110 Degrees and Rising

Critics generally agree, Kevin Toney rightly belongs among the elite in the smooth jazz genre. Described by Jonathan Widran as "the master of elegant funk", Toney was born & raised in Detroit and got his start working with Donald Byrd back in the early 70s. Byrd was an instructor at Howard University where Toney attended; the two connected and Kevin took part in Byrd's 1972 release. KT then went on to enjoy a stint with The Blackbyrds, a jazz-funk unit created by Byrd that was composed of some the students that he taught. During his tenure with the band, Toney took part in seven projects including three gold albums, which he co-produced; he also had a hand in several of their hits, including Walking in Rhythm, their #1 smash. Following his graduation from Howard with a B.A. in Composition and Jazz Studies, Toney performed with the Blackbyrds thru until 1981. The following year saw the release of Special K, Toney's solo debut. Then thru the rest of the 80s, Kevin enjoyed a variety of gigs as he worked with the likes of Ray Parker Jr. and Brenda Russell. During his career, Toney has been the musical conductor for Patti Austin and Michael McDonald. He has recorded or performed as a sideman with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, & Ray Charles and he has been the musical director for a variety of productions including "Ain't Misbehavin'. Although he issued his first album as a front man in 1982, Toney's career as a solo artist didn't really take off until 1994 & the release of Lovescape, his sophomore effort. That effort yielded a major hit in "Kings". Now with a catalogue of seven releases to his credit, the accolades continue to pour in for Kevin Toney. Urban Network critic, Scott Galloway, writes, "Kevin Toney's touch on the piano is divine, soulful, and hypnotic." While in Billboard magazine one can read, "Toney's piano skills and ear for melody set him apart from the pack and make him enjoyable and engaging." You'll understand then why it's indeed a treat to spotlight Kevin Toney and his latest release. As the segment unfolds we present It's You and Only You, a track that was co-written with Andre Delano. Opening hour 2 is the ever-so-nicely-chilled Day Trippin'. Finally, as we wrap things up we have 110° and Rising the title track with saxman Gerald Albright featured on the tune that he co-wrote. Imaginative improvisations, lush production, & intricate melodies make this an exceptional feature from beginning to end!