From the great Northwest, comes fresh, new music from Portland's N-Touch. The self-titled CD serves up a special recipe of R&B, Latin, Gospel and other urban styles to create a cool, unique brand. The band consists of five, young musicians who are totally connected to a silky, hip vibe and feel that is nothing less than compelling. Together, band leader and saxophonist, Eldon "T" Jones, keyboardist Matthew Minnieweather, guitarist David Allen, drummer Anthony Jones and percussionist Terry Taylor are making tremendous inroads as N-Touch in the Smooth Jazz format. They are also making great impressions through their dynamic, live performances. These energetic, uplifting musicians are individually as interesting as their music... They are men of letters, two of them are brothers, and another is the son of a preacher. With so much soul and familial spirit you can probably imagine what kind of sweet music the group delivers. The band's name (and album name) is also the name of the first track on the CD and one of our favorites on the project. Other stand out tracks include a melancholy sax groove called "Old Soul" (we're picking up on the clever, double meaning ), a sultry samba titled "Hasta Luego" and the infectious "Sweet Potato Pie". N-TOUCH is the debut CD from what is guaranteed to be a brand name in our format at some time in the not-too-distant future. Fortunately for us, the genre is inspiring, inspiring new music. Smooth Jazz Radio Programmers, be sure to answer the door when N-Touch knocks. ~Sandy Shore

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We're happy to announce another new discovery in the smooth jazz world. N'Touch is a smooth jazz band based in Portland, Oregon and has released a new CD simply titled "N'Touch". Their main influences are Kirk Whalum, Grover Washington Jr. and Wilton Felder of the Crusaders. N'Touch consists of Eldon "T" Jones (Saxophone), Matthew Minnieweather (Electric Piano/Keyboards), David Allen (Lead/Rhythm Guitar), Anthony Jones (Drums), and Terry Taylor (Percussions). They're young and incredibly talented, and this CD is CIM Radio's "Editor's Pick" for March 2003. Listen to N'Touch only on CIM Radio Smooth Jazz.

N'Touch is a Portland, Oregon USA based band. Their music is a creative recipe of r&b, latin, gospel and other urban styles, skillfully woven into an instrumental up-tempo jazz genre. The N'Touchrepertoire has few limitations, leaving listeners satisfied after each performance.

The band members are Generation-X musicians who feel the pulse of the listening community. Each band member embodies enough individual talent to stand-alone. But as a team they deliver a knockout performance, which the group is becoming known for.

Primarily playing original material and some covers, N'Touch is carving their space into the West Coast music scene. N'Touch puts on a dynamite performance. Some of the most noted artists that individual members of the band have had the pleasure to play with include: Leroy Vinegar, Darrell Grant, Mel Brown, Ben Tankard, Yolanda Adams and John P. Kee. N'Touch has recently opened for the Portland area concerts of Bo Didley (August, 1999), Earth,Wind & Fire (August, 2000), Tower of Power (July, 2001), Angelique Kidjo (October, 2001) and Boney James (April, 2002). Their popularity and notoriety is increasing and N'Touch is no longer the best kept secret in the Pacific Northwest.

N'Touch
Review by Jeff Charney

Out of Portland comes this interesting group that plays some pretty high energy material. Started in 1991, N’Touch is made up of three main guys with 6 others contributing on various tracks in one form or another. The group seems to be fairly popular on the mp3.com charts placing nine out of twelve tracks on various charts at this site. I can see why because my first thought was I bet these guys sound good in concert, especially in a night club. They got the groove. N’Touch’s sound really can’t be confused with so called "Smooth Jazz." They haven’t been brainwashed yet. You can tell that these guys have spent some time in the Church. That’s not to say that this is religious music, because it’s not. It’s just if you have every hung out with any musicians who have played in church they have that spiritual, deep down ability to create a certain excitement in their music. The group seems to have this. It’s a live feel. They seem to be influenced by Gospel, R&B, Latin and Jazz. You can check out some samples of this disc by going to N’Touch’s web site at www.n-touchband.com. Good job guys.

New Artist Spotlight

The Jazz Nation Home

Every once in awhile something really special comes across my desk. I opened a press kit from a new band called N'Touch, looked over it, and popped their CD in my CD player. To say I was impressed is an undestatement. This young band not only has an emormous amount of talent, they play together like a band that has been doing this for a long time. This is great stuff! This is the kind of band that makes the gang at The Jazz Nation smile. This is what we are all about - finding guys like N'Touch and getting the word out to you.

Right now, they are a local band out of Portland, Oregon. I'm betting in pretty short order, they will be hitting the national scene. I'm looking forward to being in the audience one day soon listening to these guy play. Listen to the sound clips on the "listening station" below and see what I'm so excited about, and why The Jazz Nation is please to put N'Touch in the New Artist Spotlight.

Elizabeth Ware

Itz Slick, Joyful, Pleasant, extremly smooth jazz at itz very best and if your seeking to listen to what indie jazz soundz like…well ya'll are jiz gonna have to purchase this cd project titled N'Touch. This sensational smooth project rite here is one in a million because it "emptyz the heart of itz cares"! And there are very few indie jazz projectz that Nu Flava can say that and also on behalf of any indie project. 12 carefully laid trackz that jiz breathez inspirational contentz at ya soul! This project will surely play a major part in developing a more intimate relationship with your spouse. Itz alwayz hard to pick out a track on jazz projectz unlike other genrez. N'Touch have showcased a wonderful piece of work here and we called it: Intimate Raindropz for the Urban-Soul! Listen for yourself and renew your intimate relationship towardz your loved onez.

Must Listen to Track: All
Listening Rate:9/10
Vocalz: n/a
Production: 9/10



Producer: Paul Greenidge
Label: N'Touch Music
Year: 2001
Purchase @: www.cdbaby.com

Smooth Jazz is still a genre with many faces. Sometimes one has the impression that the music is repetitive, then a new album of independant artists arrives with fresh sound. The music of N' Touch is a good example. Bandleader of the group is saxophonist Eldon “T” Jones, further members are Matthew Minnieweather (electric piano & keyboards), David Allen (lead & rhythm guitar), Anthony Jones (drums) and Terry Taylor ( percussions).

The Portland based band already opened for such great artists as Earth,Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Angelique Kidjo and Boney James. After the group was founded in 1993, the members developped a level of high professionality, which is obviously listenable on their debut album "N' Touch".

The lead theme of the title track N' Touch is presented by Eldon “T” Jones on sax. The band plays a progressive smooth jazz with the mainweight on jazz. Some listeners compare the group with the early fusionesque Jeff Lorber or Spyro Gyra.

The slow-tempo Close To My Heart has a more smooth and romantic attitude.

On Walk With Me, a more funky tune, Matthew Minnieweather shows his skills in piano play, although Eldon “T” Jones' sax is certainly the dominant instrument on the whole album.

Old Soul has more souls than one, some funk, some soul, some smooth jazz. Eldon plays smoothly than more agressive. The music remains always melodious, even when the members start to improvise, which is often the case.

The R'n B tune Time Will Tell features the warm and energetic vocals of Tracey Harris. There are a lot of new singers to discover. What is a better platform than such an album. A melody which stays in mind, I have to stop humming.

The Latin flavored Hasta Luego starts with a thrilling sax melody in a midtempo, but on the last third the tempo increases to a fantastic drum and percussion solo.

The funky Sweet Potato Pie is a short interlude, which could be continued easily.

Rush Hour has a fusion jazz character but absolutely not the haste of the rush hour of a big city. No, the group plays a solid style but relaxed.

Some Bossa Nova is to hear on the balladesques Passages. David Allen plays his melodious electric guitar.

Keyboards and sax are the main players on the short interlude Galaxy with some spheric sounds.

On the jazzy Spirit Of The Moments all muscians showcases their funky versatility.

The final Coming Home is a slow-tempo, gospel-spirited piece. I can imagine that the audience will light their candles when this song begins.

The debut album N' Touch elucidates that Smooth Jazz is more than that music we can hear on Smooth Jazz radio-stations. N'Touch will go their way to success.

This totally blew me away! The vocals are amazing, the over all production is TOP SHELF, and it's just one charming song. The opening is as gentle as a summer morning, laid back, chilled and full of love. In come the gentle but powerful vocals, smooth as chantilly. I can't believe my ears. The sax melody is adorable, the bass is cool and laid back. The song has a retro feel to it, kind of like a classic piece from the eighties, which makes it even more classy to me. This is one of the most pro new jazz productions I have ever heard on the web. In fact I can't believe this is where I heard it first. This song is just plain good company. - Ken Warp

The minute I heard N touch I knew that I had stumbled upon something special.This group of excellent musicians are a cut above most.The Compositions I've heard,(including this One) are well written and executed, and the use of 'Dynamic' is superb.The Vocalist sings gently but legibly and emotionally, then builds to a cresendo with words that can't help but touch you.I can't fault the Harmonies, or anything about this song.All the instruments are incredibly well played, and the drummer uses that 'Kick' drum so well, Along with a sax that 'sits' in the mix and composition without becoming annoying, probaly because it follows the melody a lot of the time, but still incorporates improvisation..which is the hallmark of a true Pro.The Bass is clear and spacious and carries the piece along, without 'overplay'.The guitar is there gently adding decorative licks that 'sit' back and never take over.The Keys are equally unobtrusive.The whole song is very well - mixed, and I would certainly add a CD by N Touch to my collection.Very beautiful work! - John Castellain

This self titled piece is a joy to lend ones ears too. This is a groovey and funky new jazz song that lacks in neither charm nor performance. The sound is crystal clear, sounding very pro. The song consists of a sexy sax, and laid back bass, some sassy drums and super cool rhythm guitar, spiced up with some nice piano and guitar work. This should be in the stores, nicely presented with a smoke filled cover oozing of nightclub ambience. I recommend it to everyone who dig a well produced jazzy cocktail lazed with goodness and charm. This song has it all! - Ken Warp

Beautifully produced Fusion/Funk,with thoughtful arranging evident.These guys play together as a band, complementing each other perfectly.Not even a hint of 'over playing from any of them, and to my ears are a joy to behold.Personally as a session musician I know the feeling of playing with musos that connect on a spiritual level.You instinctively 'feel' one anothers contribution to the overall sound, and only play just enough to complete the 'soundscape'.These guys are the hottest act at Artistlaunch that I've heard so far, and I encourage all musicians and good quality music lovers to get out and support them,I cannot fault any of the playing or production which is hard for me as I tend to be a tough critic and not easily convinced.I love fusion music too, so I am a little biased, for it is my favourite Genre.I hope N Touch tours the world for they are not the typical 'overnight' fad type of entertainers that come and go.No, they are the type of band that last and continue.I just love everything about this band, musicians musicians...take note, and don't miss them if they perform in a town near to you! - John Castellain

Musicians: Eldon "T" Jones, leader, composer, saxophone. Anthony Jones, drums. David Allen, electric and rhythm guitars. Various guest artists.

Review: Please allow me to introduce you to a new group from Portland, Oregon in the great Pacific Northwest named N'Touch. N'Touch and their debut CD collection, N'TOUCH is a listening pleasure.

This is a 12 song collection which will delight listeners of smooth jazz, and these men can play and play well! Some of the songs include "N'Touch," "Walk With Me," "Old Soul," "Hasta Luego," "Passages," "Coming Home," "Close To My Heart," among other fine selections. Every song is imaginative, and I found I enjoyed each song for different reasons on replaying the CD. "Old Soul," written by Eldon "T" Jones, Chris Turner, and David Allen is a nice selection and deserves airplay time as does "Passages" and "Coming Home," among other innovative numbers in this collection.

For a different, new sound in smooth jazz, give a listen to N'Touch and their N'TOUCH. Fine entertainment, fine performances as a group, and fine performances in solo performances.

This debut CD is a winner. Special note on the amazing piano techniques and stylings of pianist Matthew Minnieweather, and to Paul Greenidge playing organ on "Time Will Tell and "Sweet Potato Pie." Darrell Grant gives a memorable piano performance on "Walk With Me."

Every musician on this CD is topnotch and shares his love of jazz with the listening audience. Highly recommended.

Regular readers of The Smooth Jazz Site know that I only post new artists that I feel are worthy of listening to. My mama taught me that if I didn't have anything nice to say about someone then keep my mouth shut. So you know that my reviews are positive and encouraging both to the artist and to the potential music buyer. Well, my mama needn't fear. I have nothing but good news about the group N-Touch. Their CD came across my desk just today and I am completely blown away. This is not a few guys getting together to see if they can make a few songs together. These fellas sound like they've been perfecting their craft and their sound for many, many years. Their website states that due to "their increasing popularity and notoriety, N-Touch is no longer the best kept secret in the Pacific Northwest." And neither should they be. Their praises should be shouted from the mountaintops. Their names should be splashed across theater marquees across the country. If I even have a small part in bringing these musicians to the forefront of the smooth jazz movement sweeping the country then I'll be fulfilled. Their self-titled, debut album is the best calling card they can present to anyone in the market for amazing talent and some of the best smooth jazz sounds this side of Boney James, Kirk Whalum and even the Rippingtons. I know that’s quite a crowd to lump them with but they can hold their own against any of these artists. They have, in fact, opened for Boney James earlier in the year in addition to opening for Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and Angelique Kidjo. Every song on this album is a pleasure to listen to including the song "Time Will Tell" with vocals by a very talented young lady named Tracey Harris. My experience has been that most smooth jazz vocals are the downfall of a debut CD.

But Ms. Harris has all the grace and talent to make this song a very special addition to the album. Our introduction to N-Touch is with the title track "N-Touch." Don't worry about the repetition of the groups name throughout the album. It is a name you'll want to remember. We are treated to a wonderful, melodic journey care of sax man Eldon "T" Jones and nimble keyboard work by Matthew Minnieweather. David Allen on lead and rhythm guitar also has his shining moments on this cut and Anthony Jones on drums, the younger brother of Eldon "T" displays fine rhythmic talent. Filling out the group is percussionist Terry Taylor who has been inspired by the like's of Grover Washington, Jr.'s old friend Dr. Gibbs and Sheila E. The rest of the album simply builds upon the solid foundation laid down by the first track and keeps you listening to the last track "Coming Home." And that's exactly what the song feels like. It's like a warm embrace from someone you love. It's a bowl of hot soup on a cold day and falling into the recliner at the end of a long, hard day. But there's nothing hard about getting to the end of the album. The journey will take you south of the border with the Latin flavored "Hasta Luego", to a warm Sunday in church with the Gospel-inspired "Old Soul." The group’s versatility is showcased on the song "Passages" which will lead you to the fusion sound of "Galaxy." If I haven't convinced you yet that you must have this CD in your jazz collection then please head over to their website at www.n-touchband.com and listen to a few of the tracks. If that doesn't convince you then you've lost the pleasure of discovering new talent. Don't worry though. If you don't buy their debut CD now, you'll buy it a few years down the road when you want to complete your collection of N-Touch CD's.

N-Touch one of Portland's top Smooth Jazz bands are destined for national fame with a debut album that spices up the format. With a mix of positive passionate R&B, Latin, Gospel and Urban Grooves N-Touch hits the mark. We spoke with saxman and driving force behind the band Eldon T Jones.

John Beaudin - Hi Eldon, welcome to the page of Smooth Jazz Canada.com.

Eldon "T" Jones - Thank you very much. It's an honor and pleasure to have this opportunity to chat with you.

John - I liked your album. We are talkin' catchy songs, nice production and a great addition to Smooth Jazz radio.

Eldon - Thanks John. I'm glad you like the project. We really put our hearts into the music in hopes that it would connect with a broad range of listeners.

John - I loved the opening track named after the band, now that's the kind of tune that I expect to hear on radio. Can you tell me anything about the song?

Eldon - We wrote that song about five years ago and adopted it as our theme song. It was nice to finally get the chance to record it and share it with our fans.

John - How did you feel when your Portland Smooth Jazz station flipped formats?

Eldon - We were shocked to hear about the change because it was such a popular station in Portland and it had so many listeners. As a matter of fact our manager was working with the station to try and get a least one of our tracks into the station's rotation when it folded.

John - Is it hard breaking for Smooth Jazz radio?

Eldon - It's certainly more challenging for independent artists like us to break into Smooth Jazz radio. We've had to spend a lot of time promoting ourselves so the process takes a little longer. But we are having fun and experiencing some success from our efforts.

John - I hear different stories from different camps about the future of Smooth Jazz radio. Some people think it's going more urban since it scores so well with urban audiences while others say New Age will come back in the mix and some just say Smooth Jazz sounds bland. Where do you think it's going?

Eldon - I believe the current sound is here to stay for a long duration. I would describe the sound as a mixture of R&B, pop, jazz and I also hear some elements of gospel happening. As a matter of fact all of these mixtures are included in the N-Touch recipe. People can really feel the simple melodies and the funky beats. I think that's the main reason why Smooth Jazz radio is so popular today.

John - Do you have any material for the next album yet?

Eldon - Oh yeah! We have several new songs and we can hardly wait to get back in the studio and start cooking.

John - How did the band get together?

Eldon - Most of the core group grew up together playing music in church. We truly enjoyed playing music together at an early age but the opportunities to perform were limited, so that's why we formed N-Touch so we could expand our audience and touch more people.

John - Are you getting played in Canada on Hamilton's Smooth Jazz station the Wave?

Eldon - Yes. Our manager contacted one of their radio personalities back in March of this year and forwarded him a copy of our project. He really liked it and gave it to the Program Director. They had their focus group listen to the project and we received feedback that they really were impressed with the tracks and production. They picked four tracks from the project and incorporated them into their rotation. The tracks are 'N-Touch', 'Walk With Me', 'Time Will Tell', and 'Old Soul'. I remember the first night our manager called to inform me he had just heard our music on their station and he was so ecstatic and happy for us.