Some artists don’t just play music; they reshape the landscape of a genre. Jacob Webb and Phylicia Rae are two powerhouse forces in contemporary smooth jazz. Together, they represent a new paradigm of what bass-driven jazz can look and sound like.

Jacob Webb’s artistry is matched by his entrepreneurial vision. A six-time #1 Billboard award-winning producer, bassist, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist, Webb has shared creative space with a remarkable range of artists—from Valerie Simpson, of the legendary duo Ashford & Simpson, to jazz heavyweights Najee, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, and Mulgrew Miller. In 2018, Webb founded Next Paradigm Records, a fully Black-owned business boasting a nine-artist contemporary jazz roster and multiple #1 Billboard singles. Billboard has since recognized Next Paradigm as the #4 label in smooth jazz, a testament to his eye for talent and his commitment to cultivating the next generation of performers.

Phylicia Rae’s rise has been historic. She is the first female lead bassist to achieve a #1 record on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart—a ceiling-shattering milestone in a genre where female instrumentalists have long been underrepresented. Inspired by the late, great Wayman Tisdale, Rae launched her solo career in 2020 and quickly made waves. Her third single, “That’s It,” climbed the Billboard “New and Active” chart, leading her to join Jazz In Pink and sign with Next Paradigm Records. In 2022, she became co-founder of the jazz series “Next Paradigm Live,” bringing icons like Lin Rountree, Marcus Anderson, and Art Sherrod Jr. to audiences across the country.

What makes Jacob Webb and Phylicia Rae especially compelling is the synergy created when their worlds converge. Together, these stars have accumulated seven #1 Billboard records. Their collaborative “Double Bass Experience” takes audiences on a journey unlike anything smooth jazz has seen before. Their show pays homage to the giants who paved the way for lead bassists—including Wayman Tisdale, Marcus Miller, and Stanley Clarke—while boldly pointing toward the future. For Rae, every performance is a message to younger female musicians that the top of the chart is well within reach. For Webb, every note is proof that independent, Black-owned music enterprises can thrive at the highest levels. Together, they are not just making music; they are making history.

Live at Middle C Jazz this Friday, May 15th.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Kaela Mason.