Talking Smooth Jazz

Billboard chart-topping vocalist and songwriter Helen Rogers of Jazzmasters fame returns with her solo debut, the potent Smooth Jazz Meets Reggae (Skinny Bwoy Records). The 10-song set (plus two CD-only bonus tracks), features original songwriting and production, as well as compelling reggae covers of “Don't Know Why” (Norah Jones), “Be Thankful For What You Got” (William DeVaughn) and the reggae classic “I'm Still In Love” (Alton Ellis).

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Saxophonist Clifford Clark has released his debut project, Ocean Air, composed and arranged by saxophonist Martin Blockson.

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The long-awaited third release of multi-instrumentalist, Vincent Ingala, gives you more of his funky, soulful smooth jazz. From the driving upbeat title track, “Coast to Coast,” to the smooth, sensual, “Love On Hold,” Ingala will take you on an emotional journey, In addition to his seven original compositions, Ingala stays true to his love of old-school and R&B with three surprising covers.

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For Jesse Cook, music has been a journey. Sonically and literally.  His new release, One World, begins another chapter in the multi-tasking artist, composer and producer’s quest. His destination: The digital realm. To create the disc’s emotive melodies, fluid grooves and rich sonic tapestries, he incorporated technology more than ever before.

The Paris-born, Toronto-raised Cook himself is a product of cross pollination and his guitar compositions incorporate rumba, gypsy, flamenco, Latin, Afro-Cuban, jazz and classical motifs into multicultural amalgams. On previous discs, Cook traveled extensively and recorded in disparate locales in order to foster authenticity. However, on “One World,” he opted to sonically explore far-reaching lands from his home studio while incorporating more modern technology and electronics than ever harnessed on past ventures. Cook’s alluring guitar prowess remains the focal point - expressive, poetic, evocative and emotionally stirring.

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Profusely creative, highly energetic, sensitive and yet dynamic are a few words that describe the artistry of this extraordinary bassist. John Dillard embarks upon his journey, setting his pace on his first album as a solo artist, “Lets Ride.”  “Lets Ride” is a project of passion, longsuffering, and perseverance.  Its smooth, funk-groovy feeling will have you relaxed or wanting to ride with the top down with the wind lowing through your hair.

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Bass Guitar Impresario, Al Turner, affectionately called “The Burner” returns with his latest record “Simply Amazing”, his forth album in 10 years. Simply Amazing finds the gifted producer, expanding his iconic style. Produced by Al Turner, along with Co-Producers Barry Eastmond, Dana Davis and Dave Isaac, Simply Amazing is the latest addition to Al’s diverse catalog. A strikingly balanced record, the album finds Al skillfully blending Jazz, Funk and R&B, making an eclectic melodic statement.

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Urban-jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette will release a special edition of her Billboard Top 5 album “Straight from the Harp” on September 25 in conjunction with receiving a Phenomenal Women in Entrepreneurship Award from the National Council of Negro Women.

The Allan Phillips-produced disc that peaked in the Billboard smooth jazz albums Top 5, “Straight from the Harp,” connects with a balanced set list of soul-infused originals and R&B classics. Showcasing Antoinette’s gorgeous, graceful and sensual harp theatrics amidst down home funk grooves, ebullient pop harmonies and spacious jazz improvisations, the record was purposely crafted to fulfill the artist’s mission to smash limiting preconceptions, banish borders and offer adventurous new possibilities for her celestial stringed instrument.

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Dante Lewis, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is a powerful saxophonist and musician.  Since the age of 12, Dante has wowed audiences throughout the Carolinas with his quality sound, his engaging personality, and his passion for music.  His third cd project, No Cover Charge is produced by the award winning producer Byron Counts and has some of the most enjoyable originals for the smooth jazz listeners that sure to be a favorite in your collection.

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Saxophonist Marcus Anderson returns with two new releases.  Marcus Anderson Xperience (his first live cd), celebrates his 10th anniversary in the business.  The Marcus Anderson Xperience is a two-disk set that includes the story behind each song.  His 2nd release, AND Coffee, coincides with the release of his new coffee line on October 16.  This eleven track disk features Darnell "Showcase" Taylor, guitarist Matt Marshak, trumpeter Lin Rountree, keyboardist Nicholas Cole and bassist Julian Vaughn.  Each track is named after a coffee beverage.

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Since the runaway success of her 1990 debut album Circle of One (which went Platinum), and the impassioned hit single “Get Here” (the Brenda Russell composition that became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War) Oleta Adams has inspired a growing legion of fans in the U.S. and Europe.  She's releasing two new singles, Long and Lonely Hours and Safe and Sound from her upcoming prayer album.

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