Tuesday, June 29, 2021

ROCCO VENTRELLA · A NEW WORLD ·RADIO SINGLE·

Delilah Records
June 28, 2021


Delilah Records is thrilled to announce the release of the latest radio version single from saxophonist Rocco Ventrella. A New World is a fresh jazz music style composed, arranged and produced by Rocco Ventrella. 

Sunday, June 27, 2021

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 239



Playlist

Chris Geith – Invisible Reality
Doc Powell – Me Myself & Rio de Novo
Geneve 5 – Subtly
Brian Simpsom - So many Ways
Markus Zahrl – Chilling in the Nature
Juan Carlos Mendoza – All days In A WeeK
Solex- Flying High
Nils – Dow The Line
Nick Colione -Right Around The Corner

Saturday, June 26, 2021

FRANCESCO POLITO · TRIP

AlfaMusic Studio Sas
May 29, 2020

Born in Rome he started with the piano at the age of five switching to sax when he was eleven. Francesco spent his early 10 years in Rome. When he was 13t his family move to the South where he will stared his career with the Family Band, during this period he will learned and understand all the music genres, from the waltz to the pop, from the swing to the rock and the jazz. He sOll forms part of the family projects like “Orkestra Popolare Italiana”.

At twenty he graduated Classic Sax at the Music Conservatory “Giuseppe Martucci” in Salerno. ARer, he moved to Naples where he received a Master in jazz music and improvisaOon at the Music Conservatory “San Pietro a Majella” in Naples.

Based in Naples, Francesco is involved in the city’s musical environment, where he soll shares the stage with local bands and musicians. In “The sun city” he recorded different soundtracks for important Italian TV channels like RAI Italian Television and he parOcipated on famous Italian singers CD projects like Don Backy, Carmelo Zappulla and Enzo Polito.

MICHAEL BROENING · SHINE A LIGHT ·RADIO SINGLE·

June 14, 2021
Trippin N Rhythm Records


After two decades of non-stop hit making as a writer/producer for R&B/jazz legends and smooth jazz icons and upstarts, multi-talented veteran keyboardist/composer Michael Broening is ready to “Shine a Light” on a more personal side of his artistry with the highly anticipated release of his debut single as an artist on June 14.

Showcasing his vibrant acoustic piano over a hipster pocket groove and colorful synth textures, “Shine a Light” – featuring bassist Mel Brown and the song’s co-writer, rhythm guitarist Thano Sahnas - offers a master class in picture perfect elegantly played adventurous urban jazz/funk, laying the foundation for not only Broening’s upcoming debut smooth jazz album but a dynamic new chapter in his illustrious, multi-faceted career.

Since 2006, Broening has scored 11 #1 airplay hits, including the Grammy-winning “Mornin’” with George Benson and Al Jarreau, four with Cindy Bradley and others for Althea Rene, Lin Rountree, Kayla Waters and Randy Scott. He has also written or co-written and produced hits for saxophonists Marion Meadows, Michael Lington and Lebron, guitarists Tim Bowman and Steve Oliver, keyboardist Brian Simpson and vocalist and labelmate Catie Waters.

Friday, June 25, 2021

JOHN E. LAWRENCE ·PHOTO SHOOT ·RADIO SINGLE·

John E. Lawrence
June 21, 2021



John E. Lawrence, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, is one of Michigan’s most talented and respected guitarists. John is gained national recognition as a guitar instructor with his contract with Mel Bay Publications, Inc., one of the country’s largest publishers of instructional materials; writing a celebrated series of guitar instruction books.

John became an instructor at Washtenaw Community College where he taught for 27 years and was the Director of the Music Performance Program. John also developed the “Living Legends Series.” The series provided a stage for famous recording artists to be interviewed and share their life stories in front of an audience.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

ERIC ESSIX · THE DEEP ·RADIO SINGLE·

Essix Music Group, LLC
June 18, 2021

In the midst of a devastating global pandemic, social unrest, and economic upheaval in 2020, veteran jazz guitarist Eric Essix produced one of the most brilliantly focused releases of his 27 album, 32 year career entitled "Songs From The Deep".

Now, following the success of the record's first single. "Late Night Drive", comes a 'summer mix' of the title track, "The Deep".

Monday, June 21, 2021

BRIAN SIMPSON · ALL THAT MATTERS

Shanachie Entertainment
June 25, 2021


“The title of my new recording was purely inspired by the events of the past year and a half,” reflects acclaimed pianist, composer and producer Brian Simpson. “My family and loved ones became more important to me than ever. The pandemic brought all that matters into focus.” On June 25, 2021, Shanachie Entertainment will release a milestone recording from Simpson, his tenth recording as a leader. Known for his ability to sculpt timeless love songs, soulful party anthems and breath-taking melodies, Simpson delivers all this and more on his new album All That Matters. From penning the #1 hit “The First Time” for R&B group Surface to touring with Janet Jackson, George Duke and Dave Koz, Simpson’s golden touch has long made him one of the go-to guys in the industry.

All That Matters is an amalgamation of influences that are close to Brain Simpson’s heart: Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul. It’s a joyous celebration of life and a shining demonstration of Simpson’s ongoing quest for the ultimate sound. “I will forever be in search of the perfect song, with the perfect melody, perfectly performed,” confesses the pianist. The recording process for All That Matters was dramatically different for Simpson. The absence of touring during the pandemic afforded Simpson the opportunity to focus solely on recording. He eagerly jumped into the project and surrounded himself by friends to foster the compositional process; guitarist and labelmate Steve Oliver and keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Oliver Wendell. The musicians collaborated remotely at first, and were later able to join forces in person. As the album progressed Simpson also enlisted saxophonists Najee and Steve Alanis, trumpeter Ron King, drummers Michael White and Tony Moore, bassists Dwayne “Smitty” Smith and Roberto Vally, percussionist Brain Kilgore and guitarists Ray Fuller and Yarone Levy.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 238


Playlist

MARHID – Sensibility
Juan Carlos Mendoza – All Days In a Week
Andres Coca – Silky Linen
Dean James – Groovy Sax
Brettina – Simple Pleasures
Sonny Fairley – Come With Me
La Shawn D. Gary – Line Brothers
Günter Asbeck – Make It Work Again ( Ft. Dennis LeGree & Will Donato)

Friday, June 18, 2021

RICHARD ELLIOT · RIGHT ON TIME ·RADIO SINGLE·

Shanachie
June 21, 2021


“There are absolute parallels between jazz and flying,” confesses Grammy-nominated tenor titan Richard Elliot who has been flying airplanes for the past three decades. The Renaissance man, who is currently engrossed in the colossal project of building his own airplane, adds “When you are performing and flying you are 100 percent consumed and focused on that experience from a technical perspective, emotional and aesthetic perspective, taking in everything around you.” Elliot, who has also successfully moonlighted as a software engineer, has a laser-like focus and creative vision that knows no bounds. The chart-topping saxophonist and pioneering Contemporary Jazz musician’s instantly recognizable trademark tenor has afforded him the opportunity to work with everyone from Smokey Robinson, Bonnie Raitt and The Temptations to Dave Koz, Tower of Power and Gerald Albright, to name a few. On January 29, 2021, Richard Elliot offers the perfect antidote to a year wrought with challenges and setbacks. Authentic Life is the Scottish-born, LA-raised saxophonist’s Shanachie debut – his first new album in five years. It’s an inspiring collection comprised mostly of originals that speak to Elliot’s optimistic outlook on life. “The recording has a positive and uplifting feel which is what we all need right now,” reflects the San Diego resident. “A lot of the inspiration is based on the idea of living life in a mindful way, with focus and in the truest way possible that allows you to be sincere in your actions and intentions with other human beings.”

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

MICHAEL LINGTON · UP ALL NIGHT ft. BONEY JAMES · RADIO SINGLE ·

Peak Records
June 14, 2021


What do you do when you can’t hit the road in 2020? You turn your home studio into a premiere virtual performance destination with a popular ongoing series of weekly shows on the StageIt Platform, invite your musical friends to be your guests, record all the performances, and a year later release an extraordinary album of duets Alone Together.

States Michael: “Alone Together is a unique project that presented itself in many shapes and forms. When the pandemic started and all my touring was postponed indefinitely, I knew I needed to continue creating music for my own well-being. That’s when I started doing my virtual shows from my home studio on StageIt. A few shows in I started inviting special guests to perform with me, but as technology wasn’t allowing for ‘live’ duets we did it literally ‘alone together’ from separate locations as a pre-record. The most exhilarating part was that my fellow artists that I invited all said yes immediately – and the same goes for the selections I made for this album.”

When it came time to stream the duets, technical challenges made it impossible to do them live. So for each duet, Lington and each artist created pre-recorded videos, doing one take from top to bottom. He mixed the music and then sent it all to a video editor to synch it up – and the result is pure sonic and split screen visual magic. As Lington says in his liner notes, “What ended up happening was incredible. We put together performances that were so real, heartfelt and authentic that it became apparent we were creating something special. We captured a spirit and vibe beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s not about being perfect but all about the heart and soul. It’s exciting to now share that magic again on Alone Together.

Monday, June 14, 2021

LASHAWN D. GARY · LINE BROTHERS ·RADIO SINGLE·

LNC Music
June 14, 2021

LaShawn D. Gary – Emmy Award Winning Producer, Composer, Smooth Jazz Artist, Arranger, and Pianist is the Executive Director for the Michigan Fine Arts Institute. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan and received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Southern University A&M College where he also served as the Band Captain of the world renowned “Human Jukebox” Marching Band. He earned a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville.

LaShawn is currently on staff as a composer for the new television mini- series “Terror Lake Drive” featuring Malik Yoba, Shannon Kane and Lamman Rucker. He is also completing his second album scheduled for release in September of 2021. LaShawn has toured professionally as a pianist with jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield and the late jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste.

LaShawn has worked as a composer/arranger in commercial advertisement with Burrell Communications, Global Hue and Yessian Music. His musical talents were displayed on television in the production of the Toyota Avalon “Son-in-Law” commercial, the introductory advertisement of the Ford Fiesta, Xfinity “Unplug” Commercial and the Happy’s Pizza Jingle featuring the Four Tops. LaShawn was the Choir Director for the McDonald’s 365 Black Awards directing the Southern University Gospel Choir with Erica Campbell and the Louisiana Leadership Institute Drumline performance with American Idol winner, singer, and actress Jordan Sparks.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 237


Playlist

The Jazzhunters – Summer Breeze
Michael Broening -Shine a Light
Bruce Wall – Crosswalk
Demetrius Nabors – Into The Light – (Ft. Althea Rene)
Ilya Serov – Ironic
Melvin M. Miller – Gotta Get Up (Ft. Lin Rountree)
Marc Antoine – Something About Her (Ft. Brian Simpson)

Friday, June 11, 2021

ANDREW NEU & ROB ZINN · A TO Z ·RADIO SINGLE·

Rob Zinn Music / Andrew Neu Music
June 11, 2021


From Miles and Coltrane to the Brecker Brothers, the pairing of sax and trumpet defines great jazz and funk. Billboard artists Andrew Neu and Rob Zinn continue that tradition performing as A2Z. Teaming up with hitmaking producers like Adam Hawley and an all star rhythm section, A To Z is their first collaborative single. Tearing a page from great horn bands, the song sizzles from start to finish with Andrew and Rob bringing their unique style and signature horn licks.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

MARK JAIMES · EVENIN' ·RADIO SINGLE·

Trippin N Rhythm Records
May 28, 2021


Over the past few years, as longtime Simply Red guitarist Mark Jaimes was honing his vibe and writing and recording tracks, Jimi King, promoter of London’s legendary jazz club Pizza Express had a running joke where he’d ask every time they met, “Is the album finished yet?” With his upcoming, highly anticipated and cleverly titled debut collection on Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records, Jaimes can finally respond that it’s Hear at Last.

“Evenin’,” the collection’s lead single, is a snappy, strutting mid-tempo funk driven tune featuring Jaimes’ lively, lighthearted trademark riffs and an old school soul-jazz keyboard vibe and sparkling piano solo by labelmate and longtime friend Oli Silk. The track is set to drop at radio May 31 and retail/streaming July 23.

The release of Hear at Last launches an exciting new phase of Jaimes’s multi-faceted career that includes over 20 years of work with Mick Hucknall and Simply Red, sessions for Rick Astley and Kylie Minogue and 10 years as the house guitarist at Pizza Express, backing numerous contemporary jazz greats, including Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Euge Groove, Chuck Loeb, Mindi Abair and others. Jaimes’ success in the smooth jazz world extended to the studio as well, where he worked on recordings by Silk, Michael J. Thomas and Kirk Whalum.

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

PAUL BROWN · DEEP INTO IT ·RADIO SINGLE·

Woodward Avenue Records
June 4, 2021


Longtime urban jazz fans have probably felt a nostalgic sense of déjà vu these past months as the first two singles from Paul Brown’s Ones Upon a Time hit the Billboard Top Ten Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart. The guitarist’s concept of freshly re-imagining as an artist classic radio hits he had produced (mostly) for others led a Richard Elliot fueled revamp of Rick Braun’s “Notorious” to reach #7 and the Brown-Jeff Ryan collaboration on Boney James’ 1995 smash “Nothin’ But Love” to hit #1. Aside from experiencing dynamic new arrangements, the truly fun part of this experience is Brown’s interaction with the different artists he’s vibed with over the years.

Monday, June 7, 2021

TARIK CLARK · SOUL SURPLUSS ·RADIO SINGLE·

 
Tarik Clark
May 14, 2021

Tarik Clark is an embodiment of the old saying, “When it comes from the heart, it reaches the heart”. His style is full of passion. Born and raised in Hannibal, MO, Tarik began playing music at an early age. His fascination with the saxophone started at the age of 5 when he was mesmerized by a saxophonist visiting his church. He began taking clarinet lessons at the age of 8 (once his two front teeth finally came in), and quickly switched to saxophone at the age of 10. Tarik credits his father, Stan “Holy Harp” Clark, who plays a mean harmonica and his mother, Georgia with continuing to challenge him musically, Spiritually, and academically. Clark earned a BS in Engineering Management from the prestigious Missouri University of Science and Technology; however, his true passion is music.

Sunday, June 6, 2021

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 236


Playlist

George Benson – Fingerlero
Kevin Foster – Love Will Find A Way
Marhid – Sensibility
Dave Howard – Somethings got to Give
U-Nam – Perfect Match (The Wedding Song)
Misz The Groove Producer – Ready for You
Mark Jaimes – Evenin`
Paula Atherton - A Night in Madrid (Ft. Bill Heller)
Ragan Whiteside – Off The Cuff
Tarik Clark – Soul Surpluss
Randal Clark – Discovery (Ft. Michael Thompson)
Gino Rosaria – Don`t Stop Now! (Ft. Wakana)
Chan Hall – Stay Awhile – (Ft. Tony Craddock)
Kevin Foster – All this Love
Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion - Soul Stirrer
Solex – Full Moon
Paula Atherton – Let It Be
Francesco Polito – Just Woke Up
Rocco Ventrella – On The Night
Rocco Ventrella – A New World - Winelight
Robert Tola – Libeccio
David`s Pianosound – Buscandote (Ft Luisa Santiago)

Saturday, June 5, 2021

GINO ROSARIA · DON'T STOP NOW ft. WaKaNa

Independent
May 31, 2021


Don’t be fooled by the quiet facade. Pianist Gino Rosaria has an uncommon depth that stems from being a native of culturally diverse Curaçao. He possesses a master’s degree in classical music performance while having a love of jazz. Each element helps shape the music he composes, produces and plays as a first-call session musician and sideman. Gino is currently working on his fourth album, dropping later this year. Gino's first three singles have collecting playlist adds and earned most added status on the Billboard chart. His latest single, "Don't Stop Now!" speaks for itself. Gino's plan is to keep the momentum of climbing the billboard charts. This single features charting saxophonist WaKaNa. Previous records include an array of chart-topping smooth/contemporary jazz artists such as saxophonist s Marcus Anderson and Elan Trotman, drummer Eric Valentine, flautist Althea Rene, multi-horn man and arranger David Mann, Roman Street’s acoustic guitarist Noah Thompson, and electric guitarist Adam Hawley. Rosaria’s compositions are inspired by such collaborations, adventures with his sons, Simon and Elijah, and recognizing that it is time to make his own unique musical statement.

Friday, June 4, 2021

RAGAN WHITESIDE · OFF THE CUFF ·RADIO SINGLE·

Randis Music
May 28, 2021

Classically trained Soul Jazz flautist, vocalist, and composer Ragan Whiteside is at it again with her latest release, "Off The Cuff", poised to continue her streak of 6 consecutive Billboard Top 10 Hits: "JJ's Strut", "Reminiscing", "Jam It", "Early Arrival", "See You At The Get Down", "and Billboard #1 and Smooth Jazz Network's song of the year "Corey's Bop," which made Ragan the first female flautist to hold the #1 spot on 3 major smooth jazz charts simultaneously. For the second consecutive year, Ragan is also Billboard's top female Smooth Jazz Songs Chart artist of the year. In the male-dominated genre in which only three females made it into the year-end top 10, Whiteside came in at No. 5 for 2020. The previous year, the Atlanta-based musician-songwriter checked in at No. 3.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

CAMERA SOUL · ESAGERATO

Playaudio
May 14, 2021
 

Following the success of winning the coveted 2020 Artist Vision Award from the Beverly Hills-based Akademia Music Awards, combined with a crippling COVID-19 pandemic that attempted to paralyze the global entertainment business, Italian jazz-funk group Camera Soul still safely hit the studio late last year to record its sixth full-length album, 'Esagerato' ('Exaggerated' in Italian, from label Azzurra Music).

'Esagerato's global album release is timed to coincide with the ten-year anniversary of the supergroup's first album, 'Words Don't Speak' and also celebrates twenty years since the prolific composer-producer brothers, Piero and Pippo Lombardo (Lombardo Bros Productions), released their first original works with popular bossa nova group, Marchio Bossa.

The new album promises plenty of upbeat, top quality Jazz-Funk, Nu-Disco, and Neo Soul, as craved by its growing and dedicated global fan base, and continues its longtime engineering partnership at A.MA Studios in Bari (Italy), where it was expertly recorded, mixed, and mastered.

It may be interesting to note that a 2021 release follows an established pattern of releasing Camera Soul studio albums in odd-numbered years. Furthermore, with exception to the eponymous Italian album and title track name, Camera Soul's lyrics are primarily in English in order to appeal to a worldwide audience.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

JOE ROZUM · SUMMER COOL ·RADIO SINGLE·

Joe Rozum. 2021

Seamless fusion of Smooth Jazz and Pop — this is what best reveals Joe Rozum as an artist and composer. His signature sound may be soothing piano ballads, but Rozum is well known for violin duets and performances with a full band. His music has inflections of cool blues, soundtrack themes, gospel, and a hint of classical, which come from many musical influences ranging all over the map … Billy Joel, Elton John, David Foster, Diane Warren, Yanni, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Jim Brickman, Quincy Jones, Phil Vassar, Yolanda Adams, Oleta Adams Andre Crouch, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Carole King, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gino Vanelli, Jamie Cullum, Lionel Ritchie, John Williams, Hans Zimmer & David Arnold and of course the great music of Elvis and the Beatles.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

PEET PROJECT · DOWN TO THE LAKE ·RADIO SINGLE·

Beagle Beat Records
May 21, 2020

Violinist / producer / bandleader Peter “Peet” Ferencz explained the title as follows:

“When I was a kid, I spent the summers by Lake Velence, a lovely natural lake near my hometown. I have always dreamed of having a house there and now I am blessed to live there actually.