Robert Lee Balderrama - "Sunset Beach" - Bullfrog Records
3-time #1 Billboard Charting legendary musical pioneer, songwriter, and guitarist, Robert ‘BOBBY’ Lee Balderrama has written yet another smooth jazz gem entitled, “Sunset Beach” offering a tropical feel with a bit of Latin flavor mixed in. “I have always enjoyed being on or near a beautiful beach during sunset” explains Balderrama. “’Sunset Beach’ is really about me reflecting on all my travels to those fabulous beaches in Hawaii, California, the South of France, and in my home state of Michigan to name a few. The addition of the seagulls and waves for me just sets the ambience. And the thought of a dip in the ocean or lake seems so inviting and refreshing.”
Jordan Love – "Starstruck" – Next Paradigm
Jordan Love turns up the heat with his latest release, “Starstruck.” This standout track highlights Love’s guitar mastery, weaving melodic, smooth, and silky tones that captivate from start to finish. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Jordan Love has made his mark as one of the most sought‑after studio guitarists in contemporary jazz. His playing carries the unmistakable influence of legends like Wes Montgomery and Norman Brown while showcasing a style that is uniquely his own. “Starstruck” is a smooth and intimate groove that invites you to unwind and feel every note.
William Green - "Africa" - Magic Dream Rec. LLC
In his own words, “The song entitled Africa was recorded and released in 1982 by the super group known as Toto. It became their most popular song, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983. The song was written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro and produced by the band. I wanted to recreate the song using some of the same chord changes and rhythms that were on the original version of the song while adding my musical influences on the recording. I recorded this arrangement in 2023 with the assistance of my longtime producer and engineer Melvin Baldwin, who also played drums on the track. This recording features my good friend and guitarist Eric Essix. Eric Essix is a well-known musical artist in the music industry and has achieved great success as a recording and performing artist. Also, on this recording is another longtime friend, bassist, songwriter and producer Sam Sims. On the percussions is Darrell Tibbs. The horn section includes Melvin Miller on trumpet, Frank Houston on trombone and my longtime friend Darian Emory on tenor sax. I had the pleasure of recording the keyboard sounds at my studio known as Magic Dream Studios.”
Fostina Dixon - "Revelation" - FossieBear Inc
Fostina Dixon is a composer, educator, vocalist and jazz soloist who plays soprano, alto and baritone saxes; flute; and clarinet. Her latest release, ‘Revelation,’ co-written with Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis, is a powerful expression of her life’s journey – a testimony of faith, love, and the transformative spirit of music. Through jazz infused with the soul of gospel, this song unveils the truth of God that has continually guided and sustained her. “It reflects the moments in my life where I was broken open by divine love, set free by grace, and called to share that freedom with others through sound.” Additionally, Fostina founded the Wilmington Youth Jazz Band, a non-profit organization for youth in 2004. She received a Christi Award for her contributions to promoting the arts in the community, an Outstanding Arts Educator award from the Delaware Board of Education, and an Outstanding Contributor award from the Council of Jazz Advocates for her work as an arts educator. Insert text
Funkee Boy - "Groove Addiction" - Funkee Boy Music
Multi-Award-winning keyboardist/songwriter/producer Bobbi “Funkee Boy” Tammaro to announce his first, full-length, smooth jazz CD since his triumphant battle over cancer. “GROOVE ADDICTION” is the debut single from the soon-to-be-released CD “Soul Searching”. This hot up-tempo track is flavored by Funkee Boy’s signature keyboard skills intertwined over an infectious groove and super-catchy saxophone melody. Once you hear it, you’ll be humming over and over again.
Shawn Raiford - "930 Grant St" - SRS Productions
In Shawn’s own words: “That is the house address that I grew up living with my grandparents in Vallejo CA. The only stability I had as a youth growing up was knowing that that address was never gonna change. My grandparents lived there up until they left the world in 1997. There are so many beautiful memories. My grandmother never turned anyone away, needing a meal or a place to stay. I’m so grateful that I was blessed to call that place Home. My grandfather would cut hair in the garage. My grandmother would cook in the kitchen. 930 Grant Street was and will always be HOME.
Marion Meadows - "Just Doing Me" - Shanachie
Just Doing Me, Marion’s most intimate and heartfelt album to date, takes the listener on a sensuous journey through a soundscape of brilliant original compositions and masterful improvisations. The album is produced by Marion’s long-time collaborator, Chris “Big Dog” Davis (Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Maysa), Wirlie Morris (Norman Brown, Charlie Wilson), and Paul Brown (Boney James, Peter White)! Highlights include the deeply sensuous “Pink Glass,” the funky and spirited “Say What,” and much more! This album is both the culmination of Marion Meadows’ artistic journey and a reflection of his contemporary vision. To pigeonhole him as merely a smooth jazz artist is far too reductive. Beyond music, he is also a painter, and his artworks can be found on his website.
Isaac Norris - "Ocean View" ft. Jordan Love - Independent
Acclaimed saxophonist Isaac Norris returns with a refreshing new single, “Ocean View,” a smooth jazz composition that captures the laid-back essence of summer. The track showcases the elegant interplay between Norris’s signature saxophone melodies and the silky, expressive guitar stylings of Billboard-charting artist Jordan Love. Co-produced and arranged by Norris and Love, “Ocean View” is a musical escape—combining breezy grooves, rich horn textures, and a warm, coastal vibe that invites listeners to unwind. Supporting the track is a talented lineup including Marcus Turner on bass, Caleb Middleton on keyboards, Shane Philen on horn arrangements, and Debra Perry as studio and production engineer. “‘Ocean View’ is about reflection, peace, and the beauty of stillness,” says Norris. “It’s the kind of tune you can put on and feel transported, whether you’re on a beach or in your backyard.”
Kirk Whalum - "Well Alright" - Mack Avenue
“Well Alright” is the latest track by Kirk Whalum from his album “Epic Cool,” featuring collaboration with musicians Andrew Ford and Nick Mancini. This single showcases Whalum’s mastery with the saxophone and flute, complemented by vibraphone and bass performances. Whalum focuses on his songwriting to craft an album that’s passionate and spirited on a monumental scale, but with his trademark soul. The song blends elements of smooth jazz with a mellow yet groovy vibe, enhanced by driving piano lines and rich backing vocals.
Kenny Gilkes - "Feels So Good" - Pine Stone Records
Kenny Gilkes’ latest single comes full circle with his years spent in Rochester. This connection was so important to Kenny that he included a couple of elements of Rochester in the artwork for the single. He has been living in Atlanta, Ga for over 30-years and is now releasing his re-imagination of Feels So Good, recorded by Rochester native, the legendary Chuck Mangione 48 years ago, in 1977. As Kenny tells it, he was just going from one room to another in his home and a hook just came to him out of the blue. Immediately he knew the hook fit with the framework and chord structure of Chuck’s Feels So good, but it was on the down beat instead of the upbeat as originally recorded by Chuck Mangione. Driven by the hook, Kenny was compelled and pushed to bring the new re-imagined version to completion. Kenny’s version keeps pace with his style of creating upbeat, bright, joyful, simply put, music that Feels So Good.