A true “overcomer” who as a jazz and gospel musician has drummed for the likes of Brian McKnight, Mervyn Warren and Eric Essix, James Bowman III uses his other great gift – his silky, soothing crooner voice – to point us to better times ahead on Brighter Day, Chapter 11, an impactful, deeply spiritual EP which by its very title promises more to come. Drawing on his passions for both genres, he wrote these three tracks as thoughtful reflections in response to the sociopolitical divisions and illness in the world. Bowman’s choice to think and sing positivity offers hope and musical healing. ~ www.smoothjazz.com
Following their 2018 album Summer Nights, and an array of popular individual tracks these past few years, the all-star ensemble Jazz Holdouts literally holds nothing back on the title track from their forthcoming album, April And Many. A sultry yet bold new single, a hypnotic and exotica-tinged jazz vibe offering a seductive invitation to celebrate the burgeoning joys of spring. The free-flowing atmospheric coolness of the tune is driven by the creative sonic invention of veteran saxophonist Louis Cortelezzi and adventurous keyboardist Alan Palanker with dynamic rhythmic support by guitar great Michael Thompson and bassist John Siegler. ~ www.smoothjazz.com
A long-awaited complement to Horace Silver’s iconic jazz classic “Song for My Father” - veteran Chicago saxophonist Traysee J Leonard (aka The Sax Therapist) lifts all our spirits and celebrates moms everywhere, every day with “Song For My Mother,” a soaring, high octane, light funk single driven by Leonard’s singular horn voice and sizzling horn textures. Collaborating with producer Chieli Minucci of Special EFX – who adds a powerhouse electric guitar solo – the jazz and gospel influenced artist also pays personal homage to his mother, who sadly passed away at an early age. ~ www.smoothjazz.com
Now in his fourth decade of recording popular romantic, spirited, funky and fluid George Benson and Wes Montgomery-influenced guitar magic, Dallas based artist, composer, producer Jeffery Smith graces us with the cool, mostly laid back perfectly titled Smooth Grooves, Vol. 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2013 jam Smooth Grooves, Vol. 1. While the strings and the groove dominate, Smith – who launched his career in the 80’ backing R&B icons the likes of Lakeside, Midnight Star, Zapp & Roger, and Millie Jackson – is also an impressive balladeer whose silky vocal tracks beautifully complement his adventurous up-tempo, danceable tracks. ~ www.smoothjazz.com
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