In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation exploring the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression.  To date he has recorded over 70 albums as a leader.  Three releases are in the works for 2011-2012: a trio album on JLP records, a piano solo album comprised of his own compositions on Arbors Records, and an album featuring Monty Alexander's presentation Harlem-Kingston Express, on the Motema label.

It's rare that an artist arrives onto the pop music scene so fully loaded with the kind of hit-making potential that singer-composer-guitarist Raul Midon possesses.  The New Mexico born, New York based Midon, made his recording debut with State of Mind, which garnered critical accolades for its heady fusion of old-school soul, Latin, jazz, and timeless singer/songwriter folk-pop.  His latest release, Synthesis, showcases Midon's evolution as an artist as he sets up some of his more biting insights about betrayal, fear, loss and the American Dream to deceptively up-tempo swinging rhythms and deliriously catchy melodies.

 Ever since his solo debut in 1999, Richard Bona has defended the idea of music that's universal: generous and accessible to all.  Born in 1967 in Minta, Cameroon, Richard was playing the balafon by the time he was four, then he taught himself to play the guitar.  Upon hearing the music of Jaco Pastorius, his aspirations turned to electric bass, on which he has since developed to an unparalleled degree of mastery.  After gaining momentum in a slew of heralded sideman efforts, he has become an accomplished bandleader known for his funky bass lines and electrifying vocals.

For Sheryl Crow, the title of her 7th album isn't just a location, it's a state of mind.  "I grew up in a small town 100 miles from Memphis, and that informed not only my musical taste, but how I look at life," she says.  "The music that came out of that part of the world is a part of who I am, and it's the biggest inspiration for what I do and why I do it."  So for the Kennett, Missouri native, calling the disc 100 Miles From Memphis is a statement of purpose, both musical and emotional.  The album evokes a time when soul and passion filled the radio waves, when the sweat and joy of recording a session could be captured forever on wax.  It also marks a long-awaited return by the nine-time Grammy winner to the sounds that first drew her to making music.

Every decade of so a new voice emerges that is transcendent, timeless.  For this new decade that voice could very well be Jennifer Hudson.  With her high-powered, soulful style, the Chicago native has already achieved feats that are reserved for most young singers' dreams.  The former American Idol contestant nabbed a much-deserved Academy Award for her unforgettable role as "Effie" in Dreamgirls.  She is now ready to make the same kind of impact on the world of music with the much-anticipated release of her sizzling Arista Records debut album.

TIXX: www.aspenmusicfestival.com ; 970-925-9042

Wynton Marsalis has been described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, as one of the world's top classical trumpeters, as a big band leader in the tradition of Duke Ellington, a brilliant composer, a devoted advocate for the Arts and a tireless and inspiring educator.  He carries these distinctions well.  His life is a portrait of discipline, dedication, sacrifice and creative accomplishment.  Intelligent, hard swinging interplay has made Marsalis' bands the favorite among jazz musicians and audiences worldwide.