Talking Smooth Jazz

Hush Music/Orpheus Enterprises label continues its long-standing legacy with the latest release from Andre Ward.  Smooth Jazz’s top saxophonist is changing the atmosphere by fusing the elements of traditional Jazz, R 'n' B, Funk, Hip-Hop and Pop into an explosive sound that is incomparable.  A master of the soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, flute and EWI (electronic wind instrument), the multi-dimensional musician is reinventing the genre with the release of his new album, CAUTION.   CAUTION is a groundbreaking masterpiece executive produced by Beau Huggins featuring Jamie Knight, Naomi Emanuel and Janice Dempsey.  

Dwayne “Smitty” Smith is a multi-talented bassist, writer and producer.  Affectionately known as “Smitty”, he is one of the most sought after and respected musicians of our day.  In addition to being one of the top session and touring bass players in the country, he has two solo projects to his credit: “This is Me” his debut CD, which was top10 on Tower Records “New Artist List” and received rave reviews; and “Stories”, his sophomore project, set for release this Spring, which promises to receive wide acclaim as well.  

A former Wayne County Deputy Sheriff in Detroit, Michigan, flautist Althea Rene studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C.  Signed to the Trippin 'N' Rhythm label, her debut project for the label "In The Flow" is scheduled for release on May 28, 2013.  Produced by Michael Broening it features trumpetess Cindy Bradley, bassist Mel Brown, guitarist Freddy Fox and saxophonist Randy Scott. 

In March 2011, The Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards Weekend was cancelled just days prior to the events leaving fans and scheduled artists in disbelief.  Bruce Nazarian, aka The Lemonator, aka The Digital Guy, stepped in, put together a showcase of artists to perform at Anthology and the Lemonade Weekend was born.  The Lemonade Weekend 2.0 is scheduled for March 20-23, 2014, in Hollywood, CA. The four day musical event includes the VIP Founder's party on Thursday night, followed by music all day Friday and Saturday, and special closing day events on Sunday. The First Annual Citrus Music Awards are a part of the Lemonade Weekend 2.0, and will recognize excellence in several musical formats, for instrumentalists, singers, producers, sidemen, venues, producers, arrangers, writers, and even radio stations and presenters.

Keyboardist Brian Simpson returns with a brand new cd called, Just What You Need featuring Jonathan Butler, Elan Trotman, Dav Koz, Gerald Albright, Marc Antoine, with 3 songs written and produced by keyboardist and producer phenom, Nicholas Cole.  This is simply one of the best, if not the BEST! cd I've heard this year.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Known as South Florida’s Smooth and Soulful Sax Man, Travis Bridges’ unique sound has been described as “music for your soul…, a smooth jazz vibe with an inspirational feel and an R&B groove among with- just a pinch of funk.” His deeply moving, inspirational style can be heard in his own compositions and recordings, and while accompanying nationally known recording artists.  Travis talks to the Jazz Queen about his newest cd, Horn of Plenty: Harvest Harmony.

Introducing vocalist Jason Morales, guitarist Adam Hawley and bassist Maurice A. Ellis, the newest members of Brian Culbertson's band.  

One of the newest member of keyboardist Brian Culbertson's band, Selina Albright is a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter with versatility that comes from years of listening to many origins and languages of music. Her soulfulness and angelic tone add character and emotion to any ballad, yet her powerful wailing and stage presence commands attention.  She has released a new EP called Brighter that features her father, saxophonist Gerald Albright and Brian Culbertson.  Brighter is available on cdbaby. I had the opportunity to interview Selina on location in Seattle where Brian debut the new band.  

Saxophonist Jeanette Harris' new CD, Summer Rain is her fourth, which she produced and had a hand in writing all of the selections except her lovely cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Here and Now.”  Its 11 sunny songs wrap the listener in the glow of fun love grooves and sweet romance.  Summer Rain is available at www.jeanetteharrisband.com.  

Saxophonist Elan Trotman returns to Talking Smooth Jazz to discuss his new cd, Tropicality.  Co-produced by Guitarist Peter White, who also joins us.  Tropicality features Peter White, Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Nick Colionne, Terri Lynn Carrington, Nicholas Brancker, Lin Rountree and more.  Tropicality is available at www.elantrotman.com

Saxophonist J. Henry returns to discuss he newest release on the Underground Sound Entertainment label called Phenomenon, featuring Mike Mo, Creole King and Dicharisse.

Chip Shearin is highly recognized as an astonishing record producer. On top of performing and producing – he also runs KEO Music Recordings, an indie label distributed by Warner Bros.  His new cd "How I Live" features Marion Meadows and John P. Kee.

In 1975, Michael Austin was convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.  After surviving 27 years in prison, Michael was released in 2001 on with the help of Centurion Ministries, a New Jersey based organization dedicated to seeking prison release for the innocent.  He was pardoned by the Govenor in 2003. In 2012, Michael released his first full-length album, I Just Want To Love You.  Most of the songs were written during his incarceration at the Maryland State Penitentiary.  The smooth stylings and romantic themes hearken back to his jazz, R&B and classic influences.

Saxophonist Marion Meadows makes his label debut on Shanachie Entertainment with his 13th release, Whisper. Ronald Jackson of The Smooth Jazz Ride said about Whisper: "The material here is full of the Meadows musical diary of influences and style. Powerful, melodious, sensuous, and full of creative passion all at once. Here is, quite simply, another masterful effort from Meadows who has, throughout the years since and including his 1990 debut, continually worked his musical benevolence on jazz and R&B fans everywhere."

Swing Out Sister are a British sophisti-pop group best known worldwide for their 1986 song "Breakout."  Corinne Drewery from Swing Out Sister join us to talk about their new CD+DVD set, Private View, an acoustic take on some of the groups' hits.  The set also includes "Tokyo Stories."