CAROL ALBERT | Fly Away Butterfly | CAHARA
ABRAHAM DAY | The Purpose | Bear Music Tunes
CHARLES GREENE | 10 Easy Pieces | Charles Greene
NEW LATITUDE | Vantage Point | New Latitude
ROBERT MILLER'S PROJECT GRAND SLAM | The PGS Experience | Cakewalk Records
JIM SAMUEL | Ride Like The Wind | Smooth Dance Records
PRESTON SMITH | On The Surface | Innervision records
SELINA ALBRIGHT Conversations Golden Rays Music
Selina Albright has been a presence in the Smooth Jazz world for the past 20 years, collaborating with and appearing on many of her father's, multi-Grammy nominated saxophonist, Gerald Albright’s recordings - as well as performing with him and countless genre superstars. After hitting the UK soul charts and the iTunes “Top 100 Downloads” with previous tracks, Selina blossoms fully as a transcendently soulful, urban jazz/R&B singer-songwriter on her diverse and compelling full length debut CONVERSATIONS. With vocals whose dynamics range from hushed and intimate to heights of extraordinary emotional power, she inhabits tracks infused with clever lyrics, sensual atmospheres (reflective of her success in EDM), and fresh contemporary grooves. Selina’s debut is bound to start a lot of exciting CONVERSATIONS!
SYLVIA BENNETT For You Out of Sight Music
Sylvia Bennett continues her journey into smooth original music… her brand new album FOR YOU, delivers another successful set of contemporary, sensuous songs from the Grammy-nominated, Miami-based vocalist and songwriter. On the heals of IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE, which climbed up to #24 in 2016 on SmoothJazz.com’s Top 50 Album Airplay Chart. The new release features the successful collaborative combo with Ms. Bennett’s longtime producer and writing partner, Hal S. Batt. The renowned Miami producer and After Hours studio owner has worked with some of the biggest names in Miami recording history including Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Regina Belle and many more. Also, this go around, Sylvia invites Hungarian violinist and bandleader Peter Ferencz from the Smooth Jazz/Pop ensemble, Peet Project, on the track "Two Hearts One Soul." Modern love songs, jazzy chilled arrangements, heart string-tugging vocals and sophisticated musicianship… FOR YOU is for all of us!
RICK BRAUN Around The Horn Shanachie Entertainment
Seventeen albums deep into one of Smooth Jazz’s most extraordinary careers, trumpet and flugelhorn great, composer and producer Rick Braun continues to explore and push his creative boundaries. His Shanachie Entertainment debut AROUND THE HORN covers a lot of fresh, exciting stylistic territory, with exotic vibes from Brazil, South Africa, and Portugal, in addition to soulful, sonically intricate re-imaginings of contemporary pop hits by Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez. Artfully connecting groove intensity and tender intimacy, Braun works his magic with an array of incredible guest artists, including Peter White, fellow trumpeter Till Bronner, singer John Stoddart and new labelmate, vocalist and songwriter Lindsey Webster. The well- traveled Braun takes us all AROUND THE HORN for one of this year’s most enticing musical adventures!
BROTHER 2 BROTHER f. Carter Carter Can I Take You There Grandiora Records
Move over, Philly! Siblings Winston and Charles (Chaz) Carter – collectively known as BROTHER 2 BROTHER featuring Carter Carter - are declaring their hometown of Pittsburgh the official city of Brotherly Jazz. The electric guitar and drummer duo backs their boldness with a list of prime opening gigs (Cameo, Bobby Brown, Angela Bofill, Parliament Funkadelic) and a tight, melodic, in the pocket debut CAN I TAKE YOU THERE. Helmed by producer Chuck Cymone – who has done projects with Chris Standring, Eric Darius, Peter White, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot – the song set spotlights the Carter’s prowess on their respective instruments and creates an inviting, sonically expansive world full of sultry contemporary jazz and R&B. When BROTHER 2 BROTHER asks, CAN I TAKE YOU THERE, you’re gonna say yes!
NORMAN BROWN Let It Go Shanachie Entertainment
On LET IT GO, Norman Brown’s first solo album in five years, one of Smooth Jazz’s core superstar guitarists has a spiritual mission in mind. The driving forces behind the exhilarating journey are the principles of Maat, the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, harmony, morality and justice. His personal truth and blueprint for self-realization and actualization is an incendiary mix of freewheeling funk jams (with sparks of Latin jazz and blues) and uplifting ballads. Adding enlightenment are BWB bandmates Rick Braun and Kirk Whalum, Marion Meadows, Chante Moore, Sounds of Blackness, TrayCar and S.O.U.L (Sisters of Unbreakable Love), a trio of his three multi-talented vocalist daughters. Even as Brown’s latest magical mix is spiritually designed to help you LET IT GO, you’ll be clinging to its inspirational power for a long time.
THE ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT The Allen Carman Project The Allen Carman Project
Infused with a high energy, super-melodic tight funk vibe perfectly captured in the title of its first single “Groove Salad,” THE ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT – both the group and the album - marks bassist Allen Carman’s highly anticipated official return to music after several decades away. He began his earlier career sharing the stage with everyone from Vince Gill and Bobby Caldwell to Joe Lala (Stephen Stills, Bee Gees) and Chris Pinnick (Chicago), so it’s no surprise that he’s once again surrounded by musical greats. The Allan Carman Project’s fresh rhythms and delicious jams feature keyboardist Phillipe Saisse, percussionist Gumbi Ortiz, saxman Andy Snitzer and drummer Luis Alicea. THE ALLEN CARMAN PROJECT is an exciting way to energize the New Year!
DANIEL CHIA In The Moment Soundgrove Records
After cutting his musical teeth with numerous pop stars in his native Singapore and scoring appearances at top Asian and other international festivals, saxophonist Daniel Chia is bringing his inviting, easy grooving blend of cool jazz, R&B and retro soul to the U.S. for the first time on his star-studded U.S. debut, IN THE MOMENT. With double Grammy winning producer and guitarist Paul Brown at the helm and guest appearances by Brown, Darren Rahn and singer Melina, Chia’s playful funk, passion and panache make for an exuberant urban jazz ride, in a similar vibe as Boney James – complete with California-centric song titles! Since arriving Stateside, he’s performed with both Peter White and Grammy nominated vocal group DW3. Audiences are quickly discovering that there’s no better way to live IN THE MOMENT!
JAN DALEY The Way Of A Woman Log Records
A deeply versatile force of musical nature, veteran recording artist, touring performer and actress Jan Daley laid the foundation for her new full length album THE WAY OF A WOMAN with her acclaimed EP WHEN SUNNY GETS BLUE. It’s testament to her powerful skills as a songwriter that her six originals on the album – a mix of fun, swinging jazz and classy, contemporary, pop jazz ballads – fit in perfectly alongside the five Great American Songbook standards that also appeared on the previous EP. Legendary Motown producer and songwriter Michael B. Sutton guides Daley’s exquisite and adventurous path into moments of hushed intimacy and spirited soulfulness. THE WAY OF A WOMAN is a musical path that’s a joy to follow!
NATHAN EAST Reverence Yamaha Entertainment Group
It’s a combination of raw talent, focus, commitment, and joy that makes this musician exquisite. All eyes are on bassist/composer Nathan East as he revels in the success of his sophomore album, REVERENCE, on Yamaha Entertainment Group. The audio tapestry of this collection is artful, articulate and inspired. The Fourplay founding member, began his solo recording career after four decades of musical mastery and collaboration with some of the finest on the planet. The list is too amazing to not highlight, including Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton (whom East is touring with this year), Phil Collins, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder... well you get the picture! From the out of the box, chart-topping first single, the joyous, contemporary jazz joint, “Lifecycle,” to his monstrous cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Serpentine Fire,” featuring, wait for it, actual members of E,W&F, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson, only Nathan has this much love in the bank to make this kind of magic happen! Track by track, REVERENCE will lead you to a sweeter place, one soulful, funky, jazzy tune at a time!
AL GOMEZ Catchin' A Vibe Shade Records
One of the most versatile musicians in Texas, Al Gomez started out as a trombone player with local Tejano bands before evolving into a first call guitarist, playing and sharing the stage with everyone from Selena, Aaron Neville and Willie Nelson to Carlos Santana and Buddy Guy. After funkin’ up the Smooth Jazz world a bit with his critically-acclaimed 2014 debut CASA GROOVE, the electric guitarist brings his rich, infectious sound to his cool follow-up EP CATCHIN’ A VIBE. The set is full of edgy licks, vibey grooves, irresistible melodies and moments to dance and later romance. In addition to its awesome originals, Gomez includes dynamic re-imaginings of classics by Dr. John, Luther Vandross and George Duke. Don't delay, catch this vibe today!
REZA KHAN Wind Dance Painted Media
The inspiration behind Bangladesh Born and Raised, NYC based, world-fusion guitarist and composer, Reza Khan’s 4th solo album release, WIND DANCE, came in an instance, upon a breeze and swirled meaning through movement into the recording artist’s mind. "This is a story of a Twilight Dream," Reza recalls, which sparked a song title on the new album, he continues, “it happened in a breath of an instance or in a whole life, I don’t know.” This engaging collection is magical and mystical in a way that only Reza can harness through composition and playing. The guests on the project are as special as the music itself, including performances from Andy Snitzer, Philippe Saisse, Nelson Rangell, Mark Egan, Miles Gilderdale, and Marc Antoine. WIND DANCE will move your mind and body through a journey of sweet reflection and musical expression, prepare to be blown away!
TONY LINDSAY Tony Lindsay Next Move Entertainment - Canada/Lindseed Music
11-time Grammy winning singer Tony Lindsay is world renowned for being a frontman on numerous tours with Santana and recording or performing with The O’Jays, Al Jarreau, Steve Winwood, Aretha Franklin and the late Teddy Pendergrass. He’s also legendary in the San Francisco Bay Area for leading his R&B/Jazz/Pop ensemble Spang-a-Lang. Lindsay’s deeply soulful, self-titled album showcases the vocalist's incredible range and stylistic versatility, from Smooth Jazz laced R&B ballads and Latin-tinged jazz to Santana influenced fusion... the project includes the artist's debut international hit single, "Only If You Knew What My Eyes See," as well as his new ballad, I Can't Pretend" with featuring rich vocals and acoustic jazz guitar. Catch this world class performer and entertainer live at your earliest convenience.
JAEE LOGAN Sun Rider Lounge Renown Records
A renowned artist, producer, songwriter, vocal coach, session musician and performer, the multi-talented Jaee Logan brings a lifetime of musical joy to his emergence as a Smooth Jazz artist. In addition to selling over 30 million records worldwide, he has worked with everyone from Sheila E, Pebbles and Club Nouveau to Rosie Gaines, Digital Underground and Bobby Brown. The project's first single, "Morning," features special album guest, legendary Earth, Wind & Fire founder, Verdine White. While the album's 2nd tune, the title track, works its way up the Charts, the full debut lands, delivering a sound filled with jazz, funk and love with a sweet, soulful keyboard vibe of the 70's promising to enchant music fans around the world.
MAYSA Love Is A Battlefield Shanachie Entertainment
One of the most sensual contemporary urban jazz vocalists of our time, Grammy nominee and Soul Train Award winner Maysa, fashions the ultimate playlist of past and present personal influences on her latest Shanachie album LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD. Soulfully, gracefully and sometimes sassily re-imagining favorite songs from throughout her lifetime, the singer uncovers fresh emotional depth and shimmering sultriness on classics by Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, Natalie Cole, Tevin Campbell, Pat Benatar, Odyssey and - bringing her right up to date - Justin Bieber. Helping bring Maysa’s musical ideas to life is a dream team of top R&B, jazz and pop producers, including Jason Miles, Chris “Big Dog” Davis and The Heavyweights. Rediscover these carefully chose, timeless songs in Maysavision on LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD!
GARY PALMER Coast 2 Coast Lauderdale Beach Recordings
While he enjoyed widespread acclaim for his self-produced debut 2015 LOVE ME AGAIN, saxophonist Gary Palmer – eager to learn more about production, embrace new sonic textures and up his creative game – opted to work with top Smooth Jazz producers on his upcoming follow-up COAST 2 COAST. On Palmer’s latest single “Land Of the Sun,” double Grammy winner Paul Brown adds his simmering, old school production vibe and crisp guitar licks to Palmer’s slinky, sensual pure soul melody – all complemented by guest pianist Bob Baldwin’s elegant, harmonic touch. “Land Of the Sun” is a bright, ultra-romantic prelude to the magic Palmer will soon be letting loose on COAST 2 COAST!
PIECES OF A DREAM Just Funkin' Around Shanachie Entertainment
Over 40 years after Grover Washington Jr. discovered, nurtured and produced keyboardist James Lloyd and bassist Curtis Harmon when they were high school phenoms in Philly, the duo known as Pieces of a Dream keep the powerhouse melodies and deep grooves flowing stronger than ever on their latest Shanachie album JUST FUNKIN’ AROUND, featuring 10 new originals including the hit "Right Back Atcha." Balancing the high energy, joyful celebration with smoother, laid back expressions, the inventive duo’s creative whimsy launches from a foundation of Lloyd’s acoustic piano and old school keyboards. Several of the tracks feature well-placed sizzling horn sections and the intensely emotional sax of Tony Watson, Jr. Spend some time JUST FUNKIN’ AROUND yourself, let Pieces of a Dream pave the way.
KENNEY POLSON Paradise Vol. 1 Sony
After earning four college degrees and teaching for years everywhere from Bogota and Rio to Beijing, saxophonist and composer Kenney Polson returns to recording and performing music full time with the release of an album whose title perfectly describes the listening experience: PARADISE, VOL. 1. Drawing on his passions for jazz, new age, Latin, R&B, funk and gospel, Polson creates a spirited, soulful mix of melodic tunes, jazzy riffs and dreamy atmospheres with top Brazilian musicians he has recorded with previously. In all, the versatile musical force of nature has visited and performed in over 50 countries. He pools all those magical experiences and vibes together to create a true musical PARADISE! Best of all, the second half of the album title promises there’s more to come!
ROBERT MILLER'S PROJECT GRAND SLAM The PGS Experience Cakewalk Records
Robert Miller’s original lineup of Project Grand Slam in the late 2000s scored hit singles and an appearance on TV’s “Lipstick Jungle.” Now, reforming his popular ensemble with an “international cartel” of top musicians, the veteran NYC bassist, bandleader and composer finds the perfect way to showcase the band’s fast and furious (and sometimes tropical) funk, infectious melodies and spirited jams on The PGS EXPERIENCE. Refashioning the band as a jazz-rock fusion outfit, Miller boldly mixes five studio tracks… including two powerhouse originals featuring sax star, Mindi Abair and PGS-style covers of classics by Cream and Phish, with four live performances that capture the raw energy, dynamic musicianship and of the band onstage. Live and in the studio, THE PGS EXPERIENCE takes both genres to exciting new levels!
LAWSON ROLLINS 3 Minutes To Midnight Infinita Records
The title is intriguing in these current times, while it does elude to a sense of urgency, award-winning, world beat guitarist/composer Lawson Rollins’ focus on 3 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT is really on the exhilaration of the speed of sound as well as the mystical power of the number 3. This clean, stripped-down recording features twelve multicultural compositions all in the 3-minute range, and exploding with Lawson’s famed finger style guitar playing, a radical departure for the Billboard chart-topping artist known for elaborately-constructed tracks that are at least twice as long. Produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella utilizing Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico and drummer/percussionist Dave Bryant joined Rollins and Camardella who is featured on keys. 3 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT is dazzling, pertinent and explosive… get it now, time is of the essence!
BRENDAN ROTHWELL Time On My Hands Independent
Canadian composer, bassist and producer Brendan Rothwell cites Marcus Miller’s work on Miles Davis’ classic recording TUTU as the reason he chose his lead instrument. On his debut album TIME ON MY HANDS, he emphatically bucks the trend of the bass being in the background. Optimizing the tone, scale, feeling and musicality of the instrument, he showcases its ability to stir melodic excitement while creating deep, hypnotic rhythms. While his soulful, funky fluidity often brings to mind the coolness of the late Wayman Tisdale, there’s also an atmospheric, trippy and mystical exploratory vibe influenced by Miller’s slow simmering fusion style. Fans of Stanley Clarke and Brian Bromberg will be fully engaged as well. You’ll enjoy keeping time with TIME ON MY HANDS!
PAOLO RUSTICHELLI Voyager Next Age Music
Paolo Rustichelli took the Smooth Jazz world by surprise in 1990 with his innovative hit, “Paisa,” a tune created entirely with computer plug-ins played by Paolo himself! From then on, the ‘One Man Band’ began delivering an impressive, never-ending collection of radio-friendly, charting songs with his signature sound of Smooth Jazz meets Electro-digital pop. It’s no surprise that many artists, including famous names are inspired by Paolo’s music! He adds the freshness of the Mediterranean to a custom cocktail of contemporary and classic spices, concocting a powerful blend of extraordinary sounds with a familiar feeling. No wonder former musical collaborators, Carlos Santana and Miles Davis, consider Paolo a great composer and unique talent! His latest single, “Voyager,” from the forthcoming album ELECTRO SMOOTH, is a journey through Paolo’s everyday life, living in the heart of the Mediterranean landscape near Rome, Italy and inside the soul of solar music and beyond. “Voyager” is the super hit for summer 2017 and further proof that Paolo has mastered sonic perfection for today’s Smooth Jazz!
TONY SAUNDERS Uptown Jazz San Francisco Records
The son of legendary keyboardist/composer Merl Saunders, Tony Saunders was taught piano by Herbie Hancock and for his tenth birthday received an electric organ from Sly Stone. But the magic started happening once he shifted to bass, and the two time Emmy Award winner’s s third album UPTOWN JAZZ on San Francisco Records is a full-blown celebration of the multiple ways he grooves. Joyfully eclectic throughout, he launched the album with the brassy, ultra-funky title track single that featured Gabriel Mark Hasselbach and Tower of Power’s Mic Gillete on horns and Paul Hardcastle, Jr. on sax. Saunders’ bass also bubbles beneath the emotional sax passion of Gerald Albright and later engages on an improvisation rich jazz-fusion journey also featuring saxophonists Tom Politzer (Tower Of Power) and Rock Hendricks and vocalist Sakai (Train)! UPTOWN JAZZ gonna give it to ya!
ROBERTO TOLA Bein' Green Roberto Tola
Italian born guitarist Roberto Tola brings a fascinating 30 year history to BEIN’ GREEN, his ultra-melodic, playfully grooving and breezily exotic debut Smooth Jazz album. In the 80s, he led JAZZMANIA before joining the Italian jazz big band ensemble Blue Note Orchestra. For over 20 years, he was the official guitar of the “Orchestra Jazz della Sardegna” (Sardinia Jazz Orchestra), based in his hometown. Among the hundreds of artists Tola has performed with are British singer Jill Saward and Yellowjackets saxman Bob Mintzer, who join a dynamic all-star guest list (also featuring Najee, Bill McGee, Bill Sharpe and Tim Collins) to help the nimble electric and acoustic guitarist create the album’s fascinating emotional and rhythmic ebbs and flows. Forget what Kermit once sang… it’s easy BEIN’ GREEN!
URBANITY Urban Soul Alfi Records
Celebrating an extraordinary 27-year personal and musical friendship, URBAN SOUL is the compelling first album under the name Urbanity by renowned Australian musicians, guitarist Albare and keyboardist Phil Turcio. Packed with dreamy, sensual melodies, lush atmospheres, easy funk, and touches of traditional jazz improvisation, the collection showcases innate instincts and gorgeous grooves that can only happen when two musical titans share this kind of history. Reuniting after many years, the duo paved the way for Urbanity when Turcio joined Albare’s band International Travel Diary, which toured the world from 2012 to 2014; Turcio later played on two Albare solo recordings. Smooth Jazz fans across the globe are sure to be seduced by the jazzy vibes of URBAN SOUL!
LINDSEY WEBSTER Back To Your Heart Shanachie Entertainment
SoulTracks found the perfect way to describe Lindsey Webster’s artful dual talents as a vocalist and songwriter: “If Carole King and Sade had a kid, she would be Lindsey Webster.” The Sade comparison is particularly apropos. The rising soul/jazz star has perhaps Smooth Jazz’s most sensually inviting voice since the Nigerian born singer first charmed us. Webster is also the first vocalist since Sade to hit #1 on the contemporary jazz charts (“Fool Me Once”). On her lush, beautifully intimate and easy flowing Shanachie Records debut BACK TO THE HEART, she delivers smokey, honey toned vocals on a batch of soulful originals, including one inspired by and featuring Kirk Whalum. Open up and let Lindsey Webster take you BACK TO YOUR HEART!
CAROL ALBERT Fly Away Butterfly CAHARA
Veteran Atlanta composer, keyboardist and vocalist sets the stage for her upcoming concept album FLY AWAY BUTTERFLY with a soaring, inspirational twist on Al Jarreau’s classic 1988 song “One Way.” The perfect way to pay homage to one of her jazz heroes, the lightly exotic, high octane, re-imagining uses the sensual verse sections to invite us in before exploding into a high energy jam that features the powerhouse sax of Sam Skelton. “One Way” is the only way to this kind of sheer enjoyment!
HERB ALPERT Music Vol. 1 Herb Alpert Presents
Sounding as fresh, hip, edgy and tuneful as ever at 82, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and nine time Grammy winner Herb Alpert takes his inimitable trumpet to many fascinating places on MUSIC VOL. 1. Teaming with Grammy winning producer Jochem van der Saag (Andrea Bocelli, Seal, Destiny’s Child), the legend mines some seriously deep cool and electronic soulfulness in re-imagining many blasts from the past popularized by The Beatles, John Lennon, Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra and his legendary band The Tijuana Brass, as well as from modern pop crooner, Jason Mraz! Blissfully bridging past and present, MUSIC VOL. 1 shows that the master is still in top form!
JAVO BARRERA Far From Home Behind The Tree Music
A household name on the Latin American music scene, drummer, producer and composer Javo Barrera has been featured on numerous Grammy winning recordings and served as musical director for top Latin artists. His highly anticipated debut FAR FROM HOME offers a wildly eclectic, rhythmically diverse and explosive cultural blend, full of funky grooves and lush melodies infused with sizzle and cool. Najee (playing flute) is among many the many musical greats invited to this jam. FAR FROM HOME is for fans who like their Smooth Jazz exotic!
ANDRE CAVOR Road Trip The Cavor Music Group LLC.
Mega-popular in his native Cleveland as bandleader of the 11-piece musical collective The Cavor Project, saxophonist Andre Cavor steps out with his uplifting sensual funk vibes on his debut album ROAD TRIP. Under the production guidance of fellow saxophonist Darren Rahn, Cavor shares his dual passions for urban jazz and gospel music on a high-energy collection that chronicles his personal journey. The album features three Rahn originals, as well as Adele and After 7 covers and five of Cavor’s all-time gospel favorites – including one featuring Rahn doubling on sax. Take ROAD TRIP along for the ride on your next adventure!
ERIC DARIUS Breakin' Thru SagiDarius
Inspired by the fearlessness and free expression of his favorite R&B and jazz artists Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, Eric Darius has taken his sax on a wild, explosive journey these past 13 years, pushing musical boundaries every chance he gets. After years with different labels, he creates his own (SagiDarius) for the release of his hard driving, intensely burning, ultra-brassy new single “Breakin’ Thru.” One of those rare artists whose recordings are as intensely energetic as his live performances, Darius plays it cool on the verses before exploding into one of his trademark hooks that grabs and doesn’t let go. The sizzling first single from the forthcoming album, is your ticket to getting any party started!
ABRAHAM DAY The Purpose Bear Music Tunes
After touring with R&B bands and serving as an educator, radio announcer and youth counselor, saxophonist Abraham Day makes a bold declaration about his new creative mission on his debut album THE PURPOSE. As a producer and arranger, he gives his silky, light funk horn style a percolating bed of lightly percussive grooves and enhances his infectious melodies with dreamy atmospheres and trippy sonic textures. Smooth Jazz doesn’t get any more soulful and spiritual than THE PURPOSE!
JAMES DAY SONGS Song, Soul & Spirit Song King Records
Years after surviving a bout with Meniere’s Disease which put his musical future in doubt, the unstoppable James Day Songs remains a multi-faceted songwriter and producer whose praises are being sung by everyone from Lalah Hathaway to Maysa. On SONG, SOUL & SPIRIT, the Quincy Jones-like musical mastermind gets his pop, R&B and gospel on, working with top vocalists (including Grammy winners Hathaway and Paula Cole, plus Tony nominee Elisabeth Withers) and Smooth Jazz artists U-Nam, Lin Rountree and Walter Beasley to create a soulful and infectious blast of rousing inspiration. As you groove along, SONG, SOUL and SPIRIT will lift you to a higher place!
AL DEGREGORIS Time And A Half A-Pex Recordings
If his last album – and first teaming with the emphatic one-two production punch of Nils and Jeff Lorber – ALL IN GOOD TIME, was Al DeGregoris’ emergence into the big leagues of contemporary urban jazz, TIME AND A HALF finds the keyboardist on his way to becoming the genre’s Babe Ruth. Continuing the playful metaphor of the album’s title, he works double and triple time with his collaborators on every last detail to ensure a multi- faceted sonic experience from start to finish. There’s lushness, sensual flow, easy grooves, rambunctious piano melodies, fiery horns and exciting contributions from guest saxmen Steve Cole, Eric Marienthal and Andy Snitzer. While working with Nils cements DeGregoris’ ability to rework classics into fresh, contemporary concepts and will ensure several return visits to the radio charts, it’s his more adventurous journeys with Lorber that really demonstrate his ability to go beyond the usual parameters of urban jazz and make memorable statements hinting at a vibrant future for the genre.
PHILLIP DOC MARTIN Pocket Love Innervision Records
Many dentist's play Smooth Jazz in their offices to calm their patients' nerves... but there's only one dentist that actually plays Smooth Jazz the way world-class saxophonist, Dr. Phillip Martin plays, that is super soulful and totally in the pocket! In fact, Phillip "Doc" Martin's latest album, POCKET LOVE, is loaded with charting hip, infectious singles, a mix of dreamy coolness and funk and seductive grooves. The Grover Washington, Jr. cover, "Just The Two Of Us," includes the spirited guitar licks of two time Grammy-winner, Paul Brown. Time for a check-up, make an appointment today and feel the POCKET LOVE!
KIRK FISCHER Friends Fischful Thinking Music
Even as he’s jamming on the keys with his Austin, Texas area dance band Touch of Class, Dr. Kirk Fischer enjoys sending out a “nerd alert” about his “day job” as Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. On his instantly joyous, soaring and infectious debut album FRIENDS, he offers a master class in dreamy balladry and horn-drenched keyboard funk in collaboration with Greg Adams’ East Bay Soul Band, featuring the relentless, brassy energy of Adams, Lee Thornburg and Greg Vail. You’ll want to make fast FRIENDS with this one of a kind emerging talent!
MYRON PHAUSTERCHYLD FOSTER The Way I Hear It PhausterChyld Music Productions
After 20 years of plucking his bass and heightening the grooves as a sideman for a variety of artists, multi-talented musician, producer and Christian preacher, Myron “Phausterchyld” Foster, steps out in a blaze of funky spiritual glory to share his own music with the world on THE WAY I HEAR IT. A lively, high-energy performer, Foster’s background in Smooth and Gospel jazz reaches fruition on a set that mixes in your face grooves and sensual subtleties behind his instantly infectious melodies. You're gonna love it the way he hears it!
ROBERT GEE Robert Gee the EP 2016 G-Platinum Records LLC
Renowned for his years as a backup vocalist for R&B greats Vesta Williams, Kashif, BeBe Winans and the late Teena Marie, Philly native Robert Gee steps out onto center stage with a heart-tugging set of old school originals that will remind people of his hometown’s seminal soul sound. ROBERT GEE THE EP is the perfect soul soundtrack for a smooth chill with original, jazzy pop featuring candlelit ballads and relaxed, dance floor slow jams showcasing Gee's silky soulful voice. The EP goes down EZ!
CHRISTIE GRACE Golden Thread Christie Grace
With a mix of deep soul, easy swing and global vibes, veteran Canadian jazz sensation Christie Grace’s intimate and infectious new album GOLDEN THREAD is masterful self-healing project inspired by a three week journey to Big Sur, California. Working with Juno Award winning producer Chris Gestrin, Grace lends her gorgeous, emotional voice to a set that incorporates jazz, pop, folk and R&B influences. GOLDEN THREAD is pure vocal gold!
CHARLES GREENE 10 Easy Pieces Charles Greene
The beautifully inviting cover of Charles Greene’s new album 10 EASY PIECES shows all the items a musician might need for a tropical vacation – sand, green-blue water, a palm tree and a keyboard. These images say it all about the balmy, lilting and tropically hypnotic melodies and Smooth Jazz jams the Detroit native – who has toured with numerous Motown legends – creates with a variety of piano and synth driven melodies. 10 EASY PIECES is the ultimate musical trip to the islands in 10 smooth tracks!
JAMES GREENE That Cali Swag James Greene
Decades after discovering “George Benson’s Cookbook” and launching his first band, Funk Junction in San Francisco, versatile electric guitarist James Greene marks his powerful emergence into Smooth Jazz. The title of his debut album THAT CALI SWAG perfectly reflects the strutting confidence he brings across via his crisp, engaging melodies, mix of deep funk and laid back grooves and spirited, crackling approach to the strings. THAT CALI SWAG is the perfect addition to your summer playlist!
SKII HARVEY Standing For A Fall Vie Publications
With edgy, Tina Turner-like vocals that work brilliantly on bluesy barnburners as well as more intimate (but no less palpable) ballads, award-winning veteran, Australian vocalist Skii Harvey fashions a powerful one woman protest on her latest album STANDING FOR A FALL. Returning to the musical frontline with thoughtful, provocative songs of conviction, determination and strength. The album is Skii’s latest milestone in a career that’s earned her attention from Sting, the Billboard Music Awards, the UK Songwriting Awards and the Australian Songwriter’s Association. STANDING FOR A FALL will inspire you to rise up!
LOWELL HOPPER Playing It Cool Get Jazzed Records
With a smooth vibe driven by soulful guitar, hauntingly infectious melodies and deeply funky beats, Lowell Hopper has performed and recorded with jazz artists everywhere from Germany to the Panama Canal during his 20 year stint in the U.S. Air Force. While continuing to develop intimacy with his audiences around the world, the Panama City, Florida musician and composer is PLAYING IT COOL on his latest album full of thoughtful, candlelit ballads and buoyant, compelling up-tempo, urban jazz delights. PLAYING IT COOL some of the time, but more often than not, Hopper’s bringing major heat to the genre!
HORN & HOLLAND Steps Of A Good Man Horn Records Inc
On a creative roll since meeting at a National Day of Prayer Gathering in their adopted hometown of Lansing, MI, keyboardist/producer Darren Horn and saxophonist Dr. Sean Holland create a fresh new sound and vision for contemporary urban jazz. Their debut album STEPS OF A GOOD MAN, blends jazz with R&B and gospel into a joyful, grooving and uplifting bundle powered by Holland’s vocal like alto melodies. One listen will have you falling in line behind the STEPS OF A GOOD MAN!
KEISER TWINS Emotional Strangers NiRo Sounds
Legendary figures on the Swiss music scene for several decades, Peter and Walter Keiser, aka The Keiser Twins, are a hard grooving bass and drum duo who have played with Switzerland’s best known artists on recordings, tours and radio and TV performances. EMOTIONAL STRANGERS, their first dual recording in years, celebrates their personal and musical connections with a spirited, mostly instrumental swirl of pop, rock, sensual urban jazz and jazz fusion produced by Andy Wright, featuring the fun, vocal hit, “A Picture Of You.” Get intimate with EMOTIONAL STRANGERS, you’ll love it!
RUPERT LEIGHTON All Kinds Of Fine Rupert Leighton
Truly living up to his album title ALL KINDS OF FINE, British pianist and composer Rupert Leighton – dubbed by one Smooth Jazz outlet as “the funkiest keys player you will hear anywhere," stirs up an enticing mix that includes groove-driven, in the pocket Smooth Jazz, improvisational straight ahead jazz, Stride and soothing new age elegance. Adding to the expansive sonic intrigue, Leighton also plays vibraphone, alto sax and bass. All of these delights add up to ALL KINDS OF FINE!
MOTOWN MOE Cool Life Style Windee Records
With a hip moniker like Motown Moe, this versatile Detroit keyboardist/composer (and Air Force veteran) primes listeners for a soul-infused, groovin' ride from the get go on his latest album COOL LIFE STYLE. Yet the most fascinating part of the experience is the way he complements the funky and percussive foundations of his super-melodic tunes with rich ambient textures and laid back dreamscapes that put the lounge and chill vibes front and center. Motown Moe provides the perfect soundtrack to everyone’s COOL LIFE STYLE!
NEW LATITUDE Vantage Point New Latitude
On their second album VANTAGE POINT, Dave Erickson and Jim Carr – the Colorado based acoustic guitar duo collectively known as New Latitude – stir up the same kind of melodic brilliance and dynamic chemistry as Acoustic Alchemy. Drawing from an eclectic mix of influences (jazz, rock, folk, classical, Latin), they seamlessly weave lighthearted ballads and fun, rollicking adventures. Come experience a unique kind of Smooth Jazz from this new VANTAGE POINT!
KRIS RUSSELL Down In Brazil Kris Russell
Veteran Las Vegas based singer Kris Russell grew up in Sacramento with a passionate love of ballads, swing, cool jazz, bebop and traditional jazz inspired by the likes of Julie London, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald. Continuing to establish herself as a timeless contemporary jazz vocalist in her own right, she follows her debut single “I Concentrate on You” with a sultry, soulful and exotic twist on Michael Franks’ travelogue classic “Down In Brazil.” Russell’s lighthearted, freewheeling version is fortified with a seamless blend of Fender Rhodes, acoustic guitar and smoky sax. Book your ticket now and venture “Down In Brazil” with this talented songstress!
JIM SAMUEL Ride Like The Wind Smooth Dance Records
Two of my favorite music styles are Smooth Jazz and dance grooves… it’s like a dream come true to have them both together as one concept on an exciting musical adventure from pianist/composer Jim Samuel, SMOOTH COVERS, SMOOTH DANCE! The project breathes new life into Smooth Jazz and features top notch performers collaborating with Jim to create an entire album of invigorating rhythms and fascinating harmonies offering a smooth dance vibe with songs like Fourplay's “Bali Run,” Toto's “Georgy Porgy” and his current single, "Ride Like the Wind" by Christopher Cross, a surefire summer hit that will keep your mood lifted, your soul stirred and your feet moving!
DAVE SERENY Caribbean Cruise GrooveUnited Records
Guitarist Dave Sereny hails from Toronto, but his heart and soul are basking in sunnier, steamier climes on his latest single “Caribbean Cruise,” which will appear on his upcoming full length album. A multiple Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards nominee, Sereny brings a crisp, cracking electric guitar energy and wild sense of improvisation to the high energy, tropically-tinged track. Its frolicsome melody, enhanced by cool synth accents and whimsical vocalese, rides a buoyant danceable groove that’s perfect for summer listening. Get your passport stamped now for this incredible “Caribbean Cruise”!
PRESTON SMITH On The Surface Innervision records
Fans of Herb Alpert and Rick Braun will dig veteran award winning Houston trumpeter Preston Smith whether he’s playing in his silky, sensual style or amping up to a wildly freewheeling percussive vibe. His new album ON THE SURFACE is a powerful, eclectic showcase for his melodic, lightly funky horn magic, loaded with guest appearances by top indie Smooth Jazz artists like Danny Kusz, Althea Rene, Frank McComb, and Phillip Doc Martin. ON THE SURFACE or beneath it, this album’s a blast!
SMOOTH TWO Sunset Fantasy SmoothTwo.com
Pooling their composing and performing talents as the perfectly named duo Smooth Two, saxophonist David Herpin and bassist Mike Ellison bring the classic Quiet Storm vibe into a fresh, contemporary musical mindset on their ultra-sensual debut album SUNSET FANTASY. Collectively, they bring extensive history of classic R&B associations (including The Delfonics, Nancy Wilson, The O’Jays, New Edition, Jennifer Holliday) to their dreamy and ambient, lightly funky, mix of slow jams, emotional ballads and uptempo dance gems. Along the way, they mix in some exotic vocalese from guest singers. This is a SUNSET FANTASY that can be enjoyed any time of day!
RAYMOND TOWLER This Freedom Raymond Towler
After spending more than 28 years in prison for a crime he was later exonerated from, guitarist/composer Raymond Towler wasted no time getting back to his musical passions. The sparkling first result of this re-dedication is, appropriately enough, the full length album THIS FREEDOM. Drawing on his ample skills on both the acoustic and electric, he celebrates his new life with perfectly honed melodies in stylistic settings ranging from straight ahead to Smooth Jazz, gospel and raucous blues. Towler’s unique way of telling his story through music makes THIS FREEDOM an engaging listen and true spiritual triumph!
WALDINO Pulse Of The People WaldinoMusic.com
Freedom has always been at the PULSE OF THE PEOPLE… this downtempo triumph from composer/creator Waldino, has the song craftsman at the center of his most connected place yet. The collection offers a palpable audio experience with jazz grooves, electro moods and soulful, sensual vocalizing. This hybrid musical concoction blends all of the finest ingredients in contemporary music and offers the listener a chilled environment while jazzing up the vibe with accents of upright bass, saxophone and sophisticated rhythms and beats. A rich, color-drenched musical soundtrack for our modern times… PULSE OF THE PEOPLE truly has infused today’s sound, serving it up with freeness and fluidity through each and every song.
RAGAN WHITESIDE Treblemaker Randis Music
With the release of her creatively named fourth album TREBLEMAKER, endlessly inventive flutist Ragan Whiteside continues to bring to contemporary urban jazz the kind of ultra-funky, richly improvisational vibes that greats like Najee and the late Dave Valentin did back in the genre’s early days. With her whimsical flute leading the way, she delivers a sizzling mix of infectious ballads, mystical mid-tempo cool and spirited dance romps with an all-star guest list that includes saxophonists Kim Waters and Marion Meadows, trumpeter Tom Browne, and keyboardists Frank McComb and Bob Baldwin. It’s called TREBLEMAKER, but you’ll want to turn up the bass to get fully into the groove!
NORTH 2UNES WOODALL Between The Lobes 2unewaves Records
As we lucky Smooth Jazz listeners ponder the clever coolness of North Woodall’s fascinating nickname “2unes,” we can enjoy immersing in the Mississippi born, Ohio raised and Atlanta based musician’s fanciful and funky electric guitar magic on his latest album BETWEEN THE LOBES. 2unes fires up for a slick array of grooving horn drenched originals and covers that showcases his trademark gumbo of jazz, R&B and hip-hop – including a laid back reflection on Michael Jackson (“Listening to MJ”) and a dynamic romp through Pharrell’s “Happy.” 2unes vibe will bring you sweetness BETWEEN THE LOBES!
