, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" (with vocals by Sting) earned a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals. Since then, Chris Botti has toured constantly, stopping only to tape "Chris Botti Live with Orchestra & Special Guests," a PBS Special and DVD, in Los Angeles in December of 2005.

KBZN: 97.9FM, 97.9 THE BREEZE SWITCHES FORMATS

Well here we go again…another smooth jazz radio station is switching formats. If this keeps going, the smooth jazz format will eventually totally disappear as more and more radio stations keep dropping the format. Now comes news that KBZN (97.9 FM, "97.9 The Breeze") in Salt Lake City, Utah is switching to a “smooth adult contemporary” format. "We are custom-designing KBZN to be the Wasatch Front's 'Smooth AC' station, which is how Arbitron now describes 'Smooth Jazz' in its format listings," said Dan R. Jessop, KBZN operations director. "We believe this is the perfect market to move the format into more familiar sounding instrumentals and vocals. We are excited but love our listeners who preferred just instrumentals. We hope they and a lot of new samplers will become familiar with 'The Breeze' and make us their first choice for Smooth Music." "We are proud to be in on the beginning of a new Smooth revolution with a music mix that will appeal most in this market," Jessop said. Jessop said many markets nationally don't have smooth jazz or smooth AC stations. As a matter of fact, WJJZ in Philadelphia dumped the smooth jazz format this month.

KBZN is owned by Capital Broadcasting. During the 1980s the call letters were KZAN. It was a country formatted station using the slogan "Great Utah Country." DJs included "Terrible T", David Chandler, Trisha Griffith, Gentleman Jim, Mike Martin. In many respects, KBZN will now sound a lot more like KSFI ("FM-100") and KOSY. The change is also being made in hopes of attracting new listeners. KBZN had a 1.6 percent share of the age 12-plus audience (18th place) in the latest Arbitron estimates.

HERBIE HANCOCK REISSUES

In a nearly 50-year recordingcareer filled with many diverse achievements and awards, Herbie Hancock was honored for the first time with a GRAMMY for Album Of The Year. The last time -- and the only other time -- a jazz album garnered this top award was in 1964 when Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto won for Getz/Gilberto.

Beginning in 1962 with his Blue Note album Takin' Off, Hancock has recorded some 50 albums as a leader. By far his most prolific period was when he was signed to Columbia Records from 1972 to 1988. At the same time as he was recording for CBS/Columbia in the U.S. he had a separate contract with CBS/SONY in Japan. Between the two affiliations he recorded some 30
albums in these years.

The albums he made for Columbia in the U.S. were mostly electric and mixed elements of jazz with R&B, Dance and Pop. He played an arsenal of keyboards, and also was one of the first musicians to utilize a new piece of equipment called a Vocoder. The Vocoder was a kind of synthesized voice processor through which he sang -- on Sunlight (1978) and a few other albums. Other recordings during this period used outside vocalists. Many of these records enjoyed airplay on non-jazz formats and also charted. Several of the U.S. titles have had only limited availability on CD, often just as imports.

Digital providers will now have the following albums available: Death Wish / Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1974), Sunlight (1978), Feets Don't Fail Me Now (1978), Monster (1980), Mr. Hands (1980), Magic Windows (1981), Lite Me Up (1981) and Village Life (1984). There were also two electric albums made for CBS/SONY that have never been released outside
of Japan -- Flood (1975) and Direct Step (1978).

Herbie's arrangement with CBS/SONY made it possible for him to make straight ahead acoustic jazz albums for release in the Japanese market, at the same time he was making electric albums in the U.S. which were aimed at a much larger audience. All of the acoustic albums featured long-time musical companions bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, and there were also several others that added trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and saxophonist Wayne Shorter to that same rhythm section.

In 1974 he recorded Dedication, his first album for CBS/SONY Japan. This album, unique in his discography, was half solo acoustic piano and half electric keyboards. The acoustic first side included extended re-workings of two of his classic compositions, "Maiden Voyage" and "Dolphin Dance," while the second side featured multiple keyboard workouts on another classic -- "Cantaloupe Island" -- and a new piece called "Nobu."

The so-called Mwandishi Sextet -- trumpeter Eddie Henderson, trombonist Julian Priester, multi-reed player Bennie Maupin, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy Hart -- recorded three adventurous, often abstract, electric albums for Warner Brothers and Columbia between 1970 and 1972. The Headhunters, Herbie's second and more funk/groove oriented electric band,
then found great commercial success with three highly influential albums made for Columbia between 1973 and 1975 -- Headhunters, Thrust and Man-Child. Some U.S. fans got to hear this band live in person but unless they bought an expensive import they did not get to hear Flood, originally a Japanese only double LP live album featuring the best known Headhunters line-up -- Benny Maupin on reeds, Paul Jackson on bass, Mike Clark on drums, and Bill Summers on percussion. Highly charged versions of "Chameleon," and "Hang Up Your Hangups" highlight what is one of the most exciting live albums of Hancock's career.

Another unique electric album recorded for the Japanese market was Direct Step (1978). This title was recorded direct-to-disc, an audiophile format that gained some attention around that time. Instead of recording first on tape and then going through the rest of the disc-cutting LP mastering process, the recording was done directly to a vinyl-disc cutting lathe. Bypassing the tape step often resulted in superior sound which led in this case to "Direct Step" being chosen as one of the first CDs to be issued when the CD format was introduced in the early '80s.

Two other albums which stand out from his U.S. releases in the late 1970s and early 1980s are Mr. Hands and Village Life. The overlooked Mr. Hands (1980) is an all-instrumental album done in the middle of the period when most of his albums were vocal-oriented. Each track features Herbie on multiple keyboards with a different ensemble including, among others, Jaco Pastorius, Paul Jackson, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Harvey Mason, Bill Summers and Sheila E. Village Life (1984) is a unique duet album where Herbie plays various keyboards and is joined by African kora player Foday Musa Soso. Soso had also appeared on Herbie's previous Columbia release Sound System (1984) and collaborated with Herbie again on the 1987 live album for Verve called Jazz Africa.

At the Newport Jazz Festival NY in 1976 there was a three-part retrospective concert of Herbie's music featuring the Mwandishi Sextet, the latest edition of The Headhunters band which included guitarists Wah Wah Watson and Ray Parker, and a specially-assembled acoustic band including Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and Tony Williams. Originally Herbie had asked Miles Davis to participate in the acoustic part of the program but when Miles declined he asked Hubbard, who had played on three of his key Blue Note albums. The entire evening, recorded by Columbia U.S. and released under the title V.S.O.P., is now available for the first time at iTunes and other digital providers. V.S.O.P., which stood for Very Special One-Time Performance, ironically ended up also being the first part of the name of V.S.O.P. The Quintet, as the band with Hubbard, Shorter, Carter and Williams came to be known.

Due to the success of the Newport/NY concert they ended up going on tour in the U.S. and Japan, and also recorded four more albums. Three of those albums now make their first appearance digitally. Tempest In A Colosseum, which has never been released in any format outside of Japan, comes from a live show at the Denen Colosseum in Tokyo and includes versions of mostly well-known compositions by all of the band members including an outstanding version of "Maiden Voyage." Live Under The Sky, which finally saw a U.S. release as a double CD in 2004, was also recorded live in Japan. And Five Stars, the only studio album the band made, includes a Hancock composition that he only recorded once called "Fingerpainting" plus rarely recorded tunes by Tony Williams ("Mutants On The Beach") and Wayne Shorter ("Circe.")

The rhythm section of Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams is unquestionably one of the greatest in the history of jazz. Miles Davis brought these three musicians together for the first time in 1963 for his Seven Steps To Heaven (Columbia) album and they went on to make a dozen more albums with Miles between 1963 and 1968. They also performed together on two of Herbie's classic Blue Notes -- Empyrean Isles and Maiden Voyage, but surprisingly never made a trio album during this very active time period. The first trio sessions with these three musicians took place on July 13, 1977 in San Francisco, when they actually recorded two albums in one day -- The Herbie Hancock Trio for CBS/SONY, and Third Plane, under Ron Carter's name, for Milestone. The Herbie Hancock Trio album is notable for the inclusion of three striking Hancock compositions which he never recorded again -- "Watch It," "Watcha Waitin' For," and "Look," plus an extended version of his classic "Speak Like A Child."

And in 1981, the trio did one more album for CBS/SONY which included "Dolphin Dance," a tune each by Ron and Tony, and a couple of standards. The two CBS albums, neither of which were ever released in the U.S. in any format, are now available digitally. As of September 16th, all thirty albums Herbie Hancock recorded as a leader for Columbia Records and its Japanese affiliate CBS/SONY between 1972 and 1988 will be available through digital providers.

ERIC BENET - LOVE & LIFE

Love and Life is the fourth studio album from American R&B singer Eric Benét. It was released on September 9, 2008. The first single You're The Only One is currently rising on the r&b charts and it is his first top twenty hit in 2 years

LOVE & LIFE Tracklisting
Love, Patience, & Time
Hunger
You're The Only One
Don't Let Go
Everlove (duet with Terry Dexter)
Chocolate Legs
Weekend Girl
Iminluvwichoo (duet with Linda Kiraly)
Spanish Fly
Still I Believe
Sing To Me
One More Tomorrow

iTunes bonus track: Can't Stop

Eric Benet Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sept 13 - Lexington, KY @ Roots and Heritage Festival
Sept 14 - New York, NY @ Liberty R&B and Jazz Festival
Sept 19 - Las Vegas, NV @ Hoodie Awards
Sept 20 - Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theatre
Sept 25 - Jacksonville, FL @ Ritz Theatre
Sept 26 - North Myrtle Beach, S.C. @ House of Blues - Myrtle Beach
Sept 27 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Sept 29 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago
Oct 1 - Detroit, MI @ South Beach
Oct 2 - Cleveland, OH @ Playhouse Square
Oct 5 - New Brunswick, NJ @ State Theatre
Oct 6 - New York, NY @ B.B. King's
Oct 7 - Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere
Oct 8 - Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere
Oct 10 - Norfolk, VA @ Attucks Theatre
Oct 11 - Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre
Oct 12 - Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre
Oct 16 - Houston, TX @ Arena Theatre
Oct 17 - Baton Rouge, LA @ River Center
Oct 18 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre Grand Prairie

JOHN LEGEND - EVOLVER

Platinum-selling Grammy-winning artistr John Legend and his forthcoming new album, EVOLVER, will be the iTunes Store's largest international "Complete My Album" campaign to-date. Complete My Album allows music fans to buy albums at a reduced price based on songs they've already purchased. Available on iTunes in 20 territories, "Countdown to EVOLVER" offers fans a series of album tracks leading up to the release of John's eagerly-awaited new studio album on Tuesday, October 28.

On July 29th iTunes launched its largest international Complete My Album campaign, "Countdown to EVOLVER," with the online release of "Green Light" (featuring Andre 3000), followed by the online release of "If You're Out There" on August 24. A special new John Legend track, "Green Light (Afroganic Remix)," will be available exclusively online on iTunes in 20 countries beginning Tuesday, September 16. An additional two tracks from EVOLVER will be available exclusively on iTunes across those same 20 territories on September 30 and October 14.

In addition to the United States, "Countdown to EVOLVER" is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland and Sweden.

One of the most eagerly-awaited releases of 2008, EVOLVER is the first full-length studio album in two years from five time Grammy-winning recording artist and concert performer John Legend. In addition to OutKast's Andre 3000, guests on EVOLVER include emerging UK hip-hop artist
Estelle, R&B/pop superstar Brandy and John's longtime collaborator Kanye West.

Songs on EVOLVER include "Green Light," "It's Over" (featuring Kanye West), "Everybody Knows," "No Other Love" (featuring Estelle), "Satisfaction," "This Time," "Cross The Line," "I Love, You Love," "Good Morning," "If You're Out There," and "Quickly" (featuring Brandy).

Released in late December 2004, John Legend's debut album, "Get Lifted," peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and became America's #1 Top R&B/Hip-Hop album in January 2005. A critical and commercial triumph, "Get Lifted" earned John an astounding eight Grammy
nominations -- he won Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Ordinary People") and Best R&B album -- while selling more than three million copies worldwide.

John's second collection, "Once Again," entered the Billboard Top 200 at #3 shortly after its release in October 2006, peaking at #1 on the R&B Album Sales chart, earning an RIAA platinum certification while securing two Grammy nominations: "Save Room" (for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and "Heaven" (which won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance).

John racked up his fifth overall career Grammy win in 2006 when "Family Affair" -- a track he'd cut with Joss Stone and Van Hunt for "Different Strokes by Different Folks," a Sly & the Family Stone tribute album (Epic/Legacy) -- took home top honors in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category.

In 2007, John Legend launched the Show Me Campaign (ShowMeCampaign.org), a grassroots movement whose mission is "to fight economic and spiritual poverty through fostering sustainable development (personal, social, educational, economic) at the individual, family, and small community levels."

http://www.johnlegend.com/
http://www.myspace.com/johnegend
http://www.johnlegendnetwork.com/
http://www.showmecampaign.org/
http://www.columbiarecords.com/

ITUNES 8.0 IS HERE

Apple(R) has announced iTunes(R) 8, the next major release of Apple's ubiquitous music and video player for Macs and PCs which is seamlessly integrated with the most popular online content store in the world (http://www.itunes.com). iTunes 8 includes the new breakthrough Genius feature, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library that go great together -- with just one click. Genius helps music fans rediscover favorite songs in their existing music library and suggests related music on the iTunes Store they might want to add to their music collection. iTunes 8 features new ways of viewing your music and video libraries, and adds television programs in stunning high definition for sale on the iTunes Store.

Using Apple's breakthrough Genius feature is easy-select any song, click the Genius button, and iTunes instantly creates a playlist of songs that go great together from your own library. You can preview the playlist Genius creates, refresh the list to choose different songs and save Genius playlists to enjoy again later. You can even create Genius Playlists on-the-go with the new iPod(R) classic, iPod touch, iPod nano and iPhone(TM). The Genius sidebar appears right in iTunes and recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don't already have, based on the songs you select.

When you turn on iTunes 8's new Genius feature, information about your music library is anonymously sent to the iTunes Store, where it is combined with the anonymously-gathered knowledge from millions of other iTunes users and processed through Apple-developed algorithms. The Genius results, specifically tailored to your personal music library, are sent back to your computer to enable users to automatically create Genius playlists in iTunes and on your iPods, even when they are not connected to the Internet.

iTunes 8's new visual browsing interface displays your music and video libraries using your album and video covers, and also provides a great way to navigate your movies, TV shows, iPhone apps, podcasts and audiobooks.

The iTunes Store has become the world's most popular online TV store and features an incredible selection of over 30,000 episodes from ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, NBC and over 70 cable networks including Bravo, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, FX, HBO, MTV, Nickelodeon, Sci Fi, Showtime and USA. With iTunes 8, television fans can now watch their favorite programs from ABC, NBC and Showtime in stunning HD for just $2.99 per episode, perfect for viewing on their Mac(R) or PC, or on their widescreen TV with Apple TV.

The iTunes Store is the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of 8.5 million songs, over 30,000 TV episodes and over 2,500 films including 600 in stunning high definition video. With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as iTunes Movie Rentals, integrated podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, the ability to turn previously purchased tracks into complete albums at a reduced price, and seamless integration with iPod and iPhone, the iTunes Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and video online.

iTunes 8 for Mac and Windows includes the iTunes Store and is available as a free download from (http://www.itunes.com). Purchase and download of songs and videos from the iTunes Store requires a valid credit card from a financial institution in the country of purchase. Video availability varies by country.

TOM JONES - 24 HOURS

Tom Jones is set to release an album of almost entirely original material this fall. The 68-year-old singer will release "24 Hours" on Oct. 21 in the US and on Nov. 25 via S-Curve Records. It's a retro-tinged album much in the style of Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" that finds the Welshman's voice as strong as ever. "The fire is still in me," Jones told The Associated Press in a recent interview, speaking by phone from his home in Los Angeles. "Not to be an oldie, but a goodie. I want to be a contender." The albumc was produced by British production duo Future Cut, who have cut tracks for Lily Allen, Kate Nash and others. With backing horns and an almost Stax Records kind of soul, the sound is distinctly retro. "We've been thinking about this for a while, doing a retro sound but new," said Jones. "And Amy Winehouse, she cracked it. When that album came out, my son called me right away and said, `You know what we've been talking about? Listen to this.'"

Since he released the hit "It's Not Unusual" in 1965, Jones has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. While his 2000 album "Reload" was a hit in Europe and elsewhere (buoyed by the club hit "Sex Bomb"), it was never released in the U.S. — which Jones calls "a shame." "The hits that I've had recently have all been European," he said. "I've had a lot of success worldwide, which is a pain because I live here and I do most of my shows in America. ... Hopefully this will straighten that out."

Jones, who regularly performs in Las Vegas, believes his voice hasn't aged — thanks partly to his careful treatment of it; he takes a humidifier with him traveling to keep his throat from drying. Jones even believes his lower registers have gotten richer. "I wanted my voice to sound as natural as possible," Jones said of the album. "The arrangements and the production needs to be modern, but the vocal needs to sound like me."

There are several covers on the album — including Bruce Springsteen's "The Hitter" and "I'm Alive" by Tommy James and the Shondells — but the rest Jones either co-wrote or collaborated with the songwriters. Bono and the Edge of U2 guest on the song "Sugar Daddy." "I love doing the songs that I've had success with and the audience keeps those alive," Jones said. "But I love moving on."