Smooth Jazz Therapy

Cristophe DeVilla & Enois Scroggins - You Are My Girl

‘You Are My Girl’ by guitarist Christophe DeVilla and soulful vocalist Enois Scroggins is one the smoothest R & B cuts of the year and is currently out there on YouTube.

Find it now at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu-GtL-PBBM

De Villa is a French jazz artist with a string of album’s to his name while, back in the day, Enois Scroggins worked with members of Cameo and The Gap Band. Together they have come up with a real gem. Check back here soon for more information the project from which this great track comes.

Peter White 'Bright' In The UK

It’s that time of year again and as the leaves in London town begin to fall there can only be one thing on the agenda. Yes, you guessed it; Peter White is back in the UK for his now annual mini tour that this year is partly in support of his brand new CD ‘Good Day’.

‘Bright’ is the album’s first radio single and is currently sitting at number two on the Groove Jazz chart of most played on smooth jazz radio.

To hear ‘Bright’ click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sd51nDIFkQ&feature=related

With an extended itinerary there is even more opportunities to catch him live and it all gets started on November 3 at Club One in Ascot, close to the famous horse racing track and a few miles from historic Windsor Castle. The following evening Peter will be at the Concorde Club in Eastleigh, Hampshire and will stay on the south coast to play Thirty Three restaurant in Poole, Dorset before heading back to London for seven nights at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Dean Street.

The Thirty Three event is particularly notable for the fact it is being presented by the excellent www.smoothtraxfm.com for which Chris Boyce does such a fantastic job.

The tour concludes with two shows at the Maidstone location of Pizza Express on November 13 and 14. After that it is back to the USA for White’s participation in the twenty two night Dave Koz And Friends Christmas Show which commences in Mobile, AL on November 27.

There is still time to get tickets for some of the UK dates so for more information go to www.peterwhite.com and check out ‘Concert Schedule’.

Jeff Kashiwa Produces Debut Album From Hulon

Despite the increasing difficulty that new artists face in finding an outlet, one player to really strike gold is saxophonist Hulon. His fresh perspective on old-school style has been recognized by none other than Jeff Kashiwa who, between his responsibilities to super-group The Sax Pack and the demands of a successful solo career, has now produced Hulon’s debut CD.

‘First Impressions’, which is described as a mixture of hot grooves and romantic charm, is scheduled for release in early 2010. When asked about this exciting new project Kashiwa commented that "It is every producer's dream to come across an artist who has three qualities: drive to develop a unique voice, enthusiasm for creating music and a passion to perform; Hulon posses all three”.

The music of ‘First Impressions’ reflects many moods. From the retro soul of War's ‘Cisco Kid’ to the romantic ‘Follow Me’ Hulon shows he has the stuff to captivate a whole new audience. Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘First Impressions’.

Alan Hewitt To Release New CD On nuGroove Label

Smooth Jazz Therapy has long been a fan of keyboard maestro Alan Hewitt whose vibey sound captures to perfection the true essence of what great smooth jazz should be all about. His 2006 album ‘Metropolis’ remains an item of sumptuous buried treasure and now he is set to make a spectacular return with a brand new project, ‘Retroactive’. Due for release in early 2010 it marks Hewitt’s arrival at the consistently focussed nuGroove label and will feature gusts appearances from the likes of Greg Adams, Paul Jackson, Jr., Steve Madaio and Steve Oliver.

'Smooth Jazz Now' Moves Into Radio

As a sometime contributor to the contemporary jazz website www.smoothjazznow.com I am more than aware of the passion for the music that its President John Beaudin invariably displays. A significant on-air personality in his own right, and the driving force behind the prestigious Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, Beaudin is now moving into exciting new territory with the September 1 launch of www smoothjazznow.com as an internet radio station. Not only that, in a coup that might be considered by some as breathtaking, Beaudin has installed smooth jazz guitarist Ken Navarro as the afternoon drive time host and captured the services of the incomparable Nick Colionne to occupy the evening slot from 6 until 10 EST.

WVMV 98.7 Detroit Flips Formats

WVMV in Detroit that launched in 1995 on the 98.7 frequency has reportedly switched formats away from smooth jazz. Because Dom Theodore, vice president in charge of contemporary hits radio for CBS, was in Detroit on Monday this was taken by some as a strong signal that, when it all shakes out, the new sound on 98.7 would be that of ‘Amp Radio’ which is a format that CBS Radio has instituted at some of its stations across the country.

Although smooth jazz will still be available in Detroit, via the web at www.smoothjazzdetroit.com, this latest news represents a major loss to the many smooth jazz fans in the Detroit area that had long made WVMV a part of their listening lives. Not only that it is a further marginalization of a radio format that less than fifteen years ago appeared set to sweep the nation.

Of course one of WVMV’s major on-air personalities has been morning show host and smooth jazz flautist extraordinaire Alexander Zonjic. Consequently it was perhaps fitting that one of the last contemporary jazz features to be aired on the station was a snippet of an interview that Zonjic conducted with Kenny G where G was heard to reminisce about playing at P'Jazz in the Hotel Pontchartrain in Detroit. Then his seminal track ‘Songbird’ was played. Maybe ‘The Way We Were’ would have been more appropriate.

Pacific Coast Jazz Looking To The Grammy's

Smooth Jazz Therapy has long been impressed with the excellent San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz. By providing a coherent voice to musicians of many jazz persuasions it is providing a wonderful shop window for some of the best talent around. Not only that, with PCJ recording artists Tom Braxton and Art Sherrod Jr both about to launch major releases, the star of this rapidly emerging boutique label is clearly in the ascendancy. Now, in connection with its none jazz outlet, the cutely titled That Other Label, no less that five of its artists are being strongly tipped for nominations for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

Kenny G On Blu-Ray - An Evening Of Rhythm & Romance

With global album sales in excess of 50 million copies, Grammy-Award winning saxophonist Kenny G is all set to break new ground. ‘An Evening Of Rhythm & Romance’, his first ever performance to be released in the Blu-ray format, is due out early next month when, simultaneously, it will also be available on DVD.

‘An Evening of Rhythm & Romance’ was filmed late in 2008 at the wonderfully atmospheric Humphreys By The Bay in San Diego when Kenny was in town as part of an extensive tour to promote his most recent studio album, ‘Rhythm & Romance’. Among the sixteen choice cuts are the Kenny G classics ‘Havana’ and ‘G-Bop’ while unsurprisingly there is also a place for his signature number ‘Songbird’. Cover versions of James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’, Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World’ and the Average White Band’s ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ are included as part of a collection that for G’s plethora of fans will instantly attain ‘must have’ status.

Bonus features for this release include a revealing interview with Kenny and a trio of seasonal tracks. Exclusive to the Blu-ray product are rehearsal takes of two of these Christmas tunes.

‘An Evening Of Rhythm & Romance’ is due for release on October 6 from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Mark Harper With Wayman Tisdale - Dedication

Currently being serviced to radio is the sublimely smooth ‘Dedication’ by guitarist Mark Harper and the late Wayman Tisdale. This sumptuous duet has been released in advance of Harper’s forthcoming solo album ‘The Mark Harper Project’ and is a significant milestone for an artist whose career to date has been notable on many counts. As well as touring and recording with the likes of Dave Koz, Paul Jackson Jr, Jonathon Butler, Phyllis Hyman, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Joe McBride and Ronnie Laws, Mark has been a member of the legendary Tower of Power since October 2007. His guitar skills and soulful backing vocals have quickly added another dimension to what is the most potent horn and rhythm section on the planet yet before joining ToP Mark was a long time member of Tisdale’s touring band. Harper and Tisdale enjoyed a special musical bond that was based on their mutual love of ‘old school’ soul and as Harper began to write and co-write the music that would culminate in his own project it was the track ‘Dedication’ that quickly caught Tisdale’s attention. He expressed an interest in being part of it and Harper, together with keyboard player Tony Blaine, spent four days at Wayman’s ranch completing the recording process. The result, ‘Dedication’, is a fitting tribute to the humanity of Tisdale and an early indication of the promise that, for Harper, the future might hold. For more on Mark Harper go to www.markharpermusic.com

Nick Colionne And Jim Peterik - The Journey Of A Song

While Nick Colionne’s current album ‘No Limits’ continues to garner critical acclaim it is worth reflecting on the sensational collaboration it includes between Nick and Grammy-award winning writer Jim Peterik. In fact the Peterik - Colionne compositions ‘Melting Into You’ and ‘Hard Line’ prove to be ideal vehicles for Nick to show off both his vocal prowess and bluesy guitar. Now Peterik (pictured here with Lisa McClowry and whose credits include the theme from the film Rocky, ‘The Eye of The Tiger’) has called upon Nick to play a part in an exciting new documentary film titled ‘When It Comes From The Heart – The Journey Of A Song’.

Featuring Peterik, Colionne, singer songwriter Lisa McClowry and Nick’s manager Carol Ray, this 40 minute music documentary is directed by Terry Becker and describes the journey of the making of a song from the seed of an idea, to the writing session, on to the recording process and then finally to the live performance. It is a must see event for all music enthusiasts, a chance to witness the intimate process of a song coming to fruition and an opportunity to observe some of Chicago’s best musicians at work.

The film will premier this coming Wednesday at the Naperville Independent Film Fest where it will be shown at Ogden 6 Movie Theater, 1227 E Ogden Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563. Show time is from 7-00 PM and after the screening Jim, Nick, Carol, Lisa and Terry will be on hand to answer questions and share stories about the making of the film.

Tickets are priced at just $3 and for more information contact the theater on 630 357 5050

Check back here soon for more news on ‘When It Comes From The Heart – The Journey Of A Song’

Darren Rahn Tops The Billboard Chart With Talk Of The Town

Hot news is that the horn driven title cut from Darren Rahn’s current album ‘Talk Of The Town’ is now sitting pretty at the top of the Billboard charts. Replete with Rahn’s fabulous playing on sax, the track finds him in the company of his brother Jason on trumpet and flugelhorn. Indeed this deliciously in your face number is everything edgy contemporary jazz should be and is a standout in a collection crammed full of them. Out on nuGroove Records, the CD is Rahn’s third solo project after ‘Once In A Lifetime’ and ‘Soulful’. It features nine original compositions and three of the best covers you will hear this year. Check it out; you will not be disappointed.

For more go to www.darrenrahn.com

Miss'n You From DeNate Headed To Radio

The album ‘Reminisce’ by DeNate (Dee-Nah-Tay) was arguably one of the best contemporary jazz releases of 2008. Not only did it herald the then brand new pairing of keyboard player Nate Harasim and vocalist Deborah Connors but also revealed a knack the duo have for coming up with songs that are sometimes catchy, often hypnotic and invariably memorable. The jewel in the crown was their own composition ‘Miss’n You’ which I immediately inserted into my listing of top twenty smooth jazz tracks for that year. This incredibly turned down gem finds Connors in typically sultry mode, Harasim picture perfect on keys and Michael Powell making an understated, yet colossal, contribution on guitar.

Now, over twelve months after the initial release date nuGroove Records has slated ‘Miss’n You’ for radio play. It is sure to do well.

Nick Colionne To Herald In The New Year In Philly

New Years Eve may seem a long way off but when it brings the chance to see Nick Colionne then it’s never too early to make plans. Michael Tozzi of www.ijazzglobal.com has put together a fantastic New Year's package at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Philadelphia Airport where Nick will be the headline performer. Options are available for overnight and extra day stays, dinner, tickets for Nick’s big show and an after party with Philly's best party band, ZOE.

This all suites hotel has recently undergone a $14 million upgrade and with a waterfall in the lobby that by all accounts is pretty spectacular, this is a very cool place to be.

Go to www.ijazzglobal.com for all the details and then call the hotel directly to book. Seating will be at tables in cabaret style so it goes without saying that the earlier you book the closer to the stage you will be.

Chart Success For James K Lloyd

When I reviewed Walter Beasley’s latest Heads Up International release, Free Your Mind, I instantly identified ‘Steady As She Goes’ as the album’s outstanding track. Written and produced by Pieces of a Dream mainstay James K Lloyd (pictured here with Curtis Harmon) I found it to be totally ‘in the pocket’ and, with Lloyd on keys scattering his magic far, the ultimate showcase for Beasley’s melodic playing. Consequently it is no surprise that this choice number has just enjoyed its second straight week at the top of both the Billboard and Groove Jazz charts of most played on smooth jazz radio.

In fact this is truly an exciting time for Lloyd. The latest Pieces of a Dream CD ‘Soul Intent’ was released by Heads Up on February 24, 2009 and the second single from it ‘Sway On’ is already beginning to make an impact on the charts. If that wasn’t enough more of Lloyds exceptional writing, playing and production can be found on Alexander Zonjic’s brand new project ‘Doin The D’.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Doin The D’ and for more on James K Lloyd go to www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/Pieces-of-a-Dream/

Cynthia Layne - Kings & Queens

When in February of 2008 I reviewed the CD ‘Beautiful Soul’ from vocalist Cynthia Layne I commented that it had everything necessary to appeal to both contemporary jazz and urban radio. Substantially written and co-produced by Rob Dixon and Reggie Bishop its fourteen all original tunes made ‘Beautiful Soul’ an extremely interesting piece of work and at the time the killer cut was the sultry ‘Pimp Talk’. Shimmering with tight bass from Eugene McGee and terrific keys from Bishop, even then, there was little doubt that it would remain as one of the best tracks of the year.

However ‘Beautiful Soul’ is by no means a one song album and the welcome news is that the latest cut to go to radio will be the excellent ‘Kings & Queens’. This lovely mid tempo number moves Layne firmly into Jill Scott territory where she handles the complex lyric with aplomb. The horn drenched backing is delightful and she uses the crescendo to which the track ultimately rises as a showcase for her undoubted vocal power.

This one is a winner and then some. For more go to www.myspace.com/cynthialayne

Freddie Fox - No U Turn

Hot news from nuGroove is that ‘No U Turn’ by Freddie Fox is the first cut from his label debut, ‘Feelin’ It’, to be serviced to radio. Originally released last year, but now totally invigorated by Fox’s new alliance with nuGroove Records, the album features performances from luminaries such as Nelson Rangell, Najee, Michael Lington and Walter Beasley. Not only that, Freddie’s wife, the legendary Evelyn "Champagne" King, provides a stunning vocal on the track ‘Happy Feelings’.

As for ‘No U Turn’, it has a jazzy mid tempo groove and great guitar from Fox that is reminiscent of George Benson at his very best. Real ‘driving with the top down’ music its sunshine soaked vibe is guaranteed to play and play.

In fact Fox played on George Benson’s Grammy winning song ‘Morning’ and has toured extensively with the likes of Atlantic Starr, Jennifer Holliday, Vesta Williams, Eric Benet, Rose Royce and Sheila E. Through his association with producer and keyboard player Michael Broening he has also played a major part in recent projects from Marion Meadows and Cindy Bradley.

For the latest on Freddie Fox go to www.thenugroove.com

Nate Harasim - Hello

There is no doubt that smooth jazz duo Denate was one of the sensations of 2008. The debut album, ‘Reminsce’, from this pairing of Nate Harasim and Deborah Connors featured saxophone from Darren Rahn who, after being invited back to remix the track ‘Sweet Dreams’ subsequently became a full time member of the band.

Of course, individually, Harasim, Connors and Rahn are all exceptional solo performers and much of the buzz that ran parallel to the release of ‘Reminsce’ was all about Harasim’s own project, the excellent ‘Love’s Taken Over’. The latest cut from this choice collection to be released to radio is Harasim’s thoughtful take on Lionel Richie’s 1983 classic ‘Hello’. Co-produced by Harasim and Rahn it is sure to quickly become a listeners favorite.

For more on Denate, Harasim, Connors and Rahn go to www.thenugroove.com

New Tracy Hamlin CD Due In August

Although Tracy Hamlin is perhaps best known as the longtime lead singer for the award-winning group Pieces of a Dream, her 2005 solo debut, ‘Seasons’, was received to critical acclaim. The title cut featured a performance by Pieces of a Dream keyboard player James Lloyd and in addition the excellent Najee provided flute for the track ‘Sundown’.

Scheduled to hit record stores across the USA in August of 2009,Tracy’s follow up CD is ‘Better Days’ and advance publicity suggests it will be one to watch. To discover more about Tracy Hamlin and her music go to www.tracyhamlin.com