Smooth Jazz Therapy

Art Sherrod Jr - Seasons

‘Seasons’ from sax-man Art Sherrod Jr is his second studio CD and follows ‘All 4 Love’ that was released in 2005. It represents a significant step on a musical journey that began in his native Texas, continued in Maryland and, along the way, has allowed him to share the stage with such smooth jazz luminaries as Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, Norman Connors, Phil Perry, Chuck Loeb, Kim Waters, Najee, Roy Ayers, Pieces of a Dream, Everette Harp and Bob Baldwin. In fact ‘Seasons’ includes contributions from several of these A-list performers but rather than puzzling at just how Sherrod has managed to assemble so many great artists in the same place at the same time, it is adequate to luxuriate in the sublime artistry his musicality so effortlessly engenders.

Paul Taylor - Burnin

With a title that says it all, smooth sax superstar Paul Taylor is back on the scene with his fifth CD on Peak Records, the stunning ‘Burnin’. This stellar collection of nine original tunes and one well crafted cover finds Taylor, for the fourth album in a row, enlisting the services of Rex Rideout and Barry J. Eastmond to variously add their legendary writing, production and performing skills to an end product that is as good as anything released this year. Rideout is best known for his collaborations with an A-list of contemporary jazz superstars that include Boney James, Larry Carlton and Will Downing while Eastmond has worked with everyone from Britney Spears to Al Jarreau, Phil Perry to Freddie Jackson and Anita Baker to Jonathan Butler. Taylor was totally blown away by the excitement that each of them brought to his 2003 project ‘Steppin Out’ and not surprisingly brought them back to play a part on his 2005 ‘Nightlife’. Their collective contributions to Taylor’s 2007 blockbuster ‘Ladies Choice’ ensured it was his most soulful to date and with ‘Burnin’ they are again demonstrating their innate ability to deliver urban jazz that goes the extra mile.

Les Sabler Live

Les Sabler’s most recent album was the Brian Bromberg-produced ‘Sweet Drive’ which, when it was released in September 2007, I described as offering a magic formula for top notch smooth jazz. Delivering a master class of musicality and production it featured Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Ricky Peterson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Alex Acuna, Gary Meek and the Jerry Hey horn section while into the bargain garnered the soulfully smoking ‘I’m Not The Same’ that arguably was one of the years outstanding contemporary jazz tracks. Although fans of Sabler’s silky guitar style will be aware that he is currently back in the studio to work on a new project which is due out early in 2010 they wont have to wait that long for the latest addition to his already excellent discography. ‘Les Sabler Live’, which will hit stores across the USA on September 1, is a recording of the concert he played at Sarasota Opera House in 1995 when in the company of six band members he regaled the audience with a magical program of contemporary jazz, Latin rhythms, rock fusion and blues.

Mekiel Rueben - Cookin In East LA

One to watch out for is ‘Cookin In East LA’ from former Ike Turner sax-man Mekiel Reuben. His fifth solo album, ‘Cookin In East LA’ is notable for a silky smooth arrangement of Kool and The Gang’s ‘Too Hot’ and a choice interpretation of the Chaka Khan hit ‘Aint Nobody’ which is in the good company of a cool take on the Patti Austin and James Ingram chart buster ‘Baby Come To Me’.

Reuben also finds time for Michael McDonald’s ‘I Keep Forgettin’ and a nice version of the Jim Croce classic ‘Operator’ while in terms of original music there is none better than the Latin flavored title cut. With an explosive playing style that has been compared to that of Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Turrentine and John Klemmer, Reuben is indeed the real deal and with ‘Cookin In East LA’ should do well.

Nick Colionne To Herald In The New Year In Philly

New Years Eve may seem a long way off but when it brings the chance to see Nick Colionne then it’s never too early to make plans. Michael Tozzi of www.ijazzglobal.com has put together a fantastic New Year's package at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Philadelphia Airport where Nick will be the headline performer. Options are available for overnight and extra day stays, dinner, tickets for Nick’s big show and an after party with Philly's best party band, ZOE.

This all suites hotel has recently undergone a $14 million upgrade and with a waterfall in the lobby that by all accounts is pretty spectacular, this is a very cool place to be.

Go to www.ijazzglobal.com for all the details and then call the hotel directly to book. Seating will be at tables in cabaret style so it goes without saying that the earlier you book the closer to the stage you will be.

J Dee - Smoove On The Move

When in June 2007 I reviewed ‘Tippin' on the Edge of Funk’, the debut album from producer, songwriter and musician John Bolden (AKA J. Dee), I commented that it checked virtually every box of how up to the minute contemporary jazz should sound. Laden with an amalgam of urban, jazz, funk and soul grooves it proved to be a hugely accomplished first outing and placed him with the likes Boney James as someone with the ability to build bridges between smooth and urban jazz. Now he is back with the brand new ‘Smoove On The Move’ for which, as well as writing twelve of the thirteen tracks, J Dee also produces and plays both soprano sax and keyboards. The outcome is a lavish concoction of urban jazz which pulses with a light and shade that at times is unbelievably tender and at others outrageously addictive.

Jimmy Sommers - Time Stands Still

First take fourteen timeless tunes. Then marry them up with some of the greatest contemporary jazz performers around today. What do you get? ‘Time Stands Still’ the surprising yet wonderful new release from urban jazz saxophonist Jimmy Sommers. It’s an album that represents quite a musical departure for Sommers who’s previous CD, ‘Sunset Collective’, flirted outrageously around the margins of where contemporary jazz meets R & B, Latin and dance. The sensational outcomes that emanated from this stellar 2007 collection makes the wow factor of ‘Time Stands Still’ that much more acute and leaves the listener to marvel at the breathtaking versatility which Sommers has now added to his undisputed creativity.

Alexander Zonjic - Doin The D

Alexander Zonjic has it all going on. He manages to combine his primary career as a jazz flautist with being part owner of a Detroit nightclub and hosting the popular five-day-a-week morning show on Detroit's Smooth Jazz V98.7. As a soloist his self titled debut was released in 1978 and along the way he has expanded his discography with a clutch of intriguing albums that, although jazz based, have also included seasonal and classical offerings. Zonjic’s 2004 album ‘Seldom Blues’ (which featured Bob James, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber and James K Lloyd) was received to critical acclaim and now, five years on, he is back with the excellent ‘Doin The D’.

Chart Success For James K Lloyd

When I reviewed Walter Beasley’s latest Heads Up International release, Free Your Mind, I instantly identified ‘Steady As She Goes’ as the album’s outstanding track. Written and produced by Pieces of a Dream mainstay James K Lloyd (pictured here with Curtis Harmon) I found it to be totally ‘in the pocket’ and, with Lloyd on keys scattering his magic far, the ultimate showcase for Beasley’s melodic playing. Consequently it is no surprise that this choice number has just enjoyed its second straight week at the top of both the Billboard and Groove Jazz charts of most played on smooth jazz radio.

In fact this is truly an exciting time for Lloyd. The latest Pieces of a Dream CD ‘Soul Intent’ was released by Heads Up on February 24, 2009 and the second single from it ‘Sway On’ is already beginning to make an impact on the charts. If that wasn’t enough more of Lloyds exceptional writing, playing and production can be found on Alexander Zonjic’s brand new project ‘Doin The D’.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Doin The D’ and for more on James K Lloyd go to www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/Pieces-of-a-Dream/

Cynthia Layne - Kings & Queens

When in February of 2008 I reviewed the CD ‘Beautiful Soul’ from vocalist Cynthia Layne I commented that it had everything necessary to appeal to both contemporary jazz and urban radio. Substantially written and co-produced by Rob Dixon and Reggie Bishop its fourteen all original tunes made ‘Beautiful Soul’ an extremely interesting piece of work and at the time the killer cut was the sultry ‘Pimp Talk’. Shimmering with tight bass from Eugene McGee and terrific keys from Bishop, even then, there was little doubt that it would remain as one of the best tracks of the year.

However ‘Beautiful Soul’ is by no means a one song album and the welcome news is that the latest cut to go to radio will be the excellent ‘Kings & Queens’. This lovely mid tempo number moves Layne firmly into Jill Scott territory where she handles the complex lyric with aplomb. The horn drenched backing is delightful and she uses the crescendo to which the track ultimately rises as a showcase for her undoubted vocal power.

This one is a winner and then some. For more go to www.myspace.com/cynthialayne

Freddie Fox - No U Turn

Hot news from nuGroove is that ‘No U Turn’ by Freddie Fox is the first cut from his label debut, ‘Feelin’ It’, to be serviced to radio. Originally released last year, but now totally invigorated by Fox’s new alliance with nuGroove Records, the album features performances from luminaries such as Nelson Rangell, Najee, Michael Lington and Walter Beasley. Not only that, Freddie’s wife, the legendary Evelyn "Champagne" King, provides a stunning vocal on the track ‘Happy Feelings’.

As for ‘No U Turn’, it has a jazzy mid tempo groove and great guitar from Fox that is reminiscent of George Benson at his very best. Real ‘driving with the top down’ music its sunshine soaked vibe is guaranteed to play and play.

In fact Fox played on George Benson’s Grammy winning song ‘Morning’ and has toured extensively with the likes of Atlantic Starr, Jennifer Holliday, Vesta Williams, Eric Benet, Rose Royce and Sheila E. Through his association with producer and keyboard player Michael Broening he has also played a major part in recent projects from Marion Meadows and Cindy Bradley.

For the latest on Freddie Fox go to www.thenugroove.com

Nate Harasim - Hello

There is no doubt that smooth jazz duo Denate was one of the sensations of 2008. The debut album, ‘Reminsce’, from this pairing of Nate Harasim and Deborah Connors featured saxophone from Darren Rahn who, after being invited back to remix the track ‘Sweet Dreams’ subsequently became a full time member of the band.

Of course, individually, Harasim, Connors and Rahn are all exceptional solo performers and much of the buzz that ran parallel to the release of ‘Reminsce’ was all about Harasim’s own project, the excellent ‘Love’s Taken Over’. The latest cut from this choice collection to be released to radio is Harasim’s thoughtful take on Lionel Richie’s 1983 classic ‘Hello’. Co-produced by Harasim and Rahn it is sure to quickly become a listeners favorite.

For more on Denate, Harasim, Connors and Rahn go to www.thenugroove.com

New Tracy Hamlin CD Due In August

Although Tracy Hamlin is perhaps best known as the longtime lead singer for the award-winning group Pieces of a Dream, her 2005 solo debut, ‘Seasons’, was received to critical acclaim. The title cut featured a performance by Pieces of a Dream keyboard player James Lloyd and in addition the excellent Najee provided flute for the track ‘Sundown’.

Scheduled to hit record stores across the USA in August of 2009,Tracy’s follow up CD is ‘Better Days’ and advance publicity suggests it will be one to watch. To discover more about Tracy Hamlin and her music go to www.tracyhamlin.com

Candy Dulfer - Funked Up

Sometimes it is nice to know exactly what to expect and ‘Funked Up’, the tenth studio album from sax-tress Candy Dulfer, leaves the listener in no doubt as to what is on the agenda. In fact this sizzling CD is a distillation of the two disc set ‘Funked Up And Chilled Out’ that was made available earlier this year and where, with the exception of two tracks, the funky numbers get the nod. In fact Candy has been serving up fulsome ‘in your face’ contemporary jazz since 1990 when her debut release ‘Saxuality’ became an overnight sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. It contained the seminal hit ‘Lily Was Here’ that was written by David A Stewart of Eurythmics fame with whom she had previously honed her skills as a session player. Back then several of the tunes that appeared on ‘Saxuality’ were hard driving funk drenched numbers written by guitarist Ulco Bed who, after almost twenty years, is around to play a part on ‘Funked Up’.

Jeff Lorber & Jeff Golub At The Pizza Express

July 29, 2009. Jeff Lorber and Jeff Golub became the latest contemporary jazz imports to grace the intimate stage of the Pizza Express Jazz Club when they played a four night residency in the heart of London’s Soho. Smooth Jazz Therapy was there to catch the third night where, despite what at first glance seemed an unlikely pairing, Lorber and Golub struck upon an instant synergy that they used to feed off each others musicality and share highlights from their respective discographies with the often vocal crowd. Indeed, although the music of Jeff Lorber is rooted in jazz fusion and Golub draws his influences from rock, blues and jazz, the two of them worked together previously on Golub’s 2003 release ‘Soul Sessions’ for which they co-wrote several tunes and Lorber played keyboards. The comfortable familiarity that the two players share was immediately obvious and, ably supported by Andy Newmark on drums and Jamiroquai’s Paul Turner on bass, they launched a sizzling set with the the retro tinged ‘Tune 88’ from Lorber’s 1979 album ‘Water Sign’.