Smooth Jazz Therapy

Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver - Unified

Due out January 17, ‘Unified’ is the brand new album from Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver who have combined to create what was originally envisaged as being built around an electronic music concept but which over time has evolved into contemporary jazz project that nevertheless retains elements of electronica. A case in point is the spicily funky title track that Simpson and Oliver use to set the perfect mood for a whirl around the dance floor.  A tight amalgam of sophistication and soul it also happens to be the first track serviced to radio and is nailed on to do well.

The project also includes contributions from ‘go to’ bass player Alex Al, drummer Eric Valentine and percussionist extraordinaire Ramon Yslas so check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Unified’.

 

 

 

 

Freddie Fox - Top It Off

The latest recording from smooth jazz guitarist Freddie Fox is titled ‘Limitless’ and is album number 12 in a quality discography carefully compiled over a long and successful career. 

Through his association with producer and keyboard player Michael Broening Fox has played a major part in projects from Marion Meadows and Cindy Bradley while as a much sought after sideman he played on George Benson’s Grammy winning song ‘Morning’ and toured extensively with the likes of Atlantic Starr, Jennifer Holliday, Vesta Williams, Eric Benet, Rose Royce, Sheila E and Evelyn Champagne King. 

‘Limitless’ is initially being promoted through the wonderful radio single ‘Top It Off’ so check out this rhythmic, melodic, groove based track right here right now.

 

 

Brian Culbertson - Morning Walk

Thing is with smooth jazz key board player Brian Culbertson, much like the proverbial box of chocolates, you are never sure of what you are going to get. Whether it be in your face funk, melodic contemporary jazz or mellow piano driven grooves, the chameleon-esque Culbertson is never slow in ringing the changes and his latest project, 'Winter Stories' is another case in point.

The first single from the album is the tranquil 'Morning Walk' that gives the listener a perfect insight into what this latest project is all about.

 

Check it out, right here, right now.

 

 

Ron King - Mellow Out

Grammy nominated trumpet player and composer Ron King, as well as being a highly acclaimed soloist, is one of the most sought after studio players in LA.   He has attained gold records for his work with artists such as George Benson and Marvin Gaye, been watched by millions during his regular slots on the Tonight Show and has performed with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

His new single is ‘Mellow Out’.  Take a listen, right here, right now.

 

 

Special EFX - Never Ending Love

Despite his award winning contributions to the world of television and film, guitarist, composer and arranger Chieli Minucci has (with the exception of a brief period in the late nineties) been synonymous with the evolution of jazz-fusion band Special EFX. In fact it was back in 1982 when the multi talented Minucci co-founded Special EFX with percussionist George Jinda. They released the bands eponymous debut CD in 1984 yet despite artistic differences, and Jinda’s untimely death in 2001, the impact of this Grammy nominated collective on the evolution of smooth jazz remains nothing short of immense.  This phenomenal musical journey shows no signs of winding down and as Special EFX moves into its 35th year of recording and touring they have recently released ‘Deep As The Night’, the band’s 21st studio recording and first on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm record label.

The fifth radio single from this choice album is the Drake inspired ‘Never Ending Love’, which gives Chieli Minucci the perfect canvas on which to paint a musical masterpiece.

Nice track

 

Mattias Roos - Rising To The Top

‘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.The opening number is the vibrant ‘Rising To the Top’ that also happens to be the first single to be serviced to radio.

Check it out.

 

 

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.

 

Paul Hardcastle - Happy Go Lucky

The latest Paul Hardcastle single to be lifted from his 2018 project ‘Hardcastle VIII’ is the mesmerising 'Happy Go Lucky' with featured sax from Rock Hendricks. Much like the entire album it is the sort of track that finds him doing what he does best while throwing in a few surprises along the way.  

Nice one.

 

Earl Klugh - SleepyHead

When, in 2008, contemporary jazz guitarist Earl Klugh released the album ‘The Spice Of Life’ it was immediately evident that he had lost none of his legendary mellow flair.  He even found time within it for a Brazilian makeover of a Thelonious Monk classic but the track that stood out for me was the wonderful ‘SleepyHead’ that is trademark Klugh and then some.

Smooth jazz the way it was meant to be.

 

 

Blake Aaron - Groovers & Shakers

One track that has really come from no-where to sit atop the Billboard singles chart is ‘Groovers and Shakers’ from smooth jazz guitarist Blake Aaron.  It is the latest track to be drawn from Aaron’s soon to be released CD ‘Color and Passion’ and in this respect joins ‘Riviera Nights’, ‘VIVID’, ‘Godfather Brown’ and ‘Summer Ride’ as singles that have all enjoyed extended stays on the Billboard chart.

‘Groovers and Shakers’ features sax-man Darren Rahn and is tight as tight can be.

Check it out, right here, right now.

 

 

Richard Riley - L.I.T.

I am indebted to my good friend Max Hill for the heads up on rising sax star Richard Riley and his current single ‘L.I.T.’ Hailing from Cleveland Ohio Riley turned some heads in 2017 with the five track EP ‘Evolving’ that included the radio friendly ‘Family Ties’ and the equally good ‘Between You And I’.

Now ‘L.I.T.’ looks set to propel him back into the smooth jazz spotlight ; check it out.

 

 

Jessy J - All I Want

Wow, where did those ten years go? It was back in 2008 that sax-tress extraordinaire Jessy J made her explosive debut with the hit album ‘Tequila Moon’ and to celebrate the occasion she has just released ‘Live at Yoshi's - 10 Year Anniversary Special’. Recorded at the legendary Oakland venue it is a collection of some of her best-loved tracks blended with fresh new music and in this latter category comes the wonderful ‘All I Want’.

Check it out.

 

 

Valeriy Stepanov - Live 2017

Less ‘From Russia With Love’ and more ‘From Russia With Groove’, it was back in April 2017 that multi instrumentalist Valeriy Stepanov took the world of smooth jazz by storm with his Skytown Records debut release, ‘New Beginnings’. 

Twelve months on this YouTube sensation who, to date, can boast over three million Internet views is back center stage with his latest release, ‘Valeriy Stepanov Live 2017’. Recorded in Moscow at the Kozlov Club, with 6 cameras, and state of the art multi-track sound recording it is a brilliant showcase for what Stepanov is all about.

Check out a preview of it, right here, right now and for more go to www.skytownrecords.com.

 

 

Selina Albright - Green Tinted Sixties Mind

Back in March of 2017 the sensational Selina Albright released her first full-length album. Titled ‘Conversations’ not only did it confirm her as one of the brightest new stars in that musical sweet spot between contemporary jazz and R & B, it also included the single ‘Eat Something’ that featured guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno.

Now they have reunited for a cool cover of ‘Green-Tinted Sixties Mind’ that was a hit in 1991 for rock band Mr Big.

Check it out.

 

 

Igor Gerzina - The Whisper Of Your Heart

With a sequence of albums and stand-alone singles that each in their own way entirely captures the essence of contemporary jazz, Croatian sax-man Igor Gerzina never fails to deliver. His latest effort, the easy grooving ‘The Whisper Of Your Heart’, is another gem and one more reason why he is such a firm Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite.

 

 

Amsterdam Connection - Creepin

Produced by the double Grammy winning smooth jazz guitarist Paul Brown, 'Isn't She Lovely' by Tim  Welvaars and Naomi  Adriaansz (aka Amsterdam Connection) is the duo's tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder.

 

With Adriaansz on sax and Welvaars on jazz harmonica and piano they together create a sound that is different enough to get them noticed while Brown's featured performance on the track 'Creepin' is right on the money.

 

Interesting project.

 

Jef Kearns - Soulscape

Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite Jef Kearns has just launched his latest single, the decidedly moody ‘Soulscape’. Recorded and composed live in the studio, it is a jazz-meets-hip-hop exploration for which Jef takes a walk on the dark and sensual side.

Check it out and enjoy Kearns’ undoubted artistry that here is supported by Anthony Lewis on bass and Daniel Cowen on keys. The track was mixed by Douglas Romanow, mastered by Chris Gehringer and has been streaming from all major platforms since November 17.

 

 

Will Downing - I'm Feeling The Love

Now for one of the smoothest soul tracks you will hear this year.  It's the sensational 'Im Feeling The Love' from the always excellent Will Downing and featuring Avery Sunshine (who also makes a cameo appearance on the new one from Boney James).

The song is taken from Downing's brand new project, 'Soul Survivor' , a title that sums up Downing to perfection.

Magical!