Talking Smooth Jazz

Internationally Acclaimed & Celebrated Pianist, Composer & Humanitarian Keiko Matsui Marks 30th Anniversary Of Recording Debut With Journey To The Heart.

Journey To The Heart, Keiko Matsui’s 27th recording as a leader, marks the 30th Anniversary since her recording debut and is her boldest statement yet. With the release of Journey To The Heart, Keiko confirms her place as one of the most dynamic and important voices in instrumental music and assures us that her journey continues.

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German born saxophonist Arno Haas joins us to talk about his latest release, Back To You, featuring the legendary Al Jarreau (his all time favorite singer) along with Evelyn Kallansee.  This collection is a definite ascension following the 2013 release of Magic Hands that reflects a sophistication and willingness to explore previously uncharted artistic territory.

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Singer, musician, composer, Johnny Britt (founding member of 90's hit making, R&B, Hip Hop group Impromp2) is back with another prolific yet seductive; full-length EP called "MARVIN MEETS MILES" Vol. 1.  Johnny Britt is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, trumpeter, arranger and composer in the entertainment industry and has worked behind the scenes in the recording studio or live on stage with some of the biggest artists and projects in the industry including, Quincy Jones, John Legend, David Bowie, Josh Groban, Jennifer Lopez, The Temptations, Annie Lenox, Common and Herbie Hancock.

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Open The Curtains has a star-studded line-up of musicians, who not only happen to be women but who are also some of the baddest musicians to grace this planet including; percussionist Sheila E., pianist/vocalist Patrice Rushen, saxophonist Mindi Abair, guitarists Bibi McGill and Jennifer Batten, drummer Queen Cora Coleman, bassist Rhonda Smith and trombonist and singer Aubrey Logan. Collectively these women have collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana and Prince to Michael Jackson, Pink and Beyoncé, and beautifully carry Duboc’s message of female strength, wisdom and independence forward with grace, brawn and undeniable hipness. While seven of the ten songs on Open The Curtains are originals penned by Carol, she chooses to pay tribute to a trio of women who have long inspired her – Nina Simone, Patrice Rushen and Peggy Lee.

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Michael “BIG MIKE” Hart Jr. is a talented guitarist, producer, session player, bassist and vocal arranger. His distinctive, classic and retro sound is one of the most sought after sounds in the country. The Sacramento native developed his love for guitar at a young age, and referred to it as the “Holy Ghost!” With a drive like no other, “BIG MIKE” has been harvesting his gift for the last 20 years. His guitar heroes include Rob ”Fonksta” Bacon, Bobby “Bobby G” Gonzales, John “Jubu” Smith, Derek “D.O.A” Allen and the man who helped jumpstart his journey, his uncle Jimi “Bottom Hammock” Morris. Mike has taken a piece from all of his influences and fused them together, creating his own individual style. He has been afforded the opportunity to tour, produce and write for MTV (Cribs/Teen Cribs, Making The Band 4, Next), Bad Girls Club, Vh1 (From G's to Gents), Access Hollywood, The T.O Show, HBO, BET, NBA, DJ Quik, Slimm (112), Dogg Pound, Ricky Bell (NEW EDITION), Michael Lington, Jessy J, Dave Hollister, Lenny Williams, Wayman Tisdale,Karyn White, Goapele and is the guitarist for Kenny Lattimore.

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Kay-Ta was born in Osaka, Japan, and moved to Boston, MA to study at Berklee College of Music when he was 20. The broad capacity of his playing style (from Gospel, R&B, country, jazz, and rock) helped him to start his career as a session guitarist in Los Angeles. His list of credits includes:David Foster, Baby Face, Natalie Cole, Keiko Matsui, Lalah Hathaway, Amerie, Chante Moore, Jackiem Joyner, Daniel Bedingfield, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Steve Porcaro, Virgil Donatti, Tony Macalpine, Jody Watley, Amber Riley (from Glee) Bob Mintzer (from Yellow Jackets), He also co-produced the debut album of artist Colby O’ Donis from Convict Muzik. (Geffin/Konlive) and he co-wrote australian Pop star Cody Simpson's single "Be The One."  We'll talk to Kay-Ta about his 1st solo project, Arrival.

Skinny Hightower is a smooth jazz pianist who is known for his keen ability to draw influences from other genres of music, claiming that he doesn't listen to smooth jazz.  Nonetheless, the result is a smooth, complex blend some where in between R&B, jazz, and soul.  Skinny started out playing drums as a young child, later developing an ear for piano, bass and guitar.  He recorded his first song at nine years old and realized that he'd found a niche in song writing and recording.   As years progressed, Skinny continued recording smooth jazz and has since worked with numerous artists behind the scenes as a producer.  Skinny Hightower's release "Cloud Nine" is his first effort, a powerful series of songs that should fit perfectly into anyone's smooth jazz collection.

 

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Guitarist David P. Stevens returns with a brand new cd called Love City featuring saxophonists Najee, Pamela Williams, Vandell Andrew and Jackiem Joyner, violinist Chelsey Green, vocalists Selina Albright and Frank McComb, trumpeters Isaac Byrd, Jr. and Lin Rountree and more!.  Love City is scheduled for release on July 9, 2016.

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True Stories, recorded over an intensive three-month span, is a refreshing elixir that will delight devout fans of The Rippingtons and attract new ones. Joined by original Rippington, alto and soprano saxophonist Brandon Fields, drummer Dave Karasony, bassist and rhodes player Rico Belled and special guest Jeffrey Osborne, Freeman orchestrates ten compelling originals. The album opens with the hypnotic and scintillating “Wild Tales,” the CD's first single, which Freeman calls an “experiment in randomness.” Fusing elements of jazz with traces of EDM and world influences, The Rippingtons foreshadow the journey ahead and promise it to be nothing short of exhilarating.Many of the classic Rippingtons hit repertoire prominently feature rich saxophone melodies and this time out Freeman showcases his unparalleled guitar wizardry.

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Hil St. Soul is the moniker used by singer Hilary Mwelwa and songwriter/producer Victor Redwood Sawyer.  The duo has received critical raves on both sides of the Atlantic with their amalgamation of jazz and neo-soul fronted by Mwelwa's engaging voice. We will talk to Hilary about her career and upcoming cd.

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