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Eight years after releasing his successful debut album JUST BETWEEN US, L.A. keyboardist and composer Brad Alexander is enjoying yet another prolific year, following his singles “In a Mello Mood” and the super high-energy “It Gets Better and Better” with “A Song For You,” one of his most engaging and unabashedly romantic tunes ever. Though it bears the title of the Leon Russell composed pop/R&B classic, it’s clear from his elegant yet lighthearted, improvisation-filled piano playing (and the powerful sax solo) that this heartwarming gem is a powerful personal expression of passion with a lot of excitement to complement the candlelight. 

Perhaps one of the reasons the always lively, refreshingly melodic music of scientist turned German composer/keyboardist Michael Amandus Quast always feels so good for the soul is because the classically-trained artist grew up without a father and found healing and comfort in the music he learned to play. If the buoyant funk energy of “Balearic Moments” – the prolific artist’s fourth single of 2024 – makes you feel like you’re on a Smooth Jazz vacation, there’s good reason. The lighthearted track is named for the Balearic Islands, an archipelago off eastern Spain known for its gorgeous beaches and scenic coastline. Also of note, the Balearics include Mallorca, home of the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival, as well as Ibiza, home of one of the world's most vibrant music scenes. 

The son of a drummer who played with Sonny Rollins and Aretha Franklin, Michael “Storm” Baskins was already skilled playing jazz drums in his teens but was having a tough time mastering R&B. At a gig one night, the legendary Elvin Jones gave him prophetic advice: “Listen to feel. Feel to listen.” Years later, after enjoying dual careers as a drummer and IT professional, Baskins continues full throttle into his Smooth Jazz career. His perfectly titled 2nd album, COOL IS BACK features colorful lead sax and piano melodies and exciting excursions into traditional jazz, Miles Davis vibes, cool urban funk and inspiring gospel-jazz. This one's a must for your playlist!

It’s fitting that a portion of the proceeds from the pre-sale of Congolese born, Stockholm based singer-songwriter Marius Bilgobenson’s latest single “A Little Bit of Honey” was donated to the international anti-poverty, social justice organization Global Citizen. The multi-talented artist is a concerned and compassionate musical citizen of the world, committed to bridging cultural divides through his music. Produced by and featuring guitarist Paul Brown – who helmed two tracks on Bilgobenson’s album THE SPIRIT LOVE – the charming and romantic, horn-spiced tune fuses exotic African rhythms and sensibilities with a soulful, urban jazz vibe. The tune features performances by David Garfield, Shane Theriot, Ron King and Freddie Washington. Welcome back Marius... You are a voice for the voiceless! 

If you want to let loose and dance this summer with both abandon and supreme coolness, start moving across the floor to “Scenes from a Rooftop,” a blast of fashionable, horn-fired Latin magic pairing the smooth, urbane croon of 2019 Voice of Holland winner Dennis van Aarssen with Black Tie Affair, a powerful ensemble specializing in the experimentation of fusing classic big band jazz with modern music production. Painting colorful images of a can’t miss party under the stars on a balmy summer night, the irresistible new single blends the sophisticated charms of DvA and BTA’s previous collaborations.

After a star-studded career as a studio and touring vocalist for legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams and Boney James, Kimberly Brewer launched her Smooth Jazz career in 2020 with singles featuring Walter Beasley and Maysa. The inspiring spirit of collaboration takes delightful flight on her latest single, the lushly produced, sultry and romantic “Tasting Sunshine,” a passionate duet with legendary Take 6 singer Mark Kibble (who adds classic gospel vocal textures) and a soaring, ever illuminating solo by Gerald Albright. Penned by Brewer, “Tasting Sunshine” was originally recorded by Lynne Fiddmont on her 2018 album POWER OF LOVE. 

Thirteen years after his last solo album, German guitarist Uli Brodersen – a longtime collaborator with Smooth Jazz keyboardist Amandus – has enjoyed a career renaissance in 2024, with two singles (“South of Summer,” “Coast to Coast”) and the EP CITY LIGHTS. With a title that serves as personal motivation to keep the exciting momentum going, his latest track “Stay With It” is the perfect showcase for the buoyancy and crackling excitement of his trademark funky and intricate playing. It’s a moody, contemplative track that finds him weaving an infectious melody over a soulful beat, caressed by lush synth atmospheres. 

A longtime in demand NYC studio musician sideman (Joe Sample, Elton John, Tina Turner), veteran actor and martial artist, saxophonist Michael Cates is off to a great start as a Smooth Jazz star, releasing five singles in the first ten months of 2024, including his latest soaring and inspiring melodic gem, “Where Do We Go From Here?” This vibrant tune emerged from a time of prayer and meditation during a major life storm - and the sense of tranquility that followed. The song perfectly embodies the unbridled energy of a storm as played from a safe emotional distance. Cates' art of saxophone expression delivers a much welcomed passion and skillset to the future of Smooth Jazz.

With the title of his soaring, emotionally hard-hitting and solo-filled funk fest, “Hi There!,” veteran saxophonist Shawn De Lacy greets Smooth Jazz audiences with both a musical bang and a sweet, promising smile full of hope for so much more. Full of tight, bubbling mid-tempo grooves, dreamy atmospheres and exotic synth touches, De Lacy’s debut single, arrives after years playing and recording in various cities around the country (Chicago, Miami, L.A.), opening for everyone from Richard Elliot and Roy Ayers to Pieces of a Dream and working behind the scenes with The Crusaders’ Wilton Felder as well as mega-producer Preston Glass. Produced for Smooth Jazz enthusiasts by the fresh new production team on the scene, Sandy Shore (SmoothJazz.com) and Peter Ferencz (Peet Project).

The best jazz ensemble music happens when super talented, highly intuitive players get together and work towards a “Common Goal,” which is the perfect name for the latest single by stylistically eclectic NYC pianist/composer Walter Duda. Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Jeff Jones, the track boasts a multitude of sizzling dynamics and otherworldly improvisational solo action. Duda’s fanciful keyboards are present throughout, legendary bassist Will Lee is named as the featured artist and saxophonist Jon Smith rocks a burning solo, but this incendiary track equally belongs to bassist Miroslav Vitous, drummer Shawn Pelton, guitarist Al Ferrante and keyboardist Alan Palanker. 

Propelled by a super-hip, brassy and enticing finger snapping arrangement, sly optimistic lyrics and a stellar vocal duet with the charming, nimble voiced Tanya Lewis, Clearwater, Florida-based, soulful crooner and songwriter Nick Dukas’ latest single “Talk of the Town” is destined to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Truly a celebration of his 10-year collaborative relationship with Lewis, the track is a bold, festive, big band-styled extravaganza featuring 12 studio musicians recorded in St. Petersburg, FL and Nashville. An eleven-time Silver Global Music Award winner, Dukas’ recent holiday tune “It’s Christmas Time Again” earned airplay in 75 countries!

Before he was working with the likes of Jeff Lorber and establishing himself as an up-and-coming Smooth Jazz artist, guitarist John E. Lawrence was something of a legendary figure at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, where he taught and developed music courses for 36 years and created the “Living Legends Series,” which hosted numerous jazz and R&B luminaries. With a title that taps into his shift from academia to recording artist over the last decade, his latest single is a snappy, ultra-melodic delight showcasing his nimble, speedy electric guitarisma over an increasingly charismatic groove.  

David Sanborn’s passing in May was a tragic blow to the contemporary jazz community, and it was only a matter of time before Smooth Jazz artists influenced by him began paying homage. Among the first, and quite brilliantly executed, is “Love You Right,” a super tight, edgy, ultra-emotional jam with spacey synth elements by Birmingham, UK R&B producer and remixer Mark “Fingermix” Smith and fellow Brummie, saxophonist Alvin Davis. The ironic thing about this supremely Sanbornesque track is that the two recorded it a year before the pandemic, and now is the perfect time to share it! 

Blending the whimsical groove of Smooth Jazz with the romantic breeziness of Hawaii, Smooth Island Jazz is a collaboration between entertainment entrepreneur john iervolino (Quiet Storm Records) and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Reggie Griffin. Following their sparkling debut album Smooth Island Jazz Mokoli’i (Pronounced Moh-koh-LEE-ee), the duo returns with the even more eclectic and engaging collection Smooth Island Jazz Lēʻahi (pronounced Leh-AH-hee aka Diamond Head). The album features a brass-fired take on a Kalapana classic (with original keyboardist Kirk Thompson), a funky rendition of a Ramsey Lewis/Earth, Wind & Fire tune, and two lush originals by Griffin. It feels like an invitation to the ultimate island getaway, with special guest artists like Benny Rietveld, Rayford Griffin, Rodney Franklin, Volcano Choy, Moon Brown, and Maelan Abran.

Since dropping his debut album ARTISTIC TOUCH at 17, keyboardist/composer Bryard Huggins has toured internationally with Gladys Knight, earned the respect of everyone from Kirk Whalum to Taylor Swift, mentored many young artists and has become a successful entrepreneur as founder of the music production company and label Muse Entertainment. His exciting, boundless artistry continues full force on his seventh album CONFIDENTIAL! The suspenseful, orchestrated groove intro ushers in a super melodic, high-energy and improvisational set filled with infectious, spirited and boundary busting musical adventures. Deeply influenced by the vibes of Brian Culbertson, Huggins includes collaborations with saxophonist B. Thompson and trumpeter/multi-instrumentalist Michael Van Bodegom-Smith.    

After showcasing his ongoing commitment to creating music with NO BOUNDARIES on his 2023 release, veteran saxophonist Dee Lucas celebrates his successful two decades as a Smooth Jazz recording & performing artist as well as a 4x chart-topping hitmaker  on TWENTY. Featuring a sexy, hip-hop and classic soul-flavored vocal tune with Kevin Bennett and a snazzy, mid-tempo jam co-written and spotlighting keyboardist and mega-producer Michael Broening, the album is a mostly upbeat, buoyant and playfully grooving affair that all at once reflects on the consistency of the past, brings fresh, silky and funky (and a taste of Latin) fire to the present and exudes optimism for the future!

While he’s played with legends like Maynard Ferguson and blues master Kenny Neal and formed his own popular blues band The Truth featuring Cat Rhodes, veteran drummer Bryan Morris popped into the Smooth Jazz universe for the first time last year as co-composer and performer on Roman Street’s popular 2023 single “Key to Paradise.” The multi-talented artist’s aptly titled debut EP, CAN'T BELIEVE showcases his exciting diversity and ability to inspire a wide range of moods. It includes a hypnotic chill tune featuring silky sax and excitingly edgy electric guitar, atmospheric electronica with intoxicating grooves and a brassy, discofied vocal jam featuring Ms. Rhodes on vocals. Mr. Morris is one to watch for fresh musical ideas and exciting grooves.

With each successive recording full of catchy and uber-melodic, urban-tinged Smooth Jazz delights, the Next Lev’l Band continues living up to its uniquely challenging moniker. Launched by drummer Morris Harris, bassist Ernest Raheem and keyboardist Grant Nicholas, the popular Baltimore based ensemble infuses PURPLE PASSION – their first collection in four years – with a potent mix of lead instrumental voices. They complement the elegant and funky piano of Nicholas with crisp, edgy spotlights for electric guitar, and, most prominently, the soaring sax energy of guest Eddie Baccus, Jr. – all topped at special moments by silky, soulful female backing vocals. 

Anyone who thought veteran composer/pianist Lori Nicely’s transcendent Smooth Jazz disco jam “Faithfully Ladonna Tribute To Donna Summer” would be tough to top should take a listen to her remarkable high-concept new single “Reach Into My Heart.” Featuring Nicely’s elegant, sparkling piano flow and Eric Knight’s powerful sax throughout, the super passionate, heart-tugging and vocal harmony laden ballad is touted as Selina Albright’s “first duet ever,” but the towering vocals of Abe LaMarca are equally responsible for making this a Smooth Jazz vocal ballad for the ages. It's the contemporary equivalent of Roberta Flack’s glorious duets with Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson!

Calling to mind the title of sax man’s Shawn Raiford’s critically praised 2020 debut album, MAN WITH A HORN… While many may call themselves ‘men (or women) with horns, few know what to do with it to create the magic and make an emotional connection! Raiford, who’s been sharing his vibrant and adventurous horn-fire with fans in and around his home base in California for years, continues his breakthrough hot streak by following his recent, top-charting single, a sassy and brassy twist on Silk Sonic’s #1 multi-Grammy winning smash, “Leave the Door Open,” with his 3rd pre-release single, “Vallejo,” from his forthcoming album THE NEXT STEP. This jazzy nod to the original East San Francisco Bay Area hip hop scene sound, pioneered by Mac Dre and E-40 promises to propel Mr. Raiford further into Smooth Jazz star status! Becoming well-known for his live performances, the artist packs his rich, pure, dynamic tones into an entertaining, muscular delivery making for exciting concert productions featuring this supernova. 

From the barrios in Mexico City to the stages of the world, Evelyn Rubio has been an entertaining force since childhood! Her introduction into Smooth Jazz was 2020's "Port Isabel" which showcased the artist as a contemporary jazz contender featuring both sax and jazzy vocalizing. Combining her super powers as a singer and a saxophonist, Ms. Rubio has a wide variety of styles in her arsenal. From blues and rock to contemporary jazz and pop. Her latest collection PERFECT features previously released singles including the recent John Klemmer cover, "Touch," plus feel-good jazz and blues and elegantly crafted ballads. Singing in both Spanish and English, you'll find that while the words start to fill your heart, the music immediately moves your feet! The latest Smooth Jazz single from the album, is a beautiful brassy version of Minnie Riperton's "Loving You."

One of the greatest challenges for an emerging Smooth Jazz artist is creating a unique, instantly identifiable sound that stands out to listeners. Happy to say that with his winsome new single “It’s a Vibe,” guitarist Randy Sloan does just that. Making a splash after years of playing in rock and Top 40 bands, his electric guitar has a unique breezy yet crackling tone, perfect for instantly hummable melodies and intricate solo improvisations. After introducing his exciting guitar magic, he keeps the emphatic energy flowing with the help of saxophonist Ner de Leon, who duets amiably with Sloan and kicks into a wild solo, creating a vibe for sure!

Continuing to carry forward the legacy of her songwriter grandfather Paulo Soledade and musician father Paulinho Soledade – both powerful figures in the ongoing history of Brazilian music - Daniela Soledade was quickly hailed as the “new sound of Bossa Nova” upon the release of her 2019 debut album A MOMENT OF YOU. With the release of her silky and dreamy yet playfully adventurous, slightly bluesy twist on the classic “Moody’s Mood for Love,” the supple voiced Brazilian born, U.S. based singer shows that her multitude of charms extends beyond her “home genre” and into a true mastery of jazzy, wit-filled storytelling and exciting vocal improvisation.

Having topped the Smooth Jazz charts with his 2022 album LOVE CRUSADE, Tim “Sonix” Rouse – a veteran keyboardist composer who has worked with David Bowie, Barry White, DMC, Maxi Priest and Travis Barker – continues to whet our appetite for his upcoming follow-up collection LOVE CRUSADE 2.0. Following the triumphant “Victory,” the inventive artist weaves a hypnotic spell on the second lead single “Broadway” via neo-soul flavored verses and an intoxicating, adventurous synth/brass hook. He presents the uplifting, emphatic tribute to the summertime vibes of his native NYC with two versions, the second featuring the wild, incendiary soloing of sax prodigy William Prince.

Contemporary and Smooth Jazz have had their share of top violinists... Inspired by the great Jean-Luc Ponty, Debbie Spring brings a whole new vibrant vibe to the genre via her five-string viola. After decades of playing with everyone from The Mavericks to Miami Sound Machine and Sinatra to Shakira, the illustrious veteran musician follows her 2023 breakthrough album TOCAMOS with this brand new collection, HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU. The full album is a stylistically adventurous, genre-busting set that taps into the loves of her musical life, including bouncy, Latin-tinged horn jams, lush, romantic ballads, soaring orchestral pieces and a trippy, and tasty spin on a Seal classic, "Kiss from a Rose," plus special guest and fellow Floridian sax great Ed Calle guests on the dreamy, "Summer Sunset." 

Since its 2010 debut with WAVES OF GRACE, The Eric Evans Project has captivated global audiences with a unique blend of contemporary jazz. A decade later, after years of fruitful collaboration, Eric Evans and David Eugene Ivey founded "Soundtracks to Life," a music and media arts publishing company. Evans expertly handles various instruments and composition roles, infusing his touch into every project. His live performances enchant Smooth Jazz enthusiasts with vibrant flutes, alto sax, and EWI. Evans began working with chart toping guitarist Adam Hawley on recent releases, with “Water Sound” as their latest. Delivering a dreamy, swaying piece enriched with lush sonic textures, transitioning seamlessly from relaxed and laid-back to soaring to a deeply emotional track. Dive into the musical waves of "Water Sound" and let it carry you to your own personal oasis.

In their 25 years as leaders of the popular, constantly performing and touring jazz/funk ensemble Urban Jazz Coalition, bassist Phil Raney and guitarist Duane Tribune enjoyed performing countless times with Marion Meadows. They stir up some fresh summery magic reuniting with the veteran saxophonist on “Sunshine Lover,” the vibrant second single from their offshoot group The RT Project. On the shimmering, light funk tune the trio fuse their talents over an infectiously hypnotic percussion pattern, with Meadows’ trademark soaring soprano melody, improvising over Raney’s effervescent coolness and Tribune’s slick, darkly melodic tones and crisp rhythmic flow.  

It’s been a banner year for Jayson Tipp! The veteran keyboardist/composer celebrated 30 years since founding his popular “rough jazz” fusion band Under the Lake – which has been on a prolific creative roll since releasing a comeback album in 2018. 2023 also found Tipp releasing two hit airplay singles (one produced by Darren Rahn, the other by Adam Hawley) which laid a promising, momentum-filled foundation for the drop of his long-awaited Smooth Jazz debut album TABLE FOR ONE. Driven by his summery, upbeat grooves galore and a tasty mix of various keyboard sounds (including organ) with his lively, romantically inclined, improvisational piano excitement, the engaging collection features impactful guest appearances by saxophonists Quintin Gerard W (from Under the Lake) and Greg Vail as well as trumpeter Ilya Serov. 

Considering that Grammy, Dove, ASCAP and Stellar Award-winning producer and pianist Daniel Weatherspoon has worked with everyone from Janet Jackson and Beyonce to BeBe & CeCe Winans, Paula Abdul and Maze, journeying through different forms of artistic expression led him to find his true sound in Smooth Jazz on his eclectic, sonically rich 3rd album, HOME. The talented musician follows an ambient spiritual spoken word intro with a sensually seductive ballad, a mid-tempo funk jam, a moody, trippy synth adventure, an ambient gospel piece featuring Take 6’s Mark Kibble and a lively, in the pocket urban/Smooth Jazz romp featuring saxophonist Marqueal Jordan that is sure to be a hit in the genre!

Dropping an extraordinary eight albums over the past four years, Patrick Yandall remains one of the genre's most prolific artists even after three plus decades! Though the San Diego music legend is alternately edgy and sensitive, his guitar playing is always the focus. On this latest masterwork, YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT, he also showcases his equally impressive, ultra melodic piano and organ skills, with moody atmospheres on a sizzling Santana classic, plus fiery horn section funk on a fast-burning Tower of Power chestnut. Complementing all the higher-octane tracks are a handful of hopeful mid-tempo tunes, including the encouraging title track featuring the beautiful vocals of Rachael Dickenson.    

Versatile composer/guitarist Terence Young’s perfectly balanced musical life includes ten genre-hopping albums (Smooth Jazz, R&B, gospel, and fusion), plus a resume full of R&B icons, including sharing stages with Gladys Knight, Babyface and Gerald Albright and serving as musical director for Ashford & Simpson, Lenny Williams and Angie Stone. Fully embracing his trademark rhythmically tight, melodically magnificent, stylistically eclectic vibe, Young’s latest album THE PLAYLIST fits into today’s streaming aesthetic, by definition offering something for everyone’s taste –sometimes silky and breezy, often funky urban jazz, silky and romantic pop/soul, ambient new age and explosive rock guitar. Beautifully titled... Beautifully played!