Richard Elliot – Rock Steady CD £14.95
Smooth Jazz sax legend returns with his first solo set for sometime.  With Richard what you hear is what you get, his expressive tenor sax has Soul and the grooves are smoothly funky.  Cuts like ‘Straight Up’, the heavier ‘Spindrift’ and the aptly titled ‘Retro Soul’ are typical Elliot sounding instrumentals.  Strong smooth interpretations of ‘Rock Steady’, ‘Move On Up’ and ‘Keep On Truckin’ add familiarity of song to the sax man’s magic. The production is clear and compliments the smoothness of Richard’s playing and the warmth of the grooves.  High quality stuff. Richard is joined by smooth friends like Jeff Lorber, Phillipe Saisse, Rick Braun and Gerald Albright.  Essential for all Smooth Jazz fans.

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GEORGE BENSON – SONGS AND STORIES CD £15.95 CD/DVD £18.95
George Benson releases his best set since Absolute Benson. Co-produced by Marcus Miller, this album exudes class – both vocally and with his virtuoso guitar solos. The production and sound are exquisite. Mainly covers, George's is in fine voice on tracks like 'Show Me The Way' and the Rod Temperton penned 'Family Reunion'. The lovely duet with Lalah Hathaway 'A Telephone Call Away' is another highlight, whilst Donny's 'Someday We'll All Be Free' is treated reverently by George. George gets his groove on for 'Living In High Definition', whilst he is joined by fellow guitar maestro Norman Brown on 'Nuthin But A Party' on which they trade guitar fills. This album will appeal to lovers of smooth Soul and Smooth Jazz, catch a genius at work.

(WITH DVD)

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JESSY J – TRUE LOVE CD £16.95
Outstanding set from this fine young sax player, after the brilliance of last year's best Smooth Jazz set 'Tequila Moon', Jessy succeeds in sustaining the quality'. 'Forever' is a beautiful slow track on which her soulful playing shines, but this track is surpassed the absolutely fabulous 'Somewhere In A Dream' on which her sax is the smoothest and sweetest ever. 'Tropical Love' has seamless smooth feel to the groove and there are favourable Grover/ Boney James comparisons. On 'True Love', Jessy's mastery of a simple yet gorgeous melody is there for all to hear. Jessy includes a couple of Latin gems like the mid/uptempo dnace 'Morning Of The Carnival'. 'Bailal' combines the Latin spirit with some fast and fluent sax play and 'Jessy's Blues' is another fine smooth tune. On second or third hearing this album is stronger than its predecessor. Awesome – Smooth Jazz album of 2009…so far.
Also highly recommended Tequila Moon CD £15.95

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FOUR 80 EAST – ROLL ON CD £16.95
Canadian Jazz Funk band release as et with an early 80's feel to many of the tracks. Check 'Roll On' and 'One Night Only'. Though not as full-on, these tracks have a not dissimilar feel to the recent Down To The Bone set.. The Hammond led Funk of 'Loosey Goosey' has a wicked sax solo and more like Four 80 East's earlier work. 'Race The Moon' has a more spaced out feel. The catchy 'Never The Same Way Twice' has a compulsive groove – wicked bass and melodic lead guitar.


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PAUL TAYLOR – BURNIN CD £15.95
Follow-up to 'Ladies Choice' – his best to date ?, 'Burnin' has a retro feel with hints of Motown especially on cuts like 'Revival' and the handclapped beat of 'Groove Shack'. The title song, the early 80's inspired groove of 'Side Pocket' and the Grover sounding 'It's Like That' are very strong smooth and funky grooves. 'Juke Joint' and a fine cover of War's 'Me And Baby Brother' keep the vibe going. Paul plays mostly tenor rather than alto or soprano sax and supported by a tight band including Michael White or drums, production is by Rex Rideout and Barry Eastmond.
also highly recommended 'Ladies Choice' CD £16.95

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NAJEE – MIND OVER MATTER CD £16.95
Excellent return from the (now) veteran Smooth Jazz saxman, Najee knows how to deliver a balanced mix of contemporary Jazz grooves, funky beats and Soul tunes. On the Soul side, Gary Taylor gives an exemplary vocal on the beautiful 'Move Over Carolina' and Eric Benet joins the party on the more current 'We Gone Ride' that has hints of D'Angelo/ Musiqsoulchild to its vibe. 'Mind Over Matter' has an infectious smoothly funky groove, whilst 'One More thing' has hints of Grover to the overall feel. 'Forever And A Day After' sees Najee especially gentle soprano sax glide over this lilting slowie. 'Stolen Glances' is a very smooth workout, both Najee's alto and the support provided by Jeff Lorber and full rhythm section. This Najee's finest for sometime and 'Mind Over Matter' is one of the finest Smooth Jazz albums of 2009.

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RICK BRAUN – ALL IT TAKES CD £15.95
Master of the Smooth Jazz trumpet releases a more relaxed set of grooves than usual. The beautifully melodic 'Christiane' is case in point, and his playing conveys the feeling perfectly. 'Tijuana Dance' is a more typical upbeat smooth groove. The title song is a moody piece with Braun muting the trumpet, as is the slow dirge like 'I Got Your Back' 'She's The One' is another fine piece of upbeat Smooth Jazz, whilst the 80's style Jazz Funk dancer is full of infectious guitar and bass riffs with Rick blowing cool. This fine album, co-produced by Rick and Phillipe Saisse takes a play or two to hit home, but this is the finest Braun solo album for a couple of years.
also highly recommended Best of CD £14.95, RNR (with Richard Elliot) CD £15.95

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PAUL BROWN AND MARC ANTOINE – FOREIGN EXCHANGE CD £16.95
This fine selection of relaxed smooth grooves is a great backdrop for the guitar playing of Paul Brown and Marc Antoine. Wholly instrumental, slick grooves like 'Wine Night, the clipped rhythm of 'Brother Earl' and the title track flow seamlessly. It is however the quality of the simple melodies that stands out – 'What About Bob' illustrates this – nothing fancy or complex, yet the music is most enjoyable. Paul Brown's production is as easy on the ear as ever; his style almost defines Smooth Jazz. Paul's playing is exquisitely smooth too, whilst Marc Antoine adds a touch of French/Spanish flavours too – check 'French Connection' and 'Bridges Of Paris'.


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CINDY BRADLEY – BLOOM CD £15.95
This wholly instrumental Smooth Jazz album, allows trumpeter Cindy Bradley to put her musical prowess on display. Her solos are highly melodic and soulful. The rounded sound much like Lin Rountree or a mellow Rick Braun glide across the smooth grooves of tracks like the title cut 'Bloom' and the funkier 'Seing Set'. The gorgeous laid-back 'Sycamore Soul' is a treat and the aptly titled 'Brooklyn Bounce' has an upbeat groove. Try also the head nodder 'Uptown Drive' or the mellow 'Before I Go'. This is a CD you can leave to play right through

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JONATHAN FRITZEN VIP CD £12.95
Swedish Smooth Jazz pianist is a new name to us, but this his second album is a finely sculptured selection of highly melodic slick tunes likes 'VIP' with its catchy theme and infectious riff. 'Stay' and 'If You Want It' have a vocal chorus. 'Standard' and 'In Motion have similar laid-back vibe, held together by simple melodies played by piano. 'The New Vibe' is a nice mellow groover and on 'Coast Line' Michael Lington's sax shares the spotlight with Fritzen. The production is clean and the relaxed feel runs through this classy album from start to finish.

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GREGG KARUKAS – GK CD £16.95
Gregg Karukas' delicate piano style is perfectly suited to relaxed Smooth Jazz. On grooves like 'Daylight' and the sublime 'Manhattan' Gregg is joined by an unnamed sax player and by Michael O'Neill on guitar. 'Napa Road' has an 80's Fusion feel complete with horn section. Similar in feel is foot tapper 'Coyote Party'. Jessy J adds her wistful sax to the laid-back 'Soul Kisses' Tracks like 'Jamba Samba' – love Ricardo Silveira's guitar solo - and 'Floating In Bahia' have subtle and smooth Latin textures, the latter features Rick Braun. Overall, 'GK' is a fine wholly instrumental Smooth Jazz album.

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MARION MEADOWS – SECRETS CD £16.95
When it comes to laid-back Smooth Jazz grooves for sax, then Marion Meadows produces the goods.  ‘Let The Top Down’ and ‘Secrets’ kick the album with a summer vibe, easy on the ear, high on melody and smoother than silk.  You know what you will get from Marion; the melodies like ‘Soul Sugar’ flow float effortlessly and seamlessly. ‘Sand Dancers’ is typical Meadows with layered percussion and simple melody.    ‘Here To Stay’, ‘The Shade Tree’ and ‘Urban Angels’ will appeal to Marion’s fans – nice grooves and refined sax playing.

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PIECES OF A DREAM – SOUL INTENT CD £16.95
Pieces Of A Dream sustain their consistently high quality Smooth Jazz albums with this entirely instrumental set. After 30 years making music together, drummer Curtis Harmon and keyboard maestro James K Lloyd have an almost telepathic understanding. Grooves like 'Sway On' and 'Soul Intent' and 'Vision Accomplished' are right on that PoD vibe. 'Step On It' is a catchy foot tapper, 'Stand Up' gets funkier and 'Things Are Looking Up' has a 'Mister Magic' feel to the groove. 'Soul Intent' is a real treat for their fans and fans of Smooth jazz.

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EVERETTE HARP – FIRST LOVE CD £16.95
This quality album produced by George Duke and featuring some of Smooth Jazz/ contemporary Jazz's finest musicians is an exquisite selection of instrumentals. It has Duke's classy production stamp all over it. Harp's alto playing is sweet and soulful especially on mellow jazzy tracks like 'Central Park West' and 'First Love'. On the upbeat side check the Fusion groove of 'Soul Fries' that has a touch of the Crusaders to it or the bass led funky groove of 'Departure'. 'The Council Of Nicea' is fine sleek smoothish groove. Welcome return from the evergreen saxman.

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BONEY JAMES SEND ONE YOUR LOVE CD £15.95
Boney returns with a romantic Smooth Jazz album that has a very soulful feel, not just from the material covered, but due to the overall vibe. Boney's playing is exquisite and highly melodic especially on Stevie Wonder's 'Send One your Love' and the groove driven Barry White classic 'I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby'. It is the original songs that are most inspirational such as the lovely, smooth and soulful 'Wanna Show U Sumthin'. 'Hold On Tight' is a vintage Boney instrumental and 'Butter' keeps that magic going. The king of Smooth Jazz sax is back!
also highly recommended 'Body Language CD £14.95


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MARCUS JOHNSON – POETICALLY JUSTIFIED CD £15.95
Smooth Jazz pianist Johnson has always had something else in his musical locker. He mixes up strong smooth grooves with fine Soul tunes and a funkier Fusion tinged edge. 'Poetically Justified' features four strong Soul style cuts, two feature Maysa's sultry tones ('Master Of My Heart' and the jazzier 'Hold On'). Two feature 80's Soul legend Miles Jaye and will appeal to his fans ('Capice' and 'Heaven'). Interspersed with the Soul are some fine instrumentals like 'Chillaxin', 'Ellicott City' and good covers of the Jacksons' 'This Place and John Legend 'Use to Love You'. Najee adds a delightful sax solo to the smooth 'I See You'.


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JAY SOTO – MESMERIZED CD £15.95
Jay’s second album will appeal to lovers of Smooth Jazz, quality guitarists and those that purchased his debut set.  Subtle funky smooth grooves like ‘A Love like Mine’, ‘Groovalicious’ and the retro ‘Cacophony’ are the perfect foil for his uplifting and upbeat guitar playing.  Check also the highly melodic and catchy ‘Oasis’.  ‘Sunday Smile’ lives up to its title and is just gorgeous.  The production is of a high standard as is the music throughout.  In short this album is simply a joy, a must for all Smooth Jazzers.  Instrumental throughout.

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PETER WHITE – GOOD DAY CD £15.95
This is Peter's first album of 'new' material for quite a few years. 'Good Day' will please his legion of fans who appreciate his relaxed playing, tight grooves and strong melodies. His optimistic 'sound' shines on cuts like 'Just Give Me A Chance'. The lilting '(Un)forgiven has a delicate melodic beauty that White excels with. 'Mission 2 Mars' ups the tempo with a solid groove. His exquisite touch is evident throughout but check 'Bright', 'Always Forever' and 'Good Day'. A welcome return.
also recommended 'Caravan of Dreams CD £9.95, Perfect Moment CD £6.95


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ALEXANDER ZONJIC – DOIN THE D CD £16.95
Excellent Smooth Jazz/ 80's Fusion album from the veteran flautist, Alexander shows a deft touch. Check the Fusion 'Top Down' that has writer/ co-producer Jeff Lorber's stamp all over it, as does the slower 'Tongue Twister'. 'Passion Island' has a Latiny vibe with Chieli Minucci and Bob James guesting. The only vocal cut 'Undun' features Maysa and is gorgeous. Rick Braun stars on 'Tourista' and 'Doin The D' is a driving more funky affair. There is even a nice smooth take on 'Little Sunflower' with Kenny G sharing the solo spotlight. Zonjic's flute playing is superb. Excellent stuff.

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BRIAN BROMBERG – IT IS WHAT IT IS CD £15.95
Master bass player (electric and upright) is equally at home on all styles of contemporary Jazz. This album sees him on both electric and acoustic and he plays all the guitar melodies/solos too (on a modified bass). Listen to his work on the pacy 'Love Shack' – hints of Stanley Clarke and Louis Johnson about his various bass work here. The title song kicks things into gear with a stomping Jazz Funk cut with Randy Brecker outstanding on trumpet. 'Mr Miller' has a great groove and horn fill and 'Elephants On Ice Skates' is more bass player's heaven. 'Slap Happy' speaks for itself. Great stuff.

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