Merlon Devine - "Move" - Devine Music Group
Closing in on 20 years as a recording artist, saxophonist Merlon Devine delights on his latest upbeat, ultra-hipster single with a message we all need as we inch slowly towards a world post-pandemic: “Move.” The saxophonist invites us into the tight, infectious hook immediately, surrounding his punchy sax and horn textures and tight mid-tempo funk grooves with a swirl of atmosphere and cool old school sonic effects. That dynamic energy continues on the first verse, with Devine’s soulful sax playing sensually over an irresistible thumping beat. One of the most exciting aspects of the track is the unexpected moments along the sonic journey. Rather than simply go from verse straight back to the chorus, Devine creates suspenseful escalating horn lines and riffs playfully off those. Before getting back to the verse melody, he follows the second chorus with a bar of snazzy horn texturing with just the beat underneath before the expansive elements of the production kick in. Along the way, he continues to insert unexpected textured horn accents, which sometimes romp over underlying improvisations off the main sax melody.
Philip Patterson - "Monday" - Philosophy Music
For everyone who has ever had the “Monday Blues”, this song is the perfect remedy. It’s the new Sunday night/Monday morning anthem to get your mind right and your motivation on point. The beginning soft piano launches straight into an upbeat, body moving groove that just keeps getting better through every note. Listening to this song will have you believing nothing can get you down. Philip’s euphonious composition celebrates the complimentary sounds of piano and horns that give voice to a steady beat. The “Bah, bah dah…bah, bah dah” from the keys is catchy, and by the end it’s hard to resist vocalizing these notes out loud, as if you’re a part of the melodious ensemble. Fresh music is what we’ve been craving; a break of the mundane, and this song delivers right on time. With everything we’ve been through this past year, “Monday” just might become your favorite day of the week.
Juan Carlos Quintero - "Caminando" - Moondo Music
Guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero is re-releasing his critically acclaimed album, The Way Home (1997) on his world music label, Moondo Music LLC. Out of print for over two decades, the re-titled album, Caminando, features Quintero’s signature melodic guitar stylings, blending contemporary jazz with native Colombian rhythms. Featuring tracks from the critically acclaimed album, including the title track and 1st single “Caminando”, the newly reimagined album features JC’s signature sound melding melodic Spanish guitar with South American rhythms! This fan-favorite is finally here and facing forward with beautiful art from long-time collaborator, Guilloume, a must-have album for new and loyal JCQ fans worldwide!
Nelson Garcia ft. Tim Bowman - "Let’s Get It Movin’" - Next Paradigm
Nelson Garcia is back with another slammin hit “Let’s Get It Movin” featuring the incredible Tim Bowman on guitar. This 4 on the floor dance groove showcases a perfect fuse between the melodic saxophone ton of Nelson Garcia and the ever so tasty guitar lines of Tim Bowman. This composition was produced by multi #1 hit making phenom/ bassist/ keyboardist Jacob Webb. Connecticut based saxophonist Nelson Garcia is working on his debut album on Next Paradigm Records set to be released June of 2021. “Let’s Get It Movin” featuring Tim Bowman is certain to freshen up your playlist this spring and summer!
Isaac Edwards - "On The Town" - Next Paradigm
Newly signed member of Next Paradigm Records, Isaac Edwards, is bringing the heat with his new single “On The Town”. This uptempo dance hit features modern production with the flair of singable melodies, produced by Multi #1 hit making phenom/ bassist/ keyboardist Jacob Webb. Also joining in on flugelhorn is the ever so talented Randall Haywood! Edwards, a San Diego based saxophonist doesn’t just flourish solely in the music scene, but is also armed with a degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. Isaac litigates hundreds of cases during the day while performing in clubs all around southern California at night! Just recently, Isaac was featured on Rick Braun’s show “Rick’s Cafe Live”, a series that showcases the hottest musicians in contemporary Jazz! The combination of Isaac’s smooth/soulful tone and Jacob Webb’s unique dance/groovin’ production gives birth to another hit in contemporary jazz! “On The Town” is a MUST ADD to your Q1 collection of music.
Chris Walker - "Jarreau" - evosound (Evolution Music Group)
We’re In This Love Together – Celebrating Al Jarreau was originally a kickstarter campaign project created by Chris Walker, Jarreau’s protege and friend who spent twenty years traveling the globe with the jazz maestro. First released in 2019, it is now re-released by evosound. This musical tribute album, co-produced by Chris Walker & Larry Williams, features a stellar line-up of artists who came together to honor the seven-time Grammy winner from the jazz, R&B and gospel worlds; including Arturo Sandoval, Bob James, Dave Koz, David Foster, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Larry Williams, Marcus Miller, Nathan East, Regina Belle, Rick Braun, Will Downing and others. The project is performed with admirable attention to detail and respect for the wondrous vocal craft and musicianship of Al Jarreau from open to close.
Samar Newsome - "Firewall" - SRN Communications
Samar Newsome is a fusion keyboardist, soulful vocalist, and diverse music producer from Newark, New Jersey. Studying music formally at Westminster Choir College and growing up with local recording artists and church musicians, Samar was guided under a diverse tutelage. With his Mother’s care and guidance, He developed his ear for music singing harmony in the choir and rhythmically as the church drummer at the age of 7. Samar began accompanying his high school choir which led to also accompanying the Westminster Jubilee Singers while at Westminster. During his time in college, Samar performed with New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony as well as a host of amazing solos William Warfield, Hannibal Lokumbe, and Melba Moore to name a few. Samar’s style is a mix of soul, gospel and jazz which is influenced by his upbringing in the church and early exposure to legends like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis.
Perry Joslin - "Gemini" - Palmstone Productions
Perry Joslin has released his new single “Gemini”. Joslin has again surrounded himself with an outstanding cast of musicians and has defined his signature sound with his latest endeavor. Although he began playing piano at age three, smooth jazz pianist Perry Joslin spent the better part of his adult life working outside of the music industry. A business major in college, Joslin continued to perform jazz and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1983, adding a minor in music to his resume. Despite his love of composition and jazz improvisation, his business interests eventually led him to work in the brokerage industry and finally to success as Partner/Managing Director for the State of Florida at the KPMG LLP tax, audit, consulting firm. However, as Joslin never gave up performing, he embarked on a serious music career in his early ’40s, releasing his first CD of all-original material Perry Joslin Project on Palmstone Productions in 2003.
Tony Saunders ft. Jeff Lorber & Nils - "After George" - SF Records
On “After George,” an easy groovin’ tribute to the legendary, late George Duke, Saunders pairs with retro-jazz/soul keyboard master Jeff Lorber and hitmaker Nils on the mid-tempo fourth single from Sexy Somethin. The track is a moody, laid back meditation on the masterful legacy of Duke and how he inspired others. As Duke often did, the track gets funkier and wilder as it grooves on, with Lorber creating an otherworldly, trippy synth solo and then a more organic piano improvisation that pays direct homage to the jazz/R&B fusion era Duke so defined. Saunders explains, “I have been following George Duke since I was a young boy. His music always has moved me. My favorite song is the acoustic piano version of “Sweet Baby” where he plays and sings by himself. Getting to have Jeff Lorber and Paul Jackson Jr. (who both played with George all the time) to play on my recent project, Sexy Somethin, made me feel like I had come full circle in my career. This song came from my heart and soul and my feelings about George Duke are all in the song.”
Bobby Lyle - "Living In The Flow" - Independent
Legendary pianist/organist Bobby Lyle has returned to the music scene in serious smooth and contemporary mode with his compelling new single “Living in the Flow”. The tight rhythm section of Nate Phillips (bass), Jay Williams (drums), and Kerry Wilkens (guitar) provide the perfect radio friendly backdrop for Lyle’s signature piano melodies. This tune is only one of eleven tracks that comprise a complete album called “Ivory Flow” that is slated for a March release and was two years in the making.