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.
Mark McMillen & Friends - "In Our Hearts & Souls: A Bobby Caldwell Tribute Song" - Independent
Mark McMillen, keyboardist and Music Director with Bobby Caldwell, spent nearly thirty years touring, recording, and co-writing with the legendary vocalist. Upon Bobbys’ passing two years ago, Mark began composing this tribute in hopes of getting contributions from many of the incredibly talented musicians in his band through the years. The response from players and singers who shared the stage with Bobby resulted in these stellar and heartfelt performances. The sentiment is truly reflected in the songs’ title, “In Our Hearts And Souls”…an homage to one of the all-time greats. Dave Koz, Boney James, Michael Lington, Andrew Neu, Roberto Vally, Stan Sargeant, Land Richards, Allen Hinds, Carlyle Bariteau, Tommy V, Jean McLain, Ken Stacey, Tollak Ollestad, Marilyn Scott, Machan Taylor, Jeff Kievit and everyone on this all-star roster was encouraged to express what the experience of knowing and playing with Bobby meant to them.
Jazz Funk Soul - "Over Easy" - Shanachie Entertainment
The leaders of Supergroup Jazz Funk Soul are three of the most important Contemporary Jazz hit makers on the scene today: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr. – artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring more than 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! As a touring ensemble, they are wowing audiences from coast to coast. Their latest single, “Over Easy” from the upcoming release Simpatico is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano solos and incredibly compelling melodies. Other album highlights include the uber-funky “Get Up With JFS ,” the romantic, heartfelt “Janyce,” the spirited, joyful “Dreaming My Life Away,” and much more!
Tony Saunders - "Swagalicious" - Baja/TSR
Tony Saunders new single “Swagalicious”! This is the track that gets a rousing reaction in Tony’s live performances and is one of the most downloaded and streamed song’s on his “The Romance Continues” album. The single was recorded in L.A and San Francisco and features Michael Mani as co-writer and producer, with Bill Hampton on guitar, Mike Parlett on sax, Michael Mani on keys & synth and Tony Saunders on bass.
Walter Beasley - "Lazy Afternoon" - Affable
“During a conversation with one of my students, I discovered that he had Grover Washington Jr.’s saxophone in his possession. He mentioned he was planning to sell it, and in his opinion, I was the person who should have it – so I bought it. The first time I played it; I only played for a minute before placing it back in its case. Then I just sat there, staring at it in awe for thirty minutes. The next time I picked it up; I went into the studio and recorded a single take of the song Lazy Afternoon—and I instantly knew… that was it.”
Jacob Webb - "The Spirit of Aloha" - Next Paradigm
Jacob Webb’s new single, The Spirit of Aloha, was born during a peaceful moment while exploring Waikiki beach in Honolulu Hawaii. In a reflective and joyful state, Jacob channeled his gratitude for the warmth and hospitality he experienced into this uplifting tribute. The song captures the essence of aloha—kindness, connection, and harmony—celebrating the heartfelt spirit of the Hawaiian people through smooth melodies and soulful vibes.