Jonathan Butler - "Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)" - Mack Ave
Legendary singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler traveled back to his home country of South Africa to craft his most exciting and deeply personal album to date. Featuring producer/bassist Marcus Miller, Ubuntu is a reintroduction of Butler’s life story, going back 60 years to his upbringing in apartheid-era Capetown, which shaped his world view, prompted years of advocacy and instilled the ideology of ‘Oneness’ (Ubuntu). Featuring special guests Keb’ Mo’ and Stevie Wonder on harmonica, the new album serves both as a rebirth of musical creativity and reconciliation with systemically biased history to forge a brighter future.
Tony Saunders - "Loving You Is Easy" - Baja/TSR
Tony Saunders new Jazzy/Cool album “The Romance Continues” showcases his musical theme of love. The album includes 15 tracks featuring many top Smooth Jazz musicians contributing to the production. Tony, along with his co-producer and writing collaborator Michael Mani have delivered a prolific and infectious collaboration of catchy tracks that are sure to become radio and streaming mainstays. This is Tony’s second album on the Baja/TSR Records label.
ThreeStyle - "Best Things In Life" - Welovemusic
Best Things in Life – New single by ThreeStyle feat. Magdalena Chovancova & Robert Fertl From its divinely soulful, melodic and grooving core, award-winning #1 Billboard Smooth Jazz charting group ThreeStyle presents its new powerful and energetic single „Best things in life“. Soulful and funky, groovy and strong-minded. Featuring Robert Fertl on guitars & production, twin sisters Magdalena (saxes, keys) and Gabriela (drums), James L. Manning’s bass grooves and Lew Laing on keys.
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach – "SunSeeker" ft. Marion Meadows - Windtunnel Records
Gabriel Mark Hasselbach has mad skills across the jazz spectrum, with his signature flugelhorn, flute and trumpet sound. He is his most prolific and inspired in the contemporary jazz field, earning him 11 Billboard hits so far. “SunSeeker” is his first release since his 2022 Jazz Awards Nominated Album of the Year ‘Tongue & Groove’ which spawned three singles and brought him his latest chart action. “SunSeeker” is the soundtrack to a top-down trip to the beach, a private jet to Cannes, or a cruise to Hawaii and Marion Meadows’ soprano sax adds the salt on the rim of a poolside musical margarita!
Tanya Nolan – "Like Water" – ArtsessionZ
With summer on the way, we can use a smooth slow jam for those upcoming warm and hot days as well as sultry nights. Galveston, Texas native Tanya Nolan brings us her new single that could contribute to the summertime soundtrack, “Like Water”. As on her previous R&B hit, “Pace Yourself,” Tanya teams up with soul vet Raheem DeVaughn in the songwriting department for “Like Water.” The tune starts with the chorus with Ms. Nolan telling her lover, “Don’t let mama wait too long…” while giving the legendary Sade a shout out. The musical flow is soft, smooth and slow with a lush string arrangement as well as well-placed rain sounds – a Quiet Storm groove meets ASMR. Tanya’s voice is sweet and supple, nice and light, without “over-souling.” The backing vocals support Ms. Nolan’s lead nicely. “Like Water” flows like a calm river or ocean waves on a warm day or cool evening.
Walter Beasley - "Funk Foot" – Affable Records
“Funk Foot,” featuring Phil Davis, is a studio recording based on a live performance by Grover Washington Jr. in the late 1970’s. Despite being lesser-known, this song offers a smooth and powerful interpretation in its delivery. We sincerely hope you enjoy it and express our gratitude for your support.”
Steve Cole - "One, Two!" – Mack Avenue
Steve Cole’s exhilarating new album, Without a Doubt, his first outing with producer and songwriter partner Adam Hawley, finds Cole taking the opportunity of this fresh start to approach his music with the open mind of a beginner and the confidence of a veteran at the top of his game. Without a Doubt is a breezy affair that packs a high-energy punch. The album is chock full of memorable melodies that could be easily retooled as hits for the likes of the Commodores or Earth, Wind & Fire. In a sense , that brings Cole full circle to some of his earliest musical experiences. Cole’s longtime producer David Mann also returns, adding horn arrangements and reeds to “C’mon Y’all” and “One, Two!”
Shaun LaBelle - "Your Love Kept Calling My Name" ft. Maysa, Stokley, Jeff Lorber and Patrick Lamb - Naggy/Sony Music
Shaun LaBelle’s new single, “Your Love Kept Calling My Name” is a sexy, soulful jazz ballad that features music giants, Shaun’s close friends, Maysa, Jeff Lorber, Patrick Lamb and Maurizio Metalli. Once again, this ballad is anchored by Shaun LaBelle’s soulful yet funky synthesizer bass and bass guitar chops that make the melodic hook lines and groove undeniable, which will leave you wanting more! This captivating single has been the catalyst for a remarkable collaboration between Shaun LaBelle and Maysa.
Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin - "Catavento" - Candid Records
BRASIL, the new album by Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin is a showcase for the unique talents of two of the most successful and influential musicians of their generation. It has been an enduring friendship and collaboration, from playing the famed Baked Potato in Los Angeles in the 70s, to collaborations on Dave’s records and films and Lee’s albums, plus years of touring together on the biggest stages. Guitarist Ritenour and pianist Grusin began their fervent involvement in Brazilian music half a century ago. And, as boldly demonstrated on BRASIL, their new studio recording in several decades dedicated to the genre, their passion remains unabated. BRASIL is a bracing survey of contemporary Brazilian sounds featuring some of that country’s most notable young musicians. Also spotlighted are the talents of Swiss born harmonica ace Grégoire Maret and Brazilian vocalist and composer Ivan Lins, whose album Harlequin with Ritenour and Grusin won a GRAMMY® Award in 1986. L