Sometimes a word can mean one thing your entire life, and then circumstances alter to provide a totally different interpretation.

For NBA-icon-turned-musical-star Wayman Tisdale, rebound meant to grab possession of a basketball during a game.

But in 2007, that all changed. Tisdale was diagnosed with bone cancer after he fell down a flight of steps and broke his leg. Knee replacement surgery and months of chemotherapy followed. And rebound took on a new significance once his right leg was amputated right above the knee in 2008.

As many before him, he came through the disease with a renewed perspective: “It really showed me what’s important in life, man. It’s not getting as many houses as I can, not driving the biggest cars,” he says. “What’s important is family and being healthy.”

That reinvigorated joy and sense of purpose pervades Rebound, the bass guitarist’s eighth album and his third on Rendezvous Entertainment. “People are going to feel different after listening to this record. They’re going to be happy. There’s going to be a good feeling,” Tisdale says. “Rebound definitely has a beginning, a body and an ending and that’s what I wanted to do. That’s why the record starts with the song ‘Rebound,’ to capture people and bring them in. A Japanese voice before the second verse of ‘Rebound’ says ‘I’ve rebounded and you can rebound also.’ That’s what the message is. If I can do it, you can do it.”

Rebound takes the listener on a journey with gratitude as the ultimate destination. Others might, understandably, be angry at God for the illness, but Tisdale feels nothing but thanks and praise. “He didn’t have to allow the bone to break, a lot of people find out too late,” Tisdale says. “I look at everything from a spiritual standpoint, my father being a Baptist minister before he passed. Through your toughest times, you’re going to find out who you are as a person and I got to really see what type of person I am.”

That spirit is expressed on CD closer “Grateful,” stirringly delivered by gospel great Marvin Sapp. “When he was a newcomer in gospel group Commission, he used to stay at my house and sleep in the Lazy Boy,” Tisdale recalls with a robust laugh. “I needed somebody to complete this record and I couldn’t think of a better person than Marvin. I knew he would give it the emotion and really bring it home the way it needed to be brought home and he did a beautiful job.”

Another old friend—and fellow Oklahoman-- Toby Keith also makes an appearance. In his self-appointed role of “Ambassador of Old School," Tisdale covers an R&B classic on each album. Here, he and Keith team up for the Barry White classic “Never Gonna Give You Up.” “I was literally on the internet looking at a lot of old school songs, listening to Earth, Wind & Fire and some old school Isley Bros., when I got a call and Toby says, I got the song we need to redo: ‘Never Gonna Give You Up.’ It still didn’t register until the studio and I mean, my mouth was wide open. I could not believe what I was hearing! Toby nails it!”

Another highlight is first single, “Throwin’ It Down,” which announces that Tisdale is back in the game. He co-wrote the upbeat, jaunty tune with Darren Rahn, who produced Wayman’s #1 single “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” “It’s a good feeling; it’s saying ‘I’m coming out. I’m back.’”

While Tisdale, who lives in Tulsa, Okla., with his wife, four children, and new granddaughter, Bailey, says his return was never in doubt, he admits there were tough days during his treatment, days when “I wasn’t doing anything, just pretty much existing, trying to get to the next day.” During days such as those, solace came from a somewhat surprising source: his 2003 CD, 21 Days. “I wrote that whole record in three weeks and I was always astonished about what happened and what came over me to write that record,” he says. “In the end, it turned out I had written the record for me to get through these times.”

The cancer came on top of Tisdale’s decision to lose weight to get back into fighting shape. “I’ve had a great time,” of taking care of his health. “It’s been the best thing I’ve done.” That’s quite a statement for someone who has accomplished so much. Although Tisdale showed promise on the bass from an early age, his tremendous athletic talent initially overshadowed his musical leanings. He played for the University of Oklahoma Sooners from 1983 to 1985 and became the first player to have his jersey retired. All three years at Oklahoma, Tisdale was named to the All American team, and in 1984 he played on the U.S. Olympic team which brought home the gold. In 1986 the Indiana Pacers selected Tisdale as the No. 2 overall draft pick behind Patrick Ewing. For the next 12 years, Tisdale left his mark on the NBA with the Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, scoring more than 12,800 points and pulling down more than 5,000 rebounds in a 12-year career.

Before he retired after the 1997 season, Tisdale had already made the transition toward a career in music. In 1995 he released his debut CD, appropriately titled Power Forward, which climbed to No. 4 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart and, like all of his subsequent efforts, crossed over onto the R&B charts. In the Zone, Decisions and Face to Face all landed in Billboard’s Top 10, with 2001’s Face to Face going to No. 1, as did his last album, Way Up. In addition to “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” he took “Can’t Hide Love” and “Don’t Take Your Love Away” to No. 1 at radio. Even actor Jamie Foxx recognizes Tisdale’s enormous musical talents. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Foxx selected Wayman as part of his “dream band” along with Herbie Hancock, Wynton and Brandford Marsalis and Prince.

Tisdale will be the first to say that each project defines a moment in time and Rebound is no exception. “Each album has its own personality and its own edge and I think Rebound will carve its own niche. This record is definitely a reflection of me and where I’m at today.”


Eric Darius
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The title for saxophone prodigy Eric Darius' sophomore album couldn't have been more perfect — JUST GETTING STARTED.

Darius took the contemporary jazz world by storm with his 2004 Narada Jazz debut, NIGHT ON THE TOWN. The critics raved! Fans clamored! Darius' awesome talent and unjaded enthusiasm for his music and where it was taking him made him an instant favorite everywhere he went.

JUST GETTING STARTED pairs Darius with one of his long-time musical inspirations, Brian Culbertson, with the composer/arranger/keyboardist/trombonist taking the producing reins as well as guest performing on several tracks. Narada Jazz labelmate, Euge Groove, lends his talents on his own composition, “Back At Cha”. Paul Brown, one of the most sought after producers in smooth jazz, adds his producing and guitar skills to tracks like “Right Here, Right Now” and Alicia Keys’ “If I Aint’ Got You”. The stylish Fender Rhodes on ”Steppin' Up” and “Groove On” comes courtesy of the Grammy(s)-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Jeff Lorber. Adding the talents of multiintrumentalist and producer Darren Rahn, JUST GETTING STARTED is a bold statement by a jazz star well on his way to the top. “I have to admit, but this was by far the most incredible recording experience I’ve ever had. Working with Brian Culbertson, Paul Brown, Euge Groove, and Darren Rahn, was a dream come true for me. Each producer brought his own unique flavor to my music and the music we created speaks for itself.”

“Speaking of the new CD, I feel that this new CD is definitely a notch above my last album in many aspects. Throughout the past year, I have progressed as a songwriter and a player, and in my opinion, this project clearly reflects that. In addition to this, I was able to bring that same level of energy and intensity that I play with on stage in the studio. This CD was very fun and exciting to make. Before I even started recording, my goal was to try to do something a little different this time around. In my opinion, the beauty of this CD is that every song has a different feel and evokes a different mood. This CD has a little bit of everything — from laid-back ballads, to funk, R&B, soul, pop, up-tempo grooves, and even to hip-hop. Regardless of which mood you are in, there is something for everyone on this project. Even though each song has its own vibe on this CD, the one characteristic that every song on this CD has in common is — a groove. Every song will make you move!”

From playing at local clubs and hotspots in his native Tampa to wowing the crowds at the JazzTrax Catalina Island Jazz Festival, life for this 23-year college student has changed dramatically in just a few years. Yet, Darius' approach to his music remains as sincere as the day he first discovered jazz as a child. "I'd been playing the saxophone for about one year, before I joined America's Youngest Jazz Band, which was led by renown trumpeter, Sonny LaRosa. The unique band brought in musicians from ages 5-12, and I was fortunate enough to be part of it for two years." Listening to music around the house, Darius had always had a passion for jazz, and being in this elite group changed his life. "We played a lot of great music from jazz legends, such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. In addition to this, we had the wonderful opportunity to perform all over the country, and even at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. After having the privilege to perform all over the world and realizing the impact that it made on people's lives, I knew then that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."

  Born into a musical family (his father plays bass, his mother and sister sing, and his older brother plays the drums and trumpet), Darius studied at Blake High School of the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida, where he was a member of the Blake Jazz Ensemble and many other bands the school offered. In 1999, Darius and the Blake Jazz Ensemble were selected to perform at the Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City, where they placed fourth out of the top twenty jazz bands in the United States. While in New York, he had the opportunity to play with Wynton Marsalis and Paquito D'Rivera in a jam session. A year later, Darius performed in Japan with the Blake Jazz Combo as part of Florida's Cultural Exchange Program. Throughout the past several years, Darius has played at several renowned venues, such as the JazzTrax Catalina Island Jazz Festival, the Capital Jazz Festival, the Apollo Theater in New York City, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, and - as a member of the University of South Florida Jazztet - the Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), and the Vienne Jazz Festival (France). In addition, he has shared the stage with notable artists such as Prince, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Rick Braun, Mindi Abair, Boney James, George Benson, Dionne Warwick, Peter White, Richard Elliott, Ken Navarro, Wayman Tisdale, Brenda Russell, Jonathan Butler, Warren Hill, Norman Brown, Chris Botti, Kim Waters, and many others.

  In 2001, Darius released CRUISIN' independently at the age of 17. "I started writing music for this CD since I was 13. One of the major things that inspired me to make this album was the thought of “Cruisin” in my own car!"  Darius goes on to mention that, since then, composing is his most personal expression. "I love to write my own music because that is something that comes from deeply within, and I want my listeners to really be able to feel what I felt when I wrote it. I love playing my instrument because it allows me to communicate with others on a personal level, and I intend on doing this for the rest of my life."

  NIGHT ON THE TOWN, Darius' major label debut on Higher Octave, showcased his maturing talent as both a songwriter and musician. Darius gave his freshly-funked tunes a breezy vibe that perfectly underscores his wicked chops.

Stevie Wonder, and Earth, Wind, and Fire were some of the artists who inspired Darius' songwriting for NIGHT ON THE TOWN. "I really admire how their music evokes a mood and a place. I hope that audiences will make similar connections through my music."  

Now, with the release of Eric’s brand new CD, JUST GETTING STARTED, he is moving one step closer to superstardom.

“The thing that excites me the most about my music and my career is that I am just getting started. I am very anxious to see where my music takes me throughout the next several years. I think that this CD is the beginning is something great!”

From touring the country, to being named the Smooth Jazz Debut Artist of the Year, to making a global impact, hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen because Eric Darius is JUST GETTING STARTED!!!

Gail Jhonson
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Born and raised in Philadelphia, Gail Denise Jhonson began piano lessons at the age of 10. Proving to be a gifted student, she advanced quickly, and by 14, was playing gigs with various local R&B and Funk bands. Ever on her musical pursuit, she enrolled into Berklee College of Music, and later received a B.A in Composition.

In 1985, she landed an audition with Morris Day (and The Time), and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream!

During the next several years, Gail’s efforts included performances with Jermaine Jackson, Milli Vanilli, Howard Hewitt (Shalamar), Bobby Womack, Pink, Vanessa Williams, Bobby Lyle/featuring Mindi Abair, Paul Jackson jr, Vesta, Kevin Toney (The Blackbirds), Sheila E & Ronnie Laws; numerous videos & TV shows: MTV, BET, and Jay Leno.

Since 1991, Gail served as music director for guitarist, Norman Brown; as his budding career propelled him into the international jazz arena.

In 1995 her career took a turn as educator for the next 12 years at the renown Hollywood based college, Musician’s Institute. Her staff position encouraged many upcoming artists in popular commercial music.

By 2004, Keep The Music Playing, Gail’s highly acclaimed debut Contemporary Jazz CD, brought her into the international recording spotlight. Led by the hit singles Heaven and Just For Kicks, the CD received strong support from within the music industry.

2005 brought forth a great opportunity-The Capitol Jazz Challenge in D.C. Also, Gail became the musical director for the nation’s much anticipated Summer Storm Tour, hosted by Grammy-award winner Norman Brown, which included special guests, Peabo Bryson, Everett Harp, and Brenda Russell. 2006 brought special guests Patti Austin, Alex Bugon, and Paul Taylor & 2007 with Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, and Peabo Bryson.

2006 participation in The Long Beach Jazz Festival was a highlight. Local gigs in Los Angeles at various jazz clubs and festivals with her 5 piece band. Studio work included preparation for her anticipated CD and writing & producing for saxophonist(s) Justin Young and Jeanette Harris.

2008 kicked off with The Smooth Music Cruise, a signing to NuGroove Records with the release of her CD “Pearls” and more exposure by performing her music in cities across the country with various smooth jazz artists; namely Jeanette Harris, Pamela Williams, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Lin Rountree, Karen Briggs & Althea Rene. The Summer Storm 4 includes: Chante Moore, Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor.

Additionally Gail has performed on the Smooth Music Cruise 2009 (Norman Brown, Boney James, Althea Rene, Shilts, Nic Collione and will be a featured artist on the Summer Storm 5 Tour with Wayman Tisdale, Eric Darius & Norman Brown!

The ever busy Ms. Jhonson will top off a recording setting tour season with the Christmas Tour featuring Norman Brown & Mindi Abair!!

Also in 2009 Gail received a nod for entry to 51st Grammy Awards for her Pearls CD in the Pop, Instrumental category, and the Pearls CD has continued to explode reaching # 5 on Billboard Magazine’s Smooth Jazz Chart!!

Gail and Althea Rene has started a group of female jazz artists called JaZz in P!nk, performing nationally, and is looking forward to more opportunities for that project. Gail is also recording new music & doing lots of interviews! In her spare time she coaches her teen daughter Tamina Khyrah-joi/vocalist & pianist, as well as the Praise & Glory Youth Band. Additionally, she is the Sanctuary Choir director at her home church. Gail has written 2 books published by Hal Leonard: Funk Keyboards & Dictionary of Keyboard Grooves; and presently finishing a new instructional book: Jazzy Keyboards. Gail maintains a Certificate of Service/Post-Secondary education, and is an active member of BMI, NARAS and Musicians Union local 47.

This is what others are saying about Gail Jhonson:

…”Jhonson is very personable and shared stories of her musical career as she played songs from her previous & current CD’s. Jhonson took control, but allowed the music to flow naturally.” ARIZONA INFORMANT

“Jhonson makes her keyboards glitter like a mosaic of pixilated notes and slides with the ease of melted caramel,,,”Jazz Review

“These days-after many years as a sidewoman-Jhonson...is hanging on her reputation as a keyboard soloist, music director and vocalist for guitarist Norman Brown, and as an independent recording artist.”… Smooth Jazz News/Nov. 2007 feature by Preston Turregano

“In the male dominated world of smooth jazz musicians, Gail Jhonson not only stands out because she’s a woman, but because of her incredible talent….” Smooth Views

"One of the most inventive keyboard players I've heard.. Her music is fresh & exciting!”….. Jeff Lorber

“…Her latest project is called Pearls and trust me, it is a beautiful, funky strand of music!” Jazz Monthly

“Writer, producer and keyboard player Gail Jhonson is someone for whom the accolades of multi talented and multi faceted hardly seem adequate..” Smooth Jazz Vibes

“I have shared the stage with Gail many times, and have always found it to be musically inspiring. She has years of experience supporting countless artists-but it’s so good to hear her step up, front and center and embrace the spotlight as a solo artist. She does so with grace, elegance, musical integrity, and a whole lot of style!”…..Dave Koz

Norman Brown, Grammy Award Winning guitarist and vocalist has put together an exciting Horn Of Plenty for this Holiday season.

With Norman on guitar and vocals and Alex Bugnon’s lush and funky keyboards, the Horn is already pretty full. But add new sax sensation Eric Darius, and it over flows with hits a plenty and enough Christmas cheer to carry audiences all the way through to NEW YEARS.

Norman Brown’s Christmas is not just a cavalcade of hits, but truly a warm and uplifting holiday event, that will leave everyone with the true feeling of giving.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HO! HO!

There's no doubt about it, Norman's single "I Might" is catching on at Urban AC radio. The song was the #1 most added song the week of 8/23, and debuted on the Urban AC chart at #28!