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!
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.