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15 March 2010 greatscottproductions@earthlink.net

Feeling the beat of the City: debut disc from R&B-pop saxophonist Michael J Thomas winning raves

City Beat debuts at #7 on Amazon; top 5 single at Smooth Jazz Now;

album tracks reign over the Weather Channel

Destin, Florida: A humble small town boy from the land of country music is paving his own path with the release of his critically-acclaimed debut album of sweaty, sultry and saccharine R&B-pop gems. Cecilia, Kentucky native Michael J Thomas roared into March with his self-released CD, City Beat, which was warmly welcomed with rave reviews. On its day of release (March 2), City Beat peaked at #7 on the Amazon smooth jazz chart. The title track is presently #5 on Smooth Jazz Now’s singles chart and is receiving spins on terrestrial and internet radio stations around the globe. Additionally, three tracks – “City Beat,” “Amante Del Vino” and “Back Home” - are receiving regular airplay on the Weather Channel. Imagine what this one-man record label could accomplish with the backing of a major or a leading independent record label.

Raised on sumptuous helpings of R&B, funk and soul by icons such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder and Prince, Thomas’ innate ability to write infectious hooks in urban settings emerges to the fore on City Beat, for which he wrote or co-wrote nine songs. Much of the material on the record was inspired by eye-opening and perspective-altering visits to metropolitan meccas like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Bangkok, which zestfully sparked Thomas’ wanderlust. In the studio, he produced a live sounding collection with Shannon Wallace. Thomas, who played tenor, alto and soprano saxes on the tracks, had a crack band to help bring City Beat to life. The Best of the Emerald Coast winner in the “Best Musician/Vocalist/Band” category is anxious to take that band on the road.

Below are snippets from the numerous enthusiastic reviews City Beat has received thus far.

Smooth Jazz Therapy: “…‘City Beat’, which hits the streets on March 2, is a tremendously accomplished piece of work and, given that Thomas writes or co-writes all but one of ten choice tracks, proves also to be a wonderful showcase for his art… a tremendously commercial collection that has every prospect of doing very well… in terms of personal favourites there is much to commend the Michael J Thomas-Shannon Wallace arrangement of Michael Jackson’s seminal ‘Billie Jean’. Starting out slowly and quickly hitting a familiar beat this could well be one of the best covers of the year whilst just as good is the original composition ‘Amante Del Vino’.”

Soul Tracks: “His globe-trotting and love of the soul greats are what fed into the delectably-diversified mix found on his Harbor Street Records debut, City Beat, rich with mesmerizing melodies, pulsating beats and even a pinch of hip-hop. Backed by instrumentalists like bassist Eric Lampley, drummer Johnathan Davis and trumpeter Paul Scurto, Mr. Thomas co-composed nine of the ten tracks and conveys the emotions expertly…”

The Smooth Jazz Ride: “Saxman Thomas delivers on City Beat the kind of self-confidence and stand-up solid material that has ushered in so many of our smooth jazz greats today… Thomas obviously knows home when he sees it, as he’s honed right in on smooth jazz like an old neighbor. With equal amounts of sway (the opening track, ‘Midtown Manhattan,’ and the title track) and respect for the genre (the soothing allure of the more mellow tracks), the artist thoroughly enjoys his seduction of this music. Stepping to pieces like his warm, hook-sweet tune called ‘Wedding Song (Forever and Always)’ and demonstrating why it should be the song in demand at all weddings, he then takes you on a bright, high-steppin’ walk with ‘30-A Degrees.’… A big fan of catchy hooks, I couldn’t help noticing the beauty of the mid-tempo ‘Pretty Skin’ and the slick and funky ‘Mind Your Step,’ with its own hot hook. In fact, the hooks throughout are full, catchy, and attractive.”

Smooth Jazz Daily: “City Beat reveals Michael J Thomas' big talent as composer and sax player. We will certainly hear more of this blessed artist.”

Additional information is available at www.michaeljthomas.net.

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Michael J Thomas will release his debut soul-jazz album, City Beat, March 2nd;

Growing up in Cecilia, Kentucky, a small town outside of Elizabethtown, Michael J Thomas was surrounded by country music, which easily could have become his muse. Instead his parents reared him on a steady diet of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and Prince. Thus the saxophonist-songwriter learned how to write potent pop hooks set amidst funky and soulful R&B grooves. Thomas wrote or co-wrote all but one song for City Beat, his debut album, which will be released March 2^nd on Harbor Breeze Records. Shannon Wallace produced the record with Thomas. Celebrating the vibrant energy and excitement of the city, the title track will preface the album release at radio, which was serviced the single in pursuit of advance airplay.

City Beat is an instrumental R&B-pop collection that chronicles Thomas’ joyful discovery, eager exploration and adventurous wanderings in sprawling metropolises such as New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Bangkok, Thailand. Sophisticatedly cool and cosmopolitan, “Midtown Manhattan” opens the album on which Thomas wields a tenor, alto and soprano sax. A gorgeous melody laid over the pitter-patter of a gentle brushed drum beat, “Wedding Song (Forever Always)” poignantly pledges eternal love. Thomas is backed on the record by a taut rhythm section comprised of bassist Eric Lampley and drummer Jonathan Davis who laid down the funk on “30-A Degrees.” A huge Michael Jackson fan, Thomas decided to cover the gloved one’s most famous song, “Billie Jean” a year ago. Aside from adding a haunting ambient intro, the track is faithful to the original version. Thomas’ lustful soprano sax seduces on the sensual “Pretty Skin.” On “Mind Your Step,” Wallace’s electric guitar riffs combine with the rhythm section to create a deep-pocketed groove that is ignited further by the gritty urban sound of turntable pyrotechnics. Thomas indulges his newfound love for wine on “Amante Del Vino.” Keyboardist Diki Ross helps welcome Thomas “Back Home,” a warm and cozy ballad. Closing with “Cali Trippin’,” Wallace’s wailing electric guitar and Paul Scurto’s classy trumpet solos spark the journey piloted by Thomas’ tenor.

“After growing up in a small town in Kentucky, I’ve fallen in love with visiting some of the world’s largest cities, which is what inspired City Beat. My hope is that the music will travel the world-over enabling me to travel the world performing my songs,” said Thomas. “As an artist, I think what makes me unique is my songwriting. Although the sax is the lead instrument on the tracks, it’s more about the songs and melodies as opposed to prolonged solos. Shannon (Wallace) and I kept the production organic in the studio, which resulted in a true live sound.”

Initially Thomas studied piano at the age of seven and didn’t pick up the saxophone until seventh grade. Early in high school, he suffered a setback when rejected by the high school band because his play wasn’t proficiently enough. Undeterred, Thomas committed himself to mastering the instrument. By his senior year, he redeemed himself by winning talent shows, performing in the All-State Jazz Band, and was honored with a John Philip Sousa Award. He earned a music scholarship to the University of Kentucky, but left school early to pursue a career as a performer. Thomas was 19 when he joined the Jive Rockets, which opened for the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy and Bill Haley’s Original Comets. After moving to Destin, Florida in 1999, Thomas began cultivating a following by performing at local venues, private shows, festivals and concerts. He shared the stage at the Sea Breeze Jazz Festival with luminaries including Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, Rick Braun, Joyce Cooling, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, and Nick Colionne. In 2006, Thomas was named Best of the Emerald Coast in the “Best Musician/Vocalist/Band” category. He commenced composing the material that comprises City Beat in 2008. Additional information is available at www.michaeljthomas.net.