Gabriel Mark Hasselbach - "Force of Habit' - Windtunnel
Gabriel’s deft touch and recognizable horn and alto flute sounds surface again with his second single “Force Of Habit” from his 2024 album Count Your Lucky Stars, which follows on the heels of SunSeeker, which penetrated Watercolors and stayed on the Billboard Top 100 for over six months. “Force Of Habit” is a punchy and driving power track, alluding to the best Hasselbach-Lorber hits that have impacted Billboard/radio over the last dozen years. Featured is pianist Miles Black, a renowned solo artist and session giant, and Andrew Freeman, an underappreciated hot guitar slinger, both of whom lend an added depth and conviction to Gabe’s propulsive horn delivery.
Santana - “Get On (Sentient Version) w/ Miles Davis & Paolo Rustichelli" - Candid Records
A powerhouse collaboration, “Get On” brings together the electrifying artistry of Carlos Santana, the legendary Miles Davis, and visionary Italian jazz-rock composer Paolo Rustichelli. Originally recorded for Rustichelli’s Mystic Man album, this track is a mesmerizing fusion of soulful guitar, trailblazing trumpet, and cinematic jazz-rock textures. The intuitive interplay between the iconic Santana and Davis — each weaving ideas and emotions —is nothing short of breathtaking. “Get On” isn’t just a song; it’s a brilliant conversation between masters, a moment of pure musical alchemy that transcends time.
Shaun LaBelle - "Mon Cher Amour" ft. Maysa & Bobby Lyle - Naggy/Sony Music
Shaun LaBelle is back with another sensational release, featuring #1 smooth jazz vocalist/recording artist Maysa and the legendary Bobby Lyle on piano. Known for his selective and hit collaborations, Bobby Lyle was thrilled to join Shaun on this project after hearing the captivating new track. The single, mixed by David Rideau, tracked by Dik Shopteau, and mastered by Steve Hall, promises to be a hit.
Saxl Rose - "Sunset" ft. Kayla Waters - Next Paradigm
Saxl Rose, the Maryland-based saxophonist celebrated for his mesmerizing performances on major stages, has just dropped his highly anticipated new single, “Sunset,” featuring Kayla Waters. The track is a smooth, intimate fusion of sultry saxophone melodies and silky piano, creating a vibe that’s perfect for winding down or setting a romantic mood. “Sunset” seamlessly blends the warmth of jazz with modern sensibilities, offering listeners a refreshing yet timeless sound that’s bound to make waves in the smooth jazz community. Following the success of his last release, which garnered praise for its smooth, sophisticated sound, Saxl continues to showcase his ability to push boundaries within the genre. With “Sunset,” he takes listeners on a journey that feels both personal and expansive, reflecting his growth as an artist and his commitment to crafting music that resonates deeply with his audience. Kayla Waters adds the perfect touch with her emotive piano voice, bringing an added layer of depth to the already rich instrumental landscape. Saxl’s latest offering is sure to leave an impression, further cementing his place as a leading figure in contemporary smooth jazz.
Shawn Raiford - "The Next Step" - SRS LLC
After much success with his debut album Man with a Horn, Raiford is on the verge of releasing his second solo project, The Next Step. Filled with catchy originals, tight hooks, and saxophone playing that is both passionate and sensuous, this release is already making waves in the smooth jazz world, pushing the idiom towards edgier sounds that reflect Shawn’s well-attended live shows. With the release of The Next Step, Shawn Raiford is poised to make a major stir in the contemporary jazz world, performing the type of irresistible soul jazz and R&B that he loves. High-energy and naturally talented, Shawn Raiford is a very appealing, emerging alto-saxophonist who plays accessible music that always has an infectious groove.
Steve Cole - "Attitude" - Mack Ave
Saxophonist Steve Cole grew up on a diet of bebop blended with pop radio hits and honed his skills on the diverse 1990s Chicago music scene, where he was called on to play everything from jazz to funk to gospel to rock to R&B and soul. All of those experiences come into play on Cole’s exhilarating new album, Without a Doubt. His first outing with producer and songwriter partner Adam Hawley, the album finds Cole taking the opportunity of this fresh start to approach his music with the open mind of a beginner and the confidence of a veteran at the top of his game. The album is chock full of memorable melodies that could be easily retooled as hits for the likes of the Commodores or Earth, Wind & Fire. In a sense, that brings Cole full circle to some of his earliest musical experiences.
Bob James & Dave Koz - "New Hope" - Just Koz
A beautifully melodic, passionately performed reflection of the multi-decade friendship that captures the unique collaborative spirit Bob James and Dave Koz bring to their new piano and saxophone only album Just Us, the ballad “New Hope” is an elegant, soulfully soaring and deeply emotional reminder that we can be optimistic and even dare to dream amidst a dark, uncertain time. While in Saudi Arabia for a show in Jeddah, Koz and his friend and co-writer Todd Schroeder were overcome and inspired by wonderful people they met from this distant (and often misunderstood) culture and the endless possibilities that lay before them. Experiencing this as a microcosm of all the hope that still surrounds us in our world, despite the chaos so visible seemingly everywhere, they wanted to write a song that captured the feeling of anticipation for the many good things yet to come – including the vibrant reality that sometimes in life, we all have to improvise. The same wonderful feeling applies to fans of both James and Koz as they look forward to the release of “Just Us”!
Phylicia Rae w/ Norman Brown - "No Regrets" - Next Paradigm
Coming off back-to-back #1 radio singles “Right on Time” and “On My Way” Phylicia Rae has proven that the sky is the limit! She is now raising the bar with her new composition “No Regrets” featuring the iconic Norman Brown. Phylicia has emerged as one of the premiere bassists in the C-Jazz space as she is excited to share this new single full of adventure and love. “No Regrets” by Phylicia Rae feat. Norman Brown is a perfect blend of lush timbres captivating a mid-tempo groove with a modern flair. The song marks a bold contrast from Phylicia Rae’s previous work, showcasing her growth as an artist. With its reflective theme and fresh sound, it invites listeners to embrace life’s journey without looking back.
Jazz In Pink - "Expansions" - Shanachie
In 1974, before his collaborations with Miles Davis and Pharoah Sanders, the legendary funk/jazz/fusion pioneer, Lonnie Liston Smith recorded the classic jam, “Expansions”, which became an inspiration to generations of musicians to follow. Half a century later, Jazz In Pink leader/keyboardist Gail Johnson, picks up the torch and blazes a new trail with her inspired re-imagining of that classic.
Kirk Whalum - "Pillow Talk" - Mack Ave
“Intimacy is as intimacy does. As a dear friend once said, the lover tries to find as many ways as possible, at least 100(!) to please the loved. And in pursuit of that moment, self-giving love is fulfilled and even rewarded far more than could ever be by only receiving. Pillow Talk provides the perfect sonic space for this beautiful exchange. Over and over again.” – Kirk Whalum