Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown

KUNV

Hosted by Pamela Black, this weekly countdown LIVE from the Best Smooth Jazz Station in America, takes you on a journey through the top 20 smooth jazz hits of the week. With expert commentary, artist spotlights, and the latest in the smooth jazz scene, Pamela brings you the best of the genre, blending classic favorites with the freshest tracks. Tune in for a relaxing yet vibrant musical experience that captures the essence of smooth jazz. Produced by Jason Beatty Recorded in the KUNV Studios 1 mile from Las Vegas Blvd on the campus of UNLV.

  1. 22 HR AGO

    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – Top 20 Smooth Jazz Songs This Week | Pamela Black | February 7, 2026

    Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV, this edition of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown delivers the definitive ranking of the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in America, based on nationwide radio airplay. Hosted by Pamela Black, the countdown captures the momentum of contemporary jazz as familiar favorites hold strong, rising artists make bold moves, and new grooves settle comfortably into rotation. This week’s chart reflects a vibrant cross-section of the smooth jazz landscape, featuring standout performances from Kayla Waters, who lands at number one with “Lush,” alongside powerhouse artists including Richard Elliot, Mindi Abair, Adam Hawley, Vincent Ingala, Althea Rene, Nicholas Cole, Brian Simpson, Julian Vaughn, Paul Taylor, and Rick Braun. The countdown also highlights global influences, from New Zealand-based multi-instrumentalist Brian LaValette to Brazilian jazz icon Eliane Elias, showcasing the genre’s international reach. Throughout the show, listeners are guided through rich artist backstories, chart movement insights, and the musical journeys that shape each track — blending smooth jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and contemporary production into a seamless listening experience. From rising stars to genre-defining veterans, this countdown serves as a weekly snapshot of what’s connecting with audiences coast to coast. Produced by Jason Beatty, with chart data provided by Mediabase, the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown remains a trusted source for fans, programmers, and artists alike. Whether you’re discovering new favorites, following chart trends, or simply settling in for two hours of refined grooves, this episode delivers the soundtrack for smooth jazz listeners everywhere.

    1h 53m

  2. 31 JAN

    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown | Top 20 Smooth Jazz Songs This Week (Jan 31, 2026)

    The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown returns with the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in the nation, ranked by AirPlay from stations coast to coast. Hosted by Pamela Black, this week’s chart features major movers, standout debuts, and familiar favorites from artists including Brian Simpson, Rick Braun, Althea Rene, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor, and more. From contemporary grooves to timeless melodies, this is the definitive weekly guide to what’s trending in smooth jazz radio.

    1h 55m

  3. 24 JAN

    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – January 24, 2026 | Top 20 Smooth Jazz Songs with Pamela Black

    This week on the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black guides listeners through the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America, based on nationwide radio airplay. Broadcasting from the KU NV studios on the campus of UNLV, this January 24, 2026 edition captures the momentum of the new year as chart favorites hold strong, new contenders rise, and standout tracks make big moves. The countdown features a powerful mix of contemporary jazz icons and emerging voices, including Boney James, Paul Taylor, Chris Standring, Kayla Waters, Adam Hawley, and Richard Elliot. This week’s Number One song belongs to bassist Julian Vaughn, whose track “Follow Me” claims the top spot after a strong climb. The show also spotlights rising artists, notable chart climbers, and a special “Vintage Smooth” moment celebrating the timeless voice of Natalie Cole. Produced by Jason Beatty, with chart data provided by Mediabase, the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown remains the definitive weekly guide to what’s trending in smooth jazz across the country. Whether you’re listening live on the radio or catching up on demand, this episode delivers a curated, coast-to-coast snapshot of the genre’s biggest songs, brightest artists, and smoothest grooves.

    1h 52m

  4. 17 JAN

    Nicholas Cole Tops the Chart + Biggest Climbers of the Week | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – January 17, 2026

    Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV, this episode of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black delivers the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America, based on nationwide airplay. The January 17, 2026 countdown features major chart movement, standout climbers, and a powerful mix of familiar favorites and rising contemporary jazz voices. The episode builds momentum through the Top 20 and culminates with Nicholas Cole’s “Shine” claiming the #1 spot, blending smooth jazz, gospel, and R&B influences into one of the week’s most uplifting tracks. Listeners also hear music from genre staples and modern chart forces including Boney James, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Kayla Waters, Adam Hawley, Mindy Abair, Vincent Ingala, Richard Elliot, Brian Simpson, and more — showcasing the full spectrum of contemporary smooth jazz. With polished hosting, artist storytelling, and coast-to-coast chart data provided by Mediabase, this episode captures the sound, momentum, and community that define smooth jazz radio today

    1h 54m
  5. Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown | Top 20 Smooth Jazz Songs of the Week – January 10, 2026

    10 JAN

    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown | Top 20 Smooth Jazz Songs of the Week – January 10, 2026

    Welcome to the first Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown of 2026, broadcasting from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV and heard coast to coast. Hosted by Pamela Black, this nationally syndicated countdown delivers the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in America, ranked by verified airplay data from stations across the country. This week’s show sets the tone for a brand-new year with a mix of chart climbers, longtime favorites, and fresh releases shaping the sound of contemporary jazz right now. From guitar-driven grooves and soulful saxophone melodies to elegant keyboard work and modern jazz fusion, every song reflects the depth, diversity, and evolution of smooth jazz radio. Listeners will hear standout tracks from genre icons and chart-topping artists including Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Wayman Tisdale, Roy Ayers, Mindy Abair, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows, Nicholas Cole, and Ryan LaValette, who claims the #1 spot this week. The countdown also highlights rising voices and independent artists making waves on Smooth Jazz Radio, proving that the genre continues to grow and thrive in 2026. In addition to the weekly Top 20, this episode features artist spotlights, engaging storytelling, and the signature pacing that makes the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown a favorite for listeners, affiliates, and programmers alike. Whether you’re tuning in on the radio, streaming online, or catching up via podcast, this show delivers a polished, professional, and relaxing listening experience designed for smooth jazz fans everywhere. Produced by Jason Beatty with chart data provided by Mediabase, the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown remains your definitive guide to the biggest songs in smooth jazz—every week, all year long.

    1h 53m
  6. The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown

    27/12/2025

    The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown

    The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown continues its year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 — the high-stakes finale counting down the Top 20 songs of the year, including the longest-running #1 smooth jazz hits of 2025. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black takes listeners deeper into the countdown, ranking every chart-topping song by how long it held the number one spot. This second installment spotlights the tracks that didn’t just reach the summit — they stayed there, defining the sound of smooth jazz throughout the year. In this episode, you’ll hear: The Top 20 smooth jazz #1s of 2025, including multi-week chart championsPerformances by genre leaders such as Najee, Gerald Albright, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson, Mindi Abair, Marion Meadows, Adrian Crutchfield, and moreThe Top 5 “Not on the List” artists, honoring standout releases that made a major impact just outside the countdownRich storytelling that ties each #1 song to the cultural moments, seasons, and moods of 2025From high-energy festival anthems to soulful saxophone classics, Part 2 captures the music that ruled the charts and shaped the smooth jazz landscape in 2025 — culminating with the longest-running #1 song of the year. If you missed it, be sure to catch Part 1, featuring songs #35–21, and experience the complete two-part journey through the year’s biggest smooth jazz moments. Your playlist. Your countdown. Where smooth jazz pays out big.

    1h 54m
  7. The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown

    20/12/2025

    The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown

    The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown kicks off a special two-part year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 — a coast-to-coast journey through every song that reached #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts this year. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black begins the countdown at #35 and works up to #21, ranking each track by how long it held the top spot. This first installment focuses on the single-week chart toppers — the songs that defined moments, seasons, and moods throughout 2025. Along the way, the show features: Chart-topping smooth jazz from artists like Norman Brown, Boney James, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Nicholas Cole, Special EFX, and more“Not on the List” spotlights honoring standout releases that made an impact just outside the countdownPam’s Honorable Mentions, highlighting personal favorites and artists who stayed in the mix all year longRich storytelling that connects each #1 song to the time of year it ruled the chartsFrom warm guitar grooves and soulful sax melodies to contemporary jazz collaborations, Part 1 sets the stage for the biggest smooth jazz moments of 2025. Be sure to join us next week for Part 2, where we count down the Top 20, reveal the multi-week #1 champions, and spotlight the artists who truly dominated the year. Your playlist. Your countdown. The smoothest journey in jazz.

    1h 53m

  8. 13/12/2025

    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown — December 13, 2025

    In this week’s episode of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black guides listeners through the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz tracks in the nation, broadcasting from the KU NV studios on the campus of UNLV. This holiday edition features powerful chart movement, standout new releases, and beloved favorites, all curated from Mediabase airplay across smooth jazz stations coast to coast.  The countdown opens with flutist Althea René, followed by strong entries from Paul Taylor, Nathan Mitchell, and Dave Koz & Summer Horns, plus fresh spins from Najee, Brian Simpson, Nicholas Cole, Kayla Waters, Chris Standring, and the ever-inspiring Mindi Abair. Mid-show, Pamela highlights rising artists like Adrian Crutchfield, Quentin Gerard W., and multi-instrumentalist Ryan La Valette, whose “London Nights” earns the No. 2 spot this week.  The Vintage Smooth Spotlight rewinds the groove to 1975 with the iconic trumpeter Donald Byrd and his classic “Think Twice,” a timeless blend of jazz, funk, and soul.  This week’s Headliner Feature showcases Chicago saxophonist Andre Ward, whose smooth reinterpretation of Musiq Soulchild’s “Just Friends” delivers style, soul, and undeniable Vegas swagger.  The countdown culminates with the No. 1 song of the week: Boney James rises three spots to claim the top position with “The Bounce,” proving once again why he remains one of contemporary jazz’s most influential and enduring voices.  Pamela wraps the episode with gratitude for listeners nationwide, plus a bonus spotlight on guitarist Deepak B2, whose “Make Me Wanna” lands at No. 24 and promises big things in the coming year.  Whether you're tuning in for holiday vibes, top-tier musicianship, or the nation’s definitive smooth jazz chart, this week’s Countdown delivers nothing but warm tones, uplifting grooves, and undeniable smoothness. 20 ALTHEA RENE Synergy f/Jordan Love19 PAUL TAYLOR It's A Brand New Day18 NATHAN MITCHELL Feel The Heat17 DAVE KOZ & SUMMER HORNS Vehicle16 NAJEE Salvador f/Brian Simpson15 ADAM HAWLEY RollerSk814 KAYLA WATERS Lush13 MINDI ABAIR Nouveau Soul12 KIRK WHALUM Well Alright11 RAGAN WHITESIDE Fancy Footwork10 JULIAN VAUGHN Follow Me9 QUINTIN GERARD W. Streets Of Gold8 ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD Sooo Good7 CHRIS STANDRING Chocolate Shake6 NICHOLAS COLE Shine5 JAZZ FUNK SOUL Over Easy4 BLAKE AARON Dare To Fly3 MARION MEADOWS Just Doing Me2 RYAN LA VALETTE London Nights1 BONEY JAMES The Bounce

    1h 52m
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About

Hosted by Pamela Black, this weekly countdown LIVE from the Best Smooth Jazz Station in America, takes you on a journey through the top 20 smooth jazz hits of the week. With expert commentary, artist spotlights, and the latest in the smooth jazz scene, Pamela brings you the best of the genre, blending classic favorites with the freshest tracks. Tune in for a relaxing yet vibrant musical experience that captures the essence of smooth jazz. Produced by Jason Beatty Recorded in the KUNV Studios 1 mile from Las Vegas Blvd on the campus of UNLV.

Information

  • Creator
    KUNV
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Public Radio KUNV 2024
  • Show Website
    Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown
  • Provider