Our reviews of various smooth jazz CDs. TSJR does not engage in negative reviews. All CDs presented here are releases that we accept as being quite worthy--even outstanding, in many cases. If a release does not warrant such an assessment in our view, we will simply decline to review it.
TSJR is an Amazon.com and I-Tunes partner. Clicking on a CD image in our CD Reviews section or on an I-Tunes banner anywhere on this site will direct you to Amazon or I-Tunes to either listen to or buy any product sold on those sites. In some cases, you will be directed to CDbaby.com.
For your listening pleasure, you will also find MP3 clips on many of the pages here.
You can almost imagine saxman Richie Cannata saying to himself “It’s my turn” for he is not only a great sax player but also an accomplished music producer. He has produced albums for Phoebe Snow, Rita Coolidge, Corey Hart, and Tommy Shaw. His own Cove City Sound Studios (co-owned with his son Eren) is a favorite for major headliner names. One of the most recent was Jennifer Lopez for her hit song “On the Floor.”
With all the freshness, cool, and originality that has come to draw me to “new” and exciting artists like Cannata time and time again, this self-titled debut by the saxman speaks loud, clear, and with depth. His tenor sax has attitude and a story to tell, and does it ever tell it. Read full review
The story that comes with this polished saxophonist with the touch some liken to that of the late great Grover Washington Jr and Kim Waters (I could add Marion Meadows and a few others to that list, as well), is most uplifting and inspiring to say the least.
Reggie Codrington, the son of nationally known musician and bandleader Ray Codrington (who played with numerous soul legends, including Little Richard, Gladys Knight, and the late Jackie Wilson and is featured on this release as well) had to succumb to nine intense surgeries before the age of 13 as a result of a condition known as Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (ACP), a chronic condition that affects muscle coordination and depth perception. Read full review
Chris Standring took a step toward creating an even newer Chris Standring in a sense when he traded (or rested) his Benedetto archtop jazz guitar for his solid body Fender Stratocaster, known for its fiery delivery in the rock world and its more pronounced electric sound in jazz. While his jazzy style has remained intact, Electric Wonderland, scheduled for release on Mar. 20, is truly a transformation to a land of new sounds and experiences (I wonder if the title wasn’t a play on words on the Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland moniker for his monster 1968 LP, considering that one of Hendrix’s “toys” was the Strat, as well. Different sound result, of course).Read full review
A truly eclectic CD showing off all manner of smooth jazz tastes, rhythms, vibes, and styles, Philosoulphy, the sophomore release from the talented producer/keyboardist Funkee Boy encompasses much to enjoy.
Funkee Boy has enjoyed comfortable chart standings and success with such hits as “Bliss” by guitarist Robert Harris, “Listen Don’t Listen” from sexy vocalist Leila, as well as “Sexy Saxophone” with Leila and Eric Darius, and “Table for Two” by Marty Q. His debut release, Rise found a few tracks like “Body Music,” Soul Dance,” and “When You’re Mad” hitting the charts, as well. So, the artist is no stranger to producing hit material.
This particular album hints of an interesting mix of some of the instrumental tracks of the U.K. acid jazz icons Shakatak, today’s typical movin’, groovin’ contemporary jazz, the old school soul funk years (check out the jammin’ cover of L.T.D.’s “Back in Love Again”), some sweet, mellow soul vibes, some neo-soul, and even sports an all-out rousing tribute to the ‘70s iconic horn-heavy R&B band Tower of Power. All of this and strings, too! How’s that for diversity?? Read full review
Well, better late than never. Having just gotten my hands on this wonderful contemporary jazz project that was one of JazzTrax’s Top Ten Best Albums of 2011, I wonder how this one escaped my radar. Still, I’m only a bit disturbed. After hearing the quality and texture of this album, I am quickly returned to a state of well-being knowing that I am at least now among those aware that Dotsero has released yet another pleaser entitled Storyhouse. So, allow me to toss in my late two cents, at least.
It actually comes as no surprise to me that this group that has withstood the test of time for so long (since 1990, actually – even performing as part of Russ Freeman’s Rippingtons at one point!) is still cranking out quality. Their smooth and unique style has always been among the best. In fact, their very name means “something unique” according to Ute Native American language to some. I’ll certainly buy that. Theirs is a brand of contemporary jazz that is distinctly theirs. Read full review
Horns, horns, lots of funky horns. That’s what we get with the new release, East Bay Soul 2.0, from former Tower of Power trumpeter (and one of the band’s founders) Greg Adams and his East Bay Soul band as they revive that solid TOP groove in glorious fashion.
There are high points laced throughout this album. There’s the high-powered lead track, “The Getaway,” the satiny soulful feel of “The Love of My Life” with masterful vocals from Darryl Walker (who struts his smooth pipes throughout all of the vocal tracks on this album, by the way), the sultry stride of “To Catch A Thief,” the crazy funkiness of “The Devil You Know,” and the gentle, telling, and heart-warming finale, “I’m Comin’ Home.” It’s clear that Adams’ vision was intensely focused on reaching in deep and capturing the soul of the listener with the soul of this colorful project. Read full review
As one would expect from one so prolific in producing, writing, and playing, guitarist/producer Paul Brown’sThe Funky Joint is another case in point regarding the best smooth jazz has to offer. The album is named for Brown’s very productive recording studio that cranks out pleasurable hit after pleasurable hit, and the guitarist brings the funk, soul, and blues to firmly bear on this fortified new release. Why is it fortified? Well, along with his own stellar playing and style, he’s invited a few friends to sit in and contribute to this project. They include Boney James, Bob James, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Jonathan Fritzen, Darren Rahn, and Euge Groove, along with a marvelously supportive rhythm section. Read full review
Veteran saxophonist Kenyon Carter, who has played with and is well regarded by many of his peers in contemporary jazz, has decided that it’s time to give the solo thing a whirl and produce his debut release, Right By My Side, a cozy 12-track project with some very easily appealing tracks.
Right By My Side is a pretty solid production possessing a modest yet still gutsy character of many moods. There’s material (e.g., the title track and “Sangria Sunday”) that kind of saunters along in a serene, mid-tempo carefree manner. Then, there’s the slow-to-mid-tempo stroll along some quiet beach or other romantic setting with “Connection” and “Makes Me Wanna.” There’s the almost bluesy and spiritually charged (and interestingly titled) “God Bless the Broken Road.” There’s also the “get up” groove of the up-tempo tracks like a cool cover of Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” the driving “Skyline,” and the island-kissed “Flip Flops.”Read full review
The soulful jazziness of smooth jazz icon Najee emerges once again on his latest offering, The Smooth Side of Soul. The man definitely holds a firm grip on the nuances and flavor of contemporary jazz as well as any in the business.
Here with contributions from such heavyweights as Jeff Lorber, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, and James Lloyd (and a mighty lift from the very likable and renowned vocalist Phil Perry–and some great co-writing from Darren Rahn and Will Downing), the multi-instrumentalist again takes us all on a moody tonal journey, teasing the funk, the smooth, the gentle, and just plain jazzy elements he masters so well.Read full review
Here is contemporary jazz guitarist Ken Navarro like I’ve never before heard him. On his latest endeavor, The Test of Time, Navarro is the lone performer, playing all of the parts on one guitar simultaneously as he covers some really cool classic pieces. No overdubs at all.
His impressive playing at times has a classical feel, at other times a flamenco slant, even though he’s doing no flamenco tunes here, and at other times a simply powerful and spirited show of depth and innovativeness. His fiery strumming, his use of harmonics, and his clean runs and chords are all truly something to behold. Read full review
albums for Phoebe Snow, Rita Coolidge, Corey Hart, and Tommy Shaw. His own Cove City Sound Studios (co-owned with his son Eren) is a favorite for major headliner names. One of the most recent was Jennifer Lopez for her hit song “On the Floor.” 
