Talking Smooth Jazz

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Narski Music recording Jazz-Funk artist, 13 year old keyboardist Chris Allison.  Chris completely surpasses his age of 13. He has been playing the piano since the tender age of 7. He has performed at numerous venues around the Chicagoland area. He has been featured with numerous jazz and R&B artists and groups such as Vanessa Holmes; Tony, Toni, Tone’; Slave, Ray Silkman, and Paul Richmond just to name a few. His songs catapult him into a league of his own. Chris also proves that no matter what age you are, you can do anything you set your heart and mind to.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes 17 year old guitar phenom Sheldon Ferguson to talk about his debut cd "The Brighter Side." 

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes saxophonist Neamen (pronounced Nee-Amen, emphasis on the "A") to talk about his debut cd "So Free."  Produced by Jay Soto with guest artists keyboardists Jeff Lorber and Brian Simpson and bassist Mel Brown.

Chris Godber is a saxophonist, producer and multi instrumentalist from Panama City, Florida.  He plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophones in addition to the piano, keyboards, and acoustic guitar.  His music is heavily influenced by Contemporary Jazz, R&B and Gospel and by elites such as Grover Washington Jr., Boney James, Kenny G, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson, Chris Tomlin and the likes of Michael W. Smith’s piano work and composition.  His new cd "My Offering"  is "A fresh array of Contemporary Jazz that is sure to lift your spirits as you 'Kick Back" say Chris.  

Saxophonist Vandell Andrew returns with a brand new cd called "Years Later."  Vandell says, "This album is a collection of songs that are extremely important to me. They were written over the past five years.  Every single song was written from a personal experience. This album is a time-line , from 2005 after hurricane Katrina, to now."  Tune in to hear his story and music.  

National recording artist and contemporary jazz soprano saxophonist Dee Lucas has just released his fourth CD titled 'Rebirth of the Smooth' which he continues to take SOUL jazz in a different direction with his unique melodic styling.  The new CD ‘Rebirth of the Smooth’, which features the single ‘Reconcile’, is a true testimony of reincarnating contemporary jazz with a fresh and honest approach to an already competitive genre of music. Join us as we welcome Dee to Talking Smooth Jazz.

Over the past 3 decades, Russel Blake has established himself as a professional musician, concert soloist, educator, and author. He carries on the musical legacy of his father, Latin musical great Alexander Blake, and his brother, world renowned jazz bassist, Alex Blake. At the foundation of all of his success is Russel’s impeccable composition, theoretical and musical arrangement skills; all of which are self-taught.  Russel returns with a new cd, Fierce Solitude, available on Amazon.com.

Mr. Newton returns with the newly released Class Is Now In Session.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Saxophonist Rod Williams to talk about his new cd, The Journey.

Violinist Daniel Davis is a rare gem and an oddity of sorts, in the best way possible. He is a shining example of the good things that come from maintaining the arts in schools.  Daniel has released two cds:  Play For Me and Serenade.  Play For Me has been re-released for Urban Jazz Radio.  Join us for our interview with this very talented young artist!

INTERVIEW WITH SAXOPHONIST ROB WHITE

Joseph Vincelli's signature is his passion towards his music.  He toured and recorded with Buddy Miles, Ice Cube, Bobby Goldsboro, Jerry Vale, and Burt Reynolds. Also, Joseph wrote for several film scores and movies, commercials, and jingles.  We welcome Joseph to the show to talk about his new cd The Invitation.

Trumpeteer Joey Sommerville’s musical essence lies in the Baptist church. "When I was a teenager, I would judge the caliber of my playing by the number of people in the congregation who 'got happy'. If you aren't touching the listener's soul, then you aren't really playing music. Soul communication is the key." He has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including mega-rock group Phish. He was the featured instrumental soloist on the Cirque de Soleil's Grammy-nominated and Juno Award winning album, Alegria. Joey's new cd is called The Get Down Club.

Guitarist David P. Stevens began playing the guitar at age 12 and quickly by the age of 15 began writing, recording, and playing professionally.  Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes the return of David to talk about his third solo cd, Uptown .

76 Degrees West Band has just released a Funky Jazz cover of the Average White Band’s super hit, “School Boy Crush". It is sure to light you up with that Washington DC funk flavor, combining old school with new school. The band is based out of the Washington DC area and has played behind numerous national acts such as the Grammy Award Winner Gordon Chambers, Sax Man Jimmy Sommers, Eric Darius, Allyson Williams, and Angela Johnson.