Sax, vibes, and groove — the good stuff
Smooth jazz gets dismissed, but the best of it is undeniable — players with real jazz roots making music that feels good. These are the ones that matter.
David Sanborn — The alto sax sound of a generation. Start with "One in a Million" or the Straight to the Heart album. Nobody phrases like Sanborn.
Euge Groove — Carried the torch forward. "Slow Jam" is exactly what the title says.
Cal Tjader — Latin jazz vibraphone master. Amazonas is the one — recorded with the warmth of Brazil in every note.
Spyro Gyra — "Morning Dance" put them on the map, and forty years later it still sounds like sunshine.
Chuck Mangione — "Feels So Good" — the flugelhorn anthem. Get the long version.
Mongo Santamaría — The conguero who brought class to mambo and soul to jazz. "Afro Blue" is the doorway.