Smooth Jazz Therapy

Kimberly Brewer - Tasting Sunshine

The latest single from vocalist Kimberly Brewer is a super smooth rendition of ‘Tasting Sunshine’ that was written by Lynne Fiddmont and which appeared on her 2018 album ‘Power Of Love’.

Of course Kimberly has spent the majority of what has been a stellar career providing background vocals for the likes of Vanessa Williams, Will Downing, and Earth Wind & Fire, but is best known for her years of work with the great Stevie Wonder.

This connection with Stevie Wonder in fact spreads far and wide and a case in point is her 2023 single ‘Don't Make Me Wait Too Long’ that was written by Wonder in 1980 for the great Roberta Flack. In fact it was Wonder who suggested that Kimberly should cover the track and he even agreed to play harmonica on it.

As for Tasting Sunshine’ Kimberley ensures there is a soulful vibe throughout and in this respect the track is further enhanced by a featured performances by Gerald Albright and Mark Kibble.

 

Joe Taylor - Westside Chill

His first album since ‘Sugardust In The Devil Wind’ in 2015 and his first contemporary jazz project since ‘Accidental Sugar’ in 2007, ‘Westside Chill’ by guitarist Joe Taylor hit the streets earlier this year and will now be released on vinyl August 12 which just happens to be National Vinyl Record Day.

Written and produced by Taylor and four-time Grammy winner Steve Rosenthal this tight ten-track collection is epitomised by the ultra moody title cut while the next track lined up for the airwaves is Taylor’s nod to legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius, ‘Jaco’s Court’, which is being serviced to radio on September 21.

 

Vincent Ingala - Movin And Shakin

With both the albums ‘Fire & Desire’ and ‘Echoes Of The Heart’ former Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist Of The Year Vincent Ingala cemented himself into the core of everything that is good about smooth jazz. Not only that, for ‘Fire & Desire’, Vincent played every instrument, from saxophones and keyboards to drums, guitar and bass. He also produced, recorded and mixed the entire set as well as writing all but one of the ten choice tunes.

Consequently it should be no surprise that for his latest single, ‘Movin And Shakin’, that is available now on most good streaming platforms, he has again put on what is in every respect is a one man show.

Now comfortably ensconced in the smooth jazz friendly confines of the Shanachie Entertainment label there is every chance this hot new single is paving the way for yet another hit album to come.

Check it out.

 

 

Spotlight On Carol Albert

‘Sunshine Yellow’ is the latest single from keyboard player Carol Albert. It features the ubiquitous Peter White on guitar and not only is it tearing up the Mediabase smooth jazz chart it is also what has been described elsewhere as the perfect summertime song.

For Carol it all started in 1992 with her debut recording ‘Love in Your Eyes’. It was then that her growing fan base first caught a glimpse of her free flowing piano style and passion for R&B grooves. It proved to be the perfect fit for the urban contemporary vibe that is often at the heart of today’s smooth jazz.

Inner City - Watcha Going To Do With My Lovin

Old School Cool is an occasional feature that, for those of a certain age, retraces the journeys of a musical lifetime in a way that keeps the memories flooding back. This time it’s the incomparable Inner City and its take on the 1979 Stephanie Mills blockbuster ‘Watcha Going To Do With My Lovin’ which Inner City recorded in 1989. It became the group's fifth single and its fifth consecutive UK top 20 hit while a year later the track showed up on the band’s 1990 remix album, ‘Paradise Remixed’ where input from David Morales and Frankie Knuckles delivered an eight minute twenty five second dance floor filler.

In fact, over the years the track has become an often-remixed gem with a fine example being the Spencer Morales version that features vocals from Phebe Edwards.

Although more smooth and subdued than some of Inner City’s other hit records ‘Watcha Going To Do With My Lovin’ is right up there with their very best work.

I am indebted to Ian Phillips for coming up with the idea for this feature on ‘Watcha Going To Do With My Lovin’. Ian writes some great music related Twitter posts and is well worth a follow.

 

 

Alex Crown - The Last Straw

Right back when they were both in their early teens, Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite Jonathan Fritzen and his friend Alex Crown would hold jam sessions, fool around with jazz harmonies, improvise and create a bond that today still stands strong. In fact Alex has appeared on several of Fritzén's records, and can be heard as featured guitarist on the hit single ‘Melting’ from his 2010 album ‘Diamonds’.

Both are from Stockholm, Sweden where guitarist Crown has worked as a freelance musician for the last 15 years. He has also been the driving force as composer, producer and musician for the music project Sonic Station, which has released two albums.

Now, with the highly anticipated release of his first solo album ‘For Obvious Reasons’, it could be argued that this is Crown’s time. The CD is already being trailed by the singles ‘The Last Straw’ and the equally good title track. It is one of four tracks co-written by and featuring Fritzen and well worth checking out.

 

Special EFX - Cool Summer

It was in 2022 that sophisticated super group Special EFX marked its forty years of music making with the album ‘Twenty Twenty 2’ and despite the frequent changes in personnel that have characterised the evolution of this cool collective the creative constant of Chilli Minucci remains front back and centre. In fact Minucci co-founded Special EFX thirty-seven years ago with the now deceased George Jinda and in so doing etched himself into the fabric of contemporary jazz history. Indeed, never one to sit on his laurels Minucci was back two years later with the live album ‘Return To Budapest With Love’ and if that wasn’t enough Special EFX has just released the single ‘Cool Summer’.

With an irresistible vibe that is classic Special EFX and then some this might well end up being on of my tracks of the year.