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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: 2023
Dec 27, 2023

Norman Brown is a guitarist who's been called "a culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some Wes Monthgomery thrown in," by Jazz Times magazine.  His prowness as a musician and genre-bending facility has made him one of the most sought after internationally renowned musicians in contemporary jazz!  Multi award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Norman after his performance who provided his insights into his latest album Let's Get Away, growing up in Kansas City and the music scene there, the latest with BWB and collaborating with the great saxophonist Gerald Albright.  You'll find more from Norman on Episode 62.  Lisa Davis, your "Hostess With The Mostest," closes out 2023 with two artists who were high on the contemporary jazz and blues charts during the year.  Brian Culbertson who had several awesome songs on his The Trilogy - Pt. 3: White album and Susan Tedeschi, an awesome guitarist and vocalist, who just released her Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary) CD.  Finishing another fabulous year here on the Coool CAT!! 

Dec 14, 2023

This year we feature the amazing Jonathan Butler and guitarist Randy Jacobs, founder of The Boneshakers, who are winding down the 2023 Dave Koz Christmas Tour.  They'll provide insights into their recent holiday projects as we finish up the year with our celebration.  In our showcase segment, we bring you more holiday cheer from Joe Bonamassa with Dion, jazzman David Garfield with Tom Scott and Dave Koz too!  Listen to more celebrations of this wonderous time of year on Episode 52, 72, 93, 117 and 141!!  A gift from Ray White and Lisa Davis to you, from the Coool CAT family!!!  

Nov 30, 2023

Dave Koz is among the elite saxophonists and entertainers in the music industry today.  Throughout the year you'll find him on his global sea cruises, with his "Summer Horns" or out on his Christmas Tour - headlining with other world-class musicians.  Throuhout the years, Dave's been nominated for numerous Grammy awards in the "Best Pop Instrumental Album" category.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Dave on his 2022 Christmas Tour to talk about his recent albums; The Golden Hour with Cory Wong and A New Day.  His latest album is A Romantic Night In.  Dave's certainly a leader within the Smooth Jazz genre!  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features Billboard charting guitarist David P. Stevens, who released his album Rogue in 2022.  We close this show with Incognito, the British jazz and soul stalwarts whose new album is titled Into You.  Fresh new highlights in the smooth and contemporary jazz world - right here on the Coool CAT!!

Nov 13, 2023

Brent Carter has been the lead vocalist for the Average White Band since 2011.  Before then, he was the frontman for Tower of Power.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Brent backstage to talk about his days with Tower of Power and how he hooked up with AWB.  He also shared his insights on Average White Band's latest sudio album - Inside Out.  Will the band release one more album before calling it a day?  Brent will share his thoughts on that too!  Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, closes out the show featuring the awesome band, Tower of Power!  Their latest studio release is titled Step Up.  Get up on your feet and shake your booty on this episode, brought to you by the Coool CAT!!

Oct 30, 2023

Bob James, is known worldwide as a premier composer/producer/keyboardist.  A multi-Grammy award winner, Bob was also bestowed with the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.  Ray White, the CAT's multi-award winning program director, caught up with Bob backstage before his concert to talk about his early years in music, changes in recording technology through the decades and his latest album - Jazz Hands.  In our showcase segment, our own Lisa Davis features the awesome contmporary jazz guitarists, Nils, whose latest album is Cool Shades.  The very best in Contemporary Jazz, right here on the Coool CAT!

Oct 21, 2023

Guy Allison, keyboardist/composer/producer, is best known as a touring member of The Doobie Brothers for 19 years.  His career started off in jazz having secured a place in the coveted Monterey All-Star Jazz Band.  Through the late 1970's and today, you'll find him in several rock bands, but returned to jazz on his excellent latest album - A Designed Presence.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White "zoomed" with Guy to talk in detail about his latest project, players on the album, song backgrounds and much, much more!  In our showcase segment, we feature the amazing bassist Brian Bromberg whose latest album is titled The Magic of Moonlight.  Outstanding, dynamic world-class musicians, featured on the Coool CAT!! 

Sep 24, 2023

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!

Sep 9, 2023

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"!

Aug 6, 2023

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!!   

Jul 30, 2023

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!

Jul 15, 2023

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!

Jun 30, 2023

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 HarlemLisa 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!  

Jun 10, 2023

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!

May 31, 2023

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!

May 18, 2023

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!!

Apr 30, 2023

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!!

Apr 16, 2023

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!

Mar 31, 2023

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!

Mar 11, 2023

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 AwhileBonnie 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!  

Feb 28, 2023

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!

Feb 18, 2023

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!

Jan 31, 2023

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!!

Jan 12, 2023

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!

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