Smooth Jazz Therapy

We Three Strings

Despite the seventy degree temperatures of a very unusual Indian Summer, the arrival of the CD ‘We Three Strings’ means that Christmas has come early to the United Kingdom and to Smooth Jazz Therapy. The first of what is sure to be a crop of seasonal music offerings, ‘We Three Strings’ has quality written all over it and is further enhanced by the fact that both its sound and its track listing is a little out of the ordinary. Different for several reasons this collection of Christmas classics played by three distinct guitarists offers up a combination of smooth, Spanish and Latin grooves over twelve choice cuts. Those taking part are renowned world musician and Spanish guitar virtuoso Johannes Linstead, flamenco luminary Tomas Michaud and rising smooth jazz star Bryan Lubeck. That said the production of the album is so sympathetic to these varying influences that the end result is the merging of styles into something that is warm, comforting and uniquely all about Christmas.

Patrick Yandall - Samoa Soul

Smooth jazz has many complexions and one particularly distinctive hue is that which shines back from the laid back music confines of San Diego. Maybe this is due in part to the now legendary winery events that populate the musical calendar of the area. Perhaps it’s simply the routinely wonderful weather that gives the plethora of great open air shows at hotels and resorts their own special feeling. Whatever the reason, a sure thing is that if one musician epitomizes that San Diego vibe it is guitarist Patrick Yandall. Having grown up in Bay City, Michigan he moved out to the west coast in the early 80’s and has stayed busy ever since combining session work with headlining his own shows, long-term side gigs with Fattburger's Carl Evans, Jr. and the release of a string of distinctive solo releases. The latest of these, ‘Samao Soul’, hit record stores in September 2006 and is already getting noticed.

Greg Adams - Cool To The Touch

The musical arrangements that trumpeter Greg Adams has created for Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Linda Ronstadt to name only a few has made him one of the ultimate musicians’ musicians. Indeed everyone from the Rolling Stones to Paul Schaffer to Madonna has called on him to contribute to their projects and, in addition, Greg’s hallmark ensemble sound has made the concept of the horn section an American treasure. Despite all that, and the huge credentials gained as founding member of the evergreen Tower of Power (ToP), it took until 1995 and his solo debut album ‘Hidden Agenda’ for him to be become as well recognized outside the recording studio as he was within it. The album rocketed to number one on the smooth jazz charts and his second CD, ‘Midnight Morning’, evoked memories of the legendary arrangements he created during his many years with Tower Of Power. The critically acclaimed ‘Firefly’ followed in 2004. Now he is back with a brand new release ‘Cool To The Touch’.

Michael Manson - Just Feelin' It

Bass player Michael Manson is a Chicago cat but moreover he is a smooth jazz cat. His influence and reputation extends far beyond the windy city and his contribution as session player, side man and now solo performer is recognised and respected right through the business. If anyone had any doubts about this they need look no further than the who’s who of smooth jazz superstardom that Manson has enticed to collaborate with him on his brand new CD ‘Just Feeling’ It’. Released on 215 Records its one of the most pleasant surprises of 2006 with the quality of the writing, (nine of the eleven tracks are penned by Manson), his own inspired production skills and wonderful playing throughout making this a very special project indeed.

India Arie Takes Her Turn

Smooth jazz radio top thirty most played for the seven days ending August 28, 2006. ‘Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship’ is the latest CD from 12 time Grammy nominee India Arie. Only released on June 27th it has already topped 500,000 copies in sales and now the radio single from it, ‘The Heart Of The Matter’ is new this week at 26. The album is the third from Arie and her two previous efforts both achieved gold and or multi platinum status. She emerged onto the music scene in 2001 with her debut ‘Acoustic Soul’ and was branded then by Newsweek Magazine as “one of the freshest talents of that year”. ‘The Heart Of The Matter’ with its heartfelt vocals and compelling beat is a very welcome chart addition. Another newcomer this week is Gregg Karukas with ‘Lady In The Red Dress’. The musical development of Karukas has in many ways ran in parallel with that smooth jazz itself and as performer, songwriter and producer he has continuously made his presence felt. As the original keyboard player for the Rippingtons way back in 1987 to his recent CD release ‘Looking Up’ Karukas has always been ‘where it’s at’