Mora's Modern Rhythmists - My Favorite Band!

Styles: Swing/Big Bands
Label: Mr. Ace Records
Released: 1996
File: mp3 @320K/s
Size: 115,1 MB
Time: 50:16
Art: front

1. Hollywood (Introduction) - 1:19
2. My Favorite Band! - 2:58
3. Bandanna Babies - 2:26
4. Hot Mustard - 4:15
5. Speedy Boy - 2:14
6. Stockholm Stomp - 2:50
7. Soliloquy - A Musical Thought - 3:39
8. Rhapsody In Rhythm - 3:20
9. Egyptian Ella - 2:39
10. Mule Face Blues - 2:55
11. Black Coffee - 2:26
12. I'm Good For Nothing But Love - 3:27
13. Got The Jitters - 2:54
14. On Revival Day - 2:31
15. Night Wind - 3:37
16. Harlem Madness - 3:22
17. Steamboat Bill - 2:20
18. Hollywood (Conclusion) - 0:56

Personnel:
John Reynolds - guitar, banjo
Geoff Nudell - flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone
Art Gibson - tuba
Corey Gemme - cornet
Jim Ziegler - trumpet, cornet
Larry Wright - drums, percussion
Mark Visher - clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone
Terry Glenny - violin
Dean Mora - vocals, piano
Jerry Kuhn - trombone
Phil Krawzak - clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone

Notes: The debut recording by Mora's Modern Rhythmists features the 11-piece group (six horns, four rhythm, and violin) performing a variety of superior obscurities, mostly from the early '30s. This set of pre-swing includes such interesting numbers as "My Favorite Band," "Hot Mustard," "Speedy Boy," "Rhapsody in Rhythm," "Mule Face Blues," "Got the Jitters," and "Harlem Madness." Pianist-leader Dean Mora adapted the stock arrangements to his band's instrumentation, and his sidemen create fine solos in the style of the period. This is an unusual period to be exploring, yet Mora and his players fully understand what pre-swing big bands sound like. An enjoyable outing by an ensemble that stands apart from the retro-swing movement. ~ Scott Yanow

My Favorite Band!

Duke Jordan - In Copenhagen

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 64:40
Size: 148.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:35] 1. No Problem
[3:34] 2. They Can't Take That Away From
[3:21] 3. Lush Life
[3:54] 4. Everything Happens To Me
[3:18] 5. All The Things You Are
[2:41] 6. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:44] 7. Jor-Du
[6:29] 8. Tea For Two/Star Dust
[4:18] 9. Yesterdays
[3:24] 10. Flight To Jordan
[4:25] 11. Misty
[2:09] 12. It's Only A Paper Moon
[3:35] 13. Don't Blame Me
[2:44] 14. Parisian Hop
[2:52] 15. Two Loves
[3:37] 16. Night Walk
[3:44] 17. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:08] 18. Three Little Words

Duke Jordan faded somewhat unrecognized from the American jazz scene after moving to Europe for good, though by the time of this 1993 solo piano session, his career had rebounded with numerous opportunities to record for Scandinavian and Japanese record labels. Six of the 18 tracks are Jordan originals, including his well-known jazz standards "Jor-Du" and "Flight to Jordan," though they sound a good bit different without the presence of a rhythm section. His interpretation of "Yesterdays" conveys its bittersweet essence and sense of longing in dramatic fashion, while his abbreviated setting of "It's Only a Paper Moon" incorporates a bit of unexpected stride. It's surprising for a bop pianist to omit Dizzy Gillespie's famous introduction added to the standard "All the Things You Are," but Jordan relies on the strength of the original theme by diving headlong into it. He also finds new facets within gems by fellow jazz artists, including "Misty" and "Lush Life." While no new tracks have been added to the earlier version of this CD, previously issued as One for the Library, this is very much a valuable chapter in Duke Jordan's vast discography. ~ Ken Dryden

In Copenhagen

---

Joao Donato & Paula Morelenbaum - Agua

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:14
Size: 99.0 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. Flor De Macaruja
[3:24] 2. Cafe Com Pao
[4:14] 3. A Ra
[3:46] 4. Muito A Vontado
[3:16] 5. Lugar Comum
[3:21] 6. Ahie
[3:35] 7. Mentiras
[3:41] 8. Entre Amigos
[2:36] 9. E Muito Mais
[3:07] 10. Everyday
[4:10] 11. A Paz
[4:37] 12. Tudo Tem

We've always loved the music of Paula Morelenbaum, but this time around she's really got something special going on – thanks to keyboards and vocals from the legendary Joao Donato! Most of the tunes in the set are Donato numbers – themselves already a treat, but given a little something extra when handled by the master – as Donato's playing both electric and acoustic piano on the set! But maybe even more special are Joao's wonderful vocals – heartfelt and nicely wizened with age – making for a warm contrast to the more youthful modes of Paula. The arrangements are in that perfect Donato mode – light and lively, but never too wispy.

Agua

---

John Gray & Herb Ellis - The Guitar Of John Gray

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 31:36
Size: 72.4 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. One Note Samba
[2:10] 2. Caravan
[2:40] 3. Moonlight In Vermont
[1:57] 4. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[3:10] 5. Comme Ci, Comme Ca
[2:42] 6. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[2:24] 7. Witchcraft
[3:06] 8. Where Am I To Go?
[2:35] 9. Cherokee
[2:41] 10. When Your Lover Has Gone
[2:30] 11. Memphis In June
[2:46] 12. Love Is Just Around The Corner

A really great little album – one of the few sessions recorded during Capitol's "Dimensions In Jazz" years, and one that features a twin-guitar lineup that's very cool! Guitarist John Gray's in the lead, handling all solos, and he's backed by a trio that features Herb Ellis on rhythm guitar, plus bass and drums. Gray's got a raspy, almost rock-like tone that's a strong contrast to Ellis' smoother lines – which makes for a sparkling groove that's almost a bit like what you'd hear if Santo & Johnny cut some jazz! Titles include "Caravan", "Comme Ci, Comme Ca", "One Note Samba", "Memphis In June", and "Witchcraft".

John Gray, guitar; Herb Ellis, Guitar; Don Bagley, Bass; Bob Neel, drums.

The Guitar Of John Gray

---

Selma Chekili - Jazz Standards

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:11
Size: 94.3 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:13] 1. Strollin'
[4:57] 2. My Funny Valentine
[3:13] 3. It's Alright With Me
[4:42] 4. Sophisticated Lady
[3:25] 5. Someday My Prince Will Come
[3:21] 6. For All We Know
[3:35] 7. Speak Low
[3:45] 8. I Wish I Knew
[3:13] 9. Bye Bye Blackbird
[4:41] 10. How Insensitive
[3:01] 11. You Took Advantage Of Me

Recorded in Tunis at Ulysson Studios, featuring Fawzi Chekili on guitar & piano, Nizar Mhadhebi on bass, Mehdi Chekili on drums, Yacine Boulares on tenor sax and Selma Chekili on vocals.

Jazz Standards

---

Oscar Castro-Neves - Live at Blue Note Tokyo

Styles: Bossa Nova, Brazilian Traditions

Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:11
Size: 131,0 MB
Art : Front

(5:09)  1. Ela É Carioca
(4:25)  2. Ponteio
(4:00)  3. My Sweet Sweetiepie
(4:09)  4. Domingo Azul Do Mar / Fotografia
(3:04)  5. Waters of March
(2:23)  6. Rio
(4:58)  7. Caninana
(3:14)  8. Rio Dawning
(5:47)  9. Tatiando
(4:58) 10. Misturada / Tombo
(3:22) 11. Chora Tua Tristeza
(4:07) 12. Canto De Ossanha
(2:58) 13. Deixa (Bonus Track)
(4:31) 14. Manhã De Carnaval

Live at Blue Note Tokyo is a celebration of Brazilian jazz played in one of the foremost jazz clubs in the world a gathering of old friends and the discovery of new friends, all coming together for legendary guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves. A founding father of the bossa nova musical movement, Castro-Neves became a leading figure in the genre, recording historic albums with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dori Caymmi and Stan Getz, and touring with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald and countless others. On this outing, the guitarist/singer brings together percussionist Airto Moreira and vocalist Leila Pinheiro, both old friends, for an exciting collaboration with new musical partners to record a gem of Brazilian music.

The music is a compilation of performances recorded over a seven-night 2009 stretch at the Blue Note Tokyo jazz club, and features an all-star cast of Brazilian musicians playing three of Castro-Neves' own compositions, as well as songs from Jobim, Moreira, Baden Powell and others. The album was meant to capture only a snapshot of the incredible bossa music produced over the last fifty years. Needless to say, though the fourteen-piece repertoire is diverse, exciting and engaging, it in no way sufficiently documents the history of this great genre with such worldwide appeal. Nevertheless, from the strings of Castro-Neves' guitar, the lips of Pinheiro, and passionate performances from the band, Brazil comes alive with beautiful bossa melodies.

While vocals are certainly the mainstay of this disc, Castro-Neves' original, "My Sweet Sweetiepie," is a gorgeous instrumental collaboration between the leader and pianist Paulo Calasans. The guitarist opens the album with a vocal performance on the lively bossa rhythms of "Ela É Carioca," while on "Ponteio," he is joined by Pinheiro, who provides the lead vocals. There are other notable vocal performances here, including the two Jobim pieces, "Domingo Azul Do Mar/Fotographia," and "Waters of March." The brief but beautiful "Rio" and the classic Powell song, "Canto De Ossanha," are also wonderful vocal spots.

It's been said that jazz seems to be far more popular around the world than it is in the United States, with Japan listed as one country that has fully embraced the music. Audience response to this live recording confirms that the Brazilian sub-genre is just as popular. Led by guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, one of the most important exponents of the bossa nova, Live at The Blue Note Tokyo showcases an all-star cast of players in a world-renowned setting, delivering the music of Brazil with passion and class. ~ Edward Blanco  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=41948#.Ukdekz9vA1I

Personnel: Oscar Castro-Neves: acoustic guitar, synthesizer guitar, vocals; Airto Moreira: drums, caxixis (3), pandeiro (7, 13), vocals (7, 13); Leila Pinheiro: vocals; Marco Bosco: percussion, voice and bird effects (9); Paulo Calasans: acoustic piano, keyboards; Marcelo Mariano: electric bass.

Oscar Castro-Neves 1940-2013  R.I.P.

Live at Blue Note Tokyo

---

Jill Schoelen - Kelly's Smile

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:48
Size: 109,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Route 66
(3:50)  2. Kelly's Smile
(3:18)  3. Just the Way I Am
(4:58)  4. Cry Me a River
(3:17)  5. For All We Know
(5:24)  6. Meaning of the Blues
(4:41)  7. You're Looking at Me
(3:59)  8. Their Hearts Were Full of Spring
(3:50)  9. Girl Talk
(4:00) 10. Daddy
(3:15) 11. February Brings the Rain
(3:22) 12. If

While mostly recognized for her acting talents, Jill Schoelen (best known for her performances in Phantom of the Opera (1989), That Was Then,This Is Now (1986), Cutting Class (1989), and the original version of the 1987 horror film, The Stepfather) is exploring her other talents and has put out a stellar debut CD, Kelly’s Smile. Singing is not such a far stretch for Schoelen, as music has always been a passion of hers. Her voice is strong, yet not overstated. Schoelen’s style reminds one of Norah Jones, but whereas Jones can lull you off, Schoelen’s upbeat delivery keeps the pace of Kelly’s Smile vigorous. The CD is a profile of Sholean’s close friendship with Kelly Troup, the daughter of composer/actor Bobby Troup and actress Julie London. It was through their friendship with the Troup family that Schoelen learned her love for jazz. And when Kelly Troup passed away in 2002, it was the inspiration for this CD. Nine of the CD’s twelve tracks were penned by Bobby Troup, starting off with his most famous composition, "Route 66." (covered by everyone from The Rolling Stones, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bob Dylan, to to a drastically distorted version by Johnny Rotten who shouted it for a Mountain Dew commercial in 1996). Schoelen’s take is breathy and atmospheric with an allure that Nina Simone would have been proud of. "Girls Talk" is another charmer, as is her cover of Bread’s "If." Schoelen went to the top in arranging her accompaniment as Larry Koonse guitar is smooth and tasteful and is the perfect complement to Schoelen’s vocals, as is the outstanding bass of the legendary Dave Carpenter (who sadly passed away last year). Kelly’s Smile is truly one of the best debut CDs to come out in some time. ~John Reed  http://blogcritics.org/music-review-jill-schoelen-kellys-smile/

Kelly's Smile

---

John Legend - Love in the Future (Deluxe Edition)

Styles: Soul
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:32
Size: 155,7 MB
Art: Front + Back

(0:40)  1. Love in the Future (Intro)
(3:25)  2. The Beginning...
(3:06)  3. Open Your Eyes
(4:00)  4. Made To Love
(4:52)  5. Who Do We Think We Are (feat. Rick Ross)
(4:29)  6. All of Me
(2:38)  7. Hold On Longer
(3:09)  8. Save the Night
(3:33)  9. Tomorrow
(0:50) 10. What If I Told You? (Interlude)
(2:38) 11. Dreams
(3:06) 12. Wanna Be Loved
(1:24) 13. Angel (Interlude) [feat. Stacy Barthe]
(4:12) 14. You & I (Nobody In the World)
(3:17) 15. Asylum
(3:45) 16. Caught Up
(4:46) 17. So Gone
(4:02) 18. We Loved It (feat. Seal)
(4:18) 19. Aim High
(5:12) 20. For the First Time

This is John Legend's first solo studio album since 2008's Evolver. Between the two releases, he recorded the Grammy-winning Wake Up! with the Roots, scored a gold single with "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)" (from the Think Like a Man soundtrack), was featured on a couple albums' worth of songs by other artists, and somehow managed to be deeply involved in philanthropy. He also got engaged. Although he proposed to model Chrissy Teigen five years after meeting her, much of Love in the Future seems drawn from a romance that was quicker to bloom. "The Beginning…" sets a tone of urgency with a scene from the day after their first night spent together. Legend sings with certitude, "Pick some names, boy or girl/Then we'll change, change the world." That sense of blissful urgency -- of seizing the moment, getting lost, and knowing that the future is set -- is belied in the pacing. Even the album's standard 16-track edition meanders at a crawling pace. It's broken up by the occasional soaring arrangement or some hypnotically clanking/pinging percussion, as heard on highlight "Made to Love," which resembles a latter-day Moby collaboration with distant handclapping, spooky background vocals, and a sample from Lil Louis' noisy house classic "Video Clash." This is a heavy, laboriously made set of songs. The list of producers alone includes Hit-Boy, Bink, 88 Keys, the Runners, Doc McKinney, Q-Tip, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Kanye West, and Dave Tozer pile on as co-producers and co-executive producers. Perhaps they ensured that the whole album would have its dramatic, slightly eerie tone; even the covers of Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes" and Anita Baker's "Angel" are a little uneasy. That level of sonic indulgence seems like it should be incompatible with an artist who is, essentially, a piano man, but Love in the Future is among Legend's best work, made for couples who are into one another for the long term while feeling a little daring and crazy. [A Deluxe Edition added four bonus tracks.] ~ Andy Kellman  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/love-in-the-future-deluxe-edition-mr0003996905

Love in the Future (Deluxe Edition)

---