James Webb Telescope

Yesterday saw the official release of the first images captured by the James Webb Telescope. And very impressive they were too.

For a few years now I've been playing at making 3D photos. Mostly of space objects, and for the most part nebulae. So when the image below of the Southern Ring Nebula appeared on screen I couldn't wait to have a go at.

 

6 hours later I posted my efforts onto Facebook. Sadly the only place where you can view these images in 3D on the web is through Facebook. They used to kind of "self animate" too, but for some reason Facebook have seen fit to remove that particular feature, meaning you now have to scribble over the image with your mouse to see the 3D movement. I'd love to know how to get the self animation back or better still find a way to display them outside of Facebook. Any ideas?

But for now, if you like to see the image, Facebook it is. My account is fully public so you should be able to view it, even if you don't have a Facebook account. You'll find it here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10226520007967032

Testing...

Blimey! Just found this blog after 5 years. I had good intentions for things to post on here, but life kind of got in the way. However seeing the amount of views that I have had over the years clearly I ought to give it a bit more attention.

This particular post is partially to find out if the thing still works!

Mezzoforte return to London

I confess to being a little excited about this weekend's shows. Icelandic Jazz funkers Mezzoforte made a brief return to UK shores after a 30 year absence for a one night stand last year, and it was a magical show. So it was a no brainer to ask them back again for a revisit this year. It seems that a lot of people felt the same as 3 out the 4 scheduled shows are now sold out. But there are still seats left for the Saturday night late show if you fancy catching them this time around.

They are guaranteed to play their big UK hit "Garden Party", along with an impressive selection from their extensive back catalogue. After more than 40 years together they are as tight as a band can get so do yourself a favour and catch Mezzoforte. Visit Smooth Jazz Events UK for more details.

Changes to the blog content

I think it's time to kill it or cure it. I'm going to try for a cure first.

I confess that I have used this blog almost exclusively for the promotion various things that I am involved in, most notably live music. It became obvious that it wasn't setting the world on fire with that theme going on, and so it fell into neglect somewhat.

So plan B is to start using it for my thoughts and opinions. Something that I have always felt might be a little self centered. However, since that would seem to be the whole point of blogs I guess it's worth a go. I confess that recent changes in the licensing system for Internet radio have prompted me to think seriously about using the blog for opinion on that and other such matters. Some serious wrongs have been done to Internet radio in 2016. The industry is in a right old state as a result of it, and as I predicted it would, the result is negatively affecting artist revenues (the exact reverse of what was supposed to happen).

So as time allows I'll be attempting to address certain issues that affect me and the people I know in the business on this page. You may want to rethink your bookmarking of it accordingly!

If you are a musician registered with SoundExchange, how are you finding things as we enter the second quarter of 2016? Are your SoundExchange royalties down so far this year? Everybody I have asked so far says yes, they are down on last year. If that is your situation then sadly it isn't likely to get better any time soon.

To be continued...

Cindy Bradley and Oli Silk at Pizza Express this weekend

Just in case you didn't know (or were in any doubt!), here's proof that Cindy Bradley is  currently in residence at Pizza Express Jazz Club .

Currently sharing a stage  with label mate Oli Silk, there's still a little space if you'd like to come along and check out the show. Either call 0207 439 4962 or visit www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk 

I'm not sure if Pizza Express has ever seen the likes of a pink trumpet before, but  it cetainly brightens up the place.  Note . It's actually a  "flumpet".  Flugelhorn and trumpet combined.

Brian Culbertson in London On Sale Now!

It's always a scramble for seats when  the Brian Culbertson London shows go on sale, and this year has proved to be no exception. He's going to be playing 11 shows in 9 days  at Pizza Express this year but 25% of the available seat allocation was taken within a few hours of the box office opening. At the time of writing there is now only limited availability for the early show on Saturday  September 19th, and the  performance on Thursday 24th is not far behind.

It will of course be a total blast, just as it always is with Brian so  secure your place while you still can. Call 0207 439 4962 or go to  www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk  for  further details and the latest availability.

Steve Cole & Chuck Loeb Next Week!

London gets to see two great smooth jazz musicians share the stage at Pizza Express Jazz Club next week.  Steve Cole from the Sax Pack teams up with Fourplay's Chuck Loeb  to provide an unforgettable  musical experience.


They're here for 4 shows from Thursday June 25th to Sunday June 28th. At the time of writing seats for the performance on Saturday June 27th are in short supply so please check out smoothjazzevents.co.uk for more details and all the booking links.

A Glorious Smooth Jazz Summer in the UK

There's no shortage of smooth jazz talent playing in the UK over the next  few months. Starting  with Marc Antoine & Brian Simpson  next weekend  (seats disappearing fast on that one BTW).

Then we have Chuck Loeb & Steve Cole just two weeks after that, followed by Oli Silk & Cindy Bradley in July and  a visit from Mindi Abair in August.

It's certainly action packed, and they all should be an absolute blast, so make sure you have staked your place by visiting www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk  for more details  and availability.

Nick Colionne & Marion Meadows

It's just 3 weeks now until Nick Colionne and Marion Meadows step out in London. It'll be Marion's first time at Pizza Express Jazz Club, but Nick has visited once before with Dave Koz back in 2009.

We're expecting a great double bill and already some performances have limited availability, so hurry on over to smoothjazzevents.co.uk and secure your place while you can.

Richard Elliot Returns to The UK

He had too many commitments last year to fit a UK visit  into his travels,  so it's with great relief that I'm able to announce the return of Richard Elliot for 2015.

And  this time he's bringing his entire US band along for the trip too. So prepare to be blown away by Richard, along with Ron Reinhardt, Randy Jacobs, Nate Philips and Third Richardson.

Tickets are already on sale and not surprisingly they are selling fast., so book your seat now for Richard Elliot  starting April 30th at Pizza Express Jazz Club. Visit www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk  without delay!

Nearly Time For Kim Waters

It's now less than two weeks until Kim Waters flies in for his first solo performances in the UK.

There's  been a lot of interest in these shows and it looks like they'll be a total  sell out  as there are only a handful of seats left for the taking.

If you don't want to miss Kim at Pizza Express better get clicking before it's too late. www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk

The Best Of 2104

I run down my personal best songs of the year around this time and this year is no exception. These are my own choices and not based on sales, airplay or anything else:

1. Peter White - Head Over Heels

2. Euge Groove - Hey Hey L'il Lilah Belle

3. Paul Brown - Sunrise On Sunset

4. Rick Braun - Get Up And Dance

5. Jonathan Butler - African Breeze

6. Dave Koz - All You Need Is Love

7. Richard Elliot - Givin' It Up

8. Nick Colionne - Got To Keep It Moving

9. Brian Culbertson - Horizon

10. Wayne Jones - Sweet Melody

11. Shakatak - On The Corner

12. Euge Groove - Tango In Tio

13. Cindy Bradley - Riverside Jive

14. Peter White - Floating In Air

15. Paul Brown (featuring Euge Groove) - Stay Sly

16. Rick Braun - Can You Feel It

17. Jazzmasters - Domino Effect

18. Richard Elliot - Shining Star

19. Gregg Karukas - Cafe Agogo

20. Euge Groove - Homie Grown

21. Gerald Albright - Because Of You

22. Kim Waters - Cruising Round Rock

23. Cindy Bradley - Squeeze Me

24. Renato Falaschi - Following My Soul

25. Peter White - In Rainbows

26. Euge Groove - Miss Bane

27. Paul Brown - Better Late Than Never

28. Kenny G - Bossa Real

29. Gregg Karukas - Elegant Nights

30. Michael Lington - Taking Off

Dave Koz UK Tour This Weekend

Just a couple of days now until Dave Koz starts his UK dates. At the time of writing there are a few seats left for the Shaw Theatre in London. Alternative choices are The Dancehouse Theatre in Manchester and The Stables in Milton Keynes.

Don't miss your chance to see the amazing Dave Koz live in the UK.

Head on over to Smooth Jazz Events UK and make sure of your seat.

Vincent & Jonathan Nearly Here!

Only a week to go before live smooth jazz hits London again.

And now the new kids on the block get their turn. Vincent Ingala and Jonathan Fritzen are seen by many as the future of smooth jazz. And they promise a high energy show for sure.

At the time of writing both the Friday and Saturday shows at Pizza Express are sold out. There's only limited space left for the Sunday lunchtime show too. Which leaves Thursday October 2nd as the date you should be aiming for if you want to catch these two in action.  Head on over to The Smooth Jazz Events UK Website while there are still some seats to be had.

Only 2 Days Until Rick Braun at Pizza Express

It all starts on Thursday. Rick Braun's shows are always fun, and he's an amazing musician so if you've never seen Rick Braun live and you're going to be anywhere near Central London this weekend then treat yourself to an evening in Rick's company (or a Sunday lunchtime!).

There are only limited seats available for Friday and Saturday night at this point so don't be shabby. Full details at Smooth Jazz Events UK.

Desktop Wallpaper for Smooth Jazz 247 fans

I thought it about time to make some new wallpaper to go along with the new logo for Smooth Jazz 247. The new look is designed to make you think of sunshine, blue skies and such things, so it was kind of a no brainer really.

Just click the picture to load the full size wallpaper in a new tab (one size should fit all), then all you have to do is right  click on the picture and then select "Set as Background", or whatever your particular browser has for such a task, and that should be all there is to it.

I hope that it brightens your day. I also hope that it inspires you to tune in to Smooth Jazz 247 each day too!

Live Smooth Jazz in London for July

Great news for smooth jazz fans in the UK as we have two opportunities to see some great live action in London throughout July.

Firstly Chuck Loeb returns to Pizza Express Jazz Club from the 3rd to the 6th July and then Rick Braun makes his return visit from July 31st through to August 3rd. Tickets are on sale for both of these events right now and there is limited availability for Chuck Loeb's show this coming Saturday.

So don't dally. Secure your places now. As always, full details and booking links can be found, along with details of all the other upcoming shows for the remainder of 2014, at www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk.

If you haven't already done so, take a moment to sign up for the Smooth Jazz Events UK Newsletter while you're there, so that you can get all the latest news first.

Dave Koz UK Dates Now On Sale

He's currently in the UK touring and opening for Barry Manilow, so with tens of thousands of Barry's fans getting to experience a dose of DK magic it made sense to put Dave's shows in November up on sale now.

Needless to say the lines went into meltdown. With over a quarter of the seats for The Shaw Theatre in London disappearing in a little over 24 hours. Most of the seats at Pizza Express were accounted for by the time the weekend was over too. However you can still get a place in all venues at the time of posting, including Manchester and Milton Keynes as well, so hurry on over to www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk, scroll down to November and grab yourself a seat for the Dave Koz UK Tour in November while you still can.

David Benoit in London This Week

This Thursday is the opening night for David Benoit at  Pizza Express Jazz Club. This is his first outing there, and he's in town for 5 shows in 4 days.

At the time of writing the Saturday night performance is sold out and there's limited availability for the Thursday and Friday shows.

Don't miss this piano virtuoso putting the Pizza Express Steinway through it's paces. Book your place now. www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk

Boney James Returns To The UK

It's been nearly a decade since Boney last played in Britain, so it's great to be able to announce his return for two very special shows on April 12th and 13th, at Union Chapel in London and The Dancehouse in Manchester.

Needless to say, sales are quite brisk to say the least so you are urged to reserve your seat as soon as possible to make sure you get to see the legendary saxman while he's in the UK.

More details and booking links at www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk

David Benoit Now On Sale

Seats are now available for David Benoit's first ever shows at Pizza Express Jazz Club in London.

Demand has been very brisk since they went on sale and it's looking like a total sell out is on the horizon, so don't delay if you'd like to see David in the UK.

Full details and booking links are at www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk as always.

Steve Oliver at Pizza Express Now On Sale

Sales were brisk when seats for the upcoming Steve Oliver shows went on sale on Monday.

There was also a rise in sales for the Gerald Albright shows at the end of this month as both Pizza Express and the Stables reported increased activity on Gerald's dates as presumably folks decided to take action to fend off the January blues.

Gerald's early Saturday performance on February 1st is now SOLD OUT and there is only limited availability for Friday 31st January.

All dates and booking links are at www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk

The Best of 2013

We counted down my favourite tracks of the year on the live show today. Here they are:

1. Jeff Golub - How Long
2. Boney James - Batucada (The Beat)
3. Dave Koz & Friends - Got To Get You Into My Life
4. Maysa (featuring Bluey) - Good Morning Sunrise
5. BWB - Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
6. Bluey - Got To Let My Feelings Show
7. Brian Simpson (featuring Jonathan Butler) - Wherever You Go
8. Oli Silk (featuring Paul Brown) - Larson's Blues
9. George Benson - Smile
10. Elan Trotman - Master Blaster (Jammin')
11. Dave Koz & Friends - Hot Fun In The Summertime
12. Brian Simpson (featuring Dave Koz) - Girl From Ipanema
13. BWB - The Way You Make Me Feel
14. Steve Cole - With You All The Way
15. Bluey - Take A Chance On Me
16. Oli Silk (featuring Chuck Loeb) - The Prestige
17. Chuck Loeb - Silhouette
18. Brian Simpson - Just What You Need
19. Jessy J - Listen To The Groove
20. Paul Hardcastle - No Stress At All
21. Michael Buble - Young At Heart
22. Oli Silk - At Your Service
23. Boney James - Powerhouse
24. Brian Simpson - Emerald City
25. Paul Hardcastle - Summer Love
26. Andrew Smith - Call Me
27. Blake Aaron - Groove-O-Matic
28. Michael Buble - Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You)
29. Oli Silk (featuring Kirsten Joy) - Like A Whisper
30. Najee - Champs-Élysées

Usual caveat, in that these are not compiled from sales or airplay. They are just the best smooth jazz tracks of 2013, as I see it. Happy New Year, JK

Steve Oliver Coming to the UK in February

When we first got going with the live smooth jazz at Pizza Express back in 2009, Steve Oliver was one of our first visitors. He was part of a triple bill with Michael Lington and Bob Baldwin. It was a great show, giving people the opportunity to see three great names from the world of smooth jazz, but meant that each man only got a chance to play about 4 of their songs.

So It's great that Steve will be visiting us again in early 2014 as it will give his fans a chance to see more of this energetic guitarist in action. Seats will be bookable some time next week so visit the Smooth Jazz Events UK website and take the opportunity to sign up for the mailing list so that you get the heads up the moment the Steve Oliver seats go on sale.

Euge Groove UK Tour Starts Friday

Euge Groove hits British soil this week. And the music flows from Friday night, starting at The Pizza Express Jazz Club in London and going on to Manchester, Maidstone and Milton Keynes.

Quite a few dates are now sold out, but there are still plenty of seats left, so head on over to Smoothjazzevents.co.uk and bag yourself a place to catch Euge in action.

Gerald Albright. All Shows Now On Sale

It's great to be able to announce the return of Gerald Albright next year. Gerald proved a huge hit on his first solo UK visit earlier in 2013 so we're expecting a huge demand for the return trip.

Tickets are now on sale for all of the Pizza Express shows, and this time around he's taking a trip up the M1 to The Stables in Milton Keynes as well. Gerald spent a long time touring with Phil Collins and Phil's fans turned out in force back in January to catch a chance of seeing him solo. We're expecting that they'll want to catch him in 2014 too, so please book early to make sure that you don't miss out on Gerald's shows.

For a full list of dates and prices visit www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk.

Oli Silk at Pizza Express Jazz Club in Two Weeks

It's nearly time for Oli Silk's annual Pizza Express weekend. This year he has a brand new CD out, entitled "Razor Sharp Brit", and his line up is even bigger than last year, with the addition of Ed Barker on sax, who proved a bit hit on the Dave Koz Cruise last month.

Great news that vocalists Kirsten Joy and Hollie Petrie will be making a welcome return this year. Check out the video of  Didn't Know About Love from last year's show to see the girls in action.

There's now only limited availability on the Saturday early show and the Sunday night performance, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Euge Groove UK Tour. All Venues Now On Sale

It's nearly time for the annual visit from the one and only Euge Groove.

It's the third year running and Euge will be playing in London, Manchester, Maidstone and Milton Keynes. Not surprisingly, ticket sales are on fire and the Saturday early show in London is three quarters full after only a few days.

So make sure you stake your place before it's too late. Euge is a great showman and you'll kick yourself if you miss him.

All dates and booking links can be found on the Smooth Jazz Events website.

Smooth Jazz Top 20 Album Chart

After a number of requests from artists, listeners and the record companies and promoters too, I have started a monthly album chart based on the airplay given to current CDs on the stations that I am responsible for programming.

It is actually long overdue, since neither SKY.FM or JAZZRADIO.com provide airplay information to any other chart compilers, it was time to provide some kind of listing that related to the smooth jazz world as we see it. Especially given that we broadcast to more smooth jazz fans than any other Internet service.

So please check out the Top 20 Airplay Album Chart and perhaps bookmark it, as it will be updated at the beginning of each month.

Dave Koz & Friends Now On Sale

Tickets are now on sale for the Smooth Jazz Spectacular with Dave Koz, Peter White and Mindi Abair on

October 5th at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. It's the biggest smooth jazz event in almost a decade for the UK and initial sales were so good that almost 15% of the capacity sold in a few days.

Seats are allocated on a first come first served basis, so you're encouraged to book early for the best positions.

There's a great seat finder facility at The Cadogan Hall website which shows you the view of the stage from your intended seat.

Tickets are priced at £45 (Stalls) and £35 (Gallery), so stake your place now. Details at http://www.smoothjazzevents.co.uk