Years after establishing his career as an MC/DJ during the early days of rap/hip-hop, writer, producer and musical visionary David Williams had ideas of creating the next Incognito or a hip-hop fired James Brown vibe before organically developing the ultra-melodic, silky cool and laid back funk and sizzling brass tinged sonic universe of the perfectly named Funktastic Players. On their exuberant, soulful and freewheeling seventh album JAZZ ON THE FUNKY SIDE, the quartet of Williams, saxophonist Marcus Mitchell, guitarist David Prince and keyboardist Kevin Croom ride both smooth and swanky, rhythmically eclectic waves of sassy, romantic, sensual and playful joy to create an exciting fusion that draws from all of Williams’ many musical passions and continues to fulfill his founding funktastic vision!
Hot off her hit sensual funk rendition of “For What It’s Worth,” the Vietnam era classic she slyly re-appropriated for contemporary times, New York based singer, songwriter and vocal interpreter extraordinaire Rebecca Angel makes her long-awaited full length album debut with the vibrant, multi-faceted LOVE LIFE CHOICES. Vibing with longtime collaborator, veteran keyboardist/producer Jason Miles, and some top-flight session cats, the sultry, easy flowing vocalist makes every track an intimate invitation to join her as she celebrates her recent marriage and artfully chronicles the pandemic and other important societal issues. The set includes dynamic jazz, R&B and/or Brazilian tinged originals, exotic, atmosphere and groove-centered re-imaginings (of gems by Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Sade) and a few memorable, previously released singles.
Fast approaching a decade since he released his prophetically titled album REBIRTH OF THE SMOOTH, saxophonist Dee Lucas has been on a roll these past few years, following his album THE TIME IS NOW with several hit singles (including the #1 “Full Tilt” ft. Blake Aaron) and a Soul Café Radio Indie Soul Award nomination for Smooth Jazz Album of the Year. Always up for thought provoking titles, Lucas’ “Sir Dee” may be a humorous twist on his name, but its dreamy and lyrical soprano melody, sizzling and soaring horn textures, tasty rock edges and snappy, infectiously grooving flow make it a passionate and optimistic autobiographical statement! A decade plus since being named runner-up in the Capital Jazz Festival Competition, Lucas continues to redefine the parameters of Smooth Jazz cool.
Jeff Moses of WJMX Smooth Jazz Boston says it simply and best about Kris Russell, who began weaving her beautiful interpretive vocal magic in the genre with her lush, intimate and inviting take on Cole Porter’s “I Concentrate on You” in 2015: “Your music is always brilliant and stellar!” The daughter of veteran jazz musicians, a well-traveled live performer and a three time Global Music Award winner, Russell’s latest single, an exquisitely dreamy twist on “I Remember You,” continues the Brazilian magic of her past two songs with the backing of Richard Rome’s bossa nova string arrangement. Inspired by George Michael’s sweet, stripped down vocal-harp rendition of the classic. Russell brings sweetness, emotional intimacy and a touch of melancholy to Johnny Mercer’s timeless lyrics.
