Ken Navarro

Ken Navarro stands out among today's jazz guitarists as both a performer and the proprietor of his own record label, recognized for an appealing sound that crosses over into broader audiences. Attention first came his way through the 1990 release The River Flows, after which he maintained a consistent output of jazz recordings such as The Grace of Summer Light in 2008, Music for Guitar and Orchestra in 2018, and Into the Light from 2020 that involved Dave Weckl along with John Patitucci. Through establishing Positive Records, he has promoted the work of various musicians including saxophonist Brandon Fields, guitarist Grant Geissman, keyboardist Gregg Karukas, and additional talents.

Born during 1953 in Lafayette, Indiana, Navarro took up the guitar early in life, finding motivation in the styles of George Benson, Jeff Beck, Robben Ford, Pat Metheny, and Larry Carlton. His professional start occurred in Los Angeles as a session player and freelancer, contributing to recordings across many projects featuring Doc Severinsen, Nell Carter, John Patitucci, Eric Gale, Vikki Carr, Dave Koz, Alex Acuña, and further artists. With the aim of creating his independent label, he moved to Baltimore and issued his initial solo effort The River Flows in 1990 via Positive Music. Subsequent well-regarded releases came forth like After Dark in 1991, The Labor of Love from 1992, and Pride and Joy in 1994, each earning airplay across the country on smooth jazz radio.

Brighter Days, which incorporated R&B elements, came out in 1995 and included a contribution from Brandon Fields, previously with the Rippingtons on saxophone. The following year saw the arrival of When Night Calls, highlighted by saxophonist Eric Marienthal's participation. He concluded the 1990s via Smooth Sensation in 1997 and In My Wildest Dreams in 1999. Beyond studio work, Navarro has maintained an active touring schedule, appearing alongside figures such as Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Najee, Chris Botti, the Rippingtons, David Sanborn, Joe Sample, Jean Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke, George Howard, Béla Fleck, David Benoit, and numerous additional performers.

Island Life emerged in 2000 and contained the crossover jazz success "Delicioso." All the Way followed in 2003, with Love Coloured Soul arriving in 2005 and The Meeting Place in 2007. He achieved renewed prominence the next year through The Grace of Summer Light, which drew widespread notice nationally. Dreaming of Trains was issued in 2010 featuring drummer Joel Rosenblatt, bassist Tom Kennedy, and keyboardist Jay Rowe. His debut album consisting solely of guitar work, The Test of Time, appeared in 2012 and presented fresh interpretations of tracks including the Police's "Message in a Bottle," Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman," and Santana's "Europa." Ruby Lane came next in 2017, from which the title-track single originated.

Another smooth jazz success arrived in 2015 via "Juliet" from the album Unbreakable Heart. He issued Bonfire the subsequent year, incorporating the track "One Summer Day" while employing both acoustic and electric guitars. Music for Guitar and Orchestra, his 24th album, was released in 2018 and presented orchestral versions of several well-known compositions, along with performances by drummer Dave Weckl, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Into the Light followed in 2020, once more uniting him with Patitucci and Weckl.