Jarez is a renowned smooth jazz saxophonist, music entrepreneur, and culinary innovator whose career has spanned multiple creative industries, leaving an undeniable mark on both music and food culture. His ability to seamlessly blend art, entertainment, and lifestyle branding has made him a pioneer in fusing the sophistication of jazz with the artistry of gourmet cuisine.
Jarez’s journey into the world of music and food began early, as he built a name for himself in the smooth jazz industry, performing with some of the most respected artists in the genre. His smooth, soulful sound became his signature, earning him chart-topping hits and collaborations with some of the biggest names in jazz. However, his creative ambitions extended beyond music—he saw the connection between jazz and culinary art, where both require improvisation, precision, and passion.
His career took an unexpected and exciting turn when he formed a longstanding creative partnership with Grammy Award-winning hip-hop legend Coolio. Their friendship led to a groundbreaking collaboration that merged hip-hop culture with gourmet cuisine—resulting in the creation of “Cookin’ with Coolio”.
Jarez played a key role as co-creator of both the “Cookin’ with Coolio” books and the “Cookin’ with Coolio” web series, which became a cult favorite among food lovers and music fans alike. The show and books showcased a fun, street-smart approach to cooking, proving that gourmet meals could be accessible, flavorful, and infused with personality. Through their work together, Jarez and Coolio introduced a new style of culinary entertainment, one that resonated with audiences looking for a fresh, unfiltered, and musically inspired cooking experience.
After years of success in both music and food, Jarez realized that his passion for culinary artistry and jazz culture could be taken to new heights. This led to the creation of The Smooth Jazz Chef, a brand dedicated to elevating food culture through the spirit of jazz.
At The Smooth Jazz Chef, Jarez explores the deep connection between sound and flavor, crafting gourmet dishes, curated music pairings, and immersive dining experiences that bring people together. His goal is to bridge the worlds of fine dining and smooth jazz, creating a movement where every meal is an experience, every bite has a rhythm, and every dish tells a story.
Jarez’s journey—from touring the world as a celebrated saxophonist to pioneering the fusion of jazz and culinary arts—proves that creativity knows no limits. Whether performing on stage or crafting the perfect dish in the kitchen, he continues to inspire, innovate, and redefine what it means to blend music and food into one unforgettable experience.
“Cooking is like jazz—it’s all about improvisation, passion, and knowing how to blend the right elements to create something extraordinary.”
– Jarez, The Smooth Jazz Chef