Talking Smooth Jazz

“Music is not just my vocation, it is my passion and it is my calling. No matter how intimate or large the settings, I always play with the same energy,” says jazz saxophonist extraordinaire, Brian Lenair. Having performed with the likes of Will Downing, Maysa, Jean Carne, Billy Paul, Angela Bolfill, Christopher Williams, Miki Howard, Glenn Jones, Al Jarreau, Vesta, Tony Terry, the late Phyllis Hyman, Pieces of a Dream, Miles Jay, Grover Washington, Jr., Peabo Bryson, and George Benson, Spur of the Moment and others, Brian has established himself to be a talent to be recognized.

When you listen to the music of Elizabeth Mis, you’re hearing the manifestation of a brighter tomorrow. The very sound of the young soprano saxophonist’s horn and compositions reveal a style and grace beyond her years. It is the sound of an open heart – a spirit at peace and on a trajectory to spread love to all within earshot of her horn. Her debut album is titled Forever & Ever because that is whole-heartedly how long she wants to soothe listeners with her divinely inspired melodies. Shepherded into the spotlight by prolific pop instrumental producer/guitarist Paul Brown, Elizabeth has crafted a tranquil yet groovin’ debut with broad appeal for all.

The music industry lost one of it's best this week. Bassist, Wayman Tisdale passed away and we will pay tribute to the beloved Wayman and look back on his career in basketball and music.

Joyce Cooling, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, is best known for her eclectic style and colorful body-moving sound. Funky, soulful, and always original, Joyce Cooling is recognized as one of the most dynamic and popular contemporary jazz guitarists in the world.

Chieli Minucci is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, music producer, and arranger and is primarily known as the leader of the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX. Minucci & Special EFX have recorded 25 CDs, 8 of those being solo releases. We will talk to Chieli about his music and career with Special EFX.

Top charting & award winning contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Ken Navarro is recognized as one of today's leading musicians. His impressive discography of 18 top charting albums showcase his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances

From his #1 hit Pacific Coast Highway to Catnap, guitarist Nils’ plays a very smooth jazz guitar and like a lot of really good musicians has a sound that’s quite unique. His live appearances have been wowing audiences from Coast to Coast. Join us as Nils talks about his brand new release, Up Close & Personal.

Saxophonist Michael Palermo was scheduled today but due to a death in his family, he will be rescheduled for a later date. We will still play some of this music; introduce you to new music by an up & coming saxophonist name Justin Young and talk about smooth jazz news.

A native Washington, D.C. jazz ensemble, PHAZE II has a unique style that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary jazz. Their sound is smooth and rhythmic, fused with eclectic blends of jazz. This six-piece ensemble has extensive backgrounds in music that produce a wonderful chemistry on and off stage.

Gregg Karukas hails originally from the D.C. - Maryland area where he was one of the top fusion and studio players in town. Gregg will talk about his brand new cd "GK."