Smooth Jazz…does it still have significance in the music industry? As mentioned earlier, the Quiet Storm format was Contemporary Jazz, which morphed into Smooth Jazz, which all evolved from Traditional Jazz-combined with R&B, Funk, and Soul from jazz artists such as: Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, George Howard, Kenny G, Grover Washington Jr., Pieces Of A Dream, Fourplay, Spyro Gyra, Norman Brown, and George Benson. They all have created music that still is an integral part of this format and today’s music scene. Are these artists still relevant in this genre labeled Smooth Jazz? Yes, and without question! People from all walks of life, from all around the world, travel near and far to hear them and their artistry performed live! Sold out concerts and festivals attest to the vibrancy of their fun, passionate and embraceable shows. Fans of Smooth Jazz are a seamless part of the connection that creates the livelihood for so many working musicians. Even with the demise of Smooth Jazz radio in the top three markets for terrestrial radio, Smooth Jazz has survived without record stores or labels; which used to support musical careers with tours and the breaking of radio hits! There’s talk that Smooth Jazz has lost its luster, but I feel there can be a resurgence of this format at radio, if the talent in programming is properly employed for those whose possess it. We see evidence of it with the emergence of satellite radio, internet radio, online downloads and digital magazines.

I believe Smooth Jazz is still relevant in the music industry today. There are more venues cropping up, R&B vocal artists: Will Downing, Kenny Lattimore, Chaka Khan, Sade are sharing the stage with Smooth Jazz artists and new upcoming artists are getting the spotlight; including Brian Culbertson, Gregg Karukas, Elan Troutman, Eric Darius, Gail Jhonson, Bob Baldwin, Terjie Lie, Jazz In Pink and Ragan Whiteside. Smooth Jazz is still relevant, I invite you to listen and enjoy the best in Smooth Jazz at www.smoothmixes925.com.