By Jazzy Smooth

Ever since picking up a guitar in Nyack, New York (20 miles from the city) when he was ten years old and not putting it down until he had taught himself how to play his favorite records, Chuck Loeb has been committed to learning all aspects of the music business. Working on the early stages of his eleventh CD, Loeb has been quietly and efficiently getting it done ever since his first release in 1988. From that point on, Loeb has been establishing a loyal following of jazz guitar enthusiasts. "The most important lesson that I have learned through the years is to be your self. Ultimately its being yourself that makes you valuable. I canÕt be what I'm not, so the big myth in music that you have to go with the trends to make any money is not true." One thing that Loeb has done to keep his music "true instead of trendy" is doing his own writing and producing for his CD's. "I've always felt that doing my own producing, which I now do for others, was very important to me. I love seeing the project through all of its stages; I always call it "soup to nuts." From a germ of an idea to a little plastic disc," he says. "I love the organization of it, but I have felt the other side of it too where I just wanted to concentrate on performing and the music. When that has happened, I'd turn the reins over to my wife, Carmen (Cuesta, noted European vocalist, songwriter, and producer). But I love picking the materials, picking the band, picking the songs that will go on it. All that stuff, to me, keeps me enthused. You see, there's a particular enthusiasm as you start out, but it does change. And the trick is going back to that enthusiasm." Loeb stays enthused by constantly learning and evolving. "I have been through so many facets of the business- touring musician, studio musician, composer, commercial and production fields. These are my own statements as an artist." Loeb has produced some of the biggest names in the jazz fusion industry: Spyro Gyra, Bob James, Michael Franks, Nelson Rangell, Walter Beasley, and a myriad of others. On guitar, he has played with Carly Simon, Earl Klugh, Stan Getz, Special EFX, Bob Mintzer, and many more. His composing credits include literally hundreds of film scores, commercial jingles, and television theme songs. He has even done theme song work for the Yankees, Braves, and Knicks. Loeb continues to evolve and study his craft on the guitar, and he continues to seek new obstacles to encounter and overcome. "I love composing and want to focus on that more. I love when music just comes out naturally. I love making up melodies. And what really matters is that the music touches people's hearts and feels good; I've always felt that music should mean something." Chuck Loeb will be performing as a guest with Kim Waters and Kim's band at the Afrikan American Family Day Celebration at Chesepeake City Park on Saturday, July 19 at 7 PM. This is a FREE concert! For info: www.kujiacad.com.