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Though you’ll only be singing actual lyrics to the title track of emerging German keyboardist Amandus’ sparkling, playfully melodic, rambunctiously grooving debut Smooth Jazz album SING A SONG, you’ll find yourself humming along with, and tapping your feet to his wildly infectious instrumentals within a listen or two. After establishing himself as a theatre and cabaret performer and touring with UK greats like Paul Young and Midge Ure, Michael Amandus Quast graces us with a colorful fusion of smooth sizzle, as well as improvisational, impactful ensemble action with guitar, sax and horns that are sure to draw favorable comparisons to Brian Culbertson and Jeff Lorber.  

Decades after Stephen Stills’ “For What It’s Worth” became a Vietnam-era defining classic, Rebecca Angel continues her artful fusion of social consciousness and sultry soul-jazz by introducing it to a new generation with both urgency and vibrancy. With a smooth flow inspired by the Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 version, the track pairs Rebecca’s cool bossa tinged vibe with the sonic brilliance of keyboardist producer Jason Miles and a hip, crackling ensemble featuring the deep pocket of Reggie Washington (bass) and Gene Lake (drummer) the hypnotic, edgy electric guitar of Dean Brown, as well as the vocalist's father, acclaimed trumpeter Dennis Angel. For Rebecca, the song hit both a personal and universal chord connected to the protests against systemic racism that have taken hold of America and many other countries in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

After learning the essence of funk with the popular Washington DC Go-Go band Ayre Rayde, and holding down MD duties for Regina Belle for two years, bassist Adrian “Egg” Norton has been keeping the groove flowing with the contemporary jazz ensemble Phaze II for the past two decades. In normal times, “Keep Risin’,” his gospel-soul-jazz fired debut single under the hip moniker Bassmanegg, might be interpreted as a personal message of uplift and encouragement. Yet in 2020, this simmering funk vocal track rolls like an anthem, exhorting “brothers and sisters” in the struggle to keep on believing, and stay in the fight as America confronts much deeper issues.   

A longtime expert on the evolving integration of music and technology, Grammy-winning pianist, composer and arranger Dominic Camardella brings a fascinating background to the sensual, easy-grooving melodic flow of his debut Smooth Jazz collection, SOOTHE. The owner and primary audio engineer of Santa Barbara Sound Design, Dominic has been a TV/Film sound designer and mixer who has worked with, among others, Ottmar Liebert, Carlos Santana, Anita Baker and Michael McDonald. Elements of soul, and electro-chill complement his soothing musical atmospheric, laid-back vibe as well as lush interactions with acoustic guitar and dreamy trumpet.

With their tight, funky, bold and brass-fired new single “Fingerprints,” the all-star collective The Allen Carman Project goes gangbusters extending the high intensity “Carmanology” vibe of their 2019 debut album. Bassist/founder Allen Carman lays down a slow burning, bluesy groove as the foundation for his powerhouse crew featuring Philippe Saisse (keys) and Gumbi Ortiz (percussion). Ortiz’s concept was to merge Carman’s background as a lawyer with his musical career. The double-entendre is that while fingerprints are widely used in the realm of law, each musician left their fingerprints on the music through their artistry and talent. Contributing to the freewheeling, lighthearted spirit of the tune are an array of fresh solos and wild old school synth generated vocals.

Those who listen intently to the sensual yet funky, soulfully provocative, and spiritually-uplifting journey Marshall Charloff leads us through on his new album UNPERFECT may find his humble title ironic – since, vocally and instrumentally, it’s truly Smooth Jazz perfection in every way.  Drawing on a fascinating background that includes fronting symphony orchestras and touring globally paying tribute to Prince, and work with Atlanta Rhythm Section and The Commodores, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist seamlessly showcases many of the elements that have defined his multifaceted career.  Balancing the romantic acoustic dreaminess and sweet, easy flowing neo-soul, he grooves deeply with affirmative emotional/spiritual messages and two versions of a jam that pays homage to Prince and the sound of Minneapolis that Charloff has been sharing for years.   

Smooth Jazz Kiwi alert! Eleven years and countless international performances after winning “Most Outstanding Young Musician” at the New Zealand Youth Jazz Competition, Auckland born saxophonist Alex Churchill breaks ground in the genre with a hypnotic, silky and simmering funky twist on Anthony Hamilton’s 2013 hit “Best of Me.” Vibing dynamically with and improvising off the cool, crisp guitar of New Zealand sensation and longtime collaborator Andrea Lisa, Churchill underscores his vibrant up-tempo take with a reminder to always give our best to each other (especially to strangers) and truly embrace each moment. 

Turning a onetime clever album title into the name of his high energy ensemble, Dr. Dave & The Housecall Band work major musical healing miracles on their latest album MIDNIGHT DAYDREAM. With a sizzling swirl of pop, R&B, traditional and contemporary jazz, topped off with tasty touches of Latin, blues and swing, Dr. Dave embraces the freedom to improvise more than ever before and tackle jazz classics and a popular TV theme in addition to a slate of ultra-infectious originals. Two new singles out this year from Dr. Dave's coolest collection yet, on the heels of his chart-topping “Sexy Cindy,” (named for Cindy Sanchez Medina, Miss Santander, Colombia 2018), expect the tropical jazz of "Cabo Time" and the sensual title track, "Midnight Daydream" to saunter up the Smooth Jazz charts as well.

Closing in on 30 years as a recording artist, Richmond, VA based saxophonist James Saxsmo Gates offers timely words of wisdom to accompany his sonically bold, sweetly sensual and intensely funked-out new album STEPPING OUT. The Founder of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program at Virginia State University writes, “Together we can make it if… we Keep Jazz Alive!” Six years in the making, the faith-driven project pairs Gates’ steamy, igniting horn fire with a batch of multi-talented collaborators (including guitarists Alan Parker and Freddie Fox) to create the perfect party mix of anthem-like originals and soulful pop covers.

18-year-old Nyah Grace grew up on her grandparents’ farm in Oregon, but now she’s a budding UK-based neo-soul/jazz star releasing her soul-stirring debut HONEY-COLOURED. The collection is driven by her romantic storytelling and hip, sensual and deeply intimate collaborations in England with producers Steve Chrisanthou and Michael Kwesi Graves. Chrisanthou was Grammy nominated for his similarly elegant work with Corinne Bailey Rae, who adds her inimitable vocals to the hit track, “My Sista Told Me.” Sultry, heartfelt and world wise beyond her years, Nyah has earned comparisons to Alicia Keys and Billie Holiday – but you may hear a bit of the other Billie… Eilish, on a few beautiful occasions. 

Like a smooth whiskey, Skii's vocals leave a little burn on the finish. Australia's greatest export returns with her 2nd single from the forth-coming BROKEN collection, "Not In Control." In a world where control comes at a premium, we're not convinced that the lament is a sorrowful one... perhaps this is a story about an exuberant willingness to fall in love with the wrong person? Surrounded by a sweet acoustic guitar, "Not In Control" is a melodic, jazzy, adult love song that promises to fill your heart with conflict. The award-winning tunesmith fearlessly leads the way through emotion with soulful grace. The forthcoming album will continue to take on the resilience of the human heart, no matter the challenge! 

Soprano saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Max Highstein’s masterfully eclectic 14th album GRATITUNES truly gives us something to be grateful for. Leading an explosive ensemble including the legendary Howard Levy on harmonica, Highstein artfully weaves intricate arrangements with saxes, flute, cello, accordion, fretless bass, and more. Highstein’s soprano sound is warm and lush, gently swelling in low register, then sweeping sweetly into the highs. With a passion for rock, funk, Latin jazz, and even classical music, he seamlessly blends genres and bends conventions into a varied yet surprisingly cohesive set. 

With every producer and participating musician contributing while quarantined, Dave Koz’s multi-faceted album A NEW DAY – his first set of original songs in ten years, marking 30 years since his self-titled debut – is extraordinary on every level, musically, technically and logistically. Flush with creativity in the months before COVID-19, he adapted to the new norm, joining forces with a cadre of greats – including first time collaborators David Sanborn, EWF percussionist Ralph Johnson, Meshell Ndegeocello, David Mann and Vulfpeck’s Antwaun Stanley – to build bridges from gentle wistfulness to bursts of optimism. The result is most purposeful, empowering and exhilarating musical statement of his career.  

The bio page of Dee Lucas’ website boldly declares “The Rebirth of Smooth Jazz” – and anyone who’s been following the sonically inventive, continuously grooving saxophonist since his emergence in 2004 knows his vibe is always on the cutting edge. That trailblazing streak continues on his latest EP, THE TIME IS NOW, which balances balmy, easy flowing vibes and fiery, high impact pairings with bassist Darryl Williams, pianist George Freeman and guitarists Blake Aaron and David P. Stevens. Helping bring Lucas’ fresh licks and infectious melodies are two of Smooth Jazz’s top producers, Adam Hawley and Lew Laing, Jr. We predict that the time is NOW for Dee Lucas… and once the festivals return, he’ll be in demand!

Hot off THE BIGGER PICTURE, his multi-faceted 2019 dual album with bassist Mark R. Harris, multi-talented veteran flutist and saxophonist Paul Messina stirs up a similarly stylistically eclectic mix on his latest solo album NIGHTWALK. The engaging collection finds the Miami-based artist tapping into his freewheeling passions for funky jazz fusion, balmy Caribbean, Latin and Brazilian, exotic Eastern tinged sounds and magic and lyrical and mystical atmospheric chill-jazz. While alternating between his muscular sax and virtuosic flute – sometimes playfully blending them on a single track – Messina and Platinum and Gold record winning producer/engineer Gary Vandy create their unique sonic world using synths and MIDI programming to artfully manipulate sound. 

With his compelling multi-faceted debut album BREATHE, emerging saxophonist Kenny Nightingale makes one thing clear. Not since Jonathan Butler has a Smooth Jazz artist emerged with such a dynamic fusion of melodic, in the pocket pop/soul, hypnotic and exotic African vibes. His infectious swirl of music styles is organically rooted in his childhood where he learned sax at his father’s music school in Nigeria and was later influenced by everyone from John Coltrane to Michael Jackson. Complementing the sensual romance and funky global grooving, Nightingale pays bluesy homage to a historic meeting between Coltrane and Wes Montgomery.

Five years after promising us a sultry and funky Digital Future, multi-instrumentalist (piano, keys, bass, drums) and all-around music industry veteran Herb Partlow takes his game to the NEXT LEVEL with the release of this innovative collection of deep grooves and smooth flows. Partlow generates jazz for a new generation with a proprietary blend of funk, hip hop and contemporary jazz. This creative artist knows how to harness today's hottest vibes to compose and produce attention-grabbing music that he releases on his own Superb Muzic label. Take your evening chill session and weekend soundtrack to the NEXT LEVEL with this atmospheric, Smooth Jazz gem. Music for our modern times!

The Bad Boys of Budapest are back! On their first album in three years, the five Hungarian musical dynamos who pool their wild musical magic as Peet Project under the direction of band leader (violinist/vocalist) Peter “Peet” Ferencz, make an intensely infectious impact with their trademark swirl of throbbing funk and easy grooving sensuality. Their multi-faceted vibe is driven by inventive synth magic, feisty horns, irresistible dance beats and old school R&B flavored vocal. Fully immersed now in the American Smooth Jazz scene, they vibe energetically with Paul Brown, Michael Lington and Marcus Anderson while also creating sizzling spotlights for trumpeter Ilya Serov and Hungarian violin legend Csaba Deseo. 

The title of PULLING OFF THE COVERS, saxophonist Mike Phillips’s first album in ten years, offers a clever double-entendre. Driven by his trademark fusion of old school R&B sensibilities and edgy hip-hop, the multi-talented musician, composer and producer has a blast re-animating pop and soul hits by the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Grover Washington Jr., The Emotions, Craig Mack and Chris Brown. The “covers” also refer to the sheets that will be flying off as soon as you hit play as Mike throws down some sexy vibes with a cadre of superstars, including Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, After 7, Angie Fisher, Trombone Shorty, Greg Phillinganes and Butterscotch.

A mainstay of NYC’s jazz scene for many years, Italian born composer and electric guitarist Frank Piombo follows his recent induction into the Indie Music Hall of Fame with FAMILY CONCEPT, a spirited, blues and soul inflected EP paying homage to his own large brood and celebrating “everything wonderful that you share with those whom you call family.” While his crisp, fluid and melodic string style and warm, breezy blend with piano, sax and flute fit snugly into the Smooth Jazz vibe, Piombo also dances around the edges of classic jazz fusion and straight ahead influences.   

With a sparkling saxophone vibe that’s been lighting up the Pacific Northwest for years, Kenney Polson – who’s appeared on TV with greats like David Sanborn and Wynton Marsalis - has blended Smooth Jazz with a wide variety of influences, including Latin, classical, R&B/funk and gospel. True to its title FOR LOVERS ONLY, Polson’s latest recording finds him creating a tight, soulful ensemble with members of Tower of Power, Kool & the Gang and Parliament, among others. Soothing, romantic and lyrical, the album builds an easy groove with new compositions and satisfying classics. 

Nipping at the heels of her 2021 full album release, California singer-songwriter, Danny Rae drops the title track, “Enough For Me.” Produced by two-time Emmy winning bassist Tony Saunders, this soul-stirring, vocal pop song is loaded with jazz sensibilities. Danny will have you melting with sentiment upon first listen to her lyrically inspiring radio hits, three so far, bolstered by world-class musicianship and formidable production. There’s a very bright future for this gifted creator who knows how to emotionally relate to her listeners on a one to one basis. While we’re enjoying the first fruits of the project, “Gimme A Call,” “Without You,” and the brand new single, “Enough For Me,” we predict these won’t be enough… as we eagerly await the full album release from such a compelling tunesmith and vocalist!

A master class in saxophone, Mekiel Reuben’s new album CHANCES ARE WHAT THEY ARE is rooted in the second chance at life the multi-talented musician received after recovering from an illness. A spirited, Caribbean island-leaning joyride from start to finish, the collection rolls like a musical life review, taking us on Reuben’s journey growing up in the U.S. and St. Croix and sharing his rich palette of passions – including R&B, urban and traditional jazz, calypso, reggae and steppin’ music. Along the way, he pays homage to a special friend who helped him through his illness and jazz, icon Horace Silver.   

Celebrating a multi-faceted, on and off five-decade career that’s found him playing blues, pop/rock and traditional jazz, classically trained guitarist Jim Richter made his SmoothJazz.com debut in 2019 with the impressive, Smooth Jazz charting album BREEZY DAY. This is the killer follow-up collection to his successful entry into the genre. MR. KOOL is infused with a multitude of vibes and grooves – from light funk and punchy pop/rock to dreamy ballads, driving rock jams and blues-fired romps – this collection may remind you of the high spirited, freewheeling way contemporary jazz soared in the 80s and 90s.    

Pushing 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, multi-talented contemporary jazz/new age/world music recording artist Lawson Rollins – chosen by Guitar Player Magazine as one of  the 50 Transcendent Acoustic Guitarists of all time – happily finds his TRUE NORTH. On his masterful, rhythmically melodic, genre-traversing 10th solo album, produced solely by himself, Rollins delivers a sultry dance of world beat rhythms and an impassioned surge of guitar arpeggios, scales and harmonies making the project the most radio ready album yet. While it’s always energizing to hear Rollins shred, his tasteful restraint gives us a deeper look into his musical heart.

Shifting into Smooth Jazz from his classical roots and career establishing standards and big band recordings, trumpeter Ilya Serov’s new single “Chillin’” offers a sensual, laid back escape from the harsh COVID-19 era realities via a breezy, breathy muted horn melody, easy flowing groove and chillaxed keyboards courtesy of Greg Manning. While showcasing his melodic jazz, R&B and neo-soul flow and modeling the way great tracks and videos can be created under social distancing protocols, Serov’s deeper vision is to create music that offers hope, joy and a fresh mindset embracing a whole new way of living.

With a title like WE WEAR THE MASK, at first glance and listen, veteran world traveling saxophonist and Washington DC educator BJ Simmons seems to be making a statement about 2020. In truth, the eclectic artist is drawing from a 1896 poem by African American writer Paul Laurence Dunbar about hiding true feelings and emotions. Simmons and his fiery ensemble have no trouble letting their multitude of passions fly on this expansive, vibrantly percussive, mostly high-octane fusion of traditional jazz, soul/funk, Afro beat, Latin jazz and classical music featuring high impact originals and reworkings of iconic tunes. 

As Bay Area groovemeisters keyboardist Marco Montoya and founding guitarist Stan Evans imagined their infectious, soul-piercing vibe back in 2016, you never know what you’re going to find grooving down The Smooth Jazz Alley! With drummer/producer Kevin Lewis taking over for Evans as co-leader, the ensemble’s second album LET’S RIDE is chock full of tasty R&B cool, sultry light funk and dynamic, soaring key and sax duality created by Montoya and guest Smooth Jazz sax stars Greg Vail, Eric Marienthal and Andy Snitzer. Complementing Evans’ still formidable electric guitar are feisty licks by Carlyle Barriteau, Matt Godina and Joel Del Rosario.     

Launching his musical career with his family’s gospel ministry and serving as a Minister of Music for over 25 years, Solex has been blending gospel, classic R&B, neo-soul, jazz fusion, urban jazz and funk influences as a solo artist since 2010. The versatile keyboardist/composer celebrates all those glorious elements once again on SMOOTH RIDE, a 16-track, hour long journey designed to lift the soul and speak to the dreams of his listeners. Creating a fresh sonic universe, Solex fills the ride with moments of meditation and deep grooving, bright and trippy sonic invention. It’s a world where a George Duke inspired mix of lush solo piano and trippy synth invention rolls freely with slick and infectious contemporary urban jazz textures. 

The three words that form the acronym in big, in COMING BIG, (Blessed. Inspired. Genuine.), the 6th independently released solo album by sensual, easy-grooving saxophonist R.L. Walker, says it all about his intentions and the dynamic vibes he shares. Drawing from his personal spiritual path and background in gospel music, he’s truly feeling blessed, inspired and genuinely showcasing his skillset! Like other gospel/jazz saxophonists such as Kirk Whalum, Walker has a few direct references to his faith, but mostly, his passion plays out via sensual, infectious ballads of varying tempos and old school, soul-jazz leanings. Guests include bassist Brendan Rothwell, vocalist Demetriace “Chee Chee” Jordan and keyboardist/producer/arranger Lew Laing Jr.

A true beacon of jazz multi-culturalism, well-traveled Austrian saxophonist and shiatsu practitioner Markus Zahrl makes a bold entry into the Smooth Jazz realm by opening his debut EP CELTIC DANCE with a high energy Irish jig jam. Once the Conservatory of Vienna and Berklee educated musician, arranger, composer and music educator has our attention, he shifts amiably into a more sensual urban flow showcasing his skills on several different saxes and adding touches of intoxicating exotica along the way. This is a must-have, musical journey bridging world-influenced ambient music with jazz.