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Boldly continuing to venture where no genre artist has dared before, classically trained, jazz/R&B influenced harpist Marie Antoinette has turned an instrument most of us associate with delicacy and angelic realms into a platform for snappy, full-fledged funky urban jazz. The cleverly titled ALL MY STRINGS – long awaited follow up to her debut STRAIGHT FROM THE HARP – rolls and jams like a rock, pop, soul and jazz symphony, starting with a sweeping overture that’s already been a Top 5 radio hit. Along with her stunningly intricate melodies, Mariea powers the album with grand orchestral flair, hard-edged grooves, old school cool harmonies and moments of romance and sweet new age-like serenity. 

Years after discovering her, jazz legend Lionel Hampton exclaimed of Sylvia Bennett, “Man, that lady can sing! Her magic gets to the ears and the hearts of the audience.” The extraordinary, multi-talented Grammy nominated vocalist does just that once again on her exceptional new album THIS LOVE IS REAL. To the delight of Smooth Jazz fans, Bennett has been part of the genre for much of the new millennium, recording hits with Paul Brown and Rick Braun. Recent smashes featuring Nathan East and Arturo Sandoval lay the buoyant foundation of the new collection produced by Hal S. Batt, which finds Bennett artfully swinging from playful and whimsical to passionate and sensual as she brings smooth grooves and Latin-tinged twists to her all-time favorite subject… love!

In 2019, pioneering acid-jazz architect Bluey Maunick celebrated the 40th anniversary of his groundbreaking UK based funk/jazz/soul collective Incognito in grand style with TOMORROW’S NEW DREAM. That ongoing dream now includes TINTED SKY, his first solo album in five years which showcases a more intimate side of his artistry while opening a door into his deeper passions and socially conscious heart. Collaborating on songwriting and with longtime Incognito associate Richard Bull, Bluey creates a landscape expressing the many facets of today’s social challenges via tunes that are spirited and thought-provoking. Raw, honest and embracing his truest self, Bluey shares insightful messages with grooves on this labor of love!

Those who listen intently to the sensual yet funky, soulfully provocative, and spiritually-uplifting journey Marshall Charloff leads us through on his new album UNPERFECT may find his humble title ironic – since, vocally and instrumentally, it’s truly Smooth Jazz perfection in every way.  Drawing on a fascinating background that includes fronting symphony orchestras and touring globally paying tribute to Prince, and work with Atlanta Rhythm Section and The Commodores, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist seamlessly showcases many of the elements that have defined his multifaceted career.  Balancing the romantic acoustic dreaminess and sweet, easy flowing neo-soul, he grooves deeply with affirmative emotional/spiritual messages and two versions of a jam that pays homage to Prince and the sound of Minneapolis that Charloff has been sharing for years.   

A spiritually grounded husband and wife duo that recognizes music as a universal healer, Maryland based Butch & Rhonda Coleman create a fascinating dual sound around the plucky thump of his bass and her versatility as a sultry pop/R&B singer and jazz keyboardist. The title of their third album MOMENT OF YOUR TIME doubles as an invitation to get to know them and their deft blend of old school soul-jazz, breezy and heartfelt balladry and buoyant urban-flavored Smooth Jazz. Adept at creating a variety of moods, the Colemans like to say that their music tells a story. Here, that’s paying homage to past influences like Bill Withers while making sure we’re hip to their eclectic, very contemporary sexy, funky flow.   

Given his stage name CTK by his mentor, legendary former Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist Al McKay, trumpeter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Clarence T. Kyle perpetuates that group’s style of old school groovin’ soul/funk and builds on the era’s classic horn-fired vibe on his latest album THE 2ND COMING. A musical gumbo for the soul, with Smooth Jazz, R&B, and hip hop, CTK pulls off the remarkable feat of creating instrumental music that tells his personal story. He invites listeners into his multi-faceted life with memorable tunes dedicated to his father-in-law, his recently departed mother, trips to Japan and fond memories of his early childhood in Rhode Island and attending the Newport Jazz Festival.  

Twenty-five years after making his initial mark on Smooth Jazz stations across the globe, guitarist Dave Baker brings back his fluid melodic magic and love for contemporary and traditional jazz, pop, classical and Latin on his perfectly titled album FOREVER NEW. Teaming with Rich Kurtz (bass, cello, vocals) and Walter Runge (keys), he draws on decades as a private party and corporate gig musician to create lush, inventively arranged yet breezily accessible twists on classics by the likes of Carole King, Al Stewart, Sting, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. His lone original, the lilting title track, is equally divine. 

Checking out FOCUS, the debut album as an artist for two-time Grammy nominated keyboardist, composer and producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, is like attending a soulful, funky, mood swinging musical party where the behind the scenes host finally takes center stage. The multi-talented gentle giant, who has helmed countless urban jazz hits over the past 15 years, applies all his detailed sonic wizardry to set chock full of sly, sensual pleasures, buoyant dance energy and sparkling, easy-grooving magic. Though he’s invited a batch of guest artists he’s worked with (and some he hasn’t) to the jam – Dave Koz, Kim Waters, Gerald Albright, Maysa, Bluey, Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, et al – Davis steps out with some dazzling piano and keyboard melodies and solo action throughout!  

TIME SENSITIVE, Al DeGregoris’ first album in four years, is the amped up, groove-intensive  culmination of his longtime collaborative relationship with fellow keyboardist Jeff Lorber. Though DeGregoris is the independent artist and Lorber the legendary producer, the two work as creative equals in perfect intertwining tandem. Drawing on the funky, improvisation rich dynamics of their innate chemistry and an array of retro keyboards (but always leaving room for acoustic piano), they share a set of irrepressible tracks with buoyant melodies, free flowing harmonies and explosive energy throughout. With special guests including critically acclaimed guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. on board along with David Mann fashioning mood enhancing horn arrangements, Lorber and DeGregoris create the musical equivalent of a thoughtful, illuminating conversation between two masters chatting deep into the night.  

Though her popular residency at Buddy Guy’s Legends club is currently on hold, there’s no stopping adventurous Chicago-based R&B/jazz singer Tracye Eileen from taking her budding career to the next level with her prophetically titled new EP, IT’S TIME. On first listen, the collection comes across as a set of intimate, easy grooving, soul-jazz. Dig deeper and you’ll discover an uplifting testament to a woman rising from heartbreak to pursue her own dreams. While seducing us with both intimacy and raw emotion, Tracye balances her R&B/jazz foundations with two renditions of her previously released, autobiographical song “Why Did I Say Yes?” – the original Brazilian light funk version and an expansive rollicking house mix that fuses dance, jazz and her dynamic passion for scat. 

It’s perfectly fitting that Euge Groove put the final touches on his brilliant and uplifting, several years in the making new album SING MY SONG during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Celebrating a remarkable 20 years as a Smooth Jazz hit maker, the always seductive, constantly grooving saxophonist perfectly meets our moment of struggle and anxiety with a collection that artfully balances his usual sweet splashes of horn-textured romancing and dancing with dynamic moments of gospel energy, hopeful inspiration, forward thinking and self-empowerment. In addition to a lively re-imagining of a Herb Alpert classic, Euge includes two versions of the gorgeous soaring title track featuring Maysa (one produced and the other stripped  down) and compelling tracks featuring the always-infectious magic of Peter White and Paul Brown.  

A decade after first dazzling the Smooth Jazz world with their combined talents on the hit debut ALWAYS… Bay Area married couple George and Tracy Franklin – collectively known as GTF,  a powerhouse ensemble, deliver an intoxicating mix of soul-sensual ballads and tight urban jazz with an edgy funk twist on their chart-dominating, sophomore release, CROSS PATHS. Iconic jazz great Bob James joins in on the fun and exuberance... While the deeper joys emerge from George’s lush bass lead and vocal stylings, Tracy’s background vocals and the explosive energy of band members, drummer Ron Otis (Earl Klugh, Kem, Aretha Franklin), percussionist Juan Escovedo (of the legendary Escovedo family) as well as GTFers John Rekevics, Richard “Blitz” Livoni and John Cain. 

Saxophonist Wayne Gutshall’s perfectly titled debut album SPICY! is a joyous reflection of the many years he’s spent immersed in Miami’s Latin pop and jazz scenes – which includes work with greats like Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval and an appearance on Ed Calle’s Latin Grammy winning album MAMBLUE. While he showcases these influences via an artful balance of high energy exotica and balmy sensuality, the Latin vibe is simply the launching point for a stylistically eclectic collection that includes jazz fusion, gritty blues, stylish tributes to Gato Barbieri and Miles Davis and engaging twists on pop classics by Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie. Playfully jumping genres from track to track, Wayne Gutshall delivers a fashionable collection with a lot of Miami spice!

As Founder and President of the highly influential jazz, world and soul recording label Motéma – dubbed as “the most important label to plant its flag in the 21st Century” by All About Jazz – Jana Herzen has helped launch everyone from Joey Alexander to Gregory Porter. Part of her secret to success behind the scenes is that Herzen is an acclaimed artist herself –  a stylistically eclectic singer/songwriter with an understated mastery on guitar. On her diverse, super romantic album, NOTHING BUT LOVE, she showcases her unique points of view on the many facets of love and romance via a series of alternately heartfelt and playfully frisky jazz, pop and folk influenced originals with distinctive global music sensibilities. Co-produced by renowned bassist and label mate, Charnett Moffett, Herzen weaves her colorful narratives through a landscape imbued with Cuban/Latin, African and reggae rhythms, intimate jazz and bluesy soul.   

In a few short years, saxophonist Jarez has gone from being known as “Mr. Sexy Saxy’ to the mayor of J FUNK CITY! While known to millions as touring saxophonist and right-hand man for Coolio – and his appearances on the rap star’ web series “Cookin’ With Coolio” – the saxophonist has scored an impressive string of smooth urban hits and albums playing it silky, sensual and romantic. This new collection has its steamy moments, but for the most part it’s a punchier, ultra-funky blast featuring a more muscular, emotionally impactful approach. Jarez’s wild success these past years has opened doors for him to invite all-star guests Julian Vaughn, Vandell Andrew, Willie Bradley, Ragan Whiteside and Gerald Albright (on bass!) to help him execute his supercharged vision.  

Since being named one of 10 Dallas based artists to watch in 2018, hipster jazz, pop and neo-soul singer-songwriter M’lynn has been on a creative roll, releasing her debut EP GROUNDING and three popular singles at Smooth Jazz radio. Currently studying music business at the University of Miami, she’s built a fan base with her seductive songwriting and vocals that flow like Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae and Adele, but have an emotional resonance and sonic uniqueness all of their own. Her latest single, the hypnotic, soulfully intoxicating ballad “Forget the Day,” is already brewing up global interest on popular streaming platforms. The tune takes us into the midst of an emotional conflict that never sounded so good. Once M’lynn draws you in, via her transcendent blend of sensual, ethereal vocals and dreamy floating atmospheres, you’ll never “Forget the Day” you discovered her!

A versatile bass player for an astonishing 45 years, Keith Mason’s life has been dedicated to and defined by his passion for two things that make his latest album I SURRENDER ALL an emotionally impactful and spiritually edifying delight – music and the Lord. With a Christian Smooth Jazz sound incorporating his love for jazz, R&B, funk and gospel, he showcases his poppin’ basslines in the service of a cool yet rhythmically punchy flow that reflects a rich anointing and some truly amazing grace. The collection was inspired by Mark 8:36 (“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”) and his titles are all expressions of his faith… the thoughtful, inviting and exuberant vibes have been Crafted to lift you up spiritually and engage you intellectually. 

With an incredible output of 16 albums over the past 12 years, Detroit based keyboardist/producer, Motown Moe, is not only one of the most prolific indie artists in Smooth Jazz, but also one of the most diverse and innovative when it comes to developing fascinating conceptual themes and fresh sonic landscapes. With a title that perfectly reflects our unique collective moment, his latest album THE NEW NORMAL could be used in regular times as a soundtrack to a romantic evening – but in this era serves as the perfect soul caressing chillout set. Drawing on his mastery of melody, gentle grooves, sensual atmospheres, synth, horns and percussion, Moe creates a free-flowing, chill and laid-back fusion of moody, impressionistic urban jazz featuring critically-acclaimed guitarist Blake Aaron!   

Two decades after first showcasing his exotic, classical fingerstyle excitement as part of the duo Young & Rollins, multi-talented contemporary jazz/new age/world music recording artist Lawson Rollins – chosen one of “50 Transcendent Acoustic Guitarists” by Guitar Player magazine – happily finds his TRUE NORTH. On his masterful, rhythmically melodic, genre-traversing 10th solo album, produced solely by himself, Rollins delivers a sultry dance of world beat rhythms and an impassioned surge of guitar arpeggios, scales and harmonies making the project the most radio ready album yet. While it’s always energizing to hear Rollins shred, his tasteful restraint gives us a deeper look into his musical heart.

Canadian bassist Brendan Rothwell traces his love of the instrument and its intense soul possibilities to hearing the legendary Marcus Miller play on Miles Davis’ 80’s classic TUTU. On the heels of a debut that charted both in the U.S and Canada, his latest album SENTIMENT, is an eclectic, deeply rhythmic sonic experience. He includes several picture perfect, frothy funk, Smooth Jazz tracks, but the collection’s deeper pleasures expand the emotional palette into neo-soul, jazz fusion and even ambient territory. Reminiscent of the most genre-transcendent works of Miller, Brian Bromberg and Stanley Clarke, these songs are meditative masterpieces, taking him to contemplative realms of expression rich with mood and immersive atmospheres.   

Time waits for no man… yet Paolo Rustichelli’s inventive sound ensures his music will live on forever! The Roman’s signature style has inspired a generation of Chillout enthusiasts. Known for pioneering electro-jazz, chill/lounge music, he returns with his 3rd single from the forthcoming TEMPUS FUGIT collection, “Hot,” an homage to summer on the Italian central coast. The song was composed during quarantine of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy and became an anthem for the composer, musically representing freedom from illness and stress. This modern Mediterranean hymn reminds us that heartfelt, human energy is a powerful cure for the body and soul. “Hot” is on the same trajectory as Paolo’s #1 Billboard hit, “Paisa.” One listen and you’ll understand why the innovative keyboardist is held in such high regard by musicians worldwide including legends he’s collaborated with, Miles Davis, Carlos Santana and Herbie Hancock!

Four years after his previous release, UPTOWN JAZZ, legendary Bay Area bassist, composer and producer Tony Saunders delivers on his stated promise to “make the best, most pleasurable and sensually satisfying album yet” with his perfectly titled, 4th studio release, SEXY SOMETHIN. Alternately bouncy and buoyant, his new original tracks are all infectiously melodic and fall into a groove-intensive pocket, from the kick off hit, the chart-topping cover of The Whispers’ “Rock Steady” to the final interlude. Yet true to the diversity of Saunders’ expansive resume, he infuses stylistic and thematic surprises. While grounding everything on his trademark deep bass tones and delivering sparkling solos, he invites a vibrant all-star cast to help execute his multi-faceted vision – including Nils, Jeff Ryan, Paul Jackson, Jr., Paul Brown, Marion Meadows and Jeff Lorber; co-produced by Tony, Nils and contemporary jazz star Gail Jhonson!

Encapsulating the carefree days of summer, guitarist Will Sumner, delivers a brand new original collection ranging from coast-driving Smooth Jazz and slow grooves to exciting Latin rhythms on RIDE THE WAVE. The prolific, Southern California composer  follows the lead of similarly, beachy themed collections, such as COAST DRIVE, PIER GROOVE and the craftily titled ENDLESS SUMNER. Drawing on an eclectic background that includes performing with Prince and Yanni and composing symphonies, Sumner infuses his signature sound of sensual rhythms and hypnotic melodies with a variety of genres and textures including blues licks and steel pans. RIDE THE WAVE concludes with a rock and soul tinged vocal take on a patriotic classic that will light up the 4th of July!  

A pilot for Delta Airlines since 1986, classically trained pianist and emerging Smooth Jazz artist, Paul Tuvman flies high with his lifelong love of The Beatles on IN MY LIFE. A deeply diverse, jazzy homage to the Fab Four. Testament to his rising star status, the multi-talented Tuvman got the genre all-stars out en masse, with dynamic guest spots by Peter White, Mindi Abair, Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Vincent Ingala. Produced by one of the most sought after musicians in contemporary music, Jamey Tate, the true star of the collection is Tuvman’s hypnotic ivory playing and adventurous arrangements, hitting on trad and Smooth Jazz as well as soulful, urban funk. Another highlight of this engaging set is the stunning oboe playing of Taiwanese-American oboe master Rong-Huey Liu. 

Propelling powerfully into their second quarter century of hard-jamming live performances and recording, West Coast based phenoms Under The Lake – truly the freewheeling, adventurous West Coast equivalent to Spyro Gyra – infuse their high-octane latest album YOUR HORIZON TOO with a multitude of stylistic excursions built on its grooving Smooth Jazz foundation. Led by founder and keyboardist Jayson Tipp, the core trio adds crackling elements of funk, old school R&B, neo-soul, a true spirit of freewheeling jazz fusion and dashes of mystical cool to their relentlessly inventive mix. Although guitarist Patrick Yandall and saxophonist Quintin Gerard W are billed as featured guests, the two interact powerfully with the band while making the deepest emotional impact with their intense, heartfelt solos. 

Millennial musical hipster alert! Life’s been a whirlwind this past year for 26-year-old songwriter and interpreter extraordinaire Dennis Van Aarssen, a former digital marketing project manager who won Season 9 of The Voice of Holland with a dynamic jazz and swing repertoire. The supple voiced singer parlayed that victory into FOREVER YOU, his sparkling ballad, big band and soul/funk driven debut co-written with former Frank Sinatra pianist and songwriter Jeff Franzel. Featuring six soulful and heartfelt originals and four covers (including pop hits re-imagined via bold big band arrangements), the engaging collection colorfully showcases the powerful, dramatic reaches of Van Aarssen’s vocals and a sweet, tender intimacy that make his original ballads the true highlights of the set.  

For a perfect soundtrack to a night of dance and romance, there’s no surer bet than saxophonist Kim Waters, whose latest epic collection SHAKEDOWN marks his 30th year as a recording artist – the last 22 with Shanachie. Believing that “music…brings joy in these trying times,” the multi-talented artist and producer graces us with another set of gems driven by sweet, soulful melodies, uplifting lite funk grooves, faster paced club jams, a few splashes of island exotica and a spirited re-imagining of a contemporary pop/R&B hit (Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up"). For the first time in his career, the multi-instrumentalist composed every original tune at the piano before heading for the studio. The magical result is naturally dedicated to his wife Dana and his twin daughters Kimberly and Kayla.

Nearly 10-years after being named runner-up in the Capital Jazz Challenge, that launched his exciting and prolific career as a Smooth Jazz artist, Detroit-bred saxophonist Deon Yates is feeling more than great, he's feeling QUINTASTIC. The socially trending title of his 5th solo album literally means “a person aged 50 or more and is still attractive and successful.” That timeless magnetism, relentless hooks and intense, horn-sizzling energy are the driving forces that propelled the title track onto the Groove Jazz Top 100 Smooth Jazz Songs of 2019! Featuring guest producers Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Jackiem Joyner and Darren Rahn, the current single, "In The Moment," features producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Mitchell!