Monday, February 28, 2022

BENNY BRYDERN · RARELY SMILING ·RADIO SINGLE·

Benny Brydern Music
March 7, 2022


Benny Brydern started as a musical protege on the violin giving his first public concerts at the age of 10. He lives in Los Angeles now and composes for film and the concert hall. He has won numerous awards and competitions.

Brydern studied violin and piano at the Richard-Strauss Academy of Music in Munich, Germany. He was invited to the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival to perform in the Festival Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Bernstein in 1988. The Jazz violinist and composers’ original melodies fuse Jazz with grooves and EDM elements.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW Ep. 269

Playlist


Matt Quentin – Morning Dew
Roberto Tola – Sun Kiss
Alan And Lita Blake – Makeda the Queen of Sheba
Rick Braun -Amor de mi vida ( Love of my Life)

Friday, February 25, 2022

KIMBERLY BREWER · NO MORE PAIN ft. MAYSA ·RADIO SINGLE·

Kimberlily
02/07/2022


Kimberly Brewer is an American singer and background singer. She is best known for her longtime collaboration with Stevie Wonder. Kimberly Brewer Kimberly was born on November 20th. Genres Soul, R&B, Pop Occupation(s) Musician Instruments Vocals Years active 1989 - present Associated acts Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire In 1989 she was featured as a backing vocalist on the hit single We Didn't Know, a duet by Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder. In 1991, she also contributed the song "If She Breaks Your Heart" (written by Wonder) to the motion picture Jungle Fever.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

RICHARD ELLIOT · MOVE AHEAD ·RADIO SINGLE·

Shanachie
02/28/2022

“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.”

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.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

BYRON MILLER · BETTER DAYS ARE COMING ·RADIO SINGLE·

Byron Miller
02/07/2022


The best instrumental music stems from players with penchants for uncut, straight to the point communication. With “Better Days Are Coming,” electric bass guitarist supreme Byron Miller emerges from lockdown with a Funk-fortified message of pressing urgency. Because “B” is a master at getting a point across within his signature bass plucking style that is clearly talking to you, he is delivering this missive for all the world to hear in two ways. The civilized expression says “Better Days Are Coming.” But the underlying urgency of this COVID-era plea is “KEEP YO’ ASS @ HOME!”

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

ILYA SEROV · MY FUNNY VALENTINE ·RADIO SINGLE·

Silky Sound Records
January 31, 2022


Ilya Serov is an award-winning trumpeter, guitarist, vocalist and music producer. He began studying classical trumpet early-on, honing his skills at the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music and performing with St. Petersburg’s symphony orchestras and the state opera theatre. His musical world was expanded dramatically when Serov discovered American jazz as a teen, and it quickly became his passion.

Serov’s album JUST FRIENDS is a departure from his 2013 successful debut album of jazz standards, September in the Rain, following which he was named Best New Artist at the Hollywood International Music Awards (2014). His second album, Back in Time, was released in 2018 as an homage to the Big Band era. It featured the artist’s smooth trumpet playing and unique vocal style, and included collaborations with GRAMMY®-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez, renowned pianist Roger Kellaway, and acclaimed sax player Eric Marienthal.

For several years, Serov has participated in well-known and highly-respected music festivals including the Catalina Jazz Festival and the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. He has also traveled with the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea jazz cruise, sharing the stage with such greats as Peter White, Larry Graham, Jonathan Butler, and Michael Lington.


Monday, February 21, 2022

JOHNNY BRITT · IS IT COOL ft. JOSH BRITT ·RADIO SINGLE·

J-Jams
January 31, 2022


On January 31, legendary musician and songwriter, Johnny Britt is set to release "Is It Cool," feat. Josh Britt, the highly anticipated new single from the legendary trumpeter.

Talking about the new song, Britt says "Is It Cool" is a fresh and smooth track that I hope everyone enjoys." He adds, "The song includes my son, Josh on the piano. Now, how cool is that?"

"Is It Cool" was originally written while on tour by Britt with Maxwell and the song was first recorded by Boney James with the title “Deep Time."

Sunday, February 20, 2022

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW. EP. 268


Playlist:

Lee Jones – Sunset Boulevard (Ft. David Margam)
Iñaki Araquistaín – Caminando Distinto
Byron Miller – Better Days Are Coming
Jim Allchin - Kiro
Bobby Porter – Someone Just To Love

Friday, February 18, 2022

DAVID BENOIT · A MIDNIGHT RENDEZVOUS

Shanachie
Feb. 18, 2022


Have you ever met an artist whose craft is merely an extension of who they are? The iconic pianist, composer, arranger, producer, film and TV scorer David Benoit, embodies this archetype. He is as cool, measured, engaging, soulful and sophisticated as one of his mellifluous solos in a flight of fancy. A Founding Father of Contemporary Jazz, rooted in the tradition of Dave Brubeck and Bill Evans, David Benoit started playing the piano as a child and has never looked back. “As long as I’m alive and well,” declares the Grammy nominated pianist, “I hope to write and perform as long as possible.” Unbound by categories and rules, the trailblazer has built an enviable four-decade career drawing inspiration from his vast influences which have included jazz, comics, film, Broadway, symphonies and more. From endearing fans with his magical soundtracks for the Peanuts television movies, to garnering over 20 chart-topping radio hits and scoring music for films produced by Clint Eastwood and Sally Field and soap opera themes like “All My Children,” David Benoit IS music. His free-spirited approach has allowed him to collaborate with such diverse artists as The Rippingtons, Faith Hill, David Sanborn and CeCe Winans, among numerous others. Benoit, who leads his own Pacific Vision Youth Symphony (the orchestra he founded in 2001) and who has collaborated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra and Philippine Philharmonic, among others, fulfills a long-time dream on his new and highly anticipated new recording, A Midnight Rendezvous (February 18, 2022). Benoit records for the first time with a big band under his own leadership and is joined by numerous special guests including label-mates pianist Jeff Lorber and saxophonist Eric Marienthal. “The idea began when I was an artist in residence in Saratoga, CA and I was looking for something unique to do,” reflects Benoit who hosts the morning show on KKJZ in Long Beach, CA. “I decided to write a big band arrangement for my ‘Cabin Fever’ on the record. I initially started arranging on my computer but the greatest thrill was hearing the playback with the real players in the big band when the project progressed. Wow! It was one of the most exciting sessions I’ve done in many years.”

Thursday, February 17, 2022

KERBSIDE COLLECTION · ROUND THE CORNER ·RADIO SINGLE·

Legere Recordings
2022-01-21


Australian ‘down-under’ dusty jazzfunk and gritty rare grooves ensemble ‘Kerbside Collection’ return on their 4th studio album (written and constructed during the last 12-18 months of the cv-19 climate), following the first taste of the lush & laidback ‘Glaze’, with the second single and (album title) ‘Round The Corner’. Referring to some of the ‘unknowns’ and ‘uncertainties’ around the corner post cv-19, it’s also an uplifting groove affirmation looking forward to the positive things, and seasons to come round these kinds of unknown corners, and the incoming new year.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

LASHAWN D. GARY · ON THE YARD ·RADIO SINGLE·


LNC Music
January 31, 2022


LaShawn D. Gary is an Emmy Award Winning Producer, Composer, Smooth Jazz Artist and Pianist. 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, and earned a Master’s of Music Education Degree from the University of Louisville.

LaShawn has released four Smooth Jazz singles: “Now is the Time (2019) '', “Love, Peace & Praise (2020)”, “Inception, featuring Mark Whitfield (2021)” and “Line Brothers (2021).” “On The Yard” (2022) is his newest single from his upcoming album scheduled for release on April 17, 2022. He is also the featured artist on “For Your Love” on Smooth Jazz Network 2021 Artist of the Year Willie Bradley’s new album.

LaShawn is currently on staff as a composer for the television mini-series “Terror Lake Drive” featuring Malik Yoba, Shannon Kane and Lamman Rucker. He 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 Drum-line performance with American Idol winner, singer, and actress Jordan Sparks.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

RYAN LA VALETTE · LET IT FLOW ·RADIO SINGLE·

Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records
February 11, 2022


The cover image of Ryan La Valette’s 2020 independently released EP Dimensions of Me says it all – almost! – about the unique triple threat artistry the New Zealand bred and based artist brings to contemporary urban jazz. The photo shows the well-dressed musician on the couch, looking pensive, with a saxophone to his right and an electric guitar to his left. Just a few years ago, after many years of playing mastering those two instruments, he picked up the bass and effortlessly added it to his repertoire. That collection, and its three track holiday themed follow up A Christmas To Remember, set the stage for his full on genre emergence in 2022 with New Beginnings, Ryan’s perfectly titled, highly anticipated debut on Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records.

Starting with the February release of its lead single, a spirited, funky and fast rolling guitar driven “Let It Flow,” the still in progress project will have three tracks each that showcase Ryan’s skills on his three instruments, with several interludes between songs that allow him to stretch and solo beyond the infectious, radio friendly main tracks. Testament to his incredible array of talents and songwriting skills, Ryan is working on the album with three of the genre’s top Billboard #1 keyboardist/producers – labelmate Nicholas Cole and two time Grammy nominees Greg Manning and Chris “Big Dog” Davis.

“Due to my lifelong passion for the music and style of George Benson, I consider myself primarily a guitar player,” says the 26 year old Ryan, who remembers hearing the legend’s classic Breezin’ album around age five when his mother put it on while dusting the living room. “But because my primary goal is to share my musical gifts and make people happy in the process, I’m also excited to show what I can do on the sax and bass. I realize it’s an unconventional approach to be an emerging artist releasing songs on different lead instruments. Yet I have sacrificed a lot to develop my career and was happy to make the decision to cross that bridge, dedicate myself fully to all three instruments. I love the challenge of expressing my emotions in fresh ways on each.”

Monday, February 14, 2022

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 267



Playlist

Bill McGee – Stay –
Doc Flowers – Quiet Moments
Lynn Cannon – P`zazz!
Larry Carlton & Paul Brown - Stomp
Bill McGee - Cantaloupe and Watermelon (Ft. Ayinde Williams)

Sunday, February 13, 2022

LANCE FERGUSON · RARE GROOVE SPECTRUM VOL. 2

Freestyle Records
01/28/2022


Rare Groove Spectrum Vol. 2 is another solid collection of re-works and re-imaginings from songwriter, producer, guitarist & DJ Lance Ferguson. Encompassing a broad and engaging range of classic tracks, traversing jazz funk rarities, balearic digs, latin groovers and more. Backed by a stellar group of Melbourne musicians counting members of The Bamboos & Menagerie, Lance continues the tradition of creating “live re-edits” demonstrated on the initial volume. It’s all pulled off with an inimitable style and playfulness, though always with an obvious love for the foundations.

Lance explains that much of the inspiration for the re-works comes equally from his experience as a DJ as much as a bandleader: : “Some of these versions can almost be looked at as DJ re-edits, sometimes we’re extending what may be a really short track into something longer, or teasing out the elements in a song that really make it work on a dance-floor. It’s essentially what someone does with a club re-edit, except we went the extra step and re-recorded the whole thing with a live band”.

Friday, February 11, 2022

RICKY ALAN DRAUGHN · A CHANGE IS GONNA COME ft. KIM WATERS ·RADIO SINGLE·

Abkco
January 24, 2022


Emerging cutting edge R&B singer Ricky Alan Draughn offers a searingly emotional, horn-drenched version of Sam Cooke’s classic “A Change is Gonna Come” that’s perfect for these socially conscious times. Produced by Chris “Big Dog” Davis and featuring a blazing sax solo by Kim Waters, the simmering soul track captures our challenging moment with both poetic eloquence and sheer power.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

TOM BRAXTON · SHARON'S GROOVE ·RADIO SINGLE·

Innervision Records
January 14, 2022


"Sharon's Groove", a long awaited tribute to Tom's wife, began with Sharon (who gets a co-writing credit) singing a melody while working around the house. Tom quickly grabbed the idea and added the bouncing rhythms that depict her playful side. Mark Harper's rhythm guitar adds energy and a spark to the track!⠀

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

KEITH ANDREW · NOW'S THE TIME ft. BOB JAMES ·RADIO SINGLE·

Innervision Records
January 31, 2022


After the success of his Innervision Records debut album "Soul Expedition", guitarist / composer Keith Andrew returns with a brand new composition called "Now's the Time". The title of which conveys what many in the contemporary jazz community are sensing - that this track could be a breakthrough for the bay area player whose playful, laid-back and funky style is amassing a dedicated fan base.

Monday, February 7, 2022

FOLLOW ME 87.6 RADIO SHOW EP. 266




Playlist

Ricky Alan Draughn – A Change Is Gonna Come (Ft. Kim Waters)
Johnny Britt - Is it Cool – (Ft.Josh Britt)
Ilya Serov – My Funny Valentine
Chris Cain – Madam Queen
M`Lynn – I Got Low
Dr. Dave & The Housecall Band – G.B. Style
Sonny Fairley – Before Midnight

Thursday, February 3, 2022

BRANDON MARCEAL · KEEP MOVIN ·RADIO SINGLE·

SoulRockinFlute
January 24, 2022


"Keep Movin," the new single produced by guitarist Adam Hawley, is an upbeat and energetic song showcasing Mr. Soul-Rockin Flutist, Brandon Marceal.

Marceal is a progressive artist who is bringing a unique flavor to the jazz music scene and creating a connection with the souls of listeners across America. With every fluttering breath, he takes the notes on his flute and makes more than music. He makes conversation while crossing genres, transcending his listeners into a musical world full of melodies and frequencies. Brandon Marceal’s sound is a sultry and soothing sensation. He admires artists Hubert Laws and Bobbi Humphrey, and describes his music as therapeutic and refreshing.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

RICK BRAUN · RICK BRAUN

Brauntosoarus Music
February 11, 2022

Self-titled albums are typically introductory statements reserved for an artist’s first release. Trumpeter/producer Rick Braun boldly bucks this tradition with his forthcoming album, a stylistically eclectic, ultra-soulful/funky and exotica-tinged collection. Set for release on February 11, 2022, the new set comes 30 years after his debut album, Intimate Secrets, propelled Braun from sideman for everyone from Crowded House, Tom Petty and Sade to Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Glenn Frey to chart-topping front man and acclaimed producer.

The new album upends another music industry tradition, featuring 10 brand new songs, all written or co-written by Braun, rather than the greatest-hits compilations that commonly mark such milestone anniversaries.

“With every project, every tour and each year that passes, I realize that as a musician and artist, I still have a long way to go before I am where I would like to be,” says Rick Braun. “There’s no true final destination. Music is never something you perform perfectly. I’m always looking to explore fresh ideas, stay in the moment and just go with what feels right. Thirty years in, I still love the camaraderie of playing music with my friends.”

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

ROB ZINN · PUSH IT FORWARD ft. RAGAN WHITESIDE ·RADIO SINGLE·

Randis Music
January 24, 2022


Trumpet sensation Rob Zinn debuts on the Randis Music label with the brand new single titled "Push It Forward" featuring none other than contemporary soul-jazz flute phenomenon, Ragan Whiteside. The upbeat, danceable track showcases the melodic improvisational skills of both musicians and grooves to the close with a clever call-and-response segment between the two instruments.