Smooth Jazz Therapy

Paul Jackson Jr - Lay It Back

Almost six years have elapsed since Paul Jackson Jr. released the album ‘Still Small Voice’. It included his cover of the Motown classic, ‘It’s A Shame’ that enjoyed an extended spell as most played on contemporary jazz radio and although since then his guitar skills have become an integral part of television shows such as American Idol, America’s Got Talent and the Grammy Awards he is now firmly back in the spotlight with his brand new CD ‘Lay It Back’.

Al Williams III Scoops Award

When in August of 2008 I reviewed ‘Heart Song’, the new CD from Pacific Coast Jazz recording artist Al Williams III, I described it as often groove-driven, sometimes seductive and invariably melodic. Quite simply it is a gem of a collection and now comes the news that the album has won a ‘WAMMIE’ at the 23rd Annual Washington Area Music Awards. ‘Heart Song’ won in the category of Best Jazz Recording of the Year and for Al it represented his third such ‘WAMMIE’ award.

The release exemplifies the often eclectic but always excellent output from the San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz that is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting ‘boutique labels’ around. For more go to www.pacificcoastjazz.com and for news on Al Williams check out www.alwilliamsmusic.com

Konstantin Signs With NuGroove

Smooth Jazz Therapy has a followed the career of Konstantin since the release of his debut album, ‘Downtown’, in 2004. Two years later he followed that up with ‘Led By You’ and his 2008 project ‘Smoothing’ was again replete with the sort of easy paced, ultra accessible contemporary jazz that typified those earlier albums. However, at the time, I commented that the dilemma for Konstantin was not associated with the quality of his music but more with his current proximity to key markets. Originally from the Ukraine, and now residing in Holland, although in style his playing is not a million miles from Euge Groove, the 11,000 kilometers and nine hours that separates him from the smooth jazz nirvana of Southern California was always going to be the biggest obstacle to his success. Now this problem has been nicely fixed by NuGroove Records. The label has picked up ‘Smoothing’ and taken the big horn driven ‘Stylish Walk’ as the first single to go to radio.

‘Smoothing’ is a wonderful piece of work for which as well as writing, programming and producing all eleven tracks, Konstantin variously plays saxophones, flute, keys and additional guitars. A complete album review can be found right here in the November 2008 archives. Check it out and for more go to www.konstantin.nu.

David Sanborn on DVD - Live At Montreux

Both as a headliner and member of nineties super group Legends, sax icon David Sanborn has been a frequent visitor to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Now there is a chance to relive one such magical performance with the release of the DVD ‘David Sanborn Live at Montreux 1984’. It captures the appearance he made there while touring in support of ‘Straight To The Heart’ project which was an album that garnered for him the second of his six career Grammy Awards. The set combines tracks from that release with others from across his then already extensive discography and features a special guest appearance by Rickie Lee Jones.

To whet the appetite, clips from the DVD can be found at youtube by accessing the following links.

For ‘I Told You So’ go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LB1BQkenEQ&feature=channel_page

For ‘Hideaway’ go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUiwAGTDxvA&feature=channel_page

The Rippingtons Get Arty

Since the release of their debut CD ‘Moonlighting’ in 1987, The Rippingtons have been at the leading edge of contemporary jazz. Led by Russ Freeman, the lineup has frequently rotated and in so doing served as a launch pad for smooth jazz heavyweights such as Dave Koz, Kenny G, David Benoit and Jeff Kashiwa. However, almost as memorable as the innovative music they have routinely delivered has been the sequence of colorful designs to have adorned their album covers. Perhaps in recognition of this, the Rippingtons latest release is to be titled ‘Modern Art’. Not only that the cover, which is in the best traditions of what has gone before, can now be downloaded as an e-card from www.rippingtons.com/ecards/launch_mod.htm#

‘Modern Art’, from Peak Records, will hit record stores across the USA on March 10. A complete review of it will appear here soon.

Introducing - Al Bell Presents:American Soul Music

In one of the most exciting initiatives of recent times legendary music industry insider Al Bell is bringing the wealth of his experience to the stunningly innovative Al Bell Presents: American Soul Music (www.albellpresents.com).

Despite its eye-catching looks www.albellpresents.com is more than merely a website and although it sounds incredible it is more that just a radio station online. Quite simply www.albellpresents.com is, in musical terms, your brand new one stop connection to the past and your lifeline to the future. Featuring a unique mix of Soul, R&B, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Neo-Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop Soul, Rap-Soul and Neo-Soul this amazing array of musical content is backed extensively by video clips and biographical links to the icons of American soul music and the albums with which they have blessed us.

Considered a recording industry legend, Al Bell has been responsible for shaping the American music scene for what now numbers 50 years. From his humble beginnings as an on-air personality in Little Rock, Memphis, and Washington, DC, Al progressed to become Chairman and owner of Stax Records and subsequently the president of Motown Records. Consequently it is only natural that at Al Bell Presents: American Soul Music there is a strong presence of Stax, Memphis, and Motown artists. However, as time progresses, this ‘go to’ online location is just as likely to provide a shop-window for those up and coming artists who struggle to find an outlet for their talents.

Al Bell Presents: American Soul Music offers the tantalizing prospect of rediscovering the music that has been the soundtrack to our lives. Check it out now and be one of those who are sure to say ‘I was there at the beginning’.

DeNate - Reminisce

As well as being arguably the best contemporary jazz release of 2008 ‘Reminisce’ by DeNate also heralded the brand new pairing of keyboard player Nate Harasim and vocalist Deborah Connors. Discovered (and encouraged to combine) by nuGroove President and industry veteran David Chackler they not only delivered a debut of stunning quality but also struck upon a format that, on today’s smooth jazz scene, is refreshingly unique.

Patrick Yandall - A New Day

If there is one musician whose style typifies the sun soaked vibe synonymous with the city of San Diego it is guitarist Patrick Yandall. When in 2006 I reviewed his album ‘Samoa Soul’ I described him as having rhythm and melody pumping through every vein of his body and his 2008 follow-up ‘Laws Of Groovity’ provided further evidence of his distinct southern Californian groove. Now, with his latest project, ‘A New Day’, he has surpassed himself with a wonderful collection of eleven self penned tracks that is jam packed with some of the best contemporary jazz you will hear this year.

Allison Adams Tucker - Come With Me

By her own admission vocalist Allison Adams Tucker is new to the world of jazz yet after checking out her new release ‘Come With Me’ the question has to be ‘what took her so long'? Indeed what initially appears to be no more than an eclectic re-imagining of some timeless classics turns out to be a wonderful showcase for Tucker’s vocal dexterity and an incredible platform from which a choice band of guest musicians ensure a relaxed jazz vibe throughout.

Douye - Journey

With a voice that’s as jazzy as it is soulful Nigerian born vocalist Douye has already been compared to Sade yet, truth to tell, she has a style very much her own. Her debut album ‘Journey’ is a wonderful collection of eleven chilled out tracks that she has written in partnership with renowned pop songwriter Terry Shaddick who, among other things, garnered fame as the co-writer of Olivia Newton John’s smash hit ‘Physical’.

'Lay It Back' From Paul Jackson Jr. Due Out March 17

It’s been nearly six years since Paul Jackson Jr. released the album ‘Still Small Voice’. It garnered the Motown classic, ‘It’s A Shame’ that enjoyed an extended spell as most played on contemporary jazz radio and although since then his guitar skills have become an integral part of television shows such as American Idol, America’s Got Talent and the Grammy Awards he is all set to re-assume center stage with his brand new CD ‘Lay It Back’.

Due to hit record stores across the USA on March 17 it represents, for Jackson, the culmination of eighteen months serious work that saw him produce or co-produce all fourteen songs and write (or co-write) ten of them. Co-producers include Jeff Lorber, Rex Rideout, Jeff Carruthers, Cornelius Mims and Dave Delhomme whilst among the talented musicians contributing to the project are Patrice Rushen, Bobby Lyle, bass player Alex Al, vocalist James Reese, Earth, Wind & Fire horn player Ray Brown and The Rickey Minor Band (with whom Jackson Jr. also performs on American Idol).

With six albums previously released by Atlantic and Blue Note Records, Jackson Jr. is excited about refocusing on his solo career with his own family-run label Branch Records. The title cut has already been released to radio and is sure to rekindle the smooth jazz stardom that Jackson Jr. has long enjoyed.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Lay It Back’. For more, go to www.pauljacksonjr.com.

Jef Kearns - On The Level

Smooth Jazz Therapy has long been a champion of contemporary jazz flute. Leaving aside the legendary Hubert Laws, one has only to look at the sensational contributions made in recent years by the likes of Ragan Whiteside, Bradley Leighton and Valarie King to understand the impact that the instrument can make. The latest addition to this illustrious list is Toronto based Jef Kearns who with his debut album ‘On The Level’ is dispelling the myth that flute players can’t do urban jazz. In fact it’s a hip, up to the minute, collection that oozes class.

Boney James - Send One Your Love

A new recording from sax superstar Boney James invariably proves to be a highlight of the musical year and this is clearly destined to be the case with his brand new CD ‘Send One Your Love’. Released this week and in good time for that magical date of February 12, Boney, with four of his own compositions plus covers of some of the finest love songs ever written, has compiled what has been described as the ultimate ‘Musical Valentine’. In fact for James the idea of a concept album represents something of a departure. With the vast majority of his previous eleven albums the overall vibe has come after the fact, when all tracks have been laid down. His music has served to virtually define the genre of urban jazz but with ‘Send One Your Love’ he has set out to create his own ‘make-out’ record, inspired in part by the soul music of the ‘70s.

Oli Silk - The Limit's The Sky

There seems little doubt that writer, producer and keyboard player Oli Silk is fixed firmly on a fast track to contemporary jazz success. He was first noticed at Trippin N Rhythm in 2004 as the producer of the self titled album by British sax player James Vargas and his own 2006 solo debut on the same label, ‘So Many Way’s’, proved to be an instant success. All the more remarkable for the fact that Silk is UK born and based, it garnered the massive radio hit ‘Easy Does It’ that hung around for more than six months on the chart of most played on smooth jazz radio across the USA. Now he is back with his brand new release ‘The Limit’s The Sky’ and, with stellar backing from sax-men Garry Honor and Jaared, legendary bass player Dwayne ‘Smitty’ Smith and guitarist Matt Park, he clearly has another winner on his hands.

David Boswell - I Like That

The third release from Los Angeles based session guitarist David Boswell hit record stores across the USA on January 12, 2009. Titled ‘I Like That’ it features guest performances from Yellowjackets mainstay Jimmy Haslip, smooth jazz saxophonist Nelson Rangell, new age pianist John Boswell and rock drummer M.B. Gordy III who has played with the likes of Frank Zappa, REO Speedwagon and The Doobie Brothers.

While Boswell’s guitar remains center stage, the contributions from his collaborators are significant. Commenting on the making of ‘I Like That’, and his approach to the creative process, Boswell explains his passion is to make music that inspires uplifts and creates emotion within the listener. With the slinky yet melodic title track and the tight, in the pocket ‘Tightrope’ (that features great sax from Rangell) he has done just that and made ‘I Like That’ very worth checking out.

For more go to www.davidboswell.com

Tuck & Patti To Perform In Palo Alto

When I reviewed the current CD from husband and wife duo Tuck & Patti, ‘I Remember You’, I described it as akin to being wrapped in a warm comforting blanket. On February 8, 2009 the twosome will be performing songs from the album when they appear at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto where show-time is 7-00 PM. Tickets priced at $30 will be available at the door or online at http://fccpa.org/paypal.htm. Seating will be by general admission. The address of this recently-renovated venue is 1985 Louis Road, at the corner of Embarcadero Road and only a couple of minutes from Highway 101. Immediately following the performance Tuck & Patti will devote 10 to 15 minutes in taking questions from the audience.

The timeless melodies that underpin every track, Patti’s instantly recognizable vocals and sparse yet tender guitar from Tuck combine to make ‘I Remember You’ the perfect antidote to a stressful, credit squeezed world. Although, like many collections of familiar songs, the whole appears greater than the sum of the parts there are individual cuts that deserve to be admired in their own right. None more so in this respect is the beautifully deconstructed title track, the stunning splendor of ‘A Foggy Day’ plus Tuck & Patti’s fresh take on ‘Embraceable You’. Equally notable is a wonderful instrumental version of ‘It Might As Well be Spring’ but perhaps best of all is the magical ‘The Very Thought Of You’.