ESPERANZA SPALDING NOMINATED FOR BEST NEW ARTIST

Telarc International and Heads Up International, divisions of Concord Music Group, received 7 GRAMMY® nominations, as announced by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) on December 1, 2010. The nominations were in an array of categories including Best New Artist, pop, jazz, blues and classical. All nominations were for albums released from September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. Winners will be announced at the 53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards on Sunday, February 13, 2011 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/PT), at Staples Center in Los Angeles, airing live on the CBS Television Network.



Esperanza Spalding



The Telarc and Heads Up nominations are:

Best New Artist
ESPERANZA SPALDING

Bassist, singer and composer Esperanza Spalding combines the imaginative flights of a serious improviser with the musical accessibility of a pop star and within two years of her solo debut has beguiled success at nearly unimaginable heights. Esperanza, her 2008 release, spent over 70 weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and was the most successful internationally selling debut that year. Spalding’s most recent release, Chamber Music Society, is a brilliant marriage of string and jazz trio, and a showcase for her eclectic sensibilities along with her vocal and compositional talents. Other career highlights include two televised performances at the White House, a Banana Republic ad campaign, features in Oprah Magazine and The New Yorker, numerous awards and high profile tour dates, capped by an invitation to perform at the 2010 Nobel Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Spalding was nominated for Best New Artist along with Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence & the Machine, and Mumford and Sons. Her inclusion in this mainstream category signifies her considerable appeal to a broad audience.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting have just announced that bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding, in response to the Diversity and Innovation Fund Request for Proposals, has been asked to host Find The Beat, a progressive new television show on PBS. Find The Beat, a new program that promotes diversity, features Spalding joining with a group, a band or solo musician to explore the roots of their music. Their journeys take them to see authentic performers, explore cultural connections and investigate musical history.  PBS and the CPB issued a request for proposals for a new television show to be sponsored by their Diversity and Innovation Fund. The DI Fund, “seeks to diversify the National Program Service by attracting younger and more racially and ethnically diverse viewers and visitors.” More than 200 submissions were received in response to the request for proposals, from which only 16 were chosen by their editorial staff to advance to panel review. Esperanza Spalding combines the imaginative flights of a serious improviser with the musical accessibility of a pop star and within two years of her solo debut has beguiled success at nearly unimaginable heights.
http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/

Best Pop Instrumental Performance
NO MYSTERY
Stanley Clarke
Track from: The Stanley Clarke Band
[Heads Up International]

Best Pop Instrumental Album
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
Gerald Albright
[Heads Up International]

Best Contemporary Jazz Album
THE STANLEY CLARKE BAND
The Stanley Clarke Band
[Heads Up International]

NOW IS THE TIME
Jeff Lorber Fusion
(Heads Up International]

Best Traditional Blues Album
JOINED AT THE HIP
Pinetop Perkins & Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith
[Telarc]

Best Engineered Album, Classical
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN...?
Robert Friedrich, engineer (Turtle Island Quartet, Stefon Harris & Mike Marshall)
[Telarc

Since 1980, Telarc International, a division of Concord Music Group, has won 58 GRAMMY® Awards for performance, production and engineering. Other important awards include the French Grand Prix du Disque and Diapason d’Or; Japan’s Record of the Year; Germany’s Audiophile CD of the Year; and Gramophone Magazine’s 2004 Label of the Year. Although it began as a classical-only label, Telarc now boasts a catalog of more than 1000 recordings, ranging from classical and classical-crossover to jazz, contemporary jazz, Americana, pop and blues. For nearly 20 years, Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, has been successfully carving its niche in the world of contemporary instrumental music. Heads Up artists and releases have consistently landed on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz, Traditional Jazz and World Music charts, and have garnered numerous industry awards, including Billboard’s Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year, the AFIM’s Independent Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year, seven GRAMMY® Awards and numerous GRAMMY® nominations. Heads Up was also the winner of JazzWeek’s Radio Programmers Album of the Year Award for two consecutive years, and Gibson Guitar’s Best Female Jazz Guitarist. In addition to the awards and accolades, Heads Up artists have regularly captured the #1 slot in national radio airplay.

THE TOP 10 CHRISTMAS SONGS PLAYED ON THE RADIO...

As radio stations across the nation ramp up their festive playlists, with many flipping to all-holiday music, traditional favorites still rule the airwaves, according to the latest holiday song data released by ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). The performance data is tracked by radio airplay monitoring service, Mediaguide, from over 2,500 radio stations nationwide.

Highlights of the data include:

• 1,987 different holiday songs have been played on radio from 10/1/10 to 12/3/10.

• Holiday songs have been played 1,539,526 times altogether.

• In many cases, newer versions of the original recordings have become the most popular renditions heard on radio today.

• KCKC-FM (Kansas City, MO) was the first station to switch to all-holiday music programming on November 1, 2010. Since then, 178 additional stations have switched to all-holiday music.

• The top 10 most-played ASCAP holiday songs so far this holiday season are:

1. "Sleigh Ride" - played 59,797 times
Written by Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish
Most popular artist version performed by Leroy Anderson

2. "Winter Wonderland" - played 53,762 times
Written by Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
Most popular artist version performed by Eurythmics

3. "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" - played 44,576 times
Written by Edward Pola, George Wyle
Most popular artist version performed by Andy Williams

4. "Jingle Bell Rock" - played 44,055 times
Written by Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe
Most popular artist version performed by Bobby Helms

5. "White Christmas" - played 37,797 times
Written by Irving Berlin
Most popular artist version performed by Bing Crosby

6. "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" - played 36,043 times
Written by Meredith Willson
Most popular artist version performed by Bing Crosby

7. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - played 33,980 times
Written by Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
Most popular artist version performed by The Carpenters

8. "Frosty the Snowman" - played 30,875 times
Written by Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins
Most popular artist version performed by Jimmy Durante

9. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting...)" - played 29,378 times
Written by Mel Tormé, Robert Wells
Most popular artist version performed by Nat King Cole

10. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" - played 28,179 times
Written by Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram
Most popular artist version performed by Amy Grant

Note: The list represents an aggregation of all different artist versions of each cited holiday song played on radio from 10/1/10 through 12/3/10. Each song includes songwriter credits, and cites the most popular artist version currently being played on radio.

Mediaguide, co-owned by ASCAP, uses proprietary digital fingerprinting and watermarking technology to monitor and measure music and advertisement airplay on more than 2,500 commercial, non-commercial and college radio stations in over 150 US markets, real time, 24/7.

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from nearly 400,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. http://www.ascap.com/

MARCUS JOHNSON - FLO (FOR THE LOVE OF): CHILL VOLUME 2

Marcus Johnson has just released his latest entitled FLO (For the Love Of): Chill Volume 2, which is a follow-up to the 2008 Billboard Charting FLO series.  The CD was released on November 9, 2010. In this highly anticipated CD, international jazz keyboardist and NAACP Image Award nominee Marcus Johnson presents a musical journey that delivers a hypnotic chill and a smoothed out lounge club vibe that is branded to give the listener a relaxed audio experience. From the futuristic international sound to laid back smooth vocals, FLO (For the Love Of): Chill Volume 2 delivers music you don’t have to think about. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy. Imaginative in itself and already receiving rave feedback from live performances, this crowd pleaser is bound to top the Billboard chart like its predecessor. FLO (For the Love Of): Chill Volume 2 deliberately flies outside of the box of the smooth jazz platform with a unique European bend as Marcus Johnson collaborates with Julien “DJ Young Pulse” Ozonder of Paris, France. Urban edginess meets a jazzy smoothness on the tracks and a piano-tinged, jazzy trip-hop flavor laces the electronic grooves. FLO (For the Love Of): Chill Volume 2 is the soundtrack to a contemporary lifestyle.

FLO (For the Love Of): Chill Volume 2 track listing:
1.Eiffel Tower
2. Summertime
3. Nanosecond Culture
4. Love Affair
5. Fancy
6. Suffice to Say
7. In My Room [Remix]
8. Oaxaca
9. Shine
10. Say Yes [Remix] 

MARCUS MILLER - A NIGHT IN MONTE CARLO

Bassist Marcus Miller continues this legacy with A Night In Monte-Carlo, a live audio document of an amazing concert he was commissioned to perform on November 29, 2008 in the “rich man’s playground” of Monaco – a performance of music of his choice, much of it from his pen, featuring his arrangements for symphony orchestra. A Night In Monte-Carlo is set for release on February 1, 2011 on Concord Jazz, a division of the Concord Music Group. It features Marcus leading both his quartet and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, with special guests: trumpeter Roy Hargrove as well as singer, songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón. “I was invited by Jean-René Palacio, the Artistic Director for the principality of Monaco to present some of my music with the orchestra on the French Riviera,” Marcus recalls. No stranger to the area, as he has performed there many times and played there on his downtime as a race car buff during the Grand Prix, Marcus relished the opportunity of sharing his music in the breathtaking and intimate 600-seat Monte-Carlo Opera House.  The repertoire for A Night In Monte-Carlo covers nearly a century of music – from two styles of opera to jazz, including a contemporized spiritual and a timeless ballad. The program opened with a BANG with “Blast!” the Grammy-nominated Middle Eastern-tinged instrumental of futuristic world fusion funk that has been begging for a symphonic treatment since it was birthed on his ninth album, Marcus (2008). Not knowing what to expect, the audience was taken by surprise when the huge sounds of the orchestra and quartet filled the Opera House with this musical Molotov cocktail.

Next was a version of Miles Davis’ “So What,” the classic of cool from the master’s groundbreaking 1959 LP Kind of Blue. “The original recording has a beautiful Bill Evans solo piano introduction that most musicians never play when they cover the tune,” Miller states. “I took that intro and gave it a full orchestration that leads into some nice stretched out playing from Alex Han on alto sax and Federico Gonzalez Peña on piano. I loved the contrast between the orchestra and DJ Logic on turntables. The string players were looking at him like, ‘What’s that he’s doing?’ while Logic was glancing over his shoulder, blown away by what they were playing. That’s what this was all about.”

Next is a beautiful rendition of “I Loves You Porgy” from the Gershwin opera Porgy & Bess that features Miller playing the bittersweet melody on fretless bass – a tasty contrast as couched by the strings. Then the orchestra takes a break as Miller introduces one-man band Raul Midón to the stage to sing “State of Mind,” a song that the blind singer/songwriter/guitarist recorded as the title track of the 2005 CD that launched him into the mainstream. Midón often performs the song alone simulating drums on the body of his guitar and the sound of a trumpet with his lips. Here, Marcus accompanies him on bass with Peña adding udu (an African percussion instrument). “What Raul does is amazing and this tune has a great energy,” says Miller.

When the orchestra returns, it is to accompany one of the finest living jazz trumpet players, Roy Hargrove, on a song that Marcus composed for the great Miles Davis titled “Amandla,” the soaring title track of the acclaimed 1989 follow-up album to the first Miller/Davis collaboration, Tutu. “Roy is one of the baddest trumpet players out there,” Miller shares. “We’re always passing each other in airports and at festivals. When I hosted the North Sea Jazz Cruise, I made sure to invite him as one of my guests. I had to bring him back for this show. His sound is gorgeous on this tune and he really opens up on his solo.” Marcus additionally features Hargrove playing the warmer flugelhorn on a dreamy rendition of the 1941 chestnut “I’m Glad There Is You” – a song Hargrove recorded on his 2000 CD Moment To Moment: Roy Hargrove With Strings.

The second more traditional of the opera pieces follows with a lovely melodic statement from Giacomo Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro (Oh, my dear papa),” a highlight from his 1918 one-act opera Gianni Schicchi. Again, Marcus plays the melody - usually associated with a lyrical soprano voice - on the fretless bass, providing a haunting feeing of déjà vu for the audience within the Opera House. This leads into the grand finale of the festive Brazilian pop classic “Mas Que Nada.” Marcus arranged and produced a soulful version of the song for singer Al Jarreau’s 1994 CD/DVD project Tenderness. He reprises that here - propelled with aplomb by drummer Poogie Bell – as a vehicle for all to return to the stage, with Roy Hargrove trading trumpet lines with Raul Midón’s “voice trumpet.”

A Night In Monte-Carlo closes with two very special pieces. The first is Marcus’ reverent yet contemporary interpolation of the spiritual “Amazing Grace” which he calls “Your Amazing Grace” that features him on an instrument that has fast become his most singular voice, the bass clarinet. That is followed by an inspired 11th hour addition, “Strange Fruit,” recorded in his Los Angeles recording studio. The chilling portrait of racial hatred that Billie Holiday first performed in 1939 on the stage of Café Society, the title metaphorically conjures the bodies of black men, women and child lynch victims hanging from trees in the American south in the not so distant past. It is an image and meditation that Miller brings to highly emotive recall in his musical history lesson for orchestra, crying its blues through his mournful bass clarinet accompanied by the piano of his frequent friend and collaborator Herbie Hancock.

Since this recording was made in 2008, Marcus has presented A Night In Monte-Carlo with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic featuring Lalah Hathaway and Raul Midón for the 50th Anniversary of Jazz a Juan in the summer of 2010, and more recently at the Tokyo Jazz Festival with the NHK Symphony Orchestra featuring Roberta Flack and young trumpeter, Christian Scott. He has tailored each program to include his special guests and plans to continue to do so with various artists for upcoming shows.

SEAN JEFFERSON - DREAMWORKS

Drummer/composer Sean Jefferson isn’t about rewriting the rules of jazz, he challenges jazz conventions by pursuing unpredictable paths, creating a body of work that ignites the senses. Instead of following generic patterns, Jefferson leads his fellow musicians – pianist Harold O’Neal, saxophonist Marcus Strickland, and bassist Richie Goods – into a spellbinding hybrid of cutting-edge and mainstream sensibilities. Equally influenced by iconic drummers such as Elvis Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Jeff “Tain” Watts as well as renowned composers like Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith, Jefferson gained recognition as the drummer for the Grammy-nominated organ trio Paradigm Shift. Signed to Wycliffe Gordon’s label Bluesback Records, Jefferson first jammed with his new bandmates at the 2009 Rochester International Jazz Festival. The chemistry between them proved to be one that was made for a long-term bond, resulting in Jefferson’s latest album, Dreamworks. The CD establishes not only Jefferson’s robust drum work but also his keen compositional skills. Most of the tracks on the record are originals. However, Jefferson still injects his only cover, a remake of Thelonious Monk’s timeless classic “‘Round Midnight,” with a mood-spinning film noir vibe. The rest of the album, from the liquid flow of the title track to the disorderly conduct of “Awakening,” illustrates the balance of light and shadow between waking and dreaming. Dreamworks has already received praise from the “JazzTimes” website, calling it “a tightrope between high-brow experimentalism and metropolitan cool.” The CD distinguishes itself by remaining true to Jefferson’s uncompromising vision, refusing to be bound by any genre restrictions yet remaining melodic enough for the common fan.

http://www.seanjefferson.com/

GUISEPPE DELISO - REBIRTH

Italian jazz guitarist Guiseppe Deliso, who has been making and playing some of the best traditional jazz to be found anywhere in the world for a number of years, has finally released the first full album of his self-penned works. The release, Rebirth, is the perfect demonstration of the versatility that makes Giuseppe such a unique talent. It includes wonderfully inventive examples of blues, bossa nova, latin, be-bop and traditional jazz. All played with Giuseppe’s tell-tale marks of invention, wit and creativity. It’s a collection of songs as fresh and remarkable as on any jazz album released in modern times. But, while being unmistakably of its time, it also gives a nod to the greats that inspired it. You can hear the influence of Grant Green alongside Lee Ritenour, Charlie Christian, Louis Armstrong and George Benson. Yet Giuseppe also puts his own inimitable personal mark on everything he touches. The release is a long time coming. The title track – ‘Rebirth’ – comes from an idea originally composed by Giuseppe 20 years before, but which has been molded and crafted over time to become possibly the stand-out song in this collection. It is not only an appropriate name for the song, but also for the album. This is a record that will give birth not only to its creator’s name in the music-loving public but might even make some listeners rediscover their old love for great jazz. Deliso is accompanied by some truly outstanding individuals – Marco Boccia on bass, pianist Vito Liturri, Davide Viterbo on cello, drummer Lello Patruno and sax player Vincenzo Antonicelli – Giuseppe’s playing shines through like a beacon. Rebirth is a record not only for jazz lovers, but for lovers of any music that comes from deep in the soul. It is a genuinely remarkable performance from a genuinely remarkable musician and composer who will now finally discover the fame he so richly deserves.

http://www.rebirth-album.com/
www.rebirth-album.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Saturday-Night-Groove1.mp3
www.cdbaby.com/cd/GiuseppeDeliso
www.facebook.com/Rebirth.album

PERRY TOLE - FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE

Perry Tole takes listeners through a lover’s rock wonderland on his debut studio album Flight Of The Eagle, set for digital and physical release on November 22, 2010. The album features 15 visionary tracks that pulsate with his Caribbean culture’s energy and passion. While some of his songs fit into the smooth reggae mold, many of his compositions escape convention, flavored with progressive‐rock energy that gives his sound, as he calls it, “Danceability.” Growing up in Jamaica, Perry’s first musical influences came from the reggae, R&B and country tunes streaming from the jukebox at his mother’s restaurant. At the age of 16, inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens, Perry picked up the guitar and later entered the Jamaica School of Music, where he became part of the noted Jamaican reggae/rock fusion band Native. Native released two major albums under Arista (England) and RCA (LA) and a third under independent record label Jamaica Records (NY). The bands seminal album Black Tracks received critical acclaim. Perry Tole signed to Simple Life Soul in 2010 as a solo instrumentalist and will release his debut album under the same label. The project is currently in phase one of radio promotions, with phase two starting in January, and phase three in March. The title track “Flight of the Eagle” and epic ballad “Don’t Walk Away” are currently in AAA radio rotation in the United States. A promotional tour through the US will launch in Spring 2011.

Here's where you can find Perry Tole:
http://www.SimpleLifeSoul.com and on Twitter @PerryTole.

SADE EARNS TWO GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

After a decade out of the spotlight, Sade's eighth album, Soldier Of Love exploded onto the charts in February and instantly made music history. The album ranked in the top 10 among Billboard's 200 making them the first group since Led Zeppelin to hold this accomplishment. The attention grabbing first single "Soldier of Love" made radio history debuting at # 11 on the Urban Hot AC chart, making it the highest debut of the decade and the third highest all-time on the Urban Hot AC chart. "Soldier of Love" also debuted at # 5 on the Smooth Jazz airplay chart while also becoming the first ever vocal to hit # 1 on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown. Now on the heels of an epic year for Sade, the band's platinum selling Soldier Of Love, marks another milestone today by garnering two Grammy nominations for Best Pop Vocal by a Group for "Babyfather" and Best R&B Vocal by a Group for "Soldier of Love". Holding down the top spot on the charts for three weeks upon its release, the critically acclaimed album takes its rightful place among the vast collection of iconic Sade albums.

Entertainment Weekly featured Soldier Of Love in their "Must List" and gave the album an "A", Rolling Stone wrote, "it's unimpeachably excellent," and The Boston Globe calls it, "a rich and rewarding album." But the accolades don't stop there. Associated Press raved, "like a long-ago lover not quite forgotten, Sade has returned to steal our hearts with more beautiful, uncategorizable music," Billboard was quoted as saying, "it's been 10 years since Sade released an album, but be forewarned – the giant has awoken," while People Magazine reminds us that "Sade remains the voice of comfort to the wounded heart."

Sade recently announced their highly anticipated return to the world's stage. The North American leg, produced by Live Nation, begins on June 16th, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland at the 1st Mariner's Arena. Tickets are on sale at LiveNation.com.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards – first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

Sade.com

BOB SHEPPARD - CLOSE YOUR EYES

Bob Sheppard has long been one of the top reed players based in Southern California. Constantly in demand for record sessions, club dates, concerts, soundtracks, and an enormous amount of projects, he has the ability to sound both creative and comfortable on a variety of instruments, no matter what the setting. Now, Sheppard moves onto the next chapter in his long career, with the release of Close Your Eyes on BFM JAZZ. Close Your Eyes gives Bob Sheppard an opportunity to present his own music with some of his favorite musicians. Not only is Sheppard featured on tenor and soprano (in addition to playing flute, alto flute, piccolo, clarinet and bass clarinet), but he also contributed two songs and arranged all nine performances. The music is spontaneous and swinging yet purposeful, modern and personal. It is Sheppard's most significant recording as a leader.

Bob Sheppard is joined by either Alan Pasqua or John Beasley doubling on piano and organ, bassist Gabe Noel, drummer Antonio Sanchez, and percussionist Walter Rodriguez with two guest appearances apiece by trumpeter Alex Sipiagen and guitarist Larry Koonse. Close Your Eyes begins with the title cut, a veteran standard that Sheppard's inventive arrangement and restrained yet often-explosive solo make sound brand new. “Surface Tension,” which has a major role for Koonse's guitar, is a well disguised reworking of “What's New.” Another swing era ballad, “Goodbye” (which was Benny Goodman's closing theme song), is given an introspective yet emotional treatment by Sheppard. The other selections include the complex yet catchy “Brain Fog,” the playful “Fast Company” (a perfect showcase for Sheppard's soprano), the quietly spooky “Phantoms,” “Lightness” (which is full of inner heat), Joe Henderson's “Gazelle” which sounds like the soundtrack to an African adventure, and the brooding strut “All In A Row.” The musicians excel at exploring unusual song structures and creating original ideas. Sheppard's mellow tone establishes the mood for these thoughtful pieces, and his solos set a high bar for his sidemen to match.

Originally an East Coaster, Sheppard started his musical journey playing professionally in and around Philadelphia at the age of sixteen. Learning to play many musical styles with every kind of band was common and expected in the fertile 70s. As a studied clarinet player, Sheppard attended college and eventually earned a Masters degree from the Eastman School of Music before ending up in Los Angeles. However, Sheppard strongly attributes his most valuable schooling to his real world apprenticeship in and around Philly. Sheppard's unexpected move to LA proved to be fortuitous as his intuitive musicality and creative voice quickly helped him become an in demand fixture in and out of the studios. He has appeared on more than one hundred movie and television soundtracks and worked with the who's who of music. Among his most important associations was his eight year tenure with Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea's Origin, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchel, Herbie Hancock, Peter Erskine, Billy Childs, Mike Stern, Vince Mendoza, Scott Henderson, Michael Brecker, Horace Silver, James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Queen Latifah, Randy Brecker, Lyle Mays, Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Nat Adderley, Rickie Lee Jones, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Randy Newman, Scott Henderson, Michael Franks, Otmaro Ruiz, Kurt Elling, George Duke, Bill Cunliffe, Marilyn Scott, and Diane Reeves. Sheppard recently toured with Billy Childs, Boz Scaggs, Kurt Elling and Peter Erskine and the Bob Sheppard quartet. In addition, he is a part-time faculty member at the USC Thornton School of Music and frequently conducts clinics at colleges.

Bob Sheppard's Close Your Eyes is a perfect match for the newly formed BFM Jazz. His playing is thoughtful and passionate, there are many subtle surprises, and the music is a perfect example of creative 21st century Jazz.

SMOOTH JAZZ NEW YORK CONCERTS

Smooth Jazz New York, New York City's premier live jazz concert promoter, has announced two star-studded smooth jazz Christmas shows in December at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City: "A Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair & Rick Braun" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas with David Benoit." "Since New York is the birthplace of modern jazz, we're bringing some of the genre's finest acts home for the holidays," notes Sam Kimball, Marquee Concerts/Smooth Jazz New York co-founder. "And what better way to celebrate the season than with extraordinary artists performing classic holiday hits." On Saturday, December 4th at 7:30pm and 10pm, in his "A Peter White Christmas," White leads an all star lineup featuring Rick Braun and Mindi Abair, performing dazzling arrangements of holiday favorites. Over the past 16 years, White has kept smooth jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and inviting, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone. Always finding unique ways to bring his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics, his seasonal renditions are sure to captivate. The following Saturday, December 11th at 7:30pm and 10pm, The David Benoit Quartet returns to New York for a special Peanuts-inspired holiday show, performing the classics from Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Over the past 25 years, composer and pianist David Benoit has been a passionate musical innovator committed to the exploration of many different art forms on the American landscape. His prolific output in the last decade includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects including "Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years" and his star-studded "40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas." These memorable works reflect his lifelong passion for the music of Guaraldi, Peanuts' original composer, and solidify Benoit's role as his musical heir.

 http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com/.

CLASSICS, REISSUES, AND JUST NEW STUFF YOU GOTTA HAVE...

Here’s a rundown of what’s in store for release in the next couple of months:

Friday Music has reissued a 180g LP of the highly successful Lowdown by Boz Scaggs.

Masterworks Jazz will re-release an LP version of White Rabbit (1972) by George Benson, planning for December 7.

Here’s a classic arrival of a pretty good Jazz album on vinyl LP. On December 7, Masterworks Jazz will reissue Prelude (1972) by Deodato that featured the hit single (the unedited 9-minute version of “Also Sprach Zarathustra”) as well as Deodato‘s excellent version of “Prelude To The Afternoon of a Faun”.

There are a batch of DD reissues and releases on the schedules, especially coming from UMe. Specifically, much of the War, and Eric Burdon & War catalogue is scheduled for reissue on December 7. Coming from Far Out Records, the expected DD reissues are as follows: from Eric Burdon & War – Eric Burdon Declares War, which included “Spill The Wine” (1970), Love Is All Around, an extras set with outtakes, live cuts, B-sides, etc (1976), The Best of Eric Burdon & War (1996), and The Black Man’s Burdon (1970). From War, there is – All Day Music (1971), Deliver The Word (1973), Greatest Hits Live (2008), Life (Is So Strange) (1983), War Live (1974), Outlaw (1982), Peace Sign (1994), Platinum Jazz (1976), The Very Best of War (2003), The World Is A Ghetto (1972), War (1971), Why Can’t We Be Friends? (1975), and Youngblood (1978).

Fuel plans the CD release of Absolutely The Best – Live featuring Ike and Tina Turner, scheduling the album for January 11.

Mobile Fidelity plans to release SACDs in 2011 with some great titles in the works. The expected SACDs and 180g vinyl LPs (either/or) include: Santana - Caravanserai (1972) 24k Gold CD; Love Devotion Surrender (1973) 24k Gold CD; Frank Sinatra – Swing Along With Me (1961) LP; The Concert Sinatra (1963) LP; Tony Bennett – I Wanna Be Around (1963) LP; I Left My Heart In San Francisco (1962) LP; and Ray Charles – The Genius of Ray Charles (1959) SACD.

Universal plans the release of a 2CD Deluxe Edition of Live Forever: The Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA 09/23/1980 featuring Bob Marley and The Wailers. It is planned for February 1.

A&M Records plan a new Herb Alpert album (as yet untitled) releasing on February 15, 2011.

Best of Vegas featuring Frank Sinatra, which is scheduled for CD release on March 1 via Concord Records.

Telarc Records is putting out an as-yet-untitled album from Al Di Meola on March 15.

Fantasy Records plans the CD release of Ugetsu (1963) by the prolific Art Blakley, this one scheduled for March 15. Fantasy Records will reissue Know What I Mean? (1961) by Cannonball Adderley (with Bill Evans) on CD. Other Fantasy CD reissues include Stan Getz/Cal Tjader Sextet (1958) by the prolific Stan Getz, and Monk’s Music (1957) by Thelonius Monk, all scheduled for March 15. Fantasy Records also plans the release of The Definitive Albert King on April 5.

THOMAS MARRIOTT - CONSTRAINTS AND LIBERATIONS

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott’s latest album, Constraints And Liberations, is being called a “breakthrough album” by noted jazz writer and author Paul de Barros not just because it features all original music, “but because it’s a sort of psychological breakthrough as well.” While his previous recordings have featured a few original pieces interspersed with standards, this latest album is all original music from Thomas, and an original work by bassist Jeff Johnson. The album also features Gary Versace on piano and John Bishop on drums. In his liner notes for the album de Barros says, “Marriott has been an elbows-out bopper, a man of long chopsy lines and searing technical prowess…here, there is more space between the lines. Phrases fall off with a slippery sigh or quaver. Dynamics are tempered. Pitch is used for coloration, and the middle range gets a lot of play.” Most of the music on the album, scheduled for release in November, was written in the winter of 2008-2009 as Marriott was transitioning into his role as husband and father. It was a time of personal reflection that added depth and complexity to his writing and playing. Marriott’s previous albums have all been well received. His East-West Trumpet Summit album with fellow trumpeter and good friend, Ray Vega, released earlier this year, reached number one in the Jazz Week air play charts. It was in the top ten for 14 weeks. Two of his previous releases on Origin Records have also made it into the national top ten, 2007's Both Sides and 2009's Flexicon. As de Barros says of Constraints And Liberation, “As its title suggests, this album isn’t just about ‘freedom,’ it’s also about ‘restraint.’ It takes maturity to balance the two. Marriott appears to have found a way to balance both, in his life and in his music.”

Marriott has received six Golden Ear awards from Seattle’s Earshot Jazz for his recordings and performances. He is also the 1999 winner of the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition. Marriott went to New York later in 1999 and gained initial acclaim through his work with Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau band, completing three world tours with Ferguson (who called Marriott “a truly great jazz trumpet player”), and then continued to work in New York and on the road with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Joe Locke, The Tito Puente Orchestra, Brian Lynch, Les Brown and the Band of Renown, Kenny Kirkland, Charlie Hunter, Ritchie “Alto Madness” Cole, and many others. Now residing on the west coast once again, Marriott has become a catalyst of the jazz scene in Seattle, his home base. Marriott continues to tour and perform at clubs and festivals all over the world.

http://www.thomasmarriott.net/.

STEVE GADD - LIVE AT VOCE (DELUXE EDITION)

One of the most recorded drummers of all time, Steve Gadd has worked with everyone from Chick Corea to Paul Simon, Maynard Ferguson to Eric Clapton. When it comes to his own projects, Gadd loves to play good-time groove music that has the danceable qualities and bluesiness of the best R&B along with the adventurous solos and impeccable musicianship of jazz. On Live At Voce (Deluxe Edition), Gadd is joined by Joey DeFrancesco (arguably the world's greatest organist), the passionate baritone-saxophonist Ronnie Cuber, and the versatile guitarist Paul Bollenbeck. Together they create grooves and hard-driving swing that are reminiscent of the best organ groups of the 1960s including an early George Benson band that featured Cuber. The infectious rhythms, catchy material, and colorful ensembles make this band impossible to resist.

For this project the quartet, which has been together since 2007, is heard at a popular club in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Watching The River Flow,” which is based on “Swanee River,” has exciting solos by all four musicians. The one-chord vamp “Way Back Home” gives Ronnie Cuber a chance to preach on his horn. “Undecided” is taken at a burning tempo that is perfect for the musicians, with DeFrancesco showing why he is considered the master of his instrument. “Bye Bye Blackbird” starts out with a surprising duet between Gadd on brushes and DeFrancesco, who is heard on a muted trumpet a la Miles Davis. “Them Changes” finds the group rocking out on an R&B groove that alternates with some furious straight ahead jamming.

Cuber is featured on a heartfelt rendition of “Georgia On My Mind.” “Back At The Chicken Shack” has the Gadd band returning to the blues, really digging into the music. Horace Silver's “Sister Sadie” is given quite a ride by the musicians, with this being the most stirring performance of the heated set. As a bonus, the deluxe version of Live At Voce concludes with a pair of intriguing duets (“Here I Am Now” and “Down”) by Gadd and singer/songwriter Edie Brickell. Gadd and Brickell lead the newly formed band, The Gaddabouts, featuring Andrew Fairweather Low and Pino Palladino.

Steve Gadd has had a remarkable career during the past 40 years, and there are no signs that he plans to slow down. He began playing drums when he was three, sat in with Dizzy Gillespie at the age of 11, and became a major studio drummer in 1972. Since then his countless number of recordings include important sessions with Chuck Mangione, Bill Watrous, Jim Croce, Joe Farrell, Bette Midler, Chet Baker, Phoebe Snow, Bob James, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, George Benson, David Sanborn, Paul Simon, Tom Scott, Chick Corea, Grover Washington Jr, Jim Hall, Maynard Ferguson, Al DiMeola, Carla Bley, Judy Collins, Stanley Clarke, Stuff, Joe Cocker, the Brecker Brothers, Dave Grusin, Charles Mingus, Eddie Daniels, Weather Report, Lee Ritenour, Michael Franks, Carly Simon, Steely Dan, Al Jarreau, Grover Washington Jr, the Manhattan Transfer, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, James Brown, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet and Natalie Cole plus the Gadd Gang. Just in the past year, Gadd has toured and recorded with Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Alain Clark and Edie Brickell.

Joey DeFrancesco is largely responsible for the Hammond B-3 organ making a comeback in the 1990s. The son of organist Papa John DeFrancesco, Joey began sitting in at his father's gigs when he was just six. He learned from the masters, befriended Jimmy Smith, and toured with Miles Davis right after his high school graduation in 1988. His brilliant playing and enthusiasm led to the organ, which had been neglected in favor of electric keyboards, being restored to its former place of prominence. His success has led to many other young organists entering the scene, but Joey DeFrancesco still ranks at the very top.

Baritonist Ronnie Cuber, whose deep guttural tone is influenced by the late Pepper Adams, has been a major force on his instrument since the 1960s. His stints with the Maynard Ferguson big band and with George Benson made him well known in the jazz world. In recent years he has often been heard with the Mingus Big Band.

Guitarist Paul Bollenback started playing music when he was seven. Originally a rock player, he changed his musical direction after hearing Miles Davis. He has been associated with Joey DeFrancesco off and on since the early 1990s and has also worked with Mark Murphy, Gary Thomas, Ron Holloway, Joe Locke, Houston Person, Geoff Keezer, Jim Snider, Jack McDuff, and Tony Monaco.

STEVE COLE - MOONLIGHT

Saxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz, having sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide and scored four #1 R&R Smooth Jazz hits. With five CDs in his catalog for Atlantic, Warner Brothers and Narada Jazz, Cole kicks off a newmultiple-album deal with Mack Avenue Records/Artistry Music by releasing Moonlight, a collection of classic pop songs and standards set against an orchestral backdrop. The project includes such iconic songs as Burt Bacharach's The Look of Love, the classic torch song Cry Me a River, Lennon/McCartney's The Long and Winding Road, the Guess Who's Undun and James Taylor's Close Your Eyes. With his gorgeous, classically trained tone and an ear for lyrical melody, Cole most closely resembles a vocalist, emphasizing interpretive phrasing and direct emotion. On Moonlight, he has found the perfect setting for this bel canto technique-a symphonic orchestra playing inspired arrangements by Michael Cunningham, making his splashy major-label debut as an orchestral arranger. In addition to the strings, the arrangements include tastefully placed harp, woodwinds and tempered brass. The supporting rhythm section is composed of Mike Logan (Will Downing) on keyboards, Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets) on piano and Steve Rodby (Pat Metheny Group) on bass.

At the heart of this project is the title track, which appeared in the 1995 film Sabrina. "I saw the movie a few years ago and heard that song," Cole says, "and it was just delightful-after all, it was written by [legendary film composer and arranger] John Williams, and I thought, 'This has all the elements I'm looking for.' So I just sort of indexed it away, and when I started thinking about this project, I was searching for music that would be warm and enveloping. That's when I remembered this song." (Few others did; this is its debut cover recording). With Moonlight, Cole comes full circle back to his first success as a young musician, performing with strings and winds. Reenergized by his desire to recapture his roots and impelled by the melody of Moonlight, he has produced a record full of strong emotion and genuine craftsmanship. The interaction of his saxophone with the intimate arrangements has allowed him to create a modern collection of lovely cameos in the classical concerto tradition-while at the same time charting a new direction for the next stage of his career. "For me, it's always a lot more fun when people get what you're doing," says Cole, and in a nutshell that statement describes hisapproach to music; he has crafted his style with communication foremost among his objectives. Many of the greatest jazz musicians have sought the same goal, from Louis Armstrong to Count Basie to Stan Getz to Miles Davis. And while Cole would not compare himself to any of these giants, he has nonetheless absorbed the basic lesson of their music-reaching beyond his craft to communicate with his listeners.

Steve Cole attended Northwestern University, where he explored modern classical music for the saxophone under the tutelage of internationally recognized educator Fred Hemke. While an undergrad, this gifted musician was a semifinalist in the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts and one of three finalists in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, awarding him the privilege of performing Tableaux De Provence by Paule Maurice with the CSO. Cole went on to earn his MBA, which paved the way in his being appointed to Professor at the prestigious McNally Smith College of Music-a position he maintains today. "I am so anxious to have the opportunity to present this new project to audiences in live theater settings where I will have the chance to connect with them in an emotional way, providing a memorable night of music for all to enjoy," Steve expounds. "The legacy of popular music in an orchestral setting is timeless and I am quite fortunate to be able to present this collection of timeless songs in this fashion." The orchestra members tune their instruments, the lights dim, Steve Cole walks onto the stage-and within moments you are immersed in a captivating sonic landscape. "At this point in my career it was important to document something that will be as relevant 10 to 20 years from now as it is today-and it's quite possible we may have accomplished just that."

Steve Cole • Moonlight-Release Date: February 1, 2011

THE DECEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun

@ Birchmere, Alexandria, VA, Dec 1

Simply Red @ Lanxess Arena, Koln, Germany, Dec 1
Michael Buble @ HSBC Center, Buffalo, NY, Dec 1
Eric Benet @ Verizon Grand Prairie, Dallas, TX, Dec 2

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Ramshead On Stage, Annapolis, MD, Dec 2

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ John Lyman Center, New Haven, CT, Dec 3

Simply Red @ Gelredome, Arnhem, Netherlands, Dec 3
Eric Benet @ Desoto Civic Center, Memphis, TN, Dec 3
Michael Buble @ Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI, Dec 3

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Brian Blade @
The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 3-4

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ BB King’s Club & Grill, New York, NY, Dec 4

Simply Red @ Rockhal, Esch Alzette, Luxembourg, Dec 4
Michael Buble @ Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL, Dec 4
Eric Benet @ UNO Civic Center, New Orleans, LA, Dec 4
Eric Benet @ Reliant Arena, Houston, TX, Dec 5

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Miller Center For Arts, Reading, PA, Dec 5

Simply Red @ Sportpalais, Antwerp, Belgium, Dec 5
Michael Buble @ Bridgestone Arena. Nashville, TN, Dec 5

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Brian Blade @
The Blue Note, Nagoya, Japan, Dec 6

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA, Dec 7

Michael Buble @ Verizon Arena, Little Rock, AR, Dec 7
Simply Red @ London O2 Arena, UK, Dec 8
Eric Benet @ Old National at Murat, Indianapolis, IN, Dec 8
Michael Buble @ Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK, Dec 8

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Midlands Theatre, Newark, OH, Dec 9

Eric Benet @ Palace Theatre, Louisville, KY, Dec 9
Simply Red @ Nottingham Arena, UK, Dec 9
Esperanza Spalding @ Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City, IA, Dec 9

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Brian Blade @
The Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, Dec 9-12

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Ferst Theatre, Atlanta, GA, Dec 10

Simply Red @ Glasgow, SECC, UK, Dec 10
Eric Benet @ Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, Dec 10

Regina Carter, Esperanza Spalding @
Chicago Symphony, Chicago, IL, Dec 10

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, FL, Dec 11

Eric Benet @ P&G at Aronoff Center, Dec 11
Michael Buble @ Honda Center, Anaheim, CA, Dec 11
Nicola Conte @ Tamirane, Istanbul, Turkey, Dec 11
David Beniot @ B.B. King Blues Bar, New York, NY, Dec 11

Esperanza Spalding @ Buffalo State Performing Arts Center,
Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, Dec 11

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Maxwell C. King Center, Melbourne, FL, Dec 12

Simply Red @ Manchester Men Arena, UK, Dec 12
Eric Benet @ Bell Auditorium, Augusta, GA, Dec 12

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Lyric Theatre, Stuart, FL, Dec 13

Michael Buble @ Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, Dec 13
Simply Red @ Birmingham NIA, UK, Dec 14

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, Dec 15

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL, Dec 16

Simply Red @ Sheffield Arena, UK, Dec 16

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Tower Theatre, Fresno, CA, Dec 17

Mindi Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun
@ Venue TBD, San Diego, CA, Dec 18

Simply Red @ London O2 Arena, UK, Dec 18-19
Paul Anka @ Table Mountain Casino, Friant, CA, Dec 23
Eric Benet @ Beacon Theatre, New York, NY, Dec 27
Eric Benet @ D.A.R. Constitution Hall, Washington, DC, Dec 28
Eric Benet @ State Theatre, Cleveland, OH, Dec 29
Eric Benet @ Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL, Dec 30

NEW RELEASES FROM PRESTON GLASS, MARC ANTOINE, SHIRLEY JONES, WILLIAMS SMOKE HOWARD & OTHERS...

Abby Dobson - Sleaping Beauty
Beady Belle – At Welding Bridge
Benito Gonzalez – Circles
Bobby Watson – Gates BBQ Suite
Chico Mann – Analog Drift
City Champs – Set Up
Donny Hathaway – Someday We’ll All Be Free
Ebo Taylor – Love & Death
Eddie Henderson – For All We Know
Eric Bolvin – No Boundaries
Exploding Star Orchestra – Stars Have Shapes
Freddie Jackson – For You
Funk ‘N’ Stein – Funky Mission
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach – Told Ya So!
Herculaneum – Olives & Orchids
JD73 – Pure Gold
Jason Adasiewicz - Sunrooms
Jazz Club: Party Jazz
John Mills Times Ten – Caffeine Dreams
Johnny Amazing Meza – The New Standard
Kristine W – Straight Up With A Twist
LR-60 & Mr. Moods - Ultraviolence
Lee - Naked
Marc Antoine – My Classical Way
Mike Murray – Groove Tones
Nate Naja ft. Melba Moore – Groove Me (EP)
Preston Glass – Colors Of Life
Rongetz Foundation – Broken Doll Beat
Shirley Jones – Feels Like Heaven
Smokey Robinson – Solo Albums Vol. 3: Deep In My Soul/Big Time
Stalvio Cirpriani – Papaya Dei Caraibi
Stan Sly – Anutha World
Stanley Cowell – Prayer For Peace
Steiner Aadnekvam – Simple Things
Stephanie Sante – Prismatic
Tammi Terrell – Come One & See Me: The Complete Solo Collection
Tom Glide & The Luv Allstars – In The Name Of Luv
Waldino – Sensual Karma
Wide Hive Players w/Calvin Keys, Larry Coryell, et – Wide Hive Players II
William Smoke Howard – Give Me Your Heart
YahZarah – Ballad Of Purple Saint James

NEW DEODATO, FREDDIE JACKSON, RENA SCOTT & BENITO GONZALEZ

DEODATO - CROSSING

Sweet sweet work from Deodato – a great little set that almost makes us think it's the 70s all over again! Deodato's working in that great blend of jazz and soul he first set down during his CTI years – then took to new heights on MCA and Warner too – a wonderfully warm blend that's filled with plenty of jazz at the core, but which also features key soulful touches from guests who include Al Jarreau, John Tropea, Novecento, and Londonbeat! Most numbers feature vocals, but there's plenty of space for Deodato's keyboards too – which have that round sound and deep feel we really remember from the Fender Rhodes generation. Titles include "Night Passage", "The Crossing", "Double Face", "I Want You More", "Border Line", and "Rule My World".

FREDDIE JACKSON - FOR YOU

Contemporary soul veteran Freddie Jackson returns with a batch of original material! For You mixes slow cooking, nicely grooving and lightly polished soul that's right in his Freddie's comfort zone, and numbers with a bit more of a late 00s production aesthetic – but you don't need to worry, it's a tried-and-true Freddie Jackson set all the way, and a good one! Titles include "I Don't Wanna Go", "A Dozen Roses", "Say Yeah", "Rumors", "Slow Dance", "What's On Your Mind". "Any Way You Want It" and more.

RENA SCOTT - TAKE ME AWAY

Rena Scott's probably best-remembered for her soul albums of the late 70s and 1980s – but she's back in action, and sounding as great as ever with this sweet new CD! The set's got a cool, modern style – one that's more of a conventional R&B update of Rena's older groove, instead of an attempt to go for a Neo Soul mode – a choice we really appreciate, as Scott keeps things real – and definitely goes for an old school groove throughout! A few cuts are older soul classics, handled in nice new versions by Rena – with breathy vocals that slide sexily through the arrangements – and titles include "Joy & Pain", "Don't Ask My Neighbors", "Each Day Is Better", "You Keep Me Trippin", "Dr Feelgood", "Don't Wanna Wait", and "Something I Wanna Say."

BENITO GONZALEZ - CIRCLES

A deeply soulful set from pianist Benito Gonzalez – a Venezuelan player you may not know by name, but who's working here with a hip host of American all-stars – including Azar Lawrence and Ron Blake on tenor saxes, Myron Walden on alto and soprano, Christian McBride on bass, and Jeff Tain Watts on drums! The music is great right from the get-go – spiraling out with the searching force of some of McCoy Tyner's best 70s material – a perfect platform for the reedwork in the set, although the album also draws strongly from Benito's bold command of the piano, too – a perfect combination that keeps things electrifying throughout. Titles include "Circles", "Taurus", "The Movements", "Journey's End", and "Faces".

Source: www.dustygroove.com

FRANK SINATRA - A JOLLY CHRISTMAS FROM FRANK SINATRA

Frank Sinatra's 1957 holiday classic, A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra, will be released Friday, November 26 as a limited edition, 180-gram vinyl LP with faithfully replicated original album art. Newly remastered at Capitol Mastering from the original analogue master tapes, the deluxe vinyl reissue will be available exclusively at Record Store Day-participating independent music retailers across the U.S. Sinatra's first full-length holiday album, A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra sold more than one million copies. The LP reissue replicates the album's original art to the smallest detail, including an exclamation point that was (mistakenly) added to the song title "Silent Night" on the original LP jacket.

A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra
1. Jingle Bells
2. The Christmas Song
3. Mistletoe and Holly
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas
5. The Christmas Waltz
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
7. The First Noel
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9. O Little Town of Bethlehem
10. Adeste Fideles (O, Come All Ye Faithful)
11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
12. Silent Night

http://www.sinatra.com/

BOBBY CALDWELL RETURNS TO B.B. KINGS BLUES CLUB & GRILL

Legendary song stylist Bobby Caldwell, best known for the smash hit “What You Won’t Do For Love,” has announced that he will return to the stage on January 29, 2011, for two shows, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. “I consider Bobby Caldwell’s return a re-introduction to one of the great soul/jazz singers of our time,” says Chris Rizik, music critic and founder of the online music magazine Soul Tracks. “He is a versatile vocalist who can handle Sinatra as well as Stevie Wonder, the artist he was most often compared to in his early years. His performances provide an excellent take on some of the great songs of the 1940s and 1950s.” “An Evening with Bobby Caldwell” will feature some of Caldwell’s best loved hits, including “What You Won't Do For Love,” “Come To Me,” and “Let It Be Me.” Known as the original “blue-eyed soul singer,” Caldwell’s return will remind audiences that this highly respected and often-imitated vocalist and songwriter has continued to touch audiences and impact musicians across genres, including R&B, smooth jazz, Big Band, contemporary pop, and rap.

Caldwell’s 1978 hit “What You Won’t Do For Love” has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists, including Boys II Men. A sample of Bobby’s song “Open Your Eyes” appeared in the Grammy nominated platinum rap hit “The Light” by Common. Versions of Caldwell’s numerous songs have been covered or sampled by a diverse array of artists such as Tupac Shakur, Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, Go West, Vanessa Williams, and Notorious B.I.G. “I’ve enjoyed a remarkable career as an entertainer both here in the United States and abroad,” says Caldwell, who is well-known for his slouch hat. “I’ve also been fortunate in that my songs have been hugely popular and have earned hits for me and, I’m proud to say, for some wonderful musicians like Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Peter Cetera, Amy Grant, Neil Diamond, and Al Jarreau. I consider this concert a way of giving back to my fans for making all of this possible. It’s going to be a great evening!”

“An Evening with Bobby Caldwell” is presented by Smooth Jazz New York, (http://www.smoothjazznewyork.com//), a subsidiary of Marquee Concerts.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $45 in advance; $50 day of show; VIP Booths $65 advance and day of show. Tickets for the 10:00 p.m. show are $40 in advance; $45 day of show; VIP Booths $60 advance and day of show. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill is located at 237 West 42nd Street, New York, N.Y.

http://www.bobbycaldwell.com/

JAN HAMMER & THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MIAMI VICE

This week marks the 25th anniversary of Jan Hammer's now iconic Miami Vice theme's ascent to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In those 25 years, there has not been another instrumental track that has experienced an equal measure of chart success. While Miami Vice the television show came to epitomize the 1980s, spawning fashion trends and a culture that have long fallen out of fashion, the theme that Hammer composed for the show has in no way lost its edge. It has been featured in films such as Adam Sandler's The Wedding Singer, Charlie's Angels, television shows such as The Simpsons, American Idol, America's Got Talent, and the UK's Top Gear, and in countless commercials.

"Crockett's Theme" - which Hammer also wrote for Miami Vice and which was originally featured on Hammer's album, Escape From Television - adds sonic texture to the LeBron James video, "What Should I Do?" which also features a cameo by Don Johnson. The video is currently airing on the Nike website, as well as on YouTube, where it's received nearly 4 million views. "Crockett's Theme" will also be featured in the television spot for James' new basketball shoe the LeBron 8 South Beach Edition.

"Crockett's Theme" has been included on over 100 CD compilations in addition to Escape from Television, including Virgin's double-platinum Pure Moods. Recently, Hammer collaborated with urban vocalist TQ on a rap version, which was the #1 downloaded track for several weeks on iTunes in Europe.

Hammer's talents continue to be tapped by other musicians. Drummer Gary Husband's upcoming Abstract Logix November 16 release, Dirty and Beautiful Volume One features Hammer and fellow Mahavishnu Orchestra alumni John McLaughlin and Jerry Goodman, auspiciously marking the first time the three have performed on the same project since the group disbanded in 1973. Hammer performs on the opening track, "Leave Em On," and Husband also includes a Hammer composition, "Between the Sheets of Music," which was included on the keyboardist's 1979 Asylum release, Black Sheep.

Hammer also recently collaborated with big beat/electronica's Junkie XL (whose version of Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" was a # 1 hit in over twenty countries) on the Dutch remix master’s latest project, Fairlight EP, for which the two wrote and performed the track “Made For Each Other."

FOR COLORED GIRLS

Atlantic Records has announced the forthcoming release of  For Colored Girls: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Soundtrack, an all-female musical companion to the upcoming Lionsgate drama. The much buzzed about film -- directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry - premieres in theatres nationwide on November 5th. The trailer for the film is now available for viewing at http://www.forcoloredgirlsmovie.com/. For Colored Girls: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Soundtrack sees an all-female line up ranging from newcomers Janelle Monàe, Estelle and Laura Izibor to Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis, as well as the legendary Gladys Knight. The soundtrack, which features 13 brand new, unreleased songs, also includes the stand out tracks "What More Can They Do" by Laura Izibor and "Four Women," a cover of the Nina Simone original of the same title, which features Nina herself, her daughter Simone, Laura Izibor, and Ledisi. The collection also features music from Estelle, Janelle Monàe, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Lalah Hathaway, Zaki Ibrahim, and Anika Noni Rose (see tracklisting below.) Directed and written by Tyler Perry (Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Why Did I Get Married?), For Colored Girls stars Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple, Sister Act), Janet Jackson (Nutty Professor II, Why Did I Get Married?), Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), Thandie Newton (Crash, The Pursuit of Happiness), Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show, Uncle Tom's Cabin), Loretta Devine (The Preacher's Wife, Crash), Kerry Washington (Save The Last Dance, Ray), and Kimberly Elise (John Q, The Great Debaters). For Colored Girls, the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 Obie Award-winning play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf is a unique collection of poems illustrating the power of women of color to survive in the face of pain and despair. The many stories of struggle told within the film's choreopoem reflect women's ongoing battle with love, abandonment and the finding of self -- among the tales told are those of a woman who chooses to have an abortion, a woman who has fallen victim to domestic violence and a woman who embraces life by running away with the man she loves.

FOR COLORED GIRLS: MUSIC FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

1. Main Title - Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Tessa Thompson, Kerry Washington (with Joshua Bell, Aaron Zigman & The Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra)

2. Longer & Stronger - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
3. All Day Long (Blue Skies) - Estelle

4. What More Can They Do - Laura Izibor

5. Sun - Lalah Hathaway

6. Ansomnia - Zaki Ibrahim

7. Settle - Gladys Knight

8. La Donna In Viola - Karen Slack, Andrea Jones-Sojola & The Hollywood Studio Symphony Orchestra

9. Sechita (A Senhora em Amarelo) - Anika Noni Rose & Carondelet Percussion Ensemble

10. Stand Up - Macy Gray

11. Without A Fight - Janelle Monàe

12. Four Women - Nina Simone, Simone, Laura Izibor & Ledisi

13. I Know Who I Am - Leona Lewis

CHARLIE WILSON – YOU ARE

Charlie Wilson is back with a new single that is currently climbing the Urban AC chart "You Are," which gave Wilson his biggest career debut on both the Billboard Urban Adult Contemporary Singles chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart. After three weeks on the charts, "You Are" is currently in the Top 15 on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart, the song is resonating at radio with several stations on board and heavy syndication airplay on the Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden shows. The sparkling love song is the first single from Just Charlie, Wilson's third solo album slated for release December 7th. Jive Records artist Wilson produced the single along with P Music Group producer Wirlie Morris. "You Are" is a soon-to-be wedding classic brought to life by one of R&B's classic and enduring voices. Just Charlie is the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2009 album Uncle Charlie. The sophomore set earned two 2010 Grammy Award nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "There Goes My Baby." Written by multiple Grammy winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Calvin Richardson, "Baby" tallied nine weeks at No. 1—besting Wilson's 2005 six-week run at that perch with the single "Charlie Last Name Wilson." Remaining on the Urban AC chart for over a year, "There Goes My Baby" also became the No. 1 most-played single that year on the same chart. Uncle Charlie, meanwhile, resided on the Urban Adult Contemporary Albums chart for more than a year after debuting at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Those feats led to Wilson being crowned Billboard's 2009 Urban AC Artist of the Year. Wilson also received a 2009 Soul Train Icon Award from BET. Showcasing Wilson's soaring, steeped-in-soul vocals, "You Are" presents yet another example of the singer's knack for perfectly fusing contemporary and old-school into a fresh, vibrant sound. Everyone's favorite uncle—and the godfather of R&B—is indeed back.

WALTER BEASLEY - BACKATCHA!

Many artists start their careers strong, hit a peak and then continue on a consistent, comfortable plateau. Not saxophonist and vocalist Walter Beasley. His recording career started with a bang as one of a handful of jazz artists to have an urban radio hit. Yet, in 2010, more than two decades down the line, he hit #1 on the contemporary jazz radio charts. Now Shanachie Entertainment has released what may well be Walter Beasley's best album yet - the delightfully varied Backatcha! which brings together many facets of Walter's wide-ranging artistry - rock solid grooves, inventive soloing, an absolutely exquisite tone, an uncanny synthesis of jazz and R&B and, on one track - Bill Withers' "Lovely Day"- an effortlessly seductive vocal. It is a career highlight from a true renaissance man who manages the difficult trick of maintaining simultaneous careers as recording artist, performer, composer and educator, thanks to his long time professorship at the prestigious Berklee School Of Music. Unusual for an album by a noted jazz instrumentalist, Backatcha!, produced by Chris "Big Dog" Davis and Phil Davis, kicks off with a vocal - the forementioned wonderful version of "Lovely Day," but in the space of the first four songs shows Walter's versatility. The second track, "Expressway," written by producer Chris Davis, is a somewhat edgy slice of contemporary jazz then moves to a languorous, spell-casting interpretation of Isaac Hayes' "Ellie's Theme" and then kicks into a smooth yet fresh version of The Five Stairsteps' classic song "Ooh Child."

Indeed the album shows off Walter's wide-ranging musical sensibility, which encompasses everything from straight-ahead jazz and fusion to R&B and hip-hop. Unlike many jazz musicians, Beasley does not disdain any styles but utilizes any number of genres as a source of inspiration. For instance, he takes rap artist Drake's recent hit "Find Your Love" and turns it into a moody, atmospheric mid-tempo piece. On the other hand, for sheer beauty and lyricism, it would be hard to top Walter's sensitive playing on his original composition "Simply Put." The achievements of Backatcha! is just the latest high point in a career replete with success. Walter Beasley holds the distinction of being the best-selling saxophonist in the world during the past decade and he has sold more than 800,000 albums over his career. He has scored numerous Top Ten Contemporary Jazz hits as well as hitting the R&B charts on several occasions --a rarity for a jazz musician--and being a regular in the Top Twenty of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. But like George Benson, Walter is one of the very few jazz musicians who also sings--well enough to score hit records with his vocals.

He is also widely considered by critics and fans as "the heir to Grover Washington, Jr.'s throne." Indeed Grover Washington, Jr. sparked Walter's interest in music when, as a nine year-old growing up in El Centro, California, his aunt gave him a record by the sax giant which led Walter to become fascinated with the possibilities of the saxophone. He was also inspired as a singer by the music of legendary R&B singer and songwriter Donny Hathaway. By age 14, Walter was playing saxophone and singing in various bands around California. By his late teens he was studying at the prestigious Berklee School Of Music, where his classmates included future stars Branford Marsalis and Rachelle Ferrell. A sign of his prodigious talent as well as his natural gift for teaching, Walter was, shortly after his graduation at age 22, invited by Berklee to become a teacher there. By 1987 Walter had scored a recording contract with Mercury Records, and scored an R & B radio hit that year with "I'm So Happy," which kicked off a string of best-selling albums that melded jazz and R&B. He began touring widely, playing major festivals and concert venues as well as performing with such jazz and R & B icons as Brian McKnight, Gerald Albright, Bob James, George Howard, Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Williams and Rachelle Ferrell. In 1996 Walter was signed by Shanachie Entertainment and continued his successes, especially in the contemporary jazz arena, with such hits as "Comin’ At Cha” and “TanTam” as well as his hit vocal of "Do You Wanna Dance." He later went on to record for the N-Coded and Heads Up labels, scoring a #2 smooth jazz radio hit in 2007 with "Ready For Love" and another top 5 hit in "Oh Yeah." But even with all this success, Walter has continued to maintain a full-time teaching position at Berklee, rising to the position of Full Professor, because of his commitment to teaching and mentoring up-and-coming musicians.

As musician, recording artist, concert performer, composer, and educator, Walter Beasley has hit some of the highest heights possible. With Backatcha! Walter has matched his previous peaks and delivered what in this era of single-track downloads is a rarity--a true album experience. No doubt "Lovely Day" the first single from Backatcha!, will join Walter's list of hits, but years hence, when the chart numbers are forgotten, Backatcha! will stand as one of the finest artistic statements to hit the contemporary jazz scene in many years.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP PARTNERS WITH eMUSIC

Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, has partnered with eMusic, the Digital Music Club, to offer its U.S. members access to UMG’s deep and rich catalogue of groundbreaking and chart-topping artists starting in November, 2010. This agreement is another step in eMusic’s evolution to a digital music club that offers a comprehensive catalogue, the best value, editorial and contextualization plus significant additional benefits for the most passionate music consumers. The deal will add more than 250,000 tracks to the eMusic catalogue, which now stands at ten million. “We’re delighted to be working with eMusic,” stated David Ring, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Business Affairs for UMG’s eLabs. “The service has a proven track record of connecting an audience passionate about music to their favorite artists, as well as encouraging true music discovery.” “eMusic is committed to offering our members more music at a great value,” said Adam Klein, eMusic Chief Executive Officer. “Our deal with UMG is one more major milestone in the expansion of our catalogue and in serving the eMusic membership, for whom music is an integral part of their lives. Consistent with what members value in our service, we look forward to curating the UMG catalogue and introducing our members to both its classic artists and hidden gems.” eMusic will initially offer UMG catalogue titles and highlight them through its expert editorial lens, including overviews of iconic artists and explorations of classic albums that introduce members to their lesser-known roots and influences.

Universal Music Group's record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Island Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog – Universal Music, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal Music Latino and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.

eMusic (http://www.emusic.com/) is a digital music club. With a more immersive, authentic music experience and better prices than mass market digital music retailers, it is the best way for music lovers and casual music fans to expand their music collection. eMusic combines award-winning editorial, a state-of-the-art recommendations system, and social media features to provide the most musical context for an enthusiastic community of music fans, record labels, and artists alike. Customers are encouraged to explore music with subscription pricing that rewards discovery at a better value than any legal competitor. eMusic also sells downloadable audio books http://www.emusic.com/audiobooks/index.html from all major audio book publishers. Based in New York with an office in London, eMusic is available in the U.S., Canada, the E.U., Norway and Switzerland. eMusic.com Inc. is owned by Dimensional Associates, Inc., the private equity arm of JDS Capital Management, Inc.

http://www.umusic.com/

SINATRA DANCE WITH ME

To celebrate and honor Frank Sinatra's 95th birthday on December 12, Wynn Las Vegas will premiere performances of Sinatra Dance With Me in the Encore Theater on December 11, 2010. "We will present an extraordinary evening of Frank Sinatra—his words and music set to incredible movement by Twyla Tharp. This mesmerizing treatment of the man and his music moves with an intense, electrifying fascination," said Steve Wynn. Sinatra Dance With Me follows four couples as they fall in and out of love at a swinging nightclub. Blending the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra with a big band and 14 of the world's finest dancers, Sinatra Dance With Me weaves classic standards including "Fly Me To The Moon," "My Way" and "That's Life" in a soaring dance fantasy of romance and seduction. By special arrangement with Frank Sinatra Enterprises and The Sinatra Family, Sinatra Dance With Me features original recorded masters of Frank Sinatra's voice backed by a live on-stage, 17-piece big band. The show's score combines classic vocal performances from the Sinatra catalog and archives along with signature Sinatra arrangements (Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones) and some brand new orchestrations for this innovative spectacle.

Sinatra Dance With Me is the next and most elaborate chapter in one of the most exciting collaborations in contemporary dance. Twyla Tharp's creative relationship with the music of Frank Sinatra began in 1976 with the premiere of Once More Frank, a duet created for the American Ballet Theatre and performed by Tharp and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The collaboration continued with Nine Sinatra Songs, Tharp's acclaimed piece for 14 dancers, and was followed by Sinatra Suite, featuring Baryshnikov. Tharp's production Come Fly Away played in New York City earlier this year and was described by Time Magazine to be "the purest jolt of pleasure to be found on a Broadway stage!" Sinatra Dance With Me features scenic design by James Youmans, costume design by Katherine Roth, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Peter McBoyle. Music supervision is by the late Sam Lutfiyya and Patrick Vaccariello. Ticket prices are $69 and $89, plus tax and service charge. Sinatra Dance With Me plays at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday through January 29, 2010. The theater is dark on Sundays. Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE) is a joint venture between the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group.

FSE owns Sinatra's recordings from the Reprise era as well as a treasure trove of films, television specials and unreleased footage, photos and audio recordings, which collectively represent one of the foremost bodies of artistic work of the modern era. FSE also owns and manages Sinatra's name and likeness rights and represents the artist's rights to the Columbia and Capitol catalogues. FSE pursues innovative new product and venture opportunities with respect to the legendary entertainer's name and likeness, as well as Sinatra's audio and visual recordings.

http://www.sinatra.com/
http://www.encorelasvegas.com/
http://www.wynnmacau.com/
http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/

PRINCE – WELCOME 2 AMERICA TOUR

Prince, one of the most prolific and groundbreaking artists of our time whose recorded music, live performances and powerful artistry have affected music and pop culture like no other, will bring his extraordinary live production, WELCOME 2 AMERICA, to the New York area in December. After 21-nights of sold out shows in London, Prince makes his first return to the East Coast since 2004. A different experience every night, Prince will be joined by various performers including Maceo Parker, Janelle Monae, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, Sinbad, Lalah Hathaway, Sheila E. and Graham Central Station. As part of the live events, Prince will play a solid gold Fender ® Custom Stratocaster® guitar master-built by Senior Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov. At the end of the run, the guitar will be auctioned off to benefit the Harlem Children's Zone. The Harlem Children Zone (www.hcz.org) is a community based organization serving over 17,000 children living in Harlem NYC. Harlem Children Zone's CEO, Geoffrey Canada was also on hand at the press conference. After 100 million albums sold, seven GRAMMY® Awards, a Golden Globe, an Oscar®, and a Webby Award for visionary use of the Internet, the influence of Prince is endless. His chameleon-like image, signature style and constantly evolving sound all echo in the work of two generations of artists across multiple genres. As a songwriter and producer, he has collaborated with legendary artists including Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Madonna, and Sinead O'Connor. For five decades, Prince has given the world countless musical, entrepreneurial, and spiritual gifts. Love is at the foundation of all he gives: love of God and humanity in the world.

Tour Dates:

Dec. 14 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 15 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 17 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center

Dec. 18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Dec. 29 New York, NY Madison Square Garden