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September 21st, 2008 Edition #494 Previously 
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This Week at CafeJazz.ca! … another episode of incredible listening spotlighting Sleight of Hand from the band Voodoo Village out of Memphis Tennessee - we've selected our usual trio of tracks and we'll be spinning those as part of the showcase feature. In the second hour, we're cracking open a five pack of new music on the Fresh Trax segment and headlining this edition is Dave Koz. Additionally, there's something brand new from the band Airborne, while debuting are Patrick Charles, Ronnie McNeir, and Vadim Brunell. They're all part of the Fresh Trax feature and that's in hour 2. Then just a bit later, there's a retro set with past favorites from the likes of Oli Silk, Vince Mai, Special EFX as well as the band Soundscape out of the UK. Now, the remainder of the show is spiced with selections by Marion Meadows, Gene Dunlap, and Nick Colionne while to begin, we're checking out an oldie from Ken Navarro. |
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| Fresh Trax: Part One | |
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Breathe - Patrick Charles:
He was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti, but for the most part Patrick Charles grew up in East Orange, NJ where, after discovering the Miles Davis track Tutu, he became hooked on jazz. Now, firmly established in the LA area as a session drummer, composer, and producer, Charles has gathered a batch of top-flight cats for his Cité Soleil debut. The project covers a gamut of styles with one track in particular a standout in so far as smooth jazz is concerned and we have it for you. Featuring Kevin Toney on piano, and Ricky Z on nylon string guitar, it's instilled with a force that's quasi 'life giving' and rather fittingly it's entitled Breathe! CD: Cité Soleil Label: Soleil Records Site: Charles/MySpace |
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Brazilian Praise - Airborne: Formed in 1988, Airborne is a veteran ensemble that is celebrating their 20th anniversary in music, with the release of a new disc, now their 6th overall. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, the six-man/one-woman combo has presented a multi-cultural approach to jazz since the release of their debut back in 1990. As with their previous albums, Winds of Change is a collection of smooth jazz, Latin jazz, and urban vocals and from that effort, we have the contemporary gem Brazilian Praise! CD: Winds of Change Label: Heavy Vibes Music Site: Airborne ; AirSpace |
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two | |
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Song
for my Brothers - Ronnie McNeir: Although a gifted basketball player in his youth, following a car accident Ronnie McNeir took up piano and found his calling. He launched his record career in 1966 with a single and after moving to LA in 1971, he issued his first full-length solo project the following year. As early as 1977, McNeir began an affiliation with the Four Tops as they recorded two of his tracks, while later he also became their music director. Over the years, McNeir has produced, recorded with, written for, and/or played keys for performers such as Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, and Kirk Whalum, as well as David Ruffin and Eddie Kendrick. Meanwhile McNeir has continued to advance his solo career - the popularity of his projects has established McNeir on the UK soul scene and led to many concert dates. In 1996, the compilation, The Very Best of Ronnie McNeir, was released while in 2002, McNeir filled in singing tenor with the Four Tops during a UK tour - currently he is a full time member. With the 2007 release of Ronnie Mac & Company, now his tenth album overall, McNeir returns to the solo scene with 17 smooth & soulful tracks. From that project we've selected Song for my Brothers featuring Ronnie Mac at his playful best! CD: Ronnie Mac & Company Label: Lewis R. McNeir Site: MacSpace ; McNeir/Soulwalking |
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Memories
- Vadim Brunell: Born into a family of artists, Brunell started guitar at 13 while at 15 he discovered the art of Flamenco Guitar, which became his passion. After taking part in a variety of competitions, the European-born Brunell entered the ranks as a professional musician and moved to the US in 2002. He recorded a few albums and just this past year he opened his own record label. His latest release is Always in My Heart and from that project, we've selected the sweetly reminiscent Memories! CD: Always in My Heart Label: Vadim Records Site: Vadim Brunell ; Vadim'sSpace |
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Life
in the Fast Lane - Dave Koz: Since 1994, the effervescent Mr. Koz has been a household name in smooth circles as host first of Personal Notes and then of the highly popular syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show. Meanwhile in a solo career that dates back to 1990, he's recorded 6 top selling releases as well as 3 highly successful seasonal projects. Nonetheless, his At the Movies cd exposed Koz to many new fans. For these newcomers, he now plumbs the wealth of material in his personal catalogue for the recently issued Greatest Hits coming up with 11 Koz classics from his first five albums plus 4 brand new tracks. Scheduled to be honoured on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame early in 2009, Koz leaves no doubt as to his star billing with a track produced by up-and-comer Darren Rahn and the first single to radio! CD: Greatest Hits Label: Capitol Site: Dave Koz |
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive to our Site and Select Affiliates : |
| On this edition, we're following up on a concept we've tried previously on a couple of other occasions as every track has the same word as part of it's title. This time out the sounds will be 'sweet' indeed as included are favourites from Special EFX, Jonathan Butler, and Gregg Karukas. Also featured are Tim Bowman, Dotsero, Boney James, and Eddie Bullen as well as a piece by Chris Geith that lent it's name to the segment. Other sweet selections are courtesy of Glenn McNulty and China Crisis, while rounding out the hour we have Chuck Mangione and Urban Knights. In the meantime, launching our festivities there's a track from 3rd Force with Peter White guesting - on the Sweet Sensation Special! |
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