Author: Steve Hart

Best known for his 1986 #1 pop/R&B hit “Shake You Down,” groove balladeer Gregory Abbott’s new single “Chill” – his first recording in nearly a decade – offers sage advice for these troubled times in the most engaging, rhythmically seductive way possible.

Forty-one years after Kevin Stevenson moved to NYC to launch his multi-faceted career – which has taken him from Broadway productions to television and film (as well as work with countless jazz and R&B artists) – the versatile drummer/composer makes his Smooth Jazz solo debut with “Movin’.

Beyond their highly sought after 1978 album Festa Para Um Novo Rei­ – home to the mystical jazz-funk classic ‘Vidigal’ – little is known about Marcos Resende & Index. However, their previously unreleased self-titled debut album from 1976 is soon to be released.

Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire talks to Steve Hart about his love of jazz and his new smooth jazz single Co-Swagit, featuring the sweet vocals of Andréa Lisa.
Ralph was 19 when he auditioned for Maurice White to be the band’s drummer. He is 69 now, and like EWF, is still going strong.

Chicago-based jazz musician Markus Rutz talks to Steve Hart about his career and latest album release – Frameworks.

Rick Habana is a producer, songwriter, engineer and composer based in California. In this interview he tells Steve Hart about his passion for blending music genres to create his unique smooth jazz sound.

Lars Taylor was a popular session musician in the 90s, but now works from home in Switzerland writing and producing smooth jazz.