In an era where musical shortcuts and disposable digital trends often overshadow authentic artistry, Tracy TLS Smith, known professionally as TLSMUZEK, stands as a resolute beacon of genuine musicianship. Hailing from Fayetteville, NC, and raised amid the rich cultural fabric of Philadelphia, PA, TLSMUZEK‘s story is one of lifelong dedication, artistic evolution, and an unwavering passion to craft music that speaks directly to the soul. His latest smooth jazz singles, “Kong” and “Fresh Air”, shimmer as eloquent statements of that passion — compositions as technically refined as they are emotionally resonant, and as inviting as they are intricate.
Born into a lineage where rhythm was both refuge and revelation, Tracy TLS Smith began his musical pilgrimage behind the drum kit at just 13 years old, playing in church — the original proving ground for many of the greats, from Art Blakey to Dennis Chambers. Church music is not just a practice space; it is a crucible where discipline, emotion, and communal interplay are forged together, and Smith absorbed these lessons deeply. But like many truly gifted musicians, curiosity refused to let him stay confined to one instrument. Years of drumming gave way to a profound infatuation with the piano, an instrument that offered him harmonic freedom and a new compositional palette.
It was here, at the confluence of rhythm and harmony, that TLSMUZEK’s signature voice emerged. By blending the tactile pulse of percussion with rich, expressive chord progressions crafted on keys, and producing it all through Cubase, his DAW of choice, he cultivated a sound as multifaceted as his own journey — one that gracefully nods to tradition while embracing modern sonic sensibilities. His love of all genres — from gospel and R&B to funk, soul, and straight-ahead jazz — informs every note he composes, resulting in tracks that are as genre-fluid as they are tightly constructed.
His first offering in this current chapter, “Kong”, is a masterclass in groove architecture and tonal balance. Featuring an all-star ensemble of collaborators — Roy Richardson on saxophone, Darren Daughtry on guitar, Jethaniel Nixon on bass, and Anthony Walker on piano — “Kong” is a lush, smooth jazz instrumental steeped in vibrant funk undertones. It’s an irresistible pocket, meticulously crafted yet effortlessly fluid. The interplay here is nothing short of magnetic: TLSMUZEK’s crisp, propulsive drumming anchors the arrangement with surgical precision, while Nixon’s rumbling basslines act as the track’s heartbeat, thick and resonant with just the right touch of bounce.
Meanwhile, Walker’s shimmering keyboard layers ripple with sophistication, perfectly complementing Daughtry’s warm, melodic guitar phrasings that subtly reference the elegance of the best in the genre. At the forefront, however, is Richardson’s saxophone — a soul-stirring lead that dances with both elegance and fire, winding through the composition like silk in a summer breeze. His tone — rich, rounded, and expressive — carries the melody effortlessly across the pristine production landscape.
The mix is immaculate; each instrument sits exactly where it should, allowing the ensemble’s collective voice to breathe freely without crowding the sonic space. Whether you’re setting the ambiance for an evening gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, “Kong” delivers a sophisticated yet accessible sonic experience — it’s music that grooves as much as it soothes, beckoning both head-nodders and deep listeners alike.
If “Kong” is the warm embrace of a bustling jazz lounge, “Fresh Air”, released on April 25, is exactly what its title suggests — an invigorating, open-ended musical exhalation that clears the senses and invites reflective calm. Featuring Chris Stevens on trumpet and Anthony Forrest on piano, alongside TLSMUZEK’s signature drumming and those ever-reliable fat basslines, the track unfurls with graceful patience. “Fresh Air” doesn’t push or pull too hard; instead, it glides on a cushion of gentle beats, soft textures, and sophisticated interplay.
Forrest’s iridescent keys stretch and shimmer, filling the harmonic spaces with elegant fluidity, while Stevens’ resonating trumpet lines interject with both clarity and warmth, evoking a dusky twilight mood that is equally contemplative and comforting. His trumpet phrasing — lyrical yet understated — feels like a conversation with the listener, neither hurried nor over-embellished, but full of character and quiet confidence.
Underneath it all, TLSMUZEK’s drumming remains a steady hand — crisp cymbals, tasteful snare accents, and unhurried grooves that gently propel the piece forward without ever rushing its unfolding narrative. The understated bass work, always locked-in yet never overpowering, gives “Fresh Air” an elasticity that invites repeated listening. “Fresh Air” envelops the listener much like a coastal breeze at sunset — it’s that rare kind of smooth jazz that feels both polished and profoundly human, ideal for morning reflections or late-night unwinding alike.
What sets TLSMUZEK apart from many of his contemporaries is a deep-seated respect for the craft. While some peers are content to chase fleeting trends, recycling and repackaging what’s fashionable at the moment, Tracy TLS Smith and his carefully chosen collaborators lean into timelessness. His aesthetic, though contemporary in texture and production, is underpinned by classic approaches to composition, melodic improvisation, rhythm, and harmony. The result? Music that doesn’t just sound good today — it will sound good ten, twenty, thirty years from now, standing as testament to the enduring power of authentic musicianship.
Moreover, TLSMUZEK‘s collaborative spirit deserves special attention. There’s a clear reverence in the way he curates the talents of his fellow musicians — giving them space to shine while maintaining a cohesive sonic vision. It’s a producer’s touch honed not just through technical knowledge but through years of performing, listening, and understanding the unsaid language that passes between seasoned players. His ability to balance structure with freedom — composing arrangements that offer both clarity and room for expressive improvisation — is a hallmark of seasoned jazz artistry, and it shines brightly across both singles.
As TLSMUZEK prepares to unveil even more feel-good music featuring an array of local musicians and long-time friends, one thing is certain: this is an artist whose work transcends mere entertainment. It is a conversation — between instruments, between emotions, between eras — all orchestrated with finesse, heart, and an innate understanding of groove, melody, and soul.
In “Kong” and “Fresh Air”, listeners will not only find impeccably crafted smooth jazz instrumentals but also a reflection of Tracy TLS Smith’s musical philosophy: timeless artistry, authentic collaboration, and music that feels as good as it sounds.
For those ready to immerse themselves in the sophisticated yet inviting world of TLSMUZEK, both singles are now available on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re a long-time jazz aficionado, a casual listener, or someone simply in search of music that nourishes the spirit and elevates the mood, TLSMUZEK’s latest works offer something refreshingly enduring. These aren’t just tracks — they’re experiences, carefully sculpted soundscapes that remind us why music, when made with love and intention, remains one of the most powerful forms of connection we have.
OFFICIAL LINKS: INSTAGRAM – YOUTUBE – APPLE MUSIC – SPOTIFY – KONG – FRESH AIR
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