Smooth Jazz Therapy

Vincent Ingala - He Can't Stop Now!

For writer, producer and multi instrumentalist Vincent Ingala, 2011 was quite a year. His debut CD ‘North End Soul’ made an incredible splash and he stole the show in San Diego where at what became know as ‘The Lemonade Weekend’ Ingala owned the stage at Anthology and jammed with Peter White at the Hard Rock Hotel. His talent is such that, twelve months on, people are no longer talking about his age, they are simply admiring his music. On that theme, Vincent’s next album, ‘Can’t Stop Now’, will be released this coming summer and the first single (and title cut) from what is a much-anticipated collection has just been serviced to radio. Given that he plays every instrument on it this is a tune that serves as a tremendous showcase for his art. Not only that, with a silky smooth and easy grooving vibe it’s a track that is guaranteed to do well.

Check back here soon for complete review of ‘Can’t Stop Now’.

Slow - Art Of Silence

I am indebted to guitarist Tomasz Kaczmarczyk for news of Polish contemporary jazz duo Slow. Formed in 2010 by Kaczmarczyk and pianist Krzysztof Werminski, Slow has recently released the album ‘Art Of Silence’ which, if this You Tube sampler is anything to go by, is a fine piece of work. Included on the recording is an excellent line-up of supporting musicians that includes percussionist Slawomir Berny, sax player Leszek Szczerba, bassist Robert Kubiszyn, drummers Michal Dabrowka and Kenny Martin plus Kasia Piasecka and Ania Szarmach on vocals.

Particularly pleasing is the easy grooving ‘First Impressions’, the sumptuous title cut and ‘Wczesna Sjesta’ which proves to be as cool as a cucumber. Check them out.

Kenny G & Rahul Sharma - Namaste

The word Namaste is a common salutation originating from Indian culture. In this context it is a greeting when individuals meet, and a valediction upon their parting but also it’s the name of the title cut from the forthcoming album from Kenny G and master santoorist Rahul Sharma. Due for release on June 26, ‘Namaste India’ is an interesting coming together of musical styles that looks all set to finally explode the myth that Kenny G often plays safe. Quite simply ‘Namaste’ is a fabulous track which blends Kenny’s sweet sax with an Indian rhythm that proves to be quite compelling.

If this is an indication of what ‘Namaste India’ is all about then I can’t wait to hear the rest of it.

Chris Botti - You Are Not Alone

The recently released CD ‘Impressions’ by trumpeter Chris Botti is a prime example of how, over time, his creative expression has extended beyond jazz and indeed beyond the limits of any single genre. The album, which includes special guest performances from Herbie Hancock, Andrea Bocelli, Mark Knopfler, David Foster and Vince Gill, clearly indicates the easy fit that Botti has found with a wide range of popular music. It has generated a fan following way beyond the niche market of contemporary jazz and in so doing enabled Botti to sell more than three million albums worldwide.

The first single from ‘Impressions’ is Botti's ultra reflective interpretation of R Kelly's ‘You Are Not Alone’ that in its time also provided a hit for Michael Jackson.

Rick Parma - Hey Girl

Those of you who hang out at Spaghettini in Seal Beach will need no introduction to silky smooth sax-man Rick Parma. In fact since 2009, when he relocated to LA from his native Chicago, Parma has been a part of Spaghettini’s regular Sunday brunch line-up and now he is all set to launch his latest CD ‘My Favorites Are Your Favorites’. It follows his appropriately titled 2005 debut ‘Just Gettin Started’ and the ‘The Cool Night Air’ which arrived four years later. ‘My Favorites Are Your Favorites’ features ten top notch covers of hits first made famous by artists such as Nora Jones, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Maxwell and The Spinners while the first single selected for radio his Rick’s extremely easy grooving ‘Hey Girl’. Elsewhere on the album he also provides a vocal take on the same song and all things considered ‘My Favorites Are Your Favorites’ looks to be a great addition to this years crop of smooth jazz albums.

Fo-Mo-Deep Back With New Album

I first became acquainted with the music of the band fo/mo/deep through their CD ‘Eclecticism’. At the time I described them as delivering contemporary jazz on the dangerous side and found their sound as being where Gill Scott-Heron might well have collided with Brass Construction. Now fo/mo/deep are back with their latest offering, the zesty ‘Beautiful Bang’. From first sight it appears to be the same eclectic, groove orientated and funky mix that captivated me the first time around and a fine example of this is the big brass driven title cut. Another tune worthy of note is the fusion flavored ‘Jawjacka’ where a great intro on bass from leader Ron Holmes Jr gives way to fine sax from Keith Newton and retro tinged keyboards from Kevin Jones.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Beautiful Bang’ and for more go to www.fomodeep.com

Frank Gambale - Forbidden Kiss

Guitarist Frank Gambale is perhaps best known for his instrumental recordings and extraordinary live performances with jazz-fusion luminaries Chick Corea, Billy Cobham and Stanley Clarke. As a solo artist this Grammy winning performer has released a succession of interesting albums and his latest (and 20th in all) will hit the streets on May 22. Titled ‘SoulMine’ it finds him in collaboration with vocalist Boca, who also happens to be Gambale’s wife and together they tastefully deliver ten jazzy, pop-orientated tunes that should play well to the adult contemporary market. One eye catcher is the zesty ‘Live Your Dream’ that includes a typically ‘off the chain’ organ solo from Bran Auger but the first song to be serviced to radio is ‘Forbidden Kiss’.

With an easy grooving Latin vibe, which, in equal measure, shows off Gambale’s virtuosity and Boca’s ability to handle a tender tune, it’s a number that I predict will do well.

Gary Honor - Close To You

It was back in 2004 that a young saxophonist from Australia journeyed to Fort Lauderdale for a vacation aboard the Warren Hill Smooth Jazz Cruise. Whilst on board this same saxophonist entered the cruise ‘star search’ which had been set up to find smooth jazz talent from amongst the paying passengers and, under the watching gaze of some of the finest musicians that the genre has to offer, he duly won. That saxophonist was Gary Honor and after a spell in the United Kingdom (where he collaborated with Oli Silk) he progressed to work on a whole range of musical projects both in the USA and in Australia. Now, recognised by Trippin n Rhythm as an artist to watch, he is all set to make his label debut with ‘Heads & Tales’.

In advance of the album’s May release the first single, ‘Close To You’, is being offered to radio. Not to be confused with the Carpenters song of the same time this is in fact an ultra smooth cover of the Maxi Priest hit which on the album can be found both in vocal and instrumental form.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Heads & Tales’.

Pete Gitlin - Lucky In Love

The release of the interestingly titled ‘Full Circle and the Great Temptation’ made Phoenix based guitarist Pete Gitlin an instant Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite. His follow up, ‘Amplify’, will hit the streets later in April and if the velvety radio single, ‘Lucky In Love’ is anything to go by, lovers of contemporary jazz are again in for a real treat. This joyous track includes input from Michael Broening and Mel Brown while elsewhere on the album the Philly-soul sound of ‘Until the Morning Comes’ promises to be something to savor.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Amplify’

Jeff Bradshaw - Happy Feelings

The story of Hidden Beach recording artist Jeff Bradshaw is one of how struggle can pave the way to stardom. Growing up in Philadelphia, and learning his music through a church where brass bands were the main attraction, he first tried the snare drum before moving on to the baritone horn, sousaphone and finally the instrument with which he has made his name, the trombone. Even so it took until 1994, and seven years of bouncing from job to job, before he finally started to connect with some of the leading musicians on the Philly scene. This in turn led to the real world of major recording where a stint working with Jill Scott on her debut album brought him the chance to sign for the then fledgling Hidden Beach Recordings. It was here that he made significant contributions to the ‘Unwrapped’ series of CD’s that helped redefine the soul of contemporary jazz. He made his solo Hidden Beach solo in 2003 with the exceptional ‘Bone Deep’ and his latest offering is the cleverly titled ‘Bone Appetit’. With guest appearances from the likes of Maysa, Brass Heaven and the fantastic Kindred The Family Soul, it’s an album that promises to be an urban extravaganza and well worth looking for.

As if to underline this fact, and ahead of the April 24 release date, the first single to go to radio is a sumptuous re-imagining of the Maze blockbuster ‘Happy Feelings’. Think the opening bars of Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘That’s The Way of The World’ then put yourself into a deliciously horn driven haze and you will just about get what ‘Happy Feelings’ is all about.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Bone Appetit’

Elements - Love Light

Elements is the name under which the considerable talents of Gary Stanionis, Steve Nieves, Greg Manning, Adam Hawley, Christopher Thomas and Zach Rudulph have combined to release the brand new single ‘Love Light’. It’s an easy paced groover with a sensational opening vibe and some rock solid sax from Steve Nieves. Search for it now at CD Baby.

About The Band - Drummer Stanionis has played with Jackiem Joyner and Frank McComb, while Nieves has performed with both Lao Tizer and Kenny Logins.

Keyboard player Greg Manning has seen service with Jody Watley and Jonathan Butler, guitarist Adam Hawley has been in the touring bands of Manhattan Transfer, Natalie Cole and Euge Groove, second keyboard player Christopher Thomas often appears with San Diego based bass player Darryl Williams and Zach Rudulph on bass has played with Andy Grammer.

Brian Bromberg Set To Release 'Compared To That'

Ace of bass Brian Bromberg is all set to further advance his already dazzling career with the release of the much-anticipated ‘Compared To That’. Due out June 5 on Mack Avenue Records it will be Bromberg’s 20th solo collection and will include eight of his own compositions, a ten-piece horn section, a full orchestral string section and a prodigious collective of supporting musicians. These are rumored to include the likes of Randy Brecker, George Duke, Mitch Forman, Jeff Lorber, Gary Meek and Tom Zink while the first track to go to radio is a swinging take on the Chicago hit, ‘Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?’

Although the record leans towards straight ahead acoustic jazz, Bromberg uses his visionary approach to create moods that range from the touchingly beautiful to the contemporary inclined and the downright funky through to hard-charging swing.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Compared To That’.

Gabriel - New Album Set For July

When, in 2010, horn player Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, aka Gabriel, released the fabulously restrained CD ‘Told Ya So’ it provided several highpoints of that smooth jazz year. With contributions from Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Marc Antoine and Darren Rahn this was a collection of the highest order imaginable and included the deconstructed but totally hypnotic ‘Pastels’ of which I commented at the time that “chilled out contemporary jazz doesn’t come better than this”.

Now, with a release date of July 1, 2012, Gabriel is back with his latest offering, ‘Kissed By The Sun’. Co-produced by Jeff Lorber, the collection will feature guest performances from Chuck Loeb, Brian Bromberg, Rock Hendricks, Walle Larsson and Rob Tardik.

Also on July 1, the CD release party will take place at Spaghettini in Seal Beach CA from where it is rumoured that special guest Paul Brown will be along for the ride.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Kissed By The Sun’.

Michael Vince - Shelby St. Bridge

I first became aware of guitarist and keyboard player Michael Vince in 2006 with the release of his excellent self-titled EP. Although the opening three tracks were written, performed, arranged and produced by Vince, for the remaining two numbers he handed over the production reins to none other than Paul Brown who not surprisingly spread his magic all over them. In fact I described one of these tunes, the enticingly ‘in the pocket’ ‘Slow And Easy’ as one of the best contemporary jazz cuts of the year and now, after what seems way too long, Vince is back with the stunning new single ‘Shelby St. Bridge’.

Available for download now at both iTunes and CD Baby, ‘Shelby St. Bridge’ was written and produced by Michael who also features on guitar, keyboards, synth and drum programming. With a languid, easy grooving vibe that is entirely to die for this one is sure to make it into my top twenty of 2012.

For more on Michael Vince go to www.michaelvince.com

Naturally 7 - Life Goes On

Those of you who caught Michel Buble’s recent live tour will be already familiar with a cappella flavored vocalists Naturally 7. Singing primarily R&B with a very harmonious edge this seven piece collective was the opening act for Buble and, as if to underline their pedigree, have just been snapped up by niche label Hidden Beach Recordings from where they will release a new CD in June of this year.

The first single from the album is titled ‘Life Goes On (Let It Go)’ and is one that I am tipping not only to have genuine cross-over appeal but to also find favor across listening generations.

Check back here often for more news on Naturally 7.

Rahni Song - 91 North

Rahni Song (aka Rahni P. Harris, Jr.) really has a lot going on. Active as a producer, composer, arranger, songwriter, recording engineer and educator, his resume includes extensive work with legendary funksters Bootsy Collins and George Clinton. Rahni’s major influences include the likes of Quincy Jones, Thom Bell, Norman Whitfield, Frank Wilson and Maurice White so it should be no surprise to find he has an innate sense of what soulful, jazzy, R & B should be all about.

As if to demonstrate the fact, he has recently burst onto the scene with the delicious ‘Breakin’ The Rules’. It is fine example of the urban direction in which contemporary jazz is currently flowing and contains a number of what can accurately be described as truly outstanding tracks.

Aysha - Release Me

It was back in 2010 that jazz and R&B vocalist Aysha made a splash with the tight and extremely personal five track collection, ‘Stay With Me’. Bolstered by guest contributions from smooth jazz superstars Everette Harp and Gerald Albright it was an album that garnered considerable airplay and now, in the works for later this year, comes her yet to be titled follow up.

Despite the fact that several of the tracks are still being written, the promotional engine is already being cranked up with the result that the first single, ‘Release Me’, is being offered to radio . Previously described as being pleasant, passionate and powerful, this sultry love song is sure to add some vocal spice to the contemporary jazz genre.

Check back here often for a complete review of the new CD.

Ruben Studdard - Wear Me

Despite his status as a former winner of American Idol, vocalist Ruben Studdard didn’t really come onto my radar screen until his memorable collaboration with Fourplay on the band’s 2010 CD ‘Let’s Touch The Sky’. Indeed Studdard’s stunning rendition of the Teddy Pendergrass classic ‘Love TKO’ delivered what was undoubtedly the best cover of that year and now he is back with his own album ‘Stories From Birmingham’. Due for release on March 13 it is crammed full of sumptuous tunes that are decidely from the old school side of the tracks and in this respect there is none better than the magnificently easy grooving ‘Rock Witcha’. Other songs worth looking out for are the soul drenched ‘I’m Single’ and the first track to be serviced to radio, ‘Wear Me’.

This brass enriched cut is soul the way its meant to be and comes highly recommended.