Dakota Staton - Crazy He Calls Me

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 31:47
Size: 72.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1958/2009
Art: Front

[3:23] 1. Crazy He Calls Me
[2:01] 2. Idaho
[3:26] 3. Invitation
[2:32] 4. Can't Live Without Him Anymore
[2:21] 5. I Never Dreamt
[2:39] 6. The Party's Over
[3:30] 7. Angel Eyes
[2:09] 8. No Moon At All
[2:32] 9. What Do You Know About Love
[2:45] 10. Morning, Noon Or Night
[2:17] 11. How Does It Feel
[2:08] 12. How High The Moon

Possessing a sprawling voice, Dakota Staton marked her Capitol heyday with sets taking in everything from torch ballads and Shearing-soft swing to bluesy sides and novelty numbers. At times, though, she could overdo things a bit, awkwardly shifting from belting intensity to coy whispers within a single bar and giving it all a little too much of an interpretive spin. This is a minor quibble, though, because what's really memorable about this and other late-'50s and early-'60s Capitol releases of hers is that Staton delivers top-quality interpretations with a dazzling and usually well-gauged array of vocal nuances. In this regard, Staton's debut, The Late, Late Show, is deservedly considered her best; but the equally impressive Crazy He Calls Me should not be missed. Featuring singular takes on the title track, "How Does It Feel?," and "The Party's Over" -- not to mention a fine and varied selection of charts by Nelson Riddle, Sid Feller, and Howard Biggs -- the album figures in with many other classic jazz vocals dates of the era. ~Stephen Cook

Crazy He Calls Me

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Various - Swingin' The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:56
Size: 114.3 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:20] 1. Swingin' The Blues
[3:13] 2. Moten Swing
[5:08] 3. Blue And Sentimental
[3:49] 4. April In Paris
[5:14] 5. Lil' Darlin'
[3:36] 6. Big Noise From Winnetka
[8:09] 7. Broadway
[6:01] 8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[9:22] 9. The King

Randy Sandke's second volume of a concert salute to Count Basie is equal to the earlier CD. Sandke has long been underrated as a soloist, but he more than proves himself. These performances, utilizing both new charts by bandmembers as well as tried and true scores, have the feeling of Basie-type head arrangements, flowing easily yet swinging hard. Yet none of the music comes across as a museum-piece re-creation; rather, the selections featured here are updated treatments of favorites. Joining him are trombonist Dan Barrett, multi-reed player Brian Ogilvie, tenor saxophonist (and Basie alum) Billy Mitchell, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, drummer Joe Ascione, and the legendary bassist and composer Bob Haggart. Mitchell arranged the lush chart of "Blue and Sentimental" and Sandke shines in "April in Paris," while omitting the traditional (if trite) quote of "Pop Goes the Weasel." The one non-Basie-related track is Haggart's fun-filled duet with Ascione of "Big Noise from Winnetka," which dates from his days as a member of Bob Crosby's Bobcats. All in all, this is a very enjoyable tribute. ~ Ken Dryden

Features Randy Sandke, Dan Barrett, Brian Ogilvie, Billy Mitchell, Mark Shane, James Chirillo, Bob Haggart & Joe Ascione.

Swingin' The Blues

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Brian Charette - Borderline

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:52
Size: 141.6 MB
Styles: Organ jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Windows
[3:35] 2. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:55] 3. Body And Soul
[2:25] 4. Tico Tico
[3:33] 5. Sara Smile
[4:44] 6. Borderline
[3:27] 7. C-Jam Blues
[5:03] 8. Up And Away
[4:58] 9. Corcovado
[4:29] 10. Georgia
[3:16] 11. Donna Lee
[3:38] 12. The Girl From Ipanema
[3:48] 13. You Only Live Twice
[2:20] 14. I Got Rhythm
[3:58] 15. Spooky
[3:47] 16. Embraceable You

An hour-long recital on solo Hammond B3 organ might be a hard sell in certain circles, but Brian Charette makes a strong case for the viability of the venture on Borderline, his fourth disc for the Danish Steeplechase imprint. Charette’s last album for the label was equally ambitious, focusing on creative homespun charts for a horn-heavy sextet. He’s still touring with that particular configuration, which makes this opportunity to hear him absent any colleagues a welcome revelation. None of the tunes are originals, but Charette’s choices range pretty widely from jazz and bossa ringers like “Body and Soul” and “Girl from Ipanema” to chin-scratching surprises like Hall & Oates’s “Sara Smile”, the Madonna-associated title tune and the John Barry Bond theme “You Only Live Twice.” Such latter selections probably sound suspect on the page, but Charette isn’t averse to embracing the kitschier pop tributaries of his instrument’s lineage. A playful and fairly straight shot through “Tico Tico” and the aforementioned “Ipanema” veer knowingly into the purview of lounge organ maestro Walter Wanderly. “Borderline” starts off in Norman Lear sitcom soundtrack territory and builds to an almost gospel-like grandeur through lush legato swells and a pulpit-worthy reverence for melody. It’s an odd interpretation, but one that strangely works.

Selecting Chick Corea’s tricky “Windows” as the disc opener clearly establishes Charette’s credentials on the jazz chops score and some of the most engaging aspects of his playing involve his nimble pedal work (abetted by an adroit left hand) in threading juicy bass lines through his varied investigations. A warm, at moments almost glowing, sustain also aids in the creation of an enveloping and inviting sound. Charette even breezes through “I Got Rhythm,” that hoariest of bop heirlooms, as if to offer a cheeky assurance to any scowling purists as to his willingness to play all bases. Other dusty relics like Ellington’s “C Jam Blues” and Bird’s “Dona Lee” receive infusions of quirky energy through Charette’s manipulations. The walking bass lines on both tracks are massive and consuming, particularly on a decent pair of ear goggles (which really is the optimal listening set-up for the entire disc). The slippery progressions Charette spools out on top are good and greasy, bringing to mind the rapid-fire peregrinations of organ god Jimmy Smith at his most dexterous. “Corcovado” is an unexpected delight, too, but for different reasons; Charette digs deep into a muzak-friendly Jobim melody and actually manages to assemble an admirable amount of genuine improvisatory excitement from the effort.

There’s an admitted adjustment period likely necessary in acclimatizing to Charette’s intentions and execution, but once the ears align to his frequency, the program is never less than an entertaining trip. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also an effective reminder that in the right creative hands even the most dubious material still has a decent shot at coaxing skeptics. ~ Derek Taylor

Borderline

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Stevie Holland - Before Love Has Gone

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:54
Size: 93,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Carioca
(5:03)  2. Before Love Has Gone
(3:32)  3. Where Or When
(5:17)  4. Lazy Afternoon
(4:06)  5. The Music In Me That Plays
(3:53)  6. Make Our Garden Grow
(2:43)  7. Daybreak
(4:07)  8. How Deep Is The Ocean
(3:22)  9. Riverboat Gambler
(5:08) 10. Here's To Your Illusions

Vocalist Stevie Holland is gifted with a rich, expressive alto, clear diction, and an ability to bring out something fresh in familiar songs. Buoyed by a strong rhythm section consisting of pianist Martin Bejerano, bassist Edward Perez, and drummer Willie Jones III, Holland catches the nuances of the sensual "Carioca" without falling into a tired routine as do many lounge singers, often backed solely by Perez. She restores the oft-omitted verse to Rodgers & Hart's "Where or When," then savors its romantic lyrics in an updated treatment of this decades-old standard. Tenor saxophonist Ole Mathisen is added for her lush, deliberate treatment of "Lazy Afternoon," though Holland's powerful duet with Bejerano of "How Deep Is the Ocean" is easily the high point of her CD. 

Guitarist Paul Bollenback joins the rhythm section for her swinging interpretation of Ferde Grofé's "Daybreak" (with the guitarist opening his solo with a bit of Grofé's well-known "On the Trail"). She also collaborates with composer Gary William Friedman on two strong originals. Her midtempo bossa nova "The Music in Me That Plays" is an upbeat affair, with Bollenback playing acoustic guitar. Mathiesen returns for Holland's melancholy ballad "Before Love Has Gone," with the singer delivering her longing lyrics in a heartfelt manner. Carly Simon's "Riverboat Gambler" seems an unlikely choice for a jazz vocalist, but Holland takes on the challenge and makes it work. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/before-love-has-gone-mw0000788982

Before Love Has Gone

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Andrea Bocelli - Love In Portofino (Live)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:48
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:23)  1. Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs (feat. Caroline Campbell) [Live]
(4:09)  2. Perfidia (Live)
(3:31)  3. Tristeza (Live In Italy / 2013)
(4:08)  4. Bésame Mucho (Live)
(3:32)  5. Love In Portofino (Live In Italy / 2013)
(4:14)  6. Anema e core (Live In Italy / 2013)
(3:18)  7. Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs (feat. Jennifer Lopez)
(3:36)  8. Me Faltas (Mi manchi)
(4:47)  9. Las Hojas Muertas (Les feuilles mortes)
(4:07) 10. Nuestro Encuentro (Sentado a 'Beira do Caminho)

This brand new CD/DVD compilation highlights Andrea's breathtaking performance in Portofino, Italy on August 11, 2012 and includes the already quintessential songs from Bocelli's January 2013 release Passione. See and hear as Andrea delivers a performance of a lifetime from the beautiful surroundings of the Pizzetta in Portofino. Playing to an intimate crowd at sunset the legendary tenor sings the most famous love songs in the world accompanied by 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster and a 40 piece orchestra. This is an unmissable feast of emotion, gorgeous settings and unforgettable songs. ~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Portofino-DVD-Andrea-Bocelli/dp/B00EPFEY44

Love In Portofino (Live)

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Hot Club Of Detroit - It's About That Time

Styles: Gypsy Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:38
Size: 130,1 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:26)  1. On the Steps
(3:04)  2. Nostalgia In Times Square
(3:26)  3. Noto Swing
(4:17)  4. "Tristesse" E Major Etude
(4:48)  5. Equilibrium
(4:32)  6. Restless Twilights
(5:30)  7. For Stéphane
(4:27)  8. Papillon
(4:16)  9. Duke and Dukie
(4:11) 10. Heavy Artillerie / It's About That Time
(5:33) 11. Patio Swing
(3:36) 12. Sacré Bleu
(4:26) 13. Sweet Chorus

While the Hot Club of Detroit has been influenced by the gypsy jazz of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France with Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, this quintet is a bit different in its makeup, with guitarist Evan Perri, accordionist Julien Labro, multi-reed player Carl Cafagna, rhythm guitarist Paul Brady, and bassist Andrew Kratzat. Earlier CDs focused primarily on works either written or performed by Reinhardt and Grappelli, though this time around, their musical scope is thrown wide open. Reinhardt's "Heavy Artillerie," which blends intricate bop on electric guitar with its swing roots, is combined in medley with the late fusion keyboardist Joe Zawinul's funky "It's About That Time." Kratzat introduces the snappy, swinging rendition of Charles Mingus' "Nostalgia in Times Square," highlighted by Perri's intricate acoustic guitar and Cafagna's testifying tenor sax, signifying a jazz revival  no tent required. Classical music has been previously explored by the band, and theirs is a majestic arrangement of Frédéric Chopin's "Tristesse E Major Etude" Labro's elegant bandoneón, and Perri's intimate guitar, with Cafagna adding a bittersweet clarinet at its close. 

The furious bop vehicle "On the Steps" is based on the chord changes to Pat Martino's "On the Stairs," featuring Perri's pulsing electric guitar and Cafagna's robust tenor over the percolating gypsy rhythm section, with Labro adding a compelling solo on accordion. The band also contributed several fine originals. Perri penned the relaxing "Patio Swing," suggesting a lazy summer day, along with the surging "For Stéphane" in honor of guitarist Stéphane Wrembel (a young Frenchman whose diverse interests include gypsy jazz, among many forms of music). "Papillion" is a charming ballad co-written by Labro and Kratzat, with a nostalgic, bittersweet air, while Cafagna's "Restless Twilights" proves to be a catchy bossa nova. Hot Club of Detroit's interest in continuing to expand their musical horizons makes each new release a highly anticipated event. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/its-about-that-time-mw0001973593

It's About That Time

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The Allyn Robinson Project - Dreams Realized, My Life In Music

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 156,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:44)  1. Amelia
(5:02)  2. Bread Puddin'
(6:08)  3. Can It Be Done
(8:13)  4. Esplanade And Havana Vieja
(5:55)  5. The Interloper
(4:16)  6. Somebody's Been Cuttin' In On My Groove
(6:32)  7. Concentrate
(8:04)  8. Now He Thinks!
(5:34)  9. Manteca
(5:48) 10. Circles
(6:59) 11. The Final View

Dreams Realized, My Life In Music is a celebration of Allyn’s rich musical history and a stirring tribute to Jaco Pastorius, Charles Brent and Wayne Cochran. With a burning 16-piece R&B big band, Allyn takes the listener on a musical journey across the threshold where jazz intersects with soul, funk and rhythm & blues.

Allyn brought together some of New Orleans finest musicians to record an incredible mix of original tunes by bassist and musical director Chuck Archard, as well as some exciting new arrangements of classics by Jaco Pastorius, Willie Tee, The Gaturs, Dizzy Gillespie and Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders.  http://www.allynrobinson.com/music.htm

Dreams Realized, My Life In Music

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