PETE BELASCO Lights On Independent
While Pete Belasco is truly one of the most satisfying singers of our time, seven years is a very long wait without getting some... Some of that seductive slow groove, some soulful crooning and some cleverly, evocative lyrics. Sure, Pete Belasco’s signature sound lingers, which is why radio stations worldwide continue to support his two previous recordings (Get It Together and Deeper)… with LIGHTS ON, the wait is over my Belasco-starved friends! This new project is everything you’ve been holding out for! Subtle, sexy and intelligent with skillfully crafted tunes in a similar vein as vintage favorites Mayfield, Marvin and Smokey. Fans of today’s neo soul, will also enjoy discovering Pete’s LIGHTS ON… a relevant musical tale of a sweet, sweet life. We are so fortunate that this sensitive artist was willing to venture back into the recording studio to deliver 12 entrancing new songs, plus 2 bonus tracks. Favorites for me include the infectious “Rock It” and the stunning “My Eyes.” Radio will be thrilled and fans will be relieved… and I can finally relax as I am Belascofied once again!
GROOVE55 Á la Carte 123jam.com
Another excellent release from Canadian contemporary jazz group Groove55, A LA CARTE offers a strong collection of fusion jazz originals that are exactly what the Smooth Jazz format needs more of… rich, tasteful, musically powerful jazz that is smooth, yet compelling. Groove55’s compositions have enough complexity to be intriguing to the true jazz aficionado, but are also easily accessible to the casual Smooth Jazz fan. It really creates a perfect world for the listener. As I mentioned when I reviewed their previous release, “En Route,” this Montreal-based quartet (Yves Adam - saxes, Jacques Mignault - keys, Yves Nadeau - basses, Daniel Lemay – drums/percussion, plus guitarist Christian Proulx featured on selected tracks.) reminds me of the ensemble vibe of Spyro Gyra and Urban Jazz Coalition. That, believe me, puts them in good company! My expectations were high after enjoying the music from “En Route.” A LA CARTE has exceeded them!
JAMES HENRY Dragonfly Sun/Imani Records
San Francisco master percussionist James Henry releases one of the most exciting albums that we’ve ever received here at the SmoothJazz.com / SmoothLounge.com studios. DRAGONFLY blends chilled, world rhythms, deep grooves, and tantalizing vocals resulting in music that delivers a soundtrack that exudes positive energy and makes a lasting impression! DRAGONFLY is truly an inspired and innovative presentation of music that jumps genres with 12 fresh, soulful tracks. James was awarded the Best CD in Northern California out of 1,000 bands as well as the Best of San Francisco’s World Beat Music! James has performed with musicians such as Narada Michael Walden, Sting, Santana, Earl Klugh, Stanley Clark, Loyd Gregory, David Grisman, Robben Ford, Clarence Clemmons and Pablo Cruise. The popular musician, composer and producer performs at festivals all over the world with his Hands On Fire band.
HOMELESS BALLOON Oriental Spaces 24 Chillout
From Oslo, Norway comes a profound musical adventure from Homeless Balloon… ORIENTAL SPACES. On 24 Chillout Music, the 75-minute album is filled with world fusion grooves, electronic and acoustic performances, beautiful melodies, and mostly chilled out and ambient soundscapes. The brainchild of Norwegian composer Helge Krabye, Homeless Balloon has become critically acclaimed worldwide for its cinematic depth and intriguing musical textures. ORIENTAL SPACES is one of six recordings for the Homeless Balloon project and one of our favorites with accessible musical experimentation. Songs like the dreamy “Daughters of Allah,” the percussive “Rwanda” and the sensitive “Alaska” are great examples of the musical diversity on this album. Fans of Enigma, Deep Forest, Enya and Vangelis will truly appreciate the musical exploration of ORIENTAL SPACES… intricate, alluring and captivating! Homeless Balloon drifts thoughtfully through a deep musical experience!
BRIAN HUGHES Fast Train to a Quiet Place Sylvan House Music
All aboard the FAST TRAIN TO A QUIET PLACE… the mesmerizing new album from one of our all time favorite contemporary guitarists, Canada’s Brian Hughes. He’s always had a masterful way of writing expansive yet accessible songs, garnering a tremendous amount of radio airplay over the years while equally being acclaimed for his 22 years of performing and recording with world renown vocalist Loreena McKenntt. This seductive, highly anticipated new release features ten new, cinematic selections showcasing Brian on electric and acoustic guitars, electric sitar, Celtic bouzouki, guitar synth and electric bass. His first studio album since 2003, this is unquestionably Hughes at his best and most creative. The fast train whirs with rhythm and speed, covering exciting musical ground influenced by Bossa Nova, Rock, Latin, Blues and Gospel. While the quiet place is enchanting, dabbling in acoustic, exotic instrumentation such as Flamenco and East Indian. Grab a ticket, get on board!
Surreal defined means “dreamlike, fantastic, unreal.” The latest recording from the world’s #1 Soul Jazz group, Incognito, is indeed SURREAL with a vibrance that is deep with color and drenched with grooves dipped in honey, warm horn arrangements and sweet, moving vocals with that soul-stirring, signature funky bass drive! When Incognito puts out a new album in the spring it means that summer is going to be filled with sunshine and music that brings to mind all the good vibes of the 1970’s… a jazz feel with elements of Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, WAR, Tower of Power… you know the soundtrack I’m talking about. Incognito’s fearless leader, Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick definitely does, and he has managed to keep it alive and harness all the love and happiness of a bygone era and filter it through a nu kind of cool! Featured on this 14-track powerhouse new release is the queen of the British Soul Jazz scene, Natalie Williams, up and coming superstar Mo Brandis and the incomparable singing sensation Maysa! Turn summer on now with Incognito’s SURREAL!
EUGENE K Just A Hint Independent
JUST A HINT is one of the freshest and brightest new recordings to come along in some time, from guitarist Eugene K. The Russian-born recording artist covers a wide variety of genres that make up the mix of music known as ‘Smooth Jazz,’ including Latin rhythms, Chill Out grooves and Contemporary Jazz. To his credit, Eugene has been submerged in music study since he was just 12-years-old with 4 years invested at the Moscow College of Music. Currently residing in the UK, Eugene K is now a well-known composer and producer of original music for films, commercials, television and radio. The new Smooth Jazz album, JUST A HINT is jammed-packed with 12 new tracks… all brimming with heartfelt melody and rhythmic excitement. We are elated about what is soon to be an illustrious career in the world of Nu Jazz for this soulful composer and producer!
LR-60 & Mr. MOODS Ultraviolence Independent
A very chilled out vibe emotes from LR-60 & Mr. Moods’ collection of tunes on ULTRAVIOLENCE… industrial sexy if you will. I love the way chill and lounge-inspired music is heading. Gone are the days when there was just a cold pulse and soulless beat… maybe it’s the warmth of LR-60’s divine trumpet playing (Skip Warren) or the intoxicating rhythms from Mr. Moods (Christian Denis)… for sure the melodic direction of ULTRAVIOLENCE sets a deep groove for fans of ambient jams. This is a project that will transport you to a super relaxed atmosphere with the highest quality musicianship and production. Fans of future jazz, nu jazz and thrill-to-chill jazz will love ULTRAVIOLENCE! It’s a must have addition for that icy cool collection of killer music you have.
KENEE MAREE Worldwide Independent
We are thrilled to have discovered this very talented guitarist, who is also a multi-instrumentalist, performer and composer! The former RCA recording artist, Kenee Maree (pronounced “ma-ray”) has an amazing knack for making people feel good with his lush melodies and spacious sense of groove he creates a deep, relaxing experience on WORLDWIDE, his debut outing! With songs like the hip title track, “ATL,” a Smooth Jazz tribute to his hometown of Atlanta, the intoxicating traction of “Breathtaker,” and the carefree glide of Airstream, this album is going to be appealing to contemporary jazz fans as well as chill out enthusiasts and lounge lovers all over the world! The affable musician has a way with live performance, playing globally and winning over audiences across the U.S. and abroad. The unique, uplifting and thoughtful compositions as well as skillful playing, place Kenee Maree on the map for ‘worldwide’ success… Download WORLDWIDE today and start to feel good instantly!
MIKE MURRAY Master Blends Independent
This cool, 5-song EP from composer, musician and producer Mike Murray offers up more of that smooth sophisticated signature sound we’ve come to love from the skillful song craftsman… A captivating mix of Smooth Jazz and Chill Out with world influences and luxurious grooves. Mike has managed to artfully bridge the gap between the two musical genres by writing strong melodies and utilizing electronic instrumentation with organic sensibilities. MASTER BLENDS is a relaxing, yet driving recording that you’ll no doubt set to repeat as there is no getting your fill of it. Mike’s musical background includes percussion; his keen sense of rhythm is evidenced on all of his recordings, this one is no exception. Fans of Bob James/Fourplay, Hiroshima, and Jazzmasters will love MASTER BLENDS’ expansive musical horizons, and I’m sure you will get lost in a creative headspace every time you play it. Set your environment to chill, download MASTER BLENDS!
PEET PROJECT Turn You On Beagle Beat Records
Does the music turn you on? Um, yes! The Peet Project delivers another exciting, joyful new release from their home base of Hungary, with 11 inspiring tracks. Driving this fast, luxurious ride is project founder and producer, front man and violinist Peter Ferencz (Peet). The 20-somethings have really managed to distill the important elements of Smooth Jazz and present the genre in a new, hip way that gets listeners dancing and grooving, and guarantees to leave a smile! They compare their sound to Candy Dulfer… who is truly running paralleling with her new album CRAZY featuring party tunes and funky, feel-good vibes. Adding Peet’s soulful violin playing along with stirring sax and fashionable vocals, The Peet Project is prime to become a Global sensation… if we’re lucky, they’ll take the Smooth Jazz genre right along with them and breath some new life into a format of music that has always brought out the best in people!
JAVIER PITERA Intense Lounge Music Records
Lounge Music Records, based in Madrid, Spain, is the musical home of keyboardist Javier Pitera who specializes in chilling out grooves on the Hammond organ and electric piano with funk and jazz along with urban vocals and sexy rhythms. Pitera, well respected in Madrid for his radio and television compositions, has been recording solo projects since 2007’s debut release “Un verano sin fin” (An Endless Summer), followed by 2009’s “Two months inside the fashion world.” We feel that INTENSE is this artist’s break out album… I believe you’ll be hearing more of Mr. Pitera’s music worldwide as a result of this new album. The collection features world-class musicianship, some of the finest players in Europe, along with sensual songs, exceptional composition and intoxicating grooves! INTENSE is robust and elegant, soul jazz from a modern musician… this one will fill your head with dreams of coastal villas, fast cars and beautiful people… muy intenso!
JACKSON RICE The Firefly Chapter One Music
This is an outstanding album of trumpet-driven Smooth Jazz from an amazingly talented and creative composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer from the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Jackson Rice. I’ve listened to THE FIREFLY over and over since I got my copy, and I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Jackson in person. He’s above all genuine… clearly putting his heart and soul into his composing, playing, and production. THE FIREFLY, his debut album, reflects that in every way, from the tasteful, inviting packaging to the compelling, World-class performances. It’s melodic, brilliantly performed, and elegantly tasteful with a driving fluidity to it. The best way to describe Jackson Rice’s music is, “Fourplay meets Chris Botti,” with the bite of electric guitar to spice things up... Mark Wilson’s the magician with the ax here! THE FIREFLY is that good, and this artist deserves to be in the company of Smooth Jazz’s elite trumpet-meisters. Believe me, he will be when fans get wind of this album!
PAOLO RUSTICHELLI Soul Italiano Next Age Music
Acclaimed eclectic music composer and instrumentalist, Paolo Rustichelli moves Smooth Jazz forward in its evolution with his soulful, new single “Funky Love.” A cinematic, joyful, smooth and seductive, innovative musical celebration! This exciting new song is his 2nd single from the soon to be released album SOUL ITALIANO. Son of three-time Oscar nominee, movie soundtrack composer, Carlo Rustichelli, Paolo started his career at 16. He has become one of the most influential composers in Chill Out music; his song “Capri” featuring Miles Davis, was remixed by a UK DJ in the early 90’s and earned a place as one of the first songs in the House music movement. Paolo is globally renown for his pioneer work in fusing rock and jazz and producing for and recording with Santana, Miles, Herbie Hancock, Andy Summers and many others. Carlos Santana said in an interview with Billboard, "Paolo Rustichelli's music is a soundtrack for life!" La dolce vida!
URBAN LAUNCHING PAD Urban Launching Pad Series 1 QDB Music
A cool concept involving a great Internet hang (UrbanLaunchingPad.com) designed by top designers, a killer compilation CD (Series 1) featuring Toronto’s best R&B, Pop and Smooth Jazz artists and hip lifestyle merchandise. Urban Launching Pad is the brainchild of Toronto songwriter Mark Webster who has gathered together an A-Team of exceptional vocalists featuring Paul Knight, Jenny James, Yukio and Jasmin Bailey all produced by Canada’s premier pianist and composer Eddie Bullen. Urban Launching Pad Series 1 serves up a chilled out soundtrack of smooth songs that lend themselves perfectly to a weekend of entertaining and late night vibes. Smart lyrics, soulful vocals and world-class production with clean packaging and smart branding makes Urban Launching Pad a very contemporary project that is grounded in grooves… Blast off today!
