Smooth Jazz Therapy

New Radio Single From Greg Karukas

The immaculate contemporary jazz keyboard player Greg Karukas never ceases to delight. This founder member of The Rippington’s has collaborated with almost everyone who is anyone and since his 1987 debut recording ‘The Night Owl’ has released ten albums of all original music. ‘Girl In The Red Dress’ from his 2005 CD ‘Looking Up’ proved to have real staying power and his latest project, the simply titled ‘GK’, came out in 2009.

‘GK’ features guest performances from Rick Braun, Russ Freeman, Michael Paulo and interestingly Jessy J with who Gregg also appears on her smash hit ‘Tequila Moon’. The latest cut from the collection to be serviced to radio is ‘Daylight’. It’s the sort of sumptuous easy grooving track for with Gregg has become famous and, much like what has gone before, is sure to do well.

Jazz With A Cause

‘Jazz With A Cause’ is the latest compilation from the irrepressible Marissa Caliguire and one that is intended to really make a difference. Proceeds from the sale of this excellent album will benefit Detroit’s ‘Adopt A School Program’ which has been created to put musical instruments back into the city’s schools. It follows Marissa’s previous venture ‘C Notes For Haiti’ (which aided those impacted by the disastrous earthquake that ravaged the island in 2010) and is notable not only for the outstanding quality of it’s music but also for the showcase it provides for some of the Detroit area’s finest emerging artists.

Cindy Bradley Back With 'Unscripted'

Word on the street is that a new album from trumpeter Cindy Bradley is on the way. Titled ‘Unscripted’, the release is already being vaunted as the break out recording for an artist who first came to my attention in 2007 with her solo debut ‘Just A Little Bit’. At the time I described it as a choice eight track collection, replete with all the rhythm and melody necessary to get her noticed. Indeed, the recognition that the album brought led to a record deal with Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm and Cindy’s follow up release ‘Bloom’. Now with ‘Unscripted’’ Bradley is taking it to the next level. The outstanding Michael Broening again provides input as writer, performer and producer while the first single to be serviced to radio is the cleverly titled ‘Massive Transit’. This edgy fusion favored cut has all the energy you will ever need and paradoxically, despite what is a terrific retro vibe, offers something that is both new and exciting.

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

Rod Kelley - Mama's Boy

The multi talented Rod Kelley never forgot what his mother told him, that he could be “anything he wanted to be”. It inspired him to make music, and years later, with Barack Obama elected to the United States Presidency, he is reminded that his mom's words were true.

Annie Ruth Wise Kelley loved the music of the day, the soul of Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Otis Redding and James Brown, music that propelled a whole generation of artists to a position in American society which, before the advent of popular music culture, could never have been possible. Indeed it is interesting to speculate how James Brown, if he had been alive to witness Obama’s inauguration, might have put his own musical spin on the new found feeling of ‘living in America’. With his latest CD, ‘Mama’s Boy’, Rod reflects all of this and in so doing includes music that he believes would have made his mother proud. Not only that, the recording pays generous tribute to her and sends out a beacon of inspiration to those who in their own lives have been held back through fear or doubt.

Tizer At Anthology

March 12, 2011. Although originally billed as the ‘Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards Official After-Party’, the earlier and ignominious demise of the entire awards event meant that this late evening performance at San Diego’s Anthology by fusion band Tizer took on a very different complexion. The fact they carried it off with style and with class proved to be a tremendous boost to a weekend that through the efforts of a few special people turned out to be a wonderful musical alternative. Tizer is the brainchild of keyboard player Lao Tizer who has a discography that is nothing if not varied. Here, in the company of regular band members Jeff Kollman, Raul Pineda, the quirky Rufus Philpot and Steve Nieves (on percussion, sax and vocals), he delved generously into his back catalog while, in addition, providing some appetizers of what, as yet, remains in the works.

Jazz Fusion Player Patrick Bradley To Release New CD

Now for something to really look forward to; On April 26th, jazz fusion musician Patrick Bradley will release his second CD, ‘Under the Sun’. Produced by none other than Jeff Lorber and including what are already being described as masterful performances from Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, Rick Braun Dwight Sills, Michael Thompson, Alex Al, Nate Phillips, Tony Moore and Dave Weckl, the album is also rumored to include the horn section of David Mann and vocals from Irene B.

In fact it is Irene B who, along with Dave Koz, adds an element of seduction to the R&B infused ‘Just Let Go’ while the first single to be serviced to radio is ‘Straight Path’ which is characterized by an easy grooving lilt and a cascading piano hook.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Under The Sun’. For more on Patrick Bradley go to www.patrickbradley.net

Greg Manning At Anthology

March 12, 2011. Born in Nigeria and brought up in Switzerland, composer producer and keyboard player Greg Manning moved to Los Angeles in the nineties. It was here that he found a musical niche as Jonathan Butler’s musical director (with whom he co-wrote the radio hit ‘Back To Love’) and began to forge a recording career in his own right. His latest release is the critically acclaimed ‘The Calling’ and At San Diego’s Anthology, as part of Bruce Nazarian’s Digital Guy Radio Show new music showcase he not only provided superb keyboard backing to the majority of artists performing there but also took the opportunity to share his own music with the knowledgeable crowd.

Art Sherrod Jr At Anthology

March 12, 2011. Smooth Jazz Therapy has been a huge advocate of sax-man Art Sherrod Jr since the release of his stunning album ‘Seasons’. At Anthology, in San Diego, as part of Bruce Nazarian’s four hour Digital Guy Radio Show new music showcase, Art blew the doors off with a performance that was not only the most soulful of the session but also of the highest quality imaginable.

Brad Rambur At Anthology

March 12, 2011. Amongst the artists and fans traveling many miles and crossing many time zones to be in San Diego for this special musical weekend, there was one performer who, although local to that sun soaked city, was taking a significant step on what is turning out to be an incredible musical journey. Indeed, since North County resident Brad Rambur first burst onto the contemporary jazz scene with his debut album ‘Can’t Put It Down’, his stock has been continuously rising. His performance at Anthology as part of Bruce Nazarian’s Digital Guy Radio Show new music showcase further enhanced his musical credibility and, in addition, introduced him to a whole new fan base.

Vincent Ingala At Anthology

March 12, 2011. In many genres of music, the term ‘next big thing’ can often be over used. However, those at San Diego’s Anthology to witness the west coast debut of saxophonist Vincent Ingala may in time come to reflect that they were there at the very beginning. In town as part of Bruce Nazarian’s fabulous four hour Digital Guy Radio Show new music showcase, Vincent used the opportunity to provide welcome exposure to his debut CD ‘North End Soul’.

Jaared's West Coast Adventure

March 12, 2011. On a rare visit to the west coast, accomplished saxophonist Jaared wasted little time in showing Californian fans of contemporary jazz just what they have been missing. Jaared was at San Diego’s Anthology where, as part of what proved to be a dazzling showcase of some of the best emerging talent around, he performed a five tune set of the highest order that was skilfully constructed around his sensational album ‘Manhattan Nights’ and delivered in his own unique powerhouse style. Indeed, with superb backing from keyboard player Greg Manning, San Diego’s own Evan Marks, bass-man Jervonny Collier, drummer Donnell Spencer Jr. and sensational percussionist Gary Stanionis, Jaared’s picture perfect playing checked every box imaginable and enthralled a crowd that really knew its music.

Peter White At The Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego

March 12, 2011. With the doomed Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards descending into an eleventh hour meltdown those who had made the journey in good faith may well have thought that their luck had completely ran out. Then something happened.

Through the ingenuity of a small number of special people, and a generosity of spirit that belied belief, guitarist Peter White traveled to San Diego for a unique ‘behind closed doors’ performance at the city’s Hard Rock Hotel. The beneficiaries were the fans who had already bought tickets to the cancelled Awards event and not only that, thanks to Peter, the genre also scored some much needed points.

CJazz - A Concert For Cancer

March 11, 2011. In the aftermath of the cancelled Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards, for those who kept the musical faith by continuing their intended pilgrimage to San Diego, it was good to finally listen to some music.

That opportunity came in the form of the CJazz Concert For Cancer which, in the atmospheric setting of the flight deck of the USS Midway, fulfilled its primary aim of raising cancer awareness while serving up a fine blend of contemporary jazz that appealed to aficionados and newcomers alike.

New Jessy J Album Slated For The Fall

Latest news in the busy life of smooth jazz saxophonist Jessy J is that as well as just arriving back from a whirlwind tour of Canada, the Midwest and the United Arab Emirates (where she headlined at the Dubai Jazz Festival) she has just put the final touches to her yet to be titled third CD. Due for release in the fall of 2011 it will expand on her previous hits ‘Tequila Moon’ and ‘Tropical Rain’ while featuring special guest appearances by Paul Brown, Ray Parker Jr., Harvey Mason and most notably jazz legend Joe Sample whom Jessy first met in 2008 at a KSBR event when they jammed together on Sample’s classic hit, ‘Put It Where You Want It’.

If that wasn’t enough Jessy J (seen pictured here with Disney students) is also preparing for appearances at Disney's Jazz Celebration where as a special guest clinician she will be helping spread the joy of jazz through performances and workshops.

San Diego's Anthology To Host Stunning Smooth Jazz Showcase

From the wreckage of the failed Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards, good things are beginning to flow. The special music showcase featuring the combined talents of Jarred, Greg Manning and Vincent Ingala has been switched from the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego to the wonderful Anthology on India Street where it will take place on Saturday March 12 from noon until 4-00 PM. Anthology is southern California’s preeminent music venue and, in addition to these three original artists, event organiser Bruce Nazarian tells me that guitarist Brad Rambur, sax-man Art Sherrod Jr. and at least six more stars of smooth jazz are expected to perform.

This will not only be a spectacular show in a stunning setting but will also provide the perfect antidote to the disappointment of the cancelled Oasis promotion.

Surprises are definitely on the cards so with time running out go to http://TDG2010.eventbrite.com and reserve your place now. This is not a free event but with a donation of $20 you will receive a complementary copy of the brand new compilation CD ‘The Digital Guy’s Outstanding Tracks Of 2010’.

Maysa - In Conversation

With a style that is both soulful and sophisticated, vocalist Maysa Leak is known both for an ever more dazzling solo career and a twenty year collaboration with the band Incognito. 2011 promises to be really special for her and got off to quite a start with the February release of ‘The Very Best Of Maysa’ on the N-Coded label. It adds a couple of all new tunes to treasures taken from the three CD’s she recorded for them in the period 2000 – 2004 and when I talked to her recently from her home in Baltimore, MD I was curious to know what she thought about this dazzling retrospective. “To my mind,” she revealed, “a ‘best of’ compilation such as this is a landmark in any artist’s career. I’m flattered that N-Coded should consider my work to be worthy of such treatment. It feels good.”

Oasis Countdown - 4 Days To Go

With VIP packages already sold out, there are still general admission tickets available for the first annual "In Concert for Cancer" fundraiser which will be held March 11, 2011 on deck of USS Midway as part of the spectacular Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards in San Diego. This star-studded evening will feature smooth jazz superstars Greg Karukas, Richard Smith and Mindi Abair plus the combined talents of Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Kim Waters whose reputation as the acclaimed Sax Pack would appear to know no bounds. With special pricing at $40 per person, a portion of the concerts proceeds will benefit Scripps Health Cancer Center.

Smooth Jazz Therapy will be providing extensive reports throughout this four day extravaganza so check back here often.

Gianna - Something True

Gianna Welling records under the name of Gianna and despite the fact she originates from Tulsa, Oklahoma has made a musical name for herself in Houston Texas. Her CD ‘Something True’ has found an instant fit with the club culture of the United Kingdom where throughout 2009 it flirted with the top placings in the UK soul charts and moved Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul magazine to describe the album as “one the best received releases within today's ever discerning modern soul fraternity.”