Talking Smooth Jazz

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes guitarist Patrick Yandall to talk about his new release, Jazz on the Vine.

Soulful. Inspiring. Authentic. True. Just a few words that people use to describe them and their artistry, and yet ASCENDANT are…simply that…ascendant…rising above. From its start, ASCENDANT has been rising above…their critics, their fears, their obstacles and creating

meaningful, soul-filled music in an era when such artistic statements just aren’t made but desperately needed. Take a listen to the soaring high notes and heartfelt harmonies. It’s there in every soul-drenched note; every colorful chord progression; every thought-provoking rhythm.

ASCENDANT rises… and asks us all to join them in flight…

ASCENDANT is a state of mind; a state of being; an uplifting movement to rise above. It is a platform to express these ideas and ideals through the language of music. Through the band platform (ASCENDANT), the energy and expression are directly showcased and felt in performances and recordings. Within the structure of the music production and publishing company (Ascendant Music Inc.), this expression is shared and utilized with other artists of similar purpose as well as other partnerships.

Follow Ascendant on Facebook and Twitter.

Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion is woodwindist/composer/producer Warren Keller, and his like-minded & like-souled band of musicians.

A lifelong singer/songwriter, and instrumentalist, Warren had tasted minor success on the New York City rock and roll and Nashville country scenes in the 1980s and 90s.

In 2016, Warren rededicated himself to music, with a decided slant toward the Contemporary Jazz genre he'd come to love. Within two year's time, he's assembled some of the best musicians on the planet to record his original tunes as Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion. Their latest single, "Spy vs Spy" on Tune 9 Records pays homage to the great spy themes of yesteryear.  

Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion is currently hard at work on their self-titled EP Spontaneous Groovin' Combustion, featuring the amazing playing of Jeff Lorber, Third Richardson, Alex Al, Dwight Sills, and other 'groovemeisters.'

Kenny Nightingale is an American based smooth jazz recording artist with a fusion of gospel sounds and contemporary jazz with world beat grooves. His father owned a musical school in Nigeria, where Kenny first learned the art of playing the saxophone. After mastering the saxophone in the ghetto, he also learned how to play the piano, guitar and drums.  Kenny Nightingale is a musician from a strong musical background of 8 brothers from Lagos Nigeria also known as the Motherland. Kenny is a soulful multi-talented Jazz R&B Gospel Artist with a smooth blend of Pop groove. At a tender age of 8, Kenny took after his father's footsteps playing the saxophone.  Kenny describes his music as a blend of pop and smooth jazz with a heavy influence of gospel music in his lyrics.  His debut release is called Breathe.

Follow Kenny on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Bernard “BK” Jackson is an international-performing saxophonist, electrifying audiences across the globe with his unique playing style, energetic stage presence and unparalleled passion for music that touches the soul. A native of Tampa, Florida, he goes by the stage name “BK Jackson” and has crossed musical paths with industry giants such as B.B King, Brian McKnight, Bruno Mars, Hunter Hayes, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Zac Brown Band and more. Most notably, BK spent three years touring domestically and abroad with musical icon Prince, performing timeless hits for sold out arenas night after night as a member of his 11-piece horn section, known as New Power Generation (NPG) Hornz.

Currently, BK can be found rocking the stage with New Orleans, frontman Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews as a member of the multi-talented musician’s touring band, Orleans Avenue. The group headlines tours around the world, bringing audiences a classic infusion of the New Orleans brass band sound, perfectly mixed with sonic rock, jazz, and hip-hop influences. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows, the group has also opened for powerhouse acts such as The Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Lenny Kravitz, Hall & Oates, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

BK's newest release, Life of the Party, features keyboardist Nicholas Cole, guitarist Adam Hawley, Trombone Shorty, Joshua Cruz & Ross Mac, and Sherwood & The Loud Pack.

Follow BK Jackson on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Cal’s new album “Soulful” has been released everywhere. Cal Harris Jr. returns with his long-awaited 3rd Release “Soulful”.  This collection of emotionally captivating instrumentals speaks volumes without saying a word. His first album on the Innervision Records label includes the #1 hits “Soulful” and “Timeline.”  The record features guest performances by Jeff Lorber (keys), Ted Belledin (sax), Mel Brown (bass), and Innervision label mate Blake Aaron (guitar).

Follow Cal Harris, Jr on Facebook, Twitter@calharrisjr and Instagram@calharrisjr1

After Dinner, a short collection of instrumental R&B, grooves, and smooth jazz is Ahmad Johnson's first time creating a [moodmusick] project in...a long time. If you know his work, that says it all. If you don't, this would be a good time to learn more about him.

Follow Ahmad Johson on Facebook, Twitter@JohnsonKyd, and Instagram @johnsonthreesixten

fo/mo/deep 

= An Eclectic Groove Oriented – Funky Jazz Collective.

Best known for their sizzling live performances, the fo/mo/deep groove is rooted in the experimental school of the 70s…a time when jazz, soul, and funk were one and the same. Seeking to defy the ordinary, this diverse collective of seasoned pros keeps things stirred up with unpredictable energy that moves.

 

The music harkens back to the days when super groups hypnotized the world with bass driven ensembles and a full-bodied sound that reigned supreme.  fo/mo/deep plays music like it’s meant to be…hot, incalculable and emotionally satisfying.

Formed back 2007 by Bassist/Bandleader, Ron “FatKat” Holmes, Jr., they are now known for their intelligently energetic and unpredictable shows, created a formidable reputation for this jazz-funk-world infused band.

The band's newest record, Syzygy, is scheduled for release on October 1.  This is their first time recording as a Jazz Trio. The covers and originals both have a beautiful intensity.

Follow Fo/Mo/Deep on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Singer/Songwriter KEA (Kea Michaels) is swiftly proving herself as an outstanding and soul-piercing new artist with her June 21-slated second single, “Not My Friend,” the follow-up to her poignant debut “I Love You” which peaked at #1 on four U.K. Soul charts, was picked up by the BBC, received support from several U.S. Smooth Jazz outlets and was chosen as ‘Song of the Month’ by influential music site SoulTracks. As the follow-up, “Not My Friend” is so strong that it was added “out of the box” to the programming playlist of WFSK in the music hotbed city of Nashville. The radio promoter only sent it to get valuable feedback. The station started playing the song immediately!

KEA is fiercely talented and purposed new artist worthy of attention and support as she leads up to the release of her debut EP, Relationships.

 

 “Inviting you to feel what I feel is my desire for my listeners. Get caught up in the mood and the moment. When I sing about being in love, I want to touch the hearts of those that feel love and want love.”

Follow Kea Michaels on Facebook@keamichaels and Instagram@musicbykea

JWhite debuted as a solo artist with the 2012 album “New Jazz Swagger: Reloaded.” His sax play is a swirl of modern jazz with straight-ahead jazz references, emoting rich melodies and lush harmonic passes atop sensual R&B tracks. Competing at the Warren Hill Sax Summit in 2013 helped him win slots to perform at the San Diego Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Arizona Jazz Festival and Jazz at the Creek. He’s also played club dates from coast to coast. In 2015, JWhite dropped the “Grit and Glamour” EP, an outing that strayed from his jazz base. “Fearless” is a purposeful return to his muse. 

A seasoned core of hitmakers teamed with JWhite to create the EP. Drummer Eric Valentine and bassist Nathaniel Kearney form a deep-pocketed rhythm section on the opening cut, “Valley of the Sun,” which bodes to be the second single. Keyboardist Gail Jhonson pours the soul of her Philly roots into the three tunes she cowrote and coproduced for the set – “Mr. NuGroove,” “Morning Rain” and “90’s Kinda Love” - the last of which features supple basslines from chart-topper Darryl Williams. Guitarist Matt Godina was JWhite’s co-writer and co-producer on “Soiree.” “Just Ride” is the only solo trek on the disc. (Source: Great Scott Productions)

Follow J. White on Facebook@jonwhite, Twitter@jwhitelive & Instagram@teamjwhite