The weekend started with a rather mellow playlist that worked its way into a frenetic wave of "wake me gently" music. Therefore, why not start the week off with a few mellow tunes that will also put you in a great mood, without that "jolt". On top of that, I've declared this week "Saxophone Week" … Continue reading The Mellow Mix: 05.22.23
Tag: Joelle Blackstarr
ESSENTIALS: Modern Times by Steps Ahead
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Steps Ahead had clearly evolved into . . . . well, Steps Ahead by 1984 and should have had many more accolades by then. But Modern Times (1984), while not second-rate by any standard, was not as well-received as I thought it should have been. Enter "to each, their own". … Continue reading ESSENTIALS: Modern Times by Steps Ahead
The Mellow Mix (4.24.23)
Photo by Scott Webb on Pexels.com After a very long hiatus (two years!), we are back. I trust that all is well with you and yours. Here's a playlist that comes from an even larger playlist (Jazz In The Background by SPOTIFY). I have decided to change things up, as go Monday mornings - no … Continue reading The Mellow Mix (4.24.23)
Spotlight: Tia Fuller
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I love it when I listen to a recording and it sounds like I’m right there in the club, in the mix, up close and personal. One of many offerings that does that for me is Diamond Cut (2018) by Tia Fuller. Her father, Fred – jazz bassist. Her mother, … Continue reading Spotlight: Tia Fuller
Spotlight: Chris Standring
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Chris Standring could be the posterchild for ‘jazz(y)’, even though his music is definitely steeped in Smooth Jazz. Above and beyond that, his music is totally SMOOTHE JAZZ, and any one of the songs that he writes, and plays could very well be the ‘theme song’ here at smoothejazz.com. He … Continue reading Spotlight: Chris Standring
Manic Monday Musical Medicine 07/12/21
Photo by Olga Lioncat on Pexels.com Time for your meds!! Your Manic Monday Musical Medicine has arrived! Rise and shine, kats and kittens - the day is not going to take care of itself. Let these magical notes linger in your ears and keep you moving throughout the day. Or, you can call in and … Continue reading Manic Monday Musical Medicine 07/12/21
Weekend Mix 07/10/21
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com The weekend is here and there’s music . . . just for you. Have a look around – I’ll bet there’s coffee, too. The coffee will wake you up, and the music will get the blood flowing and the spirit soaring. It’s a gentle mix of ‘up and at … Continue reading Weekend Mix 07/10/21
Jazz(y) -07/09/21 Moondance
Photo by Tobias Bju00f8rkli on Pexels.com Moondance (1970), by Van Morrison, is probably one of the most notable songs to crossover to jazz than any other. It is also the title of the album upon which it appears. Prior to its release, Astral Weeks (1968), was not well received, and while creating the Moondance album, … Continue reading Jazz(y) -07/09/21 Moondance
Essentials: 07/07/21 A trio of trios!
Photo by Matthias Groeneveld on Pexels.com Editor’s picks for this week: Scott Hamilton & Jeff Hamilton Trio While the recording is titled Live In Bern (2015), it is far from a ‘concert recording’ – it was recorded in a club , minus an audience. And Scott (tenor sax) and Jeff (drummer) are not brothers. One … Continue reading Essentials: 07/07/21 A trio of trios!
Spotlight: Branford Marsalis
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com A smoke-filled room; laughter, conversation; and most importantly, music. That’s the feel that I get when listening to Branford Marsalis wailing on the sax. He is the son of Ellis Marsalis Jr., jazz pianist (November 14, 1934 – April 1, 2020) , and has five (5) brothers . Aside from Branford … Continue reading Spotlight: Branford Marsalis
Smoothe 