July 13th, 2010 Smooth Jazz Network
Carlos Santana is known for his incendiary stage shows — but the audience at his show last Friday [July 9] was treated to something extra special. The virtuoso guitarist proposed to his girlfriend, who is also the drummer for his band. Right after she’d performed a solo, Santana popped the question to Cindy Blackman as the audience cheered.
In a statement from his record label, the artist said, “Cindy and I are blessed to have found each other. Being in love is a gift from the universe, and the spirit and vibrations that come with it are infinitely powerful. I look forward to expressing that incredible energy through my music, and in helping to tip the balance toward more love in the world with what Cindy and I share.” There’s no date set for the wedding.
Santana’s first wife, Deborah, filed for divorce in 2007, after 30 years of marriage.
The guitarist is currently working on an album of rock covers, due in September. He will once more duet with Rob Thomas, who sang on his 1999 Grammy-winner, “Smooth.”
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July 13th, 2010 Smooth Jazz Network
As he continues his comeback from a devastating May car accident, saxophonist Boney James is sharing what it’s like to be back doing what he loves best: performing. He told the St. Louis Post Dispatch that he first picked up his horn and attempted to play on June 24, just weeks after being hit by a drunk driver. ”It felt funny because my teeth were not in the same place…but I missed playing.” He adds that his wife Lily got emotional when she saw him: ”She started crying. The horn is my life. I’ve played it every day of my life for the past 40 years.”
Though he’s still healing (his doctor wasn’t thrilled that he was determined to get back to touring this early), his shows have been going well. The only visible reminder of the accident is a scar on his chin which he jokes, “makes him look more manly.” And he’s back to working on the follow up album to his current hit, Send One Your Love. ”I’m excited about it,” he told the reporter. ”The last record was about the love songs and late-night vibe. The new record will have more of a hump to it –more of an uptempo groove.” The new CD should be out by spring.
James’ next live date is on 7/25 in Winter Park, CO.
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