Boney James, saxophonist/songwriter/producer is among the elite contemporary jazz performers of his time. He is a 4-time Grammy nominee and in 2009, Billboard magazine named him one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade. His latest album Detour, is a chart-topping album that takes a subtle stylistic turn from his previous commercial releases. Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, caught Boney on the run before his soundcheck to talk about Detour and it's early success and Boney also delved into his feeling on technology advances within the industry and the importance of music education in schools. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the latest on world-class pianist Keiko Matsui - who just released Euporia. Also, R&B favorites After 7 is featured, their latest release is Unfinished Business. Closing out our show is the super-talented saxophonist/flautist/vocalist Paula Atherton whose last three singles were Top 10 tunes! Join us...Sittin' in with the Coool CAT!!
The late (and great) Nick Colionne (Episode 118), Bill Heller of the Rippingtons (Episode 113), bass legend Jeff Berlin (Episode 143) and bluesman Tab Benoit (Episode 133) are featured on this very special episode! Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, and show creator and producer, Ray White, share highlights from Episodes 101-149, as we celebrate our 150th show. So here we go...revisiting our most listened to shows, Volume 3, and the lastest from these Coool CAT musicians, too!!
Marcus Anderson is a Grammy nominated saxophonist whose career has included performing with Prince and Stevie Wonder along with many others. With 15 albums on his list of accomplishments, the fusion jazz artist brings R&B, Pop, Rock and Funk together to make his awesome sound. During November, 2022 multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Marcus before his performance to talk about his first big break as a professional musician, his time with Prince, performance at the White House, making of his first album, his latest release Reverse and much more! Lisa Davis then delves into the latest happenings in the world of our "classic" artists and features Maysa, whose latest album is Music For The Soul and guitarist Paul Brown and his latest project Promised Land. We close out our show remembering the legandary jazz musician Wayne Shorter, who passed away on March 2, 2023. Another jammed-packed show from your friends at the Coool CAT!
Jeanette Harris is a rising star among smooth jazz saxophone players. A Berklee music school graduate, with a half-dozen albums out, you can find Jeanette playing fesivals and venues worldwide. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeanette in June of 2022 as she was coming off stage to talk about the early years of her career, collaborations and her latest album Saxathrone. In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis features 4-time Grammy winner India.Arie, whose latest album is Worthy. Then Lisa closes out the show with Tedeschi Trucks Band whose I Am The Moon album is at the top of the Blues charts. Smooth Jazz, R&B and Blues - we have you covered on the Coool CAT!
Frank McComb is a vocalist/keboardist/producer that's collaborated with Prince, Chaka Khan, George Duke and many others. He's received several music industry accolades throughout his career. Whether it's Soul, R&B, Smooth Jazz or Gospel, you'll find Frank right in the mix. Multi-award winning program manager Ray White spent time with Frank talking about his transition from working with a major label to an independent artist. He also shared his insights regarding his decision to evolve to a solo artist from his early career as a sideman and also his launch to the big time on the music scene. Frank's latest album is A Tribute To The Masters. Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, also features two recent Grammy winners on this episode. Samara Joy won the 2023 award for "Best New Artist," and "Best Jazz Vocal Album." He latest album is Linger Awhile. Bonnie Raitt, an icon on the Blues and Americana scene, won the "Song of the Year," "Best American Roots Song," and "Best Americana Performance," awards off her new album Just Like That. A jam-packed show from elite musicians on the Coool CAT!
Elan Trotman is a Barbados born saxophonist who blends caribbean rhythms with his skillful horn textures. You'll find his music in several movies, supporting a who's who of vocalists and playing the national anthem at numerous sporting events. Coool CAT producer Ray White caught up with Elan before he hit the stage in November of 2018 to talk about his Barbados Jazz Excursion fund-raising event, the importance of music training for youth and his playing with superstar performers Roberta Flack and Michael McDonald. In our showcase segment we feature jazz pianist Bobby Lyle whose latest album is Ivory Flow and the super smooth guitarist Norman Brown, who recently released Let's Get Away. Smooth as silk...on this episode of Sittin' in with the Coool CAT!
Najee, a chart topping saxophonist and flutist, is a contemporary jazz pioneer. The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician has been one of the brightest starts in the genre for nearly four decades. Coool CAT's producer, Ray White, sat down with Najee in November of 2022 who talked about his latest album Savoir Fare - that was produced during Covid and utilized technology to bring the musicians together for the project. Najee also touched on several of his favorite legendary flutists and much more. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features three of the top R&B and Soul artists in history. The legendary Smokey Robinson whose upcoming album is Gasms, the two-time Grammy award winners Kool and the Gang and the super smooth sounds of Kenny Lattimore who released Here To Stay in 2021. Great smooth sounds with an upbeat twist, right here on the Coool CAT!
Keiko Matsui is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer whose sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world. She's released over two dozen solo albums and many more in collaboration with other musicians, who are a "who's who" in the music industry. In our June of 2022 interview, Keiko shares the behind the scenes story of the making of her latest ablum, Echo, with the multi-award winning program director Ray White. Fascinating! You'll also find much more from Keiko on our Episode 43. In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features the legendary Herb Alpert, whose latest project is Sunny Side of the Street. She closes the show with the supergroup Jazz Funk Soul who recently released Forecast. World-class...you'll find it right here on the Coool CAT!!
Jeff Berlin is one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and current centuries. Known for his unique tone, jaw dropping technique and dynamic approaches to the bass, he's helped establish the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its place in modern music. He's released a dozen solo albums and you'll also find him on albums by Herbie Mann, Patti Austin, Ester Phillips - and many others. Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeff in November of 2022, who shared stories which established himself as an elite musician and also talked about his latest album, Jack Songs. In our showcase segment Lisa Davis features saxophonist Will Donato whose latest single, Good On You, spent 3 weeks at the top of Billboard's Smooth Jazz charts. Lisa also features the latest from consummate drummer Jae Sinnett, who's released numerous albums with the latest being Altered Egos. His new single is Another View. Bass...Sax...Drums on the Coool CAT!
Keith Killgo co-founded The Blackbyrds in 1973. The group featured some of the legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd's students. This R&B and Jazz/Funk band received a Grammy nomination for their 1975 hit "Walking in Rhythm" that has sold over a million copies. The band still tours today and their last studio album was Gotta Fly. Multi-award winning program director Ray White talks with Keith about the historic start of the band and shares recent news and plans that the band has moving forward. On this special end-of-the-year show your "Hostess with the Mostess," Lisa Davis, highlights 3 of the hottest artists of 2022 who ended up towards the top of the Billboard charts. Brian Culbertson, Paula Atherton and Rihanna! All of us at Coool CAT wish you the very best for the coming year and beyond!
Contemporary Jazz stalwarts Dave Koz and Rick Braun join us on this holiday special! Dave Koz and Friends (David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White and Rebecca Jade) have recently released Christmas Ballads - 25th Anniversary Collection. Dave and Rick share their insights on the Christmas tours and holiday albums that have been produced throughout the years. Saxtress Mindi Abair is our "showcase artist" on this episode, too!! She is currently out on her "I Can't Wait for Christmas" tour with Vincent Ingala, Lindsey Webster and Adam Hawley. Ray White and Lisa Davis, bringing you the spirit of the holidays, right here on the Coool CAT!!! As long as you're in the holiday mood, catch our previous specials on Episodes 117, 93, 72, 52 and 26.
Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd co-founded Pieces of a Dream in 1976. At the forefront of the contemporary jazz genre, they sat down and talked with our multi-award winning program director Ray White. The guys shared their insights into their new album Fired Up!, life during the COVID pandemic and their new protege - Justin Lee Schultz. Be sure to hear more from Curtis, James and the band on Episodes 30, 96, 112 and 130. In our "showcase segment," Lisa Davis features Mindi Abair who's produced ten No. 1 radio singles over her solo career. Her latest album is Forever. Guitarist Nils is also featured on this episode! With 15 Top 20 radio hits to his credit, his brand new project is Cool Shades. You're #1 source for the best in contemporary jazz is right here on the Coool CAT!!
Jackiem Joyner is a dynamic saxophonist who has released 8 solo projects during his career. Since hitting the road, he's toured or recorded with Keiko Matsui, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Jonathan Butler - just to name a few. Jackiem has had several songs reach the top of the contemporary jazz charts. In addition, he has authored several novels which span from gritty urban thrillers to imaginative science fiction stories. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jackiem who talked about his new single "Say What," his unfortunate injury, releasing singles and EP's strategy, writing songs and Radio Shack! Your "hostess with the mostess" Lisa Davis features the late (and great) Nick Colionne, whose posthumous album is Just Like That and also vocalist Lindsey Webster who released Reasons earlier in 2022. We're getting our groove on, here at the Coool CAT!
Will Downing is Mr. Sophisticated Soul, having recorded 25 albums over the past 35 years. His distinctive baritone voice has attracted fans worldwide and carved a unique niche in Soul and R&B music. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Will after his soundcheck to talk about his two latest albums Sophisticated Soul and The Song Garden, his radio show - "The Wind Down" and other great insights. You can find Will "Sittin' In With The CAT," on our very 1st episode, too. Your "Hostess with the Mostess," Lisa Davis, features Brian Culbertson, whose lastest release is The Trilogy, Pt. 3: White. We close out this show with a tribute to the iconic saxophonist Pharoah Sanders who passed away on September 24, 2022. Coool CAT is sharing a lot of love on this episode. Hope you'll listen in!
Adam Hawley is an awesome guitarist, composer and producer. During his emerging career, this "rising-star" musician has already had eleven #1 hits! Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Adam after soundcheck in June of 2022 to talk about the beginning of his career, supporting many major stars in the music business, musicians who have influenced his career, his work as a music producer and his new Risin' Up album. Lisa Davis features the jazz icon Ramsey Lewis, who passed away on September 12, 2022, in our showase segment. A three-time Grammy winner, he recorded over 80 albums during his illustrious career. Ramsey was awarded 5 gold albums and in 2007 the National Endowment of the Arts presented him with their Jazz Masters Award. His last album was The Beatles Songbook and his memoir titled "Gentleman of Jazz" will be released in 2023. Be sure to listen to our interview with Ramsey on Episode 60, too! The best from the legacy (and rising jazz musicians), brought to you by the Coool CAT!
Rick Braun is one of the world's premier trumpet players. He also plays flugelhorn and other instruments too and has released 19 albums since 1992. His collaborations, R&R and BWB, has broadened his appeal among contemporary jazz fans. Also a composer and producer, Rick has over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits during his career. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down backstage with Rick in December of 2011 while he was touring with Dave Koz during Dave's Christmas Tour. Rick shared his insights about his first band, interest in the fluglehorn, collaboration with his good friend Richard Elliot and his awesome Sings With Strings release. His current project is titled Rick Braun. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the latest from saxman Kim Waters who just dropped That Special Touch and the very latest on Earth, Wind & Fire, too! Be sure to check our Episode 002 for more from Rick Braun here on the Coool CAT!
Eric Gales started playing guitar in blues competitions when he was 11 years old. By the time he was 16, he secured a major recording contract. Guitar World named Eric the "Best New Talent" in 1991. He also performed with Carlos Santana at Woodstock '94. Over the years Eric released 19 albums and you'll also find him on many compilation releases. Many consider him one of the top guitarists in the world! Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Eric backstage in November 2021 to talk about his early career as a child prodigy, his latest album Crown and much, much more. Perseverance has been a major theme of Eric's career. Check him out for yourself!! In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features another guitarist whose music career is drenched in the blues, one of the greatest ever - Eric Clapton. His latest release is a live album - Nothing But The Blues, which features many blues standards that he recorded at The Fillmore in San Francisco in 1994 during his From The Cradle tour. The Coool CAT brings you two legendary musicians whose careers were heavily influenced by the Blues. Blues lovers, don't miss this one!!!
Paul Taylor has developed a stellar career of over 25 years blowing smooth jazz sounds on his alto and soprano saxophones. All 12 albums he's released has landed on Billboards's Top Jazz Charts. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Paul in June of 2022 to talk about his latest album And Now This, recording all musicians on the new album remotely, his creative partner Dino Esposito and also his favorite pastime! You can also check our more from Paul on Episode 34. In our showcase segment, we'll feature another super saxman - Dave Koz. One of his latest releases is A Romance Night In. We close out our show with the very latest on the super group Jazz Funk Soul, which features Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr. Their latest project is titled Forecast. Nothing but the coolest on the Coool CAT!
Tab Benoit is a master of the delta blues. An amazing guitarist, you'll find him on many of the "best of" lists as one of the top guitarists living today. Since the early 1990's he's released over a dozen albums and, along with a Grammy nomination, Tab has won several Blues Music Awards. Tab's also been a strong advocate for environmental issues and was featured in the IMAX film "Hurricane on the Bayou." Multi-award winning program director Ray White spent time with Tab in May of 2022 and they discussed industry recognition of his music endeavors, his recently released Legacy: The Best Of project, his Whiskey Bayou Records business and Voice of the Wetlands non-profit organization he launched. In our showcase segment Lisa Davis features Whiskey Bayou Records recording artist Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos - a group of steller musicians on-the-rise who's opened for ZZ Top, Bob Seger, Gov't Mule, Styx and other major bands. Their last album was a self-titled project released in 2017, but their new music is in the can and will be dropping very soon! We close out this episode with blues powerhouse Shaun Murphy who has numerous solo albums out and sang with Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Little Feat, Meatloaf and many others. Her latest album is Flame Still Burns. You can find her "Sittin' in with the Coool CAT," on Episode 66. Best of the blues, right here on the Coool CAT!
Nelson Rangell is a superb saxophonist and also outstanding playing the piccolo. As a student he won Best Jazz and Best Pop/Rock instrumental soloist in Down Beat magazine's National Student Recording Awards. Nelson's career took off in the late 1980's when he signed with GRP record company. In November of 2021 Ray White, producer of Coool CAT, caught up with Nelson before taking the stage to talk about several of his early career stints as a sideman, his relationship with GRP Records, being part of a Grammy nominated project, music distribution in today's marketplace and his latest album By Light. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the great trumpeter Rick Braun whose latest project is self-titled along with keyboardist and composer Patrick Bradley who released his Exhale album last year. We're taking it to the limit of your listening pleasure, right here on the internationally renown Coool CAT!
Chieli Minucci co-founded Special EFX in the early 1980's, producing excellent compositions that blended Latin Rhythm and Contemporary Jazz music. Solo or with Special EFX, Chieli has released nearly three dozen albums throughout his career. You'll also find his guitar work on songs by Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Hampton, Marc Anthony and many more superstar artists. In our November of 2021 interview with Chieli, the CAT's multi-award winning program director - Ray White, talked with him about his start in the music business, early days with GRP Records and his latest projects including Special EFX All-Stars, his current album Twenty Twenty 2 and his recent solo album Someone's Singing. You'll also find more from Chieli on Episode 061. In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features the latest from the dynamic saxman Richard Elliot, whose recent album is Authentic Life. "Where Old School is New School...Again," that's right it's the Coool CAT!
James Lloyd is keyboardist and co-founder of Pieces of a Dream. He was only a senior in high school when his first album was released. James also has written and/or produced songs for dozens of other recording artists aside from Pieces. You'll find performances by him on television and film too. Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with James in January 2000 to talk about the bands' On Another Note album, touring, his solo work, supporting projects of other musicians and his frightening airplane trip! The band's recent follow-up album is Fired Up! In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the former lead vocalist of the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson, whose latest single is No Stoppin' Us. And we wind up this episode with the multi-talented saxophonist and record company executive, Walter Beasley, who just released Meet Me At My Place. This episode has a groove that just doesn't miss...it's Coool CAT time!!
Maysa Leak is at the top of her game as one of the leading R&B/Jazz female vocalists today. She's been honored as a recipient of many awards including Soul Train's first Centric Award in 2009 and garnered her first Grammy nomination in 2014. In 2018, Maysa became the founder/owner of her own record label, Blue Velvet Soul Records. Her latest release is Music For Your Soul. In November of 2021, she shared details about her new record company, the new album with help from her friends and much more with multi-award winning program director Ray White. In our showcase segment Lisa Davis features the fantastic saxophonist Gerald Albright, whose latest project is titled G-Stream 2: Turn It Up along with contemporary jazz superstar Brian Culbertson who just released the Trilogy Pt. 3: White. We close out the show with the amazing guitarist Marc Antoine, who dropped Something About Her in 2021. A jammed-packed episode you don't want to miss! Coool CAT - "Where Old School is New School...Again."
David Benoit is a three-time Grammy nominated pianist who has charted over 25 albums since 1980. He has arranged, conducted and performed music for many popular jazz and pop artists including David Sanborn, Patti Austin, Kenny Loggins and Brian McKnight. In our December of 2012 interview with David, he shares with our executive producer Ray White insights on his early career, his recording days with GRP Records, Benoit/Freeman Project and his album Conversation. David's latest album is A Midnight Redezvous. Lisa Davis, "Your Hostess with the Mostest," showcases guitarist Norman Brown, whose latest release is Let's Get Away. In addition, blue-eyed soul singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald - who's out on the 50th Anniversary Tour with The Doobie Brothers, is featured. Smooth sounds, hits you right in your soul, on the Coool CAT!
Dan Kuramoto co-founded the contemporary jazz band Hiroshima, featuring Japanese instruments, in 1974. Throughout the years the band has been nominated for several Grammy awards and received two Gold albums. Multi-award winning program director Ray White, sat down backstage with Dan in November of 2021 to talk about the storied career of the band that launched in Los Angeles. Their latest album is 2020. In our showcase segment we honor our very good friend Nick Colionne, who unexpectedly passed away on January 1, 2022. A beloved jazz guitarist known for his enticing stage persona, we called Nick - Mr. Entertainment. You'll find shows featuring Nick on Episodes 006 and 118. Godspeed, Nick. We all miss you. On the leading edge of contemporary jazz...yep, it's the Coool CAT!