Talking Smooth Jazz

Guitarist Andrea Razzauti releases his label debut project on Woodward Avenue called "Front Street."  Produced by Paul Brown it features the legendary Patti Austin, labelmate saxophonist Elan Trotman, keyboardist Greg Karukas and more. Andrea is also an amazing painter.  Check out his beautiful artwork at www.andrearazzauti.com

Take Ella Fitzgerald's clear vocal tone, Jill Scott's spunk, and Chaka Khan's funk and you have new jazz vocalist Rajdulari Barnes.  At age 17, she was offered her first gig at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, and later shared the stage with Bobby McFerrin while attending Berklee.

The Jazz Queen talks to Rajdulari about her career as a singer and model, her debut cd HoneyWine and her upcoming project, Journey of A Woman.

On June 8, 2008, Talking Smooth Jazz aired its first show on BlogTalkRadio.com.  It was the first format on the site to interview regional, national and international smooth jazz artists and pioneered the way for similar shows.  Since then we have done more than 400 shows and have over 400,000 downloads.    Join us on June 8, 2013, as we take a look back on the last five years with some of our most memorable moments.  Thanks to the artists and fans for supporting Talking Smooth Jazz.

Hush Music/Orpheus Enterprises label continues its long-standing legacy with the latest release from Andre Ward.  Smooth Jazz’s top saxophonist is changing the atmosphere by fusing the elements of traditional Jazz, R 'n' B, Funk, Hip-Hop and Pop into an explosive sound that is incomparable.  A master of the soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, flute and EWI (electronic wind instrument), the multi-dimensional musician is reinventing the genre with the release of his new album,CAUTION.   CAUTION is a groundbreaking masterpiece executive produced by Beau Huggins featuring Jamie Knight, Naomi Emanuel and Janice Dempsey.

Dwayne “Smitty” Smith is a multi-talented bassist, writer and producer.  Affectionately known as “Smitty”, he is one of the most sought after and respected musicians of our day.  In addition to being one of the top session and touring bass players in the country, he has two solo projects to his credit: “This is Me” his debut CD, which was top10 on Tower Records “New Artist List” and received rave reviews; and “Stories”, his sophomore project, set for release this Spring, which promises to receive wide acclaim as well.

A former Wayne County Deputy Sheriff in Detroit, Michigan, flautist Althea Rene studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C.  Signed to the Trippin 'N' Rhythm label, her debut project for the label "In The Flow" is scheduled for release on May 28, 2013.  Produced by Michael Broening it features trumpetess Cindy Bradley, bassist Mel Brown, guitarist Freddy Fox and saxophonist Randy Scott.

In March 2011, The Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards Weekend was cancelled just days prior to the events leaving fans and scheduled artists in disbelief.  Bruce Nazarian, aka The Lemonator, aka The Digital Guy, stepped in, put together a showcase of artists to perform at Anthology and the Lemonade Weekend was born. 

The Lemonade Weekend 2.0 is scheduled for March 20-23, 2014, in Hollywood, CA. The four day musical event includes the VIP Founder's party on Thursday night, followed by music all day Friday and Saturday, and special closing day events on Sunday.

The First Annual Citrus Music Awards are a part of the Lemonade Weekend 2.0, and will recognize excellence in several musical formats, for instrumentalists, singers, producers, sidemen, venues, producers, arrangers, writers, and even radio stations and presenters.

Keyboardist Brian Simpson returns with a brand new cd called, Just What You Need featuring Jonathan Butler, Elan Trotman, Dav Koz, Gerald Albright, Marc Antoine, with 3 songs written and produced by keyboardist and producer phenom, Nicholas Cole.  This is simply one of the best, if not the BEST! cd I've heard this year.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Known as South Florida’s Smooth and Soulful Sax Man, Travis Bridges’ unique sound has been described as “music for your soul…, a smooth jazz vibe with an inspirational feel and an R&B groove among with- just a pinch of funk.” His deeply moving, inspirational style can be heard in his own compositions and recordings, and while accompanying nationally known recording artists.  Travis talks to the Jazz Queen about his newest cd, Horn of Plenty: Harvest Harmony.

Introducing vocalist Jason Morales, guitarist Adam Hawley and bassist Maurice A. Ellis, the newest members of Brian Culbertson's band.