Brian Culbertson’s first crowd-funded album surpasses fundraising goal weeks ahead of schedule. #jazz

“Another Long Night” of success

Fervent interest from Brian Culbertson’s international legion of fans powered the contemporary jazz star past his fundraising goal two weeks ahead of the close of the Indiegogo campaign launched to help bring his passion project to fruition: re-recording his entire debut album, “Long Night Out,” as “Another Long Night Out,” which will be released in February 2014 in conjunction with the 20^th anniversary of the release of the original record.

The multi-instrumentalist was a 20-year-old DePaul University student recording demos in the bedroom of the crowded Chicago apartment that he shared with three roommates playing most of the instruments himself on the tracks that landed him a six-album record deal, but this time out he will be accompanied by many of contemporary jazz’s finest musicians – those who inspired him while making the first recording. Along with a 38-piece orchestra that will appear on a handful of tracks with arrangements by Culbertson and David Benoit, heavyweights who have already recorded parts include Rippington’s Russ Freeman, Eric Marienthal, Candy Dulfer, Toto’s Steve Lukather, Paul Jackson Jr., Fourplay’s Chuck Loeb and Nathan East, Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy of Yellowjackets fame, Ricky Lawson, Michael Thompson, Lenny Castro, Michael Bland and Patches Stewart with a few more marquee artists soon to be confirmed for Culbertson’s 14^th collection.    

“For many years, I have wanted to remake the first album using real musicians and thought the 20^th anniversary would be the perfect time. I turned to crowdsourcing because I saw it as a way for fans to be more involved and get cool opportunities they normally wouldn’t get and I am all about that,” said Culbertson. “’Another Long Night Out’ is a return to my roots as a contemporary jazz player compared to the more commercial instrumental funk and R&B that I’ve been doing lately. I always liked these songs and I even like them more now with real musicians playing them.”

Escaping the studio last week to co-host a weeklong jaunt to the Mexican Riviera aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise with soul saxsation Boney James, Culbertson is back on land recording, pausing only to play concert dates this weekend in Las Vegas and Phoenix. Also a lifestyle curator who serves as Founder and Artistic Director of the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, ticket sales are robust for Culbertson’s third annual wine and jazz festival in California wine country slotted for June 11-15, 2014. Culbertson will top the bill that features more than 18 artists including Eric Benét, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, Morris Day & The Time, Earl Klugh, Mavis Staples, Eric Darius, Average White Band and comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans.

For more information, please visit www.BrianCulbertson.me and http://igg.me/at/brianculbertson.

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 20 - October 21st, 2013 #jazz

TW - LW - Artist - Album - (Label)
1 - 1 - Boney James - "The Beat" - (Concord Jazz)
2 - 2 - Dave Koz & Friends - "Summer Horns" - (Concord/CMG)
3 - 3 - Paul Hardcastle - "Hardcastle VII" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
4 - 4 - Jeff Golub - "Trains Keep A Rolling" - (eOne)
5 - 7 - Brian Simpson - "Just What You Need" - (Shanachie)
6 - 5 - Pieces Of A Dream - "In The Moment" - (Shanachie)
7 - 10 - Chuck Loeb - "Silhouette" - (Shanachie)
8 - 8 - George Duke - "DreamWeaver" - (Heads Up)
9 - 6 - Keiko Matsui "Soul Quest" - (Shanachie)
10 - 12 - Jessy J - "Seconds Chances" - (Shanachie)
11 - 9 - Steve Cole - "Pulse" - (Artistry/Mack Avenue)
12 - 11 - Jeff Lorber Fusion - "Hacienda" (Heads Up)
13 - 16 - Oli Silk - "Razor Sharp Brit" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
14 - 17 - Euge Groove - "House Of Groove" - (Shanachie)
15 - 18 - Lebron - "Shades" - (Cutmore)
16 - 14 - Vincent Ingala - "Can't Stop Now" - (vicentingala.com)
17 - 13 - Marion Meadows - "Whisper" - (Shanachie)
18 - 15 - Tim Bowman - "Seaside Drive"-Single- (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
19 - 26 - Andy Snitzer - "The Rhythm" (Native Language)
20 - 19 - Althea Rene - "In The Flow" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)

Our thanks to smoothjazz.com

Visit smoothjazz.com to view the latest complete top 50 chart. Visit smoothjazz.com to view the latest weekly chart recap.

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Peggy Duquesnel - "All I Ask For Christmas" - Release on Joyspring Music November 5, 2013

Pianist and vocalist Peggy Duquesnel will release "All I Ask for Christmas" on November 5th, a double-disc set comprised of instrumental and vocal renditions of holiday standards and spirited originals.

There is always a bit of an uproar when Santa and the elves debate over music preferences while toiling away in their North Pole workshop preparing for the big night. Some prefer swinging to straight-ahead jazz instrumentals while others prefer contemporary vocal numbers. Multidimensional pianist and vocalist Peggy Duquesnel's "All I Ask for Christmas" is certain to satisfy everyone with her generous 21-song collection that will be released November 5th by Joyspring Music. Duquesnel produced the two-CD set - one acoustic jazz instrumental disc and one vocal disc - offering fresh arrangements of seasonal standards along with four new songs that she composed and recorded as both instrumental and vocal selections. The entire album will be serviced to jazz radio stations while smooth jazz outlets will be gifted with the single, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," featuring genre star Rick Braun's regal flugelhorn.

Duquesnel is having a prolific year. In April, she released "Seems Like I Know You," a five-song EP that she produced with noted contemporary jazz musicians Jeff Lorber and Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) on which she exercised her fitness as an adult contemporary singer-songwriter while engaging her light jazz muscles. The instrumental portion of "All I Ask for Christmas" is a return to the classically-trained pianist's roots in straight-ahead jazz presented with elements of adult pop, contemporary jazz and inspirational material on this, her seventh full-length outing. Backed by a crackling quartet - Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg on upright, drummer Joe La Barbera (Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Bill Cunliffe), percussionist Brian Kilgore (Barbra Streisand, John Williams, Elton John, Coldplay, Aerosmith) and guitarist Jay Leach ("American Idol," Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight) - Duquesnel's arrangements are influenced by storied artists from yesteryear (George & Ira Gershwin, Horace Silver, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra) along with a dose of contemporary acoustic jazz (Dave Grusin, Bob James, Miles Davis).

On the vocal disc, Duquesnel sings and scats three duets with debonair vocalist Bill Cantos: the bebop title track penned by Duquesnel; the aptly titled "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)," which was written and recorded by Amy Grant; and another new Duquesnel gem, "Under the Christmas Tree," a romantic country gospel waltz adorned with Leach's pedal steel guitar. Talented newcomer Emma Werderman impresses with a vocal full of moxie during a duet with her mentor (Duquesnel) on the stunning "Mary Did You Know" further illumined by Duquesnel's piano eloquence. Duquesnel's glowing jazzer "Light of Christmas" and the waltz-like "Christmas is Here" are new songs written with warmth, familiarity and timeless qualities that have the potential to become enduring evergreens.

"The album concept is to take familiar Christmas songs and put them with unique arrangements that have a jazz influence, but that are all accessible to a broad audience. In the process of making the album, I decided to do instrumental versions of the vocal songs. I am both a vocalist and an instrumentalist and enjoy playing these songs just as much instrumentally as vocally. For the listener, having both versions makes a lot of sense because they set two entirely different moods," said Duquesnel, who invites you into the studio to observe the making of the album by watching the EPK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSApuhPMt8o).

To support "All I Ask for Christmas," Duquesnel will perform three shows during the holiday season in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas: November 24th at the Hoson House in Tustin, December 11th at Fields Pianos in Santa Ana and December 19th at Vitello's Jazz & Supper Club in Studio City.

Duquesnel's "All I Ask for Christmas" consists of the following titles:

Disc 1 - Instrumental Songs
"Little Drummer Boy"
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
"All I Ask for Christmas"
"Mary Did You Know"
"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
"Christmas is Here"
"O Christmas Tree"
"Silent Night"
"What Child is This"
"Under the Christmas Tree"
"I Wonder as I Wander"
"Light of Christmas"

Disc 2 - Vocal Songs
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
"Mary Did You Know"
"Light of Christmas"
"Silent Night"
"All I Ask for Christmas"
"Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)"
"Under the Christmas Tree"
"I Wonder As I Wander"
"Christmas is Here"

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Najee - "The Morning After" - Release on Shanachie October 22nd - #jazz

Grammy Winning Multi-Instrumentalist & Composer Najee Embraces Life & Love On Invigorating New Recording "The Morning After" A Musical Love Journey
New CD Pays Homage To Dear Friend George Duke, Draws Inspiration From Saxophonist's World Travels & Features Stellar Duet with Meli'sa Morgan.

Grammy-winning, multi-instrumental wizard Najee has made a career following his heart and keen musical intuition while pushing musical boundaries and becoming a pioneer in the music game. Having collaborated with everyone from Prince and Quincy Jones to Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock, Najee's technical agility,grace, compositional prowess, unbridled passion and fearless genre bending have made him one of the most sought after musicians of his generation. With two Platinum and four Gold albums under his belt, he is an icon whose musical vision spawned an entire new genre by fusing the music close to his heart (R&B and Jazz). Three decades later and the Renaissance man is showing that his evolution is still in full swing. An alumnus of the New England Conservatory of Music, Najee was mentored by jazz giants Frank Foster and Jimmy Heath as well as classical maven and flutist Harold Jones of the New York Philharmonic. October 22, 2013, Najee will release his highly anticipated second recording for Shanachie Entertainment, The Morning After - A Musical Journey. 'I am becoming increasingly comfortable with sharing more
diversity in my recordings,' states the humble and eloquent musician. 'This is something that I have done as a musician my entire career in live performances. I believe my audience is ready to hear me expand beyond the 'Smooth Jazz' genre.' Najee's latest musical offering is a commanding statement from the peerless instrumentalist and composer, that is a testament as to why he has long reigned as the King of contemporary jazz.

A visionary, Najee assembles an all-star cast of musicians on The
Morning After - A Musical Love Journey. Featured artists on the CD
include producer Demonte Posey (Eric Benet, Toni Braxton, Babyface),
bassist Bill Sharpe (Dave Coz and Barbra Streisand), guitarist Ray
Fuller (George Duke, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston), drummer Daniel
Powell (Tamia), bassist Brian Bromberg (Miles Davis and Herbie
Hancock) and drummer Joel Taylor (Joe Sample's current band).
Chart-topping R&B diva Meli'sa Morgan also joins Najee for an
unforgettable duet. The Morning After - A Musical Love  Journey opens
with the sound of Najee's voice as he anxiously awaits to board his
plane but is unexpectedly delayed waiting for a certain special woman.
Alas, she arrives and the journey begins.  Najee explains, 'The album
title describes a fantasy trip where two people meet and experience
their journey together.' The handsome saxophonist describes the making
of his new CD as an intense process. 'It was recorded as a live studio
album in two ½ weeks, during which time we also mixed and mastered the music. I would say the anticipation was very much part of the journey with this record.' Najee's musical adventure unfolds with the jubilant 'Rendezvous,' featuring his robust tenor saxophone.

The Morning After ' A Musical Love Journey finds Najee transporting
listeners around the globe to locations that have inspired him in some
way. The soulful, fluid and breezy 'San Tropez' takes us to the French
Riviera while the dubbed out and mysteriously hypnotic 'Mafalala' was
written in tribute for the township Maputo in Mozambique.

'What impressed me and the members of my band was, in spite of the
poverty, hardships and challenging living situations some places, the
people did not let it reflect their inner resolve. When you see their
faces, their spirit reflects a sense of pride and inner glow. This
song is tribute to the courageous and strong people who live there.'
The Morning After- A Musical Love Journey also makes an express stop '
in one of Najee's favorite cities. 'Champs-Elysées,' the  album's
first single, is inspired by the architecture, history, food and
culture of Paris.

Born in the Greenwich Village in New York City and raised in Jamaica,
Queens, Najee's musical pursuits began in grade school. The Morning
After- A Musical Love Journey takes us back to Najee's musical roots
with his swinging and in-the-pocket number "W 72 and Broadway." Najee, who fell in love with jazz at the age of eight says it all began while growing up on the upper west side of Manhattan. 'My mother would play recordings of Miles Davis and other jazz greats in our household everyday,' remembers the saxophonist. 'As a child I would walk in my neighborhood and pass by an array of jazz lounges, restaurants, where you could hear jazz musicians playing throughout the day.' Najee also takes the opportunity to pay tribute to his dear friend, the revered late pianist and master producer George Duke.  The two met in the '90s and throughout the years developed a close friendship and toured together with artists Quincy Jones, Dianne Reeves, Will Downing and numerous others. Najee shares, ' The first time I met George Duke was in 1991, it was my second time winning the Soul Train Music Award for "Best Jazz Artist.' After I accepted the award, I was rushed on stage to perform with him and Dionne Warwick for the song "Night and Day.' Afterwards, George and I began working on my album Just an Illusion for which he produced the track "Loving Every Moment" featuring
Jeffrey Osborne. George later produced my entire album Songs in the
Key of Life, a tribute to legend Stevie Wonder.' Najee's composition,
'Shinjuku," (named after an area of Tokyo) was written for Duke. 'It
reminds me of my time in Asia touring with George,' comments Najee. As a colleague and dear friend in the business, those experiences are
very memorable and I will cherish them always!' Also featured on the
new CD is Najee's memorable sultry duet with R&B diva Meli'sa Morgan
called "In the Mood to Take It Slow." Najee along with his brother
Fareed first worked with Meli'sa on tour with Chaka Khan. Najee later
recorded the duet 'Do You Still Love Me' with Meli'sa close to twenty
years ago. Najee declares, 'I believe Meli'sa is one of our R&B
treasures and I am grateful for our reunion on this project.'

When Najee burst onto the scene with his soulful R&B, soul and jazz
drenched sound and songs like 'Najee's Theme,' 'Sweet Love' and
'Betcha Don't Know,' it was not long before his trademark soprano
found a home at the top of the charts and he carved out his own unique
niche in the musical landscape. 'My first love was the tenor saxophone
and flute,' confides Najee.  'It was my brother Fareed who got me to
play soprano saxophone. We would argue over me not wanting to play
soprano. Then one day someone gave me a soprano saxophone and I played on his songs. That began my soprano saxophone career and little did I know then, that would be the instrument to make me popular.  As I
began to develop on my instrument, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker,
Yusef Lateef and Hubert Laws on flute were some of the artists that
inspired me. As an industrious and hungry young musician, Najee had
the good fortune of coming through Dr. Billy Taylor's now legendary
Jazzmobile program. While a student at the New England Conservatory
(where both Najee and his brother attended) he studied jazz with
George Russell and Jaki Byard.  When he finished school Najee returned
to New York in the early 80s and was lucky to land a gig with Chaka
Khan along with his brother and guitarist Fareed (who is now his
manager). In 1987 Najee's Theme, was released and the saxophonist
earned a slot on tour with singer Freddie Jackson. The following year,
Day By Day was released, and in 1991, Tokyo Blue, which is one of
Najee's most successful and enduring recordings. Tokyo Blue (which was
produced by Najee's brother Fareed) and Day By Day both went Gold and led to two Soul Train Awards for Najee (Best Jazz Artist in 1991 and
1993).

Just An Illusion came in 1992 and around this time, Najee collaborated
with such iconic figures as Quincy Jones and a collaboration with jazz
greats Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Larry Carlton which resulted
in the album Live At The Greek. Share My World came in 1994 and was
followed in 1995 by a critically acclaimed tribute to Stevie Wonder's
1976 classic, Songs In The Key Of Life, produced by George Duke and
featuring  Herbie Hancock and Sheila E. among others. His CD Morning
Tenderness, released in 1998, went to #1 on the contemporary jazz
charts. For Najee, the late '90s were marked by extraordinary
international experiences, from performing at Nelson Mandela's
birthday celebration in South Africa to playing as a special guest of
President Clinton at the White House at an event honoring President
Jerry Rawlings of the Republic of Ghana. Najee also spent two years of
touring (2001-2003) with Prince and appears on Prince's albums Rainbow
Children and One Night Alone. In 2003 Najee released Embrace featuring
special guests Roy Ayers and BeBe Winans. My Point Of View was his
follow up in 2005 featuring his good friend and vocalist Will Downing.
2007's Rising Sun joined Najee with Phil Perry and Mind Over Matter
from 2009 paired Najee with singer Eric Benét. 2012 saw the release of
Najee's critically heralded and Shanachie Entertainment debut, The
Smooth Side Of Soul.

With the release of The Morning After- A Musical Love Journey, Najee
concludes, 'Making music at this point in my career is still exciting
and I am always evolving. As a musician the love of performing for
people whether in studio or live is still a gratifying experience. The
best feeling to me is presenting something new to the world!  Enjoy.'

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 20 - October 14th, 2013 #jazz

TW - LW - Artist - Album - (Label)
1 - 1 - Boney James - "The Beat" - (Concord Jazz)
2 - 8 - Dave Koz & Friends - "Summer Horns" - (Concord/CMG)
3 - 3 - Paul Hardcastle - "Hardcastle VII" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
4 - 2 - Jeff Golub - "Trains Keep A Rolling" - (eOne)
5 - 10 - Pieces Of A Dream - "In The Moment" - (Shanachie)
6 - 7 - Keiko Matsui "Soul Quest" - (Shanachie)
7 - 5 - Brian Simpson - "Just What You Need" - (Shanachie)
8 - 4 - George Duke - "DreamWeaver" - (Heads Up)
9 - 6 - Steve Cole - "Pulse" - (Artistry/Mack Avenue)
10 - 11 - Chuck Loeb - "Silhouette" - (Shanachie)
11 - 9 - Jeff Lorber Fusion - "Hacienda" (Heads Up)
12 - 12 - Jessy J - "Seconds Chances" - (Shanachie)
13 - 13 - Marion Meadows - "Whisper" - (Shanachie)
14 - 15 - Vincent Ingala - "Can't Stop Now" - (vicentingala.com)
15 - 16 - Tim Bowman - "Seaside Drive"-Single- (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
16 - 24 - Oli Silk - "Razor Sharp Brit" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
17 - 19 - Euge Groove - "House Of Groove" - (Shanachie)
18 - 14 - Lebron - "Shades" - (Cutmore)
19 - 18 - Althea Rene - "In The Flow" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
20 - 17 - Kim Waters - "My Loves" - (Red River)

Our thanks to smoothjazz.com

Visit smoothjazz.com to view the latest complete top 50 chart. Visit smoothjazz.com to view the latest weekly chart recap.

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Deana Martin Blasts Off With Her New CD "Destination Moon" #jazz

Deana Martin and Big Fish Records announces the release of Destination Moon, by the internationally acclaimed singer and entertainer.

Destination Moon is more than an album. It’s a musical rocket ride featuring 14 seminal performances by Deana Martin. On this, her fourth album, Deana has collected 10 classics and four new songs, each interpreted with her trademark elegance and charm.

Deana chose each of these songs for their personal meaning. As the daughter of entertainment legend Dean Martin, Deana enjoyed an unparalleled view of pop music’s landscape – experiences that shaped her skills as a performer. She learned from the best. Among them Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, and other legends.

Speaking of legends, Deana shares the spotlight with her father Dean Martin on Cole Porter’s "True Love." For Deana, recording "True Love" was both an emotionally charged and richly fulfilling experience. "When I was in the studio recording this beautiful duet, I had with me my dad’s original chart, hand-written by Nelson Riddle. When my dad’s voice came into my headphones, I could feel his presence in the studio. Words can not express what I felt.

Each track on Destination Moon is a glimpse into Deana Martin’s unique window to the Great American Songbook.

Destination Moon includes four new songs that were written for Deana: "Read Between The Lines," "Where Did You Learn To Love Like That," "Paradise" and "Stuck In A Dream With Me."

Tracks are as follows:
1. I Love Being Here With You
2. Beyond the Sea
3. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You
4. Frim Fram Sauce
5. Break It To Me Gently
6. About A Quarter To Nine
7. Where Did You learn To Love Like That
8. Paradise
9. G.I. Jive
10. Stuck In A Dream With Me
11. Destination Moon
12. Read Between The Lines
13. Nothing But the Best
14. True Love (duet with Dean Martin)

Deana’s 2006 debut CD release, Memories Are Made of This, stayed in the Top 10 for 40 consecutive weeks. In 2009, another hit CD, Volare, was released; it debuted on the Billboard charts at #7 and the Jazz chart at #22. White Christmas, released in 2011, was another chart buster. Deana Martin is also an accomplished actor and author. In her New York Times best-seller, Memories Are Made Of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughters Eyes, Deana delights in sharing wonderful, never-before-told stories about her father and his Rat Pack pals. Her book is soon to be made into a movie, directed by actor Joe Mantegna, with screenplay written by actor/writer Bonnie Hunt. Actor Jennifer Love Hewitt has signed on to portray Deana.

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Growing Jazz Getaway offers a divine taste of Napa #jazz

 Brian Culbertson assembles an array of jazz & funk stars for the 2014 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway.

While in the midst of the vineyards last June to shoot a promotional clip for the third annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, the flourishing jazz and wine festival’s Founder and Artistic Director Brian Culbertson looked into the camera and vowed “More artists, more music, more food and of course, more wine.” The hit-making contemporary jazz and R&B mixologist is making good on his promise with the unveiling of the powerhouse lineup of jazz and funk artists that will perform for the many thousands of Getaway attendees who will come from all over the U.S. to Napa Valley from June 11-15, 2014.

 

Slated to join Culbertson for five-days of concerts, wine tastings, fine dining and unique social opportunities are Eric Benét, Lee Ritenour, David Grusin, Ohio Players, Morris Day & The Time, Earl Klugh, Mavis Staples, Average White Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Eric Darius, David Benoit, Michael Lington, Eric Marienthal, Jazz in Pink featuring Gail Jhonson, Althea Rene and Karen Briggs, Cecil Ramirez and the comedic mind of Keenen Ivory Wayans.

 

VIP Packages are already sold out with Four-day Gold Packages ($499) on sale now through the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway website (www.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me). Two-day Silver Packages ($229) will go on sale in late November.

 

The 2014 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway will open with several VIP-only events as well as an exclusive Welcome Dinner Concert and Jam Session at renowned chef Cindy Pawlcyn’s Wood Grill and Wine Bar with a performance by the Cecil Ramirez Quartet along with Culbertson and saxophonist Lington for which a separate ticket is required (available through the Getaway website for $125). The Thursday night theme concert on June 12^th will be Jazz Legends at the Lincoln Theater, which will also be the venue for Friday Night Funk Night. The music moves outdoors on June 14 & 15 to the breathtakingly beautiful setting at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards for concerts that run from 4-10:30 PM. Afternoon happenings during the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway include a cigar and port event hosted by Lington with Ramirez and daily Wine Downs at the luxurious Westin Verasa Napa, the host hotel that for the first time will be solely reserved for guests of the Getaway. The Westin Verasa will also be the scene for the hot Late Night Hangs scheduled for Thursday through Saturday evenings post-concert during the Getaway at which fans can meet and mingle with the artists after their stroll down the Cab Carpet. As in previous editions of the Getaway, silent and live auctions will be held to benefit The GRAMMY® Foundation, which supports music education programs in schools, a mission of Culbertson, who raised nearly $100,000 for the organization during the first two Napa Valley Jazz Getaways.

 

Culbertson said, “It is extraordinary how much the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway has grown in just our third year and I’m so excited about our incredible lineup for 2014, our biggest and best yet. In addition to being joined by these legendary artists, I continue to invite more exquisite wineries to be involved with the Getaway as well as many more unique restaurants to be present at our outdoor events to provide a true ‘taste of Napa’ experience. I look forward to welcoming wine and jazz enthusiasts to the beautiful Napa Valley once again.”

 

Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer who became a fan favorite for the vitality and prodigious skills that he brought to contemporary jazz ever since the release of his 1994 debut disc, “Long Night Out,” signaled the arrival of a consistently creative and engaging artist. The keyboardist and trombonist is back in the recording studio working on his 14^th collection, a remake of the first album that he made in his crowded apartment bedroom “studio” while he was a 20-year-old college student. But this time out, instead of playing most of the instruments himself, he will be joined by an all-star collective of contemporary jazz artists comprised of many of the musicians that inspired him while recording the original. “Another Long Night Out” will be released in February 2014 in conjunction with the 20^th anniversary of the first record. Additional information about Culbertson is available at www.BrianCulbertson.me.

 

Highlights of the 2013 Napa Valley Jazz Getaway can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oaRaeCnhO6Y.

 

#  #  #

 

 

About Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

Founded by award-winning contemporary jazz hitmaker Brian Culbertson, the third annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway will take place in California wine country June 11-15, 2014. Jazz and wine enthusiasts flock to Napa Valley to celebrate the good life with their favorite musicians at this unforgettable lifestyle experience curated by Culbertson, the Getaway’s Artistic Director, host and featured performer. Festival goers will be treated to spectacular concerts starring legendary jazz, R&B and funk artists at the Lincoln Theater and Jamieson Ranch Vineyards as well as at more intimate shows and VIP events hosted by winery partners. Throughout the Getaway, fans have opportunities to meet and get to know the musicians while feasting upon fine local cuisine, during wine tastings and post-concert Late Night Hangs at the Westin Verasa Napa. Silent and live auctions are held each year to benefit The GRAMMY® Foundation, which funds music education programs. For more information, please visit www.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me andwww.BrianCulbertson.me.

 

 

About The Westin Napa Verasa

 

Ideally located in downtown Napa, The Westin Verasa Napa features 180 rooms and the full suite of Westin signature amenities and services designed to inspire wellbeing.  The Westin Verasa Napa is positioned on the bank of the Napa River and across the street from the Napa Valley Wine Train. Additionally, The Westin Verasa Napa is adjacent to the Oxbow Public Market, a short stroll from the heart of Napa’s vibrant downtown retail and dining district, blocks from the famed Silverado Trail, and within walking distance of 15 of the Valley’s tasting rooms. All guest rooms and suites feature a modern, residential design accented by a soothing, neutral color palate, sleek custom furnishings and signature Westin amenities such as the Heavenly Bed® featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress that cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort.  Another industry first, the Heavenly Bath®, creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced by the brand’s Heavenly Shower®, Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting. 

 

 

About Jamieson Ranch Vineyards

 

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards is the southernmost winery in the Napa Valley, one of the world’s foremost winemaking regions.  The estate’s more than 300 acres of gently rolling hills and terraced vineyards sit above the picturesque San Pablo Bay, affording visitors unparalleled views from our wraparound veranda.  Guests are invited to sample small production wines from our portfolio, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the cellar or treat themselves to our newly launched wine pairing program, Napa Comfort Food: Wood-Fired & Wine-Friendly.  www.jamiesonranch.com

 

 

 

NVJG & Brian Culbertson contact:            Westin Napa contact:                     Jamieson Ranch contact:

Rick Scott 310.306.0375                                  Lauren Jennings 415.394.6500    Tim McDonald 707.363.0174

greatscottproductions@earthlink.net    lauren@glodownead.com           tim@winespokenhere.com

 

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 20 - October 7th, 2013 #jazz

TW - LW - Artist - Album - (Label)
1 - 2 - Boney James - "The Beat" - (Concord Jazz)
2 - 1 - Jeff Golub - "Trains Keep A Rolling" - (eOne)
3 - 3 - Paul Hardcastle - "Hardcastle VII" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
4 - 4 - George Duke - "DreamWeaver" - (Heads Up)
5 - 9 - Brian Simpson - "Just What You Need" - (Shanachie)
6 - 8 - Steve Cole - "Pulse" - (Artistry/Mack Avenue)
7 - 5 - Keiko Matsui "Soul Quest" - (Shanachie)
8 - 10 - Dave Koz & Friends - "Summer Horns" - (Concord/CMG)
9 - 7 - Jeff Lorber Fusion - "Hacienda" (Heads Up)
10 - 12 - Pieces Of A Dream - "In The Moment" - (Shanachie)
11 - 6 - Chuck Loeb - "Silhouette" - (Shanachie)
12 - 11 - Jessy J - "Seconds Chances" - (Shanachie)
13 - 21 - Marion Meadows - "Whisper" - (Shanachie)
14 - 17 - Lebron - "Shades" - (Cutmore)
15 - 15 - Vincent Ingala - "Can't Stop Now" - (vicentingala.com)
16 - 13 - Tim Bowman - "Seaside Drive"-Single- (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
17 - 16 - Kim Waters - "My Loves" - (Red River)
18 - 14 - Althea Rene - "In The Flow" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
19 - 22 - Euge Groove - "House Of Groove" - (Shanachie)
20 - 20 - BWB - "Human Nature" - (Heads Up)

Our thanks to smoothjazz.com

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David Lanz - "Movements Of The Heart" - Release October 8th on Shanachie #jazz

Visionary, Platinum-Selling & Grammy-Nominated Pianist, Composer DAVID LANZ

Celebrates Illustrious Career With Poetic & Mesmerizing New CD MOVEMENTS OF THE HEART

Album Available October 8 Via Shanachie Entertainment

"Looking towards heaven, I rise up and touch the sky. The unmistakable spirit of romance is in the air creating movements of the heart. And there in moonlight, I hear you in a song, as the adagio plays, heralding love's return." - David Lanz

Some musicians have the ability to transform your very being with the gifts of their artistry. Master pianist and composer, David Lanz, is that kind of force.  A wizard at painting a lush tapestry of cascading melodies that simmer into graceful refrains, and meld rhythmically fueled dancing harmonies that climax into wistful variations, Lanz has made a career of permeating the hearts, minds and souls of audiences around the globe for over three decades.

Ahead of his time, the visionary Grammy-nominated and chart-topping pianist has remained a pioneer in the genre of New Age music. The witty pianist has coined his own phrase for his music, ‘Heavy Mellow,’ a cute play on the term Heavy Metal. “I always like to point out in my performances that the term New Age is not really a musical term so for fun I coined the term ‘Heavy Mellow.’ If you happen to like this style of music then I guess you would have to be referred to as a ‘Heavy Mellow-head!’” An all-around journeyman with roots in rock, jazz and classical, Lanz’s music is a delicate balance between technical prowess and passionate grace that serves a higher purpose. “My spiritual path is all about creating music, communicating with sound, and allowing beauty to be expressed in my work,” declared the pianist.

October 8, 2013, Shanachie Entertainment will release David Lanz’s 41st recording, Movements Of The Heart, a sublime collection of original compositions that transport you on a glorious and emotive journey. “I draw from my source, the same source we all have access to...God if you will...and this source has an inexhaustible supply of inspiration just waiting for each of us to tap into it. This and my life experience is where I go for my inspiration.” Shanachie Entertainment’s VP of Jazz A&R Danny Weiss states, “Though tranquil and restful on the surface, the spirituality that lies within is the reason that David Lanz’s music resonates worldwide. He’s the real thing.”

Movements Of the Heart is David Lanz’s first recording of all new original piano works since 2008’s Painting the Sun. Each note that emanates from Lanz’s majestic and commanding touch on Movements Of The Heart, marries thirteen sublime compositions that unfold like an epic romantic drama. This new recording beautifully captures the spontaneity of a live performance and the pristine polish of a studio session. “Most of the music was written and then recorded during a major change in my personal life and reflects the relationship and the new love I have found,” confides Lanz. “The title refers to the romantic notions of the heart as well as to the movements found in music.” David Lanz is a master at sculpting unforgettable melodies that etch themselves into one’s memory. His mission is simple, “I really try and focus on the melody as I develop each piece. The melody is the heart of the song and my goal is to connect with the listener heart to heart-so to speak.”

Highlights on Movements Of The Heart include the dreamy “Love’s Return,” which Lanz hails as the most romantic love song he has ever written. He was even inspired to pen lyrics for the song which he hopes to share in the future. His compositions “Midnight Adagio” and  “La Luna dell' Amante” (The Lover’s Moon) were both composed during a full moon either at or near midnight. He explains, “These pieces represent the passion and the spiritual feelings wrapped up in the reflections of love and longing felt when you are apart from your true love.”

Movements Of The Heart also showcases “In Moonlight,” which pays homage to Ludwig Van Beethoven and references his seminal work “Moonlight Sonata.” “I never studied classically, but have grown to appreciate the master’s work,” says Lanz. He continues with a smile, “When I wrote ‘In Moonlight,’ I imagine it were played by Ludwig himself as if he was very relaxed and meditating.”

David Lanz is a consummate artist, and the intention of his art and every aspect of how it is delivered to the listener is well thought out. In fact, the piano tuning heard on Movements Of The Heart has been slightly altered from the standard A-440 tuning. A-440 refers to the cycles per second of the note ‘A’ below middle ‘C’ on the piano and is the standard by which all western instruments are tuned. Lanz explains, “In a twist of psycho-acoustics, sacred geometry, and a quest for an enhanced sonic experience, the piano heard on the CD is tuned and recorded in A-444, just a little bit higher than the traditional  A-440.  A subtle difference, but none the less a positive result!” Lanz was encouraged to explore this idea by his brother and co-producer, Gary Lanz, and their friend, mathematician, New York Times best selling author, and an ex-monk, Gary Hardin. They looked at the numbers and came to the conclusion that A- 444 would have very positive effects on the listener. Lanz adds, "444 is sometimes referred to as an angelic number. I have to admit it does sound much better than in the original A-440 tuning."

Hailing from Seattle, WA, and recently relocated to the east coast, David Lanz has enjoyed a career longevity that is rare in the music business. For over thirty years, the visionary recordings and live performances of David Lanz have served to heal, to inspire, to provide spiritual nourishment to diverse audiences around the globe. “My music has been used for years by traditional and alternative healers,” states Lanz. “I would never claim that it had healing effects, however, I do believe that music can set the stage and create the atmosphere and the inner feeling and attitude needed for the listener to tap into their own healing abilities, which I believe we all possess.” Early on inspired by the roots of Rock and Roll, Lanz’s vast cauldron of musician influences include some of jazz’s most revered pianists like Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner, as well as classical icons Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Ravel, Rachmaninoff, and Debussy. 


Many have tried to define David Lanz style, but that would be too simple. David Lanz plays David Lanz music. As both composer and interpreter, his approach to music is often larger than life, breathtaking in its breadth, yet accessible and down-to-earth as well. Through his music, Lanz connects in an intimate manner with his audience by tapping into emotions, thoughts and dreams like an old friend.

Early in Lanz’s career, he took gigs playing rock, funk and disco. Then he had an epiphany: “I had been doing yoga and meditating and getting into Eastern philosophy,” says Lanz, “and slowly I started thinking about how music could help. With music, you could get people to dance or you could get people to meditate or to march off to war. I was aware of a few other musicians who were doing light, ambient music and I was always into what the classical East Indian musicians were doing, creating trance states. By the early ‘80s I was really into the idea that this kind of music would be an interesting path to take.”

In 1983, Lanz made his recording debut, Heartsounds, on Narada. It was received favorably and Lanz was off, pursuing his new direction and exploring the various ways he might touch an emerging listenership. During the next five years he released six new albums and landed a major commercial breakthough with 1988’s Cristofori’s Dream. The album consisted of six originals, including the opening title track, which has become a classic, and a cover of Procol Harum’s 1967 rock hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” Cristofori’s Dream topped Billboard Magazine’s first Adult Alternative/New Age chart and remained for an impressive 27 weeks.

1990 brought about the release of Skyline Firedance, which joined Lanz with an 80-piece orchestra. He continued to record for Narada, issuing several more titles including 1998’s Songs From an English Garden, his first to tap into the British Invasion repertoire of the ’60s. In 2000, he changed recording homes to Decca Records where he scored a Grammy nomination for East Of the Moon. Lanz continued to record and tour relentlessly, releasing eleven titles between 2001 and 2007. In 2008, he made his Shanachie debut, Painting In the Sun, and in 2012 he paid homage to The Beatles with Here Comes The Sun and Liverpool Re-Imagining The Beatles.

Beginning in 2012, David Lanz celebrated the 25th anniversary of his landmark release Cristofori's Dream Re-Envisioned, marking a return to the music that launched him as an international phenomenon a quarter-century ago. Cristofori’s Dream was a million-selling musical thank you note to Bartolomeo Cristofori, the man who invented the piano in the 18th century. The title track remains hugely popular today—countless piano students have purchased the sheet music to learn how to play the piece. In addition, Lanz’s interpretation of Procol Harum’s classic, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” on the original album is considered one of the most popular of the countless covers of the song.

Truly a renaissance man, David Lanz is always heading into the unknown in order to expand his artistry and share what he’s found with the world. His musical offering is a welcomed retreat back into music with heart, soul, courage, adventure, humanity and purpose. With the release of Movements Of The Heart, the journey continues and David Lanz concludes, “I always want my listeners to really enjoy the music, but if it connects to their deeper levels of emotion and allows them to really feel the stirrings in their own hearts...all the better!”

"The master New Age piano pioneer...channeling heavenly inspiration.” All Music

David Lanz
Tour Dates
10/12 - Pittsford, NY (House Concert)
10/19 - Aranda de Duero, Spain @ Auditorio Caja Burgos
11/02 - Pittsford, NY (House Concert)
11/07-11/10 - East Vancouver, WA @ David Lanz Workshop

David Lanz
Movements of the Heart
1. Love's Return
2. La Luna dell' Amante
3. On Rainbow Way
4. To Touch The Sky
5. Rainlight
6. I Hear You In A Song
7. The Way Home
8. Movements of the Heart
9. White Horse
10. In Moonlight
11. Midnight Adagio
12. Here And Now
13. I See You In The Stars
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