Horn and Holland - "Make It Count" - Horn Records
Keyboardist/producer Darren Horn and saxophonist Dr. Sean Holland have combined their extensive and diverse musical backgrounds to create a fresh new sound and vision for the smooth jazz genre. Their trademark is the ability to blend jazz, R&B, and gospel — music that is intensely grooving, uplifting, and designed to take the listener on a journey. Their new single, “Make It Count”, is described as a soulful, intentional piece focusing on creating meaningful moments. The steady rhythm glides along with the sleek melody awakening the smoothest grooves for the tapping of toes or the snapping of fingers. This is the song that inspires your day, then after hours has you on the dance floor dancing like a pro. Every note, every beat does exactly what the title says – Make It Count. Music that shifts the atmosphere!
Kevin Jackson - "Groove To This" - Next Paradigm
Absolutely no stranger to delivering infectious grooves, Baltimore-based guitarist Kevin Jackson returns with his latest single, “Groove To This,” featuring the electrifying saxophone stylings of Saxl Rose. Produced by multi–#1 hitmaker Jacob Webb, this fresh release captures the essence of contemporary jazz with a bold, feel-good energy that instantly locks listeners into its rhythm. Driven by Kevin’s signature guitar tone – smooth, rhythmic, and deeply pocketed – “Groove To This” blends funk-infused melodies with modern jazz sensibilities. Saxl Rose brings an undeniable fire to the track, adding dynamic flair and soulful expression that perfectly complements the groove, creating a powerful musical chemistry from start to finish. His ability to craft records that feel both polished and organic makes “Groove To This” a standout addition to any contemporary jazz rotation. Perfect for playlists centered around vibing, cruising, or setting the tone for a great night, this track does exactly what the title promises – it makes you move.
Jazz Funk Soul - "Simpatico" - Shanachie Entertainment
Grammy Winner Jeff Lorber is famous for launching the career of Kenny G, and his productions and collaborations with such greats as Dave Koz, Janet Jackson, Lalah Hathaway and Miles Davis! Grammy Nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. is one of the world’s most sought-after guitarists, having been featured in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, many Whitney Houston hits, and much more. Grammy Nominated Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such musical giants as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, and Patti LaBelle. Jazziz magazine hails his “amazing virtuosity” and Jazz Time calls him “a rare talent.” Together they are JAZZ FUNK SOUL and their latest full-length, “Simpatico”, is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano solos, and incredibly compelling melodies like on this lead single, “Over Easy”. Other highlights include the uber-funky “Get Up With JFS ,” the romantic, heartfelt “Janyce,” the spirited, joyful “Dreaming My Life Away,” and much more!
Donald Harrison - "The Magic Touch" - Omniverse Music
Donald Harrison’s 2026 song “The Magic Touch” (soul-smooth jazz version) revives his chart-topping 90s soul/smooth jazz style. The single features Chris Botti on trumpet, Chuck Loeb on guitar, billion-streaming Grammy Award-winning producer Deezle, plus Frankie Beverly and Maze percussionist McKinley Williams, and drummer Michael White. The single is part of Harrison’s bold, genre-defying project that reimagines a single song in ten distinct styles — from his signature nouveau swing and post-bop to tropical salsa, bossa nova, Afro-beat, New Orleans second-line jazz, soul/smooth jazz, chill trap hip-hop, blues, and roots reggae. The album was composed, produced, and recorded in New Orleans, New York, and Englewood, NJ, by Harrison, and released on Roots To Infinity Records.
William Prince - "Oceanview" - WK Prince
Saxophonist William Prince returns to the Contemporary Jazz airwaves with a new groove, “Oceanview”, for the spring/summer of 2026. William teamed up with Producer, Tye Brown (T-AARONmusic), phenom Bassist, David Dyson, Guitar extraordinaire, Jonathan DuBose Jr., and Drummer, Cam Fletcher, to create this smooth groove. Two-time Grammy winner, Paul Brown, works his magic with a punchy mix, and Steve Hall makes it all shine with his mastering work. Let the smooth sounds of “Oceanview” carry you like a wave in the open waters.
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.