Secret Garden Snippet - Roger Smith Recovering From Cancer

Readers of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden will know it’s the place to go for a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul. In order to bring you more of the news more of the time this latest Secret Garden Snippet delivers another snapshot from the adult contemporary scene. The Secret Garden was alarmed to hear that Tower of Power keyboard player Roger Smith, a run away success in 2004 with his solo CD Just Enough, underwent surgery for Prostate Cancer in early January.

Good news is that everything went well and Roger is enjoying rest and recovery. Although not touring with the band right now he does plan to return in mid-April. In the interim, and starting with a series of gigs that the band is scheduled to play in Japan, Mike Finnegan will be filling in for him.

Roger should therefore be back well before June 16 when Tower of Power take to the stage in Victoria BC, the first date of a big venue, 22 city tour with Tom Jones.

Check out the Secret Garden archives for the feature on Roger Smith that appeared in September 2004. Want to know more? Want to add a snippet of your own? E-mail me on DenisPoole2000@Yahoo.com

Hammond B-3 Legend Jimmy Smith Passes

Jimmy Smith, the Hammond B-3 icon who creatively revolutionized the instrument in Jazz, died of apparent natural causes on Tuesday, February 8, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Funeral arrangements are pending.

“Jimmy was one of the greatest and most innovative musicians of our time.  I love the man and I love the music.  He was my idol, my mentor and my friend,” fellow Hammond B-3 artist and friend, Joey Defrancesco said yesterday.

Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on December 8, 1925, Jimmy Smith ruled the Hammond B-3 organ in the 1950s & 1960s. He turned the instrument into almost an ensemble itself, fusing R&B;, blues, and gospel influences with bebop references into a jubilant, attractive sound that many others immediately absorbed before following in his footsteps. Smith initially learned piano both from his parents and on his own. After service in the Navy, in 1948 he studied bass at the Hamilton School of Music and piano at Ornstein's School of Music in Philadelphia. He began playing the Hammond organ in 1951, and soon earned a great reputation that followed him to New York, where he debuted at the Café Bohemia. A date at Birdland and then a 1957 Newport Jazz Festival appearance launched Smith¹s career. He toured extensively throughout the 1960s & ‘70s.

Smith’s Blue Note sessions from 1956 to 1963 were extremely influential and are highly recommended. They included collaborations with Kenny Burrell, Lee Morgan, Lou Donaldson, Tina Brooks, Jackie McLean, Ike Quebec, and Stanley Turrentine, among others. Smith also recorded for Verve from 1963 to 1972, many of them featuring big bands and using fine arrangements from Oliver Nelson. These included the excellent Walk on the Wild Side.

Jimmy Smith persevered in times when the Hammond organ seemed like it was down and out, and reigned as the master of the craft. The authentic sound of the Hammond still lives on in his protégé and good buddy Joey DeFrancesco. The pair recently recorded a studio album together, Legacy, to be released on Concord Records February 15. A national tour was in place for the B-3 soul mates to commence at Yoshi’s February 16-20, along with a special Iridium engagement in New York, March 23-27.

Verve/GRP Signs Brian Culbertson

Brian Culbertson finally has a new label and is working on a new CD.

Michael Lington Is A Stand-Up Guy

Saxophonist Michael Lington is taking classes at a Los Angeles comedy club.

Song of the Week: Jeff Lorber – “Ooh La La”

Smooth jazz pioneer Jeff Lorber has produced one of his best CDs ever – and his first single is a gem. “Ooh La La,” co-written by Lorber, producer Steven Dubin and young keyboardist Nelson Jackson, begins with a brief keyboard intro lifted from some smoky 1950s jazz club, then segues into a jaunty ditty showcasing Lorber’s acoustic piano acumen.

Like the rest of the CD, the song radiates an organic and wholesome freshness that offers a welcome change of pace from his previous funkified works. Lenny Castro provides percussion and John Roberts mans the drums.

Weekend Of The Sopranos!

This weekend host two great soprano saxophonists performing in Las Vegas.

First up we have smooth jazz soprano sax great Marion Meadows, one night only, at the Santa Fe Station, Saturday February 12th, 7pm. Marion is still riding high off his current release, Players Club. Then it's over to Green Valley Ranch, Sunday February 13th, in the Estancia Ballroom for a special event hosted by radio station KSNE, Sunny 106.5 FM, called "A Chocolate Affair". The event will be held from 3pm-7pm and will feature up and coming contemporary soprano saxophonist, Rocky Gordon, along with his band, KGB. The band is still playing selections from the current Misata release, Echoes.

The legendary "Feels So Good" trumpeter Chuck Mangione will be performing two nights in the Suncoast Hotel showroom, February 25th and 26th.

Tickets are on sale right now for the 12th Annual City Of Lights Jazz Festival, to be held in Las Vegas at Hills Park In Summerlin. Two nights of great entertainment, April 22nd, 7pm-10pm, and also April 23rd, noon to 10pm. Friday will feature more of an R&B; '80s tribute with bands like The Dazz Band, Lakeside, SOS Band, and Con-funk-shun. Saturday pours it on with smooth jazz chartbusters George Duke, Kim Waters, Mindi Abair, Down To The Bone, Paul Taylor, and Paul Jackson Jr.

Wayman Tisdale - Bringing Back The Old School

Welcome to the latest issue of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden, the page that offers a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul.

No man better spans the divide or better makes the connection between ‘Old School’ soul and Smooth Jazz than bass supremo and former NBA star Wayman Tisdale. His latest release Hang Time is testimony to that and nowhere was it better demonstrated than the opening night late show of the Warren Hill Smooth Jazz Cruise 2005 (WHSJC). For an audience of a certain age, revved up with the anticipation of seven days wall to wall music and all ready to party, Wayman Tisdale was, as they say, just what the doctor ordered.

CD Reviews: Jeff Lorber, 3rd Force, Jesse Cook

Jeff Lorber, 3rd Force and Jesse Cook all have new music.

Euge Groove To Be A Father Again

Euge Groove and his wife, Bane, have some good news.

Rippingtons Complete 15th CD

Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons will release a new album in May.

Marion Meadows To Join Sax Pack

Marion Meadows' saxophone will replace Steve Cole's later this year during the Sax Pack festival started by another saxophonist, Jeff Kashiwa.

Secret Garden Snippet - Signs Of Rain

Readers of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden will know it’s the place to go for a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul. In order to bring you more of the news more of the time this latest Secret Garden Snippet delivers another current sound bite from the adult contemporary scene. In the Secret Garden CD player this week is the latest release from the band Signs Of Rain, described as an ‘original smooth jazz outfit that boasts the ambient and cinematic sound of New Age’. Be that as it may, the eleven tracks that make up The Secret Sorrow is essential relaxation music for the busy world in which we live.

Guitarists, long time friends and now brothers in law Glenn Dagrossa and Ronald Porcelli founded Signs Of Rain in 1999 and released their first CD August Night Autumn Sky in 2001. One track from the CD, ‘Song Corazon de Leon’ became the official theme song to WKRQ's Miami Latin Jazz show and the single, ‘Il Mare Chiara’ enjoyed extensive airplay. After a break the band reformed in 2002 and immediately set to work on a follow up release, a project that became The Secret Sorrow. It was released in April 2004 to a packed house at New York Central Park's Tavern on the Green. Since that time the Westchester County based band have been promoting their music right across the USA and are currently mid way through a North East tour of Borders Books.

Next time you feel the need to escape the rigors of the working week, put on some coffee, spread the Sunday papers over the floor and slip The Secret Sorrow into the player. You will be transported.

For more on Signs Of Rain and updated tour dates go to www.signsofrain.com. Want to know more? Want to add a snippet of your own? E-mail me on DenisPoole2000@Yahoo.com

Song of the Week: Nils – “Pacific Coast Highway”

Nils is a guitarist who was born in Germany but has lived in Southern California for many years. He’s got the California vibe down pat on “Pacific Coast Highway,” his first single from the album by the same name.

Breezy and fun, the song sashays along with Nils’ Lee Ritenour-like lead creating a memorable hook. If ever there was a song to pop into CD player while cruising a beach-front road in a 'Vette, here you go.

This song is a sure thing.

Chris Botti Shows His Star-Making Skills at Jazz Alley

Chris Botti sparkled during a gig at the Jazz Alley.

Euge In The Groove

Welcome to the latest issue of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden, the page that offers a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul.

Some artists in the field of pop are strictly studio creations. They ramp up the record sales but when it comes to performing live they just can’t cut it. Smooth jazz performers tend not to be like that. Their backgrounds typically mean that they were performing to audiences well before their first record deals were ever thought of. Consequently live performances tend to add to their stature rather than detract from it. Pre-eminate in this is ex Tower of Power horn player Euge Groove who was an absolute sensation throughout the week of the Warren Hill Smooth Jazz Cruise (WHSJC) 2005.

Song of the Week: Jem –“They”

Jem, born in Wales, has become incredibly successfully behind the bubbly, bass-heavy goodness of “They” from her CD Finally Woken. It’s a great song for the dance floor and a great choice for a chill-down session.

Weird, but true.

Her angelic vocals (love those ba-bah-da’s) combined with her obvious affinity with the downtempo/chill groove, have fast made her a favorite of the club scene.

You can catch Jem on Late Show With Conan O’Brien in the States on Feb. 4.

Tom Grant Finishes New Album With Vocalist Valerie Day, Formerly With Nu Shooz

Tom Grant's new project, like his last, will be a jazz record -- with a familiar voice from the 1980s.

Anita Baker Working With Design Team For Summer Tour

Anita Baker is finally preparing a new tour to support her first album in 10 years, My Everything.

Paul Brown's Deep Sea Rescue

Welcome to the latest issue of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden, the page that offers a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul.

Imagine the scene. It’s Wednesday January 19 and the Warren Hill Smooth Jazz Cruise 2005 (WHSJC) has just left Tortola, British Virgin Islands on the next leg of its journey to Nassau, Bahamas. Norman Brown and Peter White are already sharing the billing on the early evening show and Oleta Adams and Rick Braun are lined up to appear later. But there’s a problem. Rick Braun is laid low in his cabin, struck down with the sea sickness that has haunted him all week. He wants to perform but simply can’t.

Brenda Russell, Managing Her Diabetes, Organizing U.S. And European Tours; First Show Confirmed

Brenda Russell's first show after getting a diagnosis of diabetes will be on April 7 in California.

Manager Says Book’s Claims About Chris Botti Show At Inauguration Are Inaccurate

Did Sting derail a performance by Chris Botti at the presidential inauguration?

Berks Jazz Fest 15th Anniversary this March!

By Val Vaccaro

This year marks the momentous celebration of the 15th annual Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania. The FirstEnergy Berks Jazz Fest, presented by the Berks Arts Council, runs March 11-20, 2005. Once again, there will be an impressive talent lineup featuring top music stars in contemporary jazz, traditional jazz, blues and more! There will be close to 120 events which take place at major venues, restaurants and clubs throughout Berks County. Some of this year’s top artists include Manhattan Transfer, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Spyro Gyra, Jeff Golub, Peter White, Boney James, Fourplay, Pieces of a Dream, Jeff Lorber, The Joyce Cooling Group, Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot, Gerald Veasley, the Heads Up Super Band, Jason Miles, the Yellowjackets, Bob Mintzer Big Band, The B-3 Summit featuring Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Papa John DeFrancesco, the John Pizzarelli Trio, Steve Smith and Buddy’s Buddies, Tom Grant, Shemekia Copeland, and more!!!

Remix Artist Rafe Gomez Updating Seminal Smokey Robinson Ballad

Smokey Robinson's classic "Quiet Storm" will be remixed by the host of The Groove Boutique radio show.

Basia Will Tour With Matt Bianco

Smooth jazz vocalist Basia will tour this year after a long hiatus.

Song of the Week: Donny Osmond –“Breeze On By”

Like Simply Red’s “Sunrise” from last year, which sampled Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” former child singer Donny Osmond scores in 2005 with “Breeze On By.” The song, which Osmond wrote lyrics to, samples George Benson’s magnificent “Breezin’” throughout.

It’s an unlikely pairing – one of smooth jazz’s iconic figures and a singer who’s unfairly or not is too often portrayed as anti-cool. But with this track, from his new CD What I Meant to Say, Donny Osmond is officially one cool dude. Put in on and watch your worries slip away.

Guitar and no Sax - Concert Review

Those who read my column know that many of my articles contain the same two words in the form of one composer/artist’s name: Chieli Minucci. I’ll admit there’s a reason for this. He simply happens to be the favorite of my favorite artists in contemporary jazz. Hearing "My Girl Sunday" from his Sweet On You CD a few years ago led me to not only his music and that of Special EFX, but also coincided with my own gradual discovery that the music I love best is actually in a jazz category.

By the time I discovered Minucci, I had already become familiar with many of the saxophone players on the scene, and I concluded that the saxophone was the instrument of choice to best underscore the jazz in jazz music. It took a little time for me to notice what the guitarists were doing. Once as I stood in line at a concert, I overheard a lively debate over which instrument – the guitar or the saxophone – best captured the essence of jazz. I wondered how there could be much of a debate about it, but as time went on it was guitarists like Minucci who made me have a new understanding of such a debate. Now I know why there is some controversy, and I remember smiling to myself at the debut of a group in recent years with the name Guitars and Saxes. A perfect solution, and a great way to make the point that not only do both instruments work well in this genre, but they complement each other very well. At this stage of my jazz listening, I enjoy when both instruments are present in a song or at a live show. I almost expect this to be the case, wondering with the release of each new CD, what guitarists are featured on the saxophonist’s CD, or which saxophone players are guests of the guitarist. However, there was one night when I found myself at a show with one guitar and no sax.

Alexander Zonjic honored with three nominations and will host inaugural canadian smooth jazz awards

Jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic has been nominated for three awards and will host the first-ever Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards to be held April 10 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts near Toronto. Zonjic’s diverse nominations are for Album of the Year for Seldom Blues, for Best Wind Instrumentalist and for Broadcaster of the Year.

Zonjic was raised and still lives in Windsor, Ontario. He is also host of a popular daily morning show on Detroit’s Smooth Jazz V98.7 (WVMV-FM).

"Canadian Smooth Jazz musicians finally have an awards program to recognize their artistry," said Zonjic. The event was created by Doug and Mary Kirk, owners of The Wave (radio) in Hamilton, Ontario, and Smooth Jazz Now (on-line magazine) editor John Beaudin. Fans will determine the winners via an on-line poll. To vote, fans should visit www.canadiansmoothjazzawards.com. Voting is now open to an international audience.

Top nominees for the inaugural ceremony include Diana Krall, Eddie Bullen, Brian Hughes, Marc Jordan and Alexander Zonjic all with three. Confirmed to perform are guitarist Brian Hughes, vocalist Carol Welsman, who is a double nominee, and Warren Hill who is up for Saxophonist Of The Year.

The first Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will also pay tribute to on of the biggest trailblazers in the genre - George Benson. The guitar legend will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement prize appropriately titled The Benson Award. Each year a different trendsetter in the world of Smooth Jazz will receive The Benson. International Smooth Jazz artists have also been recognized. Marc Antoine, Anita Baker, Euge Groove, Dave Koz and Peter White are the nominees.

Confessions of a Columnist

Anyone visiting here at smoothvibes can see that my focus is different from that of my esteemed co-writers on this site. I say esteemed with utmost sincerity because I am truly in awe of the musical knowledge, grasp of terminology and the ability to pull so much good information together in such interesting ways as they demonstrate here time and again. It’s quite a learning experience for me to be here and simply read what they have written. In a sense I’m the grateful little sister tagging along!

Secret Garden Snippet - Dave Koz All At Sea

Readers of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden, will know it’s the place to go for a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul. In order to bring you more of the news more of the time this latest Secret Garden Snippet brings another current sound bite from the adult contemporary scene. Dropping into the Secret Garden mailbox this week was news that Dave Koz will be smooth jazz cruising this year. His Dave Koz & Friends At Sea show will depart from San Diego on November 5 2005 on the Holland America Lines cruise ship Oosterdam for seven days sailing to the Mexican ports of Mazatlan, Cabo San Luca and Puerto Vallarta. His line up of special guest artists will be announced shortly on his website www.davekozcruise.com

In fact Dave is warming up for the cruise in the near future. He has been booked as an additional special guest for the Warren Hill Smooth Jazz cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale this very week. He will play two back to back gigs on the evening of January 18 aboard the Holland America Lines cruise ship the Zuiderdam while in port at St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. This show was originally scheduled as an outdoor event on the island for the same night but was moved onto the ship as part of a last minute change.

Dave joins a host of smooth jazz stars in St Thomas including Peter White, Euge Groove, Kim Waters, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Jeff Golub, Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, Warren Hill and Oleta Adams.

Want to know more? Want to add a snippet of your own? E-mail me on DenisPoole2000@Yahoo.com

Dave Koz's New CD To Pay Homage To The Movies

Dave Koz is working on a follow-up to his Saxophonic CD.

Song of the Week: Rafe Gomez –“Icy”

Rafe Gomez, a DJ and mixer who produces a nationally syndicated show called The Groove Boutique, has a single himself that is getting some airplay on Smooth Jazz radio. “Icy” is a sprightly ditty that clocks in at just under three minutes and features a can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head melody, trumpet by Glenn Kaye , unobtrusive vocalese and chants of "Icy."

This is the cool stuff, baby. Gomez says the song has “a sound that’s best described as Herb Alpert meets Bob James in Brazil, with Praful mixing the drinks.”

The happy track is one of 15 that Gomez compiled for The Groove Boutique: Volume One on Tommy Boy Records. The CD is available at the usual outlets, including for a discount at Dusty Groove America at www.dustygroove.com.

Peter White Plays To Strengths At Seattle’s Jazz Alley

Guitarist Peter White was in his element at several shows in Seattle.

Just MichauX

Welcome to the latest issue of Denis Poole’s Secret Garden, the page that offers a British perspective on all that’s good, and not so good, in the world of smooth jazz and classic soul.

White soul doesn’t come by everyday and when it does it tends to disappoint. However this is not the case with the latest project from Texas based MichauX (pronounced Mi-show). His soulful, funky, R&B; sound that has been compared in vocal style to Maxwell, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and The Isley Brothers delivers a mixture of modern R&B; and funky 70’s soul on his interesting eleven track release, Just MichauX.

Bobby Wells - Bayside

Sometimes I wonder where the industry is going to with Warner having dropped their smooth jazz artists and radio stations switching formats to other genres than smooth jazz. Luckily our favorite brand of music still is available on independent labels offering a surprising level of quality and musicianship with CDBaby.com at the center of the action.

I have the habit to sift through the list of new releases there. Admittedly much material on display there is not worth our attention but when you are persistent you are rewarded with some top-notch stuff - like the CD Bayside by keyboard player Bobby Wells. Guest artists on the album include Eric Marienthal (sax), Michael O'Neill (guitar), Bryan Savage (flute), Mel Brown (bass), Darren Rahn (sax), Bobby Wells (keyboards, vocals) and Brandy Wells (vocals) - talk about smooth jazz heaven! The album contains definitely Bobby Wells' best work and offers a nice selection of grooves and moods with first-rate playing by all involved. This album should not be missed - check it out at CDBaby.com!

Donald Fagen Working On First Solo CD in 12 Years

Steely Dan member Donald Fagen hopes to release a new CD this year, his first since Kamakiriad in 1993.

Paul Brown Producing New CD By Singer Kiki Ebsen

The new album by vocalist Kiki Ebsen, produced by Paul Brown, will feature a song written by the vocalist's father -- the late actor Buddy Ebsen.

Dave Koz Performing In Tsunami Benefit

Saxophonist Dave Koz will help raise funds for the American Red Cross on Jan. 10 in Southern California.

A 'Lasting Impression':  James Vargas Captures the Heart of Catalina Smooth Jazz Afficionados

Written by Rene Taniguchi, San Francisco, California, USA

Romantic British saxophonist James Vargas captivated Catalina audiences with his intoxicating blend of smooth grooves, funky rhythms and soulful singing during his American debut at the 18th Annual Catalina Island Jazztrax Festival, October 10 and 16, 2004, being only one of two artists to play twice during the three-weekend festival.
 
Vargas' performances, which were also broadcast live via streaming on Jazztrax Internet Radio, played to sold-out crowds of 1,450 in the beautiful Art Deco-styled Avalon Casino Ballroom on balmy October evenings on Catalina Island, opening for sax legend David Sanborn on October 10th and British funk band Down To The Bone, on October 16th. (His performances, along with the 29 other artists featured during the festival, was rebroadcast as part of a compilation on Jazztrax' syndicated 5-hour program Thanksgiving weekend, November 28, and is still available to listen to as Art Good's Jazztrax Radio Show On Demand.  Go to www.jazztrax.com for more info.)

JazzTrax Names Its Top 10 For 2004, Launches Weekly Countdown

Art Good, creator and host of the top syndicated radio show JazzTrax, has named the Benoit Freeman Project 2 album of the year in his Top 10 countdown of the best smooth jazz albums of 2004.

Happy New Year 2005

And to kick off the first week of this year we've got chartbusting, smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown performing at the Suncoast Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, this Friday and Saturday, January 7th and 8th.

She embodies seductive soul with one of the most recognizable voices that ever topped a pop chart. Taylor Dane brings her blend of R & B, pop, and jazz to the Railhead Showroom at the Boulder Station Hotel-Casino, Saturday, January 22th.

The following Saturday, January 29th in the same venue will be the funky smooth sounds of bassist and former NBA star, Wayman Tisdale.

Native Language, the smooth jazz record label with top-rated smooth jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, has lost two prime artists from its roster during last year with guitarist Steve Oliver moving over to Koch Records for his latest release, 3D, produced by Tom Schumann(Spyro Gyra); and keyboardist Scott Wilkie leaving as well for a new label.

It's evident that it will take a lot more promotion to get artists like keyboardist Theo Bishop off the ground, who happens to co-own Native Language with Joe Sherbanee, a keyboardist as well. Theo's latest release, Newport Nights, has yet to hit stride in the smooth jazz world, despite his fine writing, as well as production assistance from the likes of Brian Bromberg.

They both started the label not too long ago in the '90s, and have struggled to achieve the stature of labels like Peak and Shanachie. In Fact, right now Jeff Kashiwa is the lead horse, and the only runner capable of keeping the indie afloat.

First-Ever Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards Announced

Good news for smooth jazz fans.

The first-ever Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will be held April 10 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts near Toronto. Leading the way with three nominations each are flutist Alexander Zonjic, guitarist Brian Hughes and vocalist Diana Krall.

Zonjic, a disc jockey for Detroit’s Smooth Jazz V98.7, was raised and still lives in Windsor, Ontario. He’s nominated for Broadcaster Of The Year, Album Of The Year for Seldom Blues and for Best Wind Instrumentalist.

Hughes, who hails from Toronto but now lives in Southern California, is nominated for Guitarist Of The Year, Album Of The Year for Along The Way and Best Original Composition for “Wherever You Are.”

Krall, who was born and raised in British Columbia and now lives in New York, is nominated for Female Vocalist, Album Of The Year for The Girl In The Other Room and Best Original Composition for “Narrow Daylight.” Krall is nominated for that song along with her husband and co-writer, Elvis Costello.

Receiving International Artist awards are vocalist Anita Baker, who lives in Michigan; guitarist Marc Antoine, who lives in Spain; and guitarist Peter White and saxophonists Dave Koz and Euge Groove, who all live in Southern California.

Among the many other artists receiving awards are saxophonist Warren Hill, guitarist Jesse Cook and the group Four80East. In addition, a lifetime achievement award will be given to New Jersey resident and guitarist George Benson.

Here is a complete list of nominees.

Song of the Week: Alex Cortiz – “Schmooz”

Chill music, downtempo, nu-lounge – whatever you call it, more and more cool radio stations such as CD 101.9 in New York are including the music of smooth jazz’s younger, more adventurous sibling every day. Alex Cortiz is one of the genre’s brightest stars and his “Schmooz” from his most recent CD, Mesmerizing (Kriztal Entertainment), is intoxicatingly sophisticated, mellow and sexy.

Cortiz, a Holland producer whose real name is Aad de Mooy, programs repetitious, bass heavy beats to lull you into his clutches. He then sprinkles dashes of guitar, organ and assorted sounds on top of the lower end. “Schmooz” would make a great addition to any playlist currently playing music from Praful or from the groundbreaking Rendezvous Lounge series.

Contempo January 2005

Unlike the realm of pop music where The Who’s credo “Hope I Die Before I Get Old” can translate these days to being a has-been once you hit the big 2-5, smooth jazz thrives on the grooves of veteran artists making it hip to be any age. A quick glance at the charts at any given time shows a preponderance of artists past 40 (Rick Braun, Russ Freeman, Boney James, Dave Koz), even 50 (Jeff Lorber, David Sanborn, three fourths of Fourplay) — all making music as relevant as they did as wide-eyed twentysomethings. This is good news reflecting our culture’s belief that “40 is the new 30” and so on, but it doesn’t leave a lot of airplay openings and festival slots for young up and comers determined to join their ranks.

Judging from the critical, consumer and radio response to their 2004 releases, Eric Darius, a 21-year old saxman and senior at Florida State University, and the just over 30 Grady Nichols, an alto playing local hero in his adopted hometown of Tulsa for ten years, are ready for prime time, the most likely to spearhead the next generation of great genre artists.