Chris Botti Dueting With, Um, Dean Martin

Trumpeter Chris Botti’s latest duet will be with the legendary Dean Martin, one of the famous group of singers known collectively as the Rat Pack. Yes, Martin died more than 10 years ago. But like Kenny G and Natalie Cole before him, Botti will be performing his instrument on the Lerner/Loewe standard called "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," which will then be edited into Martin’s vocals of the song, which he first recorded in 1957.

Botti just finished recording his part of the song at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The CD, which is being engineered by Grammy Award-winner Al Schmitt and is expected to be released later this year, is taking original recordings of Martin’s vocals, deleting the instrumentation and putting different backing and soloists with them.

Peter White CD To Have 11 Classic Tunes

Good news from Peter White.

The smooth jazz guitarist has just finished his 10th CD, tentatively titled Deja Vu and a sequel of sorts to a full CD of cover songs he first explored in 1994 with Reflections. The album is once again produced by Paul Brown, who helmed Reflections and also co-produced White’s most recent album, 2004’s Confidential.

White's upcoming project has an all-star cast of guest musicians, including trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Jonathan Butler, saxophonists Richard Elliot and Boney James, pianist Bob James and vocalists Jeffrey Osborne and Kiki Ebsen. Butler sings lead vocals on “Lovely Day,” while Osborne does the same on “You Are Everything.”

The upcoming CD has 11 songs, including “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love),” “The Look of Love,” “Mister Magic"and “One on One.”

Look for the CD, to be released by Columbia Records, to be available this summer.

Deja Vu track listing

1. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) (Bristol/Bullock)
2. The Look Of Love (Bacharach/David)
3. Deja Vu (Anderson/Hayes)
4. Mister Magic (McDonald/Salter)
5. Lovely Day (Scarborough)
6. Crazy Love (Morrison)
7. Sunny (Hebb)
8. For The Love Of You (Isley/Isley/Isley/Isley/Jasper)
9. Hit The Road Jack (Mayfield)
10. You Are Everything (Bell/Epstein)
11. One On One (Hall)

Dave Koz Scales Back Touring; Delays CD Release

Saxophonist Dave Koz, who every year has been a familiar face on smooth jazz stages, has announced that he will be taking some time off from touring but will return in 2007 with a full schedule of shows. His last show was earlier this month when he performed in Japan for the first time.

Koz’s hiatus means there will be no Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Summer Night tour this year, which has been held four years in a row, and it is uncertain if the Dave Koz & Friends holiday show will return for the 10^th straight year. At this point, Koz is scheduled to make his return to the stage in November during the second annual Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise.

For much of 2006 Koz will be focusing more on Rendezvous Entertainment, the record label he founded and now serves as its Senior VP of Development. He’ll also be more involved in producing projects for the label, which includes smooth jazz artists such as Marc Antoine, Wayman Tisdale, Michael Lington, Kirk Whalum, Brian Simpson and Jonathan Butler. In addtion, Koz is behind the scenes creatively with the brand-new Rendezvous All Stars tour, which will be traveling the country with Tisdale, Whalum, Butler and Simpson.

Koz will continue to produce his weekday radio show on KTWV in Los Angeles and his popular weekly syndicated program, The Dave Koz Radio Show. He'll also remain focuses on his next album with producer Phil Ramone, which features movie theme songs.

The follow-up to Koz’s Saxophonic CD from 2003 was originally to be released this year but has been pushed back to 2007.

Reclusive Anita Baker Will Have Few Shows This Summer

Where’s Anita Baker?

Since ending her musical hiatus in September of 2004 with a new CD called My Everything, her first in 10 years, 48-year-old Anita Baker has remained mostly out of the spotlight and her official website was only briefly functional before being taken offline more than a year ago.

It turns out that Anita is planning a few shows this summer, but there probably won't be too many. They'll be the first since just a handful of shows last summer, some of which featured Babyface as the opening act. In addition, a spokeswoman for Baker’s record label, Blue Note, says that an announcement is expected soon on more touring dates and possibly a new CD.

Baker's My Everything has been certified Gold, with more than 500,000 copies sold, but that’s far less than her previous album, 1994’s Rhythm of Love, which sold more than 2 million copies. Baker's best-selling album to date is her classic Rapture with more than 5 million sold.

In addition to declining sales, another reason for the inactivity is that music just isn't the overiding force in Baker's life that it was in the past. She is a wife and mother to two young boys, Walter Jr. and Eddie Bridgforth, both of whom are attending exclusive Grosse Pointe Academy in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where Anita and husband Walter Bridgforth live.

Gerald Albright Cancels National Anthem Gig After Mother Dies

Our thoughts are with saxophonist Gerald Albright as his mother, Mattie Pearl Albright, died March 18 at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. Mrs. Albright, who was 88, was married to the late William Dudley Albright, who died in September of 2003.

Albright, whose latest album called New Beginnings will be released on March 28, was scheduled to perform the National Anthem on March 25 for the Colorado Crush Arena Football League team at the Pepsi Center in Denver, but has of course cancelled the performance.

He will, however, peform the National Anthem on April 17 before a Denver Nuggets baskeball game. Albright, who lives in Castle Rock, Colorado, is in Texas for his mother’s funeral service scheduled March 25 at Frankston High School in Frankston, Texas.

Albrigth is asking those who would like to make a donation in Mattie Albright’s name to send them to Top Ladies Of Distinction Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4459, Tyler, TX 75712.

Pamela Williams Takes Bold Step With New CD

On her upcoming album called Elixer, which will be released next week, smooth jazz saxophonist Pamela Williams thanks her domestic partner Precious for her support throughout the years. Williams decided that with her sixth album – she debuted 10 years ago with Saxtress – that it was time to announce that she is gay.

Williams calls Elixer her coming-out CD and, although it’s a scary step for her, she’s glad to finally let the truth be known.

"I think it’s always something that’s very scary to do because, of course, as an entertainer you don’t want to alienate anybody," says Williams, who recently moved from Southern California's High Desert to Atlanta. "But it’s just at a point in my life I just kind of wanted everybody to really know who I really am. And I think that that’s not the biggest part of who you are. It’s a little part, but it’s important I think to be honest. And it does feel like a weight has lifted off of you, because you really don’t have to pretend or lie about who you really are. So for me I think it’s important for people to be who they are and be proud of it."

Elixer features 10 songs with titles such as “Positive Vibe,” “A Jam for Pam,” “Forbidden Fruit” and “Rejuvenation.” The CD will be released March 21 by Shanachie, which on the same day will offer a DVD of Williams in concert called A Night With the Saxtress.

Craig Chaquico Auctioning Guitar For Son's School

How would you like to have a guitar owned by Smooth Jazz guitarist Craig Chaquico? The chance is now yours, courtesy of eBay, but you’ll have to be ready with some cash.

Chaquico is now offering his one of the many guitars he owns up for bid, with the proceeds benefiting his son’s school in Ashland, Ore. The guitar is a Washburn EA-26 acoustic/electric that was actually used in several recording sessions in his home studio for some of his solo CDs. It offers mahogany sides and back, a spruce top, rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl eagle inlays, a pickup and many other features. Also included is a new hard shell case plus spare strings, personalized vintage Craig Chaquico picks and a strap.

The wining bidder also has the option of Craig personally signing the guitar. Bidding ends on March 13.

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.