Talking Smooth Jazz

Guitarist David Becker's new cd Batavia, takes listeners on a powerful personal musical journey chronicling events leading up to his families' captivity and liberation during WWII in Indonesia and Holland.

Milwaukee born guitar veteran, Maurice Johnson first gained notice in 1985 shortly after forming the Oklahoma City based, “After Five” band. Today, Maurice’s focus has turned back to his love of music with the recent release of his "Tonight" CD, and is currently producing under the artist-owned, Jazz Drops Records label.

Stanley Clarke became the first bassist in history to headline tours, selling out shows worldwide, and have his albums certified gold. The word “legend” was used to describe Stanley by the time he was 25 years old. In 1997 Epic/Sony released: By this tender young age, Stanley was already a celebrated pioneer in fusion jazz music. He was also the first bassist in history to double on acoustic and electric bass with equal virtuosity, power, and fire. We welcome Stanley to talk about his career and new cd, The Stanley Clarke Band.

Eric, William & Damon are the 3 harmonious voices that bring this high energy R&B jazz and Latin Soul band to life. DW3 is comprised of outstanding musicians which consist of Keyboards, Percussion, Drums, Bass and Guitar. DW3 performs for our US troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Asia and throughout Europe. With 2 successful Cd’s, one which was produced by Spaghettinis Jazz Club and the other produced by DW3, they are looking forward to their third, which will be produced by the two time Grammy award winning Paul Brown and Marcus Miller.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Drummer Ron Otis to discuss his new cd, Up Front.

Noel has a soulful urban expression, creating one of the most cutting edge, urban contemporary sounds; a combination of sexy electric violin over urban and hip hop grooves.

As if from nowhere, and courtesy of her brand new project ‘Groove With Me’, acclaimed singer, songwriter and woodwind player Paula Atherton has dramatically emerged as a major player on the contemporary jazz and pop music scene. This sensational collection features eleven of Atherton’s original compositions plus one well-chosen cover, and with the perfect blend of instrumental and vocal cuts, oozes quality throughout. The production of Lou Gimenez (who also makes significant contributions on acoustic and electric guitars) is never anything short of top-notch, and fantastic guest musicians lend a hand, making the entire recording a total delight.

SHAKATAK have enjoyed a level of success and a career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music - but then SHAKATAK are a particularly unusual group. Because of the nature of the music, their fan base is one that is very far reaching while always retaining it's "underground" element. This paradox sees the band, who are known primarily as serious jazz / funk musicians, enjoying both high 'cult' status and instant recognition as a household name. Having already garnered massive commercial achievements in the UK, SHAKATAK went on to score unprecedented successes both in Japan (for which demand dictates they produce exclusive albums every year), and in the USA. Their music simply refuses to be catergorised, a fact that has enabled them to share Festival billings with such diverse artists as Gloria Estafan (Tokyo), Dizzy Gillespie (Capital Jazz, London), Duran Duran (Montreux), and even U2 (Nuremberg)!

Attila Molnar was the only child of musician parents. At Age 6 he put his hands on a keyboard for the first time, and started taking music lessons every day after school, learning classical piano and music theory at the National Music School. He's worked with "slim man" and "Bonafide" and now plays with Trippin 'N' Rhythm recording artist “Jaared”

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes saxophonist, Michael J. Thomas.

Raised in Inglewood, California, Jarez is one of the most gifted artists of our time, he is not only blessed with the ability to play the saxophone, but with an artistry to create, write and produce music. The millions of people worldwide who have followed the radiant career of this international superstar have witnessed the inimitable talents.