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December 6, 2003 Edition #308 Previously 
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| Highlights
! On this show we're checking out the great sounds of Pamela Williams. The latest from the first lady of sax, is titled The Perfect Love. This cd is packed with loads of terrific tunes and as such it's the perfect album for our showcase cd feature. Then in the second half of the program we have another installment of Fresh Trax. In keeping with our policy of giving you the absolute best in new music, we've carefully selected a five-pack of fantastic tunes. We've included something from the brand new release by Rick Braun and as well we're introducing the music of several great new artists. Charlie Wood, Fred Smith, Zig Noda and Sergio Caputo all make their debuts. But we don't stop there. There is more new music from David Benoit, Richard Smith, and Marc Antoine as we dig more deeply into each of their current releases. Contributing to the great groove of the show are Eric Marienthal, The Jazzmasters, and Billy Paul Williams; and as well, we'll be hearing from Mark Winkler, Tony Windle, Marcos Ariel, Billy Joe Walker Jr., and Walter Beasley, with musical gems from our archives. Yes, our mission is clear - to boldly go where no other radio program has gone before! |
| Showcase CD The Perfect Love - Pamela Williams : Perhaps one of the more underrated performers on the smooth jazz scene, and one that I personally prefer to refer to as the first lady of sax, Williams has resided in California since the late 80s. It was however, her time growing up in Philadelphia that was primarily responsible for molding her musical identity. One of her earliest influences was Grover Washington Jr. It was Grover's cutting-edge blend of jazz and R&B that first instilled within Williams an interest in that style of playing. In high school, she joined the Jazz Ensemble and was required to embrace both contemporary and traditional forms of expression. By the time Williams left Philly, she had toured extensively, backing fellow Philadelphian Patti LaBelle, among others. In 1989, she relocated to LA primarily because of the opportunities it afforded in film & TV. Williams has always enjoyed exhibiting the many diverse elements of her repertoire from Latin, to jazz, R&B, hip-hop and house, several of which are stylishly incorporated into The Perfect Love. That effort is her first on Shanachie records, fourth release overall, and may well represent her most accomplished work to date. So as we showcase The Perfect Love we begin with Twin Souls and include Unconditional and Just As We Are. CD: The Perfect Love Label: Shanachie Entertainment |
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| Fresh Trax: Part One | |
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Better
Days - Charlie Wood : Originally
hailing from San Antonio Texas, it was Wood's father who first got him
started in music by teaching him how to play banjo. However, it wasn't
too long before guitar became the focus of Charlie's interests and by
the age of eleven he was taking lessons on that instrument. Although he
enjoyed playing various genres, Wood found that his true love gravitated
to contemporary Jazz and this became very evident when his debut release
in 1996 was considered for a Grammy nomination. Just out is Rhythms of
the Eclipse, Wood's fine follow up effort and a project which is certain
to take Charlie's career to the next level. In particular, one of the
tracks on the new cd is outstanding. It's dedicated to caregivers all
over the world, to survivors of 9/11 and to survivors of domestic violence.
It's titled Better Days and we have it for you today. CD: Rhythms of the Eclipse Label: Third Stream Productionst Site: http://www.charliewoodjazz.com/ |
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Wonderland
- Fred Smith : Although
he is a new name on the SJ scene, Smith has for many years explored the
fabric of Gospel, Jazz, and R&B. A native of St. Louis Mo., he started
on drums, and then moved to piano & organ in his teens. After seven years
in the military, during which time he honed his chops in various Jazz
clubs throughout central Europe, he returned to the US intent on a career
in music. Exuding a musical philosophy that is rooted in his love of family
and friends, Smith's compositions are uplifting and inspirational. Currently
residing in Langston, Oklahoma, Smith has now recorded five cds. CD: The Next Level Label: Independent Site: http://www.showgigs.com/fredsmith/ |
| Fresh Trax: Part Two | |
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To
Manhattan With Love - Rick Braun :
Over
the course of his career, Braun has vaulted to a level enjoyed by only
a handful of artists. He's met with both commercial and critical success
as he continues to pursue his own path in music. Accolades range from
top instrumentalist awards to top producer and album of the year. Esperanto,
his new one, is the latest in a string of highly creative releases. CD: Esperanto Label: Warner Bros. Site: http://www.rickbraun.com/ |
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Do
You Know - Zig Noda & Brian Tracy Evans :
Primarily
self-taught, flautist Noda showed much promise as a youth and was set
to further his training at Berkley in Boston when fate unfortunately stepped
in. While cycling he suffered a serious facial injury that kept him out
of the music scene for quite some time. He lost interest in pursuing a
career in music and in fact avoided playing for nearly seven years. Through
it all however, Noda always felt a calling to get back to composing and
playing. He re-discovered his love for the flute, a love that becomes
quite apparent when hearing him play. In This Moment, his collaboration
with Brian Tracy Evans is his just released debut. CD: In This Moment Label: Noda Music Site: http://www.jazzlover.com/ |
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Guess
I Miss You Again - Sergio Caputo :
Beginning
with his debut release in 1983, Caputo has demonstrated a unique style,
one that successfully bridges the worlds of jazz and pop. The veteran
guitarist has enjoyed a critically acclaimed and prolific career. He's
recorded 13 cds over the course of two decades and in the process has
produced numerous hits that have topped the charts in his native Italy.
In the year 2000 Sergio kicked off the new millennium by moving to the
US. Based in the Bay Area, Caputo has worked hard at establishing himself
in his new surroundings. Just released is That Kind of Thing, his Smooth
Jazz debut album. It's a genuinely sophisticated affair and no doubt represents
some of Sergio's finest work to date. ***Café Jazz Pick of the Week*** CD: That Kind of Thing Label: Idiosyncrasy Music Site: http://sergiocaputo.com/ |
| New Releases to watch for | Artist Links added this week |
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| More About Your Smooth Jazz Connection |
| Where to
Hear the Show Cafe Jazz is heard in Toronto on it's originating station, 88.5 Saturday midnight until 2 am Sunday morning . It's available on Rogers cable on the following frequencies: As well we are on Cogeco Cable in: And don't forget that after you enjoy the show on the air, you can savour the flavour of Café Jazz again anytime you want, from wherever you want and as often as you want, on our web site! Please note, we try to upload the new program by Saturday, the date that the show airs. So you can hear nine hours of exceptional music, available on demand in the Cafe Jazz Archives: http://www.jazzlynx.net/cafejazzradio_audio.html. Available in the Archives November 8: We were pleased to showcase At Last from Ronny Jordan. November 22: Along the Way from Brain Hughes was showcased. Café Jazz, After Hours Exclusive to our website! A regular After Hours special presentation is one that we call Then & Now. The title of the segment is somewhat self-explanatory as we hit some of the musical highlights in the career of a top SJ artist . It's a full hour of almost non-stop music so if you prefer music with very little talk, be sure to check this out. |
| Thanks! |
| Thanks for your interest
and fabulous support, it is very much appreciated, and be sure to spread
the word about Jazz Lynx & Café Jazz, Canada's Smooth Jazz Connection.
All for now, Ted P.S. Now Heard Everywhere (on the world wide web) & Read On Four Continents! Although this newsletter goes out primarily to readers in Canada, it is now also read in the U.S. as well as in South America, Australia, and Europe. So, if you know of anyone who might like to be on our mailing list, just let me know and I'll add their name. Now, if by chance, you had this message forwarded to you, and you would like to receive the newsletter on a regular basis, simply hit: Shownotes to register. It's that easy. Alternatively, if you no longer wish to receive our updates, please send an email by using this link: Remove and include remove in the subject. That's all you have to do for quick and reliable removal from our list. |