Smooth Jazz Therapy

Jeff Golub - Blues For You

Anyone who has been with Jeff Golub for the long haul will regard his latest CD, ‘Blues For You’, as a project that has just been waiting to happen. Indeed, functioning as he often does within the confines of contemporary jazz his music, especially in a live setting, can appear to be a paradox. Supercharged with the influences he garners from the best of rock and blues his playing is always totally from the heart and with ‘Blues For You’ he is grabbing with both hands the opportunity to dig deeper into the blues and R & B roots that he holds so dear.

Walter Beasley - Free Your Mind

Walter Beasley is in the envious position of enjoying mutually inclusive careers as both music educator and headlining performer. Indeed his tenure at Berklee College of Music, which now extends to over twenty years, seems to sit easily with the fourteen solo albums currently to his name. In fact it all started back in 1987 with his self titled debut and since then a string of recordings on Mercury, Shanachie and, most recently, Heads Up have seen him maintain a position as a major purveyor of soulful contemporary jazz. For his latest Heads Up recording ‘Free Your Mind’, which was released earlier this year, Beasley has teamed up with some of the best songwriters in the business to deliver an eclectic selection which serves as a commentary on the emotionally charged events that have recently impacted his life.

Jonathan Fritzén - VIP

When, in 2008, I reviewed ‘Love Birds’ by silky smooth keyboard player Jonathan Fritzén I commented that every one of its eleven sumptuous tunes reached to the very core of what great smooth jazz should be. This self penned and produced tour de force proved to be an incredible achievement for the Swedish born Fritzén who still calls Stockholm home and now he is back with the equally impressive ‘VIP’.

Spyro Gyra - Down The Wire

By balancing the individual player with the band and the songwriter with the performer the legendary Spyro Gyra has maintained its position at the forefront of modern jazz for more than three decades. Throughout this time both founder member Jay Beckenstein and keyboard player Tom Schuman (who joined shortly after) have guided this changing collective through a myriad of musical milestones. Although the band’s self titled debut was released in 1976, it was three years later when the platinum selling follow up ‘Morning Dance’ set a benchmark that endures to this day with the new for 2009 ‘Down The Wire’.

Richard Elliot - Rock Steady

Richard Elliot regards himself as essentially an R&B instrumentalist with jazz influences. Soul and funk are his foundation and he has used these staples to create the framework for his brand new album ‘Rock Steady’. Out now on the Artistry Music label it is a collection for which Elliot has drawn on the input of some of his most valued musical associates including touring band regulars Rob Reinhardt, Dwight Sills and Nate Phillips. Rick Braun co-writes five tracks, co-produces throughout and finds time to make a stellar contribution on trumpet while, if that wasn’t enough, keyboard maestros Jeff Lorber and Philippe Saisse also play a part.

Pieces Of A Dream - Soul Intent

Famously ‘discovered’ by Grover Washington, Jr. in 1979, the wonderful Pieces Of A Dream has been at the cutting edge of contemporary jazz ever since. Although label and personnel changes have been a feature of the bands evolution, the dazzling piano technique, inventive synthesizer programming and leadership of James K. Lloyd have been front back and centre of the soulful sound that Pieces Of A Dream can call its own. These days comprising Lloyd, co-founder Curtis Harmon and a rotating collective of featured performers that often includes Eddie Baccus Jr. on sax, the band is still weaving its musical magic and is back for 2009 with the stupendous ‘Soul Intent’.

Jackiem Joyner - Lil' Man Soul

When in May 2007 I reviewed Jackiem Joyner’s debut CD ‘Baby Soul’ I described it as an extremely accomplished collection and a superb showcase for his obvious talent. Now, signed to the Artistry Music wing of Mack Avenue Records, ‘the baby’ has very much become ‘the man’ and his aptly titled new release ‘Lil’ Man Soul’ is chock full of the soulfully smooth grooves that typify his style of urban jazz. In fact it is music that has accurately been described as soul-jazz and with nine of his own compositions, another co-written with Paul Brown plus two innovative covers, this is an album that simply oozes soul.

Rob Thorsen - Lasting Impression

‘Lasting Impression’ is the latest CD from upright bass player Rob Thorsen. Given that he has been a key figure on the San Diego jazz scene since his arrival from San Francisco in 1989 it’s a title that is totally apt and now, under the nurturing wing of the excellent Pacific Coast Jazz Records, looks all set for even greater recognition. Thorsen has played with a literal ‘who’s who’ of jazz performers including Kenny Burrell, Nestor Torres and Kenny Rankin while as a recording artist he has previously released the albums ‘First Impression’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Moon Ray’.

The eclectic nature of ‘Lasting Impression’ is entirely indicative of what Thorsen is all about and with four original compositions resting easily with his interpretations of tunes from writers as diverse as Charlie Parker, George Gershwin, Charles Chaplin and John Coltrane there is clearly something for everyone. Indeed his zesty take on ‘The Man I Love’ shimmers with the intricate trumpet of Gilbert Casellanos, his own composition ‘Cigarones’ sparsely evokes the sights and sounds of Costa Rica yet perhaps best of all is the introspective ‘Smile’ that finds Thorsen combining with pianist Geoffrey Keezer to magnificent effect.

Sometimes it’s nice to travel ‘straight ahead’ and Rob Thorsen’s ‘Lasting Impression’ is a delightful vehicle with which to do so.

For news on Rob Thorsen visit his website at www.robthorsen.com and to find out about more great music coming from Pacific Coast Jazz visit www.pacificcoastjazz.com

Marion Meadows - Secrets

Sax-man Marion Meadows has been at the cutting edge of contemporary jazz since 1990 and the release of his debut album ‘For Lovers Only’. Over the intervening years eight more highly acclaimed collections have followed with the last four being on the consistently outstanding Heads Up label. Now he is all set to strengthen that association with his ninth solo recording, ‘Secrets’, which hit record stores across Europe on June 8, 2009.

Indeed, from as far back as his 2002 CD, ‘In Deep’, a significant feature of Meadows music has been the input as writer and producer of Michael Broening. With ‘Secrets’ Broening again sprinkles his groove drenched magic over six of the twelve choice cuts and, in the company of regulars Mel Brown on bass and guitarist Freddie Fox, helps deliver some of the best contemporary jazz you will hear this year or next. With four more original compositions and two sublime covers Meadows ensures that ‘Secrets’ is an album of the highest quality imaginable.

Ann Walsh - Pretty World

With her debut jazz CD ‘Pretty World’ Anne Walsh has sublimely captured the concept of this planet of ours as a beautiful place to be. Her voice is as clear as a bell and as she joyously interprets a range of songs that span the decades the entire collection is blessed with a luscious string section and picture perfect production from husband Thomas Zink. In fact Walsh navigates this wonderful amalgam of buoyant Brazilian jazz grooves and poignant heart tugging ballads with total aplomb yet the fact that three memorable instrumentals have been given original lyrics, written specially for Walsh by Joe DeEnzo, simply adds to the creativity of this refreshing piece of work.

Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band - A Song For You

Take a mellow jazz sound, add authentic Brazilian musicians, pick some classic Latin tunes, blend in some standards from the Great American Songbook, then finally mix in a few original compositions. The result is the smooth, gentle and sultry sound of Irene and Her Latin Jazz Band with the ensemble’s sophomore CD, the hugely pleasing ‘A Song For You’. Irene is in fact vocalist and pianist Irene Nachreiner who was born in East Los Angeles at the heart of California’s Latin culture. She grew up listening to the Latin jazz, bossa novas, sambas and rumbas that were staples of her local radio station and became totally captivated by the passionate and seductive rhythms that typify what the best of Latin music is all about. With ‘A Song For You’ Irene has channeled her passion into fourteen (yes fourteen) interesting tracks that she sings mainly in English but with a little Portuguese, Spanish and French added in for good measure. Equally, backed by a stellar line-up of core musicians that include pianist Rique Pantoja, acoustic guitarist Marco Tulio and Cristiano Novelli on drums and percussion, the quality is never doubt.

Paula Atherton - Groove With Me

As if from no-where, and courtesy of her brand new project ‘Groove With Me’, singer, songwriter and woodwind player Paula Atherton has dramatically emerged as a major player on the contemporary jazz scene. This sensational collection features eleven of Atherton’s original compositions plus one well chosen cover and, with the perfect blend of instrumental and vocal cuts, oozes quality throughout. The production of Lou Gimenez (who also makes significant contributions on acoustic and electric guitars) is never anything short of top-notch and with some fantastic guest musicians to lend a hand the entire recording is a total delight.

Tea - Dreams

Tea, the production team of guitarist Frank Balloffet and drummer - keyboard player Phil Bunch, has just released its second album ‘Dreams’. A sumptuously intoxicating collection of original French and African songs, it is entirely different from anything you will hear this year and features a high calibre line-up of supporting musicians. The project, which comes in the wake of the critically acclaimed CD ‘Voyages du Jour’, is the latest phase of a love affair that Balloffet and Bunch have had with the LA soul - afrobeat scene since the early nineties and the band Bateke Beat. The duo later emerged with Orchestra Shegemo and recently have been producing and collaborating with a range of artists from this overlooked sub-genre which, in the context of compelling rhythms, never fails to deliver.

Tina Latora - Dream A Little

Described as a soulful purveyor of sensuous smooth jazz, vocalist Tina Latora looks all set to cause a stir with her ultra ‘easy on the ear’ album ‘Dream A Little’. While offering up some genuine radio play possibilities, this perfect antidote to a stressful world features ten turned down tracks that evoke the intimacy of a late night jazz club. Although originally released in 2008 the reactivation of ‘Dream A Little’ is fantastic news for all those who crave music that blends top notch contemporary jazz with sumptuous yet insightful vocals.

Ariana Jane - Imagination Of Love

Moscow born and educated predominately in Europe, vocalist Ariana Jane has been based in Detroit, Michigan since 1993. Although she is best known for her interpretations of American jazz standards, her creatively stimulating collaboration with Grammy award winning producer Michael J. Powell has resulted in the release of the solo CD ‘Imagination Of Love’. Despite Ariana’s decidedly theatrical style it is a collection that moves her closer to the genre of vocal contemporary jazz and, in addition, features stellar performances from an impressive array of supporting musicians.

Cook Daniel - Dangle Grooves

Released in June 2008, but just finding its way onto the Smooth Jazz Therapy radar screen, ‘Dangle Grooves’ from Netherlands based Cook Daniel is a delightful amalgam of chill, dance and smooth jazz vibes. Keyboard player Daniel writes, produces, arranges and mixes all ten tracks and with some quality collaborations along the way offers a gentle reminder that it is still possible to find top notch contemporary jazz outside the confines of the USA.

Cindy Bradley - Bloom

When, in 2007, Buffalo, NY, trumpeter Cindy Bradley burst onto the smooth jazz scene with her debut solo project ‘Just A Little Bit’ I described it as a choice eight track collection replete with all the rhythm and melody necessary to get her noticed. Indeed, the recognition that the album brought led to a touring engagement with the legendary Pieces of A Dream and now, signed to Trippin ‘n’ Rhythm, she is back with her latest release ‘Bloom’. Notable on many counts, the CD is built around the basic constructs of Bradley’s velvety tones, stellar input as writer, performer and producer from the outstanding Michael Broening and consistently excellent performances from Mel Brown on bass and Freddie Fox on guitars. When one factors in the outstanding array of guest artists that have gathered to play a part it is not surprising that this promises to be one of the highlights of the smooth jazz year.

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample - No Regrets

Infrequent, but invariably delightful, the collaborations of Joe Sample and Randy Crawford have, over the years, added hugely to the varied tapestry of contemporary jazz. From the now classic ‘Street Life’ which Randy sang with Joe’s group The Crusaders to Randy’s own album ‘Now We May Begin’ (for which Joe was a co-producer) it was almost inevitable that sooner or later the two of them would headline together. In 2006 this finally happened with their Grammy nominated duo CD ‘Feeling Good’. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and paved the way for a successful string of tours around the world. Now they are back with the much anticipated and soul tinged follow-up ‘No Regrets’.