Mike Di Lorenzo Delivers Smooth Jazz & Crossover Perfection with Soul-Stirring Album “Modern Times”
Mike Di Lorenzo stands as one of those rare artists able to honor tradition while boldly reshaping it. His latest full-length album, Modern Times, is a sophisticated statement about navigating today’s world with yesterday’s soul. Featuring dynamic collaborations with vocalists Sonna Rele and Anna Moore, alongside world-class instrumentalists, this 11-track project positions Di Lorenzo at the pinnacle of his artistry.
Modern Times is an exploration of love, nostalgia, and positivity, filtered through Di Lorenzo’s elegant command of piano and production. A veteran keyboardist and producer, he has long been celebrated for his ability to bridge smooth jazz, soul, R&B, Latin, and pop influences. This new album encapsulates decades of experience and experimentation, crystallized into an approachable yet richly layered sound.
Mike Di Lorenzo himself describes the project as “about navigating the rhythm of today with the heart of yesterday.” It’s a phrase that captures both the stylistic balance and emotional depth that defines the album. Every track feels like a quiet dialogue between memory and momentum, reminding listeners that music can be both timeless and timely.
Two voices carry a special weight throughout the album. British singer Sonna Rele, who has worked with major artists and brought her vocals to Disney soundtracks, brings an ethereal cinematic quality to “Let It Flow.” The song shimmers with a reflective calm, while the alternate “Let It Flow (Unplugged)” strips it down to its emotional essence. She also lights up “Lose Control (Live Edit),” a piece brimming with urban jazz textures that balance groove and introspection.
Equally powerful are the contributions of Anna Moore, a longtime collaborator whose soulful warmth elevates “Glad It Happened To Me” and “I Was Only Dreaming.” Her voice conveys hope and resilience, weaving seamlessly into Di Lorenzo’s lush arrangements. These vocal moments never overshadow the album’s instrumental heart; instead, they highlight Di Lorenzo’s curatorial instinct and his understanding of when to let his collaborators shine.
The title track, “Modern Times,” is a centerpiece of the album and a perfect distillation of Di Lorenzo’s artistry. With its bright melodic clarity and irresistible groove, it has already surpassed half a million streams since its release earlier this year, proving that smooth jazz still has the power to connect with wide audiences.
The record unfolds like a journey through shifting moods and soundscapes. “Turn It Up” opens with a burst of optimism, setting the stage for what follows. Later, “Late Night” evokes smoky lounge atmospheres while the closer, “Driving All Night,” simulates neon-lit cityscapes, with soulful horns and flowing piano lines perfect for late-night reflection or long drives.
In between, “South of South Beach” transports listeners to warmer climates with its breezy keys, chilled rhythms and sax-tinged melodies, while “Ooh Aha” injects a playful, funk-infused energy that keeps the momentum alive. Each track flows naturally into the next, creating a listening experience that is cohesive yet full of surprise.
Much of the album’s richness comes from the interplay of Di Lorenzo’s piano with an ensemble of gifted musicians. Saxophonist Frank Elmo threads tenor and soprano lines that glide between passion and restraint, while drummer Iajhi Hampden drives the rhythm with precision and flair. Five-time Emmy Award winner Emiden Rivera adds percussion textures that deepen the music’s atmosphere. Together, they create a sound that is both organic and meticulously sculpted, an ideal balance of live spontaneity and modern production polish.
Mike Di Lorenzo has built his career on versatility and exploration. Over the years, he has performed with icons such as Whitney Houston, collaborated with Joel Kibble of the Grammy-winning group Take 6, and steadily carved out a reputation for his genre-blending artistry. Albums like What We Need and Play It Cool have demonstrated his ability to merge soulful jazz with smooth R&B, while his collaborative R&B EP with Anna Moore revealed a more intimate side of his creativity. Each project has added to a legacy of music that is at once sophisticated and heartfelt, paving the way for what feels like a creative summit in Modern Times.
What makes Mike Di Lorenzo stand out is not only his technical command but his ability to infuse his music with emotion that resonates across audiences. He can write for the jazz aficionado who craves complex arrangements as easily as for the casual listener who simply wants a smooth soundtrack to a late evening.
The attention to instrumental detail reflects Di Lorenzo’s deep understanding of arrangement and his ability to create space for each musical voice while maintaining the album’s cohesive vision. The production quality is pristine without being sterile, warm without sacrificing clarity – a perfect balance that serves both the intimate ballads and the more groove-oriented tracks equally well.
Ultimately, this album is about balance-between past and present, groove and reflection, tradition and innovation. From Sonna Rele’s reflective calm on “Let It Flow” to Anna Moore’s hopeful optimism on “Glad It Happened To Me,” each song feels like a story placed within a larger narrative of modern-day life. It is equally suited for personal listening or for setting an atmosphere, whether in a smoky lounge, a romantic evening, or a quiet drive through the city.
Di Lorenzo’s touch on the keys is understated yet commanding, never overplaying but always guiding the music forward with elegance. His playing serves as a reminder that true artistry often lies in knowing how to say more with less.
In a music industry that often prizes immediacy over depth, Modern Times makes a compelling case for elegance, patience, and craftsmanship. It demonstrates that smooth jazz can remain vital without losing its sophistication, that collaboration can elevate rather than distract, and that music rooted in tradition can still speak to contemporary listeners.
For longtime fans, the album reaffirms why Mike Di Lorenzo remains a central voice in contemporary jazz. For newcomers, it offers a welcoming entry point into a sound world of warmth and soul. Above all, it is a reminder of music’s ability to connect the heart with the present moment.
With Modern Times, Mike Di Lorenzo has delivered an album that transcends easy categorization. It’s smooth jazz, but it’s also R&B, soul, pop, and electronica, all blended seamlessly into one cohesive statement. More importantly, it is music with heart-crafted not just to be heard, but to be felt.
As his journey continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Mike Di Lorenzo remains a master storyteller through sound, and Modern Times is his latest, most compelling chapter yet. The album is available now on all major streaming platforms.
