Smooth Jazz Therapy

Kenney Polson - Mesmerized

Sax-man Kenney Polson although based in the Pacific Northwest has lived and performed in over 50 countries. Known widely as a smooth jazz artist, his seasoned musical style incorporates a range of jazz favours sublimely anchored on a firm foundation of straight ahead jazz.

His 2019 album, For Lovers, blending as it did smooth jazz with rhythm and blues, figured significantly on the jazz charts and featured a stellar line-up of supporting artists that included guitarists Bruce Conte, and Phil Upchurch, Tower Of Power keyboard player Roger Smith, trumpeter Larry Gittens, trombone player Fred Wesley, bass player and vocalist Michael Henderson plus smooth jazz pioneer and pianist Tom Grant.

His 2021 album ‘Colors Of Brazil’ sparkled with infectious Latin rhythms and in this respect there was none more so than the wonderful ‘Mesmerized’ that proved to be the perfect vehicle for Polson’s undoubted virtuosity.

 

 

Mark Etheredge - You & Me & We

Due out on August 12, ‘Love Planet’ from silky smooth keyboard player Mark Etheredge is his first album since 2016 when ‘Connected’ took the smooth jazz world by storm. Not only that it finds him emerging from the troubled times which have recently beset him to reconnect with producer and two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown for a tight ten track collection that has already been trailered by the singles ‘Resonance’ (2019) and ‘You & Me & We’ which followed a year later.

The latest single, which is due to go to radio on July 18, is the title cut but for now and in anticipation of a full review of ‘Love Planet’ that will follow soon, sit back and enjoy ‘You & Me & We’.

 

 

Pieces Of A Dream - In Too Deep

Lifted from ‘Fired Up’, the latest album by that dynamic smooth jazz duo James Lloyd and Curtis Harmon (aka Pieces Of A Dream) ‘In Too Deep’ is everything we have come to expect from these true masters of contemporary jazz. Upbeat, uplifting and totally on the money this feisty cut features saxophonist Tony Watson Jr. and trumpeter Parker Lewis who together engender a Pieces of A Dream meets Tower Of Power kind of a vibe.

Check it out

 

 

Michael J Thomas - Everybody Wants To Rule The World

A consummate cover of the Tears For Fears 1985 hit ‘Everybody Wants to Rule The World’ is the third advance single from the EP ‘Outside The Door’ by sax-man and vocalist Michael J Thomas. It follows both the holiday song ‘It’s Christmas’ featuring Maysa and ‘The OG Bounce’ which is currently a Top 15 hit on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart.

The EP’s other songs include a new take on Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Wish’ and an original number featuring Special EFX mainstay Chieli Minucci while for ‘Everybody Wants to Rule The World’ Thomas calls on the legendary Randy Brecker to deliver what proves to be a powerhouse trumpet solo.

Produced by Thomas and Carl Griffin, ‘Everybody Wants to Rule The World’ also includes on point guitar work by Chris Blackwell, Trammell Starks on keys, synths, strings, and percussion, Cheryl Rogers on backing vocals and a hard driving rhythm section comprising Sam Sims on bass and Louis K. Newsom on drums.

Nice track

 

 

Paul Hardcastle - Angelic Chimes

Out now on Trippin N Rhythm ‘Hardcastle X’ from the redoubtable Paul Hardcastle is crammed full of the grooves that over the years have become his calling card. Testimony to this was ‘Wavelength’, the first single to be serviced to radio and now he is heading back to the airwaves with the follow up, and arguably the album’s best track, ‘Angelic Chimes’.

Soothing yet edgy, ethereal yet rock solid street-wise this one is a real winner.

 

 

Jackiem Joyner - Say What

Approaching twenty years on the scene and smooth jazz sax-man Jackiem Joyner is still going strong. His 2020 project, a cool five track EP titled ‘Journey Of Passion’ was delivered despite the ravages of Covid-19. In fact he performed and produced all five tracks while still under quarantine but by 2021, and with more than a little light at the end of what at times had seemed a very long tunnel he was back with the single ‘Dance Again’. It was the sort of silky smooth number that we have come to identify him with and now, brand new for 2022, comes his latest single ‘Say What’.

Check it out.

 

 

 

Brendan Rothwell - This Is The Love

Originally from North Yorkshire, England and now comfortably ensconced in Alberta, Canada Brendan Rothwell is one of that exclusive group of contemporary jazz musicians who as a bass player has made his mark as a lead artist. In fact it all began to happen for Brendan in 2016 when his first album ‘Time On My Hands’ was picked by radio in the USA with the first single, the decidedly sultry ‘This Is The Love’, finding its way onto several smooth jazz charts in the summer of 2017.

The second single from ‘Time On My Hands’, ‘Smooth’, was serviced to radio in 2018 and less than twelve months later Rothwell came roaring back with his second solo release ‘Sentiment’. It included both the intensely rhythmic ‘Keep On Keeping On’ and the wonderfully chilled ‘Think Of You’ that quickly became a firm Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite.

Fast forward to 2022 where his third album ‘Destiny’ is slated for global release on July 1. Check back here soon for a complete review of this highly anticipated new collection.

All Brendans albums are available in CD format from his website at,

https://www.brendanrothwell.com/

 

 

Vassal Benford - Melody Man

Working with a galaxy of stars in various music genres Vassal Benford has more than 57 platinum records to his credit. He has notched up over $150 million in movie box office receipts and if that wasn’t enough he also manages the interests of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and the estate of blues icon B.B. King.

Now Vassal Benford is returning to his roots.

With a focus on breathing fresh energy and creativity into contemporary jazz, songwriter and keyboard player Benford, has just released ‘Melody Man’ on the Benford Jazz label.

In fact Benford was just sixteen when legendary jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis recorded the song ‘Michelle’ that the teenager wrote about his first crush. Taken from Lewis’s album ‘Three Piece Suite’ it went to number one and two years later bass player Stanley Clarke produced the second Benford composition, ‘The Two Of Us’, which was co-written with Grammy winner Jeremy Lubbock. Lifted from the Ramsey Lewis CD of the same name it featured vocalist Nancy Wilson and for Ramsey delivered another number one smash.

As the years rolled by the music kept on coming. Benford’s projects topped the charts in multiple genres and gifted hits to superstars such as DJ Diplo, Toni Braxton, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, U2, Jade, Bobby Brown, New Edition, Lil’ Kim, Patti LaBelle, Faith Evans, Chanté Moore, Oleta Adams, Lisa Stansfield, Tramaine Hawkins, and The Fine Young Cannibals to name only a few.

In recent years, Benford has rediscovered instrumental R&B. It has sparked collaborations with smooth jazz A-Listers Norman Brown and Gerald Albright who will both appear on Benford’s debut album, ‘My Favorite Moments’ that is due to be released in February 2023.

‘Melody Man’ is the first single to be taken from it and as such is a clear pointer that with ‘My Favorite Moments’ the world of contemporary jazz is in for something special.

 

 

Nick Stefanacci - Dance Until Dawn

Due out on May 24, ‘Dance Until Dawn’ is the latest smooth jazz single from saxophonist Nick Stefanacci. Written by Stefanacci and guitarist Adam Hawley this genre defining mid tempo charmer serves as a preview for his eighth solo album, ‘Nú FNK’ that is due out later this year. Not only will it return him to his funk roots but will also mix in some instrumental grooves and pop-fusion vocals.

Stefanacci met Hawley while the sax-man was touring with smooth jazz trumpeter Cindy Bradley. He has been part of her backing band for several years. Indeed as a sideman his wide-ranging resume also lists work with hip-hop superstars Ja Rule and DMC, blues rocker Derek Trucks, and drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie.

His debut album, ’26 Years’ arrived in 2010 while his latest, self-titled, collection highlights Stefanacci’s imaginative arrangements of songs originally recorded by some of his biggest musical influences, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Nina Simone and Bill Withers to name only a few.

As well as co-writing ‘Dance Until Dawn’ multi-instrumentalist Adam Hawley provides guitar, keyboards and strings. Carnell Harrell adds synths while the whole thing anchored by drummer Eric Valentine and bass player Mel Brown.

As Nick himself says, “As a young saxophonist, I was enamored with David Sanborn so releasing a contemporary jazz single has been a long time coming. I wanted to give my fans something different than what they are accustomed to hearing from me. My albums are kind of a Steely Dan meets Maceo Parker mash up, a more funk fusion groove with vocals, horns and jazz harmony.” 

 

 

Larry Carlton & Paul Brown - Stomp

Headed to radio right now, ‘Stomp’ from guitar greats Larry Carlton and Paul Brown is taken from their highly rated 2021 album ‘Soul Searchin’. Edgy, streetwise and insatiably bluesy this supercharged tour de force comes complete with a fiery horn section courtesy of Ron King on trumpet and Greg Vail on sax.

Carlton, who was a member of both The Crusaders and Fourplay is also a successful composer for television and film. His writing credits include the theme music for ‘Hill Street Blues’ (with Mike Post), ‘Who’s The Boss’ and the film ‘Against All Odds’. He first partnered with Paul Brown in 2000 when Brown produced several tracks for his ‘Fingerprints’ CD and although it has taken a while the idea of making an album together has been in the works for some time.

Collectively, Carlton and Brown have collaborated with everyone from Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan and Quincy Jones to George Benson, Patti Austin and Norman Brown, to name but a few.   It is a track record that cannot be denied and which with ‘Soul Searchin’ has rocketed to another level.

 

 

Brian Culbertson - Step Into Love

First there was red.  Then came blue.  Finally it was white and Brian Culbertson’s three-phase odyssey that tells of the ups and downs of a long-time relationship was complete.  Comprising ten choice tunes that have Culbertson front back and centre ‘The Trilogy, Part 3: White’ is out now with the first single being the sultry ‘Step Into Love’.  With a killer beat and moody trumpet from the always excellent Patches Stewart it is no surprise that this cool cut has already been added into Culbertson’s live repertoire.

Check back here soon for a complete review of ‘The Trilogy, Part 3: White’.

 

Christophe Goze - Slow

‘Slow’ from composer, producer and guitarist Christophe Goze is a selection of fourteen of his best slow vocal tracks and soulful melodies. Featuring the voices of Odis Palmer & Cathy Battistessa it is a collection that follows hot on the heels of Christophe’s  ‘Soul To Soul’ which I previously described as a fine example of everything Goze does best, blending contemporary jazz with ambient and world vibes.

 ‘Slow’ is music with which to calm the soul in a world that often seems to be going too fast.  As such is to be complimented.

 

 

Ryan La Valette - Closer To You

Taken from his Trippin’ N Rhythm debut recording ‘New Beginnings’, ‘Closer To You’ by Ryan La Valette is a cool collaboration with Chris “Big Dog” Davis and very much in the category of quiet storm smooth jazz.

For ‘New Beginnings’ New Zealand bred and based multi instrumentalist Ryan La Valette enlisted the help of three of the genre’s top producers and keyboard players, Nicholas Cole, Greg Manning and Chris “Big Dog” Davis.  The aim was to showcase his prowess both as a songwriter and performer on guitar, bass and saxophone.  If ‘Closer To You’ is anything to go by he has done this and then some.

 

 

Gary Honor - Deep Blue

Back in February of 2020, during what might be described as the quiet before the COVID storm, Australian sax-man Gary Honor hit the scene with the Latin flavoured ‘The Pulse’.  Produced by Skinny Hightower, it featured Cheili Minucci on guitar and was intended as the first single from what was to become ‘Momentum’.

Then came the pandemic and everything stopped.

That said, just over twelve months later, Gary was back with his follow up single ‘Bang Bang Bang’.  This hard driving number, which was written and produced by serial hit-maker Michael Broening, gave Honor the inertia he was looking for and this momentum carried him into the summer of 2021 and the appropriately titled ‘Summer Cool’.

Now he is all set to do it again with the fourth single from the album, the high octane ‘Deep Blue’.

 

 

Brian Simpson - What I'm Waiting For

When, in June 2021, pianist, composer and producer Brian Simpson released the excellent  ‘All That Matters’, I immediately identified it as one of the best albums of the smooth jazz year with the Smooth Jazz Therapy top track being the beat driven ‘What I’m Waiting For’ that came complete with outstanding sax from Steve Alanis.

Well it seems like a lot of people agreed as ‘What I’m Waiting For’ has just been serviced to radio.

Check it out

 

 

Mark Jaimes - ABC

Released in May of 2021 on Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm, ‘Hear At Last’ from UK based guitarist Mark Jaimes was a project that had been long in the making.  Now it is being given a new lease of life with the servicing to radio of the easy grooving single ‘ABC’ that finds Jaimes at his foot tapping best.

In fact it was Rick Braun who originally suggested that Jaimes should record a solo album and not only did he take Braun’s advice but also invited him to appear on one of the collection’s outstanding tunes, the horn-drenched track ‘Heads Up’.

Other notable performances come from bass player Dwayne Smitty Smith, the UK based keyboard player Oli Silk and smooth jazz superstar Peter White who with  ‘We’ll See’ combines with Jaimes to sensational effect.

The complete review of ‘Hear At Last’ can be found in the Smooth Jazz Therapy archives dated July 24, 2021 and be sure to check out ‘ABC’ right here right now.

 

 

Nick Colionne - What You Do To Me

When, on News Day 2022, the death was announced of contemporary jazz guitarist Nick Colionne the smooth jazz community was shaken to its core.  Throughout his illustrious career Colionne was never anything short of being the consummate live performer and along the way gained a well-deserved reputation as being the best-dressed man in smooth jazz.  His musical legacy was colossal yet wonderfully it is about to become even greater.

At the time of his sad demise Nick had just completed the recording of what turned out to be his final album and the first single from it, ‘What You Do To Me’, is available now.  It’s a slice of sumptuous easy grooving smooth jazz and comes highly recommended.

 

 

Cindy Bradley - Love Yourself

In anticipation of her forthcoming new album, Trippin & Rhythm recording artist Cindy Bradley is back with the radio single ‘Love Yourself’. It is a cool reworking of the title cut from the 2015 project by Justin Bieber and, If Cindy’s 2019 recording ‘The Little Things’ is anything to go by, it should be the forerunner of something rather special

Check it out