Talking Smooth Jazz

One of the newest member of keyboardist Brian Culbertson's band, Selina Albright is a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter with versatility that comes from years of listening to many origins and languages of music. Her soulfulness and angelic tone add character and emotion to any ballad, yet her powerful wailing and stage presence commands attention.  She has released a new EP called Brighter that features her father, saxophonist Gerald Albright and Brian Culbertson.  Brighter is available on cdbaby.

I had the opportunity to interview Selina on location in Seattle where Brian debut the new band.

Saxophonist Jeanette Harris' new CD, Summer Rain is her fourth, which she produced and had a hand in writing all of the selections except her lovely cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Here and Now.”  Its 11 sunny songs wrap the listener in the glow of fun love grooves and sweet romance.  Summer Rain is available at www.jeanetteharrisband.com.

Saxophonist Elan Trotman returns to Talking Smooth Jazz to discuss his new cd, Tropicality.  Co-produced by Guitarist Peter White, who also joins us.  Tropicality features Peter White, Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Nick Colionne, Terri Lynn Carrington, Nicholas Brancker, Lin Rountree and more.  Tropicality is available at www.elantrotman.com

Saxophonist J. Henry returns to discuss he newest release on the Underground Sound Entertainment label called Phenomenon, featuring Mike Mo, Creole King and Dicharisse.

Chip Shearin is highly recognized as an astonishing record producer. On top of performing and producing – he also runs KEO Music Recordings, an indie label distributed by Warner Bros.  His new cd "How I Live" features Marion Meadows and John P. Kee.

In 1975, Michael Austin was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.  After surviving 27 years in prison, Michael was released in 2001 on with the help of Centurion Ministries, a New Jersey based organization dedicated to seeking prison release for the innocent.  He was pardoned by the Govenor in 2003.

In 2012, Michael released his first full-length album, I Just Want To Love You.  Most of the songs were written during his incarceration at the Maryland State Penitentiary.  The smooth stylings and romantic themes hearken back to his jazz, R&B and classic influences.

Saxophonist Marion Meadows makes his label debut on Shanachie Entertainment with his 13th release, Whisper.

Ronald Jackson of The Smooth Jazz Ride said about Whisper:

"The material here is full of the Meadows musical diary of influences and style. Powerful, melodious, sensuous, and full of creative passion all at once.

Here is, quite simply, another masterful effort from Meadows who has, throughout the years since and including his 1990 debut, continually worked his musical benevolence on jazz and R&B fans everywhere."

Swing Out Sister are a British sophisti-pop group best known worldwide for their 1986 song "Breakout."  Corinne Drewery from Swing Out Sister join us to talk about their new CD+DVD set, Private View, an acoustic take on some of the groups' hits.  The set also includes "Tokyo Stories."

Guitarist Eddie Benitez returns with a brand new album called Forbidden Dreams.

Gary’s funky soulful pocket and world percussion voice have allowed him to share the stage with some of the most legendary and in demand artist of our time including live performances with: Elements (Gary’s Band), Paul Jackson (The Headhunters), Frank McComb, Jackiem Joyner, Al Jarreau and more.  We will talk to Gary about his current album Takin It Back, which pays respect with a tribute to some of the greatest song writers and performers of our time! (They do a killer cover of Sade's "Somebody Already Broke My Heart.")