Brian Simpson.

A new CD from Brian Simpson is a highlight of any contemporary jazz year and this is certainly the case with ‘Just What You Need’ that was released April 23 on the Shanachie label. It is the fifth solo project from this composer, producer, keyboard player and prolific studio musician who for almost two decades has not only enjoyed the distinction of being the musical director for Dave Koz but also contributed richly to the music of George Duke, Teena Marie and Janet Jackson.

Some records not only desire your attention, they demand it. Think of Miles or Trane or Mingus and think of just puttering around the house as the music plays. It can't be done. The grandmasters of jazz made music that required it be heard and not merely listened to. Out of A Dream is not one of those records.

2020 release, the historic meeting of two Smooth jazz icons. Between them, Brian Simpson and Steve Oliver have scored more than 25 Top Ten Smooth Jazz radio hits, more than 15 Top Ten Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums, toured to packed houses worldwide and shared the stage with everyone from Larry Carlton and George Duke to The Neville Brothers! Brian and Steve are famous for their melodic richness, captivating grooves and delicate touch and Unified is the perfect expression of those qualities. Highlights include the romantic, dreamy "Last Summer," the super-sophisticated "Café du Monde," the grooving title tune "Unified" and much more!

Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense of how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many. Through the years Simpson has been revered for his unparalleled ability to compose unforgettable melodies and irresistible grooves. Simpson’s soulful approach to music has made him first call for many including Janet Jackson, Teena Marie, George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz. A chart-topping musical chameleon who wrote the #1 R&B hit “The First Time” for Surface in the 1990s, Brian Simpson has a knack for churning out timeless anthems.

As music director for Dave Koz and keyboardist for such icons as Teena Marie and Janet Jackson, Brian Simpson has earned a stellar reputation for his funky grooves and brilliant melodies. He is a nominee for the 2010 American Smooth Jazz Awards Keyboardist of the Year and, as music director of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, appears before thousands of fans as he performs with such greats as Smokey Robinson, Dave Sanborn, Boney James and many more! As the buildup for the release of South Beach continues, Brian will be featured on the Smooth Jazz Top 20 countdown which reaches over 50 major markets. In addition, a national tour is being booked in support of the release. Brian will be featured on the Dave Koz radio broadcast and will be the featured performer at the American Smooth Jazz Awards Show in October. Highlights include the smash hit radio single "South Beach," a slammin' duet with groovemaster George Duke on "Fire Sign" plus the exquisite "Summer Song," featuring the acoustic guitar of Peter White.