KKRN FM, is a volunteer-based, listener-supported radio station fostering positive social change and healthy communities by entertaining, informing and educating through diverse music, culture, news, and public affairs programming.

New work from Boney James and J Staton plus recently discovered recordings of an Ella Fitzgerald concert in a private collection

Share Tweet Email

With an amazing 18 Billboard Smooth Jazz number ones, superstar saxophonist Boney James is one of Smooth Jazz’s top performers. On June 3rd Boney released a single that is both new and old. On his 2015 album Futuresoul this was a bonus track put out on only a few of the CDs. So Boney felt it would be fantastic for a wider audience to finally get to hear this song. I am playing the sax of Boney James with Another Day In Paradise.

Saxophonist, writer, and producer J Staton is taking the world by storm. His unique sound is captivating and provides a listening pleasure that leaves his audiences awe-struck. His latest single produced by Smooth Jazz icon Jeff Lorber was released May 31st. I am playing that single  Kickin It with the sax of J Staton accompanied by the keys of Jeff Lorber and the bass of the yellowjackets, Jimmy Haslip.

I have some new releases that are actually very old. The first lady of Jazz singers Ella Fitzgerald on August 16th, 1958 performed songs from  her beloved Irving Berlin songbook at the Hollywood Bowl with a full orchestra. Recently a recording of that live concert was discovered in a private collection. This recording was released as an album this past week on June 24th titled Ella At The Hollywood Bowl-The Irving Berlin Songbook. From this new album, I have the incomparable voice of Ella Fitzgerald with Cheek To Cheek and followed by Puttin’ On The Ritz.

Let’s wind up the music this week with another Ella Fitzgerald live performance with the chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra. It is interesting to me to read Frank Sinatra’s comments. He said “Ella Fitzgerald is the only performer with whom I’ve ever worked who made me nervous. Because I try to work up to what she does. You know, try to pull myself up to that height, because I believe she is the greatest popular singer in the world, barring none—male or female.” Playing  Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra with The Lady Is A Tramp.

Thank you for your continuing support of KKRN and of this program.

Comments
You must be signed in to post comments.