Jazz Artist

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

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Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole

THE “PULSE” OF STEVE COLE

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Steve Cole has come full circle in his career that has spanned 15 years. He had a great start with the success of his debut album “Stay Awhile” which earned him two #1 singles. His latest and 7th album, “Pulse,” embodies snippets of Cole’s background in R&B, blues, gospel, and rock and roll. “Pulse” takes listeners on a musical journey beginning with the title track that he co-wrote with Nicholas Cole. Its funky and smooth groove sets the stage for a collection of tunes produced and co-written with David Mann. The first single, “With You All The Way,” sounds like pure Steve Cole. Listen a little longer, and you’ll be mesmerized by his beautiful cover of “Going In Circles,” then end your journey with the fusion of gospel and jazz, “Believe.” In Steve’s own words, “Pulse” can simply be described as: “This is Steve Cole.” Steve is touring to promote “Pulse” and working on a new project with Sax Pack alongside fellow saxophone players Marcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa.

Steve and I had a great conversation.

Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole
Steve Cole

Lebron Dennis

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Lebron Dennis is not only a skillful saxophone player, but he’s arrived on the smooth jazz scene and proved he has exactly what it takes. At a young age, Lebron developed a love for the saxophone. He taught himself to play and soon became an integral part of the elite Young Sounds of Arizona. Over the years, he developed a sound that uniquely sets him apart from others. His ability to express himself with every note he plays engages his audience, transporting them into his musical world. He is the future of smooth jazz, and that future is looking very bright. Alongside Darren Rahn and Paul Brown, Lebron’s CD “SHADES” is a telling story of who he is. The title track is indicative of the shades of Lebron. His single, “Groove City,” debuted at #1 on the most added groove jazz chart. He is also a member of generation next along with his musical peers Nicholas Cole, Julian Vaughn, and Lin Rountree. In his own words: “Sound. It’s all about the sound.”

Listen, and you’ll feel his passion for the music he creates.

Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis

Keiko Matsui’s “Soul Quest”

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When you cross paths with a great spirit while on this journey called “life,” it is an amazing experience. While listening to and talking with Keiko Matsui about her journey, that connection was made. Out of her journey was born her latest CD “Soul Quest” on which she dedicated her mind, body, and soul. Keiko, the pianist, composer, and humanitarian collaborated with music greats like Chuck Loeb, Narada Michael Walden, Kirk Whalum, and Marcus Miller to create her latest masterpiece. Undoubtedly, she displayed music artistry at its best, meanwhile sharing her passion about various causes that effect us personally as well as the world we live in.

From the moment the music begins, you’re instantly mesmerized by the melodious first song “Dream Seeker.” Later, Keiko adds vocals to the up-tempo Black Lion which is also her first single. Alongside Loeb, she wrote “Top Secret” which displays a beautiful dance between piano and trumpet. Next up is “A Night With Cha Cha,” featuring the smooth sounds of Saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Keiko and Narada Michael Walden change the tone of the CD with the soul stirring “Moving Mountain” and “Antarctica – A Call To Action.” “Antarctica – A Call To Action” is soulfully powerful and features Kirk Whalum on sax and Marcus Miller on bass. She dedicates this song to saving Antarctica and the environment or our planet. The title track, “Soul Quest,” is mystical and alluring. “Proof” is funky and sultry, and “Two Hearts” resembles a conversation between two. Both were written by Keiko and Chuck. Finally, she and Walden pay tribute to Sting with the edgy song “Stingo” on the finale of the album.

The connection unfolds…

Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui

Keiko Matsui’s “Soul Quest”

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

When you cross paths with a great spirit while on this journey called “life,” it is an amazing experience. While listening to and talking with Keiko Matsui about her journey, that connection was made. Out of her journey was born her latest CD “Soul Quest” on which she dedicated her mind, body, and soul. Keiko, the pianist, composer, and humanitarian collaborated with music greats like Chuck Loeb, Narada Michael Walden, Kirk Whalum, and Marcus Miller to create her latest masterpiece. Undoubtedly, she displayed music artistry at its best, meanwhile sharing her passion about various causes that effect us personally as well as the world we live in.

From the moment the music begins, you’re instantly mesmerized by the melodious first song “Dream Seeker.” Later, Keiko adds vocals to the up-tempo Black Lion which is also her first single. Alongside Loeb, she wrote “Top Secret” which displays a beautiful dance between piano and trumpet. Next up is “A Night With Cha Cha,” featuring the smooth sounds of Saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Keiko and Narada Michael Walden change the tone of the CD with the soul stirring “Moving Mountain” and “Antarctica – A Call To Action.” “Antarctica – A Call To Action” is soulfully powerful and features Kirk Whalum on sax and Marcus Miller on bass. She dedicates this song to saving Antarctica and the environment or our planet. The title track, “Soul Quest,” is mystical and alluring. “Proof” is funky and sultry, and “Two Hearts” resembles a conversation between two. Both were written by Keiko and Chuck. Finally, she and Walden pay tribute to Sting with the edgy song “Stingo” on the finale of the album.

The connection unfolds…

Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui
Keiko Matsui

The Beauty Behind The Sax… Jeanette Harris

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She’s talented, confident, humble, and has a great sense of humor. As a child, she was intrigued by the photo on a Grover Washington, Jr. cassette tape. That fascination with the sax led Jeanette Harris to become a saxophone player. She has an undeniable sound that’s uniquely her own and shares reflections of herself in each song. On stage and off, Jeanette is dedicated to being the best at what she does. From exhilarating performances to incredible song writing, she has enhanced the world of Smooth Jazz. Her cd “Summer Rain” offers something for everyone. From the teasing “Take Me There” or up-tempo “The Ride,” to the Latin glazed “Muy Caliente,” you can feel the positive vibe she delivers.

Jeanette and I share conversation.

Jeanette Harris
Jeanette Harris
Jeanette Harris
Jeanette Harris

Saxophonist Greg Chambers

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Greg Chambers’ passion for contemporary/smooth jazz is very evident when you hear his melodies flow from one song to the other on his third cd release “After Hours.” He has been playing the saxophone since the age of 8. At that young age he wasn’t aware that he would be playing for a living. Following his love for the saxophone ultimately led him to UCLA where he earned a Masters of Music Degree in Saxophone. Greg’s training and talent enabled him to work with some of the best in classical music. Those opportunities he is grateful to have been a part of. However, Chambers had to follow his passion. His decision then, and now three record’s later he’s proven that he’s exactly where he should be. He feels that being versatile is very important, and his transition to smooth jazz was an easy one. For his latest project Greg collaborated with Paul Brown, Jonathan Fritzen, Ross Bolton, Louis Fasman, and Darren Rahn. “After Hours” is a combination of grooves that take you on an up-tempo journey with “Groovin’ High”, then mellows you out with beautiful songs like “Chelsea’s Song”, and “Your Place Or Mine.”

Listen as Greg and I discuss his career and music.

Greg Chambers
Greg Chambers

“Funk Is Everything”

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I read a quote that said, “Funk is everything, it’s a religion to me.” Knowing the man who said those words makes it easy to understand exactly what they mean. Funk is everything to guitarist Rob “Fonksta” Bacon. He is called the “Fonksta” for a reason. Growing up in the Motor City of Detroit, you can’t help but be surrounded by the sound of music. Having a father who played the guitar and a mother who sat down with him and played records all the time, Rob could feel the music stirring on the inside. One day, his dad heard him playing George Benson’s “Breezin” and to his astonishment discovered that he was playing it with only 3 strings because one had broken. Now that’s what I call an “aha” moment. The gift revealed itself not only to Rob’s dad but to Rob himself. After leaving Detroit and heading to LA,he began to work with artists like Raphael Saadiq, DJ Quik, and George Clinton. It didn’t take long for him to become one of the best session guitarist in LA. Rob is fortunate to be able to play different genres of music such as pop, R&B, funk, rap, and jazz. He’s mastering his craft and constantly learning. This year is a very big one in his life. He will release his first solo project and will be the guitarist for the new Aresnio Hall Show airing in September. It’s still surreal for him, but he has worked very hard and appreciates growing even more in new directions. You can count on this for sure: where there is Rob “Fonksta” Bacon, there will be FUNK.

On a calm evening in Seattle, Rob and I talk about music, the past, present, future, and funk.

Rob "Fonksta" Bacon
Rob “Fonksta” Bacon

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Dwayne “Smitty” Smith

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How do I begin telling the story of Dwayne “Smitty” Smith? Well, I can start by saying that the artist from Washington, DC is kind, and humble. He’s also a writer, producer, and super talented bassist. It was in middle school that Smitty realized his love for the bass guitar. He heard a fellow classmate playing “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and asked him to teach it to him. Amazingly, he not only learned the song, but played it perfectly with one finger. WOW!!! A bassist was born, and a stellar career soon followed. He moved to LA and quickly became the bassist to call. Not only would he work on the local scene, but would work with artists like Gerald Albright, Teena Marie, Anita Baker, and Kirk Whalum. Just to name a few. He was fortunate enough to spend 7 years with the legendary band The Isley Brothers. He continues to collaborate with other artists and has released his sophomore project titled “Stories.” This CD has something on it for everyone. Smitty beautifully covers “People Make The World Go Round”, and offers other songs that will have you swaying to funky grooves, and listening intently.

A conversation in Seattle.

"Stories"

Dwayne "Smitty" Smith
Dwayne “Smitty” Smith

Eric Essix, the man behind the music

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There’s no questioning the talent of guitarist Eric Essix. Straight from his southern roots, and true to who he is, Eric brings his music to life. It’s full of soul, funk, gospel, and blues. He doesn’t limit himself to just being a guitarist. He’s a musician that’s not afraid to take chances, and reach for the stars. His talent knows no boundaries, and his music is timeless. Eric is enjoying the success of his current self titled CD “Eric Essix”, while also working on a project with the group Southern Gentlemen.

Eric and I discuss his incredible career.

Eric Essix
Eric Essix

Eric Essix
Eric Essix