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Having released his debut album SOOTHE in 2020, composer and multi-instrumentalist Dominic Camaradella is a newcomer to Smooth Jazz. Yet as the decades-long owner of Santa Barbara Sound Design, he’s used his dual passions for music and technology to engineer sessions for Ottmar Liebert, Michael McDonald, Anita Baker, Kenny Loggins, Depeche Mode and many, many others. With the release of the fascinating, globally eclectic, and enchantingly exotic concept album MOMENTS IN TIME: TEMPLE OF LIGHT, he’s launching an ambitious new contemporary urban jazz meets world music fusion series that should establish him as an innovative force in the genre. With his piano, bass, acoustic guitars, keyboards, and MIDI programming as a foundation, he creates balmy, Mediterranean, even spiritual-minded magic with the likes of saxophonist Gary Meek and Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat. 

In 2021, Australian born, University of New England educated saxophonist Evan Carydakis’ recording career got off to a stellar start, with his debut EP GROOVE HOUSE hitting two SmoothJazz.com charts and earning the praise of Jazz World Monthly. While that album’s theme celebrated his amazing supportive family – which includes his producer, brother Stephan – the empowering message on his spirited and whimsical, new single “Movin’ On” is perfect for these post pandemic times. Combined with his richly emotional expressiveness, its punchy, infectious melody and bursts of percussive sunshine convey moving forward optimistically, striving to live our best lives and embracing the now. Helping Carydakis bring the optimistic magic are guest stars, keyboardist Michael Whitaker and the always explosive Patrick Yandall on guitar. 

Boldly embodying the tagline/mission statement “Smooth Jazz and Beyond” on his website, Virginia based emerging saxophonist Bob Coate’s perfectly titled debut single “Super Smooth” takes us on a sensual, exotic journey that’s uniquely suited for a lighthearted, sexy summer soundtrack.  Driven by an easy flowing crunch groove, the tune is a dynamic showcase for his understated, steamy low tones on the soul-enveloping melody. Finally pursuing his musical dreams after many years in Information Technology, Coate’s growing catalog of singles are all based around the theme and vibe of relaxation, chillout and tropical island imagery.      

Adrian Crutchfield received his first saxophone at age four onstage with Kenny G, has earned praise from Dave Koz and performed and recorded with Prince during the last four years of the legend’s life. The multi-talented musician’s genre fluid credits include Bette Midler, Lionel Richie, Anthony Hamilton and Young Jeezy. Yet all those fantastic associations are mere prelude to what he’s doing as a solo Smooth Jazz artist. Five years after LEAP, he’s back with LOVER, a richly soulful and sonically adventurous album that’s as alternately sassy, sultry, tenderly intimate and romantic as its title indicates. While we can definitely hear the Koz and Kenny influences, Crutchfield continues to fashion a sound all his own on tunes that include Latin and hip-hop as well as a lovely Kayla Waters piano solo.

As he closes in on the big 4-0, it’s inspiring to realize that Eric Darius has been gracing and grooving us with his sizzling funk intensity, sensual soul, and sonic innovation for literally half his life. The saxophonist’s dynamic first 20 years as an urban jazz innovator – including five #1 radio hits and 17 Top Tens - culminates in the appropriately titled UNLEASHED, the second full length album on his SagiDarius label. Darius offers an eclectic slate of edgy and fiery horn intensity, divine dance floor thumping, sensitive slo-jam romance, party jamming, exotic African magic and a lush, soaring ballad featuring Rebecca Jade and the Metropole Orkest. Helping to unleash the foundation for Darius’ next two decades of uplifting sax power are, among others, Paul Jackson, Jr., Justin Lee Schultz and Eric Roberson.   

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. 

After decades of galvanizing the groove on tour and in the studio for Earth, Wind & Fire, The Crusaders, Bruce Hornsby, Al Jarreau, Steely Dan and Bette Midler, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Sonny Emory is on one of the greatest creative rolls of his career. Following two ensemble projects (Cachet and Full Tilt) with an intensely grooving, rhythmically and stylistically eclectic and yes, spiritually-minded collection on SOUL ASCENSION – his first official solo album in over 15 years. Vibing gracefully, and most assuredly with funk and groove, this project features a killer crew including Ronnie Garrett (bass), Vance Taylor (keys) and Lenny Castro (percussion), as well as special guests the likes of Bob James, Patrice Rushen and Bobby Lyle! Emory does it all from infectious urban jazz to breezy Latin, spirited rhumba, trippy EWF-styled R&B/fusion and even a hypnotic tribute to Herbie Hancock. 

The title of Eric Essix’s latest album says it all: 36 years and 28 releases into his extraordinary career, the prolific veteran guitarist is just hitting his STRIDE! Whether recording for outside record companies or his own label Essential Recordings, one of the Birmingham, Alabama native’s greatest ongoing gifts has been sharing his Southern blues, jazz and gospel roots via songs that are either edgy, bright and funky or laid back and simmering. Offering a sweet balance of punchy grooves and soulful atmospheres, STRIDE is a dynamic showcase for his fascinating guitar tone that’s crackling one minute, silky, languid, and smooth the next. Highlights include a haunting meditation on freedom and a vibrant organ and harmonica laced spin on hit current smash single, the Bill Withers classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine” featuring American Idol alum Ruben Studdard on vocals.

When he released his impressive 2021 debut album SOMETIMES A MAN and early 2022 single “You’re Beside Me,” the big story on emerging R&B/jazz vocalist and songwriter Gil Johnson was that he followed his musical dream after 30 years in the car business. But as he releases his latest single, the soaring, optimistic and ultra-romantic ballad “Starting All Over Again,” another wonderful narrative presents itself. His producer, Dove and Stellar Award nominee AyRon Lewis, wrote the dreamy music ten years ago. When he presented it to Gil, the singer took only 45 minutes to pen the hopeful lyrics reflecting this key juncture of his life as he begins to live purposefully again in the wake of the passing of Darlene, his wife of 31 years who passed in 2020. 

Decades after making his mark on disco-era classics by Donna Summer, George McRae and KC and the Sunshine Band, multi-award winner Vernon Louis Hicks – renowned as one of the world’s top orchestra percussionists – is creating beautiful, inspiring music as a solo artist that expresses his motto “One People One Planet One Love.” Following up his critically acclaimed 2021 full length debut ONE LOVE, Hicks takes a fascinating approach to the release of his latest single “Je’anne,” a gorgeous, dreamy ballad about being forever changed by one’s true love. Hicks is dropping both a vocal version featuring soulful lead singer Austin Jay (and the sweet backing vocals of Carmel Echols) and a stunning instrumental take spotlighting the sultry saxophone magic of Louis Van Taylor.     

Twenty consistently inspiring albums and nearly 30 years into his solo career, Air Force veteran turned prolific Smooth Jazz hit maker Lowell Hopper has been working his soulful, infectious, funky groovin’ music so beautifully and for so long, he’s seamlessly become part of the fabric of contemporary jazz. His latest gem of a collection, ANOTHER HOT SUMMER NIGHT,  totally captures our hearts, spirits and intensely tappin’ feet over and over. True to its title concept, this brisk seven track, 30-minute set, is the perfect soundtrack for an evening of sweet summer escape, blending mostly moody, laid-back romantic chill tunes with the snappier flow of a few jammin’ tracks that dare us to let loose and dance!

When you connect Patrice Isley’s surname to her invitingly sensual, silky-smooth voice, it’s the first thing you’re gonna ask: “Any relation?“ Sort of! The veteran backing vocalist whose 5-octave range has graced countless of R&B and gospel performances (Barry White, Philip Bailey, Gladys Knight, Andraé Crouch) is married to Myron Isley, whose family roots intertwine with those of The Isley Brothers through shared relatives from North Carolina. Embracing that legacy, Patrice launched her solo career with the 2016 album BELIEVE IN LOVE. With the release of her intimate and seductive, easy flowing single “Patrice’s Groove” – featuring the sparkling, improvisational piano magic of Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman – Isley extends her sacred mission to spread hope and love while doing her part to fill the void after the departure of so many soul music legends. 

An incredible 45 years after releasing his epic debut album THE GENIE, and 33 years since his landmark Atlantic album IVORY DREAMS, Bobby Lyle reminds us on his latest collection that he’s still engaged and excited about being in the IVORY FLOW. The multi-talented pianist/keyboardist calls this gloriously crafted set “a reunion album,” with support from his equally legendary contemporary jazz pals Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Najee, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, Nathan East, Everette Harp, Stanley Clarke, Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson, Jr!  This dream team takes fanciful spins through a riveting, expansive landscape infused with classic soul/funk, Latin-fired fusion, straight ahead jazz, solo piano blues and an elegant tune dedicated to Lyle’s son Tommy, who passed away in 2017 from diabetic complications. Step into the IVORY FLOW and feel the love. 

One of South Florida’s most renowned and prolific jazz musicians, saxophonist Paul Messina’s powerful horn-driven funk vibe is so adventurous and progressive that it merits a category all its own, sharply captured in the title of his latest single “NuFunk.” Though he’s billed as a solo artist and his lead sax melody pops, this joint is every bit a conversational ensemble jam as his decades of popular work with the band Flashpoint. In addition to Flashpoint member and frequent collaborator, bassist Mark Harris,” the track features fascinating, otherworldly organ and trombone solos by the multi-talented Mike Bogle and the snappy guitar improvisations of Greg Minnick. With an incredible seven album releases from 2014-2021, we can no doubt expect the prolific Messina to be gracing us with a major new funk project soon!    

Truly one of the most prolific and stylistically wide-ranging artists to grace Smooth Jazz in recent years, saxophonist/flutist Paul Messina’s latest album BLUE FIRE – his remarkable seventh album (solo, dual or with his band Flashpoint) in seven years – balances fiery, robust fusion/funk energy with sleek and lyrical balladry as he showcases the heartfelt and high-octane possibilities of both lead instruments. Each track prominently features the sizzling electric and soulful acoustic guitar of Tommy Paez - and some have the spacey/trippy synth excursions of Grammy nominee Mike Bogle. The passionately performed set is also yet another beautiful chapter in the 35 years collaboration between Messina and bassist Mark R. Harris, which includes their acclaimed recent projects THE BIGGER PICTURE (2019) and RETURN TO SANITY, released earlier in 2021.   

The eighteen months have proven a major Renaissance in the life of Art Morris, who transcended a wave of health scares and personal and financial loss to finally achieve his dream of being a recording artist in his 70s. As he releases his vibrant, high-spirited (and super fun!) take on Frankie Valli’s iconic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” produced by Atlanta’s Brad Cox Productions, the big story isn’t just that he’s singing so impactfully, but that he’s probably the only artist pushing 80 whose recent single (“L O V E”) has close to 200K steams on Spotify – big numbers for any jazz artist, let alone a guy who waited decades to fulfill his musical destiny. The new single, from the LOVE collection, is all about the cool crooning, the groove and those snazzy horns on the always delightful instrumental hook! 

True to its title “Take It Home,” well- traveled veteran saxophonist Andrew Neu’s bubbling, brassy and soaring new single marks an explosive return to Smooth Jazz after a way too long nine-year layoff – which in all fairness included CAT WALK, an amazing, critically acclaimed foray into big band music. Having toured the world for years with the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Diane Schuur, Norman Brown and Smokey Robinson, Neu knows the power of great collaborations. He moves his fresh and unique sound forward in a bold, brassy, intensely grooving and richly improvisational way via spirited large ensemble worthy horn arrangements and the innate, crackling chemistry he’s shared many times onstage but creates for the first time in the studio with keyboardist Greg Manning, the song’s co-writer and producer. 

A prominent “next generation” member of The Petersons aka “Minnesota’s First Family of Music,” saxophonist and keyboardist, as well as singer/songwriter, Jason Peterson DeLaire built his rep touring and/or recording with the likes of Prince, Richard Marx, Oleta Adams and Michael Bolton before his recent emergence as an explosive force in Smooth Jazz. DeLaire’s multi-faceted five track EP AFTER HOURS showcases two distinct sides of his artistry. First, there’s his blistering funk sax vibe on the high-octane radio airplay chart hits he scored with veteran guitarist Chris Camozzi, with titles that collectively tell a story of a fun night on the town. He balances those with his sparkling magic as a singer/songwriter, including a universal love anthem featuring Adams, Jarrod Lawson and Rockie Robbins) and a gorgeous, romantic ballad.  The good times happen AFTER HOURS!

Reflecting on a fascinating, wildly exciting career that has included opening for then labelmate Jill Scott and being Prince’s touring saxophonist from 2004-12, Mike Phillips says, “I am a product of hip-hop, the funk and everything that comes by way of the negro spiritual. I can roll the dice and no matter what... I’m gonna make them proud.”  The versatile artist and entrepreneur launches his third decade of recording with the new collection, MIKE PHILLIPS – a sexy and sensual, power-packed, funk fired, globally vibing and spiritually uplifting self-titled jam that marks his sophomore release with the SRG-ILS Group. With Phillips, we never know where the journey will head next – but each stop along the way is certain to be an elevating experience!  

Coinciding with the release of his high spirited, melodically sparkling and deeply grooving 5th album STEPPIN’, veteran keyboardist, composer and producer Ken Powe recently published a book exploring the possibilities of our visions and dreams being divine experiences. Smooth Jazz fans checking out the array of moods and grooves by this vibrationally in tune spiritual and musical explorer may truly feel they’ve entered an urban dreamscape full of colorful and trippy atmospheric textures, eclectic rhythms and dazzling, dramatic ivory runs – all of which draw from Powe’s mult-faceted background in jazz, gospel, R&B, pop and classical music.  

A former “Tonight Show” bandmember who served as Stanley Clarke’s musical director for ten years, keyboardist composer Knick Smith™ brings a multi-faceted Joe Samplesque piano and keyboard vibe to ROMANCE, his dazzling and soulful, stylistically freewheeling Smooth Jazz debut album that follows several traditional jazz projects. Showcasing his fanciful, grooving originals and jazzing up Prince, and Barry White classics, Smith offers up the perfect fusion of lush sensuality, wildly grooving jams, innovative keyboard musings and sparkling improvisations. Along the way, he vibes passionately with several prominent guest artists, including vocalists Jeff Robinson and Lynne Fiddmont and famed percussionist Munyungo Jackson.

Having created studio magic throughout his multi-genre career with everyone from David Bowie, Barry White and DMC to 50 Cent, keyboardist/composer Tim Rouse perfectly embodies both his artist name (Sonix) and his nickname (“The Mad Scientist”). Having gotten his solo Smooth Jazz career off to an explosive start with the flammable, chart-dominating “Easy Street” featuring Eric Marienthal – which was voted #1 on the Smoothjazz.com Listener Countdown Chart four weeks in a row – as well as his successful, follow-up single, the groove-driven, chilled-jazz “Cloud9,” Sonix is finally ready to roll out the full album, a project of passion and dedication. LOVE CRUSADE arrives with his 3rd single, an epic take on Sade’s “No Ordinary Love,” which is also released as a 6-song maxi-single offering 3 unique versions (a smooth jazz mix, instrumental and a vocal mix featuring Patrice Isley) plus extended mixes of each. A transcendent sonic experience, showcasing sparkling, melodic and funky Smooth Jazz, George Duke-like synth-fire fusion and fashionable, contemporary vocals with soulful and spiritual messages. True to its title, LOVE CRUSADE paves a bright, inviting path that you won’t be able to resist… Bringing to mind the famous MLK Jr quote, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only LOVE can do that.”

A trio of incredibly gifted, vocally versatile siblings from the East African island of Mauritius, The Clarisse Sisters – Dominique, Annick and Veronique -  bring to their solo career an incredible 35 year resume as headline performers and touring singers, including 21 years collectively with Basia, a world tour with Erasure (Annick and Veronique) and a tour with Incognito (Veronique). Fine tuning their craft as artists, their hip, soulful, romantic, exotic and ultra-cosmopolitan 2nd album FIRE & ICE offers sweet tastes of the sisters’ passions for bossa nova, neo-soul, jazz, cool funk and dance music. While all share their stunning vocals individually, their deepest emotional colors come through in harmony. Not surprisingly considering their deep international connections, two legendary figures – Basia and fellow Mauritian Bluey Maunick from Incognito – make impactful guest contributions.  

A renowned session drummer, Pat Petrillo has backed the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Patti Labelle, and Broadway shows. The New Jersey based groover leads his group of jazz, R&B and rock all-stars, The Big Rhythm Band, serving up some mind-blowingly adventurous and high octane jamming, on the group’s latest album THE POWER STATION SESSIONS. Though named after the recording facility where the sessions took place, the title could just as easily describe these freewheeling original tracks and fresh, inventive arrangements of classics by Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel. While Petrillo drives the grooves, the deeper fire comes from the special guest artists, including guitar greats Nile Rodgers, Felicia Collins and Oz Noy, plus appearance by John Popper (harmonica), Glen Burtnik (vocals), and SNL bandleader Lenny Pickett (sax). A cool variety of R&B, Funk, Blues, Rock and Smooth Jazz.

Developing his formidable horn chops and seductive funk vibe in South Korean clubs and talent shows while serving in the Air Force,charting contemporary jazz saxophonist R.L. Walker has been an unstoppable force in Smooth Jazz since the release of his debut MANY FACETS in 2013. Currently on deck, the Whispers' “In The Mood” featuring Castella, the third single from his upcoming COLORIZED album, a seductive collaboration between the saxman and the soulful singer/songwriter. This smooth take of the classic 1987 song is an expressive, in-the-pocket hybrid of R&B and Jazz showcasing the talents of both recording artists and capturing the essence of romance. R.L.'s seventh independently-released full album features nine tracks, three produced by the artist and six produced by renowned producer Lew Laing Jr. The concept behind the new project's title is, according to the composer "Music gives color to the air of the moment."