Larry Robinson, Jazz For Japan producer states; “This project came about after discussing the tragic aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan with my co-workers. I told them that many of the American jazz musicians tour Japan numerous times a year. It was at that moment the seeds of Jazz For Japan were born. Within five days we called all our jazz friends and put together this truly amazing line up of musicians to record at Hollywood’s famous Capitol Recording Studio who all donated their time.”

The album features jazz standards including “Maiden Voyage,” “Body & Soul,” “Watermelon Man,” “So What,” “Sophisticated Lady,” etc. along with a DVD release including interviews with the artists stating their support and sympathy for the Japanese people. “You, the Japanese people inspire us with your resilience. We are trying to send our strength with what we have – and that’s music,” states Steve Gadd (drummer, performing on “Maiden Voyage”, and “So What”).

Jazz For Japan is being produced by Avatar Records and is available now worldwide via iTunes with profits benefiting the International Red Cross in Japan.

I know it’s the most difficult economic time I’ve seen in my lifetime. But I think there are 10 fans who can give $15 each to keep this going. That’s all it would take. Be one of the ten! Again, I’ve been saving for this so I wouldn’t have to ask for help. I’m still offering to send a CD to anyone who contributes at least $30.

A couple of years ago, when the royalty rate for Internet broadcasters was raised astronomically, I wrote about why I do the radio station (then called tomorrowJazz Radio). My desire to continue sharing music I enjoy has not changed and would like to continue. I hope you’ll consider donating. Here’s how.

There are a couple of ways you can contribute:

PayPal. Click the button below to donate any amount you’d like through PayPal. You can use bank information or any major credit card.

Live365.com Gift Certificate. On the Live365 page, choose the last option where you choose the amount. You can contribute anything from $5 to $100. The recipient is me and my email address is john at contemporaryjazz.com.

If there is another method you’d prefer to donate, please email me at john at contemporaryjazz.com.

If you’d drop me a note letting me know that you contributed, I’d appreciate it. You might want to include a mailing address. I’ll send a CD to anyone who contributes $30 or more. I’ve got limited quantities of Rendezvous Lounge 2 (chill/jazz compilation), Explorations – Classic Picante Regrooved (Latin jazz remixed), and Jeff Lorber’s Heard That discs I will give away as a token of my gratitude.

(NEW YORK, NY) – Maverick saxophonist David Sanborn has performed alongside such heavyweights as James Brown, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and innumerable others. Sanborn is stepping up in support of young musicians across the country, participating in two exclusive auctions to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which repairs, purchases, and donates instruments for public school music programs.

Beginning on October 14th and closing on October 24th on eBay.com. The auction boasts two tickets to any one of Sanborn’s upcoming tour dates (listed below), a meet and greet with Sanborn, and an autographed copy of Sanborn’s acclaimed new CD Here and Gone (Decca).

A tribute to saxophonists Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman, two musicians who helped define soul music as part of Ray Charles’ band, Here and Gone was released by Decca Records on August 12, 2008, and has already received a stream of illustrious reviews. The album features the rhythm section of Steve Gadd (drums) and Christian McBride (bass), special guests Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Derek Trucks, and Anthony Wilson, and was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. One of the most identifiable sounds in popular music, Sanborn’s sax work is featured throughout, with Sanborn throwing down some of his rawest, most thrilling playing yet heard on record.

Now in its eleventh year, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has restored, maintained, or donated $43 million worth of musical instruments for 1,600 public schools in over 100 cities around the country, enriching the lives of over 1.2 million public school students. For more information on the auctions go to universalmusicstore.com.

Haywood’s recording is made up of contemporary jazz originals and soulful interpretations of R&B standards. His soprano on the single “Rain Song” reminds me of Najee or the late George Howard. I think we all should give a new talent, who puts his money where his heart is in this fashion, a try. Give him a listen a try at his web site or MySpace page and buy it at Amazon. It’s out now on Smooth Sounds Records.