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 Jeff Lorber
07.03.10
Pioneering artist Jeff Lorber [November 4, 1952] was born in Philadelphia where he discovered the piano at age four. He played in numerous R&B bands as a teenager, before moving to Oregon and forming the seminal group, the Jeff Lorber Fusion. Drawing on influences including Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, the group helped push the jazz-fusion sound into the mainstream – and introduced up and coming artists to the format, including Dave Koz and Kenny G.
Lorber has also released numerous Grammy-nominated solo projects and produced artists ranging from Herb Alpert to Laura Branigan.
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 Gerald Albright
06.26.10
Gerald Albright [Aug. 30, 1957] grew up in the tough South Central part of Los Angeles, starting out with piano lessons at a young age. He found himself drawn to the saxophone after eyeing one belonging to his piano teacher.
Albright got a B.S. degree in business management from the University of Redlands, while still developing his musical chops. Right after graduating, he found himself in demand as a session musician for artists ranging from
Anita Baker to Ray Parker, Jr., the Temptations and Olivia Newton-John. He also spent many years on the road backing Patrice Rushen and Phil Collins.
Albright was a featured artist at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton, and has appeared on TV shows including Melrose Place, A Different World and numerous BET jazz segments.
He currently lives in Colorado with his family.
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 Jonathan Butler
06.19.10
Jonathan Butler [Oct. 10, 1961] has made music a way of life, from his childhood in Cape Town, South Africa. The youngest of 12 children, his family suffered under the restrictions of apartheid; by age 10, he was performing all over the country as a way to help out financially.
Signed to a record label as a teen, his first single became the first by a black artist to be played on white radio stations, and won a Sarie Award (equivalent to a Grammy).
Moving to England, where he would live for nearly two decades, Butler quickly established himself as a star on the world stage. His 1987 Grammy-nominated hit single, “Lies,” brought him international acclaim. In addition to his work in the world of smooth jazz, Butler is a devout Christian and has recorded numerous Gospel projects as well.
Despite numerous personal challenges, Butler is recognized as one of the most upbeat individuals, both onstage and in his personal life. He currently lives in Southern California.
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 Mindi Abair
06.12.10
With an opera singer for a grandmother and a professional saxophonist for a father, music is literally in Mindi Abair’s DNA. She took up the sax in fourth grade and years later, graduated magna cum laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Prior to releasing her own music, Mindi backed everyone from John Tesh, Mandy Moore and Adam Sandler, to the Backstreet Boys, Josh Groban and Duran Duran. By 2003, she had her own major-label project out [It Just Happens That Way] and her career hasn’t slowed down since.
Mindi and her husband currently live in Los Angeles.
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Corinne Bailey Rae
05.08.10
From the moment of her breakout debut in 2006, singer Corinne Bailey Rae has captured the attention of music lovers worldwide. Born in Leeds, England, she began her musical life studying violin and singing in church. As a teen, she admittedly became “obsessed” with Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin, which drove her to form her own group. The all-girl outfit [with the exception of the drummer] was named “Helen” and had a short-lived stint on an indie record label.
After Helen disbanded, Rae attended college, working as a hat check girl at a local jazz club. On slow nights, she was allowed to sing on stage and it was the exposure to jazz and soul that began her journey down a different musical path.
Rae appeared on the records of several Leeds-based groups, and it was her unique vocals that caught the ear of a major record label. Her debut CD, Corinne Bailey Rae, went 2x platinum and earned her several Grammy nominations. In 2007, she appeared on Herbie Hancock’s The Joni Letters, sharing a Grammy for that collaboration.
Just a year later, the singer suffered a personal tragedy when her husband, Jason Rae, died from an accidental drug overdose. Turning to music as a way to heal, she returned in 2010 with the highly-acclaimed CD, The Sea.
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Greg Adams
05.01.10
As a founding member of Tower of Power, Greg Adams has been one of the main architects of contemporary instrumental music. That influence has extended to over 500 performances with artists ranging from Rod Stewart, Luther Vandross and Quincy Jones to Phish, Madonna and Little Feat.
Greg collaborated on the opening theme to Late Show with David Letterman and has worked on scores for movies including Mask, Top Gun and Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Having spent many summers in music camp, Adams remains deeply committed to music education. He participates in Grammy Camp and raises funds to help offset cuts to music and arts programs in the schools.
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Walter Beasley
04.24.10
When Walter Beasley [born May 24, 1961] was nine, his aunt gave him a Grover Washington Jr. record, planting the seeds for one of the great careers in smooth jazz.
After attending the prestigious Berklee School of Music, he was invited to become one of its teachers. Since the mid-80s, he’s successfully juggled a busy recording and touring schedule with being a respected professor.
Beasley recorded his debut album in 1987, and since then has remained on top of the smooth jazz charts; but he still finds time to create a series of instructional DVDs for young musicians, helping to bring the “next generation” of artists to the fore..
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David Benoit
04.17.10
Pianist David Benoit was born in Bakersfield, CA and began a serious study of the instrument at 13, eventually training with the pianist for maestro Arturo Toscanini. His early career was spent working as a Musical Director for Laine Kazan, Ann Margret and Connie Stevens.
Benoit released his debut solo album in 1977 and has since created a highly versatile body of work that encompasses smooth jazz, orchestral music, original symphonic compositions, film scores and of course, his beloved covers of the Vince Guaraldi/Charlie Brown classics.
Symphonic music is a huge part of Benoit’s life and career. He has conducted several of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. He is also the musical director of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra.
Benoit and his wife Kei are parents to daughter June Koko.
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 Nick
Colionne
04.03.10
A proud son of Chicago, Nick Colionne was such a quick study on the guitar, that
he was performing professionally by the time he was 15. To gain access to the
clubs at such a young age, he even painted on a fake mustache.
Colionne’s earliest gigs were as part of a rock band, but he soon
was invited to tour with the likes of Natalie Cole, Al Green, The
Staples Singers and Curtis Mayfield. He emerged on the smooth
jazz scene around 2003 and his career has been in high gear ever
since. In 2007, he was named the “International Instrumental Artist
of the Year” at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.
In his spare time, Colionne actively mentors students in Chicago,
especially those interested in pursuing a music career.
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Steve Oliver
03.27.10
Steve Oliver’s passion for music is evident, just by listening to his exuberant style. That passion started early; growing up in Walnut Creek, California, Oliver was exposed to a wide variety of styles. He gravitated towards Carlos Santana and Pat Metheny, but also played in a progressive rock band that echoed the styles of Yes and Genesis. That versatility soon brought him to the attention of established artists and he was invited to perform with Chris Botti, the Rippingtons and Fourplay.
Since being named Debut Artist of the Year in 1999, Oliver has kept building on his reputation as one of the most enthusiastic live performers out there: he does an astounding 200 live dates a year.
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 Kim Waters
03.20.10
Kim Waters originally picked up the violin at age eight…but after
way too much teasing from the kids in his Maryland neighborhood,
he opted for something cooler: the saxophone. By his teens, he
was performing with his brothers in a local band.
With over 20 years in the business, Waters has performed with some
of the biggest names in music, including Al Green and Isaac Hayes.
In addition to his busy solo career. Waters is involved with several
regular “side projects, most notably his collaboration with Steve
Cole and Jeff Kashiwa in The Sax Pack.
Waters and his wife recently relocated from his longtime home in
Maryland to California.
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 Chris Standring
03.06.10
Chris Standring was born and raised on a farm in the English countryside – but when music became a passion, he took off for the London College of Music. His classical background gave him the foundation to perform in many genres; Standring performed with the BBC orchestra and in many West End theatrical productions. Such versatility made him an in-demand session player, and he’s backed artists ranging from the Winans and Jody Watley to Rick Braun.
Now living in Los Angeles, Standring spends some of his time giving back to aspiring artists through his instruction courses and his music-business website, A&R Online.
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 Brian Culbertson
02.20.10
Brian Culbertson [Jan. 12, 1973] has music in his DNA: his father Jim, was the director of his high school’s award-winning jazz band. By the age of 8, Brian was working out his musical vision on piano…followed by drums, bass and trombone. For his 7th grade recital, he performed all original compositions.
Brian spent a couple years at DePaul University before deciding to pursue music full-time: he made a living by composing commercial jingles for high-end advertising clients like McDonald’s, United Airlines and Sears. At 20, he released his first album, Long Night Out., recorded in the bedroom of his Chicago apartment.
Since that 1994 debut, Culbertson has gone on to record and collaborate with smooth jazz artists including Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Boney James, Chris Botti and Earth Wind and Fire founder Maurice White.
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 Jackiem
Joyner
01.30.10
Born in 1980, Jackiem Joyner hasn’t wasted anytime establishing himself as a
force to be reckoned with in music. Originally hailing from Syracuse, he was
inspired to take up music after watching the drummer in his church choir. At
school, he planned to stay with drums until the teacher suggested he try the
saxophone to round out the sound of the band. In just three weeks, with barely
any formal instruction, Joyner stunned his teacher with his proficiency on the
instrument.
In his early 20s, Joyner took on the role of Music Director
for the World Harvest
Outreach Ministries. His demo tape made it into the hands of
Marcus Johnson and Bobby Lyle, both of whom hired the young talent.
Since then, he’s had steady gigs with Keiko Matsui, Gerald Albright,
Joe Sample and the late Wayman Tisdale.
In 2007, he was named the Smooth Jazz Debut Artist of the Year.
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 Euge Groove
01.09.10
Steven Eugene Grove [Nov. 27, 1962] recalls that his first public performance was his second grade piano recital… and he’s been entertaining people with his music ever since. Born in Maryland, he attended the University of Miami School of Music, where he originally intended to pursue the study of the classical saxophone. Once he embraced pop and jazz, his career took off: that’s his saxophone solo on the #1 hit from Miami girl group Expose’ “Seasons Change.”
Now going by the name “Euge Groove,” he replaced Richard Elliot in Tower of Power before releasing his first solo project in 2000. Groove has also performed with Tina Turner on several world tours, as well as Huey Lewis and the News, Joe Cocker and Richard Marx.
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 Al Jarreau
01.02.10
Al Jarreau [March 12, 1940] was born in Milwaukee, WI to a family deeply involved in music. His father was a minister and singer, his mother a pianist, and the entire clan used to perform at local benefits.
While in college, Jarreau performed informally as he pursued his degree in Psychology. After graduation, he and guitarist Jose Martinez began performing at a club in California and their growing popularity encouraged Al to make singing his career. He served as the opening act for stars like Bette Midler and John Belushi, and began releasing the albums that would make him one of the most award-winning vocalists in music. Jarreau is a seven-time Grammy winner and the only singer to win in three different categories: jazz, pop and R&B.
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 Kirk Whalum
12.12.09
With Memphis, TN as his hometown, Kirk Whalum [born July 11, 1958] brings that
city’s unique musical flavorings to his playing. Whalum’s father was a preacher
and Kirk’s first forays into performance were within the church.
A music scholarship brought Kirk to Texas Southern University in Houston where
he began establishing himself in that city’s vibrant scene. He attracted the
attention of notables like Bob James and Larry Carlton; soon, he found himself
performing alongside everyone from Al Jarreau and Luther Vandross to Barbra Streisand.
That led to a steady gig working with Whitney Houston; his solo is one of the
memorable moments in Houston’s hit, “I Will Always Love You.”
Since stepping out on his own, Whalum has combined his passion for both contemporary
jazz and his faith in many successful projects spanning both music formats.
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 Jeff Golub
12.05.09
Jeff Golub (born April 15, 1955) remembers when he first got
bitten by the music bug: it was when the Grand Ole Opry came
to his Ohio hometown for a show. Golub vividly remembers seeing
a guitar player standing at the back of the stage and being mesmerized
by how “cool” he seemed. From that first exposure to country
music, Jeff went on to explore rock guitarists like Eric Clapton
and Jimi Hendrix, and blues legends including Buddy Guy.
Golub’s first major gig came as a sideman to 80s rocker Billy
Squier; from there, he spent several years touring alongside
Rod Stewart. He released his first solo project in 1988, and
since then, has established himself as one of the most versatile
guitar talents in smooth jazz.
Jeff, his wife and two sons currently divides their time between
New York City and the Hamptons.
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more
 Lionel
Richier
11.14.09
Lionel Richie [June 20, 1949] is one of the
world’s best-selling musical artists, with over 100 million records
sold. He was born in Tuskeegee, AL, near the campus of the famed
college – and later enrolled there. That’s where he met his
future bandmates in what would become the Commodores.
After the Commodores were discovered by Motown, they rose to
the top of the charts with songs like “Brickhouse” before transistioning
to a smoother sound with ballads including “Three Times A Lady”
and “Easy.” Richie’s songwriting skills soon made him in-demand
for artists like Kenny Rogers and he left the group for a solo
career in 1982.
Richie has had 13 Top 10 singles since then, won 5 Grammys,
an Oscar [for the song “Say You, Say Me” from the film White
Nights] and 18 American Music Awards.
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 Sax
Pack
11.07.09
Inspired by the Rat Pack of the 60s, where fun
was as much a part of the gig as the actual performance, Jeff
Kashiwa invited fellow solo artists Steve Cole and Kim Waters
to join him in a musical experiment dubbed The Sax Pack. Their
mission was simple: to recreate (and share) the fun they have
writing and playing music together. Their debut CD spawned the
hit song, “Fallin for You” – and encouraged them to keep the
“experiment” going with a second CD and future live shows.
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 Eric Darius
10.31.09
Although raised in a musical household, it wasn’t until age
9 that Eric Darius realized his calling. He recalls being mesmerized
by the saxophone player in his church and when his father bought
him his own horn the following year, there was no looking back.
Just one year after starting to play, Darius was selected to
join America’s Youngest Jazz Band, touring the country and even
performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival. At 17, Darius wrote,
produced and distributed his first album, “Cruisin.” Since those
early days, Darius has performed with notables including Prince,
Brian McKnight, George Benson and Wynton Marsalis. For several
years, he toured with Brian Culbertson, introducing smooth jazz
audiences to his uniquely soulful sound.
read more
 Down
to the Bone
10.24.09
Down to the Bone is as much a musical concept as a band.
Founder Stuart Wade was in a group called Think Twice, but dissatisfied with
their pop direction, he took one of their tracks into the studio and stripped
it down to its funkiest elements, “down to the bone” as he describes it. The
remix became a hit on the British dance scene, leading Wade to form a group dedicated
to creating the retro urban grooves he loves.
Wade is unique in that he is not a trained musician. He creates songs by humming
his ideas into a tape recorder, then bringing in a team of players to bring them
to life. Those sounds are recreated live by two teams of touring musicians,
one for European gigs and one for US shows. The unusual arrangement has worked
well, resulting in 8 well-received albums and several compilations.
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 Paul
Hardcastle
10.17.09
Paul Hardcastle [Dec. 11, 1957] never planned to become a musician;
he wanted to race motorcycles for a living. But after an accident
sidelined those dreams, he discovered his true calling.
Working as a stereo salesman, he famously traded some video
equipment for his first synthesizer. Following some minor underground
dance club hits, Hardcastle made a name for himself with the
song, “19,” about young soldiers in the VietNam war. A few years
later, “Rainforest” established him on the smooth jazz scene.
In addition to cranking out his own hits, either solo or with
his Jazzmasters, Hardcastle has produced or remixed a variety
of artists ranging from Luther Vandross and Barry White to Ian
Dury and the Blockheads. He’s also been active in creating music
for movies (The Spice Girls, SpiceWorld) and TV (including
writing a new theme for the BBC’s Top of the Pops).
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more
 George Benson
10.10.09
Although his “official” recording career began at age 21, George
Benson [born March 22, 1943] has been making music long before
that. As a child in Pittsburgh, he performed in a local nightclub
[until it was shut down]; he won a singing contest at age 4 and
cut a vocal record at age 10.
He discovered the guitar when he was 8 and by his early 20s
was performing with jazz organist Jack McDuff. Moving to New
York, he met up with guitarist Wes Montgomery, who would be a
huge influence on his developing style. Benson was also invited
to play with luminaries ranging from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock.
Ironically enough, one of his early producers discouraged Benson
from singing – but the 1976 release of Breezin, with
its vocal hit, “This Masquerade,” established him as a double
threat as a singer and player.
Breezin was the first jazz album to sell a million
copies and won Benson 3 Grammy awards. Since that breakthrough,
Benson has remained one of the most beloved and respected artists
in the smooth jazz arena.
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more
 Peter White
10.03.09
Born into a musical family in Letchworth, England, Peter White
began playing piano, clarinet, recorder and harmonica. His interest
in the guitar began with the advent of the Beatles (although,
unlike his other instruments, he would have to be self-taught,
as his parents refused to pay for lessons). White was drawn
to electric guitar after hearing Jimi Hendrix’ “Purple Haze,”
but was forced back to acoustic when his brother Danny accidentally
set a fire which destroyed his “axe.”
Deciding to make music his career, White worked various factory
jobs while awaiting a break. That came with his introduction
to singer Al Stewart, whose band he remained with for 20 years.
White also played with Basia, before branching out on his own.
Since 1990, White has been one of the most successful smooth
jazz artists, performing with everyone from Gato Barbieri and
Lee Ritenour to Boney James and Kirk Whalum, and releasing hugely-popular
solo projects.
He and his wife live in L.A. with daughter Charlotte.
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more
 Jessy
J
09.25.09
Born in Oregon, but raised in a small California town, saxophonist Jessy J began
playing piano at age 4. Her musical interests were shaped by her Mexican roots
as well as the sounds of Coltrane and pop music; at USC, she was named “Most
Outstanding Jazz Student.” Shortly after graduating, she was playing sessions
with leading artists like Michael Buble and began touring in support of Jessica
Simpson and The Temptations.
Jessy also has theatrical experience, having been in the cast of the off-Broadway
show, Blast, where she drew on her skills as a dancer, singer and actress.
Her debut CD, Tequila Moon, was produced by the legendary Paul Brown,
and resulted in a chart-topping title track. In between writing and recording,
Jessy J has toured extensively with Michael Bolton, and the Guitars and Saxes
tour.
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more
 Paul
Taylor
09.19.09
A native of Denver, Paul Taylor began playing the saxophone at
seven years old. Throughout his school years, he played in various
bands, including a cover band called Mixed Company. After attending
college in Las Vegas (and playing gigs in Sin City on the side),
he was discovered by Keiko Matsui during a performance at the
Catalina Island Jazz Festival. For two years, he was part of
her band until the 1995 release of his debut album, On the
Horn.
In addition to his solo work, Taylor was invited by Russ Freeman
to tour as a special guest artist with the Rippingtons. He’s
also part of the Gentlemen of the Night Tour alongside
Marion Meadows and Michael Lington.
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more
 Craig
Chaquico
09.12.09
Craig Chaquico [Sept. 25, 1954] has lent his signature guitar sound to both the
rock and smooth jazz worlds. By the age of 14, he was playing professionally
in local clubs [wearing a fake mustache to make him look older] – and two years
later, was invited by members of the Jefferson Airplane to join their new incarnation,
Jefferson Starship. He originally thought the invite was for a single album,
but when the group requested he tour with them, his career path was set.
Chaquico wrote several of Starship’s biggest hits, including “Find Your Way Back.”
He also participated in session work with other heavy-hitters including Carlos
Santana, David Crosby and Jerry Garcia.
After Starship disbanded, Chaquico picked up the acoustic guitar again [a request
from his then-pregnant wife, who found it less intrusive around the house!].
He released his first smooth jazz album in 1993, earning a Grammy nomination
the following year.
Craig is a big fan of the outdoors and enjoys frequent camping trips with his
family in California. He’s also an avid motorcyclist.
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more
 Boney
James
09.05.09
Robert James Oppenheim [born Sept. 1, 1961], better known to
smooth jazz fans as Boney James, was born in Lowell, MA. He
took up the saxophone at age 10, and by his late teens, had
formed a fusion band which found some success opening for established
acts like the Yellowjackets.
After touring for four years with Morris Day (playing keyboards), he went on
the road with Randy Crawford where he earned his nickname: his per-diem for meals
was so scant that one of his bandmates commented on his shrinking physique saying,
“We’ll have to start calling you Boney James.”
James also worked with the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell and Teena Marie before
releasing his debut solo album, Trust, in 1992. Since that time, he
has received countless awards and several Grammy nominations as one of the most
successful smooth jazz artists.
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Najee
08.29.09
Born in Queens, NY, Najee began his musical journey playing clarinet
before taking up his signature instrument, the saxophone. Shortly
after graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music,
he and his brother Fareed were recruited by Chaka Khan to come
on tour with her. Tours with Freddie Jackson and other artists
soon followed, before Najee released his debut album, Najee’s Theme,
in 1996, which went platinum.
Since arriving on the smooth jazz scene, Najee has performed
for Nelson Mandela and President Bill Clinton, worked with artists
including George Duke, Lionel Richie and Patti Labelle, and toured
with Prince.
read more
 Rick
Braun
08.22.09
Rick Braun was born in Allentown, PA – and it was the size of his childhood home
that largely determined his musical interest. Braun recalls that he really wanted
to play drums, but with a large family and a small house, that wasn’t exactly
popular. The trumpet was a more practical option.
After attending the prestigious Eastman School of Music, Braun caught a break
when he co-wrote a top 20 hit for REO Speedwagon entitled “Here With Me.” He
went on to be a popular touring partner for Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Tom Petty
and Glenn Frey. His detour from rock into smooth jazz was by accident, when
his demo tapes wound up in the hands of one of the biggest contemporary jazz
labels of the day. After touring with Sade on her Love Deluxe tour,
his foray into instrumental music was solidified.
Braun has gone on to become one of the most successful producers and performers
in smooth jazz, collaborating with everyone from Marc Antoine and Jeff Golub
to Boney James and Richard Elliot.
He lives in L.A. with his wife and their two children.
read more
 Vanessa
Williams
09.08.15
Born to parents who were both music teachers, Vanessa Williams
[March 18, 1963] had performing in her blood right from the start.
She studied piano and French horn, but was primarily interested
in singing. She was a Theatre Arts major at Syracuse University,
but left early when, in 1984, she was named the first African-American
woman to be named Miss America.
Although her reign ended early due to the publication of nude
photos taken years earlier, Williams returned to the public eye
with her 1988 album, The Right Stuff. That would begin
a string of hit records, along with award-winning Broadway and
film appearances. Williams has also appeared in TV shows including Ally McBeal, The
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and her current role as Wilhelmina
Slater on Ugly Betty.
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more
 Nils
08.01.09
Born and raised in Munich, Germany, Nils initially thought he’d
become a rock guitarist, following in the footsteps of his idol,
Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple. However, once he discovered funk
and R&B, he was hooked. He spent hours listening to Nile Rogers
and Paul Jackson Jr., and mastering their licks.
Upon moving to L.A. in the 80s, Nils quickly began getting session
work with major artists including George Benson, the Temptations
and Rick Braun. His smooth jazz breakthrough came with the
album, Pacific Coast Highway; the title track was the
most-played song of 2005.
He’s since developed a second career scoring music for various
TV and movie projects, including the hit cable series, Weeds and
the Independent Spirit Awards.
read more
 Candy Dulfer
07.25.09
As the daughter of Dutch saxophonist Hans Dulfer, Candy Dulfer
has music in her DNA. She began playing drums at age five, then
moved on to the saxophone, initially opting for the soprano sax
because her father’s tenor was too heavy. Aside from some basic
musical training, Dulfer is completely self-taught.
Candy cut her first album at age 11, and formed her own band,
Funky Stuff, at 14. Three years later, she was opening for Madonna
on the singer’s Netherlands tour. After Prince invited her to
perform with him, session work rapidly followed, leading to her
breakthrough collaboration with Dave Stewart on the song “Lily
Was Here.”
In addition to ongoing dates with Prince, Candy has also played
with Van Morrison, most notably on his live 1993 album, A
Night in San Francisco.
One of the most glamorous players in music, Dulfer has recently
branched out into television as host of her own interview show, Candy
Meets…
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more
 Jay
Soto
07.18.09
Although recognized as one of the finest guitar talents in any
format, Jay Soto began his music career on drums and piano.
He picked up the guitar at age 12, quickly mastering rock and
Top 40 music. Once his instructor introduced him to jazz,
and Soto’s future path was set.
As a successful player in Phoenix, he was encouraged to enter
the local Guitar Center “Guitarmageddon” competition. Soto dominated
in the local, district and regional rounds, eventually making
it to the finals and performing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads
Festival in front of 15,000 people.
In addition to his smooth jazz career, Soto is active in Christian
music, still serving as the Musical Director for his Phoenix
church. In 2009, he and his wife became parents for the first
time to daughter Carrie Anne.
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more
 Marion
Meadows
07.11.09
Born in West Virginia and raised in Connecticut, Marion Meadows
began his musical life playing classical clarinet. As a teen,
he moved to the saxophone, discovering jazz music around the
same time. Although he originally planned to enter college
to study either veterinary medicine or zoology, a school trip
to Europe changed those plans: crowd reaction to his school
band was so overwhelming that he gave up his medical plans
to make music his career instead [admitting that his parents
were less than happy about the switch!].
Meadows was “discovered” in New York’s Grand Central Station,
by a producer who overheard him playing while waiting for a train.
He was soon backing artists including the Temptations, Michael
Bolton and Eartha Kitt. He released his first solo album, For
Lovers Only, in 1991 and has since released eight other
well-received albums.
A longtime resident of Phoenix, he recently moved to Hawaii
where he can maintain his passion for cycling.
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more
Wayman
Tisdale
07.04.09
"Nothing can change me... You go through things. You don't
change because things come in your life. You get better because
things come in your life." —Wayman Tisdale
Wayman Tisdale was one of those rare people who achieved tremendous
success in two public arenas: music and sports.
Born the son of a minister, Wayman Tisdale began his performing
career by playing bass in his father’s Tulsa, OK church. His
basketball prowess was uncovered in 8th grade, and he would go
on to be a three-time Big Eight Conference Player at the University
of Oklahoma. Music was still key in his life; in fact, his coach
changed the Sooner’s practice schedule to Sunday evenings so
he could continue playing at his father’s morning services.
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more
 Spyro
Gyra
06.27.09
With a name jokingly derived from a biology paper, SpyroGyra
burst onto the national music scene in 1979 with their breakthrough
hit, Morning Dance. They quickly parlayed their success
on the Buffalo, NY club scene into international success with
tracks like Shaker Song and a relentless touring schedule.
Founder Jay Beckenstein had originally intended to be a producer,
but leftover studio time allowed him to record some of the songs
he’d been writing with his musical partner, keyboardist Jeremy
Wall. Since those early days, SpyroGyra has recorded over 25
albums, becoming known as one of the most commercially-successful
groups in music.
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more
 Paul
Brown and Marc Antoine
06.20.09
PAUL BROWN QUICK BIO
Paul Brown was born (literally) into the music business: both parents were noted
backup singers for Mel Torme, Frank Sinatra and other legends. He started on
drums at 5, picking up the guitar two years later. By 15, he was working in
the recording studio as an engineer, taking a break to study music and math at
the University of Oregon.
Brown is considered one of the “super-producers” of smooth jazz,
helming chart-topping projects from Boney James, Norman Brown,
Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum and George Benson, to name a few.
He has over 40 #1 smooth jazz hits to his credit.
MARC ANTOINE QUICK
BIO
Born in Paris, Marc Antoine picked up the guitar at 11, progressing so rapidly
that his parents enrolled him in the conservatory for classical music. Although
sidelined by a serious accident to his hand, he eventually recovered and went
on to join various groups around Paris and London. His first real break was
performing in Basia’s band.
In the early 90s, he moved to L.A. where he became an in-demand
session guitarist for Sting, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Cher before
launching a solo career.
read
more
 Jeff
Kashiwa
06.13.09
QUICK BIO
Born in Seattle, Jeff Kashiwa originally began his musical life on the clarinet
– but by age 12, had discovered the instrument that would make him a force on
the smooth jazz scene: the saxophone. After graduating from the prestigious
Berklee College of Music, Jeff moved to California, working in a grocery store
by day and gigging by night. He says he played about “a thousand weddings” before
joining the Rippingtons.
Kashiwa left the Rips after 10 years to launch his solo career, although he continues
to play with the band on occasion. He’s also the founder of another smooth jazz
supergroup, The Sax Pack which includes Steve Cole and Kim Waters.
read
more
 Gregg
Karukas
06.06.09
QUICK BIO
Gregg Karukas grew up in Bowie, MD [near Washington DC], spending
his childhood at the family restaurant. The jukebox there
attracted him early on and he spent long hours listening
to the music of Motown and the Beatles. Naturally gifted
on the piano, he thought about following the path of the
singer-songwriters he admired, but when his voice changed
as a teenager, he focused exclusively on the keyboards.
After high school, Gregg paid his dues in the clubs around
the DC area. He moved to LA in the early 80s, landing session
and touring work almost immediately with artists including
Melissa Manchester, Brenda Russell, Patti Austin and Richard
Elliot. He also formed his own band, playing the local LA
clubs and giving exposure to rising smooth jazz artists like
Dave Koz and Boney James.
read
more
 Chuck Loeb
05.31.09
QUICK
BIO
Born in an arts community outside of New York City, Chuck Loeb was immersed early on in the cultural scene. He took up the guitar at 11, and began studying seriously in his teen years. Enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, he dropped out after two years to pursue ever-growing professional opportunities.
Among his biggest musical breaks was being invited by the legendary Stan Getz to join his band. In addition to touring the world, Loeb met future wife Carmen Cuesta while working with Getz [who served as the couple’s best man at their wedding].
Back home in New York, Loeb carved out a career as a successful session musician and composer of soundtracks, jingles and TV show themes. In the mid 80s, he was a member of Steps Ahead, before deciding to launch a solo career.
In addition to his own music, Loeb is among the most-respected, in-demand producers in smooth jazz.
read more
 Richard Elliot
05.17.09
QUICK
BIO
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, saxophonist Richard Elliot moved
with his family to Los Angeles when he was three. He learned
to play the accordion as a child but admits he was initially
attracted to the sax for its interesting shape! While still
in high school, Elliot landed touring gigs with Natalie Cole
and the Pointer Sisters. He also spent some time doing sessions
for Motown artists including Smokey Robinson and the Four Tops,
before joining the legendary Tower of Power horn section.
After
deciding to branch out into a solo career, Elliot took out a second
mortgage on his house to finance the move. His 1986 release, Trolltown,
set the stage for one of the most successful careers in smooth
jazz. Since then, Elliot has released over a dozen solo projects
and been a founder of the popular touring franchise Guitars
and Saxes. The sax
man also founded the ArtiZen record label with fellow artist
Rick Braun and is an entrepreneur in the internet space.
read more
 The Rippingtons
05.02.09
QUICK
BIO
Guitarist Russ Freeman [born Feb. 11, 1960] grew up in Nashville, spending his
early years hanging out in the recording studio where his father introduced him
to dozens of session musicians. By age 14, Freeman was playing sessions himself.
He initially formed The Rippingtons in 1986 as a one-off “supergroup” project.
Original members of the ensemble included David Benoit, Kenny G, Dave Koz, Gregg
Karukas and more. That first album, Moonlighting, was voted by JazzIz
magazine as the most influential contemporary jazz album of all time.
Response to Moonlighting led to the formation of a touring group and
the making of a second album. Over twenty years later, the Rippingtons continue
to make envelope-pushing music, frequently influenced by Freeman’s current interests
at the time (i.e. Black Diamond from skiing, Life In the Tropics inspired
by Freeman’s life in Florida, and their 2009 release, Modern Art drawing
on Freeman’s own artistic talents).
The current Rippingtons lineup includes Freeman, Jeff Kashiwa, Bill Heller, Dave
Karasony and Rico Belled.
read more
 Pieces
of a Dream
04-25-09
QUICK BIO
Keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon have been making music together
since high school. As teenagers, they performed throughout the Philadelphia
area – and so impressed the legendary Count Basie, he proclaimed them “a tough
act to follow.”
Along with bassist Cedric Napoleon [no longer with the group],
they became the house band on a Philly TV show called “City Lights.”
It was on that program that they met Grover Washington Jr. He
was so impressed with the teens that he signed them as the first
act to his new production company; James Lloyd was still in high
school when their debut album came out. Washington produced
the group’s first three projects.
Since arriving on the scene in the late 70s/early 80s, POAD have
consistently been at the forefront of smooth jazz as one of the
most respected and enduring groups in the format.
read more
 Paul Jackson, Jr.
04-18-09
QUICK
BIO
Born in Los Angeles, Paul Jackson Jr. originally began his showbiz
journey as a child actor. But that all changed when he received
his first guitar at age 9 and decided to focus on music as a
career. By 16, Jackson was working as a professional studio
musician, going on to back superstars including Whitney Houston,
Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, Steely Dan,
Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie and countless
others.
He’s known throughout the music industry as “the most recorded
and requested guitarist in the world,” and says the secret to
his amazing professional success is making the artist he’s working
with happy – and maintaining a healthy balance between his professional
and spiritual lives.
read more
 SEAL
04-11-09
QUICK BIO
Seal [full name Sealhenry Olumide Samuel] was born in London, February 19, 1963.
His parents had moved there from Nigeria, but divorced when he was an infant;
Seal was raised by foster parents.
His distinctive facial scars stem from a relatively rare condition,
discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE); he’s been in remission from
it for many years. At first, Seal admits he was self-conscious
about the scarring, but then began to see them as an omen that
he would be successful in his career.
read more
LARRY CARLTON
04.04.09
QUICK
BIO
Larry Eugene Carlton was born March 2, 1948 in California.
He began playing guitar at six, developing an interest in jazz
when he was in high school. At fourteen, he was performing
in local supper clubs.
During the 1970s, Carlton was one of the busiest session guitarists
in Southern California, doing up to 500 recordings a year. Among
the artists who sought him out were Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell,
Dolly Parton, John Lennon, Quincy Jones – even The Partridge
Family!
read more
 KENNY G
03.21.09
QUICK
BIO
Kenny G (born Kenneth Gorelick in Seattle, WA on 6/5/56) is a
multiple Grammy-award winner and among the best-selling instrumental
artists in history.
He was first drawn to the saxophone after seeing
someone perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. Along with
his lessons, he practiced along to records by Grover Washington
Jr.
read more
|
GROVER WASHINGTON, JR
HERB ALPERT
QUINCY JONES
