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."

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

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