New Arrivals
- AMB - Amandus | Mills | Brodersen
- Friday Evening
- Lorraine Tracks
- Sylvia Bennett
- Be True To Me
- Out of Sight Music
- Karen Devroop
- Momentum
- Tut
- James Saxsmo Gates
- Saxsmo's Den
- James Saxsmo Gates
- Rei Narita
- Strada Facendo
- Studio Luna Azul
- Stephen Duros & Shahin Shahida
- Waves Of Time
- SOS Media / Luminescent Records
- Will Sumner
- Rivers
- Guitar One Records
- Tony Whitfield
- New York Hustle
- OASA RECORDS
Listening Loft : HOTPICKS
With the release of their second smooth jazz infused world music project for Baja/TSR, the duo of multi-instrumentalists, composers and producers William Aura and Craig Dobbin - collectively renowned as 3rd Force - immerse more deeply than ever in what they call "the extraordinary alchemy that happens when diverse minds come together" in the spirit of soul connections, sonic explorations and expanding global consciousness.
LIFEFORCE is the celebration of just over 30 years since introducing their fascinating fusion aesthetic via the self-titled debut - and eight years since the last recording GLOBAL FORCE - the duo complements their vibe with featured guitarists Nils, Brian Hughes and Lawson Rollins, in addition to top global musicians Aura worked with in his time as Archivist/Asian Program Coordinator for the non-profit Playing for Change Foundation.
THE EMPIRE OF LIGHTS, PART ONE is the first in a series of releases leading up to a combined album. The Grammy-nominated, UK ensemble Acoustic Alchemy has packed up their traveling show and performed their jazz-infused, guitar forward, jazz-infused soulful music for loyal fans thousands of miles from their own shores for nearly four decades. Roaming cities, towns and open land; spending time on coasts and in mountains of foreign countries leaving American music enthusiasts obsessed with the band's reflection of the world, near and far. Acoustic Alchemy's blended heritage and wordless musical expression continues to morph into a broader scope of sound that encompasses our land, your land and their land, becoming an empire of their own experience.
It's hard to imagine Smooth Jazz without Paul Brown, a two-time Grammy winning producer and artist who has written and/or produced a staggering 100+ #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz radio hits for himself and countless genre greats, including Boney James, Euge Groove, Peter White, Norman Brown and Richart Elliot. Considering that he expressed so much musical passion over the years, there's a cool irony in the title of his third Shanachie release SO MUCH TO SAY. Judging from the nonstop array of buoyant, rolling grooves, instantly engaging melodies, crisp, snappy guitarisma and always poppin' production values, it looks like Brown's 30 year plus hit streak will continue. Complementing his picture perfect, often horn-enhanced urban jazz flow, Brown shares his love for blues guitar and turns a Gershwin classic into a jazzy, danceable jam.
the stage with a who’s-who of jazz greats such as George Benson, Patti Austin,
Boney James, Norman Brown and Peter White just to name a few!
Following production work with the Commodores, and creating the world's most acclaimed live Prince tribute show, Minneapolis keyboardist/composer chose the ironic title UNPERFECT for his Smooth Jazz breakthrough album. These days, his career looks pretty darn perfect, as he follows "X-Centric," his recent #1 smash featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, with "Change the Channel," another immediately intoxicating showcase for his spirited, melodic keyboard touch and adventurous improvisations that features him playing all the instruments and adding a jazzy trumpet vibe throughout. The title reflects Charloff's belief that we all have the power to shift our own frequency, tune out the emotional static, mental noise and old patterns that no longer serve us and tune into what elevates us. This engaging track does just that!
Famously known for touring with Coolio and his guest appearances on the late rapper's hipster web series "Cookin' With Coolio," heavy groovin' sax virtuoso Jarez has taken on two spot-on nicknames in recent years: "Mr. Sexy Saxy" and "Mayor of J Funk City." On his dazzling, relentlessly rhythmic latest album 421 - cleverly named for his birth date - he embodies both monikers full force, creating his most personal expressions yet via a powerful blend of heart-tugging melodies, adventurous sonic textures and tight, propulsive beats, complemented by some sweet romantic gestures. Along for the spirited, high-octane jam are a batch of guest smooth jazz stalwarts, including Grammy nominated pianist Nathan Mitchell, trumpeter Lin Rountree, guitarist Patrick Yandall and #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz charting bassist Julian Vaughan.
The leaders of Supergroup Jazz Funk Soul are three of the most important Contemporary Jazz hit makers on the scene: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr., artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring more than 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! As a touring ensemble, they are wowing audiences from coast to coast! Grammy Winner Jeff Lorber is famous for launching the career of Kenny G, and his productions and collaborations with such greats as Dave Koz, Janet Jackson, Lalah Hathaway and Miles Davis! Grammy Nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. is one of the world's most sought-after guitarists, having been featured on Michael Jackson's Thriller, many Whitney Houston hits, and much more. Grammy Nominated Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such musical giants as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, and Patti LaBelle. SIMPATICO is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano solos and soulful melodies.
The late great Nick Colionne wasn’t the only Smooth Jazz great to help school children in Chicago for years. In 2010, veteran bassist Michael Manson and his wife Lana opened the non-profit Musical Arts Institute, which has served the needs and goals of thousands of students on the South Side. Ever fueled by the power and joy of his faith, Manson’s collaborations with Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and George Duke have been lighting up the genre for nearly three decades. The multi-faceted artist builds momentum for his sixth album RIDESHARE with its second lead single “Just to See You Smile,” a charming and cheery, soulfully romantic, horn-fired mid-tempo ballad featuring the magic melodic touch of former George Duke and Rippingtons keyboardist Dave Kochanski.
Multi-talented vocalist N'Kenge may be making her Smooth Jazz debut with her lush, elegant and exquisitely rendered version of the Rodgers & Hart classic "Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered," but she's long been a giant in other arenas in the music industry. A Tony, Emmy and Grammy-nominated artist, she's headlined pop, opera and symphony concerts throughout the country, has appeared several times on Broadway and, thanks to her recent funky worldbeat single "Goosebump Moment," a bona fide TikTok star with 233K+ views and 26M+ total TikTok followers reached. Blessed with a five-octave range, N'Kenge brings perfect phrasing and an intense, emotional power to "Bewitched" that brings profound freshness to the lyrics. It's the lead single from her upcoming debut album CENTERSTAGE: LIVE FROM THE ELLA FITZGERALD FESTIVAL.
We're not sure if keyboardist/composer Rei Narita is studying Italian these days, but he is creating playfully grooving, instantly compelling tunes with thought provoking titles in this language. His latest gem "Strada Facendo," which translates to "on the road" or "along the way," invokes the feeling of a journey without a destination or a finish line, yet filled with the pleasure that a journey in of itself can bring. His punchy percussive perfection backs an ever-evolving swirl of melodic piano, inventive synth imaginings and hypnotic atmospheres. On a deeper level, the inspiring title can also refer to what we can learn along the way as we travel both literally and figuratively on the road of life. With Narita, music is always an adventure!
After releasing ILLUMINATE in 2018, Steve Oliver engaged in some cool side projects, including a popular duet album with Brian Simpson and a set of acoustic re-imaginings of his greatest hits. Now, the prolific Smooth Jazz hitmaker a journalist once called “musical Disneyland” (for his sunny personality and composing style) is back in snappy, melodic and sonically adventurous radio-friendly mode with A NEW LIGHT. Perfectly in line with his other instantly infectious albums with similarly light-bearing titles, the collection – co-produced by genre mega-hitmaker Michael Broening – offers a blend of funky-breezy drive time jams, gently caressing ballads (one featuring saxman Jeff Kashiwa) and exciting dashes of percussive exotica featuring the one-two punch of his dynamic strings and trademark dreamy wordless and percussive vocals.
On the heels of his recent, collaborative hit with Jessy J, the latest smooth gem creation from A-List, Italian keyboardist Paolo Rustichelli (Miles Dave, Santana) is a bright, shining tune that conjures up the most magical moments in one’s life. “Luna” featuring the effervescent talents of jazz festival favorite, Althea Rene on flute is a delightful mélange of fusion, funk jazz, pop and Brazilian bossa with a hip-hop spirit reminiscent of late 1980s dance tunes. Paolo’s musical signature is all over this modern Smooth Jazz experience… The fresh masterpiece begs to be enjoyed with a splashy cocktail, in the moonlight offering a sense of joy that only good music can bring!
Multi-talented flutist/composer Kim Scott vibrantly embodies the title of her sixth album LIVIN’ IT UP in many ways – from being a 3x Billboard chart topper and hosting her popular syndicated radio show “Kim Scott’s Block Party” to serving as flute professor at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and being a world-renowned international clinician. Collaborating with top producers like Greg Manning, Kelvin Wooten and Paul Brown and guest stars Jeff Ryan, Phil Davis, Kelly O’Neal and Naomi Achu, Kim brings her alternately lilting and percussive jazz/classical style to an adventurous array of vibes. These include ampiano and world music, a women’s empowerment anthem, soul balladry, clever re-imaginings and mash-ups of legendary pieces of music by Miles Davis, Herb Alpert and The Police along with an iconic Whitney Houston taking on high notes and the iconic Kirk Whalum sax solo, Livin' It Up from the first track to the last!
Smooth Jazz Alley - Founder and keyboardist/producer Marco Montoya, saxophonist Otoe Mori and longtime drummer/producer Kevin Lewis, took their hard-hitting, funked out game to a higher level and kept the hits flowing - to the tune of almost 4 million streams on Spotify! While they invited genre stars (Jessy J, Blake Aaron, Nathan East) to play on previous recordings, SJA's latest single, the high-spirited, relentlessly throbbing, sax and piano driven "Come On!," emphatically showcases the melodic and improvisational energy of the Bay Area ensemble. This is the first release with their new label home of Innervision.
Like an anointing from the musical gods, Carlo Toresani will forever remember the moment when Frank Sinatra approached him after his performance at one of Ol' Blue Eyes' parties and said, "Beautiful music, Carlo!" After many travels with his own ensembles throughout New England and NYC, the Naples born pianist/composer hightailed it to Vegas where he played for years in clubs, hotels and casinos - including performing with Dionne Warwick. Championed now by Grammy-winning producer, entertainment mogul and contemporary jazz keyboardist Vassal Benford, Toresani launches his Smooth Jazz career with the rapturous debut single "Love Concerto," on the Benford Jazz label with a splashy, emotionally empowering showcase for his elegant and joyous piano virtuosity. Wrapped in caressing atmospheres, Toresani's lush melody rides over Benford's acclaimed, slick production motifs with cinematic charisma.
Listening Loft : MUST HAVES
It’s no surprise that multi-instrumentalist/producer John Paris and saxophonist Eddie M – who fuse their ample, adventurous talents and superstar resumes as super funky R&B/urban jazz duo Back 2 Basics – have created such an explosive, wildly contemporary jam out of Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time,” freshly re-imagined as “Do You Remember” to pay amped up homage to the spirit of MJ. The longtime drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, Paris has worked with Patti Labelle and late greats Wayman Tisdale, Donna Summer and Natalie Cole, while Mininfield has collaborated with Prince, Sheila E., Stevie Nicks, Beyoncé and many others. This track is fueled by Paris’ slappin’ bass and powerful drums, Mininfield’s punchy horns and sax soloing along with special guest, R&B supergroup Blackstreet vocalist Dave Hollister!
It’s listed as a “Fun Fact” on her bio, but when you listen to multi-talented, genre-busting (blues, jazz, pop soul) pianist, vocalist and composer/producer Jill Butler’s aptly titled, wildly and adventurous debut JOYRIDE, you’ll know it’s truly her ongoing mission – devoting 100% of her time to uplifting the soul and uniting hearts through music. She brings her fiery and frolicsome, homegrown Louisiana lightning to a slate featuring both shimmering, percussive piano driven originals (including tributes to her professional musician parents and regional legend Carol Fran) and fanciful twists on classics by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Charlie Chaplain and New Orleans great Allen Toussaint. While ensembling with a cadre of Louisiana Music Hall of Famers, Butler also spins fascinating flute, vibes and organ sounds on her synth.
When she began lighting up the music scene in her native Buffalo, multi-talented vocalist and songwriter DeeAnn won hearts and numerous local awards focusing on pop, rock and country. Yet she's enjoyed her greatest success since embracing what her father, popular Buffalo jazz performer Frank DiMeo, always felt was her destiny - to be a jazz, or as she prefers, "jazzy soul" singer. She showcases the full array of sophisticated, stylish and sultry charms on this wonderfully dreamy, blues-tinged soul-jazz re-imagining of Sade's "Kiss of Life". It's an irresistible track that marks her second empowering collaboration with mega-producer Ted Perlman, who adds DeeAnn to a resume of superstars that includes Whitney Houston, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Ronald Isley, Burt Bacharach and Brian Wilson. The song crosses realms as well as genres with lyrics that bring meaning to metaphors and healing to hopelessness.
The titles of Karén Devroop's last two albums RELENTLESS and OVERJOYED say it all about the renowned South African saxophonist's tireless work ethic and the exuberance he has brought to his global collaborations, performances at international jazz festivals and symphony presentations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Keeping his compelling alternately silky and punchy sax style front and center, he follows the creative aesthetic of OVERJOYED by not simply covering but magnificently and adventurously re-imagining a handful of beloved pop/soul songs by Chaka Khan, Simply Red, Quincy Jones & James Ingram, TOTO, Michael Jackson and Bobby Caldwell to accompany his winsome originals. Devroop's exciting production touches include sizzling horn sections, gospel-flavored female vocals, exciting guitar and passionate, African rapping by young spoken word artist Uziel.
With the release of his latest album, the sensual and masterfully jazzy, super-funky, and downright danceable MODERN TIMES, NY/NJ based keyboardist Mike DiLorenzo celebrates 20 years as an innovative Smooth Jazz artist and sonic architect. The way he blends genres, grooves and moods is the sign of next level artistry. His musical connection to two of the most exciting vocalists in the industry, Anna Moore and Sonna Rele, prove that DiLorenzo is a producer with relevance and vision, showcasing boundless creativity in his work. When he's not leading a tight small ensemble featuring the dynamic tenor and soprano sax action of Frank Elmo, the modern music man is manifesting an irresistible whirlwind of ethereal atmospheres, mystical sonic landscapes and infectious thumping beats.
The signing of keyboardist Ron Pedley and guitarist Jon Pondel to Shanachie Records marks not only the rebirth of their early 2000s hipster duo Kombo - but also a partial resurrection of the classic 80's/90's fusion quartet Uncle Festive, comprised of Pedley, Pondel and two other members of Barry Manilow's longtime touring band. With Bud Harner adding cymbal swells and bell, three quarters of UF appears on Kombo's latest, vibey and struttin' album that lives up to its title, PRETTY SOLID. Driven by the seamless rapport between Pedley's classic keyboards (Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Minimoog), Pondel's edgy electric and warm acoustic and the popping rhythm section of Matt and Gregg Bissonette, it's a soul-minded blend of blues, classic jazz and melodic smooth grooves.
With the release of SETTING STANDARDS, veteran trumpeter/composer Tim Larkin's epic and cinematic, richly orchestrated debut album of iconic pop hits and compelling originals, Smooth Jazz welcomes into the fold an Academy Award winning sound designer whose eclectic history includes recording with Ice-T, performing alongside the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Huey Lewis, Sheila E, James Brown and years of acclaimed composing and sound design in the gaming world. In addition to showcasing his passionate, heartfelt trumpet grace and ample arranging skills, his years in the making, alternately sensitive and soaring re-imaginings of classics penned by David Foster, Jimmy Webb, Sting and others fulfill Larkin's vision to honor the music that shaped him while giving the songs new life in a voice that feels honest and true.
Veteran saxophonist Dee Lucas celebrates his successful two decades as an in-demand recording & performing artist as well as a 4x chart-topping hitmaker on TWENTY. The musical gift that keeps on giving, "Shelter Island" is the latest spin-off track that is sure to intrigue Smooth Jazz fans! The collection also features a sexy, hip-hop and classic soul-flavored vocal tune with Kevin Bennett and a glittering, mid-tempo title track co-written and spotlighting keyboardist and mega-producer Michael Broening (pushing 200k Spotify streams). This mostly upbeat, buoyant and playfully grooving affair all at once reflects on the consistency of the past, brings fresh, silky and funky (with a taste of Latin) fire to the present and exudes optimism for the future!
If any Smooth Jazz great should be FEELIN’ GOOD, it’s super guitarist, composer, and producer Nils, whose accolade-filled two decade run includes having his hit “Pacific Coast Highway” chosen Billboard’s Song of the Decade and Nils himself being named the #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist for 2021 and 2023. FEELIN’ GOOD is the perfect title for an engaging, uplifting album infused with the prolific artist’s trademark sense of adventure, alternating between snappy, crunchy funk-filled jaunts and sly, moody seductions - all wrapped in the colorful, brass-tinged bow of the cool dynamite he brings to an Earth, Wind & Fire classic. Nils builds on the intricacy of his electric guitar with tasty sonic production details and killer performances from an ensemble featuring Mitch Forman (piano) and Johnny Britt (Rhodes, vocals, horns).
Renowned Sacramento, California saxophonist Shawn Raiford calls his ever-evolving live ensemble the SRE (Shawn Raiford Experience) because – drawing on his passions for contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and pop – that’s what the multi-talented performer promises every time they take the stage. Four and a half years since his debut album MAN WITH A HORN, Raiford’s ready for THE NEXT STEP in his career with a stylistically diverse, in the pocket collection that finds him exploring fresh, expansive emotional territory with sizzling, seductive horn-drenched originals and instantly engaging, absolutely essential re-imaginings of hits and classics by Bruno Mars/Silk Sonic, Santana and Herb Alpert. Raiford set the stage with three lead singles throughout 2023 and 2024 – and now, rewards our patience with a payoff that’s off the charts!
Veteran saxophonist Cary Simms launched his career playing gospel, jazz and R&B in the Bay Area before relocating to the Pacific Northwest to hone his skills with top mentors in Oregon. He later shared stages with the likes of gospel legend Yolanda Adams, David Sanborn and Esperanza Spalding. He's venturing to a whole other region and musical mindset on his latest single, the compelling "Caribbean Blue," speaking to the sweet melody and balmy tropical breeziness surrounding his passionate, intimate and easy flowing and ultimately soaring sax. His first release since INTIMATE THOUGHTS, his 2007 debut album featuring Nathan East, the track starts out in laid back mode before picking up fire with a sizzling horn section, dreamy vocals, plus guitar and piano solos.
Talk about building anticipation! With the release of the explosive, brass-fired instrumental version of his Latin flavored seduction "Dime Que Me Quede" ("tell me to stay" in Spanish), veteran saxophonist Nick Stefanacci has now dropped five lead singles - including a vocal version of the song featuring Rich Aveo - from EN FUEGO, his upcoming fifth album. Having started his career as a sideman sharing the stage over the course of two decades with Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Derek Trucks, Cindy Bradley and Latin Rock Grammy winning band Diamante Electrico, Stefanacci - who counts Quincy Jones and Maceo Parker among his greatest influences - knows how to bring the kind of heart-tugging heat and soaring melodic and improvisational energy that makes "Dime…" an unforgettable listening experience.
When veteran composer and multi-instrumentalist Will Sumner released his debut album TROPIC ZONE 45 years ago, he lived in Minnesota and worked with everyone from Prince, Yanni and The Peterson Family. Decades later as a popular Smooth Jazz artist, he followed a handful of electric guitar focused beach themed albums with two recent collections paying heartfelt homage to his mom, his longtime family home of Carlsbad, CA and an alfalfa farm in Apple Valley once owned by his grandmother. Sumner's latest collection RIVERS rolls along breezily on a colorful, ultra-melodic mix of his jazz, funk and rock sensibilities, balancing exciting electric soul with warm, laid-back acoustic grace. Its many stylistic twists and turns make it feel like the Smooth Jazz equivalent of one of the symphonies he's written throughout his career.
When Jayson Tipp launched his solo Smooth Jazz career with the album TABLE FOR ONE in 2023, the big story was his transition to being a solo artist after leading the popular San Diego fusion band Under the Lake in the 90s and bringing them back to prominence in the late 2010s. Since then, the focus is on his collaborations on hit tracks with some of the genre's top artist/producers, including Darren Rahn and Adam Hawley. His impressive streak continues with the bright, brassy and high spirited "Takin' Off," a co-write with saxophonist Andrew Neu and bassist/producer/mixer Roberto Vally whose burst of sweet swaying funk blends Tipp's exciting, often improvisational piano artistry with, Vally's poppin' bass groove and slick production values, along with Neu's fiery horn arrangements and urgent, soaring solo action.
NYC keyboardist, composer and producer John Smatla has been an unstoppable force in Smooth Jazz since resurrecting his popular 2000s cosmopolitan global fusion collective Ultrablue with the rerelease of their self-titled album in 2023. Following singles paying homage to Earl Klugh and Herbie Hancock and others featuring Randy Brecker and Chieli Minucci, the Ultrablue vibe continues its full-on captivation of our senses with the latest, "Something Like Summer," a sensual and breezy, Brazilian flavored romantic gem that makes the perfect seasonal soundtrack. In addition to Smatla's stellar trademark piano playing, the instantly engaging tune also features the seductive vocals of Argentinian singer, the great Gabriela Anders, and a sexy sax solo courtesy of fellow New Yorker and longtime musical collaborator, Pete Belasco!
Several decades after starting his career rockin' in the 80s, saxophonist and keyboardist D.S. Wilson has developed into a steady Smooth Jazz hitmaker over the past several years while working with top genre artist/producers Adam Hawley, Steve Oliver and Jeff Carruthers. Since releasing his third album SKYLINE in 2023, the prolific multi-talented artist has been laying the groundwork for his upcoming full length METAMORPHOSIS album with six poppin' advance singles, including his latest brass-fired, melodically fanciful and funkified gem "Finish Line." Wilson complements his alternately silky and punchy lead sax lines and bright horn textures with a tasty, elegant piano solo over the tight grooves of bassist Cornelius Mims, drummer Eric Valentine and legendary percussionist Lenny Castro.
Listening Loft : ESSENTIALS
Veteran composer, pianist and producer Dan Alan Levine's deeply inspirational, soulful single "Echoes In the Dark" is a stirring collaboration with lyricist Susan Scibetta and sultry New England-based vocalist Samantha Mae, making her impactful Smooth Jazz debut singing hard-hitting yet uplifting lyrics about the strength it takes to find our way back in the wake of loss. Featuring Levine's sparkling piano solo, as well as a stunning trumpet improvisation, the song is the former TV orchestrator/arranger and Tony nominee's follow-up to his successful debut album OVER THE MOON and subsequent remixes of the project deeper cuts featuring Kim Scott and Jeanette Harris.
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.
In 2022, German scientist turned composer, keyboardist and prolific Smooth Jazz hitmaker Amandus joined forces with versatile guitarist Uli Broderson on the EP GROOVE INFECTION. Continuing to build on their tight, funky grooves, peppy melodies and colorful atmospheres, they joined forces with veteran drummer Alvin Mills to create the new genre supergroup AMB. The amped up trio follows their debut single "In the Curve" with the uplifting jam "Friday Evening," a buoyant track specially designed to celebrate the end of the workweek and the liberating start of the weekend. Broderson's crunchy solo improvisation perfectly complements Amandus' catchy keyboard hook.
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.
It's likely that the delightfully versatile, multi-lingual Sylvia Bennett is the only vocalist in history to have worked with Smooth Jazz greats Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East as well as the legendary Lionel Hampton. Hampton got it right years ago when he praised her with "Man, that lady can sing!" Bennett's living up to those words more emphatically than ever with her latest single "Be True To Me," a charming and winsome romantic ballad with enrapturing percussive rhythms and whimsical Spanish guitar harmonies behind her silky vocals. With great style and wisdom, she's sharing a simple message crucial to any sustainable relationship.
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.
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.
Veteran guitarist/composer Mark Carter, who last regaled us with his 2022 Paul Brown produced #1 Chartbound single "Swingtown," finds the perfect way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut album IT'S ABOUT TIME - with this latest collection COAST TO COAST. It's a stylistically diverse Smooth Jazz travelogue that ventures from breezy, lighthearted, even tropical-tinged light funk romps about his home region of SoCal to more muscular, bluesy and edgier tunes inspired by NYC and Memphis. Along the way, he dedicates two of the collection's most heartfelt expressions to the gypsy soul of his son Jason and the courage of his granddaughter Louisa, who has autism.
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 Floridian 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 featuring Dukas' smooth, silky and sexy vocals with Valentin's soulful harmonies elegantly caressing the song's poetic lyrics. "Everything Changed" plays like a long lost Great American Songbook standard.
E. Pruitt's history of musical diversity ensures that the veteran bassist and popular Seattle-based performer is likely the only Smooth Jazz artist who has opened for top rock icons (The Scorpions, Paul Stanley and Brett Michaels), genre peers (Norman Brown, Gerald Albright) as well as a Miles Davis tribute band Miles and Miles himself. He sets the stage for his upcoming debut solo album BASS GRAFITTI with his latest single, a fresh and funky, brassy and mystical twist on Peter White's breezy 2009 hit "Good Day" that takes it to a deeper emotional dimension via Pruitt's tight bass melody and dynamic soloing.
Some of this decade's hippest, slinkiest and toe tappin' vocal Smooth Jazz hit the horizon the minute 20something, UK multi-instrumentalist Will Eason met pop/soul singer Joe Hurworth in Cornwall, England in the summer of 2023. Inspired by the region's sunny beaches and sea, they merged their ample talents to unleash a batch of coolly dazzling singles which collectively total several million streams and counting and earned them prominent placements at major European festivals. The duo infuses their sumptuous full length debut MIDNIGHT with sly, charming and imaginative mid-tempo jazz, R&B, soul-pop coolness that put their multitude of songwriting and performing talents on full display.
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.
With a clever nickname inspired by Louis Armstrong, James Saxsmo Gates is to Richmond VA what Satchmo was to New Orleans. He's one of the city's most storied musicians, with decades as an educator (founder of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program at Virginia State University) and recording artist who's performed with the likes of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie. Terence Blanchard, Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. The title of his latest album SAXSMO'S DEN feels like an exclusive invitation to a high-spirited, freewheeling jam session showcasing the many sides of his multi-faceted jazz artistry - sometimes funky and burning, often swinging and bluesy, other times sensual and smoky. Along the way, he pays high octane homage to chief influences Cannonball Adderley and Charlie Parker.
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.
Riding high off the energy of his recent track "My Side of the Mountain" and currently working on a retro-cool vinyl album to be titled IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK, Abe LaMarca's silky, sophisticated vocals and soothing harmonies on his latest single "Said What You Said" take a bit of the sting off of the rejection and betrayal he sings so beautifully about in the lyrics. For the longtime alumni of the internationally acclaimed Las Vegas ensemble Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, the seductive, mid-tempo ballad is the latest expression of his unique spin on the great Northern soul music he grew up with.
With a diverse resume that includes serving as a church musician, playing with indie/alternative/soft rock group Moths in the Attic and playing the National Anthem for MLB, NBA and NCAA games and for PGA tour champions, multi-faceted horn player Mike Williams found a unique way to distinguish himself from any other musical "Mike Williams" out there - by adopting the spot-on professional moniker, "Mike Williams on Sax." He follows several soulful holiday recordings with his latest sizzling Smooth Jazz hit "Last Night," a lush and sophisticated, richly textured romantic ballad that's easily one of the steamiest tunes of the year.
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!
Emerging this year with a stylistically eclectic batch of singles, Indiana born, Connecticut based singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Rick Lewis found the perfect name to encapsulate the essence of his genre-transcendent artistry: Rick Lewis Radio. After releasing several pop and country-oriented songs, he makes an impressive initial foray into Smooth Jazz with "Wish Upon Your Star," a romantic romp showcasing jazzy piano in tandem with the ethereal, Sade-like vocals of #1 Billboard charting British dance and electronic music artist Abigail Z. Adding a little trumpet spice for good measure, this smooth and seductive tune is sure to have contemporary jazz lovers tuning in Rick Lewis Radio!
Countless Smooth Jazz fans listen to their favorite artists and songs to bring a sense of calm into their lives, but award-winning L.A. based singer-songwriter Johnny Schaefer, a longtime backup singer working with music elite incluing Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, Billy Idol, Pete Townshend and many others, goes an incredible step further. His graceful and lilting new single "Find a Place" is a soft-spoken anthem with an encouraging personal and universal message of meditation to uplift in these troubled times. As listeners reflect on Schaefer's gentle vocals and positive lyrics, they'll also enjoy the extra tender touch of Gerald Albright's soothing guest sax solo.
Since saxophonist/composer Warren Keller first unleashed the full extent of his high-octane urban jazziness as founder of Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion in 2019, the former NYC rocker has been an ever-present force on the Smooth Jazz charts. Finding the perfect collaborator in #1 hitmaker Blake Aaron, SGC follows their previous hit singles with the perfectly titled, Aaron co-written and produced "Funk in the Trunk," a muscular, horn-drenched blast of frolicsome energy steeped in the influences of 70's funk and featuring Keller's dynamic soloing, Aaron's fortified guitar playing, David Mann's feisty horn arrangements, Tateng Katindig's tasty keys, Michael White's snappy drums and Mel Brown's sleek basslines.
Since shifting gears from being a lighting director for pop legends to being a prolific and eclectic guitarist, Global Music Award winner Stephen Duros established himself as a force in flamenco and gypsy music playing with Ottmar Liebert and Lawson Rollins. On "Waves of Time," his exotic, richly intoxicating follow up single to his 2023 album THE MANHATTAN SESSIONS, he joins forces with another renowned world music guitarist, Shahin Shahida (Shahin & Sepehr), to record an artful fusion of Smooth Jazz grooves with global expression. Complemented by a dreamy vocal atmosphere and accented by the world-class sax work of Vincent Henry. The blend is intoxicating with a melody that evokes big feelings as it conjures the ebb and flow vibe of the history of time and how our lives we roll through it.
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.
In 2002, veteran composer and five string bassist and OASA Records President, Tony Whitfield paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the people of NYC in the wake of the 9/11 attacks by arranging and producing "New York Hustle" an electrifying, soul and jazz-fired revamp of Van McCoy's Grammy winning disco classic "The Hustle." Featuring Whitfield's potent bass grooves as well as the Grammy Award Winning Jerry Hey Horn Section and guitar work of the late Hiram Bullock, "New York Hustle - 9/11 Tribute" (Instrumental) is being re-released to honor the victims on the 24th anniversary, and works an evergreen magic that gives us the freedom to celebrate life even in the wake of the worst tragedy. Mr. Whitfield is also fulfilling a personal request from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin and conducting a SILENT AUCTION of her Rare Rehearsal Tape.