After a three year break, Jazz Funk Soul is back. Simpatico (Shanachie Entertainment) is the smooth jazz supergroup’s fifth release, and it just dropped July 11 2025. It’s also their third with guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. playing alongside founding members Jeff Lorber (keys) and Everette Harp (sax).
As a veteran session guitarist with one of the most enviable resumes this side of Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and Steve Lukather, Jackson has more than settled into the guitar chair following the heartbreaking loss of original guitarist Chuck Loeb. He’s made his own mark on the collective, assuring that the project not only carries on, but thrives.
The first Simpatico single “Over Easy” — which you should blast in the video above — was even produced by Jackson. This tune that he co-wrote with Lorber has all the earmarks of studio precision expected from guys who’ve worked in a studio with many of the music industry’s best.
‘jazz,’ ‘funk’ and ‘soul’ are all just variations on the term ‘feel-good music’ to me, and that’s precisely what “Over Easy” delivers. Jackson & Harp combine for the catchy, eminently whistle-able theme. All are known for possessing gobs of chops and they show ’em off here, but don’t overload you with it. Lorber, Harp and finally Jackson leave tasty licks and then return you to the regularly scheduled groove.
Buoyant, accessible and executed with advanced musicianship, “Over Easy” exemplifies what Jazz Funk Soul is all about.
*** Jazz Funk Soul Cd’s and vinyl on Amazon ***
- Soft Machine – ‘Thirteen’ (2026) - March 4, 2026
- Devin Gray – ‘Hz Of Gold‘ (2026) - March 2, 2026
- Triple Blind – ‘Cold Walk’ (2026) - February 27, 2026
