Piano legend Monty Alexander receives proclamation from Broward County

Sunday, May 22, was declared Monty Alexander Day in Broward County following the outstanding performance of internationally acclaimed jazz performer, Monty Alexander, C.D., during the first annual Reggae Jazz Fusion (Maxi Priest, A. J. Brown) at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

Broward County Commissioner, Dale Holness presented a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the piano legend, which has earned him a place in the top five jazz artistes in Hal Leonard’s book titled: ‘The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of all Time.’- South Florida Caribbean News

Anthony Wilson: A sensitive, gifted accompanist, formidable guitar soloist,

Born May 9, Anthony Wilson’s career in jazz began auspiciously, and as a creative artist he continues to expand and impress. His first, self-titled CD received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording in 1998; his second CD “Goat Hill Junket” was featured prominently on many jazz critics' Top-Ten lists for that year; and his third CD “Adult Themes” earned a rare “5 stars” in Downbeat Magazine.

In May 2001, Groove Note Records released Wilson's “Our Gang,” a trio recording, which has also received raves in Downbeat and other publications.

Sensitive and gifted accompanist as well as a formidable soloist, Anthony Wilson has been recording and touring the world with the celebrated vocalist/pianist Diana Krall since he joined her in 2001 for her Grammy-winning CD/DVD “Live In Paris”. Recent recordings and concert appearances with the likes of Al Jarreau, Aaron Neville, and Madeleine Peyroux have served to spotlight Wilson’s growing artistry, musical maturity, and improvisational authority - All About Jazz website

Michael Franks puts finishing touches on "Time Together" album

Jazz soulman Michael Franks is in studio putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated new album "Time Together". In an e-mail message this week the apparently delighted singer told fans
"It's been a wonderful 6 months and I can't wait for you to hear it all".

On this latest project, Michael Franks reconnected with many old friends: Chuck Loeb, Gil Goldstein, Mark Egan, Charles Blenzig, Scott Petito, Veronica Nunn, Billy Kilson, Mike Manieri, David Spinozza, Romero Lubambo, Till Brönner and Eric Marienthal to name a few.

With his last CD "Rendezvous in Rio" dropped way back in 2006, the new album, "Time Together", Franks said, will be available in a few weeks.