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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, from 10 years of classical cello training to making Billboard history, this soulful singer songwriter has carved out a remarkable place in contemporary jazz. Her breakthrough made her the first vocalist since Charday to top the contemporary jazz chart, holding that crown for four impressive weeks. It's your number 20. What is meant to be by vocalist Lindsay Webster.
Speaker 3 1:25
All the people you meet, all the places you 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 it's meant to be when I'm out on the road. Every place that I go, do my best to take it. All the different people and the ways that they live. Cause 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. But it's meant to be for me. What is meant to be the thing? Oh yeah, but um. I'm who you are. I love you. Who's to say at the end of the day whether all that you have ever been all in vain? If you listen to the doubts you got and stand behind your head, you will lose.
Speaker 1 4:56
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs. Of the week, the weekend smooth jazz countdown number 19.
Speaker 2 9:10
That smooth spin was your number 19 song, "The Phoenix" by saxophonist Huge Groove. A little love to our radio partners Cross America for sharing the weekend smooth jazz countdown with you each week. If you miss 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 tuning in from. We love hearing from you. From sharing the stage with Charday Rod Stewart and the legendary group War to co-writing REO Speed Wagon's top 20 hits. Here with me, this extraordinary trumpeter has done it all with more than 20 smooth jazz number one hits and. Two Galvin Report Artist of the Year honors his musical legacy just keeps growing. It's your number 18, doing everything with you by trumpeter Rick Braun.
Speaker 1 14:31
Weekend smooth number 17.
Speaker 2 18:39
Finishing off that track was our number 17 song, and up nine impressive spots on two. The countdown is ever more by percussionist Jeff Webb Jr., featuring saxophonist Randy Scott. 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. Born in Minneapolis, this extraordinary bassist drummer and producer has shared his talents with an 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 at America's finest. It's your number 16. She said yes. My basis, Herbert Ives the Fourth. You just experienced our number 16 song. She said yes by bassist Hubert Ives the Fourth. Now let's shine the spotlight on a drummer waiting a second week just outside the countdown at the Velvet Rope at number 21, but he's still not on the list. He kept the beat for some of music's most recognizable voices, from John Legend to Regina Bell to Mesa and to the legendary Gato Babieri. 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 Chielle Minucci on guitar.
Speaker 2 28:44
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 and drawing inspiration from saxophone great George Howard and Grover Washington Jr., this talented musician has developed a sound that blends smooth jazz sophistication with the soul of R&B, gospel, and just a little funk. And listeners are responding. He's climbing three spots this week, bringing his signature groove along for the ride. It's your number 15. Never go away by saxophonist Dean Lucas. The weekend smooth jazz countdown. The top 15 are next.
Speaker 1 28:44
No need to spin the wheel. We've got the sure thing. The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black resumes now.
Speaker 1 33:56
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown, number 14.
Speaker 4 34:16
I'm the mountain home right away. I couldn't sing all that long, baby. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. If I say you sing, I'm the mountain home right away. I couldn't stay on that long, baby. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. It's okay. We gon' do this always with you here by my side. I open up all my doors. Come on in, it's all yours. I'm just in my heart. Just in you in my heart, impossible use. I'm coming home right away. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. Impossible use. I'm coming home right away. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. Impossible. Impossible. It's okay, we gon' do this our way. I wanna live the rest of my life with you here by my side. I lift up all my doors. Come on in, all we are. I'm trusting you in my heart, darling. Justin you in my heart. Impossible, you say. I hope you stay on it long, baby. I'm about to show that I'm here to stay. I can show that I'm here to say.
Speaker 2 37:39
We just checked out our number 14 song and up five more spots this week. Impossible by vocalist Tanya Nolan. And now sliding into the number 13 spot and talk about a musical traffic jam in the best possible way. Of course, three smooth jazz heavyweights have joined forces, bringing together the funky bass of Brian Bromberg, the soulful guitar of Paul Brown, and the sizzling saxophone of Michael Paulo. Together, they are creating some serious musical horsepower, and this week they're accelerating four spots on the chart. It's your number 13, Gridlock by BPM.
Speaker 1 42:42
Weekend Smoo number 12. Weekend smooth number 12
Speaker 2 46:22
Close. out that selection was our number 12 song, and up two more spots this week. Streets of Gold by guitarist Eric Essex. Her musical journey began in a small town of Georgia, sharing a piano bench with her grandmother, who lost her arm to cancer. Together, they made music and beautiful memories that would inspire an extraordinary career. Today, she's an Emmy-nominated composer with multiple Billboard number one hits and Grammy-winning producer Paul Brown helping shape her sound. It's your number 11, Vertical Horizon by keyboardist Carol Albert. Closing out that selection was our number 12 song and up two more spots this 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's journey has taken him from Hollywood recording studios to concert stages around the world. He spent an incredible 15 years playing guitar for television's Mad TV, and his resume includes performances with Sheila E., Philip Bailey, and even Carlos Santana. But here's something you may not know: he started playing guitar at just seven years old, and later became a university music professor with multiple Billboard number one hits and a sound that moves effortlessly between jazz, funk, and R and B. He's bringing plenty of rhythm to our spotlight today. Here's "The Way You Sway" by guitarist Blake Aaron. The
Speaker 1 56:07
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 2 56:24
Welcome back. Our two is in full swing as we 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. And this next artist, 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 10 and up three more spots this week. Chill pill by saxophonist Philip Doc Martin. On the 20
Speaker 1 1:00:43
smoothest jazz songs of the week, the weekend smooth jazz countdown number nine.
Speaker 2 1:04:12
That smooth spin was your number nine song, Sympatico by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Big appreciation to our wonderful radio partners from coast to coast who bring the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown to you each week. And wherever you're listening from, we're glad you're along for the ride. Missed a little bit 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. Before becoming one of Smooth Jazz's most celebrated saxophonists, this talented musician was playing keyboards for Morris Day and touring with the Isley Brothers. And here's a fun little nugget: his famous. His nickname came from a fellow musician who thought he looked a little too skinny. Today, with multiple Grammy nominations and platinum-selling albums, he's still bringing that signature soul to the countdown. He's at four more spots this week, rolling into our number eight here storybook by saxophonist Bonnie James.
Speaker 1 1:09:11
Weekend smooth number seven.
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Webb. You just vibe with our number seven song "Write on Time" by Saxophonist Paula Atherton. He's more than a master of the bass guitar. This gifted musician is also a composer, producer, and one half of the contemporary jazz duo, the JT Project. Whether he's laying down a funky bassline or creating melodies of his own, he knows how to make every note count. And this week, he's got something special to celebrate. He's up five more spots to your number six. It's a boy by bassist Jacob Sounding Green was your number six song. It's a boy by bassist Jacob Webb. Now taking center stage is our highlight of the week.
Speaker 1 1:17:26
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. Some artists make hit records. Others create the soundtrack of an entire generation. This legendary singer, songwriter, and producer has helped shape the careers of Whitney Houston, Tony Braxton, TLC, and Boys to Men. His incredible resume includes 13 awards, 125 top 10 hits as a writer and producer, and he also has 45 number 1r&B hits. And here's something you may not know: funk legend Bootsy Collins gave him his famous nickname. And in 1999, in his home state of Indiana, there's even a highway named in his honor. From co-founder of La Face Records to earning a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his influence on modern music is simply extraordinary. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week is a true musical legend. Here's We've Got Love by Kenneth Babyface Edmonds.
Speaker 5 1:19:02
We done pain and sorrow. We done been through chains. We done had way better days, yes. But I seen tomorrow. I ain't seen no rain. 'Cause our sun gon' shine again. the one thing that makes it always work out. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love, and we got nothing else. We got love. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love. At least that's something. Yes, we got. And the world goes, and the world goes, and the world goes around and circles. We didn't have no money, our bills ain't been paid. Could've lost 'bout everything. But we climbed that mountain and we found a way, and we better go down the game, yeah. I keep thinking 'bout it, ain't no way around it, girl. We got something that the world just came explaining what's the one thing that makes it always work out. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, and we got nothing else. We got love. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love. At least that's something. Yes, we got love. And the world goes, and the world goes, and the world goes rounding, and the world goes, and the world goes and the world goes around him. I keep thinking 'bout it, ain't no way around it. Girl, we got something that the world just can't explain. Oh, baby, what's the one thing that makes it always work out? It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love, love, love. If we got nothing else, we got love. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, and these and so. something. Yeah, we got love. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love. Yeah, we got nothing, nothing. Come on, come on. It's 'cause we got love, love, love, love, love, love, love. At least that's something. Come on, come on.
Speaker 1 1:23:14
The weekend smooth jazz countdown. The top five are next with a sax. is so smooth and the stakes are high. Back to the weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black.
Speaker 2 1:23:31
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 taken a seat at our high roller table this week. Who says a flutist can't bring the funk? This Detroit-born powerhouse has spent her career proving otherwise with the musical foundation in jazz, gospel, and R&B, she turned an instrument known for its delicate sound into a force of soulful energy. And with the talented multi-instrumentalist adding his own musical fire, she's climbing three more spots this week and turning up the heat to our top five. Here's El Fuego by Flautas Althea Renee, featuring multi-instrumentalist Ryan Lavallette.
Speaker 1 1:28:39
Weekend smooth number four.
Speaker 2 1:32:30
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. Now here's a saxophonist whose musical journey began in California, where he grew up listening to the soulful sounds of Motown and the great jazz masters. Inspired by Grover Washington Jr., he developed a signature style that would blend smooth jazz with a generous helping of R and B, and here's a little nugget: he's not just an accomplished saxophonist; he's a gifted vocalist who shared the stage with legends like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. After four decades in music, he's still making those grooves count. It's your number three and up two more spots this week. Here's 65 Bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley. A powerful showing in the number three slot, 65 bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley. Sometimes destiny comes with a little brass attached. This talented musician originally dreamed of becoming a drummer until an old trumpet belonging to his uncle changed his direction forever, from his Michigan roots to sharing the spotlight with one of his musical mentors, nine-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Cause, his journey has been remarkable. Last week he celebrated his first week at number one, and this week he's still riding high, slipping just one spot to our number two. Here's Skate On by Evan Taylor, featuring Dave Cause. That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, "Skate On" by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cause. And now, the moment we've all been waiting for.
Speaker 1 1:42:23
All bets are in. It's time for this week's number one song.
Speaker 2 1:42:28
The lights are dazzling along the Las Vegas Strip. The champagne is on ice, and today there's a brand new name at the top of the marquee. He's a guitarist, composer, and producer who spent years lending his talents to stars like Jennifer Lopez, Backstreet Boys, and Dave Cos before stepping into the spotlight himself. Since launching his solo career, he's become one of contemporary jazz's most successful hit makers, building an impressive collection of Billboard number one singles, and this time he's brought along a soulful saxophonist for a collaboration that's made its way straight to the winner's circle. It's your brand new number one song in America. Here's "Power Move" by guitarist Dr. Adam Holly, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. Landing in the winner's circle at number one this week, Power Move by guitarist Dr. Adam Holly, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. The weekend smooth jazz countdown is recorded at the KUV Studios in Las Vegas, produced by Jason Beatty, with national chart data provided by MediaBase. The music you love, the countdown you trust, and bringing it all together. The voice of cool jazz, 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 song caught your ear this week. And a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary artists who filled our time together with beautiful music, and 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 bed still sitting at number 22, he's just two steps away from joining the party. Here's Forever Lasting by saxophonist Will Donato. From the host who loves you the most, mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week, take care. The
Speaker 1 1:53:04
weekend smooth jazz countdown. The weekend smooth jazz countdown
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