Smooth Jazz Musicians & Journalists Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson
June 29, 2009 – Ever since Michael Jackson passed away on Thursday June 25, the tributes have been pouring in, It seems all the genre’s have been represented except Smooth Jazz. Well, over the weekend the whole team at Smooth Jazz Now has reached out to some of the tops musicians in the genre to hear their reaction to the tragic death of the “King of Pop.”

Many spoke to us exclusively with personal stories and cherished memories of special songs and albums. Not all the comments were sugar-coated while others stuck with what we have left – the music.

Smooth Jazz Now President John Beaudin said:

“I got into radio the year “Thriller” was released. Being a huge Toto fan I was pleased that Michael and Quincy Jones had used Jeff and Steve Porcaro, David Paich and Steve Lukather of the band all over the place on the album. In fact “Human Nature,” written by Steve Porcaro was basically Toto featuring Michael on lead vocals. Interestingly Mike Porcaro who didn’t appear on the track, said later that if Toto had recorded the tune (it was rejected by the band) there was no guarantees it would even had been a hit, probably not that big anyway. If Michael sang on a song, it changed its whole atmosphere, its whole direction, purpose and acceptance. Read More

Finally, a Statement from the Jackson Family
June 29, 2009 – The Jackson Family have released the following statement concerning Michael's Death:

"In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.

We miss Michael endlessly; our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.

In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: "My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson." More

Review: Craig Chaquico - Follow the Sun
June 28, 2009 – Any major talent has to pay some dues, whether it be playing the small dark metropolitan clubs or on the banks of the steamy Muddy Mississippi River.

World Class guitarist Craig Chaquico has paid his dues in the music industry and played on all the stages.

After being hit by a drunk driver at age 12, Chaquico began playing guitar for healing therapy and by 14 was playing guitar professionally. Two years later he impressed Paul Kantner enough to start jamming with Jefferson Airplane. That lead to gigs with the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Carlos Santana and CSN&Y. Eventually asked to join Jefferson Starship in 1974, his guitar riffs were heard on radio stations globally with headlining tours which led to 15 years of mainstream international mega fame. When Starship broke up Chaquico reinvented himself becoming a Grammy Nominated Smooth Jazz/New Age artist with his exemplary acoustic guitar resulting in over one million CD sales as a solo artist. Ten excellent solo CDs resulted with the last being his Christmas disc “Holiday” back in 2005. More

Major Revelations on Michael Jackson from Deepak Chopra - He Had Lupus
June 29, 2009 – Michael Jackson had Lupus. That’s according to spiritual teacher and medical doctor Deepak Chopra. He told People Magazine that Jackson had the autoimmune disease and a skin disorder for many years.

Chopra said, "He had been diagnosed with lupus and he had Vitiligo, there’s some recent research that suggests that if children have experienced physical or verbal, mental, emotional or sexual abuse, then 20, 30 years later they can develop these autoimmune diseases including Lupus."

Though Jackson never claimed to be sexually abused he was quite vocal about his verbal and physical abuse, mostly from his father. Chopra says “It was a big issue for him.”

The doctor says that the Lupus also explained the singer’s skin discoloration known as Vitiligo. That was very real for Jackson, “He had a lot of blotches on his skin, huge white patches all over his body. So he would cover up his body and that of course gave food for fodder to the press," say Chopra.

Chopra’s son, Gotham, added that more than the Lupus, it was the skin discoloration that really bothered Jackson. He wanted to be a representative of the African American community but because of his condition and rumors of him bleaching his own skin he was ostracized. More

Review: Jonathan Fritzen - VIP
June 27, 2009 - A wave of fresh air from Sweden came last year onto the Smooth Jazz stage with “Love Birds,” the debut album of 26-year old pianist Jonathan Fritzen. This year this musically refreshing Scandinavian breeze is back with the latest release of Fritzen’s second highly anticipated album, “VIP.”

And believe it or not, young Smooth Jazz piano star Brian Culbertson has found a genuine contender in Jonathan Fritzen. “VIP” deserves its title; it’s a first class piano anthem with eleven sizzling original compositions. As for the title, Fritzen told this writer: “I wanted a very solid name with attitude because I thought that reflected the music on this album. It is also an easy title to remember. Actually, one idea we had for the cover was making VIP turn into "Very Important Piano," but I am happy it ended up the way it did.” 

Fritzen’s last effort, “Love Birds” was a “one man show,” as the musician dealt with everything, from composing, performing to producing. “VIP” is a more collective work, as the talented Swede is surrounded by various guest smooth jazz stars and solid local musicians. More

Coroner Says No Foul Play in Michael Jackson’s Death…So Far
June 26, 2009 - Craig Harvey spokesman for the L.A. Coroners office said at a press conference this afternoon that there was no foul play detected in Michael Jackson’s death. There was nothing of surprise at the press conference considering Jackson’s body did not suffer any trauma from a weapon. It does not rule out however what most people speculate was the cause of death – drug abuse or overdose.

Toxicology tests will take 4-6 weeks. Originally it was predicted that results would take 6-8 weeks but there is a possibility that the investigation into his death has been expedited.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a close friend of the Jackson family, was very vocal on HLN this afternoon concerning the singer’s doctor, Conrad Murray. He raised questions on whether Jackson was given proper care and why the police chose to tow the doctor’s car into the police station. CNN has reported that the physician was hired for Michael by the concert promoter who had put his comeback tour together.  He arrived in L.A. two weeks ago and was set to accompany Jackson on the entire tour.

The Rev. said, “The circumstances of the death raises questions on why the doctor gave Michael a shot, why Michael died shortly after and why this doctor has suddenly disappeared.”

At the press conference Harvey did mention that it was confirmed that Jackson was taking prescription medication.

Michael Jackson died yesterday from an apparent cardiac arrest. We will be following this story. More at http://www.rockhistorybook.com

Reporter Diane Dimond Predicts Michael Jackson’s Cause of Death May be Anorexia and/or Drug Related
June 25, 2009 – Diane Dimond who has covered Michael Jackson for years told CNN’s HLN network today that she believes Anorexia may be named as a possible cause of the cardiac arrest. The investigative reporter who claims to have many inside sources to Michael Jackson said the two biggest problems with the singer were prescription drugs and his eating disorder.

The “King of Pop” was pronounced dead this afternoon according to the LA times and the Associated Press. He suffered cardiac arrest and stopped breathing when paramedics arrived at his LA home at 12:26 pm.

Thousands of fans have now gathered outside the UCLA Medical Center where Jackson was taken. Celebrity tours have put the hospital on their routes this afternoon. A candlelight vigil is expected tonight at the site and all over the world.

CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta said this afternoon that considering Jackson was 50 it was not uncharacteristic for a man his age to die of cardiac arrest.

According to CNN a Jackson family spokesman said that they were worried about Michael’s dependency to prescription drugs.

TMZ are reporting that “People who were with the singer (when arriving at the hospital) were screaming, "You've got to save him! You've got to save him!"” More