Smooth Style - Magazine of Europe's only Smooth Jazz Festivals

Magazine of the Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival on 1. – 6. October 2019 at Pine Cliffs Resort

International ARTIST Line-up feat. Grammy winners, Platinum CD sellers, No.1 hit and album chart breakers and many more

6 Days 24 Artists 14 Shows plus AftershowParties

4. ALGARVE EUROPE‘S SOUL, FUNK & JAZZ PARTY AT THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Festival Partner & Imprint

Apresentado por: / Präsentiert von: / Presented by:

Mídia associada / Medienpartner / Media Partner

Patrocinadores / Sponsoren / Sponsors

Impressão Impressum Imprint Editor / Herausgeber / Editor smooth entertainment GmbH, Perzheimstraße 48, D-86150 Augsburg Tel. +49 (0)821 2292711, Fax +49 (0)821 2292712 info@smoothentertainment.de www.smoothentertainment.de

Image: Pine Cliffs Resort

Equipa editorial / Redaktion / Editorial Staff: Sandra Hoffmann, Christian Bössner Gerente de Projeto / Projektleiter / Project Manager: Christian Bössner Layout / Gestaltung / Layout: www.blueorangeblue.de Vendas de anúncios / Anzeigenverkauf / Ad Sales: Christian Bössner Data de publicação / Erscheinungstermin / Date of publication: 9/2019 Não nos responsabilizamos pelos detalhes informativos que nos foram providenciados.

Alle Angaben trotz sorgfältiger Bearbeitung ohne Gewähr.

No responsibility is taken for the correctness of the details provided.

Foto de capa / Titelfoto / Cover photo: Raj Naik

Conteúdo Inhalt Content Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival Intro .........................................................................................................................3 Saudação / Begrüßung / Salutation ............................................................4 Programa do festival / Festivalprogramm / Festival program ............5 Artistas / Künstler / Artists JEFF KASHIWA | ADAM HAWLEY .............................................................6 | 7 ELAN TROTMAN | BRIAN SIMPSON ........................................................8 | 9 BLAKE AARON | RICK BRAUN ..............................................................10 | 11 KAYLA WATERS | GERALD VEASLEY ...................................................12 | 13 JAVIER COLON | KIM WATERS ..............................................................14 | 15 GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH | BOBBY LYLE ..................................16 | 17 PAUL BROWN .....................................................................................................18 FEATURED ARTISTS ................................................................................. 20 - 23 Localização / Location / Location Pine Cliffs Resort ...............................................................................................24 Smooth Lifestyle Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 ...........................................26 Review Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018 .............................................34 CD Sugestões / CD-Tipps / CD Reviews .....................................................38 Upcoming Smooth Jazz Festivals ...............................................................39

Intro | Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival

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M od od Go od Fo ine.

Go od W me!

Go od Ti Go Olá Smooth Jazz-Lovers all over the world,

Olá Smooth Jazz-Lovers all over the world,

é com orgulho que vos apresentamos o novo anfitrião do ALGARVE SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL: PINE CLIFFS – um prestigiado e galardoado Resort, que faz parte dos melhores resorts de luxo e para famílias. Esta jóia oculta goza de uma espectacular localização junto ao mar sobre as falésias vermelhas do Algarve, mesmo sobre a famosa Praia da Falésia, que é considerada uma das três mais belas praias de Portugal.

we proudly present the new home of the ALGARVE SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL: PINE CLIFFS – an award-winning Resort & Spa in Albufeira, which is one of the leading Luxury and Family Resorts in Europe. The exquisite hidden jewel enjoys a spectacular seafront location on the top of the Algarvian red cliffs, above the famous “Praia da Falésia” – considered to be in the top3 most beautiful beaches of Portugal and Spain.

O resort de 5 estrelas gerido pelo Marriott, sob a marca Luxury Collection foi concebido com um design tradicional e típico da região. Numa área de 72 hectares o Pine Cliffs oferece extraordinárias instalações de lazer e desportivas – entre as quais se encontra o excelente Serenity Spa com uma área de 1.100 m² e um campo de golfe de 9 buracos sobre a falésia –, 11 restaurantes e bares – um dos quais situado directamente na praia e acessível a pé ou pelo elevador panorâmico – assim como variadas opções para hotéis/alojamentos e fantásticas localizaçãos para os concertos: o Tabu Garden Lounge é um local ao ar livre sobre a falésia. Sem sair do seu lugar, você vê não só o palco, mas também o atlântico. É possível desfrutar melhor de um line up de artistas de primeira categoria? Todas as noites terminam com as festas after show no Aldar.

Celebremos!

Sandra & Christian

Olá Smooth Jazz-Fans aus aller Welt, wir sind stolz, Euch das neue Zuhause des ALGARVE SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL zu präsentieren: PINE CLIFFS – ein preisgekröntes Resort & Spa in Albufeira, das zu den führenden Luxus- und Familienresorts in Europa zählt. Das verborgene Juwel genießt seine spektakuläre Lage am Meer auf den roten Klippen der Algarve, direkt über dem berühmtem „Praia da Falésia“, der als einer der drei schönsten Strände Portugals und Spaniens gilt.

Das von Marriott International über seine Marke „The Luxury Collection“ gemanagte 5-Sterne-Resort ist traditionell im landestypischen Design gestaltet. Auf einer Fläche von 72 Hektar bietet Pine Cliffs außergewöhnliche Freizeit- und Sporteinrichtungen – darunter das 1.100 m² große ausgezeichnete Serenity Spa und einen 9-Loch-Golfplatz auf einer Klippe – , 11 Restaurants – eines davon sitzt direkt am Strand und ist zu Fuß oder per Panoramaaufzug erreichbar – sowie verschiedene Optionen für Unterkünfte und fantastische Orte für die Konzerte: Die „Tabu Garden Lounge“ ist eine Open-Air-Location auf den Klippen. Vom Sitz aus überblicken Sie nicht nur die Bühne, sondern auch den Atlantik. Kann man ein erstklassiges Artist-Line-up besser genießen? Die Aftershow-Partys im „Aldar Club“ im Hauptgebäude runden jeden Abend ab.

Lasst uns feiern!

Sandra & Christian

Algarve 2019 is the 22st Smooth Jazz Festival europe-wide presented by the music travel organizers Sandra Hoffmann and Christian Bössner.

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Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival | Salutation

The 5-star resort, managed by Marriott International through its ‘The Luxury Collection’ brand, is traditionally styled with indigenous design. On 72 hectares, Pine Cliffs boasts exceptional leisure and sports facilities – incl. the 1,100m² awarded Serenity Spa and 9-hole cliff-top golf course –, 11 restaurants and bars – one of them directly on the beach, accessable via a walkway and panoramic elevator – as well as different options of hotels/properties and fabulous place for the concerts: The ‘Tabu Garden Lounge‘ is an open-air venue right on top of the cliffs. From your seat, you are not just overlooking the stage, but also the Atlantic Ocean. Is there any better way to enjoy a first-class artist line-up??? And the aftershow parties at the ‘Aldar Club’ in the main building will round off every evening.

Let’s have a party, Sandra & Christian

k Reserva / Reservierung / Reservation Lugar del evento / Veranstaltungsort / Venue PINE CLIFFS RESORT, 8200-593 Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira Portugal

Entradas para conciertos y Paquetes de hotel Konzerttickets & Hotelpakete Concert Tickets & Hotel Packages www.smoothjazzshop.eu/algarve

Programa/Concertos · Programm/Konzerte · Program/Concerts Terça-feira, 1 de Outubro / Dienstag, 1. Oktober / Tuesday, October 1 19:00 h

Jantar de boas-vindas / Willkommens-Dinner / Welcome Dinner & JAM SESSION feat. Elan Trotman, Adam Hawley, Blake Aaron, Carl Stanley, Andrew Small (subject to change)

Quarta-feira, 2 de Outubro / Mittwoch, 2. Oktober / Wednesday, October 2 20:15 h 20:45 h 22:15 h 23:45 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance JEFF KASHIWA ADAM HAWLEY Aftershow Party (DJ Richard Edwards)

Quinta-feira, 3 de Outubro / Donnerstag, 3. Oktober / Thursday, October 3 15:00 h

Th e Af tern o on Ch i l l … feat. loungy DJ Grooves & live artist interviews

20:15 h 20:45 h 22:15 h 23:45 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance ELAN TROTMAN BRIAN SIMPSON Aftershow Party (DJ Richard Edwards)

Sexta-feira, 4 de Outubro / Freitag, 4. Oktober / Friday, October 4 15:00 h

Th e Af tern o on Ch i l l … feat. loungy DJ Grooves & live artist interviews

20:15 h 20:45 h 22:15 h 23:45 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance BLAKE AARON RICK BRAUN Aftershow Party (DJ Richard Edwards)

Sábado, 5 de Outubro / Samstag, 5. Oktober / Saturday, October 5 10:30 h 11:00 h 12:30 h 15:00 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance KAYLA WATERS GERALD VEASLEY Th e Af tern o on Ch i l l … feat. loungy DJ Grooves & live artist interviews

20:15 h 20:45 h 22:15 h 23:45 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance JAVIER COLON KIM WATERS Aftershow Party (DJ Richard Edwards)

Image: Christian Nordström

Domingo, 6 de Outubro / Sonntag, 6. Oktober / Sunday, October 6

Programa adicional Rahmenprogramm Additional Program www.algarve.smoothjazzfestival.de

10:30 h 11:00 h 12:30 h 15:00 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH BOBBY LYLE Th e Af tern o on Ch i l l … feat. loungy DJ Grooves & live artist interviews

20:15 h 20:45 h 23:00 h

Entrada / Einlass / Entrance PAUL BROWN Farewell Aftershow-Chill (DJ Richard Edwards)

Festival program | Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival

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Jeff Kashiwa live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Wednesday, October 2, 20:45 h

10 solo albums | 5 Top20 hits & 6 Top20 albums at the Billboard jazz charts | One of the most diverse saxmen in contemporary jazz Jeff Kashiwa, geboren in Seattle, spielte schon in der Grundschule Holzblasinstrumente. Schon damals wusste er, dass er für die Musik bestimmt ist. Bekanntheit als einer der faszinierendsten jungen Saxophonisten des Contemporary Jazz erlangte er 1989 in seinem ersten Jahr mit „The Rippingtons“. Zusammen spielten sie einige hundert Shows weltweit und Jeff ist auf vielen Alben der Band zu hören. Nach einem Jahrzehnt mit der Gruppe wandte er sich voller Elan seiner Solo-Karriere zu. Dieser Schritt überraschte viele, aber Jeff wollte sich durch seine eigene Musik ausdrücken. 2004 gründete er dann das Saxophon-Trio „The Sax Pack“ – zusammen mit Steve Cole und Kim Waters. Die Gruppe verzaubert das Publikum mit ihrem „Rat-PackStyle“ regelmäßig auf Touren in den USA und im Ausland. Zu ihrer Tour zum 20-jährigen Bestehen stieß Jeff zwei Jahre später wieder zu den „Rippingtons“ und begleitete die Band wiederum zehn Jahre auf Tour und ins Studio. Heute tourt Jeff mit „The Sax Pack“ sowie seiner eigenen Gruppe „Coastal Access“ und betreut als Dozent zudem mehrere Musikkurse.

Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa knew he was destined to be a musician following his junior high introduction to woodwinds. He became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with “The Rippingtons” in 1989. Jeff performed hundreds of shows worldwide and appeared on many of the band’s recordings. After his decade long tenure with that group, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career.

It surprised many when he left the group, but he had things to say through his own music. In 2004, Kashiwa founded “The Sax Pack”, a trio of sax headliners, ft. himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group charms audiences with their “Rat Pack style” in tours across the U.S. and abroad. For their 20th Anniversary Tour, Jeff reunited with “The Rippingtons” two years later and continued to record and tour with the group another ten years. In addition to touring with “The Sax Pack” and his own group “Coastal Access”, Kashiwa has also been teaching various music courses.

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Artists | Jeff Kashiwa

DISCOGRAPHY Fly Away (2017) Let It Ride (2012) Very Best Of Jeff Kashiwa (2009) Back In The Day (2009) Play (2007) Peace Of Mind (2004) Simple Truth (2002) Another Door Opens (2000) Walk A Mile (1997) Remember Catalina (1995) www.jeffkashiwa.com

Jeff Kashiwa nasceu em Seattle e já na escola primária tocava instrumentos de sopro de madeira. Já nessa altura sabia que estava destinado a ser músico.

Tornou-se conhecido como o jovem saxofonista de jazz contemporâneo mais cativante durante o seu primeiro ano com os “The Rippingtons”, em 1989. Juntos tocaram em centenas de espetáculos em todo o mundo e Jeff participou em muitas gravações do grupo.

Após uma longa década com o grupo, Jeff concentrou-se numa carreira a solo. Muitos ficaram surpreendidos com este passo, mas ele queria muito expressar-se através da sua própria música. Em 2004 formou os “The Sax Pack”, um terceto de saxofonistas, do qual faziam também parte Steve Cole e Kim Waters. O grupo encanta o público com o seu “Rat Pack style” nas digressões pelos Estados Unidos e no estrangeiro. Para celebrar o vigésimo aniversário em digressão, Jeff encontrou-se com os “The Rippingtons” dois anos mais tarde e continuou a gravar e a fazer digressões com o grupo por mais dez anos. Além de fazer digressões com os “The Sax Pack” e com o seu próprio grupo “Coastal Access”, Kashiwa também dá vários cursos de música.

Image: Jeff Kashiwa

FACTS

Gitarrist Adam Hawley ist bekannt für seine geschmeidige, groovige Herangehensweise an Contemporary Jazz und R&B. Geboren in Oregon, begann er mit acht Jahren – auf Wunsch seiner Mutter – Klavierunterricht zu nehmen, und fügte ein Jahr später Gitarre hinzu. Als Teenager tourte er mit einem Bluegrass-Ensemble und leitete seine eigene Bluesband. 2002 zog Adam nach Los Angeles und machte acht Jahre später seinen Doktor in Studio-Jazzgitarre an der University of Southern California. Seit seinem Abschluss hat der begabte Performer mit zahlreichen namhaften Kollegen im Studio und auf der Bühne gestanden, darunter Künstler wie Natalie Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Manhattan Transfer u.v.a. Ihm boten sich so viele Live- und Session-Möglichkeiten, zudem unterrichtet er noch an diversen Instituten und Hochschulen, dass er nicht, wie eigentlich geplant, schon 2005 dazukam, ein Soloalbum aufzunehmen.2016 dann debütierte er endlich und schon die erste Single, „35th St.“ (ft. Eric Darius am Saxophon), erreichte #1 in den Billboard-Charts und konnte sich fünf Wochen dort halten – die „längste“ #1 in dieser Kategorie im Jahr 2016.

Guitarist Adam Hawley is known for his lithe, groove-oriented approach to contemporary jazz and R&B. A native of Oregon, he started taking piano lessons per his mother’s request, and then adding guitar lessons a year later. As a teenager, he toured with a bluegrass ensemble, and led his own blues band. In 2002, Adam relocated to Los Angeles and eight years later, he completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Studio/Jazz guitar at the University of Southern California. Since graduating, the gifted performer has played in a variety of live and studio settings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Manhattan Transfer, and many more. The abundance of live and session opportunities – apart from also teaching at various institutes and colleges – kept him busy, although he had originally planned to record a solo album in 2005.

But then came 2016, and his debut record was finally released. Already the first single “35th St.” (ft. Eric Darius on Saxophone) had the longest run at #1 on Billboard in 2016 (5 weeks).

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Wednesday, October 2, 22:15 h FACTS 2 solo albums | 6 Top3 hits & 1 Top15 album at the Billboard jazz charts | completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Studio/Jazz guitar DISCOGRAPHY Double Vision (2018) Just The Beginning (2016) www.adamhawley.com

Image: Adam Hawley

O guitarrista Adam Hawley é conhecido pela sua abordagem ao jazz contemporâneo e R&B, de forma suave e de estilo groove. Nasceu em Oregon e começa a ter aulas de piano a pedido da sua mãe, tendo acrescentado, um ano mais tarde, aulas de guitarra. Na sua adolescência, fez uma digressão com um grupo de Bluegrass e liderou a sua própria banda de blues. Em 2002, Adam mudou-se para Los Angeles e, oito anos depois, completou um Doutoramento em Musical Arts in Studio/jazz guitar na University of Southern California. Após o ensino superior, o talentoso performer tocou em vários espectáculos ao vivo e em estúdio com artistas, tais como Natalie Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Manhattan Transfer, e muitos outros. A abundância de oportunidades de tocar ao vivo e em sessões – para além de dar aulas em vários institutos e escolas – mantiveram-no ocupado, apesar de originalmente planear gravar um álbum a solo em 2005. Em 2016, conseguiu lançar o seu primeiro álbum. Só o seu primeiro single “35th St.” (ft. Eric Darius no saxofone) ocupou mais tempo o 1º lugar no Billboard em 2016 (5 semanas).

Adam Hawley

Adam Hawley | Artists

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Geboren und aufgewachsen auf Barbados, begann Elan Trotman mit 7 Jahren Klavier zu spielen und wechselte fünf Jahre später zum Saxophon. Ausgebildet am Berklee College of Music in Boston, hat er sich in der Jazzszene schnell zu einem der spannendsten und emotionalsten Performer entwickelt.

Auch wenn ihn Größen wie Grover Washington Jr., Kirk Whalum und Arturo Tappin inspirieren, nähert er sich dem Jazz auf seine eigene Art und Weise mit frischen Ideen und unverwechselbarem Ton. Dabei lässt er die karibischen Rhythmen seiner Heimat mit gekonnten Horn-Texturen verschmelzen. Die New England Urban Music Awards und die Barbados Music Awards haben ihn beide mehrmals zum Jazz-Künstler des Jahres ernannt. Elan stand schon mit vielen Weltklasse-Künstlern im Studio und auf der Bühne, etwa Roberta Flack, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Brian Simpson uva. Großer Sportfan, der er ist, hat er auch bereits bei zahlreichen Gelegenheiten die Nationalhymne für Teams wie die Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds und Los Angeles Dodgers gespielt.

Elan Trotman live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Thursday, October 3, 20:45 h

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Artists | Elan Trotman

FACTS 8 solo albums | 3 Top10 hits at the Billboard jazz chart | Awarded as “Jazz Artist of the Year” several times DISCOGRAPHY Dear Marvin (2019) Double Take (2016) LiveandUncut (2015) Tropicality (2014) Love And Sax (2013) Let’s Have A Good Old Time (2011) This Time Around (2009) Memories: The Debut (2001) www.elantrotman.com

Nascido e criado em Barbados, Elan Trotman começou a tocar piano aos 7 anos e cinco anos mais tarde trocou-o pelo saxofone. Formou-se no Berklee College of Music em Boston e desenvolveu-se rapidamente no mundo do jazz num performer interessante e emotivo. Apesar de se ter inspirado em Grover Washington Jr., Kirk Whalum e Arturo Tappin, ele aborda o jazz à sua maneira com ideias novas e som inconfundível, diluindo os ritmos das Caraíbas da sua terra natal com texturas de trompa. A New England Urban Music Awards e a Barbados Music Awards nomearam-no várias vezes artista de jazz do ano. Elan já esteve no estúdio e em palco com grandes artistas de renome mundial, tais como Roberta Flack, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Brian Simpson, e muitos outros. Sendo um grande adepto de desporto, já tocou em várias ocasiões o hino nacional para equipas como Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds e Los Angeles Dodgers.

Image: Rachel Laukat Photography

Born and raised in Barbados, Elan Trotman started piano lessons at 7, picking up the saxophone five years later. Educated at the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, he has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers. Though inspired

by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Arturo Tappin, he approaches jazz in his own way with fresh ideas and distinctive tone and by blending Caribbean rhythms from his roots with skillful horn textures.

The New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions. Trotman has recorded and performed with a number of world-class musicians, including Roberta Flack, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Brian Simpson and many others. A huge sports fan, he has performed the National Anthem on numerous occasions for such teams as the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hailing from Illinois, keyboardist Brian Simpson has been living in Los Angeles since having graduated from Northern Illionois University. He always knew music would play center stage in his life. Brian creates unforgettable melodies and irresistible grooves.

His soulful approach to music, his eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense of how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him first call for many big names, including George Duke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, and Dave Koz, whose musical director he had been for close to 20 years; another 10 years he had been musical director of “The Smooth Jazz Cruise”. He has always been a working jazz musician, even when he found himself touring the world with pop divas Teena Marie, Sheena Easton and Janet Jackson. In 1991, he co-wrote the #1 Pop hit “The First Time” by Surface, which conquered both the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. His breakthrough as a solo artist began in 2005 with the #1 radio hit “It’s All Good”.

Keyboarder Brian Simpson wuchs in Illinois auf, lebt jedoch seit seinem Abschluss an der Northern Illinois University in Los Angeles. Dass Musik die Hauptrolle in seinem Leben spielen würde, war ihm immer klar. Brian kreiert unvergessliche Melodien und unwiderstehliche Grooves. Sein gefühlvoller Umgang mit Musik, sein beredtes Spielgefühl, die raffinierten Harmonien, gepaart mit bluesigen Obertönen, einem Hauch R&B und einer gehörigen Portion Gespür dafür, was einen „It-Song“ ausmacht, haben ihn ins Blickfeld bekannter Größen wie George Duke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown und Dave Koz gerückt. Letzteren begleitete er fast 20 Jahre lang als Musical Director; zudem war er zehn Jahre lang Musical Director der „The Smooth Jazz Cruise“. Er hat nie aufgehört, als Jazzmusiker zu arbeiten, auch wenn er sich zwischenzeitlich auf Welttourneen wiederfand mit Pop-Diven wie Teena Marie, Sheena Easton and Janet Jackson. 1991 schrieb er an dem # 1 Pop-Hit „The First Time“ von Surface mit, der die R&B- und die Adult Contemporary-Charts eroberte.

Den Durchbruch als Solokünstler schaffte er 2005 mit dem # 1 Radio-Hit „It‘s All Good“.

Brian Simpson O teclista Brian Simpson cresceu no Illinois, mas vive em Los Angeles desde a sua formatura na Northern Illinois University. Ele sempre soube que a música teria o papel principal na sua vida.

Brian cria melodias inesquecíveis e grooves irresistíveis. A forma emotiva como lida com a música, a sua abordagem eloquente, as harmonias sofisticadas, ligadas aos tons superiores do blues, um toque de R&B e um sentido refinado de como fazer a tal música que se destaca, levou-o a ser a primeira escolha de músicos importantes, tais como George Duke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown e Dave Koz. Acompanhou este último durante quase 20 anos como director musical; além disso foi diretor musical no “The Smooth Jazz Cruise” durante 10 anos. Ele sempre trabalhou como músico de jazz, mesmo quando fazia digressões pelo mundo com divas pop, tais como Teena Marie, Sheena Easton e Janet Jackson. Em 1991, juntamente com os Surface, escreveu a faixa, “The First Time”, que conquistou o primeiro lugar nas tabelas R&B e Adult Contemporary. Em 2015 lançou-se numa carreira a solo com a faixa de maior sucesso na rádio “It´s All Good.”

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Thursday, October 3, 22:15 h

FACTS 8 solo albums | 1 No.1 & 7 Top10 hits plus 4 Top10 albums at the Billboard jazz charts | Musical director of Dave Koz for almost 20 years and of “The Smooth Jazz Cruise” for 10 years DISCOGRAPHY Something About You (2018) Persuasion (2017) Out Of A Dream (2015) Just What You Need (2013) South Beach (2010) Above The Clouds (2007) It‘s All Good (2005) Closer Still (1995)

Image: Greg Allen

www.bsimpsonmusic.com

Brian Simpson | Artists

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FACTS 5 solo albums | No.1 hit & 7 Top10 hits at the Billboard jazz chart | hosts a live music radio show since 2008 DISCOGRAPHY Color & Passion (coming in 2019) Soul Stories (2015) Desire (2007) Bringin’ It Back (2003) With Every Touch (2001) www.blakeaaron.com

Blake Aaron live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Friday, October 4, 20:45 h

Considerado um “génio na guitarra” pelo Los Angeles Times, um “virtuoso na guitarra” pelo Critical Blast e “incrivelmente talentoso” por Dave Koz, o guitarrista, compositor e produtor da Califórnia do Sul, Blake Aaron, começou a sua carreira como músico e sideman num estúdio em Los Angeles. Já gravou e actuou com artistas como Philip Bailey, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana, The Gap Band, Keiko Matsui, Warren Hill e muitos outros. Blake está no topo da lista de guitarristas session para actuar em espectáculos de televisão, tais como “Half Past Dead 2” de Steven Seagal e “The Ben Stiller Show”. “As pessoas conhecem-me hoje como artista de jazz contemporâneo, mas eu já participei nos mais variados grupos, toquei Rock, Funk, R&B e Straight Ahead Jazz. Eu nunca consegui concentrar-me num só género musical. Muitos artistas tendem a concentrar-se num trademark sound, mas eu tenho de utilizar diferentes formas para me expressar, porque sou assim. Este modus operandi mantém os álbuns interessantes e diversificados e a apresentação no palco é espontânea“, diz Aaron, que gosta de tocar guitarras diferentes nos Live-Shows. As suas favoritas: D’Angelico Hollow Body, Fender Stratocaster e Cordoba Nylon String.

Named “a genius on the guitar” by the Los Angeles Times, “a guitar player’s guitarist” by Critical Blast, and “amazingly talented” by Dave Koz, the Southern California based guitarist, composer and producer Blake Aaron launched his career as an L.A. studio musician and sideman. He has recorded and performed with artists such as Philip Bailey, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana, The Gap Band, Keiko Matsui, Warren Hill and many others. A first call TV & Film Session Guitarist, Blake has also worked for shows such as Steven Seagal’s “Half Past Dead 2” and “The Ben Stiller Show”. “People are most familiar to me now as a contemporary jazz artist, but I’ve been in different bands playing rock, funk, R&B and straight ahead jazz. So I’ve never been able to focus on just one style. Many artists like to focus on one trademark sound, but I have to use different modes of expression because that’s really who I am. It keeps the albums fresh and allows for more spontaneity onstage”, says Aaron, who loves working with different guitars at live shows. His favourites: D’Angelico hollow body, Fender Stratocaster and Cordoba Nylon string.

10 Artists | Blake Aaron

Image: Bettie Grace Miner

Von der Los Angeles Times als „Genie an der Gitarre“, vom Critical Blast als „Gitarrist eines Gitarristen“ und von Dave Koz als „unglaublich talentiert“ bezeichnet, hat der südkalifornische Gitarrist, Komponist und Produzent Blake Aaron seine Karriere in LA als Studiomusiker und Sideman begonnen. Dabei stand er mit Künstlern wie Philip Bailey, Sheila E., Bobby Womack, Carlos Santana, The Gap Band, Keiko Matsui, Warren Hill u.v.a. auf der Bühne und im Studio. Auch bei Fernsehshows wie Steven Seagals „Half Past Dead 2“ und „The Ben Stiller Show“ steht er auf der Liste der Session Gitarristen ganz oben. „Die Leute kennen mich heute als Contemporary-Jazz-Künstler, aber ich war schon in verschiedensten Bands, habe Rock, Funk, R&B und Straight Ahead Jazz gespielt. Ich konnte also nie nur auf einen Stil fokussieren. Viele Künstler fokussieren gerne auf den einen Trademark-Sound, aber ich muss einfach verschiedene Ausdrucksformen verwenden, weil das ich bin. Das hält die Alben fresh und den Auftritt auf der Bühne spontan“, sagt Aaron, der bei Live-Shows auch gerne mit verschiedenen Gitarren spielt.

Seine Favoriten: D‘Angelico Hollow Body, Fender Stratocaster und Cordoba Nylon String.

Wer ihn je auf der Bühne erlebt hat, weiß, was für ein energiegeladener Entertainer er ist. Immer wieder stürmt er die Charts, gewann zweimal den Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year Award des Gavin Report und landete jede Menge #1-Billboard-Contemporary-JazzChart-Hits – trotz allem ist Rick Braun bescheiden geblieben. Die musikalische Bildfläche betrat der in Allentown/Pennsylvania geborene Trompeter, Sänger, Komponist und Produzent erstmals als Mitglied der Jazz-Fusion-Band Auracle, die sich nach zwei LPs wieder auflöste. Nachdem er als Co-Songwriter mit REO Speedwagons „Here with me“ einen ersten Hit gelandet hatte, avancierte er zum begehrten Sideman und stand jahrelang mit Künstlern wie Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole und Tom Petty auf der Bühne und im Studio. Als er mit „Cadillac Slim“ seinen ersten eigenen Hit gelandet hatte, musste er sich entscheiden: Entweder weiter touren mit Rod oder seinen eigenen Weg gehen. Dass er sich für letzteres entschied, hat er nie bereut. Neben seinen eigenen hat Rick viele (#1)-Hits für andere Musiker geschrieben. Zudem tritt er regelmäßig mit anderen Künstlern auf – etwa als Mitglied von RnR (mit Richard Elliott) oder BWB (mit Norman Brown und Kirk Whalum). Ricks neues Album „Crossroads“ ist am 16. August 2019 erschienen.

Quem já o viu atuar em palco sabe que ele é um entertainer que transborda energia. Constante presença nos tops, venceu por duas vezes o prémio de Artista Smooth Jazz do ano da Gavin Report e alcançou variadíssimas vezes o número um da tabela do Jazz Contemporâneo da Billboard – apesar disto Rick Braun permaneceu modesto. O trompetista e cantor natural de Allentown, Pensilvânia emergiu no panorama musical pela primeira vez como membro da banda de fusão jazz Auracle, que se desmembrou logo após dois LPs. Após ter alcançado um primeiro lugar como co-vocalista dos REO Speedwagons com “Here with me”, tornando-se companheiro de palco de artistas como Rod Steward, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole e Tom Petty. Quando alcançou o seu grande êxito com “Cadillac Slim”, teve de decidir: continuar a fazer digressões com Rod ou seguir o seu próprio caminho. Nunca se arrependeu por se ter decidido pelo último.

Rick escreveu não só muitos dos seus êxitos, que chegaram a número 1, como para outros músicos. Para além disso, atuou regulamente com outros artistas – quer como membro do RnR (com Richard Ellito) quer do BWB (com Norman Brown e Kirk Whalum). O novo álbum de Rick, “Crossroads”, foi lançado em 16 de agosto de 2019.

If you’ve ever seen him perform, you know what a high-energy entertainer he is. A consistent chart-topper and two-time winner of the Gavin Report’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year award who has amassed a catalogue of #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and radio hits, Rick Braun has remained modest. A native of Allentown/Pennsylvania, the trumpeter, vocalist, composer and producer first surfaced as a member of the jazz-fusion outfit Auracle. After two LPs the group disbanded, and Braun turned to songwriting, scoring a hit with REO Speedwagon’s “Here with Me”. That was his entry, and he became a highly-respected sideman touring and recording with Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole and Tom Petty.

When his own Single “Cadillac Slim” had become a big hit, he had to either continue touring with Rod or really commit to his solo career. Instinctually he made the decision right away and never looked back. Rick has not only crafted his own, but also many (#1) hits for other musicians. He’s also a member of RnR (with Richard Elliot) and BWB (with Norman Brown and Kirk Whalum). Rick’s new album “Crossroads” was released on August 16, 2019.

FACTS 17 solo albums | 8 No.1 hits, 3 No.1 & 14 Top10 albums at the Billboard jazz charts | 2x “Smooth jazz artist of the year” DISCOGRAPHY Crossroads (2019) Around The Horn (2017) Can You Feel It (2014) Swingin’ In The Snow (2012) Sings With Strings (2011) All It Takes (2009) Yours Truly (2006) Sessions Vol. 1 (2004) Esperanto (2003) Kisses In The Rain (2001) Best Of Rick Braun (1999) Full Stride (1998) Body And Soul (1997) Beat Street (1995) Christmas Present (1994) Night Walk (1994) Intimate Secrets (1993) www.rickbraun.com

Image: Raj Naik

Rick Braun live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Friday, October 4, 22:15 h

Rick Braun | Artists 11

FACTS 2 solo albums | 2 No.1 hits plus 1 Top15 album at the Billboard jazz charts | 2019: “Rising Star in Jazz Award” & “Best Jazz Artist Award”

Coevolve (2018) Apogee (2017) www.iamkaylawaters.com

Kayla Waters live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Saturday, October 5, 11:00 h

A jovem artista Kayla Waters é uma excelente pianista, compositora e produtora. Sendo filha de Kim Waters, cresceu numa família de forte tradição no jazz e faz “música“ desde tenra idade: “Baby K.“ ía para a sala e começava a “tocar” no piano Brentwood de casa com apenas 10 meses. Aos seis anos começou a ter aulas de piano.

Kayla apaixonou-se imediatamente, aprendeu a lidar com o seu talento musical e decidiu – enquanto observava a carreira do pai – seguir também uma carreira a solo como pianista de jazz.

Licenciou-se em Piano (Summa Cum Laude) na Howard University. Não só participou em vários álbuns do seu pai, como também tocou em concertos e festivais de Jazz de renome no mundo inteiro – primeiro com o pai e depois sozinha.

Já trabalhou com os melhores, tais como Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Avery Sunshine e Maysa Leak, entre muitos outros. O seu talento levou ao reconhecimento no espectáculo “Black Girls Rock“-Awards-Show do canal televisivo BET. Die junge Künstlerin Kayla Waters ist eine herausragende Pianistin, Komponistin und Produzentin. Als Tochter von Kim Waters wuchs sie in einem JazzHaushalt auf und machte schon früh „Musik“: „Baby K.“ kam bereits mit 10 Monaten ins Wohnzimmer und begann, auf dem Brentwood-Familien-Klavier zu „spielen“. Im Alter von sechs Jahren meldeten ihre Eltern sie dann zum Klavierunterricht an. Kayla verliebte sich sofort, lernte, mit ihrem musikalischen Talent umzugehen, und beschloss – während sie die Karriere ihres Vaters beobachtete – ebenfalls eine Karriere als Solo-Jazzpianistin zu verfolgen.

Ihren Bachelor in Klavier (Summa Cum Laude) machte sie an der Howard University. Sie ist nicht nur auf mehreren Alben ihres Vaters zu hören, sondern spielte auch – anfangs mit ihrem Vater, dann zunehmend auch ohne ihn – auf renommierten Konzerten und Jazzfestivals weltweit. Überdies hat sie bereits mit Größen wie Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Avery Sunshine und Maysa Leak u.v.a. gearbeitet. Last but not least brachte ihr ihr Talent national Anerkennung bei der „Black Girls Rock“Awards-Show des Fernsehsenders BET ein.

New artist Kayla Waters is an elite pianist, composer and producer. Being Kim Water’s daughter, she grew up in a jazz household and “got into music” very early: Only 10-months old, baby K. regularly found her way into the living room and began “playing” the family’s Brentwood acoustic piano. Her parents enrolled her in piano lessons at the age of six. Kayla instantly fell in love, began to master her musical gifts and, while watching her father’s career unfold, soon decided to pursue a career as a solo jazz pianist. She obtained her Bachelor Music Degree in Piano Performance (Summa Cum Laude) at the Howard University. In addition to being featured on several of her father’s albums, she has performed with and without him at renowned concerts and jazz festivals worldwide.

And she has also played and worked with musical giants such as Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Avery Sunshine, and Maysa Leak, to name a few. Kayla’s gifts also garnered her national recognition on the BET television network’s highly acclaimed “Black Girls Rock” awards show.

12 Artists | Kayla Waters

Image: Kayla Waters

DISCOGRAPHY

A odisseia musical de Gerald Veasley levou-o ao topo da música contemporânea a nível mundial; a sua performance como baixista foi sempre perfeita. Ele já partilhou, o estúdio e o palco, com muitos dos melhores artistas internacionais, de vários géneros musicais, tais como Grover Washington Jr., Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Nick Colionne, Special EFX, Teddy Pendergrass, Will Downing ou Pat Martino. Quando não está a trabalhar com músicos de renome, Gerald e a sua banda passam o tempo no seu estúdio de gravação ou em digressão. Além disso, ele dá aulas na Faculdade da University of the Arts em Philadelphia, é fundador e coordenador artístico do „Gerald Veasley‘s Bass Boot Camp“, curador das „Unscripted Jazz Series” no South (um bar com salão de jazz em Philadelphia, onde foi gravado o seu CD „Live at South“ e onde actuaram convidados especiais como Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber ou Gerald Albright). Recentemente, foi seleccionado para coordenar o „Jazz Philadelphia“, uma iniciativa que procura unir a vibrante comunidade jazz da cidade. Gerald consegue fazer música misturando diversão e profissionalismo sem nunca deixar de ultrapassar as barreiras musicais.

Gerald Veasleys musikalische Reise hat ihn an die Spitze der zeitgenössischen Musikwelt geführt; seine Performance als Bassist ist immer erstklassig. Er stand schon mit vielen Top-Künstlern aus unterschiedlichsten Genres im Studio oder auf der Bühne, darunter Grover Washington Jr., Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Nick Colionne, Special EFX, Teddy Pendergrass, Will Downing oder Pat Martino. Wenn er nicht gerade mit namhaften Musikern arbeitet, ist Gerald mit seiner eigenen Band im Studio oder auf Tour. Zudem unterrichtet er an der Fakultät der University of the Arts in Philadelphia, ist Gründer und künstlerischer Leiter von „Gerald Veasley‘s Bass Boot Camp“, Kurator der „Unscripted Jazz Series“ im South (einer Bar mit Jazz-Salon in Philadelphia, in der auch seine CD „Live at South“ entstand), und überdies wurde er kürzlich zum Leiter von „Jazz Philadelphia“ – einer Initiative, die die lebendige JazzCommunity der Stadt vereinen soll – auserkoren. Was Gerald auch macht, er macht es immer formvollendet professionell und mit sehr viel Spaß, und er hört nie auf, musikalische Grenzen zu verwischen.

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Saturday, October 5, 12:30 h

Gerald Veasley’s musical odyssey has taken him to the top of the contemporary music world; his performance as a bassist has been top shelf. He has recorded and/or performed with many of the world’s top artists in many genres of music such as Grover Washington Jr., Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Nick Colionne, Special EFX, Teddy Pendergrass, Will Downing and Pat Martino. When not collaborating with notable musicians, Gerald tours and records with his band. Beyond that he is on the faculty of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, he is founder and artistic director of Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp, he is the curator of the “Unscripted Jazz Series” at South (a bar with Jazz parlor in Philadelphia, where his CD “Live at South” was captured) with special guests such as Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber or Gerald Albright, and most recently, he has been selected to lead “Jazz Philadelphia”, an initiative that seeks to unify the city’s vibrant jazz community. Whatever Gerald does, he always brings a joyous, polished professionalism to the process of making music and he always continues to blur musical boundaries.

Gerald Veasley

FACTS 9 solo albums | 1 Top25 hit album at the Billboard jazz chart | Performed with Grover Washington Jr., Chuck Loeb, Teddy Pendergrass etc.

Image: Gerald Lori Stoll Veasley

DISCOGRAPHY Live at South (2018) Electric Mingus Project (2011) Your Move (2009) At The Jazz Base (2005) Velvet (2003) Love Letters (1999) Soul Control (1997) Signs (1994) Look Ahead (1992) www.geraldveasley.com

Gerald Veasley | Artists 13

Javier Colon live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Saturday, October 5, 20:45 h

O cantor, compositor e guitarrista Javier Colon nasceu em Connecticut. Filho de pai dominicano e mãe porto-riquenha, revelou-se um prodígio musical desde tenra idade. Após ter-se formado na Hartt School of Music da University of Hartford, depressa se tornou o vocalista do grupo de neo-funk EmCQ, tendo passado dois anos em digressão como vocalista na Derek Trucks Band. Depois de ter decidido continuar sozinho como cantor, a sua carreira deu uma volta inesperada, mas propícia: em 2011, ele ganhou a primeira temporada do “The Voice”, da NBC. O seu mentor no “The Voice” foi Adam Levine, dos Maroon 5, e teve a oportunidade de tocar com o grupo em vários concertos no México e na América do Sul. Ele também participou no Dave Koz Cruises e a sua colaboração com o famoso saxofonista de jazz também inclui uma série de espetáculos no Japão. Dotado de uma incrível voz emotiva, uma personalidade carismática e uma presença dominante em palco, Javier já ganhou atenção internacional dos fãs, que estão entusiasmados com a sua mistura de pop, rock e R&B – um estilo distinto que o próprio Javier denominou “acoustic soul”.

FACTS 2 solo albums | 2 Top15 hits at the Billboard jazz chart & 6 hits ranked at the Billboard Hot 100 charts | Won the inaugural season of NBC‘s “The Voice” in 2011 DISCOGRAPHY Gravity (2016) Come Through For You (2011) www.javiercolon.com

14 Artists | Javier Colon

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Javier Colon hails from Connecticut. The son of a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother emerged as a musical prodigy early in life. Soon after graduating from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music with a degree in Music Education, he first became lead singer of the neo-funk group EmCQ and after that he spent two years touring with Derek Trucks Band, as their lead singer. After striking out on his own, Javier’s career took an unexpected but propitious turn in 2011, when he became the winner on the inaugural season of NBC’s “The Voice”. His coach on “The Voice” was Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, so Javier played a series of concerts in Mexico and South America with that band. He has also been part of the Dave Koz Cruises and his collaboration with the renowned jazz saxophonist also includes a run of shows in Japan. Blessed with an incredibly soulful voice, a charismatic personality and a commanding stage presence, Javier has already won the attention of an international fan base. They embrace his blend of pop, rock and R&B – a distinctive style that Javier’s dubbed “acoustic soul”.

Image: Tony Dube

Sänger-Songwriter- Gitarrist Javier Colon stammt aus Connecticut. Der Sohn eines dominikanischen Vaters und einer puertoricanischen Mutter fiel schon früh als musikalisches Wunderkind auf. Bald nach seinem Abschluss an der Hartt School of Music der University of Hartford wurde er zunächst Sänger der Neo-Funk-Gruppe EmCQ, und tourte danach zwei Jahre als Sänger mit der Derek Trucks Band.

Nachdem Javier sich entschieden hatte, alleine als Sänger weiterzumachen, nahm seine Karriere 2011 eine unerwartete, aber glückliche Wendung: Er gewann die erste Staffel der NBS-Show „The Voice“. Sein „The Voice“Coach war Maroon 5-Frontmann Adam Levine, daher spielte Javier auch eine Reihe von Konzerten in Mexiko und Südamerika mit der Band. Zudem war er auf einigen Dave Koz-Cruises zu Gast und spielte mit dem bekannten Jazz-Saxophonisten auch diverse Shows in Japan. Gesegnet mit einer unglaublich gefühlvollen Stimme, einer charismatischen Persönlichkeit und einer beeindruckenden Bühnenpräsenz, hat Javier bereits viele internationale Fans gewonnen. Sie sind begeistert von seiner Mischung aus Pop, Rock und R&B – ein unverwechselbarer Stil, den Javier selbst „acoustic soul“ nennt.

Image: Kim Lori Stoll Waters

O saxofonista, compositor e produtor Kim Waters nasceu em Baltimore e cresceu numa família de tradição musical. Vai buscar inspiração essencialmente aos ícones do jazz Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, George Benson ou Cannonball Adderley. Aprendeu a tocar o seu primeiro instrumento musical, o violino, aos 8 anos. “Não foi muito bem aceite pela malta”, diz Kim, mas no espaço de cinco anos encontrou a sua verdadeira vocação: o saxofone alto e soprano. Pouco depois forma a sua primeira banda com os seus irmãos James (com quem ainda actua) e Eric, bem como com o seu amigo de infância Cyrus Chestnut. Durante anos partilha o palco com a elite: Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Quincy Jones, Grover Washington, Jr. e Maysa Leak, para nomear apenas alguns. Actualmente, Kim vive em Georgia com a sua família – quando não está a viajar em digressão pelo mundo e a deliciar o seu público com melodias sonhadoras e grooves sedutores. A sua música combina elementos do Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul. No seu novo CD, “What I Like“, em modo de “banda de um homem só”, Kim toca quase todos os instrumentos.

Saxophonist, Komponist und Produzent Kim Waters wurde in Baltimore geboren und wuchs in einer musikalischen Familie auf. Beeinflusst haben ihn hauptsächlich Jazz-Ikonen wie Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, George Benson oder Cannonball Adderley. Sein erstes Instrument, das er mit 8 Jahren lernte, war Violine („Das hat sich aber nicht gut mit meinen Kumpels vertragen“, sagt Kim), aber innerhalb von fünf Jahren fand er seine wahre Berufung: das Alt und Sopran Saxofon. Kurz darauf gründete Kim mit seinen Brüdern James (mit dem er immer noch auftritt) und Eric sowie seinem Jugendfreund Cyrus Chestnut seine erste Band. Über die Jahre teilte er zudem die Bühne mit einigen der Besten: Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Quincy Jones, Grover Washington, Jr. und Maysa Leak, um nur ein paar Namen zu nennen. Kim lebt mit seiner Familie heute in Georgia – wenn er nicht gerade in Sachen Musik die ganze Welt bereist und sein Publikum mit verträumten Melodien und verführerischen Grooves betört. Seine Musik vereint Elemente des Jazz, R&B, Funk und Soul. Auf seiner neuesten CD, „What I Like“, spielt er wieder in typischer Kim-Manier wie eine EinMann-Band fast alle Instrumente.

A Baltimore native from a musical family, saxophonist, composer and producer Kim Waters primary influences were jazz icons like Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Cannonball Adderley.

His first instrument - at age 8 - was the violin (‘That didn’t go over well with the fellas’, says Kim) and within five years he found his true calling on the alto and soprano saxophones. Soon after, Kim organized his first professional band with his brothers, James (who he still performs with) and Eric, and his hometown friend Cyrus Chestnut. Subsequently, Waters shared stages with many of the best including Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Quincy Jones, Grover Washington, Jr., and Maysa Leak, to name a very few. Kim now makes his home in the Austin, Texas area and, when he’s frequently on the road, at the important music venues throughout the world. His music is characterized by distinctive, dreamy melodies, seductive grooves and combines the best of jazz, R&B, funk and soul. On his latest CD, “What I Like”, Kim – like a one-man band – played in typical fashion virtually all the instruments.

Kim Waters

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Saturday, October 5, 22:15 FACTS 24 solo albums | 3 No.1 & 12 Top10 hits plus 9 Top10 albums at the Billboard jazz charts | One of the biggest selling saxophonists to date DISCOGRAPHY What I Like (2018) Rhythm And Romance (2016) My Gift To You (2015) Silver Soul (2014) Sweet And Sexy (2014) My Loves (2013) This Heart Of Mine (2011) Love Stories (2010) I Want You (2008) You Are My Lady (2007) All For Love (2005) In The Name Of Love (2004) From The Heart (2001) Someone To Love You (2002) One Special Moment (1999) Love’s Melody (1998) You Are Not Alone (1996) Home For Christmas (1994) It’s Time For Love (1994) Peaceful Journey (1993) Tribute (1992) Sax Appeal (1991) All Because Of You (1990) Sweet & Saxy (1989) www.kimwaters.net

Kim Waters | Artists 15

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Sunday, October 6, 11:00 h

16 solo albums | 4 Top15 hits at the Billboard jazz chart | achieved many awards, e.g. JUNOs (Canadian Grammy equivalent), Smooth Jazz Awards, West Coast Music Award, Instrumentalist of the Year (2011) DISCOGRAPHY Radio Gold (2019) Mid Century Modern, Vol. I (2018) Sweet And Sexy (2015) Open Invitation (2014) Kissed By The Sun (2012) Told Ya So (2010) Cool Down (2008) Swingin’ Affair (2005) First Name Basis (2005) Come Out Swingin’ (2005) Gabriel’s Horns (2003) Gabriel’s Holiday Notes (2000) From Hawaii With Love (2000) Wind At Nightfall (1995) Seduction (1994) Solar Winds (1986) www.gabrieljazz.com

16 Artists | Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach spielt viele Instrumente – Trompete, Flöte, Flügelhorn und Posaune –, aber Trompete ist sein Favorit. Geboren und aufgewachsen in Colorado, folgte er seiner Bestimmung in den 1970er Jahren nach Vancouver. „Ich brachte mein Fahrrad, meine Trompete und einen Stapel Musikbücher mit“, sagt er in einem Interview. „Ich war nie am Konservatorium, aber ich habe die Bücher gelesen, viel geübt und viel gespielt. Ich denke, so habe ich mein musikalisches Ich und meine Einzigartigkeit als Musiker bewahrt.“ Seine Karriere auf der Weltbühne begann mit der Powder Blues Band (mehrere PlatinAlben). Nach vielen nationalen und internationalen Tourneen startete Gabriel dann seine Solokarriere und feierte bemerkenswerte Erfolge im Straight-Ahead-Jazz. Trotzdem bevorzugt er „die rhythmisch prägnantere Domäne des Smooth Jazz, dank ihrer Vielfalt an Farben und Strukturen“. Auch als Solist hat er schon zahlreiche Festivals (z. B. Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Fest) gespielt. Zudem stand er mit Künstlern wie Bob James, Little Richard, George Benson, John Denver, The O‘Jays, Ben E King, John Lee Hooker, Paul Hardcastle oder Michael Bublé auf der Bühne oder im Studio. (Bublés Album ‚Dream‘ wurde übrigens in Gabriels Studio produziert.)

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach plays many instruments – trumpet, flute, flugelhorn and trombone –, but trumpet remains his first choice. Born and raised in Colorado, he followed his muse to Vancouver in the 1970s. “I brought my bike, my trumpet and a stack of music books,” he said in an interview. “I never went to a conservatory, but I read the books, I practised a lot and I performed a lot. I think, this way, I kept my musical self, my uniqueness as a musician.” His career on the world stage started with the multiplatinum Powder Blues Band. After many national and international tours, he launched his solo career. Although he has also had notable straight ahead jazz successes, he prefers “the more rhythmically succinct domain of smooth jazz for the variety of color and texture that it provides”. Also as a soloist, he has toured many festivals (e.g. Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Fest), and has recorded or performed with artists such as Bob James, Little Richard, George Benson, John Denver, The O’Jays, Ben E King, John Lee Hooker, Paul Hardcastle or Michael Bublé (whose album ‘Dream’ was produced in Gabriel’s studio).

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach toca muitos instrumentos – trompeta, flauta, fliscorne e trombone –, sendo a trompeta o seu favorito. Nasceu e foi criado em Colorado, e seguiu o seu instinto nos anos 70 e mudou-se para Vancouver. “Trouxe a minha bicicleta, a minha trompeta e um monte de livros de música“, disse numa entrevista. “Nunca frequentei o conservatório, mas li muitos livros, pratiquei e toquei muito. Penso que foi assim que consegui preservar o meu EU musical e a minha peculiaridade como músico.“ A sua carreira na cena mundial começou com o Powder Blues Band (vários álbuns de platina). Após muitas digressões nacionais e internacionais, Gabriel iniciou a sua carreira a solo, alcançando sucessos notáveis no straight ahead jazz.

No entanto, ele prefere “o domínio ritmicamente sucinto do smooth jazz, devido à diversidade de cores e estruturas”.

Ele também já actuou em inúmeros festivais como solista (p.ex. Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Fest) e gravou e actuou com artistas como Bob James, Little Richard, George Benson, John Denver, The O’Jays, Ben E King, John Lee Hooker, Paul Hardcastle ou Michael Bublé. (O álbum de Bublé ‘Dream’ foi produzido no estúdio de Gabriel.)

Image: Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

FACTS

Pianist und Keyboarder Bobby Lyle ist seit mehr als drei Jahrzehnten ein fester Bestandteil der Jazzszene. Er begann seine Karriere im Alter von 16 Jahren in lokalen Clubs in Minneapolis. Nach der Highschool schrieb er sich am Macalester College in St. Paul ein, wo er zwei Jahre lang Klavier studierte, bevor er als Berufsmusiker durchstartete. Als er von Minneapolis nach Los Angeles umgezogen war, lernte er zufällig den Mitbegründer von Jazz Crusader, Wayne Henderson, kennen. Dieser wurde Bobby‘s Mentor, sicherte dessen ersten Plattenvertrag und produzierte dessen erste Platte. Seine musikalische Reise hat Bobby auf der ganzen Welt schon auf verschiedenste Festivals geführt und er arbeitete als Musical Director für Künstler wie Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Bette Midler und Phyliss Hyman. Zudem unterrichtet er Jazz-Piano-Studenten. 2014 startete Bobby zusammen mit Guy Michaels, einer bekannten Persönlichkeit aus der Welt des Smooth-JazzRadio, „The J-Spot“ – die erste Jazz-Show Houstons im Fernsehen.

Pianist and keyboardist Bobby Lyle has been a fixture in the jazz scene for more than three decades. He began his career at the age of 16, playing in local clubs in Minneapolis. After high school he enrolled in Macalester College in St. Paul, where he took two years of advanced piano studies before hitting the road as a fulltime musician. A move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles set in motion a fortuitous set of circumstances that led him to Jazz Crusader co-founder Wayne Henderson, who secured his first record deal; and also became his first record producer and mentor in the business. His musical journey has taken Bobby all over the world to various festivals and he has served as musical director for such notable artists as Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Bette Midler, and Phyliss Hyman. Bobby is also involved with teaching and mentoring jazz piano students.

In 2014, in association with smooth jazz radio personality Guy Michaels, he launched Houston’s first ever TV Jazz Show called The J-Spot.

O pianista e teclista Bobby Lyle tem sido uma presença constante no mundo do jazz há mais de três décadas. Começou a sua carreira aos dezasseis anos, tocando em bares locais em Minneapolis.

Após o ensino secundário, inscreveu-se no Macalester College em St. Paul, onde estudou piano durante dois anos, antes de se fazer à estrada como músico profissional. A sua mudança de Minneapolis para Los Angeles fez com que conhecesse casualmente o co-fundador de Jazz Crusader, Wayne Henderson. Este tornou-se o mentor de Bobby, assegurou-lhe o seu primeiro contrato e produziu o seu primeiro álbum. O seu percurso musical levou Bobby a actuar em variadíssimos festivais em todo o mundo e trabalhou como director musical para artistas como Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Bette Midler e Phyliss Hyman. Bobby também dá aulas a estudantes de piano, vertente jazz. Em 2014, Bobby iniciou, juntamente com Guy Michaels, uma personalidade conhecida no mundo da rádio do segmento smooth jazz, o programa “The J-Spot“ – o primeiro Jazz-Show de Houston na televisão.

FACTS 14 solo albums | Emmy nominee | 3 Top20 hits albums at the Billboard jazz chart | Musical director of Al Jarreau, Anita Baker & Bette Midler | Toured with George Benson, Sly and the Family Stone, Ronnie Laws, Gerald Albright, etc.

DISCOGRAPHY The Way I Feel (2013) Hands On (2006) Straight And Smooth (2004) Joyful (2002) Power Of Touch (1997) Rhythm Stories (1993) Secret Island (1992) Piano Magic (1991) The Journey (1990) Ivory Dreams (1989) Night Breeze (1985) Night Fire (1979) New Warrior (1978) The Genie (1977)

Image: Heidi Powell-Prera

bobbylylekeyboards.com

Bobby Lyle live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Sunday, October 6, 12:30 h

Bobby Lyle | Artists 17

Paul Brown

Paul Brown fing als Schlagzeuger an, wurde dann erst Ton-Ingenieur für R&B-Legenden wie Diana Ross, Luther Vandross oder Aretha Franklin sowie ein Urban-Jazz-Produzent, der zweimal den Grammy gewann, bevor er sich schließlich zu einem beliebten Gitarristen und Solo-Künstler entwickelte. In den 15 Jahren nach Veröffentlichung seines Debütalbums produzierte der in Los Angeles geborene und aufgewachsene Gitarrist acht Hit-Solo-Alben und über 60 #1 Radio-Airplay-Hits für sich selbst und andere Künstler. Hinzu kommen Tausende von Auftritten weltweit, darunter Gigs mit seinen Gitarren-Kumpanen Larry Carlton, Chris Standring und Marc Antoine, aber auch mit anderen Größen, z. B. Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Jeff Golub und Al Jarreau. Dennoch gibt Paul zu, dass er immer noch versucht, sich als Künstler zu finden. Es treibt ihn also immer noch fröhlich-ruhelos um – und alles, was er tun kann, ist tiefer in die Musik einzutauchen, die sein Leben von Anfang an befeuert hat: den Blues.

Paul Brown started as a drummer, he then became an engineer for R&B legends such as Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin before evolving into a two-time Grammy winning urban jazz producer and finally a popular guitarist, artist and performer in his own right. Over the past 15 years, after he had released his debut album, the Los Angeles born and raised guitarist produced/composed over 60 #1 radio airplay hits for himself and other artists as well as eight previous hit solo albums. He also did thousands of performances worldwide, including gigs with fellow guitarists Larry Carlton, Chris Standring and Marc Antoine, but also others of the genre’s most influential artists, e.g.

Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Jeff Golub and Al Jarreau. And yet Paul admits he’s still trying to find himself as an artist.

After all those accolades and live performances, he remains joyously restless – and the only place for him to go is deeper into the music that’s driven his life from the start, the blues.

18 Artists | Paul Brown

FACTS 7 solo albums | 2x Grammy winner | 8 No.1 hits & 5 Top10 albums at the Billboard jazz charts as a soloist | Over 60 No.1 hits as one of the genre’s most successful producers (Al Jarreau, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Kirk Whalum, etc.)

DISCOGRAPHY Uptown Blues (2019) One Way Back (2016) Truth B Told (2014) The Funky Joint (2012) Love You Found Me (2010) White Sand (2007) The City J (2005) Up Front (2004) www.paulbrownjazz.com

Paul Brown começou como baterista e depois tornou-se engenheiro de som para lendas do R&B, tais como Diana Ross, Luther Vandross ou Aretha Franklin, bem como produtor de Urban-Jazz. Ganhou duas vezes o Grammy, antes de se tornar num guitarrista e artista a solo popular. Durante os 15 anos após o lançamento do seu álbum de estreia, o guitarrista nascido e criado em Los Angeles produziu oito álbuns a solo e mais de 60 #1 Radio-Airplay-Hits para si e para outros artistas.

Fez milhares de actuações pelo mundo inteiro, incluindo Gigs com os seus colegas guitarristas Larry Carlton, Chris Standring e Marc Antoine, mas também com outros artistas influentes do género, tais como Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Jeff Golub e Al Jarreau.

Mesmo assim, Paul admite que ainda está a tentar encontrar-se como artista. Apesar de todos estes elogios e actuações ao vivo, ele continua alegre mas inquieto – e o seu único objectivo é mergulhar cada vez mais na música que mexeu com ele desde o início: o Blues.

Image: Peter Böhi

live at Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 Sunday, October 6, 20:45 h

Jacqui Brown – Vocals www.facebook.com/jbwritergirl

FEATURED A RT I S T S

20 Features Artists

Images: private

Orefo Orakwue – Bass www.orefo.com

Steve Turner – Keyboards www.steveturner.co.uk Carl Stanley – Saxophone www.facebook.com/carl-stanleysaxophonist-154386864619210

Andrew Small – Drums www.andrewsmall.net

Featured Artists 21

John McKenzie – Bass www.facebook.com/johnmichaelmckenzie

Westley Joseph – Drums www.westleyjoseph.com

Images: private

Arden Hart – Keyboards www.facebook.com/arden.hart

22 Featured Artists

Tony Remy – Guitar www.facebook.com/tonyremy2

FEATURED ARTISTS

Dave Ital – Guitar www.facebook.com/daveital

Featured Artists 23

Home of the Festival

Pine Cliffs Resort

24 Location | Pine Cliffs Resort

Das von Marriott über die Marke „The Luxury Collection“ gemanagte 5-Sterne-Resort ist traditionell im landestypischen Design gestaltet.

Wandbilder und handgemalte Fliesen erzählen, ergänzt durch einheimische Architektur, die portugiesische Geschichte. Auf einer Fläche von 72 Hektar bietet Pine Cliffs Freizeit- und Sporteinrichtungen, darunter das 1.100 m² große ausgezeichnete Serenity Spa, ein Fitnesscenter mit Health Club, eine Tennis Academy, einen 9-Loch-Golfplatz auf einer Klippe, Pools, Wassersport sowie 11 Restaurants und Bars.

Zudem wartet das Resort mit verschiedenen Optionen für Hotels und Unterkünften auf, z. B. das ‚Pine Cliffs Hotel‘, die ‚Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites‘ (beide Teil der Marke Luxury Collection; im Hauptgebäudekomplex gelegen, wo die Hauptaktion des Festivals stattfindet), die brandneuen »Pine Cliffs Gardens« und die »Pine Cliffs Townhouses«. All das eingebettet in eine wunderbare Kulisse aus Pinienwäldchen, Klippen und der Atlantikküste...

Images: Pine Cliffs Resort

The 5-star resort, managed by Marriott through its ‘The Luxury Collection’ brand, is traditionally styled with indigenous design, where Portuguese history is narrated through murals and hand painted tiles, skillfully complemented by native architecture. On 72 hectares, Pine Cliffs boasts leisure and sports facilities incl. the 1,100m² awarded Serenity Spa, a gym & health club, a Tennis Academy, a 9-hole cliff-top golf course, swimming pools, water sports as well as 11 restaurants and bars. The Resort also comes up with different options of hotels and properties, e. g. the ‚Pine Cliffs Hotel‘ and the ‚Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites‘ (both part of the Luxury Collection brand; located in the main building complex, where the main festival action happens), the brand-new ‚Pine Cliffs Gardens‘ or the ‚Pine Cliffs Townhouses’. All this embedded in a breathtaking backdrop of pine groves, cliffs and the Atlantic coast ...

O resort de 5 estrelas gerido pelo Marriott, sob a marca Luxury Collection foi concebido com um design tradicional e típico da região. Os quadros e os azulejos pintados à mão, em conjunto com a arquitectura local, contam a história de Portugal. Numa área de 72 hectares o Pine Cliffs oferece instalações de lazer e desportivas, entre as quais se encontra o excelente Serenity Spa com uma área de 1.100 m², um centro de fitness, uma academia de ténis, um campo de golfe de 9 buracos sobre a falésia, piscinas, desportos aquáticos bem como 11 restaurantes e bares. O resort também oferece variadas opções para hotéis e alojamentos, por exemplo o ‘Pine Cliffs Hotel’ e o ‘Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites’ (ambos fazem parte da Luxury Collection; situam-se no complexo do edifício principal, onde vai decorrer a acção principal do festival), os novos ‘Pine Cliffs Gardens’ e as ‘Pine Cliffs Townhouses’. Tudo isto num cenário deslumbrante de pinhais, falésias e costa atlântica ...

Pine Cliffs Resort | Location 25

REVIEW

Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019:

Chieli Minucci

Start me up Review by Peter Böhi of smoothjazzvibes.com Images by Christian Nordström and Bianca Berger

The 8th annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival took place like usual at the hospitable Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa in Sa Coma, Mallorca, May 13-19, 2019. The festival had been pushed a little closer to summer to allow for warmer temperatures. The skies were blue and the weather nice, fans were gathering from all over the world, and everybody was ready to meet friends, hear their favourite music and have a good time. The festival started on Monday with a pre-program with a dinner accompanied by Oli Silk (keys), followed by a show of the local band Saxophobia Funk Project and a welcome gala dinner on Tuesday, followed by show of singer Bart Brandjes and Rob Zinn (trumpet) on the smaller open air stage.

I arrived on Wednesday, when the major acts started to appear. Like every year, two alternating house bands supported the main players.

Guitarist Chieli Minucci opened the festival, supported by Westley Joseph (drums), Orefo Orakwue (bass), Oli Silk (keys), local players José (percussion) and Miguel Ramon (sax), plus Rob Zinn (trumpet).

They went right into it with “Kicking It Hard” and “Body Beat”, bringing things up to speed. The band was cooking and Chieli played his electric guitar beautifully, with a wide range of expression and technical prowess. Next were his radio hit “Cruise Control” and the classic “Ballerina” he wrote for his daughter 30 years ago. The highlight of the whole show for me was his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Cause We’ve Ended

26 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019

Rob Zinn

Bart Brandjes

DW3

harmonies. They did a beautiful version of “California Dreaming”, then shifting gears with EWF’s “Can’t Hide Love” and Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do”, bringing people to their feet. They were asked for an encore and did an abridged version of JB’s “Sex Machine”, bringing a great concert evening to an end.

Thursday night after a nice “Cool

By The Pool” party in the afternoon with lots of artists jamming on a small stage next to the pool, we got the next headliner, singer Chris Walker who honed his skills as bass player and background vocalist as a member of Al Jarreau’s band for 22 years.

On one hand he is carrying his mentor’s legacy incorporating large parts of Al’s techniques into

As Lovers” reaching a tremendous climax. His show was well received, and he was visibly impressed by the whole festival and the great vibe in the room.

Next were DW3, the “three Mexicans from LA living their dream” according to their own statement, who brought us their mix of originals and well selected covers, providing a great party vibe. DW3 are brothers Eric (keys) and Billy Mondragon (percussion), plus Damon Reel (vocals), all share harmony and lead vocals, propelling the music forward. They were supported by Marcus Finnie (drums), Marius Goldhammer (bass), Lutz Deterra (keys), Martin Feske (guitar; hereinafter “band a”), plus a horn section consisting of Rob (trumpet) and Miguel (sax). Their music falls more into the R&B category, but they have strong ties to the smooth jazz scene with Ricky Lawson having produced their music, people like Gerald Albright and Dave Koz guesting on their albums, apart from sailing on smooth jazz cruises.

They opened with “Let The Music Be Your Guide”, followed by songs like “I’ll Be By Your Side” and “Hold Me, Love Me”, showing their impeccable vocal skills and great

Eric Darius

Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 | Smooth Lifestyle 27

his singing, while remaining his own man at the same time. He was supported by Oli and Lutz (keys), Westley (drums), Orefo (bass), Dave Ital (guitar), plus Elle Cato and Bart (backing vocals). He kicked off his show with a great cover of the Gap Band’s “Outstanding”, having the crowd in the palm of his hand right from the start. The old school vibe continued with a tremendous rendition of “If Only For One Night”, dedicated to Doreen in the audience who celebrated her birthday, getting his full attention.

Later he invited Bart to scat with him, both pushing their creativity to its limits. The Al Jarreau mode continued with an awesome rendition of “Take Five”, showing his vocal prowess. Another highlight was a medley of James Ingram songs, with pieces like “Just Once”, “One Hundred Ways” and others, showing his mature and soulful singing. His show was totally professional and entertaining on the highest level of musicianship, so he was asked for an encore doing George Benson’s “Give Me The Night”, ft. Dave on guitar, finishing a great show.

Julian Vaughn

Four80East

The late night show was done by Eric Darius with “band a”. The saxophonist entered the room from the rear, making his way to the stage, where they gave him a lot of room to move around to deliver his energetic playing. He went through a string of songs like “Goin’ All Out” and more of his uptempo material, with simple, yet effective melodies and not too much improvisation. Martin got several opportunities to contribute burning guitar solos, Chris Walker

28 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019

adding considerably to the music. A really nice segment was when he did “L.O.V.E.”, a slow and heartfelt track that allowed him to wander through the audience, paying birthday girl Doreen one more visit. With the current album “Breakin’ Thru”, Eric is trying to connect to younger audiences, fusing trap music with jazz and funk, so he did “Trazz” showing where he wants to go musically in the future. His show went past midnight and was well received.

Friday afternoon, I joined the “Cool At The Pool” jam session, after some music provi­ ded by DJ Richard Edwards and a Q&A session with Four80East, “band a” got ready to play supporting players like Eric Darius and Matthias Beckmann (trumpet) doing Grover’s “Winelight”, Bart singing “This Masquerade” beautiful, while James Lloyd (keys) and Curtis Harmon (drums) did a funked up version of the “Flintstone Theme”, which was a lot of fun. Despite the strong winds, people were grooving to the music and having a good time.

In the evening, saxophonist Marion Meadows did his show, he was with the festival from the start and wanted to come back again. He was accompanied by “band a”.

He went through a string of his songs and thanks to the band who provided several hot solos, things were kicked up a notch. Among the songs played was “Suede” and “Humanity”, a cool touch was when he addressed a song to his wife building up a great solo that provided some nice improvisation. He did a stroll to the audience looping the same melody over and over again, getting closer to his fans. Nevertheless, his show was well received.

Next were the legendary Islandic band Mezzoforte which was founded in 1977 and still is going strong, the lineup consisted of founding members Eybor Gunnarsson (keys), Johann Asmundsson (bass), Gulli Briem (drums) and Fridrik Karlsson (guitar), plus Jonas Wall (sax) and Ari Bragi Karason (trumpet). The band was super tight going through their catalog of funky songs like “Midnight Sun”, “Action Man” and “Spring Fever”, with each member of the band contributing lots of solos, especially the horn section stood out with impeccable playing and great solos. Despite the fact, that they have been on the scene for such a long time, they were playing with a lot of joy and energy. They wrapped it up with their biggest hit “Garden Party” and came for an encore, giving us “Rollercoaster”, ending a great show.

Saturday morning, the double bill of Julian Vaughn and Four80East were scheduled outside in the open air theatre, but due to windy and chilly weather, it was moved inside.

Bass player Julian Vaughn was supported by Dave (guitar), Westley (drums), Orefo (bass), Oli (keys; hereinafter “band b”) and Miguel (sax). He played his higher tuned bass as a lead instrument, going through some of his funky songs like “Your Mine” and “Initiate” which had everybody bopping their heads, which also was true for “Ju Ju’s Groove”, a reference to his nickname as a child. He also played a couple of tracks from his upcoming release “Black Dynamite”. Then he invited special guest Jeff Ryan onto the stage who tore it up, a great player to watch. Then he flipped the switch to party mode with songs like the Whispers’ “Rock Steady”, complete with audience participation, having everybody on their feet. He came back for two encores, among the songs played was the immortal “Ain’t No Stopping’ Us Now”, definitely giving the people what they wanted.

Next were Canadian duo Four80East ft. Rob DeBoer (keys) and Tony Grace (percussion), they were accompanied by Martin (guitar), Marcus (drums), Marius (bass) and Miguel (sax), working nicely together as a group. They started out slowly and built it up, ultimately falling into their trademark groove with excellent percussion and smooth keys, caressing the audience with their melodies and hooks, providing a very enjoy­able musical experience. The band contributed great solos, most notably Martin and Miguel. Among the songs played were “Sandbar”, “Easy Come, Easy Go”, “Eegee Beegge” and “Cinco Cinco Seis” from their current “Four On The Floor EP”, among others.

Their show was very well received.

Marion Meadows

Jeff Ryan Peter White

Pieces of a Dream

Ragan Whiteside

Ragan Whiteside opened Saturday night, her band consisted of “band b”, plus Jeff (sax) and Rob (trumpet). She went through a few of her own songs, like “Early Arrival” and others, before she gave us her rendition of the Ohio Players’ classic “Sweet Sticky Thing”, delivered in style. She slowed it down with “In Love”, a beautiful track dedicated to her husband who was present in the audience. The groove picked up with Patrice Rushen’s “Remind

REVIEW

Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 | Smooth Lifestyle 29

REVIEW

Me”, showing also her vocal skills.

Things got even funkier with “Funktuation”, which required some participation from the audience providing the vocal part and offered several band members some solo space. Her great flute playing and funky vibe went down very well with the crowd, she was asked for one encore and left a satisfied crowd.

Mezzoforte

Oli Silk

Steve Oliver

Greg Manning

30 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019

Jeff Ryan

Due to health reasons, the scheduled Richard Elliot and his band had to cancel their European tour, filling in was his friend and festival favourite guitarist Peter White, who was an appropriate replacement. He also appeared with “band b”, plus sax player Jeff, who repeatedly joined him not only for the sax parts, but also provided some smoking solos, ironically reminding me a lot of Richard Elliot. Despite the fact that his shows have become a little predictable, he played with finesse and seemed to have a ball, we got the usual selection of songs like “Groovin’”, “Who’s That Lady”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, “Bueno Funk”, “Bright”, “San Diego” and more, the moving “My Prayer” played solo was a nice breath of fresh air. He gave his fellow players ample room to play, Matthias joined in to deliver some great trumpet playing during “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, providing another highlight. His show was very entertaining, he is a consummate artist that delivers smooth jazz on the highest level, possibly the best the genre has to offer.

Sunday morning keyboardist Greg Manning and rising sax player Jeff Ryan did their show, thanks to the nice weather, it was held outside. Their band consisted of “band b”. Greg had collaborated with Jeff in the past, so playing with each other was a natural thing for them, both were in a fine playing mood alternating between material from their own catalogs and complementing each other just fine. They opened with “Groove Me” and “Sweet Spot”, bringing things nicely up to speed. Highlights of the show were Greg’s “The Calling” which

had a great west coast vibe, while Jeff killed it with the intense “Embrace” boasting his gutsy tenor sound with lots of soul and feeling, it was pure bliss. Both players were a breath of fresh air to the genre and discoveries of the festival, I am sure we will hear a lot more from them in the future.

They were asked for an encore and did their cover of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”, having a happy crowd of people dancing in front of the stage.

Next was Steve Oliver, a musician that helped to shape the smooth jazz genre, giving us his blend of smooth jazz, world, latin, new age and even rock. Accompanied by “band a”, he impressed us with his great acoustic guitar

playing and vocal artistry, doing songs like “We Are”, “Global Kiss”, “High Noon”, “Illuminate” which started out acoustically, before the band kicked in, “World Citizen” and more.

He was raising the bar with “Chips & Salsa”, having people dance in front of the stage.

Other highlights were when keyboardist Lutz played the accordion, showing an unexpected side of his talents. To expand his musical palette, he incorporated synth sounds to his guitar, mimicking a whole orchestra at one point. Later, he wandered into the audience, doing a Spanish solo piece on the acoustic guitar. Towards the end of the show, he even incorporated some rock into his music, having many people on their feet. His show was varied and entertaining.

Sunday night, the grande finale took place at the Església Nova, Son Servera, an unfinished church that only had most of its walls, but no roof, a great venue with a special vibe.

People were transferred by bus from the hotel. The stage was set for Pieces Of A Dream ft. James Lloyd (keys) and Curtis Harmon (drums), they were supported by Martin (guitar), Marius (bass) and Oli (keys). They kicked off their show with the energetic “Wakeup Call”, “Right Back Atcha” and “Night Vision”, before the delved into their classics like “FoFi-Fo” and “Mt. Airy Groove”. They gave us a premiere of the title track of their soon to be released album “On Another Note”, before they slowed it down with “For You” which was dedicated to the people running this festival. The whole band was in a fine playing mood, and James was killing it on the keys. At the end of the concert, he strapped on his keytar to play “Come Together” walking around in the audience, bringing a great show and the festival as a whole to a close.

Impressions

Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019 | Smooth Lifestyle 31

Impressions

Impressions

32 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival 2019

Festival Partner 33

Norman Brown

Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018:

I feel good!

Review by Peter Böhi of smoothjazzvibes.com Images by Christian Nordström or the 3rd issue of the Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival we all met again at the 5 star Vita Vila Parc hotel in Porches, Algarve in Portugal from Oct 16-21, 2018. The concerts as well as the after show chillout parties ft. DJ Richard Edwards took place in a little pavilion holding a few hundred people, plus bar areas inside and outside. The festival was opened with the Smooth Jazz All Stars Jam Session featuring all players of the festival that were present that night which were most. The band consisted of Oli Silk (keys), Mark Jaimes (guitar), Orefo Orakwue (bass) and Andrew Small (drums; hereinafter ‘band a’), they accompanied a host of players who collectively started the show with ‘Cantaloupe Island’ ft. Brian Bromberg on bass, Rocco Ventrella, Paul Taylor and Michael Lington on sax, Matthias Beckmann and Lin Rountree on trumpet, plus Marc Antoine on acoustic guitar, bringing things nicely up to speed. During the rest of the night, the players alternated playing some of their own material, Rocco Ventrella did ‘Rocco Funk’ and ‘Soulful Strut’, Paul Taylor did ‘Super Nova’, Lin Rountree gave us his rendition of ‘People Make The World Go Round’, Michael Lington raised things a notch with his always heartfelt playing, while singer Lindsey Webster, who was accompanied by her musical partner Keith Slattery, impressed us with her powerful voice. My personal highlight were the impeccable contributions of acoustic guitarist Marc Antoine, who even did a brief stroll into the audience. Apart of the main players, the rest of the band got their solo spots as well, especially Oli Silk played some of his original material. They wrapped it up with ‘Superstitious’ having everybody on stage, even bassist Andrew Tolman stepped in briefly, plus the encore ‘Chicken’ that had us groove along. This was a nice start of the festival, and a little rain during the show didn‘t bother us.

Thursday night, the festival continued with saxophonist Rocco Ventrella from Bari, Italy. This player has been part of the festival for many years participating in the jams and guesting at other‘s shows,

34 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018

eventually was able to do his own show this year. He was supported

by Lutz Deterra (keys), Christoph Lindner (guitar), Andrew Tolman (bass), and Marcus Finnie (drums; hereinafter ‘band b’). The band was cooking, and they went right onto it with a few songs from his brand new release ‘Keep In Touch’. Among the songs played were ‘See You Smile’ and ‘Let‘s Funk’, where trumpeter Matthias Beckmann guested, before Rocco’s lovely wife Ilaria De Robertis joined the stage to sing ‘Quando, Quando’. The show continued with some more great songs like a heartfelt slow track he wrote when his daughter Margarita was born three years ago which went down very well with the crowd. Ilaria came back once more do sing ‘Yah Mo B There’, a great cover version of the Quincy Jones classic. They wrapped up the show with the seminal Grover track ‘Winelight’, leaving a satisfied crowd. Rocco has definitely joined the upper ranks of the smooth jazz world!

Next were the legendary Jeff Lorber Fusion, led by keyboardist Jeff Lorber, plus Jimmy Haslip (bass), Steve Hass (drums) and Andy Snitzer (sax), who came just off the Paul Simon tour and was able to join the band again. The band was tight as hell and went through several tracks from their Grammy winning album ‘Prototype’, providing ample solo space for all members. It was a joy to see these master musicians deliver this complex yet ultra-groovy music, with the whole band morphing into a cohesive jazz-funk machine, lifting the music to another level. They finished their great show with ‘Tune 88’, opened by a soulful gospel intro on keys, before the familiar melody kicked in. This show was a true highlight of the festival for me.

Friday night, singer Lindsey Webster and musical partner Keith Slattery did their show, accompanied by band a (excl. Oli Silk). They started out with a laid back vibe and built up the groove nicely, creating a loose party spirit allowing things to happen spontaneously, giving every member of the band plenty of time to solo, which was cool. Lindsey

Paul Taylor and „Ladies Choice“

paid tribute to some great singers doing Chaka Khan‘s ‘Ain‘t Nobody’ with saxophonist Michael Lington guesting and Aretha Franklin‘s ‘Natural Woman’, which went down very well with the crowd, plus one song by Jill Scott. Another highlight was her rendition of ‘Over The Rainbow’ done in parts acapella that kept the crowd in awe. She closed the show with some own current material, leaving a satisfied audience.

Next was guitarist supreme Norman Brown, he was accompanied by band b (plus Oli Silk). Being eager to play, he went through a strings of hits like ‘After The Storm’ and ‘Westcoast Cooling’ having the audience in the palm of his hand right from the start. In the middle of the set, he slowed it down with a solo guitar medley sitting at the edge of the stage, going through a Michael Jackson song and – while being in the mood – finishing with some Christmas carols, having some adoring fans in front of him. He continued with more classics, like Marvin Gaye‘s ‘What‘s Going On’ and ‘That‘s How Love Goes’, having people get up, culminating in some P-Funk to wrap it up in style. This was one of the best shows so far.

Saturday at noon, guitarist Marc Antoine performed, he was backed by band a. He kicked off his set with ‘Mas Que Nada’ before he played some of his own material. One of the highlights was the hard hitting

Paul Taylor, Matthias Beckmann, Rocco Ventrella

‘Latin Haze’, a track by Oli Silk where he guested on the album. Then his first guest, Michael Lington on saxophone, joined him for one song, before he went on with ‘Caminando’, a big radio hit from his collaboration with pianist David Benoit. Another highlight was the guest appearance Matthias Beckmann, who was invited onto stage spontaneously and did a great job with a heartfelt solo. Nice was also the contribution of Rocco Ventrella, who added some hot sax playing.

This was a very entertaining show by a consummate artist supported by a bunch of world class players.

Saxophonist Michael Lington was next, he was accompanied by band b. He went through some of his own material from his ‘Second Nature’ release like ‘Midnight Drive’ and others, then he did a nice cover of the Beatles classic ‘Eleanor Rigby’ which was a bit funked up. My personal highlight was his soulful rendition of ‘Everything Must Change’ with Norman Brown joining in. Another nice one was the throwback to the late 70ies with ‘Baker Street’ where he also took over the vocal chores.

For the grande finale, he invited Matthias Beckmann and Lin Rountree plus Rocco Ventrella on stage to do an ultra-funky version of the AWB‘s ‘Pick Up The Pieces’ with hot solos by all involved. They returned for an encore, doing the very nice Kenny Loggins classic ‘Danny‘s Song’ that brought a great concert to a close.

Review Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018 | Smooth Lifestyle 35

Peter White Rocco Ventrella

Brian Bromberg

Lindsey Webster

Steve Hass, Jimmy Haslip

36 Smooth Lifestyle | Review Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018

REVIEW

Jeff Lorber, Andy Snitzer Michael Lington

3rdAlgarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018 at VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa Lin Rountree Saturday night, bassist Brian Bromberg performed some of his own material, his band consisted of band b. He opened his show with a couple of tracks from his current release ‘Thicker Than Water’, among the tunes performed was the breezy ‘Changes’ which was played on a specially tuned piccolo bass, giving Brian the opportunity to play the melody on a higher pitched instrument. For his radio hit ‘Coupe De Ville’, he invited Michael Lington to the stage.

Things slowed down for the beautiful ‘Your Eyes’, before trumpeter Lin Rountree joined in to provide some great trumpet playing. The show had a cool laid-back vibe despite the often funky bass playing and was wrapped up with a special cover of B-52‘s ‘Love Shack’, showing what a consummate artist Brian is.

After the intermission, saxophonist Paul Taylor took over, he was accompanied by band a.

The band played beautifully and laid down a thick carpet of grooves over which Paul Taylor played his sweet and sensuous saxophone lines. He alternated between alto and soprano saxophone and treated the crowed with tracks like ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Luxe’ among others, immersing the audience in a steady stream of smooth sax tracks. He did a stroll through the audience and invited a bunch of female dancers on stage to join him for ‘Ladies‘ Choice’, which was fun. He was asked for an encore and delivered the highlight for me, a groovy cover of Ronnie Laws‘ ‘Always There’, kicking things up a notch.

Trumpeter Lin Rountree opened the Sunday noon concerts with his show, his band: band b. He went through a strings of his songs like ‘Soulfunky’ and ‘Pass The Groove’ featuring his soulful trumpet playing. Several members of the band got ample solo space, keeping the funky groove going strong. Everybody had a blast – and Lin is an artist to watch.

The last show of the festival was done by guitarist Peter White who has been part of these festivals since the beginning. He was supported by band a, plus Rocco Ventrella. The band played like clockwork and provided the perfect backdrop to the acoustic guitar of the leader.

Peter went through a string of his own material like ‘San Diego’, and the great ‘Bueno Funk’, plus lots of covers like the inevitable ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’, ‘Do I Do’ and ‘Groovin’, especially notable was a solo rendition of the Beatles‘ ‘Here, There And Everywhere’ and an duet with special guest Marc Antoine. Another personal highlight was the beautiful ‘Perfect Moment’ which was pure magic. Every member had several chances to solo, especially Rocco did a splendid job on sax. This show was a highlight of the festival, providing sophisticated entertainment on the highest level.

Marc Antoine

Review Algarve Smooth Jazz Festival 2018 | Smooth Lifestyle 37

Hans-Bernd Hülsmann presents:

Smooth Music all around ... wonderful jazz, introspective vocals, lifestyle soundtracks for us all to incorporate into our days, nights and weekends. Here is a list of my personal favorites so far this year!

Reviews by Hans-Bernd Hülsmann of Smooth & Soul - Your guide to the world of smooth jazz (smooth-jazz.de)

DAVID BENOIT – David Benoit and friends Pianist and composer David Benoit has dedicated his new album ‘David Benoit and Friends’ to his fellow musicians. Collaborations with other musicians are nothing new for David. Legendary is his partnership with Russ Freeman, including ‘The Benoit/Freeman Project’ albums. David Benoit and Jane Monheit teamed up for ‘2 In Love’. Guitarist Marc Antoine and David were the surprise packet of 2017 with ‘So Nice!’. Jane Hawk is a novel character by the author Dean Koontz, which he has portrayed in a series of 5 books. With a cinematic orchestration David sketches on ‘Ballad Of Jane Hawk’ his imagination supported by Peter White on guitar and Tim Weisberg on flute. The swaying Bossa Nova song ‘Make It Real’ is an acoustic highlight featuring David, Ken Wild on bass and America’s new vocal miracle Lindsey Webster. On his new CD, David combines songs of the American songbook with contemporary music, links the past with the present and turns his music into a timeless sound document of music history.

RICK BRAUN – Crossroads A brilliant cover photo says a lot about the illustrated musician.

Rick Braun made it. He is at the height of his musical career both as a soloist and as an accompanist. His new album ‘Crossroads’ is his second album on the prestigious label Shanachie Entertainment after ‘Around The Horn’.

The introducing ‘Around The Corner’ is committed to Braun’s daughter Emma to whom he dedicates songs on many albums. Braun cleverly takes advantage of Herb Alpert’s Tijuana brass style by overdubbing his horn with very slight delay in order to create the illusion of a full brass section. The title song ‘Crossroads’ is a full-bodied song that Rick Braun recorded with his long-time friend Philippe Saisse. Meaningful in the quality of old Bob James evergreens. Rick Braun’s album ‘Crossroads’ serves an accessible palette of music, which is both addictive and of exquisite quality. The product of many years of experience and the knowledge of that certain something.

38 Smooth Lifestyle | CD Reviews

EUGE GROOVE – Slow Jams The well known and popular saxophonist Euge Goove has released this year a collection of slow ballads under the title ‘Slow Jams’ on the label Shanachie Entertainment. It is a collection of already released recordings, so that it is most notably of interest to listeners who are not yet in possession of his albums. First track of this compilation is ‘Slow Jam’ taken from the album ‘Born 2 Groove’. The eponym of the set indicates the direction, sensitive, tender, harmonious. On ‘Rain Down On Me’ from ‘Got 2 Be Groovin’ Euge takes a different approach. Already the piano intro of almost two minutes promises meaningfulness. With Peter White on acoustic guitar and Euge on sax we hear some high-caliber.With the exception of one track are all other tunes of this collection recorded during Euge’s period on the Shanachie Entertainment label, that means during this decade. All in all, this compilation is balanced and carefully selected if one has a penchant for his slow ballads.

STEVE COLE – Gratitude Saxophonist Steve Cole had retired for a short time due to health problems of a family member he was caring for. But now he is back. Appropriately his new album ‘Gratitude’ has just been released. After ‘Stay Awhile’, ‘Between Us’, ‘NY LA’, ‘Spin’, ‘True’, ‘Moonlight’, ‘Pulse’ and ‘Turn It Up’. ‘Gratitude’ is his ninth album. The album starts in uplifting mood with ‘Good News Day’ presenting a finely tuned saxophone arrangement in combination with a balanced chorus line. ‘Neo Sol’ is a mesmerizing tune with harmonies inspired by EWF. ‘Gratitude’ is Steve’s Thank you for all the people who helped him and his family through tough times. This Gospel styled ballad is addressed to the musicians, the collaborators and the many nameless professionals who have supported him. The efficient collaboration between Steve and David Mann also pays off with the new album. An audible trademark are the mature harmonies formed by various instruments and musicians, which are rarely found in this form in today’s smooth jazz.

Upcoming Smooth Jazz Festivals 39

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