Philippe Saisse, who celebrated a birthday last Sunday, February 4th, says he's never been a jazz purist. His latest album is a classic piano trio recording, with Saisse and his bassist and drummer tackling an array of pop and R&B tunes. His latest single is a cover of the Bill Withers' classic, "Lovely Day."

Saisse says that while he has a strong jazz background, he listens to a wide range of music that inspires him. He told us: "I've never been a purist jazz guy saying, 'Well, this is not jazz, I'm not going to listen to this.' You know, I really always thought whether it was jazz, pop, Viennese waltz, whatever, if it's well done it's as difficult to do or to play as ... There's not one superior style of music. I mean, I will never espouse that kind of attitude."

Saisse's "Lovely Day" stands at Number 23 on the national smooth jazz airplay chart this week. The tune is from the album The Body And Soul Sessions.