Smooth Jazz

Smooth jazz on vinyl: soft, melodic, relaxed

In short: Smooth jazz is a term from the US in the eighties: catchy, warm jazz with clear melodies, close to soul and pop. Its roots lie in the seventies, when jazz musicians recorded albums with strings, funk rhythms and big production. The Vinyl Room currently has 37 smooth jazz records.

What is smooth jazz?

A saxophone that sings instead of arguing: from the seventies come saxophonist Hank Crawford with “Cajun Sunrise”, Stanley Turrentine with “The Sugar Man”, flautist Hubert Laws with “Carnegie Hall”, Milt Jackson with strings on “Feelings”, Charles Williams with “Stickball” and guitarist Earl Klugh with his debut “Earl Klugh”.

In the eighties saxophonist Najee with “Najee's Theme” and Sade with “Stronger Than Pride” stand for it. Harpist Brandee Younger takes newer paths.

What to look for

Many of these records came out in the US in the seventies and eighties; label and country of release help you tell which edition you have – it’s noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ Soul jazz · Jazz-funk · Stanley Turrentine · Jazz on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is smooth jazz? Catchy, melodic jazz close to soul and pop; the term comes from the US in the eighties.

Who stands for smooth jazz? Here, among others, Hank Crawford, Earl Klugh, Najee and Hubert Laws.

Is Sade smooth jazz? Sade combines soul, pop and jazz – “Stronger Than Pride” is filed here in our shop.

What is the difference from jazz-funk? Jazz-funk is more rhythmic and edgier, smooth jazz softer and calmer.