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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: 2018
Dec 22, 2018

Saxophonist Dave Koz brings joy to thousands of people every year with his Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour.  For over 20 years this show has been full of pageantry and music from the top musicians in the Contemporary Jazz and R&B genres.  On this "Holiday Special" we'll feature Dave, keyboardist Brian Simpson and guitarist and leader of The Boneshakers - Randy Jacobs.  Award-winning program director Ray White, sits down with all of these gentlemen to discuss the highly successful annual tour and insights into why they dedicate much of their holidays to spread love and joy throughout the country - and much more, too!  For more info on our show visit Coool CAT.

Dec 8, 2018

Throughout her career you could find Mindi Abair in the middle of the contemporary jazz, pop, rock, R&B, and blues scenes.  From Aerosmith...to the Boss...to jazz's Summer Horns, Mindi has graced the spotlight.  This awesome saxophonist has been tapped for two Grammy nominations and produced over ten #1 radio singles as a solo artist.  Award-winning program director, Ray White, sits down with Mindi to discuss her dynamic career and latest chart-topping projects with The Boneshakers during this October of 2018 interview.  Her latest album with the Boneshakers is titled East West Sessions - and she's just released a Christmas album with the band, too!  Show host Lisa Davis,  features saxman Walter Beasley  in our "showcase segment." Walter has released over two dozen albums and his latest single is titled Skip To My Lew.  For more information about our show visit us at Coool CAT

Nov 23, 2018

Celebrating the highlights of the first 50 Episode of our syndicated radio show - Sittin' In With The Coool CAT!  These are segments from our most listened to shows since launching in January, 2017.  Guests include Will Downing, Russ Freeman (Rippingtons), Earth, Wind & Fire, and Maysa. Join award-winning program director Ray White and your "hostess with the mostest," Lisa Davis, on this special edition of our show!  For more information visit us at Coool CAT

Nov 10, 2018

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber has been perfecting his talents since releasing his first album in 1977.  Having attended the famed Berklee College of Music, he is also and accomplished composer and record producer.  Jeff's career reached its' pinnacle in 2018, winning a Grammy award for the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Prototype by his band Jeff Lorber Fusion.  On our October of 2014 interview, 2-time national award-winning program director Ray White talks with Jeff about the early years, with Kenny G in his band, and his Grammy nominated album Hacienda.  Jeff's latest album is Impact.  Our "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features nine-time Grammy winner, Herb Alpert in our showcase segment.  His recent release is titled, Music Volume 3: Herb Alpert Reimagines the Tijuana Brass.  For more information on our show visit www.cooolcat.com 

Oct 27, 2018

Chris "Big Dog" Davis is a two-time Grammy nominated writer and producer, having over 15 #1 smooth jazz records to his credit.  His talents are in high demand, having worked with Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Maysa, Will Downing, Brian McKnight, Najee, Phil Perry and many more Contemporary Jazz, R&B and Gospel musicians.  Award-winning program director Ray White catches up with the Big Dog (who also plays keyboards), before soundcheck with Gerald Albright in November of 2017, to talk about several of his projects and his goals looking ahead.  The hottest contemporary jazz producer today...and he's Sittin' In With The Coool CAT! Join Ray and Lisa Davis on this action-packed show!!  For more information on our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Oct 11, 2018

Tower of Power have been playing American R&B/Soul music with their world-renown horn section since 1968.  Along with their music releases, dozens of other bands and performers have tapped TOP's horn section to record on their albums.  Formed by Emilio Castillo and Stephen "Doc" Kupka, they are still blowing some mean horns today!  Tower of Power have spawned numerous world-class musicians throughout the years including Richard Elliot, Lenny Pickett, Chester Thompson and Euge Groove - just to name a few.  Award-winning program director Ray White catches up with Emilio and Doc backstage in March of 2009, to talk about the great talent that's been a part of the band throughout the years and about the making of The Great American Soulbook album.  Their latest project is Soul Side of Town.  In our "spotlight segment," our hostess Lisa Davis features the most well known vocalist of the bands' storied career - Lenny Williams, who still records and performs today.  His latest studio album is titled Still In The Game.  Learn more about our cutting-edge show by visiting http://www.cooolcat.com  

Sep 29, 2018

Guitarist/Bassist/Producer Earl Carter, launched his career with nationwide exposure as a member of Experience Unlimited (EU), whose song appeared on Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing soundtrack. He's also played shows with numerous contemporary jazz bands in recent years. Today Earl has released several solo albums that have showcased his excellent ability as a multi-instrumentalist and producer.  In our November of 2017 interview, award-winning program director Ray White catches up with Earl to talk about his supporting roles collaborating with numerous contemporary jazz bands and his upcoming album.  Recently he's teamed up with Michael Lington (who's also featured in our "showcase segment") for some superb recordings and shows.  Michael's last album is Silver Lining.  If you ever get an opportunity to catch Earl live, he's a must see!  Join our "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, on this dynamic episode!  For more information on our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Sep 12, 2018

Harpist, singer/songwriter Li'l Ronnie (Owens) has been performing since the 1960's and has been fronting his own band for over 30 years.  Whether leading the Grand Dukes, The Blue Beats or collaborating with other blues artists, his music always makes you move your feet and make you want to get up and boogie!  In our September of 2012 interview, award-winning program director Ray White, catches up with Ronnie backstage at a blues festival and talks with him about his "Gotta Strange Feeling" release with the Grand Dukes.    In our "showcase segment," our Coool CAT hostess - Lisa Davis, features the amazing blues singer and pianist - Marcia Ball,  Since 1970 Marcia has been building a dedicated and ever growing following, releasing nearly 2 dozen albums.  She also has been honored by being inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame!  Her latest release is "Shine Bright," and highlights her enormous talent!!  For more about our show, visit www.cooolcat.com 

Sep 1, 2018

The Chairmen of the Board launched their career in 1967 when Holland/Dozier/Holland left Motown and formed their own record label, which signed the band.  Led by General Johnson, the Soul/R&B/Beach Music group had several hits in the early 1970's.  Since General's passing in 2010, longtime band member Ken Knox has taken the reins, adding to the bands' legacy.  Award-winning program director Ray White catches up with Ken at his hotel to talk about the new album - Words Left Unsaid and his fond memories of General.  Our shows' host Lisa Davis features the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin, - who passed away on August 16, 2018, in our Showcase Segment.  She highlights the launch of Aretha's popular music career (Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo) and her last recorded work (A Brand New Me). A tribute like no other!  For additional information on our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Aug 18, 2018

Keiko Matsui has garnered worldwide accolades as a masterful keyboardist and composer.  Over the course of four decades, she has been at the top of the smooth jazz, jazz fusion and new age music charts.  Keiko's music transcends cultures from around the world, providing unique untifying undertones.  Award-winning program director, Ray White, spent time with Keiko in November of 2017 to talk about her latest project - Journey To The Heart, and the diversity of her musicians she recorded with on this album to produce a "world" sound.  Our show's "hostess with the mostest," Lisa Davis, features Peabo Bryson in our showcase segment.  This two-time Grammy award winner's latest album is Stand For Love.

Aug 4, 2018

Peter White's career was launched to a level of worldwide recognition in the mid 1970's as a member of Al Stewart's band - which had two Top 10 songs on the popular music charts.  After a 20-year collaboration with Al, Peter's musical endeavors was then focused on the jazz scene.  Winning numerous Smooth and Contemporary Jazz awards throughout his career, this guitarist has released over 15 albums to critical acclaim.  In our December of 2017 interview, Peter talks with award-winning program director, Ray White, about his latest album - Groovin', and highlights from throughout his career.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the master blaster of the bass guitar - Stanley Clarke, whose latest album is titled The Message and features several of the top young musicians in the world, that Stanley has discovered.  For more information about our show, visit us at http://www.cooolcat.com  

Jul 21, 2018

Dave Muse has had an accomplished career as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and singer.  As a member of Firefall, he's recorded several platinum and gold records and nearly a dozen songs that landed on the charts.  He also was a member of the Marshall Tucker Band for nine years.  Dave's released four instrumental albums as a solo artist with the latest titled - Forgotten Journey.  These projects have a contemporary jazz flavor, with a bit of Latin flair.  Award-winning program director, Ray White, sits down with Dave to talk about his latest solo project and band.  In our "Spotlight Segment", Lisa Davis features contemporary jazz pianist, Brian Simpson whose latest album - Something About You is among his best.  For additional information about the show, visit www.cooolcat.com 

Jul 7, 2018

War crossed many musical boundaries upon launching in 1969.  The Afro Cuban Jazz Rock Blues band, was like no other group in history.  Band members transcended racial and cultural barriers within their multi-ethnic lineup.  War's 1973 release, A World Is A Ghetto, was the top selling album of the year.  in November of 2017, Award-winning program director, Ray White, sat down backstage at the Jazz Legacy Foundation's fundraising gala to talk with the band's co-founder Lonnie Jordan about the bands early years with Eric Burton and about their latest studio release -  Evolutionary.  In our showcase segment, Coool CAT's hostess Lisa Davis features the Grammy-nominated songstress Chante Moore, whose latest studio release is The Rise Of The Phoenix.   For additional information about our show visit, www.cooolcat.com 

Jun 23, 2018

Bob Mintzer has been the saxophonist for the Yellowjackets since 1991, playing on over a dozen studio albums with the jazz fusion band.  With his own Big Band, Bob has produced numerous albums, received 3 GRAMMY award nominations and was a GRAMMY winner in 2002.  Throughout his career, Bob has played with many of the jazz greats including Buddy Rich, Tito Puente, Hubert Laws, Randy Brecker and Peter Erskine.  The Yellowjackets latest release is Cohearence, and is among their best!  In our July of 2014 interview with Bob, award-winning syndicated radio show producer, Ray White, talks with him about the bands latest project and highlights of his career.  Coool CAT's host, Lisa Davis, features Special EFX in our showcase segment.  Led by Chieli Minucci, the GRAMMY nominated band's latest effort is Deep In The Night.  For more info on our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com  

Jun 9, 2018

Louisiana funkmaster Ivan Neville has family roots that digs deep into the music industry, being the nephew of members of The Neville Brothers.  His dad is the soulful Aaron Neville, which provides a great base in that Ivan's talents digs deeper into the heritage performing a style of funk that is cutting-edge! He has released 4 solo albums, hit the charts and has led his band Dumpstaphunk since 2003.  In our July of 2014, award-winning radio executive Ray White talks with Ivan about his latest album Dirty Word and other happenings with his band and their music.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis continues the family theme with a tribute to Ivan's uncle - Charles Neville, a member of The Neville Brothers, who passed away on April 26. 2018.

May 25, 2018

Soulful singer-songwriter Selina Albright is featured on our special "rising star" edition.  The daughter of jazz saxman, Gerald Albright, her angelic tone adds character and emotion to any ballad, yet her powerful voice and energetic stage presence captivates her audiences.  Award-winning program director, Ray White, catches up with Selina backstage after her soundcheck for a performance in November of 2017.  She shares her thoughts on her latest album Conversations, musical influences and much more!  Our "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features saxophonist Marion Meadows in our "Showcase Segment."  His new project is titled Soul City.  For more information about our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

May 12, 2018

Gerald Albright is one of the top saxophonists in the world.  Early in his career Gerald spent time playing the bass guitar, too!  In the early 1980's you could find him playing with the likes of Whitney Houston, The Temptations, Anita Baker and Patrice Rushen - just to name a few.  Gerald launched his solo career in 1987, in the infancy of what became the Smooth Jazz format.  He's recorded well over a dozen albums over his 30 year career as a solo artist, with the latest titled, 30.  You can also find this multi-Grammy nominated musician on the road with several of the his top world-class saxophone compadres touring as the Summer Horns.  Award-winning Ray White talks with Gerald about his last album G and his soon to be released project, and much more!  Lisa Davis features the Milligan Vaughan Project , one of Austin's favorite blues bands, led by vocalist Malford Milligan and Stevie Ray Vaughan's nephew Tyrone Vaughan - who's also a member of Royal Southern Brotherhood. Their latest album is MVP and is a rockin' project.  For additional information on our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com   

Apr 28, 2018

Formed in 1976, Midnight Star hit the R&B charts during the 1980's.  The band had numerous singles hit dual charts including "Operator", "Midas Touch", "No Parking" and "Freak-A-Zoid".  In our November of 2011 interview, award-winning program director Ray White talks with band members about their last studio album - 15th Avenue and highlights from their career.  Lisa Davis features R&B diva Toni Braxton - who recently turned 50, in our showcase segment.  Toni's latest album is titled Sex & Cigarettes, her 8th studio album and first solo release since 2010.  For more information on our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Apr 14, 2018

Paul Taylor has been a groundbreaking force among sax elite in the smooth jazz genre since his first album in 1995.  Paul's had albums and singles hit the top of the Billboard charts on numerous occasions.  Another highlight of his musical career was spending time playing with The Rippingtons.  Award-winning program director Ray White sits down with Paul, in November of 2017, to discuss his latest album Countdown and talk about his music.  In our spotlight segment, Lisa Davis highlights the latest from Latin flavored, jazz-pop crossover artist Basia, and her new release Butterflies.  Lisa also features the sassy saxophonist Paula Atherton, whose latest album is titled Shake It, which has been climbing the charts.  For more information on our show, visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

Apr 1, 2018

Steel drum virtuoso Andy Narell first hit the national scene, as a youngster, on the TV show I've Got A Secret in 1963.  His career has taken him throughout the world with stops at Carnegie Hall and playing in front of 80,000 people.  Andy's latest album is titled We Kinda Music.  In our May of 2010 interview, Andy talks with two-time program director of the year, Ray White, about his collaboration with Lord Relator and his passion for steelpans.  In our showcase segment our "Hostess With The Mostest", Lisa Davis, features the latest from the fabulous Motown legends - The Temptations.  Their latest album is All The Time.  Certainly a "coool" breeze flowing through this episode!  For additional information, visit www.cooolcat.com   

Mar 17, 2018

Stanley Clarke, the legendary bass player and songwriter is "Sittin' In" with two-time New Music Weekly magazine's Program Director of the Year - Ray White, on this dynamic episode!  Stanley is a founding member of Return To Forever who recorded his first solo album in 1973.  He's been tapped for several Grammy awards and garnered several lifetime achievement awards.  On this episode we talk about highlights from his illustrious career, his latest album and new band.  Super grooves from Stanley, too!!  During our showcase segment, Lisa Davis, features Nick Colionne whose latest album is The Journey.  Najee and 2-time Grammy nominated producer Chris "Big Dog" Davis join Nick.  We always have the best musicians on the planet joining us right here on Sittin' In With The Coool CAT!!! Info at http://www.cooolcat.com 

Mar 3, 2018

Since his major label debut 30 years ago, Southern blues guitar wizard, vocalist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis has become a worldwide guitar hero.  Armed with signature molten licks, melodic riffs and rousing solos, his legions of fans spread globally.  In this episode, award-winning program director, Ray White, hangs with Tinsley at Waves of Sound studio in Virginia Beach, VA in March of 2015, for an exclusive recording session and interview.  He shares with us insights on his Tough Love project and much more!  Tinsley's latest CD is titled, Winning Hand. The great bandleader, saxman and singer Eddie Shaw, is featured in our spotlight segment by our "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, as we honor his storied career - which included bandleader for the legendary Howlin' Wolf.  Eddie passed away on January 29, 2018.  His last studio album was with his good friends in the Hampton Roads, VA region, Eddie Shaw and the 757 All Stars - Still Riding High.

Feb 17, 2018

For over 40 years, Pieces of a Dream have been at the forefront of jazz performers.  Formed in Philadelphia in 1976, original members Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd lead the way today.    The late Grover Washington, Jr. helped the band to launch their career to global fame.  With 18 studio albums under their belts, the band is stronger than ever today!  In this episode, award-winning program director Ray White hangs with Curtis and James in July of 2017 talking about their latest release - Just Funkin' Around and much more.  In our spotlight segment, Lisa Davis features After 7 whose latest album is titled Timeless.  For more information about out show visit www.cooolcat.com 

Feb 3, 2018

Gloria Gaynor had two Top 10 hits in the mid-to-late 1970's and continued to land on the charts through the early 1980's.  Signed to Columbia Records by the industry guru Clive Davis, her title track from the 1975 album "Never Can Say Goodbye" was the first song to top Billboard magazine's dance chart - while reaching the Top 10 of the pop charts, too.  Award-winning program director, Ray White, sits down with Gloria to discuss her pioneering a new music genre that transformed music venues around the country and further insights into the world of "Disco" and dance music from that era!  She talks about her last studio album - I Wish You Love, too.  On our spotlight segment, Lisa Davis - your "Hostess With The Mostess," features saxman Euge Groove, whose latest album is titled Groove On.  Learn more about our show at http://www.cooolcat.com 

Jan 20, 2018

The Rippingtons were formed in 1985 by the phenomenal guitarist Russ Freeman.  Throughout the years, the band has included a "who's-who" roster from the contemporary jazz genre including Kenny G, Kirk Whalum, David Benoit and Omar Hakim.  In this episode, award-winning program director Ray White talks with Russ about the bands' latest release - True Stories, reuniting with saxman Brandon Fields and the bands' dedicated fans.  Our "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis features former lead singer for the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson, in our spotlight segment.  His latest album is titled - In It To Win It.  For more information about our show visit http://www.cooolcat.com 

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