R.L. Walker – Coming BIG

Smooth Jazz recording artist, Saxophonist, R.L. Walker will release his 6th, independent studio project titled “Coming BIG” – Blessed, Inspired, Genuine. The project includes (4) tracks produced and arranged by Lew Laing Jr. and tracks composed and arranged by R.L. Walker. Features special appearances by bassist Brendan Rothwell, vocalist Demetriace “Chee Chee” Jordan and introducing saxman “SaxLO” Larry Owens. Coming BIG will introduce fans to Walker’s driven motivations and musical identity and individuality.

With the release of Coming BIG, R.L. Walker cements his passion for the Smooth Jazz genre. Choosing this project to showcase just how blessed he has been and continues to be. The tracks contained in this project highlight familiar sounds from the genre’s greats which Walker draws his Inspiration from, paying homage to those who have come before him. And of course R.L. Walker brings his Genuine and unique style of Saxophone playing for which his fans have come to greatly enjoy.​

Coming BIG features 9 Smooth Jazz titles, which includes the previously released single track “Off The Corner” that has garnered International play time and fame on various Smooth Jazz stations. However, if that isn’t enough, the other 8 tracks that make up this current project are sure to surpass many more major accomplishments. Track list highlights include “Anyplace Anytime”, a musical collaboration with bassist Brendan Rothwell. “Working with Brendan has been truly a pleasure. His musical knowledge. musicianship and talent is out of this world”, This track will definitely be a sure crowd pleaser! “Grateful”, another amazing collaboration brings the truly awesome vocal talents and musical awareness of singer/songwriter/artist/producer, Demetriace “Chee Chee” Jordan. This track will surely uplift your spirit and give PRAISE for sure! “First Kiss”, we are highlighting this track for the shear genuine quality it brings. As the title suggests, the track takes you emotionally back to that thought and moment of your very first kiss. A very “feeling” track.

The album will be available for pre-order on April 2, 2020 at www.rlwalkermusic.com.

2020
04/08
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Lindsey Webster – A Woman Like Me

Hardly any other singer has established herself so quickly in the smooth jazz scene as the vocalist Lindsey Webster. After her self-titled debut album (2013), followed You Change (2015), Back To Your Heart (2016) and Love Inside (2018). The latest one was released on Shanachie Entertainment. Just scheduled for release on the same label is A Woman Like Me (2020).

Singer Lindsey is accompanied by her former husband Keith Slattery (keyboards), with whom she still has an intense friendship and artistic common ground. Joining the duo is drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Nathan East and percussionist Luis Conte. Further musicians are guitarists Mike Demicco, Chris Harris, Tommy DePaolo, bassist Fred Doumbe, drummer Isaac Civitello and saxophonist Ken Gioffre.

The album starts with Feels Like Forever, the first single of the album. The song focuses to a nascent love relationship in which one partner chases the dream of prolonging this moment of happiness as if it would last forever. From the timbre, Lindsey approaches Sade again, while the instrumental background is at its best. Keith on keyboards and Mike Demicco loosen up the song with concise solos.

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2020
04/07
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Vibes Alive – Vibrasonic

The vibraphone was developed in the ’20’s and found soon the way to jazz musicians. Jazz legends like Lionel Hampton, Gary Burton, Milt Jackson, Cal Tjader and Dave Samuels made the instrument popular. In the acid jazz genre interprets are besides the famous Roy Ayers, Roger Beaujolais (The Beaujolais Band, Vibraphonic) and Mike Benn (Duboniks). Vibraphone players of the smooth jazz genre are Michael Ortega and Dirk Richter.

Vibraphone player Dirk Richter joined Randall Crissman, a guitar playing television and movie composer. Both founded the group Vibes Alive called after their first album, which was released in 1997 on Syndrome Records. Guest-musicians on this ambitious album were Jeff Lorber, Luis Conte, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Haslip and Carlos Vega. After a long hiatus of eleven years Vibes Alive followed with their sophomore album After Hours (2008). Guests on this album were Jeff Lorber, Luis Conte, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson and Gary Meek. According to Dirk Richter, the music is about “going back to the basics of creating music.”

Their newest project is entitled Vibrasonic (2020). A review of the album by Eunice Mosley is published on EurWeb. The album is available on Amazon.com.

2020
04/06
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Player A – Devices, Techniques, & Mechanisms

Player A is a contemporary jazz group that features some of the top studio session players of Nashville, as well as players from the smooth jazz & contemporary jazz landscape.

The A players of Nashville, and smooth jazz.Every man lives in two realms: the internal and the external. The internal is that realm of spiritual ends expressed in art, literature, morals, and religion. The external is that complex of devices, techniques, mechanisms, and instrumentalities by means of which we live. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Get the new album on Bandcamp.com.

2020
04/05
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Smooth Jazz
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Snake Davis – Time Stands Still

For over a decade folks have been asking Snake Davis for an album of gentle, relaxing pieces. Music to chill out to, stretch to, fall asleep to. Featuring the Japanese Shakuhachi, Chinese Dizi, the beautiful Handpan drum, Indian bansuri and saxes at their most mellow.

Now you can pre-order the album on Snake’s website.

2020
04/04
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Smooth Jazz
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Roberto Vally – Tranquila

L.A. based bass player Roberto Vally is famous in the music scene like a colorful dog. The list of musicians he played with is endless and reads like a who’s who of the jazz, smooth jazz and R&B scene.

Relatively late he started his solo career with the album Boom Boom Boom (2013), followed by Pure Lines (2017). Tranquila (2020) is his third project. Roberto performs on his new album bass and programming.

He is supported by Jeff Carruthers (keyboards, guitars, programming), Michiyo Kitagawa, Andrew Neu (sax), Tom Schuman (keyboards, synths, piano, Moog),  Carlyle Barriteau (guitars),  Saskia Mount Zion, Daniela Soledade, Caro Pierotto (vocals), Ron King, Rob Zinn, Chris Todesco (trumpet), David Benoit (piano), Tim Redfield (additional sound design), Peter White (acoustic guitar, piano), and Rob Mullins (piano).

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2020
04/03
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Reggae
Smooth Jazz
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Louie Shelton – Higher Ground

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, the legendary guitarist Louie Shelton has released a musically invigorating album titled Higher Ground. Shelton is a prominent musician whose ‘signature guitar riffs and solos are featured on more hit records than any other session guitarist in history,’ as mentioned on his website. Higher Ground is a spirited album of smooth jazz that consists of nine tracks. It’s a very festive offering by Louie Shelton, which possesses some deep moods and sonic landscapes. The album covers some of Stevie Wonder’s greatest songs in a new and exhilarating way.

The album begins with an epic undertaking of Stevie Wonder’s classic hit Higher Ground. Shelton’s inventive guitar riffs over a nocturnal groove. Shelton display’s a charismatic approach to the track that is refreshing, as he is able to creatively make this composition his own. Too High – This animated upbeat performance by Shelton is heavenly. The track is woven into rhythmic layers that create a free-flowing composition that is memorable and rewarding.

Golden Lady – A well-versed dialogue of guitar play. The track has a lively instrumental conversation filled a moving bassline and stunning drumming in the background, all of which plays a supportive role in measure for Shelton’s brilliant electric guitar lead. You Ain’t Done Nothin’ Yet – A masterful cover of this legendary tune, Shelton’s enchanting riffs are complemented with a backing brass section that is totally electrifying.
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2020
04/02
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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