Highlights!
The show must go on! You may notice that for this program I developed a rich baritone voice that would be the envy of many an opera singer. Well, perhaps I'm just hoping, as I was actually labouring under the influences of a cold. Regardless, we have an excellent program that includes current favourites from Marion Meadows, Nils, and Joyce Cooling. Now I have to hand it to our research department. Just check out what our crack team of Smooth Jazz experts discovered on Saxophonic from Dave Koz. The results are undeniable. There's also a gem buried here and there such as the track from Glenn McNulty that opens our final set. Then there's our own unique interpretation of the term classic track which provides musical treats from Rick Braun, Randy Crawford and Joe McBride. I do hope that you can join me as I share my passion for exceptional music!

Showcase CD
Love Coloured Soul - Ken Navarro:
Since the release of his debut, Ken Navarro has not only been one of the most prolific artists in Smooth Jazz, he's also been one of the hardest working. Navarro began his recording career as a premiere session player in Los Angeles and in short order, he had worked with a lengthy list of diverse artists that included Doc Severinsen, John Pattitucci and Dave Koz. However, in 1990, Navarro chose to go the solo route and simultaneously launched his own Positive Music record label.

Over the years Ken has crafted a string of superb albums that rate high on melody, are uplifting and are always delivered with the utmost taste. And as a result, it's no wonder that Navarro has become recognized as a premier performer and leading stylist in the genre. Now you know that with Navarro's name on a project, it's a guarantee that it's going to be great!

Love Coloured Soul is the latest addition to an incredible catalogue. After hearing this album, all I could say was "Bravo Mr. Navarro!" because he's done it again!

Now back on his own Positive Music label, this record undoubtedly represents some of Navarro's finest work to date...from melodic and moving to soft and soothing and so it's with great pleasure that we place Love Coloured Soul in our musical spotlight. To begin our feature, we're present a comforting piece titled Parallel Lives. Summer of Love opens hour 2 and I'm certain your heart will melt just the way mine does every time I hear this track. Finally, as we sign off, we have You Are Everything, the lead single and a selection that nicely encapsulates the pure essence of Navarro's wonderful sound & style!

CD: Love Coloured Soul
Label: Positive Music
Web Site: Ken Navarro

Espana - Will Donato:
Donato is an exciting young saxplayer based in Southern California. He has already amassed an extensive list of credits having worked with many great Smooth Jazz stars such as Steve Oliver, Steve Reid, and Gregg Karukas. Donato has also done a fair bit of soundtrack work for a few movies including Thelma & Louise and The Untouchables. In addition, Will has recorded several solo projects with Will Power as his latest & perhaps most focused effort to date. This album reflects the romantic spirit of Donato's music and is lovingly dedicated and I quote "as a celebration of love to my beautiful wife Diana". From Will Power we have a gorgeous track titled Espana that features the trumpet of Tony Guerrero. I know you'll love this one.

CD: Will Power
Label: Generation Records
Web Site: Will Donato

Daylight - Adani & Wolf:
Adani & Wolf are the Dutch duo of Rob Gaasterland and Daniel Testas. The two first came together in the late 90s to launch Project 2000. That proved to be an award-winning drum & bass effort whose music was used for TV on both sides of the Atlantic. Since then they've worked at widening their sound in the studio with their production credits on Praful's One Day Deep as their biggest success to date. Bolstered by that triumph, the pair decided to create their own album, one on which they further explore the world of chill while infusing elements of South European and Latin American music. From their self-titled debut, Daylight is the advance single and we have that one for you.

CD: Adani & Wolf
Label: Rendezvous Entertainment
Web Sites: Adani & Wolf ; Rendezvous

For Your Love - Lin Rountree:
Rountree began playing the trumpet at the age of eleven in his hometown of Alexandria VA. Upon graduating from high school, he was awarded a scholarship at Florida A&M and played in their famed marching band. After A&M and after living in a few different locals Lin moved to Detroit. In the past few years has established himself at the forefront of that city's music scene. His band has been featured at numerous festivals & venues. Meanwhile Groovetree, his debut record, was released just a couple of months ago. The album has already attracted a fair degree of favourable attention for it's catchy & groove-laden tracks. From that effort we've selected For Your Love, the lead single and the opening track, which features Tim Bowman on guitar!

CD: Groovetree
Label: BDK Records
Web Site: Lin Rountree

That's The Way of the World - Nelson Rangell:
A Denver Colorado native, Nelson began in music at the rather late age of 15 when he took up the flute. He soon discovered that he was blessed with a natural gift and a passion for music and within six months, he was studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy. Shortly afterward, Nelson started playing the sax, and a few years later won Downbeat's Best Jazz Soloist competition on both the high school and college level. His first solo album released in 1987, received much critical acclaim and with each subsequent record, Rangell's popularity has continued to grow. In a feature a short while back, Jazziz magazine described Rangell's style … "as rich in inspiration and powerfully unique in voice". My American Songbook is his latest and from that effort we've selected That's the Way of the World, one of the best covers ever for any EW&F track!

CD: My American Songbook
Label: Koch Records
Web Sites: Nelson Rangell ; At Koch

When I Get Back To You - The Longo Brothers:
Hailing from Toronto, brothers Larry & Frank Longo have had many of their songs used for commercials as well as for TV programs such as Saturday Night Live. Over the years they've written for & produced a variety of artists. The two have had several top 10 songs in Canada and have also enjoyed airplay in the US. Manhattan is their brand new project, a cool compilation of SJ and easy listening tracks. From that effort, When I Get Back To You is the tune that we've selected. The tune features the Brothers Longo on keys, guitar, percussion & background vocals while Paul Zaza guests on bass on the track.

CD: Manhattan
Label: Lonsong Music