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On her stylistically eclectic, highly autobiographical new album TIME IS NOW, multi-talented Hawaiian vocalist and poetically insightful songwriter Maelan Abran invites us into a unique, sonically dynamic world. She balances exquisite and vulnerable romantic expressions with edgy social consciousness, an impactful feeling of pop/soul/jazz fired hope and thoughtful, heart wrenching and motivating imagery reflecting on her roots growing up on the Big Island. Adding to the epic, sometimes dreamy and atmospheric, other times, swinging and funky vibe is a beautiful piano and orchestra interlude that serves as a sweeping break between the collection’s powerful dramatic narratives. Helping shape the fascinating soundscapes is Abran’s Grammy nominated co-writer and producer Marlin “Hookman” Bonds, best known for his work with pop superstars Jason Derulo, Swizz Beatz, Jay Sean and Chris Brown.        

In a recent interview connected with the release of Jim Adkins’ latest album SOUL EXPRESSION, the versatile veteran guitarist said it all about his multi-faceted artistry when he talked about the inspiration for the title, “It all comes from within as an expression of my soul.” Nearly 25 years into his award-winning, regularly charting recording career, the Grammy nominated musician is still mixing up a non-stop, cool swirl of varying vibes and energies centered on his alternately crisp/crackling and sensually fluid lines. Complementing a batch of high-spirited originals with a bluesy, slow burning twist on an Ed Sheeran classic, Adkins brings his jazzy hipster magic to tracks that rock, jazz, immerse us in mystical romance and take us to balmy tropical climes.  

Edmond Baker Jr.’s website finds the versatile saxophonist (aka “Uptown Saxman”) inspiring his visitors to stay true to their passion with his advice: “Never Give Up on Your Dreams, Cause Can’t Nobody Stop You, But You!” Taking this to heart, the Texas-based musician’s been a nonstop working dynamo for years, earning five-star ratings from Gigmasters.com and Gigsalad.com for his two decades of playing and DJ’ing (often at the same time) at ceremonies, celebrations, upscale corporate and private events and more across the country. With the release of his new single, the lush, deeply passionate, gospel-influenced piano and sax driven ballad “Life is Hard, But God is Good,” Baker will no doubt be getting those kinds of ratings from – and lift the spirits of – excited Smooth Jazz fans all over the world!
   

Since her recording debut on the Grammy-nominated SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY album with music icon Lionel Hampton, multi-talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Sylvia Bennett has become something of a legend herself, with a dozen solo albums to date, and a successful emergence into Smooth Jazz that includes collaborations with Arturo Sandoval, Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East. With production by longtime collaborator and producer Hal S. Batt, the vibrant singer’s latest album REFLECTIONS finds her looking firmly ahead, pairing her lush, lilting and sultry vocals with seductive light grooves and sweet caressing musical atmospheres. Complementing her emotionally impactful originals with a tasty “world mix” of a Songbook standard ("Witchcraft"), she thoughtfully explores the many facets of relationships, from hopeful beginnings and making dreams reality to the fine art of working things through. 

Twenty-five years after establishing himself as an impactful straight ahead guitarist with his renowned ensemble Pursuance, multi-faceted guitarist Ron Bosse – referred to as a “master in the making” by Guitar Player Magazine - pulls a fascinating, freewheeling 180, getting into a funkified, explosive and uber-melodic groove collaboration with Jeff Lorber on his epic high-octane album BURNING ROOM ONLY. The two bring the wildly infectious, ultra-melodic and robustly grooving tracks to life with an ensemble of equally genre-busting greats – including saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Bob Reynolds (Snarky Puppy), bassists Ben Shepherd, Jimmy Haslip, MonoNeon (Prince’s last bassist), Hadrien Feraud, drummer Gary Novak, with sizzling horn arrangements by David Mann. Bosse freely showcases his potent rhythm lead guitar chops along with his colorful and expressive melody lines and burning improvisations, hence the title!

More than just a clever name, Doc City is a dynamic, multi-faceted all-star contemporary jazz/R&B ensemble led by real MD, Dr. Clarence Taylor, who is a practicing internal and emergency medicine physician at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation – and is also a versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Two decades after being nominated as Best R&B/Soul Band by the Cleveland Free Times Music Awards, the powerhouse, lushly romantic and wildly grooving 19-piece (15 instrumentalists, 4 vocalists) band featuring trumpeter Sean Jones and singers Evelyn Wright, Tina Farmer, and Reggie Kelly returns with a DELUXE EDITION of their sophisticated project, WELCOME TO DOC CITY. It’s a stylistically expansive set of music that rolls like a sexy party mix featuring soul, hip-hop, jazz and pop and features beautifully crafted songs as well as vibey dance mix of a Sade classic!

Often described vocally as a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner, veteran Australian singer-songwriter Skii Harvey is a celebrated citizen of the world, recognized by the Billboard Music Awards, the UK Songwriting Awards and Australian Songwriter’s Association. Over a dozen years after launching her recording career, she profoundly shifts sonic gears on her heartrending, soul-piercing and incredibly cathartic EP WAITING with renowned South Korean producer and K-pop artist Mackelli. The sequel/emotional aftermath to her powerful heartbreak chronicle BROKEN, this four-ballad collection finds her taking stock of the past, moving slowly passed the pain and embracing the fact that she no longer must wait for happiness. She also slyly embraces the reality that the wait for true love (after one that wasn’t) captures the heart in perpetuity.  

Next time you hear “Copacabana,” imagine guitarist Jon Pondel and keyboardist Ron Pedley – collectively recording now as Kombo – playing it on tour behind Barry Manilow in the early 80s. They later joined forces with two other Manilow bandmates to form Uncle Festive, which  scored radio hits in the late 80s and 90s. Pondel and Pedley then launched Kombo around the turn of the century. Over 20 years since their last album, the duo’s new, auspiciously titled collection THIS IS THE GOOD ONE, finds them jamming like no time has passed on funky, fluid, moody and soulful guitar and retro keyboard driven tunes - including several with a swinging horn section. Their blend of driving grooves and whimsical adventure hits the sweet spot between Smooth Jazz and contemporary jazz fusion. 

Fresh off his 2022 Soul Café Radio Indie Soul Awards nomination, versatile saxophonist Dee Lucas – closing in on 20 years as a recording artist – is set on fulfilling a dual mission as he releases his wildly eclectic, genre pushing new album NO BOUNDARIES. First, he’s committed to creating music as a coping mechanism for others, which in turn brings joy to his listeners. Second, reflective of the project’s theme, to make music that evolves with less restrictions and expectations. While keeping his infectious melodies and lyrical, ever-grooving horn vibe front and center, Lucas’ outside the box/comfort zone vision leads to an expansive palette of expressions, tapping into his cross-pollinating passions for pop, rock, funk, R&B and jazz and inspiring interactions with Blair Bryant, Gino Rosaria, Selina Albright, David P. Stevens and Ragan Whiteside.   

Now in her fourth decade as a contemporary jazz icon and perhaps the genre’s most impactful global and charitable ambassador, keyboardist/composer Keiko Matsui titled her epic, wondrously exotic and wildly eclectic 30th album EUPHORIA after the wonderful feeling she gets when she witnesses how her classical and new aged influenced Smooth Jazz connects people around the world. Packed with luminescent melodies and rhythmic influences from around the globe, the visionary artist engages in jazz fusion, a prayerful meditation, an R&B anthem with Lalah Hathaway, a snazzy tango, a playful romp to Paraguay and a track she calls her “jazz symphony” featuring vibes player Joel Ross. She invites a handful of jazz legends along on the incredible journey, including Kirk Whalum, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker and John Beasley.  

Having collaborated over the years with both R&B/pop legends the likes of Billy Preston, Maria Muldaur, and The Coasters, as well as Smooth Jazz greats including Acoustic Alchemy, Kirk Whalum and Eric Marienthal, Grammy-nominated bassist and guitarist Dennis Murphy brings a dynamic swirl of history, adventurousness, and hard-grooving energy to his current splash in the genre. Setting the stage for his upcoming, star-studded album INFINITE – the follow up to his hit 2021 collection OUR HIGHER SELVES, which stayed on the Smoothjazz.com TOP100 Chart for 49 weeks, Murphy brings a feisty mix of irrepressible, funky and fiery exotica and gritty blues to Sergio Mendes’ classic “Mas Que Nada.” The fast-rolling track features plenty of trademark improvisations by Murphy, who intermingles throughout with the buoyant, intensely pulsating piano and organ of guest super star Ricky Peterson (David Sanborn, Stevie Nicks). 

In establishing his record labels Key Rei Jazz and Studio Luna Azul, prolific pianist, composer, producer Rei Narita – renowned as Asia’s foremost pioneer of Smooth Jazz – has made his intentions clear: to build on the concept of creating beautiful music. Since his two-part full-length album series, THE COLOR OF SOUNDSCAPE in the 2010s, the multi-talented artist has released two follow up EPs and a flurry of popular singles, including one with Omar Hakim and Peter White. The title of Narita’s latest super-melodic, seductive and gently rhythmic gem, “Lets Meet Up Under the Sakura” refers to the Japanese cherry blossom. Narita’s dreamy and atmospheric, easy swaying, and often improvisational flow creates a gentle soundtrack for the image of two people meeting up under this tree that blooms inspirationally in spring. 

Long known as Asia’s foremost pioneer of Smooth Jazz, pianist/composer/producer Rei Narita has had tremendous success as an artist and owner of a label (Rei jazz) and studio (Luna Azul), and has attracted numerous top genre artists to his creative fold. With the release of his high spirited, improv-rich new single “The Wind in L.A.,” The prolific Narita complements his free-flowing keys by adding the cheerful exotic vibe of Marc Antoine's world-renowned nylon string guitar playing to his growing roster of guest artistry. Though the actual wind in L.A. is often a fiery hot Santa Ana or a wintry cold breeze, this lively, summer-soaked track inspires us to imagine Southern California at it's best on a beautiful and balmy day. Drummer Omar Hakim, who brought his talents to Narita’s recent releases, drives the melodic winds with his elegant and energetic beats.

With a nod to Shawn Raiford’s critically praised 2020 debut album, MAN WITH A HORN, while many may call themselves such, few actually 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 single “Forever” with one of the most dynamic, impactful Smooth Jazz cover songs in years. Rich with bright caressing sonic textures, his beautifully performed, sassy and brassy twist on Silk Sonic’s #1 multi-Grammy winning smash, “Leave the Door Open” sets the spirited standard by which instrumental re-imaginings should be judged. Raiford’s alternately tender and muscular approach is sheer romantic delight! Available in advance of his forthcoming album THE NEXT STEP.

With the release of GOOD MEDICINE, an inviting mix of spirited contemporary jazz, robust funk and sensual balladry, six-piece Bay Area ensemble Rainforest Band confirms its status as one of Smooth Jazz’s most environmentally conscious artists. Launched in 2017 by R&B/Gospel soul veterans Tony Saunders (bass), Vernon “Ice” Black (guitar) and Sylvester Burks (keyboards), the group refashions the eco-minded aesthetic of BLUES FROM THE RAINFOREST – A MUSICAL SUITE, an early 90s  “environmental earth music album” created by Saunders’ father, famed keyboardist Merl Saunders, and the legendary Jerry Garcia. While the soaring power and passion of saxophonist Dave Ellis ensures that this collection is more horn-centric than their debut, there’s also plenty of urban jazz and groovin’ soul from Saunders and tasty, melodic guitar magic from Black and Lorn Leber. GOOD MEDICINE will make you feel good!

Closing in on 25 years since he first graced us with his impeccable, melodic and rhythmic acoustic guitar as part of the Latin fusion duo Young & Rollins. Lawson Rollins is a Billboard Top 10 ranked world music guitarist whose sense of adventure and invention has earned him Guitar Player Magazine’s designation as one of the 50 Best Acoustic Guitarists of all time! The multi-faceted artist/composer keeps the intricate six-string fire burning on his latest solo album HEARTWOOD. It’s a robust, high-spirited, ensemble driven collection that celebrates the material foundation of his instrument featuring Grammy winning violinists Charlie Bisharat and Mads Tolling, veteran jazz saxophonist Mary Fettig, Brazilian percussionist Marquinho Brasil, virtuoso bassist Dan Feiszli, multi-instrumentalist Stephen Duros, keyboardist Michael Bluestein, cellist Joseph Hébert and drummers Colin Douglas and Davo Bryant. The pack depart on sensual, high flying and improvisational excursions into bossa nova, rumba and samba – with a frolicsome homage to Spanish classical virtuoso, Segovia included for good measure. 

With a name like Jack Sax Davies, the fast-emerging artist is priming us for some passionate, silky and soaring horn action on his catchy new single “Midnight Magic” – a track mixed and mastered by Darren Rahn. With its sexy, laid-back flow and synth-flute flurries, it’s designed as a throwback to the Smooth Jazz vibes of the 1990s with a contemporary twist, including cool intro record scratches. These elements reflect key aspects of the Berklee educated, UK born and based artist’s unique biography – the inspiration of his musical mentor and longtime friend Jeff Kashiwa (a dominant saxophonist with the Rippingtons in the ‘90s) and his extensive session and live performance work with hip-hop and dance/electronic artists Che Lingo, Nadia Rose, Paris Cesvette, Melle Brown and BenWah. Hit play and let “Midnight Magic” transport you to a new world high up in the magical cosmos! 

After a series of edgy electric guitar driven Smooth Jazz albums featuring beachy/summery titles like COAST DRIVE and RIDE THE WAVE, multi-talented musician-composer Will Sumner got more personal with his 2021 release OCEAN STREET, which featured songs emotionally connected to his longtime former family home in Carlsbad, where his mother lived until her passing at 96. On this latest, truly innovative sonic excursion MEADOWLARK, Will keeps his trademark blend of buoyant funk/rock, sensual atmospheric balladry and breezy, piano-enhanced melodic grace flowing in loving homage to the beautiful working alfalfa farm in Apple Valley, California. owned by his grandmother in the 1960s and 1970s. The collection of infectious tunes brings to life grandma’s warmth and generosity, as well as the sweet nostalgia of his childhood summer vacations there.     

As proud of his “day gig” as a nationally published financial planning author, speaker and executive as he is of his burgeoning career as a sly and funky, soul-fired saxophonist, Phil Walker says his goal is destress you in two ways – Smooth Jazz and Smooth Life in Retirement. Because of the title of his latest seductive yet funky, groove intensive and Latin fired album IN THE AIR TONIGHT, much hoopla will be made of the soaring, spot-on Phil on Phil (Collins) connection. Yet Walker, working with genre greats like Steve Oliver, Richard Smith, Chris Tedesco and former Rippingtons’ members Kim Stone and Dave Hooper also kicks it up on a Rufus classic and a batch of inspiring originals showcasing his talents at late night mood setting and firing on all cylinders for a danceable good time.   

Saxophonist and keyboardist D.S. Wilson has teamed with recording artist, guitarist and producer Adam Hawley along with an all-star cast to produce SKYLINE, the 3rd full album of  contemporary jazz featuring catchy melodies and solid grooves. The A-listers in the mix include Eric Valentine on drums, Mel Brown on bass and Carnell Harrell on keys. Paying homage to the bustling vibe of the Windy City, the project has released advance singles which have proven to grab the attention of radio stations and music fans around the world. His previous single, "Leave It To The Gods" has nearly 100k streams on Spotify! The successfully charting artist, performer and composer has experience in jazz, blues, pop and rock and all of these genres seamlessly flow through the tracks on SKYLINE, giving the listener an exciting experience from beginning to end.