So, What's News?
Current smooth jazz news
Smooth Jazz 104.7, The Oasis, Brings Joy Back to Detroit
Great news for fans of smooth jazz in Detroit- the format has returned to the Motor City with the sign-on of radio station 104.7, The Oasis, on April 20. Smooth jazz radio has been MIA in Detroit for over a year now, but Martz Communications Group has teamed with Broadcast Architecture to return the music of Kenny G, Dave Koz, Detroit native Anita Baker other popular instrumental/vocal artists to local listeners. BA president Allen Kepler notes, “The tide is turning for this truly unique radio format and we’re thrilled to be working with the team at Martz Communication Group…Literally hundreds of thousands of people have been missing smooth jazz in Detroit.” Not anymore! Congrats, Detroit, and from our team here at TSJR, a zillion thanks to Allen Kepler and BA and the Martz Communications Group for making this happen! Long Live Smooth Jazz!
Source material from Smooth Jazz Network
Apr.20, 2011
Eric Darius titled his current hot album, “On A Mission” – and he’s doing just that with an outreach program to local schools. During stops on his tour, the saxophonist is visiting schools and colleges to talk to students about getting involved with music — and to make a case for music education. He’ll also be performing for them . In a press release, Darius explained, “I want them to know that it takes a lot of hard work to succeed, regardless of what it is they want to pursue in life. I challenge them to prioritize their time by spending less time watching TV and playing video games, and to instead dedicate that time to learning what will get them what they want in the end…” Darius is also hoping to change a few perceptions about the contemporary jazz scene: “A lot of younger people associate [it] with music that puts you to sleep…then I play one of my songs and they hear elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Gospel and Rock- all the types of music they love and can relate to. At that moment…they realize that jazz can be cool…This is where my mission comes into play.”
Apr. 4, 2011
Kenny G Radio Show to Go National
After the recent launch of Kenny G’s new radio show on a local Los Angeles, CA, station, the word is that the program is going to roll out nationally. Contemporary Jazz with Kenny G will focus on a wide array of jazz music, drawn from the past 50 years. Among the featured artists will be everyone from Ray Charles and Cannonball Adderly, to Chris Botti, Diana Krall and Pat Metheny. The show will be distributed by the Smooth Jazz Network, which already airs Kenny’s satellite-delivered morning drive show.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival Set for May
One of the major music festivals of the year has revealed its lineup for this year. The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival is set to take place from May 13-15 One of the major music festivals of the year has revealed its lineup for this year. The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival is set to take place from May 13-15 in California. Over the three days, an all-star roster will take to the stage. Euge Groove and Mindi Abair are set for the first night. On night two, Down to the Bone, Jeffrey Osborne and a Summer Jam between Richard Elliot and Norman Brown. Also slated for May 14 is Jazz Attack with Rick Braun, Gerald Albright and Peter White, and Gentlemen of the Night, featuring Warren Hill, Marion Meadows and Paul Taylor. On the final night of the festival, its Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Eric Darius and Maysa, and the Sax Pack, featuring Kim Waters, Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa. For more info, visit the festival’s site.
Source: Smooth Jazz Network
Feb. 23, 2011
Lee Ritenour Announces Second Annual Yamaha 6 Sstring Theory Guitar Competition
Back by popular demand, guitarist Lee Ritenour has announced the launch of the second annual Yamaha Six String Theory Guitar Competition, in partnership with the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation and the National Guitar Workshop. Entries will be accepted from February 15-April 30 for rock, blues, jazz/fusion, acoustic, classical/flamenco and country guitar players. Six winners from each musical genre will be invited to Montana for the finals and will receive scholarships to participate in The Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop. The final competition will take place in conjunction with the workshop’s activities and is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Bigfork Performing Arts Center in Montana. The event will be open to the public.
The contest is the inspiration of the legendary GRAMMY® award winning guitarist/composer and producer, Lee Ritenour, who debuted the international competition in 2010 with the release of his all-star guitar CD, 6 String Theory. The CD has been named Guitar International’s “Best Album of 2010,” Jazziz’ “Publisher’s Album of the Year – and culminated in Ritenour recently receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Player Magazine. The CD features 20 world-class guitarists including George Benson, BB King, Slash, Vince Gill, Robert Cray, and the winner of the 2010 competition Shon Boublil.
Prizes for this year’s competition include a weeklong stay at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork for a family of four, a potential Concord Records recording contract, a National Guitar Workshop scholarship, as well as many other prizes from Yamaha Guitars, Monster Cable, D’Addario Strings, and others. Competitors are required to send an online video submission.
To enter and for complete contest rules and regulations, visit www.sixstringtheory.com.
Feb. 17, 2011
Marc Antoine to Cancel Spring/Summer Shows
Fresh off a gig at London’s Pizza Express with fellow guitarist Paul Brown, Marc Antoine has had to cancel his upcoming Spring/Summer shows on the advice of his doctors. A posting on the Marc Antoine Fan Facebook page reads in part, “He was very recently diagnosed with a heart condition that is preventing him from traveling. Currently, he is under the care of a physician…While deciding on the best course of medical action, Antoine is at home with his family.” The guitarist has been on the charts recently with his collaboration with Brown, “Brother Earl.” His new album is My Classical Way, featuring the sparkling single “Wolfgang 40.” TSJR wishes him the best both professionally and in terms of his health.
Source: Smooth Jazz Network
Jan. 29, 2011
U-Nam to Record Benson Tribute Album
French guitarist U-Nam, who has had several chances to work with his hero, George Benson (most recently on Benson’s Songs & Stories album), has revealed that he’s heading up an all-star tribute to the master, iconic guitarist. The project is to be called Weekend In L.A. (A George Benson Tribute). Among those joining the project so far are Patrice Rushen, Najee, and Ricky Lawson, with more friends to follow. U-Nam describes it as “the best, biggest, most exciting and intimidating” project of his life.” He adds that, before he began recording, he got in touch with Benson to get his blessing. “I got more than I expected when he [said], ‘Man, for sure you have my blessing and whatever you’re gonna do it’s gonna sound fantastic.” Look for the tribute this fall.
Source: Smooth Jazz Network
Dec. 15, 2010
Star-Studded Lineup Confirmed for Wave Awards
On Friday, April 29, 2011, this world renowned GTA Music Awards show that consistently honours some of the best artists in the world today will celebrate its seventh year. The name has changed but the philosophy and celebrations remain the same. Mary Kirk, the Executive Producer of The Wave Awards, remarks, “I guess you could say that everything new is
old - again, as we have not altered the mandate of this awards show, which has always been to present the very best on stage each year!”
The Wave Awards is honoured to be hosting performances by the following artists:
2011 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Larry Carlton
Mindi Abair
Paul Brown
Michael Dunston
Leyland Gordon
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach
Warren Hill
Lisa McClowry & Jim Peterik
Steve Oliver
Alexander Zonjic
Tickets for the Wave Awards can be purchased at The Mississauga Living Arts Centre, 905-306-6000 or buy online at http://bit.ly/hMD8DH
- on sale now and going fast!
The Wave Super Saturday Show on Sat. April 30 is at Toronto’s Old Mill Inn- reserve your spot in the Main Dining Room now! Call the Old Mill at 416-207-2020.
www.thewaveawards.ca
www.wave947.fm Southern Ontario’s Smoothest Groove
For more information, contact: Jane Harbury Publicity • 416.960.1568 • jane@harbury.ca