Everette Harp got a boost early in his career when he toured with Teena Marie, in 1988. He released his first solo album between tours with George Duke and Marcus Miller in 1992. This Grammy nominated saxman has released 9 solo albums with his latest titled First Love. In 2014 he helped to launch the super group Jazz Funk Soul, who has since released 3 albums - the latest named Life and Times. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hooked up with Everette in October of 2014, to talk about the influence of George Duke on his career, and hooking up with Jeff Lorber and Chuck Loeb to form his latest venture. As we close out 2020, Lisa Davis fills you in on the latest from Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright who just released his G-Stream EP. Turning the page on a challenging year, we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. More super shows coming your way from the Coool CAT!
Melissa Manchester, Singer/Songwriter/Actress, has won a Grammy and was nominated for two Academy Awards during her career. 24 of her singles have landed on various music charts. In this special 2020 holiday show, Melissa talks about her recent Christmas songs, duet with the legendary Al Jarreau, and provides other insights into her stellar career. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Melissa at a December of 2019 Dave Koz Christmas Tour show. In our showcase segment, we feature Jazz In Pink and Roomful of Blues, who share their holiday cheer. Sit back and relax during this heartfelt show with your "Hostess With The Mostess," Lisa Davis. Happy Holidays from your friends at the Coool CAT!
R&B and Jazz drummer Norman Connors is also an accomplished composer and producer. During his career he's played with Pharoah Sanders. Norman's 16 solo albums , with 11 Top 100 hits, featured various vocalist including Michael Henderson, Phyllis Hyman and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Musicians, who used their stint with Norman who went on to launch their own successful careers included Norman Brown and Marion Meadows. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Norman , in June of 2011, to discuss his bands throughout the years and his latest studio album Star Power. Coool CAT's Lisa Davis has 3 great artists in her showcase segment. Jam & Lewis x Babyface, the Yellowjackets - whose latest album is Jackets XL and Brian Culbertson whos current release is XX. The jazziest...the hippest...yes baby, on Coool CAT!
Spyro Gyro's Jay Beckenstein has been a mainstay in the band since its formation in 1974 as saxophonist/composer/producer. Spyro Gyra has been nominated for 12 Grammy awards during their storied career. The band has released 29 studio albums since their inception. Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Jay before his performance with Spyro Gyra in July of 2012 to talk about the early days of the band, their A Foreign Affair album and much more. The bands latest release is titled Vinyl Tap and has a groove that won't quit! Your "hostess with the mostest," Lisa Davis, features 7-time Grammy winner Toni Braxton in our showcase segment. Toni has sold an incredible 70 million records worldwide since her career was launched in 1989. Her brand new album is Spell My Name. Best of Jazz and R&B... you got it, from the Coool CAT!
Brian Simpson sits among elite contemporary jazz pianists and composers. He's played with the top musicians from jazz and R&B including Janet Jackson, George Duke, Dave Koz, Chuck Loeb and Michael Brecker. Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, sits down with Brian before a show in December of 2018 to talk about his Something About You release and the expansion of his writing style and much more! Brian's latest album, with Steve Oliver, is Unified. Lisa Davis, your "Hostess With The Mostest," features the incomparable Stevie Wonder in our "showcase segment." Stevie has a new single out titled Where Is Our Love Song. We've got two, very Coool CAT's! Check them out!!
Randy Jacobs, guitarist/band leader/music director, cut his teeth working with many at Motown as a youth. In the 1980's he was a member of the eclectic pop band Was (Not Was). Following that stint, Randy was in-demand by many of the popular music artists of the day. In 1994 he formed his own band - The Boneshakers, combining R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock and Pop. Most recently, Randy's Boneshakers collaborated with sax stalwart Mindi Abair to release several high-energy albums - with the latest titled No Good Deed. Award-winning program director Ray White, caught up with Randy backstage before a show to talk about his music heritage and recent projects. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the super talented saxophonist/flutist/vocalist Paula Atherton, whose latest release Can You Feel It is rapidly climbing the charts. We'll also remember the life of Johnny Nash, who passed on October 6, 2020. Coool dudes (and ladies) join us on the Coool CAT!
Alex Bugnon learned his signature piano style of playing by studying at the most prestigious schools in Europe and America, charting with his first solo release in 1988. Alex remains at the top of his game today! Award-winning program director Ray White sat down with Alex in February of 2016 to talk about his transition from classical playing to jazz, his current studio album Harlem and much more. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features Alex's good friend Najee, who's latest project is titled Center of the Heart. Also, we'll focus on the phenomenal bassist Brian Bromberg who recently re-released his Bromberg Plays Hendrix album, in honor of the passing of Jimi Hendrix, 50 years ago. This show is dedicated to the passing of my father, who left this world on August 27, 2020.
Dave Koz launched his solo career in 1990 and has sailed to the top of the contemporary jazz scene. Garnering nine Grammy nominations, his high-energy saxophone work has also been featured on numerous albums by all-star musicians, television and he even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Award-winning program director Ray White sat down with Dave before a performance of one of his hallowed Christmas tour shows to talk about his luxury ship cruises, latest project and upcoming plans. Dave's current album is Live from the Dave Koz Cruise and his upcoming release is A New Day. Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features the fabulous Billy Ocean, who's won several Billboard Music Awards along with a Grammy. Billy's brand new release is One World, his first album of original material in over a decade. This episode is not to be missed! That's right...groovin' with the Coool CAT!!
The legendary Randy Brecker has played trumpet and flugelhorn with a who's who of world-class musicians since the late 1960's. With 20 solo albums to his credit and nearly a dozen with his brother Michael, as the Brecker Brothers, Randy is among the elite musicians in the world today. Award winning program director Ray White, caught up with the Grammy winning musician in January of 2013 to talk about several of his cohorts throughout the years and about his Jazz Ballad Song Book project. Recently, Randy released a new album - Live and Unreleased a recording of The Brecker Brothers from 1980. Your hostess, Lisa Davis, also features Herb Alpert - a 9-time Grammy award winner, in our showcase segment. A documentary and box set, Herb Alpert Is..., will be released in the Fall of 2020. Jazz musicians in a class of their own, brought to you by the Coool CAT!
Many jazz followers are familiar with the work of saxman Jeff Kashiwa as a member of The Rippingtons, throughout the 1990's. Since 1995 , Jeff has produced 9 solo albums with a new release expected very soon. You'll also find Jeff in the sax-loaded band - The Sax Pack. Jeff's latest solo project is titled Fly Away. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeff in the lobby of his hotel - right before his show, to talk about his latest effort, new projects and much more. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis brings you the latest from Soul/R&B superstar Brian McKnight. His recent effort is Exodus. Two is better than one, so we'll also shine the spotlight on 4-time Grammy winner India.Arie whose current project is Worthy. Contemporary Jazz, Soul and R&B at it's best...on the Coool CAT!
Emilio Castillo, co-founder of Tower of Power, has led the band for over 50 years. Their horn-based R&B/Pop sound is known worldwide for their fantastic musicianship. TOP's vocalists are among the best of the genre. Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, caught up with Emilio in April of 2020 to talk about their latest release - Step Up, the band and today's challenging times. In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis turns you on to the awesome saxophonist Kim Waters, whose latest project is Shakedown along with guitarist Thom Rotella, who just released the single Street Talk. Brass...and strings - right here on the Coool CAT!
Greg and Gary Grainger are two of the busiest guys in the music business. As co-founders of Pockets in the late 1970's, they recorded 3 studio albums which contained 6 songs that landed on Billboard's R&B charts. Back together today, Pockets have been in the studio and have just released their new single - Work It Out. In recent years, bassist Gary and drummer Greg, have produced several albums as Grainger with the latest being Phase III. With their roots back to the early days of Earth, Wind & Fire, they also find the time to book gigs as In Gratitude - a tribute to their long time friends. On the contemporary jazz front, they record and tour with Acoustic Alchemy, whose recent release was 33 1/3. And last...but certainly not least, you'll find the brothers in the Paul Reed Smith Band, playing worldwide and laying down some tracks, too. Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, talked with them on all fronts, on this packed-full episode! They are certainly, two really Coool CAT's!!
One of the top R&B singers today, Phil Perry launched his career in 1971 as a member of The Montclairs. He's sang on numerous contemporary jazz albums throughout the years and has released 12 solo studio projects. You'll find him in the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, too! Multi-award winning program director Ray White, talks with Phil about his latest album - Breathless, the Jazz Legacy Foundation and overcoming surgery. A voice like no other...Mr. Phil Perry! Your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features saxman Michael Lington, whose latest album is Silver Lining and Incognito's Bluey, who just released Tinted Sky. R&B and Contemporary Jazz, it's Coool...CAT!
Smooth Jazz keyboardist Jay Rowe can be found on stage with many of today's top performers on the smooth jazz scene. Special EFX, and others, keeps him on the road for most of the touring season. Jay's talents includes writing, producing and serving as musical director. He's released 5 solo albums with the latest being Smooth Ride. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jay, in November of 2019, in his busy hotel lobby after dropping off his bags before heading to soundcheck. Jay also gives back via his Smooth Jazz for Scholars foundation. He's dynamic...among the best...Jay Rowe! In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features two great performers - former Tower of Power frontman Lenny Williams, who has a new album out titled Fine and "Mr. Entertainment" guitarist Nick Colionne who just released Finger Painting. This episode is chock full of awesome entertainment...that's right...Coool CAT!!
Mike Phillips has played with many of music's top performers throughout his career including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Boyz II Men and Babyface. As a solo artist, he has a handful of albums to his credit. In our October of 2018 interview, multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Mike to talk about the honor of being the first musician to be signed by Nike, his M.P.3 album and his latest project - Pulling Off The Covers. Your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features guitarist Ken Navarro in our showcase segment. Ken's latest release is titled - Into The Light. We close out this episode of the Coool CAT with a tribute to Soul and R&B singer Betty Wright, who passed away on May 10, 2020. She was awarded a Grammy in 1976 for composing "Where Is The Love."
Peter White started his musical career in the pop/rock world in the mid-1970's playing with Al Stewart and Basia. In 1990, he launched his solo career shifting over to smooth jazz and jazz fusion styles. Since then Peter has had 13 Top 10 albums and 12 Top 20 singles. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hooked up with Peter backstage after a show in August of 2019. His lively interview touched on his participation in the West Coast Jam tour, connection with James Bond and his personal insights to living on the road and separating from loved ones during tours. Peter's latest album is - Music From Starlux Airlines. Our "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features 12-time Grammy nominated R&B and Jazz recording artist Ledisi, in our showcase segment. Her latest single, Anything For You, is rapidly climbing the charts.
"Steady Rollin'" Bob Margolin performed on his first record in 1967. This blues guitarist/songwriter/vocalist has played in bands with the legends - Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins and many others. Bob's won numerous blues music awards and played on several Grammy winning recordings. Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, caught up with Bob backstage to talk about highlights from his career, his Bob Mangolin album and touched on his latest effort, This Guitar and Tonight. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the blues and roots music band The Nighthawks, whose 30th album release is Tryin' To Get To You. Whether it Blues, Soul, R&B or Contemporary Jazz, the Coool CAT is where "Old School Is New School...Again"!
4-time Grammy nominee Boney James is among a small group leading the way in the contemporary jazz genre. In 2009, this saxophonist/songwriter/producer was named by Billboard magazine as one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade. Boney's right at home writing and playing R&B tunes too, having collaborated with Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Faith Evans , Angie Stone and many others throughout his career. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Boney backstage in August of 2018 to talk about his Honesty project, that became his eleventh #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and also reached #22 on their Current Albums chart - his highest pop chart debut to date. His upcoming album is titled Solid, and it's another "can't miss" release. One of the best-selling music artists of all-time, Usher, is featured in our showcase segment by Coool CAT's Lisa Davis. His latest single is Don't Waste My Time. For more info on our 30-minute shows, visit us at Coool CAT - "Where Old School Is New School...Again."
Marcus Miller is king of the funky bass and an outstanding composer, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. Throughout his storied career he's worked with Miles, Herbie, Luther and Sanborn. Marcus has been nominated for numerous Grammy awards throughout the years, winning two. Our Ray White, a multi-award winning program director, talks with Marcus about his latest album Laid Black, his days on Saturday Night Live and much more! Exclusive insights right here on Coool CAT, with your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis.
Cyril Neville's career was launched when he joined his brother Art's band - The Meters, in 1970. His percussion and vocal skills added a new dimension to the band. From there brothers Aaron and Charles teamed with Art and Cyril to form the Grammy-award winning group, The Neville Brothers, in 1977. In 1998 Cyril released the first of 4 solo albums and then in 2012 formed Royal Southern Brotherhood (RSB) with Devon Allman, Mike Zito and other world-class musicians. In our June of 2012 interview, award-winning program director Ray White catches up with Cyril to talk about the newly formed Royal Southern Brotherhood band and their initial release. He also elaborates about his solo effort - Brand New Blues. RSB's latest project is titled Don't Look Back. In our showcase segment, Coool CAT's Lisa Davis features blues/rock musician Tinsley Ellis. With nearly 20 albums to his credit, this blazin' guitarist recently released Ice Cream In Hell, another stellar album in his repertoire. For additional information about our show, visit us at Coool CAT!
Saxtress/vocalist Paula Atherton wows crowds with her unique mix of Contemporary Jazz/R&B/Soul/Funk grooves. With her songs landing on the charts on a frequent basis, she's appeared on the Today show, Good Morning America, and Rachel Ray. Multi-award winning program director Ray White catches up with Paula before her performance at the Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala in November of 2019 and talks with her about her Shake It release, latest single, her dedication to music education and much more! In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis highlights Hiroshima, a marvelous band that features Japanese instruments in their music and has been on the jazz scene since 1974. Their upcoming album is titled 20/20. Check out additional information about Coool CAT today!!