Do you have a business, website or service that needs not only local and national but worldwide exposure? Now you can touch the population in all 50 States and 58 Countries around the world with the good news about your company, website, services or event for a fraction of the cost of AM & FM radio. As we prepare for live broadcasting in the coming weeks, we're now accepting advertisers on Smooth Jazz America!
Don't worry, you won't hear 15-20 minutes of boring commercials over the air like terrestial radio. Our commitment is to the music and giving you more of it with a wider variety. We'll get your message across effectively. You can supply the commercial or we'll produce and write one for you that you own. How does $5-$10 a spot announcement sound to you? Unbelievable rates for advertising right?
Find out how you can increase your bottom line with effective SJA Advertising now! Go to our Advertiser page and fill out the short request form and we'll get back to you promptly with a quote so we can get you started right away.
Posted Dec 23rd 2008 9:02AM by Deidre Woollard Michael Jackson's been laying low in recent years but that may be about to change. TMZ reports that Jackson has leased himself a huge spectacle of a house in one of the most exclusive areas of Los Angeles, Holmby Hills. It is said that Jackson is paying an astounding $100,000 a month for the chateau style seven-bedroom home which was recently on the market for $38 million. The three-story Richard Landry designed home was built in 2002 and includes a library, theater room and wine cellar. There is also a pool and a guest house on the property. The big mystery here is how Jackson is able to afford such an expensive rental since he's been in financial trouble for years.
Backstage Conversations Debuts On Smooth Jazz America
Smooth Jazz America now gives you’re a look into the lives of your favorite Smooth Jazz artist. Presenting Backstage Conversations.Join Jay Lang as he speaks to today’s hottest musicians, singers and true jazz legends. One thing he promises you is a candid one on one conversation about the things you always wanted to know but no one else dared to ask. Tell your friends about it. Find out the how, what and why on Backstage Conversations. Currently featuring Kerry Gordy (Motown Legacy) & Al Bell (Stax Records) discovery, rising star Leigh Jones.Saturday 11am and Wednesday Night at 7pm. Backstage Conversations. An informative flow that keeps you in the know on Smooth Jazz America.
S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten) Thunder Heads Up International / 2008
10/2808
What do you expect when you get three of the most powerful players of the bass together for a session? “Thunder!” With their debut collaboration disc world class bassists, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten have delivered a CD that should excite the Jazz World and musicians both, after all we are talking about some of the elite names of the instrument.
Each of the three legends has blazed their own successful careers with all three having won Grammies. You will find one of their names on works from 'Return To Forever,' George Duke, David Sanborn, Chick Corea, Luther Van Dross, Donald Fagen, Grover Washington Jr., Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Dave Matthews, Prince and many, many more. The idea for the project got roots back in October 2006 at the Bass Player Live series in NYC where Victor Wooten had the bass record idea, and after jamming together at the event the three knew it would work. The simple logistics of the recording had to be huge as each of the three bassists’ have their own tone & style and to make it work musically and yet retain the distinctiveness of each artists sound was a task that these high calibre musicians were up to.
Walter Beasley Records Song For Barack Obama
Saxophonist Walter Beasley, who has already officially supported presidential candidate Barack Obama on his website, is now the first major smooth jazz artist to include a song for Obama on a CD. Beasley’s “Free Your Mind,” which is due in January on Heads Up, features a tune called “Barack’s Groove” that was written and produced by Phil Davis.
The song is one of 11 new ones on the CD, which is Beasley’s follow-up to Ready for Love, which included the No. 1 song of the same name. New songs include a tribute to George Duke called “DukeZillia,” as well as a tribute to the late trumpeter and vocalist Mark Ledford from the Pat Metheny Group called “Message to Mark.”
Posted by Brian Soergel
3rd Force’s William Aura Planning School In Nepal
William Aura, leader of the smooth jazz group 3rd Force, has announced that he has collected nearly $2,500 so far toward the building of a school in rural Nepal. Aura has visited the area many times on humanitarian missions, and footage that he shot in India and Nepal, where many Tibetan refugees have resettled, was featured in a recent documentary titled 10 Questions For The Dalai Lama.
Aura’s school will be located near a river in a remote Himalayan valley about 300 miles southeast of Kathmandu. About 50 students now study three hours a day outside in the elements. Aura’s school will replace a traditional straw-thatched roof with wood and bamboo, which is in abundance nearby. If you would like to contribute, you can visit the Aura Imports website, which is designed to aid the harsh economic conditions of the Tibetan people by offering jewelry, clothing and other items handmade by young Tibetan artists and craftspeople in exile.
William Aura describes how Buddhism and his travels to Nepal, where he is building a school, help him to stay centered: "I’m a student of Buddhism. It’s not really religion to me. It’s more of a school of thought. I love traveling there and working with the young people and teaching English when I’m there and studying in the monasteries and just finding something that’s very relaxing and peaceful to me. It helps me become more mindful and appreciative of everything we have."
Posted by Brian Soergel
Where In the World Is Candy Dulfer?
Earlier this year Candy Dulfer toured Japan, playing the Sapporo jazz festival, which included five nights in the Blue Note in Tokyo and two nights in Nagoya.
In a recent post on her website she mentions that her, and her band, have been touring Japan for fourteen years now, so they “have a lot of friends and loyal fans turn up at the shows.”
This year has been an incredible one for Candy, with a US tour, a gig in South Africa at Cape Town Jazz, and some Sugar Factory Shows in her hometown of Amsterdam. She recently participated in a Tommy Hilfiger show in Berlin where she got to perform alongside Wyclef Jean, formerly of the Fugees, and Kelly Rowland, formerly of Destiny’s Child.
Candy has also been working on her new album, which is slated for release in the spring of 2009. She has also completed a soundtrack for a documentary film about biological wines called ‘Kissed by the Grape’. According to Candy, all of the tracks are inspired by the film and its scenery. The film will be available on DVD on November 28th. In September Candy performed with Lionel Richie for four shows at the Gelredome in Amhem, Holland. She has a string of tour dates lined up for the end of October before she boards a cruise ship with Dave Koz in the beginning of November. The end of the year will find her doing a number of shows in Switzerland.
Candy was also recently asked to be the guest editor at Wahwah magazine where she got to write a story about her gig as a supporting act for Madonna’s tour back in 1987.
For more information you can visit Candy’s website, candydulfer.com.
Natalie Cole Shares More Details About Her Health
Singer Natalie Cole shared a few more details about her health challenges on her website and in an interview with the Los Angeles Times this week. The Grammy-winning singer is currently promoting her new CD, Still Unforgettable, and now that she is more stable Cole is plans to resume her promotion and performance schedule.
Diagnosed with hepatitis C earlier this year, Cole was receiving treatment when she was briefly hospitalized in New York last month, right when Still Unforgettable was released. Though all the details were not divulged at the time, Cole says now that she checked in to Lenox Hill Hospital with fluid-filled lungs and rapidly deteriorating kidneys. "I didn't realize how close I was to checking out," Cole told the L.A. Times.
The 58-year-old singer added that her treatment was going well until she began on a course of Interferon in May, saying that the side effects have been "debilitating. (It) was worse than the disease." She returned to Los Angeles, and then experienced a clot in her catheter during dialysis, requiring another week of hospitalization at Cedar Sinai Hospital.
Though it has not been determined whether her hepatitis treatment contributed to her kidney failure, Cole must now undergo dialysis for three hours a day and will require a kidney transplant. But for now, she says she has stopped taking the Interferon and her liver, the organ affected by the hepatitis, is in good shape.
On her website, Cole adds: "Don't believe anything those trashy magazines are saying, especially the ones that say I am dying -- I AM ALIVE AND WELL!"
In the meantime, Cole appeared at a CD signing in the Westwood section of Los Angeles, and is expected to make appearances on November 1st at two other Southern California mall stores. She also plans to resume her concert tour next month.
Recently, Cole explained the scope of Still Unforgettable: "This time I decided to go deeper into the American songbook, and not just getting songs from Dad -- Nat Cole -- but also from Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne and Sammy Davis Jr. and Peggy Lee and things like that. And so it made it a lot more interesting as well as giving it, I think, a new dimension."
Nancy Wilson Tuesday, October 7, 8pm Kennedy Center Concert Hall
"Nancy Wilson has a voice that envelops and warms audiences, like sunlight from the heavens. -The Philadelphia Tribune
An Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Nancy Wilson is a vocalist and all-around performer. She's been labeled a singer of blues, jazz, cabaret and pop; a "consummate actress"; and "the complete entertainer." During her career, she's performed with such legends as Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstein, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ruth Brown. Wilson's landed more than 30 albums on the Billboard charts, and produced a slew of hit albums while with Capitol Records, such as Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley, How Glad I Am and Now, and I'm a Woman.
Janet Jackson has been hospitalized, a rep said Monday.
The singer "got suddenly ill during the sound check" before her concert in Montreal and had to be rushed to the hospital, according to a statement released by W&W Public Relations. Jackson, 42, is being monitored at the hospital, and hopes to reschedule the show. No further information was given about Jackson's condition.
She has terminated her relationship with her label, Island Records."At her request, the record label has agreed to dissolve their working relationship," the singer's rep said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Now more than 20 years after the release of her iconic album, Control, Janet will have autonomy over her career, without the restrictions of a label system." A rep for Island Records had no comment. Jackson, 42, first discussed her label woes in June, when she told the hip hop Web site SOHH.com, "I'm trying to figure out a way to say this, but just to say it and to be quite honest, they just stopped all promotion whatsoever on the album, so I don't think you're going to hear another single off this album."
Concert Tour Continues
At the time, an Island Def Jam spokesperson told Billboard, "Unfortunately, we haven't experienced the results we would have liked with this new album. But we respect and support Janet." Jackson was signed to Island Records in July 2007, and released her album Discipline, which debuted at No. 1, on the label in February. Despite the break with Island, Jackson will continue to perform her Rock Witchu tour across North America.
Natalie Cole In Hospital, Puts Tour On Hold September 21, 2008 – Natalie Cole is in hospital again. The Smooth Jazz singer who is battling Hepatitis C has been sidelined from complications from the disease, “The combination of the treatment she’s been undergoing and the heavy promotional schedule for her new album took its toll,” says Maureen O’Connor, Cole's publicist. “Her doctors decided they needed to put her in the hospital. They expect her to be there for a few days, then she’ll be on a month of bed rest.” O’Connor did make it clear that the treatment is not life-threatening.Cole who was admitted to hospital in New York on Sept. 12 had to postpone her tour that was to start Oct. 3 and cancel several public appearances for TV, Radio and several in-store promos. Her new album ‘Still Unforgettable’ was released last week. Cole, the daughter of famous crooner Nat King Cole was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in July.Everyone at Smooth Jazz Now wishes her a speedy recovery. – By John Beaudin – Smooth Jazz Now.
Today I Celebrated my 50th Birthday! It Feels Great! But, unfortunately I have some not so good news......
Wayman Tisdale Loses Leg to Cancer Aug. 27, 2008 – Smooth Jazz guitarist and former NBA star Wayman Tisdale has lost part of his right leg to Cancer. His wife told the press yesterday that “everything went well.” Tisdale, 44, has been diagnosed with bone cancer and has had knee replacement surgery. He first learned about his condition after falling and breaking his leg on Feb. 8, 2007. Doctors quickly realised that he had a cancerous cyst. He has been undergoing chemotherapy. In June he said, "I feel better than ever. I'm excited. I've got a whole new look on life. I look at life on a whole 'nother radar."
Removing part of the leg was the recommended safeguard to make sure the cancer does not return, "This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said. "I have complete faith that with the Lord's blessings this surgery will eliminate the cancer from my body and I'll soon be back on the road doing what I do best." He still plans on hosting his annual Smooth Jazz tour this fall. The National Cancer Institute says 63% of people who have bone cancer live at least 10 more years. We wish him a quick recovery. – Kari Graham
What does WashingtonDC & all 50 states have in common with 50 foreign countries? After only 36 days on the air, they are all tuning in daily to the all new Smooth Jazz America!
In the US most of our biggest listenership thus far is in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Mississippi, New York, California, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington & Texas.
Our biggest loyal foreign listeners are in Brazilfollowed by Canada, Mexico, England, Germany, France, India, Argentina, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, Ireland, Japan, Greeceand Australia.
If you step up to the VIP level and download the Live 365 Desktop Player, your broadcast is commercial free with CD quality sound. The question of late has been, "Jay, when are you going to do a live show? Well, there's still a bit more to do technically before I go on the air, but rest assured, live shows, more music and your favorite “Light's Out Washington” features are on the way soon.
Just Added New Music:
Sharon Robinson- "Invisible Tatoo"
Ken Navarro- "Nomad" & "Blue Skies, Bright Dreams"
PSThe "Words Of Wisdom" feature is now BACK ON THE AIR 3 times a day!
Legendary saxophonist David Sanborn today (August 12th) offers a new CD, the 23rd of his Grammy Award-winning career, titled “Here and Gone.” In addition to drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Christian McBride and keyboardist Gil Goldstein, guest artists include Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Wallace Roney and Anthony Wilson. The CD is Sanborn’s tribute to ’60s R&B-oriented jazz saxophonists in the style of Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman. Three tracks were popularized by Crawford, including “Stoney Lonesome.” David also recorded Ray Charles’ "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" and "I Believe It to My Soul," as well as Marcus Miller’s tribute to Charles titled "Brother Ray." Sanborn originally recorded the song on his 1999 album “Inside,” but has re-recorded it with guitarist Derek Trucks. Meanwhile, Sanborn continues his summer tour tonight in San Diego.
Legendary jazz singer Nancy Wilson was treated for a collapsed lung at a California hospital in March. The cause has not been disclosed, but the singer, who won a best jazz vocal Grammy last year, is said to be in good spirits.
The husband of jazz great Nancy Wilson has died. The Rev. Wiley M Burton, honorary chairman for the local American Cancer Society Relay For Life in April, died recently after a battle with cancer. He underwent chemotherapy treatment earlier this year after his right kidney was removed. Burton and Wilson married in 1974 and lived in Pioneertown, Calif. for 30 years.Burton was a Presbyterian Church minister and published award-winning essays and the book, “Divided We Stand.”
Today (August 12th), guitarist Pat Metheny will observe his 54th birthday. Pat was born on this day in 1954 in Lees Summit, Missouri, a few miles outside of Kansas City. Since then, Metheny has recorded more than 30 albums, picking up 17 Grammy Awards along the way. Pat records solo and with his renown Pat Metheny Group, founded 30 years ago this year. Along the way, Pat has records such popular songs as “James,” “Last Train Home,” “Follow Me,” “Chris,” “Facing West,” “Here to Stay” and many more. Pat’s latest CD, “Day Trip,” is a trio recording with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez.
Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole was diagnosed with hepatitis C in July. A statement released by her publicist said that the disease was likely caused by her drug use years ago. "I am committed...to meet this challenge," Cole said.
Starbucks is now offering a sweet deal to the whole country that had previously only been available in select cities. Through September 2nd, it is offering $2 cold drinks in the afternoon to people who bring in the receipt from the purchase of their morning coffee fix. The promotion applies to "grande" drinks. Starbucks, which is closing underperforming U.S. coffee shops, has seen domestic sales slow as consumers cut back on little luxuries like specialty coffee in the face of a weak economy and rising prices for food and fuel. No doubt that Smooth Jazz saxophonist Kenny G, who released his latest CD “Sax-O-Loco” through a collaboration between Starbucks and Concord Records, will be stopping by a store to order his favorite drink, the Frappuccino, during the promotion.
Today (August 12th), a trio of three of the most famous bass players in the world offers a CD titled “Thunder.” The trio calls itself S.M.V. after the names of its famous bassists – Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. The initial idea behind the CD goes back a few years, but the final push came after the three bassists played together for the first time in October of 2006 in New York City. Joining them on the CD are pianists George Duke and Chick Corea, as well as trumpeter Patches Stewart. The CD features 13 original songs, including “Hillbillies on a Quiet Afternoon,” “Milano” and “Tutu.” The trio continues its tour of North America on Friday (August 15th) in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, before embarking on an overseas tour in September and October.
What is your opinion on the future of Internet Radio?
I think Internet Radio is as exciting an innovation as radio itself. Not only does it provide enormous variety and niche programming, but it also allows practically anyone to start up and run their own online radio station - and reach the world. Never before have so many people been so empowered with audio.
I also believe Internet Radio will slowly evolve and with the help of broadband, wireless and product development it will find it’s rightful place in the home, auto and hand-held device. The key for users will be the given ability to walk away from their personal computer - and household - and still access their favorite Internet stations. The technology is already here; it just needs natural evolution to become more embedded and more affordable.
Do you think there will be portable Internet Radio receivers? What technology will power them (cellular, satellite, wi-fi?)
There already are. A British company, PDT, recently displayed in Las Vegas their InTune200 portable Internet Radio tuner for the home. And iMuse Electronics just introduced, iAPlayer, a new home entertainment audio component that moves streaming audio and music files from your personal computer to your home stereo or entertainment system.
Do you think that portable Internet Radio will make satellite radio obsolete?
That’s an interesting question. I think it’s safe to say there are enough great net streams out there to satisfy anyone’s taste. Getting online radio in your home is relatively cheap but once you make some of this entertainment available to portable devices, chances are there will be some costs involved.
The easiest way to distribute Internet Radio is by satellite or through the current wireless cell phone infrastructure. But, since satellite time can be cost prohibitive, that means only a limited amount of streams would be available and inevitably, the cost would be passed along to the consumer. The same can be said about receiving Internet Radio on your cell phone or PDA. There is cost involved and bandwidth considerations.
Do you think that portable Internet Radio will make Clear Channel obsolete?
I doubt that. But, portable Internet Radio - and Satellite Radio - certainly add to the mix of competition that traditional, terrestrial stations have to contend with.
Smooth Jazz America now gives you’re a look into the lives of your favorite Smooth Jazz artist. Presenting Backstage Conversations.
Saxophonist Walter Beasley, who has already officially supported presidential candidate Barack Obama on his website, is now the first major smooth jazz artist to include a song for Obama on a CD. Beasley’s “Free Your Mind,” which is due in January on Heads Up, features a tune called “Barack’s Groove” that was written and produced by Phil Davis.
William Aura, leader of the smooth jazz group 3rd Force, has announced that he has collected nearly $2,500 so far toward the building of a school in rural Nepal. Aura has visited the area many times on humanitarian missions, and footage that he shot in India and Nepal, where many Tibetan refugees have resettled, was featured in a recent documentary titled 10 Questions For The Dalai Lama.
Singer Natalie Cole shared a few more details about her health challenges on her website and in an interview with the Los Angeles Times this week. The Grammy-winning singer is currently promoting her new CD, Still Unforgettable, and now that she is more stable Cole is plans to resume her promotion and performance schedule.
Aug. 27, 2008 – Smooth Jazz guitarist and former NBA star Wayman Tisdale has lost part of his right leg to Cancer. His wife told the press yesterday that “everything went well.” Tisdale, 44, has been diagnosed with bone cancer and has had knee replacement surgery. He first learned about his condition after falling and breaking his leg on Feb. 8, 2007. Doctors quickly realised that he had a cancerous cyst. He has been undergoing chemotherapy. In June he said, "I feel better than ever. I'm excited. I've got a whole new look on life. I look at life on a whole 'nother radar."