The albums that define
smooth jazz.
Our picks for where to start with smooth jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top smooth jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The smooth jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
George Benson
Big Boss Band
A smooth blend of jazz and R&B, with Benson's signature guitar work and warm vocals shining through each track.
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George Benson
The George Benson Cookbook
An engaging blend of jazz, funk, and blues, showcasing Benson's virtuosic guitar work and smooth vocals.
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Spyro Gyra
Breakout
A vibrant tapestry of jazz fusion, blending intricate melodies with infectious grooves and smooth transitions.
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Spyro Gyra
Wrapped in a Dream
Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with vibrant rhythms, creating an uplifting and immersive listening experience.
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Kenny G
Heart and Soul
Smooth saxophone melodies glide over lush arrangements, creating an atmosphere of serene romanticism.
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Kenny G
I'm in the Mood for Love...The Most Romantic Melodies of All Time
Smooth saxophone melodies intertwine with timeless romantic classics, creating a lush soundscape of love and nostalgia.
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Norah Jones
I Dream of Christmas
A warm blend of jazz and folk that reimagines holiday classics with Norah Jones' signature smoothness.
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Norah Jones
Pick Me Up Off the Floor
A soulful blend of jazz and introspective folk, evoking both melancholy and resilience.
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Diana Krall
When I Look in Your Eyes
A lush, intimate blend of jazz standards and original compositions showcasing Krall's sultry vocals and elegant piano work.
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Diana Krall
Only Trust Your Heart
A sultry blend of jazz standards, intimate vocals, and sophisticated piano improvisations create an inviting atmosphere.
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Al Jarreau
Breakin' Away
A smooth blend of jazz, funk, and R&B that feels both laid-back and sophisticated.
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Al Jarreau
Glow
A vibrant blend of jazz-infused soul and funk that showcases Jarreau's dynamic vocal prowess.
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Bobby McFerrin
Play
A vibrant interplay of intricate piano melodies and vocal improvisations that redefine jazz standards.
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Bobby McFerrin
Medicine Music
A vibrant fusion of vocal harmonies and world rhythms that transcends genres through improvisational artistry.
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Marcus Miller
Laid Black
A vibrant fusion of funk and jazz, layered with smooth grooves and intricate instrumentation.
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Marcus Miller
The Ozell Tapes
A lush blend of jazz fusion and funk that showcases virtuosic musicianship and deep emotional resonance.
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Larry Carlton
Take Your Pick
A vibrant fusion of smooth jazz and blues, enriched with intricate guitar work and evocative melodies.
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Larry Carlton
Larry Carlton
A seamless blend of jazz fusion and rock, laced with intricate guitar work and smooth melodies.
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Sade
Diamond Life
Sade's debut blends sultry jazz-infused melodies with smooth R&B grooves and introspective lyrics.
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Sade
Stronger Than Pride
Smooth jazz-inflected soul melodies interplay with Sade's sultry vocals, creating an atmospheric and introspective listening experience.
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Boney James
Shine
Smooth saxophone melodies intertwine with rich harmonies and intricate rhythms, creating a lush auditory experience.
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Boney James
Contact
Smooth jazz melodies intertwine with soulful grooves, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
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Tom Scott
The Honeysuckle Breeze
A smooth fusion of jazz and pop that captures the sun-soaked essence of California in the late 1960s.
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Tom Scott
Rural Still Life
A vibrant fusion of West Coast jazz and blues, characterized by intricate melodies and innovative improvisation.
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