JAI is the first worldwide organization to unite that community -- musicians, record labels, concert promoters and clubs, radio stations, retail stores, educators all with one goal: to expand the audience for America1s musical treasure. You can begin to personally enjoy the fruit of our efforts with two new CDs.
Our first releases
The Jazz Hear And Now! and Smooth Jazz Hear And Now! CD compilations sample a broad spectrum of the exciting music available in jazz today. Both CDs exist only because of the unprecedented cooperation among the musicians and record labels that offered music for these releases. The Jazz Hear And Now! and Smooth Jazz Hear And Now! CDs feature the best of today's jazz artists. Eighteen (18) of the artists and/or recordings received Grammy nominations, fourteen (14) of whom received Grammy Awards.
Jazz Hear And Now! presents Diana Krall, Joshua Redman, Herbie Hancock-Michael Brecker-Roy Hargrove, Harry Connick, Jr., Dave Holland, Brad Mehldau, Ramsey Lewis & Nancy Wilson, Bill Charlap, Tony Bennett, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Jane Monheit, Kenny Werner, and Cassandra Wilson with Bela Fleck and Regina Carter. Jazz Hear And Now! EXCLUSIVELY FEATURES the first-time live collaboration by Regina Carter, Bela Fleck, and Cassandra Wilson, performing a unique interpretation of the Woody Guthrie classic, “This Land Is Your Land," including three rarely performed verses that emphasized the preeminence of individual rights, and Kenny Werner's performance of “America." These rare performances were documented live at the Made In America Concert held on December 5, 2001 at Town Hall to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation serving New Yorkers in need resulting from the 911 tragedy.
The Smooth Jazz Hear And Now! CD features Norman Brown, Chris Botti, Norah Jones, Peter White, Joe Sample, Marc Antoine, Jeff Lorber, Al Jarreau, Dave Koz with Luther Vandross, BWB, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Fourplay and Boney James.
States JAI Interim President Suzan Jenkins, “Until now, you couldn't1t find a diverse grouping of major artists and young discoveries in one package because exclusive contracts with record labels would have prevented it. But through the work of the Alliance, we1ve overcome those obstacles to connect the most inspiring music to the audience that welcomes it."
A new beginning
While listening to these CDs, you1ll experience everything that jazz can provide: inspiration, excitement, improvisation, relaxation and delight. Our hope is that you1ll be introduced to artists new to you and become lifelong fans.
All of the artists and labels are cooperating in the effort to “spread the word" by donating all profits from the sale of these unique discs to support Jazz Alliance International1s programs.
Proceeds from the sale of these releases support Jazz Alliance International's advocacy and education programs. Jazz Hear and Now! and Smooth Jazz Hear and Now! feature the full support of all the major record labels. In addition, BET Jazz, the 24-Hour Jazz Channel, is a proud sponsor of this project. Tune in to BET Jazz to see artist performances and more from these exciting CD
For more information contact All About Jazz.
