Movie World Turns Eyes To Mindi Abair After Oscars

On March 5, the elite of Hollywood will be entertained by smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair, who will be performing at this year's Academy Awards official after-party known as the Governors Ball.

"Now for the important part," Abair says. "I'm wearing a very cool Sheri Bodell dress. It might take the Oscars to get me into a dress, but if I'm doing it, I'm going for it!"

Abair will perform for the likes of Charlize Theron, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix, all nominated for Oscars. More than 1,500 movie stars, producers, directors and friends and family are expected to show up at the grand party, held at the Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex.

Abair's band features Jay Gore on guitar, Andre Berry on bass, Jamey Tate on drums and Rodney Lee on keyboards. Among the 10 songs she will perform in her one-hour set are “Flirt,” “Lucy’s,” “Come As You Are,” “Every Time” and “Ordinary Love” from her upcoming CD called Life Less Ordinary, which will be released May 2.

If you're a movie star lucky enough to catch Mindi on Sunday, here's the set list:

“Right On”
“High 5”
“Come As You Are”
“Every Time”
“Save the Last Dance”
“Ordinary Love” (from the upcoming CD Life Less Ordinary)
“Work Song”
“Save Tonight”
“Flirt”
“Lucy’s”

Dave Koz Forms Rendezvous All Stars Group

A new group coalition of revolving musicians is taking shape, and they all have one thing in common: They are signed to Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Entertainment record label. Called the Rendezvous All Stars, they debuted in a major way, performing last month at the Grammy Awards’ post-party. That group consisted of Koz, saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Michael Lington, vocalist Patti Austin, guitarist Jonathan Butler, pianist Brian Simpson and bassist Wayman Tisdale.

On March 3, the Rendezvous All Stars will return with Koz, Simpson, Whalum and Austin at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. On March 5 the group will feature Koz, Simpson, Whalum and Butler at the festival. Then, beginning March 30, Koz and Rendezvous All Stars, with Simpson and Whalum, will perform over six nights the famed Blue Note jazz club in Tokyo.

Shows starring the Rendezvous All Stars with Whalum, Butler, Tisdale and Simpson are now being confirmed for this summer.

Philippe Saisse Signs With Rendezvous; CD On April 18

Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Entertainment has announced the latest signing to its record label: keyboardist, composer and producer Philippe Saisse. Saisse, a French native who now lives near New York City, recently released a CD in Japan called The Body and Soul Sessions that was recorded at his Valerian Studios. That CD will now be repackaged and re-released by Rendezvous on April 18.

The CD is a trio recording that also features David Finck on acoustic bass and Scooter Warner on drums and percussion. The CD’s music is all cover songs, including the title track by Johnny Green, “Do It Again” by Steely Dan, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor, “Lady Madonna” by the Beatles and “We’re All Alone” by Boz Scaggs.

If you can't wait - and this CD is definitely worth getting - Saisse is also selling the Japanese version now on his Web site.

Saisse has released six previous solo CDs, including the subliminal, ahead-of-its-time chill/downtempo Halfway Til Dawn in 1999 on the GRP record label.

Eric Darius Announces His Engagement

Congratulations to 23-year-old smooth jazz saxophonist Eric Darius, who has announced his engagement to 20-year-old Alyssa Pacheco. Eric and Alyssa first met when they were in a jazz band while attending Blake High School for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida. Eric, of course, played the saxophone while Alyssa performed on the trumpet.

"She’s working and going to school, so music isn't really her priority, right now," says Darius, who performed last summer in Brian Culbertson's band. "But I’m trying to encourage her to keep playing and maybe sometime we can play together on stage."

The couple, who plan to marry in the spring 2007, are now attending the University of South Florida, although Eric is finding it harder to focus on studies while preparing for the March 7 release of his new CD called – appropriately enough – Just Getting Started. The first single from the CD is called “Steppin’ Up.”

Chris Standring Creates Guitar Course For Beginners

Several years ago, guitarist Chris Standring created a guitar-lesson course focusing on jazz called Play What You Hear. It was designed for those who already played the guitar. Now Standring is offering a brand-new course, Guitar Made Simple, that is designed for beginning and intermediate guitar players. The home-study course, which comes on a CD-ROM, offers numerous videos of Standring explaining the lessons as he goes along. There are 12 chapters covering everything from how to hold the guitar, learning chords and how to read simple music. The course gets more detailed as it moves along.

I have a copy of Guitar Made Simple and heartily recommend it to beginners and for those with a little experience.

Standring will release a brand-new CD in May called Soul Express.

Chris Botti Offers 3 New Songs on ITunes

If you’re looking for an original Valentine’s Day gift, the romantic sounds of Chris Botti just may be your answer. The trumpeter has just released a three-song Valentine’s Day sampler that is available only on iTunes.

The set includes one song that was previously available on the digital music site: "Emmanuel," a song written by the late French composer Michel Colombier that Chris first performed in December on the long-running daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless.

Also included are “Be My Love,” an American songbook classic written by Nikolaus Brodsky and Sammy Cahn that Chris recorded during sessions for his latest CD called To Love Again; and “Pavanne,” the oft-covered classical song by the late French composer Gabriel Fauré that Chris recorded during sessions for his 2004 CD When I Fall in Love.

Upcoming Chris Standring Single Is Smooth Jazz Heaven

Guitarist Chris Standring who recently signed a contract with Trippin N Rhythm, which was founded in 1999 in London, has finished a new album for the label called Soul Express. It’s his first since Groovalicious was released in July of 2003.

The new, 11-song CD features original songs written mostly by Chris and his longtime writing partner Rodney Lee. The first single, “I Can’t Help Myself,” is co-written and produced by hitmaker Paul Brown, whose had a hand in more than 40 No. 1 songs. The single will be released to smooth jazz radio later this month. It’s a loping, sweet-as-candy slice of music that’s sure to be a hit with listeners.

Standring also covers “As” from Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life and “Giant Steps” from the iconic saxophonist John Coltrane.

Among the musicians on the CD are bassists Roberto Valley and Stan Sargent, drummer Dave Karasony and vocalist Jeff Robinson.

Standring, originally from the U.K. but now living in Southern California, is pleased to be part of the Trippin roster, which also includes Paul Hardcastle. Standring has his nationality in common with Hardcastle and with his new label’s founder and president, Les Cutmore.

“It might have helped us connect somewhat but I think Les has seen my success happen in England probably before he saw it happen here,” Standring say. “Because when Jazz FM was happening, there was a couple of DJs completely pounding my stuff over there, several times a day. And Les, being based in London, was probably listening to that station all the time. So he got wind of exactly what I was doing over there before I probably had that much going on over here at all.”

KTWV-The Wave Now Streaming Online

Los Angeles radio station KTWV, known as The Wave, is now streaming online. The station that debuted with new age music in 1987 is widely credited as one of the first to introduce smooth jazz to the masses.

Saxophonist Dave Koz is the morning drivetime host along with Pat Prescott. Among other KTWV DJs are Talaya Trigueros, Don Burns, Keri Tombazian, Sandy Kelly and Barbara Blake.

To listen, you'll have to fill out a registration form. Go to www.947wave.com.

Court To Rule On Case Involving Bobby Lyle's Daughter

After more than six years, the daughter of smooth jazz pianist Bobby Lyle will soon learn the outcome of her suit against one of the most popular TV shows in American history. Amaani Lyle, a former writer’s assistant for the hit comedy Friends, sued Warner Bros. and three Friends writers for sexual harassment, claiming that the writers created a "hostile work environment" by engaging in sex-related comments and jokes during writers' meetings.

Now, the California Supreme Court will hold a one-hour hearing in Sacramento on Feb. 14 where lawyers for Amaani Lyle and Warner Bros. will argue their cases. The court will then issue a written ruling within 90 days.

Amaani Lyle is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force in Germany, where she is the editor of a base newspaper. Bobby Lyle recently signed to Heads Up and will release a new CD this year.

Joyce Cooling Donating CD Proceeds To Mental Health

Smooth jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling has announced that all proceeds for her upcoming CD, which she is now completing, will be donated to two mental-health organizations: the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression.

In addition, Cooling will be performing at a benefit for the National Alliance on Mental Illness on June 3 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco during the organization's annual walkathon.

Cooling says she wants to raise awareness and help with research of mental illness because her brother has been diagnosed as being schizophrenic. Joyce is calling her new album Revolving Door. Cooling and her writing partner Jay Wagner have already named several songs, including the title track and “Come and Get It,” “At the Modern,” “Mildred’s Attraction” and “Jesse’s Bench.”

Revolving Door will be released by Narada Jazz this spring.

Chris Botti-Andrea Bocelli Song Only On ITunes

Chris Botti is contributing to a new Andrea Bocelli song, but you won't find it on Bocelli's Amore when it's released on Jan. 31. The only way you can hear the song, “Estate,” will be to pre-order the entire CD on iTunes. The bonus song is included with orders.

The 14-song CD, without Botti’s tune, does include a song featuring saxophonist Kenny G called “Mi Manchi.” Pop stars Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera are also featured.

You knew this had to come. Botti is now so popular he's being used as a bargaining chip.

Jason Miles Offering "Butter Pecan" Remixes

Producer and keyboardist Jason Miles, who has worked with many of the top names in smooth jazz, has recorded contemporary tributes to legendary musicians such as Grover Washington Jr. and Ivan Lins. His latest project invoked the sprit of the late jazz trumpeter Miles Davis with a CD called Miles to Miles.

That CD includes a tune called “Butter Pecan” co-written by Gerald Albright and spotlighting the saxophonist’s playing. Now Miles is offering a special CD featuring four new remixes of the song, plus a live version of another song on the CD called “Street Vibe.” You can purchase the CD on iTunes, but it’s free to those who purchase Miles’ Brazilian-themed album called Brazilian Nights or Miles’ solo project called Cozmopolitan.

To take advantage of the offer, go to www.jasonmilesmusic.com.

Miles’ latest tribute project, “What’s Goin’ On: The Music of Marvin Gaye” will be released on Feb. 7 by Narada Jazz.

Chris Botti Doing National Anthem Sunday In Denver

This Sunday, Jan. 22, smooth jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will perform the National Anthem in Denver at the AFC Championship game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers.

It’s Botti’s first performance in the national spotlight at a sporting event since he did his version of “God Bless America” in October 2005 during a World Series games between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros.

Sunday’s game will be televised live at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.

Jamie Foxx Blockbuster Samples Earl Klugh Classic

Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx has proved that he can make it as a vocalist as his debut album, Unpredicatable, remained at the top of Billboard’s Top 200 for two weeks in a row. Most of those who have purchased the CD are probably unaware that Foxx sampled a song by a smooth jazz superstar for a tune he titled “Three Letter Word.”

The oft-repeated sample in that song is taken from guitarist Earl Klugh’s composition called “Kari,” which is included on a duets album with pianist Bob James from 1979 called One on One. The CD was the first duets projects from Klugh and James, who would go on to release two more.

If you haven’t heard this amazing CD before, you will soon be able to. Although it has been out of print for a while, Koch Records will reissue the CD on Jan. 24. It's an amazing CD that holds up beautifully more than 25 years later.

Jamie Foxx would no doubt agree.

Mindi Abair's New CD: Life Less Ordinary

Saxophonist Mindi Abair has completed a new, highly anticipated CD she's titled Life Less Ordinary. The 10-song CD, recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angles and which will be released by the GRP record label, features nine original songs written by Abair and her writing partners Matthew Hager and Tyrone Stevens.

The CD also includes one cover song: “It Must Be Love,” which singer and songwriter Rickie Lee Jones recorded in 1984. Abair says she doesn’t normally do cover songs, but adds that she’s a huge of fan of Jones and the song holds a special meaning to her. In addition to singing on the song, Abair enlisted good friend Lalah Hathaway to provide background vocals.

Original songs include “Rain,” that she’s dedicating to the people of New Orleans; “Far Away,” which features a string section directed by Julie Rogers; and “Slinky,” which Mindi calls a fun and sexy, Euro-inspired tune. Also making the cut are “Bloom,” “Do You Miss Me?” “Long Ride Home,” “The Joint,” “True Blue” and “Ordinary Love.”

Mindi will be conducting a photo shoot for the CD early in February. Life Less Ordinary is expected to be released May 24.

Second Rendezvous Lounge Is On The Way

Rendezvous Entertainment, co-founded by smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz, has just wrapped production on the second installment of its chill music series called Rendezvous Lounge. The new 13-song CD, Rendezvous Lounge 2, is once again compiled by DJ Mark Gorbulew and features a mix of jazz, downtempo and world beat songs by Rendezvous artists Marc Antoine, Praful, Adani & Wolf and Camiel, in addition to European chill groups such as Afterlife and Montefiori Cocktail. In addition, Gorbulew created a new song called “Manhattan Groove.”

As a preview, Rendezvous is offering a free download of Praful’s “Wishful Walk,” which is included on the CD. To get your copy, go to the Rendezvous Afterparty website.

Rendezvous Lounge 2 will be available on Jan. 24.

Kirk Whalum Opens Door To “The Basement”

For more than a year, Kirk Whalum has been teasing his fans with a feature on his website, www.kirkwhalum.com, called “The Basement” that he said would be worth the wait. Now the wait is over as the saxophonist unveiled the interactive feature this week that he says in a voice-over is “where the musicians hang out.”

"The Basement” features three areas – the Saxophone Practice Room, the Band Practice Room and, in a nod to Kirk’s deep faith, the Bible Study Room. The site is still a work in progress, but many items are already in place. For example, in the Saxophone Practice Room you can hear Kirk practicing his instrument, while in the Bible Study Room you can see a short video of his first Bible Study installment. The Band Practice Room is where Kirk will feature interviews with musicians he’s worked with. This month’s interview is with bassist Michael Manson.

"I'll be having interviews with people like Euge Groove and musicians in my band," Whalum says. "It’ll also have interviews with folks I know and enjoy their music. The site's basically for musicians who are either inquisitive, curious or actually are trying to learn from guys who have been out there doing it. And the basement is where my studio is, so I'm always going downstairs and working it out. I still practice a lot."

Whalum says fans are free to sign into his guest book and log any comments, suggestions, constructive criticism or requests.

Boney James Signs With Concord, Plans Summer Release

Saxophonist Boney James has signed a contract with the Concord Music Group and is now working on a brand-new CD to be released this summer. Concord is also home to Peak Records, co-founded by Russ Freeman of the Rippingtons, and the Heads Up label, which works with many smooth jazz musicians.

It was inevitable that James would end his decade-long association with Warner Bros. when the label shuttered its jazz division in 2004. James released eight albums with Warner Bros., including a Christmas album and a duets project with trumpeter Rick Braun in 2000 called Shake It Up.

James' final CD with Warners wasn't too shabby. Released in August 2004, Pure entered the Billboard 200 charts at No. 66 and sold 17,000 copies in its first week, his best debut ever. It was nominated for a Grammy and featured two No. 1 smooth jazz singles, “Here She Comes” and “Stone Groove.” The third single, “2:01 AM,” is still on the charts.

"I’m thrilled and excited to be starting fresh with such a cool, forward-thinking company," says James. "I’m hard at work as we speak. Still hooking up some collaborations, but I already have George Duke and Wah Wah Watson on a track."

Michael Brecker Gets Transplant From Daughter

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Michael Brecker, who has a rare blood disorder, has received a stem-cell transplant from his 16-year-old daughter, Jessica. (She is on the far right in the picture at right.) The musician who has played on many popular smooth jazz recordings was diagnosed last year with myelodysplastic syndrome, known as MDS.

Brecker, who is 56, has been checked out of the Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York City and is being monitored by doctors.

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. 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.

That CD, of course, has been delayed, but Michael will be featured on Some Skunk Funk, a live album recorded in 2003 with his brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker. Heads Up will release the CD in July.

Chris Botti DVD Coinciding With PBS Special

In December 2005, a film crew from PBS shot footage from trumpeter Chris Botti’s two star-studded shows at the Wilshire Theater in Los Angeles for an upcoming one-hour television special. The special will air the weekend of March 3 on PBS stations nationwide.

In addition, those who want to watch the show over and over again will be able to purchase a DVD that will be available at the same time that PBS will be promoting during a pledge drive. It will feature an extended drum solo by Botti bandmember Billy Kilson that will not be shown on the PBS special. The still-untitled DVD will be Botti’s second – in 2002 he released one called Chris Botti & Friends: Night Sessions.

At the Los Angeles shows Botti performed songs from his new album of duets called To Love Again. Joining Chris on stage were Sting, Burt Bacharach, Paula Cole, Renee Olstead, Paul Buchanan and Gladys Knight, to name a few. Gil Goldstein is the orchestra conductor.

Bob James, Earl Klugh Reunited, If Only For 1 song

Back in 1992, pianist Bob James and guitarist Earl Klugh collaborated on a smooth jazz classic called Cool, which featured the smash radio hit “San Diego Stomp.” It was the follow-up to a duo albums they released in 1979 called One on One and Two of a Kind in 1982.

Now, James and Klugh are reunited for the first time since 1992 on James’ new solo album called Urban Flamingo. Even though it's only for one song, as Klugh plays guitar “Fresh Start.”

Joing James on the CD are his daughter Hilary James, adding vocals to a a song called “Lay Down With You,” while bassist Nathan East is featured on “Endless Time.” East, of course, is a member of Bob’s supergroup called Fourplay. For the most part, though, Bob assembled various members from some of his favorite Motown–based touring bands with the goal of transferring their live energy and passion into the recording studio. Those musicians include Al Turner, Ron Otis, Dave McMurray, Billy Kilson and James Genus.

Urban Flamingo will be released by the Koch recording label on Feb. 21.

Nick Colionne Adds Bonus Tunes To New CD

Smooth jazz guitarist Nick Colionne has finished a brand-new CD called Keepin’ It Cool, his first for the Narada record label. It’s the follow-up to his Just Come On In, which featured two smooth jazz singles – “High Flyin’” and “It’s Been Too Long." As a bonus Nick has added a live version of “High Flyin’ ” to the CD, as well as a live version of the classic “Rainy Night in Georgia,” on which he sings.

On the 13-song CD, Colionne contributes his practice of including at least one song either originally recorded or inspired by his hero, Wes Montgomery. This time it’s an original recording called “John L.” (The late guitarist’s real name was John Leslie Montgomery.) Among the CD’s other songs are “If You Asked Me,” which features guitarist Peter White and saxophonist Steve Cole, “Always Thinkin’ Of You,” “This Is the Song,” “Catch Me” and “Can You Feel It.”

Keepin’ It Cool will be released Feb. 21. Colionne Nick plans to tour extensively in 2006 to support the CD.

Nils Has Radio's Most-Played Song In 2005

If you haven't heard the song called "Pacific Coast Highway" by Nils, you should do yourself a favor.

That song by the veteran session player new to the smooth jazz scene in 2005 has been named the U.S.'s No. 1 smooth jazz single for 2005 by Radio & Records, a trade publication serving the radio industry.

The song was No. 1 for seven weeks. Although saxophonist Richard Elliot’s hit single called “People Make the World Go Round” took the top spot for 11 consecutive weeks, Radio & Records’ year-end chart is based on the total number of times a song is played, or “spinned.” “Pacific Coast Highway” was played almost 1,000 times more than the No. 2 song, Soul Ballet’s “Cream.” Nils’ current single, “Summer Nights,” also made the chart at No. 99 for the year. Coming in at No. 3 behind Soul Ballet is guitarist Tim Bowman’s “Summer Groove,” followed by “Pick Up the Pieces” by saxophonist Kenny G, “Two of a Kind” by saxophonist Michael Lington and “Let It Free” by saxophonist Dave Koz.

Rounding out the top 10 singles of the year are saxophonist Boney James’ “Stone Groove” with Joe Sample on piano, “Thursday” by saxophonist Steve Cole, “Nightlife” by saxophonist Paul Taylor and “XXL” by saxophonist Euge Groove.

Rick Braun, Richard Elliot Planning Duets CD

Trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliot are now in the planning stages of what could be one of the biggest smooth jazz projects in years - a duets album.

Braun says that the CD, which could be released by the fall of 2006, will draw on the duo’s history with the brass-heavy bands War and Tower of Power. It was back in 2000 that Braun offered a tasty CD with saxophonist Boney James called “Shake It Up” that was released by Warner Bros.

The upcoming duets CD will of course by released by ARTizen Music Group, the new smooth jazz founded by Braun and Elliot that recently announced the signing of saxophonist Shilts from Down to the Bone. Meanwhile, Braun’s brand-new album called Yours Truly features the Top 5 smooth jazz single called “Shining Star.” And Elliot’s current Top 10 single, “Mystique,” is the second from his ARTizen debut called “Metro Blue.” The first single, “People Make the World Go Round,” was No. 1 for 11 weeks.

Eric Darius' Next CD Features Smooth Jazz Heavyweights

Smooth jazz saxophonist Eric Darius, who earlier this month turned 23, has wrapped production on a new CD titled Just Getting Started. The CD, being released by Narada Jazz, is the follow-up to Eric’s debut from 2004 called Night on the Town. That CD featured the smooth jazz single of the same name.

The new 11-song CD of all original material features contributions from pianist Brian Culbertson, with whom Eric toured as a bandmember for much of 2004, and saxophonists Euge Groove and Steve Cole. Among the CD’s songs are include “Steppin’ Up,” “Lover’s Paradise,” “Groove On,” “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Slick.”

Just Getting Started will be available on March 7. Darius will be hosting and performing some of those new songs on Dec. 31 at a New Year’s Eve party at the Hyatt Regency in Tampa Bay along with violinist Karen Briggs and Nadia Darius, who is Eric’s younger sister.

Bobby Caldwell And Wife Building Home In New Jersey

Bobby Caldwell is about to undertake a big adventure – and it has nothing to do with music. The vocalist has picked his contractors and is now finalizing plans with an architect to build a new house that he and his wife have drawn up.

The house will be built on the horse property that Bobby and his wife Mary Moriarty – who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on Nov. 20 – own in northern New Jersey. Born in Manhattan and raised in Memphis and Miami, Bobby had until recently lived in Las Vegas after calling northern San Diego County home for many years.

"We’re getting through the initial stages of it and looking forward to the fun part of it," Caldwell says. "I’m certain that that’s going to absorb the next year of our lives. But it'll be a labor of love. We’re hoping that we’ll be celebrating next Christmas in the house."

Caldwell's most recent CD, his first in six years, is called Perfect Island Nights. Earlier this month, the Grammys nominated a CD called Songs From The Neighborhood - The Music Of Mister Rogers in the category of Best Musical Album For Children. The album features Caldwell singing on a song called “Sometimes.” The tune was written by Fred Rogers himself in 1972.

The longtime pianist on Rogers' show, the late Johnny Costa, also played in a band that Caldwell's parents created. They both had TV shows in Pittsburgh. "Johnny’s child was my best playmate when I was living in Pittsburgh, and Johnny himself was a close friend of the family," says Caldwell. "So I had a connection to the ‘Mister Rogers’ legacy."

All Star Cruise Gets New Host: Brian Culbertson

The All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise, which sailed for the first time in November, will return but with a new host and a new schedule. Keyboardist Brian Culbertson will replace the previous host, trumpeter Rick Braun, on the cruise that is now officially called The Brian Culbertson All Star Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Culbertson has signed a contract to be the host for the next two cruises. The second edition of the cruise will be held in January 2007 and is still scheduled to sail from Galveston, Texas. Artists confirmed so far, in addition to Culbertson, are saxophonists Boney James, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Eric Darius, guitarist Nick Colionne and the group Down to the Bone.

To learn more about the cruise, go to www.allstarcruise.com.

Smooth Jazz Artists Dish Their Favorite Recipes

Some of today’s top contemporary jazz performers show off their culinary chops in Smooth Cooking, part of a series of four collectible recipe-card packages called Music Cooks that features various themes. The recipes are selected by Mark De Anda, who is the programmer director at the smooth jazz radio station KMGQ in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The collection of personal recipes from smooth jazz artists includes the Mambo Martini by guitarist Brian Hughes; Tom Scott's Easy Chopped Salad; Vegetarin Fajitas by Russ Freeman of the Rippingtons; Prawns with Green Curry from Greg Carmichael of Acoustic Alchemy; Chicken With Lemon and Green Olives by guitarist Craig Chaquico; and Smooth Jazz Burgers by pianist Bob James. There are 16 recipes in all.

The recipe package includes a smooth jazz compilation CD featuring 11 smooth jazz classics from artists such as George Benson, Grover Washington Jr. and Rick Braun.

Smooth Cooking is the the brainchild of Sharon O'Connor, a musician and author of 19 cookbooks. It's available at www.menusandmusic.com. A portion of the proceeds of Smooth Cooking will be donated to Santa Barbara-based The Dream Foudation, a non-profit company.

ARTizen Signs First Artist: Saxophonist Shilts

The ARTizen Music Group, a new smooth jazz record label co-created by trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliot, has signed its first artist: saxophonist Paul Weimer. You may know him better by his stage name, Shilts, and by his association with the British smooth jazz jam band Down to the Bone.

Shilts, who was raised in the U.K. but last year moved to Southern California, has just about finished a new CD, which Braun is producing and smooth jazz guitarist Chris Standring is performing on. Shilts’ first solo CD, See What Happens, was released in 2001 by the Higher Octave record label.

Braun and Elliot co-founded ARTizen last year along with industry executives Al Evers and Steve Chapman. After releasing Braun’s Sessions: Volume 1, the label released its first CD of all-new material on June 28 with Elliot’s Metro Blue. Braun followed that up in October with Yours Truly.

Shilts’ debut CD with ARTizen will be available this spring.

Steve Oliver Extends Offer Of “Imagine” Download

Smooth Jazz guitarist Steve Oliver has extended his offer of a free download of "Imagine" through Christmas Day.

The song is taken from Steve’s album called 3D. Oliver says that he grew up listening to the Beatles, and John Lennon's message of hope and peace continues to weave its way into his own compositions.

To get your free copy, go to www.steveolivermusic.com.

It was on Dec. 8 that a somber anniversary was observed. It was 25 years ago that John Lennon was killed by Mark David Chapman outside the Dakota apartment building in New York as he returned home from a recording session. Thousands of fans worldwide paused to reflect on Lennon’s life and career and thousand gathered in New York’s Strawberry Fields, located inside Central Park, to remember the former Beatle. Many gathered around a mosaic that reads simply, “Imagine.” It is, of course, in honor of Lennon’s iconic solo song of the same name.

2005's Top 10 Smooth Jazz CDs

1. Brian Culbertson, It's On Tonight (GRP): Culbertson sticks to his slow and sexy theme with amazing results. His best ever.
2. Jonathan Butler, Jonathan (Rendezvous): A return to mostly instrumentals was a good career move for the veteran guitarist.
3. Matt Bianco featuring Basia, Matt's Mood (Decca/Universal): The intoxicating mix of Brazilian and cool jazz is a winner. Every song is a treat.
4. Paul Hardcastle, Hardcastle 4 (Trippin 'n' Rhythm): Hardcastle’s best yet, and the vocal tunes featuring daughter Maxine are cool and sexy.
5. Marc Antoine, Modern Times (Rendezvous): Unlike anything he’s done before, but it’s Antoine all the way.
6. Jeff Lorber, Flipside (Narada Jazz): Another steady CD by the veteran pianist.
7. Praful, Pyramid In Your Backyard (Rendezvous): A bold step in a new direction from his debut CD.
8. Bona Fide, Soul Lounge (Heads Up): Vibes galore.
9. Steve Cole, Spin (Narada Jazz): The Chicago saxophonist creates some of the best hooks on the planet.
10. Brian Simpson, It's All Good (Rendezvous): Simply great music from Dave Koz’s musical director.

Jason Miles Re-Creates Magic Of Marvin Gaye

On his last album, producer and keyboardist Jason Miles – who has collaborated with many of the top names in smooth jazz – invoked the sprit of the late jazz trumpeter Miles Davis with a work called Miles to Miles.

Now Miles has his sights on the songs of Marvin Gaye for a CD he’s just finished recording called What’s Goin’ On: The Music of Marvin Gaye. Miles rearranged many of Marvin’s greatest hits and enlisted several top-notch musicians to help him, including vocalist Bobby Caldwell on “Distant Lover,” guitarist Nick Colionne on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Spyro Gyra saxophonist Jay Beckenstein on “Too Busy Thinkin’ Bout My Baby” and trumpeter Herb Alpert on “Let’s Get It On.” As always, Miles assembled a killer rhythm section with bassists Marcus Miller, Scott Ambush and James Genus, drummer Gene Lake and percussionist Cyro Baptista on board here.

Among the CD’s other songs are such Marvin Gaye nuggets as “What’s Goin’ On,” “Sexual Healing,” “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Ain’t Nothin’ Like the Real Thing.” There's a good mixture of instrumental and vocal tunes, with some inspired singing by Mike Mattison, Chiara Civello, James "D Train" Williams and Guida DePalma.

Miles says the idea for the CD came on an October evening at a restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard that was playing Marvin Gaye songs. Miles is no stranger to compilations. He has produced several other concept albums, including To Grover, With Love, Celebrating the Music of Weather Report and A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins.

What’s Goin’ On: The Music of Marvin Gaye will be available Feb. 7 on the Narada record label.

After listening to an advance copy of this CD, I feel condident in saying it's one of the best tribute projects to come down the road in a long time. Miles takes Marvin's music in a new direction, and it's exhilarating.

Chris Botti Performing On Andrea Bocelli CD

Chris Botti will perform on the upcoming album called Amore by international superstar Andrea Bocelli, who has sold more than 50 million albums. Bocelli, a blind classical and operatic tenor from Tuscany, Italy, will be recording romantic standards with the help of producer David Foster.

In addition to Botti, Bocelli also called on several musicians with smooth jazz ties: Fourplay bassist Nathan East, guitarist Dean Parks, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and percussionist Paulinho da Costa.

Amore will be released by the Sugar/Phillips recording label on Jan. 31.