In a genre that used to measure success by airplay spins and chart positions, veteran singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jim Richter pulled off a major coup early in his Smooth Jazz career, racking up millions of Spotify streams for his 2020 single “Mr. Kool,” currently with nearly 3.5M. Performing with his 8-piece, horn-dominated Kool Breeze Band, the Georgia based artist follows his recent vocal-driven album with some true “Grit,” yet another irresistible instrumental hit in the making. Complementing its perfect uplifting, brass-tinged, up-tempo hook with some tasty Rhodes-styled licks and improvisations in the verses and a silky, heart-tugging sax interlude, the song hits numerous emotional marks. Pretty awesome for a guy who’s also recognized as a master performer and educator of blues and rock!
