Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Summer Series (6/05)

The Wave is sponsering the Summer Jazz Series again at teh Beautiful Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach,  Ca. 

The Artists for the rest of the season are down below.  Tickets and information are as follows:

Two types of tickets are available. A Concert only Ticket – and A Dinner Show Ticket which includes a Delicious Gourmet Buffet meal before the show inside the restaurant our outdoors on the Terrace. (No additional reservations are required – seating for dinner is based on individual preferences upon on your arrival.

Tickets will be available at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach box office Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, all TicketMaster locations and charge by phone beginning Saturday – April 2, 2005. All tickets are subject to a $3.50 facility fee.

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Box Office – Recorded Information: 949-729-6400  or website info at  www.summerjazzseries.com

Warren Hill Canadian-born sax sensation Warren Hill has been heating up the contemporary jazz charts since he hit the scene with "Kiss Under the Moon." His sounds are captivating, romantic and extremely passionate – whispers and wails of sensuality. his latest release, Life Thru Rose Colored Glasses, takes you on an intimate and emotional musical journey.

Mindi Abair The young saxophonist defines the next generation of instrumentalists, brining an incredibly energetic, rockin’ fresh sound to the stage. Her songs are inspired, thoughtful, catchy and fun. Her 2003 debut album on Verve, It Just Happens That Way, offers a great selection of her extraordinary talent.

Wayman Tisdale Having long since proven himself as one of the NBA’s hottest forwards of the 1990’s and as one of today’s most exciting new smooth jazz artists, Wayman Tisdale goes for two with his second Atlantic release FACE TO FACE. Marking a giant step forward in artistry and accomplishment, the album thrives within the scope of a bold new R&B-infused flavor. Teamed with such respected artists as saxophonist Steve Cole, vocalist Bernard Jackson (formerly of the hitmaking soul vocal trio, Surface), and the young gospel vocal group, Out of Eden, Tisdale proves ever-inspired on such tracks as the so smooth "Brazilia" and the soulful "When I Look INTO Your Eyes." The album – a collection of both vocal and instrumental cuts – also features the debut of Tisdale as a vocalist, with special cameo by Tisdale’s daughter on the stirring title track.

Jeff Golub After three acclaimed and popular Bluemoon/Atlantic albums with his band, Avenue Blue, guitarist Jeff Golub has decided to fly solo. "OUT OF THE BLUE" finds Golub stepping out front with an all-new collection of progressive blues-inflected instrumentals, fit to burst with funky Latin-tinged rhythms, soulful melodies and dramatic arrangements. Tracks such as the smokin’ "Lucky Strike" and the sleek and sultry single, "The Velvet Touch," display Golub’s ever-growing musical maturity and offer ample proof that he is one of today’s most inventive and graceful guitarists.

Keiko Matsui The eloquently dynamic keyboardist serves up a palette of cultural colors that is powerful and dominant one moment, then fragile and delicate the next. A veteran of six chart-topping contemporary jazz albums, Keiko’s compelling sound reflects the exuberant nature of life’s joys including Night Waltz, Doll, and Sapphire. Her latest release, Full Moon and the Shrine, combines jazz rhythms, dreamlike tones, a hip hop beat, and poetic multi-layered imagery.

Steve Cole Deftly sidestepping confining musical categories; fashioning an eclectic, accessible and wholly original sound FROM a spectrum of influences and inspirations; opening up new horizons of contemporary jazz with richly textured urban, soul and R&B elements, Steve Cole has set a standard for innovative artistry and pure craftsmanship on his new Warner Bros. Records release, NY LA. Steve Cole’s NY LA is a collection of ten new songs FROM the acclaimed composer and saxophonist that both consolidates his position in the front ranks of jazz instrumentalists, and takes a bold step over some new and unexpected musical territory.

Bobby Caldwell Crooner Bobby Caldwell is a contemporary jazz favorite. Even more impressive in a live show, the singer’s powerful vocal range and abilities are layered with tender renditions and soulful images. His acclaimed rhythm ‘n’ blues band reconnects with past hits and give new songs his torching, vibrant flair. His works are showcased in his latest compilation, Time and Again The Anthology Part II.

Joe Sample Veteran pianist Joe Sample has a musical legacy like few others in the world of jazz. Steeped in gospel, soul, bebop, blues, Latin and classical music, he founded the Jazz Crusaders (eventually the Crusaders). Since 1978 he has left behind a string of chart-topping jazz hits including "Carmel", "Spellbound" and "Invitation." Joe’s "Did You Feel That?" celebrated timeless traditions mixed with funk, soul and contemporary sounds, followed by his musical tribute "Old Places, Old Faces." Joe’s performance will be his first performance in the Central Valley in over a decade.

Fourplay Through the years, this incredible GROUP of talent has interwoven solo careers and award-winning combinations to emerge and remain a dynamic powerhouse. Established in 1991, Fourplay has produced eight albums, including last year’s Heartfelt.

Bob James Pianist extraordinaire Bob James began a career in 1962 that included session pianist, composer, arranger, producer, collaboration and solo artist, multiple Grammy winner, and the Oasis Smooth Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award. His melodies are influenced by pop, rock, R&B, urban, world beat, fusion, classical and jazz. His latest solo project, last year’s Morning, Noon & Night, has recently reached the top of the charts.

Larry Carlton World-class guitarist Larry Carlton strikes a magical balance between searing electric workouts and lilting acoustic ballads. His performance exudes a combination of sweet tones, soulful sensitivity, warm jazzy-sounding images, erotic melodies and spicy, funky fusion. The Grammy-Award winning artist and former Crusader has worked on more than 100 gold albums. His latest, Deep INTO it, combines his signature rendition of blues, pop, rock and jazz.

Nathan East Bassist/composer/arranger and San Diegan Nathan East performed at the Millennium Gala with the President of the United States. He has recorded, performed and co-written many chart-topping hits with some of today’s biggest names along with being named Bassist of the Year at both the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards and the National Smooth Jazz Awards. Nathan brings the sounds of soft rock, blues, urban, funk and various shades of jazz to his work.

Harvey Mason With his quest for excellence, drummer/percussionist, producer, composer, Harvey Mason has impacted and shaped the form of music and musicians for the past three decades by being in the forefront of not only jazz, but pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, orchestral, world and Latin sounds. Harvey has performed on 150 motion picture soundtracks, and more gold and platinum jazz crossover records than any other drummer, received seven Grammy nominations, and produced six solo endeavors including his latest, Ratamacue.

Richard Elliot Dynamic saxophonist Richard Elliot is among the top contenders of Thornton Winery favorites. An incredible performer whose pulsating, sensual handling of the sax is felt FROM start to finish of each powerful live show. Richard feeds off the energy of the audience creating a uniqueness to every show. His last release, City Speak, continued his dominance of the genre and reflected his rich and varied musical experiences. Look for a new CD this summer.

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman The Rippingtons, led by composer/producer/guitarist Russ Freeman, has become one of the nation’s premiere contemporary jazz instrumental groups. Combining jazz, pop, rhythm ‘n’ blues, Latin and world music elements, the Rippingtons produce a sophisticated, elegant sound that soothes the soul. Their tenth and latest release, "Black Diamond," continues the band’s successful ventures INTO urban-flavored music while still encapsulating the sounds of jazz, flamenco, classical, pop and rock. It also celebrates Russ’ love of skiing, hence the term "black diamond," the symbol used to classify a mountain as difficult terrain for expert skiers. That concept parallels the album’s mix of classic pop-oriented Rippingtons tunes with edgier jaunts. This tight GROUP of musicians produce a dynamic sound that has become a California favorite.

Patti Austin Patti Austin has consistently delivered class music since the popular singer was just a kid. But Patti Austin has grown from being a 50’s child star into a 90’s multi-media female. Now she’s taking charge and in control. Not only is she singing, the woman is also out there designing clothes, acting in a musical event and producing. Patti’s regular appearances on TV and the and the humor she flashed in her sassy monologues on her 1992 Live album, just a hint at the range of the artist’s skills, and the breadth of talent Miss Austin is currently working at full capacity.

Gerald Albright Master saxophonist Gerald Albright is known for his percussive, soulful interpretation of both contemporary and straight-ahead jazz. His CD, Pleasures of the Night, also demonstrated his ability as a songwriter and producer, and his latest, Groovology, combines elements of jazz, funk and searing R&B.

Kirk Whalum Sax great Kirk Whalum has become a resounding force on the contemporary jazz scene with his trademark melodic lyricism, soulful sound and emotional power, adding some funk and grit alongside his customary vibrant, romantic display. A deeply spiritual man, Kirk weaves his gospel base with Brazilian samba rhythms, jazz, rock, gutsy blowing, R&B, fusion, and multi-dimensional sounds. His latest release, Hymns in the Garden, continues his incredible range of artistry and pure joy of the sax.

Jeff Lorber With a unique instrumental sound bringing together elements of funk, R&B, rock and electric jazz, legendary keyboardist Jeff Lorber helped pioneer the smooth jazz format since his 1976 debut album. This year’s CD, Philly Style, features a Lorber favorite, "Uncle Darrow’s," which brings together legendary sax man, Gary Meek, and trumpeter, Ron King, for a brassy, Crusaders-type vibe.

Rick Braun Innovative trumpeter Rick Braun spins sexy spontaneity INTO the powerful sounds of the underused mute horn family. With his last solo release, Kisses in the Rain, the flugelhornist, composer and producer showcases his irresistible funk sounds and pop melodies while exploring his love for traditional jazz. Rick’s smooth-grooved and powerful improvisational techniques will wrap around you like blue smoke in a midnight bar.

Mindi Abair The young saxophonist defines the next generation of instrumentalists, brining an incredibly energetic, rockin’ fresh sound to the stage. Her songs are inspired, thoughtful, catchy and fun. Her 2003 debut album on Verve, It Just Happens That Way, offers a great selection of her extraordinary talent.

Peter White Versatile guitarist Peter White takes listeners on a tour that stops at acoustic, pop, Spanish, contemporary jazz, R&B, and spontaneity. The chart-topping artist has produced six albums since 1990 with his latest two, Perfect Moment, and By Candlelight – Collection II, a continuation of his vagabond musical spirit that teases the memory with places and feelings. In all of his work, Peter combines strong melodies, laid back hip-hop, and silky, romantic rhythmic vibes. On stage, Peter infuses passionate grooves with English wit and charm that captures your heart and warms your soul. You can catch his holiday music on Songs of the Season.

Brian Culbertson Keyboardist and trombonist Brian Culbertson has stretched his musical trademark of melodic instrumentals with his latest release, "Somethin’ Bout Love," which features R&B-fueled sounds, ‘70s funk infused tunes and lushly romantic tones. Now joining up for this Smooth Summer Nights tour puts Brian back with his old friends. Watch for a mean trombone solo during the evening.

Euge Groove Saxophonist Steven Eugene Grove – the creator of the fast-rising jazz/R&B/pop GROUP Euge Groove – produces a cornucopia of sounds that stretch FROM smooth jazz to R&B/urban classical to pop and back again. The harmonic layering of alto, soprano and tenor sax give birth to a rich tapestry that presents new discovery with every play. His latest album, Play Date, is vibrant R&B-tinged jazz.

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