CD Me

Midas Records is proud to announce the first ever CD from The Weather Channel ®, "The Best of Smooth Jazz." As 2007 marks the network's 25th anniversary, it also heralds the network's entry into retail music. Music has long been a source of interest for viewers who have been writing in for years asking where they can purchase the music they enjoy during the "Local on the 8s" segment, broadcast 288 minutes each day! The 12-song collection features the Channel's most requested music by such known artists as Dave Koz, Najee, Chick Corea, Pieces of a Dream, Joyce Cooling, Jeff Lorber, Four 80 East, 3rd Force and Paprika Soul. The CD also includes 3 most-requested songs heard only on The Weather Channel by Jeanne Ricks, Ryan Farish and Mark Krumowski.

History of Music on The Weather Channel

People who keep an eye on the weather also have an ear for music, judging from the huge number of inquiries from viewers of The Weather Channel, who have been asking "where can I get that music I just heard?" That's why a CD of "Local on the 8s" music from The Weather Channel is being presented. For the very first time, fans and admirers of the music have an opportunity to have their own compilation of many favorites.

Seven years ago, The Weather Channel stepped up its efforts to select music that viewers would enjoy. The responsibility was assigned to a network producer who had what some would call a "dream job" - spending hour after hour at music stores finding songs and artists that were right for The Weather Channel audience. Soon, viewers began to take notice of the fresh and contemporary sound of the new musical selections on The Weather Channel. The on-air music was well-received. Some people said that they kept the network on all day to stay in touch with the weather as well as to enjoy the music in the background.

Four years ago, the producer further refined the music "playlist" by scheduling different types of sounds during different parts of the day. For example, during the daytime, the music is light and upbeat. Moving into the evening, the selections have a slower tempo and are more sultry. And then they become even more mellow during the late night.

This blend of the many moods of jazz is captured on our first CD of "Local on the 8s." Out of over 3,000 songs that have been played over the years during local weather on The Weather Channel, we are proud to bring you a collection of favorites on our "Smooth Jazz" release.

User Reviews about Best of Smooth Jazz

I actually ordered this as a 'gag' gift for my sister because she could not live without the Weather Channel. She psychotically always has to have it on, and knows all the meteorologists by name and region. She even has to go to sleep with the tv on... hahaha. This CD does not disappoint. Sounds exactly as "local on eights" and she absolutely loves it. -- Weather Channel CD

Odd as this may sound, I really think the music on this CD sounds better if you are listening to it while reading your local forecast. For some reason that I can't explain, listening to it on its own falls a bit short. I purchased it after reading all of the raving reviews, but after giving it a listen I really suggest getting a top-rated Boney James, Vital Force, or Acoustic Alchemy instead. It's not bad, but I don't consider it five stars by any means. -- Okay, but not great

Nice background music - good for playing in the car while you are caught in traffic. -- TWC Smooth Jazz

The songs on this CD are pretty good smooth jazz tracks, but as with all smooth jazz, they can sometimes be a bit formulaic and predictable. A nice collection, especially for a warm day at he beach, a walk in the park, or a drive on a summer's day.
Shakin' The Shack (Chester Thompson)- Groovy song by the guy from Earth Wind and Fire and Genesis, among others. The influences from his previous sould bands shine here.
The Gift(3rd Force's)- Take a chill drumbeat, add some synth bass, and throw in some acoustic guitar.
Ocean View(Pieces of a Dream)- Melancholy song with sax and electric piano. Sounds like Kenny G on valium.
Holding Hands Ryan Farish)Another chill drumbeat, this time with reverb-laden piano.
Windows(Chick Corea)- The classic jazz combo of drums, bass and piano is here, and Chick never fails to disappoint.
Mildred's Attraction(Joyce Cooling)Driving groove with acoustic and electric guitar.
Sidewayz(Najee)-Starst out with Fender Rhodes, a nice groove, and moves into some flute work, which is even nicer.
Bad Bad Simba (Paprika Soul)- Cover of O'Donel Levy's funk-jazz monster. Grooving bass and keys give way to 70's style brass work, with guitar solos building intensity. Great flute solo at the end.
Wait a Minute(Mark Krunowsi)- One of the forgettable songs on this CD. The groove just never quite gets going. Perhaps he should have had the bass play a solid line.
Simple Pleasure(Jeanne Ricks)- Another one of the average tracks on this CD. starts off with a 'Let The Music Play' inspired drumbeat, and some keyboard samples, but once again, the groove is not solid, as the bassline has too many holes in it.
Viaduct(Four 80 East)-Nice Acid-jazz-meets-chill type song. Good keyboards, sax, and a laid-back rhythm.
Santa Monica Triangle(Jeff Lorber)-Brazilian inspired song by the master keyboardist with plenty of analog Rhodes, and some great conga work. Jeff's work is alway exceptional.


-- Pretty good.