New Releases:
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Najee: Mind Over Matter
If there ever was an artist who embodies
everything Smooth Soul is all about, it would be Najee. He's part Jazz, part
Classic Soul, part Neo-Soul, and 100 percent smooth. This album is perhaps the
biggest departure from Najee's signature sound. Experience the
reinvention of Najee in heavy rotation.
Vibe Rate = 9 |
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Will Downing - Classique:
Don't He
has to be one of the most underrated talents in all of show business. I don't
know why he doesn't catch on like wildfire in the mainstream. Maybe he's just
got too much soul, and maybe he's too jazzy. Whatever it is about Will Downing,
he's got enough of it to be one our permanent core artists. His vocal skills and
ability to set the mood are second to none. Never a disappointment, his latest
recording is (and has been for a while) in heavy rotation. |
Jazz/Vocal
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Mr. Smooth Al/Capone:
Al/Capone is a high energy six-piece smooth/pop
jazz band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their music, a mixture of jazz, R&B,
funk, fusion, and Latin, is contemporary and melody driven while always
remaining true to its jazz roots. Don't be confused by the word, "smooth". These
guys can really play. This could be
our sleeper pick for 2009. Check it out, now in heavy rotation. |
Jazz/Vocal
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Rick Braun - All
it Takes
From Allentown, PA., trumpeter, Rick Braun has
been at the forefront of the smooth jazz movement since the early 90's. His
easy-going trumpet styling and catchy melodies are once again at the forefront
of his latest effort. You'll hear his music mostly in the Jazz Dimension and the
workday mix.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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George Benson - Songs and Stories
One of the truly great and classy talents in modern music, and a
smooth soul core artist for life, George Benson returns with his latest CD,
songs and stories. Mr. Benson is and has been such a phenom on the guitar that
his vocal skills are often (debatedly) overshadowed by his ability to bend
a string. That debate continues in this recording, as GB serenades us, scats
occasionally, and delivers his signature sound in another incredible recording.
Whether you enjoy his vocals, guitars, scatting, or all (like me) you'll not be
disappointed by Songs and Stories. Rotating in all playlists, except Old School
Saturdays.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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Bill Ortiz - From Where I Stand
Easily one of the most pleasant surprises this
year for contemporary jazz lovers, trumpeter Bill Ortiz's From Where I Stand,
sizzles from the first note. Well-blended doses of funk, fusion, vocals, and
latin vibes combine to create a Cd you can listen to repeatedly. His versatility
should come as no surprise. He's played with Santana, Destiny's Child, Tito
Puenta, and Tony Toni Tone. Click on the cover image to visit Bill's website and
find out more about him. You can also find his music heavily rotated in the Jazz
Dimension.
Vibe Rate = 8+ |
Contemporary Jazz
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Phil Perry -
Ready For Love
Another visit into the realm of classic soul.
This time, via the amazing vocal talents of Mr. Phil Perry. In a time where
anybody can be a star, it's good to know that there are still singers capable of
making the clear distinction between those who can, and those who can...
exceptionally well. Phil P. gets mad props and heavy rotation. He also has our
number 1 song (April 25th).
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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Boney James -
Send One Your Love
Revisiting the classics, Boney James delivers his
renditions of Stop, Look, Listen to Your Heart, Don't Let Me Be Lonely
Tonight, and I'll Be Good to You, in addition to the Stevie Wonder
penned title cut. You get what you can always expect from Boney James:
another smooth ride; this time, along familiar territory.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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Kim Waters - I
Want You
Longtime Smooth Soul core artist, Kim Waters,
pays homage to the late, great Marvin Gaye with some of the most seductive
grooves in Smooth Urban Jazz. Features the voice of Vivian Green on the title
track, as well as Distant Lover, currently in rotation.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Smooth Urban Jazz
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Philippe Saisse
- At World's Edge
Interesting note: This CD was recorded partly
over the internet as participating musicians from around the globe recorded
their parts live and sent them to Saisse, who produced the final product.
Featuring Rick Braun, Jeff Beal, and Kirk Whalum, At World's Edge is a
musical feast.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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Aziza - Jazzsoetry
What would you like to know about Aziza? If
you're still wondering after listening to her CD, listen again. I believe it's
all there, between the notes. Aziza combines Jazz, Soul, and Poetry (Jazsoetry)
to create a sound that is unique, sensual, and filled with a woman's powerful
spirit. Vibe
Rate = 8 |
Jazz - Soul - Poetry
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Dave Sereny - Take This Ride
From the debut CD of this Toronto-based
guitarist, comes a welcome mixture of sound, rhythm, and texture, featuring some
of today's most sought after talent; including Wayman Tisdale, Bob James, and
Stevie Wonder. The current single, Luxury of Love, features Warren Hill. Great
from start to finish. Check it out in the rotation.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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Incognito - Tales From the Beach:
They're like the Rolling Stones of modern jazz,
or the Earth, Wind, & Fire of the new millennium. They just keep on innovating,
and it's always something very cool. Want to see what they've come up with in
their latest? Checkout the rotation. Incognito is back again!
Vibe Rate = 7 |
Urban Jazz AC
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Phillip Brooks - Just Between Us:
Jazz pianist, keyboardist, and producer. Former
music director with Wayman Tisdale. His new release, "Just Between Us", is a
touch of old school and a silky compositional chemis-try sure to be the musical
elixir for the summertime blues. This is definitely one of the best CDs of
2008, at this point. Check our Mr. Brooks in heavy rotation.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
Contemporary Jazz
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David
Benoit: Heroes.
On heroes, his latest release, five-time Grammy nominated pianist/composer
arranger and producer, DAvid Benoit celebrates 30-plus years as a recording
artist by putting fresh spins on classic songs by legendary pop, rock, and jazz
artists whose brilliance inspired his own.
Vibe Rate = 7 |
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Angela Johnson - A Woman's Touch:
Former lead singer of Cooly's Hotbox, with two
critically acclaimed albums to date, Angela Johnson follows the example of
Patrice Rushen as she engineers one of the finest recordings in recent years,
featuring Rashaan Patterson, Maysa, Eric Robeson, and Julie Dexter. A woman's
touch is gold, and worthy of very heavy rotation.
Vibe Rate = 9 |
Neo Soul
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Brian
O'neal: Daisy.
Innovative,
provocative, soulful, intriguing, melodic, cerebral and sensual...these all
apply when listening to the music of Brian Oneal. A definite plus to any
collection, regardless of your musical background. Put this CD in and press
"play". Consume contents.
Vibe Rate = 8. |
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Brian
Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk.
Produced by Maurice White, of Earth, Wind, & Fire, the CD
features live studio recordings and special guest appearances by Bootsy, Gerald
Albright, Larry Graham, Ronnie Laws, Ledisi and Musiq Soulchild. The first
single, Always Remember, is in current
rotation.
Vibe Rate = 7. |
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Bob Baldwin: NEWURBANJAZZ.COM
Keyboardist, producer, Bob Baldwin returns for his latest project
with a marquee list of guest artists, including Najee, Ragan Whiteside, Phil
Perry, Marion Meadows, Joey Sommerville, and Freddie Jackson. "It's a unique
blend of Urban music with Jazz harmony", says Baldwin. Check it out in our
rotation.
Vibe Rate = 7. |
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Euge Groove - Born 2 Groove:
Earlier in his career, Paul Brown was known for
making another smooth sax player a household name. Now, the guitarist/producer
joins forces for the 5th time with some cat named Eugene who likes to groove.
The result sounds like something they were both born to do.
Vibe Rate = 7 |
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Kenny G - Rhythm & Romance:
I grew up listening to the Jeff Lorber Fusion.
For a long time, I thought Jeff played the sax (as did many of my friends). That
was then. Now, there's no doubt as to the name of the man holding the
horn. The new CD, Rhythm & Romance will be in stores on Feb 5. The
single, sax-o-loco is in very heavy rotation on the smoothest station on the
planet.
Vibe Rate = 3 |
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Cynthia Lane: Beautiful Soul:
If you're looking for a lady who sings with great
personality, boldly creates a sound and ambience of her own, while brilliantly
combining something very sexy with a hip, conscious sensibility...you can end
your search on Cynthia Layne. This is neo-soul at its finest. She's already made
our top 10 with her current single, "Be You". Much more to come.
Vibe Rate = 8 |
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Alicia Keys: As I Am:
Alicia Keys gets some love because I finally saw
that movie, "Smokin' Aces". My old friend, the legendary Don Perry may
have been on to something when he made his case for Ms. Keys being even hotter
than the over-exposed Beyonce. I'l tell you what was "smokin"...Alicia Keys in
fish nets. Also, her new single, "Like You'll Never See Me Again" is worthy of
serious rotation. Otherwise, the CD gets a
Vibe Rate = 3. |
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Anthony Hamilton - Southern Comfort:
The south ain't
always dirty. Sometimes, it's just...southern. Anthony Hamilton returns to
follow up the success of "Ain't Nobody Worryin'" with "Southern Comfort". I've
always been absolutely crazy about this man's voice. He's also 100 percent pure
soul. Check it out in heavy rotation.
Vibe Rate = 6 |
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Lori Andrews: After Hours:
Contemporary harpist, Lori
Andrews delivers a spicy, fused up collection of songs, featuring some of the
finest UFO's (unidentified fine artists) in the business: Mark Holingsworth
(sax), Bart Samolis (bass, flute), Kurt Walther (dr), and M.B. Gordy (per).
Strictly for the jazzheads.
Vibe Rate = 7. |
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