Talking Smooth Jazz

Quickly becoming a recognized name in contemporary jazz, is multi-talented guitarist, writer, producer, performer, David P Stevens.  Having shared the stage with the likes of Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne, Najee, Alex Bugnon, Frank McComb, Jeff Kashiwa, Gerald Veasley, Brian Simpson, James Lloyd, and several more, at festivals such as Berks Jazz Fest, Rehoboth Jazz fest, Queen City Summer Fest, Capitol Jazz Cruise, Lake Arbor Jazz festival and more, David is solidifying his place as that funky dynamic guitarist, with a sound of his own, at the top of the game! David P. Stevens new release called Rogue, featuring Marcus Anderson, Mark Kibble, Deveron Patterson, Varijashree Venugopal, Carol Riddick, and Benjamin Bullock.

Follow David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

When you think of artists like Grover Washington Jr. or Gerald Albright you can close your eyes and become inspired by the amazing sound of smooth jazz. This sound is exactly what inspired Charles Prophet Jr. to pick up the saxophone at the young age of 11. Studying under Detroit jazz masters such as Wendell Harrison and George Benson, he developed a foundation for jazz bebop language. As a student at Wayne State, he majored in jazz studies under the direction of Ernie Rodgers and Russ Miller. His latest project is called, Love & Sax.

Follow Charles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

On his latest album, Summer Breeze, saxophonist Curtis Haywood has broadened his signature ballad sound with Urban Contemporary rhythms from his R&B Funk roots, thanks to production partner and longtime friend Ainsley Taylor and the early work of Witnel Paul.  “Wherever The Chips Fall" (featuring Nathaniel Mitchell on keyboards) and the inspirational "Promise Me” are the lead singles.  Curtis exuberates his passion on The Stylistics’ classic "You Are Everything", displays his versatility with steelpan on the Caribbean-flavored rendition of the Seals & Crafts classic title track "Summer Breeze”, and invites flutist Ragan Whiteside to join the fun on "Let it Go”.

Follow Curtis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

October 3, 2017, he may have made his name playing as part of the James Brown band, but trumpeter Willie Bradley has become a go-to musician for many of soul music’s greats over the years.

Willie is readying his new CD, Going With the Flow, and it promises to be a smooth winner. To put a sharper point on that, the first single from the album is out, and it is terrific. Featuring Manhattans lead singer and longtime SoulTracks fave Gerald Alston, “In the Meantime” is a cool midtempo number that borders soul and jazz and that has a positive message of living in harmony at a time of an awful lot of confusion in the world.

"This is a distinctly full-bodied, very brassy, well-produced effort that further illuminates this trumpeter who obviously puts his all into what he presents here. Take it to the bank that this is – at the very least — as satisfying as his previous project. A two-thumbs-up album." – Ronald Jackson, The Smooth Jazz Ride.

Follow Willie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Daneen’s new album, “After All This Time” is a compilation of Soulful Jazz and gospel inspired music. Daneen’s rich vocals and smooth tones will move the heart. The album is filled with original music, including the recreation of a song recorded nearly 40 years ago, by her uncle’s gospel quartet, entitled, “I’ll Be Free”. Daneen’s motto is “A song should be both heard, and felt.” When asked about Daneen’s voice, her producer, Kamau Kenyatta says, "I've had the opportunity to work with some truly incredible vocalist: Carl Anderson, Patty Austin, Gregory, and now Daneen Wilburn."   “When Daneen sings, you will believe every word”. ~ Kamau Kenyatta.

Follow Daneen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

East St. Louis native, Andre Delano, launches the next phase of his career with the release of his highly anticipated fourth album suitably titled IV. For centuries, the number four has been considered the perfect number. It is the number of completion, perfection, faith, humanity, and love and Delano’s latest album takes you on an unforgettable journey into the four corners of his mind.?

IV is an explosive, sensual, R&B vocal-filled album. From the first song "Smashin" which speaks about the desire of making love every day, to the song "Must be from Heaven" that places the woman back on a pedestal, then rounding things out with his "Adore" Prince Tribute, "IV will take you on an urban musical journey that is sure to have you vibin' to the catchy-infectious beats and clever, memorable lyrics,” states Delano.?

All songs on IV were written and produced by Delano, Kevin Beckett, and additional producers. Beckett is Delano’s cousin, best friend, and co-partner of their St. Louis company, Wu Cuz Productions, Inc.

Follow Andre on Facebook & Twitter.

Guitarist, U-Nam, returns to talk about his new release, Is That So?, and the newest artist signed to his Skytown Record Label, Ukranian saxophonist, Andrey Chmut's debut release, Smoothability, feat. Bob James, U-Nam & Valeriy Stepanov.  In fact Andrey contributes to four of the tracks from Stepanov’s debut CD ‘New Beginnings’ and now, with his own album ‘Smoothability’, he is at last stepping center stage.  With featured performances from the consistently excellent U-Nam, plus the timeless Bob James, it promises to be one of the smooth jazz events of the year.

Follow U-Nam onFacebook,Twitter, and Instagram

Follow Andrey Chmut on Facebook.

National recording artist and saxophonist Dee Lucas has been steadily growing his brand and fan base beginning with Remembrance in 2004, a tribute to the late legend George Howard. Thereafter, it has been a steady showcase of unique stylings with Something to Ride 2 (2007), Standing Room Only (2010), Rebirth of the Smooth (2012), The Smooth Factor (2014), & Going Deeper (2016). 

Dee's seventh release hits all sweet spots! The Sweet Spot is a six-track EP produced by Bob Baldwin.

Follow Dee on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Greg Chambers' A New Day hybridizes the sounds of tomorrow with those of decades past in 10 compelling original tunes. The title track (and first single) went to radio on May 21st and has already spent two consecutive weeks on the Billboard Most Added list! A collection of feel-good upbeat songs, sultry slow jams, and passionate ballads, A New Day features the all-star talents of (Adam Hawley, Paul Brown, Nate Harasim, Matt Godina, Lew Laing, Roberto Vally, David P. Stevens, Rodney Franklin and others.

Follow Greg on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

As an ambitious kid growing up in the Stowe Village housing project in Hartford, Connecticut, Rahni was greatly affected by the musical influence of his parents. “Our house always had music playing! Day and night! It was a way of life for me!” Years ago in a small room in the back of the house, his dream began. Wires, microphones and tape recorders everywhere.  Hanging on the wall was a spray-painted replica of a gold album. Music staff paper covered the floor as an electric piano sat in the middle of the room.  He looks at the painted gold record and says “One day that thing on the wall is going to be the real thing!”  As a teen, Rahni would sit obsessively for hours taking in the magic of his musical role models. He was very picky about who he listened to. From the pioneering Gospel music genius of Myrna Summers and Henry Jackson to the jazz, r&b, and funk of Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, and the arrangements of Thom Bell, Gene Page, Quincy Jones and Henry Mancini. 

Throughout his many years as a producer, musician, and recording engineer, he has kept his finger on the pulse of the ever-changing music industry and its numerous trends, without missing a beat! From Funk, R&B, and Hip-Hop to Classical, Pop, Rock, and Jazz! Unlike the predictability of many producers of today, Rahni is a true music chameleon. 

Follow Rahni Song on Facebook and Twitter.