New Arrivals
- Darryl Alexander
- Rise Up
- Dap Entertainment
- Balance9
- Sticky Waters
- Joydoe Music
- Jeremy Benoit (The Real JB Saax)
- For The Love Of You
- JB Saax Productions
- dee Brown
- Mister Smooth
- Innervision Records
- Cool Guitars
- Love TKO
- Cool Guitars Music
- David Crawford
- Africa Nouveau
- David Crawford
- DeeAnn
- Simply Beautiful
- DeeAnn Music
- Jarez
- Trapped In The Groove
- J Star Entertainment
- James Morgan Jazz
- Frequency Of Love
- Guitar One Records
- Sandy Shore
- Take It There
- Smooth Global
- Erly Thornton
- Formula One
- Groove Elation Records, LLC
- Tim Treadwell
- It's My Time
- Tim Treadwell
Listening Loft : HOTPICKS
With the release of their second smooth jazz infused world music project for Baja/TSR, the duo of multi-instrumentalists, composers and producers William Aura and Craig Dobbin - collectively renowned as 3rd Force - immerse more deeply than ever in what they call "the extraordinary alchemy that happens when diverse minds come together" in the spirit of soul connections, sonic explorations and expanding global consciousness.
LIFEFORCE is the celebration of just over 30 years since introducing their fascinating fusion aesthetic via the self-titled debut - and eight years since the last recording GLOBAL FORCE - the duo complements their vibe with featured guitarists Nils, Brian Hughes and Lawson Rollins, in addition to top global musicians Aura worked with in his time as Archivist/Asian Program Coordinator for the non-profit Playing for Change Foundation.
Skillful, soulful jazz drumming was in Michael "Storm" Baskins' DNA from the start, influenced by his father, who kept time behind Sonny Rollins and Aretha Franklin. Post bop drum legend Elvin Jones once gave him sound advice: "Listen to feel. Feel to listen." With that kind of inspiration, it was only a matter of time before Baskins made his mark on contemporary jazz with a mix of traditional jazz, gospel jazz and urban vibing that fuels his 2024 album COOL IS BACK. Showcasing his skills as a composer and producer, his follow-up single "Here in My Arms" is a gorgeously rendered, keyboard and sax driven vocal ballad sharing the sweetness of Smooth Jazz romance at its most loving, passionate, protective and devoted.
Following production work with the Commodores, and creating the world's most acclaimed live Prince tribute show, Minneapolis keyboardist/composer chose the ironic title UNPERFECT for his Smooth Jazz breakthrough album. These days, his career looks pretty darn perfect, as he follows "X-Centric," his recent #1 smash featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, with "Change the Channel," another immediately intoxicating showcase for his spirited, melodic keyboard touch and adventurous improvisations that features him playing all the instruments and adding a jazzy trumpet vibe throughout. The title reflects Charloff's belief that we all have the power to shift our own frequency, tune out the emotional static, mental noise and old patterns that no longer serve us and tune into what elevates us. This engaging track does just that!
After a long career back in the R&B glory days serving as orchestrator/arranger for everyone from Friends of Distinction and Freda Payne to Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige, David Crawford has reinvented himself as a silky, Smooth Jazz flute balladeer. His provocatively titled latest single "Africa Nouveau" is his most adventurous track yet, blending his soothing lead melody with jazzy trumpet harmonies, exotic synth atmospheres and enticing percussion. A few minutes into the engaging swirl of excitement, he shares the real intent of the release by including several inspiring spoken lines from Michelle Obama's speech at the 2024 Democratic Convention, including "All our contributions deserve to be accepted and valued." "Africa Nouveau" is an inspiring statement for our time wrapped in a wonderful Smooth Jazz tune!
The leaders of Supergroup Jazz Funk Soul are three of the most important Contemporary Jazz hit makers on the scene: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr., artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring more than 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! As a touring ensemble, they are wowing audiences from coast to coast! Grammy Winner Jeff Lorber is famous for launching the career of Kenny G, and his productions and collaborations with such greats as Dave Koz, Janet Jackson, Lalah Hathaway and Miles Davis! Grammy Nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. is one of the world's most sought-after guitarists, having been featured on Michael Jackson's Thriller, many Whitney Houston hits, and much more. Grammy Nominated Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such musical giants as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, and Patti LaBelle. SIMPATICO is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano solos and soulful melodies.
Multi-talented vocalist N'Kenge may be making her Smooth Jazz debut with her lush, elegant and exquisitely rendered version of the Rodgers & Hart classic "Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered," but she's long been a giant in other arenas in the music industry. A Tony, Emmy and Grammy-nominated artist, she's headlined pop, opera and symphony concerts throughout the country, has appeared several times on Broadway and, thanks to her recent funky worldbeat single "Goosebump Moment," a bona fide TikTok star with 233K+ views and 26M+ total TikTok followers reached. Blessed with a five-octave range, N'Kenge brings perfect phrasing and an intense, emotional power to "Bewitched" that brings profound freshness to the lyrics. It's the lead single from her upcoming debut album CENTERSTAGE: LIVE FROM THE ELLA FITZGERALD FESTIVAL.
We're not sure if keyboardist/composer Rei Narita is studying Italian these days, but he is creating playfully grooving, instantly compelling tunes with thought provoking titles in this language. His latest gem "Strada Facendo," which translates to "on the road" or "along the way," invokes the feeling of a journey without a destination or a finish line, yet filled with the pleasure that a journey in of itself can bring. His punchy percussive perfection backs an ever-evolving swirl of melodic piano, inventive synth imaginings and hypnotic atmospheres. On a deeper level, the inspiring title can also refer to what we can learn along the way as we travel both literally and figuratively on the road of life. With Narita, music is always an adventure!
Fresh off Nathan Mitchell's #1 Billboard hit "So In Love With You" - the keyboardist teams with another #1 hitmaker, saxophonist Quintin Gerard W and vocalist/producer Annie Malee for a dazzling, infectiously grooving twist on the Great American Songbook standard "The Way You Look Tonight." Each artist conveys their own personality, with Mitchell laying down the seductive groove and sparkling key melody, Quintin blowing his whimsy-filled horn and Malee adding her sensual, ethereal vocal grace for emphatic effect. Mitchell has been on a roll with three #1 singles of his own and now co-producing this feature track with recording artist, film producer, writer and actor Annie Malee distinguishes his resume further while landing Malee right in the middle of the Smooth Jazz landscape.
After releasing ILLUMINATE in 2018, Steve Oliver engaged in some cool side projects, including a popular duet album with Brian Simpson and a set of acoustic re-imaginings of his greatest hits. Now, the prolific Smooth Jazz hitmaker a journalist once called “musical Disneyland” (for his sunny personality and composing style) is back in snappy, melodic and sonically adventurous radio-friendly mode with A NEW LIGHT. Perfectly in line with his other instantly infectious albums with similarly light-bearing titles, the collection – co-produced by genre mega-hitmaker Michael Broening – offers a blend of funky-breezy drive time jams, gently caressing ballads (one featuring saxman Jeff Kashiwa) and exciting dashes of percussive exotica featuring the one-two punch of his dynamic strings and trademark dreamy wordless and percussive vocals.
Multi-talented flutist/composer Kim Scott vibrantly embodies the title of her sixth album LIVIN’ IT UP in many ways – from being a 3x Billboard chart topper and hosting her popular syndicated radio show “Kim Scott’s Block Party” to serving as flute professor at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and being a world-renowned international clinician. Collaborating with top producers like Greg Manning, Kelvin Wooten and Paul Brown and guest stars Jeff Ryan, Phil Davis, Kelly O’Neal and Naomi Achu, Kim brings her alternately lilting and percussive jazz/classical style to an adventurous array of vibes. These include ampiano and world music, a women’s empowerment anthem, soul balladry, clever re-imaginings and mash-ups of legendary pieces of music by Miles Davis, Herb Alpert and The Police along with an iconic Whitney Houston taking on high notes and the iconic Kirk Whalum sax solo, Livin' It Up from the first track to the last!
Smooth Jazz Alley - Founder and keyboardist/producer Marco Montoya, saxophonist Otoe Mori and longtime drummer/producer Kevin Lewis, took their hard-hitting, funked out game to a higher level and kept the hits flowing - to the tune of almost 4 million streams on Spotify! While they invited genre stars (Jessy J, Blake Aaron, Nathan East) to play on previous recordings, SJA's latest single, the high-spirited, relentlessly throbbing, sax and piano driven "Come On!," emphatically showcases the melodic and improvisational energy of the Bay Area ensemble. This is the first release with their new label home of Innervision.
Listening Loft : MUST HAVES
It’s no surprise that multi-instrumentalist/producer John Paris and saxophonist Eddie M – who fuse their ample, adventurous talents and superstar resumes as super funky R&B/urban jazz duo Back 2 Basics – have created such an explosive, wildly contemporary jam out of Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,” freshly re-imagined as “Do You Remember” to pay amped up homage to the spirit of MJ. The longtime drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, Paris has worked with Patti Labelle and late greats Wayman Tisdale, Donna Summer and Natalie Cole, while Mininfield has collaborated with Prince, Sheila E., Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé and many others. This track is fueled by Paris’ slappin’ bass and powerful drums, Mininfield’s punchy horns and sax soloing along with special guest, R&B supergroup Blackstreet vocalist Dave Hollister!
Worlds away from the laid-back chill vibes of his earlier singles, former IT expert Bob Coate has found a much more engaging, fresh, funked-out high energy flow since joining forces in 2024 with producers Peet Ferencz (Peet Project) and Smoothjazz.com founder Sandy Shore, as well as Peet Project's fiery former sax man Peter Herold. Keeping his melodic and improvisational keyboard magic front and center, Coate follows the team's global smooth jazz hits "Love Like That" and "Forward Flow" (#1 on the Top 100 Smooth Jazz charts in Spain and Latin America) with the equally spirited and rambunctious "Power Surge," which lives up to its name with swagger, heartfelt power and simmering organ flavors under the main melody line. It's the perfect fall pick-me-up!
A onetime pop/rocker and country singer who is currently one of Buffalo's premiere award winning jazz and blues vocalists, the multi-talented DeeAnn is a highly respected songwriter - yet she's in an empowering, ultra-creative new phase of her career collaborating on fresh and inviting re-imaginings of classic pop/R&B songs with legendary producer Ted Perlman (Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston, Dr. Dre, Diana Ross). Her sultry, slow simmering re-imagining of Al Green's "Simply Beautiful" (from his landmark #1 Billboard album I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU) is a mesmerizing showcase for her vocal dynamics. It brings passionate bluesy and jazzy magic to a relatively obscure but truly magnificent early 70s gem about being good to someone if you expect them to treat you right in return.
The titles of Karén Devroop's last two albums RELENTLESS and OVERJOYED say it all about the renowned South African saxophonist's tireless work ethic and the exuberance he has brought to his global collaborations, performances at international jazz festivals and symphony presentations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Keeping his compelling alternately silky and punchy sax style front and center, he follows the creative aesthetic of OVERJOYED by not simply covering but magnificently and adventurously re-imagining a handful of beloved pop/soul songs by Chaka Khan, Simply Red, Quincy Jones & James Ingram, TOTO, Michael Jackson and Bobby Caldwell to accompany his winsome originals. Devroop's exciting production touches include sizzling horn sections, gospel-flavored female vocals, exciting guitar and passionate, African rapping by young spoken word artist Uziel.
With the release of his latest album, the sensual and masterfully jazzy, super-funky, and downright danceable MODERN TIMES, NY/NJ based keyboardist Mike DiLorenzo celebrates 20 years as an innovative Smooth Jazz artist and sonic architect. The way he blends genres, grooves and moods is the sign of next level artistry. His musical connection to two of the most exciting vocalists in the industry, Anna Moore and Sonna Rele, prove that DiLorenzo is a producer with relevance and vision, showcasing boundless creativity in his work. When he's not leading a tight small ensemble featuring the dynamic tenor and soprano sax action of Frank Elmo, the modern music man is manifesting an irresistible whirlwind of ethereal atmospheres, mystical sonic landscapes and infectious thumping beats.
The love continues with Jeff Golkin & Forever Love's latest single release, "It's You Again," featured on Jeff Golkin's upcoming third album, ORCHESTRA IN THE PIT - A Tribute to Broadway. Gentle Latin percussion, piano motifs and harmonized flutes give way to the sultry flugelhorn melody as it tells a tale of love and longing. This Smooth Jazz ballad musically sets a scene of a quiet night, pale moonlight and two lovers resting comfortably in a loving embrace, their heartbeats aligned in rhythm together with the dreamy pulse of the music. Piano and subtle jazz guitar support the warm tone of this haunting melody. You can almost feel the warm breeze whispering through the secluded love nest in the moonlight as the lovers drift off to sleep in each other's arms.
To this point in his wildly eclectic career, versatile saxophonist Jarez has been known as "Mr. Sexy Saxy," "Mayor of J Funk City" and the guy who toured with Coolio and appeared on the late rapper's popular web series "Cookin' With Coolio." Pretty good resume for sure, but this fall, with the release of his hypnotic and irresistible new single "Trapped in the Groove," he's aiming to become Smooth Jazz's answer to Bobby "Boris" Pickett, the "Monster Mash" dude. The track's moody, atmospheric and hauntingly seductive vibe and pulse quickening drums are not in the service of romance, but rather a dark and eerie, spine-tingling sax and keyboard driven sonic experience designed to delight in
Naming his latest single, the melodically sweet, tastily rhythmic and fun-spirted "Maple Syrup Donut" makes sense for trumpeter Ron King, who deserves a decadent reward to cap an amazingly prolific, multi-decade career that includes working with dozens of legends - including George Benson, Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole and Johnny Mathis - as well as Smooth Jazz greats Jeff Lorber, Brian Simpson and Paul Brown. It was Brown who told King some years ago, "You need to write a hit song." The duo's many years of exciting collaborations continue with their latest breezy, light funk delight, a hook-filled tune penned by King and produced by Brown which rolls like a joyful conversational duet between the two,
The signing of keyboardist Ron Pedley and guitarist Jon Pondel to Shanachie Records marks not only the rebirth of their early 2000s hipster duo Kombo - but also a partial resurrection of the classic 80's/90's fusion quartet Uncle Festive, comprised of Pedley, Pondel and two other members of Barry Manilow's longtime touring band. With Bud Harner adding cymbal swells and bell, three quarters of UF appears on Kombo's latest, vibey and struttin' album that lives up to its title, PRETTY SOLID. Driven by the seamless rapport between Pedley's classic keyboards (Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Minimoog), Pondel's edgy electric and warm acoustic and the popping rhythm section of Matt and Gregg Bissonette, it's a soul-minded blend of blues, classic jazz and melodic smooth grooves.
With the release of SETTING STANDARDS, veteran trumpeter/composer Tim Larkin's epic and cinematic, richly orchestrated debut album of iconic pop hits and compelling originals, Smooth Jazz welcomes into the fold an Academy Award winning sound designer whose eclectic history includes recording with Ice-T, performing alongside the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Huey Lewis, Sheila E, James Brown and years of acclaimed composing and sound design in the gaming world. In addition to showcasing his passionate, heartfelt trumpet grace and ample arranging skills, his years in the making, alternately sensitive and soaring re-imaginings of classics penned by David Foster, Jimmy Webb, Sting and others fulfill Larkin's vision to honor the music that shaped him while giving the songs new life in a voice that feels honest and true.
Veteran saxophonist Dee Lucas celebrates his successful two decades as an in-demand recording & performing artist as well as a 4x chart-topping hitmaker on TWENTY. The musical gift that keeps on giving, "Shelter Island" is the latest spin-off track that is sure to intrigue Smooth Jazz fans! The collection also features a sexy, hip-hop and classic soul-flavored vocal tune with Kevin Bennett and a glittering, mid-tempo title track co-written and spotlighting keyboardist and mega-producer Michael Broening (pushing 200k Spotify streams). This mostly upbeat, buoyant and playfully grooving affair all at once reflects on the consistency of the past, brings fresh, silky and funky (with a taste of Latin) fire to the present and exudes optimism for the future!
If any Smooth Jazz great should be FEELIN’ GOOD, it’s super guitarist, composer, and producer Nils, whose accolade-filled two decade run includes having his hit “Pacific Coast Highway” chosen Billboard’s Song of the Decade and Nils himself being named the #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist for 2021 and 2023. FEELIN’ GOOD is the perfect title for an engaging, uplifting album infused with the prolific artist’s trademark sense of adventure, alternating between snappy, crunchy funk-filled jaunts and sly, moody seductions - all wrapped in the colorful, brass-tinged bow of the cool dynamite he brings to an Earth, Wind & Fire classic. Nils builds on the intricacy of his electric guitar with tasty sonic production details and killer performances from an ensemble featuring Mitch Forman (piano) and Johnny Britt (Rhodes, vocals, horns).
Inspired early on by Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis and Chick Corea, keyboardist/composer Sunnie Paxson is a fascinating, multi-faceted talent whose resume and discography include both straight ahead and Smooth Jazz and work with everyone from Larry Carlton, Maysa and Pamela Williams to Michael Paulo and Eric Darius. Once again, after releasing the straight-ahead album BOHEMIAN SUN on Stanley Clarke's Roxboro Entertainment label, she has collaborated with the legendary bassist on her latest Smooth Jazz single, the high spirited, soulfully swaggering "Chance Acquaintance." A grand showcase for her keyboard wizardry in conjunction with the artistry of Clarke, Sekou Bunch and Paul Jackson, Jr. among others, it's an artfully melodic, rhythmically tight expression of the reality that some of the most important people in our lives enter through pure, unscripted chance.
Renowned Sacramento, California saxophonist Shawn Raiford calls his ever-evolving live ensemble the SRE (Shawn Raiford Experience) because – drawing on his passions for contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and pop – that’s what the multi-talented performer promises every time they take the stage. Four and a half years since his debut album MAN WITH A HORN, Raiford’s ready for THE NEXT STEP in his career with a stylistically diverse, in the pocket collection that finds him exploring fresh, expansive emotional territory with sizzling, seductive horn-drenched originals and instantly engaging, absolutely essential re-imaginings of hits and classics by Bruno Mars/Silk Sonic, Santana and Herb Alpert. Raiford set the stage with three lead singles throughout 2023 and 2024 – and now, rewards our patience with a payoff that’s off the charts!
This California DJ has been taking it 'there' since she began her radio career at the age of 15 in the early 80s. The music industry's Girl Power movement hadn't begun, and Shore was swimming uphill trying to catch a break as she was told by station management that women in radio wasn't really a thing, other than news reporting or a weekend broadcasting. But she had a plan and a burning desire to be in the middle of the music, as did so many other women at that time. Shore was part of the big push of the 90s by women who refused to take "No" for an answer. Despite taking the long way here, "Take It There" marks the determined producer's first full single and an inspired collaboration with friends Nathan East (Eric Clapton/Fourplay) and Tony Lindsay (Santana) with support from guitar hero, Michael Thompson and elite drummer Pat Williams!
Veteran saxophonist Cary Simms launched his career playing gospel, jazz and R&B in the Bay Area before relocating to the Pacific Northwest to hone his skills with top mentors in Oregon. He later shared stages with the likes of gospel legend Yolanda Adams, David Sanborn and Esperanza Spalding. He's venturing to a whole other region and musical mindset on his latest single, the compelling "Caribbean Blue," speaking to the sweet melody and balmy tropical breeziness surrounding his passionate, intimate and easy flowing and ultimately soaring sax. His first release since INTIMATE THOUGHTS, his 2007 debut album featuring Nathan East, the track starts out in laid back mode before picking up fire with a sizzling horn section, dreamy vocals, plus guitar and piano solos.
Talk about building anticipation! With the release of the explosive, brass-fired instrumental version of his Latin flavored seduction "Dime Que Me Quede" ("tell me to stay" in Spanish), veteran saxophonist Nick Stefanacci has now dropped five lead singles - including a vocal version of the song featuring Rich Aveo - from EN FUEGO, his upcoming fifth album. Having started his career as a sideman sharing the stage over the course of two decades with Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Derek Trucks, Cindy Bradley and Latin Rock Grammy winning band Diamante Electrico, Stefanacci - who counts Quincy Jones and Maceo Parker among his greatest influences - knows how to bring the kind of heart-tugging heat and soaring melodic and improvisational energy that makes "Dime…" an unforgettable listening experience.
When veteran composer and multi-instrumentalist Will Sumner released his debut album TROPIC ZONE 45 years ago, he lived in Minnesota and worked with everyone from Prince, Yanni and The Peterson Family. Decades later as a popular Smooth Jazz artist, he followed a handful of electric guitar focused beach themed albums with two recent collections paying heartfelt homage to his mom, his longtime family home of Carlsbad, CA and an alfalfa farm in Apple Valley once owned by his grandmother. Sumner's latest collection RIVERS rolls along breezily on a colorful, ultra-melodic mix of his jazz, funk and rock sensibilities, balancing exciting electric soul with warm, laid-back acoustic grace. Its many stylistic twists and turns make it feel like the Smooth Jazz equivalent of one of the symphonies he's written throughout his career.
When Jayson Tipp launched his solo Smooth Jazz career with the album TABLE FOR ONE in 2023, the big story was his transition to being a solo artist after leading the popular San Diego fusion band Under the Lake in the 90s and bringing them back to prominence in the late 2010s. Since then, the focus is on his collaborations on hit tracks with some of the genre's top artist/producers, including Darren Rahn and Adam Hawley. His impressive streak continues with the bright, brassy and high spirited "Takin' Off," a co-write with saxophonist Andrew Neu and bassist/producer/mixer Roberto Vally whose burst of sweet swaying funk blends Tipp's exciting, often improvisational piano artistry with, Vally's poppin' bass groove and slick production values, along with Neu's fiery horn arrangements and urgent, soaring solo action.
NYC keyboardist, composer and producer John Smatla has been an unstoppable force in Smooth Jazz since resurrecting his popular 2000s cosmopolitan global fusion collective Ultrablue with the rerelease of their self-titled album in 2023. Following singles paying homage to Earl Klugh and Herbie Hancock and others featuring Randy Brecker and Chieli Minucci, the Ultrablue vibe continues its full-on captivation of our senses with the latest, "Something Like Summer," a sensual and breezy, Brazilian flavored romantic gem that makes the perfect seasonal soundtrack. In addition to Smatla's stellar trademark piano playing, the instantly engaging tune also features the seductive vocals of Argentinian singer, the great Gabriela Anders, and a sexy sax solo courtesy of fellow New Yorker and longtime musical collaborator, Pete Belasco!
Several decades after starting his career rockin' in the 80s, saxophonist and keyboardist D.S. Wilson has developed into a steady Smooth Jazz hitmaker over the past several years while working with top genre artist/producers Adam Hawley, Steve Oliver and Jeff Carruthers. Since releasing his third album SKYLINE in 2023, the prolific multi-talented artist has been laying the groundwork for his upcoming full length METAMORPHOSIS album with six poppin' advance singles, including his latest brass-fired, melodically fanciful and funkified gem "Finish Line." Wilson complements his alternately silky and punchy lead sax lines and bright horn textures with a tasty, elegant piano solo over the tight grooves of bassist Cornelius Mims, drummer Eric Valentine and legendary percussionist Lenny Castro.
Listening Loft : ESSENTIALS
Veteran composer, pianist and producer Dan Alan Levine's deeply inspirational, soulful single "Echoes In the Dark" is a stirring collaboration with lyricist Susan Scibetta and sultry New England-based vocalist Samantha Mae, making her impactful Smooth Jazz debut singing hard-hitting yet uplifting lyrics about the strength it takes to find our way back in the wake of loss. Featuring Levine's sparkling piano solo, as well as a stunning trumpet improvisation, the song is the former TV orchestrator/arranger and Tony nominee's follow-up to his successful debut album OVER THE MOON and subsequent remixes of the project deeper cuts featuring Kim Scott and Jeanette Harris.
Shifting his dreams from baseball to music while at Kent State, Darryl Alexander is a diverse Renaissance man who's composed music for major TV shows (Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America), toured with a gospel band, served as host of Sunday Jazz on Star 94.7, performed with Jackiem Joyner and Jeff Kashiwa and continues to work with youth-related non-profits. Alexander's easy grooving drums and percussion and rich keyboard harmonies are the driving force behind his lush and seductive mid-tempo elegant funk single "Rise Up," a day-brightening tune featuring veteran saxophonist Kenny Blake's silky lines and Pete Tokar's sparkling acoustic piano and simmering Rhodes energy. You can't help but be inspired by this unforgettable melody!
In 2022, German scientist turned composer, keyboardist and prolific Smooth Jazz hitmaker Amandus joined forces with versatile guitarist Uli Broderson on the EP GROOVE INFECTION. Continuing to build on their tight, funky grooves, peppy melodies and colorful atmospheres, they joined forces with veteran drummer Alvin Mills to create the new genre supergroup AMB. The amped up trio follows their debut single "In the Curve" with the uplifting jam "Friday Evening," a buoyant track specially designed to celebrate the end of the workweek and the liberating start of the weekend. Broderson's crunchy solo improvisation perfectly complements Amandus' catchy keyboard hook.
The only Smooth Jazz artist in history to have toured and recorded with legendary jazz figures Pat Martino and Jimmy Smith, veteran organist Tony Monaco - now emerging in the genre as "B3 Monaco" - knew the best guy to call to artfully transition from straight ahead to smooth was producer, guitarist and mega hitmaker Paul Brown, who collaborated with Brian Bromberg and others on both Monaco's breakthrough single "Down to the 9" and his latest, uber-hooky, soulfully seductive new ballad "Love Charade." The organist's slow-simmering, sweetly melodic touch and dynamic soloing on the B-3 pair perfectly with Brown's subtle bluesy guitar sensibilities and soothing atmospheres.
The hybrid brainchild of veteran composer/multi-instrumentalist Tracy M, Balance9 is a fascinating collective of socially conscious artists whose self-styled SyntheticJazzySoul, blends dreamy, laid-back urban chill vibes with sophisticated jazz riffs, tribal rhythms, moments of funk and rap. Relaxing and provocative, their third album STICKY WATERS creates a sonically innovative, cosmic type of Smooth Jazz reflective of Balance9's commitment to shaping the future of sound. Highlights include thoughtful vocal passages by Denise (Taufie) Beason and Alex (Natoni) Taylor, Theo (Teddy) Diaz and Carlyle Barriteau's fiery guitars, flutist Dawn Norfleet, Lahsoul's emotionally impactful raps, the tasty tenor sax of Zane St. Andre Jackson and APJ's punchy sax & EWI sweetness! Balance9 harmonizes with humanity, via the 9 elements of music.
It's likely that the delightfully versatile, multi-lingual Sylvia Bennett is the only vocalist in history to have worked with Smooth Jazz greats Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East as well as the legendary Lionel Hampton. Hampton got it right years ago when he praised her with "Man, that lady can sing!" Bennett's living up to those words more emphatically than ever with her latest single "Be True To Me," a charming and winsome romantic ballad with enrapturing percussive rhythms and whimsical Spanish guitar harmonies behind her silky vocals. With great style and wisdom, she's sharing a simple message crucial to any sustainable relationship.
Veteran Louisiana bred saxophonist Jeremy Benoit came upon his clever nickname "The Real JB Saax" when an MC at his first album release concert coined his group JB Saax and the BaND! He's since become huge on the festival circuit and opened shows for the likes of Vickie Winans, Frankie Beverly and Regina Carter on his way to establishing himself as a Smooth Jazz artist. Though his EP FOR THE LOVE OF YOU features a sensual, breezy take on the Isley Brothers classic, JB is sheer dynamite on the four originals, creating a journey with varying moods, grooves and attitudes, balancing danceable dynamics, emotional fire-power and romantic rhythms.
While steeped in gospel music growing up in a musical family in South Carolina, Grammy nominated trombonist Hank Bilal spent many years immersing in traditional jazz before emerging as a Smooth Jazz artist in the mid 2010s. In addition to playing behind Aretha Franklin at the Grammys, his sideman resume includes playing with Gerald Albright, who he invites to create a power-packed horn duality and snappy horn section magic on his seductive, easy-grooving, slow-burning latest single "Proceed to the Route." As a bonus, Albright creates the tasty, tight bass grooves behind their infectious melodic alternating solo action, with the two offering cool intertwining "conversations" and sweet harmonizing.
The title of veteran guitarist dee Brown’s sixth full length album MISTER SMOOTH isn’t just a riff on being an influential Smooth Jazz hitmaker, it’s a hip persona of a man and musician he says “is consistently on top of things and maintains control in every situation.” With several titles (“Charismatic,” “Charming,” “Finesse”) that capture aspects of this aesthetic, Brown is at the top of his crisp, coolly melodic game, bringing fresh silk and funk (along with dashes of disco and rock!) to a set of eight fire originals, a whimsical Sister Sledge cover and his recent holiday streaming hit, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
Veteran guitarist/composer Mark Carter, who last regaled us with his 2022 Paul Brown produced #1 Chartbound single "Swingtown," finds the perfect way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut album IT'S ABOUT TIME - with this latest collection COAST TO COAST. It's a stylistically diverse Smooth Jazz travelogue that ventures from breezy, lighthearted, even tropical-tinged light funk romps about his home region of SoCal to more muscular, bluesy and edgier tunes inspired by NYC and Memphis. Along the way, he dedicates two of the collection's most heartfelt expressions to the gypsy soul of his son Jason and the courage of his granddaughter Louisa, who has autism.
Eight years after veteran Smooth Jazz guitarist U-Nam joined forces with the late Ronny Jordan, dee Brown and others and unleashe the Cool Guitars' debut album, he returns to lay the foundation for a sequel project via a single duet with veteran R&B/jazz guitarist Henry Johnson (Donny Hathaway, Ramsey Lewis) on an emotionally impactful reworking of Teddy Pendergrass' iconic trademark hit "Love T.K.O." Fashioned as an intricate conversation between two jazz greats, the spacious, laid back arrangement allows fluid melodic spotlights and snazzy, intricate improvisations for each, in addition to some truly mesmerizing dual passages, buoyed throughout by caressing synth textures. It's a for sure knock out for jazz guitar lovers!
E. Pruitt's history of musical diversity ensures that the veteran bassist and popular Seattle-based performer is likely the only Smooth Jazz artist who has opened for top rock icons (The Scorpions, Paul Stanley and Brett Michaels), genre peers (Norman Brown, Gerald Albright) as well as a Miles Davis tribute band Miles and Miles himself. He sets the stage for his upcoming debut solo album BASS GRAFITTI with his latest single, a fresh and funky, brassy and mystical twist on Peter White's breezy 2009 hit "Good Day" that takes it to a deeper emotional dimension via Pruitt's tight bass melody and dynamic soloing.
Four decades after hitting #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart as lead singer of the trio Sinnamon, Barbara Fowler (known artistically as simply "B") - who has shared stages with everyone from Luther Vandross to Kim Waters - is still hypnotizing and grooving as a versatile, soulful and swinging jazz/R&B song stylist. On her latest EP SOULFUL REFLECTIONS VOL II, the long-anticipated sequel to the Chris "Big Dog" Davis produced Volume 1, she pays passionate homage to legends Roberta Flack and Billie Holiday with spirited re-imaginings of two classics and a snappy rendition of a Great American Songbook classic amidst a batch of silky romantic originals.
With a clever nickname inspired by Louis Armstrong, James Saxsmo Gates is to Richmond VA what Satchmo was to New Orleans. He's one of the city's most storied musicians, with decades as an educator (founder of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program at Virginia State University) and recording artist who's performed with the likes of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie. Terence Blanchard, Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. The title of his latest album SAXSMO'S DEN feels like an exclusive invitation to a high-spirited, freewheeling jam session showcasing the many sides of his multi-faceted jazz artistry - sometimes funky and burning, often swinging and bluesy, other times sensual and smoky. Along the way, he pays high octane homage to chief influences Cannonball Adderley and Charlie Parker.
Compared favorably throughout her illustrious career to Tina Turner and Ella Fitzgerald, Australian vocal powerhouse Skii Harvey this year celebrates 20 years as a recording artist - a stretch that includes being a Billboard Music Awards and UK Songwriting Awards winner. Continuing to explore the desires and wanderings of amorous hearts with a gritty sense of soul and pointed honesty, she follows her breathtaking ballad, "Wanting You More" with the self-penned, intoxicatingly jazzy pop track "Dancing with the Devil." It's a world-wise, slyly told cautionary tale of how easy it is to overlook bad vibes and be seduced by a charming smile.
Till now, Althea Rene was the undisputed flute queen of Detroit - but she's about to start sharing her crown with immensely talented Smooth Jazz newcomer Deblon Jackson, a veteran flautist of the U.S. Air Force Band who lays a blazing foundation for her solo career with her truly mesmerizing, stylistically eclectic and intensely infectious debut album FLUTOPIA. As the title implies, it's an immersion into the classically trained musicians' mega-charged melodic and improvisational virtuosity, inspired primarily by Hubert Laws and Herbie Mann. It's also a journey to a vibrant new sonic universe brought to life with the inventive production prowess of violinist and multi-instrumentalist Jerald Daemyon.
Riding high off the energy of his recent track "My Side of the Mountain" and currently working on a retro-cool vinyl album to be titled IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK, Abe LaMarca's silky, sophisticated vocals and soothing harmonies on his latest single "Said What You Said" take a bit of the sting off of the rejection and betrayal he sings so beautifully about in the lyrics. For the longtime alumni of the internationally acclaimed Las Vegas ensemble Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, the seductive, mid-tempo ballad is the latest expression of his unique spin on the great Northern soul music he grew up with.
For keyboardist/composer Jeff Logan, having caught the attention of and having Paul Brown produce his recent album INDIGO is the stuff Smooth Jazz dreams are made of. Now firmly established in the genre, the multi-talented artist goes fully DIY for this new single, creating every single sound on his perfectly titled, "Silky Smooth." With a vibe inspired by a combination of life experiences set to art via music, Logan fashions the easy swaying, coolly seductive mid-tempo gem using only his array of keyboards, complementing his moody, atmospheric flow with catchy lead flute and sax melodic lines that are, remarkably, completely synth generated yet authentic sounding. This is truly Silky Smooth!
With a diverse resume that includes serving as a church musician, playing with indie/alternative/soft rock group Moths in the Attic and playing the National Anthem for MLB, NBA and NCAA games and for PGA tour champions, multi-faceted horn player Mike Williams found a unique way to distinguish himself from any other musical "Mike Williams" out there - by adopting the spot-on professional moniker, "Mike Williams on Sax." He follows several soulful holiday recordings with his latest sizzling Smooth Jazz hit "Last Night," a lush and sophisticated, richly textured romantic ballad that's easily one of the steamiest tunes of the year.
Best known as leader and guitarist of Smooth Jazz hitmakers Ghost Jazz Trio, five-time San Diego Music Awards nominee James Morgan has enjoyed some new ventures since his band's 2023 album GROOVIN SMOOTH. After returning to his jazz-fusion roots as part of Morgan/Husband/Feraud (on a project that earned him a 2025 Intercontinental Music Award), he's launched a promising solo career under the name James Morgan Jazz. His second single "Frequency of Love" features his fluid, deeply heartfelt lead guitar melody and intricate solo action over a hypnotic and sparkling keyboard harmony riff that evolves into a cool soul-jazz electric piano solo.
Emerging this year with a stylistically eclectic batch of singles, Indiana born, Connecticut based singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Rick Lewis found the perfect name to encapsulate the essence of his genre-transcendent artistry: Rick Lewis Radio. After releasing several pop and country-oriented songs, he makes an impressive initial foray into Smooth Jazz with "Wish Upon Your Star," a romantic romp showcasing jazzy piano in tandem with the ethereal, Sade-like vocals of #1 Billboard charting British dance and electronic music artist Abigail Z. Adding a little trumpet spice for good measure, this smooth and seductive tune is sure to have contemporary jazz lovers tuning in Rick Lewis Radio!
In addition to an impressive nearly 35-year album discography, versatile singer and guitarist Michael Ross has performed with a bevy of greats from multiple jazz sub genres, including Ramsey Lewis, Ronnie Laws, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Hank Crawford and Candy Dulfer. On his unique two track EP, THE TRIBUTE, the artist cleverly and creatively pays homage to three greats he never got to work with. Ross adds an imaginative spin on Al Jarreau's famous vocals on Antonio Carlos Jobim's timeless, hypnotic "Agua De Beber" and he also delivers a beautiful and thoughtful rendering of Joe Sample's classic "A Rainy Day in Monterey" showcasing an intricate guitar style and production expertise.
Countless Smooth Jazz fans listen to their favorite artists and songs to bring a sense of calm into their lives, but award-winning L.A. based singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, a longtime backup singer working with music elite incluing Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, Billy Idol, Pete Townshend and many others, goes an incredible step further. His graceful and lilting new single "Find a Place" is a soft-spoken anthem with an encouraging personal and universal message of meditation to uplift in these troubled times. As listeners reflect on Schaefer's gentle vocals and positive lyrics, they'll also enjoy the extra tender touch of Gerald Albright's soothing guest sax solo.
Since shifting gears from being a lighting director for pop legends to being a prolific and eclectic guitarist, Global Music Award winner Stephen Duros established himself as a force in flamenco and gypsy music playing with Ottmar Liebert and Lawson Rollins. On "Waves of Time," his exotic, richly intoxicating follow up single to his 2023 album THE MANHATTAN SESSIONS, he joins forces with another renowned world music guitarist, Shahin Shahida (Shahin & Sepehr), to record an artful fusion of Smooth Jazz grooves with global expression. Complemented by a dreamy vocal atmosphere and accented by the world-class sax work of Vincent Henry. The blend is intoxicating with a melody that evokes big feelings as it conjures the ebb and flow vibe of the history of time and how our lives we roll through it.
If there's such a thing as the perfect Smooth Jazz love song, it's "You're the Best Thing," the latest single from silky-voiced jazzy soulstress Heidi Tann featuring the sensual harmonies of and a dreamy solo by 5-time #1 Billboard charting trumpeter Lin Rountree. Co-written by the Philippines born singer with producer Lavelle Powell and adding colorful vocal harmonies by Wayne Preston of the legendary Kinsman Dazz Band, the tune offers a fascinating blend of breezy coolness, easy flowing rhythms and emotional urgency - all in the name of expressing appreciation and gratitude for all of the wonderful things her 'best thing' brings to her life.
Riffing on the title of Byron Thomas' consistently splendid, wildly engaging debut album, the veteran composer/keyboardist may feel he's still UNDER CONSTRUCTION, but Smooth Jazz fans will immediately welcome him as a fully realized visionary artist, committed to picture perfect urban vibing melodies, poppin' improvisations, exquisite balladry and R&B crossover collabs with vocalists C. Lafaye and Dierdre Gaddis. Cleverly nicknamed "morfingarz," his richly textured emerging solo artistry is an outgrowth of his many years as an MD for musicals and his home church in Montgomery, AL. The educator and clinician is also a touring keyboardist with gospel great Tramaine Hawkins.
Just a few months after Brad Pitt starred in the electrifying racing film F1, veteran saxophonist Erly Thornton keeps his momentum flowing towards the upcoming release of his album BETTER TOGETHER with a fast and furious, not to mention funky new tune, "Formula One." It's the Smooth Jazz equivalent of a muscle car featuring intensely emotional playing complemented by guest star Oli Silk's dazzling melodic piano and guitarist Lavon Rushing's popping solo action over an engaging rhythm guitar. Earlier this year, Thornton emerged from nearly a dozen year recording hiatus with the title track to his forthcoming collection, a powerful collaboration with Jeff Kashiwa that fully embodies the BETTER TOGETHER concept. Ready, set, go!
Featuring his tight and snappy melodic lead guitar and swirls of wah-wah guitar excitement over a spirited, throbbing groove, Tim Treadwell's catchy and sonically mesmerizing second single "It's My Time" is truly a declaration that he's arrived as a Smooth Jazz mover and shaker. The Dr. of Smooth Grooves gets to a deeper level where he uses his music - and this turbocharged instrumental anthem - as a call to immediate action for those ready to dig in and chase their dreams. Treadwell's gift of inspiration extends to his work as the author of the book Jewels for the Journey, attributed to his full-titled name of Apostle Timothy A. Treadwell, Ph.D.
A powerful asset to Smooth Jazz since his debut album MANY FACETS in 2013, Air Force Veteran R.L. Walker creates a fascinating array of styles and moods on REAL LOVE, his first EP after six full length projects. Over the course of four tracks, he serves up a refined collection capturing the artist's smooth, soulful style. Timeless, expressive jazz… Complementing his own seductive, slow burning sax balladry with a cherished George Howard classic. Changing things up dramatically, Walker also includes a high-octane, vibraphone-enhanced gem from an early 90s album by the classic (and still active) jazz fusion collective Steps Ahead.
Before finding his niche in writing contemporary Jazz music with his passionate, musically performed, genre-transcendent debut album TRIED & TRUE, versatile drummer Bryant Watson received his bachelors at Cleveland State University in Music Education, while playing rock, fusion, and R&B music. Now he's established himself in New Orleans doing everything from contemporary jazz, funk, soul, fusion to Caribbean music. Providing the alternately intense and subtle pulse behind catchy and adventurous horns, including saxophone performed by his brother Tony Watson Jr. (Pieces Of A Dream) Bryant creates an emphatic sense of optimism via hypnotic original power ballads (including a soaring vocal tribute to his late mom), and brassy funk explorations.
In 2002, veteran composer and five string bassist and OASA Records President, Tony Whitfield paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the people of NYC in the wake of the 9/11 attacks by arranging and producing "New York Hustle" an electrifying, soul and jazz-fired revamp of Van McCoy's Grammy winning disco classic "The Hustle." Featuring Whitfield's potent bass grooves as well as the Grammy Award Winning Jerry Hey Horn Section and guitar work of the late Hiram Bullock, "New York Hustle - 9/11 Tribute" (Instrumental) is being re-released to honor the victims on the 24th anniversary, and works an evergreen magic that gives us the freedom to celebrate life even in the wake of the worst tragedy. Mr. Whitfield is also fulfilling a personal request from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin and conducting a SILENT AUCTION of her Rare Rehearsal Tape.