Sittin' In With The Coool CAT

Jason Jackson is a rising star among contemporary jazz saxophonists today.  Starting out in the house band at the House of Blues in South Carolina, he honed his skills in the U.S. Navy as a member of their band.  After his military service Jason hooked up with jazz guitar wiz Adam Hawley who helped launch Jason's first album.  Jason's latest release is Looking Up.  Hanging out with Jason, our multi-award winning program director Ray White gets the inside scoop on the rise of this exceptional musician.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features two icons on the contemporary jazz scene.  Keyboardist extraordinaire Jeff Lorber whose latest album is Elevate, along with Philly sensation Pieces of a Dream who just released We Got This.  New blood and old school is our focus on this show!

Althea Rene, a flautist, hails from Detroit and plays a soulful type of contemporary jazz music.  You'll find her out playing from coast-to-coast and on several of the Jazz cruises.  She's released nealy a dozen albums throughout her illustrious career with her latest album titled 18 Carat.  You'll find many of her songs landing on the top smooth jazz charts worldwide.  In our November of 2024 interview with Althea, award-winning program director Ray White delves into details of her Pastel Leather release, looks back at key aspects of her career and sneaks a peak into her future plans.  You'll find more from Althea on our Episode 67!  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostess" Lisa Davis features the great guitarist Peter White, who just released his Light of Day album.  Jazzin' it up right here on the Coool CAT!

Paul Nelson, a Grammy award winning producer elevated his career as a guitarist /songwriter/producer for the legendary bluesman Johnny Winter.  Paul also played with many of the world's iconic guitarists including Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy.  A member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame, Paul left his mark on the blues genre.  A sudden heart attack, took Paul's life just a couple months after award-winning program director and show producer, Ray White, interviewed him in November of 2023.  A super guy, who left this world much too soon.  Listen to more of our interview with Paul on Episode 171 of our sister show - Sittin' In With The CAT.  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess With The Mostess," Lisa Davis features guitar slinger Buddy Guy in our showcase segment.  His latest album is The Blues Don't Lie.  Nothing but the blues on this episode, brought to you from your friends at the Coool CAT!

JJ Sansaverino is a high-energy guitarist that has had multiple Billboard charting songs over the past several decades.  With 5 solo albums to his credit, you'll find him touring throughout the U.S. in 2025.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out backstage with JJ in November of 2024 to talk about the start of his dynamic career, playing at a mega-superstar's wedding, his Soul Energy release and plans for 2025.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis turns the spotlight on the new supergroup BPM (Brian Bromberg-Paul Brown-Michael Paulo) whose new album is Seriously.  We conclude this show with the dynamic duo of of Boney James and Rick Braun featured on Boney's Slow Burn album.  Hold on tight...you're Sittin' In With The Coool CAT!

Saxophonist Jeff Kashawa has developed into one of the top smooth jazz performers since his days with The Rippingtons.  Back in 2004, he founded the dynamic band The Sax Pack.  As a solo artist, Jeff recently released his 11th studio album.  In our August of 2024 interview, multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Jeff backstage to talk about his latest, South American influenced, album Luminoso.  He also shared the latest on The Sax Pack, supporting other contemporary jazz musicians and much more!  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, looks back at several highlights from the career of the legendary artist Quincy Jones, who passed on November 3, 2024.  Quincy was tapped for numerous accolades during his lifetime including 28 Grammy awards and 7 Academy award nominations.  This is a show you don't want to miss!

Four80East hails from Canada and plays a unique style of electro-jazz.  Their debut album hit the charts back in 1997 and they have built a dedicated following ever since.  The band has scored several top-ten hits and you can find them playing at festivals and clubs throughout the U.S.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Four80East's Rob Deboer and Tony Grace in August of 2024 to talk about their breakthrough years, relationship with the Weather Channel and their Gonna Be Alright studio album that was released in 2023.  Also, a late breaking announcement from Rob...release of their brand new project Barn Sessions Volume 1 !  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis looks back at the awesome career of 5-time Grammy winner, Roberta Flack who passed away on February 24, 2025.  Hang on tight...another super Coool CAT show!!

Eric Marienthal is a multi-award Grammy winning saxophonist in the jazz and pop world.  As a solo artist, he's released well over a dozen albums since the 1980's.  In addition, you'll find him on releases by Chick Corea's Elektric Band, Big Phat Band, The Rippingtons, Brian Culbertson and David Benoit, just to name a few.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Eric, playing with the Special EFX All-Stars, and talked backstage about his early years in music, career highlights and his recent work including and album with Randy Brecker titled Double Dealin'.  Always in high demand, Eric has been nominated for Grammy awards ten times throughout his career.  Don't miss Lisa Davis and our fabulous hang with this premier player, right here on the Coool CAT! 

Saxtress Paula Atherton has had numerous songs on the smooth jazz charts during recent years, featuring her dynamic sax, flute and vocal work.  Having released 7 albums throughout her career, this Long Island native can be found touring throughout the U.S. for much of the year.  In her December of 2024 interview with multi-award winning program director Ray White, Paula touches on her early days playing gigs around New York City, her latest projects and her time performing on the same stage as the legendary David Sanborn.  Her latest album is Dancin' Shoes and you can hear more from Paula on Episodes 74 and 111.  Talking about David Sanborn, we lost his great talents on May 12, 2024.  "Your Hostess With The Mostess," Lisa Davis, looks back at his stellar career in our showcase segment.  Contemporary jazz at its finest, on the Coool CAT! 

Marc Broussard, singer/songwriter/guitarist grew up around music as his dad is an acclaimed musician, too.  They're both in the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.  Marc's career launched on the national scene with his 2004 album Carencro, featuring his Bayou Soul style music mixing the great sounds of funk, blues, R&B, rock and pop.  He's performed for many of the late night TV shows during his career and one of his songs was tapped as the theme song for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Marc in October of 2024 to talk about his storied life and career, his Save our Soul (SOS) charity recordings, work with Joe Bonamassa and his new album Time Is A Thief.  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features the 2023 "B.B. King Entertainer of the Year" award recipient Tommy Castro, whose brand new album is Closer To The Bone.  Covering the gamut of soul, R&B, blues and contemporary jazz...that's right, we're the Coool CAT!

Anders Osborne, born in Sweden, has spent many of his years in the deep south of the USA.  Touring throughout the country since 1995, his music has elements of Blues, Americana and R&B.  Throughout the years he's recorded 17 studio albums as a solo artist.  You'll typically find Anders performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.  He consistently is tapped for Offbeat's "Best of the Beat" awards.  In July of 2024, multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Anders, who was out on tour with Tab Benoit and Mike Zito, to talk about his move to the the U.S., his extensive touring, latest album - Picasso's Villa and much more.  In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis features Mike Zito whose recent album is Life Is Hard and soul sensation Billy Price who recently released Person of Interest.  A great blend of Blues, R&B and Americana on this episode from the Coool CAT!

Adam Hawley, Paula Atherton and Vincent Ingala join us on our 8th Annual Holiday Special, brought to you by your friends at Classic Artists Today.  Great insights and well wishes from these dynamic contemporary jazz musicians, along with their christmas music of course!  You'll hear from the phenominal Dave Koz too, as his 27th Annual Christmas Tour (with Friends) is underway.  We'll also feature the keyboardist/music director/producer West Byrd whose latest album is A West Byrd Christmas.  While you're in the holiday mood, be sure to listen to our other fantastic holiday shows on Episodes 26, 52, 72, 93, 117, 141 and 164 too!!  Peace, Love and Happiness from Ray White - Lisa Davis and the Coool CAT.

Jonathan Butler is an amazing vocalist and guitarist who is at the top of his game in the contemporary jazz and gospel genres.  Playing publicly as a child in South Africa, he's gained worldwide attention throughout the years, landing on the music charts starting in 1985.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down with Jonathan in December of 2023, while out on Dave Koz's Christmas Tour,  to talk about his career musical highlights, his homeland, unique guitar sound and his latest album Ubuntu.  In our showcase segment, your hostess with the mostest Lisa Davis features saxman Richard Elliot whose latest album is Straight Up Down and closes out the show with the talented trumpet player Tom Browne who just released the single Impulse.  World-class contemporary jazz featured on one of the country's premier 30-minute shows - Sittin' In With The Coool CAT! 

George Porter, Jr. is one of New Orleans' music royalty!  A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award member, he was co-founder of the phenomenal Funk/Soul/R&B/Blues band The Meters.  You'll find him as an integral member of The Funky Meters, too!  Today George's legacy is continuing to be made heading up the Runnin' Pardners Band, whose latest album is Crying For Hope.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with George before taking the stage with his band in May of 2024 to talk about highlights of his esteemed career and his latest projects.  You'll find more from George on our Episode 57.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis highlights the latest from another legendary musician, Steve Cropper, who just released Friendlytown.  The show closes with a tour-de-force, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, who recently released their album Struck Down which is receiving rave reviews.  Getting to the heart of the matter, on this episode of the Coool CAT!!

Brian Bromberg is among the elite bass players in the world today.  Playing both acoustic and electric basses, he's a world-renowned record producer too.  Iconic saxman Stan Getz hired Brian, at the age of 19, and his career took off from there.  Throughout his illustrious career, he's released over 2 dozen albums and has played with a who's who in the music industry.  You'll also find Brian playing on well over a dozen movie soundtracks.  Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, talks with Brian backstage about his latest albums: The Magic of Moonlight (electric bass) and LaFaro (acoustic bass) and much more!   An amazing man and musician...we have him here on the Coool CAT!!  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features another virtuoso - Robby Krieger, who played in the legendary band The Doors.  He's recorded several instrumental albums during his career and his lastest is titled Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages.  Two iconic musicians featured on this episode, brought to you by your friends at Classic Artists Today.

England's Chris Standring is a superb guitarist whose had over a dozen Top 10 contemporary jazz hits with a half-dozen reaching Number 1.  Moving to the United States in 1991, Chris has become a prolific performer playing throughout the country.  Coool CAT's producer Ray White caught up with Chris in May of 2024 to chat about his musical influences, insights into his younger days in England and he gives us an update on his new album As We Think - which touches on various sub-genres of contemporary jazz music.  Our show hostess Lisa Davis features the one and only Boney James, whose latest album is Slow Burn, along with the amazing Dave Koz in our showcase segment.  Contemporary jazz rules on this episode from the Coool CAT!

Pieces of a Dream have been playing great contemporary jazz, R&B and funk music since forming in 1976.  Releasing over 20 albums, you'll find tunes on the top music charts throughout their illustrious career.  On this episode, multi-award winning program director Ray White catches up with Curtis Harmon, James Lloyd and their newest official member Tony Watson, Jr. to talk about Tony's history with the band, James' recent health scare, their latest album Fired Up! along with their future plans.  You'll hear much more from the band on our Episodes 30, 96, 112, 130 and 140.  Lisa Davis, your "Hostess with the Mostest," showcases a rising star on the smooth jazz scene - saxophonist Jason Jackson, who released All In in 2022 and you'll find his latest single on several smooth jazz charts now.  Our groove just won't quit, on the Coool CAT!

Tab Benoit is an amazing blues guitarist/singer/songwriter hailing from Louisiana  Since the early 1990's Tab has released well over a dozen albums and has won numerous blues awards, keeping a busy touring schedule too. Be sure to listen to more from Tab on Episode 133.  Music aficionado and Classic Artists Today's founder Ray White caught up with Tab backstage before his show in July of 2024 to talk about his new album I Hear Thunder, which was his first in 13 years.  He also shared insights with singer/songwriter Anders Osbourne and about the late Leon Medica of Louisiana's LeRoux , and the band Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos, and much more.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis looks back at the storied career of the "Godfather of British Blues" - John Mayall, who passed away on July 22, 2024.  Nothin' but the blues on this episode of the Coool CAT!

Bassist Christian de Mesones has honed his musical skills throughout his adult life while working various jobs to make ends meet.  In 2021, this rising star garnered the attention of Dave Koz and landed on several jazz charts and Sirius XM's Watercolors.  His latest album is You Only Live Twice and features his first #1 hit.  Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, traveled to Metro Washington, DC's Birchmere venue to sit down with Christian before his show to talk about the new album, his life's twist and turns and his music.  You'll find more from Christian on Episode 166!  Lisa Davis, your "Hostess With The Mostest," highlights the latest from R&B/Soul singer Leela James who released Thought U Knew in 2023.  She also has the spotlight on the legendary duo of Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, whose latest album is Brazil and saxophonist extraordinaire Walter Beasley whose new single Funk Foot just dropped.  Contemporary Jazz with a touch of R&B/Soul on this show from your friends at the Coool CAT!

Lao Tizer is a keyboardist/producer who blends together elements of various genres of music in developing his own brand of contemporary jazz.  His band members comes from multiple music backgrounds which makes Lao's band unique in many ways.  With over a half-dozen albums released since the early 1990's, he can be found playing festivals and shows throughout the country.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Lao backstage during June of 2024 to talk about his career, work with Special EFX's Chieli Minucci and his brand new album Amplify.  Two other great contemporary jazz musicians are also featured in our showcase segment.  Grammy award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum - whose latest release is Epic Cool and also bassist Gearld Veasley, who played with Grover Washington, Jr. in the early 1980's.  His latest single is Groovitivity.  The cutting edge of contemporary jazz is right here on the Coool CAT!

Chieli Minucci formed Special EFX with George Jinda in 1982.  With George's passing, Chieli has carried on the great music and heritage of the band and incorporated some of the top contemporary jazz musicians and vocalists in the country for his live shows and some albums.  In June of 2024 Coool CAT's producer, Ray White, caught up Chieli out on tour to talk about his Return To Budapest With Love concert recordingm his new single Cool Summer, the all-star concept, and his work on movies and T.V.  Be sure to catch more from Chieli on Episodes 61 and 131.  Lisa Davis showcases Incognito and Streetwize in our showcase segment.  Their latest albums are titled In To You and Lift Me Up, respectfully.  We kick it up a notch on this episode - where "Old School is New School...Again" on the Coool CAT!!

Guitarist Steve Oliver has been a mainstay on the contemporary and smooth jazz charts for over 25 years.  During this period he's landed over a dozen songs in the Top 20.  His dynamic live performances have ignited fans from coast-to-coast.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Steve at the 2023 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival to talk about his latest album, A New Light, that showcases his deep passion for memorable compositions, jazz intricacies, pop melodies and world influences.  Steve also shares several highlights of his career including touring with Acoustic Alchemy.  Lisa Davis closes out the show with three fantastic musicians!  Pianist David Benoit recently released Timeless, Saxophonist Paula Atherton whose Moonlight Drive single just dropped, and rising star Blair Bryant whose latest tune is Summit.  This episode falls right in the groove for super contemporary jazz sounds!  From your friends at the Coool CAT!

Saxophonist Steve Cole launched his national music career in 1998 when his first album release was produced by contemporary jazz stalwart Brian Culbertson.  Growing up in Chicago, Steve brings elements of bebop, pop, funk and gospel to his contemporary jazz platform.  He's also been on-stage or recorded with jazz and blues legends like: Larry Carlton, Buddy Guy, Jeff Lorber, Junior Wells and many more.  Steve shares with producer and music aficionado Ray White insights on his latest album Without A Doubt and his album produced during COVID, titled Smoke + Mirrors.  He also provides an update on his all-star collaboration, The Sax Pack.  Lisa Davis, features 3 awesome artists in our "showcase segment."  She kicks things off with the amazing vocalist Lalah Hathaway, whose latest album is Vantablack, followed by guitar wiz Norman Brown who recently released It Hits Different.  Then she closes out our show with the critically acclaimed trumpeter/flugelhornist/vocalist Rob Zinn who just released the single "Until I Met You."  A jam packed episode from some dynamic musicians... yep, it's the Coool CAT!

Randy Jacobs grew up in the Motown city launching a career as a songwriter and guitarist.  As a member of Was (Not Was) in the early 1980's he honed his musical skills.  In the early 1990's Randy played on an album of all-star musicans called Soul Mission.  Shortly afterwards, he formed The Boneshakers.  Randy shares his insights with award-winning program director Ray White talking about the start-up of the band, teaming with saxophonist/vocalist Mindy Abair, playing with the legendary Bonnie Raitt, serving as music director for a jazz legend, and The Boneshakers latest album One Foot In The Groove - which was #1 on U.S. Soul Blues chart and #1 on a U.K. Blues chart.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features 4-time Grammy winner Delbert McClinton, whose latest album is Outdated Emotion.  She also highlights the 2-time Grammy nominee Kenny Wayne Shepherd that released Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1 in 2023.  Great blues musicians are laying it down on this episode from the Coool CAT!

Ivan Neville grew up with music from his relatives including his uncles Charles, Art, Cyril and of course his Dad - Aaron.  Throughout his years Ivan's recorded five solo albums and four more with his band Dumpstaphunk.  You'll also find him playing on many New Orleans based compilation albums and films.  You may not know that Ivan has also recorded with several music legends including The Rolling Stones, Rufus, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt and the Spin Doctors.  Multi award winning program director Ray White caught up with Ivan during his soundcheck to talk about his new solo album Touch My Soul and also the latest with Dumpstaphunk.  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis features four-time Grammy award winner Tom Hambridge who can be found on projects by Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Johnny Winter and dozens more!  He's a "go-to" drummer and producer for many other super artists, too!  Tom's latest solo album is Blu Ja Vu.  Great vibes on this episode of the Coool CAT!!

Nathan Mitchell is a rising star in contemporary jazz and soul music genres.  A composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Nathan is Grammy nominated and has three #1 Billboard songs so far in his career.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Nathan during rehearsal in November 2023 to capture his insights on his music, success and plans moving forward.  His brand new album is Gentle and Smooth.  In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis features former LSG member with 6 #1 hits as a solo artist - Keith Sweat, who just released his latest single "Lay You Down."  Cutting edge artists...we have them on the Coool CAT!

Lindsey Webster, a jazz, R&B, and Pop singer, has been gaining worldwide fame, since launching on the national music scene in 2013.  This rising star's first single "Fool Me Once," reached number one on the smooth jazz charts making her the first vocalist since Sade to have a #1 vocal song in the primarily instrumental format.  Lindsey's landed a half-dozen Top 5 hits on the charts.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Lindsey before soundcheck in November of 2023 to talk about the music scene in her hometown of Woodstock, NY, her latest album - Reasons and relaunching of her You Change CD.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features Brian Culbertson, who has had a dozen #1 hits on the smooth jazz charts.  His latest release is The Trilogy - Part 3: White.  We close out this episode with Grammy award winning saxophonist Gerald Albright, who just released his G Steam 3 - Full Throttle EP.  Go with the flow when you hang with the Coool CAT! 

Greg Carmichael is a co-founding member of the Grammy award nominated contemporary jazz group, Acoustic Alchemy.  SInce the mid-1980's the band has released over 20 albums.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White went backstage at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival in October of 2023,  before the band hit the stage, to talk to Greg about the unique beginning of the band, their current line-up and he also provided insights into the groups latest album - 33 1/3.  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostess" Lisa Davis features Chris "Big Dog" Davis whose worked with many smooth jazz musicians as a producer on numerous Top 10 hits.  Chris takes the spotlight himself as keyboardist/producer on his new album, After The Storm.  We're laying down a Coool CAT groove on this episode!!

Rick Braun is a dynamic trumpeter, composer and producer with over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits.  Along with his 15 plus studio albums, you'll find Rick collaborating with Richard Elliot, Boney James and Kirk Whalum & Norman Brown in BWB.  On this episode multi-award winning program director Ray White hangs out with Rick backstage and they discuss Rick's latest album Rick Braun, upcoming plans, collaborations and his many special events.  Other interviews and much more from Rick can be found on Episodes 2, 136 and 158.  Lisa Davis, your "Hostess with the Mostest,"  brings you the latest from Mindi Abair, Alexander Zonjic & James Lloyd along with Brian Simpson, whose latest album is Solid Connection.  Get in the groove...on this episode from Classic Artists Today's Coool CAT!  

Eric Essex is an incredible contemporary jazz guitarist who has released 29 full length albums since the late 1980's.  During his early years he recorded four well received albums and earned a degree from Berklee College of Music.  A Warner Brothers distributed label signed Eric in 1998 and his career took off.  In the early 2000's, he launched his own record label and scored numerous radio hits.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White hooked up with Eric in November of 2022 and talked about his self-taught playing style during his early years, the time period when his career took off, launching his own record label and his latest album STRiDE and much more.  Lisa Davis shares the latest from Jeff Lorber Fusion and Canadian electro jazz band - Four80East, during our showcase segment.  Gonna Be Alright is the latest release from Four80East.  The hottest contemporary jazz artists are featured right here on the Coool CAT!

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a blues guitarist/vocalist/songwriter to keep your eyes on!  Her career has skyrocketed since hanging with Joe Bonamassa and Dave Stewart.  With over 10 albums released, you'll find her songs charting with each new album.  In 2010, Joanne won Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards.  In February of 2024, multi-award winning program director Ray White "zoomed" with Joanne while she was finishing up a tour in the U.K., preparing for her Spring of 2024 tour in the U.S.  She provided insights into her rising star music career, hooking up with Joe and Dave, her new album Heavy Soul and much more.  In our showcase segment Lisa Davis dives into the latest from Joe Bonamassa - who released Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 in 2023, blues and boogie icons Foghat whose latest hot album is Sonic Mojo and bluesman Tinsley Ellis who just dropped Naked Truth.  The best in blues... it's the Coool CAT!! 

The Grainger Brothers are two of the hardest working musicians around.  From the Baltimore, Maryland area Gary (Bass) and Greg (Drums) can be found as the rhythm section for Acoustic Alchemy and for the Paul Reed Smith band.  They also lead their own bands including Grainger, Pockets and several tribute ensembles.  Their latest work is with Paul Reed Smith Eightlock.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up backstage with Gary and Greg at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival in October of 2023 to talk about the Eightlock band and several other projects they've recently worked on and are on the horizon.  Also catch them on Episodes 83 and 115.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features an awesome guitarist Drew Davidsen who just released his latest album Power Trip and the Grammy nominated vocalist (also from the Baltimore area) Maysa whose Music For The Soul album has garnered numerous awards during the past year.  R&B, Soul and Smooth Jazz - you'll find the best on the Coool CAT!

Phil Perry is among the elite R&B singers in the country.  In the R&B Hall of Fame, his vocal talents can be heard on albums by Dave Grusin, George Duke, Najee, Chaka Khan, Fourplay and many more.  Phil's solo career has been filled with over a dozen marvelous albums.  In this interview, from November of 2014, Coool CAT's Ray White caught up with Phil before he took the stage.  We touched on numerous memorable times in his career starting with his days in The Montclairs, several of his collaborations, insights into GRP Records, and his albums - Say Yes and A Better Man.  A triple shot of super artists are highlighted in our showcase segment.   Your "Hostess with the Mostess" Lisa Davis, closes out the show with the latest on Ledisi (whose brand new album is Good Life), Charlie Wilson and Kenny Lattimore, who's latest release is Here To Stay.  Hear more from Phil on our Episode 82.  R&B at it's finest...right here on Classic Artists Today's Coool CAT!

Jay Beckenstein co-founded Spyro Gyra in 1974, and ever since the group has been among the elite music bands in contemporary jazz.  Throughout the years the band has garnered numerous Grammy nominations and was tapped for the prestigious George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award.  Multi award-winning program director Ray White hung out with Jay at his hotel in July 2023  to talk about Spyro Gyra's latest album - Vinyl Tap, their new keyboardist , evolutions in the music industry and much more.  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess With The Mostest" Lisa Davis, features the Jeff Lorber Fusion - who recently released The Drop and the phenominal bassist Brian Bromberg, whose latest album is The Magic of Moonlight.   You'll get the hottest "classic" artists and the best in contemporary jazz, from the Coool CAT! 

Christian de Mesones has been playing the bass for over 40 years, gaining national and international acclaim starting in 2017 with several singles and his They Call Me Big New York album.  Previously, you could hear him with the Groove Skool Band.  His years of performances and recordings propelled him to the top of Billboard's Smooth Jazz Airplay chart.  Christian hung out with Coool CAT's Ray White in November of 2023, as he came off stage, to talk about his band, shows, recordings and the latest happenings in his career.  Excellent insights!  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess With The Mostest" Lisa Davis features multi-instrumentalist/Vocalist Paula Atherton whose latest single is Dancin' Shoes.  We close out this episode with the Grammy nominated pianist Bob Baldwin, who recently released B Positive.  Another dynamic show from your friends at Coool CAT! 

Norman Brown is a guitarist who's been called "a culmination of Jimi Hendrix and George Benson with some Wes Monthgomery thrown in," by Jazz Times magazine.  His prowness as a musician and genre-bending facility has made him one of the most sought after internationally renowned musicians in contemporary jazz!  Multi award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Norman after his performance who provided his insights into his latest album Let's Get Away, growing up in Kansas City and the music scene there, the latest with BWB and collaborating with the great saxophonist Gerald Albright.  You'll find more from Norman on Episode 62.  Lisa Davis, your "Hostess With The Mostest," closes out 2023 with two artists who were high on the contemporary jazz and blues charts during the year.  Brian Culbertson who had several awesome songs on his The Trilogy - Pt. 3: White album and Susan Tedeschi, an awesome guitarist and vocalist, who just released her Just Won't Burn (25th Anniversary) CD.  Finishing another fabulous year here on the Coool CAT!! 

This year we feature the amazing Jonathan Butler and guitarist Randy Jacobs, founder of The Boneshakers, who are winding down the 2023 Dave Koz Christmas Tour.  They'll provide insights into their recent holiday projects as we finish up the year with our celebration.  In our showcase segment, we bring you more holiday cheer from Joe Bonamassa with Dion, jazzman David Garfield with Tom Scott and Dave Koz too!  Listen to more celebrations of this wonderous time of year on Episode 52, 72, 93, 117 and 141!!  A gift from Ray White and Lisa Davis to you, from the Coool CAT family!!!  

Dave Koz is among the elite saxophonists and entertainers in the music industry today.  Throughout the year you'll find him on his global sea cruises, with his "Summer Horns" or out on his Christmas Tour - headlining with other world-class musicians.  Throuhout the years, Dave's been nominated for numerous Grammy awards in the "Best Pop Instrumental Album" category.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Dave on his 2022 Christmas Tour to talk about his recent albums; The Golden Hour with Cory Wong and A New Day.  His latest album is A Romantic Night In.  Dave's certainly a leader within the Smooth Jazz genre!  In our showcase segment, your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, features Billboard charting guitarist David P. Stevens, who released his album Rogue in 2022.  We close this show with Incognito, the British jazz and soul stalwarts whose new album is titled Into You.  Fresh new highlights in the smooth and contemporary jazz world - right here on the Coool CAT!!

Brent Carter has been the lead vocalist for the Average White Band since 2011.  Before then, he was the frontman for Tower of Power.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Brent backstage to talk about his days with Tower of Power and how he hooked up with AWB.  He also shared his insights on Average White Band's latest sudio album - Inside Out.  Will the band release one more album before calling it a day?  Brent will share his thoughts on that too!  Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, closes out the show featuring the awesome band, Tower of Power!  Their latest studio release is titled Step Up.  Get up on your feet and shake your booty on this episode, brought to you by the Coool CAT!!

Bob James, is known worldwide as a premier composer/producer/keyboardist.  A multi-Grammy award winner, Bob was also bestowed with the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.  Ray White, the CAT's multi-award winning program director, caught up with Bob backstage before his concert to talk about his early years in music, changes in recording technology through the decades and his latest album - Jazz Hands.  In our showcase segment, our own Lisa Davis features the awesome contmporary jazz guitarists, Nils, whose latest album is Cool Shades.  The very best in Contemporary Jazz, right here on the Coool CAT!

Guy Allison, keyboardist/composer/producer, is best known as a touring member of The Doobie Brothers for 19 years.  His career started off in jazz having secured a place in the coveted Monterey All-Star Jazz Band.  Through the late 1970's and today, you'll find him in several rock bands, but returned to jazz on his excellent latest album - A Designed Presence.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White "zoomed" with Guy to talk in detail about his latest project, players on the album, song backgrounds and much, much more!  In our showcase segment, we feature the amazing bassist Brian Bromberg whose latest album is titled The Magic of Moonlight.  Outstanding, dynamic world-class musicians, featured on the Coool CAT!! 

Eric Benet has talent that transcends the music industry.  The four-time Grammy nominee is also gifted in the areas of acting, producing and business.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White sat down backstage with Eric to talk about his music and diverse interests and television projects during their June of 2023 interview.  In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, features another amazing multi-talented performer - Grammy winner Ledisi, whose latest single is I Need To Know.  We close out the show with guitarist and composer Ken Navarro, who's landed numerous songs in the Top 5 of the contemporary jazz charts.  His latest album is Love Is Everwhere.  The best of R&B and much more on the Coool CAT!

Rick Braun is a dynamic trumpeter, composer and producer with over 20 #1 smooth jazz hits.  Along with jazz, you'll find him collaborating with rock/pop superstars like Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Tom Petty and REO Speedwagon too!  During COVID he launched the highly successful Rick's Cafe Live show.  On this episode, multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Rick backstage in July of 2023 where they talked about his latest album Rick Braun, his river cruises and much more!  You can also hear more from Rick on Episode 136 of our show.  Lisa Davis features, in our showcase segment, saxman Kim Waters, whose recent release is That Special Touch and the phenominal vocalist Maysa, whose latest album is Music For Your Soul.  Brought to you by your good freinds at Coool CAT - "Where Old School is New School...Again"!

Jimmy Bo Horne played an integral part in defining dance, disco and popular music during the 1970's.  More than a half-dozen of his songs hit the charts through 1980.  The Top 10 hit, "Dance Across The Floor," was certified double gold.  With Jimmy having been featured on American Bandstand and Soul Train, multi-award winning program director Ray White talks with him about those experiences along with insights into his hot new single "Starting Tonight," and much more!  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis keeps the party groove going featuring KC and the Sunshine Band who recently released "Unconditional Love," Gloria Gaynor whose latest album Testimony won a Grammy award and Australian superstar Kylie Minogue who will be releasing the album Tension in the coming weeks.  A trip down memory lane with dance and disco's top artists right here on the Coool CAT!!   

Willie Bradley, a two-time Grammy nominee, is a trumpeter who's steadly worked his way towards the top of the charts.  In 2021, Beats Magazine named Willie their "Jazz Artist of the Year."  Coool CAT's Ray White caught up with Willie who provided insights into his career launching days, his latest album - It's My Time and upcoming album, too!  In our showcase segment, your Hostess with the Mostest, Lisa Davis features Billboard chart-topping saxman Jackiem Joyner, whose latest single is Missing You.  She closes out this episode with South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, who just released Ubuntu.  Covering a wide spectrum of Contemporary Jazz, right here on Coool CAT!

The Wooten Brothers (Victor, Roy, Joseph and Regi) have played music together since their early years.  in 1985, they released The Wootens on Arista Records, which launched their careers collectively and individually.  Today you'll find them touring together when bass phenom Victor is not touring or in the studio, Joseph isn't on the road with Steve Miller Band, Roy's not playing (with Victor) in the multi-Grammy award winning band Bela Fleck & The Flecktones and oldest brother Regi isn't teaching in Nashville.  Unfortunately, their brother Rudy passed away in 2010.  Radio show producer and multi-award winner Ray White caught up with the guys (sans Victor) in December of 2013, back in Virginia where they grew-up, to talk about the great times they have playing together and their individual happenings too.  Lisa Davis samples highlights of their careers also!!  Jazz, Funk and R&B from the Wooten Brothers on this episode from the Coool CAT!

Alex Bugnon has been a mainstay and energetic force on the contemporary jazz scene for over three decades.  His global appeal to listeners and his piano stylings can be found on nearly a dozen albums released throughout the years.  Multi-award winning program director Ray White hung out with Alex in June of 2022 and talked with him about his record labels, his special relationship with Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., his song writing activities and the possibility of releasing new music.  His last album was Harlem.  Lisa Davis features saxman Michael Lington whose latest EP is Looking Ahead and has over 25 singles that landed on the contemporary jazz charts throughout his career.  The show winds up with guitarist Steve Oliver who has had over a dozen tunes land on Billboard's contemporary jazz charts, too!  His latest studio release is Sojourn.  Featuring the best from an elite group of smooth jazz performers, on this episode from the Coool CAT!  

Brian Lenair stands out among many contemporary jazz sax musicians by playing straight saxophones.  Starting his career over 25 years ago, he caught notice of fans and jazz aficionados alike as a member of the group Spur of The Moment.  In 2004, Brian released his first solo CD and has also played with the likes of George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr., Al Jarreau, Will Downing and many more.  Award-winning program director Ray White caught up with Brian in November of 2022 and talked about his latest music, early years playing for Michael Jordan and friends and the music scene in Washington, D.C.   In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis - your "Hostess with the Mostest," highlights the latest from Babyface.  His latest studio album is Girls Night Out.  The very best in contemporary jazz & rhythm & blues righ here on the Coool CAT!

Mel Waiters, a southern soul stalwart musician, was a singer/drummer who passed away on May 28, 2015.  It's fitting that we look back on his career from his days as a DJ, entertaining our troops and his recording years from the 1970's until his passing - including his last studio album True Love.  In our showcase segment your "Hostess with the Mostest" Lisa Davis, completes this tribute episode featuring the magnificant Tina Turner, who passed away on May 24, 2013.  Selling nearly 150 million records throughout her career Tina received 12 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and 3 Grammy Hall of Fame inductions.  A tribute to two of the finest, featured on this episode from the Coool CAT!

Boney James, saxophonist/songwriter/producer is among the elite contemporary jazz performers of his time.  He is a 4-time Grammy nominee and in 2009, Billboard magazine named him one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade.  His latest album Detour, is a chart-topping album that takes a subtle stylistic turn from his previous commercial releases.  Multi-award winning program director, Ray White, caught Boney on the run before his soundcheck to talk about Detour and it's early success and Boney also delved into his feeling on technology advances within the industry and the importance of music education in schools.  In our showcase segment, Lisa Davis features the latest on world-class pianist Keiko Matsui - who just released Euporia.  Also, R&B favorites After 7 is featured, their latest release is Unfinished Business.   Closing out our show is the super-talented saxophonist/flautist/vocalist Paula Atherton whose last three singles were Top 10 tunes!  Join us...Sittin' in with the Coool CAT!!

The late (and great) Nick Colionne (Episode 118), Bill Heller of the Rippingtons (Episode 113), bass legend Jeff Berlin (Episode 143) and bluesman Tab Benoit (Episode 133) are featured on this very special episode!  Your "Hostess with the Mostest," Lisa Davis, and show creator and producer, Ray White, share highlights from Episodes 101-149, as we celebrate our 150th show.  So here we go...revisiting our most listened to shows, Volume 3, and the lastest from these Coool CAT musicians, too!!

Marcus Anderson is a Grammy nominated saxophonist whose career has included performing with Prince and Stevie Wonder along with many others.  With 15 albums on his list of accomplishments, the fusion jazz artist brings R&B, Pop, Rock and Funk together to make his awesome sound.  During November, 2022 multi-award winning program director Ray White caught up with Marcus before his performance to talk about his first big break as a professional musician, his time with Prince, performance at the White House, making of his first album, his latest release Reverse and much more!  Lisa Davis then delves into the latest happenings in the world of our "classic" artists and features Maysa, whose latest album is Music For The Soul and guitarist Paul Brown and his latest project Promised Land.  We close out our show remembering the legandary jazz musician Wayne Shorter, who passed away on March 2, 2023.  Another jammed-packed show from your friends at the Coool CAT!