Listening Loft Store

Talk about multi-talented! Odds are that Miami-based pianist, vocalist and composer Lisa Addeo is the only artist to score on two Billboard charts with her debut Smooth Jazz single while also receiving ongoing airplay on SiriusXM’s Siriusly Sinatra with tracks from an earlier tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. Produced by and featuring #1 Billboard charting artist/guitarist Nils, her genre debut LISTEN TO THIS, features killer special guest performances by saxophonists Steve Cole and Jeff Ryan. The expansive 15-track collection is driven by vibrant, heart-grabbing instrumental melodies, wild improvisations (including brief ventures into trad jazz), sensual vocals, and an aesthetic based on relentless and intoxicating grooves.   

Truly timeless at 84, 9-time Grammy Award winning trumpeter Herb Alpert has been snazzing up infectious melodies since 1962 – and continues full steam into his 7th decade as a recording artist with the fun-spirited, rhythmically eclectic OVER THE RAINBOW. Following the lone original, a lively tropical delight, the legend creates fresh re-imaginings of familiar tunes from the pop and Great American Songbook eras (i.e. Louis Armstrong, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Bill Withers) in alternately sensual/ambient and exotic, groove intensive styles. The collection features a gorgeous tribute to Django Reinhardt, originated by the legendary guitarist’s son Babik. 

Following her acclaimed single and video for “Thoughts and Prayers,” a socially conscious song about gun violence, Rebecca Angel celebrates the optimistic start of the current season with her latest track, the lighthearted and breezy “Summer Song.” Produced by Jason Miles (who adds his inimitable old school keys) and featuring guitarist Jonah Pendergast and saxophonist Gottfried Stoger, the bossa nova inspired tune – which includes a charming vocalese hook – doubles as an introspective look back at Angel’s own life and a subtle anthem for girls of her generation to stay confident in who they are.  

Freeing himself from a corporate job in organic produce, Salinas based guitarist, singer/songwriter Dan Beck followed his passion for musical journaling to create the truly organic sounding, stylistically eclectic Dan Beck Band. On their latest album PRIDE & ARROGANCE, Beck and his guitar, sax and violin driven ensemble engage in a playfully strutting swirl of jazz, rock, blues and Latin vibes that he collectively calls “Blue Jazz.” Creating soulful, enticing conversations, the group weaves its colorful tales via a mix of swinging instrumentals and coolly seductive, thought provoking vocals. 

Colorful, uplifting, steady grooving and wildly inspiring, singer/songwriter James Bowman III’s latest album THINGS ON MY MIND offers a seamless merging of gospel energy, sacred reverence and urban oriented Smooth Jazz. Having played with Brian McKnight and Mervyn Warren and opened for everyone from Edwin Hawkins, Kirk Franklin and Bebe and CeCe Winans, the multi-talented artist and seductive vocalist has plenty to communicate about - the Lord, marriage, family and relationship. Led by a spiritual lyrical reworking of an Earth, Wind & Fire classic, the collection offers a positive overall message to combat the harsh discourse occurring in the world today.

Fletch Deezie’s got his musical mind set on the future, optimistically titling his multi-faceted, urban jazz oriented new EP 2020. The inventive and melodic guitar virtuoso and vocalist, who toured the world as a member of the influential afro-centric hip-hop ensemble Speech/Arrested Development, taps into everything from sultry ambient mid-tempo soul to heavier funk with a social consciousness and a whimsical twist on an OutKast classic. The collection also features performances by longtime friends and former band mates Kenny Wells (piano) and Nakayo Dupre (flute).

Turning a onetime clever album title into the name of his high energy ensemble, Dr. Dave & The Housecall Band work major musical healing miracles on their latest album MIDNIGHT DAYDREAM. With a sizzling swirl of pop, R&B, traditional and contemporary jazz, topped off with tasty touches of Latin, blues and swing, Dr. Dave embraces the freedom to improvise more than ever before and tackle jazz classics and a popular TV theme in addition to a slate of ultra-infectious originals. Two new singles out this year from Dr. Dave's coolest collection yet, on the heels of his chart-topping “Sexy Cindy,” (named for Cindy Sanchez Medina, Miss Santander, Colombia 2018), expect the tropical jazz of "Cabo Time" and the sensual title track, "Midnight Daydream" to saunter up the Smooth Jazz charts as well.

The title of Lowell Hopper’s new album says it all. When the Panama City, Florida guitarist and Smooth Jazz favorite plays, there’s always MAGIC IN THE AIR! Musical trends may come and go, but Hopper – a 20-year Air Force veteran - has been keepin’ it real and consistent for over 25 years with tight, infectious melodies, spirited light funk grooves and crisp, fluid lines that hit the heart with soulful sensuality every time out. On the new album, he adds touches of simmering blues, exotic percussion and tasty island vibes to his ever-adventurous repertoire.  

Truly the Smooth Jazz equivalent of pop super group Toto, Jazz Holdouts is a dynamic collective of studio greats with all-star pop, R&B and jazz resumes, featuring the simmering light funk energy of Alan Palanker (keys), Lou Cortelezzi (sax), Michael Thompson (guitar) and John Sieglar (bass). Their cool, yet high spirited full length album, SUMMER NIGHTS is driven by tight, funky, old school soul-jazz meets chill music. The album follows the group’s three groundbreaking Billboard hit singles, including the #1 song that is now the title track. Palanker and Cortelezzi sparkle trading off lead melody lines throughout. 

A fascinating, diverse musical citizen of the world, guitarist/composer Reza Khan brings a wealth of progressive jazz and global fusion influences and sensibilities to NEXT TRAIN HOME. Featuring everything from dreamy funk and percussive, multi-cultural exchanges to fiery electric jazz fusion, the festive, extraordinarily intricate album was composed primarily in hotel rooms throughout Africa, where Khan traveled as part of his amazing “day job” as program manager for the United Nations. Khan’s essential tracks featuring Pat Metheny’s longtime bassist Mark Egan are enhanced by the colorful sound design of Philippe Saisse, along with dynamic contributions by Andy Snitzer, Jeff Kashiwa and Nils. 

The quintessential cool and laid-back California song, “Slow Pacific” finds Norwegian-born, Southern Cali saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Terje Lie reflecting passionately on his love for the West Coast lifestyle and a calm day gazing out at the ocean. After several hit recordings collaborating with Grammy winners Jeff Lorber and Jimmy Haslip, Lie marks his dynamic emergence here as the producer of his own music. On this seductive track, he leads the tight ensemble of Alex Al (bass), Tony Moore (drums) and Joey De Leon (percussion), while showcasing his own exciting talents on the keyboards and piano. 

INCA, the fascinating debut album by LR-60 (aka veteran trumpeter Skip Warren) and electronic artist Qero (Michael Beaumont), brings a highly original, sonically trippy and transcendent vibe some describe as “organic psychedelica” to the Smooth landscape. There are Latin rhythms, pocket grooves, throbbing beats and dreamy ambiences, yet the deeper flow and intricate, percussive tapestry of their trance-inducing, hypnotic exotica tap into Inca spiritual traditions and the colorful, expressive cultures of Mexico, Central and South America. Warren started his career touring for ten years with legendary bluesman Bobby “Blue” Bland – and these influences add depth and texture throughout.   

Veteran guitarist, producer and composer Torcuato Mariano was born in Argentina but has been living in Brazil, working with many of its top jazz musicians since the late 70s. He celebrates 25 years as a recording artist with ESCOLA BRASILEIRA – literally “Brazilian School” - a dynamically textured, rhythmically eclectic romp through a multitude of that culture’s sophisticated and exotic jazz-related styles. Backed by lush strings and horns, Mariano surrounds his snappy playing with guest performances by Brazilian greats, singer-songwriter Djavan, pianist Cesar Camargo Mariano, bandolinist Hamilton de Holanda and harmonica player Gabriel Grossi. Also featured is renowned American vocalist Toni Scruggs.   

A onetime member of the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Harry James, saxophonist Gary Meggs calls the release of his latest album LIFE’S LITTLE CHANGES a “lifelong dream, a chance to help place my own footprint in the Smooth Jazz scene,” inspired by the West Coast Jazz of the 80’s and 90’s. Collaborating with rock/fusion guitarist Bryan Jeffries, who produced the collection, Meggs’ brings a bold and brash horn energy to an exciting, stylistically eclectic collection that includes spirited Latin influences, innovative arrangements of pop standards and re-imagined versions (complete with new titles) of a gospel and seasonal classics. 

Considering his embrace of fresh opportunities as a solo artist, classically trained, jazz/R&B influenced saxophonist Gary Metz chose the perfect title for his knockout debut OPEN SKIES. His hundreds of gigs as a session player have earned him a range of A-listers excited to  contribute to his uniquely diverse sonic landscape. Helping bring his cool and sensual ballads and tight, edgy funk delights to life are, among others, Jimmy Haslip, Greg Manning, Adam Hawley, Darryl Williams, Tony Moore, Lee Thornburg and producer Mike Parlett, who has worked with Norman Brown, Peter White, Jeffrey Osborne and many others.    

The title of Mike & Tanya Smith’s new album SPREAD LOVE is a clear double entendre referring not only to the multi-talented couple’s desire to use music as a vehicle to foster a more loving world, but also to their own personal and professional relationship. With the names of the songs weaving a colorful emotional narrative, the ballads and mid-tempo R&B slo jams are seductive showcases for Mike’s crisp and fluid electric guitar and his and Tanya’s dreamy soul voices, both as leads and in beautiful harmony.

For legendary bassist Byron Miller, “Psychobass” is more than a clever branding idea reflective of his lifelong passion for his instrument. It’s his full-on “a.k.a.” identity. His rhythmically eclectic, jump off your chair grooving new album THE GIFT: PSYCHOBASS 2 picks up where his 2015 long awaited return to action PSYCHOBASS left off. He keeps the deeply personal autobiography hopping with a sensual George Duke cover, some island fun and a mix of high octane and chill, Duke-inspired originals with appropriate funk and groove related titles. On hand to celebrate the bassist’s many gifts are Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson, Jr., Walter Beasley, Munyungo Jackson and others.         

Classically trained singer, songwriter and pianist Jeanne Newhall celebrates her 30th anniversary as a recording artist with CRANES AMONG CLOUDS, an emotionally moving, profoundly spiritual and deeply intimate and personal set that includes five heartfelt originals (four vocals, one instrumental) and an exquisite, soft-spoken cover of a Paul Simon classic. Inspired by her profound creative connection with Japanese guitarist, Kazunori Koga, who complements her lush piano with his graceful, lilting guitar. "Kazunori and I have the rare gift of a highly intuitive musical sense,” Newhall explains. Acclaimed violinist Charlie Bisharat contributes additional inspiring strings to the project. Jeanne soulfully blends her classical, jazz and pop influences with a theme rooted in the Asian symbolism of the crane as the six songs fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
 

Phaze II’s fifth and latest album boasts the clever title NO COVER CHARGE, but their kind of finely honed, supremely cool eclectic magic is worth any price! Now well into their third decade lighting the jazz, funk, Latin and R&B fires in their hometown of Washington, DC, the six-piece super-ensemble Phaze II – onetime winners of the Capital Jazz Challenge Competition - alternates their flow between silky, seductive cool, fiery, wild energy storms and infectious, easy grooving mid-tempo tunes. They balance their more muscular, rocking offerings with dreamier pieces clearly and designed to melt the heart.  

With a sparkling saxophone vibe that’s been lighting up the Pacific Northwest for years, Kenney Polson – who’s appeared on TV with greats like David Sanborn and Wynton Marsalis - has blended Smooth Jazz with a wide variety of influences, including Latin, classical, R&B/funk and gospel. True to its title FOR LOVERS ONLY, Polson’s latest recording finds him creating a tight, soulful ensemble with members of Tower of Power, Kool & the Gang and Parliament, among others. Soothing, romantic and lyrical, the album builds an easy groove with new compositions and satisfying classics. 

Pooling the talents and expansive pop/R&B/gospel resumes of guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black, bassist Tony Saunders and keyboardist Sylvester Burks, the Rainforest Band is a hard grooving and sensually soulful ensemble whose debut album PEACE TO THE PLANET reflects a deeper environmentally conscious mission. The inspiration behind the blues, rock, jazz and funk vibes by these three and guest stars like Jeff Ryan and Gail Jhonson takes us back to 1990’s original Rainforest Band formed by Tony’s dad Merl Saunders and Jerry Garcia. The message is even more urgent now, and it’s exciting to hear the legacy kept alive so vibrantly.

Getting back to making music full time after years where other priorities took precedence, guitarist, keyboardist and composer Jim Richter taps back into his rock/blues roots with a mix of deep soulfulness, playful buoyancy and fiery intensity on his new album BREEZY DAY. Hitting all the infectious yet artsy-cool sweet spots of Steely Dan and Larry Carlton, he offers dreamy ballads, funk jams, island delights and bluesy grit – in addition to playful titles that pay homage to Bill Evans and Weather Report.

Time waits for no man… however Paolo Rustichelli’s innovative sound ensures that his music will live on forever! The Roman artist’s unique signature sound has inspired a generation of Chillout enthusiasts who use the modern, electronic grooves to decompress and unwind. Known for his pioneering of the electro chill jazz genre, Paolo returns with the 2nd single from his forthcoming 2020 album TEMPUS FUGIT. “Hypnofunk” oozes with retro cool grooves with a nod to the 1970’s psychedelic era, when this composer was in his teens and already scoring movies with only a piano and the first prototype of a monophonic Moog. With many noteworthy fans, including musical colleagues Carlos Santana and Miles Davis, Paolo recalls a dinner with Federico Fellini where he and the famous director were discussing UFOs as Fellini drew extraterrestrial images on a napkin, inspiring “Hypnofunk” decades later! 

When you grow up, as Tony Saunders did, with godparents like Wynton Kelly and Jimmy Smith, relentless jazz funk becomes part of your DNA. The two-time Emmy winning veteran bassist, composer, arranger and producer – son of legendary Bay Area keyboardist Merl Saunders - brings the goods on his sizzling, amped up re-imagining of The Whispers’ late 1980s #1 R&B jam “Rock Steady.” Vibin’ powerfully with guitarist Nils and weaving in and around dynamic horn section energy, Saunders whets our whistle for the old school and contemporary fusion he’s bringing to his upcoming album SEXY SOMETHIN’.   

Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion isn’t just a clever name – it’s the high octane, groove intensive mission statement of veteran saxophonist/flutist, composer, and producer Warren Keller and his powerhouse all-star guest ensemble of Jeff Lorber, Alex Al, Dwight Sills and Michael White. The group’s latest single “Spy vs Spy” is a frolicsome, horn-spiced old school ode to the great TV spy themes of yesteryear, featuring killer solos by Keller (on sax), Sills, and Lorber and dynamic interaction with all the cats throughout. A true throwback to great 70s soul-fusion bands with a contemporary twist, Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion is currently working on their upcoming debut EP.
 

Italian born saxophonist Rocco Ventrella launched his career in 2005 with a well-received tribute to Grover Washington, Jr. and has ingratiated himself into the Smooth Jazz community since with a silky vibe and funky flow that honors the master. True to its title, his stellar new EP COLORS offers a fresh mix featuring breezy groovin’, soul/funk, sensual mid-tempo balladry, raw and bluesy old school fusion and a majestic blues-rock flavored cover of a Bob Dylan classic. In addition to grooves provided by guest bassists Roberto Vally and Darryl Williams, the collection also potlights an exciting vocal talent in Emanuel “Ghani”.