SHIPPED: A Special Delivery of Jazz

July 13, 2001 - Reno NEV - John Shipley has released his newest CD “SHIPPED" on WZP Records and it is already making an impact on smooth jazz radio stations. Featuring some of the music industry's most talented musicians, Shipley hired Motown producer Greg Wright to get an edgy, urban undertone to smooth jazz compositions.

“John's songs are ideal for the urban arrangements," said Greg Wright, former Motown producer of such acts as Natalie Cole, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. “We wanted to get the songs in a groove where the listener would feel the sensual rhythms of Dancing Waters or the updated cover of Hiroshima's big hit Another Place."

From the crowded, smoke-filled jazz clubs of LA and NY City to the jazz fusion sounds of Hiroshima, Shipley has put his unique stamp on the jazz scene for decades. Now the road takes a new turn, and Shipley proves that he is up to the challenge.

“Street Level Life combines rap, soul and jazz in a unique delivery of melody and improvisation, “ said Shipley. “This song as well as Don't Take Your Love feature vocals by Randy Hall (who worked with Miles Davis) and hot, new L.A. vocalist Indeya Jones. Both of these songs can crossover to adult and adult contemporary stations as well as earn play in Smooth Jazz stations' rotation."

“As you listen, you will experience the magic that happens musically between moments in the studio as composition and performance blend into melody," said Doug Collins, executive producer of SHIPPED. “When you combine stellar musicians like Hiroshima's June (koto) and Dan Kuramoto (flute and sax), Weather Report's Alex Acuna (percussion), Manhattan Transfer's Larry Klimas (sax) and jazz bassist Abe Laboriel with a jazz pianist like John Shipley, a new sound emerges