SaraLee Vos & Alexander Beets Quartet - Great American Songbook, Vol. 1

Size: 113,1 MB
Time: 48:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. Caravan (5:03)
02. Fly Me To The Moon (3:47)
03. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (2:35)
04. Moon River (4:57)
05. Nica's Dream (3:41)
06. Dindi (4:16)
07. My Funny Valentine (3:32)
08. I Thought About You (4:26)
09. Skylark (5:09)
10. It's All Right With Me (3:27)
11. Lover Man (4:41)
12. Psychedelic Sally (3:14)

Personnel:
SaraLee Vos vocals
Alexander Beets tenor sax
Stormvogel piano
Marius Beets bass
Gijs Dijkhuizen drums

SaraLee gives a new twist to the American songbook, throwing in some Brazilian notes and "Silver pieces", with her unmistakable charming lilting voice.

She makes it all sound anew and fresh, as if written especially for her!

Her favourite musical stalwarts more than ably comfort and accompany her in a dozen delightful "quintessential" arrangements.

A must for newcomers and oldtimers! ~Cees Schrama

Great American Songbook, Vol. 1

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Ken Clark Organ Trio - Dr. Organstein

Size: 75,5 MB
Time: 32:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Funk, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Goodbye Mr. Smith (4:04)
02. 2 Young (4:28)
03. Ella In The Belly (3:02)
04. Unconditional Groove (4:23)
05. Lovelocks (3:51)
06. Naima's Knee (4:07)
07. The Rhapsody I Hear (4:46)
08. Jinkies (3:18)

This is the 4th Ken Clark Organ Trio cd. They have been performing around New England and the eastern U.S. for
the past 15 years.

"Organist Ken Clark, guitarist Mike Mele, and drummer Steve Chaggaris lean on the beat, (high stepping funk, shuffle boogaloo back beat ballad), build dynamic climaxes sprinkle in jazz solos and deliver the goods. Clark controls the B3 like a master: hip bass lines, sizzling chordal washes, feel-good riffs, funky blues lines and syncopated accents figure in the mix. The groove, the sonic power of the organ and a soulful message are a forceful combination for reaching the people, all the way from the church to the dance floor. Can't beat the feeling."---Owen Cordle, Jazz Times

"You might be skeptical about listening to the a CD without a bass player, but from the opening bars of the first track, school is in session! Organist Ken Clark has a punchy, thick bass tone that rivals Rocco's, and he grooves like a funky S.O.B. His right hand is pretty happening, too. A must hear for fans of jazzy, funky groove music."-----Bass Player Magazine

Ken Clark has toured and recorded with Bernard Purdie, Melvin Sparks and David "Fathead" Newman among others

Dr. Organstein

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Veronika Harcsa & Balint Gyemant - Live

Size: 167,7 MB
Time: 72:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. For My Lover (5:19)
02. Stop Haunting (4:53)
03. Time And Space (5:01)
04. Go On Swimming (4:53)
05. A Szomj (3:23)
06. Lifelover (4:58)
07. Moss And Lichen (4:41)
08. Play Me, Play Me (5:38)
09. Drive Into The Sun (5:22)
10. Nothing Left (4:41)
11. Glisten (7:09)
12. Lacs (5:57)
13. Red Baggage (4:02)
14. Saying No (6:20)

Graduated from The Liszt Academy of Music in 2008. Veronika founded her first own jazz band in 2005, publishing their first album „Speak Low”, covering jazz standards, the same year. In 2007 Speak Low was released in Japan to critical success, reaching the top of the vocal jazz charts at Tower Records.

Her second album „You Don’t Know It’s You”, was released in 2008 and included her own songs. This important second album followed the first one’s success, again reaching the top of the charts in Japan. In Hungary it became a platinum jazz album, and was awarded with the prestigious „Hungarian Jazz Album of the Year” title in 2009 at the Fonogram Gala. The song „Too Early” from this album was the most played song on MR2 radio in February 2008.
The third album Red Baggage reached similar successes in Hungary as well as in Japan, where the releases were followed by two live tours.

The Jazz Quartet includes Attila Blaho (piano), Zoltán Oláh (double bass), Bálint Majtényi (drums). Their regular guest is Bálint Gyémánt (guitars).

Parallel to her Quartet she is a member of the experimental and electronic music band Bin- Jip. Their first album „Enter” won the award for „Alternative Album of the Year” at the 2011 Fonogram awards. The music video for the title track was directed by Pater Sparrow.

The fourth album of the Quartet, will be released in May 2011, titled „Lámpafény” (Lamplight) and will be the first album in Hungarian language, covering works by 20th century Hungarian poets.

Veronika has performed at festivals and clubs in 20 countries worldwide. She is often invited to participate in renowned projects and regularly works together with Italian producer Nicola Conte.

Live

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Matija Dedic - Sentiana

Size: 124,2 MB
Time: 53:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Piano
Art: Front & Back

01. Sentiana ( 4:01)
02. Plan B ( 4:20)
03. Coutlett ( 4:02)
04. Green Dolphin Street ( 5:21)
05. Deep (10:09)
06. Stella By Skylark ( 2:43)
07. Freerony ( 3:18)
08. Uncle M ( 5:06)
09. 6 Umbrellas ( 2:24)
10. Bremen ( 8:47)
11. Helia ( 3:20)

The classically trained, Croatian born pianist Matija Dedic’ certainly wears his Euro-classical heritage on his sleeve, and why not? Putting that heritage together with a potent American rhythm section can be an exciting collision of Old World jazz with New World jazz.

And so it is with Sentiana, Dedic’s third and latest album, featuring Yankee bassist Scott Colley and Pat Metheny’s prime drummer from Mexico City, Antonio Sanchez. The other distinction of Sentiana is that this is one that showcases Dedic’s aptitude for composing; ten of these eleven songs are his. Some people might expect a certain stuffiness from an Old World guy, but that doesn’t describe Dedic’. His playfulness often goes hand-in-hand with his pursuit of some choral notion or a good swift, knotted riff.

The touch he applies on “Sentiana” gives it superb flow with dramatic moments that bracket lithe progressions. Sometimes it feels like a classic ECM piano trio recording and other times Chick Corea. Regardless of what it evokes, it’s clear that Dedic’ has chops. Making good use of the immense talent, Colley’s taut, bouncy bass lines match the pianist’s own virtuosity and Sanchez solos underneath to power the trio right up to the conclusion.

“Coutlett” begins with quick-paced, stop/start action that can test the togetherness of any group, but these guys got this. Colley launches a solo early on, cooling down the hot start, and Dedic’s rapid right-hand runs are followed by Sanchez’s controlled rumbling. “Uncle M” is bop updated with plenty of modernity, Dedic swings with effusiveness, after which Colley solos with a few Sanchez asides tossed in. Still, the piano improvising on “Bremen” is the most tireless and stimulating of all.

Dedic & Co. stretch out the most on “Deep” a tune that’s classically inclined, dramatic, and floating without tempo, save for a couple of brief, rhumba type moments. It even slides into a brief free jazz excursion at one point.

A full half dozen of these performances are done by Dedic alone. “Green Dolphin Street” is treated well with a stately, European interpretation. Other solo pieces, like “Plan B” and “Helia” lay Dedic’s pretty, twisting melodies to bare, rendered with the flair and dexterity of a master concert pianist.

With heavy hitters like Antonio Sanchez and Scott Colley prominently headlined on the CD cover, perhaps a few more trio tracks and a couple less piano-only tracks could have made Sentiana live up to the billing a little better. Then again, it’s hard to against Dedic’s prowess as a solo performer, too. In either setting, he delivers the goods. ~S. Victor Aaron

Sentiana

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Rhonda Lehman - On Gossamer Wings

Size: 157,1 MB
Time: 67:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Since I Fell for You (4:55)
02. It Had to Be You (3:23)
03. As Time Goes By (2:50)
04. What a Difference a Day Makes (3:44)
05. What a Wonderful World (3:17)
06. I've Got a Crush On You (2:53)
07. At Last (4:18)
08. God Bless the Child (2:55)
09. The Way You Look Tonight (4:00)
10. Unforgettable (4:03)
11. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (4:42)
12. I Wish You Love (3:27)
13. Where or When (4:05)
14. All of Me (3:09)
15. But Not for Me (2:48)
16. I Hear Music Medley (4:25)
17. Just One of Those Things (3:52)
18. Cry Me a River (4:28)

These are some of the greatest songs ever written. They have stood the test of time and are loved by people all over the world. Every one of these wonderful old songs have been given a new arrangement tailor made for Rhonda's voice and recorded using live instruments in studio. The album was created as the kind of album that you can play as you are going about your day or having a relaxing dinner with someone you love. Nothing heavy. Not life changing. This one is just for fun.

Bio:
A graduate of Indiana University School of Music, singing has always been very important to Rhonda. While at Indiana University, Rhonda studied under the late great Eileen Farrell and was a soloist with the Singing Hoosiers. She has worked as a soloist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic enjoying every moment on stage. Rhonda has served as emcee to local beauty pageants, has directed choirs, both adult and children's, has performed leading roles in the civic theater & had her own radio talk show.
In 2004, Rhonda was diagnosed with breast cancer and for a brief time, lost her ability to sing. With the cancer treatments behind her, Rhonda is determined to do whatever she can to encourage and strengthen others who are going through difficult times.

On Gossamer Wings

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Bebo Best & The Super Lounge Orchestra - Bossa & Sitar

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:21
Size: 153,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:54)  1. Dolce Vita
(4:13)  2. Out Of Myself (Radio Mix)
(4:21)  3. Magic World Remix
(4:35)  4. Teu Corpo
(4:39)  5. Whole Lotta Love
(5:07)  6. La Fleur De La Musique
(4:22)  7. Beat Conductor
(4:38)  8. Afinado Remix
(4:02)  9. Samba Wonder
(3:32) 10. Life Is On The Sea
(3:43) 11. Entao Eu Vou
(5:06) 12. Bass 70
(4:30) 13. Riempimi Di Baci
(4:28) 14. Sigo Vere Mama
(4:07) 15. Bollywood Ghost Dance

I thought that well orchestrated/arranged lounge/dance music with its own character was from a different time (50s->60s), but this project proves me wrong, even when the arrangements are not blasted by a huge orchestra, the effect remains the same. Leading talent for this is Bebo Best, an experienced composer/arranger and multi-instrumentalist with his awards in filmmusic (some movies that played on the Venice International Film Festival), theatre and other projects (he played on works like ‘electronic paintings’ for Wim Wenders). He also collaborated before with people like Gilberto Gil, Jon Hassel, Steven Brown, Steve Reich, Michael Nyman, Wim Mertens, Trilok Gurtu, Sinead O’Connor, Sakamoto, Frank Zappa, guitarist David Torn (D.Sylvian, J.Garbarek, Don Cherry). 

The music is perfectly arranged with clarity and a bit of humour, and there are chosen perfect voices, there’s a warm whistling added. Not one note is too much, and the effect is equally suiting for dance purposes as for a perfect listening experience. There is no exploitation whatsoever of the concept of sitar nor bossa nova. The sitar only delivers just here and there the right accents, and the music switches from samba (often) over bossa nova (mostly) over hints of chachacha, disco-swing, and so on, with a few clever hints to known samba classics (like on “Whole Little Love”, a track from which brilliantely takes and reshapes a few riffs the Led Zeppelin rock classic), and a few modern beats (fastened sambas,..). There is more a Brazil flavour to whatever is composed and arranged. A great album. ~ http://www.psychefolk.com/bollywoodbeat.html

Bossa & Sitar

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Ben Wolfe - From Here I See

Styles:  Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:54
Size: 128,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. The Good Doctor
(6:32)  2. Angela
(6:25)  3. Baby Tiger
(1:47)  4. Interlude
(5:40)  5. So Lovely
(4:38)  6. Mellow As You Please
(2:02)  7. Lovely Lady
(4:08)  8. Who's Lily?
(6:22)  9. How You Love
(5:57) 10. Two-Beat Numba
(3:36) 11. From Here I See
(2:09) 12. 12 More

If you were to initially mistake From Here I See for a leaderless small-combo session with strings, chances are Ben Wolfe would be pleased. The bassist-composer isn’t merely in self-effacing form on this outing he puts into play a group of top-flight musicians who adroitly and discreetly follow suit. As Branford Marsalis comments in his accompanying liner notes, “… there is no overplaying … no massive technical displays of prowess or excessively long solos on the entire recording. The single focus seems to be on serving the melody.” Yes, the melodies that’s where the album’s chief allure resides. Though Wolfe solos sparingly, his imprint here is evident throughout the album’s dozen selections tunes that may or may not have been written with precisely this lineup in mind. It’s hard to imagine, however, Wolfe wishing for a more striking take on his gorgeous ballad “Angela,” a melody softly illuminated and embellished by guitarist Russell Malone, or a more appealing performance of the waltzing “Who’s Lily?,” a splendid showcase for Malone, pianist Orrin Evans and its composer.  

Likewise, Wolfe takes full advantage of the remaining talent gathered, providing trumpeter Wynton Marsalis with more than ample inspiration on two cuts, the highlight being the lyrical gem “So Lovely.” The Baltimore-bred bassist also neatly accommodates his reedmen JD Allen and, on two particularly enjoyable tracks, Marcus Strickland. Drummer Donald Edwards, dependable as ever, rounds out the rhythm section. As for the string quartet, it’s far from intrusive, often helping reveal the melodic charms inherent in Wolfe’s writing. ~ Mike Joyce  http://jazztimes.com/articles/93065-from-here-i-see-ben-wolfe.

Personnel: Ben Wolfe: acoustic bass; Cyrus Beroukhim, Owen Dalby (violin); Kenji Bunch (viola); Greg Hesselink (cello); JD Allen (tenor saxophone); Orrin Evans (piano); Donald Edwards (drums).

From Here I See

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Art Blakey Quintet - A Night At Birdland, Vol.1 And Vol.2 [Live]

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream

Year: 1954

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 53:10

Size: 122,0 MB

Art: Front

Disc 1

(0:58)  1. Annoucement By Pee Wee Marquette

(8:44)  2. Split Kick

(5:18)  3. Once In A While

(6:58)  4. Quicksilver

(9:20)  5. A Night In Tunisia

(6:19)  6. Mayreh

(6:53)  7. Wee-Dot [Alternate Take]

(8:37)  8. Blues (Improvisation)

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Disc 2

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream

Year: 1954

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 52:01

Size: 119,3 MB

Art: Front

( 7:16)  1. Wee-Dot

( 3:30)  2. If I Had You

( 8:46)  3. Quicksilver [Alternate Take]

( 9:00)  4. Now's The Time

( 9:10)  5. Confirmation

(10:14)  6. The Way You Look Tonight

( 4:00)  7. Lou's Blues

We should all stand up right now and applaud Alfred Lion and Rudy Van Gelder of Blue Note Records for rolling the tapes at Birdland on a February night in 1954. Lion and Van Gelder captured drummer Art Blakey's quintet at the New York nightclub on a night when they were really cooking. Because of their efforts, listeners have been able to relive A Night at Birdland whenever they wanted to. Now, Van Gelder has digitally remastered the two-volume set. Originally, nine songs recorded that night were released on three 10-inch records. Two years later, an alternate take of Horace Silver's "Quicksilver" had been added to the expanded 12-inch format. In 1975, three additional songs and an alternate track of "Wee-Dot" were added to the two albums. Volume Two features the quote from Blakey that became the credo for what would become the Jazz Messengers: "I'm going to stay with the youngsters. 

When these get too old, I'm going to get some younger ones. It keeps the mind active." The two discs (sold separately) have some amazing performances from Blakey's quintet, including their interpretations of classics like "A Night in Tunisia," "Now's the Time" and "Confirmation" (also, check out the drum break on "Mayreh" and "The Way You Look Tonight"). "Once in a While" features the incredible talent of Brown, who's able to create a gentle melody, then weave in and out of the chords in the cut-time section with the greatest of ease. Meanwhile, Lou Donaldson and Clifford Brown lay down monster solos behind Silver's chords on the improvised tune simply titled "Blues," the backbone of what would be coined hard bop. Silver even takes a romp around the keys. "Wee-Dot" and "Quicksilver" each have alternate takes, but the master version of “Wee-Dot” has more prodding from Blakey, as well as the alternate version of "Quicksilver," which has a faster tempo. Curly Russell is given a chance to solo on both alternates. Listening to these two songs side-by-side with their alternate tracks shows the quintet's amazing ability to create something new for the same tune. To put it simply, Blakey and company had clicked that night at Birdland. ~ Michael Fortuna   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=8511#.Uzg6fFdSvro

Personnel: Clifford Brown, trumpet; Lou Donaldson, alto saxophone; Horace Silver, piano; Curly Russell, bass; Art Blakey, drums

A Night At Birdland, Vol. 1 [Live]

A Night At Birdland, Vol. 2 [Live]

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