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Jazz Notes...
Luther Tribute, Part 11
The famed For Ever, For Always For Luther is back with a second installment of star-studded melodies for smooth jazz as
well as urban AC. Renowned producer/musician Red Rideout is also back as the 10-track CD's producer. Front to back, the CD
is chock full of outstanding covers of the tunes the extraordinary Luther Vandross branded with his own silky style. Kirk
Whalum, Norman Brown, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Wayman Tisdale, Najee, Jonathan Butler and vocalists Patti
Austin and Will Downing are part of the all-star, Grammy-award winning cast of talent. In stores November 21, the track also
carries a message to raise awareness to potential heart attack and stroke victims. Money will be raised through the CD and
concert performances for the American Heart Association. Exceptional tracks on the CD include "There's Nothing Better
Than Love" featuring Maysa and Kirk Whalum, "If This World Were Mine" with Gerald Albright, "Superstar"
featuring Will Downing and "Don't Want To Be A Fool" with Jonathan Butler. The tribute is on Rendezvous Entertainment,
which was founded by jazzman Dave Koz. Go to www.rendezvousmusic.com
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Most smooth jazz instrumentals these days are with sax or guitar, so it's refreshing to hear a trumpet/flugelhorn on the scene.
Lin Rountree started his musical journey at 11 when he picked up the trumpet in Alexandria, Va. He honed his skills with visits
to the famed Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts across the water in Washington, D.C. He also had the honor of playing
in the famed Marching 100 at Florida A&M University, which he attended on a music scholarship. After graduating and relocating
to Detroit, he signed with BDK Records and released "Groovetree," which eventually received distribution via Ryko/Warner
Bros. Rountree's "Groovetree" stands on its own as a shining example of his extraordinary talent to deliver works
that are fresh, cohesive and definitely smooth, from the funky flavor of the title track to the mellifluous sounds of "Villicious."
Rountree has also attracted nationally known artists to welcome his skills to their concert and recording performances, including
fellow Detroit favorite Kem, Carl Thomas, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh and duo Chante Moore and Kenny Lattimore. Although "Groovetree"
has been out for more than a year, it still is receiving substantial air play nationwide on stations such as WFMV-FM in Detroit,
WJZA in Columbus, Ohio, WVSU-FM in Birmingham, KOKY-FM and KUAP-FM in Little Rock, KTSU-FM in Houston and many more. Check
out "Groovetree" at www.bdkrecords.com or www.lynrountree.com.
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