July 23, 2010

Singer Al Jarreau Hospitalized

Grammy-winning singer Al Jarreau was admitted to a hospital in France late Thursday night in “critical condition.”  The 70-year old artist collapsed on stage during a performance and was having respiratory problems. He was taken to the intensive care unit of a clinic in the southern Alpine town of Gap.

A most recent statement on his website is very encouraging and reads in part: “Al is now in a stable condition, and upon medical advice has been advised not to perform, to allow him time to recover. He is hoping to recommence his tour on 29th July at the Serenadenhof in Nurnberg, Germany.

Al deeply regrets having been forced to cancel these 4 concerts and thus disappointing his fans, but is looking forward to returning to perform in these cities some time in the future.

Ticketholders for these 4 cancelled concerts should contact their point of purchase – the venue box office or ticket agent.”

Our thought, prayers, and hearts are with you, Al!


George Duke To Participate in MAI Piano Clinic

The Musical Arts Institute is presenting a special piano clinic on Aug. 13 at Chicago State University's Breakley Theater featuring piano/keyboard maestro George Duke. The Networking Reception begins at noon and the Masterclass and Workshop will begin at 12:30 pm. For more details, visit http://www.musicalartsinstitute.org/.

Corinne Bailey Rae Eyeing Britain’s Mercury Music Prize

Corinne Bailey Rae’s second album, The Sea, is in line for Britain’s Mercury Music Prize.  The prestigious award recognizes the best British album of the last year and will be awarded in London on September 7.

In a statement, Rae said ”I’m really pleased to be nominated with this record. The Sea is an album I wrote alone and co-produced. It was all on my shoulders. It has been great for me to be touring the world with this album, seeing a positive reaction to it, and getting recognition from the Mercury Prize team means a lot to me.” Congrats, Corinne.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


Warren Hill & Daughter: New Horizons Ahead For Both

Saxophonist Warren Hill is making a fresh start with a new home in L.A. and a new album in the works.

Hill and his family recently relocated to Los Angeles after ten years in Boulder, CO, and it wasn’t just for the weather.  His 11-year old daughter, Olivia, is a budding actress whose career is beginning to take off.  She stars in a new kids movie, "Olivia Rox!," playing a teen-aged Nancy Drew-like character.  She also sings, and Hill admits he proudly brings her onstage now and again to perform with his band.

The relocation to L.A. is also influencing Hill’s next project, his 12th album. He jokingly told a Toronto newspaper, The Star, “[Being in L.A. is] probably going to add more angst to my music, because I can’t stand driving in traffic.”  He added that he’s currently experimenting and working with different writers to see what comes up. “There are some elements of my musicianship that have not been fully represented or explored. That’s where I’m trying to push the envelope.”

Hill is in his native Toronto this weekend, performing at the Beaches International Jazz Festival.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


July 15, 2010

Voting Deadline Has Arrived For American Smooth Jazz Awards

The voting deadline for fans to vote for their favorite artists in the first-ever American Smooth Jazz Awards has now arrived.  Today, July 15, is the final day to cast votes. Among the categories are:

Entertainer of the Year: Nick Colionne, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Dave Koz

Male Vocalist: George Benson, Spencer Day, Will Downing, Kenny Lattimore, Phil Perry

Female Vocalist: Randy Crawford, Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, Maysa Leak, Vanessa Williams

Group: Fourplay, Hiroshima, Pieces of A Dream, Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, Sax Pack

The awards will be handed out October 29 at a ceremony in Michigan City, IN. Get all the details (and vote) at http://www.americansmoothjazzawards.com.


Earl Klugh Launches Second in Weekend of Jazz Concert Series

Seven years after establishing his Weekend of Jazz at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs,
CO, guitarist Earl Klugh is launching a second installment of the popular concert series.  South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the setting for the East Coast version, scheduled for November 11-13, 2010.

The Grammy-winning guitarist will host fellow artists including Fourplay, Boney James, Jessy J and Kyle Eastwood, among others.

In addition to incredible music, the event will feature celebrity golf outings, contests, and VIP artist experiences.  All two-and-three-night package guests will also be entered for a chance to win a VIP dinner with Klugh himself, who’s currently generating buzz for his work on Brian Culbertson’s new single, “That’s Life.”

For fans West of the Mississippi, the original Weekend of Jazz will continue at the Broadmoor; the next one is scheduled for April 2011.

Details for the November event can be found at www.kiawahresort.com/jazz-weekend-at-kiawah.php

Santana Gets Engaged--Onstage

Carlos Santana is known for his incendiary stage shows — but the audience at his show last Friday [July 9] was treated to something extra special.  The virtuoso guitarist proposed to his girlfriend, who is also the drummer for his band.  Right after she’d performed a solo, Santana popped the question to Cindy Blackman as the audience cheered.

In a statement from his record label, the artist said, “Cindy and I are blessed to have found each other. Being in love is a gift from the universe, and the spirit and vibrations that come with it are infinitely powerful. I look forward to expressing that incredible energy through my music, and in helping to tip the balance toward more love in the world with what Cindy and I share.”  There’s no date set for the wedding.

Santana’s first wife, Deborah, filed for divorce in 2007, after 30 years of marriage.

The guitarist is currently working on an album of rock covers, due in September.  He will once more duet with Rob Thomas, who sang on his 1999 Grammy-winner, “Smooth.”

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


July 7, 2010

Melba Moore, Nate Najar, and Rick Braun Team Up On Single to Be Released in September

Mark Nordman, President of M&H Productions, LLC has announced a special collaboration between jazz guitarist and national recording artist Nate Najar, legendary R&B songstress Melba Moore, and smooth jazz icon and trumpeter Rick Braun to produce a single on M&H’s label, Woodward Avenue Records, in early September.  The tune, being personally produced by Braun, promises to blend old school rhythm with new school sound in creating one groovin’ and foot tappin’ track.  More details will be announced in July.


July 6, 2010

Boney James Returns to Stage

Saxophonist Boney James made a triumphant return to the concert stage this past weekend (July 3) after months of recuperating from a car accident.  James tweeted “Thanks Rodney Strong Winery [in Northern California] for making our 1st show back so fantastic!  You guys rocked.”

Back in May, James was rear-ended at 70 mph while stuck in traffic.  He suffered a fractured jaw, broken teeth and 14 stitches in his chin.  Just a few weeks ago, he reported that he hadn’t been able to play for 6 weeks and was wearing a brace on some of his teeth but was anxious to get back in front of his fans. 

His next scheduled dates are this week:

7/8  St. Charles, MO
7/9 Kansas City, MO
7/10  Omaha, NE

Welcome back, Boney!

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


June 25, 2010

Donald Fagen Set to Release Fourth Solo Effort in 2011

Donald Fagen of Steely Dan fame says he will release his fourth solo project in 2011 with an CD largely recorded on computers away from conventional studios. Fagen told Reuters that he is recording in New York at the home of Steely Dan trumpet player Michael Leonhart who is co-producing the album.

Fagen, 62, has released three solo CDs – The Nightfly in 1982, Kamakiriad in 1993, and Morph The Cat in 2006. “Those albums were a trilogy,” Fagen said, noting his first solo record was themed around the 1950s, the second about the current day and his third was futuristic.

Fagen currently is promoting his upcoming tour with Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs, playing together as The Dukes of September. The trio, backed by a band and horn section, begin a nationwide tour on Aug. 19 in Danbury, CT, and stay on the road through October 2, when they play Las Vegas. The concerts will feature several hits each from Fagen, McDonald and Scaggs and then focus on the type of classic songs that drew the trio to music in the first place – hits by the likes of Ray Charles, Chuck Berry and Wilson Pickett. Should be most entertaining and worth seeing!

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


June 22, 2010

Mindi Abair Offers First DVD

Smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair is now offering her first DVD, which is available as part of an exclusive online package.

The package includes the 90-minute Live in High-Fi Stereo DVD, as well as Abair’s new studio CD, In Hi-Fi Stereo, which features the Smooth Jazz Top 20 hit “Be Beautiful.”

Also included is an Abair wine tote and eco shopping bag, a signed and numbered print of an exclusive painting that was commissioned for the package.

On the DVD, which also can be purchased separately, Abair provides introductions to each song, describing the songwriting process and stories behind them.

There are also interview clips on various topics, from Abair’s history to who she admires, among other topics.

The DVD features classic and new tunes, including “Lucy’s,” “Flirt,” “Girls’ Night Out” and “Bloom.”

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


June 14, 2010

Paul Jackson Jr. Joins The Tonight Show band

Smooth jazz guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. is already a week into his latest high-profile gig – that of guitarist in The Tonight Show band. Jackson made his debut last week in the band now led by Rickey Minor, who took over from longtime music director Kevin Eubanks.

Jackson and Minor are close associates, as Minor is the music director and Jackson the guitarist for American Idol. There’s no word yet on the status of Minor and Jackson when the next season of Idol begins.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


June 9, 2010

Richard Elliot and Rick Braun Organize "Get Well Soon Tribute" for Boney James

When smooth jazz saxophonist Boney James was injured in a car accident in Los Angeles on May 15, his injuries forced him to cancel a show scheduled for this Saturday (June 12) at the Guzzetta Grove at the Radisson Hotel in Sacramento, CA.

Although James is recuperating and has rescheduled the show for Sept. 18, the smooth jazz music will continue in Sacramento on Saturday.  Horn men Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, both good friends of James, will co-headline a "Get Well Soon Tribute' as part of their ongoing RnR tour. Opening as scheduled is Four80East featuring saxophonist Shilts.

Original concert ticket holders may keep their current tickets for admission to the new show.

James anticipates that his first show will be July 3 at the Rodney Strong Winery in Healdsburg, CA.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network

May 18, 2010

The 28th Annual  Norfolk Jazz Festival to be Held July 23-24

The 28th Annual  Norfolk Jazz Festival, presented by the City of Norfolk, will be held on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24, 5:00 pm -11:00 pm, at Town Point Park in Norfolk, Virginia.

The 12-hour summer smooth jazz outdoor starlit experience will showcase the Superstars of Jazz Fusion featuring Roy Ayers, Tom Browne, Lonnie Liston Smith, Wayne Henderson and Ronnie Laws on Friday night, and Fattburger and Jeff Lorber Fusion on Saturday night.  In addition to an impressive national lineup, the Norfolk Jazz Festival features local and regional jazz favorites. 

Main Stage Schedule

Friday, July 23

5:00 pm: Gates Open
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm: Local Artists Perform
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Superstars of Jazz Fusion featuring: Roy Ayers, Tom Browne, Lonnie Liston Smith, Wayne Henderson and Ronnie Laws
 
Saturday, July 24
5:00 pm: Gates Open
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm: Local Artists Perform
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Fattburger                                  
9:30 pm -11:00 pm: Jeff Lorber Fusion

For more information, contact the venue.

May 11, 2010

New Wayman Tisdale CD To Be Released Later This Year 

Regina Tisdale, the widow of smooth jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale, says her husband recorded music before his death that will be released on a new CD this fall. The CD does not yet have a title, but she says describes it as being influenced by ’70s-style funk. Among the guest artists is George Clinton, the driving and colorful force behind Parliament-Funkadelic.  Regina Tisdale made her comments to the Tulsa World newspaper in Oklahoma.

Wayman Tisdale, who lived in Tulsa, released Rebound in June 2008, less than a year before his death from cancer at age 44. This Saturday (May 15) marks the one-year anniversary of his passing.
 
The new CD will be his ninth. Each of his first eight albums was in the Top 10 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. Three albums, Face to Face (2001), Way Up! (2006), and Rebound  (2008) were No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

Regina Tisdale will be in attendance to present the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award on Oct. 29 at the American Smooth Jazz Awards in Michigan City, IN.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


May 5, 2010

Walter Beasley Releases First Live CD

Smooth jazz saxophonist Walter Beasley released a live CD yesterday (May 4), titled In the Groove. It’s his first live CD. It was recorded at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, MA.

This is Beasley’s first CD since 2009’s Free Your Mind, which featured the No.1 Smooth Jazz Top 20 hit “Steady As She Goes.”

For more information or to order In the Groove, go to Beasley’s website.

Beasley will be performing:
 
June 25-27 at the Blues Alley in Washington, DC
Sept. 11 at the BB Jazz Festival in Huntington Beach, CA
Oct. 16 at the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival in Rehoboth Beach, FL
Oct. 23-25 for the Capital Jazz Supercruise.
Dec. 3-4 at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, MA

In the Groove track list

1. Go With The Flow/Brother
2. Do You Wanna Dance
3. The Call
4. Her Presence
5. Be Thankful
6. Forgiveness
7. Free
8. The King Lives
9. Mr Magic/ Mt Airy Groove
10. Reprise

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


May 4, 2010

Funkmeister/Bassist Michael Manson Opens Non-Profit Music School

Contemporary R&B bassist Michael Manson and his wife, Lana Manson, have recently opened the Musical Arts Institute at 9244 S. Lafayette, Chicago, Illinois.

Dedicated to providing unequaled music instruction and performance opportunities to persons of all ages, abilities and life circumstances, the Musical Arts Institute is a non-profit, community-minded organization.

The mission of the Musical Arts Institute is to teach our students the technical skills needed for them to reach their fullest potential by keeping the highest standards in music while also paying attention to each and every individual student's goals, interests and needs. The school offers a varied and unique music programs for both children and adults.  Private and group lessons include voice, piano, string, percussion, wind and brass instruments. 

"It is our desire to help each student discover their highest potential that is unique to their abilities and goals. Whether you are an adult wanting to learn to play the piano for the first time or an accomplished musician on the competitive scene, we have a class that is just right for you," said Michael Manson, executive director.

For more information on the Musical Arts Institute, please visit www.musicalartsinstitute.org.

More about Michael and Lana Manson:

Michael Manson is a renowned bassist, song writer and music producer.  He has been nominated for several prestigious music awards including a Grammy nomination for his work with George Duke. As a performing artist, Manson has shared the stage with the likes of Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Rick Braun, Kenny Garrett, Kevin Mahogany and tours regularly with George Duke.  Manson has taught instrumental and vocal music at the Northbrook, Evanston, and Chicago School District. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University and Bachelor of Science Degree in Music education from Chicago State and is an adjunct professor at Chicago State University.

Lana Manson is a graduate of Fisk University having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. Lana holds a Master of Music Degree from Northwestern University and a Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She holds membership in pristine musical and business organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association, Illinois Music Educator's Association, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the National Black MBA Association. She serves as the Co-Executive Director for the Musical Arts Institute and is the director for the company's publishing division (Lan-Man Music).  Mrs. Manson is a noted clinician, song writer, and arranger and has taught music for more than fifteen years. 


May 1, 2010

Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 Announces Talent Lineup; Smokey Robinson Joins As Special Guest

Jazz Cruises, LLC has announced the lineup for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012. Joining hosts David Sanborn and Marcus Miller and special event hosts Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright will be stars Boney James, Rick Braun, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Jeff Golub, Rahsaan Patterson, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Brian Simpson and Peter White. Also onboard will be party band DW3, comedian Alonzo Bodden, and cruise hosts Pat Prescott and Dane Butcher. The legendary Smokey Robinson will be onboard as the special guest event.

More information: www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com.


Apr. 27, 2010

Guitars and Saxes Launches 16th Annual Tour

For years, the popular Guitars and Saxes show has been a staple of the smooth jazz summer touring season.  The 16th annual lineup has been announced, and it will include guitarists Peter White and Jeff Golub and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright. All have previously been on the tour. The tour begins May 15 in Sacramento, Calif.

Guitars and Saxes veteran Golub is justifiably proud of his long association with the tour: “I’m the senior member of Guitars and Saxes. I’ve done it the most times, and I’m happy to do it. I love Guitars and Saxes. I think all the artists are inspired and spurred on by the other artists, and I just like being a part of it.”

Guitars and Saxes tour schedule

May 15: Sacramento, CA Radisson Sacramento Ballroom
May 16: Newport Beach, CA Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival
May 28: Las Vegas, NV Rail Head-Boulder Station Casino
May 29: San Diego, CA  KiFM Smooth Jazz Gas Lamp Festival
July 30: Newport Beach, CA Hyatt Newporter
July 31: Temecula, CA Thornton Winery
Aug. 11: New York, NY Spirit Cruise Ship/Chelsea Piers/Pier 63
Aug. 12: Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
Aug. 13: St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Aug. 14: Kettering, OH Festival of the Vine/Fraze Pavilion
Sept. 11: Palmdale, CA Palmdale Jazz & Wine Festival/Palmdale Amphitheater
Sept. 24: Dallas, TX Bishop Arts Theater

Source: Smooth Jazz Network

Apr. 21, 2010

Anita Baker Headed to Nashville to Record Next Album

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Anita Baker is heading to Music City U.S.A. to record her next CD, to be released later this year by Blue Note Records.  “I’m going to Nashville to mix it up, shake it and see what comes out,” says Baker.

Baker will be producing the album with George Duke, Nathan East of Fourplay, and Daniel Moore. She explains that she’ll be recording in Nashville in part because “they still know how to make a record in analog.” Baker has some long-time friends in Nashville.  Last month, when she performed at the TJ Martell Honors Gala there, attendees were surprised to find out that she counts many country stars and personalities among her friends.

Singing Vince Gill’s “Little Liza Jane” at the dinner, Baker was backed by a cohort of Nashville players. Inspired by their performance, she’s invited the “badass Nashville cats,” as she terms them, to record with her this month alongside New York and Los Angeles session musicians.
 
The album will also include Baker’s collaboration with Snoop Dogg on a “big, lush” version of Curtis Mayfield’s “Give You My Love” that she promises “is going to raise eyebrows.” The rest of the album will be original material.
 
Baker is enthusiastic about the upcoming sessions. “I’m turning it up in a lot of ways,” she says.
Baker will be a headliner at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 25th. “As always, the audience is in charge of the set list,” she says. “Kind of like being at a Grateful Dead show.”  

Source: Smooth Jazz Network

Wayman Tisdale Recording to be Used as Theme for the Oasis Music Awards

The Oasis Music Awards, scheduled for March 2011 in San Diego, will use the late Wayman Tisdale’s recording of “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” as the theme for the award weekend. The track is on Tisdale’s 2004 CD Hang Time. License to use the performance was granted by Tisdale’s record label, Rendezvous Music.

Oasis Music Awards co-producer Bill Paddock said he and partner Chris White chose the song as a tribute to Tisdale, who died of cancer in May of last year.

“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” was written and produced by the R&B duo McFadden and Whitehead in 1979. It was a No. 1 song for Tisdale.

The four-day Oasis Music Awards weekend will include at least two concerts, a reception for the artists and attendees, the presentation of the Oasis Music Awards, and more. Specific venue and sponsor details, as well as the host hotel, will be announced shortly. Plans to broadcast the Saturday night show are being finalized.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network


Apr. 19, 2010

George Benson with Michel Legrand on PBS

A recent concert honoring legendary French-Armenian music composer Michel Legrand that featured Grammy Award-winning singer, composer and guitarist George Benson will be televised later this year by PBS. The Michel Legrand & Friends: 50 Years of Movies and Music show was held March 27 at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Benson has posted photos from the event on his official website.

During the show, Legrand conducted a 66-piece orchestra and performed with many of his superstar friends, including Benson and Roberta Flack, Dionne Warwick, Steve Lawrence, Melissa Manchester, Neil Sedaka, Jerry Lewis, Andy Williams and Patti Page.

The event paid musical tribute to some of Legrand’s Academy Award-winning scores to movies, including "Yentl," "The Thomas Crown Affair," and "Summer of ‘42."

It was in 1973 that Benson covered “Summer of ‘42” for an album called White Rabbit.
Over the course of his 50-year career, Legrand has composed more than 200 film and television scores as well as several musicals. Legrand was only 22 years old when his first album, I Love Paris, became one of the best-selling instrumental albums ever released. He is a virtuoso jazz and classical pianist as well as accomplished arranger and conductor who performs with orchestras worldwide.

Source: Smooth Jazz Network