Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - May 30, 2022 #jazz

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As Is: "A Love Like Ours (Remaster 2022)" May 27th, 2022 #jazz

Described as "nothing short of enchanting" (All About Jazz), the musical union of jazz guitarist, Alan Schulman and jazz vocal stylist, Stacey Lynn Schulman is the heart of As Is. The couple - both on and off stage - have made a name for themselves for their imaginative re-expressions of 20th century song classics. “They find new ways to approach the songs, ways that preserve the origins yet make out of them very personal statements” (Jazz Mostly). As Is takes audienceson an intimate journey through the world and words of songs long-forgotten - but newly created - with both the soulfulness and swing that's accessible, memorable and highly musical. As Is has toured extensively in the US, Europe and Asia performing live and in the studio with contemporary jazz talents including Marcus Baylor, David Binney, Christie Dashiell, Corcoran Holt, Kokayi, and Gregoire Maret.

 

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, jazz guitarist Alan Schulman studied with the late great

guitarist Cal Collins (formerly of the Benny Goodman Orchestra). Known for his versatile chops from the warmth of his “soft, round tone” (All About Jazz) to his ability to “pick out clever melodies and musical frames” (Jazz Weekly), Schulman became a mainstay of the Chicago jazz scene with jazz educator, David Bloom, before earning his Masters degree in Jazz Arranging & Composition from Howard University in Washington, DC. A Thelonius Monk Competition Top-10 finalist, he has appeared with such noted jazz artists as Anita Baker, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis & Michael Feinstein.

 

Stacey Schulman is a native of the New York City area, where her dynamic, stylistic vocal range has been featured on radio commaercials, TV series and movie soundtracks since the age of nine. Schulman regularly “summons delicate lace on one song and a bouncy jam on another” (All About Jazz), but her calling cards are ballads where both the strength and expressiveness of her art shine (Jazz Artistry Now). Together, “the musical chemistry between Stacey and Alan Schulman is energetic and contagious” (The Jazz Page).

 

The As Is discography began in Rome, where the couple recorded an intimate debut album of standards, A Love Like Ours (2015). Their sophomore release, Here’s to Life (2018) with

Grammy-nominated producer, James McKinney, established the duo as compelling storytellers and arrangers, offering listeners new soundscapes that could swing hard while leaning into latin, classical, vocalese and Indian sonic accents. Recorded at Eusonia Studios, NYC, andmastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, NYC (assisted by Chris Allgood), the album debuted at #1 on Amazon Jazz, #6 on iTunes Jazz and #9 on Billboard's Traditional Jazz Chart. It was wellreviewed and embraced by jazz radio in 2018.

 

In December 2021, As Is released a new twist on a holiday classic with a joyful, samba-inspired, O Holy Night. May 2022 will bring a remastered version of their debut album with a new bonus single, a soulful acoustic rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. Their 3rd full-length album, an exploration of “life as we feel it,” is expected in late 2022.

 

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A Memorial Day Worth Remembering

Andy Rooney On How Memorial Day Should Be Celebrated

The following is a weekly 60 Minutes commentary by CBS News Correspondent Andy Rooney.

"There is more bravery at war than in peace, and it seems wrong that we have so often saved this virtue to use for our least noble activity - war. The goal of war is to cause death to other people."



Tomorrow is Memorial Day, the day we have set aside to honor by remembering all the Americans who have died fighting for the thing we like the most about our America: the freedom we have to live as we please.

No official day to remember is adequate for something like that. It's too formal. It gets to be just another day on the calendar. No one would know from Memorial Day that Richie M., who was shot through the forehead coming onto Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, wore different color socks on each foot because he thought it brought him good luck.

No one would remember on Memorial Day that Eddie G. had promised to marry Julie W. the day after he got home from the war, but didn’t marry Julie because he never came home from the war. Eddie was shot dead on an un-American desert island, Iwo Jima.

For too many Americans, Memorial Day has become just another day off. There's only so much time any of us can spend remembering those we loved who have died, but the men, boys really, who died in our wars deserve at least a few moments of reflection during which we consider what they did for us.

They died.

We use the phrase "gave their lives," but they didn’t give their lives. Their lives were taken from them.

There is more bravery at war than in peace, and it seems wrong that we have so often saved this virtue to use for our least noble activity - war. The goal of war is to cause death to other people.

Because I was in the Army during World War II, I have more to remember on Memorial Day than most of you. I had good friends who were killed.

Charley Wood wrote poetry in high school. He was killed when his Piper Cub was shot down while he was flying as a spotter for the artillery.

Bob O'Connor went down in flames in his B17.

Obie Slingerland and I were best friends and co-captains of our high school football team. Obie was killed on the deck of the Saratoga when a bomb that hadn’t dropped exploded as he landed.

I won’t think of them anymore tomorrow, Memorial Day, than I think of them any other day of my life.

Remembering doesn’t do the remembered any good, of course. It's for ourselves, the living. I wish we could dedicate Memorial Day, not to the memory of those who have died at war, but to the idea of saving the lives of the young people who are going to die in the future if we don’t find some new way - some new religion maybe - that takes war out of our lives.

That would be a Memorial Day worth celebrating.

Written By Andy Rooney © MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This segment was originally broadcast on May 29, 2005.

Spanish Guitarist Russ Hewitt - New single and YouTube Video Premier for ‘Vivir Libre’ featuring Marty Friedman #jazz

Russ Hewitt - New single and YouTube Video Premier for ‘Vivir Libre’ featuring Marty Friedman

IN RUSS'S OWN WORDS:
 
SONG   
I set off initially to write a heavy groove Latin song that would translate well live. I used the Tres guitar I got from Cuba to harmonize with the guitar throughout the song, including the main riff and chorus. Due to the key this song is written in (C#m), I was able to come up with a unique chord progression for the solo section utilizing the open E string. After the chord progression was written, I instantly thought that it would be something Marty Friedman would write and that he would be perfect for the song. I am fortunate enough to be endorsed by the same guitar cable company as Marty (Analysis Plus Cables) and reached out to the owner Mark Markel to make an introduction. Within 7 days of the introduction, Marty had sent up his parts. Marty's playing made me really step up my game, including adding harmonies to my solo for the first time. 
                                 
MARTY FRIEDMAN 
Marty Friedman is one of the rare guitarists that have their own distinct sound and style. All it takes is a couple of notes played before I can recognize that it's him or someone trying to sound like him. A bonafide guitar hero, Marty is considered one of the best Rock/Heavy Metal guitarists in the world, and his solo for Tornado of Souls is cited as an all-time great. Marty's use of Middle Eastern and other exotic scales influenced me to explore those as well, which can be heard in many of my songs. Known mainly for his electric guitar playing, Marty plays an acoustic guitar full of his trademark phrasing and harmonies. 

VIDEO
I initially was not going to have a video for this song, just a static photo of the single cover. At the last minute, I reached out to a childhood friend, Todd Sims. Todd is a film and TV director with over 300 project credits to his name. As the owner of Fusionflix Entertainment, he was kind enough to work on this for me after six days of filming on location. All five of my Telly awards are from soundtrack work I've done for some of Todd's projects (Parent Compass TV series/webisodes, the DVD companion to the New York Best Seller The Harbinger Decoded by Jonathan Cahn, and the feature film Thirst: Mission Liberia.) 



Russ Hewitt Official > Russ Hewitt.com
 

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Multi-platinum “Melody Man” Vassal Benford steps into the spotlight #jazz

The R&B-jazz single from the multimedia mogul goes for adds on Monday.

 

With more than 57 platinum records to his credit working with a galaxy of stars in various music genres, over $150 million in movie box office receipts, and management duties for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and the estate of fabled blues icon B.B. King, megaproducer Vassal Benford is returning to his roots determined to conquer jazz just like everything else he’s conquered throughout his unparalleled multimedia career. The songwriter-keyboardist is determined to breathe fresh energy and creativity into contemporary jazz, beginning with his first single, “Melody Man,” which goes for playlist adds on Monday (May 23) issued on The Benford Jazz Label.  

Benford was sixteen when legendary jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis recorded the song the teenager wrote about his first crush, “Michelle,” which went number one. Two years later, jazz bassist Stanley Clarke produced the second song Benford wrote, a tune that was a cowrite with Grammy winner Jeremy Lubbock, which became another number one hit for Lewis and his duet partner, the illustrious jazz singer Nancy Wilson.

As the years rolled by, the hits kept coming as Benford’s projects topped the charts in multiple genres for superstars DJ Diplo, Toni Braxton, NAS, Flo Rida, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross, Deborah Cox, Sheryl Crow, U2, Jade, Bobby Brown, New Edition, Lil’ Kim, Patti LaBelle, Faith Evans, Chanté Moore, Oleta Adams, Lisa Stansfield, Tramaine Hawkins, and The Fine Young Cannibals among others.

In recent years, Benford was drawn back “home,” jazz and instrumental R&B, which sparked collaborations with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown and eight-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright. Both artists are among the luminaries who will appear on Benford’s debut album, “My Favorite Moments,” which is slated to drop next February. But first, Benford wants to introduce listeners to the imaginative collection with a single or two, the first of which is “Melody Man.”

“Melody Man” is an apropos title as Benford pours layers of cascading piano melodies amidst lavish guitar and keyboard harmonies, and intricately textured percussion and multicultural rhythms. One of the unique allures of the single is that the innovative track sounds unlike anything in the music space yet its invitingly familiar and infectious.

“I wanted to create a song that everybody could remember that also made you feel as if you were watching me in concert. It was intentional the way I wrote this song. The inspiration around it was making a feel-good song for everybody to dance to or to listen to several times in order to ‘hear’ all of the elements in the track. I felt as if the world needed this kind of global music at this time,” said Benford, who changed the structure of the complex drum track multiple times during the mixing process with Billboard chart-topper Greg Manning.

“The reason we changed the drum track is because there's so many different elements to ‘Melody Man.’ It has a Latin feel, an African feel, a pop feel as well an R&B feel. There are so many distinct phases of music that are entailed in the song itself. The final product turned out exactly the way we wanted by changing the drums four separate times while in the mix.”

Decades ago, music industry titan Clive Davis gave Benford his own joint venture record label and today, Benford is partnered with blockbuster film producer Mark Canton. Together, they achieved box office success with 2019’s “After” and “After We Collided” released the following year. Composing music scores for movies such as "The Running Man" (Arnold Schwarzenegger), "New Jack City," "Class Act" (Kid ‘n Play), "The Associate" (Whoopi Goldberg), “The Smell of Success” (Billy Bob Thornton) and “Stay Cool” (Winona Ryder) is what fueled Benford’s interest in the motion picture business. He broke color barriers by becoming the first African American to score an animated feature, 2012’s “The Swan Princess.” On the small screen, Benford has crafted music for shows including "Melrose Place," "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Fame L.A."

Benford produced a 2016 tribute concert to Michael Jackson that headlined The Jacksons, Aerosmith, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross and Christina Milian that was hosted by Magic Johnson at which the multihyphenate showbiz magnate who was born and raised in Detroit, and now splits his time between Las Vegas and Newport Beach, Calif., conducted a 30-piece orchestra. With his sights presently set on jazz, expect Benford to change things up in ways only this remarkable visionary can.  

More than 3.7 million people follow Benford on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vassal_benford/?hl=en). Additional information is available at https://www.vassalbenford.com. 

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - May 23, 2022 #jazz

Smooth Jazz Chart 

This chart from smoothjazz.com generally updates every Monday. 

When it updates, this post will be repeated with the most recent chart. 

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Saxophonist Nick Stefanacci introduces a new dimension to his repertoire #jazz

The smooth jazz single that he wrote with Billboard hitmaker Adam Hawley,

“Dance Until Dawn,” drops on May 24.

 

After having released seven solo albums constructed of sophisticated pop, funk and jazz fusion featuring guest vocalists, saxophonist Nick Stefanacci decided to throw a changeup by crafting a buoyant smooth/contemporary jazz instrumental, “Dance Until Dawn,” which drops May 24 on the Sweet Lion Music Group label. Stefanacci wrote the single with Billboard hitmaker Adam Hawley, who produced the vibrant, melody-rich sax-led tune.

 

As a saxophonist, Stefanacci is driven by timbre and rhythm. "Dance Until Dawn" illumines his soulful alto horn harmonies and deep connection to groove. Multi-instrumentalist Hawley adds guitar, keyboards, strings and programming while Carnell Harrell makes the track more robust by adding synths to the rhythms created by drummer Eric Valentine and bassist Mel Brown.

 

“As a young saxophonist, I was enamored with David Sanborn so releasing a contemporary jazz single has been a long time coming. I wanted to give my fans something different than what they are accustomed to hearing from me. My albums are kind of a Steely Dan meets Maceo Parker mashup, a more funk fusion groove with vocals, horns and jazz harmony,” said Stefanacci, who is also a philanthropist that founded and curated The Promise Music Festival to benefit local children’s hospitals.

 

Stefanacci met Hawley while the saxman was touring with trumpeter/flugelhornist Cindy Bradley. He’s been performing with the Billboard chart-topper for a few years. As a sideman, his wide-ranging resume also lists hip hop superstars Ja Rule and DMC (of Run-DMC), blues rocker Derek Trucks, seminal R&B, funk and soul drummer Bernard “Pretty” Purdie; and hardcore punk/rap pioneers Dog Eat Dog. Stefanacci stepped into the solo spotlight in 2010 with the release of his debut album, “26 Years.” His latest collection is the self-titled set that dropped two years ago as the pandemic raged. The album highlights Stefanacci’s imaginative arrangements of songs originally recorded by some of the eclectic artists whom he cites as having influenced his craft: Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Nina Simone and Bill Withers, among others.

 

“Dance Until Dawn” previews Stefanacci’s eighth album, "Nú FNK," which will be a return to his funk roots along with instrumental grooves and pop-fusion vocal tunes. The disc is slated for release later this year.

 

For more information, please visit http://sweetlionmusicgroup.com.

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Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci celebrates their 40th anniversary! #jazz

Contemporary jazz band Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci continues the celebration of their 40^th anniversary throughout “Twenty Twenty 2”

 

Chieli Minucci is in a celebratory mood, and he plans to let loose across the US throughout “Twenty Twenty 2.” That’s the title of the three-time Emmy winner and Grammy nominated guitarist’s contemporary jazz band’s fortieth anniversary album, which dropped last month. The leader and creative force behind Special EFX, Minucci wrote and produced the jazz, rock, fusion, blues, pop and world music album in isolation during quarantine. Now that Special EFX is back on the concert circuit, he relishes being able to commemorate the milestone anniversary with audiences and band members, including many of the sixteen musicians, who on occasion, had to record their parts for the album remotely.

 

The primary tracks for “Twenty Twenty 2” were recorded in Minucci’s New York City home studio. The composer, producer and arranger recorded fourteen new tracks, writing eleven new songs for the project during the first year of the pandemic. To complete the set list, he revisited two selections from his extensive catalogue, giving new life to “Anything & Everything” (reborn on the new album as “Everything & Anything”) and a live version of “Ballerina Dreams” that was recorded in the SiriusXM studios the week before the lockdown. Opening the collection, Minucci surprises by completely reconstructing “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” in an epic, almost nine-minute-long version of The Allman Brothers Band’s tune. 

 

In addition to featuring on acoustic and electric guitars throughout “Twenty Twenty 2,” Minucci added keyboards, synths, beats, shaker and vocals. Among the accomplished musicians performing on the album are keyboardists Lao Tizer, Jay Rowe and Oli Silk; saxophonists Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell and Richie Cannata; violinist Antoine Silverman; trumpeter Lin Rountree; bassists Jerry Brooks, Ric Fierabracci, Dave Anderson and Gianluca Minucci; drummers Joel Rosenblatt, Lionel Cordew and John Favicchia; and percussionist Mino Cinélu.

 

Minucci teamed with Hungarian percussionist George Jinda to form Special EFX in 1982. Together, they topped the charts, garnered Grammy nominations, and toured globally, including performances at premier jazz festivals. Sadly, Jinda passed away in 2001. Minucci has kept the collective going without missing a note ever since.

 

Special EFX launched its anniversary tour itinerary in support of “Twenty Twenty 2” over a month prior to the album’s April 22 street date. The band has concert dates booked through October, granting Minucci ample time to thank Special EFX fans from coast to coast for their enduring support.

 

Below is a sampling of the initial album reviews:

 

“This is a fine set of fusion on parade.” – Midwest Record

 

“Vibrantly heartfelt, sonically charged…exhilarant guitar work.” – Exclusive Magazine

 

“The album opens with a surprise – a cover of the Allman Brothers ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ which allows Minucci to showcase, right from the start, his guitar skills. The other surprise for long time fans is the fact that the album features seventeen players.” – Soul and Jazz and Funk

 

“The result is a group of musicians at the very top of their collective game…Add a sprinkle of Minucci magic and what you have is ‘Twenty Twenty 2’.” – Smooth Jazz Therapy 

 

“Special EFX presents a remarkable palette of musical diversity with Twenty Twenty 2. From the heart to the brain, music is delivered to us that we can occupy ourselves with for a long time to come.” – Smooth Jazz Daily

 

“A varied album, something for everyone!” – Cultuurmania

 

Catch Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci on the “Twenty Twenty 2” tour throughout 2022.

 

June 5              Saratoga Springs, NY               Caffe Lena

June 12             San Diego, CA                         San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

June 17             Birmingham, AL                      Steel City Jazz Festival

June 18 & 19    Atlanta, GA                              Velvet Note

July 16             Denver, CO                              Winter Park Jazz Festival

July 17             Vail, CO                                   Vail Jazz

July 22             Pittsburgh, PA                          Allegheny County Sound Park Bandshell

July 23             Augusta, GA                            Capture the Rhythm Art and Jazz Series

August 5          Napa, CA                                 Blue Note

August 6          Portland, OR                            Vanport Jazz Festival

August 7          Los Angeles, CA                      Spaghettini

August 25         Branford, CT                            Branford Town Green

October 28       Miami, FL                                Miami Smooth Jazz Festival

October 29       Charlotte, NC                           Middle C Jazz

 

 

For more information, please visit https://chielimusic.com.

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Najee - "Savoir Faire" released by Shanachie #jazz

GRAMMY AND NAACP AWARD-WINNING MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING 

SAXOPHONIST/FLAUTIST NAJEE 

CELEBRATES THE ART OF ELEGANCE ON ANTICIPATED NEW RECORDING SAVOIR FAIRE 

The Billboard #1 Artist’s New CD is a Pan-American Journey Traversing The US & Brazil Featuring An All-Star Line-Up with Alyson Williams, Frank McComb, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Barry Eastmond, Robert Herbert & Adam Hawley Among Others

“My life has been a series of pivotal events and circumstances that have gotten me to where I am,” reflects the fearless chart-topping Contemporary Jazz pioneer Najee. In a business where trends and artists come and go, the genre-bending saxophonist’s staying power is a rare blessing. The Grammy and NAACP award-winning musician’s genuine love for connecting with people, coupled with his consummate musicianship and sheer passion for music, have made him one of the brightest stars in Contemporary Jazz for close to four decades. “I heard this beautiful saying once,” explains the Zen saxophonist who has collaborated with Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock, among others. “It said that some people meet their destiny while traveling on a road trying to avoid it. I recall as a young man contemplating the idea of changing directions and going into banking. Here I am still doing what I am doing because it’s what I am meant to do!  Every day I wake up and I am grateful for my life and career.”  Najee’s gratitude permeates every note on Savoir Faire, his newest recording out on Shanachie Entertainment May 13, 2022. Recorded during the pandemic, Savoir Faire, a Pan American excursion, found Najee enlisting friends from New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Connecticut, Florida, Sao Paulo and Rio, to honor a melting pot of influences. “I gave up worrying about disputes between genres a long time ago,” states Najee. “Duke Ellington said there are only two kinds of music:  good music and bad music. So based on that I do not worry. People seem to forget that in the early days of jazz, the music was designed to make people dance. All of your experiences live inside you and they come out in your music. I just want to make good music and make it accessible for people to enjoy.” Fait Accompli on Savoir Faire!

Armed with a surplus of technical agility and firepower, Najee commandeers a magnificent 10-track journey that is a testament to his keen ability to assemble the right musicians in order to orchestrate unforgettable musical moments. Joining Najee on his 19th recording as a leader is Alyson Williams, Frank McComb, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Barry Eastmond, Adam Hawley and Robert Herbert, among others. Savoir Faire opens with the album’s first single, the funk-drenched and mystical “Dr. Dolittle,” penned by pianist Frank Wilkins. Najee’s spunky soprano juxtaposed with Rohan Reid’s slaphappy bass and guitar and the gritty swinging horn section ceremoniously opens the album.  “Luna” is the perfect showcase for Najee’s sublime, flawless and dancing flute. The track’s smooth rock-steady groove makes it hard to sit still. Pianist Mark Harris II wrote “Luna” and appears on the song. A welcome gem on Savoir Faire is Michael Henderson’s timeless R&B hit “Valentine Love,” featuring Alyson Williams and Chris “Big Dog” Davis. “The first time I heard ‘Valentine Love,’ it was covered by Norman Connors and Michael Henderson, who is a great bassist and songwriter. I have always loved the story and the chord changes,” admits Najee who was convinced that Williams and Davis would both put their own stamp on his version. “I knew they could make it special,” states the two-time Platinum-selling and four-time Gold-selling multi-instrumentalist.  “Alyson Williams is like a modern day Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughan. She’s a living legend, she’s brilliant and she is one of the most underutilized vocalists in the industry. I can’t say enough about Chris Davis who has this natural ability to take a song and re-harmonize and take it somewhere completely different.”

A highlight on Savoir Faire is the utterly delightful take on Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Happiness (A Felicidade)" produced by Robert Herbert featuring Bossa Nova Noites and Curtis King Jr. “I am truly a fan Brazilian music," confides Najee. “I had the pleasure of having Robert Herbert produce and co-arrange this track with Brazilian musicians in Rio and Sao Paulo, who live the music everyday. We also brought in Curtis King who is a great long-time session musician and singer. For me, flute and Brazilian music have a natural organic chemistry that is undeniable." Herbert also produced "Modern Lovers" (composed by Terri Lyne Carrington and Brenda Russell) featuring Frank McComb. 

"My association with Frank began 2002 when we first met in Mexico where he was performing,” reminiscences Najee. “He is a great keyboardist and vocalist. Both Rob and I felt that Frank was the perfect person to merge the cultures of the US and Brazil. He brings a unique talent to any record that he performs on. In this case, Frank was truly brilliant in the way he approached the song."

Najee’s warm, emotive and burly tenor takes center stage on the scintillating ballad “Isla Hermosa,” co-written with Barry Eastmond who also plays percussion on the track. “Barry’s a great Grammy-award winning producer who has worked with Anita Baker, Al Jarreau, Freddie Jackson, George Benson and so many others. Our friendship goes back probably close to 30 years,” says Najee. The gale force winds of "Hurricaine" summon the funk edge of Najee's tenor and flute and a rockin’ horn section featuring Mike Parlett and Lee Thornburg. Najee enlists guitarist Adam Hawley for whom he holds a great deal of respect and adoration.  Najee and company has got it all covered with “Bottom To The Top.” Najee’s flute calls to mind a “Memphis Underground” vibe as bassist David Dyson, who wrote the track, propels the groove to the outermost limits. The effervescent "Bounce" adds some unyielding fun and swagger to the unstoppable playlist and the sultry “Savoir Faire,” takes us to our final destination. “I made this album for the people,” Najee simply states. “I hope my fans will have a pleasurable experience and that they will hear what ‘Savoir Faire’ means, which is to live elegantly according to the best of the cultural norms or to know how to present something with elegance. That is my goal and I hope it came together well.”

When Najee was just a kid, he had the great fortune of meeting two iconic jazzmen: Sonny Rollins and Charles Mingus. The introductions, which left lasting impressions further led him down his musical path. “When I was about 14, I was playing on a school instrument and everyone in the house was covering their ears and saying ‘stop, stop!’ My mom noticed that it was my thing and my release and so she bought me my first saxophone,” recalls Najee. As I began to develop on my instrument, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Yusef Lateef and Hubert Laws became influences.” As Najee honed his skills he had the blessing of being mentored by iconic saxmen Jimmy Heath and Frank Foster and flutist Harold Jones. As an industrious and hungry young musician, Najee had the good fortune of coming through Dr. Billy Taylor’s now legendary Jazzmobile program. While a student at the New England Conservatory (where both Najee and his brother attended) he studied Jazz with luminaries George Russell and Jaki Byard.  In the late 80s when Najee finished school and returned to New York, he landed a gig with Chaka Khan along with his brother, guitarist Fareed (who is his long-time manager). 

In 1987 Najee's Theme was released and the saxophonist earned a slot on tour with singer Freddie Jackson. The following year, Day By Day was released, and in 1991, Tokyo Blue, which is one of Najee’s most successful and enduring recordings. Tokyo Blue (which was produced by Najee’s brother Fareed) and Day By Day both went Gold and led to two Soul Train Awards for Najee (Best Jazz Artist in 1991 and 1993). Just An Illusion came in 1992 and around the same time he collaborated with the iconic Quincy Jones, as well as with jazz greats Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham and Larry Carlton for the album Live At The Greek. 1994 saw the release of Share My World and the following year, Najee received critical praise for his tribute to Stevie Wonder's 1976 classic, Songs In The Key Of Life that was produced by George Duke and featured Herbie Hancock and Sheila E. among others. Najee’s CD Morning Tenderness, released in 1998, went to #1 on the contemporary jazz charts. The late ‘90s were marked by extraordinary international experiences, from performing at Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebration in South Africa to playing as a special guest of President Clinton at the White House at an event honoring President Jerry Rawlings of the Republic of Ghana. Najee also spent two years of touring (2001-2003) with Prince and appears on Prince’s albums Rainbow Children and One Night Alone. In 2003 Najee released Embrace, featuring special guests Roy Ayers and BeBe Winans. My Point Of View was his follow up in 2005 featuring his good friend and vocalist Will Downing. 2007’s Rising Sun joined Najee with Phil Perry and Mind Over Matter from 2009 paired Najee with singer Eric Benét. The Smooth Side Of Soul (Najee’s Shanachie debut) followed in 2012, successfully covering such diverse terrain as Jimmy Heath and Ne-Yo and the follow-up, The Morning After, arrived in 2013 debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts and exploring the many sides of love.  You, Me & Forever was released in 2015 and united Najee with James Lloyd and Frank McComb among others. 

In 2017 Najee released Poetry In Motion, dedicated to the memory of Prince and Al Jarreau and featuring an all-star line up including Maysa, Will Downing, Eric Roberson and Incognito. Center Of the Heart followed in 2019 garnering an NAACP Image award. The album showcased the smash singles “Speak Love” and “Face To Face” featuring Kenny Lattimore. Until the start of the pandemic, Najee enjoyed the successful launch of his own saxophone company called Chase of Winds. His first line was the Najee Platinum Series.  “Unfortunately due to Covid and the inability to transport things from Asia, where most musical instruments are manufactured, I had to disband the company. However, as a saxophonist, I learned more from manufacturing saxophones than I ever did as a player,” confides Najee. “It was a great experience for me and an expensive one!” Although the line is discontinued, Najee has made it a point to pay it forward and has been donating his saxophones to students in need and to numerous charitable organizations.

A family man at heart, Najee shares that his greatest joy has been “being able to see my children grow up and live productive lives and go out into the world and make their claim. That for me is what makes life fulfilling and gratifying.” He continues, “I have always had family that has supported me and a brother (Fareed) who was there with me. We have always facilitated keeping one another held up, moving along and meeting challenges together.” As for what keeps Najee cranking out the hits. He concludes with a chuckle, “There is a saying that as musicians we never retire, we just stop hearing. I believe that physically, mentally and spiritually a musician has to love what he does and that inspires him to want to continue to grow and associate themselves with things that inspire them and keep them moving.”

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - May 16, 2022 #jazz

Smooth Jazz Chart 

This chart from smoothjazz.com generally updates every Monday. 

When it updates, this post will be repeated with the most recent chart. 

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And the band played on: Canelita Sabrosa to drop their multicultural debut album on May 20

Serial entrepreneur Chris Nettuno isn’t merely a music patron; he’s a member of the band. And when the COVID-19 lockdown threatened the livelihood of his group of full-time studio musicians and sidemen, the conga player found a way to keep the music playing. Those weekly porch concerts not only kept the musicians afloat but became the lifeblood of the debut album from the multicultural band Canelita Sabrosa. The Atlanta-based unit’s self-titled set, produced by five-time Grammy winner Dru Castro (India.Aire, Usher, Childish Gambino) along with the band’s two-time Grammy-winning guitarist Julio Miranda and drummer Chunky Sounds, drops May 20 on the band’s Canelita Sabrosa Records label.       

 

During the first few months of the pandemic, Nettuno invited the band over to play in his family room. After a few songs, they heard applause coming from outside the house. Neighbors had gathered and asked the group to perform outside. The eight-piece outfit that blends Latin, jazz, R&B, funk and rock was happy to oblige the following week. Word spread quickly and soon hundreds of people began flocking to the weekly Friday night shows. A local television reporter was in the audience, which led to a segment on Atlanta’s CBS affiliate. The grassroots buzz inspired Canelita Sabrosa to record an album featuring a mix of the popular cover tunes that populate their live setlist along with five original songs composed by Miranda and a pair of songs written by vocalist-rhythm guitarist Kenny Nettuno and his son, KJ Nettuno.  

 

Canelita Sabrosa, which means tasty cinnamon in Spanish, is a name selected to reflect the group’s multiethnic makeup as well as the multicultural stylings they incorporate into their world music amalgam. Colorful Puerto Rican, Afro Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean nuances intermingle with improvised jazz explorations and rock god guitar pyrotechnics. Anchored by thick percussive salsa, samba and bossa nova beats constructed by Sounds, Chris Nettuno and percussionist Frankie Quinones, Miranda issues piercing lead guitar riffs and scorching solos seasoned by Kenny Nettuno’s spicy rhythms and sweet melodies. As bassist Matt Stallard carves deep-pocketed grooves, the dynamic three-man horn section - trumpeter Justin Powell, saxophonist EJ Hughes and sax/flutist Mac Isseks - douses the tracks with fire and fervor. Adding to the project’s pedigree is four-time Grammy-winning engineer Ralph Cacciurri (Coldplay, OutKast, P!nk).

 

“Canelita Sabrosa is a culmination of diverse cultures and musical backgrounds. We all have one thing in common and that is passion: passion for life, love and music. That passion is what drives every part of our music - the grooves, the tones, the words!” enthused Chris Nettuno.

 

The music on “Canelita Sabrosa” is primarily instrumental with a handful of selections appearing on the album in both instrumental and vocal versions. The eclectic track list confirms the band’s multigenerational appeal with the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and present day represented by fresh versions of The Beatles’ “Come Together,” Bill Withers’ “Use Me,” The Cure’s “Lovesong” and Camila Cabello’s “Señorita” and “Havana.”

 

“The covers are all about the grooves, the feeling. We try to play music that people can identify with and feel while letting each musician fly freely to let loose and show their musical soul and unique voice in each song,” said Chris Nettuno.

 

Of the originals, “Te Espere” moves to a sultry and sensual Latin jazz groove. “Si Se Puede” sashays and shimmies along a percussion and horn powered conga line. Miranda’s impassioned electric guitar ignites “Morning” as invigorating harmonies cascade over layers of percussion. The exotic “Breath of Rio” captivates and entrances while the anthemic “Vamos” is a celebratory fiesta. Elation propels the rousing “Clouded Vision.” Kenny Nettuno’s smooth and inviting voice provides cozy comfort on “Late Winter.”     

 

“Canelita Sabrosa” has been serviced to radio and is already collecting airplay and playlist adds at world music outlets. It’s music to dance to, it’s music to party to, and the exuberant energy and vibrant spirit that proliferate the album are infectious and intoxicating.        

 

“As a band, we really enjoy playing together and Covid couldn’t slow us down. We started recording in the summer of Covid, which was The Summer of Love for Canelita Sabrosa. We wrote and recorded because we never stopped when everyone else had to. We found a way. Chris Nettuno had other plans. Because of this one man, us musicians where saved. He kept us playing to feed the beast in our soul to perform for people and to help them forget that we were in a pandemic. As the world steadily emerges from the grip of the pandemic, the timing is perfect to release our first album,” said Miranda.

  

“Canelita Sabrosa” contains the following songs:

 

“Señorita”

“Te Espere”

“Si Se Puede”

“Morning”

“Breath of Rio”

“Havana”

“Vamos”

“Use Me”

“Lovesong”

“Come Together”

“Clouded Vision”

“Late Winter”

“Use Me” (vocal version)

“Lovesong” (vocal version)

“Come Together” (vocal version)

“Clouded Vision” (vocal version)

 

For more information, please visit https://canelitasabrosa.com.

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