Eliane Elias : Brazilian Cool Redefined

Pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias in the past was known as an amazing jazz pianist who frequently paid homage to her Brazilian heritage. She still is, but Elias, who is now based in New York and has performed on albums by guitarist Earl Klugh and vocalist Michael Franks, has remade herself on a brand-new CD called Around the City that no doubt owes much to the success of Bebel Gilberto.

Gilberto is a favorite among the chill-crowd, who remake her songs with a downtempo bent. They could do the same with Elias' latest, a sublime mix of pop and jazz that features both English and Portuguese vocals. In fact, the two languages are combine on the CD's opening track, "Running," quite possibly the smoothest and best vocal tune of the year. It's impossible to get out of your head.

Making appearances on the CD are trumpeter Randy Brecker (her former husband), bassist Marc Johnson (her current husband), flutist Dave Valentin, percussionist Paulino da Costa and others. Her 18^th album, released by the Bluebird record label, has covers of such well-known tunes as Bob Marley’s “Jammin’” and Santana’s “Oye Como Va.” Original tunes include “We’re So Good,” “Slide Show” and “Save Your Love For Me.”

Elias will be making appearances in the U.S. in September in Philadelphia, New York, Seattle and Los Angeles. If you live in or near any of those cities, you deserve a night out to hear this exquisite musician.

Stax Academy Names Kirk Whalum Artist In Residence

The Stax Music Academy in Memphis, which opened three years ago, has chosen saxophonist Kirk Whalum as its first artist in residence. Whalum, who grew up in Memphis but moved away at age 18, will begin his duties on Sept. 5.

Whalum will be much closer to the museum soon, as he recently announced that he is moving back to his hometown early next year and that he and wife, Ruby, are looking for a place downtown. Since leaving Memphis, Whalum has lived in Paris, Southern California and, for the past 10 years, in Nashville. Besides sharing his many musical experiences, Kirk will perform with academy students in public concerts as well as conduct public and private master classes. He’ll also record public service announcements for the Stax Music Academy and adjacent Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

It was in 2003 that Whalum recorded a CD in Memphis called Into My Soul, giving praise to Soulville's Stax Records and the sound of Memphis music. The one-time Memphis based record label was one of the most popular soul-music labels ever, second only to Motown. Whalum grew up listening to the Stax Recording artists such as Al Green, Otis Redding and John Lee Hooker, among others.

Japanese Pop Star Will Be Mrs. Captain Fingers

Guitarist Lee Ritenour, who just released a fantastic new CD called “Smoke n’ Mirrors,” is engaged to be married to Japanese pop singer Anri, whose music he has been producing since her 2000 CD called Smooth Jam – Quiet Storm.

Anri, who is 45 on Aug. 31, made her debut in 1979 and sang the theme song for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. Among those who have performed on her Japanese pop albums, in addition to Ritenour, are guitarists Larry Carlton and Paul Jackson Jr., bassist Nathan East and drummer Ricky Lawson.

Ritenour, whose nickname is Captain Fingers, produced her latest CD, Sol, which was released in Japan in November. Ritenour, 54, has a son named Wesley from his first marriage and has frequently made trips to Japan during his career to perform and produce music.

"She’s quite a well-known singer in Japan," says Ritenour. "I mean very famous over there. We’ve know each other for years as friends and colleagues. We've had a longtime friendship."

New Details on George Benson, Al Jarreau CD

George Benson and Al Jarreau have an all-star cast for their highly anticipated duets album, Givin' It Up. The 13-song CD is a mix of cover songs and originals. Trumpeter Chris Botti and vocalist Patti Austin are featured on a song written by Jarreau called “Let it Rain,” while Mr. Beatle himself, Paul McCartney, joins Benson and Jarreau on a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.”

There are two new versions of Benson and Jarreau’s most famous songs. Jarreau wrote new lyrics for Benson’s “Breezin’,” while guitarist Benson returns the favor by performing an instrumental version of Jarreau’s “Morning.” The superstar pair also cover Seals & Crofts’ "Summer Breeze,” Paul Young's "Every Time You Go Away," John Legend's "Ordinary People," Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child” and Miles Davis' "Four" and "’Long Come Tutu." Original tunes include “All I Am,” “Givin’ It Up For Love” and “Don’t Start No Schtuff.”

Among the many musicians and co-writers on the CD are Marion Meadows, Rex Rideout, Freddie Ravel, Herbie Hancock, Jill ScottPatrice Rushen, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke. Givin' It Up, a collaboration between Concord Records and Monster Music, will be released Oct. 24.

Givin’ It Up Track Listing

1. Breezin’ (Bobby Womack/Al Jarreau) - (5:40)
2. Morning (Al Jarreau/David Foster/Jay Graydon) - (5:02)
3. ‘Long Came Tutu (Marcus Miller/Al Jarreau) - (6:37)
4. God Bless the Child (Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog Jr.) - (3:40)
5. Summer Breeze (Darrell Crofts/Jimmy Seals) - (5:01)
6. All I Am (Rex Rideout/Phillip Taj Jackson) - (3:23)
7. Ordinary People (John Legend/will.i.am) - (5:18)
8. Let It Rain (Al Jarreau/Barry Eastmond) - (4:54)
9. Givin’ It Up for Love (Al Jarreau/Freddie Ravel) - (3:57)
10. Every Time You Go Away (Darryl Hall) - (4:30)
11. Four (Miles Davis/Jon Hendricks) - (5:15)
12. Don’t Start No Schtuff (Al Jarreau/Joe Turano) - (4:44)
13. Bring It on Home to Me (Sam Cooke) - (4:25)