Jazz Group JAZZ FUNK SOUL Returns w/New Album “Simpatico” on July 11th, 2025 | LISTEN!

Contemporary Jazz Supergroup
JAZZ FUNK SOUL
(Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr.)

Deliver the Perfect Summer Soundtrack on
Simpatico Out July 11th

It’s said that happiness can only be achieved when what you think, say and do are in alignment. In music, when these core convictions agree with one another, the result is undeniable. Contemporary Jazz supergroup Jazz Funk Soul (JFS) is the prime example of what manifests when the right forces share a single purpose. Jazz Funk Soul is the union of three visionaries – pianist Jeff Lorber, saxophonist Everette Harp and guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. – each a powerhouse. The three-some have sold millions of albums and scored over 50 #1 Contemporary Jazz radio hits! A groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Jeff Lorber, has collaborated with everyone from Miles Davis to Michael Franks and helped to launch Kenny G.’s career. One of the primary architects of Contemporary Jazz, saxophonist Everette Harp has recorded and shared the stage with such iconic artists as Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, and Patti LaBelle. Paul Jackson, Jr., one of the world’s most sought-after guitarists, is featured on Michael Jackson’s immortalized album Thriller and has worked alongside Natalie Cole, Elton John, Quincy Jones, and Whitney Houston. On July 11, 2025, Jazz Funk Soul will release their fifth and highly anticipated recording, Simpatico, featuring ten captivating genre-bending originals that underscore why they are three of Contemporary Jazz’s guiding lights. “All we can do with our music is to offer a form of escapism,” explains Everette Harp. “A means to divert the listener from their everyday concerns, work obligations and burdens, to help find them some degree of joy.”

Simpatico is the result of Jazz Funk Soul’s unshakable brotherhood. Jeff Lorber says, “Our friendship allows us to vibe off each other easily” while guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. remarks, “There is a symbiosis and togetherness among us. We are ‘walking in unity’ (Psalms 133).” Harp adds, “We keep it fun and energetic while giving our listeners a taste of what they’re used to hearing in smooth Jazz, but we also stretch the improvisational element. We owe it to the listeners to engage their minds as well as their booties!!” Simpatico opens with Everette Harp’s turbo-charged blues-based “Get Up With JFS” featuring a killer horn section. It doesn’t get funkier than this heavy-hitting jam. “I love the aspect of the live horn section reminiscent of the Jerry Hey horn section back in the Jarreau/Jay Graydon days. Those records were truly inspirational to me,” shares Harp. “Paul’s bluesy rock guitar playing on this, à la Larry Carlton or Hiram Bullock, was so integral to the production of this song to me.” JFS takes the scenic route down the streets of Paris via Jeff Lorber’s jubilant “Rue De Seine.” Jackson, Lorber and Harp lock in and take this irresistible track for a thrilling ride. “I’ve been working on this song for a while,” explains Jackson. “I think it captures the sophistication and energy of Paris, which is a place where people love Jazz.”

Simpatico also features the Jackson’s tender ballad “Janyce,” which blows in like a much-needed cool summer breeze as the trio take their time with the gorgeous languid melody. “This is the first JFS song on which I play acoustic guitar,” says Jackson. “(Bassist) Cornelius Mims is a brother with whom I grew up with and have known for over 50 years.” Sparks fly on Jeff Lorber’s R&B infused rock-steady groove “Rekindle” and the soulful and captivating “Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” is a tip of the hat to the well-known wedding adage.

Harp explains that the “old” in this case is a throwback to George Duke’s classic vibe, while the “borrowed” refers to chord changes borrowed from his composition “All Jazzed Up” and the “blue” refers to the ever-present force of the Blues that is the foundation of Jazz. “Everette is an incredible performer onstage and brings some very interesting stuff to our albums,” shares Lorber. “His piano playing is also at a high level, so he comes up with some very interesting and unexpected chord progressions in his writing.” The free-wielding “Throwback,” is Paul Jackson Jr.’s ode to 80s club music. “I think we’re able to collaborate on the level that we do because we each strive for the best from each other, as well as ourselves,” reflects Harp. “Each of us bring a different approach to writing styles, soloing, and production, and these different approaches can be inspiring when it comes to playing on each other’s songs.” The album’s title track is perfect. The Lorber original will make you want to get up and dance to its uncontainable bouncy-happy groove. “It has a kind of an old school, ‘EWF meets Jeff Lorber Fusion’ vibe,” shares Jackson, while Lorber reflects, “My goal whenever I’m recording is to bring a sense of joy and fun to the proceedings in addition to exploring new musical ground.” Lorber’s melodically pleasing “Dreaming My Life Away” is the perfect escape. The keyboardist shares, “There are some nice melodic variations and I like the way Paul plays the melody and how we all work together playing the melody and solos.” Harp’s shuffle-grooving “Ramblin’” is a high point and the album’s first single, co-written by Lorber and Jackson “Over Easy,” brings the rousing affair to a fitting finale. Simpatico is a sterling example of Jazz Funk Soul unrivaled ability to craft alluring songs that are musically sophisticated while simultaneously assessable.

The original incarnation of Jazz Funk Soul commenced in 2014 and featured Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber and Chuck Loeb. In 2017, the Jazz world was shaken by the untimely passing of Chuck Loeb. “Chuck was an important part of the start of JFS and was certainly the JAZZ in Jazz Funk Soul,” reflects Harp. “The spirit and joy he brought into his play was infectious. Each time we played together I felt like I had to bring it! There were no coasting nights. He’d smoke you if you didn’t bring it. He was incredible and set a wonderful precedent for us to continue.” Lorber adds, “I feel very lucky to have had the chance to know and collaborate with Chuck. He was a sweet guy who was fun to hang out with. As a musician, he had prodigious talent as a jazz guitarist, improviser, composer, and producer. I think everyone who got to know Chuck really misses him. Jackson shares, “I was able to tour with Chuck in a guitar trio (along with Chieli Minucci). I used to love it when it was his turn to play one of his songs. The chance to “duel” with Chuck and learn from him was an experience that I will never forget. Chuck is a world-class musician, composer and producer and he’s even nicer than he is talented. I would not have joined JFS if I did not feel I could honor his legacy. I hope I am making him proud.” Jazz Funk Soul’s previous recordings are Jazz Funk Soul (2014), More Serious Business (2016), Life and Times (2019) and Forecast (2022).

Pianist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber has been a guiding light on the Contemporary Jazz scene for over five decades. Having produced for everyone from Dave Koz to Kenny G, Lorber’s long running acclaimed ensemble, Jeff Lorber Fusion, scored a Grammy for their album Protoype in 2017 for ‘Best Contemporary Instrumental’ album. Lorber who is a fan of science fiction and thrillers released his last solo effort, Space-Time, for Shanachie in 2021. Lorber’s most recent release is Elevate. A consummate musician, the Berklee College of Music alum states, “It’s really important to challenge yourself to be better on all musical levels. You have to review what you’re doing and see what you can do to make it better. Good is not good enough, it has to be great.”

“Two things that I do that haven’t changed over time are weightlifting and golf,” shares Grammy nominated saxophonist Evertte Harp, who has remained one of the premiere architects of Contemporary Jazz since the early ‘90s. His soulful and trademark blend of Jazz, R&B, Funk, and Pop have made him a favorite among fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike. Harp has collaborated with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Patti Labelle to George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, and Kenny Loggins. His sax has also been heard playing theme songs for popular TV shows like Entertainment Tonight and Soul Train and he is a former posse member of Arsenio Hall’s Show. Harp also hosted Smooth Jazz Odyssey with Everette Harp in Orlando, FL, the #1 show in the market for four years. Harp’s most recent solo release is First Love (2009).

Los Angeles native Paul Jackson, Jr. launched his solo career in the late 80s. His distinctive musical style and technical prowess have made him a favorite among live audiences. First call for numerous musicians, the Grammy-winning guitarist has recorded over 200 albums with an impressive roster of musicians including Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Bill Withers Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, and Bob James, among many others. He has lent his prolific guitar work to several film scores including Get On Up, Zootopia and The Color Purple. The guitarist is also featured on Daft Punk’s CD Random Access Memories, which scored five Grammys in 2014. A man of many talents, Jackson, who is a professor at the University of Southern California (USC), is a big fan of vintage cars and trains dogs, sometimes participating in protection (police dog) training. He also runs a men’s bible study group and is a fan of vintage cars and drives a 1969 Oldsmobile 442. Paul Jackson Jr.’s latest solo CD is Stompin’ Willie Presents More Stories (2023).

Shanachie Records