MICHAEL CATES, "77 Hours"

Long before he was gracing and grooving us with the seven impassioned, infectious and soulful smooth jazz singles he’s dropped since 2023, versatile saxophonist Michael Cates was tearing it up performing and sharing the stage with greats (and late greats) from a multitude of genres – from J Lo, Elton John, Barry White and Joe Sample to Tina Turner and Mariah Carey while performing at top jazz clubs on both coasts (BB King’s NYC, Spaghettini, Catalina Jazz Club). Top festivals and even the Rose Bowl. In the larger pop culture, the veteran musician and talented actor may be most recognized as the “sax player” for five seasons on TV's Ally McBeal. Somewhere along the way, he found time to record two solo albums.

Now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, let’s talk about why Cates’ recent single, the enigmatically titled “77 Hours,” is one of the biggest indie hits in the genre this year. It hit the Top 20 on the Radiowave Groove Jazz chart while storming its way into our attentive ears on the strength of its killer hook, silky cool verse sections, bold, muscular horn energy and buoyant freewheeling grooves. In a recent interview, the saxman said, “My background was steeped in jazz studies, but primarily I’m a rock and funk guy.” The track perfectly embodies all these influences, with his adventurous improvisational moments perfectly complementing his edgier and rhythm intensive sensibilities. Jumping at us with vigor and power from the get-go, “77 Hours” is irresistible fun and truly one of smooth jazz’s most exciting tracks of the year.

As dynamic and emotional player as he is, Cates admits he can’t take all the credit for its success. His many years of working in “the biz” allows him to create a band of some of L.A.’s most talented, in-demand musicians. To the saxophonist, keyboardist Rob Mullins – who includes some tasty blues licks in addition to a wild, buoyant piano solo – is not only a great friend and collaborator but also true “piano royalty.” He recalls hearing a Mullins solo he heard in the mid-80s on CD 101.9 in NYC and thinking it was Chick Corea! “77 Hours” also benefits from the potent drumming of Sergio Gonzalez and the fiery guitarisma of Randy Jacobs. Benefitting from years of friendship and working together, this all-star band’s chemistry is another key component in making this track pop.

As for the title, Cates says it’s classified, but the single’s cover art showing him in front of his Piper Cherokee plane offers a clue. The small airstrip where it’s located has seen 77 safe takeoffs and landings with him as the pilot. Then there’s his belief that 7 is the perfect number and the fact that his jersey number was 77 when he played defensive tackle in football years ago. It’s also the last set of numbers on his MkVI Selmo alto. Needless to say, smooth jazz enthusiasts who listen to the song an aggregate total of “77 Hours” will enjoy every minute!