“Sunday Strut,” the energizing single featuring Najee, becomes the third Billboard No. 1 hit from the “Color and Passion” album
Guitarists Blake Aaron and Adam Hawley wrote “Sunday Strut” for Aaron’s “Color and Passion” album while in the throes of the coronavirus quarantine and now that things are reopening, the hard-charging, high-energy contemporary jazz instrumental tops four singles charts simultaneously. The horn-powered track featuring urban-jazz icon Najee and produced by Hawley is No. 1 on the Billboard, Mediabase, Smooth Jazz Network and SmoothJazz.com charts. It’s the third single to go No. 1 on the Billboard chart from the Innervision Records release that dropped last September, following “Groovers and Shakers” and “Fall For You.”
Much of “Color and Passion” was written and recorded last year while Aaron was unable to tour due to COVID-19 restrictions, so he used the time productively to produce projects for other artists and to finish his sixth album, which continues to be a celebrated release.
“2020 was a tough year, and incredibly tough for some of us. I know I greatly missed being able to get out and play music for my friends/fans. One silver lining for me was being able to spend more time in the studio to create and produce music, so I released ‘Color and Passion.’ I am so grateful to be blessed with three No. 1 Billboard singles from that CD,” said Aaron who will finally get the opportunity to perform music from the new album live when he resumes touring this summer, an itinerary that includes concerts at premier events such as Berks Jazz Festival (August 14-15) in Reading, Penna. and the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival (October 6-10) in Spain.
Apropos of his entire catalogue as an artist, “Color and Passion” is a diverse collection, an inviting blend of colorful melodies and prodigious, impassioned guitarwork neatly encased in capsules of jazz, R&B, pop, Latin, Caribbean, funk, fusion and rock. Aaron mindfully infused the album with hope, positive energy, optimism and joy. In addition to the contributions made by a top-drawer cast of musicians, the set showcases Billboard hitmakers saxophonist Darren Rahn and flautist Kim Scott as guest soloists, with Rahn, who has produced more than 25 No. 1 singles and received multiple GRAMMY nominations, cowriting and coproducing “Groovers and Shakers” with Aaron.
Aaron produced “Fall For You,” which became his first Billboard No. 1 single as a producer. He recently celebrated his second Billboard chart-topper as a producer when keyboardist Sean U’s “Magic Hour” went No. 1, a cut on which the guitarist is also a featured guest.
Fully aware of how difficult the last year has been for so many people, including his fanbase, Aaron remains humbly grounded and hopeful that his musical offerings can elevate spirits.
“If ‘Sunday Strut,’ or the previous two No. 1 singles, or any song from ‘Color and Passion’ that speaks to our friends/fans for that matter, can bring a little light or joy in what can otherwise be a challenging time, then I am successful,” said Aaron, who plans to drop his next single in August, “Feels Right,” which was produced by prolific producer-keyboardist Greg Manning.
Much of “Color and Passion” was written and recorded last year while Aaron was unable to tour due to COVID-19 restrictions, so he used the time productively to produce projects for other artists and to finish his sixth album, which continues to be a celebrated release.
“2020 was a tough year, and incredibly tough for some of us. I know I greatly missed being able to get out and play music for my friends/fans. One silver lining for me was being able to spend more time in the studio to create and produce music, so I released ‘Color and Passion.’ I am so grateful to be blessed with three No. 1 Billboard singles from that CD,” said Aaron who will finally get the opportunity to perform music from the new album live when he resumes touring this summer, an itinerary that includes concerts at premier events such as Berks Jazz Festival (August 14-15) in Reading, Penna. and the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival (October 6-10) in Spain.
Apropos of his entire catalogue as an artist, “Color and Passion” is a diverse collection, an inviting blend of colorful melodies and prodigious, impassioned guitarwork neatly encased in capsules of jazz, R&B, pop, Latin, Caribbean, funk, fusion and rock. Aaron mindfully infused the album with hope, positive energy, optimism and joy. In addition to the contributions made by a top-drawer cast of musicians, the set showcases Billboard hitmakers saxophonist Darren Rahn and flautist Kim Scott as guest soloists, with Rahn, who has produced more than 25 No. 1 singles and received multiple GRAMMY nominations, cowriting and coproducing “Groovers and Shakers” with Aaron.
Aaron produced “Fall For You,” which became his first Billboard No. 1 single as a producer. He recently celebrated his second Billboard chart-topper as a producer when keyboardist Sean U’s “Magic Hour” went No. 1, a cut on which the guitarist is also a featured guest.
Fully aware of how difficult the last year has been for so many people, including his fanbase, Aaron remains humbly grounded and hopeful that his musical offerings can elevate spirits.
“If ‘Sunday Strut,’ or the previous two No. 1 singles, or any song from ‘Color and Passion’ that speaks to our friends/fans for that matter, can bring a little light or joy in what can otherwise be a challenging time, then I am successful,” said Aaron, who plans to drop his next single in August, “Feels Right,” which was produced by prolific producer-keyboardist Greg Manning.
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