PAULA ATHERTON, "Make It Happen"

After another emotionally topsy turvy year, veteran sax powerhouse Paula Atherton finds a golden, exhilarating way to celebrate her remarkable 25-year recording career while gifting smooth jazz fans with the perfect, hard-pumping soundtrack to a fresh, optimistic mindset to start 2026.

Co-written with and produced by frequent collaborator – and onetime Kalimba Records labelmate – Greg Manning (with guitar and additional production by Lou Gimenez, “Make It Happen” is an edgy, fast grooving, and wildly danceable horn-driven jam, a showcase for Paula’s compelling melodic magic and passionate horn fire. Yet coming from a #1 charting Billboard and Mediabase artist who’s been pursuing and living her musical dreams for several decades, it doubles as a high-octane inspirational message to everyone who’s ever had to set their goals aside that it’s time to focus,

dedicate, boldly embrace the future and meet and transcend every challenge on the road to success.

Atherton’s career is a living testimony to making things happen since she broke through to success in the genre with her second album Groove with Me, a 2009 release featuring Greg Adams and Chieli Minucci. A consistent triple threat who is one of the few smooth jazz artists who actively plays alto sax and flute and also sings, she’s shared the stage with the likes of The Rippingtons, Cindy Bradley, Brian Simpson, Bob James, Mark Antoine, Gerald Albright and late greats David Sanborn, Nick Colionne and Chuck Loeb.

Paula’s dynamic fusion of old school R&B, funk, Latin and trad jazz has also led to a prolific career on the charts, with 13 top 30 singles, including her two Billboard #1’s from her 2020 album Can You Feel It, the title track and “Summer Song.” Overall, she’s had 13 Top 30 singles. Testament to her ongoing impact, she was nominated for Best Artist of the year by the Smooth Jazz Network in 2020, 2023 and 2024.

True to the vibe and messaging of “Make It Happen,” that inspiring streak is primed to continue in 2026 with the release of the single and her highly anticipated upcoming eighth album. The song takes us on a wild, freewheeling ride tinged with Manning’s subtle old school keyboard flavors and crazy energy.

The track kicks off with two tight drum beats, then immediately immerses us in an exciting swirl of funked out, hard thumping beats and infectious synth which create a formidable foundation for her dazzling alto as she breezes through the first verse on the way to the irresistible, full throttle brass fired hook – an earworm that sets the standard for other smooth jazz artists releasing singles this coming year. After several iterations of the chorus, Paula romps on some emphatic percussive notes, giving way to an all too brief crackling, rock-edged guitar solo by Gimenez, which extends an invite for Paula to solo and soar before the hook pops in again.

“Make It Happen” is pure joy that’s bound to light up personal and radio playlists for month. Take its empowering title to heart and make this year your most triumphant and prosperous ever!