Smooth Jazz Freak needs New Artists


I listen to a lot of Smooth Jazz/New Age (not the meditational or nature sounds type, but closer to Smooth Jazz sound) music.

I'm very narrow in casual listening preferences. Some names I have: Craig Chaquaco, Rippingtons, 3rd Force, Acoustic Alchemy, Larry Carlton, Spyro Gyra, Norman Brown, Boney James, Paul Taylor, Dave Sanborn, David Benoit, Euge Groove, etc. I enjoy almost any instrumentation played in a smooth jazz format.

Anyone got some hot new artists to recommend? (BTW, I DID a search for "smooth jazz" on the site here and not a single reference! So, maybe this can pump up the archive a bit for us poor boring listeners. :)
douglas_schroeder
Try some Grant Geissman (guitarist) and Brian Bromberg (bassist) and the Yellowjackets. While not a big fan of smooth jazz, I have several recordings from each of these artists/groups and find them pretty enjoyable and distinctive. There's some Lee Ritenour stuff that's pretty interesting too.
I have Grant Geissman, Yellowjackets, Benson, Kenny G, Washington Jr., Fourplay, Culbertson, Ave. Blue, Matsui, Antoine, Jazzmasters...

There must be some new/unusual talent that crosses over into the synthesized/pop sound.

I have many of the artists played regularly on smooth jazz stations. How about some that are lesser known? Ones that have been real sleepers but keepers?
Paul Brown, Joyce Cooling, Martin Taylor, Joe Taylor, Richard and Elliot Smith,Nick Colione,Candy Dulfer,Wayman Tilsdale,Bob Baldwin,Kirk Whalum,Gino Vannelli,just to name a few.
I like a lot of the suggestions mentioned above. Lots of good stuff there. If you're looking to broaden your horizons over time I can suggest doing two things:

(1) Sign up with BMG Music and look through their catalog. Or subscribe to yourmusic.com (also a BMG company).

(2) Subscribe to Jazziz magazine. It's a monthly publication about all types of jazz, and it comes with a CD compilation in each issue. A great way to be introduced to jazz music from a variety of artists without having to buy a boatload of CD's.

Enjoy,
Bob