Lowcountry Jazz Festival 2026: Day One

Declared by Jazziz Magazine as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this past decade,” Vincent Ingala remains an unstoppable and ever-adventurous creative force in urban contemporary jazz, with a total of nine #1 Billboard hits, twenty-two Top 10 singles and more to come from his latest release and 8th studio album, Escape With Me on Shanachie Entertainment.

Upon exploding onto the scene in 2010 with his independent, critically acclaimed debut album North End Soul at the age of 17, Vincent was already a seasoned performer, developing somewhat of a cult following in his home state of Connecticut during his high school years with his compelling one man show. That fan base grew exponentially across the U.S. – and in Europe, thanks to supportive on-line outlets – with his breakthrough single and Top 15 Billboard track “It Is What It Is.”

Eleven years after the first time he earned Billboard’s designation as Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year, the saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and long-beloved entertainer achieved this accolade again in 2023 upon the success of his hit singles “Ridin’ the Wave” and “Shadow Dancer,” the latter of which stayed at #1 on the Smooth Jazz Airplay chart for three weeks.

Vincent’s unique dual ability to electrify fans while connecting emotionally with them has made him one of the genre’s most popular touring artists. He draws the audience in and makes them part of an exciting musical experience that bridges the gap between the music of his father’s R&B, funk and soul collection (which Vincent grew up heavily immersed in) and Vincent’s own crisp grooves, well executed horn lines and horn-drenched melodies. Just as he plays every instrument on his self-produced albums, he fronts his explosive band by providing the audience with a well blended show of sax, guitar, drums and vocals.

The in-demand recording artist continues to make his mark with a signature music blend of energetic smooth jazz grooves, infused with soulful, old-school retro vibes. His versatility on multiple instruments makes him sought after both live and as a producer in the studio.

Six-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, MC, and bandleader known for her captivating live performances. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix and Pursuance: The Coltranes have firmly established her among jazz’s foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat.

Phoenix earned her three GRAMMY nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin’s prominence continues to rise.

In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Her performance was highlighted on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and received exceptional reviews during her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk, further showcasing her exceptional talent. Phoenix Reimagined also received 2 GRAMMY nominations.

Lakecia released original composition *Noble Rise,* nominated for the Best Jazz Performance GRAMMY, **in 2025. Her debut for ARTWORK Records is set for release in June 2026 with new singles coming soon!

Gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated 17^th album Light of Day in early 2025, veteran guitarist and contemporary jazz icon Peter White is celebrating a series of key personal and professional milestones.

Having just turned 70, the British born artist says of the new collection, “I think this recording is one of the best I’ve ever made. I have as much enthusiasm and energy for music as I did in my twenties!” 2024 also marked his 50^th year as a professional musician, which began with a gig in a Top 40 band at a holiday resort in Perranporth, a seaside resort town in the Southwest corner of England – six months before he met and officially launched his career recording and touring with singer/songwriter Al Stewart (and co-writing Stewart’s classic “Time Passages”).

Though early on in his career as a sideman for Stewart and later, Basia) White could never have anticipated becoming an acclaimed instrumental recording artist, let alone a popular headliner, 2025 marks 35 years since he dropped his debut album Reveillez-Vous. In that time, he has had four #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums (Smile, Groovin’. Here We Go) and four #2’s (Glow, Confidential, Good Day, Playin’ Favourites), in addition to seven #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay hits, including “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” (16 weeks at #1), “Bright” (13 weeks) “Head Over Heels” (nine weeks) “Mister Magic” (eight weeks) and “Bright.” His most recent #1 was as a featured artist on Carol Albert’s #1 hit “Sunshine Yellow.”

Between the guitarist’s most recent traditional release Groovin’ in 2016 and now, he enjoyed another chart success in 2019 with Music For STARLUX Airlines, a set of six extended tracks originally created for in-flight entertainment on the Taiwanese-based airline. While his assignment on that album was to create beautiful, relaxing melodies, White’s happy to say that “all the drama that was intentionally absent on the STARLUX project is on Light of Day. There are a lot of exciting twists and turns in the production throughout.”

Originally proposed for that project, the eight minute, off the beaten path (and perfectly titled!) “Odyssey” dynamically blends the best of both approaches – an expansive arrangement, an excursion full of different moods, twists and turns, uncertainty and explosive excitement. Very unusual for an artist in a genre driven by radio friendly singles, White attributes this tune’s sense of daring to the magic he felt listening to innovative, revolutionary Beatles classics like “A Day in The Life” growing up. “I love music that takes me on a journey, whether it’s pop, jazz or classical,” he says. “I’m at a point in my career where I’m less concerned about how people will react and thinking more like, does this piece of music capture my senses and take me to a place I want to be?”

Because much of the recording was done during the pandemic, White titled the album Light of Day to express his view that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel and reasons to have hope and optimism. Bringing this aesthetic to colorful sonic life, he enhances his trademark, instantly recognizable acoustic melodies with bass, recorder and keyboards, while also bringing hypnotic electric sitar-guitar and dreamy accordion into the mix on the charming, tropical tinged light funk romp “Carefree.”

White gets the album off to a rollicking, rip-roaring start with the buoyant “Catalonia,” whose spirit of high adventure echoes some of the guitarist’s earlier epic tunes like “Ramon’s Revenge” (from Good Day) and “Don Quixote’s Final Quest” (from Smile). Another track with a similar sense of freewheeling, whimsical fun is “Overdrive,” which rolls like a fast-paced spy movie score (with lots of imagined car chases) while fusing the intense exotica of Kenny Herrera’s booming percussion with White’s classic snappy acoustic, soaring horns, an exciting flugelhorn solo by Ilya Serov and the Americana-flavored harmonica accents of Marc Macisso, who also plays saxophone. The keyboards and programming were performed by Michael Egizi.

At the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, White fulfills a career-long goal by having legendary saxophonist Ernie Watts join him on the soulful, sensually romantic ballad “Enchanted” (which, ironically, the guitarist wrote the night before their session!) and taps one of smooth jazz’s most exciting young artists, saxophonist Vincent Ingala to create a passionate duet with his guitar on the heartfelt ballad “I Love You Still.” Also in this gentler vein is the lilting, graceful tune “Till I See You Again,” White’s tribute to one of the genre’s most impactful and beloved artists, the late guitarist Nick Colionne.

Other infectious gems leading to the soaring, illuminating great reveal of the final track “Light of Day” are the seductively grooving (courtesy of White’s programming ace DC), atmosphere-rich “Cityscape,” a sparkling duet entwining the acoustic guitar and guest Rick Braun’s breezy flugelhorn; and the sweetly infectious “Dreaming of You,” whose soaring ambience caresses White’s acoustic melody throughout.

The collection also includes contributions from some of the genre’s most renowned studio musicians – bassists Dave Dyson, Nate Phillips and Roberto Vally and drummer Eric Valentine, in addition to Shannon Kennedy (flute) and Sascha Brezina (organ). Two of the more unique credits are Matthew Hagar (fingersnaps and sonic guidance) and White’s longtime friend and musical associate Skipper Wise (additional guidance and encouragement).

Initially influenced by folk music and The Beatles, White learned fingerstyle picking via classic recordings by Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell – and counts the lesser-known Hank Marvin, guitarist of the UK band The Shadows, as another important early inspiration. He also loved the British blues of bands like the early lineup of Fleetwood Mac and fans of his trademark acoustic string vibe can thank a random fire for destroying the first electric guitar he ever bought after going crazy for Jimi Hendrix. The reason he advises all young musicians to learn more than one instrument is that when Al Stewart first hired him, it was for his piano playing skills. His focus shifted once he got in his Spanish guitar solo on Year of the Cat’s “On the Border.” White spent two decades playing with Stewart, and all these years later plays on “Time Passages” on the singer’s latest album Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets Live.

“Once I began recording instrumental albums and they enjoyed some success, the biggest surprise of my career is that I actually became an entertainer,” White says. “Working as a sideman for years behind Al Stewart and then Basia, I never envisioned that in my future. My very first solo live performance was at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in 1991, and I barely had anything to say to the audience. I later went to a performance coach and learned how to step up and convey the joy of what I was playing in my facial expressions and mannerisms. Beyond that, the most wonderful part of all this is that whatever label I was on and now with my own, I had complete freedom to create music that I loved without rules or compromise. I’m thrilled that I’m still around, playing with some of the greatest musicians in the world!”

With over 50 million albums globally and proclaimed a “national treasure” by the Los Angeles Times, Anthony Hamilton’s voice will resonate louder than ever in 2021 with more music and performances on the horizon. GRAMMY® Award winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton has achieved global sales of over 50 million albums. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee notably performed for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, cementing his place in the history books as the “narrator of love.” Introduced by way of the iconic 2003 smash “Charlene,” his raw, awe-inspiring performances garnered the attention of NPR where he starred in their Noteworthy documentary series.

He made his film debut in the critically acclaimed American Gangster, and lent his vocals to the song “Freedom” from the Academy® Award-nominated film Django Unchained. Hamilton now adds author and publisher to his list of accomplishments with the unveiling of his first self-published book, Cornbread, Fish ‘n Collard Greens, where he shares the inspiration for some of the iconic songs in his illustrious career and his love of southern food. Hamilton recently starred as Kyle Kirby in the feature film Carl Weber’s Influence, now streaming on BET+.”

Celebrated Pianist, Composer & Humanitarian Keiko Matsui Shares Her Dream For Unity, Serenity & Happiness on New Recording Euphoria

“Through prayer and my music, I hope to be able to increase harmony on this planet.”- Keiko Matsui

“This album is about the hope that we all carry inside of us,” shares internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian, Keiko Matsui, who has worked with everyone from Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Bob James, and Hugh Masekela. “I have this dream where we can each cherish our own happiness and learn to accept and care for one another.” This declaration is a tall order but if anyone can pull it off it’s Keiko Matsui. There is a reason why the stunning, soft-spoken, and petite powerhouse with such a commanding presence at the piano has amassed a devout following through the years. “When I tour around the world and witness how my music cuts through our differences and connects everyone, it makes me feel euphoric!” exclaims Keiko, who has lent her voice to raise awareness for such causes as The Daniel Pearl and the Susan G. Komen Foundations. Keiko harnesses this joy on her anticipated new and 30th recording Euphoria (March 31, 2023 on Shanachie Entertainment). She enlists an all-star contingency of special guests including vocalist, and daughter of Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mike Stern, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vibist Joel Ross, harmonica player Grégoire Maret and pianist/arranger John Beasley. Keiko is also joined by her touring band, bassist Rico Belled, guitarist JP Mourao and drummer Jimmy Branly, who she credits for making the rigors of touring bearable. Euphoria is co-produced by Grammy nominated producer and manager Bud Harner, who also co-produced Keiko’s previous recording Echo, as well as albums by David Benoit, Jeff Golub, and Lalah Hathaway, among others. Euphoria promises to be a watershed moment for Keiko as she has poured her heart and soul into this project and the result is an utterly inspiring and epic statement. Keiko declares, “At the core of this album is beauty, strength, energy, love, and hope. These are all the things in life that we need to move forward on a new path. This music is dedicated to a new era.” …

Keiko who masters the delicate balance between career and motherhood (she has two daughters) feels an urgency to leave the world a better place for future generations. “I want to make a positive impact for children in this generation and the future. Through prayer and my music, I hope to be able to increase more harmony on this planet.” Keiko succeeds in conjuring a harmonious affair on Euphoria.

The origins of the recording date back to two years ago, when Keiko started composing new music for the album. During the past year, as her tour schedule began to accelerate, she worked between tour dates and finally went into the studio to record in July 2022.

She recalls, “There is nothing like the enthusiasm of collaboration born on the spot. I cherish it!” Keiko is inspired by the world around her. “I unconsciously receive inspiration from the things around me, like people I meet while traveling, events happening in the world, the news or the movies,” explains the pianist. A master storyteller, Keiko Matsui crafts passionate, emotive, and timeless anthems colored with rich harmonies and global rhythms. Euphoria opens with the forward-driving and up-tempo groove of “Steps On The Globe,” the album’s catchy first single. Keiko shares, “This song is inspired by the strength of people who live life with joy and courage. They step on the ground one step at a time even when they are facing adversity. We must keep moving forward!” Guitarist Mike Stern, who records with Keiko for the first time, joins the pianist on her composition, “The Choice.” The track miraculously juggles a funk edge with a delicate impressionistic flair. “I met Mike years ago at one of his concerts in New York with Richard Bona, says Keiko. “My impression of Mike was that he is a gentle personality who plays beautifully. When I was thinking about a special guest for this song, I thought the uniqueness of his sound would add a wonderful spice.” The meditative and prayerful “Prairie Morning,” unites Keiko with the core band on the album; bassist Alex Al, drummer Gregg Bissonette, guitarist Tony Pulizzi, percussionist Luis Conte and Ron Pedley on Rhodes and strings. Randy Brecker also makes his inaugural recording date with Keiko on Euphoria. The trumpeter and flugelhornist adds the perfect touch to the percussive and scintillating “Neo.” “We had so much fun playing this song together,” recalls Keiko. “Randy was such a great collaborator, and we enjoyed our musical dialogue and exploding improvisations together. Originally, we were going to fade the song, but the entire band got so excited that we couldn’t stop and just kept playing!”

On the album is the tender love song “Love and Nothing Less,” featuring vocalist Lalah Hathaway and harmonica player Grégoire Maret, who also appears on Keiko’s album Journey To The Heart. “The moment the first melody came to me, I immediately could hear Lalah singing and before I even made contact with her, I had written the complete verse melody while imagining her voice,” explains Keiko. “I really admire her as an artist, so I was so happy we had the opportunity to finally collaborate. Her performance is amazing! When I shared my feelings and thoughts about the song, she delicately captured the vibe and spirit of it and transformed it into beautiful words.” Euphoria is a meeting of old and new friends. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum, the latter, is featured on the reggae-tinged and soul-stirring “Luminescence.” “I feel a similar spirituality with Kirk,” declares Keiko. “When we create together, I feel we share a musical and spiritual connection.” Keiko summons beauty and drama on the striking Tango “Rosso Cantabile,” and she transports us to Paraguay for “Legend of Yaguarón.” “Last summer, I did a charity concert with an orchestra in Paraguay. This is where I first heard about the mysterious Legend of Yaguarón,” recalls the pianist, who composed the song prior to her visit. However, upon visiting she was inspired to title the song after the legend. She explains, “When I visited the city of Yaguarón, there was a mural that expressed the mystic story with monsters and guardian angels, and it seemed like the perfect fit to name my song after this legend.” The serene and majestic “Mossy Mountain,” is penned after Keiko’s manager Bud Harner’s favorite place, the West Central Plains of Illinois and “Blue Waters,” is a gorgeous contemplative number that shines a light on Keiko’s ability to transport us with her stunning melodies.

“I hope in some small way that these songs stay with people. In some small way, I want to leave a positive impact. Rather than wanting people to receive the message that I want to convey, I would be happier if they can feel the music freely and decide what the music means to them,” says Keiko. The album’s arresting and monumental title track dances with fury and delight. It features the young vibist, Joel Ross. Keiko refers to this track as her “Jazz Symphony.” “When I finished composing “Euphoria,” I knew it had to be the title track. I love the sound of vibraphone and I think Joel’s tone brought a tension and cool vibe to the song. I also enlisted pianist/arranger John Beasley who I met in Istanbul when I was invited to perform at International Jazz Day, where he was the music director. I have admired and respected his work since then. I thought about his arrangement and knew that he would be wonderful for this song.” It is only fitting that Euphoria concludes with the dazzling melody and cascading piano of “New Passage.” Keiko’s message is simple. “If we are open there is a new passage for each one of us. If we lead with our hearts, all of mankind and humanity can take this new direction.”

In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer, and released a four-song CD entitled A Gift of Hope that benefited the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in Say It, Fight It, Cure It, a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. “My fans come from all backgrounds and I have been approached by various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to, then I am always willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back,” states Keiko. In 1999, the pianist performed at “A Golden Moment,” a skating concert featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefited the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 1998 saw the release of her album Full Moon And The Shrine, which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees.

Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. She is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003 she enjoyed success with her recording The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works. In 2004 the title track of Keiko’s Wildflower was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts in Africa. “I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can change people’s lives for the better,” shares the activist. Keiko has also collaborated with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) in numerous charity concerts. In addition, proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, A Gift of Life, went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M. In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a major success and in November 2010 she made her highly anticipated debut at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out. In 2011 Keiko recorded with fellow pianist Bob James on a four-hand piano project called Altair & Vega. Keiko’s depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to soundtracks in Japan, the U.S. and Russia. She also released her critically heralded Billboard Top 5 recording The Road… which featured Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Jackiem Joyner among others. In 2013, Keiko Matsui celebrated the release of her critically lauded album Soul Quest, which is the musical inspiration behind Live in Toyko. The same year she was also an invited guest in Istanbul for International Jazz Day alongside such luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard. Journey To The Heart (2016) and Echo (2019), further solidified Keiko’s place as one of the most significant and thrilling pianists in contemporary jazz.

Keiko concludes, “During the past few years, I have witnessed the loss of life and seen people’s sadness and it has been really painful, but it has helped to remind me of the precious gift of time and the importance of gratitude for what I have now,” confides Keiko.” “Euphoria is my gift to my fans around the world.”

Jonathan Butler, the youngest of 11 children, was raised amidst Apartheid in Cape Town, South Africa. His amazing talents afforded him the opportunity to prosper, nonetheless. Releasing his first album at age 12, he was awarded the South African “Grammy” for Best New Artist. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records (“Please Stay” went double gold and “I Love How You Love Me” went gold) at 13.  More than a decade later, Jonathan moved to London and released his first album internationally, which went gold. He received Grammy^® Award nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.” His genre-busting music earned songwriter’s awards and received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats.  Jonathan’s long-awaited record Ubuntu produced by Marcus Miller was released March, 2023.  Jonathan remains a musical icon today in South Africa and around the world.

If you are one of the lucky ones, you can recall a moment in time when a portal to an entire new world was opened for you, and a fire was lit within. For Richard Elliot, that moment was when his sister, ten years his senior, took a leap of faith and invited him to listen to her record collection. The only caveat was that he takes good care of her records and put them back where they belong.

Elliot not only took good care of the music, but the music has been taking care of him for over four decades. The chart-topping Grammy-nominated saxophonist recalls, “My sister had everything from Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana and Dave Brubeck to Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Tops. I got a chance to be exposed at a young age to a lot of great music.”

That inspiration ran deep, and Elliot went on to work with all three of the aforementioned Motown legends. His enviable credits also include a five-year stint with the funk and soul horns of Tower of Power and when he was just a lad worked with Natalie Cole and the Pointer Sisters.

A man of many talents, Elliot, who once moonlighted as a software engineer, is also a pilot. In fact, the saxman is in the process of building his own two-seat plane in his garage. On September 6, 2024, the Scottish-born, LA raised and San Diego based renaissance man will release his 21st recording as a leader, Straight Up Down, on Shanachie Entertainment.

He shares, “I feel incredibly fortunate that I am allowed to do this as a career and even more grateful that I have been able to do it for as long as I have. It’s all about being honest and truthful in my music and never taking it all for granted.” Elliot provides maximum cruise control on Straight Up Down, an inspired collection of nine tracks, eight of which are originals. The album’s solid and alluring material shine a light on Richard Elliot’s signature soulful and bluesy approach which seamlessly combines his technical prowess and unbridled passion with the finer elements of Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B and Rock.

Straight Up Down opens with the winning new single “Very Delicious,” a sumptuous and spirited affair reminiscent of the bluesy soul of John Handy’s 1970s hit “Hard Work.” The selection of “Very Delicious” as an album opener is perfect as Elliot’s supple and agile tenor lines twist and turn to delight elevating the mood and urge you to join in and clap along. “When Jeff Carruthers sent me the track,” he explains, “what I set out to do was come up with a melody that was kind of more hooky. The song is a bit nostalgic, and I love things that are nostalgic. I always feel that it’s important to pay homage to what came before us and to choose vibes, grooves and melody lines that speak to where the genre started.” “Driftin’,” not to be confused with Herbie Hancock’s composition, is a sultry mid-tempo affair that showcases Elliot’s stunning tone dancing alongside an oscillating groove propelled by drummer Trevor Lawrence and percussionist Lenny Castro.

The track was produced and mixed by labelmate and fellow tenorman, Euge Groove, who also produced and mixed “Very Delicious.” “Euge and I have been friends for decades,” Richard shares. Before he did any solo work, he was the person that I recommended to take my place in Tower of Power and because of that we have a real connection and history together.” Straight Up Down is the first time Euge and Elliot have worked on a record together. Elliot adds, “We had just a great time working together, and this was a very special collaboration for me.”

Straight Up Down also features the captivating “Double Trouble,” co-written with Shane Theriot who is featured on keys, bass, guitar, and drums. Elliot reflects, “It’s a bit retro and has the vibe of the old CTI recordings where it’s about establishing a mood and keeping the melodies very lyrical and straightforward while at the same time remaining a bit minimalistic.” The album’s title track is inspired by Richard’s motto to keep it real and live authentically. It is also a word play on the terms “straight up” and to be “down,” which both infer being truthful or emphatically in agreement. “I am inspired to play and create music by everything including what is going on in my life, society, or my community. I just try to be sincere,” he explains. The album’s title track, produced, by guitarist and labelmate Paul Brown (who plays percussion on the track) is a standout with its gorgeous crisp melody, air-tight groove and slick chord changes anchored by Jeff Carruthers on keys, guitar and drums and Roberto Valley on the bass.

Straight Up Down features one lone cover, “Tell Me If You Still Care About Me” featuring the masterful arranging and production of Kevin Flournoy.  The Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis song was a Top five Billboard hit in 1983.  “I have always been a big fan of The S.O.S. Band and an extremely big fan of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. When that band came out, that they had a unique sound that didn’t sound like anyone else,” shares Elliot. “High Tide” is another sublime collaboration between Elliot and Paul Brown. Their unbounded joy and telepathic interplay are undeniable. Richard explains, “Paul and I have a history that goes back decades. When it’s the right collaboration, you have a comfort level where you anticipate each other’s moves. At the same time a good producer pushes you out of your comfort zone and I think that’s what’s nice about working with Paul.” The dazzling “Beautiful” is a tribute to Elliot’s wife Camella. “I always dedicate at least one song to her on every record,” he shares. “The song makes me visualize a beautiful sunset and watching the day come to an end as I look up at the sunset exhaling.” Straight Up Down also showcases the laidback but snappy swinger “Freestyle” and “As The Day Fades,” which brings Elliot’s thrilling sonic journey to a conclusion as he floats out atop a funky R&B groove.

“Dexter (Gordon) is still my guy. I was around 18 years-old when I went to a club called Concerts By The Sea in Los Angeles. It was truly a life changing moment for me,” shares Richard Elliot. “This big man came out on stage with this low voice and this huge tenor sound. I had already been playing for a few years but when I heard him, I thought to myself ‘I’m doomed. I will never ever come up with a sound anywhere near this guy.’ It really was life changing to hear him play.” Inspired by Dexter and the likes of other tenor legends like Johnny Griffin, Gene Ammons, Coleman Hawkins, Grover Washington Jr. and Michael Brecker, Richard Elliot has managed to carve out this own niche out of his rich caldron of influences. Richard Elliot has scored more than 20 Top 10 Smooth Jazz singles and #1 Contemporary Jazz albums. His debut solo album, Trolltown was released in 1986 and shortly thereafter he began a fruitful relationship with Bruce Lundvall and was signed to Blue Note Records.  A few of his other stand out releases include 2016’s Summer Madness albums including On The Town, Soul Embrace, After Dark, and Jumpin’ Off. His 2013 collaboration with saxophonists Dave Koz Gerald Albright and Mindi Abair, Summer Horns. Elliot’s last recorded Authentic Life was released in 2021 and joined together an A-list line up including Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Philippe Saisse and. David Mann

The ultimate family man, Richard Elliot confides, “I love spending time with my family. My wife and I have five children and it is a joy watching them pursue their careers and their lives.” He is also a self-proclaimed foodie. He and wife Camella enjoy the pursuit of discovering new places to eat. Richard and his wife also run a foundation that donates to worthy causes that benefit youth and young adults including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, St. Judes, and the San Diego area dance organization TranscenDANCE. With the release of Straight Up Down Elliot concludes, “If there’s a few people out there that enjoy or feel impacted or moved by what I do, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something. If my music affects them in a positive way, then I am happy.”