Sittin' In With The Coool CAT

John Oates' musical roots draws from his early days growing up in Philadelphia. He cut his teeth on Soul, R&B, and Blues music. The guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer hooked up with Daryl Hall (signing with RCA Records in 1972), to become arguably the most successful duo in Pop/Rock history. John didn't record his first solo album until 2002. Releasing nine to date, these albums feature songs that shows his passion for Americana, Roots, Soul, R&B and Blues music. In this February of 2010 interview with award-winning program director Ray White, John touches on his solo material, influence of soul and R&B music on his career and a wonderful compilation from Hall and Oates. John's latest solo album, with his band, is Live From Nashville. Your hostess Lisa Davis, features a member of The Sax Pack, Jeff Kashiwa, who has released 10 solo albums throughout his career - in our showcase segment. You'll also find Jeff's great sax work on 7 albums as a member of The Rippingtons. His latest solo release is Sunrise. Soul...R&B...Blues...Contemporary Jazz, we cover it all on this edition from the Coool CAT!

Kirk Whalum has a total of 12 Grammy nominations with 1 win to his credit. This jazz saxophonist and songwriter has toured or recorded with the likes of Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Bob James and BWB. Kirk was the inaugural jazz legend honoree of the National Museum of African American Music. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Kirk before he took the stage to talk about his special relationship with Bob James, tours with mega-stars, his museum induction and his latest release Humanite. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the front man for Incognito - Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, whose recent solo album is Tinted Sky. Also highlighted is saxophonist Steve Cole who has a brand new project, Smoke and Mirrors, that will be released soon. You'll also find Steve's great sax work in the band The Sax Pack! The coolest of Smooth Jazz and R&B...right here on the Coool CAT!!

Lonnie Listen Smith has played with many of the iconic jazz pioneers throughout his career. Launching his own band, The Cosmic Echoes, he recorded a number of albums regarded as classics in the fusion, smooth jazz and acid jazz genres. Lonnie's talents on keyboards and piano can be found on several dozen albums throughout his illustrious career. Award-winning program director Ray White sat down with Lonnie in October of 2014 reliving many of his career highlights. Our Coool CAT hostess, Lisa Davis, hooks you up with Jeff Lorber Fusion - whose latest album is Space-Time and also The Jazz Holdouts, who have that contemporary "chill" jazz groove in their music. Uncovering the wide spectrum of jazz, right here on the Coool CAT!

Mark Wenner has led The Nighthawks since they launched in 1972. An outstanding harmonica player and vocalist, Mark has had some super talented musicians in the band throughout the years including Warren Haynes, Jimmy Hall, Jimmy Thackery and Jimmy Nails. The blues and roots music played by The Nighthawks withstands the test of time. Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Mark backstage in July 2019 to talk about the bands' All You Gotta Do release, how he chooses blues standards for his albums and shows, and about the current band lineup - and much more! Coool CAT's hostess, Lisa Davis, features the legendary guitarist Steve Cropper in our showcase segment. You'll remember Steve as a member of Booker T. and the MG's and The Blues Brothers. His brand new album is Fire It Up. Lisa also highlights Shemekia Copeland - the daughter of the great blues guitarist/singer Johnny Copeland. She just received the prestigious UK Blues Award for International Blues Artist of the Year. Shemekia's latest project is titled, Uncivil War. The Blues thrive on the Coool CAT!!

Paul Jackson, Jr. name is at the top of the list for projects looking for an accomplished guitarist. Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elton John and Dave Koz are just a few of the world-class acts he's played with. Paul's an accomplished composer, arranger and producer, too. He's recorded 8 solo albums during his career that touches on urban/fusion jazz and R&B. Multi-award winning program director Ray White spent time with Paul, in June of 2016, talking about his work with Michael and Whitney (among nearly 2,000 projects), his several Grammy nominations and his latest solo release - Stories From Stompin' Willie. In our showcase segment, your "Hostess With The Mostest" Lisa Davis, looks back at the marvelous career of a founding member of The Supremes, Mary Wilson, who passed away on February 8, 2021. Mary was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over 33 years ago. She will be missed. Tributes and super coool guests, right here from the Coool CAT!

Gordon Bahary has had a marvelous musical journey teaming with music legends Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis and many others. His keyboard and synthesizer work transcends several music genres including R&B, Jazz and World Music. Multi-award winning program director Ray White talks with Gordon, in November of 2012, about his musical mentors, his current album Unbreakable and his early years in Twilight 22 - landing a Top 10 song on Billboards' R&B chart. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis looks back at the phenomenal career of 25-time Grammy award winner, Chick Corea, who passed away on February 9, 2021. A pioneer in jazz music, Chick led several groundbreaking bands including Return To Forever and Chick Corea Elektric Band and has played with dozens of the giants in the jazz world. Coool CAT...Is where it's at!

Candy Dulfer, Brass Construction and Shaun Murphy join us on Best of the Coool CAT - Volume 2. Interviews and much more from these stalwarts of Soul, Funk, Contemporary Jazz and Blues! A great sampler of our Sittin' In With The Coool CAT syndicated radio shows | podcasts. Hear the entire shows from our most listened to episodes (from 51 to 99): Candy Dulfer (Episode 056), Brass Construction (Episode 063) and Shaun Murphy (Episode 066) at sittinginwiththecooolcat.libsyn.com and on most streaming and podcast services. Your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis joins multi-award winning program director Ray White, bringing you the best interviews and more from musicians who have garnered numerous Grammy and other music awards and are in dozens of Hall of Fame's! Spread the word... we're hanging with some very Coool CAT's!!

Karen Briggs is known internationally as a virtuoso violinist with an eclectic range of musical styles. She's appeared in nearly two dozen music video concerts and recordings and has several solo releases. You may have seen this "Lady In Red" in the fantastic Yanni concert "Live From The Acropolis." Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Karen in June of 2012 to talk about her music and worldwide travels and adventures. Her Soulchestral Groove album is a "must have" release. Lisa Davis features Jazz/R&B superstar Norman Brown, who's recently released Heart to Heart, along with the amazing saxman Jeff Kashiwa in our showcase segment. Jeff's current release is Fly Away. We have the hottest contemporary jazz musicians...right here on the Coool CAT!

Bettye LaVette was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2020, after launching her career in 1961 with a song that landed on the Top 10 of the R&B charts. Throughout her career she's combined elements of Soul, Blues, Rock and Roll, Funk, Gospel and Country music in a way that's made her very unique as a vocalist. Besides recording, Bettye had a six-year run on Broadway. She's been nominated for numerous Grammy awards and took home various other music awards during her career. In our February of 2011 interview, multi-award winning program director Ray White talked with Bettye about her Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook release and highlights from her illustrious career. Bettye is up for another Grammy with the recent release of her Blackbirds CD. Lisa Davis features 13-time Grammy nominee, and former lead vocalist for the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson, in our showcase segment. Also featured is 5-time Grammy winner Robert Cray, whose latest album is titled That's What I Heard. The Blues, R&B and much more... we have it covered on the Coool CAT!

Grammy nominee Richard Elliot had his musical breakout when he joined Tower of Power in the mid-1980's. Throughout the years he's been at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene. Richard's released over 20 albums during his career, including a handful that hit #1 on the charts! In our March of 2015 interview, multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Richard backstage to talk about the major influence that Tower of Power had on his career, insights into his Lip Service release, and giving back through his work at charity events. Richard's brand new album is titled Authentic Life, and is climbing the jazz charts. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features 13-time Grammy nominated R&B and jazz recording artist Ledisi, who also landed several acting roles. Her latest CD is The Wild Card. Smooth jazz and R&B at its best, right here on the Coool CAT!