Smooth Jazz Therapy

Abraham Day - Am I Ready

The title track from ‘The Purpose’, the debut CD from sax-man Abraham Day not only sent shock waves through the genre but also made it onto the Smooth Jazz Therapy Top Twenty Tracks for 2017. From the very first note of this extremely cool cut there was no doubt that here was a piece of music that stood out from the crowd and now, from the same album, comes ‘Am I Ready’. It reveals a more urban side to his musical persona and is another one to watch.

Smooth Jazz Therapy - Top Twenty Tracks Of 2017

Seasonal greetings from Smooth Jazz Therapy and thanks a million to the publicists, the record companies and of course the artists, both established and up and coming, who over the last twelve months have made their music so generously available. It’s been another good year and because the love of music is all about preference mixed with individual taste here are my own personal highlights of the year. In other words and in no particular order, my Smooth Jazz Therapy Top Twenty Tracks of 2017.

‘We Came To Party’ by Boney James from the CD ‘Honestly’. After a spell in the wilderness, and a series of albums that fell somewhat short of his own colossal standards, Boney came roaring back with one of the best releases of the entire year. It is summed up perfectly by this sensationally urban cut that is textbook Boney James and then some. Welcome back Boney!

‘Saturday Afternoon’ by Euge Groove from the album ‘Groove On’ - This is Groove’s eleventh solo recording, an exhilarating collection of original material and the latest chapter in a musical story that began in 2000 with his eponymous debut. It’s a gem.

‘Tonight’ by Valeriy Stepanov from the album ‘New Beginnings’ - Less ‘From Russia With Love’ and more ‘From Russia With Groove’ multi instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov blasted onto the smooth jazz scene with this, his Skytown Records debut release. In a collection crammed with standouts this jazzy cut is a wonderful example of keyboard driven contemporary jazz. 

‘Another Day Another Smile’ from the CD ‘Deep As The Night’ by Special EFX; Composer and arranger Chieli Minucci has been synonymous with the evolution of Special EFX since 1984 and the release of its self-titled debut CD. Now, 21 studio albums later comes ‘Deep As The Night’ from which the magically mellifluous ‘Another Day Another Smile’ proved to be a really winner.

‘Dis Sup’ by Kirk Fischer from the album ‘Friends’ - When Kirk sent one of his compositions to legendary arranger and trumpeter Greg Adams for his comments he could not have imagined that the result would be a ten-song collection that blended interesting covers with outstanding new music. Not only that, with luscious string arrangements, the brass driven power of Greg’s all conquering East Bay Soul and Adams’ sublime production, ‘Friends’ instantly emerged as one of the surprise contemporary jazz packages of 2017.

‘Here To Stay’ by Darryl Williams - Currently found playing bass for some of the biggest names in smooth jazz including Peter White, Euge Groove, Michael Lington, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui and Richard Elliot, Williams also found time to release this wonderful single that featured sax-superstar Euge Groove.

Read on for the remainder of this years top twenty and if you have your own list of favorites from 2017 why not e-mail it to me at [email protected]. Happy New Year!!

Stanley Clarke - Heaven Sent

'Heaven Sent' by Stanley Clarke first appeared on his 1984 album ‘Time Exposure’ and is notable not only for the old school vibe on which it flows but also for stellar performances from former Shalamar front man Howard Hewett and Clarke’s long time collaborator George Duke. 

Magic!

 

 

 

 

Michael Franks - How I Remember You

'How I Remember You' comes from Michael Franks wonderful 1993 album 'Dragonfly Summer' and although not a Christmas song  it does have something of a Christmas feel to it. Indeed the shimmering lyric "the silence of snowfall in winter"  never fails to send a shiver down my spine and the night I saw Franks perform the song live at Anthology in San Diego remains one of my most memorable musical moments.

Enjoy. 

 

 

Eric Valentine - Velvet Groove

‘Velvet Groove’, the title cut from drummer Eric Valentine’s upcoming album, not shows off his consummate skills as a producer but also includes featured performances from smooth jazz big hitters Richard Elliot and Rick Braun.

Also in the line-up are Darrell Crooks on guitar and Andre Berry on electric bass for a number that is sultry, cool and totally indicative of the catchy melodies so indicative of Valentine’s writing style.

 

Amsterdam Connection - Creepin

Produced by the double Grammy winning smooth jazz guitarist Paul Brown, 'Isn't She Lovely' by Tim  Welvaars and Naomi  Adriaansz (aka Amsterdam Connection) is the duo's tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder.

 

With Adriaansz on sax and Welvaars on jazz harmonica and piano they together create a sound that is different enough to get them noticed while Brown's featured performance on the track 'Creepin' is right on the money.

 

Interesting project.