JAZZ

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 6:30PM

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 9:30PM

New York’s Premier Summer Jazz Series Returns…

Join us Wednesday, July 11th for a Smooth Cruise with Phil Perry and Kim Waters at 6:30pm or 9:30pm aboard the Spirit of New York.

Celebrate the Smooth Cruises’ 15th year on the Hudson, aboard The Spirit of New York, located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers (23rd St & West Side Hwy). Experience this one-of-a-kind LIVE JAZZ concert series as you cruise down the river enjoying stellar views of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking Manhattan skyline.

The Smooth Cruises sell out quickly, so get your tickets today!

PHIL PERRY

Born and raised in East St. Louis, Phil Perry spent a large part of his career as one of the most sought-after backing vocalists in the music business. His bright, multi-octave range has played a supporting role on dozens of albums by such acts as Anita Baker, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Peabo Bryson and George Duke. However, he has shined in the spotlight through 5 strong solo albums that have highlighted both his ability to interpret classic soul songs as well as his own songwriting skills.

Soul music fans first discovered Phil as lead singer of the Montclairs, who’s “Begging’s Hard to Do” was a moderate hit in 1972. After a brief stint as part of the singing duo Perry and Sanlin, he went solo in 1991 with “The Heart of a Man,” an album most notable for his remake of Aretha Franklin’s “Call Me.” His follow-up, 1994’s “Pure Pleasure,” is among his best and included fantastic remakes of “After the Love is Gone,” “If Only You Knew” and a 7-minute cover of the Spinners’ “Love Don’t Love Nobody” that was sheer magic.

In the ‘90s, Phil received increased coverage on Smooth Jazz radio through his guest work on albums by Lee Ritenour, the Rippingtons, and others, which inspired Windham Hill subsidiary Private Music to sign him. His Private Music debut, “One Heart One Love,” hit the top five. On his follow-up, “My Book of Love,” Phil began to take a more active role in songwriting and production, putting his personal imprint beyond the vocals. This led to his lead songwriting role on 2001’s “Magic,” a stellar album on Peak Records that showed Perry in complete control over his music.

Phil’s last three solo albums, released on Shanachie Records, feature a breathtaking collection of beloved R&B/Pop hits produced by Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis. “Classic Love Songs” (2006) and “A Mighty Love” (2007) were highly successful comeback albums, resulting in Perry winning the 2007 Soul Tracks Readers Choice Award for “Male Vocalist of the Year.” His 2008 release, “Ready For Love” is another lush production rich with Perry originals. The album hit the Billboard Adult Contemporary music chart at #4 in the first week of its release. Most recently, Phil released acclaimed duet album, “The Gift of Love” with Melba Moore in 2009.

KIM WATERS

Kim Waters has been heralded as “simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists” by JazzTimes Magazine and touted as a “romantic pied piper” by The Washington Post. Inspired by such jazz luminaries as Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, George Benson, Cannonball and Grover Washington, saxophonist Kim Waters was born into a musical family. The Maryland native picked up his first instrument, the violin when he was just 8 years old and later, at age 13 he found his calling on the alto and soprano saxophones. Soon after, he began playing in a band with his brothers, James (who he still performs with) and Eric, and his old friend, pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Over the years, Kim has been called on to perform with or open shows for top artists including Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Riley and Guy, and Gerald Albright to name a few. Recently, he relocated to Sacramento, CA from his longtime home in Aberdeen, MD.

Garnering praise from critics and fans alike, Kim is one of the top five best-selling jazz instrumentalists. His winning combination of sensitivity and brawn, intellect and emotion, coupled with his technique and soulfulness have helped him to score over thirteen #1 hits and over 20 Top 10 hits. Never one to rest on his laurels, the prolific saxophonist is constantly creating. For this talented multi-instrumentalist, music is simply a way of life.

In 2011, Kim released his 17th album, “This Heart of Mine” which artfully showcases why he has long held the throne as the King of Smooth Urban Jazz. The album finds the saxophonist doing what he does best — creating dreamy melodies, sultry ballads, reinventing timeless R&B hits and playing funky dance-inspired and hot stepper originals. Waters brings to life a tapestry of love songs that explores the full range of emotions that love sparks. Kim is a one-man band and plays virtually every instrument heard on the album from the saxophones to keyboards, guitar, drums, bass and vocals.

Catch Phil Perry and Kim Waters on Wednesday, July 11th for a super, music-filled summer night out.