Smooth Jazz Therapy

Randy Scott - Cabo

Back in 2011 I described the CD ‘90 Degrees At Midnight’ from Randy Scott as being certain to enhance his already considerable stature as producer, songwriter, educator and one of the most talented saxophonists around.  At the time, and with his music firmly rooted in the ever-buoyant Detroit music scene, this fine player already had a string of highly rated releases to his name with his 2007 project, ‘Breathe’, being particularly notable for the critical acclaim it enjoyed. 

Now, and new for 2015, Randy is back with the album ‘Serenity’.  The first single is the zesty Latin tinged ‘Cabo’ that captures to perfection the vibe of this well-known Mexican coastal resort. 

‘Serenity’ will be released June 15 on Trippin n Rhythm so check back here soon for a complete review.

Bob James & Nathan East - The New Cool

It might be the height of summer but one great reason to look ahead into September is ‘The New Cool’ from contemporary jazz icons (and fellow members of super-group Fourplay) Bob James and Nathan East. 

It will be released on September 18, by Yamaha Entertainment Group, and predictably centers on jazz piano and bass duets as the vehicle for a diverse collection of original compositions and handpicked classics.  Recorded entirely in Nashville it reveals James and East in a way that you have never heard them before. 

Take for example the duo’s imaginative take on Willie Nelson’s ‘Crazy’ which carries with it the surprise of a Vince Gill vocal or the Brazilian jazz extravaganza which features percussionist Rafael Padilla and drummer Scott Williamson. 

Although individually busy with touring and recording, James and East are committed and energized by ‘The New Cool’ which will be comprehensively promoted in both traditional and non-traditional ways.  Almost a dozen video vignettes that take viewers into the recording studio during the making of the album will soon begin to emerge through the official website, www.thenewcoolalbum.com and the launch of a full-scale documentary film will coincide with the album’s street date. 

Igor Gerzina - Suburban Soul

Since the release of the CD 'Metropolis' in 2012 Croatian sax-man Igor Gerzina has never failed to deliver with a sequence of albums and stand-alone singles that each in their own way have entirely captured the essence of contemporary jazz.  Igor’s latest effort, the sublime ‘Suburban Soul’, is no exception and, with a guest performance by guitarist Frank Folgmann, is right on the money.

 

 

Mitchell Coleman Jr. - That's The Way Of The World

Although smooth jazz is quickly becoming a genre driven by cover versions it is still fabulous when a really good example comes along.  That is certainly the case with the sumptuous interpretation by bass player Mitchell Coleman Jr. of the Earth Wind & Fire classic ‘That’s The Way Of The World’. 

It’s from Coleman’s first solo CD, ‘Soul Searching’ which is certainly worth a closer look.

Johnny Britt - I Tried

Contemporary jazz fans will know singer, songwriter, producer, trumpeter and arranger Johnny Britt for his contributions to the Boney James CD, ‘Contact’.  Others may recall his work with the likes of Josh Groban, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, The Temptations, Maxwell, Peabo Bryson, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Norman Conners, Aaron Neville, Harvey Mason Jr. and Marcus Miller while film buffs are likely to recall his name in connection with blockbusters such as Ides Of March, The Lion King, Forest Gump and Spiderman 3.

Now, with a summer vibe firmly in mind, Britt is set to release two smooth R & B singles with the first being the sensuous ‘I Tried’. 

Check it out.

 

Walter Beasley - I'm Back

Ahead of a brand new album by sax-man Walter Beasley that is set to hit the streets in the Fall of 2015, Affable Records has just released the killer single ‘I’m Back’.  The fact it just happens to be one of the most interesting and innovative tracks of the year so far will do much to heighten anticipation for the new record which marks a welcome return for this saxophonist and educator whose 1987 self titled debut launched him into a career from which he has never looked back. 

Check back here often for more news on the music of Walter Beasley.

Maysa - Keep It Movin'

If anyone was worried about the future of contemporary jazz then fear no more. The hot new album from the invariably wonderful Maysa Leak features one of those tracks which is designed to lifts the spirits and restore faith in a genre that excels when at its edgy best. The CD is ‘Back 2 Love’ and the track is ‘Keep It Movin’, that was produced by Mint Condition's lead vocalist –producer - songwriter Stokley. He also contributes vocals to this urban gem that is an obvious contender for my top twenty tracks of the year.

Check it out!