Smooth Jazz Therapy

Kirk Fischer - Dis Sup

Due out February 20, the CD ‘Friends’ by Kirk Fischer is notable for many reasons, not least of which being it is produced by none other than Greg Adams and features East Bay Soul’s rhythm and horn section along with full orchestra.

Look out for a complete review of ‘Friends’ soon but for now here is a fascinating insight into the making of the track ‘Dis 'Sup’ that will be released to radio today, January 16.

 

 

 

 

ThreeStyle - Spoiler Alert!

My review of ‘Road To Monterey’ from the band Threestyle is only days away but for now enjoy this, the title track, which shows off what this cool collective of German guitarist Robert Fertl and Czech saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova is all about. 

Driving with the top down music or what!

 

 

Florito - Ko Samui Nights

Florito, aka DJ Florian Luettich, is well known for his work that spans lounge, deep house, and chill out music. His work can be found on the Karmaloft label and on this particular track, ‘Ko Samui Nights’ from the album ‘Chase the Sun’ he is joined by fellow Karmaloft artist Bes & Meret.

Very nice!

 

 

Paul Hardcastle - It's Not Impossible

Taken from Paul Hardcastle’s most recent project ‘The History of Paul Hardcastle 1984 – 2016’, ‘Its Not Impossible’ is a brand new tune that features Hardcastle’s daughter Maxine on vocals.

Nice track!

 

 

Gerald Albright - Boom Boom

On the streets since September 13 the new album from the incomparable Gerald Albright is titled ‘G’. It is his very first independent release and with gems such as ‘Frankie B’, which is Albright’s tribute to Frankie Beverly, a cool remake of the classic ‘Lovely Day’, with the one and only Michael McDonald on vocals, and this track, the wonderful ‘Boom Boom’, looks like being a winner.

 

 

Paul Taylor - What You Love

That wonderful saxophonist Paul Taylor is back with the outstanding CD ‘Countdown’ from which the excellent ‘What You Love’ is taken.

It finds Taylor at his innovative best so check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Countdown’.

 

 

Paul Hardcastle - Echoes Rising

‘The History Of Paul Hardcastle’, out soon on Trippin N Rhythm is yet another celebration of the groove that has garnered an entire sub-genre of contemporary jazz.  Hardcastle has the ability to take a single vibe then wring every once from it.  ‘19’ is a case in point and another is ‘Bird Island’, traces of which can be found on the enormously compelling ‘Echoes Rising’ that launches the album in the USA as the first radio single.

Quite simply this is wonderful music from a truly timeless artist and comes highly recommended.

 

 

Skinny Hightower - Cityscape

Pianist and producer Skinny Hightower has burst onto the contemporary jazz scene with his debut album ‘Cloud Nine’. He is supported in the venture by acoustic guitarist Antonio Rivera and Perry Mase who contributes on vocals and piccolo bass. If this track, ‘Cityscape’, is anything to go by Hightower seems destined for smooth jazz stardom.

 

 

 

Schwartz & Funk - 5-00AM

Since 2001, and recording under the name Schwarz & Funk, producers Bob Schwarz and Jesse Funk have been painstakingly building a reputation for sumptuous chill grooves. Their latest project, the 2016 ‘Sapphire Lounge’, innovatively blends lounge tunes with deep house vibes and is exemplified by this cool cut.

 

Vandell Andrew - All For Love

Raised in New Orleans and now based in Texas, sax-man Vandell Andrew first burst onto the smooth jazz scene in 2011 with his debut CD ‘Years Later’. This collection of all original music paved the way to the superb five-track EP, ‘Turn It Up’ and now he is back with his latest project ‘All For Love’.

Check out this sultry smoker right here right now.

 

Carl Stanley - Secrets (Featuring Oli Silk)

Those of you who get to see Peter White on his twice annual UK tours will need no introduction to sublime sax-man Carl Stanley and the equally impressive Oli Silk whose current CD, ‘Where I Left Off’, is marking him out as one of the genres top keyboard players.

This cut, taken from Stanley’s 2012 project ‘A Beautiful Thing’, tells you all you need to know about these two wonderful musicians.

 

Oli Silk - Rest Assured

The brand new CD from the wonderful Oli Silk is titled ‘Where I Left Off’ and includes featured performances from Steve Cole, Rick Braun, Althea Rene, Nick Colionne and Peter White. It is Rene on flute that adds her mellow magic to the splendid ‘Rest Assured’ that finds Mr. Silk in seductive mood and then some.

Top Notch.

 

George Benson - Breezin

In terms of the evolution of what is known as smooth jazz, there can be no more influential album than ‘Breezin’ by George Benson. This seminal collection was released in 1976 and remains a beacon both for the talent of this consummate artist and the impact it had on those who followed. ‘Breezin’ is crammed full of timeless tunes yet equally, reflects an era when artists and producers were under less pressure to conform. Consequently, although virtually unheard of today, the fact ‘Breezin’ only comprised six tracks, and that three of those tracks had running times of over seven minutes was, back then, simply a statement of quality over format. I originally purchased ‘Breezin’ on cassette tape shortly after its release but recently was fortunate enough to rediscover this superb piece of work, on CD, hidden away in the ‘used’ section of a neighbourhood record store. Needless to say the memories came flooding back.

A real personal favorite is the Bobby Womack composed title cut. Here Benson’s wonderful work on guitar is complemented to perfection by Claus Ogerman’s suave orchestral backdrop and the fact this shimmering rendition still receives frequent radio play says everything that needs to be said about what is truly a genre framing masterpiece.

 

Konstantin Klashtorni - Groove Jazz N Chill - Sentmental Things

Originally from the Ukraine and now domiciled in Holland, saxophonist Konstantin Klashtorni first came to prominence in 2004 with his debut CD ‘Downtown’. Although three more smooth jazz albums followed, it was in 2010 when his project ‘Kool & Klean Volume l’ was released and from there he has steadily built on this series of accessible, commercially attractive collections that sit somewhere between smooth jazz, electronica and chill.

However, what is less known is that Klashtorni is also the driving force behind the Groove Jazz N Chill collection which, to date, is available in five volumes.

Volume 5 finds Klashtorni (under the guise of Chillaxing Jazz Kollection) performing the decidedly mellow ‘Sentimental Things’.

Thanks as always to the wonderful Natalie for this extremely nice track.

 

Euge Groove - Love Won't Let Me Wait

Taken from his 2011 blockbuster, ‘S7ven Large’, ‘Love Won’t Let Me Wait’ by Euge Groove is a silky reworking of the song for which Major Harris is best known. It appeared on Harris’s 1976 album ‘My Way’ and became a metaphor for what later emerged as ‘quiet storm’. Here Euge Groove handles the song with great respect for the original and the track is further enhanced by a beautiful acoustic piano intro by Tracy Carter and cool guitar lines from Paul Brown who also produces.

 

 

 

Rock Hendricks - Can't Let Go

Since 2009 Rock Hendricks has perhaps been best known as Paul Hardcastle’s ‘go-to’ sax man with whom he has recorded over thirty songs. Rock is due to feature on another of Hardcastle’s projects later this year but is taking a little ‘me time’ with his first solo CD release ‘Can’t Let Go’ which will hit the streets on July 22.

Check out the title cut and lead single right here right now.

 

Althea Rene - My Summer Love

Readers of these pages will already know that I am more than partial to a little contemporary jazz flute so it will come as no surprise to hear I am hanging on every note of ‘My Summer Love’ from the wonderful Althea Rene. Produced by Nicholas Cole and featuring fellow Detroit native Tim Bowman this decidedly sexy cut is a real winner.

Before becoming a full time musician Althea Rene spent more than 10 years as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff in Detroit, MI. and perhaps, with the exception of Cagney & Lacey, she is certainly my favorite ex-cop of all time.

 

Gregory Porter With Lalah Hathaway - Insanity

Now for a track that is pure magic. The vocals are impeccable, the music is sweet and the lyrics poignant, beautiful and well executed. Titled ‘Insanity’ it is from the latest album, ‘Take Me To The Alley’, from genre defying jazz superstar Gregory Porter who, in the sublime company of Lalah Hathaway, delivers one of the finest musical collaborations of all time. Reminiscent of many of the great old school duos such as, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Donny & Roberta, Ashford & Simpson or Lionel Richie & Diana Ross this one is musical gold.

Thanks to my good friend Deadra Riley for sharing.