The future of jazz is here. The Next Generation features the fastest emerging contemporary jazz artists performing together on one stage. This unprecedented event features Vincent Ingala on saxophone, Jonathan Fritzen on keys, and the Buffalo homecoming of Cindy Bradley on trumpet.
One of the fastest emerging contemporary jazz recording artists in recent history, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, Vincent Ingala has blasted into an exciting stratosphere of his own making since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, North End Soul. Still in his early twenties, the charismatic saxophonist has been named Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2012, Sirius XM Watercolors Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013, and his music is consistently found atop the most noteworthy music charts in the world, including three number one hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, five singles in the Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 10, as well as an unprecedented 25 weeks at #1 on SmoothJazz.com’s Top 50 Independent Chart and #15 on SmoothJazz.com’s 2014 Year End Chart with Can’t Stop Now!
His third album, 2015’s Coast To Coast, has placed Vincent Ingala back on top, with the project’s first and second singles, hitting number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart.
As much of an entertainer as he is a musician, the Yamaha Performing Artist has been wowing live audiences as a regular on the popular smooth jazz festival and cruise circuit for several years. His fun-loving stage presence, combined with an obvious passion for playing, elevates the crowd to an exciting frenzy. This coast-to-coast sensation brings a playful spirit, old soul, and youthful enthusiasm to contemporary jazz, with a real sense for what music fans are seeking, from recordings to live performances!
Chart-topping star Jonathan Fritzen has quickly risen up the smooth jazz ranks with emotionally engaged music filled with melodic hooks, layered textures, and genuine musicianship.
Considered one of the hottest composers and keyboard players in instrumental jazz, his latest work, Fritzenized became a chart topper before it was even releases. It is the Swedish American’s fifth solo CD and follows the critically acclaimed Magical from which the title cut blasted a path to #1 on every smooth jazz airplay chart on the planet.
With the release of Unscripted, her latest Trippin’ N Rhythm recording, Buffalo native Cindy Bradley is not only keeping the trumpet and flugelhorn hip and grooving lead jazz instruments like her late great heroes Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan and Blue Mitchell--she’s also continues her knack for picking spot on album titles.
Calling her 2009 debut Bloom proved prophetic, as the multi-talented performer blossomed into a powerful and charismatic presence at radio and on the contemporary jazz festival circuit. Along the way, Cindy performed everywhere from the River Raisin’ Jazz Festival in Monroe, Michigan to the Dubai Jazz Fest. She won Best New Artist at the American Smooth Jazz Awards and was named Debut Artist of the Year by the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival and Smooth Jazz News. How to follow up? Easy. Don’t over-think or worry about everyone’s great expectations. Like a lot of the most exciting moments in life, it’s sometimes just best to go Unscripted—the perfect moniker for the whimsical spirit and stylistic diversity that drives Cindy’s new album.