Kim Waters: The Smooth Jazz Saxophonist

Kim Waters is an American saxophonist, composer, and producer who stands as a cornerstone of contemporary smooth jazz. Hailing from Maryland, he has built a prolific career defined by chart-topping albums and a signature soulful sound that has dominated urban adult contemporary radio for decades.

Early career

Born in 1963 in Clinton, Maryland, Kim Waters was immersed in music from childhood, learning violin and piano before finding his true voice on the alto and soprano saxophones. He formed the band The Waters Family with his siblings before launching his solo career, which began in earnest with his 1989 debut album on the independent label Saxophonist Records.

Breakthrough

Waters' commercial breakthrough arrived with his 1994 album Sweet and Saxy on the Shanachie Entertainment label. This release firmly established his accessible, R&B-infused jazz style, climbing to number 15 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and setting the stage for a long-running, successful partnership with the label.

Key tracks

Streetwize — This funky, confident track from his 2000 album showcased his knack for crafting instantly memorable melodies and became a staple on smooth jazz playlists.

All I Want Is You — A romantic ballad highlighting his lush, expressive soprano saxophone work, it remains one of his most requested and enduring songs.

Steppin' Out — The title track from his 2006 album exemplifies his polished, groove-centric production and effortless melodic flow.

Love's Melody — This smooth and soulful single from his 2011 album This Heart of Mine secured a top 5 position on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart.

His consistent output for Shanachie has produced a remarkable string of over twenty solo albums, many of which have landed in the top 10 of Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart. Waters is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist, often playing most parts on his recordings, and has collaborated with artists like Gerald Albright, Peter White, and Jonathan Butler.

For a similar blend of melodic saxophone and R&B rhythms, explore Dave Koz. His polished and celebratory sound shares a clear lineage with Waters' approach. The soulful grooves of Boney James also resonate with Waters' style, emphasizing strong melodies and contemporary production. Fans may also enjoy the work of guitarist Norman Brown, who similarly fuses jazz instrumentation with accessible, vocal-like phrasing.

Kim Waters' music is a fixture on smooth jazz and urban adult contemporary radio stations nationwide, from major market FM broadcasts to dedicated online jazz streams. His catalog provides the perfect soundtrack for relaxation and sophisticated entertainment.

You can hear the smooth saxophone sounds of Kim Waters on the smooth jazz and contemporary instrumental radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where his timeless tracks remain in regular rotation for listeners to discover and enjoy.