Kenny Gilkes - "Listen To The Day" - Pinestone 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.
Eddie Bullen - "Sunset Marquee" - Thunderdome Sounds
Pianist, composer, arranger and producer.
Eddie Bullen is in every way, a standout amongst his
generation of multi-talented artists. Kaleidoscope is the sixth album from Bullen. “This album is a reflection of my journey through the emergence of new jazz sounds in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. These sounds conjure up fond memories for me, ones that have inspired my compositions on this album. Kaleidoscope will be officially released worldwide on Friday, January 17th, 2020.
Earnest Walker Jr - "Palm Avenue" - Ifatoba Music
Celebrating 20 years since the release of his acclaimed debut album Raindrops in the Sun, versatile independent saxophonist Earnest Walker, Jr. gets back in the grooves (plural) big time with his highly anticipated album whose title, IFATOBA, is as exotic, compelling and bold as the eclectic, multi-faceted music itself. In the ancient West African language, it means “the king has arrived.” Beyond the incredible conceptual and spiritual elements, Walker offers enormous potential in the pocket contemporary urban jazz radio hits, starting with “Palm Avenue,” which evolves from a sultry and shimmering easy flowing affair into a punchier, harder grooving, horn spiced funk tune.
ThreeStyle - "Cruisin'" - WeLoveMusic
Number 1 Billboard band Threestyle presents a smooth soulful version of Smokey Robinson’s classic “Cruisin” featuring a stellar constellation with multi-platinum Fattburger’s legendary virtuoso Steve Laury on lead guitar, Robert Fertl on lead guitar, back vocals and production, Magdalena Chovancova on sax, flute and backing vocals, George Duke’s drummer Rayford Griffin, Billy Preston’s bassist James L. Manning, K-Ci & JoJo’s Keyboarder Chris Troy, Magdalena Fertl on chimes, Gabriela Chovancova and Nikita Konrad on percussion.
Karlton Jones - "Supahero" - The Calling Records
Karlton’s most recent single titled “Supahero” blends R&B, Hip-Hop, and Electronic Dance Music. There are two versions of the song that features a collaboration with Cherch aka Ronald Wilds. This version features Karlton on soprano saxophone. The song “Supahero” was produced by BCoe Productions and was mixed/mastered by BEAUZ whom are signed to Armada records and whose EDM music has been featured by Zedd at some of the largest music festivals in the country such as Coachella and around the world. Karlton’s first album The Calling received much success and was featured on Rapzilla.com and in the highly respected jazz online and print magazine JazzTimes.com. His first EP Brighter Day and his second EP equally received much success and songs on both projects made it onto the billboard charts.
J. White - "Valley Of The Sun" - Independent
J. White is back with his newest single from Fearless, “Valley of the Sun”. Originally from Detroit, now based in Phoenix, J. White in demand both locally and nationally and he has shared the stage with Regina Belle, Cece Peniston, Adina Howard, Selina Albright, Jeffrey Osborne, Najee, Bobby Blue Bland, & Dave Hollister just to name a few. After taking runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit in 2013, J. White has continued to make his musical mark at many Jazz festivals and venues.
Spyro Gyra - "Can't Find My Way Home" - Amherst Records
Spyro Gyra’s new release ”Vinyl Tap”, their first album of new material in six years, is sure to excite their worldwide fan base as well as to bring new listeners into the fold. Never content to rest on their prodigious work of the past, they have once again challenged themselves to apply their iconic sound to an idea that makes this release stand out from all of its predecessors. With ”Vinyl Tap”, they have decided to craft an entire album of inventive jazz covers from pop favorites from the vinyl era. But these versions of familiar tunes will surprise the listener as well as entertain them. Whether it’s turning Cream’s ”Sunshine of Your Love” into a Latin big band sound or making a tender ballad out of the Beatles’ ”You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”, this release will impress at every turn. They weren’t satisfied with just turning Johnny Rivers’ 1960’s hit ”Secret Agent Man” into a rollicking party jam. They added an uptempo melody from ”Alfie’s Theme” to make something brand new, ”Secret Agent Mash”. There are also more conventional approaches with faithful versions of songs like War’s ”The Cisco Kid” and the Doobie Brothers’ ”What a Fool Believes”. Spyro Gyra’s haunting version of Blind Faith’s ”Can’t Find My Way Home” is sure to become a fan favorite.
Lori Williams - "Sailing On A Dream" - Lori Jazz
Lori Williams is moving smoothly in the right direction with her latest sexy single – “Sailing on a Dream” – originally covered and co-written by crooner Will Downing. The vocal contrasts between the baritone Downing and alto Williams is well worth a listen. Close your eyes and go for a long sail! “She’s got a soft-edged, creamy voice that’s a natural vehicle for introspection, but also one that you could happily curl up and get lost in. It’s stunning, supple subtle, sumptuous, soulful music – let’s call that the five Ss of Lori Williams, shall we?” Michael J. West – The Washington City
Doug Jones - "Back On Redwood" - Doug Jones Music
The new track from saxophonist Doug Jones is an up-tempo composition featuring Saxophone and Guitar. The song was written, arranged and produced by Doug Jones. With the drum groove and horn section, this song has a Motown vibe to it. Ron Jackson from The Smooth Jazz Ride writes: “Back On Redwood”, you need and will want to take the time to absorb all of this one.”