Tracing a twenty-five year history from acclaimed soul stylist to in-demand pop and R&B songwriter, Bobby Caldwell is truly one of the most revered vocalists and songwriters in contemporary music today. As a singer, Bobby Caldwell has a successful career with numerous solo releases, which have won accolades far and wide. His songwriting skills have earned hits not only for... read full bio

What is nearly as unlikely as the success of The Brian Setzer Orchestra--a true, 17-piece Big Band fronted by an electric guitar--is that no one has jumped on the bandwagon. The reason, suggests Brian Setzer, is simple: This isn't like punk rock, where anyone could pick up a guitar and play loud. The level of musicianship required is pretty high. Another reason may be that... read full bio

Trumpeter Chris Botti is a gifted instrumentalist, a talented composer, and a charismatic performer who--since the release of his first solo album in 1995--has created a series of recordings that have made him a virtual genre-of-one in the realm of contemporary jazz. Through his singular combination of lush atmos-pheres and thoughtful improvisations, Chris Botti has earned... read full bio

In a career spanning two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, entrepreneur, radio host, humanitarian, and instrumental music advocate. He is a six-time Grammy nominee and was honored in September 2009 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Dave Koz has performed with an astounding number of major ... read full bio

Bassist, singer and composer Esperanza Spalding began playing in small jazz and blues venues around Portland, Oregon. Since moving East, Ms. Spalding has regularly worked as a freelance bassist and singer, both locally and internationally. Ms. Spalding has worked with many notable Grammy-winning artists, such as guitarist Pat Metheny and singer Patti Austin. She has also p... read full bio

George Benson focuses his music more on guitar styling than vocal. But, George Benson vocal talent is not to be missed at the mic either. George Benson, appreciated as both a musician and a vibrant entertainer, has been on the music scene for nearly 40 years, varying George Benson's musical style according to his own whims and not those of corporations. With sly, se... read full bio

Michael Franks is a smooth jazz singer and songwriter from the United States. He has recorded with a Who's Who of artists, such as Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Art Garfunkel, and David Sanborn. His songs have been recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, Diana Krall, Shirley Bassey and The Carpenters. Now, after 22 years of smash hits and smooth ja... read full bio

One of the most popular groups in what is loosely termed contemporary jazz," the Rippingtons were formed by guitarist/keyboardist Russ Freeman. Freeman studied at Cal Arts and UCLA, and recorded Nocturnal Playground as a leader in 1985 for the Brainchild label, a one-man project. In 1987, he was approached to record for the Japanese Alfa label and came up with the Rippin... read full bio