Smooth Jazz Therapy

Althea Rene - Barbara Mae

Smooth jazz flautist Althea Rene has been in the Smooth Jazz Therapy radar since 2010 when her CD ‘No Restrictions’ exploded onto the scene.  This was quite something for a performer who had worked for more than 10 years as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff in Detroit, MI but now, with her career with that city’s finest a distant memory; she is comfortably ensconced as one of the genre’s preeminent flute players.

Her latest project (and her eighth in all) is titled ‘Flawsome’ and finds her vibing with a tremendous line-up of smooth jazz greats including Maysa, Jeanette Harris, Euge Groove and Gerald Albright.  The first single to be serviced to radio is the enchanting ‘Barbara Mae’ that not surprisingly finds Althea center stage and complemented by the unmistakable sax sound of Euge Groove. 

Lovely track.

Ralph Johnson - Co-Swagit

It is refreshing to find that after forty years of performing and touring with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, percussionist and vocalist Ralph Johnson is still very much n the game.

Besides performing and recording with EW & F Ralph has produced and appeared with artists such as Howard Hewitt, Jay- Z, Temptations, Johnny Adams, Blue Magic and Stanley Turrentine.

For Johnson it all started back in 1971 when he took a call from Michael Beale who at the time was Earth Wind & Fire’s guitarist.  Ralph auditioned with Michael and Verdine White at Michael's house and, long story short, it landed him that coveted spot in what was to become the leading soul band of the era.

‘Co-Swagit (Everything's Cool)’ is Ralph's brand new solo single.  Up beat, brassy, vibrant and everything one would expect from someone with the musical pedigree of Ralph Johnson.

Patrick Lamb - Tailgate

Saxophonist Patrick Lamb is well known for his work with Bobby Caldwell’s touring band and his 2006 collaboration with percussionist Patsy Meyer that was titled ‘Don’t Get No Better’.  His latest project is ‘Soul Ties’ and having already garnered the single ‘Homebrew’ it is now delivering the distinctly jazzy ‘Tailgate’ that Lamb wrote with Jeff Lorber.

Mixed by Darren Rahn and with Alex Al on bass, Tony Maiden with guitar, Lil John Roberts on drums and Lorber on Rhodes this is a track that will reacquaint Lamb with his not inconsiderable fan-base.

Jessy J - Despacito

Singer, songwriter and producer Jessy J commemorates her 10 Year Anniversary with a live album, Live At Yoshi's. This track, 'Despacito' is a stunning instrumental interpretation of the 2017 mega-hit that received  three  nominations at the 60th Grammy Awards.

It featured Daddy Yankee and became number one in nearly every Latin Billboard chart.Later the song was given an English remix featuring Canadian singer Justin Bieber. 

Check it out.

 

Mattias Roos - It Goes On And On

‘It Goes On And On’ is the title and ‘It Goes On And On’ is certainly the sentiment as Swedish keyboard player Mattias Roos comes roaring back with this stunning ten track collection that once again finds him at the top of his creative game.  Written, arranged and produced by Roos throughout, ‘It Goes On And On’ is released on the Skytown Records label and follows his 2017 project ‘Movin’ Up’.  In common with this earlier effort it demonstrates to perfection the penchant he undoubtedly has for sublimely fusing smooth jazz grooves with an authentic old school vibe.

As well as being a solo artist and a ‘go-to’ keyboard player for several top-flight Swedish performers, many will know Roos as a founding member of the band Soweco that he formed in 2011 with drummer Peter Gustavsson.  Roos has carried some of that distinctive Soweco sound into what is now a burgeoning solo career but in doing so has fashioned an identity that is very much his own.

David Garfield - One Like You

Normally, having reviewed an album in some detail, I tend not to revisit individual tracks as they are released to radio.  However, in the case of ‘One Like You’ from the CD ‘Jammin Outside The Box’ I am making an enormous exception.  Quite simply the best pop-orientated R & B album of 2018 it found keyboard player David Garfield, together with collaborators of unrivalled calibre, sublimely crossing from R & B, to contemporary jazz, to pop and back again.

‘One Like You’ is one such track.  Spotlighting the classic vocal styling of none other than Smokey Robinson, which is complimented in no small measure by the familiar tones of Michael McDonald and unmistakable sax from David Sanborn, this slice of romantic R&B with an old-school vibe is definitely a song to be listened to by candlelight with someone you love.

Johnny Britt - Hot Fun In The Summer

Fresh on my radar screen is a jazzy streetwise take on Sly & The Family Stone's ‘Hot Fun In The Summer’ from trumpeter Johnny Britt.  It features Najee on sax with guitar from Nils, drums from Marcus Williams and percussion from Sean Lawson.

Of course contemporary jazz fans will know singer, songwriter, producer, trumpeter and arranger Johnny Brittfor his contributions to Boney Jamescritically acclaimed 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.

‘Hot Fun In The Summer’ is, unsurprisingly, perfect for the summer and an extremely high-class piece of work.

Patrick Bradley - Newport Coast

Released in 2017 on his own Song Factory label, ‘Intangible’ by jazz-fusion keyboard player Patrick Bradley was his fourth solo project and the third (in succession) in collaboration with Jeff Lorber.  Having already garnered the hit singles ‘Dear Friend’, ‘Tailwind’ and ‘Intangible’ this gift that keeps on giving has now delivered the decidedly funky  ‘Newport Coast’. Produced by Jeff Lorber it is lifted to new heights by flashes of trumpet from Andrew Carney.

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