Talking Smooth Jazz

Reggae, Hip Hop, Latin, jazz, soul: the eclectic sound of multi-talented musician and singer/songwriter Carvalho evokes them all with his captivating melodies. His new album is titled "All The Things You Know To Be True" expect a sonic bed of different musical textures, timbres and lyrics that intrigue but stay in your mind. The album features musicians from the Xtended Family H on guitar, Mark Davis Andy Mason percussion, Ben Cook on Trombone, Leeanne Stoddart vocals/spoken word and Stateside based rapper E7P.

The extremely talented violinist Daniel D (for Davis) is taking contemporary R&B/jazz to the next level with his brand new release EPIC SOUNDS featuring his soulful and inspired violin playing. With music from Usher, Music Soulchild, and Grover Washington Jr. violinist Daniel D. appeals to music lovers of all persuasion, especially those of us who appreciate moving music that blends elements of pop, R&B, jazz and even neo-soul and hip hop.

The gypsies in Spain were the first to develop the Spanish guitar sound, flamenco and many Latin music motifs. Johannes Linstead has always had a bit of the wandering gypsy spirit.  His new cd, Tales of the Gypsy, explores the many nuances of the Spanish guitar from the traditional to the contemporary, from fiery and passionate to soulful and swinging, sometimes lightning-fast and always beautifully melodic.  Linstead demonstrates on Tales of a Gypsy why he is recognized internationally as one of the most popular and best-selling guitarists and composers in the world-fusion field.  Once again he melds far-ranging influences and global styles into his own signature sound.

Elizabeth Mis returns with a brand new cd, Breakaway.  The first single released, “It’s Uh Girl’s World” is one of ten explosive, soprano driven tracks on her Trippin N Rhythm debut that collectively mount a major Breakaway from the same ole, same ole and forge a dynamic new direction for the genre.  Keeping it all about the newly emerging generation, Mis invites three other rising young artists to put their stamp on the set, including keyboardist Nicholas Cole and Trippin N Rhythm labelmates Julian Vaughn (bass) and Cindy Bradley (trumpet).  Guitarist Tim Bowman appears as a guest on “Sax Appeal.”  

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Tower of Power's keyboardist Roger Smith.  Roger’s long awaited "Best of Album" takes a look back over the past ten-plus years and 7 albums. Featuring the talents of Dave Koz and Motown legends The Temptations, not to mention the inimitable horns from Tower of Power, Roger Smith – 360 spans from his funky #1 hit "Off The Hook" to the rich jazz ballad "Rachael’s Dream", to the upbeat and energetic Brazilian party of "Fiesta" and finishes with a soul-stirring gospel anthem "Put Your Faith In Me", penned by Ben Sidran and Ricky Peterson.

Renowned chart-topping contemporary jazz artist and producer Jackiem Joyner has traveled all over the world with his signature saxophone sound, yet he returns home—figuratively—on his fourth release, Church Boy. Reaching back to his roots and reigniting his faith, Joyner brings together his beloved jazz and his foundational gospel music.  Church Boy features Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, Toby Mac, and Israel Houghton.

Grammy Award winner Lee Ritenour won a Grammy Award for his 1986 collaboration with Dave Grusin, Harlequin; 17 Grammy nominations; numerous #1 spots in guitar polls and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC.  Lee talks to the Jazz Queen about his new cd, Rhythm Sessions.

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes Martin Blockson to talk about his new cd, Excursion.

Downbeat, is the highly anticipated new album from acclaimed jazz, world, fusion group, TIZER (2011 "Jazz Group of the Year" nominee), to be released on September 18.  This collection of 12 new original tracks encompasses a wide array of musical flavors to make for a memorable listening experience for any fan of creative, jazz-inspired music.

Fans that have followed Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons for any stretch of time over the past quarter century know the versatile award winning and Grammy nominated guitarist/composer, and producer has long had a penchant for naming songs and albums after exotic places (Aruba, Kenya, Morocco, Weekend in Monaco, Sahara, etc). Guitartist Russ Freeman talks to the Jazz Queen about the bands new cd, Built To Last.

Saxophonist Keith McKelley talks to the Jazz Queen about his self-titled cd that infuses styles such as funk, pop, R&B, Jazz, & some hip hop into a nice melodic blend ranging from smooth to in your face.  A must buy if you are looking for the next new saxophonist with plenty to say.

We first met Nicholas in 2010 when his self produced debut cd "A Journey of One" was released.  He was only 17 then.  Two years later he releases his sophmore project "Endless Possibilites" on the new Cutmore Records label.  At 19 years old Nicholas has written and/or produced for saxophonist Marcus Anderson, bassist Julian Vaughn, and trumpeter Willie Bradley. Nicholas' label debut features 14 self produced originals and features cameos from Steve Cole, Julian Vaughn, Tim Bowman, Lynne Fiddmont, Steve Oliver and another talented newcomer Vincent Ingala. 

Evolve is flutist, vocalist and songwriter Ragan Whiteside’s truly exciting and innovative sophomore CD. Fusing together the coolest elements of contemporary jazz, neo soul and funk, this award winning artist makes an aesthetic statement that marks her evolution as an undeniably talented musical force. 

Paying tribute to his hero and favorite artist George Benson, U-Nam released the album Weekend in L.A. (A George Benson Tribute) as U-Nam & Friends. The album includes a MEGA-ALLSTAR line up of artists and musicians including but not limited to Patrice Rushen, Tim Owens, Mike White, Ricky Lawson, Matt Rohde, Jeff Lacey, Franck Sitbon, Denis Benarrosh, Darryl Williams, Andreas Oberg, Marva King, Najee, Stokley (Mint Condition) and many more.

Saxophonist Tony Watson Jr. has played tenor sax on popular smooth-jazz cds by Walter Beasley, Najee and Pieces of a Dream.  Tony talks to the Jazz Queen about his solo project called Perfect Imperfections.