Sittin' In With The Coool CAT

Chicago blues and soul guitarist/vocalist, Ronnie Baker Brooks grew up with the blues, as son of the legendary Lonnie Brooks. At the age of nine, he joined his Dad on stage developing his style and showmanship. Throughout Ronnie's career, he's played with most of the icons in the blues music genre. In our September of 2012, Ronnie touches on his days with the blues greats and provides insights into his album The Torch. In our "Spotlight" segment, Coool CAT's "Hostess With The Mostest," Lisa Davis gives you a taste of contemporary blues guitarist/vocalist Bobby Messano, whose albums have consistently landed on most of the top Blues Charts over the years. His latest album is titled, Bad Movie. For additional insights into our show visit www.cooolcat.com

On this episode, we'll feature the legendary multi-Grammy award winning jazz keyboardist, arranger and record producer - Bob James. In our interview, conducted by Ray White - 2017 Program Director of the Year by New Music Weekly Magazine, Bob touched on his early years with Creed Taylor and how he was discovered by Quincy Jones. In addition Bob, in this May of 2017 interview, shares insights into his, The New Cool album that he recently recorded with fellow Fourplay bandmate, Nathan East. Ranker, in their recent ranking report named Bob James #1 in their "The Best Smooth Jazz Bands/Artists of All Time" poll. This extended interview and feature on Bob, hosted by Lisa Davis, provides great insights into his solo career that you won't want to miss! For additional information on our show visit www.cooolcat.com

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, The Stylistics had twelve consecutive Rhythm & Blues Top 10 hits during the early 1970's. All were produced by the legendary Philadelphia record producer, Thom Bell. In this July of 2010 interview with co-founder Airrion Love, he looks back to the hit making years of the band and also shares his insights on their latest album, That Same Way. In our "Spotlight" segment, your "Hostess With The Mostest" - Lisa Davis features another band whose roots come from Philly - Pieces of a Dream. Their latest release is titled, Just Funkin' Around. The band is currently celebrating their 40th anniversary. For more information on our show and all the great legacy artists we feature, visit us at www.cooolcat.com and on Facebook too!

Dakota Dave Hull has been called "one of the best guitarists in the world," by other musicians in the blues, folk and jazz genres. A gifted composer, Dave calls what he does "classic American guitar." His guitar style spans a wide musical geography creating an infectious unique blend of many genres. Hearing Dave's music and watching him play is truly magical! We caught up with Dave in April, 2017 before his show at The Artists Loft in Virginia Beach, VA for insights into his career and latest musical projects. In our "Spotlight" segment we feature one of the premier blues musicians who was tapped for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Elvin Bishop. He's played together with many of the legendary blues artists and himself was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016. His latest release, Big Fun Trio, showcases his love of the blues and re-enforces his stature as a blues legend.

On this special edition "Rising Star" episode, we feature Vincent Ingala, a contemporary/urban jazz instrumentalist who's first album - in 2010, contained a Top 20 song. His second album, Can't Stop Now, featured 5 Top 10 songs on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Songs chart. During this November of 2016 interview, Vincent shares with us insights from his Coast To Coast release and his first Christmas album plus much more, too! In our Spotlight segment, Lisa Davis, highlights the latest from award-winning Jazz/R&B/Funk superstar, Brian Culbertson!! His latest release is titled, Funk. For more information about our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com

The O'Jays reached the pinnacle of their musical careers when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. An anchor of the "Philly Sound," their music stayed on the charts throughout the 1970's. In our July of 2012 interview with founding member, Walter Williams, Sr., the CAT's Ray White talks with Walter about recent developments with the band and his new solo album, Get Your Feet Off My Cadillac. In our "Spotlight" segment, Lisa Davis features the latest from The Chairmen Of The Board, whose legacy is still strong today, after 15 charting singles throughout the years! Learn more about our show at http://www.cooolcat.com

Chante Moore has a voice that crosses a majority of the range of the musical spectrum. This R&B and jazz singer, songwriter and actress has garnered prestigious recognition including American Music Award, Soul Train Music Award and the NAACP Image Award. In our November of 2016 interview, conducted backstage at the Jazz Legacy Foundation's annual gala, Chante talks about her Moore is More album, influences in her music career and comparisons to Minnie Ripperton. Your "Hostess with the Mostest" - Lisa Davis, features Grammy award winning jazz guitarist Norman Brown, in our "Spotlight" segment. His latest project is titled, Let It Go. For additional information, about our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com

A member of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for 10 years, Coco Montoya launched a highly successful solo career recording 10 albums since 1995. He landed on the national music scene in the mid-1970's as a member of the "Master of the Telecaster," - Albert Collins' band. Coco's latest album, "Hard Truth," solidifies his place on the top shelf of contemporary rockin' bluesmen. His soul-burning mastery of hard-hitting blues puts him towards the head of the class! In our March of 2012 interview with Coco, he touches on his relationship with Little Feat and discusses his "I Want It All Back, album and the many styles he touches upon in his music repertoire. In our "Spotlight" segment, Lisa Davis features Strongman, a band led by award-winning Canadian blues guitarist - Steve Strongman. He's been tapped as Juno and Maple Blues award winners, throughout his career! For additional information about our shows visit www.cooolcat.com

Among the worlds' elite drummers, Harvey Mason has played with a Who's Who of legendary musicians including George Benson, Chick Corea, Bob James and Herbie Hancock - just to name a few. He is co-founder of the jazz supergroup Fourplay, formed back in 1991. Harvey is also an accomplished solo artist, having released nearly a dozen albums throughout his career. In this January of 2017 interview, he talks about his latest solo release - Chameleon, and discusses, with award winning program director Ray White, highlights of his many years in music. Plus much more from this drum wizard! Lisa Davis, our "Hostess With The Mostest," introduces you to a rising star on the R&B and Jazz music scene - Selina Albright - an outstanding vocalist who has appeared on several of her fathers' (Gerald Albright) albums and those of many more jazz superstars.

Gordon Banks played a key role in the final recordings of Marvin Gaye in the late 1970's until Marvin's untimely death in 1984. He played numerous roles with Gaye including guitarist, musical director, producer, songwriter and background vocalist. In addition to his days with Marvin, Gordon played with several other national acts including Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Gap Band, Eddie Murphy and New Birth. Award winning program director Ray White, talks with Gordon about his time with Marvin and touches on other highlights throughout his musical career, in this March of 2017 interview. Lisa Davis, Coool CAT's hostess, also features the "Godfather of British Blues," John Mayall, on this episode. John launched the careers of many mega-stars including Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor. He's celebrating over 50 years in the recording industry on his latest album, "Talk About That."