Episodi

  • Jazz saxophonist Eldon T. Jones on music and upcoming events
    Dec 28 2025
    Jones moves hearts through his profoundly genuine playing and an infectious groove he honed in Portland before becoming a nationally recognized smooth jazz artist and electrifying festival performer. As a child in a prominent musical family, melody was part of the air Jones breathed. “I fell in love with music by listening to my mother sing. Listening to my uncles playing saxophone in church inspired me to pick up the sax,” Jones says. He began playing saxophone in his church and at Jefferson High School in Portland, where he won awards in classical and jazz. From there, he studied music at Mt. Hood Community College, the pinnacle of jazz education in the Northwest. “As I got into music that resonated with me, Grover Washington, Jr., Wilton Felder (Crusaders), and Kirk Whalum influenced my own playing,” Jones says. In 1995, Jones brought together young musicians from his neighborhood to form the group N Touch that Portland audiences soon grew to cherish. Their burgeoning local fanbase led to N Touch opening for Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power, receiving glowing praise from musicians in both groups. They even performed at a private event for Michael Jordan. The original N Touch musicians moved on to new projects, and Jones kept the music of N Touch alive in Portland over the years with new members. As Jones established himself throughout the Northwest, he never disconnected from his community or roots. He often performs at the Oregon Symphony’s Gospel Christmas show and benefit concerts for local organizations. Jones values his role as a mentor and has provided a training ground for outstanding musicians including his brother Anthony Jones (Pink Martini), Chris Turner (Prince), and Darius Fentress (Fred Hammond). In 2017, World Arts Foundation recognized Jones with a Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute for the blessing his music has been to the Portland community. In 2015, Jones contributed the song “Love Will Find a Way” to the Bespeak Love collaboration, which reached #1 on the UK Soul Chart and was played throughout the US on smooth jazz radio stations. In 2018, the original N Touch members took the Alberta Rose Theatre stage for the sold-out crowd to relive an era. Jones performed the music of his idol, Grover Washington, Jr. at PDX Jazz Festival in 2019 and took the show on the road to Bend, Oregon for three sold-out Jazz at the Oxford concerts in 2020. In 2022, Jones partnered with LaRhonda Steele for a special Juneteenth concert at Alberta Rose Theatre, and he performed at the Vanport Jazz Festival, which is named after the town where his grandparents survived the 1948 flood. Portland Jazz Festival invited Jones to perform a First Call Showcase concert, a new series honoring local legends of the jazz scene, so he put together an outstanding band for a sold-out show at The Old Church! Jones released “T’s Jam” as a single on October 25, 2021, and it peaked at #54 in its 16-week run on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100. “T’s Jam” also reached #1 on the Groove Jazz Music Most Added chart, and #4 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Most Added chart. The success of “T’s Jam” caught the attention of Jones’s longtime friend and industry wiz Darren Rahn who signed Jones to his label Side 2 Music. Rahn produced Jones’s next singles “Captured by Love,” which hit #30 on the SJNT100, and “Sweet Serenity,” which peaked at #31 on the SJNT100 and #41 on the Mediabase Smooth A/C Chart. Jones paid homage to his hometown Portland Trail Blazers with his 2024 single “Rip City,” which was played on SiriusXM Watercolors and peaked at #29 on the SJNT100. Eldon T Jones is currently preparing to release a new radio single and perform around the US in 2024. “All the wonderful music I hear inspires me to interpret my own life experience through music and share my ideas with the world,” Jones says about his drive to elate new audiences.
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    59 min
  • Songwriter artist Derrick Washington on new release
    Dec 12 2025

    Derrick Washington has been a songwriter since a teen, and has came up doing his music songs and private events at a high rating for his music. Derrick has been a return guest on my platform on many occasions thru the years to present new music. At this showcase Washington present a holiday song "Help Me Make This House a Home" and he announces a new project to come take a listen...

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    30 min
  • Veteran Saxophonist Mekiel Rueben on new album
    Oct 29 2025

    The Chicago born native became interested in music at the early age of eight yrs. old. Mekiel is influenced by the community, culture and sounds of his hometown Chicago to a fruitful life in the Caribbean. As a young man, he was drawn to music. He understands the power of sound and his performance speaks to fans across the musical spectrum. Mekiel Rueben’s first single from 10th album release SOMETHING LIKE THAT “Boney Kirk”! A Tribue to Boney James and Kirk Whalum! Tune in

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    1 ora e 7 min
  • Music producer Mike Murray on Seven Stories of Jazz series album
    Sep 17 2025

    Mike Murray stands as a multifaceted Recording Artist, Composer, Musician, and Producer in the Smooth Jazz and Chill Out genres. His journey into the realm of music commenced during his formative years, where summers spent at camp ignited his passion for the piano, played on a humble upright instrument. This initial introduction laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.

    During high school, Murray’s musical trajectory took an unexpected yet compelling turn when he secured a spot in a local funk band. However, his role evolved from pianist to drummer, revealing his adaptability and versatility. Though these musical seeds were sown, life beckoned him forward to explore new horizons.

    Across the years, Murray’s musical horizons were greatly expanded by the influence of icons like George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Four Play, Santana, Hiroshima, Paul Hardcastle, Alex Bugnon, Earth Wind & Fire, Sly Stone, Mandrill, and an array of other revolutionary talents.

    With the release of his newest single, "Global Warning," the forth of seven singles in a series called Seven Stories, Mike Murray continues his musical journey, blending smooth grooves with deep stories. Following the bold energy of “ewe do ewe,” which marked a pivotal moment in his evolution, Murray takes the next step in his growth, inviting listeners to experience a sound that’s personal, real, and always rhythm-driven.

    With Seven Stories, Murray begins a fresh chapter—one that brings together smooth grooves, real stories, and thoughtful moments. This new collection builds on the spirit of “ewe do ewe,” staying true to the idea of following your own path, but with a deeper sound and a wider range of feeling. Jazz Differently

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    59 min
  • Author and Multi-disciplinary Artist Chanell J. Wilson on new release
    Sep 13 2025

    Multi-disciplinary artist & Author Chanell J. Wilson has been performing since she was young and writing since she was 13. She has a vocational certificate in Recording Arts and has studied Cinematography, Film Editing, Screenwriting, & Editing. Chanell has released Black Heart on the Table EP Vol 1: a warrior’s lament on her label Beaver-Wilson Girls & Son Media LLC. Currently, she is working on her Aura & Orbit EP inspired by her latest single Aura & Orbit. Chanell has been on my show many times, she has made history with me on my journey of all my shows through the years. I will be spinning all her music in this showcase...

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    1 ora e 58 min
  • Entertainer and singer songwriter Derrick Washington on new releases and new projects
    Sep 11 2025

    Singer-songwriter Derrick Washington is at it again with his R/B music. Derrick Washington is from Hattiesburg, MS He began his music career at age 15. Derrick’s favorite inspiring artists are El Debarge , Michael Jackson, Tyrone Davis, and The Late Great Johnnie Taylor. He has also participated in shows with other Southern Soul Artists, such as Tucka “The King Of Swing." Derrick has been on LadyDiva's shows since 2020 presenting all his albums and singles. Derrick has an amazing trail with his career in the entertainment industry, his love of real soul music. This showcase will present new released music, and upcoming new projects to come, take a listen

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    1 ora e 3 min
  • Heidi Tann A woman of Soul, On the Move with her music
    Aug 9 2025

    As she developed her voice and craft over the years, she has set her sights on releasing an album that reflects her musical style—smooth and pop jazz, with a mix of bossa nova and Latin jazz, plus R&B.

    Heidi is no stranger to performing in international venues. After completing her bachelor’s degree from Manila at age 22, she immediately chased her dream, embarking on solo gigs throughout Asia. This path saw her performing in musical venues in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Guam.

    Life was not always smooth sailing in Heidi’s earlier years of entertaining. As a single mother, singing provided her with the strength she needed to carry on; oftentimes performing as much as 5x a week, to provide for her daughter and set an example on the values of hard work and perseverance.

    This experience also intensified her resolve as an artist. Today, she is a proud mother to that same daughter, Hannah, who, as a scholar, graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School.

    What makes Heidi different?

    “My cultural heritage and my experience. Even when I sing these songs in my chosen genre, my FilAm roots are palpable in my delivery and the feel and tone of my songs. The sum total of my experience enables me to bring depth to the songs I perform.”

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    57 min
  • Independent Soul Songstress Gwen Yvette
    Jun 7 2025

    Gwen from Beaufort, SC. An artist with extraordinary talent and vocal range, the Harlem-born, St. Helena Island. Gwen Yvette is one of the more sought-after singers throughout South Carolina & beyond. Gwen Yvette continues to write, record, and release music. With her new release ”It’s Alright” to present on the show. Mentions on upcoming events, and future music projects.

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    53 min