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Mark Winkler / Jazz Life
Mark Winkler started to reveal his songwriting ability in mid 70's. The first well-known tune was "Tropical Nights" performed by Liza Minnelli in 1977. On the other hand, Winkler made demo recordings in order to get an artist deal in those days. He signed a deal with First America Records, Seattle and completed his first solo album "Jazz Life" around 1980. And at last, "Jazz Life" was released by Music Is Medicine, the subsidiary label of First American. As the album title shows, Winkler performs pop jazz tunes throughout the album. And in 2001, Cool Sound reissued this album with an unreleased tune "Jazz Is Alive" originally recorded for this album in 1982. Release: 1982 Label: Music Is Medicine, USA (MIM 9051) First Reissued CD Release:25 January, 1993 (Polydor, Japan, POCP-1282) Tracks: 1. Jazz Life 2. In A Minor Key 3. Be-Bop 4. Coolcats 5. Keely 6. Hip To Your Tricks 7. Struttin' 8. Scattin' In The Moonlight 9. Play To Win Bonus Track(s) added to Reissued CD(s) 2001 Cool Sound, Inc. Japan (COOL-077 released on 10 September, 2001): 10. Jazz Is Alive Producer: Jim Anderson Mark Winkler: Vocals - Musicians - Drums : Jim Andron, George Green, Tony Morales Bass : Jim Andron, Jeff Steele, Kirk Smith Keyboards : Kevin Bassinson, Jim Andron, Doug Konecky, Tom Rainer Guitar : Bob Walden Chorus : Beth Lawrence, Jim Andron, Darlene Koldenhoven, Michael Cruz, Marie Cain Horns : Jim Reeves, John Fumo, Fred Morgan, Tom Rainer #MarkWinkler
1 AOR Smooth Jazz Cool Sound Inc., Japan
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Patti Austin / On The Way To Love
Patti Austin returned to Warner Bros, for which she released her early 1980's excellent works with Quincy Jones under Qwest label. Needless to say, music included on this album would be not the same as early 1980's one. She performed strictly-selected Smooth Jazz tunes produced by Paul Brown, the one of the top-level producers under the current Smooth Jazz field. Release: 26 June 26, 2001 (Japan: 8 August, 2001) Label: Warner Bros, USA (47911) / Warner Music Japan (WPCR 11075) Tracks: 1. Girlfriend 2. What Can I Say? 3. On The Way To Love 4. Love's Been Kind To Me Lately 5. Make It Right 6. If You Really Need Me Now 7. Playin' Around 8. Let Me Be Me 9. Southern Rain 10. Tell Me Why 11. Love's Been Kind 12. To Me Lately (Unplugged) Producer: Paul Brown Patti Austin: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: Bill Meyers, Allen Hinds, Tim Heinz, Robert Vally, Jerry Hey, Larry Williams, David Woods, Greg Phillinganes, Ricky Peterson, Carl Burnett Bass: Bill Meyers, Allen Hinds, Tim Heinz, Robert Vally, David Woods, Carl Burnett Guitars: Carl Bunett, Allen Hinds, Mike Sims, Paul Jackson Jr., Tony Maiden, Carl Burnett Percussion: Lenny Castro, Luis Conte, Paulinho Da Costa Drum Programming: Paul Brown, Steve Dubin, David Woods, Carl Burnett Vibes: Greg Phillinganes Sax: Boney James Flugelhorn: Jerry Hey Flute: Larry Williams Background Vocals: Siedah Garrett, Tony Maiden, Sue Ann Carwell #PattiAustin
Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Warner Bros, USA CD
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Latin On The Flip Side
Latin On The Flip Side" is the Cool Latin-flovered Smooth Jazz unit by Leon Bisquera and Alfred Rubalcava, both of whom are L.A. based session musicians. Leon Bisquera is touring with Randy Crowford since 1993 and performing on the album of the Sax player Boney James'. As regards Alfred Rubalcava, his name can be found on Michael Sembello related works including Sembello’s 1983 self-titled debut album as co-writer of “It’s Over”, co-produced Wilkins’ 1987 album “Paraiso Perdido” with Sembello and also played bass on 1997 album "Backwards In Time", This is one of the recommendable cool smooth Jazz CD for 1999 summer, if you like Latin-funk Jazz. Release: 21 June, 1999 Label: Highways Records, Japan (SKCY-1001) Tracks: 1. Rhumaba Japon 2. Mambo A La Cha 3. Sembello Blue 4. Buggin' The Buddah 5. Geisha Boogaloo 6. Spanish Fly 7. Bata Latin Funk 8. .Plum Jam 9. Loopy Lu (Flip-A-Latin) Producers: Leon Bisquera and Alfred Rubalcava Latin On The Flip Side: Leon Bisquera: Keyboards Alfred Rubalcava: Bass, Vocals - Musicians - Guitars: James Harrah, Michael Sembello Drums: Curt Bisquera Sax: Boney James Vocals: Libby #LatinOnTheFlipSide
Smooth Jazz Highways Records, Japan CD 1999
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GENAI / Heaven On Earth
"GENAI" is the duo unit comprising Ginai K. Johnston, a female singer, and Oliver Wendel, a multi-instrumetnal player. Based on the biography, Oliver Wendell, this Chicago-born guy started to work in Chicago music industry in 1979 and arrange and produce 3 musicals such as "Dream Girls" (1982), "Guys and Dolls" (1983) and "Tribute To Hollywood" (1983). He moved to Valencia California to study music theories and composition, video production from 1984 to 1986. Then, He made many sessions in Los Angeles with George Duke, Ray Parker Jr, and Ruth Pointer and you might see him on TV as the keyboard player appeared on the popular TV drama "Fame". Ginai K. Johnston, also born in Chicago and grown up in Hawaii has been performing many gigs in Hawaii and they met each other in 1996. And in 1999, this two talented musicians has completed their debut album "Heaven On Earth", Hawaii-flovered Jazzy Soul & AC album. You can easily find 6 cover tunes of fine Adult Contemporary Music such as "Africa" (TOTO), "Biggest Part Of Me" (Ambrosia), "It's Too Late" (Carol King) and "Human Nature" (Michael Jackson). Needless to say, they are really good, but more than those, GENAI's original tunes are excellent. Release: 23 June, 1999 Label: Videoarts Music, Japan (VACM-1141) Tracks: 1. Heaven On Earth 2. Africa 3. Temperamental Winds 4. Runaway 5. Brazil 6. The Biggest Part Of Me 7. Someday Out There 8. It's Too Late 9. Wouldn't You 10. Human Nature 11. Pretend Producer: Oliver Wendell Executive Producer: Yukihiro Hattori Associate Producer: Hiro Yamashita GENAI: Oliver Wendell: Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Percussion,, Drum Programming Ginai K. Johnston: Vocals Supporting Musicians: Piano: Brian Simpson Sax: David Choy Trombone: Kenny Ebo Sax: Everett Harp
Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Video Arts Music, Japan CD
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Jango / Dreamtown
Steve Nieves, sax player / vocalist began touring and recording since 1978 and moved to Los Angeles in 1981. When Nieves recorded the album “Light The Night” as Steve Kragan, the front man for the band Jakata on Motown / Morocco Records in 1984, his relationship with producer Steve Barri began, who was Vice President of A&R with Motown then. Barri acted as executive producer during his tenure at Motown on multi-platinum albums by The Commodores, Lionel Ritchie, and Rick James before his departure from Motown in 1986. By mid 1990’s Barri moved into jazz, and became an A&R executive at the JVC Records. In 1998, Nieves released his solo album “Dream Harvest” (JVC Records) produced by Barri, and supported by Steve Le Gassick as a co-songwriter / keyboard player, and Michael Price as either songwriter or co-songwriter. In the same year, Barri signed to Gold Circle Entertainment running two labels, Gold Circle and Samson Records, as a producer and A&R executive, Finally, I would write about Jango; Jango was formed in 1998 by Steve Le Gassick and Michael Price and grew out of Steve Nieves solo “Dream Harvest” project on which the duo had collaborated with. Joining Le Gassick and Nieves (Price plays a solely behind-the-scenes role) is an acclaimed aggregation of fellow session players: Nick Kirgo (guitars), Leon Johnson (bass), and Dave Beyer (drums). Under Barri’s guidance they recorded “Dreamtown” which earned a nomination for “Best New Artist of the Year” at the 2000 National Smooth Jazz Awards. The album was all through very sophisticated by a well-balanced blend of instrumental and vocal tunes, The first lead track from the album was the cover version of Victor Feldman’s "With Your Love“. Jango also covered “How Long” on the album, originally performed by the Brit pop band Ace headed by Paul Carraxk in 1974., which must be the highlight of the pop and jazz blended album with Steely Dan’s sophistication. Release: 23 February, 1999 Label: Samson Music, USA (GC 0160) Tracks: 1. Dreamtown Intro 2. City Of The 2nd Chance 3. With Your Love (Victor's Song) 4. How Long 5. 7th Journey 6. Dreamtown 7. Driftin' 8. Too Much Time 9. Kings Road 10. Message To Ramona 11. Sunset To The Sea 12. Golden Fool Producers:mSteve LeGassick, Michael Price, Steve Barri Executive Producer: Steve Barri Jango: Steve Nieves: Vocals, Sax, Percussion Steve Le Gassick: Keyboards, Vocals Nick Kirgo: Guitar, Vocals Dave Beyer:Drums Leon Johnson: Bass - Musicians - Guitar:Anas Allaf, Eric Henderson : Background vocals: Michael Price #Jango
Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Samson Music, USA CD
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David Diggs / The Artiful Collection
David Diggs, one of the talented keyboard/guitar players is well-known not only for his own solo works such as "Streetshadows" (1985), a top 10 entry on Billboard's Jazz Album Chart for 26 weeks, but also for his producing works with Quincy Jones, Irene Cara, Brothers Johnson, Richie Furay, Brothers Johnson and many more. After releasing his seventh solo album “Right Before Your Eyes” for Palo Alto Jazz in 1986, he signed with Artful Balance Records and released two albums; "Nothing But The Truth” (ABD-7216) in 1989 and “Tell Me Again" (ABD-7222) in 1991). In 1998, Diggs self-re-released Artful Balance years materials on this compilation CD as “Artful Balance Collection”. Almost all contents are covered and nicely reordered. (“Juliette”, “Airtite” (extented mix) and “ SYS.XZ5” are omitted.) Release: December, 1998 Label: Indiggnant Music, USA (7002) Tracks: 1. Soundtrack * 2. Nothing But The Truth * 3. Lady Face Mountain * 4. Pink Fog * 5. Tell Me Again + 6. City Under The Sea + 7. Heart Intruder * 8. Night Falling + 9. For The First Time + 10. Soaring With Angels + 11. Street Strut * 12. Busted Jam + 13. Magnetic * 14. Stolen Lands + 15. Freedom Dance + 16. Airtite * 17. Overture (for Aaron Copland) + * from the album “ Nothing But The Truth” (1989) + from the album “ Tell Me Again” (1991) Producer: David Diggs Executive Producers : Robie Porter and Roger Voudouris David Diggs: Keyboards, Percussion, Guitar - Musicians - Tenor & Alto Sax: Tom Saviano Additional Drums: Robbie Diggs Bass: Kenny Wild Guitar: Eric Gale #DavidDiggs
Contemporary Jazz Smooth Jazz Indiggnant Music, USA CD
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Various Artists / A Song A Day
Looking back 1998 releases after more than two decades, I wonder if this album was deserved to be said as the best Various Artists project album of the year. The album was well produced by Jimmy Haslip (the original bassist of Yellow Jackets) and Vince Mendoza. I believe that this album was basically the USA re-release of the 1996 WDR Big Band Köln “Summer Olympics Atlanta 1996 - Flame” album (supposed to be released only in Europe then) with different track order and replacing a Vince Mendoza track by then Zebra Records artist Mark Portmann’s “The Last Song” taken from Portmann’s 1997 album “No Truer Words”. All the tracks were very much of high quality and basically not on the artist’s album, therefore this compilation CD was one of the must-have but easily missing to buy CDs. The featured songs are two Chaka Khan’s, two Brenda Russell’s. Gino Vannelli’s self-remake version of “Just a Motion Away” originally performed on his1984 album “Black Cars”, and Al Jarreau’s self-remake “Raging Waters” (the original version was the opening track of Jay Graydon producing 1984 album ‘High Crime” were really impressive. Release: 29 September, 1998 Label: Zebra Records, USA (44008) Tracks: 1. You and I Are One 2. We Will Meet Again 3. Time Piece 4. One Chance 5. Just a Motion Away 6. Mile High 7. Power 8. Flame 9. Glory 10. Raging Waters 11. We're in This Together 12. The Last Song Producers: Jimmy Haslip, Vince Mendoza Executive Producer:Ricky Schultz Main Performers: Track 1, 7: Chaka Khan Track 2,8: Brenda Russell Track 3: Vince Mendoza Track 4, 11: Lori Perry Track 5: Gino Vannelli Track 6: Jean ‘Toots’ Thielemans & Yellowjackets Track 9: Yellowjackets Track 10: Al Jarreau Track 12: Mark Portmann - Musicians - Guitar: Michael Landau, Paul Jackson Jr., Pat Thomi, Charles Johnson, John Defaria Keyboards: Howard McCreary, Vince Mendoza, Frank Chastenier, C.J. Vanston, Russell Ferrante, Joe Vannelli, Mark Portmann EVI and Synthesizer Programming: Judd Miller Bass: Jimmy Haslip Drums: J.R. Robinson, Willam Kennedy, Enzo Todesco Percussion: Luis Conte, Jimmy Haslip Sax: Heiner Wiberny, Bob Mintzer, Olivier Peters, Steve Groves Trumpet: Andy Haderer WDR BIG BAND: First Alto Sax, Flute: Heiner Wiberny Second Alto Sax, Flute: Harald Rosenstein First Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Flute: Olivier Peters Second Sax, Clarinet, Flute: Rolf Romer Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Flute: Jens Neufang Lead Trumpet, Flugelhorn: Andy Haderer Trumpet, Flugelhorn: John Marshall, Rick Kiefer, Thomas Vogel Trombone: Dave Horler, Henning Berg, Brent Laukamp Bass Trombone: Roy Deuvall Hammond B-3 Organ: Frank Chastenier Tuba: Hartmut Muller French Horns: Andrew Joy, Joachim Polti, Egon Hellrung, Nozomu Segawa Harmonica: Jean ‘Toots’ Thielemans Background Vocals: Howard McCreary, Carmen Carter, Bunny Hull, Mindy Stein, Ross Vannelli #ASongADay #WDRBigBand
Adult Contemporary AOR Smooth Jazz Zebra Records, USA
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Rhythm Logic
Rhythm Logic is the project led by the drummer Michael White with three Los Angeles based good Contemporary Jazz musicians. Chicago born White worked with artists like Curtis Mayfield and Lou Rawls early in his career and then moving to Los Angeles in 1982 to work as a session musician. Good Melodies, Good Groove and more on this project. 10 tunes appeared on this album must feel you satisfied not only logically but also emotionally! Three vocal tunes such as " I. G. Y." originally performed by Donald Fagen, "Fantasy" originally performed by Earth, Wind & Fire and "The First Time" originally performed by Surf ice, are worth listening. Release: 23 June, 1998 (Japan) / 24 August, 1999 (USA) Label: Videoarts Music, Japan (VACM-1125) / Zebra Records (ZD 44018-2) Tracks: 1. Tuesday Love 2. I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) 3. Logically Speaking 4. Full Speed 5. Fantasy 6. You Know I Will 7. Take Me Away! 8. A Portrait Of Passion 9. Beverly 10. The First Time Rhythm Logic: Drums: Michael White Keyboards: Brian Simpson Bass: Dwayne Smith Guitar: Ron Smith - Musicians - Percussion: Brian Kilgore, Munyungo Jackson, Freddie E. White Sax: Albert Wing, Andre Robeson Trumpet: Walt Fowler, Michael Harris, Rahmlee Michael Davis Trombone: Steve Baxter Lead Vocals: Maysa Leak (Track2 & 5), Alex Brown & Bridgette Bryant Fiddmont (Track 7) Background Vocals: Phil Perry, Liz Hougue, Kim Brewer, Bernard Jackson
Smooth Jazz Video Arts Music, Japan Zebra Records, USA CD
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Dan Siegel
Dan Siegel, Seattle born Berklee College of Music alumni pianist/ composer, began his professional music career in 1979 when he signed to Inner City Records, a New York based independent jazz label and released first album. The following 1981 album “The Hot Shot” was successfully reaching Billboard’s Top 10 selling Jazz albums. Siegel moved to Los Angeles in 1983 after releasing this self-titled album featuring quite many top Los Angele session musicians such as Larry Carlton and Tom Scott. Dan Siegel instrumental music became essential for Smooth Jazz in 1990's. Speaking of reissue on CD, the earliest one was done in Japan by East West, Japan (AMCY-2785) in September 1998. Release: 1982 Label: Elektra / Asylum Records, USA (E1-60037) Tracks: 1. Great Expectations 2. Enchanted Forest 3. Uptown 4. Soaring 5. The Long Ranger 6. Touch And Go 7. Deserted Beach 8. Passing Time 9. The Conqueror Producer: Dan Siegel Dan Siegel: Keyboards - Musicians - Drums: Moyes Lucas Jr., John Robinson Bass: Rob Thomas, Abraham Laboriel Guitars: Paul Jackson. Jr., Larry Carlton, Marlon McLain Sax: Tom Scott, Jeff Homan Trumpet: Tom Brown Flugelhorn: Mark Hatch Percussion: Lenny Castro #Dan Siegel
Fusion Smooth Jazz Elektra / Asylum Records, USA CD
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Tim Heintz / Lost And Found
Tim Heintz is one of the best Los Angeles based composers, arrangers and keyboard players writing beautiful melodies. Even if you should not be interested in AOR / Westcoast / Smooth Jazz, probably you probably experienced Heintz music and felt happy somewhere. Heintz composed and arranged many for Disney Parks, Sea World and Universal Studios. Some of his compositions reminds me of David Foster's good-old ones. After touring the world with artists including Michael McDonald, Chaka Khan, Boz Scaggs and Don Henley, he turned his focus to studio work, arranging and writing for a wide variety of projects, and as a keyboard player, you will find him on the albums of acclaimed artists such as Dionne Farris, Wendy Moten, Vesta Williams and Natelie Cole. Turning my eyes to his solo works, his albums topped the Billboard Jazz charts in the late 1980s. Heintz released three contemporary Jazz albums on TBA Records USA; “Quiet Time” in 1987, “Searching The Heart” in 1988 and self-titled album in 1989. In early 1990’s Heintz released two solo albums only for Japan on Warp / Alfa Records, Inc, Japan; “Angel Coast” in 1990 and “ Summer Rain” in 1992. This CD “Lost And Found” is the collection album, selected from his five solo albums; first solo "Quiet Time" (1987) - fifth solo "Summer Rain" (1992). In addition to instrumental compositions, several vocal tunes are featured. Release: November, 1997 Label: Fifty-Seven Varieties Music, USA (57VM-01) Tracks: 1. In My Heart 2. Dear Jacqui 3. The Shadows Of Another Time 4. Full Sail 5. Reflections Of You 6. I Will Always Be There 7. We Live For Love 8. My Favorite Color 9. Leavin' 10. The Healing Power 11. Together At Last 12. Angel Coast 13. Final Touch Producers: George Shaw, Steve Kempster, Naoto Suzuki, Tim Heintz - Musicians - Vocals: Jeff Pescetto (track 1) Kevin Quinn (track 3), Chuck Sabatino (track 10) Background Vocals: Mark Mancina, Steve Kempster, Catte Adams Bass: Charles Frichtell, James Jamerson Jr. Guitars: Steve Kempester, Terrence Elliott, Tony Maiden, Ron Komie Drums: Alvino Bennett, Steve DiStanislao, Peter Pfiefer Percussion: Bill Quinn, Terry Santiel Congas: Ron Robbins Sax: Vince Denham, Micahel Paulo #TimHeintz
Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Fifty-Seven Varieties Music, USA 1997
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Marilyn Scott / Avenue Of Love
Marilyn Scott released her sixth solo album “Avenue Of Love” on Warner Bros, following the successful “Take Me With You" released in 1996. George Duke received a Grammy nomination for “The Look Of Love”, Bacharach-David classic, as “Best Arrangement with a Vocal”. As for me, it was impressive to listen to the track “Love Is A Powerful Thing” written by Michael Ruff, which were later self-covered by the songwriter on Peter Friestedt’s “LA Project 2” released in 2008. Release: 26 March, 1998 (USA) / 5 April, 1998 (Japan) Label: Warner Bros. Records Inc., USA (7599 46859-2) / Warner Bros. Records, Japan (WPCR-1847) Tracks: 1. Starting To Fall 2. I Like To Dance 3. Avenida Del Sol 4. The Look Of Love 5. Heaven's Design 6. Love Is A Powerful Thing 7. Hold You Up 8. Hey Love 9. Get Home 10. The Last Day 11. Tryin' Times * *Bonus track for Japanese Edition Producers: George Duke, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante, Marilyn Scott Marilyn Scott: Vocals - Musicians - Keyboards: George Duke, Russell Ferrante Guitar: Ray Fuller, Michael Landau, Mike Miller, Paul Jackson Jr. Bass: Fred D. Washington, Jimmy Haslip Drums: Joseph Heredia, Will Kennedy Percussion: Rafael Padilla, Paulinho da Costa Horns: Bob Mintzer, Walt Fowler Sax: Brandon Fields Background Vocals: Lori Perry, Sharon Perry, Carolyn Perry, Jim Gilstrap, Alvin Chea, David Thomas #MarilynScott
1 Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz Warner Bros. Records, USA
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Pat Kelly / Good News | Moonlight Dance
Pat Kelly moved to Southern California in the early 1970's after majoring in music composition at the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He got opportunities to record and tour with acclaimed artists including George Benson, Natalie Cole, David Benoit, Tom Scott, Al Jarreau, Chick Corea, Olivia Newton John, Melissa Manchester, Burt Bacharach, and many others in the Los Angeles music scene. In 1987, Kelly released his first solo album ‘View Of The Future” on Nova Records, USA, two albums “I'll Stand Up” and “High Heel” followed in 1989. “The Road Home” followed in 1994, And four years later, the next effort was released in Japan first as the album titled “Good News”, then USA edition was released, which was refitted as “Moonlight Dance”. Pat Kelly has been lecturing guitar as the Senior Lecturer Emeritus at USC Thornton School Of Music in Los Angeles. Release : 21 January, 1998 (Japan) Label: ID Net, Japan (AHCY-0004) / Award Records, USA (AWD 80006) Tracks: 1. First Steps 2. Portuguese For Travlers 3. Sweet Mischief 4. Monkey House 5. Good News 6. Walk The Walk 7. Moonlight Dance 8. New Shoes 9. Serenisea 10. Quiet Time 11. Nice To Be Home * US edition has the different order of the tracks. Producers: David Benoit, Pat Kelly - Musicians - Piano: Barnaby Finch, Gregg Karukas, Bill Cantos Hammond B3 Organ: RobWhitlock Synt & Piano: David Benoit Bass: Ernest Tibbs, Tim Landers, Alex Al, Sekou Bunch Drums: Michael White, Gary Novak, John Ferraro Trumpet: Tony Guerrero Sax: Eric Marienthal, Reverend Dave Boruff Flute& Sax : Gary Herbig Flute: Hubert Laws Percussion: Luis Conte, Michael Shapiro Vocals: Kevyn Lettau #PatKelly
Fusion Smooth Jazz Award Records, USA ID Net, Japan
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The Rippingtons / Black Diamond
The Rippingtons featuing Russ Freeman started thier new musical journey with Windham Hill Jazz Label, Peak Records with this album titled "Black Diamond", their 10th Anniversary album. Russ Freeman, the main man of this great fusion / smooth jazz group must be one of very talented guitarists who could write smooth relaxing mellow melodies. One more thing to be noted was that Mark Williamson known for his solo works and as the singer of "Bridge 2 Far" were featured all through this album; taking lead vocal on a track (Track 7) and background vocals on six songs. The album reached number 1 on Billboard's contemporary Jazz chart then. Release:16 September, 1997 Label: Peak Records, Windham Hill Jazz, USA (01934-11271-2) Tracks: 1. Black Diamond 2. Deep Powder 3. Seven Nights In Rome 4. Soul Seeker 5. In Another Life 6. Big Sky 7. If I Owned The World 8. North Peak 9. Angelfire 10. Jewel Thieves 11. Black Diamond (Acoustic Version) Producer: Russ Freeman Executive Producers: Andi Howard, Russ Freeman The Rippingtons: Russ Freeman : Guitars, Keyboards David Kochanski: Keyboards Kim Stone: Bass David Anderson: Drums Jeff Kawshiwa: Sax, EWI Steve Reid: Percussion - Musicians - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion: Mark Williamson Trumpet: Arturo Sandoval Sax, Flute: Nelson Rangell #Rippingtons
Fusion Smooth Jazz Peak Records, Windham Hill Jazz, USA CD
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Jonathan Butler / Do You Love Me?
Jonathan Butler was born in Cape Town,South Africa in 1962. He moved to London and at last his worldwide debut jazz guitar album "Introducing Jonathan Butler" (Jive Records 1004-2-J, distributed by RCA Records) was released in 1986. Soon, artists such as Al Jarreau, Billy Ocean and George Benson highly evaluated Butler’s songwriting talent and thus they recorded Butler’s songs. In 1987, his self-titled second album "Jonathan Butler" (Jive 1032-2-J) which consists of 11 songs featuring Butler's emotive singing and five instrumentals that displays his rare gift for melody. He has kept constant album release since then. This album is his seventh solo album and at the same time his first release on Encoded Music, USA, jazz record label in New York City founded by Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen and Phil Ramone in 1997, releasing music through Music Boulevard, its co-owned online music site, in the form of CDs and downloads using the Liquid Audio format. On this album, he continued to show his wonderful talent not only as a guitarist but also a singer. He keeps on singing about love and passion. When the album was released in 1997, the bonus track “If I Ever Lose This Heaven " was listed on the CD booklet and it had been only on Jonathan Butler's official website (http://www.jonathanbutler.com) then, but the link is not working anymore. When Japanese edition was released in January 1999, the bonus track was added physically on CD. Release: 9 September, 1997 (USA) / 21 January, 1999 (Japan) Label: N2K Encoded Music, USA (N2K-10005) / Victor Entertainment Inc., Japan (VICP-60585) Tracks: 1. Song for Elizabeth 2. Do You Love Me? 3. The Other Side of the World 4. Life after You 5. New Life 6. Dancing on the Shore 7. You Don't Belong to Me 8. The Way You Look Tonight 9. Amen 10. A Kiss 11. Lost to Love 12. My Only Joy 13. Lost to Love (Groove Mix)* 14. If I Ever Lose This Heaven* * Bonus tracks only for Japanese edition Producer: Jonathan Butler Associate Producer: Carl Griffin Executive Producer: Phil Ramone Jonathan Butler: Guitar, Vocals, Programming - Musicians - Bass: Larry Kimpel Keyboards: Dave Grusin Sax: Tom Scott, Kirk Whalum Vocals (Track 14): Maysa Background Vocals: Barbara D'hare Weathers, Portia Griffin, Larry Kimpel, Maggie Ryder, Yvonne Williams, Earl Buffington, LuLu #JonathanButler
2 Adult Contemporary Smooth Jazz N2K Encoded Music, USA
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Warren Hill / Shelter
I thought that Toronto-born (on 15 April, 1966) Warren Hill was definitely one of the good new generation sax players appeared in 1990’s with pop and emotional sense of music when listening to this his fourth leader album (the first one for Discovery Records after three albums under RCA) featuring vocal tracks in 1997. My description about his voice was that Hill sang like Richard Marx one of the greatest vocalists in the same age bracket. Warren sang three songs "Shelter From The Storm", "If Your Man Doesn't Treat You Right" and "You're My Only Love" and played funky and emotional sax on every tunes including the cover version of "Roxanne" (originally performed by Police") and "Hey Jude" (originally performed by The Beatles). To be honest, I thought that Warren Hill should have been releasing more albums in 2010’s but he did not release any albums in 2010’s after releasing “ La Dolce Vita” in 2008. Release: May, 1997 (Japan: 25 June, 1997) Label: Discovery Records, USA (77058) / Wea Japan (WPCR-1222) Tracks: 1. Shelter From The Storm 2. Roxanne 3. U R The 1 4. If Your Man Doesn't Treat You Right 5. Subway Slam 6. Wanna Believe 7. From The Soul 8. You're My Only Love 9. Hey Jude 10. Marathon Man 11. If Your Man Doesn't Treat You Right (Instrumental) 12. Shelter From The Storm (Instrumental) Producers: Rick Chudacoff, Tamara Van Cleef-Hill, Dain Noel, Michael Eckart, Warren Hill Executive Producers: Tamara Van Cleef-Hill, Warren Hill - Musicians - Keyboards: Robbie Buchanan, Werner "Vana" Cierg, Dain Noel, Michael Eckart, Morris Pleasure, Carlos Murguia Guitar: Michael Thompson, Randy Jacobs Bass: Vail Johnson, Ronnie Garrett Drums: Curt Bisquera, Sonny Emory Percussion: Luis Conte Background Vocals: Tabitha Fair, Nicol Smith Horns: Wayne Bergeron, Bill Reichenbach Trumpet: Rick Braun #WarrenHill
Adult Contemporary Contemporary Jazz Smooth Jazz Discovery Records, USA
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