Talking Smooth Jazz

Our special guests will be Luther’s long-time back up singer Kevin Owens. Kevin has written a book called So Amazing: Through the Eyes of Kevin Owens, chronicling his amazing journey on stage and behind the scenes with Luther and Ray Goodman & Brown.  We will also talk to Leonard Dozier. Leonard is an actor, voice actor, singer and songwriter and is working on a play about Luther.

Ken Navarro is back with a new album, Ruby Lane.  "Ruby Lane" is new and beautiful contemporary jazz from one of the genre's most gifted and successful recording artists. Top charting and award winning contemporary guitarist and composer Ken Navarro has created his 21st album and his first ensemble album in 4 years.  Ken's brilliant acoustic and electric guitar work are featured throughout.  

Follow Ken on Twitter @Ken_Navarro.

In February 1994, Brian released his debut album "Long Night Out."  In February 2014, he released "Another Long Night Out", on his BCM label, featuring an all-star cast of jazz superstars, including, Lee Ritenour, Chuck Loeb, Eric Marienthal, Rick Braun, Candy Dulfer, Ricky Lawson, Russ Freeman, Jonathan Butler and Steve Lukather, and more. 

We’ll also talk to Brian about his 3rd annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway happening June 11-15, 2014 and his newest project, Culbertson Pinot Noir wine.

Sekou Bunch started playing the bass at age 14.  At 17, he performed with Tom Browne on the best selling funk classic LP “Funkin for Jamaica” and received his first gold record at age 19.  An accomplished musician and composer Sekou Bunch has performed and/or recorded with Quincy Jones, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder,  Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, to name a few. 

In 2008, he released his debut album “The Next Level” featuring Angela Winbush, Boney James, Stanley Clark, and more.

With a jazz style that is both urban and contemporary, Nick Colionne has blazed a trail to the top of the ranks of today's stars.  Combining jazz, R & B, blues and funk, he has an unmistakable sound and vibe that is instantly recognizable.  Nick takes the guitar to unexpected places every time he performs and his rich baritone vocals delight his audiences.  As for his showmanship....you have to experience a Nick Colionne show for yourself. With style and energy to spare, unparalleled musicianship and a natural comedic flair, he is one of a kind.  We welcome Nick back with a brand new album, Influences.  

This show is dedicated to Nick’s longtime manager, Ms. Carol Ray.

Approaching his 20th anniversary in the business, saxophonist Paul Taylor has released his 10th album Tenacity, featuring keyboardists Jonathan Fritzen and Jeff Lorber.

Review: thesmoothjazzride.com

www.paultaylorsax.com

Twitter @paul_taylor_sax

Instagram @paultaylorsax

Saxophonist Vandell Andrew is back with a new EP, Turn It Up.  "Turn It Up" is a collection of uptempo, high-energy instrumental songs, Produced by Nate Harasim, Landa Gherra' and Vandell Andrew.

Marcel Anderson is a soulful and spiritual gospel singer.  Reared in a household with 3 talented brothers and 3 sisters, he discovered one of the many gifts God had placed in his heart, which was singing Gospel Music.  We will talk to Marcel about his debut album, Still Living and new book, Still Living: Purposed to Live.

Follow Marcel on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Guitarist Chris Standring returns with a brand new album, Don't Talk, Dance!

Dynamic, multi-talented and dripping with soul, Marcus Anderson is an award winning musician with an abundance of career defining accolades all achieved under the age of thirty. With the release of his fifth solo Album Style Meets Substance, the critically acclaimed Pop/R&B and jazz musician’s career is fast becoming one to watch. Hailing from South Carolina, Anderson is currently performing to audiences all over the world as one of the saxophonist in PRINCE’s band the New Power Generation.

Style Meets Substance is the epitome of his musical influences. His trademark horn playing and arrangements provide an album of beautiful momentum that pushes the sonic experience into an exquisite listening pleasure. Sensual sax melodies, smooth jazz standards, funky grooves and Latin beats are all combined into one 13 track album.  All songs are written, performed, arranged and produced by Anderson, demonstrating his constant reinvention of contemporary jazz traditions. Style Meets Substance also features collaborations with renowned musicians Morris Hayes, Nicholas Cole, and horn players from the New Power Generation.