Some artists might consider a musical theater role portraying a legend like Frank Sinatra to be A potential career killer because of the comparisons to Ol’ Blue Eyes, and then the prospect of not being able to get out from under that shadow and assert your own individuality as a singer. That, however, is not the situation with Jonathan Poretz, a jazz vocalist hailing from the San Francisco area who has spent almost two years depicting Sinatra in the production of Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett …

On February 6, it was announced that Johannes Linstead one of Canada’s top guitarists was nominated for the nation’s top music prize a Juno Award. The Junos are Canada’s equivalent of a Grammy and Linstead’s guitarra Latina CD Café Tropical is being recognized in the Instrumental Album Of The Year category. When contacted Linstead had this to say about his nomination, "I was thrilled when they announced my name for the nomination. However, what made it even more speci …

One would be tempted to refer to Andy Middleton and Sheila Cooper as the dynamic duo. During the late summer of 2006, the couple moved from Gotham City (New York City) to Austria with their seven-year old daughter, Calli. They write masterful compositions, Middleton is an accomplished tenor/soprano saxophone player and Cooper is a critically acclaimed vocalist and alto saxophonist. Just a few days before celebrating their first Christmas in Vienna, Middleton took time to speak with me …

Most people associate Lauren Wood with her song "Fallen" from the soundtrack of the movie Pretty Woman. The soundtrack sold eighteen million copies. In many ways the hit song, which rocked European charts as well as those in North America, overshadows the many other successes that this superbly talented singer/songwriter/producer has enjoyed. Wood’s most recent album Love, Death & Customer Service is her eighth album and second self-produced record released under her own label, Bad …

Can less ever be more? Well, according to jazz guitarist and composer, Anthony Wilson the answer can sometimes be yes. He spoke about the necessity of learning to become an uncomplicated writer while discussing his Power of Nine CD featuring the Anthony Wilson Nonet. "I think what separates this CD (Power Of Nine) from anything I did before is I am trying a little less hard. As I grow up and become a bit more comfortable with my own voice and what I have to contribute …