Smooth Jazz Therapy

Jimmy Sommers - Sunset Collective

Since 1999, and the release of his debut CD ‘James Café’, Jimmy Sommers has been redefining the boundaries of contemporary jazz. The 2001 self produced follow up ‘360 Urban Groove’ garnered his smash hit cover of the Boz Scaggs classic ‘Lowdown’ and ensured that his smooth and soulful saxophone became a fixture on radio stations across the USA. However the power of Sommers is in his creativity and his ability to blur the genre into shades of R & B, Latin and dance. He is doing all that, and then some, with his brand new CD ‘Sunset Collective’ that was released on October 23.

Ronnie McNeir - Ronnie Mac & Company

Briefly, in the mid eighties, there was a time when the sumptuously soulful tones of Ronnie McNeir threatened to take the UK market by storm. Although his standout club classic ‘Light My Fire’ didn’t quite happen it remains, to this day, a highly collectable record. Consequently the release of his brand new CD, ‘Ronnie Mac & Company’, is particularly stimulating for those soul aficionados’s who hanker back to that golden age. In fact the term ‘old skool’ may well have been fashioned with McNeir in mind and this hot sixteen track collection provides a welcome stroll along some of the avenues that lead right back to the heart of soul. In addition, ‘Ronnie Mac & Company’ has got enough going on instrumentally to provide genuine cross over potential to the realms of contemporary jazz.

Keiko Matsui - Moyo

Since the 1989 release of her first US album, ‘A Drop Of Water’, Japanese keyboard player Keiko Matsui has been carving out her own special place in the annals of contemporary jazz. Now, with over twenty CD’s to her name and an extravagant tour schedule that in the last twelve months has taken her coast to coast across America as well as to Japan and Eastern Europe, she is back with her latest project ‘Moyo’. Currently best known for the run away success of the hit radio single ‘Black River’ it is a sophisticated collection with far more to offer than that merely defined by the limited confines of radio acceptability. The subtle way in which Matsui blends world rhythms with elements of smooth jazz is undoubtedly the result of her decision to substantially record ‘Moyo’ in South Africa and the vibes of that continent, much like those engendered in her 2004 recording ‘Wildfower’, add a delightfully fresh dimension.

Eric Marienthal - Just Around The Corner

Over the last twenty years the compelling hooks and immodestly rich tones of sax-man Eric Marienthal have ensured his music has remained on the cutting edge of the very best in smooth jazz. Now, with his new CD ‘Just Around The Corner’, which hit record stores across the USA on October 16, he is back and better than ever with ten original tunes plus wonderful collaborations in the company of some of the best writers, producers and performers that the genre has to offer.

Christmas Vibe In San Diego

Although the usually beautiful Southern Californian weather should ensure that the snow is not lying deep and crisp and even, it’s not too soon for those in San Diego to start planning their fix of seasonal smooth jazz. Tickets go on sale November 2 for the Dave Koz and Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas tour that blows into town December 14th for one night only at Copley Symphony Hall. Showtime is 8-00 PM for an event that is scheduled to include spectacular performances by Wayman Tisdale, Jonathan Butler, former American Idol contestant Kimberly Locke and of course Dave Koz. In addition, with Brian Simpson both playing and providing musical direction this will be a show not to be missed.

Airborne - Turbulence

When in 2005 I reviewed the album ‘Heavy Vibes’ from the smooth jazz and fusion band Airborne I suggested that they were re-igniting genuine old school jazz fusion in a way that was part Tower Of Power, part Ambrosia and very much in the spirit of 5th Dimension. Now New Haven, CT based Airborne are back with their fifth CD release ‘Turbulence’. It retains much of the excellent fusion that grabbed attention the last time around and widens horizons to demonstrate huge empathy with the music of many cultures. In fact the entire collection is a rollercoaster ride of moods and emotions, writing credits are shared between band members Greg and Thomas Borino and the superb vocals of Elizabeth Dellinger are at the core of all its best moments.

Valarie King - Anytime Anyplace

With its excellent blend of four new compositions and carefully selected covers the latest album from jazz flautist Valarie King, ‘Anytime Anyplace’, is an outstanding showcase for her exceptional talents. Indeed, when the stellar line up of some of LA’s most sought after session musicians is factored in, the collection sets the stage for King to reinforce her growing reputation as a consummate purveyor of sophisticated contemporary jazz.

Jacqui Naylor - Smashed For The Holidays

Ever wondered what it would be like to be ‘smashed for the holidays’? Well, just in case you are getting completely the wrong idea of what that might mean, it’s worth clarifying that smashing in this particular case means the blending of two separate songs into one seamless combination. It’s a skill that has become a trademark of jazz vocalist and songwriter Jacqui Naylor and with her long-awaited holiday CD, ‘Smashed for the Holidays’, she is bringing acoustic smashing to some memorable classic rock and Christmas tunes. If you can imagine ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ sang over Lynyrd Skynyrd's ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ or ‘Santa Baby’ sung to the groove of Led Zeppelin's ‘D'yer Mak'er’ then you already know all you need to about the art of smashing. Naylor's sensitive treatment of tunes such as ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and originals that include the bossa nova infused ‘Winter’ provide a delicious contrast and overall help deliver a Christmas album that is different and fun.

For more go to www.jacquinaylor.com

Audio Caviar - Transoceanic

The delicacy that is Audio Caviar will be served up in style on October 23 as the re-released debut CD from the trio who record under that name hits record stores across the USA. Audio Caviar is in fact Earth Wind and Fire original Ralph Johnson, keyboard and flugelhorn player Morris Pleasure and Danish guitarist Steen Kyed. Their CD ‘Transoceanic’ is reported to have come from a project that was conceived in Copenhagen as the vehicle for a traditional jazz ensemble and although it’s difficult to say what happened along the way, something certainly changed. The traditional element has in the main been stripped away in favour of a rich blend of soulful R & B grooves that merge deliciously with Latin and world vibes. What’s more, the depth of this interesting collection is enhanced by guest performances from George Duke, Marcel East, Jonathon Butler and two of Johnson’s EW & F sidekicks, Philip Bailey and Verdine White. Although the ‘seventeen tracks’ mask one bonus track plus four ‘interludes’ of one minute or less, several exceptional cuts are buried within. Consequently, the overall variety of the album, although difficult to characterize, makes for delightful listening.

Darren Rahn And Michael Manson Join Forces At NuGroove

Despite the fact that his new solo CD ‘Once In A Lifetime’ will be released on October 17, word is that saxophonist and producer Darren Rahn, is back in the studio. He’s putting the final touches to the next radio single from NuGroove label-mate Michael Manson whose forthcoming album is expected early in 2008. The quality of the artists that NuGroove is bringing together is nothing short of amazing. With Rahn, Manson and established figures such as Bob Baldwin rubbing shoulders with the emerging talents of Jay Soto, J Dee and Dee Brown things can only get better. Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Once In A Lifetime’. For more go to www.thenugroove.com