Due out on May 24, ‘Dance Until Dawn’ is the latest smooth jazz single from saxophonist Nick Stefanacci. Written by Stefanacci and guitarist Adam Hawley this genre defining mid tempo charmer serves as a preview for his eighth solo album, ‘Nú FNK’ that is due out later this year. Not only will it return him to his funk roots but will also mix in some instrumental grooves and pop-fusion vocals.
Stefanacci met Hawley while the sax-man was touring with smooth jazz trumpeter Cindy Bradley. He has been part of her backing band for several years. Indeed as a sideman his wide-ranging resume also lists work with hip-hop superstars Ja Rule and DMC, blues rocker Derek Trucks, and drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie.
His debut album, ’26 Years’ arrived in 2010 while his latest, self-titled, collection highlights Stefanacci’s imaginative arrangements of songs originally recorded by some of his biggest musical influences, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Nina Simone and Bill Withers to name only a few.
As well as co-writing ‘Dance Until Dawn’ multi-instrumentalist Adam Hawley provides guitar, keyboards and strings. Carnell Harrell adds synths while the whole thing anchored by drummer Eric Valentine and bass player Mel Brown.
As Nick himself says, “As a young saxophonist, I was enamored with David Sanborn so releasing a contemporary jazz single has been a long time coming. I wanted to give my fans something different than what they are accustomed to hearing from me. My albums are kind of a Steely Dan meets Maceo Parker mash up, a more funk fusion groove with vocals, horns and jazz harmony.”