RIBS: Smooth Jazz Cruzin’-Vol 1…

Sometimes it’s good to be not too fast and not too slow.
Times like that call for some nice mid-tempo Smooth Jazz…

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. Barry’s Love, Pt. 1 – Love Unlimited Orchestra/Barry White [White Gold]
  2. Barry’s Love, Pt. 2 – Love Unlimited Orchestra/Barry White [White Gold]
  3. No Sooner Said Than Done – George Benson [Bad Benson]
  4. Angel In Paris – Jeff Lorber [Flipside]
  5. Bliss – Cindy Bradley [Bliss]
  6. Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) – Noel Pointer [Hold On]
  7. Happy Feelings – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute To Frankie Beverly and Maze]
  8. People Make The World Go Round – Bob Baldwin [Cool Breeze]
  9. And Then There Was The Blues – Crusaders [Those Southern Knights]
  10. What Are We Gonna Do – Hubert Laws [Romeo & Juliet]
  11. RIBS Promo: “Smooth, Silky, Satin” – TGrundy
  12. First Light – Freddie Hubbard [First Light]
  13. A Secret Place – Grover Washington, Jr. [A Secret Place]
  14. One Wish – Hiroshima [Another Place]
  15. 101 Eastbound – Fourplay [Fourplay]
  16. In The Mood – Gerald Albright [Bermuda Nights]
  17. RIBS Promo: CBranch RIBS Drop – Calandra Branch
  18. Soul Shadows – Joe Sample [Soul Shadows]
  19. Knikkie’s Smile – Pieces Of A Dream [Pieces]
  20. Affair In San Miguel – Rippingtons [Welcome To The St. James’ Club]
  21. The Best Is Yet To Come – Grover Washington, Jr. [The Best Is Yet To Come]
  22. Angelina – Earl Klugh [Earl Klugh]
  23. Let Me Put Love On Your Mind – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute To Con Funk Shun]
  24. Close To You – Brian Culbertson [After Hours]
  25. Golden Time Of Day – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute To Frankie Beverly and Maze]

Right-click the word “Download” underneath the audio player, then select ‘Save Link As’ (or ‘Save Link’) in the menu that displays to download the .MP3 file to your computer, phone or tablet.

RIBS Xmas: A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas 2-2022

This is the 2nd volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas” collection.

Volume II in the RIBS “Soulful & Jazzy” Christmas Collection…

This mix features selections from the following artists:
Con Funk Shun, Kirk Whalum, Stephanie Mills, Wynton Marsalis, Vanessa Williams, Jon Batiste, Kem, Stanley Clarke/George Duke/Everette Harp, Straight No Chaser, Boney James, Donny & Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Jeanette Harris, The Whispers, Michael Franks, Natalie Cole, Brian Bromberg, The Braxtons, Andreas Vollenweider, Ty Causey, Fourplay, Freddie Jackson, India Arie & Joe Sample, Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin, and Gladys Knight & The Pips.

“Season’s Greetings”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro – TGrundy
  2. Christmas Kind Of Day – Con Funk Shun [Home For Christmas]
  3. How Does Christmas Sound? – Kirk Whalum [How Does Christmas Sound?]
  4. Christmas With You – Stephanie Mills [Christmas]
  5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Wynton Marsalis [Christmas Jazz Jam]
  6. Hark The Herald Angels Sing – Vanessa Williams [Star Bright]
  7. Winter Wonderland (ft. Jason Marsalis) – Jon Batiste [Christmas With Jon Batiste]
  8. Be Mine For Christmas – Kem [What Christmas Means]
  9. O Tannenbaum – Stanley Clarke/George Duke/Everette Harp [Jazz To The World]
  10. What Christmas Means – Straight No Chaser [Social Christmasing]
  11. The First Noel (ft. Rick Braun) – Boney James [Christmas Present]
  12. This Christmas (Duet) – Donny & Lalah Hathaway [Single]
  13. RIBS Promo: “Smooth, Silky, Satin” – TGrundy
  14. Skating – Boney James [Christmas Present]
  15. 1St Snowfall – Mint Condition [Healing Season]
  16. Angels We Have Heard On High – Jeanette Harris [Smooth Holiday Greetings]
  17. It’s Almost Christmas – The Whispers [Christmas Moments]
  18. Said The Snowflake – Michael Franks [Watching The Snow]
  19. Carol Of The Bells – Natalie Cole [The Magic Of Christmas]
  20. Let It Snow (ft. Maysa & Chris Walker) – Brian Bromberg [Celebrate Me Home: The Holiday Sessions]
  21. O Holy Night (A Cappella) – The Braxtons [Braxton Family Christmas]
  22. What Child Is This – Andreas Vollenweider [Midnight Clear]
  23. Treasure For Life – Ty Causey [Christmas Flow]
  24. Snowbound – Fourplay [Snowbound]
  25. One Wish – Freddie Jackson [At Christmas]
  26. Favorite Time Of Year (ft. Tori Kelly) – India.Arie & Joe Sample [Christmas With Friends]
  27. White Christmas – Lee Ritenour [A GRP Christmas Collection 1]
  28. Snow Globe – Straight No Chaser [Social Christmasing]
  29. Some Children See Him – Dave Grusin [A GRP Christmas Collection 1]
  30. Let There Be Peace On Earth (Let It Begin With Me) – Gladys Knight & The Pips [That Special Time Of Year]

Right-click the word “Download” underneath the audio player, then select ‘Save Link As’ (or ‘Save Link’) in the menu that displays to download the .MP3 file to your computer, phone or tablet.

RIBS: EJ Flavors – A Song For You…

Our friend, our mentor, our music “consigliere”, Eric Joseph (“EJ”) Flavors left us way too soon on October 2, 2022. His help, his kindness and most of all his generosity will be remembered forever. There are so many of us out here listening to music, discussing music, and/or blogging about music that have been influenced and guided by him. That’s why we called him, “The Sensei”. This is a mix with some of his favorite artists. EJ, this is a song(s) for you.

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. DROP: DJ Diva – “Hit ‘Em Sensei”
  2. INTRO: EJ Flavors – “Let’s Go!”
  3. Still A Friend Of Mine – Incognito [Positivity]
  4. Hangin’ On A String(Contemplating) – Loose Ends [A Little Spice]
  5. Call On Me – Workshy [Smile Again]
  6. Heart Like An Open Book – Michael Franks [Barefoot On The Beach]
  7. DROP: Macedonia – “At the feet of The Sensei”
  8. Simpatico – Maysa [Metamorphosis]
  9. Slow Down – Loose Ends [Zagora]
  10. Never Satisfied – Michael Franks [Passion Fruit]
  11. DROP: TGrundy – “Joe the DJ”
  12. A Song For You – Merry Clayton [Merry Clayton]
  13. Deep Waters – Incognito [Positivity]
  14. Hangin’ Downtown – Cameo [She’s Strange]
  15. Yours For The Taking – Workshy [The Golden Mile]
  16. Your Secret’s Safe With Me – Michael Franks [Skin Dive]
  17. DROP: EJ Flavors RIBS-1
  18. Help Is On The Way – The Whatnauts [Non-Album Single]
  19. Let`s Rock – Loose Ends [A Little Spice]
  20. All I Do – Maysa [Metamorphosis]
  21. Love Is The Colour – Incognito [Inside Life]
  22. Tell Me What You Want – Loose Ends [A Little Spice]
  23. You’ve Got Me Dancing – Windjammer [Windjammer]
  24. DROP: EJ Flavors – “Corn Liquor”
  25. One Bad Habit – Michael Franks [One Bad Habit]
  26. Centre Of The Sun – Incognito [No Time Like The Future]
  27. Heaven Sent – Workshy [Soul Love]
  28. Watching You – Loose Ends [The Real Chuckeeboo]
  29. One Hundred And Rising – Incognito [100° And Rising]
  30. Why Can’t We Be Lovers – Workshy [Soul Love]
  31. I Couldn’t Love You More – Incognito [Amplified Soul]
  32. DROP: TGrundy – “Do You Have Soul?”
  33. Outro: EJ Flavors – “Take It Light”
  34. Everybody Loves The Sunshine – Incognito [Bees + Things + Flowers]

RIBS: Memories of Al Jarreau, pt1-2020

One of my favorite male vocalists has and always will be Al Jarreau. Ever since the release of his debut album, “We Got By” in 1975, I’ve been listening to and enjoying his music regularly and often. Here is Part 1 of a two part exploration of his wonderful vocal stylings…

In this mix all selections are performed by Al Jarreau except where noted.

Playlist: (song [album])

  1. RIBS Intro: Taste of Music (short) – TGrundy
  2. Roof Garden [Breakin’ Away]  
  3. Pleasure [L Is For Lover] 
  4. Murphy’s Law [High Crime]    
  5. Distracted [This Time]    
  6. RIBS Promo #1 – Mr. Fresh
  7. Sweet Potato Pie [We Got By]    
  8. We Got By (ft. David Sanborn) [Tenderness]     
  9. My Old Friend [Breakin’ Away]   
  10. Somebody’s Watching You [Glow]     
  11. Tell Me What I Gotta Do [L Is For Lover]     
  12. Sure Enough – Al Jarreau & Randy Crawford [Casino Lights]     
  13. Take Five [Look To The Rainbow]   
  14. My Favorite Things (ft. Kathleen Battle) [Tenderness]  
  15. RIBS Promo: Locked Into Old School Soul – DarrenKeith
  16. Fire And Rain [Glow]    
  17. Summer Breeze – George Benson & Al Jarreau [Givin’ It Up]  
  18. Summer Breezin’ (ft. Gerald Albright) [My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke] 
  19. God Bless The Child – George Benson & Al Jarreau [Givin’ It Up]    
  20. Closer To Your Love [Breakin’ Away]    
  21. Rainbow In Your Eyes [Glow]   
  22. You Don’t See Me [We Got By]  
  23. Letter Perfect [We Got By]   
  24. Spirit [We Got By]   
  25. Agua De Beber [Glow]  
  26. Bring It On Home To Me – George Benson & Al Jarreau [Givin’ It Up]

RIBS: Journeys-The Places We’ve Been, pt2-2020

More “Life Is A Journey” theme music…

This mix features selections from the following artists: Rascal Flatts, Con Funk Shun, Donald Byrd, Phil Collins, John Klemmer, Keiko Matsui, Fourplay, Norman Connors, Phyllis Hyman, Will Downing, Earl Klugh, Bob James, Bobbi Humphrey, Lionel Richie, Joe Sample, Maze and Gil Scott-Heron.

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS8: So Good Echo  – TGrundy
  2. Life is A Highway – Rascal Flatts [Cars Soundtrack] 
  3. California 1 – Con Funk Shun [The Best Of Con Funk Shun]
  4. Places and Spaces – Donald Byrd [Places And Spaces]  
  5. Take Me Home – Phil Collins [No Jacket Required]    
  6. Journey’s End – John Klemmer [All The Children Cried]   
  7. Sense Of A Journey – Keiko Matsui [Wildflower]    
  8. East2West – Fourplay [Elixir]
  9. Romantic Journey – Norman Connors [Romantic Journey]    
  10. Meet Me On The Moon – Phyllis Hyman [Prime Of My Life]    
  11. Sailing On A Dream – Will Downing [Love’s The Place To Be]   
  12. Where I Wander – Earl Klugh and Bob James [Two Of A Kind]  
  13. The Journey – Earl Klugh [The Journey]
  14. Journey To Morocco – Bobbi Humphrey [Flute In]
  15. RIBS1a: Taste of Music (short) – TGrundy 
  16. I’m Coming Home – Lionel Richie [Coming Home] 
  17. The Road Less Traveled – Joe Sample [Ashes To Ashes] 
  18. Travelin’ Man – Maze [Golden Time Of Day]  
  19. Late Last Night – Gil Scott-Heron [1980]

RIBS: Journeys-The Places We’ve Been, pt1-2020

Was thinking about life, travels… journeys. “Life Is A Journey”, as the saying goes. An eclectic mix of songs that make me reflect on past travels, present pathways and future roads as we go stepping into tomorrow.

This mix features selections from the following artists: Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson, Tower Of Power, Minnie Riperton, Lakeside, Herbie Hancock, The Crusaders, The Isley Brothers, Bobbi Humphrey, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Dexter Wansel, Lionel Richie, Jan Hammer, Marvin Gaye, Norman Connors and Pat Metheny Group.

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Intro: Another Edition-2012 – TGrundy
  2. 95 South (All Of The Places We’ve Been – Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson [Bridges]
  3. Somewhere Down The Road – Tower Of Power [We Came To Play]
  4. Take A Little Trip – Minnie Riperton [Perfect Angel]
  5. Sailing – Lakeside [Party Patrol]
  6. Maiden Voyage – Herbie Hancock [Maiden Voyage]
  7. So Far Away – Crusaders [Crusaders 1]
  8. The Highways Of My Life – The Isley Brothers [3+3]
  9. The Trip – Bobbi Humphrey [Fancy Dancer]
  10. Take All The Time You Need – Roy Ayers Ubiquity [Mystic Voyage]
  11. RIBS3: aka “RIBS” – TGrundy 
  12. Journey To Love – Stanley Clarke [The Bass-Ic Collection]
  13. One Million Miles From The Ground – Dexter Wansel [Life On Mars]
  14. Wandering Stranger – Lionel Richie [Lionel Richie]
  15. Voyage Home – Jan Hammer [Beyond The Mind’s Eye]
  16. Mystic Voyage – Roy Ayers Ubiquity [Mystic Voyage]
  17. Where Are We Going? – Marvin Gaye [Let’s Get It On, Deluxe Edition]
  18. Destination Moon – Norman Connors [Romantic Journey]
  19. Last Train Home – Pat Metheny Group [The Road To You]

RIBS Xmas: A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas-2019

This is the 1st volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Soulful & Jazzy Christmas” collection.

This mix features selections from the following artists: The Dramatics, Chris Botti, Bunny Sigler, Brian Culbertson, Kem, Mike Frost Band, Patti LaBelle, Michael Franks, Straight No Chaser, Tex Beneke, Trey Lorenz, Ramsey Lewis, Shawn Lee, Ronee Martin, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Raiff Ellis, Dexter Gordon and Frank McComb.

“Season’s Greetings”…  Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro 2 – TGrundy
  2. The Golden Horn – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]
  3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Chris Botti [December]
  4. Little Drummer Boy – Bunny Sigler [When You’re In Love At Christmas Time]
  5. Deck The Halls – Brian Culbertson [A Soulful Christmas]
  6. Doo Wop Christmas (That’s What Christmas Is All About) – Kem [What Christmas Means]
  7. Carol Of The Bells – Mike Frost Band [Frosty Christmas]
  8. Reason For The Season – Patti LaBelle [This Christmas]
  9. Island Christmas (ft. Veronica Nunn) – Michael Franks [Watching The Snow]
  10. Hey Santa! – Straight No Chaser [Christmas Cheers]
  11. Sleigh Ride – Tex Beneke [A Jazz Christmas]
  12. RIBS3 – Aka “Ribs” – TGrundy
  13. My Younger Days – Trey Lorenz [12 Soulful Nights Of Christmas]
  14. Here Comes Santa Claus – Ramsey Lewis Trio [20th Century Masters: The Best Of Christmas Jazz Volume 1]
  15. Do You Hear What I Hear – Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra [A Very Ping Pong Christmas: Funky Treats From Santa’s Bag]
  16. Santa Baby – Ronee Martin [A MoJazz Christmas Vol.2]
  17. Jingle Bells – BeBe & CeCe Winans [First Christmas]
  18. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Raiff Ellis [A Jazzy Saxy Christmas]
  19. The Very Best Christmas – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]
  20. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Dexter Gordon [A Jazz Christmas]
  21. This Christmas (Jazz Version) – Frank Mccomb [A MoJazz Christmas Vol. 1]
  22. A Holiday Thought – Dramatics [A Dramatic Christmas (The Very Best Christmas Of All)]

RIBS Xmas: A Jazzy Christmas 3-2020

This is the third volume in the RIBS Xmas “A Jazzy Christmas” collection.

This mix features selections from the following artists: Duke Ellington, Ramsey Lewis, Kenny Burrell, Take 6, Stan Kenton, Joe Pass, Les McCann, Harry Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Shakatak, The Classical Jazz Quartet, Warren Wolf, Kirk Whalum, Geri Allen and Nancy Wilson.

“Happy Holidays”…  enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS Xmas Intro – TGrundy
  2. Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)  –  Duke Ellington Orchestra [The Nutcracker Suite]
  3. Here Comes Santa Claus – Ramsey Lewis Trio [Sound Of Christmas]
  4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Kenny Burrell [Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas]   
  5. Jingle Bells – Take 6 [Most Wonderful Time Of The Year]
  6. The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Stan Kenton [A Merry Christmas!]
  7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Joe Pass [Six String Santa]
  8. My Christmas Heart – Les McCann [A Time Les Christmas]
  9. Song For The Hopeful (ft. Kim Burr) –  Harry Connick, Jr. [What A Night! A Christmas Album]
  10. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer – Ramsey Lewis [More Sounds Of Christmas]
  11. White Christmas – Marcus Roberts Trio [Celebrating Christmas]
  12. I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Les McCann [A Time Les Christmas]
  13. Christmas Blues – Ramsey Lewis Trio [Sound Of Christmas]
  14. Christmas Time Again – Shakatak [The Christmas Album]
  15. Dance Of The Reeds (from “The Nutcracker”) – The Classical Jazz Quartet [Christmas]
  16. Sleigh Ride – Warren Wolf [Christmas Vibes]
  17. This Christmas – Kirk Whalum [More Of Everything is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway (EP)]
  18. We Three Kings – Harry Connick, Jr. [What A Night! A Christmas Album]
  19. Christmas For Moderns – Stan Kenton [A Merry Christmas!]
  20. Winter Wonderland – Joe Pass [Six String Santa]
  21. I Came Upon A Midnight Clear – Geri Allen [A Child Is Born]
  22. You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Warren Wolf [Christmas Vibes]
  23. Once In Royal David’s City – Stan Kenton [A Merry Christmas!]
  24. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! –  Nancy Wilson [A Nancy Wilson Christmas]

We Sing The Songs Of Bill Withers…

Here’s part 3 of the Rhythms In Black Satin “In Memoriam” remembrance of Bill Withers. This time around we take a look at the many different interpretations of Bill’s catalog as performed by a wide variety of artists.

Enjoy!

Playlist: (song – artist [album])

  1. RIBS: We Sing The Songs Of Bill Withers Intro – TGrundy
    music bed: “Lovely Day” by Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute to Bill Withers]
  2. Use Me/Ain’t No Sunshine – Straight No Chaser [Under The Influence]
  3. Kissing My Love – José James [Lean On Me]
  4. Harlem – Creative Source [Migration]
  5. Who Is She (And What Is She To You) – Gladys Knight and The Pips [‘Neither One Of Us]
  6. Heartbreak Road – Dionne Farris [First Wives Club OST]
  7. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh – Queen Latifah [The Dana Owens Album]
  8. World Keeps Going Around (ft. Ledisi) – Brian Culbertson [Bringing Back The Funk]
  9. Grandma’s Hands – Gil Scott-Heron [Reflections]
  10. RIBS: Music of Bill Withers Drop-2 – TGrundy
  11. Friend Of Mine – Sabrina Starke [Lean On Me, The Songs Of Bill Withers]
  12. I Wish You Well – Marcia Ball [Peace, Love & BBQ]
  13. I Don’t Know – Anthony David [Hello Like Before: The Songs of Bill Withers]
  14. Make Love To Your Mind – Checkmates, LTD. [Single Release]
  15. Paint Your Pretty Picture – Marlena Shaw [Elemental Soul]
  16. I Want To Spend The Night – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute to Bill Withers]
  17. Hello Like Before – Jon Lucien [Premonition]
  18. Let Me In Your Life – Creative Source [Creative Source]
  19. Just The Two Of Us – Marlena Shaw [Lookin’ For Love]
  20. Just The Two Of Us – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute to Bill Withers]
  21. Lovely Day – Robert Glasper Experiment [Black Radio 2 (Deluxe Edition)]
  22. RIBS: aka “RIBS” – TGrundy
  23. Lean On Me – Club Nouveau [Life, Love & Pain]
  24. I Can’t Write Left-Handed – Anthony David [Hello Like Before: The Songs of Bill Withers]
  25. Hope She’ll Be Happier – José James [Lean On Me]
  26. Better Off Dead – José James [Lean On Me]
  27. Soul Shadows – Smooth Jazz All Stars [Smooth Jazz Tribute to Bill Withers]
  28. Lonely Town, Lonely Street – Al Jarreau [Lonely Town, Lonely Street]
  29. RIBS: Music of Bill Withers Drop-2 – TGrundy
  30. Can We Pretend (ft. Tony Monrelle) – Reel People [Retroflection]
  31. Let Me Be The One – Syreeta [Syreeta (1980 Album)]
  32. You Just Can’t Smile It Away (ft. Kirk Whalum) – Will Downing [After Tonight]
  33. Ain’t No Sunshine – Grover Washington, Jr. [Inner City Blues]