I am a big fan of “Smooth Jazz,” or a Jazz sound that is more contemporary, flavored with a funky beat. This genre started in the early 1980’s in California. Some of my favorite artists in the “Smooth Jazz” genre are The Rippingtons, Euge Groove, Jeff Kashiwa, Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal to name a few. Obviously, I tend to like artists who predominately feature the saxophone. If, like me, you are a fan of Smooth Jazz, here are two artists you might want to check out.
Igor Gerzina is a Croatian born saxophonist who has won multiple awards in Croatia as well as in Europe and the United States. His music is highly charged, and is very up beat. He can really kick out the grooves. His music is available from Amazon, where I purchased the three CD’s I have so far.
Kaori Kobayashi is a Japanese saxophonist whose music is also very high octane, very upbeat Smooth Jazz. Her works are toe tapping, and easy to become involved with. I purchased her CD also from Amazon but take note, my copy was shipped from Japan so it took about three weeks to arrive. I had, in fact, forgotten I had even ordered it until one day it was in the mailbox. The name of the CD I purchased is “Shiny.”
I may be mistaken on this, but I do not believe either one is available on Tidal. I didn’t find them anyway. Hope someone finds these artists as engaging as do I!!
Happy Listening,
Paul
I can see why you enjoyed Kaori’s stuff….she’s got a great lip for sure!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsG79CG9rlw