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Sittin' In With The Coool CAT

Classic Artists Today's "Sittin' In With The Coool CAT" features interviews with legacy bands and performers from Soul, R&B, Smooth Jazz, and Blues genres. Ray White, multi-award nominated host of Classic Artists Today and producer of Coool CAT, internationally syndicated radio shows, brings you the latest from the musicians from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's who have sold hundreds of millions of albums. We'll talk with them about the past...present...and future. Show details at www.cooolcat.com
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 22, 2017

On this special Holiday Edition, we feature the keyboardist for the Steve Miller Band, Joseph "Hands of Soul" Wooten.  His career started with his world-class musician brothers - The Wootens.  Since 1993, you'll find Joseph performing with the Steve Miller Band, garnering 3 Grammy nominations as a member of the band.  He's released several solo albums with the latest titled Soul Of Freedom.  Sitting down with award-winning program director Ray White, Joseph talks about his single "I Matter" and his brand new book - It All Matters, that provides insights into his view and observations on life that are inspirational and enlightening.  In our spotlight segment we'll feature Chris "Big Dog" Davis, a two-time Grammy nominee and producer of 14 #1 smooth jazz hits.  His holiday release is Christmas In Connecticut, an album that should be a part of your holiday music collection.  Our "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, gets you in the Holiday spirit!  For additional information visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Dec 9, 2017

David Dyson, a bassist, songwriter, arranger and producer, launched his career after attending Berklee School of Music - with Walter Beasley.  Shortly thereafter, he was tapped as musical director and bassist for New Kids On The Block in the late 1980's until 1992.  Since then, David has been in high demand by world-class performers including Bob James, Chico Freeman, Jonathan Butler, Pieces of a Dream, Lalah Hathaway and many more.  Award-winning program director Ray White, talks with him about highlights throughout his career and much more!  David has released three solo albums with his latest titled Unleashed.  He recently formed a band - Unit 3 Deep.  Watch for a new solo album and Unit 3 Deep release in 2018!  In our "spotlight segment," Lisa Davis features four-time Grammy award nominee and Soul Train Award winner Boney James, whose latest project is titled Honesty.  For more about our program, visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Nov 26, 2017

Jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan is known worldwide as a unique guitar player whose technique involves tapping his fingers on the fretboard of the guitar with both hands.  At 17 years old he won an award at the Reno Jazz Festival.  He's played with the likes of Quincy Jones, Richie Cole and The Dave Matthews Band.  Stanley joins award winning  program director, Ray White, on this July of 2012 interview. His latest album is titled Duets, where he's joined by Kevin Eubanks - who you may remember was the leader of The Tonight Show Band with host Jay Leno, for 15 years.  In our "showcase" segment, show hostess Lisa Davis features the R&B diva - Toni Braxton, who just released a single from her upcoming 2018 album Sex & Cigarettes

Nov 13, 2017

Blues/Rock guitarist and vocalist Bobby Messano is in the Delaware Blues Hall of Fame and has been nominated on several occasions for GRAMMY awards.  Most recently, as of this writing, Bobby is up for a Hollywood Music In Media award.  He was a member of Starz and recorded and/or toured with the likes of Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Peter Kriss (Kiss), Gloria Gaynor, Clarence Clemmons and many others.  Bobby's latest album is Bad Movie, which has been on the charts since its release in early 2017.  Ray White, award-winning radio program director, talks with Bobby about the album and his style and influences in music.  In our "showcase" segment, show host Lisa Davis features blues harmonica great Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds) whose latest release is Blues and Boogie Volume 1. For more information on our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com  

Oct 29, 2017

There have been only a handful of bands that have reached the pinnacle of the music industry...Earth, Wind and Fire is one such band!  Closing in on nearly 50 years of recording excellence, they have been bestowed with every major music award given by the recording industry.  On this episode award-winning radio personality Ray White, interviews Verdine White and Ralph Johnson during EW&F's Summer of 2013 tour.  They provide insights on their Illumination and Now, Then and Forever albums - plus much more!!  During our "showcase" segment, Lisa Davis features the latest from David Benoit & Marc Antoine, who just released their So Nice! collaborative project.

Oct 13, 2017

Considered by fans and critics alike to be the "heir to Grover Washington Jr.'s throne," Walter Beasley is an acclaimed saxophonist, vocalist, educator and entrepreneur.  You'll find Walter's albums and singles consistently towards the top of the smooth jazz charts.  A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Walter talks with the "Coool CAT" in our October of 2016 interview.  He shares detailed insights into his I'm Back album and more!  His brand new release is titled Blackstream.  In our spotlight segment, Lisa Davis features The Original Blues Brothers Band, who have a smokin' new album out - The Last Shade of Blue Before Black.  For additional information about our show, visit www.cooolcat.com 

Sep 30, 2017

Maysa Leak is among the top R&B and jazz vocalists today.  She launched her career as a backup singer to Stevie Wonder and has recorded since the early 1990's with Jazz/Funk/R&B band, Incognito.  Since 1995, Maysa has recorded a dozen albums as a solo artist. Having reached the top of Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts on several occasions, award-winning program director Ray White, caught up with Maysa in November of 2016 to talk about her recent project and more.  She's just released her latest CD, Love IS A BattlefieldLisa Davis also features the latest from R&B vocalist, Kenny Lattimore on this episode.  For more information on our show, visit www.cooolcat.com 

Sep 16, 2017

Najee, jazz saxophonist and flautist, started his music career playing in a band that performed for our troops around the world.  His first major break was supporting Ben E. King.  In 1983, Najee toured with Chaka Khan, before he recorded his first solo album three years later.  The album - Najee's Theme, earned him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Album.  On this episode, award-winning musicologist, Ray White, catches up with Najee in July, during his 2017 tour, to discuss his upcoming album - Poetry In Motion.  The album features an all-star cast including Will Downing, Incognito, Maysa and Bobby Lyle. Lisa Davis, your "Hostess With The Mostest," highlights Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, whose latest release is Groovin In Graceland which features his dynamic electric blues sound.  For more information about the programming on our shows, visit www.cooolcat.com

Sep 2, 2017

This episode features a tribute to an amazing guitarist who was one of the premier musicians in the world - Chuck Loeb.  Chuck's rise to stardom began in the late 1970's playing with elite jazz musicians of that time.  In the 80's, he was a member of the supergroup Steps Ahead and most recently played with Fourplay and Jazz Funk Soul.  If that wasn't enough to keep him busy, he made time to record 21 studio albums since 1988.  As part of our tribute show to Chuck, who passed away on July 31, 2017, we'll share with you our interview with him that took place just a year earlier.  He shares with us his insights into his recent Jazz Funk Soul project, how he became a member of Fourplay, and his passion for music and his family.  Join Lisa Davis and Ray White on our tribute to a true American jazz icon!  We'll miss this awesome musician and human being. For additional information on our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com

Aug 19, 2017

Kim Waters has perfected his saxophone playing for nearly 3 decades professionally - with 22 solo albums.  Kim is also a member of The Sax Pack and Streetwize bands.  He creates dreamy melodies, crafts funky originals and turns timeless R&B classics into his own marvelous creations.  In our November of 2016 interview, award-winning program director Ray White talks with Kim about his latest release - Rhythm and Romance and much more.  When he's not on the road or in the studio, you may catch him at his new Kim Waters' Jazztones Cafe in Atlanta.  In our "spotlight" segment, we'll feature the latest on a collaboration, titled Power of Peace, of two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame groups - The Isley Brothers and Santana.  Lisa Davis keeps you up-to-date on the latest from your favorite "classic" Soul/R&B/Smooth Jazz/Blues bands & performers!  For additional information on our show, visit www.cooolcat.com 

Aug 5, 2017

Chicago blues and soul guitarist/vocalist, Ronnie Baker Brooks grew up with the blues, as son of the legendary Lonnie Brooks.  At the age of nine, he joined his Dad on stage developing his style and showmanship.  Throughout Ronnie's career, he's played with most of the icons in the blues music genre.  In our September of 2012, Ronnie touches on his days with the blues greats and provides insights into his album The Torch.  In our "Spotlight" segment, Coool CAT's "Hostess With The Mostest," Lisa Davis gives you a taste of contemporary blues guitarist/vocalist Bobby Messano, whose albums have consistently landed on most of the top Blues Charts over the years.  His latest album is titled, Bad Movie.  For additional insights into our show visit www.cooolcat.com

Jul 19, 2017

On this episode, we'll feature the legendary multi-Grammy award winning jazz keyboardist, arranger and record producer - Bob James.  In our interview, conducted by Ray White - 2017 Program Director of the Year by New Music Weekly Magazine, Bob touched on his early years with Creed Taylor and how he was discovered by Quincy Jones.  In addition Bob, in this May of 2017 interview, shares insights into his, The New Cool album that he recently recorded with fellow Fourplay bandmate, Nathan East.  Ranker, in their recent ranking report named Bob James #1 in their "The Best Smooth Jazz Bands/Artists of All Time" poll.  This extended interview and feature on Bob, hosted by Lisa Davis, provides great insights into his solo career that you won't want to miss!  For additional information on our show visit www.cooolcat.com 

Jul 8, 2017

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, The Stylistics had twelve consecutive Rhythm & Blues Top 10 hits during the early 1970's.  All were produced by the legendary Philadelphia record producer, Thom Bell.  In this July of 2010 interview with co-founder Airrion Love, he looks back to the hit making years of the band and also shares his insights on their latest album, That Same Way.  In our "Spotlight" segment, your "Hostess With The Mostest" - Lisa Davis features another band whose roots come from Philly - Pieces of a Dream.  Their latest release is titled, Just Funkin' Around.  The band is currently celebrating their 40th anniversary. For more information on our show and all the great legacy artists we feature, visit us at www.cooolcat.com and on Facebook too!

Jun 24, 2017

Dakota Dave Hull has been called "one of the best guitarists in the world," by other musicians in the blues, folk and jazz genres.  A gifted composer, Dave calls what he does "classic American guitar."  His guitar style spans a wide musical geography creating an infectious unique blend of many genres.  Hearing Dave's music and watching him play is truly magical!  We caught up with Dave in April, 2017 before his show at The Artists Loft in Virginia Beach, VA for insights into his career and latest musical projects.  In our "Spotlight" segment we feature one of the premier blues musicians who was tapped for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 as a member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Elvin Bishop.  He's played together with many of the legendary blues artists and himself was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.  His latest release, Big Fun Trio, showcases his love of the blues and re-enforces his stature as a blues legend.

Jun 10, 2017

On this special edition "Rising Star" episode, we feature Vincent Ingala, a contemporary/urban jazz instrumentalist who's first album - in 2010, contained a Top 20 song.  His second album, Can't Stop Now, featured 5 Top 10 songs on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Songs chart.  During this November of 2016 interview, Vincent shares with us insights from his Coast To Coast release and his first Christmas album plus much more, too!  In our Spotlight segment, Lisa Davis, highlights the latest from award-winning Jazz/R&B/Funk superstar, Brian Culbertson!!  His latest release is titled, Funk.  For more information about our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

May 26, 2017

The O'Jays reached the pinnacle of their musical careers when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.  An anchor of the "Philly Sound," their music stayed on the charts throughout the 1970's.  In our July of 2012 interview with founding member, Walter Williams, Sr., the CAT's Ray White talks with Walter about recent developments with the band and his new solo album, Get Your Feet Off My Cadillac.  In our "Spotlight" segment, Lisa Davis features the latest from The Chairmen Of The Board, whose legacy is still strong today, after 15 charting singles throughout the years!  Learn more about our show at http://www.cooolcat.com 

May 13, 2017

Chante Moore has a voice that crosses a majority of the range of the musical spectrum.  This R&B and jazz singer, songwriter and actress has garnered prestigious recognition including American Music Award, Soul Train Music Award and the NAACP Image Award.  In our November of 2016 interview, conducted backstage at the Jazz Legacy Foundation's annual gala, Chante talks about her Moore is More album, influences in her music career and comparisons to Minnie Ripperton.  Your "Hostess with the Mostest" - Lisa Davis, features Grammy award winning jazz guitarist Norman Brown, in our "Spotlight" segment.  His latest project is titled, Let It Go.  For additional information, about our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com

Apr 30, 2017

A member of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for 10 years, Coco Montoya launched a highly successful solo career recording 10 albums since 1995. He landed on the national music scene in the mid-1970's as a member of the "Master of the Telecaster," -  Albert Collins' band.  Coco's latest album, "Hard Truth," solidifies his place on the top shelf of contemporary rockin' bluesmen.  His soul-burning mastery of hard-hitting blues puts him towards the head of the class! In our March of 2012 interview with Coco, he touches on his relationship with Little Feat and discusses his "I Want It All Back, album and the many styles he touches upon in his music repertoire.  In our "Spotlight" segment, Lisa Davis features Strongman, a band led by award-winning Canadian blues guitarist - Steve Strongman.  He's been tapped as Juno and Maple Blues award winners, throughout his career!  For additional information about our shows visit www.cooolcat.com  

Apr 15, 2017

Among the worlds' elite drummers, Harvey Mason has played with a Who's Who of legendary musicians including George Benson, Chick Corea, Bob James and Herbie Hancock - just to name a few.  He is co-founder of the jazz supergroup Fourplay, formed back in 1991. Harvey is also an accomplished solo artist, having released nearly a dozen albums throughout his career.  In this January of 2017 interview, he talks about his latest solo release - Chameleon, and discusses, with award winning program director Ray White, highlights of his many years in music.  Plus much more from this drum wizard! Lisa Davis, our "Hostess With The Mostest," introduces you to a rising star on the R&B and Jazz music scene - Selina Albright - an outstanding vocalist who has appeared on several of her fathers' (Gerald Albright) albums and those of many more jazz superstars.

Mar 30, 2017

Gordon Banks played a key role in the final recordings of Marvin Gaye in the late 1970's until Marvin's untimely death in 1984.  He played numerous roles with Gaye including guitarist, musical director, producer, songwriter and background vocalist.  In addition to his days with Marvin, Gordon played with several other national acts including Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Gap Band, Eddie Murphy and New Birth.  Award winning program director Ray White, talks with Gordon about his time with Marvin and touches on other highlights throughout his musical career, in this March of 2017 interview.  Lisa Davis, Coool CAT's hostess, also features the "Godfather of British Blues," John Mayall, on this episode.  John launched the careers of many mega-stars including Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, Jack Bruce and Mick Taylor.  He's celebrating over 50 years in the recording industry on his latest album, "Talk About That."

Mar 18, 2017

Nick Colionne is one of the most dynamic smooth jazz guitarists on the scene today.  Nick's career launched into overdrive with his 1994 album, "It's My Turn."  Since then, he's perfected his high-energy showmanship and easy flowing guitar licks.  In 2007 Nick was named, by the Wave Jazz Awards, "International Instrumental Artist of the Year" and in 2010 he was nominated as "Guitarist of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year" by the American Smooth Jazz Awards.  In this November 2016 interview,  with New Music Magazine's 2017 Program Director of the Year - Ray White, Nick talks about his latest album, "The Journey."  It's received worldwide accolades and has kept him at the top of the charts.  Our shows' "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, provides additional insights into Nick and his music and adds more in our "Spotlight" segment featuring R&B/Soul vocalist Phil Perry. Learn more about our show at www.cooolcat.com

Mar 4, 2017

On this special edition of Sittin' In With The Coool CAT, we pay homage to the legendary Al Jarreau who passed away on 2/12/17.  We feature our October, 2010 interview with Al who shared with us insights into his music styles and recording session with George Benson on their 2006 album, "Givin' It Up."  During his illustrious career, Al was tapped for seven Grammy awards and was nominated over a dozen times more.  Coool CAT's Lisa Davis takes you on a journey through the life and times of Al Jarreau! For more information about our show visit www.cooolcat.com

Feb 20, 2017

This show features 5-time Grammy award winner Robert Cray,  a blues guitarist and vocalist that has had a stellar solo music career.  He's also recorded with the greats including John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, just to name a few.  In 2011, Robert Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Classic Artists Today's Ray White catches up with Robert backstage in April of 2013, talking with him about his gig in the "Animal House" movie and Robert shares his insights on his "Nothin' But Love" album - plus much more!   Our "Spotlight" artist on this episode is contemporary jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Gerald Albright.  Learn more about our show by visiting www.cooolcat.com   

Feb 5, 2017

Marion Meadows is an innovative saxophonist, composer and contemporary jazz artist who has released 13 albums - his first in 1990.  Early in his career, Marion studied with several of the masters including Joe Henderson and Eddie Daniels.  His first big break came when Norman Connors asked him to join his band.  Marion's first album, "For Lovers Only," was a big success and he remains one of the top jazz saxophonists today.  In our November 2016 interview with Coool CAT's Ray White, Marion talks about his latest release, "Soul Traveler."  On this release, he expands his repertoire including elements of R&B and Funk.  Marion also looks back and shares some highlights of his career.  Coool CAT's "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, adds addtional insights into Marion and also features Blues legend, Bonnie Raitt, on her "Spotlight" segment.  For addtional information on our shows visit www.cooolcat.com

Jan 22, 2017

On this episode,  Classic Artists Today's Ray White interviews smooth jazz trumpet player, multi-instrumentalist and producer Rick Braun.  Early in career, Rick worked as a session musician touring and recording with Tina Turner, War, Sade, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey (Eagles) Tom Petty and many others.  His first major album was Beat Street, released in 1995.  Rick is also a member of BWB with Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown, whose latest album is titled BWB - released in 2016.  He also has recorded and toured with saxman Richard Elliot, as R&R.  During our November 2015 interview, Rick talks about his latest album, "Can You Feel It," a high energy release that has the punch and drive of his first album in the mid-1990's.  Rick also provides insights into his early career and happenings in 2016 and beyond.  For additional information, visit Coool CAT at www.cooolcat.com

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