Listening Loft Store

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. 

In 2003, the same year Steve Baxter released his debut solo album IN AND OUT, he earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Jazz Crusaders’ classic RURAL RENEWAL. Over 20 years later, the versatile trombonist – who has toured with Barry Manilow, Ray Charles and The GAP Band and recorded with Justin Timberlake among others – keeps the classic, soul-deep Wayne Henderson vibe a viable, funky and rockin’ force in Smooth Jazz with his latest album CRUSADE BLVD. Baxter showcases his multi-faceted style with a blend of coolly, strutting grooves, inviting, hipster melodies, silky intimacy and two power vocals featuring legendary soul crooner Ellis Hall.   

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. 

Laying a splendid foundation with two lead singles, the fun and bouncy “South of Summer” and the soulful, atmospheric “Coast to Coast,” veteran German jazz guitarist Uli Brodersen completes his dazzling comeback (after a decade away from solo recording) with his new EP City Lights. The longtime creative associate of Smooth Jazz keyboardist Amandus creates a project inspired by the unique energies of his nocturnal drives through the world’s illuminated metropolises. In addition to the previously released tracks, he includes fresh tunes that artfully showcase his masterful fusion of poppin’ melodic string excitement and cool electronic keyboard wizardry. These four magical songs will invite you to feel the energy of bright lights and late nights... Press play and dive into the world's most vibrant cities!

Whether he titled it for Newport, RI or Newport Beach, CA, the funked out, soaring fire that saxophonist Michael Cates brings to his latest single “Newport Nights” would make a sure-fire calling card for a slot at festivals in either location. Produced by Grammy-winning songwriter, producer and keyboardist Jon Gilutin and featuring exciting interactions with piano and electric rock guitar, the instantly catchy track emphatically embodies the mission statement Cates puts at the top of his homepage: “Jazz with a Touch of Groove” – and then some! The prolific artist’s 5th single over the past year, “Newport Nights” establishes Cates as a rapidly rising star in Smooth Jazz, shining as bright as the stars in Newport!

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!

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! 

Australian born Skii Harvey is a multiple international award-winning singer-songwriter with accolades from the Billboard Music Awards, the UK Songwriting Awards and the Australian Songwriter’s Association. Still, it’s charming to imagine her formative years playing an old upright piano in a converted porch bedroom in her mother’s small semi in Sydney. Compared favorably throughout her nearly two decade recording career to Ella Fitzgerald and Tina Turner, she officially wraps a seven-year chapter she calls the “broken” years with a gem. The follow-up to her heartrending EP WAITING, Harvey’s lilting, tenderly romantic latest single “Somethin’ Bout You,” begins with an indie folk vibe and evolves into a smooth, power ballad with R&B, rock and gospel edges. Stay tuned for this next chapter!

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.    

So much more than a multi-talented bassist, composer and producer adept at fusing analog with computer generated sounds, Shawn Kingsberry is a dynamic musical visionary who likens himself and his classic R&B, Smooth Jazz, neo-soul and classic R&B to the character of “Morpheus” in “The Matrix” – masterminding the magic to bring listeners the best of all worlds. His highly anticipated, perfectly titled album UNAPOLOGETICALLY SHAWN is an epic 15-track set featuring his multitude of popular singles since 2021 and a batch of sonically and rhythmically eclectic new gems that includes ultra-hip re-imaginings of classics by Phil Collins, Christopher Cross, Wham! and Karyn White & Babyface. 

Building momentum towards his second full-length album IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK, Cleveland bred jazz/R&B influenced singer Abe LaMarca – A proud alumni member of the “Crown Jewel” of Las Vegas, Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns - brings his trademark “soul survivor” swag to “When God's In the Music,” one of the most uplifting, thought provoking and inspirational Smooth Jazz vocal tunes in years. Applying the “Let Go, Let God” aesthetic to the spirituality of the songwriting process, he brings every ounce of passion to the key lines, “You’re right where you belong... Don’t have to write the melody... Sometimes you just gotta play along.”  

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!

Released amid a flurry of fresh, funky and sensual singles these past few years, saxophonist Cord Martin needs only his emphatic, melodic horn energy, plenty of blues/gospel intensity and a relentless groove to state his intention for his burgeoning Smooth Jazz career – an inspiring and power-packed “Urban Renaissance.” The Tennessee native’s emergence as an artist complements an already thriving multi-faceted career as an educator, conductor of youth ensembles, and sideman for a wide range of artists from a multitude of genres – including Aretha Franklin, Rick Braun, Jeff Coffin, Tom Harrell, Lee Konitz, Ben Tankard and The Cab Calloway Orchestra.    

Talk about a Renaissance man! An Air Force veteran who served the U.S. for 30 years, Bruce McKenzie is currently on track to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy, General Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He’s also an exceptional veteran guitarist whose nearly half century of playing includes five Smooth Jazz albums and a flurry of recent comeback singles. McKenzie’s latest, a feisty, high energy synth-fired remix of his 2022 track “I’m Back,” is an explosive showcase for his melodic, crackling rhythm guitar and lead electric guitar, which builds to a truly explosive ending. 

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!

Going down easy like a stream of refreshing neo-soul/jazz cool on a sizzling summer day, singer/songwriter Tanya Nolan’s beautifully seductive new single “Like Water” marks her latest songwriting collaboration and vocal duet with three-time Grammy nominated R&B star Raheem DeVaughn. Their previous successful singles include “Let’s Celebrate,” “Pace Yourself” and “Honey.” Though she’s an incredibly intimate and emotional R&B/urban jazz singer, music’s just the foundation of this Renaissance woman’s portfolio. She’s also a passionate LGBTQIA+ activist and accomplished entrepreneur with two successful Texas-based daycare centers, a management company for her multiple rental properties and her own independent record label ArtsessionZ.  

There’s no better way for multiple award-winning singer/songwriter Jessie Laine Powell to prepare her fans for her brand-new second album MY LOVE JOURNEY than letting us know, via the title of her latest single, that we’re in for “Something Special.” Complementing her soulful, grace-filled vocals with hypnotic piano and synth magic and finger-snap percussion, she offers an intimate invitation into the promising early stages of a budding romance. When she’s not singing, the Lexington, KY artist also shares her special gifts via her two arts related mentorship organizations, Dream Manifestor and M.U.S.E. (Motivated Understanding of Self Emerging). A woman of many talents, including sliding right into the pocket of Smooth Jazz vocals!

In addition to an eclectic discography as a vocalist and instrumentalist that reaches back to 1991, singer, guitarist and all-around musical hyphenate Michael Ross was a staff guitarist at Chicago’s Schubert Theatre, and has played in musical theatre touring companies and performed with everyone from Ramsey Lewis and Ronnie Laws to Wayne Newton and Jimmy McGriff. His latest single, “No Hugs for You” lyrically levels the playing field for those who may be challenged by kindness, while musically it engages the senses like an irresistible summer breeze with a sultry sax showcase for his soulful, laid-back vocal style, which will remind listeners of Al Jarreau with a bit of George Benson included on a gorgeous scat outro!

From portraying Mary Magdalene in a Canadian production of Jesus Christ Superstar to portraying Morticia Addams onstage, Mexican born saxophonist, songwriter and vocalist Evelyn Rubio has always found dynamic ways to make her mark – so much so that both her likeness and horn have been inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Museum. Continuing to showcase her array of talents in fresh and unexpected ways, she follows her fiery, pop/R&B vocal single “Because I Want To” with a moody, seductive slow burning power ballad arrangement of John Klemmer’s 70’s jazz fusion classic “Touch” that showcases the many shades of her ever-deepening artistry.   

Well known for his lengthy associations with fellow Bahamian musicians King Eric Gibson and Ronnie Butler, saxophonist/flutist Sharmond Smith’s multi-faceted career includes heading his own entertainment company and making his mark on Smooth Jazz with two albums and a few holiday releases. His latest single “You’re the One” is a sultry, silky ballad featuring his cool sax weaving around the powerfully poignant and emotional vocals of Akia Knowles, a popular Bahama-based international performer. The song’s narrative carries a pointed message about a woman discovering her true worth after leaving a bad relationship... While many women can tell this story, few can deliver it with the power of Akia!

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 sensual, intoxicating vibe to the genre via her five-string viola. After decades of playing with everyone from The Mavericks to Miami Sound Machine and Shakira, the illustrious veteran musician follows her 2023 breakthrough album TOCAMOS with the title track to her forthcoming album, 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," which is the 2nd single from the forthcoming album!

After vibing with super producer Jeff Lorber on his 2022 single “Kickin’ It,” fast emerging saxophonist J Staton turned to an equally versatile and talented veteran to pen and produce his first Paradigm Music track, the passionate, high powered and whimsical romp “Weekend.” Bassist and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Webb writes the perfect tune and creates an optimal sonic environment to showcase both Staton’s silky romantic charm and emotion-filled intensity. After one of Staton’s punchy solos, Webb chimes in and ups the funk quotient with a snappy electric bass solo. This exciting “Weekend” is one you’re gonna want to make plans for! 

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. 

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!