Listening Loft Store

Acclaimed TV arranger/orchestrator and Tony Award nominee for the score of the Broadway Musical "Anna Karenina," multi-talented pianist/composer Dan Alan Levine says that “one of the nice things about Smooth Jazz is that it allows the spirit and soul to relax.” It’s joyfully ironic then, that the wondrously inviting, infectious tunes on his stylistically eclectic (and perfectly titled) debut album OVER THE MOON are peppy and optimistic. Advance singles are still receiving airplay around the world on Smooth Jazz radio and being featured on some of the most popular streaming Playlists. Mixed and mastered by chart-topping songsmith Peter Ferencz (Peet Project) and driven by light funk grooves that breeze along the pop, soul, jazz, tropical and Latin landscapes – with a dash of classical. Dan’s emotionally compelling melodies come to life with the support of two genre leading ladies, flutist Kim Scott and saxophonist Jeanette Harris. The full album release is celebrated with the latest single, the sultry "Always."

Focusing on music after getting a Master’s in physics, German keyboardist/composer Michael Quast wrote his first Smooth Jazz song in 1996, then set his compositions aside and became a busy touring sideman with Paul Young, Nik Kershaw, Johnny Logan and Midge Ure. Since launching his recording career as Amandus in 2020, there’s been no stopping his irresistible blend of lighthearted funk grooves and cheery but often sensually romantic melodies. On his new EP, HER LOVE, Quast optimistically explores the many facets of love real and imagined, complementing his dazzling keys with exotic percussion, colorful vocal textures and the edgy rap of Trinidad born Klyive on the title track. Another essential aspect of Amandus’ sound is his seamless interaction with the fluid energy of German electric guitarist Uli Broderson.  

Fourteen years after the Smooth Jazz world mourned the passing of one of the genre’s (literally!) biggest talents and most engaging and charismatic personalities, former collaborators of Wayman Tisdale's join forces as B2B (Back To Basics) to pay loving (and intoxicatingly grooving) homage to the bassist and former NBA star with a cool and soulful new rendition of his 1995 breakthrough single “After the Game.” The two founders, B2B’s John Paris (drums) and Eddie M (sax) as well as featured artist Derek “DOA” Allen, who captures Tisdale’s trademark deep soul-jazz spirit on bass, all played on the original track. They artfully recreate the magic while adding some additional sonic flair that includes the beautiful, dreamy vocals of Sy Smith (Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Usher) and Ariel Deocares on vocoder.

Since winning the prestigious The Voice of Holland 2019, multi-talented crooner, songwriter and all-around entertainer Dennis Van Aarssen has expressed his vocal passion in two distinctive ways – as leader of the DvA Bigband and via a collaboration with Black Tie Affair, a multi-genre, boundary pushing ensemble featuring MC and producer Skiggy Rapz and guitarist Rene van Mierlo. Black Tie Affair and Van Aarssen’s latest single “Lifeline” is a spirited and uplifting, pop/R&B summer anthem showcasing the singer’s silky vocal tone and BTA’s edgy and hypnotic organic grooves and sophisticated, horn-tinged production vibe. It’s a classic-styled song of encouragement in difficult times complete with a modern twist about how we still need meaningful human connection despite always having the world at our fingertips via our devices.       

The NFL’s loss turned out to be contemporary R&B and Smooth Jazz’s gain, as Tim Cunningham turned down an NFL contract out of Michigan State University to embark on the much riskier, but ultimately more rewarding calling and career as a first call saxophonist and recording artist. Going stronger and playing more robustly and stylishly than ever 25-plus years after his debut album, the multi-talented artist – who’s opened for both genre greats (Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Norman Brown) and soul legends (Earth, Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly and Luther Vandross) – is all simmering fire, sexy seduction and horn textured excitement on his easy-flowing new take on “Enough Said" (Remix). Originally on the 2022 FREEDOM collection, now a new single, reworked and re-imagined by bassist and multi-instrumentalist, Al "The Burner" Turner!

Though based in South Africa where he is revered as one of the country’s top saxophonists, Karén Devroop is a true citizen of the world, collaborating with artists from all over the planet, performing at international jazz festivals and playing in symphonies in the U.S., Europe and his home country. Building upon the success of his 2020 release ANCESTRAL HOME - which received airplay in over 40 countries – his latest album RELENTLESS finds the multi-talented composer/performer and his all-star Smooth Jazz artists, from South Africa and beyond, on a mission to tantalize fans of everything from incendiary jazz/funk, whimsical dance music and moody, sensual power ballads to exotic mid-tempo jams, spirited tropical and Latin-tinged delights and inspirational vocal ballads. It’s a tasty cosmopolitan combination showcasing Devroop’s relentless passion for jazz.   

A quote on keyboardist/composer Mike Di Lorenzo’s website reads “Let the Music Tell the Story.” The versatile artist did that early in his career performing with Whitney and Cissy Houston, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and many East Coast symphonies. A decade and a half since launching his solo career, he’s found a fresh way of sharing musical narratives on his two recent albums, including his latest, the masterfully hip, stylish and sophisticated PLAY IT COOL. He artfully pairs his formidable melodic and improvisational piano chops with vibrantly soulful vocalists Sonna Relé, Denise Stewart and Anna Moore. While creating graceful grooves and dreamy atmospheres around their featured vocals, he also showcases his dynamic range on acoustic and electric piano on a handful of free flowing, high-spirited instrumentals. Mike D'Lo always plays it cool... You can count on it!

Though veteran guitarist/composer Dr. Dave released two popular radio singles from his excellent 2014 album CAREFREE, the full project was never formally released. A few years later, he developed his dynamic ensemble of backing musicians into a bold, powerhouse unit known as The HouseCall Band. Fresh off multiple successful radio singles from their 2018 debut MIDNIGHT DAYDREAM, Dr. Dave & The HouseCall Band have created an explosive re-imagined version of the original collection titled CAREFREE REVISITED. It features a full-bodied horn section energy and flute elements that artfully enhance Dr. Dave’s colorful guitar solos. Complementing a freewheeling journey that includes everything from jazz and blues to calypso and the Beatles is a scat filled vocal twist on a Bobby McFerrin classic originally presented as an instrumental. 

Gearing up for the release of OUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, follow-up to Jeff Golkin & Forever Love’s acclaimed, unabashedly romantic Smoothjazz.com charting debut WE HAVE LOVE…FOR ALL TIME, the band leader, pianist, drummer and producer/arranger simultaneously drops two versions of the sweeping, lushly orchestrated and film score-like title track single. There’s an R&B/jazz flavored vocal and a sumptuous instrumental spotlighting Fred Reiter’s rapturous, borderline surreal flute melody and Golkin’s graceful touch on the ivories. The dreamlike piece beautifully captures the driving philosophy of Golkin, who began his musical life performing on and off Broadway. He believes that “Love of another, greater than love of oneself, is to know the joy of how to make the world a better place for all time.” Words and music to live by. 

The Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever classic has never sounded hipper or funkier than it does in the hands of internationally renowned veteran saxophonist Johnny James Dr J, who unleashes three unique, equally explosive versions on his new HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE EP. The first is a feisty Smooth Jazz delight featuring the late Chuck Loeb’s hypnotic, crackling guitar and the high stylin’ production energy of Jeff Lorber. Next is a classic styled R&B jam with Darrell Tookes' silky floating vocals, while the third (“A W Remix”) is a punchy hip-hop/dance floor classic in the making. Dr J adds two originals that further showcase his formidable talents on his brand new collection which is already hovering in top positions on UK and European Music Charts.

A few years back, when veteran Grammy-nominated trumpeter Ron King first started working with guitarist and producer Paul Brown, the Smooth Jazz hitmaker put it bluntly to his new friend, “You need to write a hit song.” King, whose decades long resume includes Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Jeff Lorber and David Benoit, took the advice to heart and has been in solo artist overdrive ever since, releasing 6 singles from his 2020 album DOWNTOWN MAMA. King's latest album, CASCADE offers a silky, sexy variety of hits, including the title track and his latest radio release, "Together Again." Chock-full of slinky grooves and world-class musicianship, CASCADE is a welcome collection for horn man's fans and an exceptional calling card for those newly discovering this icon's solo endeavors. 

After teasing with four irresistible lead singles over the past year and a half, Justin Klunk unleashes the full fury of his relentless saxophone passion on his party ready debut full length album (after two EPs and loads of individual singles). With a title that doubles as a timely reminder, KINDNESS IS MANDATORY, motivates us (and gets our blood pumping) as the  young, mega-talent brings to his solo artistry the same funk, rock and soul fire he’s been lighting up the stage with for years alongside Ariana Grande, Lindsey Stirling, Saint Motel, David Foster, Earth Wind & Fire and David Benoit! By the way, Benoit appears twice on this collection. In the midst of the blazing hooks and burning production skills, a lone romantic ballad offers a sweet meditational oasis.  A must have for contemporary sax fans!

From recording and performing with Stevie Wonder and singing and recording with Incognito through her stellar two decade plus solo career, Maysa has been an essential innovator on the R&B/Smooth Jazz landscape. Evolving as a songwriter and producer, she launched her own label Blue Velvet Soul in 2018 to attain more control over her music and marketing. On her first studio album in six years, she defies industry convention with MUSIC FOR YOUR SOUL, an epic 19 song, personal and spiritual journey that boldly unleashes the depths and fullness of her artistry. With danceable up-tempo and slow jams, silky romantic ballads, soul-gospel and even a torchy reworking of a Stevie song that she once sang backup on, the collection also features exciting guest turns by Chris Walker, Chieli Minucci and Kirk Whalum!

With the release of THE TREE OF LIFE, a multi-faceted collection infused with Smooth Jazz, swinging traditional jazz, groovin’ R&B, new soul and bits of gospel and GoGo Afro Funk, veteran horn master, 804 Jazz founder and CEO Bill McGee celebrates musical greats Ramsey Lewis and Donald Byrd as well as personal milestones. Besides marking over 50 years as a recording artist and two decades in Smooth Jazz, Bill was recently elected President of the Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the civil rights organization founded by MLK! Beyond stylistic diversity, from sweet ballads and juicy jams to special guest performances from A-listers Freddie Fox, Fred Wesley, Christian de Mesones, James Saxsmo Gates, Najee and more, the project also spotlights McGee’s tender melodic flugelhorn and his remarkable one-man horn sections via the trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone and hybrid “flugelbone.” This musical tree provides shelter for enthusiasts who appreciate depth and joy in their listening experience.  

In 2022, filmmaker and composer Belton Mouras, Jr. made huge initial splashes in both the movie and music industries as writer/director of the acclaimed short film Mickey’s Tree and writer/performer of an engaging soundtrack featuring two popular Smooth Jazz singles. The charming melodic sweetness and grooving swag keeps rolling, this time with an adventurous Latin/bossa flair on the multi-talented Mouras’ first post-Mickey single, “Magic All Around Us.” It’s a whimsical, pep in your step jam showcasing the composer’s joyful piano amidst exciting contributions by the same great musicians who brought the Mickey’s Tree soundtrack to life. These include vocalist/scat masters Craig Long and Ann Roach and saxophonist Otis Mourning, whose harmony lines and back and forth improv conversations with trumpeter Steve Roach are literally a blast!  

A one-time touring saxophonist with the likes of Derek Trucks, Ja Rule and DMC, Nick Stefanacci established a solo career as a high-octane pop fusion artist before emerging as a budding Smooth Jazz powerhouse in 2022. Now three singles deep, the multi-talented composer and artist follows his twist on Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out,” with the original tune “Mirrors" from his forthcoming EP, SECRETS. The tune is a passionate, soaring, horn-textured mid-tempo ballad anchored by the tightly grooving rhythm section of Carnell Harrell, Mel Brown and Eric Valentine. The musical mood-shifting draws on the inspiration of his identical twin sisters’ unique traits, based on his observation of their intricate differences despite their similarities. “Mirrors” starts with a lighthearted vibe before getting deeper and more intense, as if he’s diving further into their souls. 

Recently retired after 34 years as a captain with Delta Airlines, keyboardist/composer Paul Tuvman’s 4th album THE ROAD I’VE TRAVELED – which could just as easily be called The Skies I’ve Flown - takes a sweetly nostalgic, high spirited and stylistically multi-faceted look back on his fascinating dual life that includes evolving from youthful Sunset Strip rocker to acclaimed contemporary jazzman. Tuvman is held in such high regard by top genre musicians that everyone from Peter White and Michael Lington to Mindi Abair, Eric Marienthal and Rick Braun hopped on board. The engaging journey eases from gentle ballads and dreamy, romantic trips to Japan and France to more muscular sax driven jams, along with the classically tinged song titled “The Journey” featuring famed oboe player Rong-Huey Liu. 

The sophisticated, musical collective Ultrablue is the creation of in-demand New York-based keyboardist and composer John Smatla, a former music school teacher who made his way to the NY music scene from his hometown in Cleveland, OH. On the heels of the project's successful re-release of their star-studded self-titled 2006 recording, "Maria In Blue," rolls out in advance of the forthcoming NEW YORK STORIES recording featuring guest performances by Chieli Minucci, John Patitucci, David Mann and Omar Hakim. Inspired by the artistry of contemporary jazz guitar legend, Earl Klugh, Ultrablue's nod to nostalgia in a contemporary soundscape, offers up seductive and spicy Latin rhythms for Smatla and NYC session guitarist Bernd Schoenhart to deliver a sexy and playful melodic dance, interspersed with balmy solo guitar passages. A tasty peek at what’s to come with full album!

For Chicago-bred saxophonist André Ward, who parlayed his sideman years with Lalah Hathaway and Freddie Jackson into a 20-year recording career as a Smooth Jazz artist, inspiration begins with and continues to be Earth, Wind & Fire – including Maurice White’s love of kalimba and African music. Ward infuses his joyously diverse, socially conscious latest album AFRICA RISING with those classic and colorful R&B vibes, collaborating with Grammy-nominated producer Rahni Song (Najee, Alex Bugnon) on original dance jams, romantic ballads and thoughtful re-imaginings of classics by The Emotions, Sade and Stevie Wonder. In addition to making feel good music, Ward’s passion is conveying his belief that Africa is a force in the world which inspires people to have a vision and hope for future generations.   

The long-awaited follow-up to her Billboard charting 2016 track “Guilty,” silky voiced singer/songwriter Vertice Williams’ beautiful new single “Therapy” will surely be the sexiest love song you’ve heard in Smooth Jazz this year – but not in the typical way we think of love songs. Co-written, co-produced and featuring the inimitable Steve Oliver – who also collaborated on Williams’ last album ALL GOOD – the song’s lyrics are romantic, but the real inspiration was the singer’s post Covid reflection that life is fragile and love (giving and receiving) is a complete healing modality, true tenderness and strength. The graceful, subtle arrangement, designed to showcase the pin-drop perfection of her voice, also features the lush piano harmonies and shimmering keyboard soloing of another genre great, Brian Simpson.