TMF – The Music Forever Vol. 1
TMF Formerly of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly… THEY ARE THE BAND! These Six Celebrated Gentlemen with the exception of Lead Vocalist, Chris Walker (The Late Al Jarreau’s Band) are the same Band of Brothers that toured and recorded as the Iconic R&B Band, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly for the last two decades and beyond.
Their Musical DNA, excellence in musicianship and stage presence defined what fans of the band Maze have come to expect. And now, these seven artists have banded together, and moved into their own space and time to bring the world of soulful musical entertainment a fresh new Soul/R&B/Smooth Jazz Brand. Introducing… TMF “Formerly of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly”
Stream the new album on all major platforms.
The unusual outfit of flautist Jef Kearns from Toronto is probably his trademark. I have had the pleasure of getting to know his solo projects On the Level (2009), Soulfisticated (2013), The Flute (2016) and Jazzy AF (2020). His new EP is called Deep Cover 1970s (2024) and offers a colorful potpourri of well-known hits from this period.
Threestyle is a contemporary smooth jazz band known for their unique blend of jazz, R&B, funk, and pop influences. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, soulful grooves, and intricate harmonies. The Munich-based formation has also made a name for itself on the Internet. Even in these times, when musicians are finding it difficult to assert themselves with their music, the group has released their new album No Matter What (2024).
Streetwize is back with their ultra-sophisticated cool jazz versions of today’s hottest R&B and Rap hits on LIFT ME UP! Includes the coolest and smoothest versions of “Leave The Door Open”, “Break My Soul”, “Lift Me Up” and more!
José James – the forward-looking, genre-defying Jazz singer for the hip-hop generation – has done it again. “1978” (his 12th studio album since 2008’s “The Dreamer”) announces an instant classic, combining James’ deep love of jazz and hip-hop with songwriting and production nods to R&B heroes Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and Leon Ware.
Gifted Saxophonist Stephen Richard is emerging as one of today’s up and coming Jazz musicians. Stephen’s clean, soulful styling punctuated with dazzling solo flourishes are the result of his unique interpretation of many forms of music encountered throughout his life.
Paris born guitar virtuoso Emmanuel “U-Nam” Abiteboul continues to follow his passion for funk. This year he presents Volume 3 with an exquisite collection of hits.
The formation Incognito initiated by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is an ever-changing conglomerate of highly talented musicians who have been instrumental in shaping the content of the term acid jazz.
Soul Basement is a project by Italian musician and producer Fabio Puglisi. which started in 1997 as a four piece ensemble. The albums What We Leave Behind (2016) and Oneness (2018) are collaborations with Texan Soul Singer and saxophonist Jay Nemor. Fabio’s newest release is the EP Do No Wrong (2022).
In the 90’s, Atlanta was a melting pot for burgeoning soul music, house music DJ’s and an underground jazz scene. Khari Cabral Simmons stood at the point where all of these met, as an upcoming bassist and bandleader. It was in this creatively fertile environment that Khari made his start in music. He started playing bass for many of the artists in the scene, such as Bilal Sunni Ali (Sun Ra), Donnie (The Colored Section), Gaelle (Naked Music) and India Arie. He also started to do recording sessions, playing on house music recordings, including a remix for KD Lang. After a few years of recording dance and soul music, Khari started looking to make his own vehicle for upbeat soulful music. It was then that he created Jiva. Jiva would go on to play all over the Atlanta area, performing alongside artists like Roy Ayers and Incognito.
Smooth Jazz Daily 