Smooth Jazz Now : Art Porter

Feature - What's Smooth Jazz? - Art Porter - Wishful Thinking

May 4, 2005 - When selecting a recording as an example of classic smooth jazz for someone new to the genre, there could be no finer choice than 'Wishful Thinking', written and performed by Art Porter from his 1996 album 'Lay Your Hands On Me'.Had it not been for his untimely death in November of 1996 Art Porter would certainly have been up there in the highest echelon of today's smooth jazz stars. More

Jeff Lorber Resurrects His Shades Of Soul With Chris Botti & Art Porter

July 16, 2004 - Jeff Lorber (pictured right) knows that timing is everything! The popular Smooth Jazz keyboardist says he's finally set to release the 'Shades of Soul' album, a group effort also featuring guitarist Marion McClain and Nathaniel Phillips who both played with the Dazz Band. The project was actually started ten years ago but Lorber says up until now the timing just wasn't right. The groups first effort will also feature the late Art Porter (center) who drowned in 1996 - Porter and Lorber were very good friends. Chris Botti (left) was added to the mix in 2000 and his trumpet is featured on many of the funk/Smooth Jazz tracks. The first single 'Gazpacho' was sent to radio on July 12. The album will be released on Narada Jazz on August 24th. Read our interview with Jeff Lorber.