Jordan Love - "New Beginnings" - Next Paradigm
Well known in the Contemporary Jazz Community, Jordan Love is bringing the heat with his hot release “New Beginnings”. Love’s new composition showcases his mastery of guitar sprinkled with melodic, smooth, and silky timbres! Atlanta Georgia based Jordan Love has put his stamp all over the contemporary jazz format as one of the first call studio guitarists at only 26 years of age. When you listen to Jordan, you can hear a heavy influence of jazz greats from Wes Montgomery to Norman Brown. We hope that this worthy song captivates you to sincerely add “New Beginnings” to your Q1 2024 collection of music.
Walter Beasley - "Hold On, I'm Coming" - Affable
“When I was very young, a teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote ‘soul man’ on the paper, inspired by the music of Sam and Dave. This song is my tribute to the artists who encouraged me to remain true to my goal of becoming a soulful saxophonist.”
Lee Holloway – "For You" - Andro/Char Music
The new single by Smooth Jazz Guitarist Lee B Holloway entitled “For You” is keeping step with the smooth/contemporary jazz genre. Fresh off his last single which was released April 2023, is the smooth, laidback slow, cruise with me groove. Since 2019 Lee has produced three singles with the help of keyboardist Jamie Pastman, drummer Robert Gates, bassmen Antone Montgomery and Johnny (Red) Hildreth, which made it to Alan Kepler’s smooth jazz top 100. When he is not playing smooth Jazz, he is working locally as a freelance guitarist at some of Chicago’s top blues clubs, one being Buddy Guy’s Legends which on a few occasions Mr. Guy graced the stage with his presence and jammed with the band.
StreetWize - "I Like You (A Happier Song)" - Shanachie
This tasty treat is the second single from StreetWize (Feat. Kim Waters & Dave Mann), the song title is “I Like You” (A Happier Song), which is an instrumental cover of Post Malone’s hit song with Doja Cat that reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy in 2023.
Curtis Haywood - "Last Dance" - Megawave
Featuring multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver, Curtis Haywood brings you another studio gem. “Last Dance” is about reaching a point where we let go of what no longer serves us to make room for new and brighter paths. With three solo albums receiving critical acclaim and steady airplay, Curtis is in demand at International jazz festivals. Curtis Haywood moved from trumpet to saxophone at an early age. He studied at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts and Boston’s Berklee College.
JazzMen - "Love Birds" - Independent
Trumpeter Nathan Mayfield of JazzMen presents his newest release “Love Birds”. Who doesn’t love a good love story? “Love Birds” is inspired by love and companionship, taking you on a journey of feelings and expressions conjured by Love. “Love Birds” is a blend of romance, intimacy, and smooth sounding melodies. JazzMen has always wanted his music to be an inspiration of love and healing to the listeners and “Love Birds” is a testament to that. Smooth Jazz will never be the same as “Love Birds” takes the scene and play cupid. No doubt an instant classic.
Kayla Waters - "Murky Moon" - Shanachie
Presence, shines a light on Kayla’s elegant and feathery touch, judicious use of space and dynamics, thoughtful phrasing and dazzling harmonic subtleties. Virtually all of the producing, programming and production on the album was done by Kayla and her Dad Kim Waters. Presence opens ceremoniously with the soothing and ebullient “Abundance.” Kayla’s sailing piano lines delight and draw you near with her sweet touch and languid melody, setting the tone for an intimate spiritual journey that lies at sea. “The abundance or overflow of blessings I have been experiencing is a direct result of my obedience towards my faith,” shares the pianist, who counts George Duke, Keith Jarrett, and Frederic Chopin among some of her primary piano influences. Presence invites listeners to embark on some astral traveling with Kayla Waters’ luminous and percussive nighttime groove, “Murky Moon.” As she waxes and wanes with her mellifluous flow, she lures us into her orbit to witness the sonic beauty.
Reza Khan - "Rising" ft. Dave Mann - Painted Media
On Reza Khan’s latest album Mystical, his first call to collaborate was to veteran saxophonist David Mann, who had brought exciting horn textures and arrangements to earlier albums. In addition to seeking his production skills, Khan felt that co-writing with Mann on a few tracks would be the ticket to unlocking this magic. This intuitive dual perfection between Khan and Mann manifests brilliantly on Mystical’s latest single “Rising,” a bright, exuberant burst of ultra-melodic, mid-tempo funk excitement showcasing both the balmy acoustic and crackling electric sides of his deep guitar artistry. Perfectly in tandem, Mann pulls dynamic double duty as well, bringing his punchy emotional sax fire and snazzy, sometimes bluesy keyboard energy to the mix. While it’s great to hear Khan and Mann work their solo action, “Rising” lives up to its name even more in those explosive spots where they’re working their punchy yet soaring duet on horn and electric axe. Mystical has a lot of all-star guests but no track captures the hook-driven aesthetic Khan was aiming for as well as “Rising.”
Charles Moorer – "If You Wait" ft. Gerald Albright - 4CMusic
Gospel/Jazz bassist, vocalist and composer, Charles (Chuck) Moorer is back with his signature blend of soul-stirring melodies and funky basslines. Co-produced by Chuck and #1 Billboard artist and producer Nils – If You Wait focuses on inspiring and encouraging people of all walks of life to have patience in all they want to accomplish. In addition to the seven vocal tracks on the main album, Chuck is blessing fans of smooth jazz first with an all-instrumental version of the title track “If You Wait.” The track starts out easy flowing and builds towards a funky, high-powered crescendo, offering a dynamic showcase for Chuck’s buoyant, melodic bass energy on the verse sections, complemented and further fueled by Gerald Albright’s trademark soulful sax excitement on harmonies at specific junctures and later contributes an intense, freewheeling trademark solo. The instrumental version reflects the title concept brilliantly, increasing anticipation via a slow build slowly with a cool mid-tempo bass melody and sax harmony before both Chuck and Albright strut their more intense stuff.
Charles Moorer – Bass Guitar, Nils – Rhythm Guitar, Greg Manning – Keys, Gerald Albright – Saxophone, Cory Mason – Drums, Oliver C. Brown – Percussion.
Norman Brown - "Strollin'" - Shanachie
Norman Brown’s album It Hits Different offers a catchy sound in his well-known streamlined style, which has rightly earned him a large fan base. His fame corresponds to his charismatic appearance onstage, which has earned him popularity, respect and recognition in the jazz world. Strollin’ is the perfect title for wandering the streets and enjoying the first rays of sunshine. The Bensonesque music cultivates this magical moment of happiness. Norman’s new project is supported by the following top musicians: Wirlie Morris (Keyboards, Drums, Bass Guitar), Brinson Poythress III (Additional Guitar), Roberto Vally (Bass, Drums, Percussion), Mark Etheridge (Keys), Ron King (Horn Arrangement and Trumpet), Greg Vail (Saxophone), Tom Schuman (Keys And Drums), Paul Brown (Percussion), Phil Davis (Bass, Keyboard Programming SY77), “Lil” John Roberts (Drums), Joanna Davis (Vocals), Shane Theriot (Bass, Keys, Drums, Rhythm Guitar), Lenny Castro (Percussion), and Jeffrey L. Smith (Keys, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Drums).