Smooth Jazz Therapy

More Chances To Hear Bruce Nazarian's Digital Guy Radio Show

Bruce Nazarian’s Digital Guy Radio Show is proving to be something of a contemporary jazz sensation. Despite being on air for little over a year this eclectic showcase for the best in new and classic cuts is widening its scope far and wide. As well as its flagship slot on Solar Radio www.solarradio.com where the show goes out live each Monday at 4-00 PM PST, it can now be heard four times every weekend at www.smoothjazznow.com where it airs at 9-00 AM on Saturday and is repeated at 5-00 PM that same day plus at 12 noon and 7-00 PM on Sunday.

Not only that, Smooth Jazz On The WAV http://wavjazz.net is featuring the show on Saturdays at 1-00 PM EST while the excellent Regina Records Radio www.reginarecordsradio.com transmits it every Tuesday at 3-00 PM PST.

This is all in addition to the airings that show continues to receive at My Jazz Planet www.myjazzplanet.com on Thursdays at 10 AM EST, 111 East Radio 111eastradio.com on Thursdays at 1 PM EST and on www.jazzmatrix.com where it can found each week in the radio player.

Vincent Ingala - North End Soul

Under any circumstances the CD ‘North End Soul’ from the multi talented Vincent Ingala would be considered as an outstanding piece of work. However, given that at the time of its release Vincent was only seventeen years old, this classy collection can truly be regarded as little short of remarkable. The album derives its title from the North End of Waterbury, CT where many of Vincent’s family members grew up listening to the funk, R & B and soul of the day. With ‘North End Soul’ he has embraced these old school sensibilities in a way that belies his years and in so doing conjures up what can only be described as a complete gem.

Your Chance To Win The CD 'Turn Back The Time' By Blue Soul Groove

Now for a chance to be one of the first to own the CD ‘Turn Back The Time’ from the band Blue Soul Groove. This cool collective is in fact the pairing of guitarist and leader Neil Warden with sax and flute player John Burgess. They first came to my attention in 2007 with the release of their self-titled EP that sold over 5000 copies and garnered extensive transatlantic airplay. ‘Turn Back The Time’ builds on the EP’s five original tracks by adding four more and includes a fine cover of Joe Sample’s ‘Put It Where You Want It’.

A complete review of ‘Turn Back The Time’ will appear here soon but to win a copy of this great album simply e-mail me at [email protected] with your answer to the following question.

Blue Soul Groove leader Neil Warden is based in Edinburgh. Of which country is Edinburgh the capital city? Is it Wales, Scotland or England?

Good luck! The four lucky winners will be announced here soon.

George Benson - Breezin

In terms of the evolution of what is known as smooth jazz, there can be no more influential album than ‘Breezin’ by George Benson. This seminal collection was released in 1976 and remains a beacon both for the talent of this consummate artist and the impact it had on those who followed. ‘Breezin’ is crammed full of timeless tunes yet equally, reflects an era when artists and producers were under less pressure to conform. Consequently, although virtually unheard of today, the fact ‘Breezin’ only comprised six tracks, and that three of those tracks had running times of over seven minutes was, back then, simply a statement of quality over format. I originally purchased ‘Breezin’ on cassette tape shortly after its release but recently was fortunate enough to rediscover this superb piece of work, on CD, hidden away in the ‘used’ section of a neighbourhood record store. Needless to say the memories came flooding back.

The Rippingtons - Cote D’Azur

After many excursions to France, and train trips from Paris to the Cote D’Azur, Rippingtons leader Russ Freeman felt music stirring inside him. Now this artistic outpouring has manifested itself in the band’s latest (and eighteenth) offering, ‘Cote D’Azur’, which takes its name from that sublime region of the French Riviera and is due for release on February 1. In fact Freeman’s extensive travels to this unique coastline have, in the main, been made in the company of his wife Yaredt Leon and although the influence of Freeman on ‘Cote D’Azur’ is front back and centre it is Leon who co-writes the high energy title track and the closing number ‘Mesmerized’ with him. More exotic and deeper than any project that Freeman has previously written or produced, every one of the ten all original compositions are far more than a simple travelogue, they are from the heart.

Win A Signed Copy Of Marcus Miller's A Night In Monte Carlo

‘A Night In Monte-Carlo’ is the brand new release from jazz legend Marcus Miller and you can win a signed copy of this fine album right here, right now.

Simply send an e-mail to [email protected] and, in twenty words or less, let me know why you should be one of the three lucky winners. The competition closes at 9-00 PM Pacific time on January 29 so be sure to enter right away.

‘A Night In Monte-Carlo’ provides a stunning audio record of a concert that Miller performed on November 29, 2008 in the principality of Monaco and finds him leading both his own quartet and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra through a repertoire of music that spans almost a century. Not only that, with operatic selections plus guest appearances from trumpeter Roy Hargrove and singer - songwriter Raul Midon, this is just about eclectic as it gets.

Very different and of the highest quality imaginable this is a must for Marcus Miller fans everywhere.

Nate Harasim - Rush

Although not due for release until February 1, the new project from producer and keyboard player Nate Harasim is already creating quite a stir. Titled ‘Rush’ it marks Harasim’s much anticipated debut on the ground breaking Trippin N’ Rhythm and in addition serves as a tremendous showcase for the artistic assets that this rapidly emerging label has at its disposal. Guest performances abound and with mixing in the capable hands of the ubiquitous Darren Rahn, even at this early stage, ‘Rush’ seems likely to become one of the outstanding albums of 2011.

Oasis Awards Salute Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, January 17, 2011 is Martin Luther King Day and I am indebted to my good friends at the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards for sharing the words of Dr King as they relate to Jazz. They are taken from his opening address to the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1964.

Remember, the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards for 2011 will take place in San Diego over the weekend of March 10 to 13. Over fifty artists will be appearing so, for more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.oasisjazzawards.com

God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create-and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations.
Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life's difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.

This is triumphant music.

Modern jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more complicated urban existence.

Click below to continue reading the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jeanette Harris Is One To Watch

Sultry sax starlet Jeanette Harris is rapidly emerging as one to watch. Her third solo album is titled ‘Saxified’ and, with tracks like the feisty ‘You Can Dance’, is generating some serious radio play. Blending contemporary jazz with smooth R & B, the collection perfectly complements the direction in which the genre is moving and, for Jeanette, could not have come at a better time.

Her tenure as touring saxophone and flute player for vocalist Teena Marie came to an abrupt end when on December 26, 2010 it was announced that the legendary Marie had passed away at her Californian home aged only fifty four. However, having already opened for or performed with A-list talent such as The Rippingtons, Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson Jr., Everette Harp, Najee, Phil Perry, and Pieces Of a Dream, the future of Jeanette Harris seems assured.

For more on Jeanette Harris go to www.jeanetteharrisband.com

Paul Hardcastle - Desire

With Valentines Day right around the corner there could be no better time for Paul Hardcastle to release what has already been described as his most seductive recording yet. In fact ‘Desire’, which will hit the streets on February 14, is partly a response to the numerous requests he has received to release a compilation of his favourite slow tracks. However one of Paul’s gifts is his ability to surprise and even those of his fans who are entirety familiar with what is now a considerable discography will surely be captivated by the riches on offer.

Jaared Captures The Airwaves With New Radio Single

2010 was all about DC based sax player Jaared and his superb breakthrough album ‘Manhattan Nights’. Released on the Trippin N’ Rhythm label, not only did it mark a significant step on his road to solo stardom but also garnered the outstanding radio hit ‘Dancing With You’. Now, fresh for 2011, Jaared is again delving into the riches of ‘Manhattan Nights’ for his latest radio offering, the onomatopoeic ‘D’Groovealicious’.

This easy grooving number has all the attributes of a tune which, under the right circumstances, could easily become addictive.

Look out for this great track now and for more on Jaared go to www.jaared.com

Michael C Lewis - Reflection

Soulful trumpet and flugelhorn player Michael C. Lewis is a seasoned performer who is nothing if not diverse. His gifts as a musician are mirrored by those as an actor and educator whilst his many stage appearances include portrayals of jazz trumpet legends Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. Now, as a recording artist, he has recently released the excellent CD ‘Reflection’. This cool collection of smooth contemporary grooves finds him spanning the spectrum of jazz, soul and funk to spectacular effect. Not only that, the title cut has already been selected for the film “The Journey” which features author and personal development guru Brian Tracy.

Nate Harasim To Debut With Trippin N' Rhythm

Maybe 2011 is still just getting started but there is already quite a buzz on the contemporary jazz street. It surrounds producer and keyboard player Nate Harasim whose debut recording (on the ever more magnificent Trippin N’ Rhythm label) is due to hit the streets on February 1. Titled ‘Rush’ the album includes some choice collaborations with Trippin N’ Rhythm stable mates Darren Rahn, Cindey Bradley and Steve Oliver while the first single to be serviced to radio is the soulfully sultry ‘Different Kind Of Love’ that features the vocals of Maxine Hardcastle who just happens to be the daughter of hit maker and smooth jazz superstar Paul Hardcastle.

You can hear ‘Different Kind Of Love’ right now at ‘Listen Here’. Simply select the track from the listing in the right hand side bar and enjoy.

‘Rush’ promises to be a soulful, fresh and funky showcase for Harisam who, without doubt, is rapidly evolving into one of the hottest talents around.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Rush’.

Fingerprints - Dream Life

‘Dream Life’ from the popular Dallas based sextet Fingerprints was released in mid 2010 but at the time inexplicably evaded the attention of Smooth Jazz Therapy. It is the fifth CD from a band that has often been described as the ‘best kept music secret in the South’ and is notable for the fine blend of jazz and R&B that permeates each and every track. Led by bassist by Frederick Nichelson, the Fingerprints line-up of Claud Hardrick on sax and vocals, Tim Jones with lead vocals and percussion, drummer Kennan Wylie, keyboard player Jordache Grant and Robert Lacroix on guitar have been favorably compared to the likes of The Crusaders, Spyro Gyra and Pieces of a Dream yet it is the constancy that comes from over twenty years of live performance that really makes them stand out from the crowd. With ‘Dream Life’ this reputation of being very much a ‘real band’ is clearly in evidence and, with a fine blend of original music and three carefully selected covers, is a fine place from which to become acquainted with this classy collective.

George Howard - A Home Far Away

One of several smooth jazz artists who, in the nineties, were taken before their time, soprano saxophonist George Howard was a pioneer in the fusion of funk, jazz, and urban soul that found a home under the banner of ‘smooth jazz’. In 1982 he released his debut recording, ‘Asphalt Garden’ on the Palo Alto label and although ‘Steppin' Out’ followed two years later it was not until the advent of his 1985 project ‘Dancing In The Sun’ that Howard really made an impression. Released on GRP, it rocketed to number one on the Billboard Jazz Album chart and each of his next three CDs, ‘Love Will Follow’, ‘A Nice Place To Be’ and ‘Reflections’ also topped the chart. However, after the success of ‘Dancing In The Sun’, Howard moved to the MCA label but by 1990 was back with GRP for a succession of memorable albums which included his 1994 effort ‘A Home Far Away’.

Top Tunes Of 2010 - Readers Choice

Hot on the heels of the Smooth Jazz Therapy Top Twenty Tracks of 2010 I am indebted to my musical friend Max Hill for his own favorite tracks of the year. Max is from Austin, TX and is the power behind that great radio station Smooth Jazz Interludes which is available from www.live365.com. Go to the site and in the search box named ‘Find Stations That Play’ type Smooth Jazz Interludes.

Read on for Max’s top thirty count-down!