From the bay around San Francisco, the new indie album by The Smooth Jazz Alley reaches me. This band consists of keyboard player & producer Marco Montoya, drummer & producer Kevin Lewis and saxophonist Otoe Mori.

TSJA was originally founded by Marco Montoya with guitarist Stan Evans. Together they wrote and produced their debut album 'Been A Long Time Comin' in 2016. The following year Stan left the project and Kevin joined.

Their introduction was through contemporary jazz guitarist Joel Del Rosario. Kevin then suggested that some known guest artists would contribute to new tracks. Many conversations and studio sessions later, Marco asked Kevin to officially join TSJA, and the rest is history.

Guest artists Chieli Minucci, Andy Snitzer, Roberto Vally, Eric Marienthal, Joel Del Rosario, Greg Vail, Lebron Dennis, Carlyle Barriteau, Carmen Grillo, etc. were also present on their second album 'Let's Ride'.

In 2020, Marco and Kevin requested that saxophonist Otoe Mori officially join, which she did. Last year their first collaboration was the single 'Deep Into You', which featured contemporary jazz guitarist Aaron Blake. This was the impetus for this new EP.

It contains 6 very nice tracks, starting with the “feel good” title track, with the famous Chris Camozzi on lead & backing guitar. That song is currently doing well on the radio stations. This is followed by the aforementioned single 'Deep Into You' with Blake Aaron on lead guitar, just as beautiful.

Saxophonist & flutist Jessy J makes an appearance on the swinging 'Brisa Del Mar' and together with guitarist Marc Antoine they turn it into a Latin party. 'Whatever You Like' is a soft, romantic mid-tempo song with guest bassist Nathan East, after which saxophonist Jeff Ryan joins in for the atmospheric 'Here I Am'. The Japanese saxophonist WaKaNa makes an appearance on the closing track 'Party', a danceable funky track, which she composed herself.

A lot of these 6 tracks were written during the pandemic, but they all have their own special meaning. Four of them were produced by Matt Godina, and the other 2 by Marco Montoya. Its style can best be described as a mix between jazz, R&B, soul and funk. TSJA is currently working on the next EP.

In the meantime, enjoy this superb music! I'm glad I discovered them!



 
   
  

 

Tracks:

Here’s The Thing

Deep Into You

Brisa Del Mar

Whatever You Like

Here I Am

Party


The Smooth Jazz Alley