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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August 28, 2010 – Eric Darius is not giving up his #1 spot. The talented saxophonist received the most buzz in the last seven days with his latest single ‘Uptown Swagger.’ “Eric is going to be our special guest on the countdown in the next two weeks,” says Countdown host and ‘Smooth Jazz Now’ Program Director, John Beaudin. “I think it’s important to notice the quality of Darius’ work and realize that this guy will have a long career not only in Smooth Jazz but also in Contemporary/Fusion areas as well. 
August 21, 2010 – After three weeks at the #1 spot Melody Gardot and her hit ‘Baby I’m a Fool” has finally stepped down leaving room for Eric Darius and his first single from the new album ‘On a Mission.” “Uptown Swagger” which has held the #2 spot for four weeks has gained the most ground in the last seven days on the countdown. “This song is totally taking off. 
August 13, 2010 – “This song has legs,” says Smooth Jazz Now Program Director, John Beaudin, when speaking of ‘Baby I’m a Fool’ by Melody Gardot. The popular love song by Gardot has landed in the #1 position for the 3rd straight week. “Our countdown is solely based on how many times a song spins each week,” says Shannon Edwards, 
August 12, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now Program Director, John Beaudin, has his own interesting fact about Tammy Weis. They both lived in Vancouver in the late nineties and got to know each other professionally via phone interviews. Though Beaudin knew what Tammy looked like from her high profile in that city, 
August 10, 2010 – Success has a habit of multiplying itself. Chris Botti has had his “A” game on for quite a few years now and is no stranger to TV. Besides being a regular fixture on PBS he has also been the Musical Director for the Caroline Rhea show and not a week goes by that the talented trumpeter is not a guest on some variety show. 
August 10, 2010 Los Angeles CA - Indie Contemporary Guitarist/Vocalist Steve Oliver holds the No.1 slot on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Chart with "Fun in the Sun" from his Global Kiss CD four weeks in a row and is No.1 on 5 other major smooth jazz charts. 
August 6, 2010 – When we talked to Jack Prybylski we found out he was certainly an interesting chap. A deep thinker and a very spiritual man, the saxophonist has truly enjoyed the road to recording his latest album ‘Out of the Box.’ 
August 2, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now is pleased to announce the addition of Johnny J. Rivera to our on-air staff. Rivera, a successful Jazz musician in Las Vegas, is fast becoming a national phenomenon with the success of his hit single ‘Lady Cab Driver.’ 
August 1, 2010 – Shannon Edwards was raised in the Okanagan, in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Broadcasting was certainly never on her mind as she searched for a career, “It’s probably the last thing I expected to do,” says Edwards. . 
April 4, 2010 – 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. 
February 23, 2010 - 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. 
June 16, 2010 – 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. 
May 12, 2010 – 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.” 
March 28, 2010 – Here is a band that I’ve watched carefully for the past few years and with the release of “Where Are You” I wondered if they could finally move their tickle-trunk of tricks to the next level. Unfortunately, they’ve eluded that destination but it’s not to say that this album is a total bust.
