This week’s Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown takes you on a soulful ride through the smoothest tracks in the country, recorded live from the KUNV studios at UNLV. Hosted by Pamela Black, the countdown delivers fresh grooves, big moves, and plenty of surprises.
We start at #20 with Bay Area saxophonist Greg Chambers and his soulful “LA Sunset,” then move through highlights like flautist Kim Scott’s “Ama de la Spawn” (#18), keyboardist Nathan Mitchell’s “Feel the Heat” (#16), and the chart-savvy Brian Culbertson teaming with Marcus Miller and Sheila E on “On the Road” (#15).
The energy builds with Kim Waters at #13, Najee featuring Brian Simpson at #11, and our featured headliner Cindy Bradley, whose bright trumpet tone shines on “Footprints.” As we enter the Top 10, heavy-hitters like Greg Manning, Third Force, Walter Beasley, and Bay Area guitarist Ray Obiedo keep the countdown fresh and diverse.
The Top 5 turns up the heat with Eric Darius (#5), Pamela Williams (#4), Gerald Albright (#3), and Norman Brown (#2). Finally, the #1 spot belongs to Grammy-winning producer and keyboardist Michael Broening with his hit “Together Again,” closing the show on a note of pure smooth jazz magic.
The countdown also spotlights sax legend Kirk Whalum with his new single “Well Alright” and a “safe bet” track from Blake Aaron, hinting at future chart success.
September 13th, 2025
20) Greg Chambers — LA Sunset
19) Gerry Smoot — Align
18) Kim Scott — Alma de Lisbon f/Kelvin Wooten
17) Nicholas Cole — Blue Magic
16) Nathan Mitchell — Feel The Heat
15) Brian Culbertson — On The Road f/Marcus Miller & Sheila E
14) Jeff Ryan — Missing Your Love f/Adam Hawley
13) Kim Waters — The Pacemaker
12) Roberto Restuccia — De Nada
11) Najee — Salvador f/Brian Simpson
10) Greg Manning — Now And Forever
09) PJ Spraggins — High Five f/Oli Silk
08) 3rd Force — Show Me The Way f/Nils
07) Ben Tankard — Outstanding
06) Walter Beasley — Lazy Afternoon
05) Eric Darius — Too Good 2 Let Go
04) Pamela Williams — Strollin'
03) Gerald Albright — Living My Best Life
02) Norman Brown — Casual Cool
01) Michael Broening — Together Again