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Rob Tardik Takes It To The Top On Smooth Jazz Now
June 17, 2013 - Congrats to one of the nicest guys in Smooth Jazz!. Rob Tardik has another #1 song on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 50 Countdown. "I've known Rob for years," says AirCom Radio Network's Operations Manager John Beaudin, "Rob works it hard. His message is always positivity and damn good music." Tardik only took seven weeks to reach the #1 spot. MORE

Andy Snitzer Keeps It at #1 For Two Weeks with 'Candy"
June 1, 2013 - Congrats to Andy Snitzer and his big hit "Candy." It stayed at #1 for a second week. "I've been a fan of Andy's for years now," says John Beaudin, Operations Manager of the AirCom Radio Network. "Andy is one of the best players in this and any format and the success of "Candy" is satisfying to his fans." Rob Tardik also had a strong week, "If Rob's "One World" continues it's momentum it will get the top spot very soon," says Beaudin. MORE

REVIEW – Drew Davidsen – True Drew – Oznot Records (3 1/2 out of 5 STARS)
May 28, 2013 - There is a sense of new life on this Drew Davidsen album. Sure, he looks like a million bucks after shedding a few pounds but there is much more going on here. Davidsen is well known as a guy who gives back with his charity work in Ghana, West Africa and like Peter White, Davidsen balances energy, catchy melodies and amazing guitar playing. MORE

Jason Miles' Special Project Global Noize Serves Up our HOT SINGLE PICK
May 22, 2013 – Producer/keyboardist Jason Miles has come up with our highest charting new song this week with an interesting interpretation of Sly Stones, 'It's a Family Affair.' The tune entered our chart last Friday(May 17th, 2013) at #11, one of the highest debuts of the year. “I can't wait to hear this album,” says John Beaudin, Operations Manager of the AirCom Jazz Network, “Jason has never released anything that is normal, Jason always makes “out of the box” very tasty and interesting.” The album is called 'Sly Re imagined.' MORE

Andy Snitzer Takes It To #1 with 'Candy"
May 17, 2013 - After only four weeks Andy Snitzer is sitting pretty at the top spot of the Smooth Jazz Now Top 50 Countdown. "Andy's done well," says John Beaudin Operations Manager at the AirCom Jazz Network, "he dethroned Boney James from the #1 spot," adds Beaudin. MORE

Boney James 5th Week at #1 - Biggest Hit of the Year So Far on Smooth Jazz Now
May 3, 2013 - Things keep looking better for Boney James. The popular sax-man has the biggest hit of the year so far on Smooth Jazz Now with 'Batucada.' It's now been #1 for five weeks. "It's always special when a song stands out that much," says John Beaudin Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. MORE

Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and John Legend Set For GMA Summer Concert Series

April 30, 2013 – Good Morning America has announced a huge line up for its 5th Annual Summer Concert Series. MORE

 

Supergroup BWB Charged Up with New Album and Tour
April 25, 2013 – Three gifted smooth Jazz musicians; Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown came together 11 years ago with their group BWB. These guys put their name on the map with the famous album Groovin’ and are back in full swing with an upcoming release ‘Human Nature’ set for release June 18th. MORE

4th Week at #1 For Boney James on Smooth Jazz Now
April 19, 2013 - Boney James is again the most talked about artist on Smooth Jazz Now. His hit 'Batucada' was the most requested tune on our station for the last two weeks. "You have to love a song with this type of staying power," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. MORE

HOT SINGLE PICK – Andy Snitzer – 'Candy'
April 10, 2013 – The hottest new song on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 50 chart last week was Andy Snitzer's 'Candy' entering at an impressive #5. The tune comes from, 'The Rhythm,' Snitzer's 3rd Native Language album and his 8th overall. The label calls the single “sweet funk/pop” which it is indeed. “I just love this song,” says John Beaudin Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. MORE

It's a Hat-Trick For Boney James - Three Weeks at #1 With Batucada
April 5, 2013 - The most popular song in the land belongs to Boney James. The sax-man is firmly at #1 again, for the third time, with Batucada. "This week, especially, nothing came close to how many requests we got for this song," says John Beaudin Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. He adds, "Boney could be in the top spot for weeks." MORE

HOT SINGLE PICK - Rob Tardik - "One World" - Tardik Talks New Album LIMITLESS with Smooth Jazz Now
March 27, 2013 – They say “everything is perception” and from the start our image of Rob Tardik has been hard working and positive. With the release of his fourth album LIMITLESS, later this year, we thought we would catch up with Tardik and ask about the sound of the new project. MORE

INTERVIEW - One-On-One with Jim Samuel
March 27, 2013 - With the release of Jim Samuel's new album 'Smooth Covers, Smooth Dance' last week and our 90-minute radio special on his career we thought we would delve a little deeper into what makes Samuel tick. MORE

Boney James Reaches #1 For Second Week on the Smooth Jazz TOP 50 Chart
March 26, 2013 - Boney James had the most requested tune on Smooth Jazz Now for the second week in a row. His new single 'Batucada' has only been on the chart four weeks and two of those have been at #1. "Anytime we get a Boney single we know our audience will get it to #1," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. MORE

10 Things You Might Not Know About Mike MacArthur
March 26, 2013 - Mike MacArthur has an impressive resume. Playing with Diane Schuur and the late great Maynard Ferguson creates great cache for an artist.
We asked MacArthur for a few more quirky facts about his career that we might not know. Here is what he served up. MORE

Dave Koz & Friends Plan 'Summer Horns Tour'
March 22, 2012 – Dave Koz will be joined by several of his old pals as he kicks off A Summer Horns Tour 2013.
The tour will open in Clearwater, FL June 7th and will run until the end of August. MORE

Smooth Jazz Now To Present World Premier of Jim Samuel's 'Smooth Covers, Smooth Dance' On Friday, March 15, 5PM (EST)
March 15, 2013 – The AirCom Radio Network is proud to present a special 90-minute Full Spin with Jim Samuel. The pianist is releasing his comeback album 'Smooth Covers, Smooth Dance” today and Smooth Jazz Now has the exclusive world premier of the album in its entirety. MORE

Boney James Reaches #1 in Only Three Weeks
March 13, 2013 - Boney James doesn't fool around! The famous sax-man has reached the #1 spot on the Smooth Jazz Now Top 50 Countdown and it only took him three weeks. "Ok, really - this is Freakin' Boney James," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. "Boney is not just known as a superstar, he proves it with every song and every album." MORE

Natalie Cole Teases About New Music
March 9, 2013 – Natalie Cole has found her muse again! The 'Unforgettable' singer told fans on Twitter that she's coming back. The nine time Grammy winner should have a new album out this year. MORE

Michael Buble Getting Ready For New Album Release
March 5, 2013 - Canadian singer, Michael Buble is getting ready for his upcoming album “To Be Loved’ hitting stores April 23rd. MORE


REVIEW - Mike MacArthur – Feels Like Home (4 out of 5 Stars)
March 2, 2013 – I think the reputation of a music reviewer is that of a bitter and jaded curmudgeon living in a van down by the river. Years ago after writing a blistering review of a project that sounded half finished the artist approached me at a club and screamed, “You must spend a lot of time looking for things to hate?” “Actually it's the opposite, I answered, “I use my hours looking for the good stuff, 3/4 of the trip, however, is filled cliched blah!” MORE

It's Two Weeks at #1 for Euge Groove On the SmoothJazzNow Chart
March 1, 2013 - For the second week in a row Euge Groove had the most requested song on SmoothJazzNow. As a result his 'House of Groove' easily made it to #1 on the TOP 50 chart. "Euge is like Boney James, Dave Koz or Peter White," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow, "They all consistently release music that sticks with listeners." MORE

 

SMOOTH JAZZ NOW CHART FOR June 17, 2013

TM LM ARTIST SONG
1 2 Rob Tardik One World
2 5 Ethan Farmer Beautiful
3 1 Andy Snitzer Candy (two weeks at #1)
4 7 George Benson Unforgettable
5 3 Jeanette Harris Keep Holding On
6 11 Global Noize It's a Family Affair (HOT SINGLE PICK)
7 13 Deon Yates Resaxation
8 15 Fourplay All I Wanna Do
9 16 Paul Hardcastle No Stress At All
10 17 Paula Atherton Sassy Strut
Check out the whole chart here
SMOOTH JAZZ NOW TOP 30 COUNTDOWN
 
SMOOTH JAZZ NOW TOP 30 COUNTDOWN
 
New Interviews

INTERVIEW - One-On-One with Jim Samuel
March 27, 2013 - With the release of Jim Samuel's new album 'Smooth Covers, Smooth Dance' last week and our 90-minute radio special on his career we thought we would delve a little deeper into what makes Samuel tick. MORE

10 Things You Might Not Know About Mike MacArthur
March 26, 2013 - Mike MacArthur has an impressive resume. Playing with Diane Schuur and the late great Maynard Ferguson creates great cache for an artist.
We asked MacArthur for a few more quirky facts about his career that we might not know. Here is what he served up. MORE

INTERVIEW - One-On-One (20 Questions) with Wayne Wesley Johnson
December 13, 2012 – SmoothJazzNow has a new artist/interview feature called One-On-One. It’s 20 questions for your favorite Smooth Jazz artists. Most acts will be asked the same questions but we will also change it up on some weeks. MORE

INTERVIEW - One-On-One (20 Questions) with Greg Adams
December 13, 2012 – Greg Adams has been out there. Even though many fans know him from his days with Tower of Power that stint seemed to be just an opening act for what was to come. MORE

INTERVIEW - 10 Things You Might Not Know About Pete Gitlin
December 11, 2012 - It's been a great year for Pete Giltin. The guitarist reached #1 on the SmoothJazzNow.com chart and there's no sign of him slowing down. We asked Pete to give us some rare facts - things you might not know about him. Check out the list. MORE

New Reviews

HOT SINGLE PICK - Rob Tardik - "One World" - Tardik Talks New Album LIMITLESS with Smooth Jazz Now
March 27, 2013 – They say “everything is perception” and from the start our image of Rob Tardik has been hard working and positive. With the release of his fourth album LIMITLESS, later this year, we thought we would catch up with Tardik and ask about the sound of the new project. MORE

REVIEW - Mike MacArthur – Feels Like Home (4 out of 5 Stars)
March 2, 2013 – I think the reputation of a music reviewer is that of a bitter and jaded curmudgeon living in a van down by the river. Years ago after writing a blistering review of a project that sounded half finished the artist approached me at a club and screamed, “You must spend a lot of time looking for things to hate?” “Actually it's the opposite, I answered, “I use my hours looking for the good stuff, 3/4 of the trip, however, is filled cliched blah!” MORE

Review - Terry Wollman - A Joyful Noise - Mango Eater Music (4 Stars out of 5)
November 18, 2012 - Christmas music is a unique animal. A challenging one. Imagine explaining the concept to an alien, "So we celebrate this holiday and musicians, at least once in their careers, get to record the same 30-40 songs and hope that their versions sticks," MORE

REVIEW - Bob Baldwin – Presents Betcha By Golly Wow – The Songs of Thom Bell – Peak Records (**2 out of 5 STARS)
May 1, 2012 - We live in a world where most instrumental music sounds like it was made for a 5x5 vertically moving room and that includes some Smooth Jazz. Interestingly, most Smooth Jazz musicians are technically some of the best players on the planet but many have fallen into this big vacuous hole, an amnesic state, where channelling Bert Kaempfert is common place. MORE

REVIEW - Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society (****4 out of 5 Stars) – Heads Up – Concord Music Group
April 4, 2012 – Esperanza Spalding is a groovy chick. I mean, really, when she’s in the room, everyone else disappears and I’m talkin’ more than that big “love-sculpture” hair. She’s the type of musician you might walk up to at a party, ask about her music, and walk away three hours later regretting the question. This lady has a vision so you better have a seat. 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

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

 

David Benoit ‘Feelin’ Number 1 on Smooth Jazz Now
September 15, 2012 – We have a new #1 from David Benoit. The keyboardist has been hovering around the top spot for the last few weeks, with ‘Feelin’ It,’ and thanks to fans response he’s made it on top. Pete Gitlin, who spent two weeks on top, moved down to #5 with ‘Amplify.’

The two fastest movers on the chart were Chris Standring and Greg Adams. ‘Pandora’s Box’ by Standring gained 9 spots moving up to #20. Adams did even better with a 16 point jump to #22 with ‘Carry On.’

Though there were many new releases last week only one made an imprint with our fans. The only new entry was Marc Antoine’s ‘Montuno Bay’ at #42. – By John Beaudin

The Smooth Jazz Now TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. SEE THE CHART

 

David Benoit Continues His Musical “Conversation” This May
April 17, 2012 – Get ready for another beautiful journey from David Benoit on May 29th. His new album, `Conversation,’ will no doubt serve as another expansion for the Smooth Jazz format.

The genre is restructuring and, in the end, that’s great news for you the listener. Why? Well, musicians are getting away from tired formulas – they are being musicians again! Interestingly, David Benoit has never played that game. Every single one of his albums has been different sonic adventures.

For three-and-a-half decades, Benoit has easily proven that Classical, Latin, Pop and Jazz are a necessary part of a musician’s palette. This is an artist who has innate curiosity and love for all music. I doubt that Benoit separates his CD collection via genre.

Special guests on the project include guitarist Jeff Golub, acoustic guitarist Pat Kelley, guitarist David Pack, flutist Tim Weisberg and classical pianist Robert Theis.

The new album will be released on Heads Up International. – by John Beaudin

David Benoit Holds Down # 1 For Two Weeks
Jody Quine of Balligomingo is Special Guest on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 30 Countdown
July 24, 2010 – David Benoit’s new album ‘EarthGlow’ is certainly hitting a high note with fans of Smooth Jazz Now.com. The projects first single ‘Will’s Chill’ is number one for two weeks in a row. “Reaction has been really great in the last two-three weeks,” says Smooth Jazz Now Office Manager Kari Graham, “I think it might be time to add a few more tracks off the album to our station.”

Kenny G also seems to be on fire with his new single ‘Heart and Soul.’ After only two weeks it’s already in the #8 spot. Bob Baldwin’s new Michael Jackson Tribute album ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ has three songs in high rotation on Smooth Jazz Now but the standout seems to be the title song, which jumped seven spots to #14. Jaared also has a new hit song with ‘Dancing with You’ from his new CD ‘Manhattan Nights,’ it jumped from #22 to 15.

Jody Quine (pictured below), lead singer, of the band Balligomingo will be the special guest on the program for the next two weeks. The groups hit song 'Spinning' was #1 for two weeks. More

David Benoit Takes # 1 Spot on the Smooth Jazz Now TOP 30 Countdown
Mindi Abair Set as Special Guest on Program
July 15, 2010 – It’s never surprising but always an event when a Smooth Jazz superstar reaches the number one position on our TOP 30 Countdown. Case in point David Benoit’s new album ‘Earthglow’ has just produced our new number one tune with ‘Will’s Chill.’

Benoit, who grew up in Los Angeles, started studying piano seriously in his early teens and by the mid-seventies graduated to Music Director to Lainie Kazan, Ann Margaret and Connie Stevens. The pianist’s solo career started shortly after but it was not until his association with the famous GRP label that things finally took off.

“I think David Benoit is a national treasure,” says Smooth Jazz Now Program Director and Countdown host John Beaudin. ‘We’re talking about a guy who was there creating exceptional product when this format got started, in a similar form to now, back in the mid-eighties.” Benoit will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Smooth Jazz Awards on October 29, 2010. More

David Benoit's next CD "Heroes" Set To Be Released in May 27, 2008
May 2, 2008 - Famous contemporary jazz pianist, composer and producer David Benoit is set to release his brand new album entitled "Heroes" for Peak Records in May 27, 2008. This album is Benoit's homage to his musical heroes and includes the famous tracks "Your Song," "Mountain Dance," "Light My Fire," "Waltz For Debbie," and "Human Nature." Composers and artists represented are Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, The Doors, The Beatles, Dave Grusin, and Horace Silver. The album starts with famous Michael Jackson's track "Human Nature". The album includes two new Benoit compositions, including a tribute to Dave Brubeck, "A Twisted Little Etude."

In addition to his contemporary jazz work, Benoit has established himself as a classical composer, conductor, and artist. He is currently serving his 7th season with the Asia America Symphony Association as Music Director & Conductor of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra and Asia America Youth Orchestra. He will be debuting his latest concert work, "Dolores Del Carmen" for Spanish Guitar and Orchestra on June 7, 2008, with the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He will be performing over the course of the season with famous Japanese sax player Sadao Watanabe, Japanese American pianist Jon Nakamatsu, and one of the world's top ukulele players, Jake Shimabukuro.

Five-time Grammy nominee David Benoit has arranged, conducted and performed music for many popular pop and jazz artists over the years, including Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Kenny Rankin, Faith Hill, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Pack, David Sanborn, and Brian McKnight. - by Akbar Nour
For more information: www.benoit.com; www.asiaamericasymphony.org

Smooth Jazz Goes Cruising Crazy
February 21, 2005 - Seems like everyone is cruising these days. Smooth Jazz Cruise pioneer Warren Hill has just completed his second sell out full charter while, almost at the same time, Bob James was sailing on a musical journey out of San Diego. Later in the year Rick Braun is leading a top-notch line up on a seven-day trip out of Galveston and Warren Hill's 2006 event is already proving to be a big early seller. Sandwiched among all this is the "Dave Koz & Friends At Sea" cruise that sails from San Diego on November 5 and is being managed by the same organization that made Hills last event such a success. Calling at destinations that include Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and Peurto Vallarta, Koz has assembled a line up every bit as good as one would expect from this master of live Smooth Jazz. Artists already confirmed, and who performed on the Hill cruise, are Wayman Tisdale, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub, and Jonathan Butler. Joining them will be Marc Antoine, Patti Austin, David Benoit, Chris Botti, George Duke, Jeffrey Osborne and Praful. It's a line up that promises to produce seven days of high quality Smooth Jazz. - By Denis Poole

David Benoit Excited About New Orchestral Album
December 4, 2004 - Like Chris Botti, David Benoit is diggin' the strings. The pianist's next album will be a whole orchestral affair. Set for a spring 2005 release "Orchestral Stories" is now being recorded in Prague, Czechoslovakia and will feature the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Like Chill music strings could be a new trend for Smooth Jazz artists considering Botti is sitting pretty at #37 on the Billboard Top 200. Benoit has had the album in the works for many years and he's a natural, he performed numerous times with Orchestras, has written music of the ilk and he has studied conducting. Benoit is also the Music Director and Founder for the Asia America Youth Honor Orchestra. The project works with students 11 to 18 years old.

Russ Freeman Reunites with David Benoit on Project 2
June 29, 2004 - Ten years after they released their first Project CD David Benoit and Russ Freeman are finally back with their follow up simply titled 'The Benoit-Freeman Project 2.' The album released on Freeman's Peak label has been out since Tuesday June 22. The two musicians go way back when they worked together on the first Rippingtons album 'Moonlighting' in 1986. Since then Freeman has lead the Rippingtons to being one of the top acts in Smooth Jazz. Though Benoit has made guest appearances with the Ripps the pianist has had a long successful solo career having released over thirty albums since 1977. Benoit's last album 'Right Here Right Now' was officially his last for GRP/Verve and appropriately he has signed on to Freeman's Peak records. Benoit says his next album will be released either late 2004 or early 2005. The Benoit -Freeman Project have announced a short tour so far. Click here for the details. http://www.peak-records.com/tour.html

David Benoit To Release New Album in Late Summer
May 2, 2003 - Keyboardist David Benoit will be in good company on his next album. The new project due in late summer will feature trumpeter Rick Braun who's producing the project as well as saxophonists Mindi Abair and Dave Koz and guitarist Peter White. Like Pat Metheny on his soon to released album, Benoit will feature a version of Norah Jones' Grammy-winning hit "Don't Know Why." Benoit is also working on a song in tribute to the events of 911. Benoit has just been nominated for two National Smooth Jazz Awards: keyboardist of the year, and album of the year for his 2002 release Fuzzy Logic.