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, and thanks for spending part of your day with me. Whether you're relaxing at home, out on the road, or enjoying time with friends. I'm so glad you're here. Let's settle in, turn it up just a little, and let the music add something beautiful to your day. Kicking off our countdown this week, and up four spots, and officially making the move from last week's safe bet into the top 20, she's an award-winning flutist whose soulful fire has made her one of contemporary jazz's most recognizable voices. Teaming up with multi instrumentalist and producer Ryan Lavallette for a track that's certainly living up to its name. It's your number 20, El Fuego by Flautus Althia Renee. We're counting down the Announcer 5:13 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, number 19. Speaker 2 5:27 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 by design, 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. Everything is fine. Everything goes 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, 'cause you make me feel alive. Each night I close my eyes, ask the moon and scars for a silence, and by design, I came upon this miracle that's mine. When you walked into my life, sunshine's peeking out. When you're homebound, everything is fine. Yes. Honeysuckle rose in the air when you're on my mind. Everything is fine. Everything is fine. I'm floating in the clouds way up high, and I'm blowing like a rainbow in the sky. And you're the reason why. When you're around, everything is fine. baby, honey, son, go boast in the air with ghosts on my mind. Everything, everything is fine. Oh, everything is fine. Everything He does is magic. Every little thing He does, it tends, it tends, tends, turns me off. Turns, it turns, it turns, it turns me on. Everything. Speaker 1 9:26 That smooth spin. Where's your number 19 song? Everything is fine by vocalist Nicole Henry. A special thank you to our radio partners across America for bringing you the weekend smooth jazz countdown each week. Miss the show? Catch our commercial-free podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search "Weekin Smooth Jazz Countdown" and don't forget to let us know where you're listening from. He's a trumpeter, composer, and producer whose unmistakable sound. Has kept him at the heart of contemporary jazz for decades. But before becoming a star in his own right, he was already making his mark behind the scenes, writing, arranging, and working alongside some pretty impressive names. Still smooth, still soulful. It's your number 18, doing everything with you by trumpeter Rick Braun. Announcer 14:39 Weekend smooth number 17. Speaker 1 18:45 Finishing off that track was our number 17 song, "Green Light" by keyboardist Nicholas Cole. The cards are still in play, and there's plenty of musical magic left to uncover as we continue our journey down the countdown and sliding in to the number 16 slot this week and up three more spots is an artist who knows her way around more than one instrument, bringing saxophone, flute, and vocals into a sound that moves effortlessly between jazz, soul, and R&B. She's a songwriter and producer too, with a style that's polished, funky, and unmistakably her own. Here's "Right on Time" by saxophonist Paula Atherton. You just experience our number 16 song, "Right on time by saxophonist Paula Atherton. Now let's shine the spotlight on a saxophonist waiting just outside the countdown at our velvet rope and making an impressive eight-spot leap into our number 21. But he's not on the list. He's a saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and educator whose career has spanned nearly four decades. He's a longtime Berkeley professor, an acclaimed recording artist, and one of those musicians whose influences reaches well beyond the stage, helping shape generations of players while building an impressive catalog of his own. Here's 65 bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley. The Announcer 28:05 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 28:24 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 his move as we step into the top 15, up another two spots this week, and keeping that upward momentum going, he's a bassist, composer, and producer with a deep pocket and a polished sound. Equally comfortable laying down the groove or stepping out in front. As the founding member of contemporary jazz group the JT Project. He spent years building a musical identity all his own. It's your number 15. It's a boy by bassist Jacob Webb. Announcer 32:49 We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz count, number 14. Speaker 1 36:55 We just checked out our number 14 song, and up an impressive 14 spots. Here's State On by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cause from the city that never stops glowing. The musical magic continues, making a three-spot leap and landing at lucky number 13. She's an award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger whose music blends contemporary jazz with touches of pop and R&B. With a career built on graceful melodies, polished production, and a style that feels both sophisticated and inviting, she continues to make her mark in the jazz genre. Here's Vertical Horizon by keyboardist Carol Albert. Announcer 41:30 Weekend smooth number 12. Speaker 3 41:45 Street life. I play the street life 'cause there's no place I can't go. Street life, it's the only life I know, street life. There's 1000 cards to play, street life. Do you play your life away? You let the people see just who you wanna be, and every night you shine just like a superstar. The time for life has played 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 life. time. 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. If you keep it young, your song is always song. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon. Streetlight, streetlight, streetlight, streetlight. Streetlight, streetlight. 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. Streetlight, you can run away from time. Streetlight for a nickel Or a dime, streetlight. But you better not get on straight line, 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. If you came back young, your song is always sung. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon. Streetlight, streetlight, streetlight, streetlight. Streetlight, my face. Speaker 1 45:48 Closing out that selection was our number 12 song, "Street Life" by vocalist Mesa. Now boarding at number 11 and sitting just one step away from the top 10, he's a bassist, drummer, composer, and producer whose deep pocket groove have supported some serious musical royalty from Erykah Badu and Will Downing to Najee, and yes, that's his bass that you hear on Badu's acclaim live album. Here's she said yes by Hubert Ives the fourth. Before we step to 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 51:06 Headlining artist Speaker 1 51:07 Las Vegas knows a thing or two about legendary voices, and under these bright Sydney lights, we're turning the spotlight towards one that has been thrilling audiences for more than five decades. He began writing songs as a teenager, became the lead voice of the Monclairs, and that remarkable multi-octave range would eventually place him in musical company with everyone from Anita Baker and George Duke to Quincy Jones. And for this one, he reaches back to 1964, revisiting a beautiful Curtis Mayfield composition first recorded by The Impressions. Here's his 2005 release of "I'm So Proud" by vocalist extraordinaire Phil Prairie. Speaker 4 52:33 Prettier than all the world. Yeah, I'm so proud, baby. I'm so proud. I'm so proud of you. You're only one feller's girl. Yes, I'm so proud. I'm so proud. Believe me, I love you too. I'm so proud of being loved by you. And it would hurt me to know if you ever do sweet about the taste of a chair, so sweet. Hey, I'm proud they met. I'm so proud. I'm so proud of you. Compliments to you from all the people we meet. Yes, and I'm so proud. I'm so proud. I'm so proud. I'm so proud of the people. I'm so. I'm so proud of the love by you, and it would hurt me to know sweeter than the taste of cherry, so sweet. Yeah, I'm so proud of you, girl. I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you. Love by you. Love by you. The Announcer 55:35 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 55:51 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. Opening our top 10 and making another three-spot move this week, he's a guitarist, composer, and producer who spent decades blending jazz with soul, funk, and a little electronic flavor. A musician who's never been afraid to experiment. He's built a career on keeping the guitar fresh while always keeping the groove front and center. It's your number 10. All the good times by guitarist Chris Stanring. Announcer 1:00:28 We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd Smooth Jazz Countdown number nine. Speaker 1 1:04:45 That smooth spin. Where's your number nine song, Maputo Nights, by saxophonist Eric Darius. A special thank you to our radio partners across the country for bringing the weekend smooth jazz countdown to listeners every week. Mr. Part of the show? Listen anytime with our commercial-free podcasts on Spotify, YouTube, and more. Just search "Weekin Smooth Jazz Countdown. And thanks for being part of our smooth jazz family. Moving into the number eight spot this week, she's a singer-songwriter whose soulful voice has helped open doors for vocalists in contemporary jazz, classically trained on the cello. Before turning her attention to singing, she later made Billboard history, becoming the first vocalist since Chardé to score a number one on the smooth jazz charts. And she's still making her mark. It's your number eight. What is meant to be? By vocalist Lindsey Webster. Speaker 5 1:06:07 All the people you meet, all the places you see in this whole wide world, you'll be. be bound to meet those who disagree, but who's to say at the end of the day? Whether all 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 forget. What is meant be for be be? When I'm out on the road, oh, every place that I go, 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? Whether all that you have weathered once were dead 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 get. But it's maybe will be will bear on that room, What is meant be to see? Oh yeah. Yeah, oh yeah, I love that. Who's to say at the end of the day? Whether all the two have wedded were fair or in vain, if you listen to the doubts you got, stare. Announcer 1:09:41 Weekend smooth number seven. Speaker 1 1:13:39 You just vibed with our number seven song, "Yes, Sir, by keyboardist Ali Silk, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. Holding down the number six spot this week is a Berkeley-trained saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter who's never believed creativity should stay in one lane. She's taken that fearless spirit from contemporary jazz stages to touring with Aerosmith and bringing plenty of soul, rock and roll, and energy to one unmistakable saxophone sound along the way. It's your number six, Falling in Love, by saxophonist Mindy A. Bear. By Sounding great was your number six song, "Falling in Love, by saxophonist Mindy A. Baer. Now taking center stage is our highlight of the week. Announcer 1:18:27 Vintage smooth. Speaker 1 1:18:29 Let's slip away from the bright lights of the Strip and into a Velvet Line Vegas lounge where the lights are low, the groove is deep, and today we're turning back the clock to 1996. Our artists are British pioneers whose help carried the acid jazz movement around the world, weaving jazz, funk, and soul and dance rhythms into one irresistible musical tapestry. Their story began back in 1979, and through an evolving family of remarkable musicians and vocalists, they've kept that groove moving across generations, influencing artists, filling dance floors, and proving that great music never needs an expiration date. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week. 30 years back we go. Let's settle into the pocket. Here's the 1996 release of Beneath the Surface by the one and only Incognito. Speaker 6 1:19:52 Here I sit and watch the crumbs go by. But there's only one face I can see. If only they would understand. I'm a number five number, yeah. I'd open the door and let her be. How long can I hide what I'm feeling inside? My love is a river that's got a light and swaying to see this feeling can hide. Lord knows I try beneath the surface beneath the surface. I try, though I know I'm hanging on my string. You're the only one thing on my mind keeps flowing to a distant shore. As I go on denying myself, how long can I hide what I'm feeling inside? My love is a ribbon that's gonna make its way to see this feeling can hide. Lord knows I'll try and if the surface high beneath the surface. Speaker 3 1:22:03 Keeps turning round in my Speaker 6 1:22:08 mind, round and round in my mind. Here I sit and watch the crowns go by. But there's only one face I can see. How long can I hide? What I'm feeling inside. My love is a real man that's gotta make its way to see this feeling get hard. Lord knows I'm trying. How long can I hide what I'm feeling inside? My love is a ribbon that's gotta make its way to see this feeling can hide. Lord knows I try beneath the sun. Beneath the surface, I wish beneath the surface, Lord knows I'm drowned. Beneath the sun, beneath the surface, high as high as earth. Lord knows I'm drowning, this feeling of fire Beneath the surface, beneath the surface, this feeling can hide. Beneath the surface, no Nourse of drag. Beneath the surge, beneath the surge. Beneath the sun, beneath the sun. beneath the sun. The Announcer 1:25:03 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 1:25:21 and just like that, welcome to the high roller table. The top five. There are only five tracks that remain, all smooth, all strong, and everybody at this table brought their A game and taking their seats at our high roller table this week and up two more spots. It's your number five, three contemporary jazz heavyweights who spent decades making music individually while bringing something altogether different when they join forces. We're talking about keyboards, saxophone, and guitar. Grammy-winning talent, countless collaborations, and enough musical history between them to fill an entire table. Here's Symptico by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Announcer 1:29:34 Weekend smooth number four. Speaker 1 1:33:47 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. He's a pianist, composer, and producer whose musical journey stretches from Nigeria to Switzerland, Berkeley, and beyond. A three-time platinum producer, he also spent nearly a decade as a keyboardist and music director for Jonathan Butler. But his song brings the journey home, written after his mother asked him to compose something especially for her, with a longtime musical friend adding that unmistakably warm soprano sax. Here's Jolanda by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring Kirk Whalem on sax. A powerful showing in the number three slot, Jolanda, by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring Kirk Whalen on sax. Just one step away from the crown and looking very comfortable at number two. She's an award-winning pianist, composer, and producer who began at the piano as a child, building a strong classical foundation before finding her voice in contemporary jazz. Since then, she's become one of genre's brightest talents, earning multiple number one singles and building a reputation for music filled with expressive melodies, uplifting energy, and a touch on the keys that can move from beautifully delicate to downright funky. This week, she climbs another spot, shining bright. It's your number two, bountiful, by keyboardist Kayla Waters. A powerful showing in the number That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, "Bountiful, by keyboardist Kayla Waters, and now the moment we've all been waiting for. Announcer 1:43:56 All bets are in. It's time for this week's number one song. The Speaker 1 1:44:02 lights have dimmed. The Las Vegas skyline is sparkling, and the spotlight is shining on a brand new number one song in America. She's a classically trained musician who, believe it or not, didn't even want to play the flute at first. She picked it up at eight years old so she can join the marching band and eventually transform that instrument into a soulful contemporary jazz career filled with chart-topping success. So she's also an award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer, and a radio personality, and the first ever winner of the Jazz Musik Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artists, and today she adds another milestone to the journey, earning her fourth number one hit. Here's our new champion, our number one, In Love Reimagined by Flautus. Reagan Whiteside. Landing in the winner's circle at number one this week, in love reimagined by Flutist Reagan Whiteside. The smooth jazz countdown was recorded at the KUMV studios, produced by Jason Beatty. Chart data provided by MediaBase. Your playlists, 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 which songs caught in your ear this week, and much love to our incredible artists who gave us the soundtrack today, and especially you for spending part of your weekend with us from right here in Las Vegas to every city, every station, and every listener joining us along the way. You're what makes the musical journey so special. Thank you for making the weekend smooth jazz countdown part of your weekend. And before we close the curtains, and waiting in the wings is a guitarist, composer, and producer who's become one of contemporary jazz's most consistent hit makers, teaming up this time with the dynamic saxophonist who's been making plenty of chart noise himself. Two strong players, one very fitting title, and definitely one to watch. This week's safe bet is destined to light up the countdown very soon. And falling into the number 22 spot. Here's Power Move by guitarist Dr. Adam Hawley, featuring Jeff Ryan on saxophone. From the host who loves you the most, mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week, take care. The Announcer 1:54:55 weekend smooth jazz countdown. Transcribed by https://otter.ai