Smooth Jazz Therapy

Justin Klunk - Enigma

Already noticed by smooth jazz luminaries such as Dave Koz and David Benoit, sax-man Justin Klunk has just made his recording debut with his own self-titled EP.  It is being promoted by the decidedly jazzy ‘Enigma’ that really demonstrates Klunk’s powerful playing and a maturity beyond his years. 

Justin Klunk was born in Los Angeles and is currently pursuing a degree in Popular Music Performance at the University of Southern California (USC).  He has performed with artists such as the aforementioned Koz and Benoit as well as the Steve Miller Band, Rickey Minor and Earth Wind & Fire.

Klunk has recently formed the Justin Klunk Band which he uses a vehicle to showcase his rock, pop and jazz influences.

Jonathan Butler - Merry Christmas To You

Maybe it’s only October but as the nights begin to lengthen and the mornings become that bit colder, in the world of smooth jazz, this can mean only one thing, Christmas music. 

Its an annual event that has become a contemporary jazz art form but by its very nature has, with only a few notable exceptions (Brian Culbertson’s ‘A Soulful Christmas’ and the Boney James seasonal offering ‘Christmas Present’) suffered from a lack of originality.  Consequently it is particularly pleasing to find a collection for 2013 that will hold its own whatever the season.

Ed Stone - Treat Her Like A Lady

Back in 1964 The Temptations was one of several bands that were responsible for what became my lifetime love affair with smooth sophisticated soul.  This infatuation still burns bright so for that reason I can be particularly critical of cover versions that seek to emulate a sound, a vibe even, which, for me, is unique.  

That said guitarist Ed Stone has come up with a tasty rendition of the ‘Temps’ blockbuster ‘Treat Her Like A Lady’.  It can be found on Stone’s current CD ‘King Of Hearts’ and is worth checking out.

Brian Culbertson's Another Long Night Out - Take 3

Here at Smooth Jazz Therapy we are following Brian Culbertson's video blog on his February 2014 release 'Another Long Night Out' with both interest and delight. It just keeps on getting better and better.

Here is volume 3.

 

Reza Khan - Dreamwalker

Not only did ‘A Simple Plan’ by guitarist Reza Khan prove to be a veritable treasure chest of riches it also garnered the radio singles ‘Language Of Love’ (that featured Andy Snitzer on sax) and the equally good ‘Blue Dreams In Rio’.  Now he is back with the CD ‘Dreamwalker’. 

Domiciled in New York, Reza was born in Bangladesh and has recorded with his own band, Painted Diaries, since 2001 when he released an album of the same name.  Although on record as continuously reaching for a global sound, Kahn’s music is remarkably accessible.  Indeed it’s a must for those who have a penchant for smooth jazz guitar in the style of Peter White or Ken Navarro.  A case in point is the easy grooving title cut that is well worth looking out for.

Theresa Grayson - Close Your Eyes

Texas-born and Houston-raised saxophonist Theresa Grayson made her debut in 2010 with the CD ‘It’s All About You’.  It failed to register on the Smooth Jazz Therapy radar but she has at last caught our attention with the follow-up, ‘Live2Love’, that will be independently released on November 5. 

A cool combination of covers harvested from some of the biggest R & B hits of the last last two decades coupled with five of her own original compositions, the album is totally the real deal and track currently dominating my sound system is the ultra smooth ‘Close Your Eyes’. 

Listen here right now and check back soon for a complete review of ‘Live2Love’.

 

Jessy J - Second Chances

It was in 2008 that sax player Jessica Spinella, aka Jessy J, released her debut CD ‘Tequila Moon’.  A range of factors combined to make it one of the most hyped events of the year and less than a year later she was back with her sophomore effort ‘True Love’.  It moved Jessy J closer yet to her Latin heritage while drawing heavily on Paul Brown’s talents as a writer, producer and performer.  Brown also played a major part in her 2011 project ‘Hot Sauce’ so it is something of a surprise that ‘Second Chances’, which hit the streets September 10 on the Shanachie label, finds her with new collaborators and new influences.  In fact the recording represents a change of direction for Jessy as she sets out to blend her love for jazz and Latin rhythms with an R & B groove.

Lin Rowntree - Serendipitous

Newly signed to Cutmore Records, soulful trumpeter Lin Rountree is all set to make his label debut with the highly anticipated ‘Serendipitous’. 

If the lead single, ‘We Chill’, has already whetted your appetite here is the chance to preview the entire album. Its a collection that promises much for an artist who has been on the Smooth Jazz Therapy radar screen since 2005 and the release of the CD ‘Groovetree’. 

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Serendipitous’.

 

Learn how to get your music heard at ReverbNation.com

 

 

 

Pieces Of A Dream - In The Moment

Although celebrating 37 years of making music is no small feat ‘In The Moment’ by the enduring Pieces Of A Dream is the perfect album with which to do it.  Predictably it finds them exploring new territory but also remaining aware of the core sound that has gotten the band this far.  This is exemplified by the opening (title) track that tells you all you need to know about this sensational collective which formed in Philadelphia and made its debut recording back in 1981.  Since then founding members James K Lloyd and Curtis Harmon have continued to weave their musical magic with an often-changing line-up that has always remained faithful to the ensemble's groove drenched ethos.

Brian Culbertson's Another Long Night Out Take 2

Here at Smooth Jazz Therapy we are following Brian Culbertson's video blog on his February 2014 release 'Another Long Night Out' with both interest and delight.

Here is volume 2.

 

Spotlight On Dwayne 'Smitty' Smith

Despite being a hugely sought after session and touring musician, bass player Dwayne ‘Smitty’ Smith waited until 2005 to release his debut solo album.  Titled ‘This Is Me’ it was an expression of his own musical personality and now he is back with his latest offering, the eclectically jazzy ‘Stories’.  Not only is it a measure of how much his music has evolved but also provides a back-story that chronicles his life and career.  The CD includes contributions from Kirk Whalum, Oli Silk, Oscar Seaton, Tim Gant and Darrell Crooks while much like ‘This Is Me’ (which contained signature tributes to Stevie Wonder) ‘Stories’ features an arrangement of ‘So What’ that Smith uses to honor the music of Miles Davis.

Aaron Bing - Paradise

Now for something cool from Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite Aaron Bing.  Its ‘Paradise’ from his third album, ‘Always’ that was released in 2005 and, although he has since gone on to captivate his followers with tracks such as ‘Out On The Town’ in 2011 and his latest offering ‘Enchanted Island’, this one is well worth another listen.

 

Jeff Golub - Train Keeps A Rolling

‘Train Keeps A Rolling’ is Jeff Golub’s first new album since losing his vision two years ago when his optic nerves mysteriously collapsed.  The album title refers to an incident last September when the New York City-based guitarist made television newscasts after falling onto the subway tracks and getting clipped and dragged by a train.  Golub has produced the CD with Grammy-nominated producer Bud Harner who suggested this collaboration with Hammond B3 legend Brian Auger.  The combination of styles engenders a groovy, retro sound with soul by the bucket full. 

Hear about the making of ‘Train Keeps A Rolling’ from Golub, Harner, Auger and drummer Steve Ferrone right here right now.

 

The Tony Rich Project - Breaking Glass

‘Breaking Glass’ by The Tony Rich Project is doing a fine job of blurring the boundaries between pop and smooth R & B.  It is the second single from his forthcoming Hidden Beach CD ‘Speak Me’ and follows the equally sumptuous ‘Fade Away’. 

Certainly, this is one to watch.