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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.
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. Kicking open the door to the countdown this week is one of contemporary jazz's most recognizable hornmen, a trumpeter, composer, and producer with decades of hits behind him. He's built a signature sound that can be polished one minute and downright funky the next. And this week, he's got the first word as we get the definitive groove guide underway. It's your number 20, doing everything with you by trumpeter Rick Braun.
Announcer 5:10
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown, number 19.
Speaker 2 5:25
I 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 stars for a sight, and by desire. I desire. 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 is fine, baby. When you circle rose 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 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, honey's son. roams in the air when you're on my mind. Everything is fine. Everything is fine. I'm floating in the clouds way of love, and I'm blowing like a rainbow in the sky, and you're the reason why. Sometimes begin now when you're around, everything is fine. Everything. baby, honey, sungoverns in the air with ghosts on my mind. Everything, everything is fine. Oh, everything is fine. Everything'll take. thing he does is magic. Every little thing he does, it tends to tend to tend to turns me off. Turns, it turns, turns, it turns me off. Everything and every That smooth spin was your number
Speaker 1 9:30
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. 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. Up two spots this week is an award-winning. Flautis, who traded in her career in law enforcement to follow her passion for music, and went on to become one of contemporary jazz's most distinctive flute voices. She teams with a producer and multi-instrumentalist who brings his own smooth blend of jazz, R&B, and soul to the mix. It's your number 18, El Fuego by Flautis Althea Rene, featuring multi instrumentalist Ryan Lavalette.
Announcer 14:41
Weekend smooth number 17.
Speaker 1 18:32
Finishing off that track was your number 17 song, and up four more spots this week. 65 Bounce by saxophonist Walter Beasley, 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 holding steady at number 16 is a multi-talented artist who began playing the flute as a child before adding the saxophone to her musical toolbox along the way, she became a songwriter, vocalist, and producer, building a contemporary jazz sound with plenty of soul, funk, and personality. She's known for how to make an entrance, and apparently, she knows how to be right on time. Here's saxophonist Paula Atherton with her brand new single, "Right on Time. You just experienced our number 16 song, "Right on Time" by saxophonist Paula Atherton. Now let's shine the spotlight on a bassist waiting just outside the countdown at our velvet rope and making a five-spot leap to number 22, but he's not on the list. He's a bassist who turned an instrument usually associated with the back line into a powerful lead voice, he's built a career on deep grooves, gospel roots, and unmistakable contemporary jazz sound. This time, he brings along a chart-topping guitarist and producer who certainly knows his way around the countdown. Here's "Give and Go" by bassist Julian Vaughn, featuring guitarist Adam Hawley. The
Speaker 1 28:06
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 is a rising trumpeter, bringing a fresh voice to contemporary jazz, blending smooth melodies with touches of R&B and soul. This time, he's joined by Grammy-nominated saxophonist superstar, whose unmistakable sound has been a radio favorite for decades. He's up another spot this week to your number 15. Here's Skate On by trumpeter Evan Taylor, featuring saxophonist Dave Cause. The smooth jazz countdown. The top 15 are next.
Announcer 28:06
No need to spin the wheel. We've got the sure thing. The weekend smooth jazz countdown with Pamela Black resumes now.
Announcer 33:13
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz count, number 14.
Speaker 1 37:28
We just checked out our number 14 song, "Mapudo Nights" by saxophonist Eric Darius. Making a two-spot leap and landing at lucky number 13 is a bassist, composer, and producer whose deep pocket groove has made him equally comfortable holding down the rhythm or stepping it into the spotlight. He's also one half of contemporary jazz's duo that's been turning out smooth jazz soulful grooves for more than a decade. It's your number 13. It's a boy. My bassist Jacob Webb. Weekend
Announcer 41:40
smooth number 12.
Speaker 1 45:31
Closing out that selection was our number 12 song, "All the Good Times" by guitarist Chris Stanring. Now boarding at number 11 and sitting just one step away from the top 10 this week is Berkeley-trained saxophonist, vocalist, and songwriter who never believed creativity should stay in one lane. She's taken that fearless spirit from contemporary jazz stages to touring with Aerosmith, bringing plenty of soul, rock and roll energy, and one unmistakable saxophone sound along the way. It's your number 11, falling in love, by saxophonist Mindy Amaer.
Speaker 3 48:40
I'm running in you.
Speaker 1 50:10
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. Headlining artist. The marquee lights are shining a little brighter as we roll out the red carpet for our spotlight guitarist, whose musical journey actually began at the piano at the age of eight. As a teenager, he played in church, toured with bluegrass ensemble and even led his own blues band long before contemporary jazz came calling. He would eventually earn a doctorate in music and build a career as an artist, producer, and educator. But this one gets personal. Joining him is his wife a soulful vocalist and songwriter who has since stepped into a recording career of her own? Together, they put a smooth Latin flavor spin on one of the pop's music's biggest hits. He'll also be on the stages tonight at our Sunset Jazz Series at Sunset Station in Henderson. Here's the 2020 release "Senorita" by guitarist Adam Holly, featuring Cat Holly on vocals. Have a sensational show tonight, Adam. I love it when
Speaker 4 51:47
you come clean señorita. I wish I could pretend I didn't need you, but every touch is full. La la la, it's true. La la la. Oh, I should be red and ooh. was heart from summer rains were dripping off me before I even knew your name. La la la, it felt like ooh la la la, yeah. Sapphire moonlight, we danced for hours in the sand to keep the sunrise. My body fit right in your hands, la la la. It felt like I love it when you call me Yorita. I wish I could pretend I didn't need you, but every touch is true la la la. She'll be running more. I wish it wasn't so damn hard to leave ya, but every time should be ready. Oh, you keep me coming for you. When your lips undress me, look on your tongue. Ooh, love your kisses and the tongues. I love it when you call me in your ether. I wish I could pretend I wish it wasn't soft and hard to leave. Yeah, that every touch is low, it's true, la la la. Oh, I should be running, oh yeah, keep it coming. I love it when you go, oh. Wash and be ready to keep me coming. Wash and holy keep me coming. love it when you call me. Oh, you keep me coming. The
Announcer 55:01
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 55:17
Welcome back. Our 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 two-spot move this week is a Grammy-nominated vocalist whose unmistakable voice has been part of jazz and soul for more than three decades. This time, she's revisiting a Crusaders classic featuring Randy Crawford, a song she says helped shape her own musical journey. Her interpretation honors that original while bringing the wisdom and life experience of her own remarkable career to the story, it's the first taste of her forthcoming 15th solo album, Milestones. It's your number 10, Street Life, by vocalist Mesa, featuring JJ San Marino.
Speaker 5 56:20
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. Streets
Speaker 3 57:44
line, street line, street line. Streamline.
Speaker 5 58:33
Straight line. 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. Street line for a nickel or a dime. Streetlight, but you better not get old. Street night. oh, you're gonna feel the cold. There's always love for sale, a grown-up fairy tale. Prince Charming 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 59:52
Streetlight. Streetlight. Streetlight. I
Speaker 5 1:00:17
play the street line, street.
Announcer 1:00:23
We're counting down the 20 smoothest jazz songs of the week. The weekend smooth jazz countdown number nine.
Speaker 1 1:04:11
That smooth spin. What's your number nine song, Vertical Horizon? My keyboardist Carol Alpert. A special thank you to our radio partners across the country for bringing the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown to listeners every week. Missed a part of the show? Listen anytime 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. Moving into the number eight spot this week, steady as she goes, 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 3 1:05:34
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 want to get. What is meant be for be be be? When I'm out on the road, oh, every place that I go alone, I 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, 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 only gain. But it's meant be for me will be. What is meant to be easy? Oh yeah, who you yeah I love. Who's to say at the end of the day whether or not it took him well? were fair or in vain, if you listen to the doubts you got, you will lose it in the moment if you fall again. Don't you forget? Who's to say at the end of the day? Whether all that you have
Announcer 1:09:05
Weekend smooth number seven.
Speaker 1 1:13:31
You just vibed with our number seven and up four more spots this week, she said. "Yes, by basis Herbert Ives the fourth, cruising comfortably in a rarefied air at number six are three contemporary jazz heavyweights who built remarkable careers of their own before discovering something altogether different when they joined forces. Between them, it's keyboards, saxophone, and guitar. Grammy-winning talent, countless collaborations, and enough musical history to fill a few chapters of contemporary jazz. It's your number six, Sympactico by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Sounding great was your number six song "Sempático" by Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Now taking center stage is our highlight of the week,
Announcer 1:17:49
vintage smooth.
Speaker 1 1:17:50
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 the clock back to 2007 with the pianist, keyboardist, composer, and writer whose music has always had one foot in sophistication and the other planted firmly in the groove. A Chicago native, his contemporary jazz journey began gaining attention with Soltopia in 2002, paving the way for the project we're visiting today. Over the years, his musical circle would include familiar names like Jeanette Harris, Reagan Whiteside, Pamela Williams, and Kim Scott. But nearly two decades ago, this warm, easygoing groove helped introduce listeners to another side of his sound. Stepping into our vintage smooth spotlight this week, here's the 2007 release of Sunday Afternoon by keyboardist Tim Watson.
Speaker 6 1:19:00
There's nothing quite like Sunday afternoon. Dave your cares for Monday. It's Sunday afternoon. There's nothing quite. Sunday afternoon, leave your guests for Monday. Sunday afternoon. Cheering und white. There's nothing quite bad. Sunday drink, leave your kiss for Monday. It's Sunday afternoon, chill and unquiet. There's nothing quite right. Sunday afternoon, leave your curse for Monday. The
Announcer 1:22:31
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 1:22:49
And just like that, welcome to the high roller table. The top five. There are five tracks remaining, all smooth, all strong, and everybody at this table, brought their A game, and taking her seat at the high roller table this week, she's classically trained flutist songwriter, producer, and radio personality who once had to be convinced to pick up the instrument that would ultimately define her career. Today, she's one of contemporary jazz's most successful artists, with an impressive 14 number one singles to her name. Here's "In Love Reimagined" by Flutist Reagan Whiteside.
Announcer 1:27:40
Weekend smooth. number four.
Speaker 1 1:31:40
Smoothly positioned was our number four song in up three more spots this week. Yes, sir. By keyboardist Ali Silk, featuring saxophonist Jeff Ryan. The lights are shining a little brighter as we arrive at your number three. He's a saxophonist who built an extraordinary career after years of sharing stages with artists like Tina Turner, Tower of Power, and Elton John, but his newest chapter may be his most meaningful. After a life-saving heart surgery and a long road back to his saxophone, he returned with music inspired by resilience, peace, and a genuine second chance, and just like the title suggests, this artist is rising again. It's your number three, the Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge Groove. A powerful showing in the number three slot, "The Phoenix, by saxophonist Huge Groove. Just one step away from the crown, and looking very comfortable at number two, he's a pianist, composer, and producer whose musical road has taken him from Nigeria to Switzerland to Berkeley, eventually into contemporary jazz. Along the way, he became a three-time platinum producer and spent nearly a decade as a keyboardist and musical director for Jonathan Butler. But this one began much closer to the heart when his mother asked him to write something especially for her, well, he did. Then invited a longtime musical friend to add the warmth of his unmistakable soprano saxophone. One step away, it's your number two, Jolanda, by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring Kirk Whalem on saxophone. A powerful sovereign in That spotlight moment belonged to our number two song, Yolanda, by keyboardist Greg Manning, featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalen. And now, the moment we've all been waiting for.
Speaker 1 1:41:44
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 an award-winning pianist, composer, and producer who grew up surrounded by music and turned a childhood foundation in classical piano into a contemporary jazz voice, unmistakably her own. Along the way, she's built an impressive string of chart-topping hits, combining elegant melodies, soulful grooves, and a touch on the keys that can whisper one moment and absolutely command the room the next. This week she rises one final spot, and today she's wearing the crown. It's your number one song, Coast to Coast. Here's Bountiful by keyboardist Kayla Waters. That spotlight moment belonged to Landing in the winter circle at number one this week, Bountiful by keyboardist Kayla Waters. 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. And 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 the 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 thank you for making the weekend smooth jazz countdown part of your weekend. Before we close the curtains, and waiting in the wings is a saxophonist who's been making contemporary jazz for years. But here's the twist: that Doc in his name isn't just a nickname. Away from the stage, he built another successful career as a practicing dentist, all while continuing to record and perform. This week's safe bet, now sitting at number 23, is knocking on the door of the countdown. Here's Chill Pill by saxophonist Philip Doc Marten from the host who loves you the most, mounds and mounds of caramel kisses. Until next week, take care. The
Announcer 1:41:58
All bets are in. It's time for this week's number one song. The
Announcer 1:52:10
weekend smooth jazz countdown.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai