“The one thing in the world that people cannot discriminate, argue, or bicker about is music,” declares chart-topping and multi-platinum-selling saxophonist Kim Waters. “Music brings people together, fosters camaraderie, and is needed to bring peace, joy, and happiness in this world.” Waters, one of the premier architects and reigning kings of Contemporary Jazz, has written the soundtrack for the lives of generations of fans during his illustrious three-and-a-half-decade career. His instantly recognizable and gorgeous tone, captivating melodies, insatiable grooves, and irresistible fusion of Jazz, R&B, Blues, and Pop have catapulted him to the top of the charts time and time again. The Maryland born and Georgia based saxman has performed with everyone from Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and Patti LaBelle to Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Riley, Guy, and Gerald Albright, to name a few. At the heart of Waters’ music and the real secret to his success is his undying love affair with music. “My roots go back to the prettiest tones I've ever heard, like Sonny Stitt, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, Stanley Turrentine, and my friend Grover Washington Jr.,” says the Maryland-born and Georgia resident. “For me, the saxophone is supposed to be romantic and beautiful. I'll take a pretty tone and melody any day.” Kim Waters’ new and 26th solo recording, Time 2 Groove (April 11, 2025), is brimming with gorgeous melodies and his superb alto and soprano saxophone playing on mostly original compositions. “I'm very happy with the outcome of this album,” he confides. “My last two were recorded during COVID, so this is my first project where I could record and tour freely. It’s great to be back to normalcy.” Time 2 Groove opens with the alluring “The Pacemaker,” the album’s first single, inspired by Kim Waters’ early roots and love for Go-Go music. The funky drum call’s energetic and relentless percussive undertow provides the perfect bed for the saxophonist to funk it up. “That Go-Go vibe will never die,” declares Waters. “There’s something about that groove that makes people move.” Waters is joined by dear friend and longtime collaborator, pianist, and producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis (whose credits include George Clinton, Maysa, and Kim Burrell) for the song “Sax You Up,” a spirited swinger that shines a light on Waters’ technical prowess and soul-drenched approach. The dynamic duo also co-wrote the pleasing composition “Palm City.” Waters’ serene soprano stylings and the cool rhythms of “Palm City” transport you to a sun-drenched beach with pink sand and swaying palm trees.
“When I need something different for one of my records, I think of 'Big Dog,” shares Waters. “When we get together, it’s always great because he understands that I like to have some changes going on in the music, something to play around with and not just the standard chords you hear a lot in this genre.”
Two standout tracks on Time 2 Groove are songs close to Kim Waters’ heart, dedicated to three special ladies in his life. The first, “A Pure Heart (For My Mother),” is a tribute to his best friend, his mother, Brenda. The timeless, tender, and emotive ballad will bring you to tears as Waters sings through his horn, unearthing the most beautiful runs and impassioned phrasing, leaving nothing left unsaid.
“My mom is the best mom in the world with the biggest heart. Prior to her dementia, we talked every day, and when I lived nearby, I would go see her after the kids went to school. She would make me breakfast, and we would just catch up,” recalls the saxophonist. “My daughters have learned a lot from her, which is seen in their kind hearts and generosity towards others. She set a great example for what a mom should be and how a woman should carry themselves.”
The ultimate girl dad, Kim Waters, pays homage to his twin daughters Kayla and Kimberly, on the joyful and soulful R&B number “Their Smile (Song For My Twins).” Kayla is an accomplished pianist, her dad’s frequent collaborator and labelmate, and Kimberly is a talented makeup artist and interior designer.
“They have taught me the true meaning of love. When they were born, it was like my whole life changed,” admits the proud father. “You learn so much from your children, and the love you have for them is different than any other love. They have brought me so much joy and have taught me just how important it is to say, ‘I love you,’ to listen, and to be sincere and honest. I treasure them, and they are my world.”
Kim Waters captures the feeling of an unshakable love in his hypnotic reinvention of The Isley Brothers’ 1980s hit, “I Once Had Your Love (And I Can’t Let Go).”
“I am a true Isley Brothers fan,” confesses Waters. “I've had mega hits recording several of their incredible songs.”
The album’s title track has a feel reminiscent of fellow DMV music legends, The Blackbyrds, with its funk edge and warm fusion of Jazz and R&B. Joining Waters on the track is guitarist Bernd Schoenhardt (who is also featured on “The Pacemaker,” “Sax You Up,” “I Once Had Your Love” and “Your Smile”).
Waters says, “Bernd is one of the most precise guitar players that I've ever met. He gives you exactly what you want. He's my go-to for guitar guys.”
The endearing ballad “Little Things,” featuring vocalist Raynard Gibson, takes Time 2 Groove to new heights.
“Raynard is a great singer from Baltimore who was a runner-up in American Idol back in the early days of the show. When I first heard his voice, I was like ‘man, I’ve got to get you on something!’”
Gibson also appears on the Isley Brothers cover and Waters’s last recording, That Special Touch. The song “Throwdown,” as the title suggests, is a musical takedown with a funky bass and keys breakdown and Waters out front with serious head-nodding licks and a groove that just won’t quit. Time 2 Groove comes to a rousing finale with “Just A Thought,” where Waters delivers a dissertation on feel, swing, and improvisation. It is a joy to hear him stretch out musically.
“I really love this song, and when I was recording, I decided that I was going to do a little bit more playing than normal and open up a little bit. I grew up playing the straight-ahead thing with alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, and a great tenor player from Baltimore named Mickey Fields. I like to play it all, and if you ever come to a Kim Waters live show, you'll hear a lot of stuff that you don't hear on the record!”
Kim Waters has recorded a string of successful and chart-topping albums on Shanachie Entertainment: Love’s Melody (1998), One Special Moment (1999), From The Heart (2001), Someone To Love You (2002), In the Name of Love (2004), All For Love (2005), You Are My Lady (2007), I Want You: Love in the Spirit of Marvin (2008), Love Stories (2010), This Heart of Mine (2011), Rhythm and Romance(2016), What I Like (2018)Shakedown (2020), The Special Touch (2022). With the release of Time 2 Groove, Waters continues to solidify his place as a guiding light in Contemporary Jazz.
“I hope that the music continues to grow and that we keep young guys interested and keep this music alive,” concludes Kim Waters. “I applaud some of my friends like George Benson, Herbie Hancock, and the late Quincy Jones, who always evolved with the times. Like them, I want to stay relevant and at the same time true to my roots.”
Waters, who is the epitome of cool, not only manages to sound cool, but he manages to live a Zen life.
“Throughout my life, I think the thing that has kept me balanced is that I have never gotten caught up in what people are saying and I have never tried to be a part of the in crowd, “reflects the saxophonist, who cites his love of landscaping as one of his therapeutic outlets.
“I have just stuck to being and believing in myself. My philosophy is the saying ‘it is what it is.’ Everything happens for a reason, and you must keep going with the flow and make the best of life.”
