Listening Loft Store

Acclaimed TV arranger/orchestrator and Tony Award nominee for the score of the Broadway Musical "Anna Karenina," multi-talented pianist/composer Dan Alan Levine says that “one of the nice things about Smooth Jazz is that it allows the spirit and soul to relax.” It’s joyfully ironic then, that the wondrously inviting, infectious tunes on his stylistically eclectic (and perfectly titled) debut album OVER THE MOON are peppy and optimistic. Advance singles are still receiving airplay around the world on Smooth Jazz radio and being featured on some of the most popular streaming Playlists. Mixed and mastered by chart-topping songsmith Peter Ferencz (Peet Project) and driven by light funk grooves that breeze along the pop, soul, jazz, tropical and Latin landscapes – with a dash of classical. Dan’s emotionally compelling melodies come to life with the support of two genre leading ladies, flutist Kim Scott and saxophonist Jeanette Harris. The full album release is celebrated with the latest single, the project's title track, "Over The Moon."

Though pianist/composer Carol Albert has been recording since the early 90s, it’s testament to the fire her singles have caught on at Smooth Jazz Radio since 2016 that two tracks from her 2020 album STRONGER NOW have Spotify streams in the millions – very rare numbers for the genre. Her streak of infectious hits continued with the first two lead singles from her latest wonderwork MAGIC MIRROR, which sweeps us up in spirited whirlwinds of melodic grace via tunes that range from intimate and meditative to exuberant and funky to exotic and Brazilian flavored. While promoting themes of personal soul escape/adventure and self-reflection in this post-pandemic era of new awakenings, Carol showcases her love for  dreamy, easy-flowing contemporary jazz that takes her, and us, to many magical places.

Focusing on music after getting a Master’s in physics, German keyboardist/composer Michael Quast wrote his first Smooth Jazz song in 1996, then set his compositions aside and became a busy touring sideman with Paul Young, Nik Kershaw, Johnny Logan and Midge Ure. Since launching his recording career as Amandus in 2020, there’s been no stopping his irresistible blend of lighthearted funk grooves and cheery but often sensually romantic melodies. On his new EP, HER LOVE, Quast optimistically explores the many facets of love real and imagined, complementing his dazzling keys with exotic percussion, colorful vocal textures and the edgy rap of Trinidad born Klyive on the title track. Another essential aspect of Amandus’ sound is his seamless interaction with the fluid energy of German electric guitarist Uli Broderson.  

Truly manifesting the thought-provoking title of his fourth album DO WHAT YOU FEEL, veteran Urban Contemporary Jazz trombone master, Steve Baxter’s stirring blend of soulful, funky and smooth music invokes the classic R&B/jazz vibe of Wayne Henderson and finds him joining the ranks of Trombone Shorty and Brian Culbertson as contemporary jazz cats making Smooth Jazz a wonderland of possibilities for the instrument’s unique lower toned timbre. Steve’s unique stylistic array has its roots in his years sharing stage and studio time with everyone from The Crusaders, Barry Manilow and Gladys Knight & The Pips to Alicia Keys, Babyface and Ziggy Marley. Adding deeper emotional cool to the mix are the very different moods created on several key tracks by guest vocalists Devere Duckette and Lynn Fiddmont. This is a must have for music enthusiasts!

To riff on the title of Paul Brown’s stellar, bluesy, jazzy and funky second Shanachie album PROMISED LAND, the veteran double Grammy winning guitarist has been the first-choice producer for any genre artist trying to get to #1 spot on the radio charts for 30+ years. As an artist and producer, he’s scored over 60 chart toppers! A few years ago, Brown took stock of his great success with ONES UPON A TIME, cleverly re-imagining those smashes with other artists. Brown brings his dynamic cool urban jazz aesthetic, fluid, crackling string style and soulful rhythmic diversity to a new batch of sure-fire smashes. He rolls from romantic cool, down home blues and tropical Latin cool to tight, infectious in the pocket jams with special sax guests Marion Meadows and Euge Groove.  

Finally making time to pursue his musical dreams after retiring from a successful career in IT, versatile composer/flugelhorn player Bob Coate has been all systems go on his mission to create what he terms “Smooth Jazz and Beyond” over the past few years. He hails from Virginia, but his musical heart is in the tropics. Since breaking through with his appropriately titled 2021 debut single “Super Smooth,” he’s been on a prolific tear, showcasing his developing artistry with eight mostly laid back, beach-vibin’ tracks. His latest, the bright, easy-grooving seduction “Sasha” feat Sonix, is his most infectious yet, a multi-faceted production showcasing his dreamy and melodic horn, a sweet swirling atmosphere, bright synth chords, a tight light funk energy and sparkling soul-jazzy Fender Rhodes solo.

A multi-talented veteran saxophonist and music educator, Russian born, Australia based Igor Fedotov released albums and toured the world as a solo artist and guest performer while teaching 500+ students as an instructor over two decades. Though he’s been releasing solo projects since the late 90s, Fedotov’s stylistically, culturally and rhythmically eclectic, lushly orchestrated new album BELIEVE IN LOVE marks an emotionally impactful launch into Smooth Jazz. Unlike many saxmen who stick with one signature sound, Fedotov brings a multitude of sonic approaches to the mix, playing everything from a sensual Gato Barbieri-like tenor to lyrical and deeply funky soprano, with plenty of robust intensity and graceful romantic expressions in between. The bold production, big swelling strings and commitment to diversity add up nicely to a magnificent musical trip around the globe

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! 

After decades leading numerous jazz fusion bands, guitarist/composer/producer James Morgan’s decision to launch his own brand of “West Coast Laid Back Jazz” via the Ghost Jazz Trio has been a spectacular success, including two 'Best Jazz Album of the Year' nominations from the San Diego Music Awards. Recently upgraded from a trio to a funky, hard-poppin’ quintet, the latest full-length jam GROOVIN’ SMOOTH is an infectious, rhythm-centric showcase for Morgan’s fluid style and the natural wood vibe of his Pat Metheny hollow body signature guitar. Everything is colored, of course, by the skillful and adventurous ensemble of seasoned musicians featuring legendary guitarist (album co-writer, arranger and producer) Dean Brown (Bob James, David Sanborn), bassist Nathan Brown (Bob James, Eric Marienthal, Brian Simpson), keyboardist Chase Pado and holding down the groove, Tres Hodgens on drums. Engineered and recorded by Grammy winner Alan Sanderson (Elton John, Michael Jackson, Rolling Stones).  

Till now, everything written about the soulful and passionate, uber-romantic R&B/pop/jazz singer Gil touches on the fact that he finally pursued his musical dreams after decades in the car biz. With the release of this exhilaratingly upbeat and positive new single, “Nothing (Leslie’s Song),” the revamped story is all about his fast-developing artistry and, with the buoyant jam, his anticipatory hope that the lady is as head over heels in love as he is. While vibing brilliantly once again with co-writer and producer, Dove and Stellar Award nominee AyRon Lewis as well as Smooth Jazz guitar great Doc Powell, Gil also complements his Luther Vandross-like lovelorn cool with a sparkling high energy solo from Nashville piano prodigy David M. Rodgers.      

The love continues with producer, composer, musician Jeff Golkin’s follow-up single to his critically acclaimed and Smooth Jazz charting debut album WE HAVE LOVE… FOR ALL TIME. “A Million Lifetimes” from the Jeff Golkin & Forever Love project is a timeless, mid-tempo ballad speaking to true love, the kind that lasts forever. The sentiment run deep on this emotive, sweet track… Served up it as a vocal duet and as an instrumental. The sweeping, cinematic piano is the star of the instrumental with complementing expression from violin, flute and guitar, and the musical arrangement warmly caresses the vocals on the original version. Golkin’s vantage point of perennial love leads him to the heartfelt believe that “love of another, greater than oneself, is to know the joy of how to make the world a better place for all time.”

Maggie Herron’s passionate, haunting twist on the Leonard Cohen classic is one of the big selling points for MY STORY IN SONG. The Michigan born, Honolulu based veteran jazz treasure, pianist and vocalist’s raw, vulnerable, emotionally revealing new album is due out soon. Yet it’s Herron’s impactful original material where she shares, in settings ranging from big band and gospel to easy swinging jazz, her enduring love, truth and grief over the 2020 loss of her beloved daughter and collaborator Dawn. Buoyed by jazz greats like Bill Cunliffe, Mitch Forman, Grant Geissman and Andrew Neu, Herron brings Dawn’s talent and spirit into the mix to pay homage to her life and legacy. This single will take you through the musical marble arch to the promised new album!

While old paradigm music industry protocol dictated that recording artists should limit themselves to a single album a year so as not to over-saturate the market, the fiercely indie-minded Lowell Hopper is blissfully answering to a higher muse these days. Only three months after releasing his brisk, feel good album ANOTHER HOT SUMMER NIGHT, the wildly prolific, adventurously melodic and groove intensive guitarist graces us with the equally infectious, uplifting and sweetly romantic TENDER TOUCH. As always, his trademark tonal blend (between crackling and silky) offers a wide palette of engaging tones and moods. Now over three decades and 21 albums into his recording career, the 20-year Air Force vet turned Smooth Jazz hit maker is soaring higher and more creatively than ever.

An incredible 45 years after releasing his epic debut album THE GENIE, and 33 years since his landmark Atlantic album IVORY DREAMS, Bobby Lyle reminds us on his latest collection that he’s still engaged and excited about being in the IVORY FLOW. The multi-talented pianist/keyboardist calls this gloriously crafted set “a reunion album,” with support from his equally legendary contemporary jazz pals Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Najee, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, Nathan East, Everette Harp, Stanley Clarke, Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson, Jr!  This dream team takes fanciful spins through a riveting, expansive landscape infused with classic soul/funk, Latin-fired fusion, straight ahead jazz, solo piano blues and an elegant tune dedicated to Lyle’s son Tommy, who passed away in 2017 from diabetic complications. Step into the IVORY FLOW and feel the love. 

With the release of THE TREE OF LIFE, a multi-faceted collection infused with Smooth Jazz, swinging traditional jazz, groovin’ R&B, new soul and bits of gospel and GoGo Afro Funk, veteran horn master, 804 Jazz founder and CEO Bill McGee celebrates musical greats Ramsey Lewis and Donald Byrd as well as personal milestones. Besides marking over 50 years as a recording artist and two decades in Smooth Jazz, Bill was recently elected President of the Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the civil rights organization founded by MLK! Beyond stylistic diversity, from sweet ballads and juicy jams to special guest performances from A-listers Freddie Fox, Fred Wesley, Christian de Mesones, James Saxsmo Gates, Najee and more, the project also spotlights McGee’s tender melodic flugelhorn and his remarkable one-man horn sections via the trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and hybrid “flugelbone.” This musical tree provides shelter for enthusiasts who appreciate depth and joy in their listening experience.  

For Andrew Neu, one of the perks of years touring with Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur, Smokey Robinson and Norman Brown is mastering the art of seamless, intuitive collaboration. Back in the Smooth Jazz fold with a funked-out flair after a critically acclaimed dive into Big Band, the multi-talented saxophonist found the perfect composing partner and producer for this phase of his solo career in #1 Billboard charting artist Greg Manning. Offering the perfect motivational message for the new year, Neu’s latest single “Lean Into It” – his second jam with Manning – brings an infectious blast of action packed, horn-drenched fire and fury via the tenacious snazz of the saxman’s fast simmering melody, Manning’s bluesy keys, Carlyle Barriteau’s jangling guitar and the tight pocket grooves of Mel Brown and Eric Valentine.     

In 2021, as his #1 hits “Caught in the Groove” and “Outta Sight” were spinning regularly – ultimately making him Billboard’s #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist of the Year – guitarist, composer and producer Nils was going through a rough personal time, traveling back and forth from L.A. to his original home of Munich to care for his ailing parents. The stylistically, eclectic gems written for his latest album COOL SHADES (which he dedicates to his late father Kurt) alternately reflect the heavy emotions of this time, the importance of musical catharsis and the need for joyful, infectious and funky jams to balance the sadness and brighten up the world. Not surprisingly, Nils works his bluesiest excitement ever – a point emphasized by his clever jazzy arrangement of a Jimi Hendrix classic.

Internationally known as a concert pianist (playing major music halls and festivals) and record producer for three decades, Ken Powe’s decision in 2015 to finally record as a solo artist has led to a wildly prolific run of five full-length albums in seven years – including his 2020 breakthrough STEPPIN’. On his latest, the multi-faceted ON THE LEVEL, he shares his passions for exquisite mood-setting balladry and lively, quick-grooving funk while showcasing a fascinating, dramatic style that reflects a hybrid of his classical training, trad jazz influences and love for Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis. Whether he’s in full on seduction mode or caught up in, off the chain grooves, Powe’s trademark is improvising and creating sparkling flights of fancy at the same time he presents the main melody.  

From Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler on down, countless Smooth Jazz musicians use their talents for tasteful, beautiful melodies and infectious rhythms to reflect their love of God. After a decade hiatus from recording, keyboardist/composer Hart Ramsey – Senior Pastor and Founder of Northview Christian Church in Dothan and Montgomery, Alabama and Atlanta – returns to help us groove and dance a bit with his stellar, multi-faceted contemporary jazz EP, A DIFFERENT HEART. Enhancing his foundational acoustic piano with adventurous excursions including electric piano, synth vibes and swirling atmospheres, Ramsey works his divinely inspired musical magic with some of the region’s most acclaimed musicians, including Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award-winning guitarist Rick Watford and saxophonists Kelley O’Neal and La’Roy Bodiford.     

As Les Sabler embraces his fourth decade as a recording artist, the title of the versatile, ultra-fluid guitarist’s latest album, FLYING HIGH, says it all about his thriving career and creative flow. On his previous album TRANQUILITY, upon the suggestion of his mega hitmaking producer Paul Brown, he began exploring the unique mix of electric and acoustic tones on Brown’s vintage Gibson Johnny Smith model guitar – which likewise leads to a unique palette of sonic colors and a mix of lighthearted and darker tones on the new collection. Brown’s studio crew has a profound influence on Sabler’s ever-expanding artistry, with songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shane Theriot writing five of the collection’s radio ready gems and trumpeter Ron King crafting fiery and festive horn arrangements of classics by Les McCann/Eddie Harris and The Lovin’ Spoonful.  

In 2012, lifelong gospel musician and jazz enthusiast DA Scott was in a serious car crash that forced him to set aside his budding artistry and give up on his dreams. Ultimately believing that God had much greater plans for him, the multi-talented arranger, composer and keyboardist followed the divinely opened doors and launched his recording career ten years later. His second single, a rousing, passionate, choir-fired arrangement of the classic hymn “Come to the Garden,” is a showcase for Scott’s dynamic gospel-jazz keyboard magic and the deeply passionate saxophone of renowned guest artist Donald Hayes. Though the song is driven by powerful emotion, for Scott it’s the “quiet whisper” which reminds him that God is with him every step of the journey.

On many of Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion’s big airplay singles since 2019, founder/leader Warren A. Keller drew on his history as an NYC rocker, bringing his edgy sax-driven fire to the forefront. On SGC’s latest single, the cleverly titled “Name Dropper” (so named because Keller admits he’s an “insufferable” one!), he showcases his mellower side via a dreamy and heartfelt lead flute melody over an easygoing groove. Fellow hitmaker, frequent collaborator and the song’s co-writer Blake Aaron ups the octane level, adding his trademark cracklin’ guitar and soulful fire, while Keller keeps an easy flowing chill vibe. Speaking of dropping names, Darryl Williams and Tony Moore create a tight pocket as Tateng Katindig dazzles on piano.  

New York based producer- composer John Smatla had already played keyboards for a variety of major pop and rock music acts when he teamed with jazz heavyweight Dave Stryker to produce the first Ultrablue record, DUSK 2 DAWN. Now with the group's second album, the self-titled ULTRABLUE, John assumes full artistic control and creates a fascinating and sophisticated jazz collective with top east coast session cats and special all-star contributors including Randy Brecker (trumpet/flugelhorn), Pete Belasco (sax), Nestor Torres (flute), Gabriela Anders (vocals), David Mann (sax and added production), Philip Hamilton (vocals w/Pat Metheny Group) as well as support from R&B group, "Allure." Ultrablue's in-the-pocket, keyboard-driven tracks combine Brazilian, Latin and African rhythms and textures into an easy funk vibe, yielding an ultra romantic and cosmopolitan flow.