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TOP STORIES

Dave Koz- Ultimate Christmas Collection & Tour
November 15, 2011 - Dave Koz fans are thrilled with his fourth Christmas album. All the songs on his new release “Ultimate Christmas” are compilations from his three previous holiday albums. Now this is ringing in the festivities Koz style! MORE

Smooth Jazz Now has a Sister Radio Station
October 25, 2011 – It was only a matter of time before the Air-Com Radio Network added another station to its line-up. Interestingly, the new station attracts the same demographic as the very popular Smooth Jazz Now – 35-64 adults. MORE

Only Nine iPad-2 Packages Left to Win on Smooth Jazz Now
October 24, 2011 – It’s a great time to win an iPad-2! With the Holidays just around the corner you could consider it a great present for yourself or, better yet, give it to the one you love! MORE

Kennard Ramsey – Somos – 5 out of 5
October 20, 2011 – This is no ordinary album. In fact, there is nothing normal about this album and that’s what makes this one of the most perfect projects that’s ever come across my desk. MORE

Now Even More Chances to Win an iPad-2 From Smooth Jazz Now – LISTEN TODAY TO WIN
– Last week “Smooth Jazz Now” called out one name to win a new Apple iPad-2. Today, starting, at 12/noon (eastern) we will give up to 4 listeners a chance to win the hottest gadget in the world. MORE

Smooth Jazz Now Tightens Up The Sound
– With two more Smooth Jazz stations (WLOQ in Orlando and Wave/Toronto) giving up on the format this week we thought it was time to mix up the genre, just a bit! “Smooth Jazz Now” has decided to add more life to this format. MORE

REVIEW: Colbie Caillat – All of You - Universal Republic
– On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun. Caillat co-wrote every tune on the album with different famous, mostly behind-the-scenes songsmiths.. MORE

REVIEW - Michael Franks – Time Together – Shanachie Records
– There are not too many things in life as deliciously lazy as Michael Franks voice. The guy could chill out someone on deaths door. Seriously, angst has no place on a Michael Franks record – he’s good at one great thing..making you feel good! MORE

SMOOTH JAZZ NOW CHART

TM LM ARTIST SONG
1 2 Adele Love Song
2 5 Sade Still In Love With You
3 7 Cindy Bradley Massive Transit
4 4 Patrick Yandall Margueritas at Sunset
5 6 Yellowjackets Timeline
6 13 Euge Groove S7even Large
7 16 Rob Tardik East Meets Wes
8 3  Boney James Contact (#1 for eight weeks)
9 1 Rippingtons Riviera Jam
10 8 Patti Austin  Let 'Em In
Check out the whole chart here
SMOOTH JAZZ NOW TOP 30 COUNTDOWN
 
SMOOTH JAZZ NOW TOP 30 COUNTDOWN
 
New Interviews

Airborne Interview with Smooth Jazz Now
– Not many groups have stood the test of time like Airborne. Coming in around the time that the NAC format was really starting to cook, 1988, this outfit grew with every project, gig and album. Having just released their most powerful album yet, New Horizon’s, it looks like the world is ready for this, a full dose of positive, social conscious fusion. We sat down with the band to chat about all the twisting, yet beneficial roads taken. More

Interview: Zach Bandolin Back Home After Lots of World Travelling
– The smart ones in life know that it’s not how you fall down in life that counts but how you get up. Zach Bandolin has had his fair share of topsy-turvy moments but the guitarist keeps swinging. More

In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’
- French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. More

New Reviews

Kennard Ramsey – Somos – 5 out of 5
October 20, 2011 – This is no ordinary album. In fact, there is nothing normal about this album and that’s what makes this one of the most perfect projects that’s ever come across my desk. MORE

REVIEW: Colbie Caillat – All of You - Universal Republic
– On her third album Colbie Caillat has decided to strategically give us an uptempo summer-vibe. It still sounds like her smash debut “Coco” but this time it’s Colbie with caffeine and it’s positive and fun. Caillat co-wrote every tune on the album with different famous, mostly behind-the-scenes songsmiths.. MORE

REVIEW - Michael Franks – Time Together – Shanachie Records
– There are not too many things in life as deliciously lazy as Michael Franks voice. The guy could chill out someone on deaths door. Seriously, angst has no place on a Michael Franks record – he’s good at one great thing..making you feel good! MORE

REVIEW - STEVE COLE - “Moonlight”
- Programming Smooth Jazz Radio has allowed me to discover talent over the decades and follow the twists and turns in their career. Such is the case of saxophonist Steve Cole an artist whom has played on numerous number #1 Smooth Jazz hits and been a regular spin on most smooth jazz radio stations play lists. MORE

REVIEW - Sade – Soldier of Love
– There’s always been an understated value to everything that Sade does and sameness to her entire repertoire. That quality of old wine has served the singer/band well… until now. Unlike Norah Jones who has, at least, tried to mix-up-the-pot, Sade really needs to stop wearing the same dress to every party. More

REVIEW - Mindi Abair – In Hi-Fi Stereo

– Well, one things for sure, Mindi Abair is not shopping on Main Street anymore. As they say, “run away from the past and eventually it will run into you.” More

 

UPDATE: Al Jarreau Getting Better
July 25, 2010 – There is much good news coming from Al Jarreau. The singer is finally feeling better after a scare on Thursday. Just before heading to the stage in Barcelonette the Grammy winner collapsed after feeling incredibly weak. He was suffering breathing problems and quickly moved to a Marseille hospital by helicopter Saturday.

Now hospital authorities say Jarreau is feeling much better and is in good spirits even though his stay will be extended another three-four days for monitoring. In a statement the singer’s manager said after a few more tests Jarreau, "Hopes to resume his tour at the end of the coming week."

Jarreau, 70, is known for his tireless work ethic and positive spirit. All of us at Smooth Jazz Now.com wish him a quick recovery. – by John Beaudin

Grammy-winner Al Jarreau Hospitalized in France
July 24, 2010 – Al Jarreau fell ill just before taking the stage on Thursday. The Jazz legend was then hospitalized with respiratory problems, according to French health officials.

Jarreau, 70, was ready for a concert in Barcelonette, in southern France near the Italian border, when he became weak.

Yesterday the singer was in intensive care but has since been downgraded to stable condition and is conscious and breathing without assistance. Hospital spokesperson Pierre-Yvan Simonoviez says, "His condition stabilized by late morning but remains worrying... He is conscious, awake but tired."

Though not confirmed some are speculating that his condition might have been brought on from fatigue and the altitude in Barcelonette. Jarreau's agent announced that the singer's next few concerts have now been cancelled. – by John Beaudin


 

Grammy Winner Al Jarreau Headlines at All That Jazz Weekend
Jan. 18, 2009 - Al Jarreau, Kevin Mahogany & The Godfathers of Groove, The Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Bonnie Bramlett and Vince Lewis will perform at The Grove Park Inn.

The seventeenth annual "All That Jazz" weekend at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa will bring legendary Jazz artists to Asheville, North Carolina, January 30 -31 for two days of concerts with seven-time Grammy award winner Al Jarreau, Down Beat magazine's "Male Vocalist Of The Year," Kevin Mahogany, Cyrus Chestnut, Bonnie Bramlett, Vince Lewis and many other notable artists.


The Friday evening concert kicks off with soulful diva Bonnie Bramlett and her burning Mr. Groove Band. Following Bonnie, the evening's headliner, Kevin Mahogany will recreate his Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center performance of Kevin Mahogany's Kansas City Revue featuring the music of Big Joe Turner and co-starring The Godfathers of Groove: Cyrus Chestnut - piano, Red Holloway - Sax, Bernard Purdie - drums, Grant Green, Jr. - Guitar, Reuben Wilson - Hammond B-3 and vocalist Kathy Kosins.

On Saturday night, The Cyrus Chestnut Trio with Bernard Purdie on drums and John Brown on Bass will open with a set of Bebop, ballads, Blues, swinging Jazz and then the weekend headliner seven-time Grammy award winner Al Jarreau. Jarreau's innovative musical expressions have made him one of the most exciting and critically-acclaimed performers of our time with seven Grammy Awards and scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide. He remains the only vocalist to ever win Grammy awards in three different categories (Jazz, Pop, and R&B).

Fore more information: www.groveparkinn.com - By  Akbar Nour

Al Jarreau Working on Next Solo CD
July 5, 2008 - Seven time Grammy Award-winning vocalist and composer Al Jarreau is currently working on his next solo album, after his most recent musical work “Love songs” (a collection of some of his classics with covers of other favourites) came out in January 2008. His previous CD “Givin’It Up” (2006) was done with his friend star guitarist George Benson and was a great success, as the musicians won a Grammy Award for the project. However, Al Jarreau’s previous solo album “Accentuate The Positive” (2004) did not really deserve its title, as it got a lukewarm reception.

Al Jarreau is the only artist who has won Grammy Awards in three different music genres; Jazz, Pop and R&B. So we all look forward to listening to the next crossover legend singer’s CD. - By Akbar Nour
Al Jarreau and George Benson are Givin' it Up
September 26, 2007 - Givin it Up unites these two masters of jazz for the first time, featuring guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Jill Scott, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, and Chris Botti. Read More
Adobe

Smooth Jazz Nominees at the Grammys
December 8, 2004 - Looks like the sun won't set any time soon on Norah Jones. The singer was nominated for five Grammys yesterday including nods for Pop Vocal Album and Female Pop Vocal for her second CD "Feels Like Home." The late Ray Charles was another multiple nominee with seven (his album had 10 nominations) and the biggest artist heard on Smooth Jazz radio was Alicia Keys with eight nominations. Read more.

Al Jarreau 1 Nomination
- Best Jazz Vocal Album - "Accentuate The Positive"

Al Jarreau's New Album Revisits His Childhood
August 19, 2004 - As the old saying goes 'what goes around comes around' and for Al Jarreau it's all good as he's gone full circle to singing songs he did as a kid. His new album 'Accentuate the Positive' features 'The Nearness of You' a tune he sang as a seven year old long before he understood what 'nearness' even meant. Jarreau says the songs are like old friends that he's been singing in the shower and in the car forever. The album is available on Verve Records. View Jarreau's new updated site for his latest concert tour
.

Al Jarreau Talks About His 'To Do' List
August 5, 2004 - Al Jarreau has just released his latest album 'Accentuate The Positive' and the singer is taking time to take inventory on his career. The verdict is he still has lots of things to accomplish. The Jazz legend has already won five Grammy's, he was awarded Verizon Literacy Champion Award and his own star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame just to name a few of his accomplishments. Jarreau is not downplaying anything he's done but his 'to do' list is quite large including his plans for a future Christmas or Big Band album and a possible duet with one of his biggest influences Johnny Mathis. The sixty-four year old singer has stretched his boundaries on his new album recording the whole set live in the studio with no overdubs or background vocals or arrangements or strings. 'Accentuate the Positive' is just Jarreau with piano, bass, drums and guitar. It's truly a vocal album and it's out on Verve Records.

Al Jarreau Ready To 'Accentuate the Positive'
July 6, 2004 - Al Jarreau describes his new album 'Accentuate the Positive' as "quite different than any other that I have recorded." In a statement the singer said, "All songs were recorded live in the studio with a quartet." Jarreau wanted a very clean feel for his new Verve album adding "There were no string arrangements, no background arrangements, background vocals or overdubs, only two solo's by harmonica and tenor sax were added after the original sessions where I sang along with the quartet." 'Accentuate the Positive' will be in stores on August 5 and reunites the singer with producer Tommy LiPuma who worked on 1976's "Glow" and 1977's Grammy-winning live album, "Look To The Rainbow." Jarreau will start a small tour on August 13.

Al Jarreau Goes For Simple Production On New Album
March 16, 2004 - This could be good news for Al Jarreau fans - more vocals. The Grammy winning vocalist plans a more simple clean production on his next album that should really highlight his voice. The album due August 3rd will also go in a more traditional Jazz direction. Here's what Jarreau said on his official revamped website www.aljarreau.com

" Just a few words for now about the new CD. It is so new that we still haven't come up with a title for it. We're hoping for a spring or summer release of 2004. This new CD is quite different than any other that I have recorded. Simplicity and sparseness was the first and last commandment for this project. All songs were recorded live in the studio with a quartet. There was no string arrangements, no background arrangements, background vocals or overdubs, only two solo's by on harmonica and tenor sax were added after the original sessions where I sang along with the quartet. The quartet includes piano, bass, drums and guitar. I'll list the songs in a moment but in effect what we did was to select some classic standards, some jazz standards and added two original pieces. We allowed those classic compositions to lead us to new but simple arrangements of themselves. I sang more differently than ever!"

Here is the list of songs on my forthcoming new album.
Cold Duck, The Nearness of You, I'm Beginning to See the Light, My Foolish Heart, The Midnight Sun, Accentuate the Positive, Betty Bee Bop's Song, Waltz for Debbie, Groovin' High, Lotus Flower and Scootch-a-Bootie.

Al Jarreau Has the Tale For A Great Country Tune
June 20, 2003 - It would make a good hurtin' tune. That's Al Jarreau's reaction to his recent back problems take took him out of commission for months. The singer had to have surgery last fall and placing a titanium plate and a cadaver bone in his upper back. Jarreau recently joked with the press saying his first country song would go like, "Titanium plate and a cadaver bone, don't tell me I'm all alone." Before the operation Jarreau says the problem took his balance away and caused great pain in his arms and shoulder.

Al Jarreau Returns After Back Surgery
June 5, 2003 - Smooth Jazz superstar Al Jarreau wants to thank all his fans for their warm wishes during his recovery from back surgery last September. Jarreau also credits "the music" for helping him bounce back so quickly even though for a while he thought he may have returned too soon. Five weeks after the surgery Jarreau was back on stage, "I was going: 'I think I can, I think I can.' And down around week four I was going, 'Aw, I know I can. I'm gonna be OK." Jarreau is in the process of rescheduling dates that were cancelled last year. Jarreau will headline the Verizon Music Festival with dates in New York City, Tampa, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. The singer has been Verizon's Literacy Champion for the past year raising funds to bring awareness to the problem of low literacy in America.

Al Jarreau To Champion Literacy Campaign
Al Jarreau, the Grammy Award-winning jazz musician who is a headliner for the Verizon Music Festival, is jazzing things up with the rhythm of reading by becoming a Verizon Literacy Champion. Three concerts -- in New York City's Battery Park on Sept. 21, 2002; Los Angeles' Wadsworth Theater on Oct. 4, 2002; and Tampa Bay's Coachman Park on Nov. 2, 2002 -- will benefit NYC Reads, Southern California Reads and Tampa Bay Reads literacy programs through book donations and contributions. Be sure to look for Jarreau's Literacy Champion poster at these concerts.

In addition, a portion of the proceeds from Jarreau's new album, All I Got, will go to Verizon Reads, our literacy charity. The album is scheduled to be released in mid-September 2002.

Jarreau will also spend time with children in each of the concert cities, sharing and reading the book Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka. Scholastic, a national partner of Verizon's Literacy Champion program, publishes this book and will donate the books given out by Jarreau.

Jarreau's musical influence lends itself well to the ties literacy has with music. Students in music programs typically have a higher grade-point average than students in the same school who don't study music. And research reveals that learning to play an instrument enhances the skills necessary for reading, such as concentration, listening, anticipation and memorization.

Music fans can support this literacy effort by purchasing Jarreau's newest CD, All I Got, or attending one of these Verizon Music Festival concerts and donating a book. ( from the official Verizon web site)