Smooth Jazz Therapy

Darryl Williams - How Long Has It Been

It was back in 2017 when San Diego based bass-man Darryl Williams scored a huge success when the title cut from his solo CD ‘Here To Stay’ powered its way onto the Smooth Jazz Therapy Top Twenty Tracks of that year.  ‘Do You Remember’ was subsequently serviced to radio and now, very much as the gift that keeps on giving, another dip into the treasure trove that is ‘Here To Stay’ has revealed the latest radio single, ‘How Long Has It Been’ that features an all-star line-up of musicians including Jeff Lorber, Marcus Anderson, and U-Nam.

Often 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 is also one of the main stage bassists for the Dave Koz and Friends Jazz Cruise.

‘How Long Has It Been’ is a fabulous track and comes highly recommended.

Karen Linette - Upside Of Life

With a stunning retro vibe and genuine dance floor filling potential  ‘Upside Of Life’ by vocalist Karen Linette is currently checking every Smooth Jazz Therapy box imaginable.  Written by Chris Big Dog Davis and Angie Phillips it features smooth jazz superstar Najee on flute plus background vocals from Dawn Tallman and percussion from Kevin Kojo Prince.

Top notch.

Gino Rosaria - Night Groove

‘Night Groove’, the first single from keyboard player Gino Rosaria’ upcoming album, ‘Still Waters Run Deep’, finds him teaming with man of the moment Adam Hawley for a sassy streetwise cut that is guaranteed to find favour with steppers everywhere.

It features Marcus Anderson on flute and sax, co-writer Hawley on guitar plus Eric Valentine on drums.

Brilliant track.

Brian Lenair - Get Your Groove On

I first became aware of DC based saxophonist Brian Lenair back in 2011 and given he has performed with the likes of Will Downing, Maysa, Billy Paul, Angela Bolfill, Al Jarreau, Tony Terry, Phyllis Hyman, Pieces of a Dream, Miles Jay, Grover Washington, Jr., Peabo Bryson, and George Benson he instantly became impossible to ignore.  A one time integral part of the band Spur Of The Moment Lenair made his solo debut in 2006 with ‘Inspirations Vol 1’ and has gone on to record a string of albums that include ‘A Saxy Christmas’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Eye Of The Storm’.

His latest project is entitled ‘Underground Volume 3’ from which the single ‘Get Your Groove On’ is taken.  This original number has a delightful mid tempo vibe that is ideal for Lenair’s trademark streetwise playing style.

One to watch.

Kayla Waters - Obsidian Rain

The distinctly cinematic ‘Obsidian Rain’ from pianist Kayla Waters is taken from her 2018 Trippin N' Rhythm recording ‘CoEvolve’.  This stunning twelve-track collection is already propelling the classically trained Waters (daughter of Kim Waters and graduate of Howard University) into the contemporary jazz spotlight yet when I saw this number, titled ‘Obsidian Rain’, I had to research what the word Obsidian actually means.  Having found that it is a device commonly believed to draw out mental stress and tension while encouraging the release of negativity it became obvious the part that this expansive song has to play in the dark times in which we currently live.

Blissful