New Arrivals
- George Brown
- Jazz In Paris
- Astana Music Inc
- Marshall Charloff
- X-centric
- Marshall Arts Records
- Shawn De Lacy
- Charisma
- Shawn De Lacy Entertainment
- Nathan and Noah East
- Father Son
- Eastern Star
- Skii Harvey
- Wanting You More
- SkiiHarvey.com
- Whitney Jones
- Based On Reality
- Whitney Jones Music
- Charles Langford
- Leave the Light On
- Moesax Records
- Sherry Reeves
- Voyage
- KSway Music
Listening Loft : HOTPICKS
Grammy-winning producer, record executive, filmmaker, and entertainment mogul Vassal Benford brings his signature touch to the Smooth Jazz scene with his latest single, "She’s A Queen," celebrating all the LOVELY ladies, the beauty and brilliance of all the incredible souls out there! This captivating track is the third advance release from his upcoming album, MELODY MAN, and is now available on all major music platforms. Despite his success in Hollywood, Benford’s heart remains in jazz and instrumental R&B. Last year, he introduced his jazz vision with the title track "Melody Man," offering a fresh, genre-defying sound. His follow-up single, "Dedication Song" over 9M YouTube Music streams, further showcased his innovative style. The upcoming album will feature collaborations with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, eight-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright, and singer-songwriters Aloe Blacc and Chanté Moore, R&B Star Keith Washington. With MELODY MAN on the horizon, Vassal Benford continues to redefine jazz, blending sophistication, passion, and soul into every note.
Veteran gospel/jazz singer James Bowman III offers inspiration on a multitude of levels in his life and career. Having survived a tumultuous childhood and homelessness, he earned a master’s degree and has built a resume playing drums with Brian McKnight and jazz and gospel greats like Virtue, Mervyn Warren and Eric Essix while opening for Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, BeBe and CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin. Closing in on 20 years since his debut album EXPERIENCE: MY PERSPECTIVE, the devout Christian artist makes a lilting, soulful appeal to our higher natures on his new single “Better.” Combining his soothing lead vocals with soaring female gospel singers, the emotional piano driven ballad reassures us that even with our profound disagreements, we can and need to become “one people, one mind.”
Forty-five years after Kool & The Gang founding member George Brown was credited as one of eight writers of the legendary R&B band’s #1 hit “Celebration,” the late great drummer, keyboardist and vocalist’s esteemed group, The George Brown Ensemble is gathering in Los Angeles on April 24 at the Sun Rose to celebrate the release of the LIVE IN PARIS album, his extraordinary second posthumous album since his passing in 2023. While his first, WHERE I’M COMING FROM (2024), was a pop/soul and vocal oriented project, this new collection offers a deep, emotionally charged exploration of his passion for straight-ahead, Miles Davis influenced jazz, blues, orchestral and brass-ensemble vibes. With legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta finalizing key tracks, the effervescent collection includes contributions from longtime Kool collaborator/keyboardist Curtis F. Williams, trumpeter Mike Cardone and saxophonists Philip Wack and Louis Van Taylor.
Before dropping his popular 2021 Smooth Jazz breakthrough album, the ironically titled UNPERFECT, multi-talented Minneapolis bred multi instrumentalist/composer Marshall Charloff parlayed his writing and production work with The Commodores and playing keys with The Atlanta Rhythm Section into creating the greatest live Prince tribute show in the world and in 2020 scoring a full-time residency in Las Vegas with his one-man show “The Purple Piano.” Many of Charloff’s legions of fans will no doubt enjoy grooving to “X-Centric,” his sly, tight and seductive new soul-funk-jazz lead single from his upcoming album NEXT featuring a hip, retro styled electric keyboard melody, paired with the ever-sizzling sax harmonies of special guest, Grammy-winning icon, Gerald Albright along with some dazzling acoustic piano accompanying Albright’s fiery solos.
Though he’s been a renowned solo artist for two decades, versatile NY/Jersey based keyboardist/composer Mike DiLorenzo enjoyed a fascinating pre-Smooth Jazz career with great vocalists, including tours with Gerald Alston and Bo Diddley and backing Whitney Houston and her gospel singing mom Cissy. He brings many of those influences to his solo artistry, including the recent EP SLO’ JAMS featuring vocalist Anna Moore and a single, “Summer Breeze” featuring Philly based singer/rapper CaiNo. “Modern Times,” the title track to Di Lorenzo’s upcoming album, his latest single is pure instrumental magic. He floats his whimsical, high spirited piano melody and dynamic jazzy ivory runs over a lively, up-tempo shuffle groove, caressing everything with dreamy atmospheres and a wash of trippy sonic effects, including a series of hypnotic nature sounds making these modern times not so hard to enjoy!
In the tradition of Bob and Jakob Dylan, Joshua and Dewey Redmond and Bob & Ziggy Marley, legendary bassist Nathan East and his son Noah, an accomplished 25-year-old keyboardist, create for a FATHER SON album for the ages on their long awaited first dual recording. Though Nathan is perhaps best known for his decades of touring with rock icon Eric Clapton (who makes a powerful appearance here) and his role in contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay, this diverse collection of warm-hearted originals, Great American Songbook standards and 70’s pop/soul gems is focused on jazz duo and trio intimacy, with elements of blues, straight-ahead, swing and even classical. Though there are plenty of legendary guests (Merry Clayton, Hubert Laws, Billy Valentine), the true revelation beyond the magical family camaraderie is Noah’s stylistic diversity as a pianist and organist!
Whitney Jones is an extraordinary artist who brings a splendid swirl of jazz, funk, blues, rock and classical influences to her latest alternately sensual/romantic and personally empowering, easy grooving urban-leaning Smooth Jazz album BASED ON REALITY. Beyond her impressive accolades – first female bandleader to have a weekly residency at Wally’s Jazz Café in Boston, co-writing CeCe Peniston’s #2 Billboard hit “Purple Funk” – the multi-talented Jones feels her higher purpose is to uplift, inspire and empower people, to kick fear out of the way and walk in love. Though the generous and rhythmically diverse 13-track collection’s themes of love, healing and self-discovery grew out of Whitney’s personal struggles during the pandemic, they are essential reminders of gratitude and self-affirmation that are equally soothing and essential now.
Over the course of his multi-faceted 15-year recording career, Reza Khan has enjoyed several radio friendly Smooth Jazz hits, including one with Nils. Yet the Bangladesh-born, NYC based composer/guitarist’s unique, freewheeling stylistic fusion includes elements of pop, jazz, soul and global influences. His world jazz guitar vibe comes to full creative fruition on the perfectly titled MYSTICAL, which finds him and longtime co-writer, arranger and producer, saxophonist David Mann, imagining a magical album featuring infectious pieces written with specific contemporary jazz greats in mind. Khan’s incredible skills as a musician and magnetism as a studio visionary attracted a dream guest list that includes Bob James, Jimmy Haslip, Philippe Saisse, Mark Egan, Jeff Lorber and Keiko Matsui – who join with Khan to create special collaborations for the ages.
When keyboardist/composer Jeff Logan first reached out to Paul Brown, the Grammy-winning hitmaker was first intrigued by the decades Logan had toiled as a corrections officer while developing his craft. When Brown heard his graceful and infectious, radio friendly compositions and lively piano style, he signed on to produce one song, which quickly evolved into Logan’s new album INDIGO, a tour-de-force collaboration that strikes Smooth Jazz gold. While showcasing Logan’s fresh, ultra-melodic touch on the piano and exciting sense of improvisation, the 10 fanciful, romantically inclined tracks create a dazzling, lightly funky flow that puts a hip, modern twist on a classic contemporary jazz piano sound that may remind listeners of classic tracks by David Benoit, Brian Culbertson and Gregg Karukas.
These past few springs, as part of his prolific output of sparkling piano-driven singles, Rei Narita’s mission to be “in pursuit of beauty” has included magnificently melodic songs celebrating the arrival of the Sakura, Japan’s national flower. These cherry blossoms symbolize renewal, optimism and the fleeting nature of life. In 2023, the Asian Smooth Jazz pioneer graced us with the ballad “Let’s meet up under the sakura,” and last year, he released the romantic solo piano piece “One kiss under the sakura.” Reflecting yet another mood that captures the glorious appearance of the blossoms, the multi-faceted keyboardist/composer is friskier and more festive this year, with his jaunty, jazzy key runs and improvisations popping with great energy as they dance above a lively EDM groove.
After releasing ILLUMINATE in 2018, Steve Oliver engaged in some cool side projects, including a popular duet album with Brian Simpson and a set of acoustic re-imaginings of his greatest hits. Now, the prolific Smooth Jazz hitmaker a journalist once called “musical Disneyland” (for his sunny personality and composing style) is back in snappy, melodic and sonically adventurous radio-friendly mode with A NEW LIGHT. Perfectly in line with his other instantly infectious albums with similarly light-bearing titles, the collection – co-produced by genre mega-hitmaker Michael Broening – offers a blend of funky-breezy drive time jams, gently caressing ballads (one featuring saxman Jeff Kashiwa) and exciting dashes of percussive exotica featuring the one-two punch of his dynamic strings and trademark dreamy wordless and percussive vocals.
On the heels of his recent, collaborative hit with Jessy J, the latest smooth gem creation from A-List, Italian keyboardist Paolo Rustichelli (Miles Dave, Santana) is a bright, shining tune that conjures up the most magical moments in one’s life. “Luna” featuring the effervescent talents of jazz festival favorite, Althea Rene on flute is a delightful mélange of fusion, funk jazz, pop and Brazilian bossa with a hip-hop spirit reminiscent of late 1980s dance tunes. Paolo’s musical signature is all over this modern Smooth Jazz experience… The fresh masterpiece begs to be enjoyed with a splashy cocktail, in the moonlight offering a sense of joy that only good music can bring!
Since dropping his 2018 debut EMBRACE, San Francisco Bay Area saxophonist Jeff Ryan has been such an impactful force on Smooth Jazz, collaborating with hit makers Paul Brown, Greg Manning and Darren Rahn. His latest collection, INTO FOCUS, is his third full length album. Complementing four recent radio hits with tracks reflecting his overall tender romantic aesthetic and passion for blues/soul and brassy Tower of Power energy, the album’s title reflects the great reality that everything in Ryan’s life is indeed coming into focus – the direction of his music, his life priorities with a solid target set on touring and performing live around the world. The young sax star is posed to take the globe by storm with a beautiful tone, raw energy, and exciting entertainment skills coming INTO FOCUS!
Multi-talented flutist/composer Kim Scott vibrantly embodies the title of her sixth album LIVIN’ IT UP in many ways – from being a 3x Billboard chart topper and hosting her popular syndicated radio show “Kim Scott’s Block Party” to serving as flute professor at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and being a world-renowned international clinician. Collaborating with top producers like Greg Manning, Kelvin Wooten and Paul Brown and guest stars Jeff Ryan, Phil Davis, Kelly O’Neal and Naomi Achu, Kim brings her alternately lilting and percussive jazz/classical style to an adventurous array of vibes. These include ampiano and world music, a women’s empowerment anthem, soul balladry, clever re-imaginings and mash-ups of legendary pieces of music by Miles Davis, Herb Alpert and The Police along with an iconic Whitney Houston taking on high notes and the iconic Kirk Whalum sax solo, Livin' It Up from the first track to the last!
From the great George Duke to Smooth Jazz empresario Dave Koz this artist's artist dazzles. Pianist, composer and prolific Billboard charting hit maker Brian Simpson drops his 12th solo recording, the ultra-melodic and rhythmically diverse MIDNIGHT GROOVE. Fashioning a compelling and sexy array of sonic attitudes - from soulful, moody and sensual to lighthearted, elegant and breezy/tropical – Simpson vibes with new voices on his latest collection including Grammy-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Isaiah Collier and Latin guitarist Antonio Gomez.
It was only a matter of time before a top Smooth Jazz artist tapped into the multi-Grammy winning genius of Billie Eilish and FINNEAS’ pop songwriting – and it’s no surprise that it comes from veteran saxophonist Paul Taylor on his Shanachie debut whose title says it all about his positive outlook on his life and career: IT’S A BRAND NEW DAY. He’s on the record as saying that throughout his amazing 30-year-career, he’s always kept his ears attuned to what’s hip, funky and fresh in today’s music. Taylor complements vibes from today’s musical Zeitgeist with his never-ending love for classic and modern soul sounds, collaborating with longtime right hand studio man Dino Esposito and famed R&B producer Barry J. Eastmond on a mix of ultra-melodic danceable and sensual delights.
Long acclaimed by tastemakers as “simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists” and the “Pied piper of Smooth Jazz,” Kim Waters is perhaps the only cat in the genre who could create silky smooth grooving soprano gold from a minor 1981 R&B hit from the Isley Brothers. That’s only one of the diverse grooving treasures on TIME 2 GROOVE collection, the prolific hit maker’s astounding 24th album on Shanachie Entertainment (and his 26th overall!). Vibing with mega-producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Waters produces his trademark mastery of blending sonically exciting, danceable sassy-funk romps with towering emotional expressions of romance and his great love for his family. Though there are radio ready gems galore, the heartfelt core of the album comes from tender dedications to his mother and twin daughters Kimberly and Kayla.
Listening Loft : MUST HAVES
It’s listed as a “Fun Fact” on her bio, but when you listen to multi-talented, genre-busting (blues, jazz, pop soul) pianist, vocalist and composer/producer Jill Butler’s aptly titled, wildly and adventurous debut JOYRIDE, you’ll know it’s truly her ongoing mission – devoting 100% of her time to uplifting the soul and uniting hearts through music. She brings her fiery and frolicsome, homegrown Louisiana lightning to a slate featuring both shimmering, percussive piano driven originals (including tributes to her professional musician parents and regional legend Carol Fran) and fanciful twists on classics by Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Charlie Chaplain and New Orleans great Allen Toussaint. While ensembling with a cadre of Louisiana Music Hall of Famers, Butler also spins fascinating flute, vibes and organ sounds on her synth.
Talk about a festive, and forward-thinking blast of inspiration to start the new year! Vibing out to keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist Bob Coate’s perfectly titled high-energy romp “Forward Flow,” it’s hard to believe the former IT guy launched his recording career four years ago with a batch of easy-breezy, chillout tunes. Reflecting the propulsive momentum of his career trajectory since then, the new track continues the fruitful collaboration between Coate, his incredible producers Peet Ferencz (Peet Project) and Smoothjazz.com Global founder Sandy Shore, and blazing saxophonist Peter Herold (formerly with the Peet Project). Coate’s first single with that team, “Love Like That,” hit #3 on the Top 100 Smooth Jazz charts for Spain and Latin America! The freewheeling sax and keyboard solos complement the magical movement of the tune!
Though Frank Van Engelen is a successful internet entrepreneur running various webshops, the Dutch composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist’s recent emergence in Smooth Jazz as DiAngelis offers a dynamic look at how a well-chosen ensemble can propel one’s musical vision forward. The former Gare du Nord bassist employs his sure fire musical formula based on what he calls “The Steely Dan Principle,” eschewing a single fixed lineup and choosing the perfect musicians to work their magic on each track. On both his debut single, “Now Is Everything” and on this new funky, high octane, post-breakup tune “You And I," DiAngelis gets in an explosive organ solo while allowing stellar vocalist Esmee Peters and a killer Dutch electric guitarist to take the emotional reins on "You And I."
There’s been no stopping drummer/producer James ‘PJ’ Spraggins since his banner year of 2023, when he achieved a lifelong dream playing behind Peabo Bryson on the Soul Train Cruise and dropping STICK IT OUT, his fourth album and first in eight years. Full of exciting sonic shifts and surprises with each new release, he follows the piano driven “Metamorphosis” with the hypnotically percussive, dream-funk vibin’ invitation to “Move to the Groove.” It’s a full- on silky seduction featuring the lush lead and textured harmony vocals of Cedric Draper and Jordan Love’s crisp, fluid and highly improvisational electric guitar lines. Complementing the sweet, soulful ensemble action, Spraggins adds a warm soothing ambience with rich, colorful atmospheric synth textures.
Internationally renowned songstress with a career that spans genres and decades, Kathy Kosins was the highest charting vocalist for 2020 on the Smooth Jazz Network and nominated as Breakout Artist of the Year. The ASCAP Award-winning composer is also a celebrated abstract painter, and has achieved some of her greatest Smooth Jazz successes via collaborations with acclaimed artists like Frank McComb and Najee (“I Gotta Pinch Myself”) as well as Bob Baldwin (the #1 Smooth Jazz and Indie Soul Top 30 hit “Let’s Rewind"). Her latest single, “Aurora’s Light,” is a masterclass in nu-jazz elegance. This track finds Kosins leaning deep into her jazz roots while infusing her signature soulful touch. Aurora, known in Greek and Roman mythology as the goddess of dawn muses a mesmerizing soundscape that radiates warmth and sophistication. Dive in and soak up the brilliance.
Renowned Sacramento, California saxophonist Shawn Raiford calls his ever-evolving live ensemble the SRE (Shawn Raiford Experience) because – drawing on his passions for contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and pop – that’s what the multi-talented performer promises every time they take the stage. Four and a half years since his debut album MAN WITH A HORN, Raiford’s ready for THE NEXT STEP in his career with a stylistically diverse, in the pocket collection that finds him exploring fresh, expansive emotional territory with sizzling, seductive horn-drenched originals and instantly engaging, absolutely essential re-imaginings of hits and classics by Bruno Mars/Silk Sonic, Santana and Herb Alpert. Raiford set the stage with three lead singles throughout 2023 and 2024 – and now, rewards our patience with a payoff that’s off the charts!
A multi-faceted cultural trailblazer whom Najee once called “the Maceo of the flute,” Althea Rene – daughter of original Motown Funk Brother Dezie McCullers – celebrates over a quarter century as a recording artist with her latest single “18 Karat.” It’s an irresistible, soul-elevating gem that artfully reflects her trademark fusion of breezy coolness, improvisational excitement and buoyant funk energy. The tune's title is a nod to refinement, turning raw into pure as the artist as done with her music career, spinning gold and making history by recording the first flute-featured single (“In the Flow”) to top the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart! Althea’s autobiography Becoming a Chocolate Barbie – A Guide for Professional Women in the Music Business has proven a great resource for aspiring women in the industry. She is also the proud recipient of the 2021 Presidential Volunteer Service Award and co-founder of the non-profit arts organization Colors & Song.
It’s testament to the mind-boggling longevity and prolificness of Dan Siegel’s career that he’s released 9 of his 23 albums since dropping his greatest hits compilation ALONG THE WAY back in 2000. Launching his recording career 45 years ago, the Seattle-born, Eugene, Oregon-raised keyboardist/composer was there at the dawn of the Smooth Jazz format, scoring era-defining hits from his eight major label albums, most notably 1987’s NORTHERN NIGHTS. His latest gem UNITY indeed unifies his lifelong passions for contemporary and straight-ahead jazz (with enticing touches of blues), offering yet another glorious spray of light funk melodic delights and slow-burning jams with a killer ensemble featuring drummer Oscar Seaton, legendary percussionist Lenny Castro and guitar greats Rob Bacon, Allen Hinds, Michael Miller, Dean Parks and Michael Thompson!
With influences ranging from 80’s pop and R&B hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Nick Martinelli to international jazz-funk fusion greats Shakatak and Mezzoforte, veteran Norwegian keyboardist, composer and producer Frank Hestness – aka Franko Spero – has created fascinating vibes that have evolved from high-energy chill to the tight, in the pocket, more robust piano and hypnotic synth driven funk/soul he stirs up on his third collection, IT’S TIME. Though he’s never released a full-length album, Spero has graced Smooth Jazz with hip thematic concepts in EPs for his shorter collections, introducing himself to the genre with SIGNING IN and then taking his artistry ONE STEP AHEAD. Likewise, every track on this robustly performed, improvisation-filled new set features titles with phrases related to time.
While fans of Nick Stefanacci’s robust, richly emotional saxophone vibe will have to wait until autumn for his follow-up collection to 2024’s acclaimed SECRETS album – he’s blessed the true romantics with a sizzling treat, his Valentine’s Day and beyond tune, “Last Night,” the second lead single to the provocatively titled forthcoming album EN FUEGO. More than a passionate, soaring ballad that tugs the heart, this lushly textured, atmosphere filled track unleashes into the Smooth Jazz format the same unbridled “sax fusion” energy he brought to his multitude of earlier career endeavors. These included touring with Derek Trucks, Ja Rule and DMC and sharing the stage with the legendary Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Latin Grammy winning band Diamante Electrico and trumpeter Cindy Bradley. There will be more lead singles to come in the near future, walking up to the fire of fall! ❤️🔥
Just over three decades since his fusion band Under the Lake first captivated contemporary jazz audiences, Jayson Tipp’s solo career is in full swing. Breaking through with “Time to Roll,” which stayed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s airplay chart for nine weeks, the multi-faceted keyboardist/composer is off to a prolific start in ’25, dropping “People Together” (a re-imagined UTL track) and now “Memory Lane,” a hip, uber-melodic, funky gem produced by Darren Rahn. If the track’s restless vibe reminds you of classics by Bob James, The Crusaders and Joe Sample, there’s a good reason. Tipp came up influenced by those artists along with Jeff Lorber, Chick Corea and Pat Metheny, resulting in a style Tipp affectionately calls “rough jazz.”
Back when Peter White was a sideman for Al Stewart and Basia, he could never have imagined becoming one of most influential, core artists for Smooth Jazz. Yet 35 years into his solo career, with the release of his perfectly titled 17th album LIGHT OF DAY, the masterfully melodic acoustic guitarist joyfully proclaims that he has “as much enthusiasm for music now as I did in my twenties!” And it shows! Bringing much needed bursts of hope and sunshine to an anxious new year, White weaves an uber-infectious, sonically intricate mix of his snappy, fast-paced adventures and lush romantic ballads – including a heartfelt song dedicated to his late colleague Nick Colionne – with special guests contemporary jazz icon, trumpeter Rick Braun, sax star Vincent Ingala, flugelhornist Ilya Serov as well as legendary saxophonist Ernie Watts, gracing a White project for the first time.
Having played in rock, pop and blues bands for decades before his recent emergence as a Smooth Jazz Artist, Chicago-based D.S. Wilson is likely the only saxophonist on earth to win the North Carolina Battle of the Bands and be a finalist in the talent competition on the Dave Koz Cruise (twice!). Building momentum off his successful album SKYLINE, he’s teamed up with Grammy nominated producer Jeff Carruthers and guitarist, producer and mega hitmaker Steve Oliver for his upcoming METAMORPHOSIS. Following three Top 100 singles in 2024, Wilson’s latest lead single, the Oliver-produced “Sangria,” is a sensual and breezy tropical delight floating on the wings of Wilson and Oliver’s dynamic and soulful sax and guitar melody-harmony rapport. This one’s got cheery spring/summer vibes!
Listening Loft : ESSENTIALS
Acclaimed TV arranger/orchestrator and Tony Award nominee for the score of the Broadway Musical "Anna Karenina," multi-talented pianist/composer Dan Alan Levine returns with a re-imagining of his most popular single from 2023's OVER THE MOON album. A full band refurb of "Our Kind Of Love" featuring the production skills of Peter Ferencz (Peet Project). Everything that you love about the tune remains the same, including the warm, sensual sax of Jeanette Harris and flirty flute courtesy of Billboard Smooth Jazz chart topper Kim Scott, plus more groove, sway and funk from studio A-listers. Optimism at its finest with a flurry of romantic notions and modern musical modalities to keep the song current and fresh. Levine is currently composing new music for 2025, meanwhile we have the beautiful bounce of "Our Kind Of Love" to ignite our playlist desires!
A true embodiment of a modern-day Renaissance man, Tony Monaco helped run two family businesses (a popular Italian restaurant and his dad’s concrete company) while building his rep as an eclectic jazz organist, releasing 13 solo albums and touring and recording with Pat Martino and Jimmy Smith. Rebranding colorfully as B3 Monaco, the multi-talented artist makes a triumphant first splash in Smooth Jazz with the single “Down to the 9.” It’s a funked up, blues-fired and horn-drenched jam penned by Brian Bromberg, Shane Theriot and Paul Brown, produced by Brown and showcasing Monaco’s trademark rollicking licks on the Hammond SKX PRO organ keyboard.
There’s a very good reason why the wildly versatile “Uptown Saxman” Edmond Baker Jr. waited over a decade to deliver his latest album, the supremely vibey, silky, funky and spirited JUS DOIN MY THANG. It’s because he's busy! As the “the only full time, independent solo saxophonist in the entire state of Texas,” the musician has literally been gigging non-stop for high-end clients and audiences as well as worthy fundraisers. Baker’s triumphant return to the studio results in an instantly engaging collection of inviting Smooth Jazz, full of passionate and emotional playing, with smoky and energetic licks and sparkling arrangements steeped in classic blues and soulful influences.
Not many living vocalists can claim to have performed with Lionel Hampton, alongside Bob Hope and Dizzy Gillespie and at Presidential Inaugurations, yet youthful, Grammy-nominated vocal great Sylvia Bennett has done it all – and sung in Spanish and French as well! A force in Smooth Jazz for nearly two decades, she has worked with the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Paul Brown, Ed Calle, Rick Braun and Nathan East. Bennett follows her 12th album AMAZING LOVE with a charming, breezy and subtly exotic bossa nova twist on her original “Smile, It’s Good For You” - an encouraging reminder to celebrate life and be optimistic even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Fueled by a dope, hypnotic electronic percussion pattern and a rich, funky melodic saxophone swirl, Louisiana native Jeremy Benoit’s wildly adventurous new single “Just Feels Right” offers Smooth Jazz danceability at its finest – and lets newcomers to his all-encompassing sonic experience understand the magic that long ago earned him the nickname “The Real JB Saax.” Launching his career as part of the music ministry at Lafayette’s Good Hope Baptist Church, faith and gospel music (not to mention Charlie Parker, Gerald Albright and David Sanborn) have been huge influences in a solo career that began with the album JEREMY JAZZ, back in 2018. Get ready for more from this rising star!
The title of veteran guitarist dee Brown’s sixth full length album MISTER SMOOTH isn’t just a riff on being an influential Smooth Jazz hitmaker, it’s a hip persona of a man and musician he says “is consistently on top of things and maintains control in every situation.” With several titles (“Charismatic,” “Charming,” “Finesse”) that capture aspects of this aesthetic, Brown is at the top of his crisp, coolly melodic game, bringing fresh silk and funk (along with dashes of disco and rock!) to a set of eight fire originals, a whimsical Sister Sledge cover and his recent holiday streaming hit, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
In a multi-faceted career that includes being a popular NYC studio musician, vibing with legends (Elton John, Tina Turner, Joe Sample) and appearing on “Ally McBeal” for five seasons, saxophonist Michael Cates’ recent emergence and prolific output in Smooth Jazz might be his most impressive feat yet. He follows his ultra-prolific 2024 breakthrough (five singles, including “Where Do We Go From Here?” featuring keyboardist Greg Manning) with ALWAYS TOGETHER, PT 1, the first of two high impact EPs dropping this winter that showcase his high energy grooves, picture perfect melodic flow, fanciful, robust playing and spicy horn texturing.
A onetime Top 10 winner in Jazziz Magazine’s Woodwinds on Fire competition judged by Michael Brecker, Eddie Daniels and David Murray, saxophonist Damian Cremisio has performed with countless legends and shared the stage with Rob Thomas, Gavin DeGraw, Harry Connick Jr. and Ben E. King. As leader of Damian and DCQ (Damian Cremisio Quartet which has actually turned into a Sextet), he’s off to a jamming, high-powered start in Smooth Jazz with the Sandy Shore / Peet Ferencz produced, instantly infectious debut single “Saturday With You,” in honor of the recording artist’s father, whom he has fond childhood memories of, especially of their Saturday outings. While Damian’s blistering sax melody and solo are front and center, his core ensemble and guest musicians bring equal amounts of heat! Catch Damian and DCQ live in the NY, NJ and PA tri-state area this spring and summer.
Besides raw musical talent, sometimes the difference between a working artist and a major star is that hard-to-define quality of “Charisma” – the essence of drawing effortless attraction. This dynamic power track has it! The collaboration between De Lacy and the chart-topping production duo of Peet Ferencz (Peet Project) and SJG Founder Sandy Shore, showcases the up and coming saxophonist in a bold light. Following the success of his funky, 2024 debut single, "Hi There!," this new piece offers a soaring ethereal atmosphere with angelic vocal textures behind the silky passion of his deeply heartfelt performance and elevated energy.
Kansas City native and winner of a prestigious Seattle Sound Music Award, multi-faceted bassist/composer E.Pruitt brings a fascinating resume to his burgeoning career in Smooth Jazz. The talented musician has opened for everyone from the late B.B. King and Brian Bromberg to Gerald Albright, Norman Brown and The Scorpions, as well as conducted bass clinics, seminars and dealer training for numerous music manufacturers and designed and developed numerous bass accessories. His breezy, easy-flowing single “Steamy Nights” rolls along like a master class in melodic, in the pocket genre perfection, creating a beautiful balance between chilled, smooth grooves and smoldering, romantic sensuality.
Emerging Maryland based Smooth Jazz saxophonist Eddie K Jr.’s commitment to healing and connection has served him well as a music therapist for students with disabilities, an in-demand regional performer and as a Medal of Valor winning police officer for nearly 20 years. On his explosive, yet heartfelt debut album BACK TO SERENITY (Deluxe), his playing is intensely soulful and emotionally intuitive on tunes ranging from edgy funk to the exotic and symphonic. But what really sets him apart from the pack, whether on ballads or the jams, are his bold and sizzling stacked horn textures and vibrant arrangements and production inspired by co-producer Kyle Carson!
Often compared, and rightly so, to Ella Fitzgerald (for her remarkable vocal jazz chops) and Tina Turner (for her soul aesthetic and sheer emotional intensity), multiple international award- winning Australian-born singer Skii Harvey’s skill with musical heartbreak runs so deep that she recently had a seven-year period she called the “broken” years. Her latest single, the breathtaking, piano-vocal centered ballad “Wanting You More,” taps into similar aching emotions with a unique narrative twist – a story of love and longing between two people kept apart by societal expectations and the oppression of outside forces. Sorrow never sounded so magnificent!
What’s in a clever name? The four storied members of supergroup quartet Jazz Holdouts - keyboardist John Alan Palanker, saxophonist Louis Cortelezzi, guitarist Michael Thompson and bassist John Siegler – spent most of their pre JH years as sidemen for pop and jazz legends like Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Madonna, Chick Corea and Randy Newman - which looks incredible on a resume but ultimately limited their deeper compositional and improvisational expression. Moving into their second decade of recording, Jazz Holdouts’ latest single finds them “Holding On” to their trademark excitement while building on their soulful, snazzy, sonically adventurous sax and keyboard driven aesthetic.
Commanding, charting vocalist Gil Johnson he has made a significant mark on Smooth Jazz, working with the likes of Tom Braxton, Doc Powell and Darren Rahn while releasing his debut album and eight singles. The soulfully intuitive singer follows beautiful renditions of classics by Gino Vanelli and Donny Hathaway with a lush, breezy and uber romantic twist on “Can We Pretend,” a mid-70s Bill Withers gem written by Withers’ then wife, actress Denise Nicholas. Powell adds warmth and a dreamy quality to its seductive, easy grooving flow with his elegant acoustic guitar lines. Another good call on song choice from Gil, and as always, he's surrounded himself with top-notch artistry!
Part of a stable of Las Vegas and Santa Fe singers and musicians collectively known as the “Crown Jewel,“ R&B influenced jazz singer Abe LaMarca follows his recent spiritual minded airplay hit “When God's In the Music” with “My Side of the Mountain,” a fun, rambunctious, Steely Dan-esque single spotlighting his powerhouse voice and lush vocal harmonies as they glide over a fast swinging horn section, punctuated by powerhouse sax and flute solos. Continuing his thought provoking themes, LaMarca encourages listeners to experience newfound freedom by overcoming old mindsets and adopting a fresh perspective on life.
A longtime Boston A-lister, saxophonist Charles Langford became a popular bandleader and touring sensation after years playing with R&B and jazz greats like The Temptations, Mighty Sam McClain, Solomon Burke and Norman Connors. In 2021, 13 years after his debut album, he began conquering Smooth Jazz with his debut album POWERLESS and a flurry of singles that now includes the passionate, smoky, sensual and romantically suggestive ballad “Leave the Light On.” It’s testament to his rich and emotional tenor intensity that he’s attracting top collaborators like keyboardist/producer Greg Manning and several of the genre’s rhythmic giants including Ray Fuller, Mel Brown and Eric Valentine!
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.
Since establishing herself as a Smooth Jazz force on her self-titled 2014 debut album, flute virtuoso Sherry Reeves has performed with everyone from Ben Tankard and Vincent Ingala to Kim Waters and was voted Best Jazz Female Performer by the Alabama Music Awards. The melodic master returns with an impactful, heart-tugging 3-track EP whose title VOYAGE, is no doubt a reference to her exciting musical journey. Featuring the crisp, crackling guitar harmonies and solos of Eric Dubose and Cashmere Williams, Sherry’s fanciful funky vibes sandwich a soothing, breezy ballad, creating a perfect representation of her stylish artistry.
A successful actor best known for appearing in the long running sitcoms “1st & Ten” and “One World,” Michael Toland is also a veteran musician who began his eclectic musical career as a rocker in NYC that opened for Sly Stone, Edgar Winter Group, the Brecker Brothers and Jeff Beck and later became a renowned film/TV composer. Drawing on a multitude of musical talents and experiences, he showcases his love of sparkling, infectious melodies on his beautiful debut Smooth Jazz single “Don’t Say Nothing Lasts Forever” – Originally conceived as a vocal, the tune marked by breezy intricate acoustic guitar and lush, caressing synth atmospheres is sure to inspire everlasting optimism.