LA/DFW-based saxophonist and session player Michael Cates showcases his musical journey on his sixth solo album Sunset Kiss. Known for his work across TV, film, and the smooth jazz scene, Cates continues to evolve his sound with a collection of contemporary jazz and funk tracks designed to connect with both longtime fans and new listeners.
“Sunset Kiss” is more than just an album — it’s a personal statement. Created around the time of his 30th anniversary, the project reflects a lasting love built through years of shared experiences, challenges, and growth. Cates translates that journey into music, crafting songs that feel warm, reflective, and deeply meaningful.
The album mainly features mid-tempo tracks, allowing space for the melodies and instrumentation to shine. Cates’ saxophone playing sits at the heart of the project, delivering smooth, expressive lines that carry emotion without overpowering the groove. His sound is polished yet soulful, perfectly suited for the smooth jazz style.
A key strength of the album is its collaboration with top-tier musicians, including Paul Pesco, Rob Mullins, Larry Antonino, Todd Parsnow, and Sergio Gonzalez. These artists, who are also close friends and bandmates, bring a natural chemistry to the record. Their performances add richness and depth, making each track feel cohesive and alive.
Cates’ experience over the past 25 years is clear throughout the album. There is a sense of maturity and confidence in the production, showing his understanding that audiences grow and expect quality with every release.
Overall, Sunset Kiss is a smooth, heartfelt album that blends jazz and funk with emotion and experience. It stands as a testament to enduring love, musical growth, and the power of collaboration.
On his sixth solo recording Sunset Kiss, LA/DFW-based saxophone player and session musician Michael Cates presents his musical journey. Having enjoyed a career in TV, film and on the smooth jazz scene, Cates has continued to diversify his sound with a series of modern jazz and funk hits aimed at attracting both his long and new audiences.
Sunset Kiss is not simply an album but it is a kind of personal statement. The project was created at approximately the time of his 30 th anniversary and is a reflection of a long time love that had been created over years of joint experiences, hardships, and development. Cates captures this trip into music and creates songs that seem warm, thought-provoking, and richer than ever.
The album is primarily comprised of mid-tempo songs, which gives the melodies and instrumentation room to shine through. The playing of the saxophone by Cates is at the centre of the project, providing an emotive and smooth line without dominating the groove. His tone is both refined and gritty and exactly right in the smooth jazz mode.
The album has a major strength in that it has worked with the best musicians, such as Paul Pesco, Rob Mullins, Larry Antonino, Todd Parsnow, and Sergio Gonzalez. These artists, who happen to be close friends and bandmates, give a natural chemistry to the record. Their performances help to make their songs rich and deep, making each of them coherent and living.
As you can see, Cates has had 25 years experience in his life and it is evident in the album. The production is mature and confident and it indicates that he knew that audiences were growing and demanded quality with each release.
In sum, Sunset Kiss is an emotional, heart-touching album that incorporates jazz and funk, mixing it with feelings and experience. It is one of the symbols of the way of eternal love, development of music and the strength of cooperation.
