With Chill It, Nils leans fully into the smooth, melodic sound that has made him a longtime favorite on contemporary jazz radio, delivering an album built around groove, atmosphere, and his signature guitar work. The collection mixes originals with inventive reinterpretations, continuing a career-long tradition of transforming familiar songs into smooth jazz staples.

One of the album’s highlights is Nils’ take on Maze’s “Joy And Pain.” Rather than simply recreating the beloved classic, he gives it a sleek, contemporary feel while holding onto the warmth and soul that made the original so enduring. It’s the latest example of Nils’ long-running ability to spot songs that naturally lend themselves to his melodic, easygoing style. Released as the album’s lead single in April, the track quickly became one of the project’s calling cards.

Nils has built much of his career on that ability to hear crossover potential in songs from outside the jazz world. Earlier releases featured popular reworkings of Toto’s “Georgy Porgy” and Carlos Santana’s “Europa,” while his version of “That’s The Way Of The World” became one of the biggest smooth jazz hits of 2024.

The musicians backing him on Chill It add even more depth to the album’s polished feel. “Joy And Pain” features contributions from keyboardist Johnny Britt, bassist Darryl Williams, drummer Gordan Campbell, percussionist Oliver C. Brown, and vocalist Clydene Jackson, giving the track a rich, full-band sound that balances sophistication with laid-back summer energy.

Across Chill It, Nils has created the kind of record that works equally well as a background soundtrack or a focused listen for fans of contemporary jazz guitar. The album feels relaxed, confident, and perfectly in step with the style he’s spent years refining.