(Smooth Jazz) Reggie Stokes - The New Jazz Cafe - 2013, MP3, 320

Reggie Stokes -- jazz guitarist, song-writer and music producer active in Birmingham, Alabama.
Reggie Stokes has been a guitarist for over 40 years. He cut his teeth on early Beatles songs, which inspired him to play the guitar. Gradually, he grew influenced by the Motown sound and many of the R&B/soul artists of the day. Growing up in rural South Carolina near Myrtle Beach, he became a fan of the “Beach music” style, which was a combination of local soul artists such as The Tams, The Embers, and of nationally known groups like The Drifters, The Platters, Wilson Pickett, and many more.
Later, he stretched out with blues, folk and southern rock. But when a friend introduced him to the art of jazz, he was inspired to become a true student of his art by enrolling to study music at a local community college.
His major influences to date include Larry Carlton, Pat Matheney, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Joe Pass, Ken Navarro and many more, including CCM guitarist Phil Keaggy. Reg now enjoys performing in Restaurants, jazz clubs and music festivals, often as a solo artist but also with his close musical associate, saxophonist Al Lewis, performing together in their Jazz duo “Earth to Heaven.”
Reggie’s musical acumen is expressed more and more as of late through his role as producer. Whether it’s performing, composing, appearing on artists’ music, or sculpting the sound of other talented musicians, it’s obvious that Reggie Stokes’s sound is going to be around for some time
Reggie works with producer, singer and sax player Rev. Al Lewis, singer Pashion Lewis, producer Jamie Vance, singer Johnnie Nathan, singer Elaine Hudson-Campbell, producer Tim Kennedy and more. He's even working with his burgeoning, talented daughter Rae Stokes.

Reggie Stokes's latest album is a graceful collection of jazz and RnB originals and covers. A subtle and movingly eclectic journey -- good for headphones and intimate listening, to a low-key gathering.