--=[ Michael Jackson In Bossa Moments ]=--

VA - Michael Jackson In Bossa Moments (2008)

The decidedly mellow Bossa Nova take on Michael Jackson's biggest hits is very refreshing, and while some of the nine featured vocalists on this recording are more engaging than others, overall the latin jazz vibe of the music makes for a very cool and sophisticated groove.

Taken out of their usual dance floor context, the lyrical content of many of Jackson's songs take on new shades of meanings which stand up very well to the test of time.
This recording provides a pleasurable listening experience that expands with each consecutive play.

Michael Jackson In Bossa Moments' features an all star line up of Marcela Mangabeira, Cris Delanno, Barbara Mendes, Rachelle Spring, Lulu Joppert, Paulinho Loureiro, Monique Kessous, Deco Fiori & Eduardo Braga.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Sema'j ]=--

Sema'j - Urban Smooth (2004)

Smooth Urban Jazz for when you want a quiet moment to relax. This is as smooth as it gets. A must have for all music lovers!














Sema'j - Urban Smooth II (2008)

After the huge success of (Urban Smooth) and (It Is What It Is) Sema'j has released more old school well tracked songs for those who like to kick back and relax. Pluse a few tracks to make you bob your head if you like. Once again his guitar versions of these songs are first class.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Cal Bennett ]=--

Cal Bennett - John Swanson's Rent Party (2009)

Link 2

Malindy Music, Inc. founder John Swanson—also the producer of this effort-- has turned out a quality product here in Rent Party with the help of veteran saxophonist Cal Bennett (who has played and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and Donna Summer) and veteran multi-instrumentalists. Generally well-conceived and orchestrated, the R&B-flavored project should have broad appeal to smooth jazzers, who generally enjoy tight, crisp execution of smooth jazz as it is finely interwoven with this soulful element.

Rent Party wastes no time in pushing the funk-laden tracks at you in measured paces, starting with the competent and calling sax of Cal Bennett in the smooth-dancing opening track, “Can I Spend the Night,” which includes some really decent harmony backing vocals from a number of apt vocalists including Cristi Black, Shea Chambers, Sandy Simmons, and others.

The album rolls effortlessly along, providing grooves to chill by, to whisper by, to love by. A case in point would be the steady “Swing It,” a tune not big on bridges, hooks, and the like but huge on hitting that “spot” and providing that good ol’ “that’s it” feel. Track 5, “I Wanna Dance” is a gritty, very nastily funky, mid-tempo piece that also provides little by way of bridges, etc, but calls on the animal in you to get on the floor and burn it up with sheer sensuality. If slow and sweet is your thing, Cal Bennett’s sax and the endearing backing vocals bring it home on “Johnny’s Amour” with mellow yet pulsating spirit and depth. Wanna work up a sweat? Try “I Wanna Be Your Man.” This one is on fire from the opening note and comes adorned with nicely arranged horns to complement the overall aura of funk.

As mentioned a couple of times, many tunes on this album seem to focus more on the continuity of the groove and feel than on any diversity of “twists and turns” in the compositions themselves (e.g., bridges, breaks, etc.). Many of the hooks that are present are a bit repetitive, but they work. The vocals—sometimes taking on a spiritual light-- often step in to really color the pieces in ways that bring brilliance to the forefront. “If You Only Knew” is truly representative of this.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Mark Portmann ]=--

Mark Portmann - No Truer Words (1997)

Since this keyboardist left his high profile gig with the Rippingtons in the mid 90s, he's paid some bills doing parts and arrangements for superstar producer David Foster, and Portmann's own instincts as studio ringleader make No Truer Words a busy, diverse affair. One gets the sense that Portmann's truest heart lies in finely orchestrated romantic pieces like "Destinations" and "Canyons," but he has a blast jacking up the urban swing on the party jam "Slink" and overseeing a handful of solid soul vocals. Portmann's finely honed jazz heart beats at the core of even the most heavily produced pop track. And his roots are never far behind either - former Rippmates Tony Morales, Steve Reid and Jeff Kashiwa show up to help their old pal explore his wide ranging but never scattered artistry.
Listen out for that beautiful songbird "Lori Perry"















Mark Portmann - Driving Beverly Hills (1994)

Musically, this exhilarating ride through the playful streets of Los Angeles proves no less a calling card for the city's lighthearted side than Randy Newman's "I Love L.A.." Aside from asserting his considerable abilities as a solo artist, composer and producer after a handful of years as a keyboardist with The Rippingtons, Portmann desired to create an innovative recording specifically designed both sonically and musically for the freeway, where folks in the City of Angels spend so much of their time. The tunes are lively, spry and spirited, providing two morning to night, top down, wind in your face joyrides that perfectly capture both the cool, laid back aspects of beach life ("200 South Robertson," the vocal "Cruise Control," sung by former Hiroshima lead singer Machun) and the often frenetic pace of the palm lined streets ("California Spyder"). The pacing is perfectly balanced, and though there is an amazing number of all star performances, Portmann allows himself to emerge as leader by expanding his chops on plucky pieces like "It's My Turn." With guests like Steve Bailey, Jeff Kashiwa, Tony Morales and Steve Reid, there were indeed a slew of Ripps comparisons. His compositions are as accessible as Russ Freeman's, but Portmann's vision and often jazzy keyboard style carry him beyong the artistic bounds he had with the band.

Track Listing In Comments

--=[ Dudley Perkins ]=--

Dudley Perkins - Holy Smokes [2009]

New album by former Stones Throw funk hopper Dudley Perkins , entirely produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow aka Ms One! Hailing from Oxnard California and beyond, Dudley Perkins (rap moniker Declaime) gained critical acclaim for collaborating with fellow Oxnardian heavyweights Madlib, Oh No and Kan Kick. His raw commentary is known for being deeply rooted in funk and feelgood grooves of yesteryear while maintaining today’s edgy truths of love and war. “Holy Smokes”, is his latest release with Georgia Anne Muldrow behind the boards.


All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Motif ]=--

Motif - Bitten By The Bug (2003)

When asked how he'd describe his music he's quick not to limit his audience . A native of New York, this 22 year old R&B artist likes to classify his style of music as a fusion of R&B, Soul, and Hip Hop. Both self taught and technically trained he feels he has a lot to draw from. When asked the question what separates him from the rest of the pack he says, " Well, vocally, I'd say I've cultivated a sound that's all mine...although singing high notes and ripping off fast runs are a necessity, I like to think that the quality and uniqueness of my sound is just as important, it's like spice on something you cook ...with just the right flavor you can make something delicious.I like to think of my voice as that spice and when I add it to a song I can make your ears wanna eat it up!" Also an accomplished producer and songwriter, Motif has his own strategy for what makes that hit song, "I like songs with big hooks and memorable phrases that people can't forget, I go for what sounds good and the feeling, not how technically amazing something is". While singing in groups, choirs, and church since the age of 5 Motif has not overlooked the importance of a balanced lifestyle, he says, "I have lots of other interests to balance my life. Music is just one part of Motif... a big part", he adds.

In the Spring of 2002, after graduating from college, Motif immediately had lots of interest from major labels, several of which had been waiting in the wings for his decision upon graduation. He formed his own record company, Motif Records, because as he puts it, "I have all the artistic control". Although he enjoys the challenges in the near future and has the hopes of becoming a household name, he also advocates a simpler lifestyle." I like to keep things simple, I like technology and where we're going, but sometimes we need to just take a step back and really appreciate the simple things in life... like walkin' down the beach on a moonlit night with your lady...now that is priceless!" When asking him about that special lady in his life...he proclaims, "thats the only thing missing", but just like his music, he says, "I'm determined to make that happen too!"

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Eric Benet 2 ]=--

Eric Benét - Love & Life (2008)

While Eric Benet's 2005 release, HURRICANE, reflected the urban contemporary singer's personal struggle following the break-up of his marriage with actress Halle Berry, 2008's LOVE & LIFE represents a new page in Benet's life and career. Positive, celebratory, and imbued with the spirit of classic R&B, the album plays like a ray of soulful sunshine. Lead-off single "You're the Only One" (which shot to number one on the Urban Adult Contemporary charts) drips with a vintage R&B feel, and there are touches of gospel, hip-hop, and jazz throughout the album as well. Whether playing the loverman ("Chocolate Legs") or taking a more meditative turn ("Still I Believe"), Benet is sensual, smooth, and life-affirming on LOVE & LIFE.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Coko 2 ]=--

Coko - The Winner In Me (2009)

AS REQUESTED!

Coko's warm persona, power-house vocals and experienced delivery make The Winner In Me the gospel album of the summer. The first single, "Wait," is a sweeping and awesome anthem about waiting on God's faithfulness. Classically gospel, the uplifting single solidifies her position in the gospel world and is brimming with emotion and inspiration.

Coko smooth style creates a pop-oriented sound that is equal parts Gospel and R&B. Her sophistication and subdued soulfulness shines through on the stellar "Rescue Me" and on the big ballad title track "The Winner In Me."

Coko includes several of her friends to join her on the project including fellow songstress Kelly Price, along with whom she revives their R&B roots with the groove-infused "Oh Mary," a song with an important message for young women today. Other highlights include the upbeat Israel Houghton duet "Joy Of The Lord," and the hip-hop soul collaboration with Canton Jones on the sensational "Made a Way."

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Tarika Blue ]=--

Tarika Blue - The Blue Path [1977]


Tarika Blue was formed in 1973 by pianist/keyboardist Phil Clendeninn. He was joined by Barry Coleman (bass), Kevin Atkins (drummer), Marvin Blackman (tenor sax), Justo Almario (soprano sax), James Mason (electric guitar), Fred Miller (english horn) and Ryo Kawasaki (electric guitar). The band’s many female singers included Lisa Fisher, Irene Datcher, Tequila, and Dolores Smith. As an interesting sidenote, Clendeninn was a member of the disco/funk band called the Big Apple Band along with then unknown Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Rodgers and Edwards went on to start the hit-making group Chic. Phil Clendeninn’s Tarika Blue group only released two albums, their debut “Tarika Blue” and “The Blue Path.” If you like jazz fusion and artists like Lonnie Liston Smith and Azymuth, you’ll enjoy this groove.
















Tarika Blue - The Very Best of [1976]


A New York-based ensemble led by keyboardist Phil Clendennin, Tarika Blue released two recordings in the late '70s that blended silky jazz fusion sensibilities and the mellow soul sound of the day that's now considered old-school.

For those of you who remember the James Mason album, and thought like me that it was a unique one, well here is its companion on the tiny Chiaroscuro label— with a similar sound and James himself participating on guitar & writing! This is a gem of an album, more instrumental than Rhythm Of Life, but with that eerie jazzy sound that's made it so great. A few cuts have vocals, and you'll also recognize a very famous Erykah Badu sample in the mellow number "Dreamflower" (the lady has some taste...). But the whole thing's fantastic, deep and so unjustly forgotten.


Tarika Blue ~ Dreamflower





All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ The Blak's Lair Family 9 ]=--

The Blak's Lair Family presents Fresco Caliente [EXCLUSIVE] (2009)

Fans and musicians of the bossa nova genre recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. And though The Blak's Lair Family keeps their second home in Japan, they know that there are bossa nova and samba lovers all over the world. This compilation is dedicated to those people, as it pays homage to the wonderful music from or inspired by this Brazilian style of jazz.

Fresco Caliente is almost 80 minutes in duration, comprised 20 tracks from well-known bossa nova and Brazilian jazz artists such as Rosalia DeSouza, Eliane Elias, Sabrina Malheiros, Paul Donat and Larisa Dolina. This compilation is perfect for playing while laying out on a beach or for that evening beach party! It even comes with three alternative images of cover artwork!

A very special shout out to DJ GP and his crew from DO VELHO AO NOVO for their assistance with this compilation! Looks like Christmas is coming TWICE this year!

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Jimmy Sommers 3 ]=--

Jimmy Sommers - Time Stands Still (2009)

Time Stands Still is a luscious reflection on 14 of the most mesmerizing melodies of all time. Sommers was inspired to embark upon this sentimental journey after completing his 2004 Christmas album, A Holiday Wish. “What made doing that album so special,” Sommers shares, “was doing songs people already knew and loved.” This dreamy disc stretches from standards such as “Georgia On My Mind” (in memory of “The Genius” Ray Charles), “Besame Mucho” and a bossa nova take on “Fly Me to the Moon” to more modern gems such as “You Are So Beautiful” (dedicated to its late composer Billy Preston), Norah Jones’ Grammy-winning “Don’t Know Why” (buoyed by piano and harmonica) and Carlos Santana’s burning bolero “Europa,” which Sommers masterfully reworked into a modern alternative from the classic `70s recording by Gato Barbieri.

All of the music was arranged by Hollywood jazz and session veteran Bill Cunliffe and highlighted by three guest vocalists: soul-pop crooner Eric Benét (singing the Judy Garland signature “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”), traditional pop veteran Gloria Loring (mother of recent chart-topper Robin Thicke who graces the sexy Peggy Lee fire-starter “Fever”) and newcomer Dena Deadly (a singer Sommers discovered on all-powerful MySpace who sings the Etta James chestnut “At Last”).














Jimmy Sommers - James Café (1998)

Bonnie Raitt's original still gets smooth jazz airplay. Candy Dulfer's version seems to have endured more so than Nelson Rangell's as the enduring cover of choice in the format. Did we really need another take on "I Can't Make You Love Me"? Saxman Jimmy Sommers thought so, and by adding an improvisational section, a little more muscle to the heartache, and soaring over the warm blues keyboard flavors of George Nash, Jr., he may have created the finest version yet for his debut James Cafe. On the other hand, he didn't need to take the pop cover idea to the extreme and do the overexposed "How Do I Live?" Sommers hits greater high notes with his original jump-funk material, which also features his tight interactions with Nash (Sommers' chief co-writer) and successful attempts to build subtle improvisations over those blues foundations. Nash is also right there with the tongue click sound of the wah-wah guitar and Fender Rhodes bubbling on the midtempo title track. Just as one might argue against another Raitt cover, it might be easy to wonder if the genre needs any more soulful soprano balladeers. Though graceful tunes like "Search from Within" are only part of Sommers' repertoire, they make some powerful emotional statements. And whatever one thinks of his sax playing and composing (thumbs up from this angle), Sommers has always got his amazing hair -- so cool, in fact, that he's got a promotional tie-in with Paul Mitchell hair care products. Luckily, his music is just as slick.

This is a MUST HAVE CD!!!

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Humming Urban Stereo 3 ]=--

Humming Urban Stereo - Baby Love (2007)

We finally got our hands on this just recently! Korean band Humming Urban Stereo has a third album out now called "Baby Love" and it's actually not that bad of an album. YMCK fans will rejoice after hearing the YMCK remix on this record. If you do not listen to any other song, please give "Insomnia" a try.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Jazzimodo ]=--

Jazzimodo (2007)

Jazzimodo began in 2005, with the idea of making contemporary music with a "jazzy" vibe, seeking a sound based on the combination of electronic beats and atmosphere, the simplicity of pop and the style of jazz. Jazzimodo’s lyrics, in Spanish, English and French, convey simple messages, dealing with everyday life, sensations and thoughts, thereby demonstrating the global character of this music, a music which is not limited by borders, but still keeps its own identity and, most importantly, an innovative spirit.

Jazzimodo is the beginning of a new mode of thinking about jazz, and WE think that this here is HEAT!

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Craig T. Cooper ]=--

Craig T Cooper - HourGlass [2006]

A Romantic, Sexy, Funky, Smooth Ride to a love affair that will last over an HourGlass. As the youngest of 7 children Craig T. Cooper was born & raised in Los Angeles. He began cello lessons at the age of 4 & soon went on learning trumpet, drums, piano & finally the guitar. 1984 he began as a studio musician, working with Anita Baker, Bob Dylan, Barry Manilow, The O'Jays, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Ronnie Laws, The Crusaders and ToneLoc amongst others. To diversify, he worked on numerous movie soundtracks. Cooper also hit the road & toured with the likes of Cheryl Lynn, Billy Preston, and Ronnie Laws.














Craig T. Cooper - Caught Up in a Moment [2006]

The trend towards R&B with pop/jazz trappings continues with this streamlined urban/funk effort by Cooper, whose silky stringwork and sense of improvisation is strictly from the George Benson school of fancy licks. He infuses his soulful guitar energy with romance, passion, and some genuine excitement, while his production skills keep the hip-hop tempos smooth and perky.













Craig T. Cooper - A Romantic Letter [1996]

“ROMANTIC LETTER” featuring cover tunes such as “Sensitivity” (penned by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis) and “Never Too Much” (written by The Late Great" Luther Vandross) reaped some very positive responses from the Masters themselves! In fact they were totally knocked out by Craig’s unusually bold treatment to their hits.













Craig T. Cooper - Touch Tone [1995]













Craig T. Cooper - Darkm'n [1993]

Those of us who truly appreciate GOOD jazz and R&B get Craig. He can clearly SPEAK to us through his amazing music. "A Reason For Love" is just airy and sweet, with Joe Sample doing some of his best work, "Missing You, Missing Me" truly tugs at the heartstrings, and "That's the Spot" is as sexy as it's title. "Ten Feathers" has that cello (brilliant!) that I love on the baseline. "Magic", which Craig devoted to a good friend, is mostly our man on electric guitar, and an accompanying piano. It rounds out the disc perfectly. To me, he fits the mole of his contemporaries like Omar, Marcus Miller, Layla Hathaway and others that truly don't get their props.It's telling that many of the artists of Craig's caliber and style are more appreciated in other regions of the world; too many times, us Americans simply don't "get" it, but no matter where you are, you should certainly get a copy of "Darkm'n".













Craig T. Cooper - Got That Thang [1992]

A smooth-jazz guitarist along the lines of George Benson and Norman Brown, Craig T. Cooper is a musician of estimable talent who remains much-less known than he should be. The entire album is very nice, but the tracks most worth hearing are "Sweet Water", "Coast To Coast", and "Quality Time."There are a few vocals, the best of which is "I Dedicate My Love," which is all Quiet Storm sensuousness, and guest soloists Eddie Miller (piano) and George Duke (synths) add some spice to the breezes of Cooper's playing.














Craig T. Cooper - Craig T. Cooper Project [1989]

“The Reds” is the only suitable phrase for the smooth, sensuous style of guitar playing that Craig T. Cooper has mastered. Not all blues, not all jazz, Craig T. is the “The Uncola of Jazz” and just plain “Funky-Sexy” Craig T. Cooper is a recording artist, producer, songwriter, arranger, M.D., sound engineer, programmer, mix and re-mix master, owner of CRAIGLAND Studios, LA and an all around damn good musician. His credits are endless and his experience is invaluable.

* Major Props 2 Dints, Moi and DJ Ferro *

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Carlos Cannon ]=--

Carlos Cannon - In The Name Of Love (2000)

Carlos Cannon, "In The Name Of Love," is the pure example of a cool, smooth jazz saxophonist. He's like a romantic pied piper," capturing the attention of his listeners.
Cannon's masterful fusion of jazz, R&B, funk and pop is catapulting him among the urban and smooth jazz artists of today's contemporary music. With 2 albums to his credit, the multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer has sold over 45,000 records of his 1st CD, "In the Name of Love," making him one of the most successful independent jazz artists to sell his CD's via internet, concerts and other venues. Cannon's 2nd CD "Thinking of You," showcases his knack for playing timeless melodies and creating cuts that make you want to get up and dance. "In The Name of Love," showcases all originals with the exceptions of three ingenious instrumental cover tracks; "If you want me to stay," performed by Sly & the Family Stone, "I wanna be where you are," artist like, Michael Jackson, "I have nothing," sung by Whitney Houston, and a spritural, "Precious Lord, take my hand." Carlos Cannon is one of those rare artists who can give you that sultry ballad, rev up a soulful dance number and or get down right funky with the best.















Carlos Cannon - Thinking Of You (2004)

SMOOTH JAZZ SAX CD.......It's contempoary, urban, upbeat and smooth.....an excellent alto sax rendition of the Beatles..."Come Together"...and a soprano sax of ..."Time in a Bottle"..by Jim Croce.....THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE FOR YOUR COLLECTION.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Soulive 2 ]=--

Soulive - Up Here [2009]

March 2009 marks Soulive's 10th Anniversary, ten years since Eric Krasno, Alan Evans and his brother Neal Evans got together for the first time at a home studio just outside of Woodstock, NY and recorded Get Down.Not many bands can say they've recorded with Chaka Khan, Dave Matthews, Talib Kweli and John Scofield. Nor can many bands open for The Rolling Stones on one tour and have Stevie Wonder sit in with them on the next tour. Jazz, hip-hop, rock, soul, funk, R & B, blues-- musically, there is not much the band hasn't done.

The record's opening track Upright immediately sets the tone with a completely infectious hook featuring Neal on an old upright piano. There are some nods to the old-school on the record. For Granted is a tip of the hat to Grant Green, and Eric plays licks reminiscent of his early solos on Get Down and Turn It Out. Guest vocalist Nigel Hall tears it up on Too Much while Eric's guitar sings like D'Angelo on the laid-back grind of Put on Yo Pajamas. The entire record features tight horn arrangements from long-time Soulive collaborators and friends, Sam Kininger and Ryan Zoidis.No matter how you listen to Up Here, it sounds like you're listening to vintage vinyl. Straight up, says Alan, this is the first Soulive album that I can say every tune on it is my favorite on the album.


Soulive ~ Steppin'






* Another Great indAvidual Post *


All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Juliette Leon ]=--

Juliette Leon - Unconditional [2005]

Juliette Leon released her album UNCONDITIONAL with Die hard records via Pinnacle April 25th 2005. Two Hearts remix can also be found on Compilations ' London Soul' and 'Nu soul Sessions' She continues to work with Die Hard Productions Studio in central Birmingham. Guest artists include Myron and Jarrard Anthony.

Juliette Leon ~ Merry Go Round




All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Don Diego ]=--

Don Diego - Happy Lonely (2001)

Incorporating a style which transcends and goes well beyond the usual one-dimensional contemporary/urban Jazz scene, Don Diego's music spins into your ear with a self-defined, sultry sound that makes you beg for more!

Don Diego often shares the stage with many other notable and respected musicians such as, Kenny G, Najee, Kirk Whalum, B.B. King, Roy Ayers and Donald Byrd; a host of other respected entertainers round off the list. Don credits both Roy Ayers and Donald Byrd as his mentors and retains a great deal of respect for each of them.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Velez Bothers 2 ]=--

Velez Brothers - Feel The Rain (2009)

Raising the bar again with new sounds and emotions, this album is full of great jazz with a lot of world rhythms and amazing Guests artists like Nick Colionne, Johannes Linstead, Travis Vega, Qwess and Luciano Antonio. The new sound in the Smooth Jazz

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Planet Lounge ]=--

Planet Lounge - Nazim (2005)

Planet Lounge is Naoki Kenji (keyboards, electronics), Hakim Ludin (percussion, voc.), and Christoph Spendel (piano). As Planet lounge, apart from appearing in various chill out compilations (Bar Lounge Classic,Budha Groove, etc) they released two full length albums "Electric Bolero" in 2002 and "Nazim" in 2005 which contains 11-tracks of deep soulful downtempo jams.













Planet Lounge - Electric Bolero (2002)

* thanks to BeeQ and Ste for these! *

Tracklists in comments.

--=[ Clazziquai Project 4 ]=--

Clazziquai Project - Mucho Musica (2009)

The Korean trio Clazziquai Project dropped their fourth full-length studio album, Mucho Musica. This album is also a landmark album, in that it is their first album sung completely in English. This album delves a bit more into the electronica, pop and house genres as opposed to their bossa nova and lounge material from their earlier efforts. There seems to be a little something for everyone on this album, and for that we give Clazziquai Project mucho props for hittin us with another one!

Tracklist in comments.