Smooth Jazz Discover #283 brings together another carefully curated collection of contemporary Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, soul, funk and groove-oriented sounds from artists working across the international scene.

For this new episode, Santiago Fontenla has selected 16 tracks that reflect the diversity of today’s genre. The playlist moves comfortably between sophisticated saxophone-driven productions, urban grooves, soulful melodies, bass-focused performances and atmospheric Contemporary Jazz.

Rather than simply following the most familiar names in the format, Smooth Jazz Discover continues to explore music with character — introducing new artists, highlighting interesting collaborations and giving established musicians another opportunity to connect with an international audience.

A strong opening with Paul Hardcastle

The journey begins with “The Groove In You”, bringing together Paul Hardcastle Jr., Paul Hardcastle and Ryan La Valette. It is an ideal introduction to an episode built around polished production, rhythmic sophistication and contemporary Smooth Jazz sensibilities.

Art Sherrod Jr. follows with “Ray Rae’s Groove”, adding another strong dose of saxophone-led energy to the opening sequence.

Then comes Thammy Mduli with “Can We Talk”, introducing a soulful dimension before The Sahara Club and Michael Lington take the listener into “Lotta Love”, another collaboration that fits naturally into the modern Smooth Jazz landscape.

From “Vibes” to an Urban Rush

The fifth selection is “Vibes – Radio Single” by Michael Cates, a track with the concise, accessible character of a song designed to connect quickly with radio audiences.

Brian Clay keeps things relaxed with “Three Day Weekend”, while Barrio Jazz Gang shifts the atmosphere toward a more contemporary urban direction with “Urban Rush”.

The groove continues through DJ Jazzy D The GrooveMaster and “This Is the Real Thing”, reinforcing one of the central characteristics of this edition: rhythm remains at the heart of the experience.

Another notable collaboration arrives with Michael Fields Jr. and Karen Briggs, who join forces on “No Strings Attached”. The track adds another instrumental color to an already varied playlist.

Bass, melody and international perspectives

With “Amacord”, Frank Marino Bass brings the low end into focus, followed by Everett B. Walters and “8206”.

The energy rises again with Charles A. Kelly and “Move It”, a title that perfectly matches the track’s rhythmic role within the sequence.

At track number 13, Smooth Jazz Discover #283 travels to Budapest with Hungarian guitarist Patrik Dimak and “One Night In Budapest”. The song represents the increasingly international character of Contemporary Jazz and the importance of discovering musicians beyond the traditional centers of the genre.

The final stretch

Scott Yahney contributes “Jazz It Up”, keeping the momentum moving toward the final three selections.

One of the episode’s standout collaborations comes next: “Blue Lounge”, by Reza Hhan feat. Jeff Kashiwa & Brendan Rothwell. With three distinctive musicians involved, the track provides another example of the collaborative spirit that continues to shape modern Smooth Jazz.

The playlist concludes with “Golden Hour” from Mark Stephens — a fitting final chapter for an episode filled with sophisticated grooves, warm melodies and contemporary instrumental textures.

Smooth Jazz Discover #283 — Full Tracklist

1. The Groove In You — Paul Hardcastle Jr., Paul Hardcastle, Ryan La Valette
2. Ray Rae’s Groove — Art Sherrod Jr.
3. Can We Talk — Thammy Mduli
4. Lotta Love — The Sahara Club, Michael Lington
5. Vibes – Radio Single — Michael Cates
6. Three Day Weekend — Brian Clay
7. Urban Rush — Barrio Jazz Gang
8. This Is the Real Thing — DJ Jazzy D The GrooveMaster
9. No Strings Attached — Michael Fields Jr., Karen Briggs
10. Amacord — Frank Marino Bass
11. 8206 — Everett B. Walters
12. Move It — Charles A. Kelly
13. One Night In Budapest — Patrik Dimak
14. Jazz It Up — Scott Yahney
15. Blue Lounge — Reza Hhan feat. Jeff Kashiwa & Brendan Rothwell
16. Golden Hour — Mark Stephens

Discovering what comes next

What makes Smooth Jazz Discover different is not simply the number of tracks featured, but the idea behind the selection. Santiago Fontenla looks beyond the obvious choices to create a snapshot of what is happening across the international Smooth Jazz and Contemporary Jazz community.

With 16 tracks and 16 artists and collaborators, episode #283 offers a broad musical picture — from established figures such as Paul Hardcastle, Art Sherrod Jr., Michael Lington and Jeff Kashiwa to artists whose music deserves wider international exposure.

And the reach extends well beyond the program itself. The music featured through Santiago Fontenla’s Smooth Jazz network is heard across 75 affiliated radio stations, helping these productions reach listeners throughout Spain, Latin America and beyond.

Smooth Jazz Discover #283 is another invitation to explore the present and future of Smooth Jazz — one track, one artist and one groove at a time.