Kayla Waters - "Bountiful" - Shanachie
In her own words: “What a marvelous delight to release my 4th studio album to the world! Anew is a stunning artistic offering that musically paints the unlocking of fresh terrains of life with keys of splendor. Last year, I was blessed with the covenant of marriage and becoming a wife {Mrs. Waters Medley}, has been a soft altering point overflowing with gems of promise. Simultaneously, who I am graced to be as a faith-filled pianist, composer and producer has also “crescendoed” beautifully this past year. With adoration, I am elated to sweetly bring you this gift of passionate, heartfelt music. The beauty of the majestic mountains and God’s creation are a resounding motif throughout this intimate bouquet of pieces. Naturally and musically, the parallelism of earth’s bounty and how it illustrates unmapped ground for me, is an echoing thread deeply woven in this creative work. I am thankful that in every new space of life, God’s keys of prayer and scripture have been the most beautiful compass.”
Funkee Boy - "Life Sign" ft. Darren Rahn - Funkee Boy Music
Life Sign is the latest release from Funkee Boy featuring Darren Rahn on saxophone. This smooth jazz single blends an intoxicating groove over the foundation of a hip drum track, funky bass line, and blissful guitar pattern. The stellar chorus with the pure smoothness of the saxophone, playing in unison with the piano, will stick in your ear from the moment you hear it. Add to that, very tasteful solos played by these two amazingly talented artists, and there you have a super-hot song that is sure to uplift you. Life Sign will definitely elevate your mood and is sure to have you bopping your head and tapping your feet.
D. Mills - "Close" - DM Records
“Close” is something you play in your car, perfect for taking a long trip that makes you feel happy, or something you play in your living room that takes you away from daily stresses. It’s a track that perfectly encapsulates the contemporary spirit of smooth jazz while retaining the soulful depth that is quintessentially D. Mills jaZZ. The song serves as an exquisite harbinger of the “LIFE” E.P., showcasing the meticulous production, emotive instrumental work, and masterful composition that fans have come to expect from this extraordinary artist. It’s a sonic invitation to shed your worries and embrace the sheer joy of music, a sentiment that perfectly aligns with the hopeful and vibrant energy we expect from an E.P. titled “LIFE.”
Jesse Thompson - "Take It to the Limit" – Independent
“Take It to The Limit” is a refined and forward-leaning contemporary jazz single that captures the spirit of musical elevation and artistic synergy. Produced by Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson and acclaimed guitarist Nils, the track delivers a seamless blend of smooth jazz sophistication and modern R&B influence. From its polished production to its expressive melodic phrasing, the track is built on a foundation of precision, groove, and emotional depth. Driven by warm tonal textures, rhythmic finesse, and a dynamic arrangement, “Take It to The Limit” invites listeners into an immersive sonic experience that feels both intimate and expansive. The chemistry between Thompson and Nils is evident throughout, resulting in a sound that is cohesive, elevated, and globally appealing. Designed for smooth jazz radio, curated playlists, and discerning listeners alike, the single stands as a testament to pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a timeless, accessible sound.
Reza Khan – "Sunset Walk" - Painted Media LLC
New York–based guitarist and composer Reza Khan has always written conceptually, enlisting heavy hitters from world music and contemporary jazz to weave lush musical storylines. His new album, Shadow Dancers, incorporates fresh new material, and a new approach to ideas written but never before published, reshaped in a more personal context. He describes the music as moving freely between contemporary jazz, fusion, and global traditions, without being tied to a single genre. The first single, “Sunset Walk”, follows a relationship through tension, conflict, and eventual resolution. It unfolds within a nocturnal setting, continuing his long-standing interest in shaping albums around a central idea. He describes a place where “you suddenly experience these beautiful, theatrical things, where nature turns into a festival with crickets, fireflies, cabins in the distance, people dancing in the moonlight.” Personnel: Reza Khan on guitar, Mark Egan on bass, Matt King on piano, Mauricio Zottarelli on drums, and Emilio Martins on Percussion with an incredible string section featuring Fabio Engle, Fabio Chamma, Francisco Krug, Denis Usov on violins, Fabio Schio on Violas, Cristina Geraldini on Cello, and arranged by Luciano Filho, all chosen for a specific vibe.
Hil St. Soul - "Vibrate High" – Shanachie
“A beguiling set of pipes – a whiff of Whitney here, a scoop of Chaka there.” –BOSTON GLOBE “Hil St Soul smoothly melds an underground U.K. aesthetic with a traditional American black music. For more than two decades Hil St Soul has delivered captivating music that blends elements of R & B, neo-soul, and jazz. Nasalifya (Thank You) is her latest album featuring her upcoming single “Vibrate High,” as well as two previous singles, “Back In The Day,” and “I’m Done.”
Jacob Webb - "It's A Boy!" – Next Paradigm
Jacob Webb delivers one of his most heartfelt and personal recordings to date with “It’s a Boy,” a beautifully simple and emotionally rich composition that captures a life-changing moment in real time. Written as he is preparing to become a father for the first time, this song is more than a melody—it’s a reflection. Sitting at the bass and piano, Webb found himself thinking about the journey that brought him here: the sacrifices, the growth, the purpose, and the quiet realization that everything in his life has been leading to this moment. “It’s a Boy” unfolds with a gentle, memorable melody that feels both intimate and timeless. There’s no overproduction—just pure feeling. Each note carries a sense of anticipation, gratitude, and love, creating a musical space where listeners can connect with the beauty of new beginnings and the weight of legacy. This record speaks to more than just fatherhood—it speaks to purpose, evolution, and the powerful shift that happens when life becomes bigger than yourself.
Tony Saunders ft. Gerald Albright – "Return of the Mack (I Like it)" – Tony Saunders LLC
Two classics. One legendary combination — a fresh, funky mashup of two iconic tracks: “Return of the Mack” — Mark Morrison and “I Like It” — DeBarge. Together they become “Return of the Mack (I Like It)” — and with the legendary Gerald Albright on saxophone plus Tony’s incredible live band, this one is going to hit different. This is the kind of music that makes you turn it up, get up, and feel good.
Phil Casagrande – "Hurt So Bad" – Casagrande Studio
Recognized as being a known keyboardist/pianist, Phil Casagrande shines with his interpretation of the classic hit song “Hurt So Bad”. Produced, performed, arranged and programmed, Phil gives a clean, smooth vibe to this classic recording. As for the reason for doing the song, Phil states, “A hit record transcends decades, always enjoyed the delivery of the original song, and wanted to put my own spin on it.” With the renovated new recording studio (Casagrande Studios), Phil christens it with the recording of “Hurt So Bad”. All instruments recorded, performed, mixed and engineered by Phil Casagrande for Phil Casagrande Music (ASCAP).
Steve Cole - "Knock Out" - Mack Ave
Fresh, new music from Steve Cole featuring Cory Wong, Will Lee, Ricky Peterson, Mel Brown, Brian Dunn, David Mann, and more…