JAZZ FUNK SOUL

Forecast

THE NEW ALBUM - OUT NOW!

On their fourth album Forecast, instrumental jazz supergroup Jazz Funk Soul further embrace their hooky, soulful sound. The record follows 2019's Life and Times, which found guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. taking over for original guitarist Chuck Loeb (who tragically died from cancer in 2017) and joining forces with the other founding members, saxophonist Everette Harp and keyboardist Jeff Lorber. Though subtle, the change from Loeb to Jackson was significant, as each player brought his own distinctive style to the band's overall sound. With Loeb, the trio favored soaring, brightly attenuated pop-jazz melodies. While that melodicism remains a core part of the group's style (just check out "Count Me In"), Jackson brings a crisp, rhythmic R&B sensibility to their sound, informed by his many years of working with artists like Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston.

If Life and Times evoked the funky soul-jazz of the Crusaders and sax icon David Sanborn, then Forecast makes such comparisons vibrantly explicit. Cuts like the opening "Hustle," "Fish Grease," and "Funkin' in AZ" spotlight the warm interplay between Harp's juicy sax lines, Lorber's rich keyboard harmonies, and Jackson's bluesy fretboard riffs. Particularly evocative of the Crusaders' sound is "When the Time Comes," with its warm acoustic bass groove and summery, laid-back atmosphere.

The trio even pay tribute to their late bandmate with the poignant slow-jam album closer "CSL (For Charles Samuel Loeb)." With Forecast, Jazz Funk Soul underline their reputation as masters of no-nonsense, soulful contemporary jazz.

Upcoming Live Dates

Jazz Funk Soul’s upcoming live dates and events will be listed here as they are confirmed.

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Contemporary
Supergroup

Jazz Funk Soul began originally as a touring package idea formed in 2014 by GRAMMY nominated guitarist Chuck Loeb, along with GRAMMY nominated saxophonist Everette Harp, and GRAMMY winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber. JFS was signed immediately by Shanachie Records as the company realized something special was in the making. The result was their first release, GRAMMY nominated, “Serious Business”.

After Loeb’s untimely passing in 2017, GRAMMY nominated session guitar legend Paul Jackson Jr. agreed to join Jeff and Everette in continuing JFS’s vision creating a contemporary jazz sound that pushes the envelope. Along with Jackson Jr.’s celebrated sound and rhythm prowess, Harp’s sinuous emotionally charged playing, and Lorber’s ear bending and blistering fusion approach, these three certainly deliver on the expectations derived from the name of the group - Jazz Funk Soul.

Everette Harp has seven Billboard hit solo records and
has toured or recorded with Anita Baker, Kenny Loggins, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller, Eros Ramazzotti, and Peter Maffay amongst others.

Jeff Lorber has been a vital musical force
throughout a lengthy and successful career featuring multiple Billboard #1 hits.

Paul Jackson Jr. has multiple Billboard #1 solo hits and has been featured on recordings by Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Luther Vandross, Barbra Streisand,
The Weeknd, Zendaya, and Daft Punk.

Combining their talents once again on their 5th Shanachie release, “Simpatico” (due out in early Summer 2025), Lorber, Harp, and Jackson Jr. continue combining their individual flavors to engage the audience uniquely and expansively. Jazz Funk Soul’s commitment is to bring its listeners infectious grooves, memorable melodies, and challenging playing that push the boundaries of smooth jazz like the contemporary jazz artist that came before them.

In loving memory of our dear friend, Chuck Loeb.

The Music of
Jazz Funk Soul

“FORECAST”

2022 release. The leaders of supergroup Jazz Funk Soul are three of the most important Contemporary Jazz hit makers on the scene today: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr. - artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring more than 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! As a touring ensemble, they are wowing audiences from coast to coast. GRAMMY Winner Jeff Lorber is famous for launching the career of Kenny G and his productions and collaborations with such greats as Dave Koz, Janet Jackson, Lalah Hathaway and Miles Davis! GRAMMY Nominated Paul Jackson, Jr. Is one of the world's most sought after guitarists, having been featured on Michael Jackson's Thriller, many Whitney Houston hits, and much more. GRAMMY Nominated Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such musical giants as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel and Patti LaBelle.

“LIFE AND TIMES”

2019 release. Life and Times is the highly anticipated follow up to the smooth jazz super chart topping More Serious Business - which included two #1 smooth jazz radio hit singles! Featuring three of the most important hit makers on the scene today: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Paul Jackson, Jr. - artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring close to 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! Highlights include the hit single, "Ready Freddie," the super funky, "Where You're At," the high-spirited romp "Exotic" and much more!

“MORE SERIOUS BUSINESS”

2016 release, the highly anticipated follow-up to this Smooth Jazz supergroup's chart topping debut album. Featuring three of the most important hit makers on the scene today: Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and Chuck Loeb - artists and producers responsible for selling millions of albums and scoring close to 50 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits! Since Jazz Funk Soul began touring in 2013, the popularity of the group and the audience's enthusiasm has been tremendous. This brilliant album was created to satisfy the demand from their growing audience. More Serious Business is overflowing with soaring saxophone solos, brilliant guitar riffs, super funky piano riffs and incredibly compelling melodies.

“JAZZ FUNK SOUL”

The eponymous 2014 debut album from jazz supergroup Jazz Funk Soul is a passionate yet laid-back, groove-oriented mix of songs that build nicely upon the members' various musical careers. Featured throughout the album are Jazz Funk Soul trio members keyboardist Jeff Lorber, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and saxophonist Everette Harp. Having come together as a touring package in 2013, the group quickly developed into a creatively vibrant unit with a shared vision. Also featured on one track is German trumpet star Till Brönner, who adds his warm, lyrical tone to the proceedings.

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