Jazz rock guitarist Nils’ career exploded to the top of the smooth jazz charts in 2005 with his No. 1 hit “Pacific Coast Highway,” earning him the title of No. 1 Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. He duplicated the feat in 2006 with “Summer Night,” but even after all of his recording success, Nils is still a humble artist whose passion is playing his guitar. And he is not limited to just one genre of music. “I am really a rock guitar player who learned too much coming from the pop, R&B side rather than from the traditional jazz side,” he says.

Nils is gathering a much younger following than regular smooth jazz artists. He uses technology as a tool, enhancing his live performances with techno sounds.

“We are at a time now where we have gone past its overuse as we did in the ’80s and ’90s and have found ways to incorporate [technology] into our creativity,” Nils says.

L.A. singer Claudine Jackson and percussionist Oliver Brown, as well as a rhythm section of bass and drums from the Urban Jazz Coalition, join Nils.

For those not able to make his show Friday at the Jazz Kitchen, Nils will give a free music workshop Thursday, July 5 at the Guitar Center in Castleton from 6-7 p.m.