Smooth Jazz: The Best Easy Listening Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for the best smooth jazz music to help you relax? We’ve got you covered with our list of the top smooth jazz tracks around.

What is smooth jazz?

Smooth jazz is a type of music that is characterized by its mellow sound and easy listening style. It is often described as a cross between jazz and pop, and it often features instruments such as the piano, saxophone, and guitar. Smooth jazz is typically considered to be relaxing and soothing, and it is often used as background music in restaurants, hotels, and other public spaces.

The history of smooth jazz

Smooth jazz is a subgenre of jazz that emerged in the United States in the 1980s. It is characterized by a relaxed, mellow sound and is often associated with elevator music or background music.

The origins of smooth jazz can be traced back to Miles Davis’ work in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly his album Kind of Blue (1959), which introduced modal jazz. This type of jazz was characterized by its use of modal scales and simple chord progressions, which made it more accessible to a wider audience.

In the 1970s, fusion music became popular, which fused elements of jazz with other genres such as rock and funk. This gave rise to artists such as Herbie Hancock and George Benson, who blended elements of both jazz and R&B. In the 1980s, smooth jazz began to emerge as a distinct genre, with artists such as David Sanborn, Lee Ritenour, and Kenny G becoming popular.

Today, smooth Jazz is enjoyed by millions of people around the world and has spawned numerous subgenres, such as contemporary Jazz and acid Jazz.

The best smooth jazz artists

There are many great artists who perform smooth jazz, but there are a few who stand out above the rest. If you’re looking for the best in smooth jazz, be sure to check out the following artists.

Heading: Kenny G
Kenny G is one of the most popular and well-known smooth jazz artists today. He has sold millions of albums and his music is enjoyed by fans all over the world. Kenny G’s saxophone playing is truly unique and his music is often described as “jazzy.”

Heading: Dave Koz
Dave Koz is another extremely popular smooth jazz artist. He is a saxophonist and has released many great albums over the years. Dave Koz’s music is very soulful and often has a feel-good vibe to it. His songs are perfect for relaxing or enjoying a romantic evening.

Heading: George Benson
George Benson is a legendary figure in the world of smooth jazz. He is a highly skilled guitarist and his music is often very bluesy and reflective. If you’re looking for some great guitar-based smooth jazz, George Benson is definitely an artist you should check out.

The best smooth jazz albums

Here are ten of the best smooth jazz albums of all time, perfect for easy listening:

1. The Best of George Benson by George Benson
2. Wes Montgomery’s Finest Hour by Wes Montgomery
3. Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
4. The Velvet Lounge by Stanley Turrentine
5. Softly, As I Leave You by Lee Ritenour
6. Mr. Magic by Grover Washington Jr.
7. The Joyce Cooling Collection by Joyce Cooling
8. Give Me the Night by George Benson
9. Smooth Jazz All Stars Vol. 1 by Various Artists
10. The Best of Smooth Jazz:Vol 2 by Various Artists

What makes smooth jazz so great?

Smooth jazz is a type of music that is known for its relaxing and easy-going sound. This genre of music often features jazz instruments like saxophones and trumpets, but it also incorportates element from other genres like R&B, pop, and even rock. Smooth jazz is the perfect type of music to put on in the background while you’re working or relaxing, and many people believe that it has a positive impact on their mood.

The future of smooth jazz

The future of smooth jazz is looking bright, with many talented young artists making a name for themselves in the genre. While the older generation of smooth jazz musicians is still going strong, the new wave of artists is bringing a fresh sound to the genre that is sure to appeal to a new generation of listeners. With its mix of mellow melodies and upbeat rhythms, smooth jazz is the perfect music to relax and unwind to, and we can only expect it to become more popular in the years to come.

How to get into smooth jazz

Smooth jazz is a genre of music that arose in the 1970s and is associated with artists such as George Benson, Kenny G, and Sade. The genre is characterized by its mellow sound and instrumentation, and often features a relaxed, easy-going feeling.

If you’re interested in getting into smooth jazz, there are a few key things you should know. First, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the genre’s most popular artists. Once you have an understanding of the Smooth Jazz sound, you can start exploring different albums and tracks to find what you like best.

In general, Smooth Jazz is best enjoyed in small doses. This means that it’s perfect for background music or relaxing listening, but may not be the best choice for active listening sessions or dancing. If you’re looking to add some Smooth Jazz to your life, consider adding it to your next road trip playlist, using it as study music, or simply playing it in the background during your next dinner party.

The best places to listen to smooth jazz

There are plenty of great places to listen to smooth jazz. Here are just a few of our favorites:

1. The Blue Note Café: This New York City institution is known for its great food, stellar service, and of course, its smooth jazz. The café has hosted some of the genre’s biggest names, and it’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and some good company.

2. Jazz at Lincoln Center: This world-renowned performing arts center is home to one of the best smooth jazz scenes in the country. Stop by for a show or catch one of the many free concerts held in the center’s atrium throughout the year.

3. The Bowery Ballroom: This iconic venue has been host to many legendary acts, and it continues to be one of the best places to see live music in New York City. While it isn’t exclusively a jazz venue, the Bowery Ballroom always has a great lineup of smooth jazz performers.

4. Birdland: This legendary jazz club has been a mainstay of the New York City music scene since 1949. It’s named after famed alto saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker, and it continues to be one of the best places to hear live jazz in the city. It also has an excellent food menu, so you can make a night of it!

5. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: This London club is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the world, and it’s been host to some of the genre’s biggest names over the years. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a great place to hear some smooth jazz.

The best times to listen to smooth jazz

There are a few different times that smooth jazz is generally thought to be the best type of music to listen to. One is when you’re working on something that requires a lot of focus and concentration. The mellow nature of smooth jazz can help you stay calm and focused while you work.

Another time when smooth jazz can be particularly nice is when you’re relaxing at home after a long day. The relaxing tones of smooth jazz can help you unwind and relax. You may even find yourself falling asleep to it!

Finally, smooth jazz can also be great to listen to when you’re driving. It can help keep you calm and relaxed behind the wheel, and it’s also likely to put you in a good mood.

Why smooth jazz is the best easy listening music

Intro

This genre of music is perfect for when you want to relax and unwind. It has a mellow sound that is perfect for background music or for when you want to focus on something else.

What is smooth jazz?

Smooth jazz is a genre of music that combines elements of jazz, R&B, and pop. It is characterized by a relaxed, smooth sound. The best smooth jazz is easy to listen to and has a calming effect.

What are the benefits of listening to smooth jazz?

There are many benefits to listening to smooth jazz. This type of music can help you relax, focus, and even fall asleep. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and it can boost your mood. Smooth jazz is also great for reducing stress and anxiety.

Why is smooth jazz the best easy listening music?

There are many reasons why smooth jazz is the best easy listening music. This genre of music is easy to listen to, it has a calming effect, and it can help you relax and focus. If you are looking for music that will help you unwind after a long day, then smooth jazz is the perfect choice.

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