I've been a fan of Paul Hardcastle since I purchased his first Jazzmasters CD and now his daughter Maxine is taking up the mantle with some songwriting and singing of her own following in and breaking out from her famous father's works. To put it simply, if you enjoy Paul Hardcastle, you will also enjoy his daughter.

Nils fourth album on Baja/TSR, What the Funk? expands on his already successful jazz base and incorporates dance and R&B into the mix. His impressive list of accolades includes most played song of the year at jazz radio in 2005 with Pacific Coast Highway, a nomination as best Jazz Guitarist for the American Smooth Jazz Awards in 2010, musical director for the Independent Spirit Awards Show and numerous #1 hits from his previous three albums. What the Funk? lives up to its title with groove filled tracks and soulful riffs that Nils delivers with his renowned guitar skills. The lineup of musicians features stalwarts Rickie Lawson (drums), Alex Al (bass), Oliver Brown (percussion) and Avatar choir vocalist Clydene Jackson (background vocals/ keyboards).

Upon first listen to Nils new album Up Close & Personal it is apparent that this already chart topping artist is deserving of the many accolades he has received including Song of the Year from Radio & Records magazine. Nils' live appearances have been wowing audiences from Coast to Coast and feature a top lineup of musicians including Clydene Jackson, Oliver Brown, Ricky Lawson, Reggie McBride and Alex Al. All of these players are featured on the new CD in addition to Shilts who plays sax on We're Having a Party. Nils says that 'this album is about the hottest players, recorded live not using any loops or synthesized sounds in the recording'. His two previous albums Pacific Coast Highway & Ready to Play garnered numerous chart topping hits. National concert tour planned for Spring/Summer 2009.

Nils last album, Pacific Coast Highway catapulted him into the upper echelon of the smooth jazz genre with two #1 singles the little track and 'Summer Nights.' 'Ready to Play' is his follow-up release which is sure to be a fixture at radio throughout 2007. It's chock full of Nil' signature funky guitar grooves and radio friendly hooks. Nils' concert appearances have received rave reviews and created a legion of loyal fans worldwide.

Nils' new album entitled 'Play' is a perfect metaphor for his easy going, effortless ability to produce, compose, perform and engineer a 12 track collection of amazing hits. The endless studio hours spent have resulted in a unique yet very commercial sound that crosses into multiple formats. From the opening track 'Coast to Coast' to the sure to be radio single 'Straight Down the Line' and the soulful remake of the George Michael classic hit, 'Careless Whispers', Nils has delivered a collection of evergreen hits to be added to his stellar song catalog. Calling on his musician friends and others to lend an ear and help with the many elements of the production, Nils' chosen lineup has created an album of excellent sound quality and first class musicianship featuring Steve Cole, lead sax and sax solo; Daryl Williams, bass; Oliver C. Brown, percussion; Johnny Britt, keys, trumpet swells and trumpet solo; Jay-Jam, horns; Dov and the Love Star Strings, string section; Gail Johnson, piano; Eddie Brown, vocals; Tony Moore, drums; Roberto Vally, bass; Phillippe Saisse, keyboards; Mike Parlett, saxes; Mitch Foreman, piano; Clydene Jackson, vocals, Rhodes keyboard; Nate Harrison, keys; Charley Langer, saxes; Eric Valentine, drums; Brandon Willis, sax; Simon Phillips,drums

Nils debut album Blue Planet introduced this great guitarist to Smooth Jazz radio. His subsequent tour called Nils & the West Coast Allstars featured prominent artists Patrice Rushen, Carl Anderson, Bobby Lyle, Everette Harp and Kevin Richard. Needless to say, this raised the bar for a follow-up album, and Pacific Coast Highway doesn't disappoint. Guest vocals by Chante Moore and Siedah Garrett, plus contributions from a host of seasoned jazz session players have provided Smooth Jazz radio with several must play tracks.

Jazz Gems - The Best of Nils includes all of Nils top 10 chart hits, 3 of which were #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Two of those hits, Pacific Coast Highway from the album of the same title, and Jump Start from the What The Funk? album, were the most played songs of the year at smooth jazz radio for 2005 and 2011 respectively. Both songs stayed at #1 on the Billboard chart for over 7 weeks. Jazz Gems also includes the new single entitled After The Storm that is sure to be another in the long line of chart hits for Nils.

Within this circle is magic. Gravity 180, three master musicians: Clydene Jackson, vocals/keyboards, Harold Payne, vocals/guitar, and percussionist Oliver C. Brown. On their new eponymous CD the band distills their sterling song craft and illuminated performances into a stunning suite of songs that honors the significance of a shared history as it redefines their signature sound. Melodic pop is framed with classic soul; global grooves are polished by smooth jazz with Jackson and Payne’s patented vocal blend creating what one inspired scribe dubbed “sandpaper and silk.” Imaginative wordsmith Harold Payne describes the band’s genre as “Noomer Music” — new music, by baby boomers, for everyone.

With his newest release, Nils is quickly becoming one of my favorite Smooth Jazz artists. The album features some of the best grooves and melodies I've heard in quite some time. There are no fillers here, just straight ahead funk. If you haven't heard Nils play before, check this one out. Among the highlights, the title track, 'Casablanca', 'Sunset Blvd.', and 'Have An Attitude'.

'Christmas Everyday' is Nils first holiday music album and features both original & traditional songs of the season arranged in a very cool jazzy style that sets it apart from the ordinary Christmas fare. Nils collaborated with many top artists, song writers and musicians to bring us an album that will become a classic holiday collection for many years to come.

The cool, crafty title of Nils new album 'Caught In The Groove' says it all about his studio and onstage state of mind. A decade and a half after riding his first #1 hit 'Pacific Coast Highway' into contemporary jazz history as Billboard's Song of the Decade 2001-2010, the relentlessly prolific composer, guitarist and producer continues to create instantly infectious, sonically adventurous tracks for himself and numerous artists eager to vibe with the energy of his Midas touch. He has scored numerous chart hits including 'Summer Nights', 'Let's Bounce', 'Georgy Porgy', 'Ready to Play' 'Catnap', Straight Down the Line' and 2011 Song of the Year 'Jumpstart'. Now it's time to gear up for the impact of Caught In The Groove's funky, high octane lead single Good Times Are Better'. Nils is also enjoying ongoing success on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart as co-writer and co-producer of pianist Lisa Addeo's 'Listen to This', the first new title to reach the pole position in 2020.

Nils’ first release features an All-Star cast of artists, including George Benson, Carl Anderson, Jeanette Jurado, Nathan East, Chanté Moore, Phil Perry, Bobby Lyle and more. As Carl Anderson put it – “Nils has unbridled power when he puts his hands on his guitar. This music exposes him in a way that cast him among the giants of the genre. Listen to this man play! – and listen to me sing…

Nils new album 'Alley Cat' has been a year in the making, not that Nils isn't very prolific and can write, produce, arrange and perform radio friendly hits at the drop of a guitar pick. It's just that he has been a man demand. Keeping busy with writing and performing on the current chart hit 'Harmony Park' by Nate Harrison which features Nils & Dave Koz or being featured on Brian Simpson's latest album or having produced three upcoming albums for various new artists. All this plus the release of his 'Best of Nils' album and numerous club and festival performances yet he has still managed to produce what should be another chart topper, 'Alley Cat'.

Meredith Jane Monk - is an American composer, performer, director, vocalist, filmmaker, and choreographer. Since the 1960s, Monk has created multi-disciplinary works which combine music, theatre, and dance, recording extensively for ECM Records. In 1991, Monk composed an opera called Atlas, commissioned and produced by the Houston Opera and the American Music Theater Festival.

Louis Daniel Armstrong - nicknamed "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", was an American trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor who was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s, and different eras in the history of jazz. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.