Best Smooth Jazz
George Benson is a highly influential jazz musician recognized for his distinctive guitar playing and smooth vocal style. He seamlessly blends elements of jazz, soul-jazz, and pop music, achieving significant commercial success with albums like "Breezin'". His work resonates particularly with listen...
Flowers is celebrated for his incredibly lyrical and thoughtful approach to the tenor saxophone. His playing emphasizes melodic beauty and harmonic sophistication over sheer volume, making his music highly accessible while remaining deeply complex. He is perfect for listeners who appreciate the narr...
George Benson’s *Breezin'* is a celebrated 1976 jazz album showcasing his instrumental abilities. The record blends smooth jazz with influences from R&B, funk, and Latin music, establishing Benson as a dynamic performer. It's particularly appealing to listeners interested in sophisticated guitar wor...
Grover Washington Jr.’s *Winelight* (1977) is a landmark jazz album blending smooth jazz with electric elements. Featuring Patrice Rushen, it’s recognized for pioneering the fusion genre's mellow sound – a significant influence on later smooth jazz artists. The album appeals to listeners interested...
Grover Washington Jr.’s “Mister Magic” (1976) showcased his signature tenor saxophone playing blended with funk rhythms and electronic textures, establishing him as a prominent figure in the burgeoning fusion scene of the late 70s.
Released in 1976, *In Flight* is a significant George Benson album featuring a blend of smooth jazz and R&B influences, showcasing his evolving guitar style alongside vocal performances recorded primarily at A\&M Studios in Los Angeles.
“Inner City Blues,” released in 1976 by Grover Washington Jr., is a seminal jazz album blending smooth jazz with elements of funk and R&B, featuring prominent electric keyboard textures and a sophisticated rhythmic approach.
Grover Washington Jr. was an American saxophonist who played a pivotal role in establishing the smooth jazz and jazz-funk genres during the 1970s and 1980s. Proficient on the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, he gained mainstream crossover success with his 1980 album "Winelight." The re...
David Sanborn is an American alto saxophonist whose energetic and blues-inflected playing style brought him widespread commercial success in the jazz fusion and pop genres. He released numerous solo albums that achieved high chart positions and won six Grammy Awards over his career. Before his solo...
“All the King’s Horses,” released in 1976 by Grover Washington Jr., is a seminal jazz album featuring prominent contributions from percussionists Airto Moreira and Lenny White, showcasing a blend of post-bop and Latin influences with notable electric saxophone work.
“As We Speak” is a 1995 studio album by saxophonist David Sanborn featuring prominent use of synthesizers and electronic percussion alongside his signature alto saxophone sound, showcasing a blend of smooth jazz and contemporary arrangements.
“Backstreet” by David Sanborn is a 1993 studio album featuring prominent saxophone arrangements alongside a diverse ensemble of jazz and pop musicians, showcasing his signature smooth tone and exploring both traditional and contemporary sounds.
Mindi Abair is an American saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter recognized for her work in the smooth jazz, pop, and rock genres. She plays both the soprano and alto saxophones, creating a sound that blends contemporary jazz with mainstream pop elements. Over her career, she has released multiple a...
Diana Krall is a contemporary jazz musician recognized for her distinctive vocal style and interpretations of classic songs. Her work frequently blends elements of Bossa Nova, the Great American Songbook, and sophisticated arrangements. She appeals to listeners who appreciate smooth jazz, elegant pe...
“Heart to Heart,” David Sanborn’s 1992 album, features primarily saxophone performances alongside a full orchestra and vocalists like Natalie Cole and Michael Bublé, showcasing his signature melodic improvisations within a lush orchestral setting.
American smooth jazz saxophonist and composer who has achieved multiple number-one Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums since the early 1990s.
Gerald Albright is a contemporary jazz saxophonist known for his smooth sound and sophisticated arrangements. His music blends modern jazz with funk influences creating melodic pieces that are both accessible and technically impressive. He performs for adult audiences who appreciate refined instrume...
Whalum is a master of the soulful, accessible sound. His playing is deeply rooted in gospel and R&B traditions, making his music incredibly warm and emotionally resonant. He is a fantastic choice for listeners who want the complexity of jazz without the academic barrier, offering pure, heartfelt mus...
American soprano saxophonist (born Kenneth Gorelick) whose smooth jazz recordings made him one of the best-selling instrumental musicians ever, with over 75 million records sold.
“Pieces of a Dream,” released in 2007 by pianist Eric Doellinger, is a sophisticated instrumental album showcasing his intricate compositions and improvisations within a predominantly modal jazz style, featuring a core trio with notable percussion work.
Koz brings a highly polished, accessible, and technically dazzling approach to modern jazz. His playing is characterized by its melodic clarity and its ability to groove effortlessly across various styles, from smooth jazz to uptempo fusion. He is a reliable source of high-quality, enjoyable modern...
