Jessy J – California Christmas Vol.2
In 2016, top contemporary jazz and Latin saxophonist Jessy J released her first ever holiday collection– California Christmas. In 2022, due to popular demand and her love for everything about the holidays, especially the classic songs of the season, Jessy has recorded her second album of holiday favorites – with a twist – California Christmas Volume 2.
For California Christmas Volume 2, Jessy, who serves again as executive producer for the Changi Records release enlisted some longtime collaborators (Paul Brown, Jeff Lorber and Euge Groove) and some exciting new additions. Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy) adds his guitar chops to “Angels We Have Heard On High” and Jason Goldman (best known for his work with Michael Bublé) provides two of the arrangements with “Jolly Old St. Nicolas” and “Up on the Housetop.” Long time band members joining in the holiday cheer are: Jay Rowe on piano, Dave Anderson on bass, Trevor Somerville on drums, Andy Abel on guitar and Richie Gajate Garcia on percussion. Other members include Norman Jackson on keyboards, Frank Abraham on bass, Iajhi Hampden on drums, Kayta Matsuno and Ash Jenga on guitars. Guest vocalists include Mississippi soul singer Maurice Smith and the smooth vocals of Brandon Wattz.
With her sizzling mix of hot beats, Latin and samba rhythms and sensuous, captivating melodies, Mexican American saxophonist and singer Jessy J has had everyone swaying under the Tequila Moon, contemplating the joys of True Love and Hot Sauce, and embracing the possibilities of Second Chances and finding My One and Only One since she broke onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008. With her most recent recording Blue, she tapped into her longtime love for the vibrant soul and blues energies of the 60s and 70’s. Continue reading
Judah Sealy is a saxophonist/keyboardist from Rochester, NY. Currently he is a music teacher at Destiny Christian School and Music Director at Church Of Love Faith Center. Judah is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College 2007 with a B.A. in Music and a recording artist who has finished the process of recording his first album. His first single “Lifted” was released digitally in May 2014. He is a very much in-demand musician that plays in various jazz, R&B, and gospel groups.
Japanese smooth jazz/r&b guitarist, composer, producer Sho Kamijo is especially known in Japan, where he has a huge fan community. He already performed with International artists like Andrew Gouche, Cleverson Silva, Ken Tolbert and more. His newest album is Nobody Like You (2022).
In his own words, “Music is my passion, and the saxophone is my voice, and with that voice I hope to create music that creates positive vibes, and emotions. As a solo artist, It’s important to be honest with myself and make music that really resonates with me. No fear, or doubt, as we creative’s often do, but to just be my true authentic self. Creating an original soundtrack from all my life’s experiences… the joy, pain, the love and the loss.”
American guitarist, producer and mixer Brian Fechino works with solo artists as well as complete bands, adding his own guitar, bass and keyboards. Brian is a studio manager at The Holler in Nashville and has produced numerous songs for TV such as CBS’s ‘All Rise’ & ABC’s ‘Stumptown’.
Ed Calle is known for his extraordinary ability to sight-read, interpret, and perform virtually any musical style. Throughout the globe, his peers and colleagues often laud his versatility. For example, while outside the Blue Note in New York City sharing some time with his mentor and friend Michael Brecker, fans asked Michael about being the most recorded saxophonist in history. Brecker smiled, looked at his pupil, and stated, “Thanks, but Ed’s probably on as many or more records. He records a lot for South American artists and we don’t see a lot of those credits. Ed is likely the most versatile saxophonist on the planet.” Longtime mentor and collaborator Arturo Sandoval succinctly affirms, “We call Calle – the monster.”
Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver is known for his distinctive style, which results from three components. Foremost a jazz guitarist, he follows his guitar performance with his voice. This jazz singing wherein words are sung note for note to melodies is called vocalese. Steve Oliver’s trademark is the wordless vocalese. The third component is the Roland (Boss) GR-33 guitar synthesizer which bases on the Roland JV-1080 sounds and is triggered by his guitars.
Andy Rehfeldt is a composer/multi-instrumentalist/producer, best known for his genre twisting YouTube channel. He continues to write, perform, teach, produce and entertain.
Music has the power to heal, a fact that has never been as relevant as it has over the challenging last few years. On his captivating new album, The Couch Sessions, the brilliant multi-instrumentalist and composer Nicholas Payton provides a session of musical therapy that draws on the compositions and words of some of the music’s most visionary artists.
Saxophonist and Billboard top 20 artist Jason Jackson is All In with the release of his newest project. This 8 track album is packed with ear catching melodies, grooves that won’t quit, and collaborations with veteran contemporary jazz greats as well as the genre’s newest rising stars. All In, produced by 14 time #1 artist/producer Adam Hawley is the follow up to Jason’s debut offering, hit EP Movin’ On (also produced by Hawley) and features appearances by Jason’sold friend, teacher, and mentor Eric Marienthal as well. assome new friends: Gino Rosaria, Jonathan Fritzen, Chieli Minucci, and Mr. Talkbox. After just one listen, you’ll agree that All In is the person combination of “Groove and Smooth”.
Smooth Jazz Daily 