Nat Adderly Jr. Trio - Took So Long – Independent
Nat Adderley Jr., renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, musical director and arranger, steps into the spotlight with Took So Long, his first album as a leader. Best known for his four decades shaping the music of Luther Vandross, Adderley now steps out front with a trio project. The album offers a pleasing mix of standards and reimagined classics. Across the record Adderley’s joined by longtime friends, bassist Belden Bullock and drummer Steve Johns, as well as bassist Chris Berger and drummers Tommy Campbell, Dwayne Cook Broadnax and Vince Ector. Adderley’s version of “Superstar,” first arranged for Vandross on Busy Body in 1983 and later Live at Radio City Music Hall, shifts from its moody aura into a festive Brazilian samba.
Michael Dulin - "Slow Burn" - Independent
Michael Dulin’s Slow Burn smolders from the very first note. A subtle Latin rhythm sets the scene, the piano weaving a melody that’s equal parts elegance and desire. The interplay between melody and groove creates a slow-building tension — intimate, inviting, and irresistibly warm. This is smooth jazz with a cinematic soul: spacious, sensual, and brimming with unspoken emotion. Every chord feels inevitable; every note placed with intention. This is music that doesn’t rush — it draws you in, one glowing ember at a time. With its blend of sophistication and accessibility, Slow Burn is tailor-made for both smooth jazz playlists and discerning late-night listeners.
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.”


