Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
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.
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, maybe out on the road, or just enjoying time with friends. I'm really glad you're here. So, kicking open the countdown this week is one of contemporary jazz's most unmistakable saxophone voices-a multi-platinum artist with a career spanning more than three decades-and he knows a thing or two about telling a story through a melody. It's your number 20 storybook by saxophonist Bonnie James.
Announcer 4:33
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The Weeknd Smooth Jazz Countdown, number 19.
Speaker 1 8:51
That smooth spin was your number 19 song, "Doing Everything with You" by trumpeter Rick Braun. A special thank you to our radio partners across America for bringing you the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown each week. mr. Show? Catch our commercial-free podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Just search Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, and don't forget to let us know where you're listening from. Moving up two spots this week is a guitarist, composer, and producer who spent decades carving out his own lane in contemporary jazz. A Birmingham, Alabama native, this guitarist brings together jazz soul in Southern musical influences with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller. It's your number 18, Streets of Gold, by guitarist Eric Essex.
Announcer 13:20
Weekend Smoo, number 17.
Speaker 1 16:55
Finishing off that track was our number 17 song, "Chill Peel, by saxophonist Philip Doc Marten. The cards are still in play, and there's plenty of musical magic left to uncover as we continue the journey down the countdown. And coming in this week at number 16 and up another spot is vocalists whose rich, expressive delivery can move effortlessly from jazz and soul to a beautifully interpreted ballad. She's earned international acclaim with a style that's elegant, powerful, and always deeply connected to the lyrics. It's your number 16. Everything is fine by vocalist Nicole Henry.
Speaker 2 17:40
Yeah. am feeling like my world is not the same. 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 the stars fall asleep, and. by design I came upon this miracle that's mine. When you walked into my life, sunshine peeking out when you're around, everything is fine. Everything is fine. When your circle moves 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, you make me feel alive. Each night I close my eyes, ask the moon and scarce for a sight, and by design, I came upon this miracle that's mine. When you walked into my neck, sunshine's peeking out. When you're homebound, everything is fine. Honey, circle roams in the air when you're on my mind. Everything is fine. Everything is mine. I'm floating in the clouds way up high, and I'm blowing like a rainbow in the shadow, and you're the reason. When you're around, everything is fine. Yeah, baby, honey, some girl goes in the air with ghosts on my mind. Everything, everything is fine. Oh, everything is fine. Every little thing he does is magic. Every little thing he does, it tends to tend to tend to turns me off. Turns, it turns, it turns, it turns me on.
Speaker 1 21:51
You just experienced our number 16 song, "Everything Is Fine" by vocalist Nicole Henry. Now let's shine the spotlight on a group waiting just outside the countdown at the Velvet Rope at number 21, but they are still not on the list. Here's a powerhouse trio with some serious mileage, an acclaimed bassist known for his virtuosity, a Grammy-winning guitarist and producer with countless smooth jazz hits, and a veteran saxophonist whose resume stretches from jazz and funk to some of music's biggest stages. Together, we have bassist Brian Brongberg, guitarist Paul Brown, and saxophonist Michael Pollo, three seasoned players creating one seriously funky traffic jam. Here's Gridlock by BPM. The
Speaker 3 27:06
Straight line. The weekend 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. 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 her move as we step into the top 15 this week, a vocalist whose rich contralto first captured international attention as a featured voice with the British jazz funk collective Incognito, a Grammy-nominated vocalist who went on to build a remarkable solo career spanning more than three decades, blending jazz, soul, and R&B with a warmth and sophistication, and this time guitarist JJ Sanseverino joins the ride. It's your number 15, Street Life by vocalist Mesa. Street life, I play the street life 'cause there's no place I can go. Street life, it's the only life I know. Street life, there's 1000 cars to play street life until 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 made 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, 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 keep it young, your song is always song. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon. Street light. Straight line. Streamline.
Speaker 4 30:34
Strange light. 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 dress, 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 old. Streetlight. night, oh, you're gonna feel the cold. There's always love for sale. A grown-up fairy tale, Prince Tony always smiles behind the silver spoon. And if you came back young, your song is always song. Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon. Streetlight,
Speaker 3 31:52
streetlight, streetlight, streetlight. They
Speaker 4 32:02
look. I play the street line.
Announcer 32:23
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown, number 14.
Speaker 1 36:23
We just checked out our number 14 song, "Yes Sir" by keyboardist Ali Silk, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. And now, sliding into the lucky number 13 spot, this Berkeley-trained keyboardist, composer, and producer has built an impressive career on both sides of the Atlantic. Along the way, he became a three-time certified platinum producer who composed for records and television. Eventually, bringing his talents to the U.S. where his resume would include playing keyboards for Brian McKnight, and on this track, a Grammy-winning saxophone great joins the musical conversation. Here's Jolanda by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalem. We just checked out
Announcer 41:15
Weekend smooth number 12.
Speaker 1 45:23
Closing out that selection was our number 12 song, "Power Move" by guitarist Dr. Adam Hawley, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. Just outside the top 10 is an award-winning saxophonist, vocalist, and composer whose influence reaches well beyond the stage, with more than three decades of recording behind him. He also spent 35 years teaching at Berkeley College of Music, passing along the wisdom while continuing to make hits of his own. It's your number 1165, bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley. 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,
Announcer 50:02
headlining artist,
Speaker 1 50:03
the marquee lights are shining a little brighter as we roll out the red carpet with the originally released recording by Lionel Richie in 1983 on the landmark album "Can't Slow Down. This is one of those quietly powerful compositions built around hope, reassurance, and the belief that even though life's hardest moments, love somehow knows the way. More than two decades later, a German vocalist and trumpeter stepped inside that classic and made it remarkably personal, with the voice steeped in soul, jazz, and blues, he doesn't imitate the original. He settles into it, cool, intimate, and effortlessly seductive. Here's his 2004 release of "Love Will Find a Way" by vocalist and trumpeter Jeff Cascaro.
Speaker 5 51:39
Are you feeling down and lonely, feeling like you can't go on. Just remember, love will find a way. Tell me, are you going Through changes, time seems like it's passing by. Just believe that love will find a way. I see the tears you cry. I see the pain that's in your eyes. So many times you were so lonely, and no one seemed to care out of your hopes for your tomorrows. I drown in your sorrows, know your heart will show you the way. Are you trying to find the beginning? Something just to hold on to, don't you worry, love will find a way. Is it hard this life you're living? Does the world seem so unkind? Don't you worry, love will find a way. Some say we've lost highway. Some say the world is gone astray. All of you know where you're going. There's nothing you can do, 'cause problems will come and they will leave you. The world will try to deceive you, and the truth will always be in your soul. How you feeling? Tell me, baby. I see the tears you cry. I see the pain in your eyes. Now you're trying to find a beginning, something just to hold on to bear. And is it hard this love you live in? And does the world seem so unkind? And don't you worry, I'm gonna find a way. The truth will always be in your soul. The
Announcer 56:43
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 57:00
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. And moving into that coveted territory is a flutist whose signature sound pairs elegance with just the right amount of fire? A former deputy sheriff who traded her badge for a full-time life in music. She's joined here by multi instrumentalist Ryan Lavallette for the groove that lives up to its name. It's your number 10, El Fuego by Flautis Althea Renee.
Announcer 1:01:52
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown number nine.
Speaker 1 1:05:39
That smooth spin was your number nine song right on time by saxophonist Paula Atherton. A special thank you to our radio partners across the country for bringing you the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown every week. Miss part of the show? Listen any time with our commercial-free podcasts on Spotify, YouTube, and more. Just search "Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown" and thanks for being part of our smooth jazz family. Climbing another spot this week is an artist whose musicianship began long before we knew that unmistakable voice. Classically trained on the cello from an early age, she eventually found her way to songwriting and a sound that blends jazz, soul, and R&B with remarkable ease. But it's that voice, warm, expressive, and beautifully unhurried, that makes you lean in and listen. It's your number eight. What is meant to be by vocalist Lindsey Webster.
Speaker 3 1:07:03
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 weathered 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 around, oh, Dave. 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 meant be what beef will be. What is meant to be the thing? Oh yeah, bada. Oh yeah, I love you. Who's to say at the end of the day, whether audits you have wedded with it or in vain? If you listen to the doubts you got, you will lose it in the moment if.
Announcer 1:10:35
smooth number seven.
Speaker 1 1:19:03
Roll out the red carpet, turn up the Las Vegas lights and save a little sparkle for this one. We're gonna travel back to 1974, where the story begins with a legendary jazz trumpeter, educator, and visionary who believed talented young musicians needed more than lessons. They needed opportunity, so he gathered a group of gifted college students and helped turn that classroom talent into a professional recording ensemble. Their blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and soul soon found an audience far beyond the campus. Then. Sounding great was your Came a breezy, irresistible groove written by the group's guitarist and colored by a beautiful flute melody that crossed musical boundaries and became their signature hit. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week are true musical legends. Here's the 1974 release of *Walking in Rhythm* The mentor was Donald Berg. His remarkable prodigies became the Blackbirds.
Speaker 1 1:14:15
You just vibed with our number seven song and up four more spots this week. It's a boy by bassist Jacob Webb. Up two more spots this week is a trumpeter, composer, and producer whose smooth melodic approach is quickly making him a name to watch. He brings a fresh voice to contemporary jazz, but on this track, he's sharing the pavement with one of the genre's biggest stars, a nine-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist, Dave Cause, rolling into our number six spot. Here's "Skate On" by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cause. Sounding great was your number six song, "Skate On" by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cause. Now, taking center stage is our highlight of the week:
Announcer 1:19:16
vintage smooth.
Speaker 6 1:20:40
Walking in rhythm, moving in sound, coming to the music, trying to move on. I'm walking in rhythm, singing my song, thinking 'bout my baby, trying to get home, walking in rhythm, moving in sound. Coming to the music, trying to move on. I'm walking in with them, singing my song, drinking my ball, baby. Trying to get home. It's been so long since I've seen her. I'm tired and so all alone. I've traveled so very far. I've got to get back home. It's been so long since I've kissed her and held her tight in my arms. I've got so far to go now. I've got to get back home. Got to get back. It's been so long since I've seen her untied so all along. I've traveled so little far. I've got to get back home. It's been so long since I've kissed her and held her tight in my arms, I've got so far too long. I've got to get back home. Got to get back home.
Speaker 2 1:23:39
Walking in rhythm.
Speaker 7 1:23:43
Moving inside,
Speaker 5 1:23:48
running for the music, trying to move on. I'm walking in rhythm,
Speaker 6 1:24:00
singing my song, singing my song, thinking about my baby, trying to get home, trying to get home. I'm walking in river, singing my song, singing my song, thinking about my baby.
Announcer 1:24:32
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 1:24:50
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-they brought their A game. And taking a seat at our high roller table this week is a supergroup built from three remarkable careers: a Grammy-winning keyboardist and composer, a chart-topping saxophonist, and a guitarist whose unmistakable sound has helped define contemporary jazz for decades. Put Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp, and Paul Jackson Jr. in the same room, and you get three musical personalities with enough experience to know when to lead, when to listen, and when to simply let the groove take over. It's your number five simpatico by Jazz, Funk, and Soul.
Announcer 1:29:09
Weekend smooth number four.
Speaker 1 1:33:02
Smooth. positioned was our number four song, and up three more spots this week. All the good times by guitarist Chris Stanring. The lights are shining a little brighter as we arrive at your number three. And leaping two spots this week is a pianist, composer, and independent recording artist who's turned persistence into an impressive contemporary jazz career. Her music has earned repeated national chart success, but behind those numbers is a seasoned musician who writes, arranges, and produces, bringing a distinctively personal touch to the music bearing her name. It's your number three, Vertical Horizon, by keyboardist Carol Albert. Smoothly position was our number four song and up three more spots this week all the good times by guitarists Chris Stan Ring A powerful showing in the number three slot, "Vertical Horizon, by keyboardist Carol Alpert, and sitting just one step away from the crown is a veteran saxophonist, keyboardist, and composer whose career has stretched across more than three decades. He's built a signature sound where soul, R&B, and jazz meet a groove you can recognize almost immediately. But perhaps the most remarkable chapter is happening right now. After taking some time away, he returned refreshed, inspired, and making some of the strongest music of his career. For the second week in a row, his comeback is holding strong at number two. Here's the Phoenix by saxophonist Youth Groove. That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, "The Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge Groove, and now the moment we've all been waiting for. All bets
Announcer 1:42:47
are in. It's time for this week's number one
Speaker 1 1:42:51
song. The lights have dimmed. The Las Vegas skyline is sparkling, and the spotlight is shining on a brand new number one song in America, and after steadily climbing through the countdown, this multi instrumentalist composer and producer has reached the very top. With roots in Minneapolis and a musical vocabulary shaped by jazz, funk, soul, and R&B, he's equally comfortable behind the drums, on the bass, or at the keyboards, bringing years of musicianship to every group, and maybe the title says everything we need to know this week. She said yes, and apparently so did radio. Because tonight there's nowhere left to climb. It's your number one song, coast to coast, she said yes by multi instrumentalist Herbert Ives IV. Landing in a winner circle at number one this week, she said yes by multi instrumentalist Herbert Ives IV. The weekend smooth jazz countdown was recorded at the KUMV studios. Produced by Jason Beatty. Chart data provided by MediaBase. 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 which song caught your ear this week. And much love to our incredible artists who gave us the soundtrack today, and especially to 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 this musical journey so special. And before we close the curtains, and waiting in the wings is one of contemporary jazz's most enduring voices-a saxophone icon with multiple chart-topping hits. Over the years, he's built a remarkable career as a performer, collaborator, and band leader. This week's safe bet, now sitting at number 22, is knocking on the door of the countdown. Here's Hot Chocolate by saxophonist Gerald Albright from the host who loves you the most. Mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week. Take care. The
Announcer 1:54:07
weekend smooth jazz countdown.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai