The top 30 Smooth Jazz Covers ranked by popularity

The classic Michael Jackson track from the album of the same name For full Michael Jackson discography click here

Classic Earth Wind and Fire power ballad, one of their all time great tracks For the full Earth, Wind and Fire discography click here

She's Out of my Life

MJ did such a great job of this track. Remember how his voice breaks down at the end? To do this justice you need that same emotional investment. I'm not sure I could take it as far as him but, for nylon strings, this is as expressive as I dared!

Song For Bilbao

This track is by Michael Brecker and Pat Metheny is a Latin/smooth jazz piece. The horn section is the major feature here. It’s a crowd favorite that seems to well within the jazz tradition even though it can be done with almost a rock groove

You are the Sunshine of my Life

Where were you when you first heard Stevie play this track? That's why Stevie, and this track in particular means so much to me.

Kari

This is from One on One a smooth jazz, crossover jazz studio album by Bob James and Earl Klugh. This album earned the two artists the Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1981

Come back to me

I was enticed to this track because it has such a haunting melody and general vibe. It has always reminded me of "I'm only Human" by the Human League. It has some very similar chord progressions. I use a nylon stringed classical and electric guitars, as well as bass to pick out the tune.

Beat It

OK, I'll stick my hands up! I went a bit OTT with the guitar on this one! Watch out Eddie Van Halen, the jazz guy's got overdrive too!

Early AM

Dave Grusin / Lee Ritenour

After The Love Has Gone

"After the Love Has Gone," a hit single by Earth, Wind & Fire from their 1979 album “I Am”, is a soulful ballad that showcases the band's musical sophistication and emotional depth. Written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, and Bill Champlin, the song is celebrated for its lush harmonies, poignant lyrics, and smooth production. Here’s an accessible breakdown of its musical elements.

Maputo

A tune by Marcus Miller. I approach it in the style of the Bob James version which is very smooth jazz

That's The Way of The World

Super smooth jazz version of the great EW&F ballad. You can't go wrong with Earth Wind and Fire! For the full Earth Wind and Fire discography click here

Boogie On Reggae Woman

Here's my smooth jazz guitar version of the Stevie Wonder classic off the Fullfillingness album. It was Stevie Wonder's golden era.

The Girl Is Mine

MJ had so many great power ballads and this is one of them. It was recorded by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, written by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. It was released as the first single off Jackson's sixth solo album, Thriller (1982).

Bad

Who's Bad? Me? The classic track off the Thriller album done smooth jazz style. For full Michael Jackson discography click here

Rio Samba

Rio Samba is one of Larry Carlton's seminal tracks. It was track number five on his first solo album and remains a firm favorite in his live sets.

James

I have to admit to not being a Pat Metheny fan. Not that I don't rate him, I just don't know much about him. When I heard this track I just knew I wanted to cover it. This is from Offramp is the Grammy Award winning third album by Pat Metheny Group, released in 1982

Living For The City

Here's my smooth jazz guitar version of the Stevie Wonder classic off the Fullfillingness album. It was Stevie's golden era.

I just can't stop loving You

This is a very accomplished piece of song writing by Michael Jackson, reminding us that he didn't just cherry pick material from others, he really was a true master. The chord progressions are unusual and complex, changing key subtly and confidently like a modal jazz composition. I approach it by keeping it clean for the intro, following Jackson's melody line. I then explore with piano and light acoustic guitars. The hook gets a typical jazz technique of playing octaves for the line. The solo is then restrained to keep the song's beauty. The middle eight gets a guitar solo with a tougher tone. It's a joy to play over by following the key changes.

Most popular Smooth Jazz Cover tracks