A message to all members of THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE A few years before Dave Koz's solo debut, long before the emergence of Boney James and way back when Mindi Abair was just a kid, famed L.A. session man Bill Bergman was paving the way for all of them and the emerging, soon to be named 'smooth jazz' genre--with a distinctive and exciting sound (and debut album) he called Midnight Sax.
Bergman is also a prolific composer and producer, writing more than 1,000 pieces of music for Megatrax, one of the premiere music production companies in the world, over the past 16 years. Among his credits are TV themes in Japan, England and Germany, and music for American commercials for such companies as Rolaids, McDonaldís, Pizza Hut and Pepsi. Jonathon Widran of Jazziz Magazine states "with the release of his new collection Universe Soul, famed L.A. session man Bill Bergman and The Metro Jets, a group comprised of some of the West Coast’s hottest pop, soul and jazz musicians, are soaring once again with a hip, groove-intensive and ultra-sexy mix of in your face R&B, high spirited melodic jazz, simmering romance and a few explosive touches of gospel/blues. As a founding member of the popular soul band Jack Mack & The Heart Attack, and known for his legendary solo on Glenn Frey’s "You Belong To The City”, the Kansas City-bred saxman became a fixture in the Quiet Storm/Contemporary jazz format with both Midnight Sax (which Jazziz Magazine later named one of the ten most influential smooth jazz albums of all time) and its popular follow-up: Bill Bergman and The Metro Jets. Long a master at creating fascinating emotional mood swings in his music, Bergman infuses Universe Soul with a funky and high energy bang. Over the course of its 11 immediately infectious, in the pocket tracks, Universe Soul gives Bergman a chance to strut his stuff on tenor and soprano sax as well as flute, in addition to showcasing his versatility as a songwriter, arranger and producer". “The coolest and most challenging part of my career is being able to work with so many fascinating people and writing and performing music in so many genres,” Bergman says. “Taking a cue from his friend and mentor Grover, I’ve developed my own unique voice, and with Universe Soul I am eager to have people hear it in a contemporary jazz context again. Ultimately, what we as musicians strive for is making emotional connections with listeners. There’s something very special happening when it’s your band, your tune, your gig, your crowd and you’re getting people moving and grooving. For me, creating memorable melodies is the most important thing. I want to make music that lifts people and allows them to come away with something unforgettable.” “When I was first coming up, my biggest influences were Grover, Stanley, Freddie Hubbard and George Benson, who were all signed to the classic CTI label, he adds. For me, the concept of "Universe Soul" is my answer to the question, if they were making those records now, what would they sound like? I brought along a large handful of the city’s top musicians, who also happen to be longtime friends, to make what I consider to be like a modern CTI record just like those artists did for Creed Taylor back in the day. I consider it an honor and a privilege to carry the baton this way”.I'd like to thank Ray Blue for his great feature las week. He truly is a true jazz artist, I know you had to enjoy his tracks from his new CD "Berries and Blues". Go to www.rayblue.com to keep up with all of Ray's musical footsteps.For those of you that would like the same opportunity as both Ray and Bill have chosen, to be in the featured spot here on the network, promoted to the worldwide jazz community, be sure to get back with me so that you can be slated in on the schedule as well as letting us back up your current or upcoming release.Don't forget our Jazz Network Music Player! Make 100% of your downloads immediately through paypal.com, its simple and affordable. To get yours today go to http://jazz.musicsvr.com/join.php if you find that you need support in loading up your music and to have it put on your page, no problem, pull my coat-tail and I will do it for you. How's that for service? Can't beat the price of $10 pe r month. For those of you that would like to sell your music right here in the network get your own music player today!I give you all my best, continuing to create new avenues for all of you to bring your best to the masses of jazz and beyond.Keep jazz and love alive,Jaijai Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE at: http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network -------------------- To control which emails you receive on the corner, or to opt-out, go to: http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/profiles/profile/emailSettings?xg_source=msg_mes_network
