Smooth Jazz Therapy

Terry Wollman - No Problem

With the last several years dominated by ‘The Very Best – Silver Collection’, guitarist Terry Wollman has been reminding the world of contemporary jazz of the quality contribution he has made to the genre over what is now over thirty years as a recording artist.

Indeed from his 1986 debut, ‘Bimini’, to the follow up ‘Say Yes’ (which hit the streets twelve years later) and the 2012 triumph ‘Buddha’s Ear’, this acclaimed songwriter and producer has always been an interesting presence. In fact ‘Buddha’s Ear’ garnered the hit single ‘Mandela’ that featured Mindi Abair and was written by Terry in collaboration with Keb Mo.

Now, brand new for 2018 he is reuniting with sax-tress Mindi Abair for the feisty single ‘No Problem’. It is already racing up the smooth jazz charts and with additional backing from Greg Manning on keys, Hussain Jiffry on bass and John "JR" Robinson on drums is an extremely solid piece of work.

Nice track.

Greg Adams And East Bay Soul - Conversation

Since 2009, and with three outstanding albums, trumpet player extraordinaire Greg Adams has been building his East Bay Soul creation into what is now the preeminent horn driven collective of its era. This hugely talented line-up has its roots firmly grounded in the uniquely soul based genre of San Francisco’s East Bay area and as a consequence delivers tight horn filled rhythms that are entirely timeless. Now this founding member of the legendary Tower of Power is doing it all again with ‘Conversation’ that will be released March 26 on Ripa Records. 

Kim Hansen - To The Limit

After twenty years of being one of the genre’s most sought after side-men, arranger, writer, producer and keyboard player Kim Hansen is stepping center stage with his debut single, the infectiously vibrant ‘To The Limit’. Not only is it a fine example of smooth jazz circa 2018 but, given he plays both keyboards and all guitars throughout, stands also as a glowing tribute to his multi faceted artistry. 

Since his arrival in LA from Denmark in 1997, and starting out as Musical Director for the Grammy nominated and platinum selling recording artist Maxine Nightingale, Kim has gone on to tour or record with the likes of Patti Austin, Howard Hewitt, 
Earl Klugh, Peabo Bryson, Bobby Lyle, Oleta Adams, Doc Powell, Steve Oliver, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Jackson, Jr., Everette Harp, Warren Hill, Kirk Whalum, Nils, Phil Perry, Michael Lington and, significantly, U-Nam with whom he has played many times. This has included cameo appearances on the ‘U-Nam Live’ DVD and his ‘Give Me The Night’ video.

In fact his smooth jazz career really took off through a chance encounter with drummer Ricky Lawson when they were both hired for the same TV show. Kim quickly came to regard Lawson as his musical mentor and when he booked Hansen as Musical Director for the nationwide 'Winans Family Reunion Tour' things began to happen. 

He continues to write prolifically for both television and the movies while with ‘To The Limit’ his musical evolution is entering an exciting new phase.

Out on Skytown Records, ‘To The Limit’ will be going for adds March 26.

U-Nam - Weekend In LA (A Tribute To George Benson) - 2018 Deluxe Edition

It is without doubt that one of the standout albums of 2012 was the hugely adventurous ‘Weekend In LA (A Tribute To George Benson)’ by the always-superb U-Nam. Now, beefed up from eleven to fifteen tracks, and including bonuses that previously were only available with the Japanese release, comes a very special deluxe edition. Read my original review of ‘Weekend In LA (A Tribute To George Benson)’ right here right now and be sure to check out the alternate version of ‘Before You Go/ Breezing' which features a piano solo from Patrice Rushen that differs from the original.

This look back at the music of one of the true pioneers of contemporary jazz is enhanced by an outstanding of list of guest performers and is far from merely being just a compilation of covers. Indeed anyone expecting a velvety re-imagining of some of Bensons most popular songs is in for quite a surprise.

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul - Look Book

Since 2009 trumpet player extraordinaire Greg Adams has been building his East Bay Soul creation into what is now the preeminent horn driven collective of its era. Indeed with a string of sumptuous albums including the band’s self-titled debut, the follow-up, ‘East Bay Soul 2.0’, that came along in 2012 and, latterly, ‘That’s Life’, the army of ‘funk soldiers’ who hang on East Bay Soul’s every note has increased at an impressive rate. 

Now Greg is doing it all again with ‘Conversation’ that will be released March 26 on Ripa Records. The first single to be serviced to radio is the jazzy ‘Look Book’ where Adams’ smoky horn has never sounded better and much-needed attitude is provided by Dwayne "Smitty" Smith's stunning bass.

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

Paula Atherton - Shake It

‘Shake It’, the brand new recording from New York based singer, songwriter and woodwind player Paula Atherton is certainly one to watch. With nine original songs, eight of them written or co-written by Paula, plus one innovative cover, ‘Shake It’ is a horn driven tour de force that is essential listening for all those who like their contemporary jazz on the big and brassy side. 

WaKaNa - Saxcess Story

Now for an artist, new to me, who seems sure to make a big splash in the years to come. Sax player WaKaNa not only plays smooth jazz, soul and R&B but also collaborates with rappers, vocalists and DJs. Born in Chiba, Japan and an integral member of the upcoming pop instrumental band LUCA, WaKaNa graduated from the Shobi Musical College in Tokyo.

Now she is taking her first step in reaching out to a wider audience with the single ‘Saxcess Story’. Produced by and featuring hit-maker Greg Manning on keys this zesty cut is a nice addition to the year’s crop of new music.