Susan Egan - The Secret Of Happiness

Size: 102,1 MB
Time: 43:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Musical Apology (2:30)
02. All Things In Time (3:59)
03. Bridge Over Troubled Water (5:54)
04. Children Will Listen (Duet With Georgia Stitt) (2:48)
05. Cock-Eyed Optimist (3:04)
06. From The Stars (Isla's Song) (3:39)
07. I Have You (3:29)
08. Momsense (3:00)
09. Nina Doesn't Care (3:13)
10. The Me Of The Moment (3:40)
11. The Secret Of Happiness (2:54)
12. The Wanting Of You (5:15)

Best known for her Tony-nominated performance in Beauty and the Beast and her role as Meg in Disney's Hercules, star of stage and screen Susan Egan's fifth studio album, The Secret of Happiness, is a refreshingly tongue-in-cheek affair that showcases a sense of humor often absent from similar musical theater-based albums. Having given birth to two children since 2006's Winter Tracks, it's no surprise that her recently extended family appears to have provided much of the inspiration for its 12 theatrical tracks, whether it's the orchestral cover version of "Momsense," Christian comedian Anita Renfroe's YouTube sensation that reeled off her everyday sayings against a backdrop of The William Tell Overture; the emotive duet with producer Georgia Stitt on a rendition of "Children Will Listen," Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods Broadway number based on the relationship between child and parent; or the self-penned "Nina Doesn't Care," a delightfully self-deprecating account of her daughter's disinterest at having a Disney Princess as a mom. She's just as playful elsewhere, whether it's her simple acoustic take on Christine Lavin's regretful roll call of insults hurled during a fight ("And I was kidding when I said I hope the #103 bus hits and makes a pancake out of you"), her unique declaration of love on the heartfelt piano balladry of "I Have You" ("Newton had his apple/Michaelangelo had the Sistine chapel...I have you"), or her breezy jazz-tinged interpretation of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific standard "Cock-Eyed Optimist." A gorgeously hushed and understated reworking of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the string-soaked self-help guide of the title track are proof, if any were needed, that she can play the leading lady just as well as the comic foil. But The Secret of Happiness is undoubtedly at its most endearing when it doesn't take itself too seriously. ~Review by Jon O'Brien

The Secret Of Happiness

---

Ray Brown Jr. - The Best Of Ray Brown Jr.

Size: 140,6 MB
Time: 60:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Art: Front

01. On Broadway (5:24)
02. Can't Take My Eyes Off You (4:52)
03. Misty (3:18)
04. Sunny Side Of The Street (3:46)
05. Cheek To Cheek (6:04)
06. I Wish You Love (4:36)
07. Fever (5:38)
08. Everybody's Cryin' Mercy (4:04)
09. Lady Is A Tramp (3:17)
10. Ordinary Fool (4:29)
11. Oh Pretty Woman (3:31)
12. I'm Beginning To See The Light (2:41)
13. Who Can I Turn To (4:56)
14. Lullaby Of Birdland (3:30)

The adopted son of Ray Brown and Ella Fitzgerald, he was born in New York City, New York to Fitzgerald's half-sister Frances. Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and many others were regular visitors during his childhood.

After moving to California when he was 10, Ray discovered a passion for the drums and for singing. He attended Beverly Hills High School where he sang with school groups which toured at local festivals and hospitals.

His father arranged for him to study with jazz percussionists Bill Douglass and Chuck Flores. Despite his jazz roots he admits that his interest in performing rock music was an act of rebellion. "I used to drive my parents crazy with this. I told my father a few years before he died, you know a lot of times I played that music 'cause I just wanted to see the look on your face.".

His mother's 1964 single "Ringo Beat" was inspired by her son's interest in rock music.

He moved to Seattle in 1971, studying with another drummer, Bill Coleman, Sr. It was at this time that Brown, Jr. began writing songs in addition to playing drums and piano.

In the late 1980s Brown toured the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Alaska, Japan, Korea and Guam performing in tours for the United States Department of Defense. Like his famous parents, Brown, Jr. says he loves performing on the road. He states,

"I love to tour. I've been able to see a lot of the world and I just absolutely enjoyed being able to be with different types of people, different cultures and to see the world. It's just kind of broadened who I am as a person, which eventually will filter down into the music, the influences.".

In 2001, Brown recorded his debut album Slow Down for Love on SRI Jazz, which reached the top 50 of the Gavin Report. His second album, Committed from the Heart, was released in 2003. His sound has been described as an adult contemporary pop sound layered with R&B. Ray Brown, Jr. wrote and arranged all the songs on both CDs.

Additionally in 2003, Brown debuted on the Las Vegas Strip, performing five nights a week in the Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera hotel and casino.

In 2007 he released the album Stand by Me.

In September 2008, Ray Brown Jr. released a duets-style album, Friends and Family, produced by Shelly Liebowitz, on SRI Jazz, a division of SRI Records. Vocal artists on this album include Jane Monheit, Melba Moore, James Moody, Maria Muldaur, Dr. John, Dionne Warwick, Freda Payne, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Dave Somerville, Kim Hoyer, and Sally Kellerman. Additional instrumental performances appear on some of the album tracks with artists David "Fathead" Newman, James Moody, Dr. John, Dr. Lonnie Smith and jazz vibraphonist Terry Gibbs. Also included on the album is Brown's daughter Haylee singing "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", which song was made famous by her grandmother. There is also a bonus track with Ray's parents in a live version of "How High The Moon", with Ella Fitzgerald and Brown Jr. on vocals and Ray Brown (musician) playing bass. His style has been described as more RnB influenced material.

The Best Of Ray Brown Jr.

---

Ross Wooldridge - Ross Wooldridge & His Tribute To The Benny Goodman Sextet

Size: 116,1 MB
Time: 49:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Airmail Special (5:35)
02. Honeysuckle Rose (4:24)
03. Memories Of You (5:28)
04. Slipped Disc (3:32)
05. Running Wild (3:07)
06. Avalon (3:23)
07. After You've Gone (3:43)
08. Bernie's Tune (3:23)
09. Moonglow (3:27)
10. Flying Home (4:48)
11. Liza (3:19)
12. Goodbye (5:33)

Ross Wooldridge was born 1962 in Hamilton Ontario. He showed early musical ability, and was taking piano lessons by age four. He was self-taught on clarinet at age 13, and took saxophone at Ancaster High and Vocational School.Ross Wooldridge

While attending Mohawk College and Humber College (where he also picked up the flute), he honed his skills as a multi instrumentalist, arranger and composer. After finishing his education, he added to his portfolio of skills the titles of producer, conductor, transcription specialist and teacher.

He enjoys co-leading an excellent traditional jazz band known as the Dixie Demons with trombonist Dan Douglas, as well as a busy career of playing and recording with Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, Alex Pangman and her Alley Cats, Jaymz Bee and the Royal Jelly Orchestra, Alfie Zappacosta, Terra Hazelton and her Easy Answers, and many other local artists. Ross has produced CD’s for the Dixie Demons and Alex Pangman, both of which have garnered rave reviews and continually receive airplay on JazzFm and other radio stations across North America.

Additionally, Ross is the leader/musical director of Toronto’s Galaxy All Star Orchestra, a big band specializing in the swing music of the 1930’s through the 1950’s. He has written many of the arrangements the band plays, and produced their CD “Tribute to the Kings of Swing” which is played regularly on JazzFm and other radio stations across North America. Their latest show is “Benny Meets Artie – A Tribute to the Big Bands of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman”.

Another of Ross’s notable achievements is his critically acclaimed Tribute to Benny Goodman Sextet. This group was featured at a sold out concert presented by JazzFM and The Sound of Toronto Jazz Series in 2005, and they have been in demand ever since. They have released to excellent reviews a new CD for 2012, recorded at a concert performance.

As well as his extensive local resume, Ross has performed with and arranged music for a number of international stars, among them Ben E. King, the Drifters.Ross Woolridge Tribute to Benny Goodman Sextet

Instruments: Piano, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute.

National Jazz Awards, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.

Ross Wooldridge & His Tribute To The Benny Goodman Sextet

---

Claudio Roditi - Two Of Swords

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 72:05
Size: 165.0 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Latin jazz
Year: 1991/2007
Art: Front

[7:50] 1. Two Of Swords
[5:25] 2. Rua Dona Margarida
[4:34] 3. Airegin
[7:26] 4. Portrait Of Art
[5:57] 5. Dom Joaquim Braga
[6:23] 6. How I Miss Rio
[9:32] 7. Secret Love
[6:05] 8. Blues For H.O.
[6:12] 9. Pra Mim
[6:21] 10. Con Alma
[6:16] 11. Thabo (To Michael Carvin)

Recorded at two separate sessions on September 24 and 25, 1990, Two of Swords finds Claudio Roditi leading two separate groups. One of them, which he calls a "Brazilian Quintet," employs trombonist Jay Ashby, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca -- the other, which he calls a "Jazz Quartet," includes pianist Danílo Perez, bassist David Finck and drummer Akira Tana. Both groups serve Roditi well, and both of them are hard bop-oriented. The main difference between the two, apart from personnel, is the fact that "the Brazilian Quintet" is more overtly Brazilian-influenced. "The Brazilian Quintet" is still playing hard bop, but it's hard bop that is more consistently mindful of the samba beat that Roditi was surrounded by growing up in Rio de Janeiro. While "the Brazilian Quintet" sticks to Roditi's own compositions, "the Jazz Quartet" embraces Roditi originals as well as "Secret Love," Sonny Rollins' "Airegin" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" (which is "the Jazz Quartet"'s most Latin-influenced offering). Two of Swords won't win any awards for being cutting-edge or groundbreaking, but for bop played with plenty of soul and conviction, you can't go wrong with this CD. ~Alex Henderson

Two Of Swords

---

Mose Allison - Ramblin' With Mose Allison

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:09
Size: 119.4 MB
Styles: Cool jazz, Vocal jazz
Year: 1958/2006
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. I Got A Right To Cry
[5:10] 2. Old Devil Moon
[3:30] 3. The Minstrels
[4:23] 4. You Belong To Me
[5:29] 5. Stranger In Paradise
[4:33] 6. The Kissin' Bug
[3:12] 7. Ramble
[3:56] 8. Saritha
[2:20] 9. Old Man John
[3:03] 10. Ingenue
[5:03] 11. Old Devil Moon (alternate take)
[5:51] 12. Stranger In Paradise (alternate take)
[3:27] 13. Ramble (alternate take)

Mose Allison's Ramblin' with Mose was released in 1958. Other than the opening track, a stellar read of Joe Liggins' blues "I Got a Right to Cry," this is an entirely instrumental album. Bassist Addison Farmer and drummer Ronnie Free accompany the pianist as he rips through "Stranger in Paradise" from the score of Kismet at a tempo that would make the composer dizzy; his "Old Devil Moon," moves through some Latin changes and even rhythmic figures before bringing the tune back to earth, and his own "Ramble" is a scorching back-country blues jaunt that offers some evidence of Allison's mighty left-hand skills. Allison displays absolutely brilliant instrumental prowess as both an arranger and as an improviser. His unique, often unorthodox interpretations of standards and pop songs set him apart from virtually every one of his peers. ~ Thom Jurek

Mose Allison (piano, vocals); Addison Farmer (bass instrument); Ronnie Free (drums).

Ramblin' With Mose Allison

---

Barney Kessel - Contemporary Latin Rhythms

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 30:25
Size: 69.6 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 1963/2005
Art: Front

[2:36] 1. Blues In The Night
[2:27] 2. Days Of Wine And Roses
[2:29] 3. Latin Dance No. 1
[3:28] 4. Lady Byrd
[4:13] 5. One Note Samba
[3:08] 6. The Peanut Vendor
[3:10] 7. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas
[3:44] 8. Everytime I Hear This Song
[2:45] 9. Love
[2:21] 10. Twilight In Acapulco

A wonderful wonderful set from Barney Kessel – bossa-inflected jazz, and a wonderful setting for Barney to hit some very groovy lines on electric guitar! The group on the date is part of the strength of the record – with Conte Candoli on trumpet, Emil Richards on vibes, Paul Horn on flute, and Victor Feldman on piano – with loads of great percussion and guitar interplay on the set, plus some excellent use of flute and vibes – all of which makes for the sort of session that really translates the Brazilian groove into the best sort of sound the LA scene was cutting at the time! Nice, light, and dancing rhythms – and titles that include "Love", "Days Of Wine & Roses", "Latin Dance #1", "Lady Byrd", and "One Note Samba".

Contemporary Latin Rhythms

---

Lulu Roman - At Last

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:07
Size: 103,0 MB
Art: Front

(2:55)  1. At Last
(4:01)  2. Summertime
(3:51)  3. Get Here
(3:31)  4. Fever
(3:35)  5. You Needed Me
(2:45)  6. In My Life
(3:50)  7. You Don't Know Me
(3:09)  8. 'Til I Can Make It On My Own
(3:49)  9. Killing Me Softly (With His Song)
(3:55) 10. You Are So Beautiful
(3:46) 11. I Will Always Love You
(3:55) 12. Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Hee Haw alum Lulu Roman has a voice as large as her personality. But on At Last, “a collection of standards and classics,” she succeeds by reining it in, interpreting such gems as “At Last” and “Summertime” with a steadiness that belies her boisterous TV years as a cornfield comic. The title track is tailor-made for cocktail hour, while “Killing Me Softly” evokes the tropics with a flamenco flourish. Other selections, however, “You Needed Me” and The Beatles’ “In My Life,” in particular, suffer from karaoke blandness. Fortunately, the appearance of Dolly Parton on “I Will Always Love You” and Lulu’s moving reading of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” wrap up the project on a note almost as high as her old Hee Haw ’do. ~ Joseph Hudak   http://www.countryweekly.com/reviews/last-lulu-roman

Personnel: Kerry Marx (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , David Angell (violin); Kristin Wilkinson (viola); John Catchings (cello); Gordon Mote (piano); Tommy Wells (percussion).

At Last

---

Jennifer Scott - Mile 41

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:41
Size: 115,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Clean Up Your Own Backyard
(4:41)  2. Devon In Yorkshire
(2:52)  3. Just In Time
(5:17)  4. Secret O' Life
(4:32)  5. Whims Of Chambers
(4:53)  6. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(4:30)  7. Armando's Rhumba
(4:55)  8. Case Of You
(5:06)  9. Why Don't You Do Right
(4:31) 10. Hallelujah
(3:51) 11. If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight

Mile 41, the latest studio recording by one of Canada's finest Jazz singers is very much like a road trip. From straight ahead jazz to the avant garde and calling upon Scott's love and knowlege of funk, pop and blues  this CD represents all that makes this singer truly great. It's like a travelogue through all different regions, or genres, but is made cohesive by the fine musicians who play on this recording. Jennifer Scott has performed with Jazz legends like: Clark Terry, Gene Bertoncini, Don Thompson & Tommy Banks, to name but a few. 

Her selection of material is impeccable here  gems from the Great Canadian Songbook (Case Of You, Hallelujah), bass/vocal duets of instrumental tunes done vocalese-style (Whims Of Chambers, Armando's Rhumba), great standards (Why Don't You Do Right, Just In Time)  even an Elvis tune (Clean Up Your Own Backyard)! Scott proves, once again, that there are few that can improvise with as much melodic and harmonic skill, her reading of a ballad is also a delight. This recording also features multi-reedist/flautist Tom Keenlyside, Rene Worst on Bass and Drummer, Bernie Arai.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jenniferscott6

Mile 41

---

Ben Webster & Harry Edison - Complete Sextet Studio Sessions Disc 1 And Disc 2

Styles: Saxophone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:56 (Disc 1)
Size: 174,6 MB (Disc 1)
Time: 68:48 (Disc 2)
Size: 162,5 MB (Disc 2)
Art: Front

Disc 1

(3:38)  1. Hollering at the Watkins
(6:02)  2. Used To Be Basie
(3:48)  3. How Deep Is The Ocean
(8:13)  4. Studio Call
(4:50)  5. Willow Weep For Me
(5:09)  6. Opus
(3:24)  7. Love Is Here To Stay
(3:35)  8. K.M.Blues
(7:15)  9. Walkin' With Sweets
(7:02) 10. The Night Is Blue
(7:22) 11. Easy On The Eyes
(6:50) 12. Just A Mood
(8:42) 13. Sunrise Blues

---

Disc 2

(4:49)  1. Blues For The Blues
(7:37)  2. Blues For Piney Brown
(3:56)  3. Moonlight In Vermont
(7:02)  4. Taste On The Place
(3:31)  5. Gee Baby I Ain't That Good To You
(9:31)  6. Blues For Bill Basie
(6:51)  7. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(5:53)  8. Blues For The Blues
(3:07)  9. Alone Together
(3:37) 10. Willow Weep For Me
(3:27) 11. Bidin My Time
(3:26) 12. Makin Whopee
(2:32) 13. Moon Song
(3:22) 14. Louise

Although they originally became famous for playing with different big bands (trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison with Count Basie and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster with Duke Ellington), the two very distinctive swing stylists recorded together frequently in the late 1950s including with Billie Holiday. The music on this two-CD set is drawn from four different record projects from 1956-1957. A pair of Edison-led records, Sweets and Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You?, are reissued in full. The two horns are joined on the former set by pianist Jimmy Rowles and guitarist Barney Kessel in the rhythm quartet while the latter has the Oscar Peterson Quartet. 

Not too surprisingly, the music is strongly influenced by Count Basie and the emphasis is on basic originals along with occasional standards. Also on this two-fer are the four numbers from Dave Garroway's Some of My Favorites LP that feature the two horns with Rowles and vibraphonist Red Norvo, and the six Woody Herman vocals from Songs for Hip Lovers that also have Edison and Webster. While it would also be desirable to acquire the Garroway and Herman sets in full, this is a generous two-fer that has Webster and Edison playing in prime form throughout. Fun and swinging music.             ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/complete-sextet-studio-sessions-mw0000452794

Personnel:  Ben Webster, tenor sax; Harry Sweets Edison, trumpet; Oscar Peterson, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Ray Brown, bass & Alvin Stoller, drums

Complete Sextet Studio Sessions Disc 1

Complete Sextet Studio Sessions Disc 2

---

Kenny Davern - Breezin Along

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:20
Size: 152,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:08)  1. Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down
(5:42)  2. Jazz Me Blues
(8:55)  3. Rose Room
(7:45)  4. Dark Eyes
(6:03)  5. Baby, Won't You Please Come Home
(6:58)  6. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
(4:18)  7. I Surrender Dear
(6:23)  8. Exactly Like You
(6:50)  9. My Mama Socks Me
(7:14) 10. Breezin' Along With The Breeze

By the time of this 1996 CD, Kenny Davern already had a full career of accomplishments, and for years, he had had his own sound and a technique that allowed him to hit very high notes with ease. For this set, he is joined by two masterful guitarists (Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli) in a pianoless rhythm section that also includes bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Tony DeNicola. The strong repertoire (mostly Dixieland and swing standards, plus the leader's minor-tinged song "My Mama Socks Me"), the quiet but heated backup group and Davern's own enthusiasm results in this being one of his finest showcases. Highlights include "Jazz Me Blues," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Breeezin' Along with the Breeze." Highly recommended to fans of the pre-bop clarinet. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/breezin-along-mw0000029123

Personnel includes: Kenny Davern (clarinet); Howard Alden, Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Greg Cohen (bass); Tony DeNicola (drums).

Breezin Along

---