Smooth Jazz Therapy

ThreeStyle - Reasons 2 Love

It was just twelve months ago that German guitarist Robert Fertl and Czech saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova (aka ThreeStyle) released the appropriately titled ‘Smooth Ride’. Not only did it take the world of smooth jazz by storm but also garnered instant radio favorites such as ‘A Little Longer’ and ‘Road To Monterey’. Now they are back with their seventh project, the equally good ‘Reasons 2 Love’. With eleven original songs, all written or co-written by Fertl and Chovancova, this is a recording that is very much the real smooth jazz deal and one that moves this dazzling duo into the upper echelons of the genre.

Donald Hayes - What Dreams May Come

As both a musician and an arranger sax-man Donald Hayes has worked with James Brown, EW & F, Beyonce, Babyface and most recently Robin Thicke. In 2016 he stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight with his debut CD ‘Common Ground’. Since then it has proved to be the gift that keeps on giving as first the excellent ‘Riverside Drive’ found its way to radio and then the jazzy ‘Georgy Porgy’ did the same. 

Now two years on Hayes is making it three for three with the mellow ‘What Dreams May Come’. This great number is made that much more memorable by the fact it features the late Wayman Tisdale on bass and was one of the final tracks recorded by the great man prior to his passing.

Check it out.

Lin Rountree - Stronger Still

It was back in 2007 that I reported how ‘Groovetree’ from trumpet and flugelhorn player Lin Rountree was all set to get a second airing. Initially released two years earlier it was a CD that announced Rountree as the latest artist to emerge from what at the time was regarded as the 'new' Detroit music factory. Well that was then and now, seven solo projects later and happily ensconced within the friendly confines of Trippin N Rhythm, Rountree has, with ‘Stronger Still’, come up with a real gem. Indeed with ten original tunes, either written or co-written by him, this is a work of real quality from a performer making his mark in the under populated niche of smooth jazz trumpet. 

Chris Godber - Momentum

Looking for something to brighten up the winter gloom? Then look no further than the decidedly feel good ‘Momentum’, the title cut from the new CD by sax-man Chris Godber.

It follows his 2015 effort ‘Starting Over’ and, for this up and coming star in the making, is a promising development.

 

Marion Meadows - Soul City

Imagine a city defined by soul, where harmony resonates and a perfect groove keeps all things moving in stunning synchronicity. Well that is a place that smooth sax superstar Marion Meadows has created with his brand new project ‘Soul City’ which will hit the streets on February 16. It is a star studded affair that unites Meadows with R & B big hitters such as Will Downing, Peabo Bryson and Maysa plus ‘A-List’ guitarists Peter White and Norman Brown for a collection that has quality running right through it.

Eric Valentine - Velvet Groove

The explosive style of drummer Eric Valentine has been the soulful energizer for some of the biggest stars of the smooth jazz galaxy and now, stepping very much center stage, he is making his very own tilt for stardom with ‘Velvet Groove’, his first CD for fifteen years. It features a stunning line-up of contemporary jazz glitterati and, with ten of Valentine’s original compositions plus one excellent cover, is a recording that warrants some serious attention.

Mariea Antoinette - Overture

Perhaps best known for her dual talents as principle harpist in the Southeast Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, and integral part of the all star touring female jazz soul group Jazz In Pink, the fabulous Mariea Antoinette is back with her first original recording since ‘Straight from the Harp’ that was a Billboard Top 5 smooth jazz album in 2015. Titled ‘Overture’, the new cut demonstrates that her mission to shatter the myth that ‘harpists can’t do contemporary jazz’ is alive, well and decimating conventional musical boundaries.

It is taken from her latest album release that is due to hit the streets this summer and if her earlier project, ‘Straight from the Harp’, is anything to go by then her growing fan base can expect a mix of originals and R&B classics.

Mariea made her solo debut in 2003 with ‘Sexy Paradise’ that was produced by fellow San Diego resident (and now deceased) Carl Evans Jr who is better known for his time as leader of the legendary Fattburger.

As well as playing Grammy parties for Vanity Fair magazine, Mary J. Blige and Jamie Foxx, Antoinette has also performed for President Barak Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

One to watch

Spotlight On Dan Siegel

Dan Siegel’s career is one of the most storied in contemporary jazz and the wonderful thing is that it continues to flourish. With a discography that stretches back twenty albums to 1980, Siegel set the standards for the early days of smooth jazz. His releases include ‘Going Home’, ‘Reflections’ and of course the 1987 ‘Northern Lights’ from which the still often played ‘Rhapsody’ is taken. He released the excellent ‘Inside Out’ in 2004 and followed that two years later with ‘Departure’ a collection that at the time was described as the ultimate “Siegel Unplugged” experience. Although leaning toward the subtle jazz trio approach, the joint production technique adopted by Siegel and Brian Bromberg (who also played acoustic bass) ensured the project was never shy to push out the boundaries.