Talking Smooth Jazz

After more than ten years in development, Grooveatech Orchestra's flagship full-length album, “One More Time,” has been released on Grooveatech Records to great critical acclaim. The album utilizes elements of jazz, funk, and electronica, flawlessly showcasing the expertise of Grooveatech's many musicians.  Groovetech Orchestra is the brain child of Aaron Wider, who also produces, composes, arranges and performs as vocalist on the record. Grooveatech's artists come not only from a myriad of different locales around the world, but also from a surprisingly diverse array of musical backgrounds, including (but by no means limited to) groove, funk, pop, rock, and smooth jazz. The result is both a classic, warm tone familiar to music aficionadoes while maintaining a radically unique signature sound.   

In 1981 in Philadelphia, Scott Marvill assembled a group of musicians eager to play the music they loved, Jazz.  This led to their formation of "Freeport." Then Scott moved to NC taking the opportunity to bring the NY/Philadelphia jazz feel to the South.  Some highlights have been recording and performing with Tower Of Power, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Special EFX, and Grover Washington Jr.? "Live At The 2012 Hillsborough Jazz Festival" is FREEPORT captured doing what they do best. Performing live.  Listen carefully and you'll hear folks caught up in the energy.  Folks dancing, kids playing, etc.  This CD gives you that experience. ENJOY!!

Wille Bradley releases his debut album called "Another Day and Time" produced by Nicholas Cole.  It features Lin Rountree, Jeff Kashiwa, Marcus Anderson, Nicholas Cole and Kay-Ta Matsuno.

Rajdulari returns to discuss her new album Journey of a Woman available now on iTunes.

Terry’s latest release, “Buddha’s Ear” is an audiophile masterpiece.  Terry Wollman’s guitar playing, writing, and production take us on a heartfelt musical journey influenced by his travels around the world.  In his usual style, he once again brings together an all star band including John (JR) Robinson, Abraham Laboriel, Luis Conte, Greg Manning, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Keb’ Mo’, Melanie Taylor and Melissa Manchester.  He adds to the beauty of this recording with three string quartet arrangements recorded at the world renowned Capitol Studio.

Art Porter, Jr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1961. Porter joined his father's band (The Art Porter Trio) as a drummer at the age of 9 and played with them into his teen years. Porter was then drawn to the saxophone, after noticing its melodic abilities, and began to play it during shows with his father's group. On the 17th anniversary of his death, we will remember Art with his good friend, Christopher Cuben-Tatum.  

Dan Kuramoto of Hiroshima is back to talk about their new cd, J-Town Beat, a concept cd conceived by their friend, Duane Ebata.

Grammy winning former member of the Yellowjackets Ricky Lawson, affectionately known throughout the music industry as the “Drummer to the Stars”, is the most well known and respected percussionist in the world. Ricky has collaborated with many artists including Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, and Phil Collins just to name a few.   

Son of the legendary Thomas “Coke” Escovedo, Paris Escovedo, of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent was born with talent running through his veins. Paris returns with a new single, "Our Regard" and to talk about his upcoming Performance @ Fiesta Rancho Hotel Casino, Las Vegas Nv. for the 2013 Latin Grammy After Party on November 21, 2013.

Saxophonist Andrew Neu has released his fourth album entitled "Everything Happens For A Reason" featuring Rick Braun, Brian Bromberg, Bobby Caldwell, Jeff Lorber, Steve Oliver, and Tom Schuman. 

Phil Denny returns to Talking Smooth Jazz with his first holiday album called The Messenger, scheduled for release on November 29.

Airborne celebrates 25 years in the business and releases their 25th Anniversary cd, "Silver Skies."  This project with all new compositions is a testimonial to the wisdom, endurance, determination, spirit, and extraordinary talents of the contemporary jazz group Airborne.

Italian saxophonist Gianni Vancini performed on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise and was one of the artists featured during the New Artists Spotlight show. Born in Mirandola, he studied saxophone under the instruction of Angelo Gabrielli and graduated with highest honors at the “Vecchi-Tonelli” Master Institute of Musical Studies in Carpi (MO) – ITALY.  His debut cd is called "Souls United" and Gianni will release a new cd called "Get Your Groove On" in January.

Up and coming trumpeter Gabriel Johnson was one of the standout performers on the 2013 Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise.  His debut album “Introducing Gabriel Johnson,” blends his trumpet sound with the sound of modern jazz and hip-hop.

Marqueal’s solo debut CD, “Catalyst” showcases his full range as a saxophonist, vocalist & songwriter.  Fully funded on Kickstarter.com, Catalylst is scheduled for release on October 29.