Music is the soundtrack of life and nothing fits the backdrop of a calm and relaxing moment better than Smooth Jazz. So to help you round out your playlist, we've rounded up some of the best Smooth Jazz artists in the industry today. To ensure only the best of the best made it on the list we only selected artists who in the last two years have had a charting single and/or album and corresponding tour. In addition, we've assigned each Artist a "smoothness" rating so that you get a great understanding of how much "Smooth" and how much "Jazz" you'll get from each artist. Let's begin...
Kim Scott is a Smooth Jazz flutist and singer hailing from Birmingham, AL. She has earned multiple #1 charting albums and singles on Billboard and continues to make a name for herself due her skillful flute work. Kim's music is upbeat, fun, and spunky. Her rendition of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean from the album Southern Heat truly exemplifies how fun, energetic and soulful her music can be. But not only is she an expert flutist, you can hear her amazing vocals on tracks such as "It's Your Time" and "Something Better".
Scott is for the listener looking for smoothness while also wanting to get up out of their seat. Her latest album Shine! has been extremely successful with the title track being named Billboard's Song of the Year for 2022. In addition to music, Kim hosts the Block Party Radio Show airing every Sunday.
Gerald Albright is an iconic saxophone player who has released 20 albums and won a variety of awards, including 9 Grammy nominations. What makes Gerald Albright such a staple in the genre is his ability to blend funk, soul, r&b, and pop into something that is new and fun. His rendition of Champagne Life on his album 24/7 in collaboration with Norman Brown is testament to how he is able to blend the Smooth Jazz and RnB worlds effortlessly.
Gerald Albright is currently blowing up the charts with his EP G-Stream 2 and Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 30 singles Eddie's Groove and G-Wiggle. His albums, such as "Sax for Stax" and "Live to Love," have established him as one of the top Smooth Jazz artists of our time. Gerald also has a daughter, Selina Albright who he collaborated with on the amazing song Let Go.
Video: G-Wiggle
You've might've heard of Norman Brown, one of the most popular Smooth Jazz guitarists in the world. In 2003, Norman Brown earned a Grammy for the album "Just Chillin" and was nominated again in 2013 for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Norman's style is rooted firmly in Black American musical tradition and often blurs the lines between RnB, Jazz, Blues, and Soul. If you like Smooth Jazz that's refined but not diluted like a majority of Smooth Jazz bands then Norman will have something for you.
His latest album Let's Get Away (2022) charted on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums List at number 8 and is currently number 19 on the Smooth Jazz 100. Since 1992, Norman has been working with some the biggest names in music such as Stevie Wonder, Norman Connors, George Benson, and more. His passionate composer, songwriter, and singer which is evident in his silly singing and smooth guitar.
In addition to his solo career, he is a part of BWB...a jazz band named after their initials: Rick Braun-Kirk Whalum-Norman Brown.
Video: Up 'N' At 'Em
Althea Rene is an American flutist out of Motor City aka Detroit, Michigan. She made history in 2013 with her debut album "In the Flow" which was the first flute featured single to be ranked "number one" on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts. Althea's flute playing is extremely smooth and warm and is paired with compositions that pull a lot from RnB, Jazz, Soul, and other Black American musical genres. She's is the perfect listen for those who like the refined nature of Smooth Jazz without wanting to compromise on soul and rhythm.
She is currently touring the country playing tracks from her latest album Pastel Leather which is currently #56 on the Smooth Jazz 100. If you're looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next relaxing evening, look no further than Althea Rene.
Video: Sunday Cruise
Kim Waters is wildly popular in the music industry and considered one of the best smooth jazz musicians and saxophone players in the industry today. His latest album That Special Touch recently hit the Smooth Jazz Top 100 Album Chart and continues to solidify his standing in the genre. From a musical perspective, Kim Waters is firmly planted on the Adult Contemporary/Instrumental RnB side of the house and is ideal for the listener that likes their Smooth Jazz "extra smooth".
His expansive discography offers something for everyone, ranging from uptempo party grooves to laidback, soulful ballads. For anyone that loves Smooth Jazz or is looking to get into it Kim Waters is an absolute must-listen. If you're a fan of Kim be sure to give his daughter and pianist Kayla Waters a listen. She put herself on the map with her debut album Coevolve and continues to put out work that pushes forth the Waters name.
Video: I Love My Girl
Paul Taylor is an American Jazz saxophonist born in Denver, CO and based out Las Vegas, NV. Taylor's career spans over two decades and includes 12 albums, all of which have been highly acclaimed. Paul has had multiple #1 Billboard hits starting with his album Ladies Choice which was released in 2007. Paul Taylor style varies as he can give you hip tracks like Dream Come True, Smooth Jazz/Pop hybrids like Push to Start, or songs like The Face of You that are a fusion of multiple genres. Paul Taylor is for the listener that likes a variety of styles within the genre.
His latest album "And Now This" sees Taylor expanding outside of his comfort zone with a much different and more evolved sound. The album is currently #7 on the Smooth Jazz Top 100 and must listen!
Video: Nightlife
The Braxton Brothers also known as the "funky twins of Smooth Jazz" are a Billboard-charting Bass and Sax Jazz duo hailing from San Francisco, CA. What makes these two the cream of the crop in Smooth Jazz is the fact that they are so versatile. You'll get an upbeat Smooth Jazz staple such as Catalina Nights and the next a romantic groove like "I'll Be Here". The same versatility makes it easy to pair their music to any moment of your life.
Video: Catalina Nights
Blair Bryant is a multi-instrumentalist from Kansas City, MO. who is notable for is his impressive Bass skills...and leggings. Bryant's music alternates between Smooth and Funky depending on which album of his you're listening to. 2018's Cerulean Blue will give you Very Smooth cuts like "Hurricane" and "Fukushima Tears" while 2022's Red Tiger will give you upbeat grooves like "B's Bounce" and "Girls in the Back".
Bryant's music is the perfect soundtrack to a fun commute or a relaxing day around the house, the beach, or the park. He makes feel good music that is sure to take your good mood to the next level.
Video: B's Bounce
We hope this list helped you identify some of the best musicians and their most popular songs in the industry today. Now we would like to hear from you! Who you believe is the greatest smooth jazz musician on this list and what is their best jazz album?
While terms like Cool Jazz and Urban Jazz are used in the industry we do not account for them as they are more arbitrary and loosely defined. For more detail check out our Smoothness Scale article.
If you like Smooth Jazz make sure you check out our list of Relaxing Jazz Music to add to your playlist. In addition, Smooth Jazz is sometimes called Contemporary Jazz which can sometimes blur the line between Smooth and modern Traditional Jazz.
Kim Scott
Kim Scott is a Smooth Jazz flutist and singer hailing from Birmingham, AL. She has earned multiple #1 charting albums and singles on Billboard and continues to make a name for herself due her skillful flute work. Kim's music is upbeat, fun, and spunky. Her rendition of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean from the album Southern Heat truly exemplifies how fun, energetic and soulful her music can be. But not only is she an expert flutist, you can hear her amazing vocals on tracks such as "It's Your Time" and "Something Better".
Scott is for the listener looking for smoothness while also wanting to get up out of their seat. Her latest album Shine! has been extremely successful with the title track being named Billboard's Song of the Year for 2022. In addition to music, Kim hosts the Block Party Radio Show airing every Sunday.
Gerald Albright
Gerald Albright is an iconic saxophone player who has released 20 albums and won a variety of awards, including 9 Grammy nominations. What makes Gerald Albright such a staple in the genre is his ability to blend funk, soul, r&b, and pop into something that is new and fun. His rendition of Champagne Life on his album 24/7 in collaboration with Norman Brown is testament to how he is able to blend the Smooth Jazz and RnB worlds effortlessly.
Gerald Albright is currently blowing up the charts with his EP G-Stream 2 and Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 30 singles Eddie's Groove and G-Wiggle. His albums, such as "Sax for Stax" and "Live to Love," have established him as one of the top Smooth Jazz artists of our time. Gerald also has a daughter, Selina Albright who he collaborated with on the amazing song Let Go.
Video: G-Wiggle
Norman Brown
You've might've heard of Norman Brown, one of the most popular Smooth Jazz guitarists in the world. In 2003, Norman Brown earned a Grammy for the album "Just Chillin" and was nominated again in 2013 for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Norman's style is rooted firmly in Black American musical tradition and often blurs the lines between RnB, Jazz, Blues, and Soul. If you like Smooth Jazz that's refined but not diluted like a majority of Smooth Jazz bands then Norman will have something for you.
His latest album Let's Get Away (2022) charted on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums List at number 8 and is currently number 19 on the Smooth Jazz 100. Since 1992, Norman has been working with some the biggest names in music such as Stevie Wonder, Norman Connors, George Benson, and more. His passionate composer, songwriter, and singer which is evident in his silly singing and smooth guitar.
In addition to his solo career, he is a part of BWB...a jazz band named after their initials: Rick Braun-Kirk Whalum-Norman Brown.
Video: Up 'N' At 'Em
Althea Rene
Althea Rene is an American flutist out of Motor City aka Detroit, Michigan. She made history in 2013 with her debut album "In the Flow" which was the first flute featured single to be ranked "number one" on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts. Althea's flute playing is extremely smooth and warm and is paired with compositions that pull a lot from RnB, Jazz, Soul, and other Black American musical genres. She's is the perfect listen for those who like the refined nature of Smooth Jazz without wanting to compromise on soul and rhythm.
She is currently touring the country playing tracks from her latest album Pastel Leather which is currently #56 on the Smooth Jazz 100. If you're looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next relaxing evening, look no further than Althea Rene.
Video: Sunday Cruise
Kim Waters
Kim Waters is wildly popular in the music industry and considered one of the best smooth jazz musicians and saxophone players in the industry today. His latest album That Special Touch recently hit the Smooth Jazz Top 100 Album Chart and continues to solidify his standing in the genre. From a musical perspective, Kim Waters is firmly planted on the Adult Contemporary/Instrumental RnB side of the house and is ideal for the listener that likes their Smooth Jazz "extra smooth".
His expansive discography offers something for everyone, ranging from uptempo party grooves to laidback, soulful ballads. For anyone that loves Smooth Jazz or is looking to get into it Kim Waters is an absolute must-listen. If you're a fan of Kim be sure to give his daughter and pianist Kayla Waters a listen. She put herself on the map with her debut album Coevolve and continues to put out work that pushes forth the Waters name.
Video: I Love My Girl
Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor is an American Jazz saxophonist born in Denver, CO and based out Las Vegas, NV. Taylor's career spans over two decades and includes 12 albums, all of which have been highly acclaimed. Paul has had multiple #1 Billboard hits starting with his album Ladies Choice which was released in 2007. Paul Taylor style varies as he can give you hip tracks like Dream Come True, Smooth Jazz/Pop hybrids like Push to Start, or songs like The Face of You that are a fusion of multiple genres. Paul Taylor is for the listener that likes a variety of styles within the genre.
His latest album "And Now This" sees Taylor expanding outside of his comfort zone with a much different and more evolved sound. The album is currently #7 on the Smooth Jazz Top 100 and must listen!
Video: Nightlife
The Braxton Brothers
Video: Catalina Nights
Blair Bryant
Bryant's music is the perfect soundtrack to a fun commute or a relaxing day around the house, the beach, or the park. He makes feel good music that is sure to take your good mood to the next level.
Video: B's Bounce
Honorable Mentions
If we truly mentioned all of the best smooth jazz artists and smooth jazz bands the list would go on in-perpetuity. However here are some honorable mentions who are widely popular musicians and continue to push Smooth Jazz forward.- Skinny Hightower
- Lin Rountree
- Nate Myers IV
- Vandell Andrew
It's All Boils Down to What You Like
In the end, music is subjective and not everyone is going to like Traditional Jazz Music, Smooth Jazz, or the Contemporary Jazz genre. When we go beyond the tired arguments about it being background music or it being a commercial subgenre of RnB we can see it for what it is, very good music. Like every other genre, there are smooth jazz band and artists that push the music forward and other that want to double down on why it's called smooth.We hope this list helped you identify some of the best musicians and their most popular songs in the industry today. Now we would like to hear from you! Who you believe is the greatest smooth jazz musician on this list and what is their best jazz album?
Smoothness Scale Explanation
The Smoothness Scale was developed to help fans navigate the expansive Smooth Jazz genre. To accomplish this, we have arranged the genre into 3 distinct categories: Smooth, Very Smooth, and Extremely Smooth. For perspective, Smooth Jazz is closer to Jazz Fusion and Jazz Funk while Extremely Smooth is closer to Instrumental Pop Music.While terms like Cool Jazz and Urban Jazz are used in the industry we do not account for them as they are more arbitrary and loosely defined. For more detail check out our Smoothness Scale article.
If you like Smooth Jazz make sure you check out our list of Relaxing Jazz Music to add to your playlist. In addition, Smooth Jazz is sometimes called Contemporary Jazz which can sometimes blur the line between Smooth and modern Traditional Jazz.
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