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 thattime, 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
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
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.
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
Review Policy - Smooth Jazz Now.com believes money
does not buy a positive review. The music world is filled
with magazines and websites that will play you, or positively review you if you buy advertising. That's
not what we are about. It's a little thing called credibility.
If you want to advertise with us, we welcome you and will
do our very best to make sure anyone who visits this site
will know your name, but we won't guarantee you a positive
review. If you work with a magazine that gives you these
guarantees remember it's your reputation that's on the
line, they've already sold theirs. - John Beaudin, President,
Smooth Jazz Now.com
Sacramento Loses Their Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. More
Now 3 Chances to Win “Classic Smooth Jazz 6 Packs” February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history. More
In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’ 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. More
Sade Is Queen Again February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. More
Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” More
In Conversation with Paula Atherton February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer. Read the interview