Smooth jazz

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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In general, a smooth jazz track is downtempo (the most widely played track are in the 90-105 BPM range), layering a lead, melody-playing instrument (saxophones – especially soprano and tenor – are the most popular with guitars a close second) over a backdrop that typically consists of programmed rhythms and various pads and/or samples. Smooth jazz groups or recording artists tend to play their instruments in a melodic fashion that they are recognizable within just a few measures; this category includes names such as saxophonists Kenny G, Najee, the late David Sanborn, George Howard and Art Porter Jr.; guitarists George Benson, Earl Klugh, Marc Antonie, Peter White, Jonathan Butler, Ray Parker Jr., Norman Brown, Ronny Jordan, and Yves Vincent; keyboardist/pianists Joe Sample, David Benoit, and Bradley Joseph. Some performers, such as Dave Koz, Bob James, and Nathan East are notable for their numerous collaborations with many of the genre’s big names. Groups include Fourplay, Pieces of a Dream, Acoustic Alchemy, Airborne and the Rippingtons. Female performers includes Keiko Matsui, Joyce Cooling, Mindi Abair, Candy Dulfer, Sade, Brenda Russell, Pamela Williams, Regina Belle and Anita Baker.

Smooth soul

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

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Smooth soul is characterized by melodic hooks, funk influence and smooth production style. Allmusic describes smooth soul as “smooth, stylish, and romantic.” Unlike pop-soul, which predominantly featured dance-oriented music at the time, smooth soul was more ballad-oriented with generally romantic and seductive lyrical themes. However, its melodic hooks were ideal for crossover play, much like the former. The funk influence of smooth soul’s beats also gave the subgenre its distinction from pop.

SM on Music Theory Print

Smooth jazz

Description#

Smooth soul

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