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Dave Koz Releasing First Live Album “I feel so fortunate to have spent my professional life on the road, touring all over the world, doing shows for almost 25 years now,” Koz says. “I love it. I’ve gotten to see many amazing places, learned so much, and met so many truly wonderful people. A lifetime on the road…it’s been a real blessing. This CD, my very first live record, captures one magical night of that lifetime and I wanted to share it with you.” To sweeten the pot, 'Live at the Blue Note Tokyo' has also been nominated for a Grammy award for 'Best Pop Instrumental Album'. MORE
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Greg Adams Hits #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown
Our chart had nine new tunes included this week with the highest from the Tony Rich Project. His new single 'Fade Away' entered at an amazing #9. 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
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Gerald Veasley Readies Famous Bass BootCamp Gerald takes his experience and knowledge and plugs you into his magical world of Bass playing. His music seminar gives hands-on instruction where attendees can soak up techniques, theory and learn catchy bass lines! This is an incredible opportunity for Bassists to grow and refresh their skills in a weekend getaway. In a relaxed environment participants are exposed to leading bass players as well as bass related music concerts. The BootCamp was established by Gerald, Roxanne Veasley and Lee Patterson in 2002 and has brought in over 500 bass players from across the nation! Catch this Bass experience in Reading, PA on March 1-3. As well as being an incredibly gifted bass player Gerald Veasley is also the afternoon host ( 3-6EST) on Smoothjazznow Radio! - By Shannon Edwards For more information contact: bassbootcamp@aol.com or 215.764.5828
Smooth Jazz Now Introduces New Online Store With this new offer each client also gets their own "artist" page including bio, interview, tour dates, purchase links including CD Baby, iTune, Amazon etc and artist videos. "We just wanted to give our readers a 'whole listening experience,' says Beaudin. Check out a sample page here. For advertising information contact us here.
Saxophone Summit to be Hosted by Warren Hill
It enables fellow sax players, musicians and fans to see some of the top Smooth Jazz artists in the industry. Hill has created the world’s first Smooth Jazz Cruise and now hosting the Saxophone Summit which will feature clinics and hands-on instruction with learning tips and tricks from the best sax players in the business. Joining him in the stellar line-up is Euge Groove, Michael Lington, Eric Marienthal and Elan Trotman among others. Those that attend will also be able to enjoy the live jam sessions from the artists as well. This all comes together on March 23-24 in Santa Ana, CA. MORE
Elan Trotman Releasing Sixth Solo Album “Tropicality” in February
With this CD Trotman grabs his Caribbean heritage and highlights it on Woodward Avenue Records. Elan explains, “We “islanders” are happy people by nature, and that quality has always been evident by the way our music grooves. It’s a story of my journey from “Bridgetown to Beantown", and features rhythms and grooves from not just Barbados, but surrounding Caribbean Islands, Cape Verde, and Latin America. Guitarist and good friend Peter White co-produced the album, along with special guest appearances by Paul Brown, Terri Lyne Carrington and Nick Colionne.” Elan was born and raised in Barbados, studied at Berklee College in Boston on full scholarship and sits with 4 Top Billboard singles already to his credit. He has much passion and takes pride in writing and producing his own music. MORE
Aaron Neville Plans Spring Tour
Neville’s album is being released January 22nd with a featured interview on NPR’s Morning Edition and he has lined up performances on The Today Show Jan 23rd and then The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on the 29th. He will also be performing live from Philadephia’s World Café on January 18th for NPR’s “Free At Noon” concert series. Neville is planning to be interviewed on PBS’ Tavis Smiley next month as well. MORE
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Al Jarreau Takes in Two Grammy Nominations
Jarreau has seven previous awards under his belt and at this year’s ceremony he is up for Best Jazz Vocal Album category for 'Al Jarreau and the Metropole Orkest Live.' He is also nominated in the Best Children’s Album category with 'Jumpin’ Jazz Kids: Swinging Jungle Tale.' 'Jumpin’ Jazz Kids' is a form of children’s music that joins classic narrative storytelling with fun, pop-influenced jazz songs performed by world-renowned jazz artists, a jazz quintet and a full symphony orchestra. The music esemble, Jumpin’ Jazz Kids, will be joining in on the festivities Grammy week and will be performing live at the Grammy Museum in L.A. Feb 8th. The 55th Annual Grammy Awards are on February 10,2013 MORE |
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Steve Lukather Readies New Album and Tour
Lukather is set to release another album, “Transition,” January 21st. HIs 7th solo album will be released in limited deluxe edition, CD, and vinyl. "Transition is a turning point for the album and a turning point for me," Lukather explains. "As we were writing the songs, I was thinking about everything I've seen — all the people I've lost in my life, the great and the difficult experiences I've had, and how ultimately it was time to get it together and embrace things for what they are." To gain momentum, Lukather will launch a European tour in March. MORE
Amy Winehouse Second Inquest Confirms Alcohol Death
Shirley Radcliffe, the coroner this time around said that Winehouse had a fatal blood alcohol level 5 times the legal driving limit and she “voluntarily consumed alcohol, a deliberate act that took an unexpected turn and led to her death.” It was well known to the public that Winehouse had a very hard battle with drugs and alcohol over the years and she was found dead on July 23, 2011 at her home in London. MORE
Adele Rumored To Show Up At Oscars
MTV reports this through word of mouth but the Academy has not confirmed the accusations. The Oscars is scheduled to feature a 50th Anniversary tribute to the James Bond film franchise and it seems fitting that Adele’s theme song for the latest bond film, “Skyfall” may be nominated for Best Original Song. So the thought that Adele will be making an appearance for that part of the show is circulating around. If the Grammy Award winner does show up, it will be the first time since the birth of her child last year. MORE
Montreux Jazz Festival Founder In A Coma
Nobs, 76, injured himself while skiing near his home, went in for surgery and has remained unconscious ever since. A statement that was released from the summer music festival said it will continue with its secretary general, Mathieu Iaton to take over all of Nobs responsibilities. MORE
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SmoothJazzNow Names Kennard Ramsey’s “Somos” The Best Album of 2012
Peter White Has the #1 Song of 2012 on SmoothJazzNow
Only one artist scored five tunes in the year end chart - Kennard Ramsey. Beaudin says, This is the only album this year that scored a perfect 5 out of 5 score and we decided to really give the album a chance." He said the entire staff of SmoothJazzNow picked all five tunes for airplay and all five took off with listeners. Another album made a huge impact with listeners - '24/7' by Gerald Albright and Norman Brown. The album had four songs on the chart including #3 "In the Moment.' Two artists charted three songs on the countdown Richard Elliot and Boney James and had two tunes on the chart - Acoustic Alchemy, Brian Hughes, Chris Standring, David Benoit, Dennis Angel, Erly Thornton, Frank Gambale, Grady Nichols, Jeanette Harris, Jeff Lorber, Nick Colionne, Paul Brown, Pete Gitlin, Roan Soul, Rob Tardik and Ronald Boo Hinkson. CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE CHART
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TOTO's 35th Anniversary Tour Heads to Europe in Summer of 2013! The current line-up of Toto consists of Lukather (vocals, lead guitar), David Paich (vocals & keyboards), Steve Porcaro (vocals and keyboards), Joseph Williams (lead vocals), Simon Phillips (drums) and Nathan East (bass). READ MORE
Player Releasing First new Album in 20 Years
Frontiers Records sent out details on the new album and it will feature 12 new songs as well as acoustic versions of the band’s No. 1 hit “Baby Come Back.” Player was formed in 1977 when Peter Beckett came to the U.S. after his English band folded and met J.C. Crowley at a Hollywood party. The two were joined by Ronn Moss and John Friesen and the four became the founding members. READ THE REST OF THE STORY
One-On-One (20 Questions) with Dennis Angel
1. Who was the person that influenced you the most, that got you excited about music? 2. Describe how you felt performing on stage in front of many people for the first time? READ MORE OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH DENNIS ANGEL
Julian Vaughn #1 For a Third Week on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown
Three new songs entered the chart this week. The highest was 'Let it Snow' by Gerald Veasley at #33, also Dennis Angel's latest 'Forever Funk' at #40, followed by Terry Wollman with special guest Melanie Taylor (on vocals) with 'Breath of Heaven." 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
One-On-One (20 Questions) with Wayne Wesley Johnson Our first act is Wayne Wesley Johnson from New Mexico. His song ‘Passion’ has become a hit on SmoothJazzNow and now you can get to know another side of this guitarist. MORE
One-On-One (20 Questions) with Greg Adams
The trumpet master is, in our opinion, the real San Francisco treat. Adams obviously paid close attention growing up in “everybody's favorite city” in the 60’s. Add to that a stint at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and you get an artist that always makes the fan pay close attention. This guys has one of the most impressive resume's in Contemporary Jazz having worked with Chicago, Heart, Elton John, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, and Carlos Santana. His new album ‘East Bay Soul 2.0’ features the hit ‘Carry On’ that’s currently charting (as of Dec. 7th) at #7 on the SmoothJazzNow.com Top 50 Chart. Check out our One-On-One with the legendary Greg Adams. CLICK HERE
10 Things You Might Not Know About Pete Gitlin 1. Quit his corporate job in July to be a full time musician
Julian Vaughn Makes it Two Weeks at #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown
Daniel D was the fastest mover this week with 'Lullaby' moving up twelve slots to #23. Najee also had a great week climbing up ten points to #32. Only two songs entered the chart this week. Two christmas tunes. Terry Wollman and Melissa Manchester with 'Home to Myself' entering at #37 and Jeanette Harris with 'Let it Snow' at #40. 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
Michael Buble Makes the Forbes 25 Highest Paid Musicians List
The Canadian born crooner will be releasing a new holiday single,\”White Christmas” which includes a special guest performance by Bing Crosby and will be available worldwide December l0th and 11th on iTunes. Other well -known artists that made the list are musicians Elton John, Paul McCartney and Adele. |
















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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
April 30, 2013 – Good Morning America has announced a huge line up for its 5th Annual Summer Concert Series.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
March 22, 2012 – Dave Koz will be joined by several of his old pals as he kicks off A Summer Horns Tour 2013.
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."
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.
March 5, 2013 - Canadian singer, Michael Buble is getting ready for his upcoming album “To Be Loved’ hitting stores April 23rd.
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!”
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." 

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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
– 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! 

January 25, 2013 - Greg Adams is on fire. The famous trumpet master has just hit #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown. "Greg is as good as it gets in this format," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow. "I'm glad that 'Carry One' connected with our audience," adds Beaudin, "This is one of my favorite songs of the last twelve months."
January 24, 2013 - If you want to discover the joy of playing Bass, come join seasoned player Gerald Veasley for his Bass Bootcamp!
January 10, 2013 - We are building it! Smooth Jazz Now has a new format for our online store and this one includes the works. "As usually we go the extra mile for our clients," says John Beaudin, Program Director of Smooth Jazz Now. "This store has everything for both the music fans and the musicians including a one hour radio special for each artist that purchases a "Premium." I will interview the artist and our staff will create a one hour special on the entire album and we will spin each tune on the CD. In some cases the special is longer than an hour," says Beaudin.
January 10, 2013 - Saxophonist Warren Hill will be hosting his first two day workshop! If you have a love for the sax then this is the event for you!
January 7, 2013 - Saxaphonist Elan Trotman, gears up to release another album February 19th called “Tropicality.”
January 10, 2013 - Singer Aaron Neville is set to promote his new album ‘My True Story’ with a spring tour and is making a bunch of media entrances for the big push.


January 8, 2013 - It's hard to not know Steve Lukather. The singer/guitarist and leader of Toto is also a well known songwriter and record producer.
January 8, 2013 - It was recently confirmed from a second inquest that Amy Winehouse, 27, did indeed die from alcohol poisioning. The second autopsy came about after the original coroner lacked the proper qualifications for the job.
January 8, 2013 - There are rumors floating around that Adele may indeed show up for a live performance at the Academy Awards in February.
January 7, 2013 - The Montreux Jazz Festival’s founder and general manager Claude Nobs is in a coma and has been since Christmas Eve. 
December 23, 2012 – This year we have given our highest praise to Kennard Ramsey. The Los Angeles based guitarist produced the freshest album this year according to the entire staff of SmoothJazzNow.com. The CD ‘Somos’ produced five tunes for airplay on the radio stations and each became a hit with our listeners.
Dec 22, 2012 - One thing's for sure, we love Peter White! The guitarist had another banner year charting four songs on SmoothJazzNow Top 50 countdown. In the year end countdown White not only had the #1 song with 'Night After Night,' he had two in the TOP 10 of the year end countdown. His 'Here We Go' landed at #5. "Peter, to me, is the best artist in this genre," says John Beaudin, Program Director and host, of SmoothJazzNow. "He's one of the guys who concentrates on melodies in his music," adds Beaudin.


December 18, 2012 - One of the biggest upcoming stars in Smooth Jazz is Dennis Angel. The trumpet player is also, interestingly, a lawyer and with the release of his first full-length album seems ready to join the ranks of the A-listers. We had a chance to get to know Angel a little better with out popular "20 Questions."
Dec 14, 2012 - Julian Vaughn is on Fire. The newest star in Smooth Jazz has one of the biggest hits of the year with 'On Your Feet.' The tune has now been #1 for three weeks. "This is one of those songs like 'Living in High Definition' by George Benson," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow. "I think Julian will be a big star in this format."The biggest movers were Jeanette Harris climbing up fourteen points to #26 with 'Let It Snow' and Najee who moved up ten slots to #22 with 'Dis N' Dat.'
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.
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.
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.
Dec 4, 2012- Forbes recently released the highest paid musicians and Michael Buble made that list. 






