  New Music News 
Herbie Hancock
The Imagine Project
Grammy-award-winning pianist, composer, arranger, producer and music legend Herbie Hancock will always be one of the most revered figures in jazz, effortlessly shifting from traditional jazz to electronic fusion to classical to R&B over the four decades.
The Imagine Project, Herbie's new CD, is an unprecedented international recording and video project featuring collaborations between Herbie and over a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. Utilizing the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility, the musical collaborations combine Hancock's genre-defying musical vision with the "local" musical identity of cultures from around the world. Additionally, footage from each recording session has been shot in each locale to be included in an epk and planned documentary.
Tracks include "The Song Goes On" with Anoushka Shankar (sitarist daughter of Ravi Shankar), Chaka Khan and Wayne Shorter which was recorded in Mumbai, India, along with a stellar group of Indian musicians; "Don't Give Up," a duet recorded in London, New York and Los Angeles featuring Pink and John Legend, "Imagine" with Seal, Pink, Konono No l, Jeff Beck, Oumou Sangare, India.Arie, Lionel Loueke and Marcus Miller recorded in Paris, London and Los Angeles; "Tamatant Tilay/Exodus" featuring Tinariwen and Los Lobos, "The Times, They Are A' Changin'" featuring The Chieftains, Toumani Diabete, Lionel Loueke and Lisa Hannigan recorded in Ireland; "Tomorrow Never Knows" featuring Dave Matthews, "Space Captain" with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, "La Tierra" recorded with Latin superstar Juanes in Miami, "A Change Is Gonna Come" with James Morrison and a track with Brazilian singer-songwriter Ceu, "Tempo de Amour," recorded in Sao Paulo.
Herbie Hancock's The Imagine Project is the next step in Hancock's extraordinary ground-breaking career, and builds upon his recent successes and recognition. (2007 Grammy for Album of the Year – River/The Joni Letters, Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, multiple award-winning album/film, Possibilities, Jazz Chair for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, amongst many others).
Joe McBride
Lookin' For a Change
Born and raised in Fulton, Missouri, Joe McBride began playing piano at age four and started singing in high school. His earliest influences were gospel music, bebop, straight-ahead jazz, Motown, and '70s R&B and funk. As a teenager, he began singing and playing at jazz clubs. Around the same time, McBride contracted a degenerative eye disease and eventually lost his eyesight, but his passion for music was never impaired. He continued his studies at the Missouri School for the Blind and at Webster University in suburban St. Louis, then later at North Texas State University to study jazz and performance.
Around 1983, McBride trekked to San Diego, CA. He began playing with the band Fattburger and guitarist Steve Laury. McBride's debut album, Grace, released in 1992, instantly made him a core artist at smooth jazz radio. In July 2009 McBride released of Lookin' for a Change, which features songs originally written and recorded by a range of pop luminaries, including Gnarls Barkley, Coldplay, John Mayer, Seal and Jill Scott, and reinterprets them via straight-ahead jazz arrangements.
Acoustic Alchemy
This Way
Guitar-based Acoustic Alchemy came into being in England the early 80's by jazz-schooled Nick Webb and classically-trained Greg Carmichael. In 1987, Acoustic Alchemy released its debut album, "Red Dust & Spanish Lace". After Nick's untimely passing from cancer in 1998, Greg decided the best tribute to his dear friend was to keep the group going. Its members now include guitarist Miles Gilderdale, keyboardist Anthony "Fred" White, drummer Greg Grainger, and bassist Gary Grainger.
Their latest album "This Way" marks two decades since "Red Dust and Spanish Lace". Greg Carmichael explains the very loose and spirited feeling of "This Way" as the result of a natural chemistry he's developed with Miles since he became Greg's full music partner.
"What I love about This Way is that it's got so much more playing on it than we've done before." says Carmichael "A lot more soloing and a really relaxed and organic vibe. I think this is less by design and more due to the fact that Miles and I are great friends who are very comfortable and laugh a lot together... This is really the jazziest record we've ever made, less pop jazz and with more extended solo sections. Our fans might be surprised to hear Miles play so much electric guitar, but in essence, that's what he is by trade and what his focus was before he joined me as a partner on The Beautiful Game. So this album is the best of everything, not just my way, not just his way, but This Way."
"The band has been through a lot of changes over the years," says Carmichael, "but the concept of two acoustic guitars has always been the emotional centerpiece which draws people close." "I'm happy these days because I love all the musicians in the band and it's great touring with them and playing live onstage. For me, whether we're jamming or stopping for gas at a truck stop, it's honestly like being on vacation, and we're excited to have so many loyal fans who have enjoyed taking the journey with us. The positive spirit behind our music and album titles comes from the wonderful relationship we have always had with them."
David Benoit
Earthglow
In October 2008, David Benoit took a much needed breather from the frenetic pace of life in Los Angeles and headed up to the mountains near Saratoga to become an artist in residence at Villa Montalvo. Finding peaceful solitude and discovering fresh inspiration in a small cabin near the non-profit Montalvo Arts Center, the five time GRAMMY® nominated veteran composer and pianist-one of contemporary jazz's most acclaimed artists for over two decades-wrote "Botswana Bossa Nova" and "Will's Chill," two unique pieces unlike any he had done before. These became the foundation for the overall global music concept behind Benoit's stirring and provocative new CD Earthglow, his first set of original material in four years.
David Benoit, whose hits include "Musicians With Attitude", "Rue de la Soleil", and "Freedom at Midnight" , began his recording career in 1977, and has amassed over 25 solo recordings. His prolific output includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects (including Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and the star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas) that reflect his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi.
Earthglow focuses on the high energy hybrid of old school soul-jazz and infectious world beat textures and rhythms. It includes the song "Will's Chill", named after famed performer and producer Will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas. "I was interested in experimenting with some of the new 'jazz-lounge-Euro-chill' music I was hearing....I wanted the whole album to have that edgy, chill sound, with long loops and lots of samples, with a little piano in the mix."
Jackiem Joyner
Lil' Man Soul
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia Jackeim Joyner was born to a professional bass player father. Most of his early musical development can be credited to singing in the church choir and playing drums behind up-tempo gospel songs. When his family moved to Buffalo, started playing the sax when he got to high school.
Joyner was able to get a demo into the hands of Marcus Johnson, who was starting up Three Keys Music. Impressed, Johnson immediately hired Joyner as his saxman. Joyner has also worked with many other contemporary jazz artists such as Peter White, Wayman Tisdale, Joe Sample and Gerald Albright, and internationally renowned keyboardist Keiko Matsui whom he has toured with since 2007. In addition to his busy globetrotting schedule, Joyner has come out with the critically acclaimed "Lil' Man Soul". Joyner has Marcus Johnson and Bobby Lyle to thank for this perfect nickname given to him due to his ultra-sensual, easy flowing vibe.
"Lil' Man Soul" is a 12-track collection of hip, up-tempo grooving tracks and seductive ballads. Key cuts include "I'm Waiting For You," a song filled with dreamy atmospheres, increasingly upbeat grooves and horn textures; the similarly horn textured slow jam "Say I Do;" the soaring, anthem-esque ballad "When We Come Together;" a smoky, laid back look at the "Heaven In Her Eyes;" and the super cool "Step With Me" which thumps into the urban dance phenomenon known as the Steppers' Circuit. This album is a collection that musically reflects the dynamic nuances of his whirlwind life over the past two years. We expect to see many more great things emerge from this young artist in the future.
Brian Bromberg
It Is What It Is
On Brian Bromberg's new CD It Is What It Is, a long list of master musicians join him on this joyful project. George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Jeff Lorber, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl, Alex Acuña, Paul Jackson Jr., and Dan Siegel.
Bromberg is known for playing in support of an incredible list of mainstream and contemporary artists. On this latest project, while letting the musicians shine, he often takes the lead on his piccolo bass (strings are tuned to the register of a guitar) while supporting himself on two to threee more basses on most tracks. This allows Bromberg to express himself in different ways and not have everything sound the same. The result is to let this world class bassist push the envelope on the instruments and be much more up front. The result on It Is What It Is shines as a celebration of the full breadth of sounds capable by the bass in such gifted hands.
On the beautiful song "Heaven", Brian duets with himself on fretless and acoustic piccolo bass. The title track is a funky fun tune where he doubles the melody and harmonizes with himself. There is a lot of fun happening here.
In addition to the amazing lineup on this new CD, the addition of horns on much of the project adds to the fun factor and takes the energy level up. Bromberg used a 5-piece horn section that he doubled. On some songs, Eric Marienthal adds baritone sax, so there's 11 horns on half those cuts and 10 on the other half. And while there is fun to be had, the B52's "Love Shack" is Brian's take on where Motown groove meets Stax brass. As for the theme from "Sanford & Son", one of his favorite shows growing up, he plays the acoustic upright bass. All 13 songs on this CD reflect the acclaimed bass players joy of music, great musicianship and mixing up styles and sounds. As the bassist himself says... It Is What It Is.
Melody Gardot
My One and Only Thrill
Melody Gardot was born in New Jersey and at the young age of 24 she has become an acclaimed American singer with deep influences in jazz. Gardot writes her own music and accompanies herself on guitar and piano. Gardot started piano lessons at the age of nine. At 19, while riding her bike from college, she was struck by an SUV and spent months in the hospital and in rehabilitation. Gardot suffered critical head injuries which resulted in serious cognitive damage. Because music helps rebuild neuro-pathways in the brain, Gardot credits learning to play the guitar and writing songs with the fact that "music complemented my recovery and increased my own potential to be normal". Such blues and jazz artists as Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin as well as Latin music artists such as Stan Getz and Caetano Veloso have influenced her.
My One and Only Thrill is Melody's second studio album. All tracks are original, except "Over the Rainbow" (originally sung by Judy Garland), which is included as a tribute to her grandmother. The album opens with the seductive "Baby I'm A Fool" and flows throughout highlighting Gardot's rich, sultry vocals. In a more bluesy number Gardot asks the question, "Who will comfort me?" Her words reveal a weary soul and her tone bears the assurance of one flanked by accomplished jazz saxophonists. The CD was produced by Larry Klein, producer of many award winning albums by Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock and many others.
Gardot was recently featured on the Late Show David Letterman and frequently plays live concerts around the US. She is a macrobiotic cook and humanitarian who often speaks about the benefits of music therapy.
Dan Siegel
Sphere
A highly respected pianist, composer and producer, Dan Siegel has 19 solo albums, and hundreds of other producing, arranging, composing and performing credits in his extensive recording carreer. Born in Seattle, Washington, and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Dan has made his home in Los Angeles since 1983 where he moved to pursue film and television work as well as a more active recording career. Since then, he has traveled and performed around the world in support of his numerous recordings, and maintains a global audience.
Over the years, Dan's albums have provided an abundance of diverse material, from the electronic oriented Another Time, Another Place (1984), (with Patrick O'Hearn and Alex Acuna), to the exotic world music direction of Hemispheres (1995), playing in unique and unlikely combinations. He has produced several other projects, one of which is the group Birds of a Feather, a gathering of world-renown musicians that has included Larry Carlton, Boney James and Ernie Watts. Dan has played on numerous TV and film projects, including the Oscar winning film, The Usual Suspects. The pianist has also recorded and performed with a variety of artists including: Glenn Frey (The Eagles), Chaka Khan, Berlin, Philip Bailey (Earth Wind & Fire), Kenny Rankin, Hugh Masekela, Joe Sample, Herbie Hancock and the London Symphony Orchestra.
On his newest project, Sphere, he includes top-notch musicians including Brian Bromberg (acoustic bass), Joel Taylor (drums) and Lenny Castro (percussion) and guest musicians Larry Carlton (guitar), Bob Sheppard (sax), Alex Al (bass), Darrell Crooks (guitar), Gary Meek (sax) and Tom Scott (sax). Dan and Brian Bromberg produced the album to create music based on an organic acoustical structure with the center being the piano jazz trio. Dan also has some serious fun with groove and energy on Sphere. All compositions are written by Dan Siegel except the first tune, What Goes Around, which he co-wrote with Brian Bromberg and has the contributions of Bob Sheppard on sax and Larry Carlton on guitar. Dan has a strong sensibility for great melodies and presents them beautifully showcasing his talent at combining his jazz chops with strong structures in melody. He walks his own path of contemporary instrumental music, being influenced by his cinematic experiences and love of organic music.
 Chris Standring
Blue Bolero
Over the course of five CDs, guitarist Chris Standring has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous and lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. His jazz leanings and riffs have always been in the foreground, but he expanded his sound with rock, blues, R&B and electronic elements.
With his sixth CD, Blue Bolero, Standring returns with a left-turning musical project so daring in its scope but still so true to his sound that it's destined to be one of the year's most-discussed projects, while certainly sure to be remembered in years to come as a highlight of the guitarist's works. He's taking a chance with Blue Bolero, but it's one his fans will certainly embrace as they follow Standring's ever-evolving career. "I think this one is probably the most honest CD I have recorded so far," Standring says. "I didn't care about commercial constraints. I didn't care about having special guest performers on the album for the sake of creating a sales and marketing perception. Everyone who performed on this CD was there because I felt they were the absolute best to help realize this album."
Blue Bolero, to be released March 2, 2010 on the Ultimate Vibe Recordings label, is a CD that retains Standring's familiar pop hooks while liberally tying it all together with orchestral elements. At the same time, the robust sonic landscape digs deep into jazz territory with an organic trio powered by Standring, drummer Dave Karasony and upright bassist Larry Steen. "It's been my ambition for years to record an album with an orchestra," Standring says, who spent a year and a half fleshing and refining the CD. "Every time I thought I was finished, I thought about what I could do to make it better. I really pushed myself to the edge with orchestration and arranging. I didn't want to make the music too dark and windswept - overall it is certainly meant to be fun - but at the same time it has musical elements that reflect my musical training, influences and cultural surroundings. The music is based around several themes and represents a very reflective mood throughout."
One particular theme is grandly cinematic, and Blue Bolero represents, says Standring, the journey he took as a musically driven youngster to the person he is today. Musically, it traces his life from his upbringing on a farm in England, making a move to London and finally his relocation to Los Angeles. As soon as Standring began exploring orchestral samples, he created what became the CD's first track, the more than eight-minute "Overture," with three distinct sections including some swinging jazz. After that point, the drive to realize a wholly thematic project became Standring's all-consuming passion.
(Excerpt from review of Blue Bolero by Brian Soergel on www.chrisstrandring.com)
 Sade
Soldier of Love
Her first album release in 10 years. For more on Sade and her new album click here.
Craig Chaquico
Follow the Sun
Be listening mornings all this week when KWJZ's Carol Handley and award winning guitarist, Craig Chaquico broadcast from the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. We'll be giving away luxury vacations to Maui and the Four Seasons Wailea every weekday at noon January 25th-29th to Premiere Status KWJZ Club members. For complete details click here.
"Follow the Sun" is Craig Chaquico"s ninth release and the first in five years. A native of Sacramento who now lives in Oregon, Craig picked up the guitar at age 10 and by 16 he was a member of the legendary multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship. In the early 90"s he left to pursue a solo career and has become a mainstay in contemporary jazz.
Track Highlights: "Lua Da Mae" has a Latin as well as bluesy vibe, showcasing Craig on both electric and acoustic guitar. "Azores Lisboa" is a Santana-esque piece whose title refers to the Azores Islands and Lisbon from where both of his parents" families hail. (The album is dedicated to his late parents, Bill & Muriel.) "Fantasy in Paradise" blends a more soulful grove with a slight tropical flare. "Circus Beach" is playful and whimsical, followed by "Barefoot In The Sand" whose title sets the tone - more laid back with a whisper of reggae. This leads into a modern and vocal (Rolf Hartley) rendition of his classic "Lights Out San Francisco" which was a huge hit for Craig and now a mainstay on Smooth Jazz radio. The album then features an eerie, ambient cover of the Kenny G hit "Songbird". On the slightly techno "The Coast of Orion" Craig plays his first guitar that his parents ever bought him. "Island Breeze" creates a very upbeat vibe, and finally "Solar Wind" showcases some of his pop/rock sensitivities and seems to harken back to the early days of his careers.
"If you purchase only one Chaquico disc, this is the one to own."
- Jazzreview.com
Richard Elliott
Rock Steady
The Scotland born, L.A. raised Elliot found his musical voice on tenor as a teenager and landed his first professional gig touring with Natalie Cole and The Pointer Sisters while he was still in high school. He has since enjoyed a bestselling discography of over 15 recordings since 1986's Initial Approach, thousands of live dates spanning over two decades and one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in contemporary urban jazz.
Before joining Tower of Power-which began a stretch that he calls the most influential period of my early career-he played in the adventurous fusion band Kittyhawk and did some dream recording sessions with his Motown heroes Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops and The Temptations. In addition to his participation in the current decade's all-star tours like Groovin' For Grover and Jazz Attack, in the mid-90s he helped launch another of the genre's annual franchises, the Guitars & Saxes tours, which he continues to participate in.
Richard Elliot's latest hit album 'Rock Steady', features his touring band (Ricky Lawson, Dwight Sills, Nate Phillips & Ron Reinhardt) with guest appearances by Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Philippe Saisse and Jeff Lorber among others. Elliot came up with a unique starting point for Rock Steady, developing the album around the idea of calling upon his roots and influences in R&B to create an overall vibe that had a decidedly retro feel while also incorporating more contemporary flavors.
'Rock Steady' is full of great tunes featuring a little taste of everyone Elliot was listening to while growing up in Los Angeles. Including the hard funk horn jams on "Retro Boy", the slow burning grooves and classic funk horn textures of "Straight Up" and the soaring and passionate, James Bond film score-like "Restless". The high-energy cover tune Elliot tackles on Rock Steady is Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up," whose original nine-minute version appeared on the singer's 1970 debut album Curtis.
 Spyro Gyra
Down the Wire
Founded in 1974 by altoist Jay Beckenstein in Buffalo NY, Spyro Gyra has consistently been one of successful pop-jazz groups of the past 30 years. Their style combines R&B and elements of pop and Caribbean music with jazz. Around 1974, a club owner who wanted to advertise an upcoming appearance by the band asked Beckenstein for the group's name. The saxophonist told him "Spirogira," a word he learned in a college biology course. The owner misspelled the word as Spyro Gyra, and the band fell into place. Over the course of the '80s, the membership of Spyro Gyra fluctuated, but Beckenstein and keyboardist, Tom Schuman remained at its core, keeping the group's signature sound intact.
Their latest album, "Down The Wire" features the most solid lineup for Spyro Gyra to date. The group is led by members Jay Beckenstein, saxes; Tom Schuman, keyboards; Scott Ambush, bass; Julio Fernandez, guitars; and Bonny "Bonny B" Bonaparte, drums, percussion and vocals. Borrowing from early influences, Weather Report, Chick Corea and Return To Forever, "Down To The Wire" encompasses several genres: funk, fusion, straight jazz, blues, Latin, Brazilian and instrumental pop.
The set of eleven songs, all composed by band members, is led off by Ambush's funk bass line that opens the title song (written by Ambush). Ambush and Beckenstein lead the way. Schuman's "Not For Nothin'" has a great sound and infectious beat. Guitarist Fernandez is back with the band after playing with them in the 80's and contributes the seven-minute ballad "A Flower For Annie Jeanette", with a nice solo from pianist Schuman in the middle. "La Zona Rosa" has five guest sideman joining the band for a big-sounding, Afro-Cuban flavored number including three-piece horn section.
 Peter White
Good Day
When the young Peter White's brother, Danny, set his room on fire it took White's electric guitar with it. Fortunately for fans, he picked up his acoustic guitar and hasn't stopped playing. After a nice career start, playing with and collaborating with Al Stewart (including co-writing "Time Passages"), Peter White has been on the smooth jazz scene recording originals and covers of pop standards for nearly 20 years. Since his first recording in the early 1990's, he has put out a dozen recordings. Good Day is his first with all original material since Confidential in 2004.
For his latest effort, Peter White went back through songs he had written but never recorded. Some of the songs and bits of songs he hadn't gotten around to finishing, many going back over 10 years or more. White, re-crafted the originals with the input of two producers, "DC" and keyboardist Philippe Saisse. The two experienced producers helped to bring in ideas that complimented White's style and brought about a collaboration that is already receiving widespread success for Good Day.
Peter White's accessible and melodic playing is as solid as it has ever been for this smooth jazz core artist. Brother Danny brought a song from his Matt Bianco days that he had co-written with Basia. Peter added his co-writing skills to the piece and Basia sings on the re-worked "Love Will Find You". From luscious horns on "Just Give Me a Change" to the flamenco-inspired flavors on "Ramon's Revenge", the 11 tracks on Good Day are sure to please the large Peter White fan base and bring new ones into the fold. "Bright" is a solid Peter White composition that is already climbing the smooth jazz charts.
Whether performing live or recording, Peter White's signature melodic sound delivers and Good Day is another example of his work to add to your collection.
Even as the sun sets on Good Day, the recording overall represents a beginning for White – an opportunity for him to reconnect with the clever and engaging songcraft that characterized his earlier recordings. "These songs had been raw demos for a long time," says White. "Hearing them come to life by introducing them to other musicians who were experiencing them for the first time was very exciting, and very surprising. I had lost track of the possibility that these songs could have so much potential beyond what I'd originally envisioned. If I had finished this project purely by myself, it wouldn't have been anywhere near as good. It's the different ingredients and spices and colors provided by other people that make it what it is."
Paul Brown & Marc Antoine
Foreign Exchange
Guitarists Paul Brown and Marc Antoine have come together for one truly unique collaboration; Foreign Exchange.
California native Paul Brown has been a very influential artists in that he has produced artists such as Boney James, George Benson, Kirk Whalum and Rick Braun among many others. He is also an accomplished guitarist. French-born Marc Antoine, who performs on nylon-string guitar on Foreign Exchange, has performed for such diverse acts as Celine Dion, Sting, Queen Latifah, and George Benson. He has also composed and performed for several movie soundtracks, including Get Shorty, Demolition Man, and The Fan (1996).
The title song is moderately paced, with Brown and Antoine harmonizing on the melody. Trumpet, trombone, and sax are in perfect sync, while the guitars complement each other well. "Brother Earl" is a tribute to Earl Klugh. Percussionist Lenny Castro joins Phillippe Saisse on keyboards, and the horn section on this all-too-short piece. "Flight of the Conchords" has a mild samba flavor with Brown doubling on percussion and Antoine on drums.
Throughout most of Foreign Exchange, Brown and Antoine are accompanied by a variable lineup of bassists and keyboardists in addition to the horn section and it works out wonderfully. Their chemistry of acoustic and electric guitar has not been seen since 1987 when George Benson and Earl Klugh got together to record the classic 'Collaboration'.
 Russ Hewitt
Baja el Sol
A University of North Texas graduate in classical performance and a seasoned studio musician Russ Hewitt has finally released his long awaited debut solo album, 'Baja el Sol'. Blending Latin, jazz and flamenco styles, guitarist Hewitt brews an intoxicating oasis of sound. As part of acclaimed Texas bands including Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt won both electric and acoustic category in Z-Rock radio's prestigious "guitar slinger" contest. As a member of Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt opened for national acts including Zakk Wylde, Quiet Riot, Sammy Hagar, Infectious Grooves, -Thin Lizzy and Saigon Kick, earning kudos as "Top 10 Acts of the Year," "Band to Look Out For" and "Next Big Thing." Dallas music critics dubbed Hewitt a "guitar god," and a "phenomenon".
Hewitt's lightning runs on guitar and strong "rumba flamenco" rhythms are fused with Arabic and Indian textures on songs like "Byzantine," "Inger" and "Simati (View from the Great Wall)." With an extensive use of exotic scales and a keen sense for composition, Hewitt's evocative instrumental music speaks volumes. 'Bajo el Sol', or 'Under the Sun', was inspired by Hewitt's travels through Turkey, China and Egypt.
Hewitt's debut, 'Bajo el Sol' was received with great commercial and critical praise. Released in the winter of '08 the first single, 'Bajo el Sol', reached the top 20 and the second single, 'Lydia', reached the top 15 on Smooth Jazz stations for over 21 weeks and counting. The album is a labor of love: Hewitt completed the entire record, but scrapped it and re-recorded everything with producer Bob Parr ( Mozart modern ). "The first effort was good, but I didn't want to 'settle' on anything," Hewitt explains. "I knew I could make something really special; we thought of what would be our dream team and made it happen." Hewitt worked with world-famous players Walfredo Reyes Jr (Santana, Strunz and Farah, Ricky Martin) on drums, Raphael Padilla (Miami Sound Machine, Shakira) on percussion, Bob Parr (Cher, Brian Setzer Orchestra) on bass, and flamenco guitar prodigy Alfredo Caceres. With over 220 gigs in 2008, Hewitt's seasoned band expresses flair, facility, and bravura.
Michael Lington
Heat
Michael Lington began playing clarinet at age seven and learned about the music industry from his grandfather Otto Lington, a Danish jazz pioneer and bandleader for Shirley Bassey, Josephine Baker and Fats Waller among many others. His grandfather's rich jazz legacy inspired him to move to the U.S. at age 21. Not long after, Lington began performing with esteemed vocalists such as Little Richard, Gary "U.S." Bonds and Randy Crawford. His major breakthrough came with singer Bobby Caldwell, whom he played with from 1994 to 1998, and their collaboration on the hit Tell It Like It Is.
In between his busy slate of touring and recording dates, Lington lends his artistry to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation which raises funds for children's music programs and provides instruments to public schools throughout the U.S. The Copenhagen native also participates in Create Now mentoring troubled teens in Los Angeles, and Acres of Love which provides for abandoned and AIDS-infected children in South Africa
NuGroove Records has unleashed the new album Heat. Lington's saxophone playing is at times smoking and funky, accented with soft wafting fumes and showcasing Lington's artisty as a poetic balladeer. Every note from Lington's saxophone has a sophisticated stroll whether on the Gerry Rafferty tune "Baker Street" or the satiny phrases he performs through "Ladyland." The music is finessed to express a rich palette of positive mood. Heat shows a dedication to making music that rises up to a level of sheer ecstasy.
 Nick Colionne
No Limits
With a jazz style that is both urban and contemporary, Nick Colionne has moved to the top of the ranks of today's smooth jazz guitarists. Combining all of the various influences of his music career from jazz to R&B to blues to rock, he has created a sound and vibe that is instantly recognizable. With lightening fast speed and a distinctively silky sound, Nick takes the guitar to unexpected places when he performs. His rich baritone vocals delight audiences with his showmanship.
The title of Nick Colionne's highly anticipated KOCH Records debut says it all about the charismatic Chicago-based guitarist's rich, sizzling mix of jazz, R&B, funk, blues and seductive vocals. In his hard-grooving, supremely soulful world where he's always, to quote the title of his hit 2006 album, Keepin' It Cool, there are truly No Limits.
Opening with the high-energy title track, "No Limits" rocks with all the charismatic tones and licks that initially lured his fans into his smooth jazz world back in 2003. "Steppin' Back," a song sure to appeal to the urban dance steppers on the Steppers' Circuit, is jammed with thumping retro-funk grooves and is destined to become another vehicle that shows off Colionne's hottest stage moves. The "Second City" (Colionne's hometown) gets its rightful props on "The Big Windy Cat" just before Colionne segues into the sexy ballad "Melting intoYou." His passionate baritone voice is yet another reason to stay tuned. "Heading Wes Before Dawn" is one of the most beautiful songs on the CD and is a sterling tribute to late guitarist Wes Montgomery.
Wayne Brady
A Long Time Coming
Emmy award winning Wayne Brady is one of the most versatile performers in show business today. He has been entertaining audiences with his acting, improv, singing, and dancing on television, film, and the stage. Now, he can add successful R&B crooner to that list.
This CD is going to be one for fans of good R&R, Soul and Smooth Jazz singers like Peabo Bryson, Al Jarreau and George Benson. Brady's mix of songs is appealing and at times daring. His easygoing style come through on each track. Wayne's voice croons oldies and some new songs, some that you will recognize like A Change Is Gonna Come, and an inspired choice of a lesser known Steve Wonder tune, All I Do. With original songs like "Ordinary," and "F.W.B.," Wayne gives us both swing and slow tunes. Michael Buble would record these types of songs in a minute and his fans would like him for doing so. "Ordinary" reminds me of George Benson's version of "On Broadway" from the movie All That Jazz. "Can't Buy Me Love" is The Beatles song in slow tempo. This song is rhythm and blues personified.
With soft guitar and backup singers, this album has something for everyone and shows Brady as a good songwriter too. If you want to smooth out or wish to get up and dance, Wayne Brady is going to entertain you, and his tunes are likely to spark a trip down memory lane.
 Kyle Wolverton
Soul Grooves
Kyle was born in Seattle, Washington to Lee and Cherry Wolverton, an extremely musical family. Kyle's Father, Lee as well as Kyle's younger brother Joel, are also sax players. With Mom acting as the family manager and booking agent, the "Wolverton Family Sax Trio" was a very hot ticket throughout the greater Northwest. Much of their repertoire consisted of traditional gospel selections.
Growing up in the cozy, damp, environment of Seattle, Kyle had many hours to listen, learn, and play while watching the rain fall. With his early musical taste firmly rooted in gospel, Kyle found himself drawn toward influences such as Grover Washington Jr., Maceo Parker and David Sanborn. His love of fusion jazz combined with R&B influences such as Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Keith Sweat soon melded together to create a very unique sound.
Kyle Wolverton has emerged as one of the best new contemporary jazz artists who truly understands the importance of fusing various styles into one for the most enjoyable musical experience possible. The diversity of the collection of songs on this debut album is extremely refreshing. From the soulful balladry of "Candle Light Kisses" to the toe tapping funk groove of "Miss Peaches", Kyle Wolverton keeps the listener's attention peaked with his incredible knack for musical story telling. With vintage R&B echoing throughout his songs it is clear that he is channeling the likes of Grover Washington Jr. and Maceo Parker, but Kyle has developed a sound and style all his own.
 Fourplay
Energy
Fourplay makes a strong Heads Up Records debut with "Energy". Fourplay, a double entendre, is the quartet of Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason and Larry Carlton. Each, an individual band leader or session sideman in his own right, the four spend part of their time as a supergroup. Collectively, they've appeared on numerous recordings and gained widespread appeal.
"Fourplay has returned with another installment of their smooth jazz grooves on Energy. A mellow foray into contemporary jazz mingled with R&B stylings, the group delivers the sound that has garnered Grammys and legions of supporters over the years. Notable tracks include the piano led 'Sebastian' and the faster-paced 'Fortune Teller,' proving once again that the quartet continues to be leaders in contemporary jazz."
December 3, 2008, Fourplays's "Energy" CD 1st single 'Fortune Teller' was nominated for a GRAMMY® for Best Pop Instrumental Performance! "Fortune Teller" is a lively piece that showcases Fourplay's cohesion as a group, while also displaying individuality, with solos by James on piano and Carlton on guitar, East on bass and Mason on drums.
Other notable performances include East with several members of his family for "Cape Town," a vocal tribute to his grandparents, who did missionary work in South Africa. New sensation, singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding, complements the band nicely on the Hilary James composition, "Prelude for Lovers." The ethereal "Look Both Ways," features Carlton's guitar much of the way. During the middle solo, James, East and Mason lay down a subtle, but effective background while Carlton shows why he's one of the most highly regarded guitarists. The song shifts gears near the end, as James' piano takes off on a high-energy solo, punctuated by East's rapid-fire bass line and Mason's adept handling of the snare, toms and cymbals.
Eric Darius
Goin' All Out
Saxophonist Eric Darius has made his Blue Note label debut with Goin' All Out (Blue Note, 2008) and, as the title suggests, he is doing just that. Goin' All Out is his fourth album since 2004. For his influences, he spent more time listening to the grooves of saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley and Grover Washington, Jr. as well as reggae, funk, gospel, and soul. Darius, with his big raw-toned emotionalism, sense of time, and phrasing, is capable of hanging with anyone in or out of this context. Darius is most decidedly a contemporary jazz artist with a twist. He has created a sound for himself that is distinctive and fresh and his approach is unique to him alone. With the release of 2004's "Night on the Town", saxophonist Eric Darius was prophetically hailed, Best Debut Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz News, alerting the world that an exciting and vibrant new artist was officially embarking upon his destined mission to take the idiom to scintillating new heights. Noted for his searing and unrelenting passion and energy, Eric's albums and live performances earn him new fans at every turn, as well as industry and critical acclaim. His last album "Just Getting Started" debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, remained there for nine consecutive weeks, and featured four hit singles.
The new project, Goin' All Out, includes covers of hits by Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige, and he successfully puts his own spin on them. There is a new maturity in his music that is audible from the get-go. The first track "Just Like That" is an upbeat jam to get the party started. To appeal to all generations Eric incorporated some R&B hits like "Because of You" by Ne-Yo and "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige. The title track "Goin All Out" is off the hook, guaranteed to get your head bobbin'. This jam-packed CD shows great versatility. Just For The Moment features a guest solo spot by guitarist Norman Brown. The cookin' here between the double-tracked saxes and brass leaves the soloist all the room in the world to use his imagination, while keeping the groove solid. Mel Brown's basslines on these cuts are monstrously huge and deeply funky. Goin' All Out is a solid winner all the way through.
Roger Smith
Sittin' In
Roger Smith is a constant guarantor for quality in the smooth jazz scene. He has played for diverse recording artists that include rock star Jeff Beck, R&B vocalist Gladys Knight and country legend Willie Nelson. Smith has served as music director of Coke Esconvido and Club Nouveau. He is also the powerhouse keyboardist for the legendary Tower of Power. Today's he maintains with his significant Hammond B3-sound with the group Tower of Power. Roger Smith was introduced to many smooth jazz fans with his No. 1 hit on the Billboard contemporary Jazz chart in 1999 with the song Off the Hook. The same year he was named Radio & Records' Breakout Artist of the Year. His exuberant spirit and extraordinary talent, matched with nimble, funky fingers, keep him busy in projects ranging from R&B and gospel to smooth jazz.
In the tradition of many contemporary jazz albums Sittin' In starts with the title song. Roger's fingers jump over the keys. Darius Babazadeh (sax) and Roger on the Hammond B3 add brilliant accents to the main melody. Roger goes full throttle on Just Friends. This is pure Hammond B3-fun! D-Man's Groove, presents intelligent synth chords on a heavy urban beat. The romantic ballade Isn't It Love features, two blessed and gifted singers. The Salsa piece Fiesta is an outburst of rhythm and joy. Music Is Love features the singers Regina Espinoza and Indra. The arrangement of the chorus has a special originality and Roger's piano performance sparkles. This new CD by Roger Smith is well worth sittin' in for a listen.
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