Smooth Jazz Therapy

Mindi Abair Busy In San Diego

With her new CD ‘Stars’ due to hit record stores across the USA on May 6, sax star and vocalist Mindi Abair is every bit as in demand as one would expect. She is without doubt one of the hottest acts in smooth jazz and its totally appropriate that much of her current exposure seems to be happening in or around one of the true bedrocks of the genre, San Diego, CA. She was in town April 25 to perform her own special rendition of the National Anthem at Petco Park for the Padres baseball game with the San Francisco Giants and she stayed on the next day to guest on KIFM 98.1’s ‘Mike V In The Morning’ show from 7 to 9-00 AM.

David Benoit Salutes His Heroes

David Benoit has never been afraid to push the boundaries of his music talents and as an indication of his diversity it is suffice to report that this contemporary jazz icon will be debuting his latest concert work, ‘Dolores Del Carmen’ for Spanish Guitar and Orchestra with the Asia America Symphony Orchestra on June 7, 2008. Although David will also be performing over the course of the season with Sadao Watanabe, Jon Nakamatsu, and Jake Shimabukuro, the buzz of the moment surrounds his brand new ‘Heroes’ project that will be showcased on LA’s KTWV, The Wave over the weekend of May 25 & 26.

Global Noize

‘Global Noize’, the exciting new album from Jason Miles and his friend DJ Logic, is set to hit record stores across the USA on April 29. The project is one that had brewed in the mind of contemporary jazz innovator Jason Miles for some time but finally solidified when he got a call from DJ Logic with an invitation to join him for a performance at the Blue Note in New York. It was through this collaboration that Miles realized he and Logic had a special connection and the opportunity which later arose for the pair to work together in Morocco at The Casablanca Jazz Festival (and to venture off to Marrakech) convinced them both that they had to make ‘Global Noize’ happen.

The Ubiquitous Andre Berry

Now for a feature on bass player Andre Berry (pictured here with Wayman Tisdale) that originally appeared in my regular column at ABYSSJazz. The 2008 May – June issue is due out anytime now and will include a feature on the excellent Mike Logan. Look out for ABYSSJazz at both Borders and Barnes & Noble. In addition, subscriptions for this top notch smooth jazz magazine, to include nine issues plus a free CD, can be had for as little as $24-95. For more information send an e-mail to [email protected].

If you are one of those lucky enough to frequently watch live smooth jazz, the chances are that you will have seen André Berry. This funky and ultra talented bass player has been with Warren Hill’s touring band for the last nine years and is now an integral part of Mindi Abair’s set up. A sometime member of Down To The Bone’s live incarnation Berry also has the distinction of being one of the few performers to have appeared on every one of the Smooth Jazz Cruises that, over the years, have been variously hosted by Warren Hill, Dave Koz and Wayman Tisdale. Indeed, to the two thousand or so fans that return year after year to these unique events, he has become far more than simply a ‘sideman’. His engaging personality, incredible energy and peerless work ethic combine with his prowess as producer and composer to really make him stand out from the crowd and, if that wasn’t enough, he is also a solo recording artist in his own right. His latest CD, ‘For The Moment’, is brand new for 2008.

Laws Felder & Davis - 3 Brothers On Tenor

There was a time, before the term smooth jazz was ever thought of, when pioneers of the genre then know as jazz fusion were laying the foundations for much of what followed. One notable protagonist of the period was Ronnie Laws and another was the legendary Crusaders. Now Laws is joining forces with Crusaders sax man Wilton Felder and the excellent Gary Davis (he of Milwaukee’s own Gary Davis Band) for a live music extravaganza simply titled ‘3 Brothers On Tenor’ (3BT). The three saxophonists will be coming soon to a city near you with a brand of music that is sure to be hot soulful and jazzy. As well as the mouth watering collaborations that these contemporary jazz heavyweights are sure to engender its likely they will also feature snippets from their combined discographies that typically stretch back over thirty wonderful musical years.

Watch this space for detailed concert dates and for booking information contact the promoters at [email protected]

Don Immel - Long Way Home

The trombone is characterized by that uniquely velvety tone which blesses every note it produces. Consequently it is hard to determine why the instrument is so little used in contemporary jazz circles yet, despite isolated but notable contributions by Jeff Bradshaw and Bill Richenbach (plus significant flirtations by Brian Culbertson), one performer set to change all that is the pioneering Don Immel. His current release ‘Long Way Home’ sets out to establish the trombone as a credible, solo, smooth jazz instrument and the good news is that this eclectic ten track collection does so to perfection.

Jay Soto Takes His Music On The Road

Starting April 26th, new guitar sensation Jay Soto will be talking his brand of infectious contemporary jazz onto the road. He kicks off what promises to be an intense two months of activity when he plays Baldwin Park Winter Park, Orlando, Florida for the WLOQ Smooth Jazz Under the Stars show where he will be in the all star company of Jackeim Joyner, Michael Lington and Blake Aaron. Of course Soto’s current album ‘Stay Awhile’ has been a complete revelation. With its stellar array of collaborative talent that includes Michael Lington, Euge Groove and Jeffrey Osborne, plus the writing, performing and production skills of Paul Brown, Darren Rahn and Jeff Lorber, it has already garnered the radio mega hit ‘Slammin’ and is in every respect a worthy successor to his earlier release ‘Long Time Coming’ that I previously described as an astonishing collection of ultra commercial smooth jazz tunes.

Lin Rountree Plots New Release

When, belatedly, I reviewed the 2005 CD from trumpet and flugelhorn player Lin Rountree, I observed that with all ten tracks either written or co-written by him, and with playing which is never less than soulful, funky, and inspirational, ‘Groovetree’ serves as a stunning example of the contemporary jazz genre. Now he’s back and better than ever with his brand new project ‘Sumthin' Good’. It is replete with the great melodies played by great musicians that made ‘Groovetree’ such a delight and, in addition, displays Rountree’s rapidly growing artistic maturity. Punchy mid-tempo songs and soulful easy grooves merge with the beautiful ballad, ‘All The Way’ which is co-written by legendary bass player Roberto Valley. Carl Robinson reaches out to reggae lovers with ‘She's Just A Woman’ and the outstanding Perry Hughes (who has played guitar with Earl Klugh and Bob James) serves up a killer solo on ‘Chillin' On’. Up and coming R&B superstar, 19-year-old Valencia provides vocals for ‘Get Away’ and in doing so ensures that ‘Sumthin' Good’ has something good for everyone. Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Sumthin Good’ and for more information go to www.linrountree.com

Gail Jhonson Partners With NuGroove

Yet another new and exciting project from genre leading NuGroove Records is that by the outstanding Gail Jhonson. This wonderful keyboard player and long time musical director for Norman Brown first came to the attention of Smooth Jazz Therapy with her dazzling live performances with Brown and her own solo debut CD ‘Keep the Music Playing’. Although the album remains an example of contemporary jazz buried treasure, a gem of another kind is her brand new release ‘Pearls’.

It is a collection of songs that Philadelphia native Jhonson has written from her heart and which finds her in the superb company of guest performers such as Norman Brown, Nelson Braxton, Marion Meadows and Paul Brown. Given the exposure NuGroove is sure to provide, it seems that long overdue recognition for this most accomplished of players is assured. Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Pearls’ and for more information go to www.gailjhonson.com.

Wine, Jazz & Brian Culbertson

Wine and Jazz (www.wineandjazz.com) is a new marketing initiative that enables participants to sample a range of ‘mail order’ wines that are shipped, as a package, with a top contemporary jazz CD. This enterprise, which is all about lifestyle combinations, is a cool way to sell wine and, more important, to raise awareness of what is currently hot in smooth jazz. For instance the March offering was Brian Simpson’s excellent ‘Above The Clouds’ album combined with a bottle each of Saddlerock 2005 Chardonnay and Semler 2005 Syrah, both from the Malibu Family.

In addition, to boost exposure of the endeavor, Spaghetinni Grill & Jazz Club in Seal Beach CA will be hosting a Wine and Jazz Autograph Session with Brian Culbertson on Sunday May 4th. There are no tickets for sale and there is no cover charge. To take the opportunity to meet Culbertson, enjoy great live music and sample wine from Miner Family Vineyards, simply reserve a seat for Sunday Brunch.

Its worth noting that Culbertson's new album ‘Bringing Back The Funk’ will hit record stores across the USA only 4 days before this event.

For more information call Spaghettini at (562)596-2199.

Dee Brown - No Time To Waste

As smooth jazz endures difficult times the excellent and innovative NuGroove Records continues to throw it a lifeline. With Bob Baldwin, Michael Lington, Michael Manson, Jay Soto and Darren Rhan already on the roster this most forward thinking of labels has done contemporary jazz a great favor by resurrecting the excellent ‘No Time To Waste’ by Dee Brown. Demitris Edwards Brown, aka Dee Brown, was born in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a home where his mother was into the Motown Sound and his father listened to the music of jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus. Brown’s own contemporary jazz guitar style is an amalgam of all those influences and his special blend of sumptuously smooth jazz and soulfully urban vibes is presented to incredible effect on his debut solo album ‘No Time To Waste’. Originally released in October of 2006 it follows on from Brown’s projects as a member of the bands One Wish and Shelby Brown (where he duet-ed with sax player Gentry Shelby) and showcases his skills as a guitarist, composer, producer and arranger.

Frank Felix And The FU Express - Tales From The Funky Underground

An assault is about to take place and the assailant is none other than the multi talented Frank Felix. In the company of his FU Express he is all set to challenge the supremacy enjoyed by Down To The Bone as the leading UK exponent of good old fashioned of ‘in your face’ funk. It’s a brand of music that came out of the acid jazz movement which was prevalent in the UK during the early 90’s and, if this debut album from Felix, ‘Tales From The Funky Underground’ is meant as a tilt at Down To The Bone’s crown, then it promises to be very much a bloodless coup. In fact DTTB keyboard player Neil Cowley plays a significant part throughout and in doing so is joined by a stellar gathering of guest musicians including the UK’s pre-emanate contemporary jazz saxophonist Snake Davis.

Darryl Williams - That Was Then

Smooth jazz is the heartbeat of San Diego and the quality of the music that is currently flowing from this sun kissed city appears to know no bounds. New releases from Bradley Leighton, Patrick Yandall and Larry White have all served to raise the bar and the latest artist to come up with an absolute gem is bass and keyboard player Darryl Williams. ‘That Was Then’ is bursting with the distinct vibe synonymous with this unique part of Southern California, includes ten of Williams own compositions and bears testimony to the fact that he is very much the real contemporary jazz deal.

Larry White Trio In San Diego

On April 8, from 7-10 PM, contemporary jazz Grammy nominee Larry White brings his trio to the Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego. When in September of last year I reviewed White’s latest solo album ‘Coronado Breeze’ I described him as being inspired by the environs of the city of San Diego that he now calls home. Indeed the album is replete with the cool vibes so synonymous with that special part of Southern California and at the Marriott he will have two of the cities finest with him.

Danny Lerman In Chicago

On April 8, for one night only, contemporary jazz saxophonist Danny Lerman will be at the world famous Back Room Club on Rush Street, Chicago IL for a concert and release event in support of his brand new CD ‘Meow Baby’.

The title of the album is taken from a line uttered in an episode of Kojak by the immortally cool Telly Savalas and the streetwise attitude for which that TV cop was famous transmits itself seamlessly into Lerman’s music. When I reviewed ‘Meow Baby’ earlier this year I described the album’s excellent blend of twelve originals, two covers and ‘a blast from the past’ as a wonderful showcase for Lerman’s work. It serves to demonstrate the range of influences that have permeated his musical education to date and has a pedigree that is impeccable. Guest performances by Norman Connors, Howard Hewett, Bobby Lyle and Hubert Laws all add to the quality yet that said, ‘Meow Baby’ is very much Lerman’s project.

The show at the Back Room will be hosted by Denise Jordan-Walker and Lerman will play back to back sets at 8-00 PM and 10-00 PM. Cover charge for the evening is $10.00 which includes one drink as a minimum but, as this is a guest list only event, be sure to RSVP without delay. For more information go to www.backroomchicago.com