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Darren Rahn & Wayman Tisdale Reach No. 1 on Anniversary of Tisdale’s Passing
 May 17, 2010 – It must have been a bittersweet occasion this past weekend when Darren Rahn’s intepretation of Chaka Khan’s “What Cha Gonna Do For Me” reached number one on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 30 Countdown. It was also the weekend that marked the one year anniversary of Wayman’s passing (May 15 2009).
Rahn was my special guest this weekend on the countdown and this is what he told us about his relationship with Tisdale.
“Wayman was a very special part of my life. There have obviously been a lot of memorials and celebrations of his life and I think the people who knew him the closest really felt the magnitude of that loss and it’s something I can’t even state enough, it’s unbelievable and at the same time he was an incredible guy to celebrate and his music is going to carry forward wonderfully.
 Wayman was as much of a friend as he was a mentor to me. He was my first big break in the business. We did that song “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” and from the first day that we worked together we were like friends. He never treated me like a producer or like an employee because it was always like two friends having fun doing what we love to do and so that was the epitome of our relationship. We were just very good friends.
When we worked on my new record (Talk of the Town) he heard the Chaka Khan track “What Cha Gonna Do For Me” and he said ‘Darren I’d love to play on that’ and I said ‘perfect, because I was going to ask you (laughing).’ It was really effortless and he brought so much to it. Also it was one of our favorite tracks that we’ve ever done together and he was so proud of that track when it was finished and excited that it was going to be on my record.” – by John Beaudin
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Review: Darren Rahn – Talk of the Town
 March 10, 2009 - Canadian-born Darren Rahn is the epitome of the success story many aspirants in the music business imagine for themselves. His grasp of the principle of disciplined hard work, coupled with the dedicated mastery of his art (via study at the University of Northern Colorado, resulting in him becoming a masters level jazz graduate) have reaped generous rewards for this artist in ways many can only hope to experience at some point in their lives. Here on Talk of the Town, his 3rd album, Rahn continues blazing that indelible trail of excellence.
A little background on this phenomenal talent: Rahn began working behind the scenes in the mid-90s producing and programming tracks for other artists. It was his work with Wayman Tisdale in 2004 on “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” that would catapult him into the limelight of the music industry. He continued to work in the studio with Tisdale and an assortment of other smooth jazz heavyweights, and these relationships would prove pivotal in the launching of his solo career, enabling him to quickly and easily move from behind the console to the stage. Since that time, Rahn has firmly established himself among the front-and-center luminaries, touring with Tim Bowman and playing with acts like Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius, Kim Waters, and Gregg Karukus. This latest production comes on the heels of his 2007 debut CD with nuGroove Records, Once in a Lifetime, a delightful showcasing effort. More |
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Saxophonist/Producer Darren Rahn is the Talk of the Town With His New CD
Feb. 18, 2009 - Highly popular sax man and producer Darren Rahn has just released his new release "Talk of the Town" on February 17 on NuGroove Records.
As one of the smooth jazz genre's hottest producers, Rahn has dominated the Billboard and Radio and Records (R&R) charts over the past few years. He recently had three consecutive #1 productions on the coveted R&R smooth jazz chart, holding the #1 position with three different artists (Dave Koz, Eric Darius and Tim Bowman) from September all the way through the end of 2008. That's 14 consecutive weeks at #1! During that time, he held the top three chart positions for several weeks and had as many as four songs in the top 10 at the same time.
"Talk of the Town" features an incredible all-cast of key musicians such Bob James, Jeff Lorber, Wayman Tisdale, Tim Bowman and others. This collection of 12 intelligent and catchy sonic masterpieces will keep the listeners grooving the whole time. So Darren Rahn will definitively be "The Talk of the Town" with his brand new release. - By Akbar Nour
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Nate Harasim and Darren Rahn to Perform for Presidential Inaugural Gala
 Dec. 20, 2008 - Pianist Nate Harasim and guest saxophonist Darren Rahn will perform "A Time for Hope" at the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Jazz Gala. The show is at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria, Virginia (Washington, D.C.) on January 20, 2009. This high energy duo, known for their work with the emerging super group DeNate, are set to light up the stage at 5PM.
A percentage of each ticket will be donated to Hope Farm, a mentoring program for African-American and Latino boys designed to create successful men and leaders.
For more information http://www.presidential-inauguration.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=34 - By Akbar Nour |
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Darren Rahn Remixes "Sweet Dreams" for De'Nate'
Oct 25, 2008 - A radio remix of "Sweet Dreams" by De'Nate' from the “Reminisce” album has just been released. The new single remix is the work of Contemporary Jazz mastermind Darren Rahn. Rahn has played a key roll in the recent charting success of Wayman Tisdale, Dave Koz and Eric Darius, to name a few. “When I was asked to do the remix of De’Nate’s version of “Sweet Dreams” I jumped at the chance. The original was one of my favorite tunes of the whole 80’s era. It’s so original and unique. Nate and Deb did an amazing job of really putting their own spin on the song and it seems to fit their whole vibe perfectly. I love that it’s not just the same old thing. Nate had already produced the album version and did a great job on it – so I just took his foundation and did my thing on top of that. I really enjoyed myself on this one – it’s a much needed departure from the norm and I think people are really gonna dig this single. This was a great collaboration and I’m stoked to be working with De’Nate," said Rahn.NuGroove’s president, David Chackler asked keyboardist and producer, Nate Harasim and vocalist Deborah Connors to team up and record a new album together for NuGroove, an album that combines their singular talents, and creates a new sound to invigorate the Contemporary Jazz format, as well as R&B, Soul and even Pop. The combination of Deborah Connors uniquely intricate vocals on top of Nate's incredibly haunting rhythms became “Reminisce.” (Released on August 19, 2008) - By Akbar Nour
For more information: www.myspace.com/denatemusic; www.thenugroove.com/artists/denate/denate.htm
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August 28, 2010 – Eric Darius is not giving up his #1 spot. The talented saxophonist received the most buzz in the last seven days with his latest single ‘Uptown Swagger.’ “Eric is going to be our special guest on the countdown in the next two weeks,” says Countdown host and ‘Smooth Jazz Now’ Program Director, John Beaudin. “I think it’s important to notice the quality of Darius’ work and realize that this guy will have a long career not only in Smooth Jazz but also in Contemporary/Fusion areas as well. 
August 21, 2010 – After three weeks at the #1 spot Melody Gardot and her hit ‘Baby I’m a Fool” has finally stepped down leaving room for Eric Darius and his first single from the new album ‘On a Mission.” “Uptown Swagger” which has held the #2 spot for four weeks has gained the most ground in the last seven days on the countdown. “This song is totally taking off. 
August 13, 2010 – “This song has legs,” says Smooth Jazz Now Program Director, John Beaudin, when speaking of ‘Baby I’m a Fool’ by Melody Gardot. The popular love song by Gardot has landed in the #1 position for the 3rd straight week. “Our countdown is solely based on how many times a song spins each week,” says Shannon Edwards, 
August 12, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now Program Director, John Beaudin, has his own interesting fact about Tammy Weis. They both lived in Vancouver in the late nineties and got to know each other professionally via phone interviews. Though Beaudin knew what Tammy looked like from her high profile in that city, 
August 10, 2010 – Success has a habit of multiplying itself. Chris Botti has had his “A” game on for quite a few years now and is no stranger to TV. Besides being a regular fixture on PBS he has also been the Musical Director for the Caroline Rhea show and not a week goes by that the talented trumpeter is not a guest on some variety show. 
August 10, 2010 Los Angeles CA - Indie Contemporary Guitarist/Vocalist Steve Oliver holds the No.1 slot on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Chart with "Fun in the Sun" from his Global Kiss CD four weeks in a row and is No.1 on 5 other major smooth jazz charts. 
August 6, 2010 – When we talked to Jack Prybylski we found out he was certainly an interesting chap. A deep thinker and a very spiritual man, the saxophonist has truly enjoyed the road to recording his latest album ‘Out of the Box.’ 
August 2, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now is pleased to announce the addition of Johnny J. Rivera to our on-air staff. Rivera, a successful Jazz musician in Las Vegas, is fast becoming a national phenomenon with the success of his hit single ‘Lady Cab Driver.’ 
August 1, 2010 – Shannon Edwards was raised in the Okanagan, in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Broadcasting was certainly never on her mind as she searched for a career, “It’s probably the last thing I expected to do,” says Edwards. . 
April 4, 2010 – 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. 
February 23, 2010 - 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. 
June 16, 2010 – 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. 
May 12, 2010 – 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.” 
March 28, 2010 – Here is a band that I’ve watched carefully for the past few years and with the release of “Where Are You” I wondered if they could finally move their tickle-trunk of tricks to the next level. Unfortunately, they’ve eluded that destination but it’s not to say that this album is a total bust.
