Greetings!  The SmoothViews monthly email blasts are back!

The beginning of spring always seems to mark fresh beginnings, and in keeping with that, we've updated the look of the website... same great features, just a new look.

We are pleased to bring to you interviews with bassman Michael Manson and singer/songwriter Nyee Moses, along with a feature article on legendary Marcus Miller.

Our CD reviews for April are newcomer Jessy J's Tequila Moon; The Sax Pack's first CD, The Sax Pack; and Gerald Veasley's latest, Your Move.

We didn't attend any concerts this month, but look for reviews next month from Berks Jazz Festival along with other great shows.  The 2008 concert season is about to kick off!

Don't miss this month's Perspectives - The Next Step: Artists Speak Out on Music Business Changes. From Dave Koz's comment in the beginning about opening the musical floodgates without restriction to Nick Colionne's manager Carol Ray's inspiring statement at the end there is a lot of hope and imagination at work here.  It's the beginning of the new game, and playing it strong is so important, because the audience needs the music as much as the musicians need the audience.  Here's to imagination, innovation and survival.

Recorded a decade ago, Chuck Loeb's The Moon, The Stars and the Setting Sun still sounds as fresh as when it was first released. You could definitely call this a project as each song title reflects the same theme as the curious title of the disc. The music moves, and is structurally appealing as it moves to each interesting phrase.   Read more about this great CD in Retrospectives.

This month's On The Side visitis with drummer Ricky Lawson.  Chances are you’ve seen him with Guitars & Saxes, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, or one of the many other talented musicians he’s played with.  You may not know that he's also a Grammy award winner and a founding member of the Yellow Jackets? 

On The Lighter Side also takes a look at what's happening with smooth jazz radio in Smooth Jazz Zen - it's all just a move towards mimimalism.

So take a break from that spring cleaning, and enjoy!