Sunday, January 19, 2014

Prudence Johnson - 'S Gershwin

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 42:27
Size: 98.8 MB
Label: Sleeper
Styles: Vocal jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[4:29] 1. They Can't Take That Away from Me
[3:11] 2. They All Laughed
[4:23] 3. How Long Has This Been Going On?
[3:44] 4. Love Walked In
[5:05] 5. But Not for Me
[2:38] 6. My Man's Gone Now
[3:13] 7. I Loves You Porgy
[3:50] 8. It Ain't Necessarily So
[2:47] 9. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
[3:20] 10. Nice Work If You Can Get It
[3:16] 11. Bidin' My Time
[2:25] 12. Love Is Here To Stay

Sometimes it all comes together-the perfect intersection of performer and material. This is one of those junctures: the elegance of George Gershwin's music; a spare, refined interpretation by Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard.

Prudence has sung Gershwin material from time to time, but it wasn't until she heard pianist Chouinard tackle the repertoire-his singular phrasing and ability to evoke the spirit of an era-that she realized she was hooked. On the other hand, Dan took Gershwin's music to heart when he was barely into his teens, after a piano teacher with good taste and high hopes assigned "Rhapsody in Blue."

Now Johnson and Chouinard give Gershwin fitting tribute with an exquisite new recording project-- 'S Gershwin--to be released on the Sleeper label. With a no-frills attitude and an unadorned grace that's absolutely seductive, Prudence and Dan offer up favorites-complete with their seldom-heard verses-from one of the most extraordinary composers of the 20th century. The list includes "Love Walked In," "How Long Has This Been Going On," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "They All Laughed" and "Love is Here to Stay." And their take on selections such as "My Man's Gone Now" and "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" approaches Porgy and Bess from an entirely fresh angle.

'S wonderful, 's marvelous, 'S Gershwin.

'S Gershwin

Marvin Gaye - Number 1's

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:23
Size: 129.1 MB
Styles: Soul
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:58] 1. Let's Get It On
[4:09] 2. Got To Give It Up
[3:56] 3. Sexual Healing
[3:51] 4. What's Going On
[2:12] 5. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (with Tammi Terrell)
[2:53] 6. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
[2:57] 7. Ain't That Peculiar
[3:12] 8. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
[3:53] 9. I Want You
[3:12] 10. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
[5:25] 11. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
[2:47] 12. You're All I Need To Get By (with Tammi Terrell)
[2:44] 13. I'll Be Doggone
[2:04] 14. Pride And Joy
[3:02] 15. Your Precious Love
[2:19] 16. If I Could Build My Whole World Around You (with Tammi Terrell)
[3:41] 17. That's The Way Love Is

Marvin Gaye's Number 1's, like the other Number 1's discs issued by Universal Music Distribution during early 2007, is an attractive package that would nonetheless have trouble surviving a minor spill or even a swift breeze. The disc sits in biodegradable foam, which is protected by a wraparound cardboard sleeve. In fact, the packaging might be lighter than the disc itself. At any rate, there's nothing to complain about when it comes to the contents of the disc: 13 number one hits, released between 1965 and 1982 (credit Universal for licensing "Sexual Healing" from Sony BMG), along with three bonus cuts that stalled at number two. Of course, Gaye's catalog goes fathoms deeper than the chart-toppers, but this makes a fine introduction. ~Andy Kellman

Number 1's

Andrei Kondakov & The Brazil All Stars - Songs For My Father

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:14
Size: 121.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[0:57] 1. Intro
[5:44] 2. Music Is Here
[6:16] 3. So Near
[5:22] 4. Sambassa
[1:10] 5. Little Tarantella
[5:22] 6. Small Talk
[5:17] 7. Love Like Breathing
[1:03] 8. We Are The Singers
[7:18] 9. Sun And Rain Together
[1:04] 10. Flageolets
[5:44] 11. Something About Love
[6:35] 12. Song For Michael
[1:14] 13. Outro

Andrei Kondadov's original compositions with strong an All-Star Brazilian line-up and influence. ~Dr. Tough

ANDREI KONDAKOV (keyboards, vocal); SERGIO BRANDAO (bass guitar, vocal); CLAUDIO RODITI (trumpet 3,6,9,11); PAULO BRAGA (drums 3,6,9,11); "CAFE" DA SILVA (percussion, vocal); CELSO ALBERTI (drums 2,4,7,8,11); PAUL BOLLENBACK (guitar 3,6,9,11).

Songs For My Father

Laura Taylor - Have Mercer On Me

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:43
Size: 132,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. When The World Was Young
(3:14)  2. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
(4:18)  3. Skylark
(2:51)  4. The Glow Worm
(4:45)  5. Come Rain or Come Shine
(8:03)  6. Midnight Sun
(2:32)  7. Accentuate the Positive
(3:29)  8. I'm Old Fashioned
(6:31)  9. Laura
(2:15) 10. That Old Black Magic
(4:54) 11. Out of This World
(4:38) 12. Early Autumn
(3:56) 13. Moon River

Critical acclaim and national radio airplay have been given to Laura’s five jazz CDs: Have Mercer on Me, features pianist and Ben Vereen conductor David Loeb, bassists Bob Sachs and Derek Jones, pianist Bob Rozario, drummer Michael Mecham, guitar great Joe Lano and percussionist Lenny Lopez.   My Funny Valentine…a tribute to Chet Baker, features jazz legends Eddie Gomez, Steve Kuhn and Louis Nash.  Mountain Greenery features jazz greats Jack Sheldon, Pete and Conte Condoli Red Holloway and guitarist Joe Lano; Cry Me a River, a tribute to the late Julie London, features Joe Lano and Tom Warrington, and Songs of the Winter Season, also featuring Joe Lano and Tom Warrington.

While continuing to live in Las Vegas, Laura does many special events and concerts. A highlight of 2012 was Laura’s October 25th performance at The Smith Center For the Performing Arts Cabaret Jazz Theater. Titled “Something’s Coming”, this debut performance at the Smith Center had a full house that gave Laura two standing ovations. Laura will be returning to the Smith Center on April 24, 2014, doing a program titled “It Might As Well Be Spring”(see web site announcements for details).  2011 and 2012 saw Laura doing three appearances at Michael Feinstein’s beautiful club in New York… “Feinstein’s”. Michael gave Laura a warm welcome by enthusiastically attending one of those performances.

Most recently Laura did her second annual appearance as part of the legendary Joe William’s Scholarship Concert. In addition to Laura, the incredible UNLV Jazz Band 1 led by David Loeb and Nathan Tanoye backed performers such as Ben Vereen, Marlena Shaw, and The Cunninghams, and several others.  All performers donated their performances to help raise money for these very talented students and this great program! Laura has also appeared with these great jazz students as the featured soloist in The Duke Ellington Sacred Concert, a challenging, beautiful work which also featured the wonderful Las Vegas Master Singers.... More  http://laurataylor.com/about/

Caroline Daly - Jazz On The Rock

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 97,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:54)  1. I Still Australia Home
(3:09)  2. Route 66
(3:32)  3. Fever
(3:25)  4. Baubles, Bangles & Beads
(5:23)  5. Peel Me A Grape
(2:11)  6. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me
(5:09)  7. Time After Time
(4:26)  8. This Masquerade
(4:53)  9. Our Love is Here To Stay
(3:05) 10. Alright Ok You Win
(3:58) 11. Blues Walk

Long ago as a little girl lying in the orange grove on my family's ranch,I would dream of dancing on far away stages...My four big brothers would tease me as I sang into my imaginary microphone. Little did I know that one day I would be singing jazz to audiences all around the world and performing with such incredibly talented musicians. I salute my loyal musicians who were willing to take risks and have fun at the same time. A standout was Tedd Firth known as the "wonderkid " on the New York jazz and cabaret scene. As an accompanist , he seemed to know where I was going before I did! I considered it appropriate to finish up with the band playing our usual rousing finale "Blues Walk" In this album, I am unafraid to be myself and this feeling I think is reflected in my songs. Many years ago my "sisters and brothers" at the United Jazz Associates Agency" in Brooklyn took this Aussie chick under their wings and pointed her in the right direction with love. 

They set me up with Brooklyns finest jazz musicians including Ed Stout (piano) Harold Ousley (sax) Abdus Sabor (percussion and congas) Rudy Lawless (drums) Bob Cunningham (bass) and linked me with international stars such as Stanley Banks, a world so remote and exciting to a singer far from home. Check out on in "Blues Walk" the incredible technical brilliance of Rick Germanson (piano) Gerald Hayes (alto sax -) Eric Lemon (bass) Kenyatta Beasley (trumpet) Bennet Harris ups the energy on blues harp in "Route 66" and "Alright ok you win!" Hear Caroline and Steve Kaiser ( bass and vocals) having fun harmonising in "Our Love is Here to Stay"  Clifford Brown Jr.  (KCSM Jazz Radio) says "Caroline swings and has a great rapport with her audience" NOW LET THIS AUSSIE DIVA TAKE CENTER STAGE!!  
http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7164219&style=music&fulldesc=T

B.J. Jansen - Ronin

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:07
Size: 124,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Ronin
(5:05)  2. Rose for Noriko
(8:44)  3. Best Fiend
(6:06)  4. The Cost
(6:04)  5. Blues for C.P.
(5:22)  6. Manhattan Trane'in
(7:16)  7. Brother Sid
(5:09)  8. Diamonds for Lil
(4:16)  9. The Code

His first new release in nearly two years, B.J. Jansen returns with a new quartet album RONIN. RONIN hits the streets March 4th, 2014 and features; Mamiko Watanabe on piano, Mike Boone on bass, Amanda Ruzza on bass, Chris Beck on drums and Dorota Piotrowska on drums.

During the feudal period in Japan (1185-1868), a Ronin was a samurai (knight) with no lord or master. A samurai could become masterless from the death or political fall of his master, or simply by the loss of his master's favor. Ronin amassed during periods of long peace when their warrior training was not needed. Some Lords released samurai for strictly financial reasons during these periods. By law a Samurai was forbidden to have a job, so many fell into poverty and lives of crime to feed themselves and their families. Others, simply disgraced committed suicide.

" The plight of the Ronin draws many similarities to what I have observed with those of us who adopt the way, or follow a life of the study of the art and craft of instrumental improvised music. Live performance and revenue streams have become increasingly scarce as society and technology have changed. However, like the Ronin, we artists persist as warriors and keepers of the flame, devoting our lives to the propagation of the Music. We have become drifters, outsiders, masterless and seeking the truth of who we are as artists and people.

RONIN was conceived with the inspiration and perspective of the ancient masterless samurai. I have reflected on my own trials, tribulations and triumphs along the path I have chosen. From reflections and life events I was inspired to write this collection of original compositions. I sincerely hope that you will join me on my journey along the path. " - B.J. Jansen  
http://www.jazzcorner.com/news/display.php?news=4279

Topsy Chapman & Magnolia Jazzband - Fine and Mellow

Styles: New Orleans Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:36
Size: 159,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:57)  1. Fine And Mellow
(6:44)  2. You Can't Tell The Difference After Dark
(7:52)  3. My Man
(6:33)  4. Let The Great Big World Keep On Turning
(5:47)  5. When I come to the end of my journey
(5:48)  6. Yesterdays
(9:37)  7. Close to you
(7:06)  8. My sin was lovin' you
(6:50)  9. The same old love
(5:17) 10. Please, don't talk about me when I'm gone

The delightful musical One Mo'Time introduced singer Topsy Chapman to admiring audiences around the world. The production, which is set in 1920s New Orleans, reached cult status in its run at the old Toulouse Theater in the French Quarter in the 1980s before being exported to New York and then to Europe. Much of the local cast traveled with the play and thus Chapman, long-considered a living treasure in New Orleans, received some well-deserved exposure before a larger audience. Chapman, who grew up not far from New Orleans in Kentwood, LA, was raised in the gospel music tradition. That gospel-tinged fervor is evident in her voice today, as she sings with some of the top musicians in the city of New Orleans. She still makes appearances at some of the popular gospel brunch venues around the city, but she mostly lends her elegant style to groups such as the Magnolia Brass Band, the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and the Lars Edegran Orchestra.

She gigs with the best of the best at venues in the Crescent City at popular clubs such as Donna's, Snug Harbor, and the Palm Court, as well as at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and the Satchmo Summerfest. Chapman's affinity for the music of Armstrong is captured on her 2001 CD My One and Only Love. Recorded as Topsy Chapman and the Pros, the record does feature some real pros, such as Lucien Barbarin, Don Suhor, and Duke Heitger. The singer is joined on vocals by her two daughters, Yolanda "Peb" Windsay and Jolynda "Kike" Phillips. Among the selections are Armstrong's "Someday You'll Be Sorry" and "I Still Get Jealous." Another excellent release is Jazz in New Orleans: The Nineties. Working with Brian Carrick and his New Orleans Heritage Band, Chapman has made an uplifting record of gospel tunes such as "In the Sweet By and By" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Her work with the Magnolia Jazz Band can be heard on their 1994 eponymous release, featuring jazz standards and popular tunes. The vocalist also appears on Cubanismo!'s 2000 CD Mardi Gras Mambo-Cubanismo! in New Orleans. Chapman really fits in the groove, especially on her danzon-style duet with John Boutté, "It Do Me Good." In 2002, Chapman was nominated for Best Female Jazz Vocalist in the prestigious Best of New Orleans Awards given by Gambit magazine. With several records out there, personal appearances, and glowing reviews in journals from Ebony to the New York Times, her star is shining brighter than ever. Bio ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/topsy-chapman-mn0000792037/biography