TRANSCRIPT 🔗
Announcer 0:00
From the KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV, this is the smoothest countdown in America. This is the weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black.
Speaker 1 0:15
Welcome in. Whether you're relaxing at home, out on the road, or spending time with someone special, I'm glad we're all together. We've got the top 20 smooth jazz songs in America. Two hours of incredible music and plenty of good vibes ahead. And kicking off our countdown in number 20 is a familiar favorite that's already enjoyed the view from the very top. This Berkeley-trained keyboardist, composer, and three-time platinum producer has made his mark on both sides of the Atlantic with a resume that includes performing with Brian McKnight and with a Grammy-winning saxophonist adding his unmistakable touch. This former number one still has plenty of sparkle left. It's your number 20, Jolanda by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalen.
Announcer 5:11
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd Smooth Jazz Countdown number 19.
Speaker 1 9:30
That smooth spin. What's your number 19 song? Doing everything with you by trumpeter Rick Braun. Big love to our radio partners across America for sharing the weekend smooth jazz countdown with you each week. If you missed a show, our commercial pre podcast is always waiting on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown and be sure to tell us where you're tuning in from. We'd love to hear from you. Steady planted at number 18 for two weeks is a guitarist, composer, and producer who spent decades carving out his own lane in contemporary jazz. A Birmingham, Alabama native, this guitarist brings together jazz, soul, and Southern musical influences with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller, it's your number 18, Streets of Gold by guitarist Eric Essex.
Announcer 14:04
Weekend smooth number 17.
Speaker 1 18:04
Finishing off that track was your number 17 song, "Yes Sir" by keyboardist Ali Silk, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. The cards are still in play, the good vibes are flowing, and there's plenty of musical magic left at the table. So let's see who's holding the next winning hand at number 16. From the jazz bands of South Florida to stages across the country, this saxophonist has been turning heads since his teenage years, earning first chair honors in Florida's all-state jazz band, and now he's serving up a little musical stress relief. No prescription necessary. Up another spot, it's your number 16 chill pill by saxophonist Philip Doc Marten. You just experience our number 16 song, "Chill Pill, by saxophonist Philip Doc Marten. Now let's shine the spotlight on a saxophonist waiting just outside the countdown at the Velvet Rope at number 21, but he's still not on the list. He's a soulful saxophonist who's built a musical world of his own, surrounding himself with some impressive talent along the way, his smooth, expressive sound
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is rooted in the elegance of George Howard and Grover Washington Jr. but infused with R&B, funk, and gospel grooves. Here's "Never Go Away" by saxophonist D.
Speaker 2 23:00
Lucas. looking. The
Announcer 27:09
weekend smooth jazz countdown. The top 15 are next. No need to spin the wheel. We've got the sure thing. The weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black resumes now.
Speaker 1 27:28
Welcome back. The countdown is heating up as we enter the top 15, where every position is earned, the competition is fierce, and the race to the winner's circle is officially on and making her move as we step into the top 15 from theatrical stage to concert halls around the world. This powerhouse vocalist has built a career that commands attention. A Soul Train Award winner with four top 10 jazz albums, she's captivated audiences in more than 20 countries, and with a voice that can whisper sophistication or unleash pure soul, she's up one more spot this week. It's your number 15. Everything is fine by vocalist Nicole Henry.
Speaker 3 28:26
I am feeling like my world is not the same. Feeling like I'm ready for the change. Feel a connection to this thing I can't explain. My heart is open wide. Each night I close my eyes, ask the moon and stars for a sight, and my desire. I came upon this miracle that's mine. When you walked into my life, sunshine's peeking out when you're around, everything is fine. Everything is fine, baby. When you circle rose in the air when you're on my mind, everything is fine. Open to this love that's made for me. Opened and I'm ready to receive. Hoping to match the feeling. That you give to me, you make me feel alive each night. I close my eyes as the moon and scars for a sight, and by design I came upon this miracle that's mine when you walked into my lane. Sunshine's peeking out in your hometown, everything is fine. Honey's honey, circle roams in the air when you're on my mind. Everything is fine. Everything is mine. I'm floating in the clouds way up high, and I'm growing like the rainbow in the sky, and you're the reason. I'll sometimes begin now when you're around. Everything is fine. Yeah, baby, honey, son, go booms in the air with ghosts on my mind. Everything fine, everything is fine. Oh, everything is fine. Everything'll come. thing he does is magic. Every little thing he does, it turns, it turns, it turns, it turns me off. Turns, it turns, it turns, it turns me on. Everything and everything.
Announcer 32:28
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd Smooth Jazz Countdown number 14.
Speaker 4 33:01
Of people you meet, all the places you'll see in this whole wide world, you'll be bound to meet those who disagree, but who? who's to say at the end of the day? Whether all that you have weathered once were fed or in vain, if you listen to the doubts you got get stuck in your head, you will lose it in the moment if you forget. What is meant be for me for thee? When I'm around, oh, every place that I go, I do my best to take it. All the different people and the ways that they live, girls. Who's to say at the end of the day? Weather off that you have, whether it was worth it or in vain, if you listen to the doubts you got get stuck in your head, you will lose it in the moment if you only gain what is meant for beef will be. We'll bear on that, but um, that'd be a little bit better. What is meant to be? Oh yeah, for you. Oh yeah, I
Speaker 2 35:55
love you.
Speaker 4 36:03
Who's to say at the end of the day, whether or not you have weathered with it or in vain? If you listen to the doubts you never get to, you will lose it in the moment if you forget to forget.
Speaker 1 36:30
We just checked out our number 14 song, "What Is Meant to Be" by vocalist Lindsey Webster, and now sliding into the lucky number 13 spot this week is a vocalist who first captured international attention as a featured voice with British jazz funk collective Incognito, a Grammy-nominated vocalist who went on to build a remarkable solo career spanning more than three decades, blending jazz, soul, and R&B with the warmth and sophistication, and this time guitarist JJ San Severino joins the ride. She's up two more spots to your number 13. Here's Street Life by vocalist Mesa.
Speaker 5 37:30
Street high. I play the street high 'cause there's no place I can go. Street life-it's the only life I know. Street life-there's 1000 cards to play. Street life-until you play your life away. Let the people see just who you wanna be, and every night you shine just like a superstar. The time for life has made a tempting masquerade. You dress, you walk, you talk. You're who you think you are. Street life, you can run away from time. Street life for a nickel or a dime, street life. But you better not get old, street high. Oh, you're gonna feel the cold. There's always love for sale, a grown-up fairy tale. Prince Charming always smiles behind a silver spoon, and if you keep it young, your song is always sung. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon.
Speaker 2 38:57
Streetlight, streetlight, streetlight, street. line.
Speaker 5 39:28
Streetlight. Street high. You let the people see just who you wanna be, and every night you shine just like a superstar. The time behind us played a tempting masquerade. You dressed, you walk, you talk. You're who you think you are. Street life, you can run away from time straight time for a nickel or a dime straight line, but you better not get home straight time or you're gonna feel the cold. There's always love for sale, a grown-up fairy tale. Prince Charming always smiles behind a silver spoon, and if you came back young, your song is always sung. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon. Straight line, straight line, straight. line, straight line.
Announcer 41:33
Weekend smooth number 12.
Speaker 1 45:19
Closing out that selection was her number 12 song and up eight more spots this week.
Storybook by saxophonist Bony James. Just outside the top 10 is a remarkable talent who doesn't believe in limiting herself to just one instrument. A gifted saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, and songwriter, she's built a career blending jazz, funk, and soul with musical versatility that keeps audiences coming back for more. And whether she's singing or letting her saxophone do the talking, she knows how to make every note count. It's your number 11, right on time. My saxophonist Paula Atherton. Before we step into the top 10, we pause the countdown spotlight for a special moment with one of music's most captivating voices. It's time for a dose of jazz magic.
Announcer 49:53
Headlining artist,
Speaker 1 49:54
the marquee lights are shining a little brighter as we roll out the red carpet for. A remarkable young talent. Some artists spend a lifetime discovering their voice, but this young lady seemed to know hers from the very beginning. Raised in Arkansas, she released her debut album as a teenager, drawing inspiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, and Erykah Badu, a gifted songwriter with an old soul, she blends jazz, R&B, and contemporary soul into something beautifully personal. And here's a little musical connection. This selection was co-written and produced by smooth jazz hitmaker Nicholas Cole. Here's the way by vocalist Katie Waters.
Speaker 2 51:00
Shutting it down, won't fail to sound whole wide. Living in this moment with you, and I hope it never ends. Let's get it to Christ. Knowing what you feel, I love the way. No way, the way you make.
Speaker 6 51:57
Grooving up the sky, let it all go flying high. Can touch the stars if we want to. New York, new mood, boy, got you moving too high. All right,
Speaker 2 52:16
let's go when we shoot. I love the way you do. Don't don't shine through, don't be afraid. Always makes you feel knowing what you feel. Show it away, away, do it away, and do it. I'm in love with this feeling, Dave. I can't let it go 'cause I don't mind losing. So with the way the way to do it away and do it, who is We do the way we do so in the way. We do the way we do the way we do the way we do the way we do that.
Announcer 54:11
weekend smooth jazz countdown. The top 10 are next from the land of neon nights and jazz lights, we're back to the weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black.
Speaker 1 54:28
Welcome back. Hour two is in full swing, and we've officially arrived at the top 10, where every song is a contender, every moment carries a little more excitement, and the race to number one is on. And leading the charge is a chart-topping guitarist, producer, and songwriter whose electrifying performances have helped him build a loyal following in sellout shows across the country. With a string of number one hits to his credit. He knows a thing or two about making a winning move, and this time he's bringing saxophonist Jeff Ryan along for the ride. It's your number 10 power move by guitarist Dr. Adam Hawley.
Announcer 59:21
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown, number nine.
Speaker 1 1:03:14
That smooth spin was your number nine song, "65 Bounce, by saxophonist Walter Beasley. Big appreciation to our wonderful radio partners from coast to coast who bring the weekend smooth jazz to you each week. And wherever you're listening, we're glad you're along for the ride. Missed a little bit of the magic? Our commercial-free podcast is just a click away on Spotify, YouTube, and more. Simply search "Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown" and thanks for making us part of your weekend. Some musicians are content staying in the rhythm section. This talented bassist has bigger plans. A composer, producer, and founding member of the contemporary jazz group the JT Project, he's built a reputation for creating grooves that are just as memorable as the melodies, and this week he's delivering a little bundle of musical joy. It's your number eight. It's a boy by bassist Jacob Webb.
Announcer 1:07:51
Weekend smooth number seven.
Speaker 1 1:11:16
You just vibe with our number seven song, Sympantico, by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. When this powerhouse flutist steps into the spotlight, you can bet things are about to heat up. A former Detroit police officer who traded in her badge for a full-time career in music, she made history as the first Flutist to top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, and she's proven that fire still burns bright, making a four-spot leap this week with Ryan Lavalette adding his signature groove, rolling into our number six spot. Here's El Fuego by Flutist Althea Rene, featuring multi instrumentalist Ryan Lavallette. Sounding great was your number six song, El Fuego, by Flutist Althea Rene, featuring multi instrumentalist Ryan Lavalette. Now taking center stage is our highlight of the week,
Announcer 1:16:20
vintage smooth.
Speaker 1 1:16:21
Roll out the red carpet, turn up the Las Vegas lights, and save a little extra sparkle for this one. Some musicians become household names; others help create the sound that makes those names legendary. This extraordinary keyboardist has worked with everyone from Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder to Miles Davis and Frankie Beverly's Mays, he even spent four years bringing his musical magic to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. And here's a little jazz history: While touring Scandinavia with Randy Crawford in the 80s, a young saxophonist joked about skipping meals to save money. This keyboardist teas that he'd get so skinny they'd have to call him Bony James. Well, the nickname stuck, and the rest is smooth jazz history. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week is a true musical legend. Here's the 2009 release of Sidekicking by keyboardist Wayne Lindsay. The
Announcer 1:23:18
weekend smooth jazz countdown. The top five are next, where the sax is so smooth and the stakes are high. Back to the weekend
smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black,
Speaker 1 1:23:36
and just like that, welcome to the high roller table. The top five. There are five tracks that remain all smooth, all strong, and everybody at this table brought their A game and taken a seat at our high roller table this week. And up one more spot is trumpeter, composer, and producer, whose smooth melodic approach is quickly making him a name to watch. He brings a fresh voice to contemporary jazz, but on this track, he's sharing the payment with one of genre's biggest stars, nine-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Cause. It's your number five, "Skate On" by trumpeter Evan Taylor.
Announcer 1:28:21
Weekend smooth. number four.
Speaker 1 1:32:35
Smoothly positioned was our number four song, "The Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge groove. The lights are shining a little brighter as we arrive at your number three. Some musicians make their mark in the spotlight, where others help create the magic behind it. Born in Minneapolis, this extraordinary bassist, drummer, and producer has shared his talents with impressive circle of legends, including the O.J.'s, Seal, Freddie Jackson, and Will Downing. His musical fingerprints stretch across decades of soul funk and R&B. And now, with a little romance in the title and plenty of groove in the music, he's holding strong among America's finest. It's your number three. She said yes. By basis, Hubert Ives the fourth. A powerful showing in the number three slot. She said yes by bassist Hubert Ives the fourth, and sitting just one step away from the crown is your number two. From driving tractors and feeding sheep on a farm in England to becoming one of contemporary jazz's most celebrated guitarists, his journey is quite a story. Classically trained from the age of six, he earned eight number one Billboard hits and more than 15 top 10 singles. And here's something personal: his latest music draws inspiration from childhood memories and the family he grew up with. Sometimes the sweetest melodies take us right back home. It's your number two, all the good times, by guitarist Chris Stanring. That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, "All the Good Times" by guitarist Chris Stanring. And now the moment we've all been waiting for.
Announcer 1:42:38
All bets are in. It's time for this week's number one song. The
Speaker 1 1:42:44
lights have dimmed. The Las Vegas skyline is sparkling, and the spotlight is shining on a brand new number one song in America. Her musical journey began in a small Georgia town, sharing a piano bench with her grandmother, who had lost an arm to cancer? Grandma played the bass notes with her left hand while teaching her young granddaughter the melody with her right. From those precious moments came an extraordinary career: an Emmy nomination for television composition, international performances, and a multi-billboard number one hits, and now with Grammy-winning producer and guitarist Paul Brown helping bring her vision to life, she's reached the summit once again. It's the number one song, "Coast to Coast: Vertical Horizon" by keyboardist Carol Albert. Landing in the winter. circle at number one this week, Vertical Horizon by keyboardist Carol Albert. The weekend smooth jazz countdown was recorded at the KUMV Studios, produced by Jason Beatty. Chart data provided by MediaBase. Your playlist, your countdown, and your host Pamela Black. Let's keep the conversation going. Find me on Facebook at Pamela Black and on Instagram at Pamela's Place. Come say hello. Tell me where you're listening from, and let me know what songs caught your ear this week. And a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary artists who filled our time together with beautiful music. To our wonderful radio partners, and especially you, for making us part of your weekend. Your love for this music is what brings us all together, from Las Vegas to wherever you're listening. I'm so grateful we shared this time together. And before we close the curtains and waiting in the wings is a voice that blends soulful, warm R&B flavor and a whole lot of personality. This singer-songwriter knows how to make a melody of her own, and judging by the title, she's not letting anyone tell her what can't be done. This week's safe bet, now sitting at number 22, is knocking on the door of the countdown. Here's Impossible by vocalist Tanya Nolan from the host who loves you the most. Mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week, take care.
Speaker 7 1:48:58
Up the mountain home, right away. I couldn't sing all that long, baby. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. You say, up the mountain home, right away. I couldn't sing all that long, baby. I'm about to show that I'm here tonight. We gon do this always with you here by my side. I'm opening up all my doors. Come on in, it's all you want. I'm just in my heart, darling. Trust in you in my heart. Impossible, you said. I've been running home right away. I've been staying all along. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. Impossible. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. In class. In class. It's okay. We gon' do this our way. I'm gonna be blessing my life with you here by my side. I wanna. up all my toes. Come on in, it's all you. I'm just you in my heart, just in you in my heart. Impossible use. I'm coming home for a holiday. Sing all along. I'm about to show that I'm keen to be safe. I'm about to show that I'm easy to be safe.
Announcer 1:52:17
The weekend smooth jazz Countdown.
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