Ali Jackson one of the greatest drummers in the world joins to take our audience on a history of smooth. He is an award-winning musician, composer, arranger, educator, and percussionist who spent several years touring and recording with a diverse group of musicians before accepting the role of Drum Chair of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra which was founded by Wynton Marsalis. 

Ali has performed and recorded with a multitude of artists including Wynton Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Bobby McFerrin, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Harry Connick, Jr., Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, and Gerald Albright. 

As a bandleader, Ali has recorded five albums, including Amalgamations, Wheelz Keep Rollin’, Big Brown Getdown and the Yes! Trio album. 

During this episode we discuss some of the most influential songs in smooth including: 

Ahmad Jamal “Poinciana”

Dave Brubeck “In Your Own Sweet Way”

Duke Ellington “Mood Indigo”

George Benson “Breezin’”

Kool and the Gang “Summer Madness”

Grover Washington “Mr. Magic”

Antonio Carlos Jobim/Elis Regina/Tom Jobim “Aguas de Março”

Quincy Jones “Secret Garden”