July 3rd, 2005 Edition #370 Previously Next |
Special
Presentation - The Quarterly Review: |
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Highlights Hour One Mystery - Richard Elliot: Metro Blue is now Elliot's 14th solo effort and one that marks a definite turning point in his career. The release is the first on the newly formed ARTizen Music label, of which Richard is a partner. For the project Elliot hooked up with Rick Braun, their longtime manager Steve Chapman, and industry vet Al Evers. As a result Richard feels totally in control of his musical destiny. This latter fact is well demonstrated by the music on the album & Elliot's obvious sense of freedom as he creatively stretches in new directions. There are some fantastic selections, easily making it one of the finest releases to this point in the year. No doubt we'll be going to it often. Yet on this one occasion we've chosen a bonus track available only on the ARTizen web site ! CD: Metro Blue Label: ARTizen Music Group Site: Richard Elliot |
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Two additional projects followed with Seal's career spanning Best 1991-2004
cd being issued just last year. It may be of interest that there are
in fact three versions of this release ranging from a single cd to a
deluxe 3 disc cd/dvd package. Never fear though, each of the three contains
our featured selection. The "not so overnight success" of Seal's sophomore
effort well demonstrates that occasionally it takes time for great music
to receive its due. We feel this is precisely the case with Seal's masterful
interpretation of Lips Like Sugar, the Echo & the Bunnymen's hit from
the 80s!! CD: Best 1991 - 2004 Label: Warner Bros. Records Site: Seal |
Highlights Hour Two | ||||
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Butler remained in England for
17 years before moving to the US. In that time, he recorded a variety
of diverse projects, each exhibiting a blend of African flavours appealingly
combined with many western pop influences. Butler's music has always exuded
optimism & a celebration of life, qualities that have never been more
refined than on Jonathan, this latest release!! CD: Jonathan Label: Rendezvous Entertainment Web Site: Jonathan Butler |
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Even so, it's been
a few years since his last project during which time, Hill has been very
busy with "Warren Hill's Smooth Jazz Cruise" now it's third season. Nevertheless,
earlier this year Warren was named winner as "Wind Instrumentalist of
the Year" at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards and as a bit of a musical
thank you to his fans, he just released Pop Jazz, his 10th album overall.
There's an "A" list of guest players on the project & from it we have
the advance single! CD: Pop Jazz Label: Pop Jazz Sites: Warren Hill |
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Brian auditioned for & joined Getz & his famed quintet
in December of 1979. Bromberg spent nearly a year touring the world
with Stan and his band before moving on to other pursuits. He developed
into a highly regarded sideman before releasing his solo debut in
1986. Subsequent projects have only served to enhance that reputation.
He's considered an innovative player & is in demand as a musician
and producer for both smooth and straight-ahead jazz. Choices is the
recently remastered re-release of his 2004 album & from it we have
the outstanding title track!!
CD: Choices Label: Artistry Music Site: Brain Bromberg |
After Hours ~ Exclusive to our Web Site: | |
On this edition we have more of the smooth grooves from the past 3 months of 2005. Included are AWB, Keiko Matsui, Vanessa Williams, & Brian Culbertson. Also on the show we have music from Gail Jhonson, Michael Brandeburg, Jeanette Harris, & Michael Haggins. Those and more are all coming up in this continuous hour of virtually uninterrupted music, so I hope that you can join me for some great grooves! |