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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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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! 
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. 
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! 
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.
– 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. 
– 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
– 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! 
– 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. 
– 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. 
- 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. 
- 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. 
– 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. 
– 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.” 
