The Best of Smooth Jazz

The Best of Smooth Jazz is a collection of the greatest Smooth Jazz hits of all time. If you’re a fan of Smooth Jazz, this is the blog for you!

Kenny G

Saxophonist Kenny G helped bring smooth jazz into the mainstream in the 1980s and ’90s with his signature fusion of R&B, pop, and Latin music influences. He continues to be one of the genre’s most popular and best-selling artists today. Let’s take a look at some of his most popular songs.

His start in the music industry

Born in Seattle, Washington, Kenny G began playing the saxophone at age 10 and joined a band two years later. He continued his studies at the University of Washington, graduating with a degree in accounting in 1978. Kenny G’s big break came when he was hired as a featured soloist with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra. He later joined Jeff Lynne’s ELO after being recommended by a mutual friend, and he also toured with Brazilian singer Sergio Mendes.

In 1982, Kenny G signed with Arista Records and released his first album, “Saxophone Colossus.” The album was an instant success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Jazz charts. His next album, “Breathless,” was even more successful, reaching No. 1 on the Jazz charts and No. 3 on the pop charts. “Breathless” also reached No. 1 on the contemporary Jazz charts and sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Kenny G has released more than 20 albums over the course of his career, including such hits as “The Moment,” “Paradise,” and “Gravity.” He has won five Grammy Awards and has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

His best-selling album

Kenny G’s best-selling album is 1992’s Breathless, which sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. The album’s second single, “Forever in Love”, won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition.

Dave Koz

Dave Koz is a smooth jazz saxophonist who has released thirteen studio albums, won three Grammy Awards, and has had nine No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. He has also founded the Dave Koz Cruise, a seven-day jazz cruise that sails to different locations around the world, and the Dave Koz & Friends At Sea jazz festival.

His start in the music industry

David S. “Dave” Koz (born March 27, 1963) is an American smooth jazz saxophonist. He has released fourteen albums, won ten Grammy Awards, and had nine No. 1 albums on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. His first album, Dave Koz was released in 1990 and was followed by Lucky Man in 1993. During the second half of the 1990s, he toured with Bobby Caldwell, Michael Bolton, and David Benoit.[1] In 1999 he collaborated with Brian McKnight on “Sax Medley”, which was featured on McKnight’s album Anytime.[2][3]

In 2003, Koz headlined a Smooth Jazz Cruise withSecond Hand Roseand The Rippingtons.[4] The cruise set sail from Fort Lauderdale to ports including St. Thomas, St. Martin, San Juan and Labadee.[5]
In December 2006 and January 2007 Koz headlined the “Dave Koz & Friends Smooth Jazz Christmas” concert tour with Kelly Sweet and Peter White. The tour visited seventeen cities across the United States.[6][7][8]
Koz has appeared as a guest on several national radio programs includingThe Tonight Showwith Jay Leno,[9]The Early Showon CBS,[10]Live with Regis & Kathie Lee,[11]CNN’s Showbiz Today,[12]VH1’s Behind the Music[13] andE! True Hollywood Story.[14][15][16][17][18] On December 5, 2007 Koz guest-starred as himself in an episode of NBC television series Las Vegas entitled “Delinda’s Box”.”

His best-selling album

Dave Koz (born March 27, 1963) is an American smooth jazz saxophonist. He has released sixteen albums, ten of which have reached #1 on Billboard magazine’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. Dave currently hosts The Dave Koz Radio Show – a weekly syndicated program featuring the biggest names in contemporary jazz.

Koz was born in Encino, California to Jewish parents, and raised in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County. He graduated from Calabasas High School in 1981 and then studied marketing at the University of California, Berkeley but dropped out after one year to pursue a career in music. He began playing professionally at age twenty, touring with Bobby Caldwell’s band.[1] Within a year he was working with amyGrant as well as Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson.

In 1990, Koz toured as a sideman with Barry Manilow.[2] The following year he formed the Dave Koz Quintet and released his self-titled debut album.

Koz has recorded sixteen albums, nine of which have charted on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart in the United States. His 1998 release The Dance reached #1 on that chart and remained there for 70 weeks. In total his Improvedhas spent more than nine years on that chart.

In 2003 he launched SmoothJazz.com – “The Blend of Cool” – one of the first Internet radio stations devoted to smooth jazz 24 hours a day. In 2005 he launched “The Dave Koz Cruise”, an annual event that sails from Los Angeles to Mexico and features some of the genre’s top performers.[3] In 2007 he launched “The Smooth Jazz Network”, a 24-hour XM Radio channel featuring smooth jazz artists from around the world.[4] And in 2008 he became co-owner (with Al Schmitt) of Capitol Studios in Hollywood.[5][6]

smooth jazz radio

The top 5 songs played on smooth jazz radio

1. “Mornin'” – George Benson
2. “Smooth Operator” – Sade
3. “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bill Withers
4. “Just the Two of Us” – Grover Washington, Jr.
5. “I’ll Be Around” – The Spinners

The future of smooth jazz

Smooth jazz is a mellow form of jazz that is easy to listen to and enjoy. It is often described as “background music” because it has a relaxing and calming effect. Smooth jazz is usually played on the saxophone, piano, or guitar.

The top 5 upcoming smooth jazz artists

The future of smooth jazz looks bright with the emergence of new artists who are keeping the genre fresh and exciting. Here are five up-and-coming smooth jazz artists to keep an eye on.

1. Cory Henry
Cory Henry is a virtuoso keyboardist who got his start touring with gospel greats like Kirk Franklin and Steven Curtis Chapman. He has since gone on to release several solo albums, including his most recent, Cory Henry Live at the Village Vanguard, which was recorded live at the legendary New York City jazz club.

2. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is a trumpeter, composer, and producer who is redefining the sound of jazz. His music combines elements of hip hop, rock, and R&B, resulting in a unique and fresh sound that has earned him praise from critics and fans alike.

3. Kamasi Washington
Kamasi Washington is a saxophonist who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Herbie Hancock. He has released several highly acclaimed solo albums, including The Epic, which received widespread critical acclaim.

4. Gregory Porter
Gregory Porter is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter whose music combines elements of jazz, soul, and gospel. His disarmingly warm voice and emotionally honest lyrics have won him a loyal following among fans of all genres.

5. Terence Blanchard
Terence Blanchard is a Grammy-winning trumpeter who has composed music for dozens of films, including Spike Lee’s iconic Do the Right Thing. He has also released over 20 albums as a leader, many of which have been nominated for or won prestigious awards.