I just got the new Vanessa Williams CD in today, “The Real Thing” is by far one of her best efforts, it’s mix of R & B, with the smooth vibe will have smooth jazz vocalists envious. The track that was suggested for airplay at Smooth Jazz stations across the country is Just Between Friends, but I’m going to play the first track “Breathless” why?, well because I think it embodies more of the Smooth Jazz Saturday Nights on KUDL listeners. You might disagree, but I think you’ll enjoy it. Catch the track in the 7pm Central hour this Saturday on 98.1 KUDL and always at kudl.com.

I haven’t wrote much on Smooth Jazz Saturday Night and that was one of my resolutions, I’ve been listening to a lot of smooth indie artists and have heard some great music. Mike Catalano and Russ Hewitt are both indies and have some great music. Russ Hewitts latest CD is ” bajo el sol” and it’s latin flavor is very romantic, perfect for your valentine, his sensual classical spanish guitar is light, romantic at times and is well produced.

Mike Catalano has a new single called “Beauty and The Beast” that features Bob James and is a very nice mix of soft piano and Hammond organ a nice mix that’s playful, bouncy and is just a real nice groove.

Another artist that fell on my desk was Armik another spanish/latin style guitarist whose self produced albums are huge on the west coast, His latest is called “Serenata” a Nuevo Flemnco style that is as romantic as it is pure. Pretty nice change of pace.  This saturday night, new music by Dave Koz, a couple of pairs of BB King tickets to give away and of course a welcome retreat to a bumpy week, we’ll smooth it out for you.

Taylor

Anita Baker is in town this weekend and this is a must see concert, Anita is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-Platinum rhythm and blues and soul singer and songwriter and this is one concert you just can’t miss. Many thanks to all who entered the Smooth Jazz Saturday Night Concerts Contests for Anita, Norman, David Sanborn and I promise I’ll have more great smooth concerts to send you to. If you happened to win tickets to Anita, I’d love to know about your experience! You can comment here or always send me email taylor@kudl.com

Taylor