Friday, November 11, 2005

JAZZ CHILL NEWS BITS: FRANK MCCOMB, MATISYAHU, CHRISTMAS JAM, SERGIO MENDES, DARREN MOTAMEDY, WJZW SMOOTH JAZZ 105.9, MINDI ABAIR & PEABO BRYSON

Singer Frank McComb has written, produced, programmed and sang every note on his latest album – Straight From The Vault. And from the first notes of the opening song, White Line In The Sky, it is clear that this is another fine disc that McComb's rabidly loyal fan base will eat up. His latest album, Straight From The Vault is a rich blend of soul, jazz and pop music that radio programmers should take notice of. The disc also includes three instrumentals, including the smooth George Duke-like Morning Glory. This is an album for lovers of classy, jazzy soul to seek out.

Bill Laswell has produced the debut studio album for Hasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu - entitled Youth, to be released Jan. 31 via Epic/Or Music/J Dub. Matisyahu’s previous release Live At Stubb's, reached No. 2 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart and No. 14 on the Top Heatseekers survey. The album has sold 87,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Youth will feature two songs from Live At Stubb's: King Without A Crown and Warrior.

John Scofield, Ivan Neville and John Medeski join the lineup for Warren Haynes' 17th Annual Christmas Jam concert set for Dec. 17 at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. Also scheduled to perform are Trey Anastasio, Ray Lamontagne, Electric Hot Tuna, Audley Freed, Kevn Kinney, Edwin McCain, Dave Schools, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Marty Stuart , Patterson Hood and Jason Isbell. The 2003 and 2004 events raised $100,000 each, bringing the total for the last four years to more than $300,000.

Brazilian-legend Sergio Mendes returns with his new album, Timeless, due Febuaray 14, 2006. This project is being produced by the Black Eyes Peas’ will.i.am. This new disc will feature Mendes collaborating with Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, John Legend, Q-Tip and Erykah Badu, and it will be released through Concord Records and Starbucks Hear Music.

Seattle sax-player Darren Motamedy easily blends jazz, urban, pop, funk, hip-hop and blues on his latest album, Intimate. This is Motamedy's 8th release since 1989’s First Generation and since then he has performed alongside Ray Charles, Chris Botti, David Lanz and the Rippingtons. For those of you in the Seattle-area, he can be seen leading the Monday night jam sessions at the Waimes Brewing Co. in Kirkland.

The WJZW 105.9 Smooth Jazz Vol. 3: The Sound of DC recently debuted at #27 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. The CD features songs by Marcus Johnson18th & M; Richard ElliotYour Secret Love; Chaka KahnThrough The Fire; NilsPacific Coast Highway; Pieces Of A DreamLove’s Silhouette; Michael McDonaldAin’t No Mountain High Enough; Ken NavarroYou Are Everything; Bass XVonnie; Spur Of The MomentIn My Corner; Paul HardcastleSerene; Otis ReddingThe Dock Of The Bay; and Derryck DawkinsItaly.

And speaking of WJZW 105.9 FM, the station’s very own Marcus Johnson will be appearing tonight (Nov. 11) and tomorrow in Atlanta as he promotes his soon-to-be holiday classic, Smooth Jazz Christmas. Here’s the schedule of where you can catch him: Nov. 11 – South Beach Bistro & Bar, Atlanta; Nov. 12 – Bluelights Entertainment Restaurant, Atlanta; and Nov. 18 – Los Angeles Athletic Club, Los Angeles. Additional dates will be announced shortly that will feature music and artists from both the Smooth Jazz Christmas and the Sound of DC. albums. Marcus Johnson (and Jacqui Allen) can be heard weekday mornings on Smooth Jazz 105.9 from 5:00 am to 8:30 am.

The All-Star Smooth Jazz Cruise is set to sail from Nov. 12-20th along with Rick Braun, Boney James, Al Jarreau, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Joyce Cooling and Mindi Abair. The ship will be cruising out of Galveston, TX and stopping in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Mindi Abair joins Peter White and Rick Braun as part of A Peter White Christmas Tour featuring Mindi Abair and Rick Braun. It kicks off after Thanksgiving and the show will feature Mindi’s original music as well as classic Christmas songs and 2 of Mindi’s original Christmas songs. One of Mindi’s original Christmas songs, I Can’t Wait For Christmas, is being featured on the Bath And Body Works Christmas CD along with songs by Melissa Etheridge, Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Diana Krall, Dean Martin, Ashanti, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, Sarah McLachlan, Jessica Simpson, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennett, Liz Phair, Rachael Yamagato, Wham!, Peter Droge and Martina McBride.

PEABO BRYSON - LIVE IN CONCERT: LADIES REQUEST
When you think of Peabo Bryson, you remember songs such as Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, the ever-popular hit duet with R&B legend Roberta Flack; Show And Tell; A Whole New World from the Disney movie Aladdin recorded with Regina Belle; and Feel The Fire. This special 10-song DVD from Time Life features 'live' performances of some of Bryson's most popular and highly successful love ballads. Bryson is certainly no stranger to music, as a multiple GrammyAward-winner and one of the premiere male love balladeers in contemporary music. "This type of music is in my soul, and I'm sharing what I would like for others to feel through music. I want to make husbands and wives remember their love, girlfriends remember boyfriends, and let those who are still looking know that love is real," says Bryson.

With a music career that spans more than twenty-five years, Bryson's unprecedented international success has resulted in him being the first artist in music history to have records topping four different music genre charts including pop, adult contemporary, classical crossover, and contemporary jazz.. Currently serving as the spokesperson for Time Life Classic Soul BalladsCollection, which recently reached 3 million CD's sold, Bryson adds, "partnering with Time Life allows the music that we all remember and have experienced to continue to be recognized. I am proud to be a part of a reputable company that treasures the music of life and soul. Performing "Live In Concert" allows me to do what I do best, which is share my musical gift with the ladies." Peabo Bryson Live In Concert: Ladies Request is now available in retail stores nationwide.

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