It starts with a succulent flourish and the sax taking the lead into smooth feel-goodness and he’s done it: Valentino Maltos launches into the new single “ButterScotch.” Hearkening to the R&B he loved as a youngster and his long history with the sax, Maltos brings in harmonizing vocals and a deeply polished bass sound for... Continue Reading →
Guitarist Wilfred Nenja Frelix takes a background of funk, R&B, jazz and soul and has come up with his own personal sonic imprint. Groove-driven with a prominent beat, his latest single “With You” features the silky vocals of Sophia Janelle Taylor. Other singles include the energetic, feel-good “Lil George” and “Unity” where the sax gives... Continue Reading →
Composer, bassist and vocalist Erick Grey writes music when he sleeps. His latest release, “Warm Fuzzy & Mellow,” fills the space with dreams and a beat that kicks your soul. The song transports and elevates with a weighty bass line, nice riffing on the keys and a sultry horn line laced along the top edges.... Continue Reading →
Lots of airplay for guitarist Patrick Yandall’s “A Journey Home,” which starts out with an assertive striking of block chords then it’s all smooth sailing from there. Bright horns, funky/bluesy organ and more blues from the guitar, followed by a steady, easy beat. In “Ethos” there’s lots of waka-waka funkydoodle with a groove that won’t... Continue Reading →
Greg Vail’s been wailing on the sax since the big hair days of the 1980s (with his own mane to match), through the chill days of smooth as it was breaking out on its very own. Now, he’s re-examining some classic jazz (“Feels So Good”) and has new projects on the table that he’ll be... Continue Reading →
Guided by his faith and heart first and then his ears, producer/musician Dwayne Fulton knows the ins and outs of attracting talent. He has a strong interest in gospel music and is hands-on involved with his church in Pittsburgh. A focus that sometimes finds him in the wee hours of the morning working on a... Continue Reading →
Rob Zinn, front man for the Wilmington, Delaware-based Rob Zinn Group, says their original intention was not to form a “trumpet tribute” band…however, there’s an element of that going on. There are plenty of kickin’ original tunes, but the band also weaves in songs from jazz icons like Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Rick Braun, Clifford... Continue Reading →
Twenty-two-year-old twins Jeremiah and John III are about to finish college but they already got a jump-start on their musical careers. Taking the best from jazz, R&B and soul, The Moore Twins are bringing a hip, fresh sound to “old school” tunes. It’s out of love and respect. But don’t expect them to sound indistinguishable... Continue Reading →
The Alabama indie smooth jazz/funk/R&B band BlendJazz pulls you in, grabs you with the rhythm, and keeps your head bopping. It’s because of the unique combo of Henry Mixon, Earl Rice and AnthonyStix Payton, who together, make tunes like “Slow Jam” that feel like honey you want to pour over everything. “Somp’um” adds an easy... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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