She's called the The Saxophone Queen because she IS! Fostina Dixon delivers hard-hitting, deeply grooving, slickly and soulfully produced urban jazz on her latest album VERTICAL ALIGNMENT. The multi-talented artist - whose decades long resume includes Abbey Lincoln, Roy Ayers, as well as Prince and Marvin Gaye, whom she toured with for four years she weaves her emotional, gospel inflected magic on soprano, alto and baritone (not to mention flute and clarinet) with equal sparkle and funk. New to Smooth Jazz, this bright star is already blazing up format airplay charts with help from fellow musical vets and producers, bassist Al Turner and multi-instrumentalist Ray Chew. Fostina is a one-of-a-kind talent... we're lucky to have her in our mix!
This is contemporary jazz for a new generation… empowering, sure-fired and compelling instrumental music! The talented, Chicago-based composer and keyboardist delivers an out of this world hit, "Luna Blu." Produced by Smooth Jazz, chart-topping saxophonist Darren Rahn, and featuring critically acclaimed jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, the exciting tune is a pivotal turn for Allman, who has already made formidable impact on the genre with his previous releases and performances at renowned jazz festivals and events, opening for notables such as Larry Carlton! The classy, musical tastemaker elevates listeners to an exhilarating destination with “Luna Blu.”
Twenty-five years after making his initial mark on Smooth Jazz stations across the globe, guitarist Dave Baker brings back his fluid melodic magic and love for contemporary and traditional jazz, pop, classical and Latin on his perfectly titled album FOREVER NEW. Teaming with Rich Kurtz (bass, cello, vocals) and Walter Runge (keys), he draws on decades as a private party and corporate gig musician to create lush, inventively arranged yet breezily accessible twists on classics by the likes of Carole King, Al Stewart, Sting, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. His lone original, the lilting title track, is equally divine.
One of Smooth Jazz’s top behind the scenes forces over the years, Grammy nominated producer, Nate Harasim, has worked his sonic magic producing everyone from Brian Simpson and Dave Koz to Nils, Darren Rahn and Lin Rountree. Re-emerging as a recording artist after a five- year hiatus from his solo work with the single “Never Look Back,” the multi-talented composer, keyboardist and former Navy Special Ops serviceman joins forces with sultry Detroit singer Monica Notaro to weave a powerfully hypnotic, slow pulsing and ambient reflection on wisely letting go of a once beautiful romance whose bloom has faded.
A fascinating, diverse musical citizen of the world, guitarist/composer Reza Khan brings a wealth of progressive jazz and global fusion influences and sensibilities to NEXT TRAIN HOME. Featuring everything from dreamy funk and percussive, multi-cultural exchanges to fiery electric jazz fusion, the festive, extraordinarily intricate album was composed primarily in hotel rooms throughout Africa, where Khan traveled as part of his amazing “day job” as program manager for the United Nations. Khan’s essential tracks featuring Pat Metheny’s longtime bassist Mark Egan are enhanced by the colorful sound design of Philippe Saisse, along with dynamic contributions by Andy Snitzer, Jeff Kashiwa and Nils.
Rarely has the name of an ensemble so perfectly reflected its dynamic, stylistically eclectic vibe as does Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion, which – under the visionary guidance of composer, producer, saxophonist and flutist Warren A. Keller - kicks up the fast and tight, then slow and steady simmering melodic funk, right from the get-go, on their long-awaited self-titled debut album. Fans of the group’s four previously released singles (also included on this collection) will dig every harmonically colorful, thematically whimsical second as Keller and company build on these infectious foundations to create an urban jazz fusion masterwork.
The three words that form the acronym in big, in COMING BIG, (Blessed. Inspired. Genuine.), the 6th independently released solo album by sensual, easy-grooving saxophonist R.L. Walker, says it all about his intentions and the dynamic vibes he shares. Drawing from his personal spiritual path and background in gospel music, he’s truly feeling blessed, inspired and genuinely showcasing his skillset! Like other gospel/jazz saxophonists such as Kirk Whalum, Walker has a few direct references to his faith, but mostly, his passion plays out via sensual, infectious ballads of varying tempos and old school, soul-jazz leanings. Guests include bassist Brendan Rothwell, vocalist Demetriace “Chee Chee” Jordan and keyboardist/producer/arranger Lew Laing Jr. The latest single, “Just A Feeling” rolls out just in time for summer!
Detroit-based, Billboard Chart-topping saxophonist Deon Yates returns with another single from his forthcoming, 5th solo full album release, QUINTASTIC, and this time it's very personal. Having lost his older brother and other family members and friends to COVID-19, his latest tune, "When We Meet Again," is a soulfully, optimistic, dare we say, cathartic tribute to this year of personal tragedy, and to offer a moment of hope to others who are experiencing loss. The saxman wanted to add a song to QUINTASTIC that was both inspirational and inspiring while expressing his appreciation for the sacrifices of the unsung frontline heroes. The album features guest producers Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Darren Rahn and Jackiem Joyner. His previous single, "In The Moment," has received over a quarter of a million Spotify streams and counting!