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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November 15, 2011 - Dave Koz fans are thrilled with his fourth Christmas album. All the songs on his new release “Ultimate Christmas” are compilations from his three previous holiday albums. Now this is ringing in the festivities Koz style! 
October 25, 2011 – It was only a matter of time before the Air-Com Radio Network added another station to its line-up. Interestingly, the new station attracts the same demographic as the very popular Smooth Jazz Now – 35-64 adults. 
October 24, 2011 – It’s a great time to win an iPad-2! With the Holidays just around the corner you could consider it a great present for yourself or, better yet, give it to the one you love! 
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.
– With two more Smooth Jazz stations (WLOQ in Orlando and Wave/Toronto) giving up on the format this week we thought it was time to mix up the genre, just a bit! “Smooth Jazz Now” has decided to add more life to this format. 
– 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! 
– Not many groups have stood the test of time like Airborne. Coming in around the time that the NAC format was really starting to cook, 1988, this outfit grew with every project, gig and album. Having just released their most powerful album yet, New Horizon’s, it looks like the world is ready for this, a full dose of positive, social conscious fusion. We sat down with the band to chat about all the twisting, yet beneficial roads taken. 
– The smart ones in life know that it’s not how you fall down in life that counts but how you get up. Zach Bandolin has had his fair share of topsy-turvy moments but the guitarist keeps swinging. 
- French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
- Programming Smooth Jazz Radio has allowed me to discover talent over the decades and follow the twists and turns in their career. Such is the case of saxophonist Steve Cole an artist whom has played on numerous number #1 Smooth Jazz hits and been a regular spin on most smooth jazz radio stations play lists. 
– There’s always been an understated value to everything that Sade does and sameness to her entire repertoire. That quality of old wine has served the singer/band well… until now. Unlike Norah Jones who has, at least, tried to mix-up-the-pot, Sade really needs to stop wearing the same dress to every party. 
– Well, one things for sure, Mindi Abair is not shopping on Main Street anymore. As they say, “run away from the past and eventually it will run into you.” 
