I'm just back from Montreux, Switzerland, one of the most beautiful spots on earth, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the premier musical festivals of the world.

I opened for Paul Simon on July 9th, and debuted a bunch of songs from the new record. Nora Guthrie happened to be a train ride away -- how fitting -- and rode down to be there for the festivities.

Nora and me 

Well, singing on that Stravinsky stage is a treat, and the audience couldn't have been more lovely. 

I was lucky enough to get to stay for the rest of the festival, and just hang out and be a fan. I'm always amazed at the diversity at Montreux. I saw Paul Simon of course...

And Leonard Cohen - (I was in tears for most of his show, the way he savored his every word, and savored the love of the crowd. Astounding, profound.)

I saw Roberta Flack, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, David Sanborn, Tower of Power, the big Quincy Jones 75th birthday extravaganza, Patti Austin, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample and the Crusaders, Chaka Khan, Gnarls Barkley, Elba Ramalho, Curtis Stiger, Mick Hucknell. Just a who's who of musical power! I'm sure I've forgotten a few!

Joe Sample and me

Ray Parker Jr. (yup, that one!)

Patti Austin! right after singing 'the hills are alive'

Larry Braggs from TOP, Ellen and Gil Goldstein, JB

Nathan East!!

What a feast. Now back to work. We're already taking pre-orders for the new record on the site here, I will sign every one as always. We'll put up a little web clip teaser soon just to give everyone a little taste of what's to come.

I'm also working on a song for a Disney movie about Tinkerbell and all her fairy friends from before the world knew Peter Pan. Gotta love fairies.

Looking forward to playing in Tacoma with Judy Collins, and thrilled I'll be on the road for a bit this fall with Glen Phillips. (he sang the most beautiful little duet with me on the record.)

I'm getting pretty pumped about August. I just couldn't be more proud of "THE WORKS."

cheers, and stay cool.

Jonatha