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May 31, 2003 Edition #291 Previously 
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| Highlights
! As we slowly but surely wend our way towards our special anniversary show, we continue to find loads of fantastic music that it's our pleasure and privilege to share with you. We have great Canadian music from Four80East and Ray Garand, the usual assortment of current favourites (Eric Darius, UltraBlue, & Gretchen Lieberum), some hot new music (on the FT segment), and a few cool SJ classics (Warren Bernhardt & Kenny G) all blended with great care together with the showcase cd (Bob James) and, dare I say it, the customary surprise or two. And that's why we say: Café Jazz is the smoothest and hippest show on radio. |
| Showcase CD Morning, Noon, & Night - Bob James: Bob first started playing the piano at the age of four. As a teen he took part in several competitions at the local State Fair and frequently walked away with top honours. While attending university, he collaborated on a couple of productions, one of which was chosen as the best college musical of the year. In 1962 James received a Masters Degree in Music and later that year, he made an appearance at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. James & his trio won in every category and caught the eye of Quincy Jones. Soon after, Bob was encouraged to move to New York where he became in-demand as a session player and as well developed into a highly regarded composer and arranger. A four-year stint as Sarah Vaughan's musical director followed. In 1974, his solo career took off with the first of several releases for CTI Records. The remainder of the 70s were filled with a flurry of noteworthy recordings and that continued into the 1980s as well. |
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| Included in any list of Bob’s most memorable pieces would
be Angela, also known as the theme from Taxi, which became one of the
most recognizable songs in TV history. In 1991, James set out on a parallel
career as member of the SJ super group Fourplay. The band’s self-titled
debut reached Number 1 on Billboard's jazz chart and stayed there for
a record 34 weeks. In all, Bob has been involved as a leader or co-leader
in the recording of well over 30 projects. It’s the latest of these that
occupies our musical spotlight on this occasion. We begin our showcase
presentation with Baby Cakes, and include Five O'Clock Chateau as well
as the title track. CD: Morning, Noon, & Night Label: Warner Bros. Site: Bob James |
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| Fresh Trax: Part One | |
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Cristo
Redentor - David Sanborn: Considered by many as one of the most influential alto saxplayers of the past two decades or so, Sanborn battled Polio in his youth. He honed his chops playing with many blues greats from Chicago, including a stint with Paul Butterfield & his band, during which they played Woodstock. That was followed by sessions with many top artists such as Stevie Wonder & David Bowie among others. Sanborn launched his solo career in the mid 70s or so, & has now released a total that is quickly approaching 20 cds. Timeagain is his latest. Possessing a style & sound that is almost instantly recognizable, Sanborn is joined by the proverbial all-star cast of top musicians, resulting in a project that may well rank among his best. From Timeagain we’ve selected a piece made famous by Donald Byrd. CD: timeagain Label: Verve Site: David Sanborn |
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No
Messin' - Acoustic Alchemy : During the '80s and '90s, the duo of Greg Carmichael & the late Nick Webb produced a series of fine albums as they explored a range of musical influences which helped to define the sound of SJ. After the passing of Webb, Carmichael revamped the Alchemy sound by including several long-time sidemen in the line-up. The change has resulted in an even broader range of styles and the recording of 3 excellent projects of which Radio Contact is the latest. From that effort we have No Messin’ the lead single. CD: Radio Contact Label: Higher Octave Site: Acoustic Alchemy |
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two | |
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Save
A Little Time For Me - Freddy Cole: Freddy, the younger brother of Nat King Cole (& the uncle of Natalie Cole), first started playing the piano at the age of five or six. Cole's dreams of playing football professionally were shattered after sustaining a serious hand injury and so he turned to his other love which was music. His debut was released in 1952 as Cole set out on a career that now spans over 50 years. Although his sound is somewhat reminiscent of his famous sibling, Cole’s style is his own. In the Name of Love is his recently released project. Keeping things in the family so to speak, for at least one track that is, we chose a tune which was penned by Freddy’s son Lionel Cole. CD: In the Name of Love Label: Telarc Site: Freddy Cole |
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Raining
- Paula Atherton & Interplay: Paula, who was born & raised in NYC, has had extensive recording experience, both as a vocalist and as a woodwind player. She began singing and studying the flute at the age of nine, and added the sax to her repertoire a few years later. After extensive touring, particularly in Japan, and various sessions in and around NY, Ms Atherton and her band Interplay were recent finalists in a Jazz talent search hosted by WQCD (smooth jazz station in NY). Using that success as somewhat of a springboard, Paula has just issued Let Me Inside your Love, her debut. CD: Let Me Inside Your Love Label: Dream Records Site: Paula Atherton |
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Looks
- De-Phazz: Formed in 1997, De-Phazz operates as an open project that revolves around the production prowess of Pit Baumgartner. As they explore many modern & exotic styles, the crew draws inspiration from jazz & disco and creates a unique style that captivated the dance club scene in Europe. The success of previous projects confirmed the ensemble’s ability to transcend simple pop related efforts. Daily Lama is now their 4th (?) cd and from it we have Looks, the opening track, which features Karl Frierson on vocals. CD: Daily Lama Label: Universal Jazz Germany Site:De-Phazz |
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| Smooth Jazz in Canada eh? |
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Gig & New Release : Word just in: " Rik Emmett will offer his hometown fans the first opportunity to hear new material from his forthcoming CD, GOOD FAITH. This one-night-only special concert event will take place at Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas Street West, Toronto, on Friday, June 6th at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 in advance, $25.00 day of show. The concert will highlight Rik's multidimensional talents in a rare up-close-and-personal offering. Hailed as a master of rock, jazz, blues, classical, and pop genres, music fans will delight in the many levels of repertoire Rik will feature during this intimate singer/songwriter concert. " For additional information, please visit Hugh's Room or Rik Emett.com . |
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