Smooth Jazz Therapy

Peter White Back In The North Of England

October 30, 2011. At the Cinnamon Club, in the southern suburbs of Manchester, it was the first night of Peter White’s now customary UK autumn tour. Scheduled to play fourteen shows at six different venues he was instantly at ease in the familiar surroundings of this intimate space yet, for the excellent band that supported him, this was far from being business as usual. Yes, Marc Parnell was there on drums and everyone’s favourite bass-player Frank Felix took his usual place but new to many was outstanding keyboardist Attila Molnar and, alongside him, the rapidly emerging sax-man Elan Trotman. Remarkably, this newly formed collective had rehearsed for the first time only hours before but the enthusiasts who packed this northern outpost of contemporary jazz could have been excused for thinking they had been together for years.

Ramsey Lewis - Taking Another Look

The 1974 album ‘Sun Goddess’ did much to define the career of the legendary Ramsey Lewis. It was his flirtation with the funk and R & B of the seventies which recently he rekindled with the Sun Goddess live tour. Now Lewis has re-recorded five tracks from the original disc, added five more, and with the help of his Electric Band packaged them into the excellent collection ‘Taking Another Look’.

Hart Ramsey Returns With My Next Heartbeat

When in 2010 I reviewed Hart Ramsey’s stunning debut recording ‘Charge It to My Heart’ I described it as one of the hottest releases of the year. Featuring guest performances from Eric Essix, Phil Davis, Kelley O'Neal and Rick Watford its emergence was all the more surprising for the fact that Ramsey has a Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry. In fact when not making music he teaches weekly services at Northview Christian Church in Alabama and now, in the company of the same fine musicians, he is back with ‘My Next Heartbeat’. The first single serviced to radio is the compelling ‘Two Roads’ which was not only written by Ramsey and Sean Michael Ray but also features Ray on bass, Kelley O'Neal on saxophone, and Ramsey with both keys and drum programming.

All indications are that Hart Ramsey is all set for another run away success so check back here soon for a complete review of ‘My Next Heartbeat’.

Kim Waters - This Heart Of Mine

Kim Waters has long been regarded as one of the most technically gifted players on the circuit and also one of the most ‘jazzy’. His latest project, ‘This Heart Of Mine’, which was released October 25 on the Shanachie label, bears witness to all this and more yet paradoxically it may also be his most soulful yet. Not only that, for this his seventeenth solo collection, Waters plays virtually every instrument, from saxophones to keyboards, guitar, drums, bass and vocals, while also writing nine of the eleven choice tracks and producing throughout.

Khari Cabral - In Your Sun

As well as being the ‘go-to’ bass player for sultry vocalist India.Arie, Khari Cabral Simmons has built a considerable reputation as an integral part of the Atlanta, GA music scene. In that city he has collaborated with the likes of Julie Dexter and made waves with his own band, Jiva, which luxuriates in a style heavily influenced by Sergio Mendez and the 5th Dimension. However, it is as a solo artist that he is now being recognized and this is due in no small part to his latest release ‘Clementine Sun’.

The first single to be serviced to radio is the entirely captivating ‘Never In Your Sun’. It features none other than India.Arie on vocals where her neo soul tinged tones mesh deliciously with an enticing bossa rhythm and an injection of velvety horns. Make no mistake; it’s a combination to ensure that this sumptuous cut does very well.

To sample tracks from ‘Clementine Sun’ go to www.kharicabral.com. You will not be disappointed.

Richard Elliot - In The Zone

As well as being one of the genre’s most consistent chart-toppers, soulful saxophonist Richard Elliot has done as much as anyone to delightfully blur the margins that separate smooth jazz from funk. His 2009 release, ‘Rock Steady’, was a nod to the R&B artists of the 1970s & 80s that inspired him most and he has stayed with a similar theme for his latest effort, the sparkling ‘In The Zone’. Notable on many levels, the album finds Elliot reuniting with Jeff Lorber who, not for the first time, proves himself to be the perfect producing and songwriting partner. Together they write nine of the ten choice cuts and, with able support from the likes of Michael Thompson, Tony Maiden, Alex Al and Lenny Castro, the credits read like a veritable ‘who’s who’ of contemporary jazz.

East Bay Soul 2.0 In Rehearsal

As the East Bay Soul 2.0 adventure picks up pace pre-preproduction rehearsals have begun. The rhythm section, together with band leader Greg Adams, is in the studio this week to learn new material and work out the grooves of the album’s first five songs. The music is really coming to life and when these five tracks are complete this same group will return to the studio to work on the final five. Recording the horns and vocals will take place right at the end of the process.

Spotlight On Reze Khan

One artist who is pushing the contemporary jazz envelope while drawing heavily on musical heroes such as Pat Metheny, the Rippingtons and Acoustic Alchemy is guitarist Reza Khan. ‘Language Of Love’, from his latest CD ‘A Simple Plan’, features the always excellent Andy Snitzer on sax and has just been serviced to radio.

Richie Cannata - Keep It In The Pocket

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, saxophonist Richie Cannata has recorded and toured with Billy Joel's band since 1975. In addition, for the last ten years, he has been a member of The Beach Boys and has produced albums for such notables as Phoebe Snow and Rita Coolidge.

If that wasn’t enough Richie also wrote the theme music for the Barcelona Olympics, is currently working as the musical director for The Bernie Williams Band and has just released his own self titled CD. Produced by Cannata and Julio Fernandez at the famous Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, this ten song collection has already been described as nothing short of spectacular. The first single to be serviced to radio is the album’s opening song, ‘Keep It In The Pocket’ which, with an appealing ‘down and dirty vibe, should be tailor made for those who enjoy their contemporary jazz when its ‘not too smooth’.

For more go to www.richiecannata.com

Greg Chambers

Back in 2007 I described ‘City Lights’ by sax-man Greg Chambers as an album different enough to get him noticed. It was a rarified blend of the classical with the contemporary and now he is back with another innovative (and this time self titled) offering. In fact Chambers is far from being your regulation smooth jazz musician. With a resume that includes a parallel project with his own jazz quartet and work with the Aspen Festival Orchestra he is well placed to push the musical envelope. Indeed, with six of his own compositions, plus covers of Richard Elliot’s ‘Sweet Dream’ and the Keane hit ‘Try Again’, this is exactly what he has done.

Smooth Jazz Backs Animal Rescue

A key member of the Smooth Jazz Therapy staff is Susan the cat who has been on the payroll for over ten years. She came from the Blue Cross Animal Rescue Centre in North Yorkshire, England and predictably has evolved into one of the coolest cats around. Of course Michael Franks is well known for his work with animal charities and someone else doing great things for pet welfare is Cheryl Hughey. Check out her video clip here. As well as starring Elvis and Otis it also features some particularly cool vibes from another Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite, sax-man Jack Prybylski.

Freddie Lee - Book Of Love

Earlier this year I featured the single ‘Searching’ by vocalist Freddie Lee from his soon to be released CD ‘My Soul Intentions’. Enriched by backing vocals that are out of this world, this deliciously horn infused number engenders the kind of old school vibe for which real soul aficionado’s never tire and now, as if to underwrite the quality of this fine album, comes the equally impressive ‘Book Of Love’.

Produced by Tony Bean and Colin Bassett at 5am Productions this silky cut shimmers with a smooth retro soul sound and will be available from October 24th at iTunes, Amazon and www.freddieleepeterkin.com

Joseph Sullinger - Drawn By The Wind

Now for someone new to Smooth Jazz Therapy. Guitarist Joseph Sullinger is currently making waves with his new CD 'Earth Voyage'. It is an eclectic mix of classical, Latin, and nuevo flamenco styles that perfectly demonstrate his strong song writing abilities and intricate guitar work. Joseph’s music has been featured on two episodes of the Emmy nominated television series 'The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan and was spotlighted on the radio show El Mundo de la Guitarra in Mexico where he now lives. The first single from 'Earth Voyage' is titled 'Drawn By The Wind'. Check it out right here right now and for more go to www.josephsullinger.com

Tom Scott - Them Changes

‘Too Hot’ by sax man supreme Tom Scott is the blistering new radio single from his latest album ‘Telling Stories’. It features a wonderful vocal duet by Paulette McWilliams and Will Downing but, what is less known, a different version of this Kool & The Gang blockbuster appeared, twenty one years ago, on Scott’s 1990 CD ‘Them Changes’. The project was in fact a collaborative effort between Scott and his fellow house band members who played together on a short lived television talk show hosted by ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ stalwart Pat Sajak. Each of those involved went on to enjoy successful careers as session players while one of them, a certain Dave Koz, became a superstar in his own right.

Brian Culbertson At Thornton Winery

October 1, 2011. It was just another day in Southern California. The setting of the Winery at twilight was magical; the champagne flowed like rivers and that ultimate showman, Brian Culbertson, beckoned in the final month of the Thornton Winery 2011 Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula CA with a performance of the highest order. It has been quite a year for Culbertson whose 2010 CD ‘Xll’ proved to be an outstanding success and here he delved into it generously while recalling some old favorites along the way. In all of this he was helped in no small measure by Eddie Miller on vocals and additional keyboards, Gerey Johnson on guitar, bass-player Nathaniel Kearney, Jr., drummer Chris Miskel, Jim Culbertson on trumpet and Marqueal Jordan with both sax and vocals. Collectively they showed themselves to be what is arguably the best touring band around and right from the opening bars of the ultra catchy ‘Back In The Day’, the scene was set for a energy packed evening. As the hits kept coming, first with ‘Go’ and then with the dazzling ‘Always Remember’ it was clear that Culbertson was up, running and in blistering form.

Nicole Mitchell Live In Chicago

Smooth Jazz Therapy has been a huge fan of soulful vocalist Nicole Mitchell since the release of the highly acclaimed ‘A Sound Of My Own’. Her latest project is ‘The Bi-Polar Music Project - Vol 1: Licensed to Chill’ and for those in or around Chicago on the evening of November 26, a real treat is in store. Nicole will be performing music from the new album at the DuSable Museum of African American History which is a wonderful venue at 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637. Showtime is 8-00 PM and will be followed by a special ‘Live House Music’ set which will include a tribute to Quincy Jones classic CD ‘The Dude’ and will feature those international divas of house Dajae and Andrea Love.

For tickets go to www.NicoleMitchellMusic.com and for a sample of the riches on offer click here.

http://youtu.be/h-WAm_68sM0