Friday, December 13, 2013

Kelly Clarkson - Wrapped In Red

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 46:38
Size: 106.8 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:34] 1. Wrapped In Red
[3:50] 2. Underneath The Tree
[3:36] 3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
[2:26] 4. Run Run Rudolph
[3:17] 5. Please Come Home For Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing)
[3:45] 6. Every Christmas
[2:50] 7. Blue Christmas
[3:00] 8. Baby It's Cold Outside
[3:19] 9. Winter Dreams (Brandon's Song)
[3:00] 10. White Christmas
[2:47] 11. My Favorite Things
[3:32] 12. 4 Carats
[3:28] 13. Just For Now
[4:07] 14. Silent Night

If American Idols are ready for anything, it's that industry standard, the Christmas album. It is to Kelly Clarkson's credit that she waited a decade to deliver a seasonal platter, but 2013's Wrapped in Red is worth the wait; a testament to her confidence as an interpreter. Generally, the 14 songs here emphasize Clarkson's skills as a full-throated diva -- the arrangements are bold and brassy, as is her delivery -- but when the tempo slows and the arrangements scale back, she's perhaps even more alluring, turning "Blue Christmas" into a sweet fireside crawl and effortlessly overshadowing the overmatched Ronnie Dunn on "Baby It's Cold Outside." Clarkson's selections favor the bold -- there aren't many carols here, these are primarily secular holiday tunes, and she doesn't resist Vegas glitz, giving "My Favorite Things" a bit of a gaudy makeover -- but she fares well in this setting, always sounding like the strongest element in the mix. Perhaps the concept and execution are conventional, but even in this utterly expected setting, Clarkson retains her fiery, individual spirit, and that's what makes Wrapped in Red appealing: to the letter, it delivers what it promises. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recording information: East West Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Echo Studio, Los Angeles, CA; Starstruck Studios, Nashville, TN; The Barn, Nashville, TN.

Wrapped In Red

Cal Tjader & Mary Stallings - Cal Tjader Plays, Mary Stallings Sings

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 39:16
Size: 89.9 MB
Styles: Vibraphone jazz, Vocal jazz
Year: 1961/2005
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. Mighty Rumblin' Blues
[2:28] 2. It Ain't Necessarily So
[3:16] 3. God Bless The Child
[2:35] 4. Just Squeeze Me
[3:48] 5. I Didn't Know About You
[3:06] 6. I'm Beginning To See The Light
[2:38] 7. Goodbye
[2:35] 8. Why Don't You Do Right
[2:07] 9. Honeysuckle Rose
[2:28] 10. I'm Just So Lucky So And So
[3:07] 11. Ain't Misbehavin' (I'm Saving My Love For You)
[2:39] 12. Mr. Blues
[1:58] 13. Just In Time
[2:38] 14. Why Don't You Do Right (alternate)

CAL TJADER PLAYS/MARY STALLINGS SINGS is a noteworthy album in that it represents Mary Stallings's recording debut. Only 22 at the time, Stallings sings with a remarkable amount of conviction and control here, displaying the rich tone and heavy gospel influence that would mark all her work. Tjader leads a fine band through a set filled with standards and tunes by Fats Waller and Duke Ellington, and his cool-toned vibes add a shimmering atmosphere to the proceedings. The 2005 reissue boasts excellent remastered sound and two alternative takes from the session.

Cal Tjader (vibraphone); Cal Tjader; Lonnie Hewitt (piano, electric piano, keyboards); Victor Venegas, Freddie Schrieber (bass instrument); Mary Stallings (vocals); Paul Horn (flute); Clare Fischer (piano); Johnny Rae (drums).

Recording information: RCA Studios, Hollywood, CA; Sound Recorders, San Francisco, CA.

Cal Tjader Plays, Mary Stallings Sings

Marcus Tenney Trio - As You See It

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 45:57
Size: 105.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Unzipped
[6:20] 2. As You See It
[6:13] 3. Gray Sea
[6:21] 4. Iranian Square
[7:30] 5. Yes Or No
[4:09] 6. Response #1
[5:41] 7. I'm Allergic To Cats
[4:54] 8. The "O"

A saxophone trio is all sinew, stripped down to essentials. Every note counts and there's no space for relaxation. All of which makes the Marcus Tenney Trio's lilting dancing lines, recorded here live on a Sunday night at the Commercial Taphouse & Grill, all the more amazing. The theme alternates between angular triplets and flowing melodic lines. The players — saxophonist Tenney, drummer Devonne Harris and bassist Andrew Randazzo — are well matched in fluency and invention. The overall sound is classic Blue Note post-bop, although an opening descending line echoes, briefly and perhaps inadvertently, the melody of Frank Zappa's "King Kong." ~ Peter McElhinney

As You See It

Giorgia Barosso - Stories yet to Tell

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:25
Size: 111,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:36)  1. Love for Sale
(5:38)  2. Stories yet to Tell
(5:05)  3. Time After Time
(5:11)  4. Come Rain or Come Shine
(6:05)  5. Crystal Glow
(5:18)  6. Shadow of Sound
(5:55)  7. Oh Lady Be Good
(3:53)  8. I
(5:41)  9. But Not for Me

"Stories yet to Tell " is the new album by Giorgia Barosso published in November 2013, by Raffinerie Musicali . Giorgia Barosso , jazz singer , composer , pianist and songwriter also boasts 25 years of experience in the music business internationally and his name appears in another ten albums recorded since 1993 . He has worked very wide , ranging from jazz to gospel, new age , instrumental music , the compositions of soundtracks for film. You do not count his numerous collaborations with important Italian jazz musicians as a singer . Since 2012 it is also a radio presenter and creator of the program " Jazz All One " in the schedule of Web radio Vertigo One. His eleventh album, " Stories yet to Tell " is the fruit of his collaboration , both as a singer and author of music and lyrics, with the stated pianist - composer - arranger Mario Zara , in a project that offers very balanced way original songs and famous jazz standards completely rearranged . The training is complemented by leading Italian jazz musicians such as Fabrizio Bosso, Riccardo Bianchi, Marco Antonio Ricci and Michele Salgarello .

Since first hearing of the disk we see two main features :
In the original songs emerge pleasantly stylistic homogeneity that is the confirmation of the great musical harmony established between Georgia Barosso and Mario Zara as authors . The originals are in fact all characterized by intimate and refined atmosphere, sometimes ethereal and night , sometimes more solar , but all capable of creating a great suggestion by the surrounding sounds , soft and very elegant . And as for the interpretation of the standards is clear what is the approach adopted in this project: the transformation of jazz classics (which originally were predominantly fast pieces and swing ) in songs much more sinuous and sensual through new arrangements of Mario Zara that changing the rhythm and mood in an operation to modernize very successful also thanks to the skilful work of Salgarello on drums and Ricci on bass . 

Voice and solo instruments interact with balance and even the solos are well balanced : each has its own contribution but never exceed or surpass others.
The disc opens with a lively LOVE FOR SALE that appears to be a bridge between past and present, which follows the original song that gives title to the cd , Stories yet to Tell , intimate tones and " night " , especially in its part initial . With TIME AFTER TIME , and even more with AS RAIN OR SHINE AS perceive the transformation of the standards into something new and more modern , however that does not betray the matrix jazz . CRYSTAL GLOW is one of the most evocative original songs on the album, ethereal composition and classy . In SHADOW OF SOUND guitar is always ample space with elegance and sophistication, the plot stretched over the battery. 

Surprising is the transformation of OH LADY BE GOOD that deviates significantly from the famous original version : the track is dilated rhythmically thus being slowed down and softened a lot , but at the same time is supported by the battery that 's almost like a second voice is constantly accompanied by singing both the ' trumpet solo by Fabrizio Bosso while maintaining the sense of swing , but back into an environment very unusual and new. In the song titled "I" , of which only Giorgia Barosso is the author of the lyrics , voice and piano initially intersect softly, and the song has changed as a piano ostinato and a determined change of pace that revitalizes and even in this original composition reflected the agreement between the voice of Giorgia Barosso , the piano of Mario Zara and the drum of Salgarello . The final surprise is represented by a BUT NOT FOR ME with an intro very free for voice and piano followed by the well-known theme rearranged in a slow and gentle 3/4 that makes the song very relaxed and laid back, with a completely different color than the original version .

" Stories yet to Tell " is a project in which Giorgia Barosso is expressed with maturity and security in the choice of their own language and aesthetics that are the product of years of musical experience and research of their own personal vocal style . Great synergy that is created between the singer and the musicians that flank . The project is also successful in the demanding challenge to revive , next to " new stories " told by interesting original songs , even five standards famous , but in a totally renewed , proving once again that even the great jazz repertoire of the past have endless stories to tell through the sensitivity and creativity of serious professionals as they are Giorgia Barosso and all the protagonists of this album. 
~ Rossella Del Grande  https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/giorgiabarosso

Jacinta - Recycle Swing

Styles: Vocal, Swing
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:02
Size: 145,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. You Stepped Out of a Dream
(5:05)  2. They Can't Take That Away from Me
(3:26)  3. Yesterdays
(6:18)  4. How Long Has This Been Going On
(4:58)  5. Feeling Good (Radio Cut)
(4:48)  6. I’ve Got the World On a String
(6:45)  7. Prelude to a Kiss
(3:46)  8. Our Love Is Here to Stay
(3:28)  9. Too Darn Hot
(5:47) 10. When Sunny Gets Blue
(3:57) 11. Frim Fram Sauce
(3:43) 12. Everyday I Have the Blues
(5:35) 13. Feeling Good

Singer Jacinta's Recycle Swing is a tribute to Broadway's Golden Era, when cabaret music abounded and the likes of the Gershwins and Leonard Bernstein were getting increasingly popular. Indeed, Broadway had "the world on a string," and so does the jazz vocalist in this remarkable homage which includes, coincidently, the Ted Koehler/Harold Arlen masterpiece "I've Got The World On a String" (1932).

Singer Jacinta's ethereal baritone is the perfect vessel for these iconic songs, accurately conveying the compositions' message and tone whilst never failing to bring something new to the table. Adding Lorenzo Petrocca's guitar to a quintessential jazz trio was a clever move; while it merges with the other instruments in a fitting way, it most definitely adds a fresh touch that is all-pervasive throughout the entire album.

Jacinta is, undeniably, in good company. Accompanied by a panoply of extraordinary musicians including eminent drummer Marcel Gustke, Recycle Swing by and large grasps the Broadway feel. There's no need for colossal arrangements or changes; the music speaks for itself in its simplicity and brilliance, all-embracing and articulate, never turned into something it was not before while remaining as contemporary as ever. 
~ Ana Francisca Gonçalves Pereira  
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=43430#.Uqdud-Iufkc

Personnel: Jacinta: vocals; Lorenzo Petrocca: guitar; Gee Hye Lee: piano; Jens Loh: double bass; Marcel Gustke: drums.

Pasadena Roof Orchestra - Rhythm Is Our Business!

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:51
Size: 139,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. Anything Goes
(3:11)  2. My Baby Just Cares For Me
(3:13)  3. Truck'in
(4:16)  4. Stardust
(4:00)  5. My Blue Heaven / Singing In The Rain
(4:03)  6. Rhythm Is Our Business
(4:32)  7. After You've Gone
(3:35)  8. Body And Soul
(3:25)  9. Cheek To Cheek
(3:18) 10. Oh! Mo'nah
(4:03) 11. Hong Kong Blues
(5:22) 12. Stormy Weather
(3:58) 13. Double Check Stomp
(3:18) 14. Hesitation Blues
(5:21) 15. Summertime
(2:24) 16. Let Yourself Go

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra have long been one of England's best hot dance bands. Usually the group concentrates more on music from the 1920s, but this CD finds the orchestra looking more toward the early swing era. Sounding much larger than their ten pieces, the ensemble (which features James Langston on vocals) revives such pieces as "My Baby Just Cares for Me," "Hong Kong Blues," Duke Ellington's "Double Check Stomp," "Hesitation Blues," and better-known tunes including "Truckin'," "After You've Gone," and "Let Yourself Go." The musicians solo well within the vintage style and fans of early jazz will enjoy this group's performances. 
~Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/rhythm-is-our-business-mw0000904570

Wynton Marsalis - Live at the House of Tribes

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:04
Size: 153,6 MB
Art: Front

(15:49)  1. Green Chimneys
(17:48)  2. Just Friends
(12:13)  3. You Don't Know What Love Is
( 6:47)  4. Donna Lee
(10:27)  5. What Is This Thing Called Love?
( 3:57)  6. Second Line

Wynton Marsalis' dominance seems at times so complete that it's easy to either become suspicious of the musician represented by the vita sheet, or take it as a given that he's the world's greatest trumpet player, if not music-maker. Live at the House of Tribes offers little conclusive evidence for either position, but it certainly makes the case for a non-controversial middle ground.

The program appears designed to appeal to a wide audience within the liberal spectrum of mainstream modern jazz. The opening selection, Monk's rarely heard "Green Chimneys," is a riff-driven, primarily single-chord piece introduced over an infectious boogaloo street beat an ideal vehicle, in other words, for introducing the musical personalities of the band. "Just Friends" is taken at an uncharacteristically laid-back tempo, with Latin percussion and heavy emphasis on the off-beats. "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Donna Lee" are the two least compromising performances on the date, the latter conjuring up the ghosts of Bird, Diz, and 52nd Street halcyon days. "What Is This Thing Called Love," normally a bebop staple, returns to the accessible rhythmic feel of "Just Friends," and the closer, "2nd Line," is an elemental New Orleans blues march that's obviously a crowd-pleaser.

Listening to Marsalis on this occasion, I couldn't help but notice no small amount of Clark Terry's influence on his playing. Like Terry, he alternates between a classically pure sound and occasional vocal effects, and he's continually playful and engaging, teasing his audience with minimal virtuosity before cutting loose. If his playing lacks passion and drama, it more than compensates with consummate technical command and undeniable flare. Although producer Delfeayo Marsalis seems to have had microphones placed at select tables to convince us that the audience was eating up every note, he's otherwise to be commended for the audio quality of the recording. The sound has depth and natural presence, without the annoying boosting of the bass that's endemic on recording sessions these days. The other musicians on the date especially alto saxophonist Wessell Anderson manage to impress while attending to their supportive roles. Overall, a solid entry by Mr. Marsalis and a spirited musical party by his ensemble. ~ Samuel Chell   
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=20503#.UqoU-OJc_vs

Live at the House of Tribes