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Hosted by Pamela Black, the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown delivers the Top 20 smooth jazz songs of the week from 91.5 Jazz & More KUNV — the best smooth jazz station in America. Broadcasting from Las Vegas, this weekly jazz radio show features the hottest smooth jazz hits, rising artists, and fan-favorite tracks shaping today’s sound.
Each episode blends expert commentary, artist spotlights, and curated music selections, making it a must-listen for fans of jazz music conversations, live music interviews, classic jazz radio, and modern smooth jazz playlists. Whether you're discovering new artists or enjoying familiar favorites, this countdown captures the pulse of the smooth jazz scene.
Produced by Jason Beatty and recorded at the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.
🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring the latest in smooth jazz, live music talk show energy, and premium jazz radio programming.
Speaker 1 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 2 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 here 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 at number 20 is one of contemporary jazz's most enduring voices-a saxophone icon with multiple chart-topping hits, and over the years he's built a remarkable career as a performer, collaborator, and band leader. Here's Hot Chocolate by saxophonist Gerald Albright.
Speaker 1 5:20
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown, number 19.
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I'm coming home right away. I couldn't sing all along, baby. I'm about to show that I'm eating to accent. You say I'm coming home right away. I couldn't sing all along, baby. I'm about to show that I'm eating to stay. It's okay. We gon' do this our way. This is my life with you here by my side. I open up all my doors. Come on in, it's all you are. I'm just in my heart, darling. Just in you in my heart, impossible you say. I'm the only hope right away. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. Impossible using up the mountain home right away. Stay on that long thing. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. Can cuss. Can pass. It's okay. We gon' do this our way. I wanna be blessing my life with you here by my side. I round up all my doors. Come on in, it's all yours. I'm just in my heart, just in you in my heart. Impossible, you say. I'm coming home, right? I will sing all along. I'm about to show that I'm here to say all along to show that I'm here to say.
Speaker 2 8:54
Smooth spin. What's your number 19 song? And up three more spots to the countdown impossible by vocalist Tanya Nolan. A little love to our radio partners across America for sharing the weekend smooth jazz countdown with you each week. If you missed the show, our commercial-free 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 listening from. We'd love to hear from you. Last week's not on the list made it past the velvet rope and jumped three spots to our number 18. 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 is rooted in the elegance of George Howard and Grover Washington Jr. but infused with R&B funk and gospel grooves. It's your number 18, never. Go away by saxophonist D. Lucas.
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Weekend smooth number 17.
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Finishing off that track was our number 17 song in up six spots to the countdown, Gridlock by BPM. 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-a soulful singer-songwriter who began her musical journey on the cello, playing for 10 years before her voice took center stage. She later made Billboard history with the first vocal-driven contemporary jazz number one since Chardé, and held the top spot for an impressive four weeks. It's your number 16. What is meant to be by vocalist Lindsey Webster.
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Love 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'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 to be for me for thee? When I'm out on the road, oh, every place that I go, do my best to take it. All the different people live, 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
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only get
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what is meant before be will be better. What is meant to be? Oh yeah, for you. I love you. Who's to say at the end of the day, whether or not you can wear it or in vain? If you listen to the doubts, you never get scared. You will lose it in the moment if you forget.
Speaker 2 23:10
You just experience our number 16 song, "What Is Meant to Be" by vocalist Lindsey Webster. Now let's shine the spotlight on a drummer waiting just outside the countdown at the Velvet Rope at number 21, but he's not on the list. He's kept the beat for some of music's most recognizable voices, from John Legend and Regina Bell to Mesa and the legendary Gatto Babriiere. Now the seasoned drummer steps into the spotlight, joined by the Grammy-nominated guitarist behind special effects. Here's "Looking at Her" by drummer Tim Hudson, featuring Kiely Minucci on guitar.
Speaker 2 27:43
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 before becoming one of Smooth Jason's most celebrated trumpeters, this remarkable musician toured with Charday, Rod Stewart, and even the legendary group War. He's also a gifted songwriter and having co-written R.E.O. Speeds Wagon's top 20 hits, Here with Me, and more than 20 smooth jazz number one hits and two Gavin Report Artists of the Year honors and you've got quite a legacy. He's up four more spots to our number 15. Here's doing everything with you by trumpeter Rick Braun. The weekend smooth jazz count The top 15 are next.
Speaker 1 27:43
No need to spin the wheel. We've got the sure thing. The weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black resumes now.
Speaker 1 33:08
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd Smooth Jazz Countdown, number 14.
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We just checked out our number 14 song and up four more spots this week, "Streaks of Gold" by guitarist Eric Essex, and now sliding into the number 13 slot at just nine years old, hearing Kenny G's songbird sparked a musical dream. Years later, this gifted saxophonist would build a successful recording career while pursuing another passion entirely. In fact, when he's not making beautiful music, he's taking care of beautiful smiles. Yes, he's a practicing dentist with his own office. It's your number 13, Chill Pill, by saxophonist Philip Doc Marten.
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Weekend smooth number 12.
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Closing out that selection was our number 12 song. Storybook by saxophonist Bony James. Some musicians are happy keeping the rhythm. This talented bassist had bigger plans. As a composer, producer, and co-founder of the JT Project, he made quite a name for himself in contemporary jazz. And this week, he's delivering a little bundle of musical joy. It's your number 11. It's a boy, by Bass's Jacob Webb. 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.
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Headlining artist,
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the marquee lights are shining a little brighter as we roll out the red carpet for a remarkable musician whose legacy stretches far beyond the jazz charts. This gifted guitarist was once the musical director for legendary saxophonist Stan Getz, later joining the celebrated group's Steps Ahead and Foreplay. But here's a little something you may not know. He also composed music for television, including CNN news themes, and then he married Spanish vocalist Carmen Questa. None other than Stan Getz stood beside him as he was his best man, a brilliant. Composer, producer, and one of contemporary jazz's most respected guitarists, he left us in 2017. But his beautiful music continues to shine. Here's Sierra Nevada by the incomparable guitarist Chuck Loeb. The
Speaker 1 54:28
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.
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Welcome back. Hour two is in full swing, and we've 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. For a second straight week, is a chart-topping guitarist, producer, and songwriter whose electrifying performances have helped him build a loyal following and 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.
Speaker 1 59:35
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd And smooth jazz countdown number nine.
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That smooth spin was your number nine song, right on time, by saxophonist Paula Atherton. A big appreciation to our wonderful radio partners from Coast to Coast, who bring the weekend smooth jazz countdown to you each week, and whenever you're listening, we're so glad you're along for the ride. Missed a little 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. When this powerhouse flutist steps into the spotlight, you can bet things are about to heat up. A former Detroit police officer who traded her badge in for a full-time career in music, she made history as the first flutist to top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, and she's proving that fire still burns bright. Rowing into our number eight spot is El Fuego by Flutist Althea Rene, featuring multi instrumentalist Ryan Lavallee.
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Weekend smooth. number seven.
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You just vibe with our number seven song, Sympatico, by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Some musicians make their mark in the spotlight, and 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 six. She said yes by bassist Hubert Ives the fourth. Sounding great was your number six song? She said yes. By bassist Hubert Ives the Fourth. Now taking center stage is our highlight of the week.
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Vintage smooth.
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Roll out the red carpet, turn up the Las Vegas lights, and save a little extra sparkle for this one. Imagine bringing together some of the finest musicians in jazz and R&B and letting the magic happen. That's exactly what one legendary pianist did back in 1995, assembling an extraordinary group featuring saxophone great Grover Washington Jr. bassist Victor Bailey and drummer Omar Hakim, and here's the icing on the cake. Producing their debut album was none other than Maurice White of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Under the direction of the incomparable Ramsey Lewis, this musical gathering became a contemporary jazz sensation, blending sophistication, soul, and plenty of funk. By 2001, their fourth album would climb to the number one Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and from that remarkable collection, we're slipping into something with a little old school swagger. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week are true musical legends. It's the 2001 of high heel sneakers by the one and only Urban Nights. The
Speaker 1 1:22:59
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 2 1:23:16
And just like that, welcome to the high roller table. The top five. Only five tracks remain. All smooth, all strong, and everybody at this table brought their A game. And taking a seat at our high roller table this week, this musician has spent nearly four decades making his saxophone sing. But here's something you may not know: he's also spent more than 40 years shaping young musical minds as a professor at Boston prestigious Berkeley College of Music, a celebrated performer, educator, and true contemporary jazz treasure. He's still bringing the groove. It's your number five and up four more spots this week. 65 bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley.
Speaker 1 1:27:53
Weekend smooth number four.
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Smoothly positioned was our number four song, "All the Good Times" by guitarist Chris Stanring. The lights are dancing as we arrive at our number three. This artist has been doing a little chart cha-cha lately, three to four, four to three. But one thing is certain: this veteran saxophonist isn't leaving the top five without a fight. After stepping away from the spotlight to recharge, he returned with renewed inspiration and a comeback album, appropriately titled *The Phoenix* More than three decades into his career, that unmistakable soulful sound is still soaring. It's your number three, the Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge Groove. Smoothly position was A powerful showing in the number three slot, "The Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge Groove. A little change in the scenery this week, but certainly no change in the altitude. This artist remains among the finest at the top of the countdown, and her musical journey began in a small Georgia town, sharing the 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 with a Grammy-winning producer and guitarist Paul Brown helping bring her musical vision to life, she's still reaching new heights. It's your number two, Vertical Horizon, by keyboardist Carol Albert. That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, "Vertical Horizon" by keyboardist Carol Alpert. Now the moment we've all been waiting for.
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All bets are in. It's time for this week's number one song. The
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lights have dimmed. The Las Vegas skyline is sparkling, and the spotlight is shining on a brand new number one song in America. And believe it or not, this artist originally dreamed of becoming a drummer, but an old trumpet belonging to his uncle changed everything-from a small Michigan town to international stages. This rising star has carved out an extraordinary musical journey, and now, alongside one of his mentors, nine-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Cause, he's making a spectacular leap, soaring four spots straight to the top. It's your number one song, coast to coast. Here's "Skate On" by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cobbs. Landing in the winner's circle at number one this week, Skate On by trumpeter Evan Taylor featuring saxophonist Dave Cause. The weekend smooth jazz countdown was recorded at the KUMV studios, produced by Jason Beatty. Chart data provided by Media Base. 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 song 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. Before we close the curtains, a seasoned saxophonist known for his soulful grooves and electrifying performances, he's bringing decades of musical experience to our doorstep. This week's safe bet, now sitting at number 22, he's just two steps away from joining the party, here's foreverlasting by saxophonist Will Donato from the host who loves you the most. Mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week, take care. The
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weekend smooth jazz countdown.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai