While her more publicized blonde counterparts Candy Dulfer and Mindi Abair have probably gotten more thunder from the smooth jazz world and beyond, the Philly bred saxophonist has slowly emerged as a champion of a silky yet grooving, modern yet retro style best dubbed "smooth urban jazz." While Pamela Williams has been a hit from the get-go - her 1996 recording debut Saxtress earned the first of numerous accolades from the R&B world - there's no question her last two Shanachie discs have shown her at her inviting, infectious best. She made a brilliant choice on Elixir to work with keyboardist and fellow saxman David Mann, whose texturing and irresistible Philly soul ambience inspires Williams to work wonders with the punchy first single "Positive Vibe," the sexy and swaying opening track "Forbidden Fruit," and the romantic and inspirational "A Toast to Eternity."

Due largely to the inclusion of trumpeter Ron Haynes – a one-time Donald Byrd protege – the fourth entry by Ramsey Lewis' smooth jazz supergroup is reminiscent of Byrd's seminal 1970s recordings. While merely hinting at Byrd's proto-disco inventions, Urban Knights IV is nonetheless a modern update of the trumpeter's work with the Blackbyrds. Although this album is nowhere near as funky as, say, Electric Byrd, it does come off grittier than many albums by Urban Knights' contemporaries.

George Howard was one of the most talented artist ever and he knew what we wanted. A Home Far Away is one his of best. From the first jam, Miracle, to You Can Make This Story Right and Renewal, this is classic George Howard. This is one of those rare CDs that is played from beginning to end.

A Nice Place To Be is the fifth album by the brilliant soprano saxophonist George Howard.This CD was very smooth before Smooth Jazz became a definition for today's smoother sounds. Some of the sweeter sounds are "Jade's World, "Sweetest Taboo", "Spenser For Hire" from the television show of the same title. I vote for "Stanley's Groove" as the funkiet on this album.This has to be Georges finest hour, along with a stellar cast of jazz musicians to boot (including George Duke and Stanley Clarke).

The music of Blue Knights thrives on rhytmus and a very jazz influenced groove-piano. Amazing production, rich sounds and some very tight arranging and playing will capture all fun loving music gourmets. Music to dance to, songs to relax with, melodies like a sunset and rhytms that are perfect for lovers and dancers. Afun combination of colour and sensual music. Sexy jazz, light house grooves, some fine piano playing and high class audiophile production turn this music into a first rate music. Curtis McLaw who reached with his band Dancing Fantasy the Billboard Top 20 in USA, shines here as a producer on another project…

Two of Nancy Wilson's more fascinating, if less commercially successful '70s sets - 1971's Kaleidoscope and 1973's I Know I Love Him - are reissued on this release from David Nathan's Soul Music label. Kaleidoscope features knockout versions of "If I Were Your Woman," popularized by Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." On the later album, Wilson is backed by the Crusaders with arranging and conducting from Don Sebesky. It's a deep gem - laid-back but resonant late-night listening for serious fans of any of the involved. A. Scott Galloway provides typically detailed liner notes packed with information and engaging analysis.

The music for Blue Night was inspired by the lively, colorful, elegant world of fashion designers, models, photographers and beautiful locations, like Miami Beach, where today's photos are being shot…The music thrives on rhythms and a very jazz-influenced groove piano. Arrangements, programming and keyboards are the work of the composers Jay Heye and Curtis McLaw. They've added guitar and saxophone to produce some rich sounds and some very tight arranging. Sensual jazz, light house grooves and some fine piano playing turn this into a first-rate CD debut.

An update of the 1994 compilation The Best of Sade, The Ultimate Collection contains all but two of the Sade singles – "When Am I Going to Make a Living" and, unfortunately, "Turn My Back on You" – released through the first six studio albums…

Kenny G's work can be divided into three main categories: first, his improvisatory fusion efforts as a Jeff Lorber sideman in the late '70s; second, his R&B-oriented albums of 1982-1985; and third, the elevator Muzak he has specialized in since 1986. Falling into the second category, G Force is a fairly decent urban contemporary release that clearly benefits from the input of Kashif (who serves as executive producer). Kashif was hot at the time, and the R&B singer/producer/songwriter had been burning up the charts with hits by Evelyn "Champagne" King, George Benson, Howard Johnson and himself. Kashif's stamp is all over this sleek album; you can hear it on both the tunes with R&B vocals…

Smooth Jazz versions of Marvin Gaye favorites: Let’s Get It On, Sęxual Healing, Mercy Mercy Me, Inner City Blues and more!

Solid Ground is the sixth studio album by American saxophonist Ronnie Laws released in 1981 by Liberty Records. The album reached No. 17 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.
Ronnie Laws is an award-winning tenor saxophonist and composer whose career has, since the early 1970s, straddled the worlds of jazz and R&B. Since 1975 he has placed seven albums in the Top 200 - including his 1975 Blue Note debut Pressure Sensitive - as well as tracks and albums in no less than six other categories. He has worked as an in-demand session man and live musician with a who's-who of jazz and R&B greats including Ramsey Lewis, Gregory Porter, B.B. King, George Duke, Quincy Jones, Stanley Jordan, and dozens more.

Cinemagic is the 1987 album by Dave Grusin. This CD consists of brand new renditions of Grusin's own work he did for movies, newly recorded for your desire and listening pleasure. This was released by GRP.

An update of the 1994 compilation The Best of Sade, The Ultimate Collection contains all but two of the Sade singles – "When Am I Going to Make a Living" and, unfortunately, "Turn My Back on You" – released through the first six studio albums. There are six well-chosen album cuts, highlighted by the exceptionally spacious Love Deluxe ballads "Bullet Proof Soul" and "Pearls."…

Throughout the 1970s, Chuck Mangione was a celebrity. His purposely lightweight music was melodic pop that was upbeat, optimistic, and sometimes uplifting…

Dancing Fantasy partners Curtis McLaw and Chris Williams had previously worked together in the Blue Knights; this particular project was a smooth-jazz variation on their fascination with German synth experimentalists like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. Dancing Fantasy started their career at German electronic label IC Digit in 1990. "Worldwide" was inspired by the flow of music around the globe, picking up individual sound-samples (specific to a particular country) on the way. The music is pure Dancing Fantasy with laid back grooves, immersed in rich floating sounds with touches of jazz.