Kresten Osgood - Hammond Rens (2-disc set)

Kresten Osgood? A no-name for you? Don't worry, even most Danes haven't heard about this fantastic local drummer. Even maestro drummer Ed Thigpen, who lives in Copenhagen, has called him a "genius drummer". It's known in the jazz community that Osgood adores the "No. 1 jazz furniture", the Hammond B-3 organ, to use his own words, so why not make a double CD with an organ trio on your own label. And Osgood even goes for gold medal - and calls Dr. Lonnie Smith for organ duty on this great live CD - "Hammond Rens" (English - Hammond Refine), recorded at The Copenhagen Jazz House in 2002. This CD capture some of the most free wheelin' jazz organ trio's I've heard in many years and there seems to be no end to the musical styles that the Doctor can cover with great imagination, technique and power play. The trio is completed with the tenor saxophonist Mikael Blake which is a real surprise given his roots from the more free jazz oriented community and not to forget Anders Provis on some tracks with playing "the fine art of Ghost percussion" (!?!). What can you expect from this CD? According to Smith's opening statement on track 1, you can expect music from the HEART. Funk, blues, free, ballads, boogaloo, swing; you get it all through great combo interpretation on tunes by Lucky Thompson, Curtis Mayfield, Roland Kirk, Slide Hampton and Osgood himself (showing promising compositional skills). This is not background music - turn up the volume and when the laser beam hits "Collins", and you're warned about what to expect for the next 11 tunes being like in the middle of the audience close to Smiths heavy organ bass lines, imaginative block chord comping and soulful melody lines support by Osgoods inventive drumming. Highlights after highlights are served by these gentlemen on this quality live recording, only the cd cover would have deserved better overall design. Altogether 160 minutes of soul, sweat and (no) tears worth every cent. Highly recommended!!

Kresten Osgood (drums); Michael Blake (saxophone); Lonnie Liston Smith (Hammond b-3 organ).

Album: Hammond Rens (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 76:57
Size: 176.1 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Soul-jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[11:37] 1. Collins
[12:14] 2. The World Awakes
[ 7:39] 3. The Makings Of You
[23:52] 4. Three For Dizzy
[20:33] 5. London Pride
[ 0:59] 6. Rahsaan Take A Break From The Choir Of Angels To Jam A Little

Hammond Rens (Discs 1&2 combined) Yara's link
Hammond Rens (Disc 1)

---

Album: Hammond Rens (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 78:46
Size: 180.3 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Soul-jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[13:57] 1. I'm Black
[16:18] 2. Chop Suey
[10:14] 3. The Beat-Up Blues
[16:52] 4. Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)
[21:22] 5. Like Lonnie

Hammond Rens (Discs 1&2 combined) Yara's link
Hammond Rens (Disc 2)

---

Jay Leonhart - Life Out On The Road

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 49:59

Size: 114.4 MB

Styles: Post bop

Year: 1990/2007

Art: Front

[4:09] 1. The Lion

[4:52] 2. God Fearing Boy

[4:47] 3. On The Road

[4:15] 4. Society Music

[3:48] 5. Me And Lenny

[3:23] 6. Rain

[4:03] 7. Bellson, Louis

[3:18] 8. Dodgers

[4:48] 9. Misunderstood

[4:13] 10. Iguanas And Lizards

[4:09] 11. Sympathizin' Fool

[4:08] 12. Change My Occupation

Jay Leonhart found himself sitting next to Leonard Bernstein in first class on TWA as they both flew to Los Angeles. After the shock and awe wore off (Jay's, not Lenny's) the two engaged in a wonderful cross country conversation that covered every possible topic. A few months later Jay wrote "Me and Lenny" which has since become known by jazz fans worldwide. Tony Bennett has even told Jay that "Me and Lenny" is Jay's "San Francisco" and that he should perform it everywhere he goes.

When Jay appeared on David Letterman, Paul Schaeffer wanted to know more of the juicy Lenny details, hoping for an Inquirer scoop. But Jay simply referred him to the song. Such a classy guy.

Jay Leonhart has played the bass violin since he was thirteen years old and played for most of the music icons of the 20th century, and is now working on those of the 21st century. He has been recognized in countless jazz polls and has received numerous recording industry awards. He has performed with a large number of famous pop groups, and jazz singers, from Judy Garland to Mel Torme. Steely Dan to Sting, Maureen McGovern to Michael Feinstein, James Taylor to Carly Simon. And many inbetween.

Life Out On The Road

---

Davina & The Vagabonds - Black Cloud

Size: 100,4 MB
Time: 43:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: New Orleans Jazz/Blues Jazz, Ragtime
Label: Roustabout Records
Art: Front

01. Vagabond Stomp (Intro) (1:39)
02. Black Cloud (2:22)
03. Disappears (2:56)
04. Start Running (2:43)
05. Sugar Moon (4:02)
06. Pushpin (3:40)
07. Lipstick And Chrome (3:41)
08. River (4:56)
09. Pocket (3:20)
10. Let's Bring It Back (4:23)
11. Bee Sting (2:21)
12. Crosseyed (3:25)
13. Carry Him With You (3:20)
14. Vagabond Stomp (Outro) (0:56)

Davina & the Vagabonds play a blend of horn-driven retro blues and jazz – the kind of music that was blasting out of New Orleans in the 20’s & 30’s. Yet, the band has a couple of things that set them apart from their fellow revivalists. For one, they’ve got an utterly amazing vocalist in leader Davina Sowers, who’s able to rasp like Billie Holiday, soar like Dinah Washington, bellow like Sarah Vaughan and get goofy like Ethel Merman, yet manage to still sound completely unique. She’s one of those rare singers that make you smile when you hear her.

But, the truly singular element that this band possesses that should eventually rocket them to notoriety is the songs. Most roots artists, especially those who take a very traditional approach like this (piano, bass, drums, trombone, & trumpet), tend to stick to classic songs by other people. Yet, every track on Black Cloud was composed by Sowers. Because the horns are likely the first thing you notice, it may take awhile for her lyrics to set in, yet she’s capable of tremendous imagery. Take for instance the ukulele-led “Bee Sting,” with the lines “I’m sick of makin’ / the same old bread / the kind you eat / and you’re still not fed.” Many of the tracks, like “Black Cloud” and “Pushpin,” have the sis-boom-bah of classic Vaudeville, while others, like “Disappears” and “Pocket” are surprisingly melodic and poppy. In fact, if you stripped away the arrangements of those two songs, you might end up with something akin to say Ben Folds.

The Vagabonds band are a tight bunch, with the brash horns and upright bass (which is particularly good on the aforementioned “Bee Sting”). The production isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly what it needs. There is no attempt to turn this into something other than what it is – roots music played with reckless abandon. The album also works because it’s full of so many emotions, from the ass-kickin’ attitude of “Start Runnin’” to the pleading of “Lipstick and Chrome,” to the teary “River.” Another highlight is “Carry Him With You,” a gospel-inspired piece that makes an excellent closer. While their style of music certainly can’t be called mainstream, Davina & the Vagabonds, with their great songs and performances, have the makings of something bigger. – Tony Peters

Black Cloud

---

Faith Amour - Bright Eyes

Size: 116,8 MB
Time: 50:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Accentuate The Positive (2:05)
02. Habanera (4:43)
03. Mr. Ego (3:37)
04. Take It (3:31)
05. Ou Es-Tu (4:17)
06. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (4:45)
07. Nao Importa (4:26)
08. Buru Buru (5:09)
09. Sweet Georgia Brown (5:18)
10. Bright Eyes (5:46)
11. Un Canadien Errant (7:06)

Nominated for 4 New Mexico Music Awards, and Winner of award for Best Vocal Performance, Santa Fe, New Mexico – based Canadian vocalist Faith Amour is often called "the voice of an angel". Here’s a dynamic musician that blends her love of straight-ahead jazz with the vibrant rhythms of her South-American/Caribbean heritage and uplifting heartsongs from around the world. Drawing inspiration from her early classical training, she is highly in demand as a jazz singer, choral composer and conductor, having worked alongside industry innovators across North America. This is the debut album of a public school music teacher turned jazz chanteuse - featuring John Rangel on piano, Mark Clark on drums and Justin Bransford on bass.

Bright Eyes

---

Gerry Beaudoin Trio (Feat Harry Allen) - The Return

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:17
Size: 128.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. The Return
[7:33] 2. Jackie's Serenade
[5:01] 3. So Long Ebony
[7:02] 4. God Bless The Child
[5:44] 5. Wave
[5:02] 6. I Often Thought You'd Never Leave Me
[5:30] 7. Hamilton Honeymoon
[4:45] 8. Mother's Day Waltz
[5:06] 9. RSG
[6:14] 10. Joanne Hears The Blues

An exquisite collection of songs and performances in the tradition of the hey day of classic jazz recordings from labels such as Bluenote and Impulse. Jackie's Serenade and I Often Thought You'd Never Leave Me will become "new standards."

Boston jazz artist Gerry Beaudoin has distinguished himself in many ways the past several decades. He has been a mainstay in jazz clubs of Boston and New York City. Beaudoin is also well respected as a teacher, which is one of the most admirable parts of his career. He is making sure that a new generation of jazz guitarists understands the roots of where we are today. Explaining and demonstrating the form and complexity of playing through advanced chord changes is a true gift, and one that needs to be shared freely.

The Return comes after a slight break from performance over the past few years due to unforeseen health complications. The liner notes to this CD discuss how much Beaudoin missed performing for a while, and also a new found appreciation of getting back to it recently.

The group on this recording includes Jesse Williams (bass), Les Harris Jr. (drums) and Harry Allen (tenor saxophone). This is the rhythm section that Beaudoin returned to action with, and Allen adds a wonderful touch as an additional voice. Most of the tunes on The Return are originals penned during his six month convalescence. The title track is a medium Latin tune with a catchy melody and chord structure. Allen and Beaudoin double the melody and complement each other perfectly. “Jackie’s Serenade” gives Allen the perfect vehicle for his breathy expressive tone. It is also nice to hear excellent brush work by Harris and a sustained, rich bass line by Williams.

The Return

---

Bill Henderson - Live At The Vic: Beautiful Memory

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:07
Size: 117.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:00] 1. All The Things You Are
[4:06] 2. Never Make Your Move
[5:48] 3. You Are My Sunshine
[4:01] 4. Royal Garden Blues
[7:04] 5. Sleepin Bee
[2:26] 6. The Moon Was Yellow
[4:13] 7. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
[3:48] 8. The Song Is You
[8:17] 9. Old Black Magic
[4:09] 10. Never Kiss And Run
[4:10] 11. Living Without You
[0:00] 12. Tulip Or Turnip

How can a guy who has been heralded as the definitive hard-bop vocalist, whose wide-ranging résumé includes stellar work alongside the likes of Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson and Charlie Haden (that’s Henderson alternating tracks with Shirley Horn on Haden’s The Art of the Song from 1999), who fully deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as such contemporaries as Ernie Andrews, Oscar Brown Jr. and Johnny Hartman, remain so incredibly underappreciated?

So far off the radar is Bill Henderson that even ardent jazz-vocal fans are often surprised to discover he’s still around. Well, around and active he is—remarkably, at age 82, sounding every bit as robust as he did throughout his vibrant stint from 1958-61 as the sole jazz artist on the Vee-Jay label, and on his bestselling eponymous ’63 Verve album with Peterson’s trio—as demonstrated throughout this live date, captured at the Vic in Santa Monica in March 2007.

Fans of Henderson’s early-career sessions will recognize that the aptly titled Beautiful Memory represents a stroll down memory lane. Yet while the songs may be largely the same (augmented by such eclectic additions as B.B. King’s “Never Make Your Move” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”), the arrangements are fresh and innovative and Henderson’s reinterpretations are estimably inventive. There may be frost in his beard, but there remains a blazing fire in his belly and an irresistibly energetic hipsterism that rivals fellow octogenarian Jon Hendricks. ~Christoher Loudon/Jazz Times

Live At The Vic: Beautiful Memory

---

Gabriele Tranchina - A Song Of Love's Color

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:31
Size: 124,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Chante Comme Si Tu Devais Mourir Demain
(4:57)  2. A Song Of Love's Color
(3:57)  3. Samba De Uma Nota Só
(5:56)  4. Today
(5:23)  5. Sing A Song Of Children
(4:23)  6. Inútil Paisagem
(5:00)  7. Asato Maa (Sat Chit Ananda)
(5:04)  8. Duérmete Niño Bonito
(4:28)  9. Voz
(3:54) 10. Solamente Pasión
(6:17) 11. Siehst Du Mich

Gabriele Tranchina proves herself to be a versatile vocalist on her second CD. Accompanied by a first-rate band including her husband, Joe Vincent Tranchina, on piano, bassist Santi Debriano, and drummer Bobby Sanabria, the expressive alto sings in six different languages, while moving fluidly through many styles. The opener, "Chante Comme Si Tu Devais Mourir Demain," is a driving samba with French lyrics. She tackles Antonio Carlos Jobim's "One Note Samba" with equal skill in a breezy setting, along with an emotional interpretation of the late composer's "Inútil Paisagem." The pianist contributed several originals, including the haunting ballad "Siehst du Mich," featuring his spouse singing a German poem set to music; "Voz," a delightful scat vehicle for her in an Afro-Cuban setting; and the warm "Sing a Song of Children." Few vocalists have the capability to cover so much territory in the space of a single CD, so Gabriele Tranchina is clearly a talent deserving of wider recognition.  ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-song-of-loves-color-mw0001967132   

A Song Of Love's Color

---

Mary Stallings - Manhattan Moods

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:40
Size: 148,0 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:19)  1. This Can't Be Love
(5:20)  2. Sweet and Lovely
(6:11)  3. I Have a Feeling
(5:39)  4. How High the Moon
(4:41)  5. Lullaby of the Leaves
(5:06)  6. I Wish I Knew
(4:51)  7. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
(6:37)  8. You Go to My Head
(6:06)  9. He Was Too Good to Me
(6:02) 10. Willow Weep for Me
(5:21) 11. I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You
(4:23) 12. I Love You Madly

A product of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene, Mary Stallings recorded in New York for the first time when she entered a Manhattan studio for her third Concord release, Manhattan Moods. Contrary to what some provincial, myopic jazz critics implied, Stallings didn't have to record in the Big Apple to prove her legitimacy -- she would have been a great singer even if she'd never set foot outside of northern California. But Stallings' visit to New York was a good thing, for her talented East Coast support includes pianist Monty Alexander and producer Allen Farnham (who is a fine pianist himself, though he doesn't play on this CD). Farnham was known for his work with Mel Tormé and Susannah McCorkle, and when it came to working with singers in the 1990s, you couldn't ask for a more insightful producer. Farnham's input was obviously a major asset for Stallings, who really pours her heart into such chestnuts as "You Go to My Head," "I Wish I Knew," and "Lullaby of the Leaves." Perhaps the album's most surprising track is "How High the Moon," which was done at maximum speed by countless beboppers, but becomes a haunting ballad in Stallings' hands. With Stallings having put her singing career on the back burner for so many years, it was great to see her building an impressive catalog at Concord. ~  Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/manhattan-moods-mw0000020308

Manhattan Moods

---

J.J.Johnson - Tangence

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:08
Size: 134,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

(2:53)  1. People Time
(5:58)  2. The Meaning Of The Blues
(2:27)  3. For Dancers Only
(5:53)  4. Dinner For One, Please, James
(6:31)  5. Two's Company
(5:28)  6. Lament
(4:23)  7. Opus De Focus
(4:31)  8. The Very Thought Of You
(4:50)  9. Amazing Grace
(4:43) 10. Malagueña
(5:21) 11. The End Of A Love Affair
(4:04) 12. Malaga Moon

Trombonist J.J. Johnson is joined by a string orchestra arranged by Robert Farnon for most of the performances on this CD. Farnon's sweeping scores can sometimes come closer to movie music and muzak than jazz but the high quality of the songs and a few surprising departures make this CD recommended. Wynton Marsalis has three guest appearances (including a spirited unaccompanied duet with Johnson on the old Jimmy Lunceford hit "For Dancers Only"), Johnson takes his blues "Opus De Focus" as a duet with bassist Chris Laurence and the trombonist is in particularly fine form on such numbers as "The Meaning of the Blues," "Dinner for One, Please, James," "The Very Thought of You" and his own "Lament."~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/tangence-mw0000126212

Personnel includes: J.J. Johnson (trombone); Robert Farnon (arranger); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Chris Laurence (bass). Producers: John Snyder, Jean-Philippe Allard. Personnel: J.J. Johnson (trombone); Louis Stewart (guitar); Hugh Webb (harp); Colin Sheen (violin, trombone); Derek Collier, David Randall, Joan Edwards, Geoffrey Grey, Maurice Brett, Rachel Cohen, Homi Kanga, Gillian Cohen, Levine Andrade (violin); Johnny Graham, George Turnland, Michael Ponder (viola); Norman Jones, Caroline Dale, Anthony Pleeth (cello); Dennis Walton, Peter Hughes, Ray Swinfield, Tommy Whittle, Roy Willox (woodwinds); Nigel Carter, Derek Healey, Kenny Baker , Wynton Marsalis, Simon Gardner (trumpet); John Pignegny, Nick Busch, Richard Watkins (French horn); Bill Geldard, Gordon Campbell, Don Lusher (trombone); Laurie Holloway (piano, keyboards); Terry Jenkins (drums); Eric Allen (percussion).                

Tangence

---

Kevin Coelho - Turn It Up

Size: 145,7 MB
Time: 63:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Soul, Jazz Fusion, Hammond B3 Organ
Label: Chicken Coup
Art: Front

01. Root Down (5:08)
02. Soft And Wet (5:45)
03. Come Together (6:36)
04. The World Is A Ghetto (7:37)
05. Zig Zag (6:17)
06. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (7:26)
07. Shadows (4:52)
08. Georgia On My Mind (7:48)
09. The World Is A Ghetto (Radio Edit) (5:39)
10. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (Radio Edit) (6:16)

Kevin Coelho welcomes you to the land of rhythm and groove with Turn It Up!

If you watch Idol, X-Factor or The Voice then you have heard this a million times, know who you are as an artist! Kevin Coelho is eighteen years old and is more aware of his artistic direction than most players twice his age. There have been several new artists under 21 that have made a splash of late but I will go out on a limb and say, Kevin Coelho will be mentioned in the same breath with artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Mike LeDonne by the time he turns forty.

While under the watchful eye of another organ great in Tony Monaco, the sound of Turn It Up seems to embrace a contemporary retro riff on the legendary Charles Earland. The tunes may raise an eyebrow but as I have learned the hard way, don't judge to quickly! From the Beatles, "Come Together" to "Soft and Wet" from Prince we have Coelho doing a focus riff on himself and digging deep for a soulful and soul filled groove that has not been heard since Joey DeFrancesco burst onto the scene and roughly the same age. The original jam "Zig Zag" is pure flavor and possibly one of the finest tunes here. Reinforcing this groove-a-licious release we have guitarist Derek DiCenzo and drummer Reggie Jackson and they are indeed the glue that makes this a true collaborative effort. A harmonious assault on the soul, a beat you hear with your feet.

What makes Turn It Up work so amazingly well is this is far more than the predictable retro riff on old school B3 trios from the early 60's, this is new school funk laid down by a rising star in modern jazz. The first album, Funkengruven was really good but this is great. Coelho is a skillful improviser with a precise lyrical direction and is the harmonic gift that keeps on giving. Perfect? Darn close. Going hypercritical and splitting hairs is not how I roll. Age is nothing but a number...here it is 5. ~Brent Black

Turn It Up

---

Ginger Blu Collective - Live (Discs 1&2)

Many local and International audiences have experienced the unique jazz style and awesome sound of Perth Jazz Singer Marnie Kent. Her mix of jazz originalsand standards with a funky edge and her love of latin grooves make for an eclectic cross section of styles. With her roots firmly in Jazz, it is easy to recognize her love of pop, blues, r'n'b and latin rhythms. Her sound is warm and rich, her style exciting and dynamic. Her experience, confidence and dynamic stage presence make her an enticing performer. An experienced bandleader, Marnie has been groomed by the best. Working alongside Perth's world class musicians has moulded her unique style and seen her grow into one of Perth's finest Jazz Vocalists.

Known for her collaborations with Grant Windsor and Freddie Grigson she has become well known for her knack of putting together the best line-ups in town. Her latest combo "Ginger Blu Collective" is a truly awesome band. Featuring Musicians Chris Foster, Ben Vanderwal, Chris Tarr, Pete Jeavons, Simon Jeans, Carl Mackey, Jeremy Trezona and Warren Harvey After the release of the first album, 'Live' former Musical Director Grant Windsor relocated to London.... Local and International Jazz Piano legend Don Gomes is now the featured pianist in the band. Don brings a new and fresh sound to the Ginger Blu Collective with his inimitable Jazz Piano style.

Marnie was educated at Perth Modern School studying classical and jazz saxophone for 5 years and went on to study jazz voice at the WA Conservatorium of Music. During her study at The Conservatorium she participated in workshops with international jazz singers Sheila Jordan and Carmen Lundy and studied with local jazz musicians Helen Matthews, Freddie Grigson and Ray Walker. Marnie then relocated to Melbourne to start her first band. For the past 12 years Marnie has played in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and to international audiences in Singapore, China and Japan. She has performed at the Kiama Jazz festival (NSW), Wangaratta International Jazz Festival (VIC), Sanctuary Cove Festival of Jazz (QLD), River Festival (QLD) and Fremantle International Jazz Festival (WA). Marnie Kent is developing an impressive fan base and ever increasing profile. Her recent Live recording at the Leederville Hotel and former residency at the 'Belgian Beer Cafe' have provided great exposure for this upcoming artist.

Album: Live (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:54
Size: 132.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2005

[5:34] 1. Bette Davis Eyes
[9:41] 2. Storm - Wami
[6:32] 3. Love Is Here To Stay
[7:15] 4. Comes Love
[6:12] 5. Skylark
[5:01] 6. Who Will The Next Fool Be
[8:36] 7. Old Devil Moon
[8:59] 8. Nardis

Live (Disc 1)

---

Album: Live (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 23:23
Size: 53.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:59] 1. Let's Move
[4:58] 2. Romance In The Dark
[5:05] 3. Fortune Smiles
[6:20] 4. Caged Bird Sings

Live (Disc 2)

---

Jack McDuff - Crash! (Featuring Kenny Burrell)

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 76:21

Size: 174.8 MB

Styles: Organ jazz

Year: 1994

Art: Front

[ 6:33] 1. Something Slick

[ 7:34] 2. How High The Moon

[ 4:58] 3. Shaky

[ 7:27] 4. Love Walked In

[ 6:21] 5. Smut

[ 5:22] 6. It's a Wonderful World

[10:49] 7. Our Miss Brooks

[ 3:22] 8. Grease Monkey

[ 4:28] 9. The Breeze and I 2

[ 6:39] 10. Call It Stormy Monday

[ 8:01] 11. Nica's Dream

[ 4:41] 12. We'll Be Together Again

Organist Jack McDuff has long had a powerful style and the two former LPs that are combined on this single CD offer some strong examples of his accessible playing. In both cases McDuff is joined by guitarist Kenny Burrell (in fact one of the two sets was originally under Burrell's name), drummer Joe Dukes and occasionally Ray Barretto on congas. In addition Harold Vick is on tenor for most selections and Eric Dixon guests on tenor and flute during three songs. Highlights include a driving "How High the Moon," "Love Walked In" and a pair of original blues: "Smut" and "Our Miss Brooks." McDuff and Burrell work together quite well. This 76-minute CD is easily recommended to fans of the jazz organ. ~ Scott Yanow

Jack McDuff (organ); Harold Vick, Kenny Burrell (guitar); Eric Dixon (flute, tenor saxophone); Joe Dukes (drums); Ray Barretto (congas).

Recording information: Englewood Cliffs, NJ (01/08/1963/02/26/1963).

Crash!

---

Leon Redbone - Double Time

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:43
Size: 79.5 MB
Styles: Jazz-Folk-Rock vocals
Year: 1976/1990
Art: Front

[3:07] 1. Diddy Wah Diddy
[2:12] 2. Nobody's Sweetheart
[3:12] 3. Shine On Harvest Moon
[4:16] 4. Crazy Blues
[1:44] 5. Mississippi Delta Blues
[3:41] 6. Mr. Jelly Roll Baker
[3:08] 7. My Melancholy Baby
[2:33] 8. The Sheik Of Araby
[3:10] 9. Mississippi River Blues
[4:17] 10. Winin' Boy Blues
[3:17] 11. If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven

One of Leon Redbone's best early outings, 1977's DOUBLE TIME finds the mustachioed, fedora-wearing enigma further refining the old-timey aesthetic of his debut. Joel Dorn's crystal-clear production aside, this album could have been created almost 50 years earlier, with Redbone's deep, scratchy voice and lively acoustic guitar-playing readymade for a Louisiana juke joint. The set opens with the sauntering "Diddy Wa Diddie," a horn-laden Dixieland number that would remain a staple in Redbone's repertoire for decades to come. The eccentric singer also offers up two Jimmie Rodgers tunes--the celebratory "Mississippi Delta Blues" and its skid row cousin, "Mississippi River Blues." Other highlights of DOUBLE TIME include Redbone's own amiable "Crazy Blues," which fits seamlessly alongside the vintage material, and "Sheik of Araby," performed with wacky, nonsensical verve in classic "hot jazz" style. Since, oddly enough, there are no Redbone compilations available, this charming album serves as one of the finest introductions to his anachronistic sound.

Double Time

---

Eden Atwood - Like Someone In Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:37
Size: 125,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:04)  1. Someone To Watch Over Me
(5:37)  2. My One And Only Love
(3:33)  3. Like Someone In Love
(6:05)  4. All My Tomorrows
(5:15)  5. Make Someone Happy
(3:27)  6. My Romance
(5:43)  7. I Wish You Love
(4:20)  8. So Nice (Summer Samba)
(3:02)  9. Alfie
(2:55) 10. I'll Be Seeing You
(4:12) 11. Easy Street
(5:18) 12. Here's To Life

Eden Atwood has a voice that is many things - seductive, plaintive, sensitive, gifted with perfect intonation and phrasing, and entertaining. Her vocal style shows the influence of many jazz singers including Jimmy Scott, Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday.

From 1993 to 1997, Eden released a series of well-received albums from Concord. Then, from 2002 and 2004, she recorded two beloved albums for the audiophile label Groove Note (their XRCD editions are available here at Eastwind Import). In 2007 she had a tumor removed from her vocal cords but came back strong with a slightly huskier voice. Now, with a series of new recordings for the Japanese SSJ Records, she has ascended once again onto the third phase of her career.

Like Someone In Love is a great follow-up to her 2009 release, Turn Me Loose. Recorded in three sessions in 2009 and 2010, this is a collection of standards. In addition to David Morgenroth, Chris Colangelo and Joe LaBarbera who recorded with her on the previous album, she has Kendall Kay on drums and Azar Lawrence on tenor sax on several tracks. 

Another incredible vocal album. Recommended!   http://www.eastwindimport.com/product-info.asp?ProductID=1666

Personnel: Eden Atwood (vocal); David Morgenroth (piano); Chris Colangelo (bass); Joe La Barbera (drums); Kendall Kay (drums); Azar Lawrence (tenor sax)

Recorded March and June 2009 and June 2010 at Umbrella Media, Chattsworth, California.

Like Someone In Love

---

Renee Rosnes - Ancestors

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:47
Size: 139,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:15)  1. Upa, Neguinho
(6:31)  2. Sounds Around the House
(8:28)  3. Intuition
(8:54)  4. Ache of the Absences
(9:40)  5. Ancestors
(7:33)  6. Life Wish
(5:51)  7. Gift
(7:31)  8. Chasing Spirits

Renee Rosnes, who left her native Canada to settle in New York and play with Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis and her own groups, is an excellent pianist inspired by early Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. She heads a top New York sextet on this CD that includes the potentially great trumpeter Nicholas Payton (here showing a strong Freddie Hubbard influence), bassist Peter Washington, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Don Alias. However the musician who makes the biggest impression on the date is Chris Potter, mostly on tenor but also contributing some effective soprano, bass clarinet and alto flute. Potter, who by the mid-'90s already had his own sound on each of his instruments, gained his earliest recognition playing with Red Rodney's quintet in the 1980s but has since developed into a major postbop stylist with an explorative and colorful style. It is for his playing on these selections (five of which are challenging Rosnes originals) that Ancestors is chiefly recommended.  ~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/ancestors-mw0000185664      

Ancestors

---

Jeff Barone - Open Up

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 156,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:51)  1. Duban's Groove
(6:35)  2. New Samba
(5:56)  3. If You Go Away
(6:39)  4. Open Up
(7:01)  5. Jenna's Song
(4:08)  6. Falling In Love With Love
(6:09)  7. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:54)  8. I Hear Music
(3:43)  9. My Funny Valentine
(6:02) 10. Toys
(6:08) 11. Quiet Now
(7:17) 12. Falling In Love With Love (Alternate Take)

With ample chops and a firm grasp on tradition, New York-based jazz guitarist Jeff Barone proves a capable leader, bringing fresh ideas to the straight-ahead realm. Open Up showcases the Syracuse native's relaxed approach on a hard-swinging set of standards and originals.

Barone displays strong compositional skills on the up-tempo modal opener "Duban's Groove," the Brazilian flavored "New Samba," the funky title track and the lovely ballad "Jenna's Song," one of two duets with guest guitarist Jack Wilkins. The guitarist has a penchant for writing catchy melodic phrases and solo-friendly harmonic progressions.

A stand-out moment on the disc is Barone's solo guitar interpretation of the Rodgers and Hart staple "My Funny Valentine." The free-flowing arrangement is reminiscent of how the late Joe Pass would exhaust the instrument's possibilities while maintaining a swinging directive. The second duet with Wilkins, Danny Zeitlin's "Quiet Now," is a wonderful representation of communicative skills between two like-minded associates.

Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and alto saxophonist Mike Dubaniewicz contribute inventive, flowing lines throughout. Dubaniewicz bebop prowess on "I Hear Music" and Magnarelli's fiery display on Herbie Hancock's "Toys" are disc highlights. Organist Ron Oswanski (Maynard Ferguson, Blood, Sweat & Tears) holds down the groove with strong bass lines and greasy voicings. Drummer Rudy Petschauer keeps the pace flowing with rock-solid time. All in all, Open Up is a strong release with inspired performances, worthy of repeated listening. ~ John Barron   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=31234#.Um_cRBAueZd

Personnel: Jeff Barone: guitar; Joe Magnarelli: trumpet; Ron Oswanski: B-3 organ; Mike Dubaniewicz: alto saxophone; Rudy Petschauer; Jack Wilkins: guitar (5, 11).

Open Up

---

Spike Robinson & Louis Stewart with Janusz Carmello - Three For The Road

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:46
Size: 134.5 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Cool
Year: 1989/2008
Art: Front

[6:39] 1. They Didn't Believe Me
[6:04] 2. Dearly Beloved
[5:18] 3. If You Were Mine
[4:23] 4. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
[6:48] 5. Only A Rose
[7:49] 6. My Buddy
[7:25] 7. The Song Is You
[9:13] 8. For Heaven's Sake
[5:02] 9. They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful

Spike Robinson: Even in the jazz genre, which is full of musicians who show legendary devotion to their art, the story of tenor saxophonist Spike Robinson stands out. His full-time career as a musician essentially began when he was 51 years old. Pursuing his career in his adopted country of England, Robinson gained recognition as an elegant, lyrical exponent of the styles of the 1950s golden age of jazz saxophone. In the words of a writer for the All About Jazz website, "Spike Robinson was the last of a breed—an unassuming, unpretentious, gentle and amicable traveling tenor troubadour who had his share of demons but basically no other aim than to play his horn and give pleasure through a melodic gift that could never be taught."

Louis Stewart: b. 5 January 1944, Waterford, Eire. After playing guitar in a succession of Dublin-based showbands, Stewart began playing jazz in the early 60s. By the end of the decade he had achieved a substantial reputation by working with such leading jazzmen as Tubby Hayes and Benny Goodman. Throughout the 70s he continued to enhance his standing in both the UK and the USA, playing and recording with Ronnie Scott, Don Burrows, George Shearing, Peter Ind and others. He also toured Europe, attracting considerable attention everywhere he played. In the 80s and 90s his reputation grew apace, despite his preference for spending a substantial part of his time in his homeland, and he made well-received albums with Martin Taylor, Brian Dunning, and Spike Robinson. He has composed a number of pieces based on the work of James Joyce, several of which appeared on the albums Milesian Source and Joycenotes. A brilliant sound allied to a crystal-clear tone has helped to make Stewart one of the outstanding guitarists in jazz. A virtuoso technique allows him to realize fully his endless inventiveness. In 1998, Stewart received an Honory Doctorate by Trinity College, Dublin.

Recorded at BBC Kensington House, London, England on July 15, 1989.

Spike Robinson (tenor saxophone); Louis Stewart (guitar); Janusz Carmello (pocket trumpet); Dave Newton (piano); Pete Morgan (acoustic bass); Mark Taylor (drums).

Three For The Road

---

Elizabeth Shepherd - Rewind

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:34
Size: 115.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:44] 1. Love For Sale
[3:51] 2. Poinciana
[3:13] 3. Pourquoi Tu Vis
[4:21] 4. Lonely House
[3:48] 5. Les Amoureux Des Bancs Publics
[5:27] 6. Feeling Good
[6:28] 7. Midnight Sun
[2:46] 8. Sack Of Woe
[5:16] 9. Buzzard Song
[4:42] 10. When You Are Near
[3:02] 11. Born To Be Blue
[2:50] 12. Prelude To A Kiss

Vocalist/pianist Elizabeth Shepherd arrived on the international scene in 2006 when her debut album Start To Move was voted one of the top jazz albums of the year by the listeners of the influential Gilles Peterson Show on BBC Radio Worldwide. Since then, the Toronto-based soul-jazz innovator has released two widely acclaimed records and toured extensively in North America, Europe and Japan. She has sold out legendary clubs from Tokyo to Detroit, played festivals like Montreal and North Sea Jazz Festivals, shared the stage with Victor Wooten, Branford Marsalis and Christian McBride, and opened for Jamie Cullum at The Hollywood Bowl.

Elizabeth is the only jazz vocalist to ever have been long listed for the Polaris Prize – Canada’s most prestigious music prize. The two-time JUNO nominee (Canada’s Grammy equivalent) has received widespread praise for her original compositions, but on her fourth album Rewind Elizabeth showcases her skills as an arranger and interpreter, breathing new life – and soul – into songs both familiar and forgotten.

Rewind

---

Various - Jazz Latino

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 70:37
Size: 161.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[4:38] 1. Paquito D'rivera - The Peanut Vendor
[6:03] 2. Mongo Santamaria - Cuco Y Olga
[8:00] 3. Tom Harrell - Expresso Bongo
[5:02] 4. Monty Alexander - Consider
[5:35] 5. Lenny Andrade - Manha De Carnival
[6:41] 6. Phil Woods - Nada Sera Como Antes
[5:15] 7. The Coryells - Allegro
[5:54] 8. Orquestra Nova - Arabesque
[3:34] 9. Paquito D'rivera - Chucho
[2:30] 10. Tango Bar - Como Dos Estranos
[5:59] 11. Chuck Mangione - I Do Everything For Love
[4:22] 12. Astor Piazzolla - La Camorra
[6:56] 13. The Conga Kings - Un Poco Loco

Paquito D'Rivera, M.Santamaria, Tom Harrel, C.Mangione, A.Piazzo. Culled from the Chesky Latin jazz archives, Jazz Latino: A Collection of Latin Inspirations takes 13 songs from 12 different artists (saxophonist Paquito d'Rivera has two tracks, "The Peanut Vendor" and "Chucho"), including Mongo Santamaria, Astor Piazzolla (who, unsurprisingly, plays a tango), and Lenny Andrade. Because the compilation is only coming from one relatively small label's catalog, the selection here isn't fantastic, but to be fair, it's not claiming to be a "best-of" collection, just an "inspired" one, and so in that respect, it works. ~ Marisa Brown

Jazz Latino

---

Sarah Jarosz - Build Me Up From Bones

Styles: Folk
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:12
Size: 101,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:20)  1. Over The Edge
(3:32)  2. Fuel The Fire
(3:49)  3. Mile On The Moon
(3:36)  4. Build Me Up From Bones
(3:31)  5. Dark Road
(4:53)  6. Simple Twist Of Fate
(3:27)  7. 1,000 Things
(3:34)  8. Gone Too Soon
(4:56)  9. Anything Else
(5:36) 10. The Book Of Right-On
(3:52) 11. Rearrange The Art

The third full-length by 22-year-old Sarah Jarosz reflects not only her growth as a songwriter but her willingness to push the boundaries of country, folk, and Americana to discover connections not necessarily considered before. Build Me Up from Bones reflects years of study in contemporary voice improvisation at the New England Conservatory of Music. She wrote nine of the 11 songs here, and chose two covers: Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate" and Joanna Newsom's "The Book of Right-On." Her various backing musicians include Viktor Krauss, Chris Thile, Darrell Scott, and Aiofe O'Donovan, to name a few. Jarosz plays guitar, banjo, and mandolins. "Over the Edge," fueled by Dan Dugmore's lap steel, Jedd Hughes' acoustic guitar, and her own octave mandolin, walks a roots rock line, while the title track is a slipstream modern folk number that finds her voice accompanied by mandolin, two string players, and O'Donovan's harmony vocal. "Dark Road" drifts between electric Americana, newgrass, and contemporary folk, kissed by Jerry Douglas' dobro and Scott's electric guitar. 

What all of these songs have in common is a new openness in Jarosz's singing. She takes chances with her phrasing, allowing one line to bleed just enough to inform the next; she moves her smoky alto around its range, holding dynamics in check in favor of subtle tension. Her songs are looser, more expressionistic lyrically and instrumentally; sound and texture are more important than genre. Her reading of Dylan's tune is understated, yet reveals empathy for its narrative in its marrow; her vocal is accompanied only by Nathaniel Smith's plucked cello, revealing the intimate connection. The haunted love song "Gone Too Soon" is one of the most bracing tracks here; Jarosz's banjo is complemented by a full band that features Douglas' and Scott complementing her on Weissenborn and acoustic guitars, respectively, with Kate Rusby's chilling harmony vocal offering support. The slippery, jazz-like take on Newsom's song finds Jarosz employing a breezy blues delivery in the lyric, while her syncopated mandolin playing engages in rhythmic interplay with cello and violin. O'Donovan rejoins her on closer "Re-Arrange the Art," an expansive yet impressionistic song about lost love that walks the line between emotional stress, loneliness, and open acceptance. 

Jarosz's banjo is the only clearly discernible instrument as pedal steel, strings, and a Wurlizter swirl around the singers. Build Me Up from Bones separates itself from its promising predecessors because it is a songwriter's record. Jarosz lets her considerable instrumental prowess submit itself to serving the needs of her songs instead of merely adorning them with a precocious imagination. She can do this because she possesses not only self confidence in her material, but in her discernment, which is rare for a musician so young. ~Thom Jurek   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/build-me-up-from-bones-mw0002570516             

Build Me Up From Bones

---

Leonie Smith - Sweet Jazz

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:44
Size: 101,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. Angel Eyes
(4:30)  2. Nature Boy
(3:04)  3. Dream a Little Dream of Me
(3:30)  4. Nice Work If You Can Get It
(3:20)  5. Blue Moon
(3:04)  6. Autumn Leaves
(3:11)  7. Our Love Is Here to Stay
(4:33)  8. Easy Living
(3:37)  9. Ain't Misbehavin'/You Took Advantage of Me
(2:31) 10. Love Me or Leave Me
(2:31) 11. I'm Gonna Lock My Heart and Throw Away the Key
(5:12) 12. Since I Fell for You

Inspired by the world of Jazz, Leonie performs with an elegance and style reminiscent of the old-style torch singers.
Leonie sets a sultry mood. Sometimes soulful and emotive, sometimes light and humorous. Always a magnetic presence.

Her versatility allows for changes in ambience and tempo from swinging dance music, to quieter music for cocktails or dinner. Her songs encompass the longing ballads of Billie Holiday, popular songs of Cole Porter and George Gershwin, and the Jazz standards of Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, Rogers and Hart, and many other great Jazz composers.

Leonie Smith is an Australian jazz Vocalist, with a smooth sophisticated style, who has been working as a singer for over 10 years in Jazz Clubs, Restaurants, Function Centers and for Corporate Events.
Leonie's early experience was gained through live performances at Kate Dunbar's open mike sessions and with the Freddy Willson Jazz workshops and it was not long before she was singing regularly at the Rocks Markets on Sydney Harbour, with her band The Cats Whiskers, and at other venues around town. These gigs developed into nights at premier jazz venues The Basement and Soup Plus in Sydney, as well as five star hotels and resorts. With the support of some of the venues, which gave her residencies (permanent bookings), she was able to perform with some of the finest musicians this country has to offer, including Bobby Gebbert, Peter Zog, John Morrison, Matt Baker, Michael Bartolomi.

For a change of pace, In 1994 Leonie joined the very popular Andrew Sisters Sisters - a tribute group to the famous wartime entertainers. The group won a Mo award in her first year with them and were nominated again in the second year. Leonie performed the role of Patty: "She was the blonde, cheeky one who got to flirt with the audience, usually perched on some man's lap. I had a ball! The wigs and the costumes meant we could get away with things we would never normally attempt and no one recognised us afterwards. I loved it.''

Performing with the tribute group meant that Leonie also had to master very tight harmonies and dance choreography and the Andrew Sisters Sisters shows appeared at clubs, function centres for corporate events, the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Entertainment Centre, and many other venues. "It was great to be able to really ham it up and it was wonderful to work with some other women for a change''. In 2003 Leonie recorded her Debut Album entitled "Sweet Jazz" with John Morrison and Kerrie Biddel co-producing. Musicians on the Album include George Golla Guitar, Matt Baker Piano, Stan Valacos Bass, Julian Gough on Sax and John Morrison on Drums. In 2005 Leonie Joined Sydney Jazz Station FM 99.3 Northside Rythm and Jazz in Chatswood as co-presenter of Jazz at 5 on Fri Afternoons.

As a Jazz vocalist, Leonie Smith either performs as part of a duo, with a Pianist or a Guitarist, or with a band of up to 5 musicians, including Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Bass, and Drums. She can provide any combination, in accord with your venue or events requirements. The musicians Leonie employs play regularly with her, and are highly regarded professionals within the Sydney Jazz scene. http://www.jazz.org.au/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=207&Itemid=84

Sweet Jazz

---

Rebecca Kilgore & Harry Allen - Live at Feinstein's At Loews Regency

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:43
Size: 169,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:45)  1. Your Mother's Son-In-Law
(1:47)  2. Kilgore Introduction
(5:18)  3. You Can't Lose a Broken Heart
(6:13)  4. Them There Eyes
(6:06)  5. That Ole Devil Called Love
(6:10)  6. Foolin' Myself
(0:31)  7. Introducing Harry Allen Quartet
(7:38)  8. Tickle Toe
(0:26)  9. Harry Allen Introducing "I Want to Be Happy"
(7:43) 10. I Want to Be Happy
(5:42) 11. Getting Some Fun Out of Life
(5:44) 12. The Blues Are Brewin'
(4:35) 13. You're a Lucky Guy
(4:52) 14. I Wished on the Moon
(0:22) 15. Thank You
(5:43) 16. I'm Checking Out, Go-om Bye

Rebecca Kilgore's career has steadily climbed since she gained national exposure from her mid-'90s Arbors CD I Saw Stars, becoming a favorite of jazz parties and clubs around the U.S. For this engagement she joined forces with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen's quartet for a salute to Billie Holiday and Lester Young, recorded during two nights of their booking at Feinstein's at Loew's Regency in August 2010, with pianist Rosanno Sportiello, bassist Joel Forbes (who is a member of her regular quartet), and drummer Chuck Riggs. Fortunately, this is not the kind of tribute where the artists are interested in merely duplicating the recordings of jazz greats that they are honoring; instead, they put their own stamp on the songs that Lady Day and Prez recorded, while keeping their swinging, intimate feeling. 

After a quick run through "Your Mother's Son-in-Law" (an unremarkable piece that launched young Billie Holiday's career as she debuted on disc with Benny Goodman), she gets into the meat of the singer's discography with an effervescent setting of "Them There Eyes" and a lightly swinging "Foolin' Myself," in which Kilgore scats in unison with Allen's robust tenor. There are two instrumental features for Allen, a hard-blowing "Tickle Toe" and a gritty, brisk interpretation of "I Want to Be Happy." The Duke Ellington-Billy Strayhorn vehicle "I'm Checkin' Out Go-om Bye" has nothing to do with Holiday or Young, but proves to be a potent closing number, with a strong chorus by Allen and two choruses of masterful stride piano by Sportiello. Too few of Rebecca Kilgore's live performances have appeared on CD, and this rewarding disc will give jazz fans a better idea of her strengths in a club setting. ~ Ken Dryden  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-feinsteins-at-loews-regency-mw0002112861            

Personnel: Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Rebecca Kilgore (vocals); Rossano Sportiello (piano); Chuck Riggs (drums).

Live at Feinstein's At Loews Regency

---

Ron Carter - Jazz & Bossa

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:19
Size: 106,4 MB
Art: Front + Back

(8:48)  1. Salt Song (Cançao Do Sal)
(5:58)  2. Whisper Not
(5:51)  3. Por-De-Sol
(6:23)  4. De Samba
(3:58)  5. No More Blues (Chega de Saudade)
(3:19)  6. Obrigado
(4:04)  7. Ah, Rio
(5:44)  8. Wave
(2:10)  9. Saudade

Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific, and  influential bassists in jazz. With more than 2,000 albums to his credit, he has recorded with many of music's greats: Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, the Kronos Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery, and Bobby Timmons. In the early 1960s he performed throughout the United States in concert halls and nightclubs with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy. He later toured Europe with Cannonball Adderley. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the classic and acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. He was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat magazine, and Most Valuable Player by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

In 1993 Ron Carter earned a Grammy award for Best Jazz Instrumental Group, the Miles Davis Tribute Band and another Grammy in 1998 for Call 'Sheet Blues', an instrumental composition from the film 'Round Midnight. In addition to scoring and arranging music for many films, including some projects for Public Broadcasting System, Carter has composed music for A Gathering of Old Men, starring Lou Gosset Jr., The Passion of Beatrice directed by Bertrand Tavernier, and Blind Faith starring Courtney B. Vance. Carter shares his expertise in the series of books he authored, among which are Building Jazz Bass Lines and The Music of Ron Carter; the latter contains 130 of his published and recorded compositions.

Carter earned a bachelor of music degree from the Eastman School in Rochester and a master's degree in double bass from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. He has also received two honorary doctorates, from the New England Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, and was the 2002 recipient of the prestigious Hutchinson Award from the Eastman School at the University of Rochester. Most recently he was honored by the French Minister of Culture with France's premier cultural award--the medallion and title of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, given to those who have distinguished themselves in the domain of artistic or literary creation and for their contribution to the spread of arts and letters in France and the world.

Carter has lectured, conducted, and performed at clinics and master classes, instructing jazz ensembles and teaching the business of music at numerous universities. He was Artistic Director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Studies while it was located in Boston and, after 18 years on the faculty of the Music Department of The City College of New York, he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus although, as a performer, he remains as active as ever.
“Jazz and Bossa” album by the jazz bass legend Ron Carter, released in 2008 on the Blue Note label, is a musical exploration of the wonderful sounds of Jazz and Bossa Nova. Nine tracks including 'Saudade', 'Salt Song (Cancao Do Sal)' and 'Whisper Not'. 

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY.

Personnel: Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Stephen Scott (piano); Portinho (drums); Roland Morales Matos (percussion).

Jazz & Bossa

---

The Blue Vipers Of Brooklyn - Permanent Magic

Size: 101,8 MB
Time: 43:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Ragtime, Retro Jazz, Retro Swing
Label: Gimme-A-Buck Productions
Art: Front

01. Blue Drag (3:39)
02. Nadine (2:36)
03. Stay A Little Longer (2:29)
04. Georgia (4:11)
05. Some Of These Days (3:16)
06. Don't Pretend (3:22)
07. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (2:40)
08. You Can Depend On Me (4:25)
09. Viperation (3:33)
10. Permanent Magic (2:18)
11. Hey Good Lookin (3:10)
12. Nightlife (4:15)
13. All Night Long (2:46)
14. Happy Trails (1:11)

The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn are an early jazz, swing, and blues band, composed of acoustic guitar/vocals, upright bass, homemade washboard percussion, trumpet and saxophone. Their repertoire of witty songs from 1920's and 30's is augmented by original tunes with moving yet often bawdy lyrics and catchy 4 part vocal harmony.
“I Love them. They set a great tone for any event.” Bette Midler 5/2010
“The Blue Vipers of Brooklyn provided fantastic entertainment.”
Willie Nelson 6/2007
Awards
Featured in New York Magazine Weddings “The Ultimate New York
Wedding Planer” “The Best Bands” Winter 2010
2007- “Subway Idol” contest winners. A month long live performance feature on FOX’s nationally syndicated “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.” Voted the top spot by the studio audience and viewers at home.
Notable Performances
2010 - Target Free Thursdays David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project 15th Birthday ‘Hulaween’ Party at The Waldorf Astoria featuring Paul Simon, Bette Midler’s NYRP Picnic hosted by Nathan Lane. The Vipers’ performance was personally requested by Bette Midler; appeared performing in a May episode of MTV’s “The City”; American Roots Music Symposiums, Gruyeres Switzerland
2009 - Frankie Manning’s 95th Birthday Festival, Manhattan Center Studios; Hogg’s Breath, Green Parrot, Blue Heaven, Key West FL; Target First Saturday Festival, The Brooklyn Museum; Wedding reception for Lisa Loeb, New York City
2008 - The Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester, NY; Tropical Heatwave Festival, Tampa, Florida; Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach NY; Bayshore Harbor Festival, Bayshore NY; Brooklyn Public Library Concert Series; Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition Art show; Pierson Park Jazz Concerts, Tarrytown NY; Fort Green Market Concerts, Brooklyn NY; Garrison Art Center Fair, Garrison NY; Ukiah Sundays in the Park Festival, Ukiah CA; Summer Nights! Live Concert Series, Windsor CA; Roots Americana Festival, San Jose CA; Babylon Village Arts Festival, Babylon NY; Summer Hummer Concert Series, Wynnewood PA; featured on WAMC Northeast Public Radio show "Performance Place"
Tropical Heatwave Festival, Tampa, Florida
2007 - “Soundcheck” with John Schaefer on WNYC radio; “Hey Mr. Jesse” featured on Yehoodi.com radio; September Concert” commemorating 911; “Keep America Growing” sponsored by Farm Aid, NYC. The Vipers played for Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Farm Aid board of directors; the 2nd and 3rd annual “People Building Peace Concert” sponsored by Peace Boat at the United Nations in NYC
2006- “Lincoln Center Out Of Doors Roots of American Music Festival,” Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC

Permanent Magic

---

Gregory Agid Quartet - Mystery Blues

Size: 122,1 MB
Time: 53:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. Mystery Blues (5:53)
02. Rose Room (6:01)
03. Chelsea Bridge (6:59)
04. Spy Boy (5:12)
05. Summers' Song, Pt. 1 (2:19)
06. Summers' Song, Pt. 2 (5:19)
07. Swag (6:34)
08. Lost Love (5:33)
09. Two Hours (4:21)
10. Bumps (4:53)

Thank you very much for supporting the Mystery Blues. This recording is dedicated to the musical masters that inspire us to contribute to this great musical tradition. The history, his story, has brought us the mystery of the present, my story. The Mystery Blues is the tale of our musical journey and serves as launching point to the mystery of the experiences that lie ahead. Thank you for sharing in our journey.

Gregory Agid- Clarinet
Joshua Starkman- Guitar
Max Moran- Bass
Darrian Douglas- Drums
Alexi Marti- Percussion (Track 10)

Mystery Blues

---

Bill O'Connell - Triple Play Plus Three

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 59:50
Size: 137.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[6:44] 1. Sweet Sophie Rose
[6:41] 2. Bill's Blues
[4:39] 3. Crazy Samba
[5:47] 4. 'Round Midnight
[6:09] 5. Non-Sense
[5:48] 6. Lake Road
[5:47] 7. Cobblestones
[5:47] 8. Speak Low
[5:26] 9. Mr. Ep
[6:59] 10. La Playa

Pianist Bill O'Connell's Triple Play (Savant, 2008) turned traditional notions of piano trio instrumentation on their head, and this album is a logical outgrowth and expansion of that particular project. While that outing had a consistent three man line-up that married O'Connell's piano with conga drummer/percussionist Richie Flores' engaging rhythm work and the fine flute playing of Dave Valentin, Triple Play Plus Three uses Valentin's spot as a revolving hot seat. The flautist returns for three numbers, including a mellow alto flute feature ("Lake Road") and an energetic romp dedicated to the great Eddie Palmieri ("Mr. E.P."), but elsewhere, his position is assumed by two equally elite Latin jazz musicians.

Vibraphonist Dave Samuels and Paquito D'Rivera, who keeps his saxophone in its case here and sticks to clarinet, take turns filling Valentin's vacated post, and they both bring something fresh and different to this format. Samuels' solos place him front and center in the mix, but his ensemble play is all about blending into the overall musical mesh. Whether coasting through an unhurried, odd-metered blues ("Bill's Blues") or fighting his way through an up-tempo muscle-flexing number ("Non-Sense"), Samuels always knows when to say his piece or simply step back into the shadows.

D'Rivera's two appearances aren't nearly enough, but they paint O'Connell as one who believes in the "always leave them wanting more" mindset. "Sweet Sophie Rose"—named after O'Connell's daughter—is a lively number that manages to showcase all three men as soloists, while also highlighting the strong rapport shared between them as a single unit, and their take on "'Round Midnight" rivals the best of them.

While the A-list artists that occupy the rotating spot may help to bring attention to this album, the connection between O'Connell and Flores is really at the heart of this project. Both men view rhythm as a language unto itself, rather than a subtext for presenting melody, and they don't need a third person to help them prove it. O'Connell and Flores go at it mano a mano on what may be the most rhythmically potent "Speak Low" that has ever been recorded, and it proves to be one of the standout tracks on the album.

Bill O'Connell: piano; Richie Flores: congas; Paquito D' Rivera: clarinet (1, 4); Dave Samuels: vibraphone (2, 5, 7, 10); Dave Valentin: flute (3, 9), alto flute (6).

Triple Play Plus Three

---

Norma Valles - Every Time We Say Goodbye

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 45:48
Size: 104.9 MB
Styles: Easy listening
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. Everytime We Say Goodbye
[4:37] 2. The Nearness Of You
[3:26] 3. As Time Goes By
[4:19] 4. My Funny Valentine
[2:02] 5. Anything Goes
[3:23] 6. Stormy Weather
[3:19] 7. Summertime
[3:00] 8. It Had To Be You
[4:13] 9. Sabor A Mi
[3:23] 10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
[1:38] 11. It's De-Lovely
[3:09] 12. When I Fall In Love
[2:55] 13. Misty
[3:00] 14. I'm Always True To You (In My Fashion)

Norma's career began in 1998 as a soloist. She was invited numerous times to perform the National Anthem at major sporting events, during the playoffs, locally, nationally and internationally. She was also invited to sing the Mexican National Anthem when international teams visited the U.S.. She later joined a local Dallas group "Grupo Cariño" singing Norteño Music. In May 2002, as a soloist once again, she recorded her first CD "Ahi Te Va" (Here It Goes) featuring a mix of mariachi music and spanish love ballads that captured the attention of a devoted fan base. Her first English language recording effort was in 2004 "Reflections of Romance" and in January 2005 released her 2nd English language CD, "Every Time We Say Goodbye". In 2006 she released Noel (Christmas music in English) and Campanas De Belen (Christmas music in Spanish). She also cut a cd titled Living Like A Mustang with country favorites (some originals) for Fan Appreciation day at Lone Star Park (Horse Racing Track in Grand Prairie TX.

Every Time We Say Goodbye

---

Patrick Prouty - Rustbelt

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:32
Size: 129.4 MB
Styles: Straight ahead jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:01] 1. Morganic
[5:05] 2. Rustbelt
[9:06] 3. L' Etranger De Poulet
[6:51] 4. Music Menu Minorism
[5:09] 5. Forty-Four
[5:45] 6. Michigan Central Station
[6:04] 7. Detroitational
[5:29] 8. You & I And The Autumn
[7:59] 9. For Tomorrow

Rustbelt is the sophomore effort from Detroit based composer/bassist Patrick Prouty. It showcases eight original Prouty compositions through the lens of his hometown, Detroit. He brought together his regular drummer, Bill Higgins along with legendary organist/pianist Bill Heid and recent double lung transplant recipient saxophonist Scott Petersen for this session. The music is hard swinging, sometimes brooding, yet very friendly much like the city that inspired it.

Rustbelt

---

Laura Crema - Almost Blue

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:48
Size: 104,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Almost Blue
(2:47)  2. I Remember You
(5:41)  3. Young And Foolish
(4:17)  4. Like Someone In Love
(4:28)  5. Stormy Weather
(4:21)  6. All Of You
(4:38)  7. Comes Love
(3:04)  8. From This Moment On
(4:52)  9. In Love In Vain
(5:51) 10. The Meaning Of The Blues

A native of Vancouver, vocalist Laura Crema possesses a lush, unique instrument with great depth and resonance, her influences are broad and diverse as she blends jazz with popular music and improvisation. Laura Crema graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Fine and Performing Arts, and Economics. She has studied at the Banff Centre for the Arts with legendary jazz vocalists Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton and in Washington State with Nancy King and Kurt Elling. She has trained in extended voice with master teacher Richard Armstrong and studied music at Vancouver Community College. Laura is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and interdisciplinary performer. She has received numerous awards and grants including an "Emergence" Canada Council Grant for her work in the interdisciplinary arts. 

She has performed and worked with RADIX Theatre, the Karen Jamieson Dance Company, Touchstone Theatre, Olivia Thorvaldson, Grant Strate, Deborah Dunn, Catherine Lee,... composers she has worked with include, Jeff Corness, Peter Hannan, Ron Samworth, Cam Wilson and George McFetridge. She has presented her own Choreography at "Dancing on the Edge", "Women in View" and the "Single Solos Dance" Festivals. She was featured, along side five of Canada's finest jazz vocalists, at the 2001 DIVAS FOR LIFE concert benefit at the Vogue Theatre. Laura Crema was featured in CBC Radio's Studio One Jazz Series during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2002 and 2004 and she has also been showcased on CBC's "Hotair", "After Hours", "Coastal Grooves", "Richardson's Roundup", "North by Northwest" and Alberta's CKUA. Laura's CD "Almost Blue" was released under the Maximum Jazz record label/Universal Canada and has received excellent reviews and radio airplay in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. "Almost Blue" has been featured in Air Canada's Enroute magazine.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lauracrema

Almost Blue

---

Willie Nelson - To All The Girls...

Styles: Country
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:21
Size: 151,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:02)  1. Willie Nelson Feat. Dolly Parton - From Here to the Moon and Back
(3:47)  2. Willie Nelson Feat. Miranda Lambert - She Was No Good for Me
(2:38)  3. Willie Nelson Feat. The Secret Sisters - It Won't Be Very Long
(4:19)  4. Willie Nelson Feat. Rosanne Cash - Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends
(4:57)  5. Willie Nelson Feat. Sheryl Crow - Far Away Places
(3:07)  6. Willie Nelson Feat. Wynonna Judd - Bloody Mary Morning
(3:56)  7. Willie Nelson Feat. Carrie Underwood - Always on My Mind
(3:13)  8. Willie Nelson Feat. Loretta Lynn - Somewhere Between
(4:13)  9. Willie Nelson Feat. Alison Krauss - No Mas Amor
(3:31) 10. Willie Nelson Feat. Melonie Cannon - Back to Earth
(3:11) 11. Willie Nelson Feat. Mavis Staples - Grandma's Hands
(3:40) 12. Willie Nelson Feat. Norah Jones - Walkin'
(2:01) 13. Willie Nelson feat. Shelby Lynne - Till the End of the World
(4:36) 14. Willie Nelson Feat. Lily Meola - Will You Remember Mine
(4:22) 15. Willie Nelson Feat. Emmylou Harris - Dry Lightning
(3:17) 16. Willie Nelson Feat. Brandi Carlile - Making Believe
(4:39) 17. Willie Nelson Feat. Paula Nelson - Have You Ever Seen the Rain
(2:43) 18. Willie Nelson Feat. Tina Rose - After the Fire Is Gone

To All The Girls... finds Willie reunited with his two greatest loves: beautiful music and talented women.
Decades of heartfelt performances and compositions in popular music have long solidified Willie's reputation as one of country s greatest romantics. To All The Girls...continues Nelson's musical relationships with some of the most talented women in country, pop and soul.

Among the centerpieces of To All The Girls... is the emotional duet with Dolly Parton, "From Here To The Moon and Back," a song Parton wrote for the 2012 motion picture Joyful Noise. Willie also tackles the Bill Withers' classic "Grandma's Hands" with Mavis Staples, duets with Sheryl Crow on the Great American Songbook selection "Far Away Places," and brings a new shade to his self penned classic "Always on My Mind" with Carrie Underwood.

Willie is also joined by familiar contemporaries including Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, Loretta Lynn and Roseanne Cash. To All The Girls... reunites Willie with producer Buddy Cannon, who worked with Willie on his most recent successful releases, Heroes and Let's Face The Music and Dance. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/All-The-Girls-Willie-Nelson/dp/B00E9JLQB0

To All The Girls...

---

Sue Bell - Only Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:04
Size: 126,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:37)  1. Let There Be Love
(4:55)  2. Too Late Now
(2:19)  3. Exactly Like You
(4:25)  4. With Every Breath I Take
(4:43)  5. May I Come In
(2:32)  6. Let's Get Away From It All
(5:34)  7. It Never Entered My Mind
(3:22)  8. If I Had You
(4:52)  9. Small Day Tomorrow
(4:28) 10. If It Wasn't For Your Love
(2:29) 11. You Can't Lose A Broken Heart
(3:31) 12. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
(5:05) 13. You Taught My Heart To Sing
(4:05) 14. The Summer Knows/Summertime

Sue Bell is a jazz vocalist from Seattle, Washington. She is proof that the area produces some of the best musicians in the industry. Her release, Only Love, is an exercise in smooth vocals, with a sound that is not equaled by many female vocalists of the last decade. Her soft, soothing voice comes across like an instrument, quiet tones, yet strong presence. The integrity of her talented vocals is sure, and the selections are flawlessly executed; from soft, flowing , emotion triggering songs to quick- pulsed, swinging tunes that make your feet move almost involuntarily. The musicians accompanying her on this project fit in such a way that it seems they are connected at the soul.

None are overpowering, and they provide the perfect environment for her comforting, soulful voice to thrive. Subtle piano and sax, guitar that flows with a natural feel, bass that is unassuming yet strong, trumpet that complements Sue's vocal "instrument". Getting down to it, Sue Bell is fresh and at the same time, familiar. Her versatility is apparent, and she has shown that in the different selections on the cd. A lovely collection of music by a lovely and talented vocalist this project gives the listener a reason to keep listening. http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7748284&style=music&fulldesc=T

Only Love

---

Tony DeSare - PiANO

Styles: Vocal, Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:47
Size: 95,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:46)  1. A Lot to Say
(3:16)  2. Just One of Those Things
(3:09)  3. New Orleans Tango
(4:00)  4. Faithfully
(4:03)  5. You Give Love a Bad Name
(3:39)  6. Chemistry
(5:33)  7. Where Love Lives
(4:40)  8. Autumn Leaves
(4:33)  9. Christmas for You and Me
(2:07) 10. Nothing Left to Say
(3:55) 11. I Love a Piano

Triple threat composer, vocalist, pianist musician Tony DeSare’s latest album, PiANO, adds a fourth threat, sonic experimentalist. As he explains on the album’s back cover, “PiANO is the result of over two years of experimentation and recording” on his Yamaha acoustic. “Every sound you hear on this album (other than my own voice) originated from somewhere in, on, or under the piano.” So for example, the kettle drum sound on one track was produced by setting one mic on the soundboard and a second under the keyset. DeSare then used a closed fist to strike under the keyset while holding down the sustain pedal. He describes how he got guitar and bass sounds as well. Complicated? I’ll say.
Worth the effort? Well, it does give the artist complete control over process, and at the very least that assures that the end product realizes his vision. On the other hand, there is a price in the loss of spontaneity that puts too much emphasis on a kind of technical perfection. Dwelling too much on the mechanics may drain the emotion from the music.

More often than not, DeSare avoids falling into this trap. His vocals combine some of the best elements of pop, jazz, and cabaret. His piano work is dynamic. His original tunes are witty and charmingly melodic. His covers, both of classics and contemporary pieces, put his own spin on them while managing to keep to their original spirit.

Of the album’s 11 songs, five are covers and six are originals. Contemporary tunes include what he calls his attempt to “capture the intimacy” of Journey’s “Faithfully,” and a rhythmically inventive reading of “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

From the Great American Songbook, he does an instrumental version of the hoary “Autumn Leaves” that may make some of us forget the Roger Williams pop hit with it back in 1955. It is a jazzy version that develops the song without any of the pomposity of the Williams version. He adds a bonus medley of Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” with a little of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

His swinging nod to Cole Porter’s “Just One of those Things” makes a nice comment on his own salute to the lyricist, implicit in “Chemistry.” As you listen, you can’t help but hear the patented Porter wit in your imagination. DeSare’s “New Orleans Tango” combines the tango rhythms with a bit of blues. “A Lot to Say,” which opens the album, is a rocker and “Nothing Left to Say,” which would cleverly bookend the album were it not for the bonus track, is a catchy, syncopated toe-tapper. Worth the effort? If you can come up with an album like PiANO, you bet your life it is. ~ Jack Goodstein   http://blogcritics.org/music-review-tony-desare-piano/

PiANO

---