Listening Loft Store

As a master computer scientist, Jim Allchin helped create and grow the server business which is one of Microsoft’s largest enterprises. When not impacting the world with his networking, languages and operating systems innovations, he was writing incredible music. He charted #1 often on the Roots and Blues charts - and now, on his latest album COSTA AZUL, co-produced with Grammy nominee Yaron Fuchs, he’s created another winner. It’s fresh, sensual with an intoxicating blend of Latin-tinged Smooth Jazz influenced by the classic rhythms of the son montuno, mambo, guajira, bolero and flamenco. Also passionate about his work with education in African countries, Allchin conceived the album during personal reflection time during COVID, when he began listening anew to songs he penned while on his travels. 

Hot off her hit sensual funk rendition of “For What It’s Worth,” the Vietnam era classic she slyly re-appropriated for contemporary times, New York based singer, songwriter and vocal interpreter extraordinaire Rebecca Angel makes her long-awaited full length album debut with the vibrant, multi-faceted LOVE LIFE CHOICES. Vibing with longtime collaborator, veteran keyboardist/producer Jason Miles, and some top-flight session cats, the sultry, easy flowing vocalist makes every track an intimate invitation to join her as she celebrates her recent marriage and artfully chronicles the pandemic and other important societal issues. The set includes dynamic jazz, R&B and/or Brazilian tinged originals, exotic, atmosphere and groove-centered re-imaginings (of gems by Bill Withers, Bob Marley, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Sade) and a few memorable, previously released singles. 

Since her recording debut on the Grammy-nominated SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY album with music icon Lionel Hampton, multi-talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Sylvia Bennett has become something of a legend herself, with a dozen solo albums to date, and a successful emergence into Smooth Jazz that includes collaborations with Arturo Sandoval, Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East. With production by longtime collaborator and producer Hal S. Batt, the vibrant singer’s latest album REFLECTIONS finds her looking firmly ahead, pairing her lush, lilting and sultry vocals with seductive light grooves and sweet caressing musical atmospheres. Complementing her emotionally impactful originals with a tasty “world mix” of a Songbook standard ("Witchcraft"), she thoughtfully explores the many facets of relationships, from hopeful beginnings and making dreams reality to the fine art of working things through. 

The title of Congolese born, Stockholm, Sweden based singer/songwriter Marius Billgobenson’s album THE SPIRIT LOVE embodies his life’s work and mission as a concerned and compassionate musical citizen of the world with a commitment to bridging cultural divides. Over the course of 11 heartfelt and provocative, urban jazz meets world music tracks, the multi-talented artist – also an award-winning anthropologist with a deep passion for ethnomusicology - creates a deeply visceral and empowering autobiographical fusion of pop, soul, blues and jazz, infused with the spirited rhythms and vocal sounds indigenous to the Congo. Helping him immerse into the Smooth Jazz world are Paul Brown, who wrote and produced two tracks, and Chris “Big Dog” Davis, who helmed six others. 

Closing in on a decade and a half of solo artistry, multi-talented pianist, keyboardist and composer Patrick Bradley gives us all permission to EXHALE after a challenging year, on this infectious, fancifully played and deeply funkified new album. Forging an exciting, spiritually driven musical partnership with saxophonist and producer Darren Rahn, Bradley takes his high energy blend of lively urban jazz, hipster blues, cool and rock influenced jazz fusion to transcendent levels, keeping the positive, hopeful energy flowing with fiery guest performances from Rahn, Jeff Lorber, who produced two tracks, guitarist Allen Hinds and trumpeter Rick Braun. Thematically, Bradley uses these stylistically diverse tracks express everything from gratitude and the blessings of his faith, to affection for family.   

Ten tracks of life affirming joy, multi-platinum selling and chart-topping guitarist Norman Brown celebrates his 13th solo recording (4th for the Shanachie Entertainment label), LET’S GET AWAY.  Living in alignment with his calling to channel inspiration and motivation through his music, the Tai Chi and meditation practitioner along with his “Spirit Catcher” (the strings on his guitar) truly shines like a light at the end of the tunnel on this new collection. The message in the melodies conjures the serenity, joy and beauty that the artist wishes for all of us. The good vibes include buttery smooth elements of jazz, R&B, blues and contemporary urban pop with an all-star support team that includes fellow guitarist and label-mate Paul Brown, keyboardist/composer Lew Laing, saxophonist Greg Vail, trumpeter Ron King and percussionist Lenny Castro. The perfect musical getaway!

With a background of performing on and off Broadway at an early age, producer, pianist and drummer Jeff Golkin brings a unique sense of drama and emotional storytelling to the Smooth Jazz genre on WE HAVE LOVE…FOR ALL TIME, the expansive debut album by Golkin and his large ensemble Forever Love. Weaving a dynamic mix of vocals (by Joanne Williams and Kevin Batchelor) and instrumentals, including his four beautiful originals layered between sparkling twists on standards from the likes of The Blackbyrds, Carpenters, Henry Mancini, Peggy Lee, Jerome Kern and others, the visionary creates an inspiring, love-drenched narrative with exciting stops in Latin, soul/funk, and traditional jazz territories on the romantic road to forever. The 13-track, adventure filled collection marks an auspicious launch for this multi-faceted group.  

Their 3rd full length album WATCH YOUR STEP has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the dynamic California jazz ensemble GTF continue to release new singles from the forthcoming album. “Spanish Steps," is the 4th single from the highly anticipated new release, featuring the exceptional saxophone of John Rekevics. With his raspy, Gato Barbieri-like performance, this exotic new tune promises to set your spirt to wanderlust. The six-piece ensemble is led by its namesakes, George and Tracy Franklin. George is a noteworthy vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays bass, keyboards and guitar, while his songwriting partner and associate producer Tracy also contributes backing vocals. The group includes two San Diego musical icons, producer Richard “Blitz” Livoni and the aforementioned John Rekevics as well as acclaimed New Orleans-based keyboardist John Cain, Detroit's own star drummer Ron Otis, plus Juan Escovedo of the famed Escovedo Family turns the beat on percussion. Watch this space for the full album drop of WATCH YOUR STEP, coming soon! 

If you’re somehow not familiar with Wayne Gutshall, the guy Sandy Shore calls a “modern master of saxophone” who’s scored five #1 singles on SmoothJazz.com Global’s Listener Chart, you get another inspiring chance with his latest track “Going Up” – a passionate, meditative ballad duet with bassist Brendan Rothwell penned during the pandemic for the sole purpose of soothing our anxieties and lifting our spirits. Gutshall, a favorite on Miami’s vibrant Latin jazz scene, who’s played with Steve Oliver, Paul Brown, Arturo Sandoval and many others, offers up Rothwell’s seductive bassline to build anticipation as he rolls out the song's sultry sax melody. The two fashion a hypnotic dual-energy that balances intuitive musical conversations with vibrant soloing. And all at once you’ll find your blood pressure is going down while your hopes start “Going Up.”

Injecting a fiery hurricane of genre-transcendent energy into Smooth Jazz, the wildly talented and wise beyond their years, trio J3 is a force to be reckoned with on all levels, from the array of instruments they’ve mastered, to composing, arranging and producing all the music on their explosive and constantly engaging debut OPUS 1. Individually, South African born, Southern California based siblings Justin Lee Schultz (15) and Jamie-Leigh Schultz (18), as well as the gospel-steeped Jaden Baker (all multi-instrumentalists) have been praised by fellow boundary busting greats Quincy Jones, Robert Glasper and Harry Connick, Jr! Bookended by spirited homages to Michael Jackson and featuring sizzling arrangements of Jeff Lorber and Chick Corea gems, J3 dazzles with a freewheeling flow of improvisational jazz, jazz fusion, fiery rock, Pat Methenyesque exotica, funk, blues, and even a little hipster hip-hop for good measure. 

A socially conscious force in global jazz fusion for over 10 years, Bangladesh born, NYC based composer/guitarist Reza Khan taps into the exotic-meet-melodic aesthetic of one of his major influences, Pat Metheny in his adventurous approach to blending pop, jazz, soul and world music influences. On his multi-faceted and wildly groove intensive album IMAGINARY ROAD, Khan uses a wide array of musical textures to express his emotions about the pandemic and our political culture. Vibing with top genre musicians like Philippe Saisse and Miles Gilderdale (Acoustic Alchemy) as well as fusion great Mark Egan (bass) and trad jazz pianist Matt King, he leads us along an ultimately hopeful path filled with sunshine, sizzling soul, seductive light funk and exquisite free flowing balladry.  

As the dynamic, multi-faceted career of Christian soul singer and veteran musical minister Shelia Moore-Piper demonstrates, sometimes we can express our love of God with funky stomps and vocal swells – and other times, in more subtle but similarly impactful ways, as on her new single “Love Is A Beautiful Thing.” Featuring intimate, soulful vocalese throughout, the song’s subtle production of acoustic guitar, finger snap percussion and elevated musical atmospheres allows us to fully experience the cozier charms of her formidable voice. While the lyrics will resonate most powerfully with people of faith, the song’s overriding universal message of the power of love to heal and make the heart sing will surely resonate with everyone who loves music, especially R&B and contemporary jazz vocals.

The title of Grammy nominated composer, guitarist, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Dennis Murphy’s 1999 debut HIT ME HARD, perfectly captures the intensity he’s brought over the years to his multitude of endeavors as an early genre radio personality (whose show “Bass Trax” was produced by Smoothjazz.com founder, Sandy Shore), clinician and founder of a popular Monterey, California music school, and studio and touring sideman for Acoustic Alchemy, Maria Muldaur, Billy Preston among others. On this latest foray, the eclectic, ultra-melodic and tightly grooving OUR HIGHER SELVES, Murphy darts artfully between colorful guitar playing and bass-driven Smooth Jazz, fusion, playful samba and spiritual soul while freewheeling with an all-star cast including elite saxophonists Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, Gary Meek and Tower Of Power’s Tom Politzer, as well as late guitar great Jeff Golub and legendary drummer Will Kennedy!

True to the sophisticated and elegant style implied by the title SAVOIR FAIRE, veteran multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated, Soul Train and NAACP Image Award winning saxophonist/flutist Najee caps his decade on Shanachie Records with a vibrant, eclectic Pan American set featuring top musicians from North and South American. The adventurous set features a blend of Brazilian and tropical tinged delights, fiery, playfully strutting funk (including one jam featuring guitar dynamo Adam Hawley), classic-styled Memphis soul/blues and a sultry re-imagining of a Norman Connors/Michael Henderson 70’s R&B hit featuring vocals by Alyson Williams. Continuing to deliver the multi-faceted R&B/jazz well into his fourth decade, Najee calls on big guns like Barry Eastmond, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Paul Brown, Frank McComb, and David Dyson to help bring his rich cosmopolitan vision to life. 

Though his latest single “Indigo Rain” is not officially part of his decade plus slate of releases under The Color of Soundscape name, composer, pianist and multiple label owner Rei Narita – the foremost pioneer of Smooth Jazz in Asia – creates a sensually soulful, gently relaxing vibe that fits right into the graceful side of his established aesthetic. A complete 180 degree turn from his rambunctious previous single “Run Through the Urban City,” this beautiful, expansive piece begins as an elegant, sparkling piano solo. It then eases into a seductive, slow-simmering groove (driven by Omar Hakim’s tasteful drumming) and a charming lead melodic back and forth conversation between Narita and the instantly identifiable guest guitar artistry of Peter White. 

Decades after penning his most enduring Grammy winning hit with Survivor, Jim Peterik’s still got the musical “Eye of the Tiger,” being part of the contemporary rock group PRIDE OF LIONS and continuing to check into the Smooth Jazz realm from time to time with power packed instrumental romps like his latest single “Mission: Possible.” True to its title, the track rolls like a funky, jazzy and dancy take on the “Mission: Impossible” theme, with Peterik handling the guitars and keyboards in duet with the percussive, highly improvisational flute of 15-time Detroit Music Awards winner Alexander Zonjic. This dynamic track is an explosive expression by two masters at the top of their craft... Breezy with a punchy hook that will conjure up images of Tom Cruise jumping out of planes and scaling mega buildings. You can do it!

With one listen, you’ll step deeply into the alluring saxophone world of Shawn Raiford… he is the MAN WITH A HORN, playing it smoothly, brightly and with great conviction! This slickly produced and intensely melodic debut album fires up rich bass lines and hip-hop grooves, creating a proprietary blend of Smooth Jazz, pop, funk, soul and gospel for the Sacramento alto saxman. Raiford’s roots took form in a house of worship, where he played sax for the first time at his late grandmother’s 75-year church anniversary. While showcasing his highly spirited style and emotional range, this collection reflects many styles of musical inspirations, from the exhilarating Raiford-penned originals that the world will surely take notice of, to a select and fun handful of covers from Bruno Mars, DeBarge and Rihanna. MAN WITH A HORN from a man who has arrived. 

Over her prolific past decade, one of Kim Scott’s greatest contributions to Smooth Jazz is, along with compatriots Althea Rene and Ragan Whiteside, helping bring the majestic, magical sounds of the flute back to the forefront. On the heels of the trio’s vibrant reimagining of “I’m Every Woman,” Scott follows her #1 Billboard album FREE TO BE with SHINE!, a beautifully diverse set showcasing her sensual, otherworldly melodic vibe throughout, with mood swings ranging from deliriously funky and whimsically tropical to meditative and romantic. True to the title, she simmers and blazes in the spotlight, sharing the SHINE! with a batch of genre all-stars including Greg Manning, Jonathan Butler, Adam Hawley, Blake Aaron, and Eric Essix to further illuminate many of these infectious tracks – including classics from Herbie Hancock and Kirk Franklin.     

While the staggering number of 6 billion downloads and streams may be hard to fathom, Michael Silverman – the most streamed pianist on the planet - has made each a joyful experience over the past 15 years with his diverse array of stylistic excursions. Sure to add quickly to his total, his latest destination is “Clearwater,” a buoyant, melodically infectious, easy grooving romp blending Silverman’s lively elegance with Eric Marienthal’s always spirited sax. Joining forces with legendary bassist John Pattitucci, Silverman’s brother Rob on drums and percussionist Casey Adams, they have a sunswept blast that celebrates their initial meeting playing the Clearwater Jazz Holiday festival. This perfect Smooth Jazz cure for the winter blues is the second lead single from Silverman’s remotely created upcoming album IN THESE TIMES.

Named by her parents after the legendary Nina, Neika Simone’s name has been a self-fulfilling prophecy throughout her life as a singer and music educator who teaches chorus, voice and piano. Her perfectly titled EP BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS is a true revelation showcasing her powerful vocal range, dynamic expanse of emotions, an intoxicating rhythmic diversity as well as a hypnotic gift for intimate and inviting songwriting. In only four tracks, she brings us into numerous relatable stages of a relationship, offering insight and hard-won wisdom on the topics of learning and moving on from a bad situation, the complexities of infidelity, opening up and allowing oneself to be vulnerable to better love and visualizing the perfect romantic scenario – which for Simone came true when she married her husband!   

Imagine the excitement you’d feel waking up on a “Chicago Morning” to a blast of joyfully optimistic, infectiously melodic funk and sunshine from Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion. From start to finish, this energizing track by hitmaking ensemble SGC is another dynamic collaboration with fellow Smooth Jazz charting artist Blake Aaron, who co-wrote and produced it, sprinkling his exciting guitarisma throughout. Beyond the playful interactive dance between Aaron and the dual punch of leader, Warren A. Keller’s sax and flutes, there’s the extra sizzle of Tateng Katindig’s sparkling piano riffs, as well as cool mystical atmospheres and the ever-propulsive groove by Darryl Williams and Tony Moore. “Chicago Morning” is from the forthcoming album ALL’S WELL.

Originally formed in San Diego by keyboardist Jayson Tipp in the early 90s, versatile contemporary jazz fusion vets Under the Lake continue their extraordinary Renaissance of the past few years with the ensemble’s aptly titled OLD FRIENDS, NEW GROOVES. The wildly adventurous, perfect for a high-spirited road trip collection’s rapidly shifting vibes – from R&B to funk to blues to rock to Smooth Jazz – and colorful song titles combine to tell the group’s fascinating experience of living through and making a socially and geographically distanced recording during the pandemic. The old pals – including bassist Nathan Brown, drummer Richard Sellers, guitarist Patrick Yandall and saxophonist/flutist Quintin Gerard W – infuse the set with high octane solo action throughout. This one celebrates three decades of contemporary jazz at its finest!

Throughout his multi-faceted career, saxophonist D.S. Wilson has played and recorded rock, pop and blues, sometimes with Grammy-nominated artists and producers. On a dynamic roll since turning his creative juices towards funky Smooth Jazz in 2018, the vibrant recording artist has released two acclaimed albums and singles that have earned the praise of prominent radio programmers and Spotify playlist curators alike. On his latest, “Life With You,” the second single from his upcoming SKYLINE project, you’ll hear why… Showcasing funky grooves and soulful sax melody, along with deep, joyful emotion and crisp horn licks. Interestingly, the track originated from a song idea Wilson recorded on a hand-held Roland MIDI sequencer he recently rediscovered and developed into this compelling performance track with world-class supporting musicians. Keep an eye on this fast-rising sax star, we anticipate lots more to come!