Mindi Abair Dedicating Song To New Orleans

Smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair has entered the famed Capitol Studios in Los Angeles to finish recording her third CD and follow-up to Come As You Are. She has completed a tune called “Rain” that she’s dedicating to the people of New Orleans, many of whom were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Other songs include “Far Away,” which features a string section directed by Julie Rogers, “Bloom,” “Do You Miss Me?” and “Slinky,” which Abair calls a fun and sexy, Euro-inspired tune that she plays the soprano saxophone on.

As we’ve reported, the majority of the songs are written by Abair and her writing partner Matthew Hager. In addition to songs written with Adam Levy, the guitarist in Norah Jones’ band, and with blues legend Keb’ Mo’, Abair has called on numerous musicians to guest star on the CD, including vocalist Lalah Hathaway, keyboardist Ricky Peterson, bassists Stan Sargeant and Larry Klein and percussionist Paulinho da Costa.

The CD is expected to be released in the spring of 2006. Abair says she’s realizing a lifelong dream to record at Capitol Studios, where trumpeter Chris Botti also recorded his new CD called To Love Again.

"I definitely look forward to recording," she says. "You’ve written these songs and you have a specific sound in your head of what you want these songs to sound like. It’s a really fun yet arduous process. You know, I mean you’re sitting there, hmm, I hear this kind of thing and I go through five million keyboard sounds to try and find the right sound that I’m hearing. And so it is this really fun experiment of what we can make of this music that’s been in our heads for so long."

Rick Braun Offers Free Song Online - First New One in 2 Years

Trumpeter Rick Braun, who recently released a CD of cover tunes called Yours Truly, is now offering a brand-new song online. The song, “Sao Paulo,” is the first original song that Rick has offered to fans since his Esperanto CD from 2003.

And the good news even gets better – the song is available for free.

"Everybody’s welcome to come on to the site and download, their bonus track," Braun says. "The song’s really fun and catchy, sort of Brazilian type of a song. It’s a really neat tune. I’m happy with it."

To get your copy of the song, go to at www.artizenmusic.com and follow the link.

ARTizen Music Group is the new record label that Braun and partner Richard Elliot debuted late last year. Earlier this year, Elliot also offered a free download on the website of a song called “Mystery.”

Injury Forces Joyce Cooling To Cancel Cruise

Back problems have forced smooth jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling to cancel her appearance on this month’s first-ever All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by trumpeter Rick Braun.

Although Cooling recently strained her back while hauling musical equipment, she had hoped to still be able to set sail when the cruise departs on Nov. 13. But Cooling's manager says that she’s decided that it would be better for her to remain in her Bay Area home to recuperate while canceling all appearances for the rest of the year. Her first appearance in 2006 is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Cerritos, Calif.

Cooling is now focused on her rebabilitation and is working with musical partner Jay Wagner on a new album to follow-up her March 2004 release called This Girl’s Got to Play.

"We’ve written a bunch of songs for it," Cooling says. "And, as always but even more now than ever – and I think I say this every CD – I’m ready for a change. I need to stretch in a different way. I need to do some different things. I’ve been fooling around with a balalaika, and it’s given me some different chords and just opened up my head a little bit. I’ve been playing a little bit of keyboards, working on some vocals and just stretching out."

Maxine Hardcastle Gets Help From “American Idol” Creator

Maxine Hardcastle, whose sublime vocals made their debut on this summer’s Hardcastle 4 CD by her father, Paul Hardcastle, is now getting some excellent career guidance.

The 19-year-old budding singer and songwriter is now working on demo songs with Simon Fuller, who just so happened to create Pop Idol in Britain and its version in the U.S., American Idol. If you’ve heard Maxine’s vocals on the new CD, on which she sings three songs, you know she’s got talent galore. But she’s still able to take advantage of the fact that Fuller is Maxine’s godfather and was Paul’s best man at his wedding. Also, Fuller named his entertainment and talent management company, 19 Entertainment, after Paul’s worldwide hit from 1985 called “19.” Since then, Fuller – who created the Spice Girls and manages Annie Lennox – has been involved in the creation of 106 #1 singles and 83 #1 albums in the UK, along with 281 Top 40 albums and 430 Top 40 singles.

Proud Paul – whose “Serene” has been No. 1 on Radio & Records' smooth jazz singles chart for five consecutive weeks – calls Maxine’s original songs a cross between Norah Jones and the Corrs.

Hardcastle says he auditioned Maxine for a song called “Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin” on his new CD and says she definitely passed the test.

"You know when it’s your own daughter you have to be hyper-critical. And I was almost thinking, no, she wouldn’t suit it. But when I heard the way that she way that she approached the song and sung it, I was really surprised. That’s why I got her involved in three tracks. My good old friend Simon Fuller’s helping me out to look after her so there’s no rush. But she will be looked after I think she’s got a great future ahead."

We agree. With her obvious physical charms and angelic vocals, it looks like there's a new star coming our way soon.

Chris Botti Performing "God Bless America" At World Series

Smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will have a national audience on Sunday, Oct. 23, when he performs "God Bless America" in Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field for Game 2 of the World Series. The Chicago White Sox are playing the Houston Astros.

Botti is only too happy to be in the national spotlight. Last year, he was scheuled to perform “God Bless America” during Game 5 of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. But the Red Sox, of course, swept the Series in four games to capture their first championship in 86 years and deny Botti his chance.

"Me and my manager decided that it would be best for our schedule to play Game Five," he recalls. "Who would have ever thought that the St. Louis Cardinals would get swept in four? I think that was the lowest part of my career. We flew into St. Louis and landed during the seventh inning of Game Four and realized that they weren’t going pull it out and go to Game Five. You know, having to sit there in the hotel in St. Louis, which was by then a ghost town with sadness because the Cardinals had lost, was no fun. But that’s the way it goes. And those are the choices you make. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose."

Botti has a brand-new CD out this week called To Love Again.

Euge Groove Shares Personal Information

Many fans of smooth jazz saxophonist Euge Groove knew that he and wife Bane were expecting their fourth child last month, in September. Euge now wants to let his fans know that Bane suffered a miscarriage earlier in the year.

The saxophonist says he decided to go public with this personal matter because so many of his fans had been asking. "I want to thank all of my fans who expressed their concern and have wished us well," he says.

Meanwhile, Groove and his wife will celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary next month and enjoy the time they spend with their three children; 15-year-old Dax, 14-year-old Canyon and 8-year-old Lilah Belle. In fact, they will be taking the kids with them on Warren Hill's Smooth Jazz Cruise in January 2006.

Groove's first single from his new album called Just Feels Right, a song called "Get Em Goin'," moved up to #4 on Radio & Records' smooth jazz chart this week.

Rick Braun Explains The Inspiration Behind New CD

Rick Braun’s new CD of cover songs called Yours Truly won’t be released until later this month, but right now you can hear song samples in addition to Braun’s explanation as to why he chose the specific songs that he did.

You can listen in by going to www.artizenmusic.com to hear a streamcast, or you download it to listen to whenever you want. Braun says the nine-minute audio is one of many interactive features that will be unveiled at the home of the ARTizen Music Group, which he co-founded along with saxophonist Richard Elliot.

During the five-minute audio, Rick explains that the upcoming CD is a love letter to his fans, which is why he chose Yours Truly as the title. Among the interesting things you’ll hear what song inspired him when he fell in love for the first time, what songs he grooved to while driving from his home to Pennsylvania to L.A. to embark on his musical career, and what track he couldn’t stop listening to after it came out.

"You know, I’ve had a pretty successful career in smooth jazz and I’ve got a lot of very loyal fans," Braun says. "So I decided to record a CD that was a compilation of some of my favorite songs and dedicate it to all of my fans who have given me this incredible career. If you look in the liner notes, you'll see that I sign it off as yours truly, Rick Braun."

The first single from the CD, Braun's languid reading of Earth, Wind & Fire's “Shining Star,” is No. 19 on Radio & Records' smooth jazz chart.

Richy Kicklighter: Chill-Out Guitar Music From Florida

You may never have heard of Florida guitarist Richy Kicklighter, but over the course of seven albums he’s made some of the most mellow and gorgeous smooth jazz on the planet.

Kighlighter's King’s Highway and Myakka CDs from 1993 and 1994, respectively, are two of his best. It may conjure up overworked images, but his best songs on those and all of his CDs have been the ones that’d be kissin' cousins for the warm breezes of tropical nights.

Kicklighter – and you have to love that name – returns with 12 new songs on Moving Skies, released on his Midnight Pass Music. There are many memorable moments here, but the one song that jumps out as one of the guitarist’s new classics is the title track. It’s simple, elegant and the perfect chill-out tune after a hot day at the beach. “Bahia Vista” and “Indian Shores” would work also.

A perfect way to iron out stresses, Moving Skies is a muy bueno guilty pleasure, better than therapy.

Bob James Fusing East and West On New CD

Veteran pianist Bob James' ambitious vision to fuse smooth jazz with music from the Far East and share it with his fans worldwide will shortly become a reality. James has just inked a deal with the Japanese division of Sony Music to release a CD called The Angels of Shanghai.

In January 2005, James made his third trip in two years to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music to record music with a talented group of five young Chinese musicians who attend the prestigious university. The result, when released later this year in Asia, will be a new Bob James CD with a decidedly Asian bent featuring exotic violins, harps and flutes and traditional Chinese melodies adapted to his own style.

Included will be a original songs, including one composed with Fourplay bandmember Nathan East called “Endless Time.” The CD will first be released in Japan and then Europe, and later next year in the U.S. to not conflict with a solo CD called Urban Flamingo that’s scheduled to be offered this February. U.S. audiences can get a taste of the music, however, since James plans to add “Endless Time” to Urban Flamingo.

James will debut the music of Angels of Shanghai at a live performance on Dec. 17 at the Bangkok Jazz Festival. In addition to the pianist and five musicians from Shanghai, the band will include East on bass and vocals, Jack Lee on guitar and Louis Pragasam on drums.

With James' track record, this will surely be an album to look forward to.

Mindi Abair Completes Renovation Of Florida Home

If you’re looking to settle in the city of Punta Gorda in Florida and are looking for a place to rent, you could find yourself with smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair as your landlord.

Abair and her husband, musician Jason Steele, recently purchased a house in the city on Florida’s west coast. She says the 1926 home is a fixer-upper in the historic district right on the water on Charlotte Harbor. Much of Punta Gorda and the surrounding area was destroyed by Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Abair, Steele and several of their friends have landscaped the home, built a fence and indoor banister, renovated the kitchen, added a bathroom and built a brick patio. In addition, Abair oversaw the building of a new room in the space formerly occupied by an attic.

Abair says the home is now back to its original glory and she’s looking to rent it. And in the future Abair says she and Steele – who continue to live in Hollywood, Calif. – want to use the house as second home. Abair is originally from St. Petersburg, just up the coast, and Steele’s family lives in Punta Gorda.

Abair was in St. Petersburg, Fla., last year when Hurricane Charley slammed into Florida’s west coast, just north of where her husband’s family lived.

"A couple hours before the hurricane was supposed to hit us it turned and it hit south of us in Port Charlotte," she says. "As soon as he could get a flight in, we drove down there and just tried to save some of his family’s houses. I mean, we ripped up carpets and ripped down some of the drywall to try and just stop it from molding and mildewing. It was a disaster area down there. It was so horrible and you just wanted to stay down there and help these people because it could have been you.

Katrina, Rita Changing Plans For Rick Braun's Cruise

With the looks of Hurricane Rita, it looks like there might be big changes for Rick Braun's upcoming cruise.

For now, we know that Hurricane Katrina has caused a few changes for the first-ever All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise, departing in November from Galveston, Texas. First, because the Carnival Elation ship scheduled to take passengers on the cruise was called into commission to help with relief efforts on the Gulf Coast, the Smooth Jazz Cruise will now use the Carnival Conquest. ship. The Elation, which normally operates out of Galveston, is taking over the cruise schedule of the Carnival Ecstasy, which is being used to house Katrina refugees and relief workers.

The Conquest, which is one of Carnival’s newest ships in its fleet, normally sails from New Orleans but will now temporarily sail from Galveston. Passengers booked on the cruise – which had scheduled to make ports of call in Cozumel, Belize Playa Del Carmen in Mexico, will now visit Cozumel, the Cayman Islands and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

The musical guest list remains unchanged – among the many artists performing on board the weeklong cruise beginning Nov. 12 will be Peter White, Mindi Abair, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Joyce Cooling, Marion Meadows and Michael Lington.

If Galveston is spared the wrath of Rita, a pre-cruise concert on Nov. 11 will star Al Jarreau and Boney James.

For more information, you can go to www.allstarcruise.com.

Chris Botti Finalizes New CD: To Love Again

Chris Botti has finally decided on a name for his new CD. The follow-up to his best-selling When I Fall in Love as originally called Embraceable You, then Still in Love and now To Love Again.

Botti has now whittled down the songs for the CD and has decided on 13 songs with guest performers such as Sting, Michael Buble, Gladys Knight, Steven Tyler, Renee Oldstead, and Jill Scott. The album’s songs include “Lover Man,” “Good Morning Heartache,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” “Smile,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”

When the CD arrives in stores on Oct. 18, it will be available in two versions. The first CD version features the 13 songs, while second is a DualDisc, which is a double-sided disc with one side containing a standard CD and other side with DVD content. The DualDisc version of To Love Again has four bonus tracks of live performances: “To Love Again,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” and two from Botti's idol, Miles Davis: “Flamenco Sketches” and “Milestones.”

Botti surely has another winner.

To Love Again Track Listing

1. Embraceable You
2. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
3. My One And Only Love
4. Let There Be Love
5. What's New
6. Good Morning Heartache
7. To Love Again
8. Are You Lonesome Tonight
9. Lover Man
10. I'll Be Seeing You
11. Pennies From Heaven
12. Here's That Rainy Day
13. Smile
(With DualDisc)
1. Flamenco Sketches
2. To Love Again
3. I'll Be Seeing You
4. Milestones

Chuck Loeb Settles In South Carolina - Temporarily

Smooth jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb, a native New Yorker, has just relocated to South Carolina.

But he might not be there too long. The move was prompted after the Loebs learned that the house of one of their friends had burned down. Wanting to help out, Loeb decided to offer his house in Irvington, which is on the Hudson River north of New York City, to the family while they rebuilt their destroyed home. At the same time, Loeb and his wife, Carmen Cuesta, felt that this gave them the perfect opportunity to test the waters as far as living in the South for a while.

Loeb's two daughters are both in college.

Last year, Loeb and his wife invested in a home on Hilton Head Island, S.C. Loeb is now taking advantage of the nearby airport in Savannah, Ga., to travel back to New York for recording sessions and for traveling to shows. He will be flying from Savannah to Boston on Sept. 24 for the annual Beantown Jazz Festival.

Loeb's most recent album, When I’m With You, features the Top 5 hit called "Tropical."

Gabriela Anders Keeps Wedding - And Baby - A Secret

Top-secret celebrity weddings are nothing new.

Earlier this year, actress Renee Zellweger and country singer Kenny Chesney tied the knot in a private ceremony away from the prying eyes of paparazzi. And Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts and John F. Kennedy Jr. all managed to marry without the media finding out.

Smooth jazz vocalist Gabriela Anders has also managed to keep her marriage secret, although not because she didn’t want anyone to know. She just says she didn’t think anyone would be interested, did not give out any interviews and put nothing on her website. We’ve now learned that Gabriela’s wedding – which is secret no longer – occurred at a small church in New York City on May 22, 2004, in front of a small group of family and friends.

So who’s the lucky guy? He’s Wayne Krantz, a guitarist who performed on Gabriela’s latest CD, Last Tango in Rio. The name may not be too familiar, but Krantz has released several solo CDs and has appeared on albums by Steely Dan, Michael Brecker and others. We've now learned that Gabriela and Wayne have been keeping another secret – they are the proud parents of a nine-month baby girl named Marley Meredith Krantz.

Anders fell in love with her soon-to-be husband while watching him perform in a New York City club where he performs every Thursday night. "I was checking it out, then slowly we became friends and then we started to date," Anders recalls with a laugh. "And now we’ve become married and have a little baby. I have a small family, he has a small family, so the wedding was cool."

Marley will stay at home with her Dad in New York while Mom performs Sept. 10 in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Chris Botti Narrowly Misses Hurricane Katrina

Chris Botti missed Hurricane Katrina by only a few hours.

On Aug. 26, the trumpeter performed live at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss. Like all of Biloxi's casinos, it is built on water since no casinos are allowed on land. Following the show, the trumpeter autographed CDs for his fans in the lobby.

Now that lobby and the entire floor above is submerged in water as the hurricane swept through the area. According to Botti's management, there was some discussion about the impending storm, but reports at that time indicated that Katrina's path was likely to strike further west. Botti and his team were able to leave the city safely one day before Biloxi was almost completely leveled by the force of the hurricane.

The Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, as is the entire beachfront of Biloxi, will be closed until further notice. It's estimated that the Beau Rivage will lose nearly $1 million each day in revenues.

Fourplay Staying Busy Between CDs

The members of the smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay, while now working on the follow-up to 2004’s CD called Journey that will be released next year, are have brand-new solo projects that will be released soon.

Earlier this month, guitarist Larry Carlton released a solo album in Japan of what he calls “jam band” music called “Fire Wire.” U.S. audiences won’t have to wait too much longer for its release here, as the album is expected to be released here by the end of the year.

Pianist Bob James’ next CD, featuring his quintet, will be released in February. Urban Flamingo will also feature guest appearances by guitarist Earl Klugh and James’ daughter, vocalist Hilary James. James will have some tour dates in October where he will try out some of the new material.

Drummer Harvey Mason, in addition to doing a lot of session work for other musicians, is working on both smooth jazz and straight-ahead jazz solo records.

Finally, bassist Nathan East, like Mason, continues to work in the studio. He’s not planning a solo record, but will be featured prominently on a new CD by the legendary Herbie Hancock called Possibilities that was released this week. He’s also been featured on recent albums by guitarist Eric Clapton and vocalists Eric Benet and Yolanda Adams.

Top Smooth Jazz Stars Creating New Charlie Brown CD

The biggest names in smooth jazz are falling for Charlie Brown.

When ABC airs a brand-new Charlie Brown TV special this December, viewers nationwide will hear a brand-new song featuring the piano of David Benoit and vocals by Vanessa Williams. The song, “Just Like Me,” was written by Benoit and Lee Mendelson, who has produced all of the animated TV shows based on the characters created by late Charles Schulz.

Before the TV special airs, though, listeners will be able to hear the song on an upcoming CD produced and arranged by Benoit called 40 Years – A Charlie Brown Christmas. The CD, to be released by Peak Records, which is co-owned by Russ Freeman of the Rippingtons, will feature a number of top smooth jazz performers including Benoit, Williams, Freeman and the Rippingtons, Eric Marienthal, Norman Brown, Rick Braun, Brian McKnight, Dave Koz, Toni Braxton and Gerald Albright.

The CD, commemorating the release 40 years ago of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, features updates of Guaraldi’s songs in addition to a few Christmas selections.

Benoit has been composing the music for Peanuts specials for several years, and in 2000 released Here’s to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years! as a tribute to Schulz.

40 Years – A Charlie Brown Christmas will be released on Oct. 4.

Euge Groove's New Groovy Hairstyle

Saxophonist Euge Groove has decided to complete the ensemble for his upcoming retro CD called Just Feels Right. On the CD, Groove wrote smooth jazz with an eye toward 1976, which he calls his “summer of innocence.”

For the most part, he used instruments made before that year, and also enlisted musicians who were active in the era. So what has he done to complete the ensemble?

He’s let his hair grow out. Euge Groove-y, man!

Look at the CD cover, which will be available on Aug. 30, and you’ll see the saxophonist sporting shoulder-length hair and long goatee hanging from his chin. Groove says he actually started growing his hair out last fall when he began writing songs for the CD. He says he’s particularly proud of his goatee, which he says won’t get much longer now as he is trimming it regularly.

The retro look and sound seems to be working – Groove’s first single from the album, “Get Em Goin’,” is quickly moving up the smooth jazz charts.

Chris Botti To Steven Tyler: Walk This Way, Please

On his last CD, When I Fall in Love, trumpeter Chris Botti collaborated with such smooth vocalists as Sting and Paula Cole. On his upcoming CD, called Still in Love, Botti calls upon Sting and Cole again but also delved into the rock world for -wait for it - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, the vocalist behind such rock classics as “Walk This Way,” "Sweet Emotion" and “Dude Looks Like a Lady.”

Botti and Tyler collaborate on the old chestnut called “Smile,” which is one of nine vocal duets on the 13-song CD. In addition to Sting and Cole, confirmed tracks include “Lover Man” by Gladys Knight, “Good Morning Heartache” by Jill Scott, and Paul Buchanan of the Scottish group Blue Nile on “Are You Lonesome Tonight.”

Ymmm. Sounds tasty.

Other vocalists on the CD are Michael Buble and Renee Oldstead, both of whom feature Botti on their most recent projects. Still in Love, recorded in London and Los Angeles, will be available on Oct. 18.

Kim Waters Works 'Love' Into Title For Third Time in a Row

Saxophonist Kim Waters has just finished his 15^th solo album, All For Love. It follows Kim’s In the Name of Love from last year, which itself followed Someone to Love You. That makes the new CD the third in a row with Love in the title. Just in case you want to know.

The upcoming CD features nine original songs, including one called “Dream Machine” that was written by guitarist Chuck Loeb. The one cover tune is Aretha Franklin’s “Day Dreaming,” which features lead vocals by Incognito singer Maysa and backing vocals by Vanessa Williams (not the actress/singer) and Lori Williams. Among other titles: “She’s My Baby,” “Hot Tub,” “Happy Feeling” and “Good to Go.”

Now you have a good idea of where this CD is heading.

Kim's smooth jazz hits the spot for the most part, but let's hope he gets his chance to stretch his chops soon. If you've ever seen him perform, you know this guy can play some hot jazz. Just saying it might be good to mix some of that in with his smooth jazz stuff.

All For Love will be released by Shanachie on Sept. 20.

Jazz Attack: Best Smooth Jazz Tour Ever?

The first-ever Jazz Attack tour, with saxophonist Richard Elliot, trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White and guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler, concluded its four-month run on Aug. 6 in Woodinville, Washington. (The show will return for a special engagement in October in Delaware.)

The show’s format is a little different than most, since all of the performers – for the most part – all share the stage at the same time instead of concentration on just their solo work. Elliot says that the tour has been well-received by fans because all four musicians get together so well on stage and off, and that translates into a good time for all.

“This might be the best collaboration tour I’ve ever been a part of,” he says. “And I’ve been on a few of them. We wanted Jazz Attack to really have a feeling of more of a band than a bunch of individual artists. I think people respond to that. There’s something about this one that, for me, is very special. I mean, I can’t put myself in the position of the audience. They have to be the judge of that. But from an artist who’s on the tour, I will tell you, it’s just really a very special tour.”

On Saturday, the foursome showed why the show was a hit in more than 30 American cities since debuting in April. They had an easy rapport with the audience, which is a must for group tours such as these. But one reason the tour went over so well is one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry: It’s increasingly tough to sell a summer festival audience by a single performer. Earlier, separate shows this year at nearby Marymoor Park featured a few hundred people tops for guitarists Jesse Cook and Ottmar Liebert.

Fans want value at outdoor venues, and Jazz Attack offered plenty.

Melodic Lee Ritenour Music On the Way

Great news news for fans of Lee Ritenour's melodic music.

The guitarist, who has released many diverse albums during the past few years, is now in the studio recording his first CD of original smooth jazz since 1998’s This Is Love. That CD featured the smash hit called “Ooh-Yeah.” Since then, Ritenour has offered a classical CD with Dave Grusin, A Twist of Marley featuring various artists in 2001, a jazz CD called Rit’s House in 2002, A Twist of Motown in 2003 and the current OverTime, a live-in-the-studio recording of his greatest hits.

The only bad news is that it looks like Ritenour won’t be working on any new Twist Of CDs for a while. Those compilations, which began in 1997 with a tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, are produced by the gutiarist and feature numerous smooth jazz artists. Ritenour says he wants to focus on the solo CD, which he hopes to release in the spring of 2006.

"Certain things come in phases, and we did three of the ‘Twists’ that were all very successful," Ritenour says. "But I think a lot of fans of mine also want to see me focus on the Lee Ritenour solo career and the guitar, so the guitar being in front and center will be an important part of it."

Kirk Whalum Nabs Babyface For Tribute CD

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum has decided to go to the source for his upcoming album of Babyface songs. Whalum has confirmed that Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will sing on the song “I Said I Love You” on Kirk’s project tentatively titled Kirk Whalum Performs the Babyface Songbook. The ballad was first released on Babyface’s 1996 album called The Day.

Babyface joins an impressive list of guest musicians on the CD, including fellow vocalists Gabriela Anders and John Stoddart, trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarists Chuck Loeb and Norman Brown, bassist Christian McBride and keyboardist Ricky Peterson.

Here are the CD's 12 songs: “Whip Appeal,” “Breathe Again,” “Exhale,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “When Can I See You,” "Can We Talk," "For the Cool in You," "Betcha Never," "Someone to Love," "Not Goin Cry," "I Said I Love You" and "Wey U."

Kirk Whalum Performs the Babyface Songbook will be available on Oct. 4.

Brian Culbertson Hopes To Tour U.S. Churches With Wife

You just may be able to catch Brian Culbertson inside a church later this year - playing piano.

The pianist, who just recently released his eighth solo album, is now finalizing one for his wife Michelle Culbertson called Be Still My Soul.

The album of traditional hymns will spotlight only Brian’s piano and Michelle’s vocals. After it's released this fall, the husband-and-wife team from Southern California plan to take the music on a tour of churches.

Michelle, an operatic singer, will lend her talents to a mixture of classical, jazz and pop compositions such as “Amazing Grace” “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “How Great Thou Art.”

In addition to 13 hymns, the album will include two original songs composed by Brian and songwriter Lindy Robbins. The CD will be released independently and offered on both Brian and Michelle’s websites in the fall.

"It’s a complete musical switch and change from myself, and it was really cool," says Brian. "We did all these new arrangements of all these hymns that are well over a hundred years old. Like if you would just play the piano alone, you would have no idea what song it is. And that’s what we wanted to try to create. It’s very cinematic. I've played it for a few people and they’re like, Oh man, I could have heard that in Braveheart."

If you want to hear what Brian and Michelle sound like in a smooth jazz mood, check out Brian’s new CD called It’s On Tonight. Michelle’s vocals and violin playing is featured on a couple of songs.

Ball Of Waxx Scores With 2 Classic Downtempo CDs

There’s some frustration that comes after picking up downtempo CDs with too much musical speed and not enough downtempo.

Two recent CDs from Ball of Waxx are definitely just right for those chill moments. Groove Closet: Downtempo Beats From Ball of Waxx is a real winner, 13 songs of sublime music that never varies from its relaxing mood. Of course, like the best downtempo, there’s an element of adventure. There’s Lord Runningclam on the ethereal “Desert Dress” and “Dewstep,” Numatic Soul on the bass-heavy and scratch-sampling “Dry Clean.”

The tracks I return to the most are by Eastern Sun and John Kelley, the latter previously known only for his breakbeat energy. Who knew he could be so mellow? “Playa Love” is the mellow one, with generous samples of crackling electricity – or at least that’s what I think of it when I hear it. The anthemic “Rapture at Sea” is fast becoming a classic, its tripped-up melody at once memorable.

“Rapture at Sea,” which rivals the best from Alex Cortiz, is also included on the Eastern Sun CD In Emptiness. Eastern Sun is the creation of Brian Saitzyk (who puts out music under Numatic Soul, too, among others names), and he and Kelley also collaborate on four other tracks. Hip and sophisticated, In Emptiness is mystical and compelling.

It’s as good as downtempo gets.

Peter White And Other Smooth Jazzers Going To Gitmo

Over the past year, the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba – also known as Gitmo – has been in the news due to alleged abuses at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center. More than 500 foreign military prisoners from the war on terror are detained at the Detention Center’s Camp Delta.

This Labor Day, however, the mood at the base will be lightened during the third annual Guantanamo Bay Jazz Festival. Scheduled to perform are guitarist Peter White, pianist Alex Bugnon, saxophonist Paul Taylor and the Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman. White and the Rippingtons also performed at last year’s event.

More than 6,000 people representing all five of the armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – will be on hand. Smooth Jazz has a history at the base. It was back in 1997 that Spyro Gyra made the trip as they performed for the troops following singer Sheryl Crow.

Brenda Russell Gets Her Shot On Broadway

The musical version of The Color Purple, featuring music and lyrics by Smooth Jazz vocalist Brenda Russell, will make its debut on Broadway on Dec. 1 at the Broadway Theatre. Previews will begin on Oct. 25. The play recently went through a summer workshop with choreographer Donald Byrd and producer Quincy Jones.

"We’ve become Broadway babies," says Russell with a laugh. "It’s been an extraordinary learning experience. We just drenched ourselves in the history of what we’re dealing with. You don’t want to walk in like you know something when you don’t."

The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker's popular novel of the same name, debuted last October in Atlanta and ran for four weeks. Russell, who shares songwriting duties with Allee Willis and Stephen Bray on such tunes as “Brown Betty,” “What About Love?” and “Push Da Button,” is now fine-tuning the show’s music. She is also taking care of her other career, as she’s on the Summer Storm tour with guitarist Norman Brown, saxophonist Everette Harp and vocalist Peabo Bryson. Brenda is performing her hits and songs from her new album called “Between the Sun and the Moon.”

Brian Culbertson Is In The Mood - You Will Be, Too

Brian Culberton
It's On Tonight
(GRP/Verve)

Smooth jazz pianist Brian Culbertson wants you to make love to his music. So he crafted 12 songs for you to get your groove on with an almost-perfect collection of smooth jazz chill-out music. The results are ecstatic, as its consistency over the course of a dozen songs makes it the best of the eight CDs he’s recorded over 11 years.

Culbertson gets an assist from top-drawer musicians who have over the years certainly created a few babies with their own music. But it’s not that Culbertson really needed them – the versatile pianist also plays trumpet, trombone, synth bass, drum programming and percussion on the CD. And you won’t find one cover song, which today passes as a daring move in a smooth jazz world where at least one cover nod to the past seems to be a mandate.

Far from simply a sleepy collection of ballads, It’s On Tonight offers chill-music energy combined with Culbertson’s amazing songwriting abilities. Culbertson’s bass drives several songs – the funk-filled synth bass line in “Forbidden Love” transforms a slow, sexy song into something you can dance to. A slithering bass on “Wear It Out” imparts a European chill flavor, and Marc Nelson’s sexy vocals give it added punch. And on “Secret Affair,” the chill vibe is enhanced by Chris Botti’s mysterious and sexy trumpet lines.

Like saxophonist Boney James, Culbertson thankfully is expert at including vocal tunes that fit with a predominantly instrumental album without alienating his fans. The title track with Will Downing once again proves this. It also proves that Downing’s got the sexiest voice of any male vocalist in the smooth-jazz genre. On “Love Will Never Let You Down,” Patti Austin’s voice has never sounded better. Kirk Whalum plays sax on the tune, with Ricky Peterson giving it a bluesy touch with chilled organ work.

The CD’s first single, “Hookin’ Up,” is a midtempo track that bookends nicely with “Sensuality,” which turns the tempo down a bit and is, of course, very sensual. Both have nice guitar arrangements, to boot. “The Way You Feel” is another pretty ballad, which stands out with its insistent, knocking-on-the-door drum loops and Boney’s guest sax appearance.

Since It’s On Tonight is a CD with a theme, a rarity in iTunes’ mad, mad world, the CD certainly works as a whole. Still, two songs manage to stand out. “Let’s Get Started” is an uptempo treat kicking off the CD and offering a looping piano chorus and the da-da-da scatting of R&B vocalist Ledisi. Like Culbertson’s big hit on last album, “Come on Up,” it’s the kind of song that makes you go “yeah!”

And “Dreaming of You,” with some beautiful violin work by Culbertson’s wife, Michelle, may be the most beautiful song on this whole collection of beautiful songs. The spine-tingling melody is like something you’d hear on a heartbreaking movie soundtrack. It’ll give you an afterglow, for sure, as will the whole project.

New Zealand's Swingers: Twinset

Living in the USA, it’s easy to miss the great jazz swinging out of New Zealand. Luckily, Rafe Gomez of the Groove Boutique turned me on to the trio Twinset from windy Wellington.

Twinset = cool. They are Christopher Yeabsley on organ, brother Daniel Yeabsley on sax and Paul K. Hoskin on drums. They don’t play smooth jazz, but neither do they play freestyle, esoteric stuff you must matriculate from MIT to get. These blokes play the hell out of a song and will keep your feet jiggerin' all night long.

On their most recent album, 2004’s Lifestyle, there's “San Pedro Sula (Bossa Mix).” This thing swings and the sax is smoky and club-like. It’s toast in three minutes, but they do return with a “swing” take.

Twinset has released five CDs, including Mystical Soul from 2003 and It’s a Summer Feeling from 2002. Rafe is playing “Sunny” from Mystical Soul and "Boil the Jug" from Lifestyle, among others. Rafe loves these guys.

(Promo segue: Rafe’s ditty called “Icy” is dang hot, too.)

If you want to hear Twinset’s music, head on over to the band’s website. It’s probably the coolest thing you’ll do today. Unless you're reading this - you gotta be your own person to read a smooth jazz blog.

Dave Koz Hires Phil Ramone To Produce New CD

Saxophonist Dave Koz, who is now working on an album of movie theme songs, has enlisted Phil Ramone as the project’s producer. Ramone most recently picked up three Grammy Awards for his co-producing work on Genius Loves Company, the best-selling album of duets featuring the late Ray Charles. Most recently, Ramone also produced albums by Tony Bennett, Clay Aiken, Peter Cincotti and Olivia Newton-John.

Koz and Ramone began discussing the project earlier in February, when Ramone attended a Grammy concert in Hollywood where Dave was performing. Koz was nominated for a Grammy for his Saxophonic CD, and Ramone was the producer for the Grammy’s MusiCares 2005 Person of the Year concert honoring the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson.

Koz's upcoming CD, which he hopes to release later this year, is an album of movie music with saxophone, full orchestra and guest vocalists. Songs selected so far include “Moon River," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "A Whole New World."

Can't wait to hear it, but am also looking forward to a CD of brand-new material.

Saxophonist Michael Brecker Has Rare Blood Disorder

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Michael Brecker, who has played on many popular smooth jazz recordings, has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, known as MDS. It’s a blood disorder that can lead to leukemia. Brecker, who is 56, is said to be seriously ill and has cancelled all of his scheduled concerts for the time being. He is now undergoing chemotherarpy at the Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York City and is scheduled to undergo a bone-marrow transplant.

Brecker has had a storied career, and has collaborated in the studio with artists such as David Benoit, George Benson, Larry Carlton, Bob James, Earl Klugh, Chuck Loeb, David Sanborn, Diana Krall and many others. Recently, Brecker performed on the album by Jason Miles' Maximum Grooves called Coast to Coast and was a special guest on an album by steel pan player Andy Narell called The Passage.

In May 2004, Michael signed with the Heads Up recording label – home to Spyro Gyra, Marion Meadows, Pieces of a Dream, Nestor Torres and others – and was due to release a new album sometime in 2006. If you would like to send Brecker a get-well message, you can e-mail info@michaelbrecker.com

You can also send a letter to:

Michael Brecker
Room 1137
Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

14-Year-Old Could Be Next Big Smooth Jazz Star

Here's some good news for those worried about the graying smooth jazz demographic.

Elizabeth Mis, a 14-year-old girl from Ohio, has plans to become a smooth sazz star, and she might not be too far off. Mis, who plays the saxophone, performed the National Anthem in May before 27,000 fans at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

Inspired to play the sax after listening to Kenny G, she taught herself the sax by playing along with the music of Dave Koz. Not shy about performing, Elizabeth has been to parlay her ambition into actual performances and sound-check gigs with some of the biggest names in Smooth Jazz. All she had to do was ask, either by phone, e-mail or in person. Among those she’s performed with are guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Chris Botti and saxophonists Koz, Michael Lington and Kim Waters.

Elizabeth plans to record several original songs by the end of the year. She’ll play some of those songs when she performs July 23 in the Cleveland suburb of Beachwood, Ohio, in the first of 12 in-store appearances for the Borders Books & Music book chain in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Good luck, Elizabeth.

Standing Together No More: George Benson and Verve Split

After releasing four CDs with the GRP/Verve Music Group record label since 1996, guitarist George Benson and the label have parted in what the label called a mutual agreement.

Benson’s last CD for Verve, which is part of the Universal Music Company, was last year’s Irreplaceable. That CD was originally to be a collection of vocal tracks, but the singer and guitarist halted its release, at the request of the label, to rework the project to include three instrumental songs and create more of a smooth jazz flavor. In stepped uber-producer Paul Brown, and one of the two songs he produced, “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise,” paid off. It topped the R&R smooth jazz chart for six weeks.

Irreplaceable followed Absolute Benson in 2000, Standing Together in 1998 and That’s Right in 1996, all of which went to No. 1 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.

Benson also actually released a few albums for Verve in the 1960s before beginning associations with the A&M and Warner Bros. labels, among others.

Benson is a young and energetic 62. Landing on his feet somewhere shouldn't be an issue.

N-n-n-n-n-nineteen: Maxine Hardcastle Is Sublime

The latest smooth vazz vocalist to hit the scene is a teenager, Maxine Hardcastle.

Yes, she is the daughter of British smooth jazz composer Paul Hardcastle. Maxine sings and has co-writing credits on three song on the new CD that was released last week called Hardcastle 4. They are “Smooth Jazz Is Bumpin'," “Was It Love” and “Where Are You Now.”

The budding young singer's voice is a real treat, and recalls frequent Hardcastle collaborator Helen Rogers. (Rogers will be back on the next Jazzmasters' CD). Maxine was the inspiration for an old Hardcastle song called "Maxine," and she also had a spoken-word monologue throughout a song called "Look to the Future" from the Hardcastle 2 album released in 1996.

Ironically, Maxine turned 19 years old in April. You may recall that Hardcastle had a worldwide dance smash back in 1985 with the song “19,” which used spoken-word reports from Vietnam throughout the song that described the average age of American combatants as 19.

"It’s the first time that she’s actually done something really popular in the studio, and she really likes this type of music," says Paul Hardcastle. "Who knows? She could have her own album out in a couple of years time. We don’t want to rush her into it. Her songwriting’s getting very, very good at the moment, and I think she’s got a great future ahead of her."

We agree.

Meanwhile, the first hit from Hardcastle 4 is called “Serene,” which is rapidly moving up Radio & Records' smooth jazz chart.

Sting and Michael Buble Guesting On New Chris Botti CD

Chris Botti, who has already recorded parts of his follow-up album to When I Fall in Love in Los Angeles and London, has selected a tentative title for the CD: Embraceable You.

Chris has said that the upcoming album, which he expects to released in October, will be the logical extension to his latest project of jazz standards. Confirmed guest performers on the new CD include Sting, Michael Buble, Gladys Knight and Jill Scott.

Of course, Sting sang on his song called “La Belle Dame Sans Regrets” on When I Fall in Love. Botti, meanwhile, performs on "Song For You" on vocalist Buble’s top-selling new CD called It’s Time.

Embraceable You is expected to be released in October.

Meanwhile, Botti is offering a free download of the title track to When I Fall in Love. Just go to the Tour Report page of his Web site and the July 3 entry.

Gregg Karukas Sticking With 'London Underground'

The terrorist attacks in London on July 7 – three of which occurred in the city’s subway system – created quite a coincidence for a new song by pianist Gregg Karukas. The first smooth jazz single from Gregg’s upcoming album called Looking Up is called “London Underground.”

On his website, Karukas says the attacks hit close to home since his new record label, Trippin N Rhythm, is based in London and one of his oldest friends from grade school lives in the city. Karukas, who recorded “London Underground” months ago, says he and record label have decided to stick with the name of instrumental song because they hope its positive outlook will help soothe and unite people in their need to confront violence.

"It is quite a coincidence considering I came up the title to the first single, ‘London Underground,’ a few months ago, mostly as a tribute to Trippin N Rhythm records, since they’re based in England," says Karukas. "I can only hope the upbeat vibe of ‘London Underground’ will somehow has a positive impact. Music does have power, and I’m now even more dedicated to speaking out, and playing out, on behalf and tolerance in the world."

Looking Up will be released on Aug. 16.

Horrors! Smooth Jazz Artist Bleeps Cuss Word

When guitarist Marc Antoine releases his new CD next month, it could be the first time that a smooth jazz recording includes a vulgarity. But don’t expect a parental advisory sticker to be pasted onto Antoine’s Modern Times. That’s because the cuss word is beeped out.

It comes on the final song on the CD on a song called “If You Believe.” At the beginning of the tune, during a spoken-word exchange, a male voice is heard saying “Man, turn that (beep) off.” Antoine, of course, is in no danger of becoming smooth jazz’s answer to rapper Eminem – the guitarist is married man with a young child.

But he recorded the new CD in his Madrid studio with European dance music producer and club DJ David Ferrero, who no doubt lent his club and hip-hop sensitivity to the project that will be released on Aug. 16 by Rendezvous Entertainment.

"With the beep, you know something happened," says Antoine. "If, if you leave it in just like that, people will listen to it and they’re not sure of what they heard. It’s like, Was it? Did you really say that? So with the beep, you know something happened so you play it back and say, what? It was all just to save a sticker, man."

By the way, Modern Times is an amazing CD. It harkens back to Antoine's first project, Classical Soul, in its approach, but is still very much a hip and trendy 2005 piece of work.

Antoine is currently on tour in the States with Guitars and Saxes.

Acoustic Alchemy Stirs Up Magic

The last time the veteran smooth jazz band Acoustic Alchemy performed at Seattle’s Jazz Alley, just last year, audiences were treated to a trio setting. When the band wrapped up its current U.S. tour on July 10 at the same venue, the band was in full force. That meant the place was jumping.

Acoustic Alchemy is led by guitarists Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale, the latter who became a permanent member after the unfortunate death of Nick Webb several years ago. Gilderdale brings a rock edge to the band’s live performances, which is not surprising when you consider that honed his chops jamming in a rock band. Gilderdale’s rock pedigree was evident from the get go as he laid down plenty of rock riffs throughout “Shelter Island Drive” and “Georgia Peach.”

Gilderdale can sing and scat, too, which is evident on the band’s first single called “Say Yeah” from its current CD called American/English. In concert, lucky fans are treated to several minutes of scatting instead of the few measly seconds on the radio track.

Original member Carmichael, of course, is a treat to behold as well. While Gilderdale uses a pick, Carmichael prefers the guitar au natural – he plays it like a bass with his fingers. It looks painful, but he’s surely built up major protective calluses during his worldwide jaunts.

Together, Carmichael and Gilderdale complement each other nicely, never more so than on “Detroit Shuffle” when their give-and-take sounded lifted straight from the movie “Deliverance.” On that song, dedicated to the Motown style, they threw in a few snippets of “How Sweet It Is” and “Jimmy Mack.”

The duo was backed admirably by the touring band: Frank Felix on bass, Eddie M. on sax, Greg Grainger on drums and Fred White on keyboards.

The lads are now back in London, but will return to the States in September. Wherever you are, you deserve to catch a show by the legendary Acoustic Alchemy.

Smooth Jazz Performers Play On in London

Despite the terrorist attacks in London on July 7, two of smooth jazz’s biggest continued with their performances.

Saxophonist Boney James performed at the Jazz Café in London on July 8, the day after the attacks.On his website, Boney wrote that his prayers go out to all who have been affected by the tragic events in London.

On July 9, Anita Baker went on as scheduled at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Ironically, Anita was forced to cancel two performances in the U.S. due to what her promoter called scheduling conflicts.

Meanwhile, the London-based Acoustic Alchemy, led by guitarists Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale, wrapped up a two-month tour of the U.S. July 10 in Seattle. They are now back in London, where they will perform July 15 at the city’s Royal Botanical Gardens.

Got Your Free Richard Elliot Song Yet?

Why haven't you downloaded your free Richard Elliot song?

To enjoy a song called “Mystery” that Elliot recorded especially for his fans to grab off the Internet, go to the ARTizen Music Group website. ARTizen is the new record label that Elliot and trumpeter and partner Rick Braun debuted late last year.

By the way, you won’t find “Mystery” on Elliot's new CD called Metro Blue. The song was recorded during the same session as the new CD, but specifically for the free download.

And this week, Elliot's version of the Stylistics' "People Make the World Go Round" is the No. 1 smooth jazz song in the country.

Congratulations!

Richard's two previous No. 1 hits were "Your Secret Love" and "Sly."

Joe McBride Offers Smooth Version Of Iron Butterfly Classic

Ready for a Smooth Jazz version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”? Pianist Joe McBride offers one for your listening enjoyment on his upcoming CD called Texas Hold ‘Em. The Dallas native's is calling his cover of the Iron Butterfly classic “In A Garden of Eden.”

Unlike the original 1968 version, which clocked in at more than 17 minutes, McBride's’s jazzy version is just a little more than three-and-a-half minutes.

The rest of the 11-song CD features McBride with his group of local musicians known as the Texas Rhythm Club.

Texas Hold ‘Em, McBride’s seventh release for the Heads Up label, will be available on Sept. 27.

As usual, it's a superb production.

Camiel

Sunset (Rendezvous Entertainment)

Camiel is the third chill/downtempo act to be signed by Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Entertainment, following Praful and the duo of Adani & Wolf. Like his Amsterdam labelmates, Camiel provides plenty of musical moments appealing to smooth jazz fans. But, also like his labelmates, there’s a sexy European vibe that can either sound fresh or weird, depending on your musical inclinations. The inside of the CD shows two scenes with Camiel strumming a guitar, but this is not a guitar-driven CD.

There’s the feeling with this CD that you never know which direction it’s headed or even if there’s a road map. That’s refreshing. For example, things begin with the downtempo and mellow “Sunset,” programmed drums bouncing happily along in the background. More than halfway through the tune, Camiel offers a pretty guitar solo that rides over swirling synth sounds. “I’m Ready” follows “Sunset,” and features an orchestral disco hook straight from 1970s. Pretty cool. There are other disco forays, as well, with soulful female, “get into the groove”-type lyrics.

There are many great moments: “Sintra” offers Larry Carlton-like guitar playing and lyrical female vocalese; “No Fuzz” is a strange trip with weird vocal-like warbling and a salsa-like melody so infectious you wish Camiel would have given it more of a presence; “El Alba” has a Spanish guitar lead that would sound appropriate on a Marc Antoine CD; and “Eighty-Eight” is an intoxicating, swirling five minutes of bossa beats, guitar, organ and vocalese.

What everyone who hears this CD will be talking about, no question, is the continuing dialog of a man who narrates the pursuit of a classy woman he meets at a bar called Thatcher’s. Preposterously humorous, it continues with “Follow Her” and continues elsewhere on the CD on an interlude and with “I Would.” Soft background music accompanies the man’s escapade, which is narrated by an American living in Amsterdam named Boyd Small. Also narrating a tune is one Cristina Arenas Gonzalez. She speaks in Spanish on “Sigume,” and I’m pretty sure she’s not the woman being chased from Thatcher’s bar. I could be wrong, but she speaks so fast in Spanish I couldn’t get much of what she was saying.

Different. But exotically also very cool.

Legendary Luther Vandross Dies At Age 54

The music world lost one of its biggest stars when the legendary Luther Vandross died at age 54 on July 1, 2005. Luther, who suffered a debilitating stroke on April 16, 2003, died at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey, at 1:47 p.m. ET, surrounded by family, friends and a medical support team, a statement from the hospital said.

Ironically, earlier today a free concert in New York City honored the continuing legacy of Vandross. The concert was sponsored by Divabetic, a diabetes-awareness organization inspired by Vandross with the encouragement and support of Luther’s mother, Mary Ida Vandross.

Luther, of course, has had numerous top hits, such as “Any Love,” “Stop to Love,” “Give Me the Reason,” “Here and Now” and many, many others. His last album, "Dance With My Father" sold about 442,000 units in its first week of release ending June 15, 2003, according to industry retail monitor Nielsen SoundScan.

In July 2004, the GRP label released “Forever, For Always, For Luther,” which featured some of the biggest names in Smooth Jazz lending their talents to a tribute album in honor of Vandross. The first single from that album, “Your Secret Love” by saxophonist Richard Elliot, went all the way to No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz charts. And earlier this year, it was announced that record label mogul Clive Davis was planning another tribute to Luther, this time on his Arista label, which Luther was signed to.

In another tribute to Luther, over the Memorial Day weekend, several Smooth Jazz performers united in tribute to the great singer on a special live tour called Forever, For Always, For Luther. The tour, produced by Luther’s good friend Rex Rideout and Art Good of the nationally syndicated JazzTrax radio show, starred saxophonist Kirk Whalum, keyboardist Brian Culbertson, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. and vocalist Lalah Hathaway. The concert also was performed June 18th in Bear Bear Lake, California, and will be a big part of the 19th annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in October.

Luther may be gone, but his music and spirit will be remembered forever. Play Luther loud today.