Talking Smooth Jazz

Emerging from the sidelines to launch his solo career with the independent release Fnkysax in 2004, “The Fnky Saxman” Quintin Gerard W. began noticing a fascinating trend in instrumental music once his trademark mix of sensual romance and irrepressible rhythms hit the airwaves. Not to say that his contemporary urban jazz flow was revolutionary, but it was certainly a key factor and part of the trend as artists in the genre began grooving it up more than ever before. After following Fnkysax (no “u” because it’s all about the music, not about him) with the more improvisation-focused excursion Perseverance (2006), Quintin gets back to his trademark blend of candlelight and “fnkysax” cool on his latest collection Before It’s Gone.

Brian returns with special guest, The Floacist Ms. Natalie Stewart, formerly of Floetry. Natalie recorded the song "I Don't Know" on Brian's XII cd. Natalie has released her debut cd, Floectic Soul.

Isaac Byrd Jr. known as the “Sultry Trumpet Like No Other” energizes the stage, mind, heart, and soul with his trumpet. He is one of the hottest talents out in the jazz world today. He has a sound and gifting like no one else you ever heard before. Jazz with Isaac stretches your mind and also takes you on a ride like never before.

Frank Piombo's musical career spans three plus decades of professional entertainment as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. Frank have appeared as a lead guitarist and vocalist with many live bands throughout his career. His perfomance history includes work with bands such as Sidewalk Symphony, Angelo Uccello and Fantasy, Stepping Out, The New Prince Band, US & Co., and the original Infernos. Frank has also shared the stage with such great recording artists as The Duprees, The Mellow Kings, Vito and the Salutations, and Vito and the Elegants.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Eric Valentine, a noted musician in contemporary jazz circles. This respected drummer and versatile composer/multi-instrumentalist has forged his skills into the realm of arranger, engineer & producer on his first release, Eric Valentine's Jazz Impressions.

Audiences world-wide have enjoyed the magical quality of Eric's musicianship, having performed with superstar artists Patti Labelle, Erykah Badu, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Regina Bell, Chris Botti, Yolanda Adams, William Becton and Darryl Coley. Eric has served as musical director and band leader for famed smooth jazz/R&B artist, Jonathan Butler and toured with the Josh Groban tour drumming for top-selling smooth jazz artist Mindi Abair.

Join us for our 1st annual top 10 cd picks for 2010. Mike and I each will reveal our top 10 major and top 10 indie smooth jazz cd's. Who were your favorite's? Call (646) 716-5485 and let us know.

From Bacharach to Bono, from Hancock to Jarreau, the beautiful, eclectic nature of his original musical compositions will inspire you. He currently plays keyboards for the legendary group known as The Jazz Crusaders. Joel describes himself first and foremost an innovative and creative Contemporary Jazz artist, who writes and performs engagingly melodic pieces that will still be dancing in your head, and in your heart, long after his performance has ended.

Join us for two hours of smooth holiday music from your favorite smooth jazz artists.

Journell Henry aka J. Henry, hails from the Jazz Capital of the world, New Orleans. This Crescent City native has been dazzling audiences across the U.S. for the last 20 years. Known by his gift for music since he was 9, J. studied under the mentorship of New Orleans Jazz Great Pierre Poree and Brian Graber, formerly of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Katrina brought Journell to Atlanta, where he continued to expand and almost 2 years of writing and production, the appropriately entitled debut album, “Long Time Coming” is available.