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No. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits [1/24]
 

No. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits [1/24]

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No. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits [1/24]
"No. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits" (01/24/2006) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Shanachie RecordsNo. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits collects ten laid-back tracks by Kim Waters, Chieli Minucci, and Chuck Loeb, alongside such hits as "Eye 2 Eye" (Najee), "Rock the Boat" (Streetwize), and Wayman Tisdale's version of the 1979 McFadden & Whitehead soul classic "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." These tracks are pleasant enough as background music at the office or at an informal get-together but that's about all. ~ Al Campbell

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A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Dave Koz (CD - 09/01/2003)
 

A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Dave Koz (CD ...

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A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Dave Koz (CD - 09/01/2003)
"A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (09/01/2003) Jazz Instrument Koz, Dave, Capitol/EMI RecordsPersonnel includes: Dave Koz (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones); Brenda Russell, Kenny Loggins (vocals); Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn); Peter White (accordion, acoustic guitar); David Benoit (piano). Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California. A SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Since 1997, the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour has evolved from a handful of concerts by the beloved saxman and pianist David Benoit to a 30-plus-city national phenomenon also featuring fellow genre all-stars Peter White and Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. The original tour came in support of his popular 1997 seasonal offering December Makes Me Feel This Way, but the show has taken on an incredibly joyful creative life of its own, prompting Koz and his cohorts to create an exciting studio recording which captures the powerful emotion, warmth, and special familial spirit of these shows. Featuring unique ensemble arrangements of timeless classics, a handful of several Koz originals (including the brand new Koz/Benoit collaboration "Beneath the Moonlit Sky"), and musical surprises by the sleigh-load, A Smooth Jazz Christmas By Dave Koz & Friends is contemporary music's premier event for Christmas 2001. The experience begins the same way as the live performance, with a lengthy medley ("The Overture") introducing each artist one by one; in a complete blend of styles, the songs include "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland," "What Child Is This?," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Jingle Bells," and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," the latter segment featuring Brenda Russell. Russell also adds her lush vocal presence to "The Christmas Song," while the medley of "O Tannenbaum/Sleigh Ride" moves from a playful Vince Guaraldi-like groove to a feisty Latin explosion. The gang creates a gentle, moody atmosphere for "Silent Night," while "Beneath the Moonlit Sky" features a wild moodswing from smoky soprano sax/piano duet to guitar, trumpet, and sax jam. "The Little Drummer Boy" is an exciting showcase for Braun's trumpet over a marching drum beat, while "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" features a bluesy solo improvisation by Benoit. Koz sang on the original recording of the title track to December Makes Me Feel This Way, and gives the reins here to the incomparable voice of pop superstar Kenny Loggins. Russell found the intensely energetic '40s big-band gem "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," and it's since become a showstopper live; Koz and Braun create a potent horn section here as well. Cozy readings of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "White Christmas" are followed by a festive and folksy Koz original for Hanukah, "Eight Candles" (featuring Peter White on accordion), and a passionate new recording of Russell's classic "Get Here." Here as in the show, the encore/grand finale is "It Was the Night Before Christmas," featuring each member of the band reciting a verse of the famous poem over a bouncy, finger-snap-driven groove. One of the most diverse and original smooth jazz Christmas CDs ever. ~ Jonathan Widran Accompanied by some famous friends, mellow saxophonist Dave Koz delivers, as this album's title promises, holiday standards with a smooth jazz style. If you're the type that likes to nuzzle up with the likes of Kenny G or Lee Ritenour at Christmastime, then the soft sounds of Koz and his cohorts will be just what Santa ordered. In addition to the instrumental might of Koz and keyboardist David Benoit (a smooth jazz icon in his own right), there are the vocal talents of Brenda Russell and longtime pop sensation Kenny Loggins, who add another level to the lite jazz sounds, fleshing things out a bit more than one might expect.

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The Best Smooth Jazz Ever [3/1]
 

The Best Smooth Jazz Ever [3/1]

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The Best Smooth Jazz Ever [3/1]
"The Best Smooth Jazz...Ever! [2 CD Blue Note]" (03/01/2005) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Liberty (USA)Performers include: Dave Koz, Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, Casandra Wilson, Earl Klugh. Richard Elliott, Bob James, Donald Byrd, Medeski, Martin & Wood and many more. This incredibly light, fun, and surprisingly hip two-CD collection from Blue Note uses the term "smooth jazz" in an unexpected way. Rather than referring to the genre, "smooth" refers to the temperament and feel of these sometimes funky/sometimes poppy tracks that are selected from six decades of jazz. Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, and a couple other names could be filed in the smooth jazz section, but Adderley, Baker, and Byrd are too classic for that, and it's easy to imagine the legions of funky Medeski, Martin & Wood fans recoiling in horror over the title's Kenny G. insinuation. In actuality the disc is a whole lot of fun. Most of it is very hip fun and very little of it is wallpaper. The Bobby McFerrin, Ramsey Lewis, and Chet Baker cuts are obvious choices, but the inclusion of Charlie Hunter's smoky version of Roxy Music's "More Than This" is a very pleasant surprise and having such divergent sounds as St. Germain's "Latin Note" and Elza Soares' "Mas Que Nada" in the same collection is crafty cool. Perhaps Sauve Jazz would be a better title for this pleasing collection of refined and relaxing tunes. ~ David Jeffries

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Smooth Jazz Christmas
 

Smooth Jazz Christmas

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Smooth Jazz Christmas
"A Smooth Jazz Christmas [BMG Special Products]" (09/01/2003) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, BMG Special ProductsSmooth Jazz Christmas features a variety of smooth jazz artists performing holiday songs. Featured artists include Spyro Gyra ("Feliz Navidad"), Etta James ("Please Come Home for Christmas"), Jeffrey Osborne ("This Christmas"), and Tom Scott ("Gift of Your Love"), along with six others. This is a rather adventurous holiday collection, featuring somewhat obscure songs like "This Christmas" and self-penned songs like Chieli Minucci's "Magic." Furthermore, the artists take liberties when performing the songs, exploring the possibilities of the jazz idiom. Smooth Jazz Christmas should please anyone who can appreciate the more sedate and refined side of jazz. ~ Jason Birchmeier

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Smooth Grooves, Vol. 3 by Various Artists (CD - 08/14/2001)
 

Smooth Grooves, Vol. 3 by Various Artist...

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Smooth Grooves, Vol. 3 by Various Artists (CD - 08/14/2001)
"Smooth Grooves, Vol. 3" (08/14/2001) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Higher OctaveIncludes liner notes by Jonathan Widran. Liner Note Author: Jonathan Widran. Smooth Grooves, Vol. 3 is a compilation that features artists who record for the Higher Octave Jazz label, and it is just what hardcore smooth jazz fanatics relish in. Ten tracks that include some of the biggest radio hits in smooth jazz will marvel listeners with an interest in irrepressible melodies, smooth, seductive grooves, and danceable rhythms. For openers, guitarist Craig Chaquico's fiery Latin party jam "Caf? Carnival" will get your party started. Along the way, you'll hear saxophonist Jimmy Sommers' retro-funk on "Promise Me" and the smash sun and fun hit from flutist Bryan Savage titled "Zuma Beach." Germany's Yulara and the stellar U.K. group Acoustic Alchemy round out the hit list with world beats, reggae grooves, and their own unique international musical appetites. Smooth Grooves. Vol. 3 is the fourth in a series of five releases for the label and is one that is truly representative of the label's commitment to excellence in the smooth jazz genre. ~ Paula Edelstein

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20th Century Masters: The Best Of... [9/13]
 

20th Century Masters: The Best Of... [9/...

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20th Century Masters: The Best Of... [9/13]
"20th Century Masters - Smooth Jazz: Christmas Collection" (09/13/2005) Rock & Pop Various Artists, Hip-O RecordsVarious Artists: Chieli Minucci (guitar); George Mraz, Jimmy Johnson, Joel Smith (bass guitar); George Jinda (udo drum); Don Grusin, Lee Ritenour , Ali Muhammed Jackson , Michael Abene, Russell Ferrante, Terry Clarke , Tom Brechtlein, William Kennedy. Personnel: Frank McComb (vocals, strings, brass, Fender Rhodes piano); Omar Liu, Brian Kim, Stephanie Ihde, Katherine Upton, Alison Mills, Remy MacLeod, Sadie Grusin, Andre Woodert, Esme Ganz, Mandy O'Neal, Sasha Zatolokin, Patti Austin (vocals); Tommy Organ, Grant Geissman, Lee Ritenour , Norman Brown, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Chieli Minucci (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Bob Mintzer (soprano saxophone); Tom Scott (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, programming); Michael Abene (piano, keyboards, Synclavier); David Benoit, Eric Reed, Tom McMorran (piano); Don Grusin (keyboards, electronic percussion); Dave Kochanski, Russell Ferrante (keyboards); Bruce Buchanan, John Mahoney (Synclavier); Bob Feldman (electric bass); Johnny Friday (drums, timbales); Alonzo Powell, Ali Muhammed Jackson , Terry Clarke , Tom Brechtlein, Tony Morales, William Kennedy, Derek Organ (drums); George Jinda, Tim Cornwell (percussion); Bonnie Boyer (background vocals). Photographers: Rocky Schenck; Norman Laird; Jeff Sedlik; Beth Herzhaft; Henry Diltz; Richard Corman; Paul Natkin. There are innumerable smooth jazz holiday compilations currently flooding the market, but this one has something special in store for aficionados of the genre. This 20th Century Masters edition of smooth jazz holiday favorites is assembled from three volumes of GRP Christmas favorites and Motown's smooth jazz Christmas album from the mid-'90s. The 11-song collection is a smooth blend of holiday favorites and contemporary standards rolled up with a twist of lime. A lineup of accomplished performers, including Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, David Benoit, and the Yellowjackets are blended in with up-and-coming artists and other smooth jazz mainstays to deliver a soft, warm session that is polished in its production and sequenced in a pleasantly inoffensive manner. A nice alternative to run-of-the-mill traditional holiday compilations and a nice supplement to any smooth jazz collection. ~ Rob Theakston

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Smooth Jazz Essentials
 

Smooth Jazz Essentials

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Smooth Jazz Essentials
"Smooth Jazz Essentials" (01/27/2004) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Native Language MusicIn the early days of smooth jazz, labels would regularly release samplers to introduce listeners to their artists, which worked both artistically, and as a marketing tool. The practice is a bit less common in these times, but the success of this all-star collection proves that it's still an effective way to promote artists. Most of the artists here are or have been on the Native Language roster, and a good handful of the tunes have been huge radio hits, including Jeff Kashiwa's instant classic "Hyde Park (The 'ah ooh' Song)," Steve Oliver's infectious "High Noon," and Everette Harp and Brian Bromberg's likeable cover of "Rock With You." It was good logic to lead with a great cut from Dan Siegel's just-released label debut. Juan Carlos Quintero's samba "Jobim" shows that the label isn't afraid to take risks outside the mainstream of the genre. The real joys here, however, are three stellar tracks that we haven't heard before -- keyboardist Theo Bishop's lush "Tonight's the Night" (from a forthcoming album), bassist Jennifer York's brass-splashed funkfest "405 Jam," and the urban intensive "Big City," Marc Antoine's track with label owner Joe Sherbanee. These tracks have all been, or will at some point, be essential to the smooth jazz format. ~ Jonathan Widran

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Smooth Jazz [Universal] by Various Artists (CD - 03/19/2002)
 

Smooth Jazz [Universal] by Various Artis...

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Smooth Jazz [Universal] by Various Artists (CD - 03/19/2002)
"Smooth Jazz [Universal]" (03/19/2002) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Universal Special ProductsAll tracks have been digitally remastered. Universal's straightforwardly named Smooth Jazz is a no-frills collection that features nine tracks by some of the style's stars, including Najee's "Room to Breathe," the Rippingtons' "Let's Stay Together," and Spyro Gyra's "Ariana." These songs, along with George Howard's "Baby Come to Me" and Jeff Lorber's "PCH (Pacific Coast Highway)," define the sound of contemporary smooth jazz. Meanwhile, Gato Barbieri's "I Want You" adds a brassy Latin jazz twist, Hugh Masekela's "Grazin' in the Grass" brings a dose of mellow soul, and Grover Washington's "Inner City Blues" blends funk and more straightforward jazz elements. Though it's a brief sampler, Smooth Jazz does an adequate job of sketching out the genre's basic characteristics. Those wanting a more in-depth collection of smooth jazz, however, should look elsewhere. ~ Heather Phares

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Smooth Grooves, Vol. 2 [Higher Octave] by Various Artists (CD - 06/27/2000)
 

Smooth Grooves, Vol. 2 [Higher Octave] b...

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Smooth Grooves, Vol. 2 [Higher Octave] by Various Artists (CD - 06/27/2000)
"Smooth Grooves, Vol. 2 [Higher Octave]" (06/27/2000) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Higher OctaveIncludes liner notes by Jonathan Widran. Liner Note Author: Jonathan Widran. From famed new age record label Higher Octave comes this collection that features some of the best musicians of the genre playing today. Works from Craig Chaquico, 3rd Force, Acoustic Alchemy, and Jonathan Cain, among others, combine to make this a well-balanced and interesting compilation. ~ Stacia Proefrock

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Smooth Sounds [Razor & Tie] by Various Artists (CD - 01/12/1999)
 

Smooth Sounds [Razor & Tie] by Vario...

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Smooth Sounds [Razor & Tie] by Various Artists (CD - 01/12/1999)
"Smooth Sounds [Razor & Tie]" (01/12/1999) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Razor & Tie MusicA curious compilation of lite-jazz and quiet storm favorites, Smooth Sounds is all over the musical map -- alongside more predictable inclusions like George Benson's "Breezin'" and Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best for Last" are oddball selections like the themes to Seinfeld and St. Elsewhere. A real grab bag. ~ Raymond McKinney A curious compilation of lite-jazz and quiet storm favorites, Smooth Sounds is all over the musical map -- alongside more predictable inclusions like George Benson's "Breezin'" and Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best for Last" are oddball selections like the themes to Seinfeld and St. Elsewhere. Ultimately, the disc is just too eclectic and self-consciously weird to sustain any kind of mood -- whatever its original intentions, it's little more than a grab bag. ~ Raymond McKinney

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Smooth Grooves by Various Artists (CD - 03/23/1999)
 

Smooth Grooves by Various Artists (CD - ...

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Smooth Grooves by Various Artists (CD - 03/23/1999)
"Smooth Grooves" (03/23/1999) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Higher OctavePersonnel: Richard Elliot, Boney James (saxophone); Rick Braun (flugelhorn, keyboards). Staking out the middle ground between smooth jazz and new age-tinged contemporary instrumental music, the Higher Octave sampler Smooth Grooves features some of the label's most popular radio hits in that arena, including material from Grant Geissman, Craig Chaquico, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Bryan Savage, 3rd Force, Brian Hughes, and more. ~ Steve Huey

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A Smooth Jazz Summer
 

A Smooth Jazz Summer

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A Smooth Jazz Summer
"Smooth Jazz Summer" (07/01/2003) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Native Language MusicSmooth jazz heads must nod a little faster in summer if this collection of mellow funk is any indication. Jennifer York's lackluster delivery sounds out of place given the funky accompaniment on the disco medley opener, "Got to Be Real/Best of My Love." After that it's smooth sailing, with Steve Oliver's Latin-flavored "High Noon" and Everette Harp's spirited version of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" being highlights. It's never too hot and always breezy in the world of A Smooth Jazz Summer. It gains points for being cohesive but looses a few for lack of information on the players and a skimpy running time at 44 minutes. ~ David Jeffries

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No. 1 Smooth Jazz Radio Hits [Shanachie #1] by Various Artists (CD - 01/20/2004)
 

No. 1 Smooth Jazz Radio Hits [Shanachie ...

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No. 1 Smooth Jazz Radio Hits [Shanachie #1] by Various Artists (CD - 01/20/2004)
"No. 1 Smooth Jazz Radio Hits [Shanachie #1]" (01/20/2004) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Shanachie RecordsPersonnel: Carmen Cuesta (vocals, spoken vocals); Alfonzo Blackwell (vocals); Chieli Minucci (guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, programming, drum programming); Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards, drum programming, percussion programming); Jeff Lockhart, Evan Marks, Bubba Jones, Allen Hinds (guitar); David Mann (flute, saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Nestor Torres (flute); Jeff Kashiwa, Walter Beasley (saxophone); Kim Waters (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Tony Guerrero, Barry Danielian (trumpet); Dave Darlington (keyboards, programming); Kavin Hoo (keyboards, drum programming); Dave Kochanski, Andrew Sherman, Carl Evans, Jr. (keyboards); Kevin Koch (drums, drum programming); Ricky Lawson, Lionel Cordew, Bernard Davis (drums); Daniel Sadownick, David Charles, Tom Aros (percussion). Photographer: Anthony Barboza. No. 1 Smooth Jazz Radio Hits is a ten-song collection of mellow and thoroughly modern jazz sounds featuring some of the big-name artists recording for Shanachie and Narada Jazz. Most of the tracks, like Chieli Minucci's "My Girl Sunday," Chuck Loeb's "Sarao," and Kim Waters' "Waterfall," get bogged down in overly programmed rhythms and bland, clich?d dance music atmospherics and are nothing but the kind of background music you are likely to hear while on hold with the power company. A couple of the tracks manage to escape the gloom by delving deeply into the funky end of smooth jazz: the Urban Knights' bubbling cover of R&B staple "Hi-Heel Sneakers" and Nestor Torres' grooving take on Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" are fun and almost exciting. Strip away the synths and they might even pass for jazz. ~ Tim Sendra

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Oasis Awards Smooth Jazz Collection
 

Oasis Awards Smooth Jazz Collection

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Oasis Awards Smooth Jazz Collection
"Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards Collection" (10/17/2000) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Native Language MusicProducers include: Brian Bromberg, Grady Nichols. Compilation producer: Joe Sherbanee. Fans of smooth jazz who have been into the music since its inception forget to realize how intimidating it is for those just getting into it to get acquainted with all the joys -- and all the artists -- the genre has to offer. There have been a handful of multi-artist samplers in the past, but usually these have been released by one label to highlight its own artists exclusively. Native Language Music has released this wonderful 15 track collection to draw people's attention to many of the great artists who were nominated for top awards at last winter's First Annual Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. Certainly having a CD like this in the marketplace will help the credibility of the awards (and get people excited for next year's show in Chicago), but this collection serves a much greater purpose: giving the longtime smooth jazz fan a mostly familiar feast for the ears and offering the new fan a chance to get acquainted with the best the genre has to offer. There's a broad spectrum -- from legends like Herb Alpert (the Jeff Lorber produced "Sugar Cane") and Patti Austin ("In & Out of Love") to longtime smooth jazz staples Craig Chaquico ("Red Rocks"), Paul Taylor ("Avenue"), The Rippingtons ("'Til We're Together Again"), David Benoit ("Drive Time") and Dave Koz ("Love Is on the Way"). Marc Antoine adds an exotic twist with "Latin Quarter," and Gota -- more an acid jazz guy not as popular among mainstream smooth jazz fans -- chimes in with "In the City Life." The only previously released track is the opener, the moody and reflective "Relentless" by Brian Bromberg with Richard Elliot. Native Language features hits from its own artists Jeff Kashiwa ("Hyde Park," one of 2000's best tracks) and Steve Oliver, and newcomer Grady Nichols is a nice addition to what amounts to an essential part of every fan's collection. ~ Jonathan Widran

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Smooth Jazz: Sweet Love by Various Artists (CD - 01/08/2002)
 

Smooth Jazz: Sweet Love by Various Artis...

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Smooth Jazz: Sweet Love by Various Artists (CD - 01/08/2002)
"Smooth Jazz: Sweet Love" (01/08/2002) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Shanachie RecordsPersonnel: Alfonzo Blackwell (vocals); Chuck Loeb (guitar, electric guitar, nylon-string guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Chris Parks (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Craig T. Cooper, Evan Marks, Wayne Bruce (guitar); Chieli Minucci (electric guitar, keyboards, bass synthesizer, drum programming); Nelson Rangell (flute, soprano saxophone); Kim Waters (saxophone, soprano saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Walter Beasley (saxophone); Kevin Toney (piano, synthesizer); Michael Colina (keyboards, drum programming, percussion programming); Jay Rowe, Carl Evans, Jr. (keyboards); Johnny Britt (synthesizer); Kevin Koch (drums, drum programming); Trevor Lawrence (drums); Brian Dunne (cymbals, hi-hat, tom tom); David Charles, Marc Qui?ones, Kevin Ricard, Tom Aros (percussion). Audio Mixers: Ken Freeman; Alfonzo Blackwell; Paul Wickliffe. Recording information: Cooldeep Studios, Bedford, NY; Smokestone Studios, Mount Kisco, NY; Waltz Audio, Boston, MA; Waterfall Studios, Aberdeen, MD. Photographer: Anthony Barboza. Arranger: Alfonzo Blackwell. Smooth Jazz: Sweet Love is a collection of soft jazz tracks that utilize the soprano saxophone style that Kenny G made popular. Najee's "Sweet Love" may be the best-known track here; since its release in the late '80s it has played endless times on smooth jazz radio and in elevators and waiting rooms around the country. There are other recognizable tracks, but in all honesty they tend to blend together after a while. Although this is an effective way to collect several big smooth jazz hits together onto one album, these songs are insufferably similar. Fans of the genre may find this interesting, but there is little here to recommend this to any curious listeners. ~ Bradley Torreano

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Smooth Jazz At Midnight
 

Smooth Jazz At Midnight

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Smooth Jazz At Midnight
"Smooth Jazz at Midnight" (04/09/2002) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Native Language MusicPersonnel: Tom McCauley (acoustic guitar); Danny Donnelly (electric guitar); Tony Guerrero (flugelhorn); Dave Kochanski (keyboards, programming); Brian Bromberg (acoustic bass); Chris Taylor (drums); Mike Shapiro (percussion). Audio Mixers: Tom McCauley; Brian Bromberg. Recording information: Entourage Studios, North Hollywood, CA; LAFX Studios, North Hollywood, CA. Arrangers: Joe Sherbanee; Theo Bishop; Brian Bromberg. Smooth Jazz at Midnight brings together some of smooth jazz's best-known artists playing some of their lesser-known songs from some of their better-known recordings. As the title implies, this compilation is ripe with 13 previously released late-night tracks. It also features an exclusive track by trumpeter Tony Guerrero called "If I Could Have It All." His muted approach is flawless in the lower registers and provides the listener with the soothing sounds of his take on night music with just the right balance of guitar symmetry. However, the crŠme de la crŠme piece is Brian Bromberg's composition from his tribute to Jaco Pastorius. "Tears" is a beautiful song lead by Bromberg's electric bass voicings, and through his music and guitar savvy, it is a voice that pays homage to the bassman. It appears on Bromberg's CD titled Jaco. Acoustic Alchemy performs "Hats of Magic" from their The Beautiful Game recording. It is a song that has always had a toned-down balance of intimacy and accessibility that comes at night when one is relaxed and peaceful. Joe Sherbanee contributes "San Luis." The song sounds better beside its new thematic company and proves that even songs can have a better life when they are presented in the right musical environment. Maysa provides a nice accent to the theme of the compilation with her Sade-like vocals on "Got to Be Strong." Overall, this compilation is better than most greatest-hits collections and provides the listener with a groovy collection of smooth night music to play while thinking, reading, at work, or anywhere the night takes you. ~ Paula Edelstein

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Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Various Artists (CD - 10/02/2001)
 

Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Chr...

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Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Various Artists (CD - 10/02/2001)
"Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (10/02/2001) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, GRP Records (USA)Compilation producers: Lee Ritenour, Bud Harner. Personnel: Joyce Cooling (vocals, guitar); Diana Krall (vocals, piano); Al Jarreau, Will Downing (vocals); Lee Ritenour (guitar, acoustic guitar, strings, electric piano, keyboards, bass synthesizer); Jeff Golub, Marc Antoine, Ramon Stagnaro, Tony Maiden (guitar); Bruce Dukov, Charlie Bisharat (violin); Karie Prescott (viola); Alan Pasqua (strings, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano, bass synthesizer); Dan Higgins (flute); Tim Welvaars (harmonica); Gerald Albright (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Richard Elliot (tenor saxophone); John Beasley (piano, keyboards); Dave Grusin, David Benoit, Joe Sample (piano); Jochem van der Saag (keyboards, drums, programming, background vocals); Jeff Lorber (keyboards); Alex Acu?a (drums); Walfredo Reyes (percussion); Steve Dubin (drum programming). Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Al Schmitt; Paul Mitchell. Recording information: Capitol Records, Hollywood, CA; Dubie Grooves, Santa Monica, CA; Schnee Studio, North Hollywood, CA; Sound Arts Recording Studios, Houston; Starlight Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Arrangers: Dave Grusin; David Benoit; Jeff Lorber; Jochem van der Saag; Joe Sample; John Beasley; Lee Ritenour ; Steve Dubin. A host of contemporary jazz stars fills this excellent compilation of traditional holiday music with smooth jazz inflections; jazzy vocals; and dashes of funk, R&B, and world music. Making Spirits Bright features such stellar jazz artists as Lee Ritenour opening with a beautiful smooth jazz version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Diana Krall singing a swinging version of "Jingle Bells," and Gerald Albright out front on saxophone playing a funky but melodic version of "This Christmas." Marc Antoine's guitar is reflective and speaks softly on "What Child Is This?" Dave Grusin's lively "Suite de Nuestra Navidad" closes the program, adding a diverse mix to the music with its happy, lively, Latin flavors. His piano softly underscores a beautiful flute solo and lends the perfect spirit of the holidays -- peace, love, and goodwill. Making Spirits Bright is highly listenable and even more enjoyable because of its up-to-date 21st century versions of some of the world's favorite holiday music. ~ Paula Edelstein

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Smooth Jazz: Sax at Midnight by Various Artists (CD - 07/08/2003)
 

Smooth Jazz: Sax at Midnight by Various ...

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Smooth Jazz: Sax at Midnight by Various Artists (CD - 07/08/2003)
"Smooth Jazz: Sax at Midnight" (07/08/2003) Jazz Instrument Various Artists, Shanachie RecordsPersonnel: Eric Sanders (vocals); Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards, drum programming, percussion programming); Evan Marks, David Beagle, Wayne Bruce (guitar); Kim Waters (saxophone, keyboards, drum programming); Hollis Gentry III, Mark Johnson, Nelson Rangell (saxophone); Marion Meadows, Walter Beasley (soprano saxophone); Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone); Greg Radford (keyboards, programming); Jonathan Tedeschi, Mike Ricchiuti, Taylor Mesple, Carl Evans, Jr. (keyboards); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Ronald Jenkins (electric bass); Kevin Koch, Brian Dunne (drums); David Charles, Tom Aros (percussion); John Arthur Lee (programming); Maysa (background vocals). Recording information: AlleyCat Studio; Bear Tracks Recording Studios; Blackwell's Studio; Brook Sound; Coupe Studios, Boulder, CO; Inner Circle Studio; Side 3 Studio; Subterranean Sounds; The Midi Inn Engineers; Waterfall Studios. Photographer: Anthony Barboza. Arranger: Mark Johnson. Considering the title and cover artwork, you don't need to be Freud to figure out that Smooth Jazz: Sax at Midnight offers a collection of slow grooves aimed at the bedroom. The selections are mostly surprise-free and sweetly romantic, and the collection could have gotten away with a less sensual title. Shanachie has managed to acquire more than its fair share of smooth jazz's big names, but, for the most part, the performances here are forgettable. Flat readings and unimaginative production are the norm, with only Mark Johnson's pleasing take on Earth, Wind & Fire's "Devotion" warranting much attention. The collection is at least cohesive and there's no threat that carnal activities will be disrupted, but, at 42 minutes, couples might want to get the party started posthaste. ~ David Jeffries

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Deals on Smooth jazz instrumental in Jazz Instrumental Music. Visit BizRate to find the best deals on Jazz Instrumental Music. See which Music stores have the Smooth jazz instrumental that you want. Read reviews on Music merchants and buy with confidence. Find savings on No. 1 Smooth Jazz Hits [1/24] - A Smooth Jazz Christmas by Dave Koz (CD - 09/01/2003).