When SmoothViews began publication in November 2004, one of the things we wanted to do was have a feature devoted to the side/supporting musicians, the people we see at every concert or festival, playing alongside the headliner.  We knew there was more going on for this group of musicians than what you saw on stage.  These gigs only scratch the surface.  They are writers, producers, editors, authors, educators, activists, and so much more.  We are proud of all of the musicians we’ve featured over the years: drummers, bass players, saxophone players, keyboardists, percussionists, and guitarists.  Since 2004, some of the musicians we’ve featured have had significant changes in their professional and personal lives.  We thought we’d highlight a few of them and use this end of the year double issue to provide an update on what’s been happening to some of your favorite side musicians.

Don Alias (4/05)
When Smoothviews decided that it would have a monthly side/supporting musician article, from the start, Don Alias’ name was on my wish list of musicians I wanted to feature.  I had been a fan since the first time I saw him with David Sanborn.  Smoothviews published Don Alias’ article in April 2005, almost a year before he passed away in March 2006.  Smoothviews is grateful to have had the chance to talk with this talented musician and feature him on our website.  His OTS article remains one of my favorites.
www.donalias.com

Andre Berry (12/04)
Andre Berry was our first OTS feature.  He is one of those musicians we see with everybody.  During festival season, or, on a cruise, you could be assured that Andre would be in the line-up somewhere with his “FUNK” bass.  (Andre has played on the Smooth Jazz Cruise for the last eight years, and Dave Koz’s cruise for three years.)  At the time of our article, Andre was primarily playing with Dave Koz, Rick Braun, and Mindi Abair.  Since that time, he has left Mindi’s band and has been touring with Dave Koz, and is now preparing to hit the road with Koz for the holiday tour which starts right after Thanksgiving.  He also teaches Funk Bass at the LA Music Academy in Pasadena, and has been playing bass on David Newman’s music scores.  His bass can be heard on scores for: Welcome Back Roscoe Jenkins, Alvin & The Chipmunks II, The Spy Next Door, and Tim Allen’s Crazy on the Outside.  In conjunction with Mateyra Guitars in Orange County, CA, Andre helped design the new bass that he is playing.  He will once again play the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2011 with fellow bass great Marcus Miller. 
www.andreberry.com

Frank Felix (11/05)
When Smoothviews interviewed Frank Felix, he was the bass player for Acoustic Alchemy, and, in the process of putting together his first solo project.  In addition, he coached his son’s football (soccer) team when home in London.  Frank left Acoustic Alchemy in 2005.  In 2008, Frank released Tales from the Funky Underground Vol: 1 on his own label F2 Records.  It was well received on internet stations and on Smooth FM in England.  Since leaving Acoustic Alchemy, Frank has been playing with a lot of musicians outside the smooth jazz genre: Alexander O’Neal, Kenny Thomas (UK soul artist), Andy Abraham (UK soul artist), Eddie Holman, and Gwen Dickey (Rose Royce,) and Nelly Furtado.  He also had the opportunity to play with some of his favorite smooth jazz musicians, some of them whose music he is a fan of: Dave Koz, Peter White, Chuck Loeb, Rick Braun, Richard Elliiot, Jaared, Steve Oliver, Michael Lington, Bob Baldwin, Brian Simpson, Ronnie Laws, Nick Colionne, Oli Silk, Marc Antoine, Randy Jacobs, and Greg Karukas.  Frank has written music that has been featured on syndicated shows like “The Bernie Mac Show,” and “Girlfriends.”  Frank has also written and produced music for a new UK girl group called The Flirtelles, and is currently writing for another pop group.  “In this business, you never know what’s around the corner.  I just try to do the best I can in whatever situation I’m in.  I’m just glad that people are still calling me.”  Currently, Frank is working on the next release which will feature a couple of vocalists from the UK and should be released in 2011.
www.frank-felix.com

Gary Grainger (11/07)
Since we featured bassist Gary Grainger in November 2007, a lot has happened.  In the early days after Frank Felix left the band, Gary was part of a rotation of bass players filling in with Acoustic Alchemy.  Over time, he has become their bass player of choice, sliding very easily into that role.  Gary is very active in the local Baltimore/Washington music scene, playing in clubs throughout the metropolitan area.  He continues to work with Eastern Shore guitar maker Paul Reed Smith.  He’ll be doing clinics and playing in the PRS Band at the Winter NAMM 2011 show.  (Gary’s bass, the Gary Grainger Private Stock Bass, is available from Paul Reed Smith Guitars.) Gary is working on a tribute project called In Gratitude, a tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire, and, to the group he belonged to in the ‘70’s, Pockets.  And, along with Acoustic Alchemy drummer, his brother, Greg Grainger, they will be working on the Grainger Phase III CD.  Look for Gary with Acoustic Alchemy at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London from December 15th thru the New Year.

Jaared (3/05)
Jaared has the distinction of being the only musician we have featured in both OTS and as a feature interview.  His OTS article published in March 2005, and his feature interview published in August 2008.  Since that time, he has released two more CD’s, Addiction in 2008, and Manhattan Nights just this year.  Manhattan Nights has been pre-nominated for three Grammy Awards; Album of the Year, Best Instrumental Pop Album, and Best Instrumental Pop Performance for “Dancing with You.” Jaared still plays saxophone with Peter White and is currently working on material for his next release. 
www.jaared.com

Randy Jacobs (2/07)
Since Randy’s OTS feature published in February 2007, he has taken on more of a role playing guitar with Dave Koz’s touring band; he played the Dave Koz Together Again Tour over the summer, played a series of dates with him at the Blue Note in Japan, and will be a part of the Christmas tour beginning the day after Thanksgiving.  In addition, Randy continues to play with his own band, The Boneshakers.  He released his second CD this year, The Return of Randy Dynamite.  Look for Randy on the road with Dave Koz, and, playing locally around the Southern California area.
www.theboneshakersonline.com

Gail Jhonson (7/08)
Norman Brown’s longtime Musical Director, Gail Jhonson, our “kitten amongst all the cats” has been a busy lady since we featured her in July 2008.    “I am continuing my journey.” She says.  That journey includes teaching, first at the Musicians Institute in L.A. for 12 years, and now, at Champs Charter High School in Van Nuys, CA.  She has been very active with her group, Jazz in Pink, playing their new single, “Got to Be True,” at local clubs in the L.A. area.  The single has been well received by the smooth jazz community.  She has a new radio show, The Jaz-Pel Journey (music for your spirit, music for your soul) on Sunday mornings, 8am PST on www.111eastpraise.com, and has written the musical score for the gospel stage play, Overcome, Overjoyed, by Charlia Boyer.  Gail is also in the studio working on a Christmas single with protégé Tamina Khyrah-Joi.  She recently played some tracks on Lin Rountree’s CD, and has played this year’s Catalina Jazz Festival.  There is a lot going on in this busy lady’s life.  Look for Gail on the 2011 Smooth Jazz Cruise.
www.gailjhonson.com

Webster Roach (3/07)
We featured bassist Webster Roach in March 2007 after he made an incredible impression on one of our staffers at a Walter Beasley concert.  Webster was a self taught musician and a consummate professional.  We were shocked and saddened to learn that Webster recently suffered a stroke.  Unfortunately he passed away in early November 2010 due to related complications.  He will be missed in the smooth jazz community.

Brian Simpson (8/05)
It’s been five years since Smoothviews featured this long time Dave Koz keyboardist and Musical Director.  A lot has happened in five years.   During that time, Brian has released several killer CD’s, It’s All Good in 2005, Above the Clouds in 2007, and South Beach in 2010, and has played and toured to support his music.  He recently played the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival in Delaware and the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Hawaii.  He is enjoying a very successful solo career.  Look for Brian with Dave Koz on the 2010 Christmas Tour, on the Alaskan Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2011, and touring to support his own music.
www.bsimpsonmusic.com

For further information, most of these musicians are on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.