July 23, 2010 |
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Jazz singer Al Jarreau hospitalized in France with breathing problems in the French Alps, after becoming week from the altitude. The 70-year-old got ill before a concert at a jazz festival in the French mountain town of Barcelonnette and was brought to an intensive care unit in the city of Gap, the hospital said Friday. At this writing his condition is stable and doctors are calling it an encouraging sign. The fast-paced European tour is scheduled to resume next week in Nuremberg, Germany. |
January 27, 2010 |
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On the heels of a successful concert tour in Asia this fall, Canada’s Martin Mayer is on to his next project without a stop. The Vancouver-based pianist and composer is partnering with the Canadian Cancer Society for a yearlong fundraising campaign, in memory of his close friend and mentor, Czech recording artist Karel ?ernoch. Mayer’s record company will exclusively release the single “The Orphan Boy (Malý p?ítel z m?sta N)”, a duet Mayer and ?ernoch recorded in Canada, with 100% of the proceeds from all sales going to the Canadian Cancer Society. The single will be made available for purchase across Canada through direct mail and online through Mayer’s website. |
“For over two years now, I have been trying to figure out how to pay tribute to Karel’s work and the legacy of music he has left behind for generations to enjoy,” says Mayer. “While I may not have millions to donate to cancer research, I can donate this song and all proceeds from it in his memory, and I’m excited that the Canadian Cancer Society has been so receptive to the idea.” “We are thrilled that Martin has chosen us to be the recipients for such a worthwhile campaign,” says Karen Zygun, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Each donation, regardless of how big or small, is important and helps in our fight against cancer.” ?ernoch, whose career in the Czech Republic spanned more than four decades, included over 57 albums and leads in musicals such as Evita, Count of Monte Cristo and Les Miserables, passed away in December of 2007 after a long battle with colon cancer. With an estimated 603,000 deaths worldwide per year, colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Mayer, whose father Jaromir Mayer recorded the original version of the song during the peak of his career in the 1970s, says this partnership is the perfect way to help put good meaning to the tragic loss of such a great artist. Visit martinmayer.com to order “The Orphan Boy” single today and help support Mayer’s cancer research fundraiser. For more information on the Canadian Cancer Society and its many endeavours in the fight against cancer, visit cancer.ca. For more information, please contact: Martin Mayer T 1 (604) 376-4098 |
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January 10, 2010 |
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Jhani Kaye |
A big change going into the weekend at CBS Smooth AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE)/LOS ANGELES, as veteran PDPAUL GOLDSTEIN leaves. He's replaced by sister Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) PD JHANI KAYE, who will now oversee both stations. CBS/L.A. SVP/Market Mgr. ED KRAMPF told ALL ACCESS, "No format change needed, just a new set of eyes and ears forKTWV. PAUL did a great job for us and has other things he wants to do, and this was a perfect opportunity for us to leverage JHANI's expertise at KRTH and his prior AC experience at KOST for many years to help grow our Smooth AC outlet, 94.7 THE WAVE." ALL ACCESS reached KAYE, who noted, "I have a lot of respect for PAUL, who did a great job in establishing and maintaining the brand. I am here to help KTWV continue to build on the Smooth AC heritage and evolve it further. This is nothing short of an outstanding opportunity."
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December 26, 2009 |
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READING, PA -- The 20th Annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, runs March 19-28, and promises a memorable experience for lovers of contemporary and traditional jazz, blues, one-of-a-kind ensemble shows and more. What began as a weekend festival of a few shows has grown to 10 days of great music and camaraderie, creating lasting friendships and memories. The festival has always been unique in that it offers an array of venues and musical styles, with more than 130 events at major venues, clubs and restaurants throughout Reading andBerks County, Pa. Several artists who played for the first fest in 1991 are returning this year, including Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band; Turtle Island Quartet with special guest Cyrus Chestnut; and Denis DiBlasio with special guest Randy Brecker.
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Other featured artists in this year's festival include jazz trumpet star Chris Botti; pianist Keiko Matsui; the legendary Blood Sweat & Tears; bassist and hometown favorite Gerald Veasley with his Electric Mingus Project; contemporary jazz star Boney James; trumpet great and local favorite Rick Braun & Friends, featuring David Benoit, Richard Elliot and Selena Albright, joined by the Berks Jazz Fest Horns; the always-entertaining duo of Peter White & Mindi Abair; Earl Klugh with opening act Tuck & Patti; Kim Waters & Kenny Lattimore plus opening act Gregg Karukas; Jane Monheit with the Reading Pops Orchestra; and Pat Martino Quartet featuring Eric Alexander, Tony Monaco and Jason Brown. Fans also will enjoy vocalist Jackie Ryan featuring Larry McKenna, Lee Smith, Dan Monaghan and Tom Lawton; the free community concert by the U.S. Air Force Satellite Jazz Ensemble; Frank Vignola's Hot Club; Dean Brown Band; saxman Euge Groove; Joe McBride Trio; Nick Colionne & Eric Darius; the Yellowjackets; and Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Concert. Unique ensemble shows to look forward to this year are the Music of Grover Washington Jr. featuring Jason Miles, Gerald Albright, Walter Beasley, Chante Moore, Randy Brecker, Jeff Golub, Ada Rovatti, Buddy Williams, Ralph MacDonald and Neal Jason. Hometown favorite Rick Braun is celebrating this milestone year with a 20th anniversary concert, Rick Braun & Friends featuring David Benoit, Richard Elliot, Selina Albright, and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns and Berks Jazz Fest Strings. The 20th Anniversary Berks All-Star Jazz Jam features Chuck Loeb, Rick Braun, Peter White, David Benoit, Gerald Veasley, Joe McBride, Nick Colionne, Chieli Minucci, Brian Bromberg, Eric Darius, Mindi Abair and Richard Elliot. There's also Brian Bromberg & Friends, with the veteran bassist being joined by Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, Michael Lington, Marion Meadows, Cindy Bradley and Will Kennedy, Gary Meek, Alec Milstein and the Berks Jazz Fest Horns; and Guitarzzz featuring Chuck Loeb, Chieli Minucci and Paul Jackson Jr. plus opening act Jessy J, Oli Silk and Jackiem Joyner. Blues are back in a big way, with rousing shows promised by the Grammy Award-winning Robert Cray Band; vocal powerhouse Shemekia Copeland plus opening act Eric Steckel with the Craig Thatcher Band; and guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya plus opening act Deanna Bogart Band. The VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest is proud to bring fans 20 years of great music and lasting memories. Join in the celebration! The 20th Annual VF Outlet Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, runs March 19-28, and features an expansive array of musical styles featuring contemporary and traditional jazz and blues artists. Over 130 events at major venues, clubs and restaurants throughout Greater Reading make this a truly unique music festival. For more information, including ticketing, artist bios and archived releases, visit www.berksjazzfest.com. For more information on the Berks Arts Council, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Greater Reading, visit www.berksarts.org. |
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December 23, 2009 |
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ELYRIA-LORAIN BROADCASTING Smooth Jazz WNWV (THE WAVE)/CLEVELAND plans to flip to Triple A "within the next 10 days," reports THE CHRONICLE TELEGRAM. Expect to seeTHE WAVE to then be called, "BOOM!" "We've been the Smooth Jazz station for 22 years, but we are going to flip formats," ELYRIA-LORAIN BROADCASTING GM LONNIE GRONEK. "There is a hole for this ... no one is doing it in the CLEVELAND market. |
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"Most other commercial stations are owned by large national corporations such as CLEAR CHANNEL, CBS, RADIO ONE and SALEM COMMUNICATIONS," GRONEK continued. "They can't maneuver locally. They tend to plug in formats in CLEVELAND and 20 to 30 other markets, so you're hearing pretty much the same format with a different set of call letters." The stations will bring in "seasoned announcers" to man the dayparts. "These are people who have been in or around radio for 18 to 20 years,’’ GRONEK said. "They are a very mature staff for an adult-focus station." |
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August 5, 2009 |
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Starting this week, his brand new KOZ wine in three different varietals made in collaboration with Napa Valley’s boutique winery, VINUM Cellars, available exclusively at all Southern California Whole Foods locations. Proceeds from KOZ wine sales are going to Starlight Children's Foundation! |
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May 18, 2009 |
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I know, I promised that I'd just refer to previous blogs on this subject and never write another rant about FM radio and their inane decisions regarding music programming, especially in regard to Smooth Jazz. But here I am... inking it up over KKSF, San Francisco... again. My first blog on the station was written in January 2008 and I had optimistically hoped that my directness would make an impact. I have a loyalty to this radio station because not only was I on the air here for many years in the 1990's, but because a dear friend of mine, the late Steve Feinstein, worked very hard to create a unique listening experience for the Bay Area with this radio station. Sad really... that the powers that be in programming couldn't lay off the burned out Sade and Anita Baker tunes and the no longer relevant oldies from the R&B sector of music that compromised their ratings and integrity to the point that people were nodding off while driving over the Golden Gate Bridge or locking themselves into Alcatraz to escape from the monotony. Pathetic that they couldn't see the obvious nuances of a changing genre and lead the edge rather than dull it. |
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Today, the broadcasting outlet's press release reads like this: "Over our 20 year history, you have always been there for us, and we truly appreciate it. You've traveled to our hundreds of KKSF listener parties and concerts, celebrated at our Sunday Brunches, helped raise over 4 million dollars for Bay Area AIDS organizations by purchasing Samplers for AIDS Relief, and you've listened to countless hours of Smooth Jazz music and artists. That unwavering support is reflected in a rich and successful track record at 103.7 KKSF." Yes, it is a business, and as such, it would be very professional and dare I say profitable to keep the music fresh as well as the programming concepts and strategies, rather than run the sound into the ground by playing the same old music over and over again, and by narrowing your *broad*cast (I use the word broad very loosely) to 300 songs, one might have hoped for "exhaustive market research" on what was one of the most vibrant Smooth Jazz radio stations in the U.S, uh, let's make that the world. I think that Classic Rock is a brilliant choice for this kind of programming mentality... Classic Rock never gets new, so they don't have to actually open mail for new music or discover new artists on MySpace or Facebook... they don't even have to tweet on Twitter if they don't want to. Guess the extensive economic considerations are no doubt referring to the savings on hiring a creative team to program their radio station. I actually thought for a moment, that The Band may be referring to indie artists or San Francisco bands (some of the greatest rock bands in the world were raised up in the City by the Bay). When I received a phone call from a friend this afternoon who had just turned into the station and reported the news that the format was just simple, old school, classic rock, I felt that sick feeling that one gets when they hear news of loss. In light of losing this format pillar, I can't promise that this is the last of these blogs on the subject. Argh. Please tune into SmoothJazz.com Radio for a deep mix of Smooth Jazz from all over the world and SmoothLounge.com for a chill out experience of sensual rhythms and beats! Despite twenty years of listener loyalty, the corporation that owns KKSF has changed the format to Classic Rock... the new name is 103.7 The Band and here's what they have to say about it: "While this decision was extremely difficult, KKSF is taking a different path and becoming a new radio station today -- 103.7 The Band. It was made only after exhaustive market research, and extensive economic considerations (yes this is a business). We hope you'll listen and let us know what you think." Yes, it is a business, and as such, it would be very professional and dare I say profitable to keep the music fresh as well as the programming concepts and strategies, rather than run the sound into the ground by playing the same old music over and over again, and by narrowing your *broad*cast (I use the word broad very loosely) to 300 songs, one might have hoped for "exhaustive market research" on what was one of the most vibrant Smooth Jazz radio stations in the U.S, uh, let's make that the world. Sandy Shore - President/Founder |
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May 15, 2009 |
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The largest spirit in Smooth Jazz belonged to Wayman Tisdale, the 6'9", 12-year NBA veteran turned jazz bassist who took the format by storm with his music, his groove and even his own annual music cruise. We lost this great man on May 15th, due to "complications of cancer." Wayman fought hard to rebound from leg cancer a couple of years ago and was optimistic for a full recovery. We all were... in fact, I have seen him two years in a row at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Florida. Last year, he was weakened from the chemo, but strong... gave 200% during the performance and signed autographs after his show. Just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of catching him again at the Seabreeze and while he had lost a significant amount of weight, he looked happy... spirited... and again, gave 200% during his performance. His wife awaited him in the wings after the show... I could see concern in her eyes, but it was being overridden by enthusiasm for her husband's gift of music. The Tisdales made their way to an adoring audience where Wayman signed autographs for as long as the crowd desired. We lost a great, great human being this past week... a really soulful musician and one of the most recent driving forces in our genre of music that we call Smooth Jazz. I will dearly miss the energy and passion that Wayman Tisdale brought to our world! Sandy Shore - President/Founder In lieu of sending flowers, at the behest of the Wayman Tisdale family, please send donations & financial contributions to: |
May 7, 2009 |
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Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records, President CEO Les Cutmore is happy to announce the expansion of it’s growing roster and keeping with it’s focus on new and emerging talent signs a long term deal with Grammy award winning producer Michael B. |
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"I’m just thrilled and honored to be included in the incredibly talented roster of artists at Trippin’ & Rhythm. They have easily cemented themselves as the most cutting edge, artist friendly label in contemporary jazz. Going from the producer’s chair to artist is an exciting progression for me. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and look forward to a long, successful relationship”. Long a producer and writer of hits for others, Michael will enter the studio for the first time to focus solely on making music for himself. Fresh off of his Grammy for his work with George Benson as well as producing new projects for Marion Meadows, Jay Soto, Tim Bowman and most notably his most recent work playing on and producing the exciting new debut project from trumpeter Cindy Bradley, Michael has established himself as a first call, first rate producer and has become the new go to “hit maker” in smooth jazz. Say’s label SR VP Jeff Lunt, “ We could not be more excited to welcome Michael into our family. To say that he has an extraordinary talent would be a gross understatement. What Michael pull’s off in the studio is truly magical. His keen melodic sensibilities, quality compositions and sparkling arrangements have produced a number of chart topping hits and we fully expect this trend to continue a he puts his full energy into creating a hit record of his own”. |
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March 3rd, 2009 |
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It has been my true privilege to serve as R&R's first (and only) smooth jazz editor for almost 15 years. Effective immediately, smooth jazz will no longer be included in R&R format coverage or charts. I understand this as strictly a business decision, nothing personal. I am proud of my contributions as a reporter and format advocate for smooth jazz. I can honestly say that in my now very long career, I have never worked with a more impressive group of professionals than the smooth jazz family. Your passion, dedication and integrity have been a constant source of inspiration. We've been through a lot together, and I'll always cherish my memories of this time. Thank you for your support, especially during difficult times. - Carol Archer |
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January 6th, 2009 |
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All four major recording labels are on board iTunes Plus... now downloaders can get high-quality, 256-Kbps AAC encoding free of burn limits and digital rights management (DRM)! This means that the music will play on iPod, Apple TV, all Mac and Windows computers, and many other digital music players. Apple is making upgrades easy... just pay the per song difference and you'll get the higher bitrate. |
| iTunes customers can also now purchase and download songs directly onto their iPhone 3G over their 3G network — just as they do with Wi-Fi today — for the same price as downloading to their computer. And in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available for 69¢, 99¢ or $1.29, with most albums still priced at $9.99. | |
December 30th, 2008 |
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No more love for Miami's Love 94 (WLVE)... the Smooth Jazz station flipped to rhythmic AC on Christmas Day 2008. Read Sandy Shore's pithy BLOG on the situation of Smooth Jazz at FM radio and Miami's smoothless radio market. |
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September 11th, 2008 |
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NuGroove Records' recording artist, pianist Nate Harasim and featured guest saxophonist Darren Rahn are scheduled to perform at the Presidential Inaugural Gala on January 20, 2009. The high energy duo will perform at 5pm at the Presidential Inaugural Jazz Gala at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia. This event is presented by High Society Productions and Cool Jazz Forever. A percentage of each ticket will be donated to Hope Farm, a mentoring program for African-American and Latino boys designed to create successful men and leaders in our society. Tickets are $350. For more info call Tom Kennedy at The Carlyle Club at 703-548-5953 or visit PRESIDENTIAL INAGURATION |
December 9th, 2008 |
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Jazz guitar great, Earl Klugh received his 12th career Grammy nomination for the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for his latest album THE SPICE OF LIFE, his first full-production album in nine years. Klugh tells SmoothJazz.com, "I wanted to create something that would encompass a wide spectrum of directions: solo, standards, originals, electronic, acoustic and orchestral. I wanted to make a recording that would reflect where I am at this moment in my life, and something I am proud to present to my fans." During his multi-million-selling career of more than 30 years, Klugh has recorded 22 Top Ten charting records - four of them Number One - on Billboard's Jazz Album charts. As a composer and songwriter, Klugh's credit appears on recordings by Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige, Al Jarreau and many others. He has been invited to play as a guest artist by such diverse peers and admirers as Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and Brenda Russell. Additionally, Klugh has collaborated on legendary albums with George Benson and Bob James, and Earl currently hosts an annual event at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, in which March 2009 will mark his 6th annual Weekend of Jazz at The Broadmoor |
December 7th, 2008 |
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The tour, which will begin in North America, will be an an intimate evening as he performs solo. According to his booking agent Ted Kurland, "Pat will explore all aspects of what it means to be a solo performer in this new century, from the most delicate solo guitar to a fully new set of ensemble sounds that have never been heard before from a single performer onstage." To learn if Pat Metheny and ORCHESTRION, his "ensemble" of mechanical instruments controlled entirely from his guitar, is coming to your town, visit PATMETHENY.COM |
July 20th, 2008 |
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One of our favorite guitarists and long time friend of SmoothJazz.com, Artie Traum passed away on July 20th from a rare ocular melanoma. Known for being a diverse artist... he was a composer, songwriter, arranger, producer and well known as a guitar player's guitar player... We'll miss this dynamic artist. He was a true renaissance man! For more on Artie Traum, please visit his Website |
July 25th, 2008 |
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Guitar great Hiram Bullock passed away from a six month battle with throat cancer. The former Late Night with David Letterman musician who played guitar with Paul Shaffer and the World's Most Dangerous Band from 1982 to 1984 also performed with many, many world class artists over the years including The Brecker Brothers, Gil Evans, David Sanborn, Billy Joel and James Brown! Fighting a tumor in his throat since January. The super talent was featured on some of the greatest pop recordings of all time including Steely Dan's GAUCHO, Paul Simon's ONE TRICK PONY, Michael Franks' SKIN DIVE and Barbra Streisand's A STAR IS BORN in addition to a long list of jazz albums including his own. The artist was a visionary and a friend to SmoothJazz.com. He allowed us to feature his music on our Internet radio station without being burdened by excessive copyright fees. Hiram Bullock will be missed -- We will continue to support his music on SmoothJazz.com! |
July 14th, 2008 |
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CHRYSLER PROMISES INTERNET IN CARS NEXT YEAR: Chrysler will include wireless Internet access as an option on all their 2009 models through their UConnect Web network. With the integration of online access, Internet radio would be delivered into cars, along with Wi-Fi connectivity for laptops and gaming systems. Said Chrysler engineer Keefe Leung, “There are no limitations in content.” The ramifications for radio are clear: broadcast radio’s relatively firm hold on listeners in cars will be challenged by the plethora of content and choices available online, while webcasters will hopefully see a boost in listenership as Chrysler provides one more way to untether Internet radio from the PC. Mark Ramsey and Fred Jacobs both have further commentary. While car safety advocates were concerned about the distraction of Internet in cars, Chrysler asserts that the online interface would be for passengers only. The car manufacturer hopes this innovation will help its struggling sales: the company has seen a 19.3% dip in sales since 2007, “the worst drop-off in the industry." Read more on the subject at The LA Times |
