Alex Parchment - "Vibin' In Time" - Next Paradigm
Next Paradigm Records is thrilled to announce “Vibin’ In Time”, a fresh follow up single to Alex Parchment’s debut Billboard smash hit single, “It’s Real”. Parchment has raised the bar with this electrifying new cut, a gem that was produced by multi #1 hit making phenom/keyboardist/bassist Jacob Webb. Also joining him on alto sax is the seasoned Phillip “Doc” Martin. Parchment, a Washington D.C. based trumpeter, is gearing up for his debut album entitled Burnin’ Up set to be released April 24th, 2020 on Next Paradigm Records. This funky jam will most certainly keep the listeners on the edge of their seat until the end! “Vibin’ In Time” is a must add to your spring and summer playlists.
Jana Herzen - "With An Open Heart" - Motema Music
On her soulful and timeless album of folk, pop, world, blues and jazz-tinged originals, singer-songwriter Jana Herzen (who happens also to head up the Multi-GRAMMY®- winning Motéma label,) reaches new heights as a musical storyteller, composer and guitarist. Herzen’s smooth vocals on this collection of poetic and groove-solid originals are supported by an ace jazz band with powerful chemistry led by legendary jazz bassist Charnett Moffett who co-produced the album. Nothing But Love reveals a sophisticated portrait of love in many guises and the studio video recently inspired over 200K views on Facebook and jumped her FB followers up 10 fold to over 5000 in three short weeks. Herzen’s single “With An Open Heart” will resonate with fans of such artists as Eva Cassidy, Sting, Melody Gardot, Diana Krall, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Karen Carpenter.
Michael J Thomas - "Sippin' The Yak" - Harbor Breeze
Florida based saxman Michael J. Thomas is back with his latest single, “Sippin’ The Yak,” the second lead single from Stream’n Love, his highly anticipated new EP. Written by Thomas and keyboardist Trammell Starks and produced by Thomas, Starks and Carl Griffin, the track is a silky, mid-tempo light funk ballad that begins in a dreamy and inviting atmospheric flow before bursting into one of Thomas’ most infectious soprano driven hooks ever. Longtime urban jazz fans may detect the slight influence of the late George Howard – and with good reason. Just before recording the track in Atlanta, co-producer Carl Griffin – who as an exec with GRP Records worked with the R&B/jazz soprano sax legend in the 90s – played Thomas some classic Howard tracks. Another cool connection is Sam Sims, the bassist on “Sippin’ the Yak,” who played with Howard back in the day. As for the quirky title, “Yak” is an urban euphemism for “Cognac.” Smooth and Tasty!
Tony Saunders w/ Paul Jackson Jr. - "Tony's Romance" - San Francisco Records
For the silky and simmering, anticipation filled “Tony’s Romance,” Saunders pairs his tight, snappy bass and a dreamy synth atmosphere with the old school jangle, cool harmony lines and crackling inventive soloing of Paul Jackson Jr. This isn’t your typical candlelight date, more like an invitation to groove all night long with a dance partner – with Saunders’ and Jackson’s serenade as the perfect soundtrack. True to the diversity of Tony Saunders’ legendary resume, the bassist/composer is always full of stylistic and thematic surprises from project to project and Sexy Somethin delivers.
Adrian Crutchfield - "Lover" - Independent
Deon Yates ft. Nathan Mitchell - "In the Moment" - FCP Records
Quintastic, the latest project from saxman Deon Yates, takes you on a musical journey through different moods and delivers a bit of sonic seduction with tracks like “In The Moment,” produced by and featuring keyboardist, Nathan Mitchell. The title track, written and produced by Darren Rahn, is a quintessential Smooth Jazz vibe made especially for radio. “When We Meet Again,” a tribute to Deon’s mother, is a light Pop infused gem penned by Jackiem Joyner who also co-wrote, Deon’s homage to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther, “The Night.” A hard hitting driving tune to cruise to with your top down. Every track is a radio single, according to Yates. So come on and join us on this Smooth Jazz Ride!
Quintin Gerard W. - "Roundtrip LAX" - O.T.S. Music
With a thriving career as both a contemporary jazz artist and a private pilot, Quintin Gerard W. combines his two talents in the perfectly titled album, Cleared For Takeoff, which takes listeners on an impressive musical and thematic journey related to airplanes, flying to exotic destinations and visiting the deeper spiritual places in his heart. As a resident of Los Angeles throughout the 90’s, Quintin is especially fond of “Roundtrip LAX,”– the first single: a spirited mid-tempo, light funk ballad whose mystical old-school/soul-jazz vibe includes a wild George Duke-like synth solo and recalls the style of his time making music while living there. The generous 14 track set begins with actual voices from air traffic controllers on “ATC Clearance (Intro)” and includes compelling titles like “Cruisin’ on Taxi Way,” “Air Beneath Your Wings,” “Attitude Indicator,” “Latin Layover,” “Visibility Is Ten Miles,” “Candlelight Flight With Me,” “Have A Safe Flight Home”. “I wanted Cleared For Takeoff to not only reflect everything I love about aviation, but to be a metaphor for listeners to think about their own life’s journey.”
The Groove Project - "Shadows" - Narked Records
The Groove Project is an American musical supergroup formed by Grammy® Award nominated musician & producer Arun Shenoy. It features a rolling roster of musicians and the current lineup is an 8-man musical group fronted by Shenoy alongside acclaimed producer Matthew Shell, prominently featuring pianist Lonnie Park, and saxophonist Marcus Mitchell. Working on a Smooth Jazz album about man’s fascination with flight, the band has already released 5 singles to date. The inspiration for this sixth single “Shadows” comes from the quote “You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.”- Amelia Earhart
Sergio Mendes - "Times Goes By (feat. Sheléa)" - Concord Music
In The Key of Joy is the new album from Sergio Mendes that features an array of guests artists that join him in creating an album with the forward leaning sound that has come to define his music. Guest artists include Common, Sheléa, Cali y El Dandee, Buddy, Hermeto Pascoal, Roge and more. The album accompanies the documentary by the same name, which is a joyful cinematic celebration of this singular musical artist who remains as vital and relevant today as when he exploded on the scene with his group, Brasil ’66. The documentary features Harrison Ford, will.i.am, Leila Cobo, John Legend, Quincy Jones, Carlinhos Brown, Common, Cali y El Dandee, Herb Alpert and Pele. The deluxe edition of the album features his greatest hits and serves as the official soundtrack to the documentary. It features classic songs by Sergio Mendes such as Mas Que Nada, Never Gonna Let You Go, Fanfarra – Cabua-Le-Le and many more.
Kenny Gilkes Sr. - "Listen To The Day" - Pine Stone Records
“Listen to The Day”, Kenny Gilkes’ second single from the album Taking It From Here is a well-balanced blend of R&B and Smooth Jazz, mixed with upbeat groves and ballads. Perfect for your new year playlist. For this album, the line-up of talented musicians includes a guest appearance by Ryan Kilgore, saxophonist for the legendary Stevie Wonder, Steve Cunningham, Marcus Williams, Chris Burroughs, and Chris Irvin. Kenny dedicated the project to the life, legacy, and memory of his mother, Virginia Wheeler. He recalls, “On a sunny day in February 2016, I was concluding my visit with her and as I was leaving she said, “Y’all gonna have to take it from here…” This album represents exactly that, realizing how short life is and pushing on to do greater things than the prior generation… living out your dreams and harvesting the best of your talent by simply making it happen.