Keith has produced three tracks for the new Michael Lington release, Heat, on nuGroove Records. Keith has produced over 120 albums and more than one in four are gold, platinum, or multi-platinum sellers. Sales of these smash hits exceed 110 million units at retail, equaling more than a billion dollars in revenue!

Danish born saxophonist Michael Lington has demonstrated his contemporary saxophone chops with a steady stream of chart-toppers since his debut album in 1997. Soon after relocating to the US, Lington began playing with greats Little Richard, Randy Crawford & Bobby Caldwell and eventually segued into a distinguished recording career of his own. Five albums & 10 R&R hits later, Lington is a global touring force, most recently performing as part of the sold out, coast to coast Barry Manilow tour. “Michael Lington is one hell of a sax player! He absolutely brought down the house every night on my arena tour,” said Barry Manilow.

“With his ultra-sleek look, hip, edgy “now” attitude and charm and charisma to burn, Michael Lington has defined the contemporary urban jazz experience… Beyond his trademark mix of cool and explosive instrumentals, the Copenhagen native is crossing over into the mainstream pop/adult contemporary realm with two key vocal collaborations [Aaron Neville and Ace Young]…” – Jonathan Widran, SmoothJazzMonthly.com

Michael Lington News:
Michael and Ace Young (American Idol) recently helped the Muscular Dystrophy Association raise a record $65 million dollars on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over Labor Day with a stellar performance of “Baker Street” from the Heat album. Shortly after the performance, Jerry Lewis said, ““Beautiful music, great talent…and we’re lucky we got them tonight. Beautiful Michael!”

Michael will continue to be on a nationwide tour to support Heat into the fourth quarter.

Michael’s new album on nuGroove entitled Heat, features performances by such mega stars as Aaron Neville, Ace Young (American Idol) and Torcuato Mariano, and will take Lington to new heights!

Release date: September 2, 2008

www.michaellington.com

Interviews or reviews:
Cheryl Hughey Promotions
811 Westrun Drive
Ballwin, MO 63021
cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

Hitmaking Producer Darren Rahn Officially Joins De’Nate’

Moorestown, NJ – Saxophonist/producer Darren Rahn recently announced that he has joined De’Nate’, the nuGroove band created by industry veteran David Chackler. “The chemistry between Rahn, Connors and Harasim is remarkable. In many ways, it reminds me of the magic that happened when Keith Olsen and I introduced Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. It’s an indescribable energy that you can see feel and hear,” said David Chackler, President of nuGroove.

Rahn, who has been responsible for several recent Billboard hits for contemporary jazz acts like Dave Koz and Wayman Tisdale, is quick to talk about his enthusiasm for the project as well. “I am very excited to be the newest member of De’Nate’. Nate and Deb have set the foundation for an extremely unique and appealing sound and I am honored to join them as the third member of the group. It’s a rare thing to find a musical collaboration with such a unique sound that appeals to an extremely broad audience. De’Nate’s music transcends traditional boundaries and somehow still seems to work across several mainstream formats,” said Rahn.

Photo (L-R) Darren Rahn, Deborah Connors and Nate Harasim

Although Rahn has been friends with the members of De’Nate’ for some time, fans may recall that he recently appeared with the group for a Reno concert. However, it wasn’t until his recent studio work with the group that it all came together. “This whole thing with me joining the group stemmed from a remix I did for their new single “Sweet Dreams”…One day I’m cutting a few sax tracks for them, then I’m doing a remix for the single, and then suddenly I’m being asked to join the group. It was an honor and a very natural progression – truly meant to be. It wasn’t created or contrived, it just happened and things are really taking off now. We’ve had an amazing response to the album and the new single in the US and internationally as well. I’m excited to join De’Nate’ alongside the extremely talented Nate Harasim and Deborah Connors, and I’m thrilled to have the legendary David Chackler and nuGroove Records in our corner. I can’t wait to see what happens next,” said Rahn.

“Sweet Dreams” (single) was shipped to radio October 3, 2008.

If you are a radio station and have not received a copy of “Sweet Dreams,” please contact stljazz@charter.net for electronic servicing.

For interviews or reviews, please contact cherylhughey@charter.net or call 314-660-1755.

www.myspace.com/denatemusic

www.denatemusic.com

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

St. Louis, Missouri

Dwayne Kerr (Erykah Badu Flutist) Releases New Video Produced by Kerwin DeVonish (Spike Lee)

Dwayne Kerr (Erykah Badu’s Funky Fluteman) has teamed up with Kerwin DeVonish (Spike Lee producer) to release a new video that was filmed on the beaches of Barbados. Click on the link below to view. Available for preview on YouTube, this scenic video features the single “Smooth” (Top 15 Radio and Records and Top 30 SmoothJazz.com) from Dwayne’s 2008 release Higher Calling.

Higher Calling, which features stellar guest appearances by Erykah Badu and Kirk Whalum has received accolades from reviewers. Susan Frances of the Jazz Review proclaimed, “… makes jazz music Higher Callingas beautiful as it comes…” and Abkar Nour of Smooth Jazz Now declared Kerr “an extraordinary groovy flutist.” Lovingly received by radio, the single “Ain’t No Sunshine” with Erykah Badu reached the Top 10 on Radio and Records.

www.dmannsmusicgroup.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNoCZyAlk9w

More about the artist:

Kerr was hired to play as a band member for Grammy Award-winning Erykah Badu in 1998. While touring with Erykah, Dwayne has played in Africa, Italy, Japan, throughout Europe and Scandinavia, on the all-female artists Lilith Fair Tour and television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV’s Real World, The Oprah Show, Live! With Regis and BET Live.

While touring and recording with Erykah Badu for the past several years, Dwayne added his sound to recordings including Ms. Badu’s version of the Chaka Khan hit, “Hollywood,” which is on the soundtrack/CD to the Spike Lee movie, Bamboozled, on Motown Records and Erykah’s song, “Today,” which is on the Red Star Sounds compilation CD on Epic Records. Kerr played on Erykah’s latest CD, Worldwide Underground, and her previous CD, Mama’s Gun, on Motown Records.

Raised and still residing on Long Island, New York, Kerr attended New York colleges Nassau Community College, SUNY-Stony Brook and SUNY-Old Westbury, where he was trained classically and in jazz. Kerr is a brilliant flutist who is moving the flute into other genres of music not often explored. Connecting with the audience both in a live setting and on recordings is a trait well-respected by others in the industry. “I’ve seen Dwayne inspire many people all over the world with his sound,” said RC Williams, Producer/co-songwriter Higher Calling and Producer/Songwriter/MD for Erykah Badu.

A by-product of his ascending career, Kerr signed a deal with AKG Acoustics in 2001 to endorse an AKG wireless headset system. When not touring with Ms. Badu, Kerr is active in his venture as a solo artist, most notable having performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the Jazz & Broadway Concert at the United Nations and at halftime of several National Basketball Association games. Dwayne has performed on shows with or opened shows for Erykah Badu, Regina Belle, Roy Hargrove, Marion Meadows, Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Rubin and other noted artists.

“As I watch my friend in amazement,” Erykah said of Dwayne, “the high tones and the trills become part of me, helping me to grow on stage. I don’t know which is sweeter, his tone or his soul.”

The release of Higher Calling is indeed a new chapter in the life of this astounding artist. The making of the project was an organic process that evolved into a musical diary of the musicians involved.

Jeff Feinstein, producer & keys, said, “I think I could write a novel on my experiences with Dwayne and “the cast” of Higher Calling. The most important chapter would be on how much your work can intertwine with life, love and believing in yourself. To me, working on the project represented strong earthly proof of why not to give up on my dreams and God…no matter what.”

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

G John Martin “Black Ice” Releases Debut CD

Tokyo, Japan
After touring the world and opening a record label in Japan, G John Martin “Black Ice” releases his debut CD, Black Ice.

R&B/contemporary jazz vocalist G John Martin, born in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is an artist who personifies art with unified melodies manifested with balance, life and wisdom. Martin’s musical journey began with the discovery of the bass guitar at the age of seven. By age twelve, he was writing and producing his own and formed a local band. Additionally, he taught himself drums and guitar before developing a unique vocal style that would mark the beginning of his musical career.

Martin’s professional journey began at age eleven during a visit to Hollywood. He quickly caught the ear of performer James Mitchell of the “Detroit Emeralds,” who offered him a role in the development of musical pieces for several projects including his first tour. With Mitchell’s encouragement, Martin quickly moved to study music and began what would become a long history of music production with groups like 7 Mile under the Sony label. World tours would also include the likes of Earl Klugh/George Benson, After 7, Clark Sisters, Universal Nubian Voices (UNV) opening the “The Madonna Girlie Tour” and Japan’s Speed, Anri, Yuki Kokanagi and Ken Hirai, just to name a few.

Within the next ten years, G John Martin felt the pressures and practices of the music business overshadowed his passion of music. Deciding he would no longer work under the influences of corporate ideals and demands, he chose to quiet himself, find spiritual solace and honor his soul. This led him to Japan, a culture based on divination and order. Martin transformed his career into a company venture – JP Entertainment & Nitram Records.

“My life is music. I was a singer when I was born and remain a singer today,” said Martin.

The self-titled CD, Black Ice, marks the solo debut for this R&B singer. The CD is available for sale in Japan and world-wide via CDBaby.com.

www.myspace.com/glynismartin

www.cdbaby.com/cd/gjohnmartin

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

314-660-1755

cherylhughey@charter.net

Vibes Alive Releases After Hours

Los Angeles, CA

Vibist Dirk Richter’s story is about discovery and passion. Before Dirk was even old enough to go to school, he was hanging out at the local music store. At the tender age of four, Dirk was intensely studying music on a daily basis. By the time he was five, Dirk was gigging as a sideman with other youngsters in a band called the Tax Exemptions.

Influenced by Jean Luc Ponty, Jeff Lorber, George Duke and Lionel Hampton (because of swing music), Dirk became a serious mallet player by the age of eight. After high school, he studied at Pasadena City College w/Gary Foster (who had a Monday night big band), thoroughly immersing himself in the local Pasadena jazz scene.

It was in Pasadena that Dirk would meet his future partner in songwriting crime, Randall Crissman, a guitar playing television and movie composer with a string of credits that includes the likes of MTV, CBS, FOX and Nickelodeon for shows like Oprah, Dancing with the Stars, Joe Millionaire, Access Hollywood and The View.

Together, they would pen their first album, Vibes Alive (1997-Syndrome Records), which featured the stellar cast of Jeff Lorber, Luis Conte, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Haslip and Carlos Vega. Jonathan Widran of All Music Guide would declare, “…Richter takes charge, carrying cool melodies atop those trademark Lorber rhythms and harmonies on 70’s throwbacks like the Hammond B-3 and the Wurlitzer Electric piano.”

Following the release of the Vibes Alive album Dirk Richter and Randall Crissman would form a band named after the album and would head to the studio to record a second album. Scheduled to be released in 2008 via Swingding Records, After Hours combines the stellar cast of the 1997 release with a few new all stars for a hot sound that will sizzle the airwaves.

More on After Hours by Vibes Alive:

The collection of tunes in After Hours is a tapestry of kinetic exchanges between an incredible cast of musicians. These sessions capture the essence and spirit of the music in its most uninhibited form. A master conductor, Richter uses the vibes as a paintbrush that accentuates the communication between each gifted artist. According to Richter, the music is about “going back to the basics of creating music.” It’s about making music without boundaries.

With all the format changes in the industry, the time is ripe for musical change and that fans are eager to have music that is fresh and alive. The team of Dirk Richter and Randall Crissman offer up a sound that is unique, spirited and passionate. Add in solid songwriting and a stellar cast and you have a winner.

After HoursMusician List:

Dirk Richter: vibes, keyboards

Randall Crissman: guitar, synth bass

Jeff Lorber: synthesizer,Wurlitzer electric piano

Gary Meek: sax & flute

Luis Conte: percussion

Vinnie Colaiuta: drums

Jimmy Johnson: bass

Putter Smith: acoustic bass

Bob Summers: trumpet

Written and arranged by Dirk Richter and Randall Crissman

Produced by Randall Crissman

Harris grew up in Detroit, Michigan. It was there his musical aspirations started at the early age of 12 when he played trumpet through junior high and high school. At 16, he began playing guitar, and within a year was playing throughout the Detroit area.

Robert made his way to the Seattle area where he began touring. He spent several years touring the West Coast before heading south to Los Angeles. Within a year of being in L.A., Robert was signed with West Management/Record Company. Richard West, founder of the company, became his manager. West Production produced Harris’ first CD project. Robert spent the next 10 years in L.A. working as a studio musician, as well as arranging and producing projects. A natural talent for the engineering side of the recording business, Robert graduated to head engineer at the control panels. However, he missed performing and moved to Central Florida, where his band, the Robert Harris group, is now one performing.

Featured in the December 21, 2007 issue of the Orlando Sentinel, The Robert Harris Group is one of the premier Jazz / R&B groups in central Florida. In addition to their regular club dates, they have performed at the New Smryna Jazz Festival, the Winter Park Art Festival, The Seminole Jazz Series, and the Kissimmee Jazz Festivals, and recently The Daytona Jazz Festival where they opened for Walter Beasley, Spyro Gyra, and Jean-Luc Ponty. This year Robert opened for Mindi Abair at the Art and Music Festival at Lake Eola in Orlando, and Richard Elliot at the Winter Park Art Festival.

The group is currently scheduled for several national festivals next year. ie: Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Berks Jazz Fest, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and more. The Robert Harris group has been asked back to perform at several concert events hosted by Orlando’s premiere smooth jazz station WLOQ 103.1, and Tampa Bays WSJT, and WGRV the Groove Florida’s east coast station.

A few years ago Robert had the privilege of playing with Kirk Whalum and Warren Hill’s band on Warren Hills smooth jazz cruise. You can also see Robert playing an acoustic duet with Peter White on the roberharrismusic.com photo page. His first CD, Cool Breeze. was featured on several radio stations around the world.

www.robertharrismusic.com

Contact:

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

cherylhughey@charter.net/314-660-1755

Donn Bynum – Former Commodores, Bootsy’s Rubber Band and Brothers Johnson Saxophonist Releases Debut CD

“Fun and relaxing debut!” – Keys and Chords

Long Beach, CA

Saxophonist Donn Bynum has made his living playing with legends like the Commodores, Bootsy Collins, Brothers Johnson and more. The summer of 2008 marks his debut solo release with Do You Feel Me. Available now at CDBaby.com, Do You Feel Me is dynamic testament to this master tradesman’s many years of sharing his music around the world.

More About the Artist:

While other kids were making college plans, saxophonist Donn Bynum was creating a future with his horn. At the tender age of 18, Bynum joined legendary Bootsy Collins for several shows before attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. After graduating, Bynum joined the world famous Commodores and ventured on several world tours of Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as the USA. Playing sax, flute, keyboards and drums, Bynum would also join the Commodores for concerts in Bermuda, Nassau Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands with an appearance on the “Motown 25th Anniversary“ television show.

Bynum performed for several years with international recording artists The Brothers Johnson, and appeared on the TV show Motown Live. Later, Bootsy’s Rubber Band called him back for more international touring and recording. During this time, he played on Bootsy’s CD entitled Bootsy’s New Rubber Band Live in Japan.

As a studio musician, Bynum was featured on the song “Make My Funk The P-Funk,” along with funk master keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Bynum has also recorded and performed with stellar award-winning gospel artist Kenny Smith and many others.

Do You Feel Me is his solo debut.

http://www.myspace.com/donnbynum

http://cdbaby.com/cd/donnbynum

To schedule interviews, please contact:
Cheryl Hughey Promotions at 314-660-1755 or cherylhughey@charter.net

Time Life Releases Motown Collection

Moorestown, NJ

Time Life has issued a five-volume (10 CD) collector’s set featuring songs by The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Four Tops, Martha & The Vandella’s, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, and many more.

The place where hits were born, the distinct Motown sound of the ’60s and ’70s was undeniable, crafted from soulful melodies, soothing vocals and a hint of pop. Now, fans can own a piece of this legacy with The Motown Collection, a compilation of 150 of these original Motown recordings. This set is not available in stores and can be purchased at www.timelife.com. As an added bonus, a DVD of 12 performances of some of Motown’s favorite artists is included with the set.

Before receiving worldwide acclaim, “Hitsville, USA” was created in 1959/1960* by Berry Gordy, Jr. in Detroit, Michigan. Gordy and company branded a sound that would stretch the boundaries of both music and racial integration. Additionally, it gave the country a much needed spark of excitement and hope during a time of war and worry. Americans were hungry for hope and Motown delivered. Commercially, the power of the Motown business vehicle would make way for wider acceptance of other musical genres like Rock and Roll, Hip Hop and many others.

The Motown Collection is a time capsule of all that is Americana. From the sweet sounds of the Marvelettes to the heat of Marvin Gaye, The Motown Collection is an essential addition to any music lover’s collection.

*Source: Wikipedia.com

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His musicality spans the spectrum of jazz from smooth and contemporary to soul and funk. – Susan Frances, JazzReview.com

Detroit, MI
In this crazy age, everyone needs a little Sumthin’ Good and Lin Rountree is just what the doctor ordered! Brimming over with hot grooves and fluid lines, trumpeter/flugelhornist Linn Rountree offers up a soulful collection of songs designed to warm even the coldest night. Lin Rountree and the production team of Billy Meadows and Dana Davis have scored another hit with this follow up to Rountree’s magical debut project Groovetree. As DJ Fazio of JazzMonthly.com said about his 2005 release, Groovetree, “When you think ‘groove’, think Lin Rountree…”

In talking about his new release, Lin Rountree said, “Sumthin’ Good was a great project to record because we didn’t stray too far from what made us successful on Groovetree. Great grooves with great melodies played by great musicians. On Sumthin’ Good, you will hear a progression, almost a maturation of sorts, in our sound and concepts. You will feel a little more punch on the mid-tempo songs and more soul on the easy grooves.”

Punching grooves aren’t all that Sumthin’ Good serves up. According to Rountree, “There’s a beautiful ballad (”All The Way”) co-written by Roberto Valley (bassist with Paul Brown). Mr. Carl Robinson contributed “She’s Just A Woman” for you reggae lovers. The legendary Perry Hughes (guitarist with Earl Klugh and Bob James) kicks in some lead guitar and a KILLER solo on “Chillin’ On.” There’s even two vocal tracks this time, one featuring international soul sensation amp fiddler (”Kiss on Ya Soul”), and the other with up-and-coming R&B superstar 19-year-old Valencia (”Get Away”). All in all, we think Sumthin’ Good is indeed that. We hope you will too!”

More about the artist:
During the past few years, Lin has received international acclaim for his music and performances and has been dubbed a member of the “new generation” of future smooth jazz stars. He has also shared the stage/studio with the likes of KEM, Dwele, Tim Bowman, George Benson, Peter White, Conya Doss Deitrick Hadden and a host of others.

“For Your Love f/Tim Bowman,” the first release from the 2005 Groovetree, stayed on the SJ Charts for 15 weeks as Lin’s sound drew strong comparisons to Rick Braun and Chris Botti showing the world that Rountree is the real deal.

Through a partnership with industry moguls Hank Caldwell and Kendall Minter of NDN, LLC, Lin recently signed a national distribution deal with Ryko/Warner Bros. and is poised to release SUMPTHIN’ GOOD, Lin’s sophomore effort. SUMPTHIN’ GOOD is scheduled to be released April 2008.

“…a perfect marriage between contemporary jazz and R&B with an undeniable soulful spirit that just lingers something sweet.” – Abyss Jazz on Groovetree
www.linrountree.com

For interviews and reviews, please contact Cheryl Hughey Promotions at 314-660-1755 or cherylhughey@charter.net.

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Shilts Returns Home to nuGroove and Releases Jigsaw Life

Moorestown, NJ
What do you get when you combine unforgettable hooks and atomic energy? You get a sound that is fresh, unique and totally Shilts. The former frontman for the funk-fortified Down to the Bone and groove jazz specialist, Shilts has signed with nuGroove for the release of his new CD, Jigsaw Life.

“nuGroove was the original home for Down to the Bone. I’m excited to have Shilts back with us. When I heard cuts from this release, I was ecstatic. The songs are unbelievable. There was so much good material on this release that we had a hard time picking the first single,” said David Chackler, President and Co-owner.

Paul “Shilts” Weimar originally hails from London, England and has been playing saxophone since his early teens. His career has spanned all forms of jazz, soul, rock and pop music. He has toured all over the world and performed with a host of international artists, such as The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Peter White and many more. Eventually Shilts became the most visible and identifiable member of the UK jazz group Down To the Bone. In his eleven years with the group, he remained excited creating a separate identity for himself. He did this with his highly anticipated debut, See What Happens, which earned a 2001 Smooth Jazz Award nomination, followed by his second and highly acclaimed follow up, HeadBoppin. His third and latest release, Jigsaw Life, is a powerful showcase of Shilts’ multitude of performing and composing talents, focusing not only on his tenor brilliance but also his instantly infectious melodies.

“I’ve been lucky that I’ve played in so many different styles of music…soul, fusion, pop, big band, smooth jazz. I’ve brought all those different styles in this CD. I’ve tried to make each track sound different. The jigsaw to me is different styles of music,” said Shilts.

A little taste of the Jigsaw Life:
Jigsaw Life opens with “Piece by Piece.” One of the first songs that Shilts chose for the album, it was originally a tune he wrote for Rick Braun and Richard Elliot but never recorded. On second glance, Shilts decided to crank up the tempo and enriched the funk. Additionally, for the first time in 20 years, Shilts decided to play the soprano. Unfortunately, he no longer owned a soprano. Luckily, Yamaha was gracious enough to loan him one and “Piece by Piece” blossomed into a duet between the soprano and tenor.

Destined to be a summer hit, the upbeat dance track and first single to go to radio, “Back on The Hudson” was untitled for a long time. “I was performing in New York with Down to the Bone on the Spirit Cruises and decided I wanted to play it during the set to test out the new tune. Everyone loved it and asked me the name…I didn’t have one.” In celebration of the location, Shilts name the song “Back on The Hudson.”

In contrast to the rowdy “Back on The Hudson,” the sole ballad on Jigsaw Life is “A Promise is a Promise” with a stunning soprano ballad melody. “This one is for the ladies,” said Shilts.

Keeping to the spirit of making each song unique on Jigsaw Life, Shilts enlisted the aid of a string quartet for “Broken Silence.” Simple and emotionally powerful with a soprano lead, the song slowly builds with a Hammond B-3 and acoustic guitar added to the mix with a dynamic electric guitar solo at the end.

“One of my favorites is track seven, “Outside the Box,” said Shilts. “It’s the furthest away from any other tracks on the album. I originally was going to call it “Southern Fried Sax.” It has a bluesy, southern soul sort of sound with a trio of tenor saxophones interacting with one another…a dirty, nasty, funky groove, yet very minimalist.” With the exception of the guitar, Shilts plays all the instruments for this party track.

This is just a small sampling of the pieces of the music that make up Jigsaw Life.

To learn more, please visit www.shiltsmusic.com.