Talking Smooth Jazz

The first in our Behind The Artist series of interviews with the sidemen and women of smooth jazz, Chris Miskel has performed and recorded with Brian Culbertson, Nick Colionne, Boz Scaggs, Mike Manson, Patti Austin, Boney James, Dave Koz, Ray Parker Jr., Howard Hewitt, Steve Cole, Lake Effect, Eric Darius, Branford Marsalis, Michael Lington, and more.

Absorb the impact of his paintings, and instantly you are moved to hear some accompanying musical score, which cushions the picture far more suitably than any frame could ever accomplish. At the canvas, each brush stroke is kin to the notes he tenders at the guitar – “…empty space is everything; silence is the very canvas through which we might hear an angel’s trumpet or the harps-of-heaven or muses calling from within the depths of the heart …” His current cd, Painting The Music, is produced by two time Grammy winning producter Paul Brown and features Grammy award winning singer Patti Austin.

Carol Ray is the manager for smooth jazz guitarist, Nick Colionne. Monica Hart is the manager for bassist, Russel Blake. We have interviewed both of these artists on Talking Smooth Jazz. Now, we talk to their managers about what they were doing before, how they met the artists and the pros and cons of being managers.

Justin Young returns with two new cds: Nothin' But Love and a Christmas cd, Home For The Holidays. This is a rescheduled show.

Her debut CD "From My Soul" has something for everyone, with stirring soulful vocal showcases such as "Won't Be Your Plaything" to the surprising amped funk masterpiece "I Wanna Funk It Up." The latter features funkadelic vocal and saxophone effects, reminiscent of Zapp and Roger, Prince or the Isleys. You'll want to dim the lights as the album turns seductive with Ava's luscious tenor saxophone on the aptly-named "Soft and Silky".

Mbandi was born in Limbe (formally Victoria), a small Cameroonian seaside town on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Influenced by his African childhood and western upbringing, Mbandi’s music embraces gently flowing melodies as well as exotic rhythms that refresh like a tropical breeze.

Mbandi is a 21st century composer who has been able to tap into a seemingly endless source of inspiration. Song after song, album after albmu, Mbandi continues to mesmerize fans all over the world. His music transcends borders, cultures and language and has found a place in the hearts of fans from all walks of life, ages, religions and cultures.

The innovator of urban jazz is back with his new album - Mind Over Matter. It's another layer of sophistication and polish to Najee's substantial, diverse body of work. Guest appearances by Jeff Lorber and Eric Benet.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes NuGroove recording artist dee Brown to talk about his sophomore cd "A Little Elbow Room." The cd includes noted musicians such as Nate Harasim on keyboards, Dezie Mccullers, Jr. on saxophone, Gerard Brooks on vocals, and the production, musical and writing skills of Darren Rahn.

Vision Jazz is Burt Shur (Drums/Percussion) and Chuck Leichner (Keyboardist/Composer). The band was formed in 2007 by two of the best musicians in the Denver area to explore and create contemporary jazz fusion music.

VISION JAZZ plays a blend of Funk Jazz, Fusion Jazz, and Latin Jazz. VISION JAZZ just released their first CD "Distant Visions". In addition to their original songs, the main genre is the best of contemporary jazz fusion. Capturing such great artist as Dave Grusin, David Sanborn, Yellow Jackets, and Jeff Lorber to name a few. The music is timeless and memorable.