Hot jazz and soul in the desert

Robin Thicke, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu, Keyshia Cole and jazz headliners

will heat up the Arizona Jazz Festival on October 25-27, 2013.

Phoenix, Arizona (29 August 2013): The endless Arizona sky will be filled with a galaxy of stars day and night during the Arizona Jazz Festival slated for October 25-27, 2013 at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. More than 13,000 contemporary jazz and soul fans from across the nation are expected to flock to the lavish desert resort to enjoy performances by a stellar slate of Grammy-winners and chart-toppers along with a weekend of revelry. Tickets are on sale now for the three-day festival or as a single-day event and are available online at http://www.arizonajazzfestival.com and by calling 602.244.8444.

The Arizona Jazz Festival opens with an evening of seduction starting with the tantalizing pairing of saxophonist Eric Darius and R&B vocalist-producer Lyfe Jennings, who will set the mood for marquee-topper Maxwell, a Grammy-winning soul balladeer. Stick around for the official after-party at the resort.

Live music begins Saturday when nattily-attired guitarist Nick Colionne and new jazz swagger sax player J. White hit the stage followed by a trio set by saxophonists Warren Hill and Tom Braxton with blues-based guitar slinger Jeff Golub. Powerhouse tenors Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot and Euge Groove will blow a fierce sax storm in the desert before ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan belts out a song list filled with her massive crossover hits. The Queen of Neo Soul Erykah Badu will reign over majestic grooves and Baduizms preceding a set by “Uncle” Charlie Wilson, a 2013 BET lifetime achievement award winner, crooning cuts from his Grammy-nominated R&B songbook. After the concert, a number of the festival artists will head into the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa for an all-star jam.

It’s going to be a great-looking Sunday when saxophonists Jessy J and Michael Lington link with keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen to open the final day followed by a neo soul session from vocalist Eric Benet. Emerging saxmen Elan Trotman and Dominic Amato will accompany R&B chanteuse Melanie Fiona for an outing. Captivating multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson will inject a potent dose of funk-jazz into the mix during a high-octane performance before fellow blue-eyed soul man Robin Thicke blurs the lines during a set list certain to include the #1 summer smash “Blurred Lines.” Closing the festival is edgy multiplatinum R&B personality and reality television star Keyshia Cole.

“We pulled out all the stops for the Arizona Jazz Festival, which is perhaps the most spectacular lineup we have ever presented. While every festival that BTWconcerts.com produces and promotes is special, this is our hometown festival. We look forward to hosting guests from all over the U.S. that are passionate about jazz and R&B. It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend of live music and partying,” said Brad Laughlin of BTWconcerts.com, which also produces the Las Vegas Jazz Festival and the San Diego Jazz Festival.

The Arizona Jazz Festival offers reserved seating with ticket prices starting at $240.00 for the entire weekend or $65.00 for a single-day seat. For the enthusiast, tickets can be upgraded to include the Rock Star Experience that provides VIP tent access, a complimentary meal and drinks, artist meet & greets, Arizona Jazz Festival commemorative bag, t-shirt, poster and laminate, and entry to the Friday night after-party and Saturday night all-star jam.

About BTWconcerts.com

Phoenix, Arizona-based BTWconcerts.com is one of the premiere concert producers in the Southwest. Among the star-studded jazz and R&B concerts and multiday music and lifestyle festivals that the company promotes are the Arizona Jazz Festival (http://arizonajazzfestival.com), Las Vegas Jazz Festival (http://www.lvjazzfestival.com) and San Diego Jazz Festival (http://www.sandiegojazzfest.com).

This Christmas will be a very special Christmas for Jonathan Butler

Singer-songwriter-guitarist will release “Merry Christmas To You” on October 1

and embark upon the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour this holiday season.

Sherman Oaks, Calif. (28 August 2013): Santa Claus has a special treat to stuff in the stockings of all the good Jonathan Butler fans this Christmas: the first Christmas album by the two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-guitarist. Butler produced and arranged “Merry Christmas To You,” which will be released October 1 by Artistry Music. Two singles will be shipped to multiple radio formats this holiday season: an instrumental take on “Sleigh Ride” decorated with hallmarks from the South African native’s homeland, and the album’s title track, which is a retro-flavored R&B/adult contemporary ballad penned by Butler.

Butler recorded eight Christmas chestnuts for the collection and penned a pair of new songs, including “Happy Holidays,” an ardent urban groove ornamented with riffs of cool jazz guitar. High-profile hornmen Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Paul “Shilts” Weimer contribute to the festivities on a couple of tracks as does Butler’s daughter, vocalist Jodie Butler, and bassist Dan Lutz, who plays upright on a tune, but the heart of the intimate recording is Butler solo pouring his impassioned voice and acoustic guitar into the seasonal songs. His arresting performances and sparse production captivates, fostering an air of freshness to the evergreen material.

“These songs are beautiful on their own so I felt they didn’t need a lot of instrumentation. Plus I wanted my fans to have a personal Christmas message from me. That is why the CD has very little production and plenty of voice and guitar. It’s a very proud moment for me to finally have a Christmas record, which has been a long time coming. I hope fans feel blessed and uplifted when they play it at home or in their car or wherever they may be. I truly thank God for giving me the strength and the opportunity to make this album,” said Butler, who lives in California’s San Fernando Valley with his family.

The “Merry Christmas To You” album opens with an energizing version of the Donny Hathaway soul classic “This Christmas.” Butler applies South African vocalization, chanting and rhythmic percussion to “Little Drummer Boy.” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night” and the lesser known “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” are presented starkly featuring show-stopping performances by the devoutly inspired man with his guitar.

Beginning November 30, Butler will venture out on a three-week U.S. concert swing performing on the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour during which he will share the stage with the charismatic sax star as well as keyboardist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Oleta Adams.

A former child star, Butler was the first black artist played on radio stations in South Africa. The hint of grit in his expressive voice reflects the pain he endured growing up under Apartheid, the youngest of 17 children. A true artist who refuses to segregate his music, Butler’s recordings consist of vocal and instrumental hits and enduring fan favorites spanning R&B, contemporary jazz, gospel, adult contemporary, pop and world beat stylings. The natural-born performer’s radiant spirit shines brightly through his beaming smile and twinkling eyes. Additional information is available at http://www.JonathanButler.com.

The songs comprising Butler’s “Merry Christmas To You” are:

“This Christmas”

“Sleigh Ride”

“Merry Christmas To You”

“Happy Holidays”

“Little Drummer Boy”

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

“Sweet Little Jesus Boy”

“The First Noel”

“O Holy Night”

Jazz jackpot: Jazz and soul stars to light up the City of Lights

Las Vegas Jazz Festival slated for September 27-29, 2013 headlines Charlie Wilson, India.Arie, Jeffrey Osborne, Euge Groove, Kem and Anthony Hamilton

Phoenix, Arizona (8 August 2013): More than 24 contemporary jazz and R&B high rollers promise to make the Las Vegas Jazz Festival a winning bet. Tickets are now on sale for the 3-day music and lifestyle event to be held at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa on September 27-29, 2013 showcasing Grammy-winning and nominated soul singers and chart-topping instrumentalists.

The opening night of the Las Vegas Jazz Festival boasts a funky Friday lineup headlined by 2013 BET Lifetime Achievement Award winner Charlie Wilson, a 6-time Grammy-nominated vocalist who won a Soul Train Icon Award in 2009. A soulful pairing comprised of saxophonist Eric Darius and platinum-selling R&B singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Lyfe Jennings will take the stage first.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter India.Arie, veteran R&B crooner Jeffrey Osborne and saxman Euge Groove top the marquee on Saturday. Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown and sax powerhouse Richard Elliot join forces for a session filled with R&B grooves. Emerging sax player Dominic Amato will perform a mid-afternoon show following a trio segment featuring saxophonists Michael Lington and Jessy J with keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen. The day will begin with a hit-filled performance by saxophonist Paul Taylor, a Las Vegas native.

The closing program of the Las Vegas Jazz Festival presents two-time Grammy-nominated soul vocalist Kem followed by Grammy-winning soul singer Anthony Hamilton. Soul-jazz guitarist Jeff Golub unites with saxmen Warren Hill and Tom Braxton for what bodes to be a blues-singed set. Guitarist Nick Colionne brings Chicago-style fire and flamboyant fashion to his shows. Sax Pack – Steve Cole, Jeff Kashiwa and Jackiem Joyner – always delivers a high-octane performance. The final day gets underway with Jazz in Pink, a trio of talented women consisting of keyboardist Gail Jhonson, violinist Karen Briggs and saxophonist Paula Atherton.

Tickets can be purchased for the entire Las Vegas Jazz Festival or as single-day events, but BTWconcerts.com’s Brad Laughlin, the producer and promoter of the festival, encourages guests to come for the weekend.

“Part of the magic of our jazz festivals is when guests come and totally immerse themselves in the music and lifestyle experience for the entire weekend. One of the reasons we produce our events at first-class resorts like the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is to foster that feeling of community that takes place when concert goers spend the weekend enjoying the live music along with the plush accommodations and top-notch facilities. In addition to the extraordinary shows we go to great length to produce, our festivals are an opportunity for people to getaway, relax, socialize, network and form relationships. These aren’t just concerts; they are fun mini-vacations and our guests fly in from all over the country to join the party,” said Laughlin, whose company also produces the Arizona Jazz Festival and the San Diego Jazz Festival.

Starting at $65.00 for single-day ticket and $285.00 for a 3-day seat, tickets for the Las Vegas Jazz Festival are available online at www.lvjazzfestival.com and by phone at 602.244.8444.

Additional information about the Las Vegas Jazz Festival is available at www.lvjazzfestival.com.

About BTWconcerts.com

Phoenix, Arizona-based BTWconcerts.com is one of the premiere concert producers in the Southwest. Among the star-studded jazz and R&B concerts and multiday music and lifestyle festivals that the company promotes are the Arizona Jazz Festival (http://arizonajazzfestival.com), Las Vegas Jazz Festival (http://www.lvjazzfestival.com) and San Diego Jazz Festival (http://www.sandiegojazzfest.com).

Saluting music legends with the formation of the

SiriusXM Watercolors Jazz Hall of Fame

David Sanborn, Earl Klugh and Grover Washington Jr. are the first artists slated for induction during a ceremony aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise in October

St. Louis, Missouri (5 August 2013): Young musicians fantasize about one day being a hall of famer yet contemporary jazz artists were left only to dream. Until now. SiriusXM’s Watercolors, the leading satellite radio channel devoted to the genre, is forming the SiriusXM Watercolors Jazz Hall of Fame to honor the legacies of its pioneering artists. Contemporary jazz icons David Sanborn, Earl Klugh and the late Grover Washington Jr. constitute the inaugural class that will be inducted into the music hall during a ceremony held aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise this October 18^th.

SiriusXM’s Vice President of Programming Trinity Colon believes that “The timing of the creation of a SiriusXM Watercolors Jazz Hall of Fame is perfect. This genre has been successful over many decades, long enough to establish a wonderful history and a clear past, present and future. Our goal is to make sure that the visionary artists who helped develop and further this music genre are honored and remembered. In so doing, it helps define our present and ensure the music’s future.”

Saxophonist Sanborn and guitarist Klugh will perform during the induction ceremony that will air on SiriusXM’s Watercolors while Washington Jr.’s contributions will be recognized by an all-star salute featuring some of the artists aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise, including fellow sax players Boney James, Richard Elliot, Candy Dulfer, Euge Groove and Jackiem Joyner. Cruise performers Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, Tower of Power, Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Oleta Adams, Kenny Lattimore and Brian Simpson may also take part in the festivities aboard the 7-day cruise sailing this October 12-19 from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and the Baja Coast.

“The Smooth Jazz Cruise is elated to work with SiriusXM’s Watercolors to honor the amazing musicians deserving of recognition for their seminal creative accomplishments. We have been blessed to partner with Watercolors over the years and hosting their Jazz Hall of Fame induction ceremony is very special,” said Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Future inductions will take place aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise sailings January 12-19, 2014 and January 11-18, 2015, which will embark from Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean ports.

Watercolors plays contemporary jazz, classic and new, including Culbertson, James, George Benson, Sade, Al Jarreau and Dave Koz.

About SiriusXM Radio

SiriusXM Radio Inc. is the world’s largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has more than 25 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S., from retailers nationwide, and online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is also available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for Android, Apple, and BlackBerry smartphones and other connected devices. SiriusXM also holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada, which has more than 2 million subscribers. On social media, join the SiriusXM community on Facebook, facebook.com/siriusxm, Twitter, twitter.com/siriusxm, Instagram, instagram.com/siriusxm, and YouTube at youtube.com/siriusxm.

About The Smooth Jazz Cruise

Guests have fallen in love with The Smooth Jazz Cruise ever since its maiden voyage in 2004. Much more than a jazz festival and much more than a vacation, cruisers spend an entire week completely immersed in the music. On top of the stellar concert performances by the genre’s legends, Grammy winners and chart-toppers, guests interact daily with the musicians at cocktail parties, poolside games and activities, informative seminars, autograph sessions and cooking demonstrations. It’s an unforgettable first-class lifestyle experience aboard a Holland America luxury ship that keeps fans coming back year after year. For more information or to reserve a cabin, please visit www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com.

Jazz Rescue: All-star concert set for August 2^nd to benefit the Yarnell 19

Phoenix, Arizona (29 July 2013) – Jazz relief is on the way for victims of the recent Yarnell fire. The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation of Arizona and Arizona Jazz Festivalproducer Brad Laughlin have teamed with Phoenix City Council Member of District 8 Michael Johnson and Alan “AP” Powell to assemble a galaxy of contemporary jazz stars to perform a benefit concert for the families affected by the tragic fire, including the 19 families of the fallen firefighters and those who lost homes. The show featuring a bevy of hitmakers will be held this Friday, August 2nd at 7 PM at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are on sale now atwww.arizonajazzfestival.com or by calling 602-244-8444. The minimum donation per ticket is $50.00 although digging deeper is encouraged.

The All-Star Jam will feature contemporary jazz and R&B luminaries George Benson, Brian Culbertson, Peter White, Euge Groove, Warren Hill, Michael Lington, Eric Darius, Jessy J and Dominic Amato along with other surprise guests.

“Dating back to (Hurricane) Katrina, BTWconcerts (producer of the Arizona Jazz Festival) has been donating funds whenever and wherever these devastating natural disasters occur, but this one, the Yarnell fire, happened right in our own backyard thus we had to do something significant to help our local community. We’re working with the local government and the firefighters to raise much needed funds. The artists generously agreed to waive their performance fees and the Orpheum Theatre stepped up to donate the venue. We’re (BTWconcerts) covering the costs to bring the artists in so that we can donate every dollar from ticket sales to assist the families of the fallen firefighters and those who lost their home,” said Laughlin.

“This is a tremendous loss for our community and we need to continue to support the families of those 19 firefighters not just today, but even years from now. We reached out and gathered an all-star line-up of jazz artist from across the country who wanted to help and all of them have waived their fees so we could give everything we make this night to the families and children of fallen firefighters,” said Johnson.

All of the proceeds will aid the victims of the Yarnell fire disaster through the 100 Club of Arizona, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides immediate financial assistance to families of public safety officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, and provides resources to enhance their safety and welfare.

The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation of Arizona purchased tickets and has set them aside so the families of the fallen firefighters can attend and be part of the evening.

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway raises a significant sum to benefit The GRAMMY FOUNDATION^®

Mason & Hamlin grand piano the big ticket auction item that helped double last year’s donation to support music education programs in schools

Napa, Calif. (25 July 2013): Enthusiastic bidders and generous event sponsors packed the Lincoln Theater in Napa, Calif. on June 8^th during Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway to raise an impressive $66,000.00 at a fundraising auction and wine reception to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation^® more than doubling last year’s take. With over 3,000 jazz and wine enthusiasts gathered from across the nation for the 5-day festival, Brian Culbertson auctioned off theMason & Hamlin 7-foot model BB grand piano that he used to record many of his chart-topping contemporary jazz albums, including “It’s On Tonight,” “Bringing Back The Funk,” “A Soulful Christmas,” and “XII.” The highly-esteemed piano that was also featured in a number of Culbertson’s videos was donated by festival sponsor Mason & Hamlin.

Tom Lagomarsino, Executive Vice President of Mason & Hamlin Piano and PianoDisc, was thrilled that one of their exclusive handmade pianos, which are still built in the United States, was the coveted centerpiece of the auction. “We are honored to partner with Brian (Culbertson) and the wine and jazz communities to sponsor this great fundraiser to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation. We all recognize the essential need for music education programs in schools as well as the value of preserving our cultural heritage in both music and art. Together, we can truly make a difference.”

Mason & Hamlin pianos are acclaimed for their even touch, consistent action, and well-balanced tone, and are Culbertson’s exclusive piano choice. He describes them as having “the purest and richest tone on the market – period. To make great music, it always starts with an amazing instrument. That’s why I’m excited about exclusively playing Mason & Hamlin,” said Culbertson, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway’s Founder and Artistic Director, a passionate music education advocate.

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The foundation works to bring national attention and support to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education.Kristen Madsen, The GRAMMY Foundation’s Senior Vice President, expressed her sincere appreciation for the tremendous support. “The value of this generous donation from Mason & Hamlin and Brian (Culbertson) can certainly be calculated in the number of grants to schools and students it will facilitate. But equally important is the vision it reflects of a promising future, where music takes a central position in the vibrancy of our communities. We are delighted to have such remarkable support.”

The Napa Valley Jazz Getaway is a not-to-be-missed interactive lifestyle experience at which fans share their passion for wine and jazz with the star studded lineup of concert performers while dining, during wine receptions and tastings, autograph sessions, a golf tournament and at casual post-concert hangs. The third annual festival will be held June 11-15, 2014 and will again include an auction to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation. Additional information is available atwww.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me.

About Mason & Hamlin

Mason & Hamlin is one of America’s oldest names in piano making and a pioneer in piano design and manufacturing technology. Mason & Hamlin builds its high-end, handmade pianos in its factory in Haverhill, Mass. and its line of vertical and grand pianos is sold in countries around the globe. Seewww.masonhamlin.com

Riding the “Momentum” of a global guitar excursion “Full Circle”

Lawson Rollins releases his fourth album, which is earning airplay and praise in abundance

San Francisco, Calif. (16 July 2013): Prodigious guitarist Lawson Rollins’ “Full Circle,” a riveting 12-song aural adventure crammed with culture and masterful musicianship that was released today by Infinita Records, is like traversing the world without the hassles of modern travel. Rollins’ fourth album, which he produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3^rd Force), explores the borderless expanse of captivating melodies and fascinating global rhythms while discovering multicultural sounds that play like the ideal soundtrack for an intriguing National Geographic expedition. The first radio single, “Momentum,” paced by a driving groove, frenetic fretwork and hints of Japanese folk music, has consistently been one of the most added tracks on the Billboard BDS for more than a month.

Rollins composed “Full Circle,” which mirrors his own artistic journey. On earlier releases, he crisscrossed the world on a quest to amass interesting styles to incorporate into his sonic collages that mine world music, jazz, rock, classical, folk and reggae. Along the way, he unearthed a fondness for Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Japanese sounds and instrumentation. Rollins recorded with the finest native musicians to maintain authenticity. On “Full Circle,” he decided to travel with a smaller suitcase thus packed fewer layers into the still lush tracks, which places the focus on his ensnaring melodies and body-moving grooves. He uses concise musical statements plucked with passion and precision primarily on his nylon string Spanish guitar although he also played classical, flamenco and electric guitars, keyboards and drum programming on the record. Rollins was accompanied by the same core ensemble that played on his three previous releases: Camardella (keyboards, piano), Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico, percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy. Following a more direct path led Rollins back home creatively recalling his recordings from over a decade ago when he was a member of the hybrid world music duo Young & Rollins that favored flamenco, samba and rumba rhythms.

In addition to the warm reception at radio, reviewers are finding favor with “Full Circle.” Below are snippets from some of the reviews.

“While there is a delightful ebb and flow, it is the prodigious talent of Rollins’ guitar work that serves as the golden thread to bind this amazing sonic tapestry together. Other artists have attempted similar releases but the results fall short by comparison. ‘Full Circle’ cuts a wide path for world music fans, classical aficionados and jazz lovers of any genre. An amazing release and proof that when the stars are in perfect alignment, magic is indeed possible. 5 stars.” – Critical Jazz

“One of the most accomplished and creative World Fusion guitarists on the planet today…on ‘Full Circle’ Lawson arrives at something that borders on sublime, instrumental, pan-global guitar-centric jazz that is truly colorful and invigorating. Surely Lawson’s most well-rounded album yet.” – Music Web Express 3000

“…one of the most creative world music fusion guitarists in the world.” – Keys & Chords

“…this may be Lawson Rollins’ finest creation to date…you are in for one incredible audio delight.” – Mainly Piano

“…music created with passion and talent..an even dozen high-spirited tunes full of soul & groove that will haunt your playlists for a long time to come.” – Improvijazzation Nation

“Expect the unexpected as Rollins mixes Middle Eastern exotica, tango, reggae, classical, world beats and more with his trademark Latin flavours.” – Soul and Jazz and Funk

“Nimble-fingered with lightning speed and possessing a full grasp of the cultures of the world as voiced through his guitar, Lawson Rollins wears his captivating music like a second skin.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride

“The scintillating melodies are timeless and free-flowing. Anyone with an interest in acoustic guitars and instrumental music will find happiness in Lawson’s latest release.” – Inside World Music

For more information, please visit www.lawsonrollins.com where you can also watch his mesmerizing video clips that have generated over 7.5 million YouTube views.