Soul-Jazz saxophonist Merlon Devine teams with Grammy nominated hitmaker Darren Rahn on new album "Shimmer"

After stirring the urban-contemporary jazz scene last fall, saxophonist Merlon Devine is back this summer with the rousing single “Shimmer,” which he wrote with his multiple Grammy nominated producer Darren Rahn (Dave Koz, Najee, Blake Aaron). The newly released single constructed of a glistening melody, an R&B groove, a jazzy soprano sax lead and a mission-driven message from the Devine Music Group has begun collecting playlist adds.

From its celestial opener through to its funky soul-powered conclusion, “Shimmer” is an inspirational soul-jazz instrumental skillfully architected by Rahn, who has crafted twenty-seven number one singles to date. Both Devine and Rahn share the bond of being spiritual, devout men and that inspired and impassioned connection permeates the new recording.    

“‘Shimmer’ is about the positive force that lives in each of us to help others. That force acts like a light shining out of us. That light can bring warmth, direction, hope, calm fears and give peace. Hopefully, this song will encourage those who hear it to do and be something positive in the life of someone else,” said Devine, who issued the new single as the follow up to the single “Stirred,” which dropped last October.  

The harmonies on “Shimmer” lushly drape the glistening track constructed by Rahn, who layered keyboards, synths, synth bass and programming around Devine’s soprano and tenor saxes. Randy Jacobs adds his nimble and nuanced guitar artistry and drummer Tarell Martin sets the tempo.  

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas who grew up in a household filled with gospel music before discovering jazz, Devine now calls the Washington, DC area home. He has worked with Ben Tankard and performed with Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson Jr., Tom Braxton and Michael Manson. Devine will launch “Shimmer” by playing a pair of shows locally at Blues Alley Jazz on Monday night before heading out on the road for a mixed itinerary of jazz and gospel concert dates booked into October. 

• Aug. 6 - Mt. Zion Assemblies, Fresno, CA
• Aug. 31 - Johnnie Alberta Scholarship, Washington, DC
• Sept. 3 - Full Counsel Metro, N. Little Rock, AR
• Sept. 15 -  New Birth Com. Church, Manassas, VA
• Sept. 16 - Restoration Place, Charlotte, NC
• Sept. 24 - Lighthouse Fam Church, Lafayette, LA
• Sept. 30 - New Covenant WC, Ft. Wayne, IN
• Oct. 1 - New Covenant WC, Ft. Wayne, IN
• Oct. 5-7 - International Gospel Summit,London, EN
• Oct. 11 -  Hamstead Jazz Club, London, EN