Talking Smooth Jazz

Otoe has been on the Japanese scene for a while now. She has been touring Japan off and on for the last couple of years, and Crystal Rose is her first CD as a solo artist. Reaction is always great and people are really surprised at the amount of funk and sound coming from Otoe's sax. She has a very pure personality which shows in her playing and performance. We will talk to Otoe and her drummer/producer Scott Latham, about her music and career.

Johnny “Johnny B” Britt and Sean “Sean E. Mac” Thomas make up the R&B/Soul/Jazz group, Impromp2. Impromp2 released their first album You’re Gonna Love It in 1995, capturing the urban music scene’s attention with their unique sound and contemporary lyrics. Since then, Impromp2 has released three other albums, Can’t Get Enough, The Definition of Love and the brand new It Is What It Is, producing several audience favorites such as “Enjoy Yourself,” “I’ll Do Whatever” and their newest single, “You’re a Queen,” to name a few. We welcome Impromp2 to Talking Smooth Jazz to talk about their current project and upcoming tour.

Michael Stever is a Los Angeles-based performer,

writer, and producer. He has performed with Harry Belafonte, Al Jarreau, Carmen Bradford, Jamie Davis, Dave Brubeck, Nancy Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, Ramsey Lewis, Steve Miller, Alan Hewitt, Marion Meadows, Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, and Brian Culbertson. Michael has also written for Ramsey Lewis, Steve Miller and Brian Culbertson.

Guitarist U-Nam and Debbie Parks of Star PR return to talk about the new venue and artists for the One Soul Jazz Series.

Shanniece has been performing for around 20 years. She began taking an interest in jazz in high school while participating in the schools’ jazz ensemble. That is when she received an introduction into this american art form. She received her early training from Richmond public schools and advanced studies at Norfolk State University.

Shanniece returned back to the Richmond area in late 2001 and discovered that she wanted to start a group. After talking it over with her mentor (nationally known jazz recording artist) Najee, the Shanniece James Project (sjp) was born in 2002. SJP has performed in various venues in the mid-atlantic region of the U.S. over the last seven years.

Shanniece has had the opportunity to share the stage with Norman Brown, Oleta Adams, Hiroshima, Lyfe Jennings, The Brothers Johnson, Joyce Cooling, Ronnie Laws and Earl Klugh. Shanniece has two cd’s out “The Future Belongs To You” & “Live At The Canal Club.” She currently working on the next cd that will be released in the spring of 2010.

Cecil Ramirez is a smooth jazz artist from Sacramento. His piano playing style has been compared to Brian Culbertson, Brian Simpson, Jeff Lorber, and Gregg Karukas. His current cd Talk To The Hand, is a smooth blend of danceable rhythms, emotional ballads, and smooth R&B grooves.

We welcome Michael Ross to talk about his new cd A Special Thing featuring Najee.

Keep The Music Playing, Gail Jhonson's highly acclaimed debut contemporary jazz CD on her own (Philly The Kid Records), brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles "Heaven" and "Just For Kicks" the CD received strong support from the music industry. Gail stays quite busy as the music director, keyboardist and vocalist for smooth jazz superstar guitarist and vocalist Norman Brown.

On Michael Manson’s new cd "UP FRONT", he is credited for writing and production. For this album Michael has collected the who's who of smooth jazz: Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Brian Culbertson, Nelson Rangel, Norman Brown, Paul Jackson Jr., the legendary George Duke and many more great jazz musicians. This album is a great mix of contemporary jazz, R&B and even a little gospel.

In 2008, Marqueal got his first taste of national exposure when he met Smooth Jazz artist Brian Culbertson. After hearing him play and sing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. As part of Brian Culbertson & the Funk Experience, Marqueal has electrified audiences in the U.S. and abroad, and has performed with Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, Kenny G., Lalah Hathaway, Earl Klugh and Ledisi. Marqueal also had the honor of performing in Japan as a member of an all-star group consisting of the legendary Larry Graham, Brian Culbertson and members of Earth, Wind & Fire.