Chuck Loeb is set to release his forthcoming album, Between 2 Worlds, on March 24th, and it would appear that the album title may in fact allude to another side of Chuck’s brain.

The jazz guitarist has taken his talents to the page, writing a spy novel titled, “Double Read.” The first three chapters of his first-ever book are currently available as a free download on his website.

In regards to his upcoming album release, Loeb says that this album gets away from most of the technology used with his previous recordings and instead focuses on the basic trio of guitar, bass and drums.

He does however have a little help on this album, with contributions from smooth jazz superstars, including Brian Culbertson, who has a trombone solo, and saxophonist Eric Marienthal, as well as trumpeter Till Bronner and bassists Gerald Veasley and Will Lee.

Between 2 Worlds also features vocal contributions from Loeb’s wife, Carmen Cuesta, and daughter, Lizzy Loeb. Song titles include the cover track and James Taylor’s “Mean Old Man,” as well as “Let’s Go,” “Mittens,” “Let’s Play” and “Hiram,” the latter a tribute to the late guitarist Hiram Bullock. In addition, the song “360” is dedicated to fellow guitarist Pat Metheny.

Chuck Loeb has proven himself to be a versatile composer, arranger and producer. In addition to fronting his own bands and projects, Chuck has produced the work of such high-profile artists as Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Walter Beasley, Larry Coryell and Kim Waters.

He’s also composed the score for numerous television programs and crafted the theme music for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, and performed on several motion picture soundtracks.

For more information on Chuck Loeb, including a preview of his first novel, you can visit his website, chuckloeb.com.

Smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist Nick Colionne will headline the Grand Opening of the Burnsville, Minnesota Performing Arts Center on January 24th, 2009. The event will be hosted in the state-of-the-art one-thousand seat theater of the new $20 million dollar multi-function facility.

According to Dan Gustafson, Executive Producer of Art and All That Jazz, “Nick was the obvious choice to be our Inaugural Act at the new Burnsville Performing Arts Center after his two hugely successful appearances at our Art and All That Jazz Festivals in 2005 and 2006. Everyone is very excited that he’s coming back for this gala event.”

In addition to the Inaugural show at the PAC, Colionne will be coming in a day early to give a clinic at The Garage, the nationally acclaimed youth center in Burnsville.

“I am thrilled to be opening this fantastic new Performing Arts Center,” said Colionne, “and even happier to return to Burnsville where I have made so many friends over the last few years performing at their summer events. Now that the new PAC will be bringing live entertainment to the area all year long I hope to return soon.

“I am really looking forward to meeting the kids and speaking with them. Youth clinics are a privilege for me to do and I’m delighted to be doing one in Burnsville in association with the opening of this beautiful facility.”

Colionne joined the ranks of today’s premier jazz artists with his Top Ten 2003 Album “Just Come On In” that included the hits “High Flyin” and “It’s Been Too Long”. His 2006 release “Keepin’ It Cool” propelled him to the top of the charts once again with the Top Ten hit singles “Always Thinking of You” (which stayed on the R&R charts for an incredible 45 weeks), “Keepin’ It Cool” and “If You Ask Me”. “Keepin’ It Cool” was also named Top Ten CD of the Year for 2006.

His newest album “No Limits” was released in July 2008, with the first single, the title track “No Limits”, still rising on the charts.

As a guitarist and vocalist, Colionne’s live performances defy categorization. His shows incorporate all the music he loves best and the influences he’s had throughout his career. You are as likely to hear Nick sing the blues or some heartfelt R&B as you are to hear his blazing jazz licks, or even the hint of metal, recalling the beginning of his career as a heavy metal guitarist.

From that diverse musicality comes an incredible live performance that showcases the talent, vocal ability and yes, comedic timing, of this charismatic entertainer. For more information you can visit Nick’s website, nickcolionne.com.