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," The little green man would certainly ask, "why not expand yor dance card?" Interestingly, the collective aren’t too keen on many new Christmas tunes each year. So we are left with the same old formula, which brings us back to making interpretations stick - making them special.

Terry Wollman has done his homework on what makes a holiday album work.  ‘A Joyful Noise’ is a greatest hits on how to reinvent the Christmas wheel. Wollman creates a patchwork of mostly well known Christmas tunes but also includes some rare gems and even goes the extra mile and bravely creates his own songs – something that, I think, should be a must.

'A Joyful Noise' has an overall smooth feel-good message while also serving up some decent variety. Most of all this project can easily appeal to someone who may choose to sit outside the Smooth-Jazz genre. It has enough ambience to fit in as an atmospheric category and enough spice to make one tap their toes - at least a few times.

The project starts with the Robert Wells/Mel Torme classic 'The Christmas Song' easily one of the most played December tunes. Wollman gives it room to breathe - its un-hurried style is gorgeous and the bass-lines from Abraham Laboriel (who is all over this project) is just icing.

'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' is given the same treatment. It's a lesson in slowing down. It certainly made me pause. Imagine a song stopping you in your tracks - giving you permission to be in the moment. That's how good this one is. Wollman's gift as a guitar player shines on this one.

'Jingle bells' features one of the greatest sax players, not only in this genre but any, Eric Marienthal. Let's just say this little classic is enjoying its caffeine jolt as one of the toe-tappers.

The legendary Lenny Castro serves up percussion on one of the best interpretations on the album 'Little Drummer Boy.' Even though there is nothing overly new about the arrangement it serves as a lesson on how good things can get with the right musicians in the same room. READ MORE

10 Things You Might Not Know About Jeanette Harris

November 18, 2012 - Jeanette Harris is one of the hottest New Sax players in Contemporary Jazz. The Fresno, California native has already charted four songs off of her 'Saxified' album on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 countdown including the title tune that reached #2 on our chart.

We asked Jeanette to help us get to know her a little more with things that were not in her bio.

Here is her own list of "10 Things You Might Not Know about Jeanette Harris."

1. I love to cook but will not follow a recipe…I’m all about improvising in the Kitchen. There’s nothing like a home cooked meal!!!

2. I love to eat almost all styles of food including - Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Soul Food! The spicier the better.

3. I enjoy fishing…as long as I don’t have to touch the worm or the fish.

4. I co-wrote “The Best Is Yet To Come” on Norman Brown and Gerald Albright's new CD 24/7.

5. I love to rollerblade which is about the only exercise I enjoy doing ? read more

Dave Koz & Friends Jazz Up Christmas

November 17, 2012 - Get ready for a fun-filled night the whole family can enjoy! Dave Koz will be bringing some Christmas cheer along with guests, David Benoit, Sheila E, Javier Colon and Margo Rey.

The Nov 24th celebration at Ruth Eckerd Hall will be jammed packed with tunes of Christmas favorites and up tempo arrangements. Dave Koz has also joined up with Ruth Eckerd Hall to help the homeless by hosting a canned food drive.

It’s easy, donate three canned goods and receive a coupon for $10 a ticket to Dave Koz. Drop off and redemption at Ruth Eckerd Hall during business hours only. Some restrictions may apply.

Go to http://www.rutheckerdhall.com/event/dave-koz-smooth-jazz-christmas/11252/ for more information. – By Shannon Edwards

Julian Vaughn Wastes No Time Reaching #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown

Nov. 9, 2012 - Julian Vaughn made it to #1 after only 5 weeks on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown. "The Kansas City native has had lots of steam with 'On Your Feet," says John Beaudin Program Director of SmoothJazzNow.com. Beaudin adds, 'This is easily one of the catchiest tunes of the year."

The #1 tune for the last three weeks, Peter White's 'Night After Night,' moved down to #3.

The fastest shakers from the last seven days included both Diana Krall and the duo of Gerald Albright with Norman Brown both moving thirteen points with 'Just Like a Butterfly That's Caught in the Rain' and 'Champagne Life' respectively.

Two new tunes entered the chart this week, violinist Daniel D, with Lullabye at #35 and Najee's 'Dis N' Dat' at #42.

The SmoothJazzNow 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 Sanborn Fundraising Concert for Camarillo Hospice

November 9, 2012 - Grammy award -winning artist David Sanborn will be performing in concert to benefit an organization called Camarillo Hospice.

This organization was established in 1978 and provides free services to help people who are facing life-altering illness or life ending issues.

Executive Director of the hospice Sandy Nirenberg adds, “Since we are completely donor- and grant-funded, whatever we raise is a gift of unlimited power!”

Two students doing community service with the hospice this semester helped to make this all possible and organized the concert and silent auction.

In addition to Sanborn’s performance, the Ruben Reza Group and Rich Santana band will be playing as well.

The concert will be Nov. 15 at The Canyon in Agoura Hills.

For more information go to: www.camarillohospice.org  MORE

Peter White “Soul Train Award” Nominee

November 7, 2012 - The incredible acoustic guitarist Peter White has been nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist at the 2012 Soul Train Awards for “Here We Go.”

The show is scheduled to be taped tomorrow night at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Peter White has been #1 on the Smooth Jazz Now top 50 Countdown three weeks in a row with his hit single “Night After Night.”

The Soul Train Awards will airs at 9 pm Eastern/Pacific time Sun., Nov. 25 on both the BET and Centric cable networks.

Other nominees are Ben Tankard, Cassandra Wilson, Brian Culbertson and Esperanza Spalding. READ MORE

“A Jazz Fete” With Dave Koz and Friends Sold Out!

November 7, 2012- This Friday many are joining saxophonist Dave Koz, Patrick Bradley and friends for a holiday celebration benefiting the Grammy Foundation at the House of Rock.

This all comes together at the Whole Foods Market in Santa Monica, CA where guests will be able to enjoy holiday favorite foods surrounded by the beautiful sound of Smooth Jazz.

Guests will also have the opportunity to taste new vintages of Koz wines and there is sure to be something festive for everyone.

Go to www.ajazzfete2012.eventbrite.com for upcoming events and schedules. MORE                                                                                                                  

You Can Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy - A Message from SmoothJazzNow Program Director John Beaudin

November 5, 2012 - As we watch the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy's devastation we need to remember the days following a natural disaster of this sort are critical.

Our brothers and sisters in the east coast need our help! All the websites and radio stations of the Air-Com Radio Network have launched a huge non-profit advertising campaign to help the victims along with the Red Cross.

Listen for the on-air commercials on SmoothJazzNow and banners on the site and help if you can.

Please contact the American Red Cross at Red Cross.org                                                                      

For our Canadian listeners go to red cross.ca, international donations can be made at http://www.ifrc.org/ - READ MORE                                                                                                

Jason Miles Donating Proceeds to New Single to Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy
Nov. 4, 2012 - The worst of mother nature can bring out the best in human nature. In the past week we have heard some very heroic stories. Jazz artist and producer Jason Miles is giving back by donating proceeds from his band's new single to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Miles' band Global Noize is a Global Music group with Jason, DJ Logic, Falu, Jay Rodriguez and Amanda Ruzza. The single 'Dreams' is available on iTunes by clicking here . You can also pick it up on Amazon.com by clicking here                                                                                                                                                    

In an exclusive interview from SmoothJazzNow Miles said, "People are truly hurting. It's crazy up where I am there were almost riots yesterday because we had gas up here and everybody from jersey was heading this way."  READ MORE

Peter White's 'Night After Night' #1 for Third Week

Nov. 2, 2012 - Peter White seems to have a big hit on SmoothJazzNow. His 'Night After Night' just topped the chart for a third week. "Peter is smokin' with this tune," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow, "We are getting tons of requests for this song."

The highest movers in the last week included Jackiem Joyner with 'City on Our Knees" moving up eleven slots to #20. The Dangling Success also moved eleven with Bling now at #27. Both Euge Groove and David Benoit moved ten points with their tunes 'The House of Groove' and 'You're Amazing' respectively.

The SmoothJazzNow TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. CHECK OUT THE CHART

Peter White Makes it Two Weeks At #1 with 'Night After Night'

Oct 25, 2012 - The love for Peter White continued this week and, of course, it resulted in another week at #1. "Peter is one of those artists that has been consistent with an amazing quality in his music," says John Beaudin Program Director of SmoothJazzNow. "This format would be much healthier if we had more artists releasing this calibre of work." White's 'Night After Night'  has only been on the chart for eight weeks - two of those at #1.

The biggest mover this week was Euge Groove with 'House of Groove' which climbed nineteen slots to #18. On his second week on the chart Jackiem Joyner moved up thirteen points to #31.

Only two songs debuted this week. Adele's James Bond theme 'Skyfall' at #9 and another single from David Benoit, 'You're Amazing' at #36.

The SmoothJazzNow TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. CHECK OUT THE CHART

Peter White's Huge Week Gets Him to #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50

Oct 23, 2012 - SmoothJazzNow fans spoke loud and clear this week by making Peter White #1. "This was the weirdest week ever on the chart," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow. "Peter has been in the top 10 for a few weeks just hovering close to the top spot but in the last seven days we got tons of requests for 'Night After Night.' In fact, nothing was even close to White's performance on SmoothJazzNow. It took only seven weeks for 'Night After Night' to get there.

The biggest movers this week were Julian Vaughn with the tune 'On Your Feet" which moved up seventeen slots to #3. Nick Colionne, who has many loyal fans at SmoothJazzNow, from his DJ years here, move up twelve to #31. Both Brittni Paiva and Erly Thornton moved up ten slots with their tunes 'Alive' at #17 and 'Latismo' at #21. Pete Gitlin's 'Another Day in Paradise' and Paul Brown's 'Backstage Pass' both moved up eight points.

Three songs entered the countdown this week, The Dangling Success with 'Bling' at #47, Jackiem Joyner's 'City on Our Knees' sitting at #44 and the highest entry came from Euge Groove with 'The House of Groove at #37.

The SmoothJazzNow TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. CHECK OUT THE CHART

Fleetwood Mac Set for Reunion Tour

October 18, 2012 - Steve Nicks is the first band mate to leak out to ABC radio that Fleetwood Mac is set to regroup and head into rehearsals again. It looks like this will all start unfolding towards the end of February next year.

If everything goes as planned, the rock group that started back in London in 1967, will be out on tour by the end of April. This reunion also marks the 35th Anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary album Rumors. It is said from insiders that band member Christine McVie will not be joining in the reunion.

Nicks hints that she is also considering new music for the live shows too but that it’s in the early stages as they haven’t stepped into the world of Fleetwood Mac yet. The group have been on a break since 2009 and there are rumors that the reunion band might also headline the 2013 Glastonbury Music Festival . MORE

Are You Eligible to Win An iPad3-A-Day? Make Sure You Are Signed Up To the Smooth Listeners Club

Oct. 16, 2012 – SmoothJazzNow is doing it again! We are giving away an iPad3-A-Day but are you eligible? If you are receiving our weekly emailer then you’re good – your name is in the draw. If not it’s easy to enter immediately.Click on this link and click on the SmoothJazzNow mailing list…and that it!

“SmoothJazzNow has switched email accounts this past year and through a glitch in the system some listeners may have been left out of our database,” says John Beaudin, Program Director of the station.

“This is also the last time we are playing ‘The iPad-A-Day’” says Beaudin. “As we head into the busy Christmas season an iPad3 would be a great present to give to someone or yourself.”

Remember you can join the Smooth Listeners Club by clicking here and then listen for your name at 12-noon eastern every weekday with Beaudin and new co-host Shannon Edwards. When you hear your name call us back, at 917-310-7625, within 15 minutes and the iPad3 is yours! MORE

Fourplay Reaches #1 in Just Four Weeks on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50

Oct 13, 2012 - One thing's for sure, there are lots of Fourplay fans listening to SmoothJazzNow! The supergroup is enjoying the success of another great album with 'Esprit De Four' and now the first single 'Sonny Moon' has reached the top of our chart. "The addition of Chuck Loeb in the band was a smart move," says John Beaudin, Program Director, of SmoothJazzNow. "He's always been one of my favorite guitarists and a damn nice man!"

The fastest mover on the chart was Jeanette Harris with 'All I Do' going up 13 slots to #33. Early Thornton with Steve Oliver also got a lot of action moving up 9 spots to #31 with 'Latismo.'

Only two songs entered the chart this week. Julian Vaughn had a big debute with 'On Your Feet' entering at #20. "This is a catchy tune." says Beaudin. "This is the type of tune that makes you stop in your tracks and we've had lots of requests for it." Our old friend Nick Colionne also entered the chart with "There It Is" at #43.

The SmoothJazzNow TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. MORE

Three Weeks at #1 for Gerald Albright & Norman Brown on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50

Oct 6, 2012 - Norman Brown & Gerald Albright have just made it three weeks straight at #1. The pair are doing well with the hit 'In The Moment.' "I gotta say I love it when a tune that I really dig makes it to the top of the chart," says SmoothJazzNow Program Director, John Beaudin.

The top movers this past week included Acoustic Alchemy with their song 'One For Shorty' jumping 15 spots to #24. Brittni Paiva who jumped 15 spots to #34. She debuted on the chart last week. Both Paul Brown and Vincent Ingala had big gains moving up 10 slots to #33 and #14 respectively.

There were no new songs on the countdown this week.

The SmoothJazzNow TOP Chart is based only on audience requests and inquiries. It is a non-payola chart. Pay-for-play is prohibited on the station. MORE

John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards to Debut New Morning-Mid-Day Show On SmoothJazzNow

October 1, 2012 – SmoothJazzNow is about to get a new morning team – sort of.  John Beaudin and Shannon Edwards who both currently host shows on SmoothJazzNow are joining forces to host the morning and mid-day show.  “We’ve never had a duo host a show on this station,” says Beaudin, “But we host a six hour daily show on our sister station, RockHistoryBook, and it gets amazing ratings so we are going to bring that chemistry to SmoothJazzNow.”

Shannon Edwards says, “As most people know, John and I are married, and that makes for an interesting dynamic on air. We know each other so well but we certainly don’t agree on everything. All I can say is the dialogue will be interesting.”
The new ‘John and Shannon Show’ will debut on Monday, October 15th at 6AM EST and will run until 3PM each weekday.

It was also announced earlier today that Gerald Veasley will be joining the SmoothJazzNow team. The bassist will host the afternoon show from 3-6PM EST. – by-READ MORE

Gerald Veasley Joins Smooth Jazz Now Team

October 1, 2012 – The Air-Com Radio Network is pleased to welcome superstar Jazz musician Gerald Veasley to our team. The bassist will host the afternoon shift (3-6PM EST) each weekday on SmoothJazzNow – one of the world’s Smooth Jazz radio stations.

“Gerald and I have known each other for a few years,” says Air-Com President and Smooth Jazz Now host John Beaudin. “He is one of the classiest men I’ve ever met and he’s an amazing broadcaster adds Beaudin.  “Gerald has been a guest host on SmoothJazzNow before and the reaction was fantastic.  We look forward to having him as a permanent fixture on our station!”

“I’m grateful to be part of the SmoothJazzNow team.” Says Veasley, “I meet many fans who miss hearing smooth Jazz on terrestrial radio and they don't know where to find the music that they love.  SmoothJazzNow serves that audience with the freshest music created by the best artists in the genre.”

“As an artist, I enjoy playing the music, because I can appreciate how much work goes into creating the music,” says Veasley. “I even enjoy announcing the artists' names, because I realize how important it is that they're recognized for their work.  Music discovery is also important to me as an artist; being part of the SmoothJazzNow team will help me hear new music and new artists.”

His first show will be Monday October 15th. So what can fans expect? Veasley says, “When SmoothJazzNow listeners tune in and hear me, it will be like taking a road trip with a good friend listening to great music together.  This friend just happens to have a few stories about the music to make the ride even sweeter.” – MORE

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