JAREZ – The Evolution of a Smooth Jazz Icon

JAREZ, the electrifying saxophonist known for merging futuristic smooth jazz with streetwise swagger, has redefined his sound and image once again — and this time, it’s next level. From his early days as “Mr. Sexy Saxy” to his reign as the “Mayor of J Funk City,” Jarez now unveils his most ambitious project yet: 421, his bold 2025 album that transcends genre, energy, and time.

The new album 421 is more than music — it’s a statement. A sonic evolution that pays homage to his past while charting an uncharted path into the future of smooth jazz. Featuring powerhouse collaborations with Lin Rountree, Nathan Mitchell, Julian Vaughn, and more, the project blends cinematic grooves, neon-lit sax solos, and emotional depth, creating a rich and immersive experience. Tracks like “Only If You Knew” and “Before You Go” deliver soul-stirring melodies with high-end polish, elevating the Jarez sound into a full-blown movement.

This latest release builds upon Jarez’s globally celebrated 2020 album J Funk City, which showcased guest stars like Gerald Albright, Ragan Whiteside, Willie Bradley, and Vandell Andrew. The album catapulted Jarez to simultaneous #1s across all SmoothJazz.com charts and landed the breakout single “24 Hours” (ft. Julian Vaughn) at #1 on the Groove Jazz Music Charts and Radio Wave Monitor, plus Top 10 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz chart.

Beyond his albums, Jarez is no stranger to international spotlight. As the longtime saxophonist and former manager of the late Grammy Award-winning rapper Coolio, Jarez spent decades touring globally, recording music, and even co-creating the acclaimed series and book Cookin’ with Coolio.

His journey began with breakthrough albums like “On Top of the World” (2013), “Saxoholic” (2014), and “Blow Your Mind” (2017) featuring Selina Albright, earning him multiple Top 20 and Top 100 placements on Billboard, Groove Jazz, and World Jazz charts. From the melodic heat of In Too Deep to the fan-favorite Sexy Saxy trilogy, Jarez consistently pushes the genre’s edge, attracting fans from both R&B and jazz spheres.

But Jarez is more than music. He’s a tech-forward visionary now stepping into the Metaverse, NFTs, and digital art spaces — blending sound with virtual experience. As a former environmental justice ambassador, his message has always extended beyond entertainment to global awareness and positive impact.

Now with 421 leading the way, Jarez is setting the bar for what smooth jazz can become — cinematic, emotional, soulful, and unapologetically cool. The torchbearer of a futuristic funk legacy, Jarez isn’t just playing notes — he’s rewriting the soundtrack of a generation.