Sittin' In With The Coool CAT

Dakota Dave Hull has been called "one of the best guitarists in the world," by other musicians in the blues, folk and jazz genres.  A gifted composer, Dave calls what he does "classic American guitar."  His guitar style spans a wide musical geography creating an infectious unique blend of many genres.  Hearing Dave's music and watching him play is truly magical!  We caught up with Dave in April, 2...

On this special edition "Rising Star" episode, we feature Vincent Ingala , a contemporary/urban jazz instrumentalist who's first album - in 2010, contained a Top 20 song.  His second album,  Can't Stop Now , featured 5 Top 10 songs on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Songs chart.  During this November of 2016 interview, Vincent shares with us insights from his Coast To Coast release and his first Christmas...

The O'Jays reached the pinnacle of their musical careers when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.  An anchor of the "Philly Sound," their music stayed on the charts throughout the 1970's.  In our July of 2012 interview with founding member, Walter Williams, Sr. , the CAT's Ray White talks with Walter about recent developments with the band and his new solo album, Get Yo...

Chante Moore has a voice that crosses a majority of the range of the musical spectrum.  This R&B and jazz singer, songwriter and actress has garnered prestigious recognition including American Music Award, Soul Train Music Award and the NAACP Image Award.  In our November of 2016 interview, conducted backstage at the Jazz Legacy Foundation's  annual gala, Chante talks about her  Moore is More  alb...

A member of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for 10 years,  Coco Montoya   launched a highly successful solo career recording 10 albums since 1995. He landed on the national music scene in the mid-1970's as a member of the "Master of the Telecaster," -  Albert Collins' band.  Coco's latest album, "Hard Truth," solidifies his place on the top shelf of contemporary rockin' bluesmen.  His soul-burni...

Among the worlds' elite drummers, Harvey Mason  has played with a Who's Who of legendary musicians including George Benson, Chick Corea, Bob James and Herbie Hancock - just to name a few.  He is co-founder of the jazz supergroup Fourplay , formed back in 1991. Harvey is also an accomplished solo artist, having released nearly a dozen albums throughout his career.  In this January of 2017 interview...

Gordon Banks played a key role in the final recordings of Marvin Gaye in the late 1970's until Marvin's untimely death in 1984.  He played numerous roles with Gaye including guitarist, musical director, producer, songwriter and background vocalist.  In addition to his days with Marvin, Gordon played with several other national acts including Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Gap Band, Eddie Murphy a...

Nick Colionne is one of the most dynamic smooth jazz guitarists on the scene today.  Nick's career launched into overdrive with his 1994 album, "It's My Turn."  Since then, he's perfected his high-energy showmanship and easy flowing guitar licks.  In 2007 Nick was named, by the Wave Jazz Awards, "International Instrumental Artist of the Year" and in 2010 he was nominated as "Guitarist of the Year"...

On this special edition of Sittin' In With The Coool CAT , we pay homage to the legendary Al Jarreau who passed away on 2/12/17.  We feature our October, 2010 interview with Al who shared with us insights into his music styles and recording session with George Benson on their 2006 album, "Givin' It Up."  During his illustrious career, Al was tapped for seven Grammy awards and was nominated over a...

This show features 5-time Grammy award winner Robert Cray,  a blues guitarist and vocalist that has had a stellar solo music career.  He's also recorded with the greats including John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, just to name a few.  In 2011, Robert Cray was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Classic Artists Today's Ray White catches up with Robert backstage in April of 2013...

Marion Meadows is an innovative saxophonist, composer and contemporary jazz artist who has released 13 albums - his first in 1990.  Early in his career, Marion studied with several of the masters including Joe Henderson and Eddie Daniels.  His first big break came when Norman Connors asked him to join his band.  Marion's first album, "For Lovers Only," was a big success and he remains one of the t...

On this episode,  Classic Artists Today's Ray White interviews smooth jazz trumpet player, multi-instrumentalist and producer Rick Braun.  Early in career, Rick worked as a session musician touring and recording with Tina Turner, War, Sade, Natalie Cole, Glenn Frey (Eagles) Tom Petty and many others.  His first major album was Beat Street , released in 1995.  Rick is also a member of BWB with Kirk...

Ray White, multi-award nominee and producer of Coool CAT, interviews Grammy nominee Will Downing.  In this November of 2016 interview, Will talks about his latest CD - "Black Pearls," and the inspiration behind the album.  He also discusses some of the world-renown artists he's recorded with throughout his career.  Lisa Davis, provides additional background on Will and guides you through this dyna...