PETE BELASCO
Compendia Records

“Deeper” has already done extremely well in the UK. What do you think U.S. Smooth Jazz programmers could learn from the way the format is presented in Great Britain?

UK programmers know that playing Deeper will increase revenue and market share, and that listeners and advertisers will become hopelessly addicted to stations that play it. Play this record and peace and prosperity will be had by all.

Going as far back as you can remember, what was the first
song you heard that still registers with you today?

Aside from that "Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes" gem, "Baby you're a Rich Man" by the Beatles might be one of them. I remember loving the way John sang the falsetto parts?

What’s your favorite brand of sunglasses?

The frequency in which I lose or sit on shades makes it financially
irresponsible to buy anything but really cheap ones from the guy on the
street.

CNN or Food Channel?

Unfortunately CNN is where I spend too much time. It certainly would be less maddening to learn about the secrets of a souffle than to watch the world hang together by a thread... and by the way, it's on in the background right now!!

When you had the boating accident after college and broke
both hands, what positive and healing influences do you credit music with in your recuperation?

I think it's the other way around. I credit the accident with being a huge positive influence on my music. It freed me up to write, play and sing in ways I wouldn't have pre-accident. It allowed me to write for me and not
for the "HIT".

You’re a sax player as well as vocalist.Who’s been your biggest inspiration on sax?

The saxophone colossus, Sonny Rollins, was the one that changed the face of the instrument for me. His time and sense of melody is what I fell in love with first. Also the lore behind him practicing on the bridge made him all the more inspiring. Even today if something from "On Impulse" or "Alfie" comes on, don't try to talk to me.

OK, who’s been your biggest inspiration when it comes to vocalists?

Mr. Curtis Mayfield literally spun my head around 360 degrees. When I first heard "Pusherman", I was absolutely speechless. The more I listened to his work, from the Impressions through his solo stuff, I realized just how deep and influential an artist he really is.

If you couldn’t do anything musically, God forbid, what else would you pursue to keep your creative juices flowing?

It might be fun to design a music appreciation class for Toddlers using real classic music. Whether that's getting crazy with Thelonious Monk or working out with Aretha Franklin. Kids don't always need to hear "childrens music".

In your opinion, where’s the Smooth Jazz format going in the next, say, 5 years??

I'll need a little more data and analysis on the subject. But as far as I can see, this Smooth Jazz. com might be on to something.

I would like to hear more elements like ones that are on this new record....Have you heard it? "Deeper"

East Coast or West Coast, and why?

The family is on the east coast so......but I do like the PCH