LOS ANGELES - Kalimba Music (www.kalimba-music.com), the newly re-launched label by legendary Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, follows the success this past summer of keyboardist Greg Manning – the first artist on its roster – with the signing of powerhouse NYC-based contemporary jazz saxophonist and vocalist Paula Atherton.

“We’ve been very happy with the great success that Greg has enjoyed on the smooth jazz charts with his song ‘Cruisin’ Down The Road’ and album Dance With You, and all of us are very excited to have an artist of Paula’s caliber and versatility as a contemporary jazz artist on our growing roster,” says Label Manager Ted Joseph. “Maurice started up the label again based on his passion and love for music and dynamic artists, and Paula is a multi-faceted talent that is truly in line with his vision for Kalimba.”

“Being a huge fan of Earth, Wind and Fire as I am, I’m thrilled and honored to be part of the Kalimba family,” Atherton says. “Being associated with a legend like Maurice White and an industry veteran like Ted Joseph is like a dream come true!"

Atherton (www.paulaatherton.com) brings a dynamic track record into her fresh start with Kalimba. The New York raised musician has shared the stage with such contemporary jazz notables as The Rippingtons, Nick Colionne, Gerald Albright, Chuck Loeb, Cindy Bradley, Gail Jhonson, Karen Briggs, Althea Rene, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows, Joey Sommerville, Matt Marshak, Four80East and Chieli Minucci. She has also worked in the traditional jazz field; one of her notable performances was week-long engagement at the Blue Note NYC with pianist and jazz legend Hank Jones.

Previously, “I Long For Your Love,” a track from her debut album Let Me Inside Your Love, was included on the Warner Europe compilation Ladies of Jazz that also featured Natalie Cole, Candy Dulfer and Eliane Elias. Her 2009 release Groove with Me earned her AMG (Artists Music Guild) nominations for artist and female vocalist of the year, and album of the year. “Sassy Strut,” the first single from Atherton’s most recent release Enjoy The Ride (2012) featuring the song’s composer, guitarist Nick Colionne, was on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart for 15 weeks, and reached #15. The second single “Herbie” was on the chart for 7 weeks, reaching #22.

Atherton has some upcoming metro area gigs, including October 18 at Home in Branford, with special guest, Rippingtons’ keyboardist Bill Heller. She will also be performing with her band at the New Brunswick Jazz Festival in New Brunswick, N.J. November 9, along with Albright and Hiroshima. She will be joined by special guest star trumpeter/flugelhorn player Cindy Bradley.

This year, Kalimba scored big on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart, with Manning’s “Cruisin’ Down The Road” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Never” both reaching the Top 15.

For more information on Paula Atherton, please visit:
www.paulaatherton.com