press releases

contact:
Robert Nesbitt
(206) 329-7474
renjr@aol.com

New EP release from Tony Gable & 206 captures the smooth grooves of
this year’s summer

"SUMMER 01" features cover of Sly's
"Hot Fun in the Summertime"

Seattle, WA June 21, 2001 -- Seattle-based Tony Gable & 206 -- named for Seattle's area code -- released a three-song EP CD titled "Summer 01" today through Pacificvision Productions.

Culled from the group's forthcoming album release "Just Add Water," the EP contains three songs that reflect the boundless energy and enthusiasm found in this contemporary jazz group.

Particularly well suited for airplay on smooth jazz and R&B formats is the band's funky and fun cover of Sly and the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime", with guest performers Seattle's own Pat Wright and the Total Experience Gospel Choir.

Produced by John Raymond (who is also Kenny G's guitarist) and Ross Nyberg, "Summer 01" also features "Alki Sol" with premier (and former Santana) percussionist Pete Escovedo as guest artist. This song is a follow-up to the popular "Catina" from the group's second album, "Seven Hills," which remains on the playlist of smooth jazz stations around the globe more than four years after its release.

For over a year, Tony (former recording and touring percussionist with Kenny G) and the 206 band have been playing "Grovin’," a soulful dedication to the late Grover Washington, Jr. that perfectly captures the groove that inspired every member of 206 . With "Grovin’," the band joins the growing tribute to this legendary artist who influenced a generation of jazz musicians. This track features fellow Seattle resident and former Rippingtons saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, who pays his respects to Grover's tutelage with a spirited performance.

While work continues on the full-length CD "Just Add Water," the irresistible rhythms the band created in these three songs sparked the notion that an independently released EP would be a perfect soundtrack to the summer.

"We all felt so good about our arrangement and performance of "Hot Fun" that we wanted to make the most of its summer connection and put it out before the full CD is released," said Gable. "We also felt that if audiences had an opportunity to hear this great Sly song in our 206 style they would enjoy it. After one’s recognition it puts a smile on their face, along with some ol’ school finger poppin’".

"Summer 01" will be available via the Internet, as well as Retail.