An incredible 45 years after releasing his epic debut album The Genie, and 33 years since his landmark Atlantic album Ivory Dreams, Bobby Lyle reminds us on his latest collection that he’s still engaged and excited about being in the Ivory Flow. The multi-talented pianist/keyboardist calls this gloriously crafted set “a reunion album,” with support from his equally legendary contemporary jazz pals Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Najee, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, Nathan East, Everette Harp, Stanley Clarke, Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson, Jr! This dream team takes fanciful spins through a riveting, expansive landscape infused with classic soul/funk, Latin-fired fusion, straight ahead jazz, solo piano blues and an elegant tune dedicated to Lyle’s son Tommy, who passed away in 2017 from diabetic complications. Step into the Ivory Flow and feel the love. ~ www.smoothjazz.com
Over 40 years after founding groundbreaking British acid jazz/R&B/funk collective Incognito – and two decades since launching its offshoot ensemble Citrus Sun, guitarist Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is still on the cutting edge of groove sonics, surprising urban jazz fans with every fresh twist and turn. On his latest jam The New Guitar Underground, Volume One, Bluey teams with Portuguese born Incognito guitarist Francisco Sales to pay homage to the tonal vibes and adventurous melodic and improvisational spirit of legendary masters who inspired their lifelong love of the instrument. Bluey’s trademark rhythms take hold, this time in the service of classic styled R&B/jazz fusion explorations and atmospheric moods that emphasize their dual string prowess and reflect their desire to continue, as they say, “chasing musical waterfalls.” ` www.smoothjazz.com
The bio page of Dee Lucas’ website boldly declares “The Rebirth of Smooth Jazz” – and anyone who’s been following the sonically inventive, continuously grooving saxophonist since his emergence in 2004 knows his vibe is always on the cutting edge. That trailblazing streak continues on his latest EP, THE TIME IS NOW, which balances balmy, easy flowing vibes and fiery, high impact pairings with bassist Darryl Williams, pianist George Freeman and guitarists Blake Aaron and David P. Stevens. Helping bring Lucas’ fresh licks and infectious melodies are two of Smooth Jazz’s top producers, Adam Hawley and Lew Laing, Jr. We predict that the time is Now for Dee Lucas… and once the festivals return, he’ll be in demand! ~ www.smoothjazz.com
In the dozen or so years between the release of his last studio album and this new collection, A Ray Of Hope, world traveling Chicago-based bassist and composer, Michael Manson and his wife Lana have served the needs of thousands of students at their Musical Arts Institute. Now back in full swing and groove, the multi-talented artist – who’s played with genre elites Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson, Kirk Whalum and Larry Carlton, among others – picks up where he left off, alternating instantly infectious, brass-fired, melodic funk with a graceful jazz waltz and sensual ballads featuring pianist Ben Tankard and vocalist Kevin Whalum. The multi-mood swinging party also includes guest shots by Najee, Kevin Whalum, Lin Rountree, Ben Tankard, James Lloyd, Darren Rahn, and Tom Braxton! ~ www.smoothjazz.com
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