will donato
After two Billboard #1 singles with producer extraordinaire Adam Hawley, saxophonist Will Donato returns to the same well -exploring the possibilities of this collaboration at an even deeper level with "DEEP DIVE", the third single from hisforthcoming album "Legacy", due out in late 2023. "DEEP DIVE" reaches far into the senses with added percussion andsynth elements that are sure to dazzle listeners already familiar with Will's signature sound!
DEAN GRECH
Dean Grech's arrangement of Pure Imagination is a perfect blend of Jazz, classical and pop influences inspired by the sounds of Bossa Nova. Pure Imagination is a beautiful rendition of the featured song used in the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It begins with a free form guitar intro that leads into a floating band feel featuring solos by Dean Grech ( Guitar) and Tony Guerrero ( Flugelhorn ).
rick habana
Rick Habana's passion and motivation behind "The Collaborations II" was to work with some of the biggest names in smooth jazz. During the production and mixing stages Rick wanted to provide a Smooth Jazz album that would deliver hypnotizing melodies and grasping productions with ear-gracing instrumentation. With powerful instrumentation, the talented artist maintains a fully charged arsenal of high-quality music that supports the fact that he is intended on making a strong impact on the format. The record is comprised of musicians from around the world to create a well-rounded Rick Habana production that features some of the greats in Smooth Jazz such as Paul Brown, Steve Oliver, Michael Lington, Ken Navarro, Marion Meadows, Kim Scott, Jackiem Joyner and more.
cal harris jr
Originally penned over 20 years prior, “Live n’ Learn” written and performed by Cal Harris Jr., could be thought of as “the one that got away”. All of the original master recordings were lost during a move, and all that remained was a 2 track demo. Harris, was inspired to re- record the track after a birthday gathering where his daughters revealed that it had been one of their favorites growing up. Using AI technology, Cal Harris Jr was able to recreate the song using elements culled from the original demo, combined with new performances by himself on keys and longtime collaborator Ted Belledin on sax. Using many of the same skills gained over 20 years as an A-list engineer ,programmer, and chart topping recording artist, Harris has brought this Funk inspired masterpiece into the modern era.
dean james
When it comes to one of the most distinctive sounds in what we call today's smooth jazz genre, Dean James comes to mind front and center. The sultry, soulful and smooth sound of his alto and soprano sax continues to leave a lasting impression for his most devoted listeners.
With James 5th CD "GroovySax" in the making, James is sure to reach the masses drawing his audience closer while guaranteed to pull at their heartstrings.
CHARLES A. KELLY
“The inspiration for this song comes from a scene from the movie “American Beauty”. This scene depicted a paper bag floating in the air. The image of a plastic bag blowing in the wind shows precisely the freedom that comes from finding happiness and beauty on the simplest things, regardless of the difficulties of life. We must not get caught up in those things that damage us spiritually but focus on those things that edify our souls. From that can come overcome our difficulties. Our spirits must “float and rise above” those things that attempt to bring us down” - CAK.
PAT PETRILLO
Acclaimed drummer Pat Petrillo assembles a cast of A-List musicians to testify to the truth; that many musical tastes can be blended together, shaken, not stirred, and poured into a tall glass of groovy goodness on his new release, “Contemporaneous”. From the first note of this genre-defying musical montage, it’s evident that many musical styles can coexist within the same time and space continuum. Imagine Snarky Puppy and the Brecker Brothers jamming with Weather Report at Grover Washington Jr’s backyard barbecue in Philly. But make no mistake, there’s plenty of drumming on this record, but it’s all in “good time”. Pat envelops each tune in a big, groovy hug, serving the song and providing the connective tissue that makes it all come together.