Smooth Jazz Therapy

Eddie 'Gip' Noble - In The Lite Of Things

The publicity briefing that supports ‘In The Lite Of Things’ by keyboard player Eddie ‘Gip’ Noble suggests that “If this CD had come out in 1975, it might have been named Jazz Album of the Year. Now, in 2011, listening to it is just a fun, slightly-guilty pleasure.” All things considered this is a little harsh on Noble who, despite the fact that ‘In The Lite Of Things’ is substantially a collection of covers, has avoided the predictable procession of Motown and Philly hits in favor of some innovative song choices not normally associated with the genre of contemporary jazz.

Basia Back With New Album And US Tour

From the time her voice first graced the recordings of the trio Matt Bianco, Basia’s sophisticated vocals have been as distinctive as they are memorable. Indeed Basia Trzetrzelewska quickly made a name for herself in a variety of genres. In 1987 she partnered with Matt Bianco band-mate Danny White for her solo debut, ‘Time And Tide’ and the follow up, ‘London Warsaw New York’, continued the success of the first by becoming her second platinum selling album. ‘The Sweetest Illusion’ CD followed in 1994 and although her first live collection, ‘Basia On Broadway’ was released a year later, fans had to wait fourteen more years for her next studio project. Titled ‘Its That Girl Again’ it showcased the enduring writing and performing partnership of Basia and Danny White while also featuring Danny’s brother Peter on guitar. Now Basia is back with ‘From Newport To London: Greatest Hits Live…And More’ which will be released worldwide on September 13th.

Jef Kearns - Back Again

Now for something I really like from a performer I consider to be absolutely top notch. Soul flautist Jef Kearns first caught my attention in 2009 with his stellar CD ‘On The Level’ and now he is back (literally) with the single ‘Back Again’. It features vocalist Karen Jules and is a pop infused yet soulful anthem that, if there is any justice in this world, is bound to be a hit. Written by Toronto based Kearns with Jules and producer John Campbell ‘Back Again’ was released on August 15 and is available for download now at www.jefkearns.com Check it out.

Jessy J - Hot Sauce

It was in 2008 that sax player Jessica Spinella, aka Jessy J, released her debut CD ‘Tequila Moon’. A range of factors combined to make it one of the most hyped events of the year and less than a year later she was back with her sophomore effort ‘True Love’. It moved Jessy J closer yet to her Latin heritage while drawing heavily on Paul Brown’s talents as a writer, producer and performer. Consequently it is no surprise that Brown again plays a major part in her brand new release ‘Hot Sauce’ which will be released, September 5, on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. Without doubt it her most ‘complete’ album to date and certain to do well.

Michael J Thomas - I Think About Amy

Back in February of 2010 I described sax player Michael J Thomas as being possibly the smooth jazz find of that year. His debut CD, ‘City Beat’, was a tremendously accomplished piece of work and now, with the emphasis switched firmly to the radio single, he has released the hugely accessible ‘I Think About Amy’. Available as a ‘maxi-single’ with both vocal and instrumental versions, it is a tune that blends the best elements of contemporary jazz and R&B with more pop orientated flavorings. Not only that, given Michael writes, plays alto and (on the vocal version) sings throughout this memorable recording is a wonderful showcase for his undoubted versatility. It is certain to be in my top twenty for 2011.

For more on Michael J Thomas go to www.michaeljthomas.net

Brad Rambur - Can't Put It Down

Ever since saxophonist Brad Rambur burst onto the scene with his debut CD ‘Can’t Put It Down’, his stock has been continuously rising. In fact Rambur is a protégé of contemporary jazz luminary Eric Marienthal from whom he continues to receive broad mentorship and education. ‘Can’t Put It Down’ was produced by Marienthal who also made the connections for Jeff Lorber to write and perform on four of the tracks. One such song, ‘Warm’, proved to be an instant success on smooth jazz radio and for the follow-up Rambur has turned to another of these Lorber compositions. Titled ‘Into The Blue’, this easy grooving cut is arguably the best tune on the album and is sure to do extremely well.

Chuck Loeb - Plain 'n' Simple

It would appear that never a week goes by without me writing something about that masterful guitarist Chuck Loeb. His integration into super-group Fourplay has been seamless and his recent contribution to Andy Snitzer’s ‘Traveler’ was right on the money. If all that wasn’t enough he has just released a new solo CD, the aptly titled ‘Plain ‘n’ Simple’. It is an organ trio project that finds him harkening back to his earliest influences in jazz for a tasty collaboration with Fourplay band member Harvey Mason on drums and key board player Pat Bianchi. Two classic tunes, two compositions by Mason plus eight more from Loeb make this a high quality collection that, despite its evocation of times less complicated, delivers music of the highest order.

Keiko Matsui's The Road Now On Video

Keiko Matsui’s latest CD is titled ‘The Road’ and the title cut has just been released as a music video. On the album, the musicians who play on that track, Jackiem Joyner, Eric Baines and Chad Wright, are in fact all members of Keiko’s touring band and when recently I talked to Keiko from her home in Los Angeles I was eager to understand more about the rationale for including them.

Andy Snitzer - Traveler

Although it has been twelve years since saxophonist Andy Snitzer last released a solo studio recording, in the intervening years he has been more than busy. Take for example his role as sax-man on the Rolling Stones ‘Voodoo Lounge’ and ‘Bridges to Babylon’ world tours or the fact he has been an integral part of Paul Simon’s touring band since 1999. Now he is finally back as a solo artist with the superb ‘Traveler’. In part it is a rich celebration of the world at large and is inspired by his many travels abroad. Not only that, with ten self penned tunes and co-production from David Mann, ‘Traveler’ is a stunning example of how good contemporary jazz can be when executed this well.

The Brotherhood Has Arrived

Take the heady musical amalgam of Detroit in the late seventies, factor in some of the hottest emerging talent in contemporary jazz and what do you have? The answer is the The Brotherhood which finds legendary ‘Motor City’ session men Jerry Jones, Jervonny Collier and (band leader) Bruce Nazarian in the choice company of keyboard players Greg Manning, and Renato Falaschi, the always-excellent percussionist Gary Stanionis and special guest sax-man / vocalist Jaared whose current solo release ‘Manhattan Nights’ has garnered two #1 hits.

Indeed, drawn together by their mutual love of funk and jazz, The Brotherhood is poised to break out in late 2011 with their own special brand of funky contemporary jazz which, if their collective track record is anything to go by, is sure to be right on the money.

Lee Jones - Songs From The 13th Hour

Back in 2007 I described British guitarist Lee Jones as someone who was destined to go far. His debut album, ‘Swish’, proved to be a fine blend of up tempo and tranquil rhythms which sounded as if they had come right out of Southern California and was all the more amazing for the fact that Jones hails from and makes his music in the semi rural confines of the heart of England. Indeed the market towns of Hereford and Worcester are places a million miles away from what one would associate with a contemporary jazz groove but that notwithstanding, and four years, later he has returned with the sophisticatedly jazzy ‘Songs From The 13th Hour’. Not only does it includes guest performances from the likes of Larry Coryell and Jean Toussaint but also marks out Jones as someone who is making music that is accessible yet thought provoking.

Mike Di Lorenzo - Bring It Back

Versatile keyboard player Mike Di Lorenzo is based in New York and has built a considerable career as a sought after sideman. His debut solo release came in 2005 with the critically acclaimed ‘Urbanized’ and now he is making a return with the excellent ‘Bring It Back’. A CD that can aptly be described as being both retro and funky it’s a nice mix of covers and original compositions with the added bonus of four vocal tracks that feature the silky soul tones of Atlantic recording artist Norman Durham.

Nick Colionne - Feel The Heat

Despite the trials and tribulations currently being encountered by the world of contemporary jazz, the wonderful Nick Colionne marches on from strength to strength. One of the most engaging live performers around and without doubt the best dressed man in smooth jazz, Colionne has recently released the album ‘Feel The Heat’ which, as well as accentuating the natural groove of his hometown Chicago, is also a delightfully soulful amalgam of the best the genre has to offer.

Your Final Chance To Be Part Of Greg Adams Next Big Project

The clock is ticking on the 4-56 PST, August 10 deadline for you to be part of the latest CD from the wonderful East Bay Soul. Much like the band’s 2009 debut, the venture is the brainchild of trumpeter Greg Adams who has well as being a founder member of the legendary Tower of Power has carved out a unique place for himself within the higher echelons of contemporary jazz. At the time of writing $18,337, or in other words 73% of the $25,000 target, has already been pledged so now is the time for contemporary jazz fans everywhere to rally to the cause. This project will only be funded if that target is met so get in on the act now and read on for Greg’s own words on how you can do just that.