A few years back, when veteran Grammy-nominated trumpeter Ron King first started working with guitarist and producer Paul Brown, the Smooth Jazz hitmaker put it bluntly to his new friend, “You need to write a hit song.” King, whose decades long resume includes Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Jeff Lorber and David Benoit, took the advice to heart and has been in solo artist overdrive ever since, releasing 6 singles from his 2020 album Downtown Mama. King's latest album, Cascade offers a silky, sexy variety of hits, including the title track and his latest radio release, "Together Again." Chock-full of slinky grooves and world-class musicianship, Cascade is a welcome collection for horn man's fans and an exceptional calling card for an exceptional calling card for those newly discovering this icon's solo endeavors.
A quote on keyboardist/composer Mike Di Lorenzo’s website reads “Let the Music Tell the Story.” The versatile artist did that early in his career performing with Whitney and Cissy Houston, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and many East Coast symphonies. A decade and a half since launching his solo career, he’s found a fresh way of sharing musical narratives on his two recent albums, including his latest, the masterfully hip, stylish and sophisticated Play It Cool. He artfully pairs his formidable melodic and improvisational piano chops with vibrantly soulful vocalists Sonna Rele, Denise Stewart and Anna Moore. While creating graceful grooves and dreamy atmospheres around their featured vocals, he also showcases his dynamic range on acoustic and electric piano on a handful of free flowing, high-spirited instrumentals. Mike D'Lo always plays it cool... You can count on it!
Whether a beloved pet, dear friend or close family member, when a loved one passes, just as important as mourning the loss is celebrating the life of the departed. It’s something fast-rising Australian born saxophonist Evan Carydakis does passionately and emphatically on his playful, vibrant new single “Cherry Pops.” A strutting, high energy tune that packs an emotional wallop while paying homage to his Australian Kelpie 'Cherry,' who recently died from canine lymphoma. We can feel the essence of the dog Carydakis calls “the love of my life” and her spirit in every funky groove, kickin' horn lick and blast of brassy fire. Evans says that Cherry never looked backwards and always lived her life to the full, remaining joyful all times. Expect "Cherry Pops" to make you feel that good!
Unleashing a blast of musical creativity after his long career in Information Technology, composer and multi-instrumentalist Bob Coate – driven by an aesthetic he dubs “Smooth Jazz and Beyond” – has dropped a flurry of ten tropical, chillout and in the pocket, light funk Smooth Jazz singles over the past two years. The “Beyond” on his latest, wildly danceable and infectious jam, “Mambo Rosalita” is a deeper venture into Latin jazz, creating a frolicsome, fast-moving playground to showcase his formidable melodic flugelhorn vibe, in the style of his hero Herb Alpert. A collaboration with keyboardist/producer Sonix, who adds high energy harmonies and a jaunty solo improvisation to the tune! ~ smoothjazz.com
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