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.
Mindi Abair will be the special guest on the countdown this week. This marks her third visit to the show.
Two songs entered the chart this week, ‘Let it Shine’ by Tim Bowman and a huge debut by Kenny G with the title song to his new album ‘Heart and Soul’ which entered at No. 16.
The Smooth Jazz Now TOP 30 Countdown is heard every Saturday and Sunday at 12-Noon and 6PM (eastern) and throughout the all-night show on the weekends. It’s also aired at 7 and 10PM (eastern) on Wednesday nights and throughout the all night show on Thursday mornings. – by Shannon Edwards
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