Smooth jazz recommendations

Even my girlfriend (who admittedly doesn't care for jazz) likes the Charlie Haden cd's: "A Night in the City" with Kenny Barron on piano- a duet in a nightclub setting with a good system sounds like you are right there. Great dim light music at dinner. Also "Nocturne" with Gonzalo Rubacalba, which has more varied instrumentation.

If these two aren't "smooth" then accuse me of being too much of a jazz aficionado...but please give a listen as you can preview them at Amazon, etc.

Frank Morgan "Mood Indigo"

Look for a thread on Denny Jiossa. There might be one on Brian Hughes also. After that, Larry Carlton, Norman Brown(After the Storm), Fourplay, Rippingtons, Fattburger, Chieli Minucci, Ray Obiedo (Modern World), Bob James (Morning Noon and Night), Zachary Breaux (Live or Uptown Groove), Rony Jordan (At Last), Craig Chaquico, Chris Standring (Velvet, Hip Sway), Alex Bugnon, Kirk Whalem, Art Porter, Crusaders, Thom Rotella, Four80East (Nocturnal), Richard Elliot, David Benoit (Fuzzy Logic), Chris Botti, Nick Colionne and many more. This might not be smooth jazz, Michael Manring "Drastic Measures". This list can be extended even further. Good luck with your search. Try Borders for audio samples.

You can check out a couple of web-sites.

Check out www.contemporaryjazz.com and go to the essential tab. I don't recommend all of them but the bulk of them are recommended. It is your taste in music that will determine which ones to keep and which to side step. The reviews are also good and it should provide you with a great jumping off site. Also check out their forum.

Move on to www.magicisland.com and go to their bbs section. There you will see many artists discussed. It is one of the official sites for Spyro Gyra and the Rippingtons.

Next move on to www.thejazznation.com and go to their ovations and forum tabs.

In Europe check out www.smooth-jazz.de and check out their reviews - some of the best.

For fusion stuff go to www.tomorrowjazz.com.

Another spot where I have been able to find some real jewels is cdbaby.com. A really great company supporting unsigned major label artists or those who wish to stay independent. They are fast shippers, friendly, have a great money back guarentee and one of the best customer service teams in the business. (I am not affiliated with them but have been a customer for just over two years and have had all possive experiences with them.)

Oh by the way, as far as smooth jazz radio goes - forget about it. I have not tuned into a radio station for over four years. They don't really play jazz, or instrumental pop for that matter.

From these web-sites you will find more links to other web-sites and artists. This should keep you busy for a while.

Good luck on your musical journey and adventure. Remember it's "Music that Matters" in making life experiences more fun and enjoyable. :) At least by spouse believes me when I tell her that is why I keep buying more and more cds. ;)

Lou

I don't primarily listen to smooth jazz, as jazz keeps me busy enough, but I highly recommend Chris Botti. His style is mellow enough to qualify, but his mastery over the trumpet will satisfy most ardent jazz fans. He sort of reminds me of Chet Baker, worthwhile to check out also if you like mellow jazz.