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U Know U Like It - Jason Weber:
Billing his music
as smooth jazz saxophone with attitude, intelligence, & sophistication,
is a claim in respect to which, Jason Weber is batting 1000. Weber graduated
from the University of Wisconsin in 1994 with a degree in music performance.
After his first solo cd achieved national recognition, he relocated to
"America's Finest City" where he quickly made his presence felt on the
vibrant San Diego scene. In the time since, Weber has gained notoriety
as a versatile performer who can move audiences with the passion of his
playing, and as rare as it may be, this is a quality that he's fully capable
of transferring to disc! "Five" is his latest and most polished offering
to date and from that effort, we have the aptly titled U Know U Like It!
CD: Five (2009)
Label: Jayk Weber Music
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Meeting
The One - David Wells:
Hailing from Vienna,
West Virginia, David Wells was raised in musical family where he was encouraged
to pursue his musical talents. He was drawn to the flugelhorn and by 14,
he was already dreaming about a career in music. After studying trumpet,
performance in Dallas and in Tulsa, Wells moved back to his hometown in
the early 90s where he continued to perform on a part-time basis. However,
by the new millennium, he felt the call to a full-time ministry in music
- the result being his independently released debut record. Citing Louie
Armstrong and Herb Alpert as his greatest influences, Wells has enjoyed
a string of fine releases and more recently, he's made major inroads in
the smooth jazz arena. From the cd Skyline, his current effort, and 8th
overall, we have Wells' soaring solo on Meeting the One, a syncopated
selection with keyboardist and label-mate Chris Geith helping on the tune!
CD: Skyline (2009)
Label: Little Fish Records / Nuance Music Group
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| Highlights
Hour Two |
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Chillin
in the West - Bernie Williams:
Although well known
as an all-star center fielder with the NY Yankees, Bernie Williams' first
love was music. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he started playing guitar
when he was eight then studied classical guitar privately. When he was
13, Williams won a scholarship to attend a high school for the performing
arts in San Juan and as he became a more accomplished player, the thinking
was that he might in fact follow a career path as a concert musician.
However, at the same time, he was developing his athletic skills both
as a track star and baseball player, to the extent that the major league
scouts soon took notice.
The rest is history, but a few years back Williams contributed a new chapter
to the story when some 20 years later, he resumed his musical journey
by releasing The Journey Within. Now that journey now continues with Moving
Forward, a project that embraces many varied influences from Williams'
youth, while also reflecting a unique mix of classical, jazz, and Latin
rhythms. With performances by Dave Koz, Jon Secada, Bruce Springsteen,
Spyro Gyra's Julio Fernandez, and Mike Stern, Williams has already catapulted
to the #1 spot on several charts. From that effort, we have a sweet acoustic
gem with Jeff Golub stepping in and revving it up at the end!
CD: Moving Forward (2009)
Label: Reform Records
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Little
Sunflower - Alexander Zonjic with Kenny G:
As a morning drive-time
radio personality on Detroit's smooth WVMV, a five-time host of and past
winner as broadcaster of the year at the CSJA, and as a restaurateur and
co-owner of the highly successful Detroit jazz night spot called Seldom
Blues, there is little that Alexander Zonjic attempts that isn't gilt-edged.
As a result, it isn't surprising to see the incredibly versatile flautist
take his game to the max on the recently issued Doin' the D, the title
a nod to his adopted hometown. In Detroit parlance, to "do the D" is to
spend some time checking out the cultural attractions that a city rich
in musical history and cultural diversity has to offer. In that regard,
with contributions from Rick Braun, Chieli Minucci, and Maysa Leak as
well as from longtime collaborators Jeff Lorber and Bob James, Doin' the
D does it just right! From that effort, and the latest in a lengthy string
of high calibre releases, we have Zonjic's take on a Freddie Hubbard standard.
Featuring some great harmony from Alexander on flute and from none other
than Kenny G on soprano sax, this track easily rates as one of the finest
that either veteran performer has ever undertaken! Listen to it once
and I'm certain you'll agree it's an instant classic! 
CD: Doin' the D (2009)
Label: Heads Up International
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Ticket
to Miami - Ronny Smith:
While growing
up in the Baltimore, Maryland area, guitarist Ronny Smith was exposed
to music thru his church and in school. Inspired by the sounds of Wes
Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson, and others Smith learned to play
by ear. During his college days, Pat Martino became one of his greatest
influences; nonetheless, Smith left college in his senior year enlisting
in the US Army and soon after, he became a member of the Army Band.
After a tour of duty that allowed him to tour the US and Europe, Ronny
launched his solo career in 2006 and now has four cds to his credit.
In spite of many fine moments on his previous discs, Smith has for the
most part flown under the radar - this is all bound to change with the
recent issue of Just Groovin, a smooth jazz project with sufficient
oomph so as to even draw praise from purists. From that effort and aided
by Jeff Knoettner on keys and Vernell Mincey on drums, we present Ronny
Smith and the substantive Ticket to Miami, your ticket to some great
listening!
CD: Just Groovin (2009)
Label: Pacific Coast Jazz
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive
to our Site and Select Affiliates : |
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... as the QR continues with all the best tracks
from the past 90 days, the opening set includes Shane Isenberg, John
Pedersen, Swing Out Sister, and Dominic Amato. Set #2 begins with bassman
John Adams and following are Noel Webb and David P Stevens - also listen
up if you will for tracks by Eliane Elias, and Jackiem Joyner. And not
being ones to rest on our laurels, today's final set features Chuck
Loeb, Will Donato, Kevin Toney, and Brian Tarquin teaming with Frank
Gambale on the spirited closing selection!
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