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That explosive grooving, horn-fired funk and soaring orchestral energy you hear behind Marie Antoinette’s buoyant, freewheeling  harp melody on her latest single “Another Star” perfectly reflects her unstoppable momentum in Smooth Jazz and urban music these past few years. After winning three major accolades in 2018 from the San Diego Prestige Awards, Black Women in Jazz & the Arts Association and Black Music Awards, her 2020 hit single “Overture” – from her most recent album ALL MY STRINGS – debuted at #5 on Billboard. Winter is just around the corner, but that isn’t stopping the multi-talented force of musical nature from creating one of the most frolicsome, summery tracks of 2021 via a vibe fusing danceable earthly percussive rhythms with transcendent string elegance and angelic backing voices.   

Years after discovering her, jazz legend Lionel Hampton exclaimed of Sylvia Bennett, “Man, that lady can sing! Her magic gets to the ears and the hearts of the audience.” The extraordinary, multi-talented Grammy nominated vocalist does just that once again on her exceptional new album THIS LOVE IS REAL. To the delight of Smooth Jazz fans, Bennett has been part of the genre for much of the new millennium, recording hits with Paul Brown and Rick Braun. Recent smashes featuring Nathan East and Arturo Sandoval lay the buoyant foundation of the new collection produced by Hal S. Batt, which finds Bennett artfully swinging from playful and whimsical to passionate and sensual as she brings smooth grooves and Latin-tinged twists to her all-time favorite subject… love!

The title of Congolese born, Stockholm, Sweden based singer/songwriter Marius Billgobenson’s album THE SPIRIT LOVE embodies his life’s work and mission as a concerned and compassionate musical citizen of the world with a commitment to bridging cultural divides. Over the course of 11 heartfelt and provocative, urban jazz meets world music tracks, the multi-talented artist – also an award-winning anthropologist with a deep passion for ethnomusicology - creates a deeply visceral and empowering autobiographical fusion of pop, soul, blues and jazz, infused with the spirited rhythms and vocal sounds indigenous to the Congo. Helping him immerse into the Smooth Jazz world are Paul Brown, who wrote and produced two tracks, and Chris “Big Dog” Davis, who helmed six others. 

Closing in on a decade and a half of solo artistry, multi-talented pianist, keyboardist and composer Patrick Bradley gives us all permission to EXHALE after a challenging year, on this infectious, fancifully played and deeply funkified new album. Forging an exciting, spiritually driven musical partnership with saxophonist and producer Darren Rahn, Bradley takes his high energy blend of lively urban jazz, hipster blues, cool and rock influenced jazz fusion to transcendent levels, keeping the positive, hopeful energy flowing with fiery guest performances from Rahn, Jeff Lorber, who produced two tracks, guitarist Allen Hinds and trumpeter Rick Braun. Thematically, Bradley uses these stylistically diverse tracks express everything from gratitude and the blessings of his faith, to affection for family.   

Grammy-winning, and towering guitar giants Larry Carlton and Paul Brown align on SOUL SEARCHIN’, creating a thrilling canvas for ten new originals! Carlton & Brown’s first co-led album, available September 24, 2021 celebrates jazz, blues, killer grooves, the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Prince and more! Carlton has graced over 100 Gold and Platinum albums, while Brown has scored 80 some #1 radio hits. The two join forces for a set of songs that promise to excite and delight fans worldwide. The synergy between Larry and Paul is palpable. Their telepathic interplay, and joyful exchange create numerous moments to willingly get lost inside the music. Carlton reveals their secret ingredient, “We have different musical backgrounds but, the common thread for Paul and me is that we both like melodic music with a great groove.”

The Euro Jazz Press got it right when it pegged the veteran funk-soul driven ensemble Dreaming in Colour “The Steely Dan of Smooth Jazz.” Originally founded over 30 years ago by bassist Kevin Ellis and drummer Chris Noonan, the veteran ensemble has experienced a renaissance recently with a flurry of big radio singles. Their latest high-energy release, “Back in the Day,” lives up to its moniker, offering a fun-filled, danceable Chicago Steppin’ vibe that its composer, DiC keyboardist Michael Scherer, enthusiastically describes as “the kind of music you might have heard in a roller-skating rink in the 80s.” In addition to Scherer’s lively piano melody, other high points include Ellis’ snappy bass fills and the seamless interaction of Scherer and saxophonist Jason Swagler on the irrepressible hook. 

Founded by trombonist and JPL spacecraft engineer Jim Lewis, the relentlessly creative, soulfully funked up and horn-fired So Cal based ensemble San Gabriel Seven has been both a local and global sensation for an incredible 16 years and counting. Aside from a dazzling mix of originals and pop/soul covers, the powerful musicianship of a cadre of musical vets, the key to the alternately sensual and feisty appeal of albums like their latest, SNEAKIN’ UP ON LOVE, has been showcasing the storytelling talents of charismatic female vocal talents like Katie Campbell. The singer infuses the spirited collection with the same bold, sassy style and intimate, nuanced cool that she’s brought to her gigs with everyone from Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and The Manhattan Transfer. 

If you’re somehow not familiar with Wayne Gutshall, the guy Sandy Shore calls a “modern master of saxophone” who’s scored five #1 singles on SmoothJazz.com Global’s Listener Chart, you get another inspiring chance with his latest track “Going Up” – a passionate, meditative ballad duet with bassist Brendan Rothwell penned during the pandemic for the sole purpose of soothing our anxieties and lifting our spirits. Gutshall, a favorite on Miami’s vibrant Latin jazz scene, who’s played with Steve Oliver, Paul Brown, Arturo Sandoval and many others, offers up Rothwell’s seductive bassline to build anticipation as he rolls out the song's sultry sax melody. The two fashion a hypnotic dual-energy that balances intuitive musical conversations with vibrant soloing. And all at once you’ll find your blood pressure is going down while your hopes start “Going Up.”

When saxophonist Vincent Ingala burst into Smooth Jazz consciousness in 2010, he was a multi-talented wunderkind in his late teens setting the genre on fire. Some eleven years later, as he releases his seventh album (and third on Shanachie), the high spirited, infectiously passionate and dance groove intensive FIRE & DESIRE, the veteran powerhouse has 18 Top Ten and 8 #1 radio singles under his belt. The pandemic era recording protocols were a snap for one man band Ingala, who does it all – composing, producing, recording, mixing and playing all instruments (keys, drums, guitar, bass and of course sax) – on an exuberant, celebratory (but also lushly romantic at times) set that taps adventurously into his loves for jazz, R&B, pop, funk, disco (via a re-imagined 70’s instrumental classic) and rock. 

In a few short years, saxophonist Jarez has gone from being known as “Mr. Sexy Saxy’ to the mayor of J FUNK CITY! While known to millions as touring saxophonist and right-hand man for Coolio – and his appearances on the rap star’ web series “Cookin’ With Coolio” – the saxophonist has scored an impressive string of smooth urban hits and albums playing it silky, sensual and romantic. This new collection has its steamy moments, but for the most part it’s a punchier, ultra-funky blast featuring a more muscular, emotionally impactful approach. Jarez’s wild success these past years has opened doors for him to invite all-star guests Julian Vaughn, Vandell Andrew, Willie Bradley, Ragan Whiteside and Gerald Albright (on bass!) to help him execute his supercharged vision.  

It’s always wise to listen to the soul experts when they tout a must hear blast of urban jazz. Esteemed R&B biographer David Ritz calls “Hi Ya Bye Ya,” the latest single by all-star ensemble Jazz Holdouts featuring legendary bassist Nathan East, “seductive, designed to simultaneously stimulate and soothe. . .with grooves tailored to tame a nervous nation.” Fueled by the peppy, high octane rolling funk stirred up by core members Louis Cortelizzi (sax), Alan Palanker (keyboards) and Michael Thompson (guitar), the speedy paced track is the perfect top down, breeze in your face, late summer anthem. The single, from the band’s upcoming album titled HOLDING ON, is being released to radio in several mixes, sure to offer something to everyone!  

A socially conscious force in global jazz fusion for over 10 years, Bangladesh born, NYC based composer/guitarist Reza Khan taps into the exotic-meet-melodic aesthetic of one of his major influences, Pat Metheny in his adventurous approach to blending pop, jazz, soul and world music influences. On his multi-faceted and wildly groove intensive album IMAGINARY ROAD, Khan uses a wide array of musical textures to express his emotions about the pandemic and our political culture. Vibing with top genre musicians like Philippe Saisse and Miles Gilderdale (Acoustic Alchemy) as well as fusion great Mark Egan (bass) and trad jazz pianist Matt King, he leads us along an ultimately hopeful path filled with sunshine, sizzling soul, seductive light funk and exquisite free flowing balladry.  

“Trophy Shelf" is the culmination of artistry from singer/songwriters Melanie Jo and M’Lynn, producer Fivel, and lyrical master L A C E. The four met while attending University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Melanie Jo and Fivel, while working on their own duo project, found themselves needing a set of extra ears on the beat originally known as “XXX.” M’Lynn got a hold of the beat, and quickly wrote the chorus to “Trophy Shelf” based on her budding relationship with rapper and producer L A C E. Once all four powerhouses got in a room together, the rest of the track was written. The final project features lead vocals by M’Lynn, and beautiful background vocal textures from Melanie Jo and L A C E, masterfully blending all of these artist’s styles into one soulful song!

In the dozen or so years between the release of his last studio album and this new collection, A RAY OF HOPE, world traveling Chicago-based bassist and composer, Michael Manson and his wife Lana have served the needs of thousands of students at their Musical Arts Institute. Now back in full swing and groove, the multi-talented artist – who’s played with genre elites Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Larry Carlton, among others – picks up where he left off, alternating instantly infectious, brass-fired,  melodic funk with a graceful jazz waltz and sensual ballads featuring pianist Ben Tankard and vocalist Kevin Whalum. The multi-mood swinging party also includes guest shots by Najee, Kevin Whalum, Lin Rountree, Ben Tankard, James Lloyd, Darren Rahn, and Tom Braxton!

It may sound funny for a guy nicknamed “Motown Moe” to work out of a studio in Chicago, but the keyboardist/composer and Air Force veteran is a Detroit cat through and through - a former member of United Steel Workers and United Auto Workers Unions who grew up on classic R&B and funky jazz fusion and cut his musical teeth in the Motor City. His prolific nearly 15-year career soars to new heights with his vibey new album LIVING MY BEST LIFE, which showcases his mastery of blending sensual moods with lively deep pocket and sometimes unconventional and exotic rhythm patterns, along with his bandleading prowess leading vibrant ensembles featuring the likes of Nils, Rick Stone, Tony Craddock Jr, Tony Guerrero, Ryan Svendson, Chris Campbell and Darron Cookie Moore.  

The title of Grammy nominated composer, guitarist, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Dennis Murphy’s 1999 debut HIT ME HARD, perfectly captures the intensity he’s brought over the years to his multitude of endeavors as an early genre radio personality (whose show “Bass Trax” was produced by Smoothjazz.com founder, Sandy Shore), clinician and founder of a popular Monterey, California music school, and studio and touring sideman for Acoustic Alchemy, Maria Muldaur, Billy Preston among others. On this latest foray, the eclectic, ultra-melodic and tightly grooving OUR HIGHER SELVES, Murphy darts artfully between colorful guitar playing and bass-driven Smooth Jazz, fusion, playful samba and spiritual soul while freewheeling with an all-star cast including elite saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, Gary Meek and Tower Of Power’s Tom Politzer, as well as late guitar great Jeff Golub and legendary drummer Will Kennedy!

With the release of GRADY NICHOLS & FRIENDS – LIVE!, the Oklahoma-based saxophonist celebrates 25 years as one of contemporary jazz’s most versatile recording artists – an era that’s found him crossing from Smooth Jazz to R&B to Christian pop, earning multiple awards and opening for Ray Charles, Pavarotti, Wayman Tisdale and The Beach Boys. Capturing the multi-faceted, stylistically eclectic magic of his live performances, the action-packed, funky, rockin’ and sensual 110 minute set finds Nichols having a blast on a mix of originals – including two dazzling Jeff Lorber collaborations from Nichols’ 2004 album SOPHISTICATION -  and dynamic re-imaginings of classic pop tunes (David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates) featuring an array of guests, including Lorber, Chris Rodriguez, Andy Chrisman, Rachael Lampa and Bill Champlin.  

The great Grover Washington, Jr. discovered, nurtured, and produced Pieces Of A Dream while they were teenage phenoms still in high school. They return with their latest, FIRED UP featuring Special Guest Justin-Lee Schultz! The new collection is a funky, joyful musical celebration, filled with the melodic grooves that have made the band fan favorites. The 10 brilliant originals that run the gamut from ‘in the pocket’ R&B to sensuous Smooth Jazz jams are proof that Pieces Of A Dream are at the top of their game! Founding member, keyboardist James Lloyd, who has been a go-to hit maker and accompanist for such artists as Mary J. Blige, BB King, Najee, Wayman Tisdale, and others, shines on the new project along with co-founder, percussionist Curtis Harmon, together "Pieces" offers a unique sound, making them a true crowd pleaser!

With one listen, you’ll step deeply into the alluring saxophone world of Shawn Raiford… he is the MAN WITH A HORN, playing it smoothly, brightly and with great conviction! This slickly produced and intensely melodic debut album fires up rich bass lines and hip-hop grooves, creating a proprietary blend of Smooth Jazz, pop, funk, soul and gospel for the Sacramento alto saxman. Raiford’s roots took form in a house of worship, where he played sax for the first time at his late grandmother’s 75-year church anniversary. While showcasing his highly spirited style and emotional range, this collection reflects many styles of musical inspirations, from the exhilarating Raiford-penned originals that the world will surely take notice of, to a select and fun handful of covers from Bruno Mars, DeBarge and Rihanna. MAN WITH A HORN from a man who has arrived. 

Ranked as one of the 50 Transcendent Acoustic Guitarists of all time by Guitar Player Magazine, Lawson Rollins has been an impactful virtuosic force on contemporary jazz and world music (both as half of Young & Rollins and a solo artist) using his flair for string and overall sonic intricacy  and exotic adventure to create a hybrid fusion of Afro-Cuban, Spanish, Indian, Persian and Arabic music. Rollins’ latest stylistically wide-ranging excursion, the appropriately titled RISE, is yet another multi-cultural, polyrhythmic delight, featuring speedy Spanish-flavored romps, funky exotic jams, sensual bossa nova and graceful ballads with caressing atmospheric touches. Along the way, he vibes with guests like Haitian vocalist Jeff Pierre, saxophonist Mary Fettig and Grammy winning violinists Charlie Bisharat and Mads Tolling. 

A dynamic force in chillout music who has brought progressive energy to Smooth Jazz since the mid-90s, Italian born, L.A. based keyboard maestro Paolo Rustichelli has mesmerized everyone from Miles Davis and Carlos Santana with his mystical jazz-funk productions. His latest single “Changes” is an infectious, atmospheric urban jazz funk romp whose colorful blend of piano and synth textures – with a fiery touch of sax - is rooted in a fascinating serendipitous jam with fellow synth lover Stevie Wonder. In the late 80s, Rustichelli was testing new synths and amps at a West L.A. store when Stevie heard his funky grooves and began improvising on another amplified keyboard. Decades later, Rustichelli brings that memory to life with the fresh, spontaneous joy he felt in that magic moment. 

Ten years ago, when Tony Saunders titled his 2011 debut album ROMANCING THE BASS, the two-time Emmy winning Bay Area hyphenate (musician/composer/arranger/producer) set in motion an intoxicating, free-flowing torrent of snappy, grooving and sensual low-end vibes. The ever-percolating adventure culminates now on his Baja/TSR debut with the dynamic, emotionally resonant ALL ABOUT LOVE. It’s a generous 14-track slate of picture-perfect, pocket funk and steamy/sultry originals and re-imaginings (of classics by The Whispers and Burt Bachararch) that are bass driven but created in collaboration with an all-star array of genre greats – including Gail Jhonson, Blake Aaron, Paul Jackson, Jr., Greg Manning, Jazmin Ghent and Adam Hawley. Saunders has a blast taking us on what he dubs a “joyful ride on the Smooth Jazz rollercoaster".

A fast-emerging new discovery in the Smooth Jazz realm, versatile singer/songwriter Johnny Schaefer brings an incredible resume to his uplifting, delightfully infectious new single “You Can’t Hide The Light” - a heartfelt, then rousing, pop/jazz meets gospel duet with  legendary Grammy winning vocalist Melissa Manchester. In addition to singing backup over the years for Manchester, Sarah Vaughan, Pete Townshend, Billy Idol and others, Schaefer has been cantor at Hollywood’s Blessed Sacrament Church for decades. An empowering song about healing and the way our inner light can dispel life’s darkness, it begins as an intimate seduction before introducing dynamic vocal chemistry, building towards a high-energy, vocal dance between the singers – all backed with hip, edgy production textures.    

Fresh off her #1 Billboard charting album FREE TO BE, classical and contemporary jazz flutist extraordinaire and syndicated radio host Kim Scott marks a stellar ten years as a force in Smooth Jazz – and lays an empowering foundation for the 2022 release of her fifth collection, SHINE! – by pairing up with her fellow grooving flute virtuosos Althea Rene and Ragan Whiteside on a wildly adventurous re-imagining of the Chaka Khan anthem “I’m Every Woman.” Over a hip and edgy, discofied groove with buoyant synth, the trio stirs the funky-jazzy magic with intricately intertwined melody lines,  hypnotic improvisational swirls and transcendent three-part harmonies. The track starts as an instrumental but by the end, you’ll be singing that evergreen hook along with the tune's lush vocal harmonies!

A bright and hopeful dual burst of fluid, free-spirited piano and muscular sax energy that speaks to and captures the vibrancy of better days ahead, the single “In These Times” marks the dynamic first time pairing of veteran artists Michael Silverman (the most streamed pianist in the world) and stylistically diverse jazz great Eric Marienthal. Featuring James Lloyd (Pieces Of A Dream), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) and Michael’s brother, acclaimed drummer Rob Silverman, it’s the first single for the duo from their upcoming album of the same name. While Marienthal has thrived for decades in deep funk and explosive improvisation, Silverman gets into the urban groove after years of playing everything from new age/chill, solo piano and classical music to traditional jazz. He’s a master of them all!  

A Minister of Music for over 25 years, versatile composer/keyboardist (and preacher’s son) Solomon Edmond (aka Solex) has also channeled all of his great gospel and funk spirit into a nearly 15-year career as a Smooth Jazz recording artist that includes two #1 UK hits! On his easy-flowing 8th album FULL MOON, Solex showcases his range of jazz skills as an artist and producer, offering an artful blend of gentle acoustic piano melodies with classic keyboards and fashionable production textures. While his infectious melodic and harmonic elements are front and center, he equally shines as a collaborator, featuring special guests on the project, including his cousin, gospel guitarist Jonathan Dubose, Jr., saxophonist Jason Gay and soul singer Tony (T-Mac) McLendon. We find it very easy to bask in this FULL MOON!

In early 2021, Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion – the intensely funky ensemble led by veteran composer, producer, and saxophonist Warren A. Keller, released their self-titled debut album featuring four previously released hit singles. The first offering from their second album is the supremely uplifting, joyful jam, “All’s Well” – produced by fellow genre hitmaker Blake Aaron, which delivers exactly the hopeful message that our weary ears need to hear. While it’s a total group effort featuring Keller’s always emotional, punch-filled sax playing, and the lively drumming of Tony Moore – the spirited track is a dynamic showcase for guest bassist Brendan Rothwell, who carries the high-octane melodic flow, before engaging in some colorful conversation with Keller, leaving us with the feeling that all is indeed well!

From COAST DRIVE to ENDLESS SUMNER and RIDE THE WAVE, the titles and coastal vibes of Will Sumner’s decade-plus string of albums make the versatile composer and electric guitarist the Smooth Jazz equivalent of the Beach Boys. The name of his latest collection OCEAN STREET – also the moniker of his indie label – has a more personal meaning: it’s the locale of his longtime family home near the Ocean in Carlsbad, where his mother lived until she passed away at 96. You can feel Sumner’s heartfelt sentimental passion amidst the lively blasts of sandy musical sunshine and chillaxed grooves. As we party at this inviting destination, Sumner treats us to a flow that’s alternately laid back, playful, tropical and driving.    

Originally formed in San Diego by keyboardist Jayson Tipp in the early 90s, versatile contemporary jazz fusion vets Under the Lake continue their extraordinary Renaissance of the past few years with the ensemble’s aptly titled OLD FRIENDS, NEW GROOVES. The wildly adventurous, perfect for a high-spirited road trip collection’s rapidly shifting vibes – from R&B to funk to blues to rock to Smooth Jazz – and colorful song titles combine to tell the group’s fascinating experience of living through and making a socially and geographically distanced recording during the pandemic. The old pals – including bassist Nathan Brown, drummer Richard Sellers, guitarist Patrick Yandall and saxophonist/flutist Quintin Gerard W – infuse the set with high octane solo action throughout. This one celebrates three decades of contemporary jazz at its finest!

When guitarist/composer Patrick Yandall moved from Michigan to his longtime hometown of San Diego in the early 1980’s, his goal was to share his music everywhere – an ambition he’s fulfilled dynamically via his decades of TV and film credits, countless appearances as a sideman and, since the mid-90s, one of contemporary jazz’s most prolific artists. Still funky, fluid, crisply melodic, and alternately sensual and high octane after nearly 30 years, Yandall’s 27th album CHASING THE LIGHT follows on the heels of his earlier, vocal oriented 2021 release SOMEDAY SOMEWHERE. With 13 tracks on his latest, Yandall offers a master class in engaging grooves, robust and intricate electric guitar playing, rockin’ fire, hipster strutting and lively swirls of tropical exotica.