A list to consider for terrific smooth jazz recordings are Richard Elliot "City Speak", Rick Braun "Body & Soul"' Keiko Matsui "Dream Walk, "Sapphire", "Live", Peter White "Caravan", Chieli Minucci "Renaissance" and "It`s Gonna Be Good"' Special EFX "Double Feature", "Masterpiece", Norman Brown "After The Storm". You would also probably like any of the recordings by Fourplay, Larry Carlton, and The Rippingtons. I also am a relatively recent convert from the original R&R scene. All of the music I have suggested is energetic contemporary jazz with some R&R edge to it so you wont get oversedated with the Kenny G type stuff. You can also keep track of the Oasis smooth jazz awards each year to see who`s doing what. You`ll find Chieli Minucci is one of the great guitarists no matter what genre you`re from and I`m a child of the 60`s. One last thing and I`ll go. It is important that go to see the talent "live". The CD`s from the smooth jazz genre DO NOT do justice to the energy and talent level of these performers. Just go hear Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Dave Koz, Fourplay or The Rippingtons just One Time and you`ll know just what I mean! Best, John
Best smooth jazz albums?
Hi, I'm a newbie at this hobby and my musical tastes are changing as my audio system gets better. Right now I'm really into smooth jazz and was wondering what some of the better recordings are. I have had no prior experience in this genre of music, and am looking for something that can really make my audio system sing (Rotel 960ax preamp, Rotel 965 Cd-player, Audiosource Amp 2, Vandersteen 2ce speakers, and Silversonic interconnecs). Thanks for your help!