Boney James

SUNSET JAZZ FESTIVAL

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The fifth annual Sunset Jazz Festival was nothing short of spectacular. The evening was hosted by Will Downing and featured guest appearances by Chris Walker and Norman Brown. The line-up included Regina Belle, Boney James, and concluded with a stellar performance by the master himself, Mr. George Benson. The weather was beautiful at Chastain Park in Atlanta, providing music lovers with the perfect atmosphere. Regina Belle serenaded the audience with hit after hit, wooing the crowd as they sang along. Boney James gave fans the show they’ve grown to expect and enjoy. After the sun set, George Benson and his amazing band graced the stage giving fans a night to remember. The legendary Benson played song after song from various era’s of his illustrious career. He was simply phenomenal.

Jazz royalty “Open Up” “The Vault” to help departed friend’s family‏

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Jeff Golub

Jazz royalty “Open Up” “The Vault” to help departed friend’s family

New single from the late guitarist Jeff Golub debuts in the Billboard Top 20

ahead of Tuesday’s album release with sales benefitting The Golub family.   

New York City (31 March 2015): A few days prior to New Year’s Day, the day guitarist Jeff Golub passed away at age 59, his frequent collaborators Steven Miller, Rick Braun and Bud Harner put the finishing touches on Golub’s 13th solo album, “The Vault,” a collection of previously unreleased songs and reimagined early career gems that were redecorated with the assistance of some of the artist’s high-profile musician friends. Everyone involved with creating the album that was released today by eOne Music – musicians, producers, songwriters, engineers, mixers, mastering, graphic artists, etc. – donated their time to the project so that all of the money generated by record sales can go to Golub’s family.

One of the new cuts, “Open Up,” featuring the soulful Golub boisterously shredding over a trademark jazzy blues-rock groove produced by Jeff Lorber, debuted last week in the Top 20 of Billboard’s smooth jazz singles chart boding to become the next addition to the artist’s catalogue of No. 1 singles.

“The Vault” is just the latest rallying of the music community to aid Golub, who succumbed to complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, incurable and aggressive brain disease. Although he wasn’t officially diagnosed until last November, PSP stole his vision in the spring and summer of 2011. An all-star contingent played a sold-out benefit concert that autumn in Southern California to raise money to cover medical expenses. Golub’s motor skills rapidly began to deteriorate while touring in 2013 in support of his final set of all new material, “Train Keeps A Rolling,” and eventually left him unable to play his beloved instrument. After his passing, nearly two dozen prominent recording artists gathered January 21 near the guitarist’s New York City home to play a sold-out tribute benefit concert at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Many of the musicians who appeared on that high-wattage bill perform on “The Vault,” including Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Bill Evans, Philippe Saisse, Steve Ferrone and Braun. Additional album contributors were hitmen Gerald Albright, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Boney James and Peter White.

The ten-track “The Vault” consists of vastly different versions of seven Golub songs harvested from seminal album releases that were given a fresh twist by the guest artists personally selected by Golub; a soul-stirring live version of the Golub classic “Naked City”; and two previously unreleased selections, “Open Up” and the Saisse-produced “Swagster,” a sweltering swing sparked by Golub’s scalding guitar and Whalum’s impassioned sax wails.

To help set the stage for “The Vault,” SmoothJazz.com hosted the world premiere of the record on March 28 along with interviews with the guest artists and producers. Last Sunday’s (March 29) episode of Koz’s radio show that airs nationally on SiriusXM’s Watercolors was devoted to the album spotlighted by interview segments with Abair and Braun, and played multiple tunes from the disc. On April 15, SiriusXM’s Watercolors will broadcast the entire Golub all-star tribute concert.

Golub began his career as an ace guitar slinger alongside superstars Rod Stewart, Billy Squier, Peter Wolf and Tina Turner before launching his own chart-topping band, Avenue Blue, leading to his star-making solo career. The Akron, Ohio native is survived by his wife Audrey Stafford Golub, and sons Matthew (14) and Chris (12).

“The Vault” contains the following songs:

“Funky Is As Funky Does”

“One More Excuse To Play The Blues”

“Open Up”

“Gimmie Some”
“Swagster”

“Keep The Ball Rolling”

“Jeff’s Blues (Mama Didn’t)”

“Groanin”

“Atlanta Nights”

“Naked City” (Live)

For additional information about Golub, go to http://jeffgolub.com.

THE 3RD ANNUAL SUNSET JAZZ FESTIVAL

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The 3rd annual Sunset Jazz Festival–held in Atlanta, GA–did once again raise the bar. I’ve attended the jazz festival all three years, and I’m always enamored by the line-up and even more so by their performances. Tucked beautifully away and where all the magic happens is Chastain Park. It is by far one of the best outdoor venues I’ve seen. The list of performers this year included chart-topping, Grammy-award-winning artists. Jonathan Butler, who recently released “Living My Dream,” shared the stage with Norman Brown and Alex Bugnon also know as the Summer Love Tour. They were followed by the lady of the evening, Grammy winner Dianne Reeves. She too recently released a new album titled “Beautiful Life.” As the sun faded and night fell over the park, Brian Culbertson lit up the stage with an electrifying performance that had everyone on their feet. Culbertson’s latest album, “Another Long Night Out,” is quite indicative of how an evening at the Sunset Jazz Festival feels–a long night out and certainly a night to remember. Headlining for the evening was the man with a sax that everyone loves: Boney James. Boney delivered everything and more of what his fans love.

The producer of the Sunset Jazz Festival–amongst other titles–Kyle Newport has created an event that is not to be missed. Each year, he exceeds expectations and brings forth a show that is unlike any other. With so many choices for jazz lovers to choose from, no matter where you’re from, the Sunset Jazz Festival is one you don’t want to miss.

Sunset Jazzfest
Sunset Jazzfest

Saxophonist Greg Chambers

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Greg Chambers’ passion for contemporary/smooth jazz is very evident when you hear his melodies flow from one song to the other on his third cd release “After Hours.” He has been playing the saxophone since the age of 8. At that young age he wasn’t aware that he would be playing for a living. Following his love for the saxophone ultimately led him to UCLA where he earned a Masters of Music Degree in Saxophone. Greg’s training and talent enabled him to work with some of the best in classical music. Those opportunities he is grateful to have been a part of. However, Chambers had to follow his passion. His decision then, and now three record’s later he’s proven that he’s exactly where he should be. He feels that being versatile is very important, and his transition to smooth jazz was an easy one. For his latest project Greg collaborated with Paul Brown, Jonathan Fritzen, Ross Bolton, Louis Fasman, and Darren Rahn. “After Hours” is a combination of grooves that take you on an up-tempo journey with “Groovin’ High”, then mellows you out with beautiful songs like “Chelsea’s Song”, and “Your Place Or Mine.”

Listen as Greg and I discuss his career and music.

Greg Chambers
Greg Chambers

SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE

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Picture1

West Coast Jazz Party at Sea prepared to be hit by a tidal wave of live music

Many firsts are in store for the star studded cruise hosted by Brian Culbertson & Boney James

sailing to the gorgeous Mexican Riviera.

St. Louis, Missouri (24 June 2013): If there has been one complaint among passengers who have sailed aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise during its first decade it is that there are so many extraordinary concerts and events to attend that it is simply impossible to see and do everything during the 7-day music vacation experience. Wait until they find out what is planned for the first-ever West Coast departure of the perennially sold out luxury cruise to music paradise sailing to exotic Mexican Riviera ports October 12-19. With an astounding 60 concerts slated and a jam-packed program of unique first-time events, excursions and opportunities exclusively available during the West Coast Jazz Party at Sea, this adventure bodes to top all previous cruises, including the traditional January sailing that sold out for 2014 in record time.

R&B jazz luminaries Brian Culbertson and Boney James will host the cruise embarking from San Diego aboard Holland America’s m/s Westerdam en route to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Baja Coast with a starry cast of Grammy-winning and chart-topping performers featuring David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Tower of Power, Candy Dulfer, Jonathan Butler, Oleta Adams, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Earl Klugh, Kenny Lattimore, party band DW3 and music director Brian Simpson. When the live music pauses, legendary MC Biz Markie and Cool V will DJ to keep The Greatest Party at Sea grooving on the dance floor, and comedian Alonzo Bodden will provide the laughter.

Here are ten reasons why the West Coast Party at Sea is different than previous sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise:

· Wall to wall live music. The usual program offers 40 shows. 60 concerts will be staged on the October cruise.

· Guests will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to take a one-hour music lesson from the stars with the fee going to charity.

· At a first-ever songwriting seminar, Culbertson and the band will compose a new song on the spot with direct input from the audience.

· During the “Opening Act” talent contest where guests get to show off their own musical gifts, cruisers will judge the opening rounds of the competition with Culbertson, James and Dulfer ultimately determining the winner who will earn the privilege of opening for the headliner and perform with the cruise hosts on the final night of the voyage.

· When in Puerto Vallarta, guests will enjoy artist hosted excursions such as play golf with Braun, ride horseback with Elliot, sightsee with Culbertson, participate at an outdoor challenge with Butler, explore hideaways with Simpson, or join Dulfer for a swim with dolphins.

· While at sea, cruisers can battle Culbertson and James in a ping pong tournament, take a yoga class with Klugh or shoot hoop with Miller.

· For the romantically inclined, couples can renew their wedding vows during a ceremony presided over by Butler.

· On a theme night designated to support Pinktober, national breast cancer awareness month, guests are encouraged to wear pink. Each cruiser will be given a commemorative pin and when they give the card accompanying the pin to the front desk, they will be making a $5.00 donation to fight breast cancer with cruise producer Entertainment Cruise Productions donating matching funds.

· “Backstage Pass” will be filmed nightly aboard the ship in front of a live audience for national television broadcast. Host Dane Butcher will interview each of the cruise stars.

· For the first time, premium reserved seats for the main shows in the Vista Lounge theater are available for all guests who book their cabins by July 31.

Butcher, the Director of Cruise Operations & Programming for Entertainment Cruise Productions, said,

“We are super excited for the West Coast Jazz Party at Sea because this itinerary has allowed us to program the cruise THE perfect way. With more than 60 shows onboard, we added a bunch of brand new activities that make the guests just as much a part of the cruise as the musicians. Visiting Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta provide fantastic shore excursions, beautiful beaches, great shopping and amazing food along with fabulous weather and smooth sailing. We are not only bringing in celebrity DJ Biz Markie and his sidekick Cool V, who are a perfect match for this party crowd, but we added more artists than ever before and have surprises planned that are guaranteed to make this one of the greatest cruises that we have ever produced.”

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 with Dream Team pairings that take place nightly in the theater and in more intimate nightclub venues aboard the vessel, 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 that keeps fans coming back year after year. Cabins for the October sailing are still available and can be reserved by calling toll-free 888.852.9987 in the U.S. & Canada and +800.852.99872 internationally. For more information, please visit http://www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com.

About Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC

The world leader in full ship charter music cruises, St. Louis, Missouri-based Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (ECP) owns, produces and promotes The Smooth Jazz Cruise and The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and is proud to partner with Time Life for the Soul Train Cruise (www.soultraincruise.com), Malt Shop Memories Cruise (www.maltshopcruise.com), The Country Music Cruise. (www.countrymusiccruise.com) and Celtic Thunder Cruise (www.celticthundercruise.com). Pleasing guests is Entertainment Cruise Productions’ most important goal and objective while providing luxurious vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective music genres in an extraordinary setting for devoted passengers, many of whom make the fun and exciting cruises an annual affair. Additional information is available at http://www.ecpcruises.com.

Let’s talk Rick Braun

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Rick Braun has been entertaining us for many years with his chart topping award winning hits. He’s collaborated with some of the best to bring us songs like “Shake it Up” with Boney James which won the Best Collaboration Award. His work with Richard Elliott in “RNR” went to #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. It’s no surprise that he’s a much sought after producer. He’s definitely proven that he has what it takes.

Rick is skilled in more than just one area of music which makes him versatile as an artist. He’s a vocalist who was once a back-up singer for artists like Rod Steward, Sade, and Tina Turner. That’s something that most people probably wouldn’t know. Now he’s chosen to display his vocals on his latest project titled “Rick Braun Sings With Strings.” He covered songs that we all know and love such as “Time After Time,” and some we may not be as familiar with like “Once Upon A Summertime.” Rick created a project that would beautifully display his trumpet playing skills, as well as his vocal abilities.

Rick tells me all about it.

Rick Braun
Rick Braun
Rick Braun
Rick Braun

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The multi-instrumentalist Euge Groove

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He’s known for his chart topping hits, his use of many instruments, and as a quadruple threat. Euge is a saxophonist, composer, producer, and DJ. He immerses himself into his music, and remains true to his art and his fans. He grew up listening to all types of music, and that exposure helped shaped the musician he is today. Euge knows what it feels like to be at the top of your craft, and have numerous chart topping #1 hits. Yet he stays grounded and focused on his calling in life. His longevity in the industry speaks volumes about his talent. His latest album titled “HOUSE OF GROOVE” was recorded in only eight months, and delivers some powerful vocals from Jeffrey Osborne, Chioma, and Kate Miner.

Let’s hear his story in his own words.

Euge Groove
Euge Groove

Euge

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A conversation with Guitarist Peter White

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While growing up in England, Peter White learned to play many instruments including the piano. He realized after watching The Beattles, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton on a black and white TV, that he wanted to emulate them. He learned to play on an acoustic guitar. Soon after, he purchased an electric guitar. After an infamous incident that sent his electric guitar into flames, he elected to go back to the acoustic guitar. Fortunately for Peter, that accident turned into a blessing.

After many years playing as a backup musician, Peter realized that he wanted “his” music to be heard. Thus, he launched a solo career. He calls collaborating with other artists such as Boney James, and David Sanborn just to name a couple, a “joy” and a “blessing.” His latest CD is titled “Here We Go,” on which he once again worked with some “high-profile” musicians.

Peter has gone into his personal treasure chest of unreleased songs, updated them, and is creating new music. He is looking forward to playing in Charlotte, NC at the Uptown Jazz Fest in June. He welcomes fans comment’s and email’s, and is excited about meeting them.

Click to listen to interview.

Peter White
Peter White
Peter White
Peter White

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Excited about new music

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I am excited and pleased to announce the highly anticipated upcoming CD from my friend Rob “Fonksta” Bacon. He’s promised to deliver music that fuses his funky style with contemporary jazz. He’s currently in the studio completing the CD that can be expected by the end of this year. To sum it up Rob says, “imagine Maxwell playing guitar like George Benson, and was produced by Sly Stone or Prince.” I think that says it ALL.

You can see Rob touring with @Boney James right now on “The Beat” tour.

Rob Fonksta Bacon
Rob Fonksta Bacon

Picture Gallery

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Stanley Clarke Band
Stanley Clarke Band
Stanley Clarke Band
Lalah Hathaway Photo credit Garland Hancock
Poncho Sanchez Photo credit Garland Hancock
Snarky Puppy and Eric Gales Photo Credit Garland Hancock
Eric Gales photo credit Garland Hancock
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Rick and Ross of The Famous Rick & Russ Show
Eric before taking the stage
Eric Benet
The Robert Glasper Experiment
Karen Briggs
Mike Phillips
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Party In The Back
Peter White
Al DeGregoris
Al DeGregoris
George Benson
George Benson
George Benson
George Benson
Boney James
Dwayne “Smitty” Smith
Andreas Varady
Andreas Varady
Terri Lyne Carrington
Eric Roberson
Eric Roberson “The Box”
Phil Perry
Phil Perry “Say Yes”
Sunset Jazzfest
Brian Culbertson
Dianne Reeves
Boney James
Norman Brown
Alex Bugnon
Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler “Living My Dream”
Rick Braun “Can You Feel It”
Eric Darius
Gail Jhonson
Rick Braun
Nathan East
Nathan East
Nick Colionne
Chris Geith
Chris Geith
Bryan Lubeck
Sam Rucker
Anna Danes
The Eric Essix Jazz Escape
Paul Taylor
Marcus Anderson
The Blu J’z
Melvin Miller
Melvin Miller
Ruslan Sirota
Ruslan Sirota
Vandell Andrew
Offiong Bassey
Offiong Bassey
The Aston Grey Project
Brian Culbertson
INNERTWYNED
Scott Allman
Scott Allman
Brian Culbertson
Chris Godber
Najee
Najee
Marqueal Jordan
Marqueal Jordan
Deqn Sue
Darryl E. Jones
Darryl E. Jones
Jonathan Butler’s Merry Christmas To You
Jonathan Butler
Daniel D
Daniel D
Daniel D
Brian Culbertson
Spyro Gyra
Lori Jenaire
Lori Jenaire
Theresa Grayson
Theresa Grayson
Jay Beckenstein
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Jessy J
Jessy J
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Theresa Grayson
Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui
Summer Horns
Kris Funn
Braxton and Christian Scott
Al Jarreau
Summer Horns…Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot
Music Maker Revue
Al Jarreau
Christian Scott
Kris Funn
Al and I
Jeanette Harris
Jeanette Harris
Greg Chambers
Saxophonist Greg Chambers
Melody Warren
“Stories”
Rob Bacon
Brian Culbertson with his 7 foot Mason & Hamlin Model BB Grand Piano that was auctioned June 8, 2013 to benefit the GRAMMY Foundation
Calvin Napper
Calvin Napper
Calvin Napper
Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley view from the balcony
Kelvin Wooten
Kelvin Wooten
Jeff Golub
Lawson Rollins
Matt and I after our interview
Matt Marshak
Matt Marshak
Eric Essix
Eric Essix
Nicholas Cole
Keyboardist Nicholas Cole
John Dillard in the his studio
Joe Lindsay
John Dillard
John Dillard
Jazz and Classical Flutist Kim Scott
Kim Scott
Elan Trotman
Elan Trotman
Elan Trotman
BWB
Rick Braun
Kirk Whalum
Norman Brown
Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, and Rick Braun aka BWB
Marion Meadows and Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor
Marion Meadows
Vincent Ingala, Marion Meadows, and Paul Taylor
Vincent Ingala and Gregg Karukas
Gregg Karukas
Gregg Karukas
Peter White and Euge Groove
Selina Albright and Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson
Euge Groove
Peter White
Joe Lindsay
Joe Lindsay “I WANNA GROOVE”
Carol Duboc
Brian Simpson
Rick Braun
Mike McArthur
Euge Groove
Marion Meadows
BWB
Peter White
Norman Brown
Norman Brown
Peter White
Brian’s band
The man himself….Brian Culbertson
Rob Fonksta Bacon
George Duke, David Sanborn, and Marcus Milller
David Sanborn
Michael Franks
George Duke
Nick Colione
Peter White
Nick Colione
George Duke, David Sanborn, and Marcus Milller
David Sanborn
Michael Franks
George Duke
Nick Colione
Peter White
Nick Colione
Boney James
Jonathan Butler
Warren Hill
Maysa
Boney James & Omari Williams
Maysa and Incognito
Jonathan Butler
Jonathan Butler
Norman Brown at Sunset
Sunset Jazzfest
Eric Darius at Label
Jeff Lorber at Label
Rob “Fonksta” Bacon
Boney James
Rob, Boney, and Smitty
Omari
Boney at Seabreeze
Boney J
Boney at Seabreeze
Seabreeze Panama City, FL