Gerald Albright
One of the biggest stars of R&B, contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, Gerald Albright has earned his reputation as a "musician's musician." Albright is considered to be one of the most innovative and successful artists of the last 25 years. With the June 15, 2010, release of "Pushing The Envelope" on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, Albright's super cool side is back.

Jeff Lorber
By the late 1970s, keyboardist and composer Jeff Lorber had become a prominent figure in the new movement known as jazz fusion - a marriage of traditional jazz with elements of rock, R&B, funk and other electrified sounds. Lorber and his band, the Jeff Lorber Fusion, first honed their craft in the Portland, Oregon, club scene and rapidly expanded their reach to a national and international audience. Lorber's latest album, "Now is the Time," is a culmination of all that has come before - and a nod to the raw energy and enthusiasm that fueled the music of the early days.

Rick Braun
Rick Braun's been playing trumpet since he was a kid. That's no news to the legions of fans his richly melodic playing style has attracted since the release of his first album, "Intimate Secrets," in 1993. Less well known is the fact that he's been a singer, and a good one (backing Rod Stewart and Sade among others, with vocals as well as his stellar trumpet), for most of his life as well.

Diane Schurr
Two-time Grammy Award winner and one of contemporary jazz's leading vocalists, Diane Schuur recently signed with Vanguard Records. She released her label debut, "The Gathering," on June 7 this year. With a distinguished career that spans nearly three decades, Schuur's new album is unique in both material and style, and features special guests Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Mark Knopfler, Larry Carlton and Kirk Whalum.

Everette Harp
Everette Harp is one of smooth jazz's greatest ambassadors, and while Harp has cut back on his side gigs over the past few years to focus more on his solo career and other musical endeavors, the one superstar association he has continued is with Kenny Loggins. Over the past two years, Harp has opened for Loggins' concerts with his own band, then joined the singer/songwriter as keyboardist, saxophonist and backing vocalist. Harp's latest album, "For the Love," is not simply a reflection of the very romantic vibe found in many of the collection's titles. Rather, it refers to his overall intention to play from the heart for the love of the music.