A Tribute To Music And Sports

Alfonzo Blackwell Blowing Up A Storm On His New Release – Dance To This

The critically awaited new release from Alfonzo Blackwell entitled “Dance To This” will hit stores on March 31, 2008. This electrifying new release features opening/title track, “Dance To This” which is a feel good track with a heavy dose of sax. “Back It Up” (featuring Utopia Records label mate Rebecca Buxton on Baritone Saxophone ) and is a very upbeat track with some serious horns.

“Inside My Heart”. is a compelling ballad with Blackwell’s soprano sax pulling lifelessly through the track. Blackwell’s horn has a crispy sound, sharp to the soul but smooth on the ears. “This Is Real” is a mid-tempo track, which by my prediction will hit the charts with a bang. “Take A Look” will get you up and dancing to the drum lines that lace its tracks is enough to get you up and kicking. Alfonzo will be strutting all the way to the bank as his CD hit the shelves. Brilliant, genius, melodious and down right hot is this CD.

Alfonzo first took contemporary jazz scene by storm in 1995 with his debut CD release, “Let’s Imagine”. He broke the mold upon his arrival. He garnered great success and critical acclaim with all of his CD projects while delivering his unique musical style. Top 10 radio hits including “Alfonzo’s Love Theme”, “Herminia”, “Passion” and “Funky Shuffle” contribute to his many accomplishments. Alfonzo’s music videos have struck an indelible chord with such original content; he received recognition with Billboard Award nominations. He also composes themes for movies as well as television, having co-written the theme song to the internationally successful television show, “Baywatch Nights” where he was featured every week with David Hasselhoff. Among honing his craft of playing alto, soprano and tenor saxophones, he is a well accomplished bass, drum, guitar and piano player. He has graced the stage and performed with numerous music greats which includes Gladys Knight, The Whispers and Roy Ayers to name a few. He also performs with contemporary soul artists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans and Brian McKnight.

As a child he taught himself to play the piano by ear at the tender age of six. Destined for greatness, this Queens, New York native was accepted at the prestigious (Fame) Performing Arts High School in NYC and then continued his advance studies at Queens College and Five Towns College in Long Island, NY.

Undoubtedly, Alfonzo Blackwell is one amongst the elite music industry veterans. He is a maverick in every way. His music, sophistication, passion and style are forever young and fresh…he’s forever timeless.

Dance

My Interview With Singer/Songwriter Kem

Adekemi Owens known professionally and affectionately to music fans as KEM has come a long way from Nashville, Tennessee to his current hometown of Detroit, Michigan. So one figures that is why this musical genius has written and performed songs that could be considered as Jazz, R&B, Soul or Adult Contemporary. This Detroit native with Nigerian roots has overcome some hurdles in his life, but is living the true American dream of success through perseverance.

Kem who wrote, produced and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry was later signed by Motown Records in November of 2001. He released his sophomore project Kem II which sold over 500,000 copies nationwide. “Love Calls” the single from his debut album became a hit on the urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio, and USA Today tagged him as a “Motown Classic”. “I Cant Stop Loving You” from his second album went to No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Radio for several weeks. Kem enjoyed success to with another single “You Might Win”, which featured Steve Wonder on Harmonica.

Kem has been touring to promote his albums for the last three years. I caught up with him after his red hot performance at the City of Miami Gardens 3rd Annual Jazz In The Garden, which was held March 15-16,2008. Here is how we “chopped it up”:

AM: I hear that you are in the studio now recording tracks for the new album, how is that going?

KEM: I am currently working on my third album entitled KEM III – Intimacy. We are working on bits and pieces of the, three or four songs at a time, and at this stage would say its working in progress.

AM: Let’s talk a little about your performance at Jazz In The Garden. In my opinion, that performance will be on my mind for a long tine. The crowd loved you, how did you feel being on stage delivering such great music?

KEM: First of all it was a relief to come to South Florida during this time of year, because of the weather back in Detroit. I was exciting to be a part of Jazz In The Garden due to the fact that it would be our first real performance in Miami. We have performed as part of the Tom Joyner Morning Show – Sky Show, but doing the Jazz In the Garden gave us the opportunity to reach out even more to old fans and new. It certainly felt good to be on stage, using my god given talent to entertain the people.

AM: How do you get mentally prepared for a performance?

KEM: I normally get together with my band to rehearse, figure things out with my production team, eat well and rest. The day of the performance we do our sound check, we pray prior to the show, asking for guidance through the set. Since every audience is different and the cities are not the same, I am always adapting to my environment. You have to be mentally prepared to be able to communicate with the audience and to deal with any unforeseen events during the performance.

AM: Do you feel that as a performer, you need to practice more or prepare more mentally?

KEM: Practice is good and it makes for a smooth performance, but the mental preparation is important if you want to deliver a great show over and over again.

AM: So tell me about your journey from your birthplace in Nashville to where you currently reside in Detroit?

KEM: I was born in Nashville, and moved to Detroit, where I started Pre-K. I still have a large amount of my family members in Nashville. Even though I was raised in Detroit, I was still influenced by the music that my family grew up on. I grew listening to Steely Dan, Grover Washington, Hiroshima, Steve Wonder, Fleetwood Mac. Living in Detroit, it was divine landing in the low town music era

AM: Exactly how would you describe your genre of music?

KEM: My music certainly has some jazz overtones, but its also R&B. So I would say that its R&B/Jazz/Adult Contemporary. However, my new material will be a little different.

AM: Tell me about what motivates you?

KEM: Being spiritual is very important to me and its definite at the forefront of my life. At the end of the day your value system and your spirituality is all you have. Life is about find that spiritual solution

AM: Has anyone ever told you that you sound like Al Jarreau, if so, how do you feel about that?

KEM: Yes, I have been compared to Al Jarreau which I thing is the highest honor anyone could obtain. I have met Al personally, and we have shared the stage performing together. We have also talked about doing something together and I admire his work and consider him a friend.

AM: Who has been your musical influence over the years?

KEM: I am definitely inspired by the work of Michael Jackson and Prince. Although we have totally different styles, I admire them because they make you feel good. You definitely feel something from listening to them or seeing them perform. Prince had great musicianship and is so prolific in composing songs and producing them. I admire him especially because he has the atomy on his projects and that’s what I would like to continue to do.

AM: Some of love songs are said to be about your spirituality and not necessarily about boy meets girl. Was that your intent when you wrote the song “Each Other”?

KEM: When I write my songs, although they might means something special to me, I want my listeners and fans to take the lyrics for what it means to them, whether it love or spirituality. I leave it up to them.

AM: So I hear that you are a self-taught musician, what instrument do you play?

KEM: Yes that is true, I play the keyboards and is planning to learn to play the guitar.

AM: Having produced both of your albums, have you produced for anyone else?

KEM: We are getting request to produce other artists and have recently produced a song on the Madea’s Family Reunion soundtrack, which is entitled “Tonight”. I have also produced the track called Fascination for the soundtrack to the movie Take The Lead. But I want to continue to pursue my career by build on what I have now.

AM: Tell me about your days as a wedding singer, shared some of your stories?

KEM: I was introduced by the leader of the wedding band by a friend of mine. Being a wedding singer has given me some of greatest experience as a singer. I did a bunch of cover tunes and got chance to hone my craft. It taught me to interact with the audience and develop my stage presence. I did it for four years and did regret a moment.

AM: Since your first album, who are some of the artists that you have toured with?

KEM: I have been going non-stop for the last three years and have with some great artists, people like OJays, Nancy Wilson, Will Downing, Reuben Stoddard, Fantasia, Kindred & Family, Boney James, Michael McDonald, Ashford & Simpson, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, among others.

AM: Have you toured abroad?

KEM: Yes. I have gone to several European Countries and to South Africa.

AM: Was it difficult to finance you first album? What were the pitfalls, if any?

KEM: I financed my first album on my credit card. I did whatever work I could on the album and hired musicians to do what I could not. It was a learning experience for me.

AM: What experience did you take to the making of your second album?

KEM: I have gained a wealth of knowledge from the first album, like learning to budget my money and my time. I have definitely learned what not to do. I would recommend this hands-on approach to young artists who are stating out.

AM: Well good luck on the new project.

KEM: Thanks. I will get into your hands as soon as it’s ready.

Najee, Will Downing And Michael Franks To Headline At Rivera Beach Music Festival

Over the past seven years the Riviera Beach Music Festival (“RBMF”) has become a staple for jazz lovers far and near. The festival which attracts local, national and international performers for a three-day musical celebration. RBMF has earned a reputation throughout the State of Florida and across the country for being one of the best Music Festivals in the southeast. The 2008 installment of RBMF will take place from April 11 – 13, 2008. Past performers at the Rivera Beach Music Festival includes: Frankie Beverly and Maze, Arturo Sandoval, Keiko Matsui, Nestor Torres, Alex Bugnon, Najee, Mindi Abair, Spyro Gyra. City of Riviera Beach has an appreciation for music as the universal language bringing hundreds of thousands of people together from various backgrounds. This event began as a Jazz and Blues Festival and has grown into a Music Festival appealing to a wide range of music lovers to a peak attendance of over 20,000 attendees.

Some of the artists confirmed to perform for RBMF this year are Najee, Amiel Larrieux, Maysa, Michael Franks. There will also be a salute and tribute to Will Downing.

Najee: With two platinum and four gold albums, Najee is one of the pioneers of what is commonly known as contemporary jazz. A native New Yorker, Najee began his career playing clarinet and later saxophone and flute in his hometown Jamaica, Queens New York. While in high school Najee began studying under the direction of Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, and Billy Taylor at Jazzmobile in Harlem. Najee also studied flute with Harold Jones at the Manhattan School of Music. Najee has worked with many great artists such as Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, George Duke, Lionel Richie and Jonathon Butler. Most recently he performed as a special guest artist on the “Hit and Run” tour with Prince.

Will Downing: Suffice it to say that after nearly two decades of remarkable recordings and performances around the globe, Will Downing is recognized as a premier male vocalist for the embodiment of his singular, sensuous blend of R&B, jazz and pop. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he is an accomplished vocalist and composer. Downing’s began singing with Arthur Baker’s “Wally Jump Junior” group, and later employed Baker as his producer when he signed with Island. He did session work in the ‘80s, singing on dates with Daryl Payne, Marc Sadane, Warp 9, and Jennifer Holiday. In 2007, under the most difficult conditions for most people, he released what is unquestionably the most crucial album of his career – After Tonight. The crux of After Tonight, Will’s 13th album and first for the Peak Records label, is the commitment in the face of adversity he summoned to complete it – the sheer “force of Will” that inspired the man to see it through to its fruition.

Jeff Lorber: With a smooth sound that blends elements of funk, R&B, rock and electric jazz, keyboardist Jeff Lorber helped pioneer a genre of fusion later formatted under such names as NAC and Contemporary Jazz. Born in Philadelphia in 1952, he began playing the piano at the age of four, and as a teen performed with a variety of local R&B bands. Lorber’s infatuation with jazz began during his stay at the Berklee College of Music, and after forming the Jeff Lorber Fusion he issued the group’s self-titled debut in 1979. During the first half of the following decade, the band became one of the most popular jazz acts of the period, touring non-stop and even scoring a Best R&B Instrumental Grammy nomination for their radio hit “Pacific Coast Highway.” He recorded for Verve and Zebra in the 90’s before moving over to Narada in the 2000’s and releasing successful smooth jazz albums like 2003’s Philly Style and 2005’s Flipside.

MAYSA is a singer/songwriter/activist. A smooth jazz artist, she is consistently on top of Billboard’s Sales Chart. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD, Maysa is graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in classical performance. In the early 90s, Maysa auditioned over the phone to become a member of the acclaimed British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito and in 1992 she relocated to London and recorded Tribes & Scribes, featuring the hit single “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing.” Maysa has appeared on seven Incognito recordings including their latest CD, Bees and Things and Flowers. She recorded her self-titled debut in 1995, followed by her solo sophomore effort All My Life in 1999, Out of The Blue in 2002, Smooth Sailing in 2004, Sweet Classic Soul in 2006, and now Feel The Fire, 2007. Maysa is one of few Smooth Jazz Artist to remain consistently on top of the Billboard’s Sales Chart. Maysa has also collaborated with Rick Braun, Will Downing, Jason Miles’ Soul Summit, Rhythm Logic, Jonathan Butler and Pieces of a Dream. And has been produced by George Duke, Rex Rideout, Mike White(Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly),Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick of Incognito, Richard Bull (Acoustic Alchemy). MAYSA is a singer/songwriter/activist. She is a spokesperson for RSV, a disease that can be fatal to premature babies. She is featured in a nationally televised PSA, sponsored by the March of Dimes.

Michael Frank: Over the languorous course of 33 years and 16 albums, Michael Franks has mesmerized an international legion of fans with his one-of-a-kind artistry. Seamlessly weaving lyrics of stunning sensuality, wit, reflection and literary eloquence over music that tastefully utilizes top shelf shadings of jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe, Michael Franks the songwriter has set a bar in the music world that places him as nothing less than a statesman of song craft. He made his first album in 1973, and enjoyed success with a string of late ’70s albums on Warner Brothers. He has worked with the likes of Flora Purim, Kenny Rankin, Ron Carter, the Crusaders, David Sanborn, Toots Thielemans, Eric Gale, and others, and has had songs recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, and the Carpenters.

Amiel Larrieux:An urban chanteuse by birth, the bi-coastal Amel Larrieux grew up in a West Village “artists building” in New York where her parents exposed her early to bohemian characters and experiences that would mold her eclectic sensibilities. By 18, sure that she wanted to express herself musically, she wrote a song and created a demo tape, which led to her pairing with Bryce Wilson to form the duo Groove Theory. As lead siren and co-writer for the group, Amel enjoyed success with “Tell Me,” which broke the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top five on the R&B charts before being certified gold in October 1995. Amel fuses a range of genres – R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz and folk, with flashes of Middle Eastern, West African, and Indian styles.

New Artist Spotlight – Baritone Saxophonist Rebecca Buxton

Rebecca Buxton is no newcomer to the jazz scene; she has been featured on several projects for some of today’s top jazz artists.

Buxton recently completed work on the single “Back It Up” from Alfonzo Blackwell’s latest release entitled “Dance To This”. Rebecca is set to release an album of her own in the coming months, which is slated to take the contemporary jazz scene by storm. Buxton is described as an innovative jazz musician, who has a command of the Baritone Saxophone, and is also an accomplished Flutist and Clarinetist.

Look to Dascoop for more news on this up and coming star.

2008 Capital Jazz Fest – Hot Fun

Plans for the 16th annual Capital Jazz Fest to held from June 6-8, 2008 are on the way. Capital Jazz Fest known to be one of the largest jazz festival will attract some of the industry’s biggest contemporary jazz acts, who will be performing on two stages simultanelously over two days.
CJF is more than just a concert, it’s a musical and social event. Personally, I would say that as a patron, you get to people-watch, eat, drink, shop for art, mingle, relax and of course satify your musical appetite.
The Pavilion Stage will showcase the best in contemporary jazz and will be hosted by Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Patti Austin. Featured artists include Chris Botti, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, Dianne Reeves, Brian Culbertson, The Funk Experience, Roberta Flack, and many more.
The Symphony Woods Stage will showcase urban and alternative artists and will be hosted by Tony Richards. Featured artists include Jeffrey Osborne, Ledisi, Average White Band, Howard Hewett, Plunky, and many more. And this year’s Friday kickoff concert will feature a special performance by Boney James and Brian McKnight.
After the show, check out the late night after-parties, plus the 5th Annual Capital Jazz Challenge competition, featuring some of the finest up-and-coming contemporary jazz talent, to be held this year at the Hilton Columbia Hotel.
Stay tune for more scoop.

Hellooo Fashionistas!! Get Ready For Miami Fashion Week

Hello all fashionistas, Miami Fashion Week is right around the corner. Seasoned designers, Models, Celebrities and regular style watchers will be gathered for five days, April 9 – 13, 2008 in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District for the 10th Annual Miami Fashion Week. The trends for Spring and Summer 2008 will be showcased as these designers match wits and fabric.
Fashion Week is not only about fashion shows, there are educational seminars and parties to commemorate the event. Miami Fashion Week has been the beacon for International and Hispanic fashion events in the United States. This event attracts elite fashion buyers, socialites, celebrities and hundreds of media people and fashion insiders.
A few of this year’s official sponsors including Cadillac, Citibank, Tiffany, CHI, COPA Airlines, Terra Networks, Vanidades, Harper’s Bazaar en Español, Spanish Broadcasting Systems, Michele Pommier Models, Room Service Rentals, The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council have emerged as key players in enhancing the already stellar environment at Miami Fashion Week.
Fashion Week is open to the public, patrons can obtain tickets for the five day event at www.miamifashionweek.com

Golf And Jazz In The Bayou

The PGA Tour moves its competition into the Bayou this week teeing off for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at the TPC Louisiana, Avondale (March 24-30, 2008). Players look to move into contention for a shot at the Masters and to earn points for the FedEx Cup. And of course as a fan of jazz and golf, I am excited to bring you da scoop.

Some of my favourite golfers will be in action for this tourney, namely Peter Lonard, Woody Austin, Rich Beem, Retief Goosen, Steve Stricker, Chris DiMarco, Brett Quigley. Mike Weir, David Toms and Jesper Parnevik. I am predicting that Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, David Toms and Steve Stricker will be in the early lead, but I think Retief Goosen and Steve Stricker will battle for that trophy on Sunday.

Little bit about the course. The course which was design by Golf Course Architect Pete Dye was re-opened on July 26, 2006 about one year after Hurricane Katrina, following extensive restoration. I also heard that PGA Tour players Steve Elkington and New Orleans native Kelly Gibson acted as player consultants during the restoration. This course should be quite a challenge for the pro golfer, with a par 72 and 7256 yds.

Lets Embark On This Musical Voyage With Dave Koz & Friends

If you just can’t get enough jazz, then let’s hop onboard the Dave Koz & Friends Cruise sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on November 2nd and returning November 9, 2008. The cruise which will be produced by Jazz Cruises, LLC, who is responsible for producing and promoting the only full-ship charters in the world dedicated to live jazz music including The Jazz Cruise; The Smooth Jazz Cruise, hosted by Wayman Tisdale; Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, and our newest edition to the family, the Playboy Jazz Cruise.

The lineup for the Dave Koz and Friends Cruise will feature some of jazz music’s pioneers in the business, names like Dave Koz, Najee, Jonathan Butler, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Eric Benet, Rick Braun, among others. The cruise will make a voyage to Grand Turk, St. Barths, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. With such a beautiful setting with the backdrop of the Caribbean and great music, too bad this is not for Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned for more updates.

Top Five Reasons Why Geoff Ogilvy Won At CA Championship

To excel at a pro golfer, several things come into play. First you have to be a great ball striker with a great short game. But thats only half of your battle, as the game of golf is indeed a mental one. There is so much to say too about course management…in the words of Kenny Rogers “know when to hold dem and when to fold dem”. So, after Tiger ran out of real estate at the Doral, Ogilvy continued to put up serious stats. In the end, after rain delay forced play to continue on Monday, the CA Championship crown a new prince. That prince is Geoff Ogilvy. Ogilvy who was born on June 11, 1977 in Adelaide, Australia turned pro in 1988 and earned his European tour card that same year. He won his first major at the 2006 US Open after Phil Mickelson faltered, giving up a two shot lead with three holes to go. Geoff who claims to be related to royalty, did everything right this week in blue-blooded fashion, forcing Tiger to come from behind. So what exactly did Geoff do this week at Doral…here goes.

> He led the field in Greens in Regulation;
> Carded only one bogey in the 72 holes;
> Sand saves were right on target;
> Chipped well;
> Par putts were valuable.

Congrats to the Aussie…and thats dascoop!!!

Will The Rain Gods Come Through For Golfers at CA Championship

The rain-delayed CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa resumes play on Monday morning beginning at 8:30 am. Geoff Ogilvy will be hitting his second shot on the 10th hole, he’s 17 under and has a two-stroke lead over Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh while Retief Goosen and Graeme Storm are another stroke behind.

The five own seven majors between them. Singh has three and Goosen two while Ogilvy and Furyk each have U.S. Open titles. In addition, Singh and Furyk are in the world’s top 10, and Goosen was among the “Big Five” as recently as two years ago.

Not to mention, Steve Stricker, who is ranked fourth, and No. 5 Adam Scott are tied for sixth at 13 under. Oh, and there’s World’s No. 1 player, Tiger Woods, who may be dead but not buried, he is only five strokes off the pace with six holes left.

“That’s what the whole point of these golf tournaments, I guess, to get fields like this, get everyone playing each other,’ Ogilvy said. “I guess the idea is to have everyone have a chance with nine holes to play or 18 holes to play with the top 10 in the world.

Tiger was center of attraction all weekend, but he was no match for the the weather conditions and we will see if was a match for Geoff Ogilvy’s game, at least this wee. Go Tiger!!! Your sixth straight PGA TOUR victory and fourth in a row at Doral in on the line here Pal.

My Masters Tournament Preview Fore!!!!

Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, Billy Payne and the Masters Tournament made some annoucements about the changes for the course. The cahnges will affect the following four holes, Nos. 1, 7, 9 and 11, for the 2008 Masters. Mr. Payne said that he was happy with the condition of the overall course. Augusta National has been “touched-up” for the last couple of years.

Essentially as they say “Tiger-proofing” the course. But over the years we have seen newcomers like Zach Johnson take a bite at the new design and lengthened holes. Tournament organizers think that the changes last resulted in exceptionally high scores due to frigid and windy weather. The hole changes are as follows:

Hole No. 1: Ten yards were added to the front of the Masters tee providing more flexibility in the event of a strong northwest wind. Back of the tee was reduced to ease patron movement. Masters scorecard remains 455 yards.

Hole No. 7: Green was changed for agronomic reasons and approximately six feet added to the left of the green allowing the possibility of 2-3 additional pin placements.

Hole No. 9: Green was changed for agronomic reasons and right pin placement softened on first and middle plateaus.

Hole No. 11: Consistent with last year, several trees were removed. The result allows for enhanced patron viewing.
Additional work throughout the course included construction of a new patron viewing area on the hillside at No. 16, further work on the new practice facility that will open in 2010, adding and extending azalea beds to increase course color and replacing grass with pine straw between Nos. 15 and 17 (pine straw was also added to the left of No. 15).
The hillside seating area is located to the left of the pond at No. 16 and will provide viewing for over 2,000 patrons. Holes that can be viewed from this location include No. 6 green, the second shot and every putt at No. 15, the green complex at No. 16 and the tee shot and second shot at No. 17.

Easy access can be gained to this area from a newly renovated back entrance. From there, patrons can travel to No. 16 hillside, No. 5 fairway or to holes Nos. 13, 14 and Amen Corner.

When Spring Rolls Around In West Palm Beach…Its Time For Sunfest Music Fest

Sunfest Jazz Festival will roll into town on April 30 through May 4. This festival which is held annually in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida, attracts musically acts from different genre of music.

Festival organizers have announced the 2008 line-up as follows: Sheryl Crow, Fergie, The Black Crowes, John Legend, Natasha Bedingfield, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Steel Pulse, Hellogoodbye, Stephen Marley, The Academy Is, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Little Feat, Hot Tuna, The Rippingtons, Classic Albums Live, Little River Band, Mindi Abair, and Morris Day & the Time.

Thursday nights New Music Night will feature 15 bands in one night including Good Charlotte, Finger Eleven, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Rue Melo, Carney, Cerveza, The Blakes, Postmarks, The Whigs, The Drive Home, Chris McCarty Band, Landon Pigg, and Gabe Dixon Band along with Powerspace and The Secret Handshake. Stay tune in the comings days for more updates on Sunfest.

Maria Sharapova Withdraws From Sony Ericsson Open

Fans of Maria Sharapova will have to wait until her next tornament to see her in action, as she was forced to withdraw from the Sony Ericsson Open due to the the shoulder injury which has kept her sidelined for most of the 2007 season.

Sharapova’s agent Max Eisenbud said the injury is not serious and that Sharapova was just taken precaution, something she did not do last year. Sharapova is going to take off the the week to rest up hrr should and she should be back in time for the US clay court season, which begins on April 7, 2008. Sharapova has not signed on to play the Amelia Island or Charleston, SC events, but might apply for wild card spots for both tournaments. Maria who is a two-time Sony Ericsson Open runner-up is very disappointed about her no show at this year’s event, as this stop is one her favorites.
The shoulder injury occurred at the Pacific Life Open during the match against Alona Bondarenko.

With Sharapova’s withdrawal, Russian player Ekaterina Makarova ranked No. 79 will be elevated into the draw.

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Will Arena Football League Cure My NFL Blues

As a fan of the NFL, when February comes around I am found scrambling to get up to speed with the NBA season already in progress. But in the recent years, I have fallen in love with another kind of football, known by its adoring fans nationwide as the AFL or the Arena Football League.

This offense driven game is played on an arena turf field which is half the size of the NFL field. The rules and makeup of this game is very intriguing and fans are always excited to attend the games. After all they get rewarded if a ball gets into the stands.

For me it’s hard to pick just one team as a favorite, because each team brings something to the table. Teams like Philadelphia Soul which is owned by John Bonjovi, the Colorado Crush owned by John Elway, Chicago Rush owned by Mike Ditka and Dallas Desperados own by Jerry Jones have all been playing at a higher level and are famous for their quarterbacks. The New York Dragons are famous for landing defensive backs and wide receivers in the NFL, while Orlando has had former Super Bowl Championship players on their team, as well having the 2007 Defensive Lineman of the Year promoted to NFL this year. To create even more excitement to the league.

Last season the Competition and Rules Committee voted on the most significant change, which was the introduction of free substitution, the so-called “Elway Rule”. Previously, AFL coaches were limited to one substitution per position per quarter. Beginning with the 2007 season, coaches will be permitted to substitute players at will.

The reasoning behind the free substitution was to improve the overall quality of football in the league by giving coaches the freedom to put their best players on the field for every play of the game, and that teams will be able to select from a wider player talent pool when building their rosters. Traditional fans and players, however, believe the rule changes are the beginning of the removal of the “Ironman” (two-way offense and defense) style of play of Arena Football that the league has actively promoted for 20 seasons, and that removing the Ironman style of play takes away a key component of what makes Arena Football a distinctive sport over other versions of football.

To simplify the rules of the game, here is a breakdown: Four offensive players must be on the line of scrimmage at the snap. One offensive player may be moving forward at the time of the snap. Three defensive players must be in a three- or four-point stance at the start of the snap. Two defenders serve as linebackers called the mac and the jack. The mac may blitz from the side of the line opposite the offensive tight end. The jack’s role has changed after new rules set in place by the league in 2008. The jack cannot blitz but under new, more defense-friendly rules, the jack linebacker may roam sideline to sideline within five yards of the line of scrimmage and drop into coverage once the quarterback pump-fakes. (Before this rule, the jack could not drop back into coverage until the ball is thrown or the quarterback is no longer in the pocket and the jack had to stay within the box designated by the outside shoulders of the offensive line, the line of scrimmage, and 5 yards back from the line of scrimmage).

So this year as we sort through the new faces on each team and rules changes, we will be left with one question, who will be this season’s stars. Of course since the AFL training camps are finalizing their rosters, no one, except the coaches will know who will make the final cut. Since the games are played Thursday through Monday, it’s definitely a cure for those Monday mornings blues. So get your pop corn ready to watch players do their thing in turf, because I definitely feel that the AFL is a good enough replacement for the NFL.

The 12:45 Update From The CA Championship

Players have completed third round play, after the weather suspended play late Saturday. The first page of the leaderboard had a few surprises. Sitting pretty on top of the leaderboard is Geoff Ogilvy at -16, followed by Vijah Singh, Greme Storm, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk and Adam Scott at -12. Tiger Woods and Anders Hansen with -11, while Tim Clarke has -10 and KJ Choi at -9.

As Tiger Woods gets ready to make a come from behind surge, here is a look at tornament statistics versus Ogilvy’s.

Geoff Ogilvy after the third round
1 Eagles tied for 3rd
14 Birdies tied for 12th
35 Pars tied for 27th
4 Bogeys tied 10th
Driving Accuracy 45.2% tied for 56th
Driving Distance 305.3 yds 7th
Putts Per Round 27.0 tied 21st
Putts Per Green In Round 1.649 tied 17th
Green In Regulation 68.7 tied 15th
Sand Saves 100% tied for 1st

Tiger Woods after third round
2 Eagles tied for 1st
11 Birdies tied for 43rd
37 Pars tied for 9th
4 Bogeys tied for 70th
Driving Accuracy 59.4% tied for 14th
Driving Distance 301.3 16th
Putts Per Round 28.7 tied 55th
Putts Per Green In Regulation 1.77 tied for 50th
Sand Saves 57.1 tied for 34th

Lets see if Tiger will overcome the defict on his scorecard and attack Ogilvy and other to take the lead, with Tiger its all possible.

At CA Championships Its The Weather Vs. Tiger…What Will Be The Verdict

It took the weather conditions at Doral to stop Tiger Woods from attacking the Blue Monster on Saturday, needless to say he is three shots off the lead tied with Vijah Singh and Tim Clarke for third, with only Adam Scott at -13 and Geoff Ogilvy at -14. Play was suspended due to weather conditions and the players with finish the third round early Sunday morning. The final round at the CA Championship will get on the way at 11:45 am. Golfers Tiger Woods, Anders Hansen and Tim Clarke will start on the first tee at 1:25 pm, followed by Adam Scott, Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen at 1:35 pm. Geoff Ogilvy, Vijah Singh and Graeme Storm at 1:45pm. Stay tune for an update after the third round is competed.

City Of Miami Gardens’ Jazz In The Garden Festival Concludes On A High Note

Miami Gardens, Florida came alive for the third year in a row when the City welcomed an average of ten thousand patrons for the two-day festival Jazz In The Garden. Jazz In The Garden is not just a concert, over the past three years it has vastly become a major stop for old school and new school artists and fans. This two day event took place on March 15 – 16, 2008 at the Dolphins Stadium grounds. Unlike the Miami Dolphins, Jazz In The Garden was definitely a winner.

The concert on Saturday opened up with some home-cooking, Miami’s own Jesse Jones, Jr. Jones who is considered to be a legend in his own right maneuver through a repertoire of musical tracks which could only be described as intricate, soul-searching and sometimes riveting. Jazzy, Jr. as Jesse is affectionately called put together an ensemble of rhythm and sounds with his Saxophone and his signature “scatting” which had the crowd showing him some love.

Haitian born trumpet player, Jean Caze was the next artist to hit the stage. The winner of the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Competition did more than just hold his own on a stage where legends were to follow him that night. Caze could be easy well be considered as a veteran even though he is only 25 years old. His lyrical tones and taste blend of music was showcased on Saturday evening. Jean definitely hit it out of the park, Florida Marlins style.

Swedish, born and raised, singing sensation Elin (pronounced EE-a-Leen) followed the smooth sounds and enchanted performance of Jean Caze. She was electrifying as she was talented, she performed music inspired by her Peruvian roots and incorporated a Brazilian, Latin and contemporary jazz sound. Let’s just say that she was a little samba and a whole lot of Basia performing music from her latest CD entitled Lazy Afternoon. Elin’s stock has risen even more after her performance at Jazz In The Garden.

Hidden Beach recording Artist, Mike Phillips woke up the over ten thousand patrons when he took the stage in Miami Gardens, Florida. The confident young saxophone player was all about hip hop, funk and contemporary jazz, as he blew that sax like a veteran with years under his belt. He played a mixture of songs from his two albums and some of his favorites from others. After his set, Mike and I spoke about his trip to South Africa, where he performed with Steve Wonder and Michael Jackson for Nelson Mandela’s birthday party. A jazz musician with a great sense of humor is quite different from, what I have seen and heard from jazz musicians, they are normally eccentric, quite and soft spoken. But Mike, who seemed very outgoing and free spirited, chopped it up with the members of the press. He said that he was excited to perform at Jazz In The Gardens, and hope to be back next year. As the release of his third album – MP3 approaches, Mike continues to tour and showcase his music.

It was my first time seeing either George Duke or Stanley Clarke perform, so to be able to see them perform together was more than a treat. The performance was electrifying, Clarke was mean on the guitar, and his solos were definitely a signature to his performance. George Duke was equally complementary, he played several of hits, but the old school medley paying tribute to funk, was the highlight of his performance for me. George said that his love for the music keeps him coming back to make good music year after year. He said that Johnny Guitar Watson was of his influences. George said that he is currently in studio working with Diane Reeves, Shante Moore and Tower of Power on their new album. He said that he is also working on a new album of his own. As a musician, he said that the internet has given him great exposure as a musician. Duke said that kids, who are learning to arrange music, should learn to play instruments instead of just using the computer to just push a bottom.

Stanley Clarke, who is considered to one of the most talented jazz musician alive, gave a stellar performance at the Jazz In The Garden. Appearing with George Duke, there could be no bigger reward for the jazz fan, as they gave a high energy performance. The crowd was literally up their feet cheering. Stanley said that he blames his mother who was a fine artist, for taking him to museums and galleries, and introducing to different sounds. Clarke, who has done music for over 50 films, says his latest project – First Sunday starring Kat Williams, Tracy Morgan and Ice Cube was a lot of fun, because he has a lot of respect for the young comedians. His advice to young musicians is work hard to hone their skills and to be disciplined from the start. He said that bass player Charlie Mingus was a great influence on his life. Clarke said that he would sit for hours talking about philosophy and music with Mingus.

After Duke and Clarke, the night belonged to the man they call the Greatest…George Benson. There was no stopping him on broadway, as he hit the stage running. His mean guitar, just strummed off hit after hit. It was Love Times Love, Turn Your Love Around, Kisses in the Moonlight, as the crowd stood together for this up-tempo, finger-clicking performance. There was no time to waste, no ad-libbing, no talking to the crowd, Benson allowed his vocals and guitar to for the talking. In short, George’s set was to the point, he was confident; the music was priceless and vintage. Jazz In The Garden rocked with Benson.

All Abroad For The Cape Town International Jazz Festival

The ninth annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival (“CTIJF”) will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from March 28-29, 2008. This long awaited musical event will attract over twenty one (21) internationally renowned artists this year.
Scheduled to performed at the CTIJF will be some of our very jazz artist from stateside as well as other jazz artists from South African and the likes.

Some of the artists who are scheduled to perform are as follows:

Candy Dulfer was born on September 19, 1969 in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, as the daughter of tenor saxophonist Hans Dulfer Candy Dulfer (born September 19, 1969) is a Dutch smooth jazz alto saxophonist and television presenter. Dulfer began her career at the age of 12 when she played in a band with Rosa King, an American expatriate living in the Netherlands. Soon Dulfer was fronting her own band, Funky Stuff, who were invited to backup Madonna for part of her European tour. She was brought to the limelight by Prince, who introduced her to the world through his video for Partyman. This appearance led to session work with Eurythmics guitarist and producer Dave Stewart, who gave Dulfer a credit on “Lily Was Here” (the title song of a Dutch movie starring Marion van Thijn), reaching number six in the UK singles chart and number one in the Dutch radio charts in 1990. She also played with Pink Floyd at the band’s performance at Knebworth ‘90 in June 1990. Candy Dulfer’s debut album, Saxuality, was released later in 1990. With her funky alto sax stylings proving popular with fans of contemporary jazz at several recently launched smooth jazz radio stations in the United States, Saxuality was nominated for a Grammy and certified gold for worldwide sales in excess of half a million. “Lily Was Here” also crossed over to the pop charts in America, reaching #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though Dulfer has had no other pop hits in the U.S., she has had a number of major smooth jazz chart hits, including “For The Love Of You” and “Finsbury Park, Cafe 67″.

Gerald Albright who began to make a name for himself as a sideman of great insight and musicianship, playing on albums by a wide variety of artists – including Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, Olivia Newton-John, the Temptations and Maurice White. He also toured extensively with Les McCann, Rodney Franklin, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, the Winans, Marlena Shaw, Debra and Eloise Laws, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, and many others. With 9 CD’s under his belt and one collaboration CD, Albright has definitely gained his place in the music world as a player, songwriter and producer. A native Californian, Gerald Albright grew up in South Central Los Angeles. After high school, he attended the University of Redlands where he received a B.S. degree in Business Management, minoring in Music. In addition to numerous appearances at clubs and jazz festivals, Albright had also been a part of the popular Jazz Explosion tours, which saw him teaming up with contemporary jazz stars like Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, and Rachelle Ferrell, to name a few. Gerald Albright has also branched out as a TV Star to his already substantial resume. The saxman has appeared on numerous shows, such as “A Different World,” “Melrose Place,” Channels 2 and 5 “Morning News Shows,” “BET” jazz segments as well as piloting a show in Las Vegas with “Designing Women” star Meshach Taylor. Albright’s contemporary and straight-ahead collections have established the Los Angeles-based musician as one of the most prominent artists. Indeed, Albright was one of the ten featured saxophonists who performed at President Clinton’s inauguration. He was also featured at the Presidential Summit, as well as several private functions for the President.

Hiromi born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1979, discovered jazz when she took up the piano at age six. Within a year, she was a student of the Yamaha School of Music, whose progressive approach to musical training allowed the young student to tap into her emotions as well as ma stering the technical aspects of writing and performing. Hiromi first built her reputation when her 2003 Telarc debut, Another Mind — produced by Ahmad Jamal — shipped gold in Japan (100,000 units) and won the Recording Industry Association of Japan’s (RIAJ) Jazz Album of the Year Award. Her 2004 release, Brain, won the Horizon Award at the 2004 Surround Music Awards, Swing Journal’s New Star Award, Jazz Life’s Gold Album, HMV Japan’s Best Japanese Jazz Album, and the Japan Music Pen Club’s Japanese Artist Award (the JMPC is a classical/jazz journalists club). Brain was also named Album of the Year in Swing Journal’s 2005 Readers Poll. Back in the U.S., Hiromi has been featured on the covers of Keyboard, Jazziz, Billboard and Goldmine. In 2006, Hiromi won Best Jazz Act at the Boston Music Awards and the Guinness Jazz Festival’s Rising Star Award. She also claimed Jazzman of the Year, Pianist of the Year and Album of the Year in Swing Journal Japan’s Jazz Readers Poll for her 2006 release, Spiral. Time Control is the sound of progressive jazz for the next generation. With her latest Telarc release, Hiromi continues her streak of simply timeless albums.

Javon Jackson was born in Carthage, Missouri and raised in Denver, Colorado. Music captivated the young Javon who was exposed to some of the greatest musicians in jazz through his parents’ record collection. Gene Ammons and Ahmad Jamal were early favorites. As he matured, Javon soon became captivated by the work of Sonny Stitt. Stitt, known for his prowess on both the alto and tenor saxophone, was considered one of Charlie Parker’s most avid disciples early in his career but later developed a distinctive voice of his own. Like so many other horn players today, Stitt’s music inspired Javon to pick up his irst saxophone, an alto, at a young age. More musical discoveries followed: Rollins, Henderson, Coltrane. The work of these legends eventually led Javon to favor the tenor. Honing his craft, Jackson began working professionally in local jazz clubs at age 16, playing with former Max Roach Quintet pianist Billy Wallace. In high school he also performed in the McDonald’s All-American Band. During this time, Javon met and was befriended by Branford Marsalis. It was Marsalis who encouraged Javon to attend Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music.

It is no flattery that The Los Angeles Times calls Kenny Barron “one of the top jazz pianists of the world”. Inducted onto the American Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005, the 64-year old pianist is a leader in his trade. Barron who served his apprenticeship with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef and Stan Getz, brings to Cape Town a Japanese bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela. Kitagawa is known for his work with his fellow countryman, Makoto Ozone. The percussive Mela has been creating waves as a member of the Joe Lovano Quartet When Barron takes on a ballad he can make his audience weep as he bends lucidly his chords. Equally, the retired Rutgers University professor of jazz piano can put fire underneath those who are listening to him play. His explorations of Brazilian rhythms in albums such the 1993 Sambao and 2002 Canta Brasil are proof of Barron’s versatility and deftness in his touch. It is no flattery that The Los Angeles Times calls Barron “one of the top jazz pianists of the world”. Inducted onto the American Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005, the 64-year old pianist is a leader in his trade. Barron who served his apprenticeship with luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef and Stan Getz, brings to Cape Town a Japanese bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela. Kitagawa is known for his work with his fellow countryman, Makoto Ozone. The percussive Mela has been creating waves as a member of the Joe Lovano Quartet.

Jazz guitarist Kunle Ayo’s virtuosity with the strings has earned him several musical accolades and even comparisons, with giants of the contemporary school like George Benson, Earl Klugh and locally-based Jimmy Dludlu. His guitar work pulls at the heart-strings – soulful as it is cheerful, funky as it is jazzy. Brought up in a devout Christian household, it was logical that he would join a gospel band, De Cross and after completing his accountancy studies in 1996, The Compassion Band, the latter, which proved to be an influential outfit that exposed him to the big time. By the late nineties he was part of Lagos’s musical mainstream as a groundbreaking guitarist who was experimenting with cool/fusion styles made popular by artists like George Benson and Jonathan Butler while at the same time drawing inspiration from indigenous styles such as Juju, Highlife and Afro-Beat – the latter a traditional/jazz blend that was invented by the late Fela Kuti. By 2000 Kunle was recording and playing with some of Nigeria’s internationally respected artists, including Chief Ebenezer Obey, Kayode Olajide and the enigmatic Lagbaja (The Masked One) with whom he toured Europe, North Africa and South America. He runs his own company, KCool Productions, and has produced music for talented acts like MXO, Mac Jays, Peggy, Dudu Ndlovu, Mayé and a host of others.

Lee Mack Ritenour, 11 January 1952, Los Angeles, CA, USA. The prolific Ritenour has established himself as one of the world’s leading jazz guitarists with a series of accessible albums over three decades. Starting at the age of 16, Ritenour played his first session with The Mama’s and the Papa’s. Two years later he was backing Tony Bennett and Lena Horne at L.A.’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Know as “Captain Fingers,” Ritenour became a sought-after session player in the mid-70’s. Starting in 1976, at the age of 24, he began his own solo career which now includes over 30 albums and collaborations. Although heavily influenced in his early days by the relaxed styles of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Barney Kessel, he now has his own distinctive sound and fluid style. His list of session work is awesome (some 3,000 sessions), but some of his notable performances were with Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins and Pink Floyd. Since the mid-80’s Ritenour has been strongly influenced by Brazilian music. Along the way, Ritenour has received 17 Grammy nominations, earned several gold albums, numerous #1 spots in guitar polls and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC. In 1981, he scored the pop15 hit “Is It You,” featuring vocalist Eric Tagg, which has also become a smooth jazz radio classic. He joined GRP Records in 1985 after recording for Electra the previous 7 years. At that time, he recorded the magnificent “Harlequin” album with GRP co-owner Dave Grusin. It was nominated for 4 Grammy”s and won 1 that year.

One of Brazil’s most international musicians, Sergio Mendes was born in Niterói (Rio de Janeiro) and started taking piano lessons as a child, switching from classic to jazz in his youth. In the beginning of the 60s, Mendes started playing jam sessions at nightclubs. He competed in jazz festivals and was leader of the Brazilian Jazz Sextet (who recorded with Cannonball Adderley), who soon turned into Sexteto Bossa Rio, playing the Carnegie Hall Bossa Nova Festival, in 1962, in New York. The 1964 album made by Sergio Mendes & Bossa Rio, arranged by Tom Jobim, is considered fundamental for bossa nova. Still in the 60s, he toured many countries with different groups before rounding up Brazil 66, with whom he made records and very successful tours. The album “Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brazil 66″ sold over a million copies, with Jorge Ben’s “Mas Que Nada” hitting the top of the charts in North-America. He played at the White House in 1967 and has made many albums, both solo and with his groups, always mixing bossa nova with jazz and Brazilian rhythms, international musicians and including songs like “Ponteio” (Edu Lobo/ Capinam) e “A Banda” (Chico Buarque). He won a Grammy in 1993. Immediately after college, Albright began to master his talent by working extensively in the studio with such artists as Patrice Rushen, Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Jr., Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, The Winans, Olivia Newton-John, The Temptations, and Maurice White. He also toured with Les McCann, Rodney Franklin, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, Marlene Shaw, Debra and Eloise Laws, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, and many others. In addition to numerous appearances at clubs and jazz festivals, Albright had also been a part of the popular Jazz Explosion tours, which saw him teaming up with contemporary jazz stars like Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, and Rachelle Ferrell, to name a few.

Born in Benin, a small country of West Africa, Lionel Loueke first picked up percussion instruments before choosing guitar at the age of 17. In 1990, he moved to Ivory Coast for a general musical training in the “National Institute of Art” which lasted four years. As he was listening to outstanding jazz musicians such as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson, he was definitely convinced that he needed to improve his playing. The next step would be to enroll in a well known jazz school. In 1994, he was accepted at the “American School of Modern Music” in Paris (France) where he got his Diploma in 1998. The dreams were coming true. In 1999, he was awarded a scholarship to “Berklee College of Music” in Boston, Massachussetts. He quickly graduated in 2000 majoring in Jazz Performance. In 2001, he auditioned for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, and was selected in a world wide search by a panel of judges including jazz legends Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard and Wayne Shorter. He studied on this full scholarship at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, until May 2003. In 2002, while still at the Monk Institute, he stated playing with trumpet player and film music composer Terence Blanchard. He recorded two albums with him, the second one on the famous Blue Note label. Between 2003-2006, Lionel lives in New York and plays around the world. He played onTerence Blanchard last CD and DVD “Flow”. Also on Herbie Hancock’s last CD and DVD “Possibilities”. He also recorded two CD’s under his own name: “In A Trance” and “Virgin Forest” on the labels Space Time and Obliqsound.

Najee is one of contemporary jazz’s true pioneers. Creating a fresh and pulsating “rhythm and jazz” dynamic in the early days of the smooth jazz format, the versatile saxophonist—whose first two recordings, 1986’s Grammy nominated Najee’s Theme and 1988’s Day By Day, went platinum—inspired the whole urban vibe that took over the instrumental world throughout the ’90s. Recording on Heads Up International since 2005, he continues to explore new creative avenues by mixing up his trademark soulful soprano with dynamic touches of flute and alto, and surrounding himself with some of the best session players and collaborators in the business.

Midón was born in Embudo, N.M., to an Argentinean father and an African-American mother. A passionate music lover for as long as he can remember, Midón started playing drums at age 4 before shifting his focus to the guitar. He turned down a scholarship in creative writing offered by the University of New Mexico after being selected by the University of Miami for its highly regarded jazz program. Staying in Miami after graduating, Midón became an in-demand backup singer, working primarily on Latin projects for artists like Julio Iglesias, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz, while moonlighting as a club performer, sprinkling the requisite cover songs with the original tunes he was starting to write. On the city’s stages, he diligently honed his craft as a singer, writer and guitarist, developing a syncopated, flamenco- and jazz-infused approach to the steel-stringed acoustic. In 2002, when Midón felt he was ready, he walked away from his lucrative profession in order to pursue a solo career in New York City. “I wanted to become an artist and do what I wanted to do instead of being someone else’s hired gun,” he explains. When Midón performed for the legendary producer/arranger Arif Mardin, fresh off the recording of Norah Jones’ breakthrough album, Come Away With Me, he offered the newcomer a deal on the spot-it would be the final signing of Mardin’s long career. Raúl readily accepted, eager to form a partnership with the highly skilled veteran and with Arif’s multi-instrumentalist son Joe. Father and son co-produced State of Mind, which garnered critical accolades for its heady fusion of old-school soul, timeless pop, Latin, jazz and the singer/songwriter idiom. Intrigued by what the youngster was cooking up, Wonder himself appeared on one track.

Saturday At The CA Championships – Woods, Ogilvy and Scott In One Pairing

The world’s number one golfer is steering down his opponents after successful Friday at the CA Championship in Doral, Florida. Woods came out to play after the unhappy ending to Thursday’s round, where he bogeyed the 18th hole.
Friday was attack day for Tiger, as he needed to position himself close enough to the leaders in preparation for Saturday’s round. Tiger made four critical par putts within six feet to close the door on his fellow contenders. The most important ones came on the 17th and 18th holes.

Steaming up momentum, he left a 70-foot birdie putt about 8 feet short, then made par to stay in the hunt. Woods whose putting was on today finished -11 and one off the lead from Geoff Ogilvy.

Woods also played the four par 5s in 5 under on Friday, making a pair of eagles and a 9-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. He holed a bunker shot at the 12th to get his round off to a positive start, then set up the second eagle with a deadly 7-iron from 189 yards that rode the wind and settled 7 feet from the pin at the first hole. The last time Woods had two eagles in a round was at the 2007 Buick Invitational last year.

Woods who is seeking his sixth straight PGA TOUR victory and is fourth straight win on Doral’s Blue Monster. He’s the defending champion at the CA Championship and has won six of those World Golf Championships overall.

CA Championship Tidbits:

Tiger Woods posted the round of the day with a 6-under 66, falling just one stroke shy of holding the lead for the 19th time in 34 rounds at the WGC-CA Championship.

Six countries are represented among the top nine players on the leaderboard, including the United States (Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Mark Calcavecchia), Australia (Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott), Denmark (Anders Hansen), India (Jeev Singh), Spain (Miguel Angel Jimenez) and Sweden (Robert Karlsson).

Tiger Woods eagled Nos. 1 and 12 on Friday to become the first player in the field with two eagles in a round this week. It represents the first time since the 2007 Buick Invitational that Woods has performed the feat. Overall, there have been 13 eagles so far this week, compared to just 12 the entire tournament a year ago.

All three past champions of the WGC-CA Championship are participating this week, including six-time winner Tiger Woods (second), Mike Weir (tie for 32nd) and Ernie Els (tie for 72nd).

The second-round course average at the par-72 Doral Golf Resort & Spa’s Blue Course was 72.329. The toughest hole on Friday was the par-4 18th hole with a 4.544 average. That hole ranked as the hardest hole on TOUR in 2004 and 2007.

Geoff Ogilvy (67) and Vijay Singh (68) managed the only bogey-free rounds on Friday, bringing the total of such rounds to four this week. Ogilvy has played his first 36 holes without a bogey.

That’s DaScoop from the CA Championship!!!!


Top Stories

Grammy Nominated Recording Artist To Performance At The Orange Bowl Field Of Dreams Benefit

www.Jango.com


Top Stories Grammy nominated recording artist Eric Benet will be performing at the Orange Bowl Foundation 6th Annual “Field Of Dreams” Scholarship Benefit. The benefit, which will be held on Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Broward County Convention Center, will honor Miami’s own Alonzo and Tracy Morning. The Mournings who have made significant philanthropic contributions in the South Florida community are among several other honorees.
Eric whose latest release entitled Hurricane is in stores now, will be performing new songs and some old time favorites. "The premise of this album is wrapped up in its title," explains Eric. "It's about how everything I knew and loved was leveled and how something real and positive and beautiful emerged from the rubble. It's a chronicle of my life through the past five years...and coming out the other side."
On Hurricane, Eric Benét's harrowing and healing new album on Reprise Records/Friday Records, courage comes from honesty, vulnerability and a stubborn optimism that infuses every note and each word of these thirteen original tracks with hard-earned wisdom and an artistry drawn directly from life.

Five years is how long it's taken the Milwaukee native to follow-up his breakthrough 1999 album A Day In The Life featuring the Grammy®-nominated smash "Spend My Life With You." What followed was a high-profile marriage and an even more high-profile break-up that tested and tempered him as both an individual and an artist. It was also the creative impetus for the remarkable musical odyssey that comprises Hurricane.

Proceeds from the “Field of Dreams” Scholarship Benefit will be donated to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Florida Region, whose Ft. Lauderdale chapter serves several UNCF schools such as Florida Memorial University, Edward Waters College and Bethune Cookman College. Proceeds from the benefit will provide academic scholarships to African-American South Florida high school seniors student athletes’ planning to attend a UNCF institution.
The Orange Bowl Keith Tribble Trailblazer Award goes to Alonzo and Tracy Mourning. Special recognition of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, The African-American Research Library and Tarra L. Pressey.
The Orange Bowl Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization created by the Orange Bowl Committee. The Foundation is responsible for managing and allocating grants, scholarships and charitable contributions to deserving South Florida organizations. The Orange Bowl Foundation's mission is to organize, sponsor, produce, promote and participate in educational opportunities, athletic contests, clinics, expositions and other similar programs and projects in order to enhance the lives of youth in South Florida communities.
For tickets and more information on the Orange Bowl Foundation, please contact LaToya Williams at (305) 341-4728 or lwilliams@orangebowl.org. All media inquiries should be directed towards Circle of One Marketing at (305) 576-3790.

CA Championship A Buzz

The World Golf Champion-CA Championship is into its second day, with 10:45 am starting tee times. The Tee Times for some of the notables on the leaderboard are as follows: Sergio Garcia – 10:55 am, Luke Donald at 11:05 am, Angel Cabrera, Paul Casey, Tiger Woods at 11;15am, Phil Mickelson, Craig Parry, Camillo Villegas, Geoff Ogilvy, Niclas Fasth and Ernie Els at at 12:25 pm. Adam Scott and Stewart Cink at 12:35 pm. The weather today is somewhat cloudy as we are expecting the sun to hide all day. With minor wind gust lets see if that will affect the pros in the hunt.

DaScoop On Kem’s Performace At Jazz In The Garden

The recently concluded Third Annual City of Miami Gardens – “Jazz In The Garden” was indeed a success.  The two-day music festival, which was held March 15-16 on the grounds of the Dolphins Stadium.  Artists appearing at Jazz In The Garden were George Benson, Chaka Khan, The OJays, Wyclef Jean, Nancy Wilson, KEM,George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chrisette Michele, Mike Phillips, Anthony David, and Elin among other local artists.  When I saw the news releases leading up to this concert, I was extremely excited about seeing singer/songwriter Kem.  Kem of course, is a talented singer whose music captures a wide cross-section of different genres – R&B/Jazz/Adult Contemporary. Enjoying the success of his sophomore CD – Kem II, he has been staying on the road, touring with the likes of Fantasia, Reuben Stoddard, Al Jarreau, OJays, Nancy Wilson, Boney James among others.  Kem says that he has performed in Miami before at the Tom Joyner Sky Show, but the gig with Jazz In The Garden was his first main billing.   Appearing on the Sunday’s Show at Jazz In The Garden, Kem gave a stellar performance from start to finish.  He performed songs from his debut album as well as his sophomore album.    Due to his schedule, I had to catch up with Kem two days after the festival, we talked via telephone, covering topics like how he first started, his advice to up and coming artists, to producing and being knowledgeable about the music business.   Kem, who is current working on his new album in the studios, says that this album will be a little different from the others.  But it will not be a deviation from who is musically.  A full interview with Kem will follow.  For more information on Kem, visit his website at www.kemmusic.com.  Look out for KEM III – Intimacy when it hit records near you soon.

Recapping The First Day At The Championship With Tiger and Da Boys

Tiger Woods seeks to continue on his winning ways this week at the CA Championship being held from March 17 – 23, 2008 in Doral, Florida.  Woods who is fresh off that impressive win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which was his sixth straight victory around the world, is the three-time defending champion this week at the CA Championship. 

 The CA Championship’s Leaderboard has Geoff Ogilvy and Miguel Angel Jimenez sharing  the first-round lead after posting matching 7-under 65s Thursday, which is a one stroke ahead of Stewart Cink and two clear of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Anders Hansen and Nick O’Hern.  Woods was said to be in a bad mood after a bogey on the Blue Monster’s 18^th hole.  In his defense, that hole really bites, no comment on how I have played that hole. 

 Co-leader Jimenez birdied four of the final five holes to tie for the lead.  He is down playing Thursday’s success though, hoping to go on Friday and continue but he has been around far too long to get overly excited about one round on a Thursday.  Phil Mickelson also had an up-and-down round but was able to bounce back from a double-bogey in the water with four birdies over his final six holes for a 67.  Adam Scott, who won the Qatar Masters with a closing 61 earlier this season, is also at 67.

The 2006 United States Open champion Ogilvy, continued his recent winning ways with round which included seven birdies on his scorecard.

Other notables were Luke Donald and Ross Fisher who shot 68, with Justin Rose and Nick Dougherty at 70, but it was a dreadful day for Colin Montgomerie, who stumbled to a 75.

Thats Dascoop From Da Links!!!

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