Eric Benet has talent that transcends the music industry. The four-time Grammy nominee is also gifted in the areas of acting, producing and business. Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down backstage with Eric to talk about his music and diverse interests and television projects during their June of 2023 interview. In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features another amazing multi-talented performer - Grammy winner Ledisi, whose latest single is I Need To Know. We close out the show with guitarist and composer Ken Navarro, who's landed numerous songs in the Top 5 of the contemporary jazz charts. His latest album is Love Is Everwhere. The best of R&B and much more on the Coool CAT!
Rick Braun is a dynamic trumpeter, composer and producer with over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits. Along with jazz, you'll find him collaborating with rock/pop superstars like Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and REO Speedwagon too! During COVID he launched the highly successful Rick's Cafe Live show. On this episode, multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Rick backstage in July of 2023 where they talked about his latest album Rick Braun, his river cruises and much more! You can also hear more from Rick on Episode 136 of our show. Lisa Davis features, in our showcase segment, saxman Kim Waters, whose recent release is That Special Touch and the phenominal vocalist Maysa, whose latest album is Music For Your Soul. Brought to you by your good freinds at Coool CAT - "Where Old School is New School...Again"!
Jimmy Bo Horne played an integral part in defining dance, disco and popular music during the 1970's. More than a half-dozen of his songs hit the charts through 1980. The Top 10 hit, "Dance Across The Floor," was certified double gold. With Jimmy having been featured on American Bandstand and Soul Train, multi-award winning program director Ray White talks with him about those experiences along with insights into his hot new single "Starting Tonight," and much more! In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis keeps the party groove going featuring KC and the Sunshine Band who recently released "Unconditional Love," Gloria Gaynor whose latest album Testimony won a Grammy award and Australian superstar Kylie Minogue who will be releasing the album Tension in the coming weeks. A trip down memory lane with dance and disco's top artists right here on the Coool CAT!!
Willie Bradley, a two-time Grammy nominee, is a trumpeter who's steadly worked his way towards the top of the charts. In 2021, Beats Magazine named Willie their "Jazz Artist of the Year." Coool CAT's Ray White caught up with Willie who provided insights into his career launching days, his latest album - It's My Time and upcoming album, too! In our showcase segment, your Hostess with the Mostest, Lisa Davis features Billboard chart-topping saxman Jackiem Joyner, whose latest single is Missing You. She closes out this episode with South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, who just released Ubuntu. Covering a wide spectrum of Contemporary Jazz, right here on Coool CAT!
The Wooten Brothers (Victor, Roy, Joseph and Regi) have played music together since their early years. in 1985, they released The Wootens on Arista Records, which launched their careers collectively and individually. Today you'll find them touring together when bass phenom Victor is not touring or in the studio, Joseph isn't on the road with Steve Miller Band, Roy's not playing (with Victor) in the multi-Grammy award winning band Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and oldest brother Regi isn't teaching in Nashville. Unfortunately, their brother Rudy passed away in 2010. Radio show producer and multi-award winner Ray White caught up with the guys (sans Victor) in December of 2013, back in Virginia where they grew-up, to talk about the great times they have playing together and their individual happenings too. Lisa Davis samples highlights of their careers also!! Jazz, Funk and R&B from the Wooten Brothers on this episode from the Coool CAT!
Alex Bugnon has been a mainstay and energetic force on the contemporary jazz scene for over three decades. His global appeal to listeners and his piano stylings can be found on nearly a dozen albums released throughout the years. Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Alex in June of 2022 and talked with him about his record labels, his special relationship with Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., his song writing activities and the possibility of releasing new music. His last album was Harlem. Lisa Davis features saxman Michael Lington whose latest EP is Looking Ahead and has over 25 singles that landed on the contemporary jazz charts throughout his career. The show winds up with guitarist Steve Oliver who has had over a dozen tunes land on Billboard's contemporary jazz charts, too! His latest studio release is Sojourn. Featuring the best from an elite group of smooth jazz performers, on this episode from the Coool CAT!
Brian Lenair stands out among many contemporary jazz sax musicians by playing straight saxophones. Starting his career over 25 years ago, he caught notice of fans and jazz aficionados alike as a member of the group Spur of The Moment. In 2004, Brian released his first solo CD and has also played with the likes of George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr., Al Jarreau, Will Downing and many more. Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Brian in November of 2022 and talked about his latest music, early years playing for Michael Jordan and friends and the music scene in Washington, D.C. In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis - your "Hostess with the Mostest," highlights the latest from Babyface. His latest studio album is Girls Night Out. The very best in contemporary jazz & rhythm & blues righ here on the Coool CAT!
Mel Waiters, a southern soul stalwart musician, was a singer/drummer who passed away on May 28, 2015. It's fitting that we look back on his career from his days as a DJ, entertaining our troops and his recording years from the 1970's until his passing - including his last studio album True Love. In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, completes this tribute episode featuring the magnificant Tina Turner, who passed away on May 24, 2013. Selling nearly 150 million records throughout her career Tina received 12 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and 3 Grammy Hall of Fame inductions. A tribute to two of the finest, featured on this episode from the Coool CAT!
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!!!