Smooth Jazz Therapy

Tony Craddock Jr. - Convection

2013 is proving to be a big year for smooth saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. Not only has he graduated with a Masters Degree in Public Health from George Mason University but has also released his sophomore CD, the extremely easy on the ear ‘Convection’. Already described elsewhere as “an organic intersection of jazz, weather, and faith”, ‘Convection’ builds through a central theme of God's love, which Craddock musically conveys through the imagery of weather. Indeed this interesting blend of original music and creative arrangements of gospel favorites has something for everyone and is enhanced by guest performances from the likes of Ken Navarro and up coming Philadelphia vocalist, Ashli Rice.

Cal Bennett - Johnny's Amour

Previously buried deeply within a various artists compilation titled ‘J Smooth Revue:  Confessions & Innuendos’, the soulfully melodic ‘Johnny’s Amour’ by saxophonist Cal Bennett is now getting a new lease of promotional life and a tilt at the smooth jazz airwaves. 

In fact it will be serviced to radio in the week of May 27.

Khari Parker & Lamar Jones - In Conversation

What marks out the real ‘A-List’ performers of contemporary jazz is the ability they have to surround themselves with the best supporting artists that the genre has to offer.  Despite often being consigned to the small print of CD liner notes, these players are the real power behind the throne and in this respect there are none more so than drummer Khari Parker and bassist Lamar Jones.  Not only do they both call Chicago home but also are great friends. Over the years of playing together have built up the kind of understanding that defines what it means, rhythmically, for the bass to ‘lock in’ with drums.  By moving as one single unit the bass player and drummer become the invincible force that drives the song.

Lin Rountree - We Chill

Soulful trumpeter Lin Rountree has been on the Smooth Jazz Therapy radar screen since 2005 when his excellent CD ‘Groovetree’ first hit the streets.  The follow-up ‘Sumthin Good’ was also right on the money whilst in 2011 the independently released ‘Soul Tree – The Soul Jazz Experience’ found him collaborating with Althea Renee, Elan Trotman and Grammy nominated producer Nate Harasim.

Motown Moe - Rhodes To Cool Places

Originally from Detroit and already with six CDs to his name keyboard player, producer, and music engineer Motown Moe has worked with smooth jazz notables such as Nate Harasim and Daniel Domenge.  His music has been heard on radio stations across America and Moe is now working on a new project that is due for release later this year.  Dedicated to that most wonderful of instruments the Fender Rhodes, the album is billed as a “mix of urban groove instrumentals” and if the first single ‘Rhodes To Cool Places’ is anything to go by it will be a real winner. 

‘Rhodes To Cool Places’ has been released to radio by download only and is very moody, very languid and very atmospheric. 

Check back here soon for more news on Motown Moe.

Michael Haggins - Daybreak

 

Bass players and songwriter Michael Haggins is based in Los Angeles.  His music has featured in several feature films and on primetime television including such shows as 'Raising Hope' on Fox, 'Community' on NBC, 'Wake Up With Al' on MSNBC and the LA Channel 5 production 'KTLA Morning News'. 

Now, and brand new for 2013, his signature song 'Daybreak' has been remixed as a radio single.

Check it out, right here, right now.

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX- Genesis

The brainchild of guitarist Chieli Minucci and the late George Jinda, Special EFX first came to prominence in 1984 with its self-titled debut CD.  Now, with ‘Genesis’, Minucci looks back to the band’s early beginnings.  In doing so he welcomes back old friends and invites a few new ones too for a superbly crafted grouping of twelve all original tunes.  Longtime band members’ bass player Jerry Brooks, drummer Lionel Cordew and keyboardist Jay Rowe all lend a hand and are joined by Special EFX alumni David Mann on sax and the legendary drummer Omar Hakim who both miss no opportunity to make their considerable presence felt.

Randy Scott - Everything Is Everything

The latest track to be lifted from Randy Scott’s current collection, ‘90 Degrees At Midnight’, is the mid tempo ‘Everything Is Everything’ that, as well as demonstrating the considerable depth of this cool collection, also features a fine guitar solo from fellow Detroit native Tim Bowman.  ‘90 Degrees At Midnight’ is Scott’s fifth CD and with tracks such as ‘My Southern Belle’, ‘Touch’ and the highly rated title cut, his silky smooth sax style is shown to be up there with the best that the genre has to offer. 

Not only that, he also delivers a very decent version of the Taste Of Honey classic ‘Boogie Oogie Oogie’.

 

The Brand New Heavies - Forward

Over the past two decades The Brand New Heavies have been delivering a rarefied blend of R & B, jazz, funk and soul that, as well as making them trailblazers of the UK Acid Jazz movement has also delivered no less than sixteen top 40 singles.  Now, reunited with the ultra soulful N’Dea Davenport and with new British songstress Dawn Joseph also around to lend a hand the ‘Heavies’ are back with the fabulous ‘Forward’.

Cal Harris Jr - By The Bay

When I reviewed the appropriately titled ‘Smooth’ by Phoenix based keyboard player Cal Harris Jr I described it as one of the hottest singles of 2012.  Taken from the CD ‘Shelter Island’ it was a number that not only featured Cal’s rapidly emerging trademark sound but also included a delicious interjection of sax from the highly regarded Elan Trotman. 

Now, also from ‘Shelter Island’ comes the wonderfully easy grooving ‘By The Bay’ which, much like the title of the album, betrays a decidedly San Diego based theme. 

This is track you will really love.

BWB - Human Nature

 

It was only a few days ago that I commented on how smooth jazz continues to produce outstanding collaborations by a whole host of seemingly unrelated artists.  Dave Koz and Friends certainly fall into that category and another is BWB.  In fact it was in 2002 when the considerable talents of Rick Braun, Norman Brown and Kirk Whalum came together to tour and cut the excellent CD ‘Groovin’.  With the passing of time it seemed increasingly unlikely that the union would ever be repeated yet new for 2013, and with a sixteen-city tour to back it up, these three musical musketeers are back with ‘Human Nature’.

 

Dave Koz And Friends - Got To Get You Into My Life

One of the more endearing facets of the smooth jazz genre is the way that from time to time it throws up unexpected groupings of seemingly unrelated artists.  The Sax Pack is but one example where three solo performers, in this case Kashiwa, Waters and Cole, assemble on a part time basis to both perform and record.  Another is the excellent Dave Koz and Friends who on June 11, 2013 will release the album ‘Summer Horns’.

Mike MacArthur - Feels Like Home

In this world of commercial imperatives and ‘radio singles’ its nice to hear a CD described simply as ‘friends making music’.  Yet this is exactly what ‘Feels Like Home’ by saxophonist Mike MacArthur is and came about when MacArthur responded to a call from Brian Bromberg to fly from his home in Tampa, FL to LA and record an album with him.  Once there the duo hooked up with trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Jeff Golub, percussionist Alex Acuna, keyboard players Jeff Lorber and Ron Reinhardt, drummer Frank Richardson and vocalists Janelle Sadler and Alba Copeland.  The result is a predictably eclectic and jazzy mix with which jazz lovers of all persuasions will find favor.

Lemonade Weekend 2.0 - The Citrus Music Awards - New Date Same Great Vibe

Lemonade Alert!  Please note, and to avoid any possible confusion, in Hollywood, but now March 20-23, 2014, that smooth jazz chameleon Bruce Nazarian will be hosting the newly conceived Citrus Music Awards.  That’s right, new date but same fabulous vibe.

For the latest news and to check out the list of confirmed performers that is building by the day go to www.citrusmusicawards.com

The Rippingtons - Hotel Deville

The Rippingtons latest project, the appropriately titled ‘Built To Last’, hit the streets on August 28 of last year and right from the get-go the album’s first radio single, ‘Cougars’, quickly blasted a path to the top of the charts.  This Latin spiced easy grooving number was, when compared to past classics such as ‘Tourist In Paradise’, a glimpse of The Rippingtons on the reflective side and for the follow up the label has again opted for a selection which shimmers with that same mellow magic.

Lemonade Weekend 2.0 - The Citrus Music Awards

In San Diego, back in March 2011, a gathering of contemporary jazz fans was left to make lemonade from lemons, because they had to.  In 2014, in Hollywood, they will be doing it all again but this time because they want to.  Welcome to Lemonade Weekend 2.0 and Citrus Music Awards.