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July 12, 2003 Edition #296 Previously 
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| Highlights
! If you listen to smooth jazz regularly, and believe that all programs are pretty much the same, I think you're over due for the Cafe Jazz experience, the champagne of smooth jazz listening! We strive to make each and every show special and for the most part reaction to our efforts indicates that we are right on the mark. Every once in a while though, whether by design or serendipity, we manage to outdo even ourselves. That's how we feel about this edition. Paul Jackson Jr., Gregg Karukas, Tony Adamo, and Les Sabler are just a few of the names that you'll be hearing. As well we have music from up and coming artists such as Eric Darius and Steve Briody; classic tracks by David Benoit, Bernard Oattes and Peter White; and of course there are favourites from Dave McMurray and Steve Oliver . Some other names that we'll be playing that you may not have heard before include Juan Carlos Quintero and Joseph Diamond; plus we have the latest from Jeff Kashiwa and Joan Osborne. So tell a friend about our program and encourage them to connect and listen. I'm certain that they too will agree, Café Jazz is not only the freshest, but also the smoothest & hippest show on radio! |
| Showcase CD Sweet Spot - Kevin Toney : Born and raised in Detroit, Toney’s first taste of success in music can be traced back to the early 1970s when he worked with Donald Byrd. He took part in the making of the Black Byrd release and continued as a member of the group, the Blackbyrds, recording seven albums in all, three of which he co-produced. During this period, he also furthered his musical education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Composition and Jazz Studies. Although he released his first solo record in 1982, for many years Kevin recorded and/or performed as a supporting musician with a long list of many top artists, and as well acted as musical director for a wide variety of productions. With the 1994 release of Lovescape, his sophomore effort, Kevin's solo career finally took off. Subsequent projects have continued to impress as Toney combines elements of traditional jazz with brilliant melodies and contemporary production. |
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| All of these varied experiences have given
Kevin the opportunity and the confidence to reach out and touch people
emotionally through his music. To quote Toney directly, "The key
for me is realising that people are not interested in how many notes I
play or how flashy I can be, but in how the music I create makes them
feel." I’m certain that after hearing some of his music you too will
be touched by the artistry of Kevin Toney. So as we showcase Sweet Spot,
we present the title track, Better Than Ever and Coast to Coast. CD: Sweet Spot Label: Shanachie Site: Kevin Toney |
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| Fresh Trax: Part One | |
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So
Lucky - Lisa Hilton : A passionate pianist, Hilton grew up as she puts it "in an instrumental version of the Von Trapp family". Although she can play any style from classical to straight-ahead, the piano has more than anything become her voice. Through her compositions and her playing, Lisa has been able to touch others and share emotions and experiences musically. Residing in Southern California, Ms. Hilton spends most of her time playing and has also become a prolific composer. Lisa's latest CD, released on her own independent recording label contains several standards in addition to her own outstanding originals resulting in a gem of a crossover album. From that effort we have the lead track with saxman Eric Marienthal featured on the selection. It’s a pretty tune titled So Lucky and is highlighted by the pleasing interplay between Hilton and Marienthal in a highly melodic context. CD: In the Mood for Jazz Label: Ruby Slipper Productions Site: Lisa Hilton |
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Walk
of Life - Jimmy Dludlu : This is a tune taken from Smooth Africa II subtitled Exploring the Soul which was recently released on Heads Up Records. Label founder and prez Dave Love, first visited South Africa in 1998. To say that he became infatuated with the people, their customs and music could be a bit of an understatement. Love has returned to that region a total of 9 times including that initial visit. This CD is the second in what Love intends as a series of Smooth Africa releases. Opening the album is Walk of Life a great track from Jimmy Dludlu. In his homeland phrases such as "guitar phenomenon" or "guitar wizard of jazz" have become synonymous with the name of Dludlu. No doubt this self-taught musician may well rank amongst the finest jazz guitarists in the world . CD: Smooth Africa II Label: Heads Up |
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two | |
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A
Day In Sydney - Igor : Now I don’t know about you, but when I first heard the name Igor, (no disrespect intended) Smooth Jazz was not the first thing that came to my mind. Well it only goes to show how wrong I could be. In any event, Igor hails from Moscow. Upon graduating from the Conservatory of Music in Russia, Igor began to play the sax professionally. His popularity grew and led to weekly appearances on national television. At this point Igor had risen to more or less the top of the music industry in Moscow. He decided however, to move to Australia and since then has fast established a reputation of being one of that country's most versatile and sought after musicians. You and I is now his third release and from that undertaking we have A Day in Sydney. Make no mistake, this track is totally hot !! CD: You and I |
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Milo
- Acoustic Alchemy : During the 1980s and '90s, the duo of Greg Carmichael & the late Nick Webb produced a series of superb albums as they explored a range of musical influences. Over the years, their work remained innovative and fresh and helped define the sound of Smooth Jazz. After the passing of Webb, Carmichael chose to revamp the Alchemy sound. He included several longtime sidemen in the line-up, among them fellow guitarist Miles Gilderdale, who co-writes many of the selections. The change has resulted in an even broader range of styles and the recording of three excellent projects of which Radio Contact is the latest. Chuck Loeb, also a guitarist, was in on producing three of the cuts including the one that we chose on this occasion. We'll be hearing Milo a track which was written for Gilderdale’s son, his first child, who was born earlier this year. CD: Radio Contact |
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Room
With A Groove - Michael Sims : Capping off the FT segment is this superb piece that features the silky guitar work of Sims together with Gerald Albright who helps out on sax on the track. Sims is a veteran musician who has lent his musical talents and expertise to a wide variety of projects and as such, he is perhaps better known for his session and supporting work rather than his own efforts. A few years back Michael appeared as one of the contributors to No Static at All, an instrumental tribute album to the music of Steely Dan that was put out under the banner of Garden Party. More recently he’s appeared with saxman George Shelby. Just out however, is Sims’ second solo project. On the offering Michael writes the majority of the tracks and in addition to the guitar also ably handles bass, keyboards, and drums on several of the tracks. His strong playing although always evident never dominates but rather compliments the artistry of his fellow musicians. A case is point is the tune that we'll be hearing. As one player begins a musical thought or expression it's followed through to completion by the other. And so they converse resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Now if you’re thinking that I like this track well you’re right! CD: Room With A Groove Label: Liquid 8 Records and Entertainment |
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| News |
| After
Hours Special Edition: On this occasion we are forgoing our usual After Hours format to feature an extension of our Fresh Trax segment ... a full hour of almost uninterrupted great new music. We have the latest from Chris Standring, Blake Aaron, Laura Turner, Praful, Chuck Loeb, Lloyd Gregory, Jimmy Sommers .... and the list goes on. |
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