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While pop fans everywhere have an enduring affection for Gregory Abbott’s debut single and global #1 hit “Shake You Down,” they may not know that the NYC bred singer/songwriter is of Venezuelan and Antiguan origin and has infused his Smooth Jazz songs since 2020 with inspiration from his Caribbean, Latin and R&B roots. His aesthetic as a lifelong musical explorer leads him now to tap into his great passion for Brazilian jazz on his breezy and high spirited, tropical flavored new single “Brazil Is Inside Me (Como Em Casa”) featuring cheerful female backing vocals and a vibe that perfectly reflects the charm and warmth of the Brazilian culture and how it can stick with you even after just one visit to the enchanting country. 
 

A versatile keyboard player for artists in a multitude of genres, the multi-talented Brad Alexander has found a home in Smooth Jazz with his lively piano-centric magic, starting with the 2016 release of his debut album JUST BETWEEN US and continuing these past few years, with eight singles since 2022. With a drop coinciding with the season of fun in the sun, his latest track "Summer Vibes" is the playful, spirited, melodically gripping Smooth Jazz equivalent of a Beach Boys track, a tune that captures the carefree vibe of summer while also showcasing his artful blend of ivory elegance, improvisation and sparkling funk.

Darryl Alexander's pretty much done it all - played college baseball, composed for prominent TV shows and networks (SNL, Good Morning America, Weather Channel), hosted a radio show, been a federal grant reviewer, worked with youth substance and anti-violence non-profit programs and performed with numerous contemporary jazz greats including Jeff Kashiwa, Kenny Blake and Jackiem Joyner. And now Joyner brings his sweet, sultry sax to Alexander's latest single, the smooth and silky "Seen It Before." This beautiful, easy-flowing mid-tempo ballad showcases the artist's inviting musical flair and his fanciful keyboard work, which includes soulful and adventurous Rhodes performances that add a touch of class and coolness to the tune.

Starting with the aptly titled 2022 EP GROOVE INFECTION, the high-spirited, ever-poppin' team of acclaimed German guitarist Uli Brodersen and keyboardist/composer Amandus (aka Michael Quast) have been a prolific force in Smooth Jazz. Vibing now as the trio AMB with veteran drummer Alvin Mills - who's collaborated with the likes of Jeff Lorber and Ronan Keating - the three debut their fresh, sparkling, feel-good sound on their first single "In the Curve." Driven by a killer keyboard melody and featuring an inventive, improvisational guitar solo, the track is everything we've come to expect from Brodersen and Amandus, with the added bonus of Mills' nonstop groove.

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.

Anytime we're graced with a sensuous new single from veteran Grammy nominated vocal charmer Sylvia Bennett, it's appropriate to mention her multi-lingual skills (Spanish and French) and multitude of jazz accolades, including performing with Lionel Hampton and working with Smooth Jazz greats Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East. Yet she's also been lighting up the genre charts for a couple of decades - an impressive streak that will surely continue with "I Still Love You," a sumptuous, reflective, saxophone-spiced ballad whose overall sense of melancholy is tinged with touches of gratitude and ultimately, hope.

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.

Following years as a first call studio and touring backing vocalist for everyone from Earth, Wind & Fire to Stevie Wonder and Boney James, Kimberly Brewer has established herself as a popular Smooth Jazz artist, with singles featuring Walter Beasley, Maysa and Gerald Albright. On her latest, she pays homage to the legendary Quincy Jones, bringing her silky, seductive voice to a hip, rhythmically edgy twist on his 1976 Leon Ware-Minnie Riperton sung classic “If I Ever Lose This Heaven.” This horn-punched version was produced by Chris “Big Dog” Davis and features the sweet, soaring flute of Ragan Whiteside.  

Not to be confused with Detroit based Smooth Jazz guitar great dee Brown, D. Brown (Derek L. Brown) is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer who's enjoyed an eclectic career recording Praise & Worship music, Contemporary Christian, hip-hop, jazz, rock, spoken word and R&B as a solo artist and has recorded two projects with the Smooth Jazz trio Copacetic. His auspiciously titled new album GENESIS finds him joining forces with a handful of guest artists, including guitarist Duane Tribune from Urban Jazz Coalition and trombonist Lexi Hammer to create an electrifying, soulful jazz extravaganza with poppin' melodies, tight grooves, exciting solos and dazzling horn arrangements.

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." 

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!

It's not often that a song debuts on SmoothJazz.com having already won prestigious honors, but "Everything Changed," the dreamily romantic duet by Clearwater FL crooner and songwriter Nick Dukas with fellow Florida vocalist Theo Valentin, recently captured two additional Silver Medals from the Global Music Awards, taking the total to 14 for Dukas, recognizing the brilliance of his original works. Valentin has played and performed with numerous jazz greats, including Roy Ayers and Lonnie Liston Smith. Their voices blend beautifully together on this heartfelt original with soulful harmonies and poetic lyrics that caresses the heart like a long lost Great American Songbook standard.

In years of touring the U.S., Europe and Asia, award winning KC native and Seattle-based bassist/composer E. Pruitt is likely the only Smooth Jazz artist to open for Gerald Albright, B.B. King and Sir Mix-a-Lot. The 2025 Remix version of his single “What Do You Say” features a free-flowing fusion of easy thumping bass, intoxicating wah and electric guitars, soulfully hypnotic sax and the elegant funk of keyboardist, special guest Rick Habana.” Inspired by secret-sharing conversations he observed by two couples of different generations in beautiful Seattle locales. This is a musical way of saying that it’s love that drives people together, and the connection that keeps them dreaming.

Emerging Maryland based Smooth Jazz saxophonist Eddie K Jr.’s commitment to healing and connection has served him well as a music therapist for students with disabilities, an in-demand regional performer and as a Medal of Valor winning police officer for nearly 20 years. On his explosive, yet heartfelt debut album BACK TO SERENITY (Deluxe), his playing is intensely soulful and emotionally intuitive on tunes ranging from edgy funk to the exotic and symphonic. But what really sets him apart from the pack, whether on ballads or the jams, are his bold and sizzling stacked horn textures and vibrant arrangements and production inspired by co-producer Kyle Carson!

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.

After a long work week, Smooth Jazz is always the ticket for a relaxing and inspiring Saturday and Sunday - vibe veteran, guitarist Mark Harper captures this perfectly on his sunny, easy grooving, brass-fired new single "It's The Weekend," produced by Jordache Grant. He also includes some mystical synth touches and a few killer improvisational bars that further showcase the depth of his artistry. Harper, who has shared stages with many Smooth Jazz and gospel luminaries (Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Kirk Franklin) divides his time as a bandleader between the Mark Harper Acoustic Band and the urban flavored Mark Harper Project (the title of his 2010 debut album). Get ready to hit repeat on your favorite streamer, especially on a Monday!

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.

Who doesn’t love the moment someone gives us a triumphant “High Five” for a great achievement or job well done? That’s exactly what fans of James ‘PJ” Spraggins will feel like doing to him when they hear the veteran Smooth Jazz drummer, composer and producer’s latest single. Written by Spraggins, it’s a free-spirited, uplifting jazzy funk celebration of life featuring the always-sparkling piano magic of guest keyboardist/artist Oli Silk, who carries the winsome melody and shares his adventurous improvisational gifts throughout. Lead and rhythm guitarist Eric Essix offers more subtle but still essential support. 

The Kinsman Dazz Band, the original Dazz Band, the 80's R&B hitmakers ("Let It Whip"), has been on a Smooth Jazz roll with four singles in 2024. The iconic band's first album was produced by Phillip Bailey (EWF) and Tommy Vicari (George Duke, Prince). Led by the musical vision of founding member, guitarist, producer and songwriter Michael J. Calhoun, the group's latest track "There" is an easy flowing, dreamily romantic mid-tempo ballad featuring sultry lead vocals by recording artist and award-winning filmmaker Gina Sedman and soaring sax harmonies and solo action by saxophonist Matt Horowich. It's a picture perfect summer playlist tune making us privy to a sensual conversation about planning a much-needed physical and spiritual escape.

A mainstay on the San Diego jazz scene and 5-time nominee for Best Jazz Album at the San Diego Music Awards, veteran guitarist James Morgan is perhaps best known in Smooth Jazz as the leader of the Ghost Jazz Trio, which has released four albums since 2020. Now cleverly branding as James Morgan Jazz, the versatile musician/composer follows his 2024 solo EP A SOUL IN TIME by reminding us to "Live Love." Produced by Morgan with the Smooth Global production team of Sandy Shore and Peet Ferencz, this dreamy mid-tempo ballad showcases the JMJ cool, laid-back melody with mesmerizing piano vibes over a smooth groove.

A few fun facts about wildly prolific Smooth Jazz keyboardist/composer Motown Moe: In addition to releasing 19 albums since 2008, he's a 21-year Air Force veteran who was once a member of the United Steel Workers and United Auto Workers unions. It's bold for any artist to name an album REACHING NEW HEIGHTS, but this musician truly lives up to the title of his latest, stylistically and rhythmically diverse collection, which invites us into a continuously inventive sonic universe. Grounded in his snappy R&B, chill, electro-jazz melodies and tight grooves, the collection features artful touches with guitar, flute, sax, trumpet, adventurous synth atmospheres and ethereal female vocals!

With the drop of pianist/composer Lori Nicely’s fresh, emotionally raw and sublimely funked out new single “Come on Down” featuring Selina Albright, it’s clear Smooth Jazz has a great instrumental/vocal duo on its hands. Marking the second collab between the two, following Nicely’s passionate 2024 ballad “Reach into My Heart,” the track delights nonstop with a frolicsome fusion of Selina’s gospel/soul lead and textured backing vocals and Nicely’s hypnotic/melodic ivory dazzle and percussive chords. The invitation to “Come on Down” grooves and bounces mightily thanks to the buoyant rhythm section of bassist Vernon Prout and drummer Mike Reid.

Since establishing herself as a Smooth Jazz force on her self-titled 2014 debut album, flute virtuoso Sherry Reeves has performed with everyone from Ben Tankard and Vincent Ingala to Kim Waters and was voted Best Jazz Female Performer by the Alabama Music Awards. The melodic master returns with an impactful, heart-tugging 3-track EP whose title VOYAGE, is no doubt a reference to her exciting musical journey. Featuring the crisp, crackling guitar harmonies and solos of Eric Dubose and Cashmere Williams, Sherry’s fanciful funky vibes sandwich a soothing, breezy ballad, creating a perfect representation of her stylish artistry.  

Celebrating a remarkably prolific three decades as a recording artist, versatile saxophonist Mekiel Reuben infuses his infectiously exotic, rhythmically eclectic latest album SOMETHING LIKE THAT with a multitude of exciting influences. Starting with the driving R&B of his hometown Chicago and the explosive grooves he picked up touring internationally with Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm, Reuben's journey here includes alternating sultry and percussive calypso, Latin and reggae vibes from his years in St. Croix, Smooth Jazz (via a a lead single paying homage to Boney James and Kirk Whalum) and a passionate tribute to a Wayne Shorter classic. Lively and engaging from start to finish, the perfect set list for jazz lovers!

Currently one of Dallas’ busiest musicians, to the tune of 15-20 shows a month at luxury hotels, wineries, cocktail lounges and private events, guitarist Randy Sloan – a veteran of numerous West coast rock and Top 40 bands – follows his prolific 2024 Smooth Jazz emergence with his latest single “Pop’s Bebop!.” Another grand showcase for his crisp yet fluid melodic style, the track, despite a hipster title referring to a classic style of jazz, is a picture perfect song, fast paced, funky and brass-punched Smooth Jazz through and through. The track is a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Torrey Brown, whose adventurous trumpet solo is a delightful highlight. 
 

A versatile veteran guitarist in the classic Wes Montgomery/George Benson mold, Ronny Smith laid the groundwork for his prolific 25-year Smooth Jazz career by performing in U.S. Army bands all over the U.S. and Europe during four years of active duty and 31 years of part time service. His perfectly titled 10th album CRUSIN keeps his trademark fusion of killer licks, endless energy, silky melodies and occasional wordless vocals flowing freely. While the focus is always on his shimmering guitar, he adds a few exciting production touches along the way, including sparkling horns, bluesy organ magic and sexy, percussive Latin/tropical atmospheres.
 

From the first notes, you can feel the gentle breeze of a tropical island washing over you. Matt Horwich’s saxophone sets the tone, smooth and soulful, like the the perfect soundtrack to a lazy afternoon by the beach. Guitars by Chris Cuda and Vic Smiley blend seamlessly with Pete Tokar’s lush keyboards, strings, and percussion, creating an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and alive. And let’s not forget the steel drums and marimba playing of Duncan Crooks—these touches add that irresistible island flavor that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into vacation mode along with the background vocals of Michael J Calhoun, Chris Cuda and Wayne Preston. Heidi, a multi-talented, Phillippines-born singer delivers a silky, intimate voice that soars on the wings of The Kinsman Dazz Band.Turn this one up and you'll feel the sunshine!

Produced and written by Kinsman Dazz Band
Written by Michael J Calhoun
Lead Vocals by Heidi Tann Sax, Matt Horwich Chris Cuda and Vic Smiley
Guitars by Pete Tokar
Keyboards, Strings, Bass and Drums by Duncan Crooks
Keyboards, Marimba, and Steel Drums Produced by Michael Calhoun and Pete Tokar
Music Arrangement by Michael J Calhoun, Pete Tokar, and Duncan Crooks
Vocal Arrangement by Michael J Calhoun, Wayne Preston and Chris Cuda
Background Vocals by Michael J Calhoun, Wayne Preston, and Chris Cuda
Engineering and Mixing by Pete Tokar

The accomplished veteran saxophonist's soaring, super-engaging, soulful single titled "Better Together" is exuberantly, referring to and celebrating the great joys of jazz collaboration, quite literally, by duetting with fellow horn master Jeff Kashiwa. The two create gorgeous harmonies on the instantly hummable chorus while shining individually as they trade off inspiring leads on the verses. Some 13 years after releasing his album IN TRANSIT, Thornton is getting back in the game with his upcoming collection (appropriately sharing the title BETTER TOGETHER) on his own recording label, Groove Elation Records, which will feature more exciting collabs, including one with Oli Silk!

Arkansas native Michael Walker brings a unique mix of non-jazz guitar influences to his ongoing emergence as a Smooth Jazz recording artist, starting with listening to his grandmother's old B.B. King records and seeing Roy Clark perform the country variety show Hee Haw. Those childhood experiences, combined with a keen sense of melody and mood-setting, led to the silky, fluid vibe and intricate playing he showcases on his latest single "Paradise." Starting with a gently caressing synth ambience, he weaves his infectious, often hypnotic string magic over warm, intimate classic styled keyboard sounds to create the perfect laid-back soundtrack for summer nights!

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.