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TOP STORIES

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

 

Dave Koz Releasing First Live Album

January 26, 2013 – Dave Koz, the eight- time Grammy nominee, is set to release his first live album. The sax-man will unveil 'Live at the Blue Note Tokyo' through Concord Records on February 12th. The live set was recorded in Japan in 2011 and the features over a dozen songs.

“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

 


 

Greg Adams Hits #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown

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."

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

 

 

Gerald Veasley Readies Famous Bass BootCamp

January 24, 2013 - If you want to discover the joy of playing Bass, come join seasoned player Gerald Veasley for his 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

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.

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.

Also don't forget all our packages include radio spots and banners.

Check out a sample page here. For advertising information contact us here.

 

Saxophone Summit to be Hosted by Warren Hill

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!

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

January 7, 2013 - Saxaphonist Elan Trotman, gears up to release another album February 19th called “Tropicality.”

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

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.

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

 

 

Al Jarreau Takes in Two Grammy Nominations

January 9, 2013 - Al Jarreau has two projects that he released in 2012, and not surprisingly, they are both being nominated for the Grammy Awards.

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

 

Steve Lukather Readies New Album and Tour

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.

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

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.

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

January 8, 2013 - There are rumors floating around that Adele may indeed show up for a live performance at the Academy Awards in February.

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

January 7, 2013 - The Montreux Jazz Festival’s founder and general manager Claude Nobs is in a coma and has been since Christmas Eve.

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

 

 

SmoothJazzNow Names Kennard Ramsey’s “Somos” The Best Album of 2012

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.

The popular film and TV composer also scored this year’s only perfect score. John Beaudin, Program Director, of SmoothJazzNow.com gave the album 5 out of 5 stars. ‘When I found this album I had just listened to 15-20 Smooth Jazz Cd’s in a row and each one of them sounded exactly the same. Then I put on Kennard’s album and I fell in love,” says Beaudin. “This gentleman’s sensibility, the tone and spirit in his music is hypnotic. Check out the list

 

Peter White Has the #1 Song of 2012 on SmoothJazzNow

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.

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

 

 

TOTO's 35th Anniversary Tour Heads to Europe in Summer of 2013!

December 19, 2012 – Toto fans are happy campers! There’s a big celebration coming up with the band’s 35th anniversary tour that will cover lots of ground in Europe. Though more dates are expected, so far the tour will kick off May 30th at Forest National in Brussels, Belgium and end on June 23rd at Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland.

VIP packages are available which includes meet-and-greets with the band, special sound-check invites and a chance to stand on stage during the group’s encore.

Click here for more info. http://totoofficial.com

Toto leader Steve Lukather is also releasing a new solo album on January 21, 2013. You can pre-order the album here. http://stevelukather.mlgmerch.com/music/

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

December 19, 2012 - It’s been confirmed that Player, the rock band that made their start in the late 1970’s is pushing out another new album “Too Many Reasons” being released February 26th. This will be the band’s first release in 20 years with the original line-up!

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

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."

1. Who was the person that influenced you the most, that got you excited about music?

My father. He played the trumpet and put on shows for the troops in WWII and started giving me trumpet lessons when I was 7.

2. Describe how you felt performing on stage in front of many people for the first time?

I was 8 years old and played Cherry Pink with the house band at the Heiden Hotel in the Catskills. I was too young to know I should be nervous and knew performing in public was going to be in my blood.

READ MORE OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH DENNIS ANGEL

 

Julian Vaughn #1 For a Third Week on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown

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.'

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

1. Quit his corporate job in July to be a full time musician
2. Loves golf...plays to a 6 handicap, and has two holes-in-one
3. Saw The Beatles at Shea Stadium in NYC in 1965
4. Plays bass in "Foo Too", a Foo Fighters cover band
5. Meditates...been doing so since early 1970's...ooommmm...


Check out the list

 

 

Julian Vaughn Makes it Two Weeks at #1 on the SmoothJazzNow Top 50 Countdown

Dec 7, 2012 - Julian Vaughn is still our #1 man on Smooth Jazz Now. Though the chart has been absent since November (for software updates) Vaughn easily came out on top with his hit 'On Your Feet.' "This tune is simply smooth and catchy," says John Beaudin, Program Director of SmoothJazzNow. "I think Julian has a bright future in Contemporary Jazz."

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

Dec 4, 2012- Forbes recently released the highest paid musicians and Michael Buble made that 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.

See below for the complete list.

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