Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Allan Vache Sextette - Swing And Other Things

Size: 155,4 MB
Time: 66:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Jazz Instrument, Swing, Clarinet
Art: Front

01. June Night (5:04)
02. Nancy With The Laughing Face (4:03)
03. Topsy (4:23)
04. Just One Of Those Things (5:11)
05. Indian Summer (4:58)
06. Rachel's Dream (3:35)
07. Autumn Leaves (5:11)
08. Limehouse Blues (5:49)
09. You Turned The Tables On Me 2 (4:48)
10. Hi Ya Sophia (3:23)
11. Time After Time (5:30)
12. He Loves And She Loves (5:05)
13. Cheek To Cheek (9:26)

Allan Vache, best known for his longtime association with Jim Cullum, is a fiery, chance-taking clarinetist whose main influence is Benny Goodman. The BG connection is felt even stronger than usual on this CD due to the instrumentation (the same as the first Benny Goodman Sextet), the 1940s-era standards, and the playing of the sidemen. Pianist Johnny Varro has long kept Teddy Wilson's sound alive, vibraphonist John Cocuzzi recalls both Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo, and brother/cornetist Warren Vache makes a welcome guest appearance on "Cheek to Cheek"; it is a pity that he is not on more selections. Although a touch derivative, Allan Vache is heard in top form throughout the enjoyable set, and such rarely performed numbers as "June Night," "Rachel's Dream" and Mel Powell's "Hi Ya, Sophia" are among the highlights. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Edison Studios, New York, NY (06/11/1996). Arrangers: John Sheridan; Johnny Varro.

Personnel: Allan Vaché (clarinet); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Warren Vaché (cornet); Johnny Varro (piano); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Swing And Other Things

Lauren Dawes - For Eva: An Eva Cassidy Story (Live At Ginger's)

Size: 133,3 MB
Time: 57:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Time Is A Healer (Live) (4:12)
02. Wade In The Water (Live) (4:49)
03. Wayfareing Stranger (Live) (5:43)
04. Guess It Doesn't Matter Anymore (Live) (3:15)
05. Stormy Monday (Live) (9:35)
06. Autumn Leaves (Live) (4:39)
07. Easy Street Dream (Live) (4:43)
08. Take Me To The River (Live) (5:23)
09. The Letter (Live) (7:35)
10. Fields Of Gold (Live) (3:47)
11. Over The Rainbow (Live) (4:01)

With a talented group of musicians, Lauren features in this special show, "For Eva: An Eva Cassidy Story" performing some of the great original & cover interpretations left behind by this beautiful, influential artist! An American Singer & Guitarist, Eva Marie Cassidy was well known for her interpretations of Jazz, Blues, Folk, Gospel, Country & Pop classics.

Born in Washington D.C in 1963, she was virtually unknown outside of her home town. She officially released only two albums during her life, one of which was the popular "Live at Blues Alley" released in 1996 the same year as her untimely death. It wasn't until the year 2000, that Eva Cassidy was bought to some world-wide attention when her version of "Over The Rainbow" was played by Terry Wogan on BBC radio 2. With such an overwhelming response, a camcorder recording of the same song was featured in Top Of The Pops 2 on BBC 2 to even greater acclaim. Shortly after this, the compilation album "Songbird" climbed to the top of the UK Album Charts, almost 3 years after its initial release! This chart success in the UK and Ireland lead to increased recognition of Eva Cassidy's work WORLDWIDE and what followed were a series of recordings released after her death. Three of these albums became no.1 records in the UK and have sold more than 10 million copies! As an artist who has now charted top 10 positions in Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway & Switzerland, Eva Cassidy is now proving to have a significant influence on vocalists and musicians worldwide.

This show, "For Eva: an Eva Cassidy story" pays tribute to this wonderful artist and her beautiful interpretations of classic songs. Featuring "Fields of Gold", "Songbird", "Over The Rainbow", "People Get Ready", "Wade In The Water", "Stormy Monday" + many, many more performed by the beautiful Lauren Dawes & band, this is a show not to be missed!

For Eva

Ed Stallman - Ed Stallman

Size: 101,9 MB
Time: 43:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Smooth Jazz, Blues
Art: Front

01. Stevie Ray (4:01)
02. Sugar Rush (2:56)
03. Last Night (4:19)
04. Slow Burn (2:59)
05. Badass Blues (4:37)
06. Fret Fever (2:29)
07. Night Grooves (2:32)
08. Just Friends (5:57)
09. Funk 'n A (3:01)
10. New World (3:53)
11. Pulse Party (3:44)
12. Groove Thing (3:23)

Ed Stallman: Guitar (electric), Keyboards

Ed Stallman is a guitarist and keyboardist from San Diego who currently plays instrumental blues, jazz, and rock. All songs are produced, engineered, and recorded by Ed Stallman at Coastal Eddie Studio. "I have combined sequenced background music and lead guitar parts to create some really groovy tunes. I am a 30-year guitar, keyboard, and vocal pro. I have sold thousands of CDs and downloads on the Internet and have amassed over two million downloads and streams of my songs to date.

Ed Stallman

Ria Falken - Poetry Of Love

Size: 83,7 MB
Time: 36:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Angel In Disguise (3:15)
02. Call Me Please (3:41)
03. From Me To You Duo (3:02)
04. From Me To You (3:02)
05. Many Reasons (3:08)
06. Mentiras (3:51)
07. Mi Amor (4:29)
08. Special Thing (3:41)
09. What Remains (4:01)
10. Win Or Lose (3:52)

Jazz standards by Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and original compositions belong to their repertoire.

Swing or Latin rhythms or even ballads, Ria Falken's voice touched and your unique timbre is unmistakable.

As a child she wants nothing more than to learn an instrument, begins with 7 years to which they then also soon used her voice to play the piano.

It makes your degree in a artistic-arts high school and soon realizes her love for poetry.

Poems and short stories flow from your pen.

During her classical vocal training she sings in several bands and choirs, making sound recordings for advertising and film and lands a hit in 2006 with the specially written song "Mi Amor".

The record label Wave Music gives her a contract and they must publish their bilingual song alongside new stars like Macy Gray.

Easy Listening Jazz, music that pleases the ear, a voice touches the texts and have the depth that draws from the music that is being composed by R. Preuss and by Ria Hawk implemented. ~online translation

Poetry Of Love

Nat Pierce - 5400 North

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:14
Size: 121.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1978/1996
Art: Front

[7:41] 1. 5400 North
[7:16] 2. Pee Wee's Blues
[3:16] 3. Loverman/If I Had You
[3:41] 4. Detour Ahead
[5:13] 5. Love Begins
[2:48] 6. Sweet Lorraine
[4:24] 7. Sweet And Lovely
[7:53] 8. Blue Lou
[7:20] 9. There Will Never Be Another You
[2:49] 10. A Foggy Day
[0:48] 11. Sign Off

Recorded at a live outdoor concert, this date features pianist Nat Pierce leading a quintet that includes drummer Frank Capp (his co-leader with the Juggernaut big band), tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins, the talented but rarely heard trumpeter Dick Collins and bassist Bob Saravia. Mary Ann McCall, a veteran of the Woody Herman Orchestra, made very few recordings this late in her career, so it is a pleasure to hear the singer interpreting a few numbers (most notably "If I Had You" and "Detour Ahead"). Perk, Collins and Pierce are in fine form throughout the date, which includes three additional selections unearthed for the 1996 CD reissue. Highlights include Roy Eldridge's jumping blues "5400 North," Pierce's moody "Pee Wee's Blues" and "Blue Lou." ~Scott Yanow

5400 North

Judy Barnett - Swingin'

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:36
Size: 115.4 MB
Styles: Swing, jazz vocals
Year: 1998/2004
Art: Front

[3:12] 1. Let's Face The Music
[3:21] 2. Just One Of Those Things
[3:09] 3. Dancing In The Dark
[5:57] 4. Begin The Beguine
[2:37] 5. This Can't Be Love
[4:29] 6. Azalea
[4:00] 7. The Way You Look Tonight
[5:19] 8. Willow Weep For Me
[4:21] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[3:54] 10. A Bolt From The Blue
[2:19] 11. Where Or When
[3:57] 12. You'll Have To Swing It
[2:54] 13. Can't Take You Nowhere

On this set, Judy Barnett, a talented, always-swinging jazz singer, is backed by different instrumentation on most of the selections, including such guests as guitarist John Pizzarelli, Ken Peplowski on tenor and clarinet, trumpeter Bud Burridge, trombonist Mike Christianson, and a string quartet. Pianist Ted Kooshian provided the diverse arrangements. Barnett really digs into the lyrics of the songs, treating some as serious (and usually including the verses) and others as more lightweight, but still with charm. Among the songs she uplifts are "Just One of Those Things," "Begin the Beguine," Duke Ellington's "Azalea," "The Way You Look Tonight," an excellent version of "Willow Weep for Me," and "Where or When." She also does a close impression of Ella Fitzgerald on "You'll Have to Swing It (Mr. Paganini)." Well worth checking out, Judy Barnett deserves to be better-known. ~ Scott Yanow

John Pizzarelli (guitar); Heidi Modr (violin); Dana Winograd (cello); Aaron Heick (flute, alto saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Bud Burridge (trumpet, flugelhorn); Mike Christianson (trombone, bass trombone); Ted Kooshian (piano, synthesizer); Joe Ascione (drums); Marshall Rosenberg (percussion).

Swingin'

Al Viola - Guitars

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:37
Size: 138.8 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1959/2011
Art: Front

[2:30] 1. Moonlight In Vermont
[2:58] 2. Angel Eyes
[2:00] 3. Route 66
[2:13] 4. You And The Night And The Music
[2:04] 5. Always
[2:48] 6. I'll Take Romance
[2:25] 7. I Cover The Waterfront
[2:38] 8. And The Angels Sing
[2:45] 9. I'll Always Be In Love With You
[2:00] 10. Wait Til You See Her
[2:39] 11. I'll Remember April
[1:56] 12. The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else)
[3:23] 13. Lemon Twist
[2:15] 14. Blue Skies
[2:59] 15. Take Me In Your Arms
[2:45] 16. When You're Smiling
[2:23] 17. Sometimes I'm Happy
[2:51] 18. It Could Happen To You
[2:14] 19. Lonesome Road
[3:35] 20. Makin' Whoopee
[2:20] 21. It's Easy To Remember
[2:06] 22. All Star
[2:03] 23. Sophisticated Lady
[2:35] 24. Lover

Of all the adjectives that might be applied to Alfred Ferdinando Viola (1919- 2007), perhaps the most all-embracingly apt would be resourceful. A Brooklyn native who developed most of his career as a guitarist in Hollywood, he became known in the mid 40s as an integral part of the popular Page Cavanaugh Trio. Later, in the Fifties, when he joined Bobby Troup s trio, he worked and recorded with Julie London, Jimmy Witherspoon, June Christy and many other great singers most memorably Frank Sinatra in addition to holding the guitar chair with the diverse big bands and styles of Harry James, Nelson Riddle, Ray Anthony and Buddy Collette s modern jazz quintet. That hard-earned versatility is reflected in these late-50s recordings, in which he is a one-man guitar orchestra, performing and arranging all the parts himself. He recorded the rhythm and bass guitars separately on one tape for the basic rhythmic pattern. On another, the amplified or gut-stringed guitars were used for fills (in which the guitars were the equivalent of a brass, string or reed section). The first two tapes were then combined and the single-fingered solos were added on a third tape. Viola put them all together with judicious balancing, and gave each of the twelve standards its own individual treatment, with varied instruments used to provide the special effects. The fruit of his hard work and unquestioned ability is stunningly revealed in "The Guitars."

Guitars

Hinda Hoffman - Moon And Sand

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:54
Size: 153,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:47)  1. Wonder Why
(6:01)  2. Deep Purple
(4:03)  3. Whisper Not
(3:03)  4. The Lamp Is Low
(7:04)  5. Flower Medley - A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
(4:05)  6. Our Day Will Come
(6:21)  7. Day Dream
(4:58)  8. Comes Love
(4:37)  9. Dreamer
(3:56) 10. Day By Day
(6:08) 11. I Got It Bad, And That Ain't Good
(4:49) 12. Peel Me A Grape
(6:31) 13. Moon And Sand
(2:25) 14. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You

Several years have passed since last I heard Hinda Hoffman, and I’d almost forgotten what an absolutely marvelous singer she is. It’s good to be reminded of that, even though Hinda did have to produce this second album herself, as she did her first one. So why can’t someone with such conspicuous talent get a break? Why does she have to scratch out a living in Chicago, singing wherever and whenever she can find an open mic, while the Diana Kralls, Cassandra Wilsons and Nnenna Freelons of the world none of whom, in our opinion, can hold a candle to Hinda command generous recording contracts, light up festival marquees and earn mega–buck guarantees? I have a theory, and it is this: even though Hinda has a wonderful contralto voice, near perfect diction, enormous respect for a lyric, a keen sense of rhythm enhanced by an incisive feeling for Jazz inflection, and brace yourselves actually sings on key, she lacks the one ingredient that our image conscious society prizes more highly than talent, and that is glamor. 

Dress Hinda Hoffman in the finest furs and jewelry and she’d still be Hinda Hoffman, only dressier. Don't get me wrong; Hinda's not unattractive or anywhere near that, but she is, to put it as discreetly as possible, an average-looking brunette who happens to own an amazingly above-average singing voice. If  and we can’t be certain that’s the case  if Hinda’s less than provocative appearance counts as one strike against her, her determination to be a Jazz singer is no doubt another, and the third could well be the fact that she chooses to live in Chicago, not New York or L.A. Add ’em up and the result is that many people won’t hear her impressive renditions of “I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good),” “Deep Purple,” “Comes Love” and so many other memorable songs, and that is their loss, as Hinda pours her heart and soul into every number on this exemplary CD. As the late Steve Allen, a superb connoisseur of talent, observes in the album’s brief liner note, Hoffman is “one of the best singers in the business. She’s the real thing, a singer with not only a fine voice, but an authentic feeling for Jazz. You can understand her every word, and her simple sound is just lovely. 

For you ‘excellent freaks’ out there, [this album] is a treat.” We should add that she’s also an astute appraiser of songs, carefully reinvigorating Alec Wilder’s “Moon and Sand” and such other sleeping princes as “Day by Day,” “Wonder Why,” “Our Day Will Come” and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Dreamer” (lyrics by Gene Lees). To her credit, she sings Dave Frishberg’s seductive “Peel Me a Grape” her way, with any allusions to Blossom Dearie no more than coincidental. On that number, as on every other, Hoffman receives unflagging support from pianist Dennis Luxion (who divides time with Ron Perrillo), bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas. Hinda Hoffman is indeed, as Allen affirms, “the real thing,” and Moon and Sand is one of the few vocal albums to earn a permanent home in this finicky Jazz-lover's record library, in recompense for which I've one small favor to ask on your next album, Hinda, if there is to be one, please include your delightful version of the Gershwins' "Little Jazz Bird."~ Jack Bowers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/moon-and-sand-hinda-hoffman-expunged-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php#.U78Y6bFryM0 
 
Personnel: Hinda Hoffman (vocals); Dennis Luxion, Ron Perrillo (piano); Dennis Carroll (bass); George Gludas (drums).

Adam Schroeder - A Handful Of Stars

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:45
Size: 151,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:30)  1. I Don't Wanna Be Kissed (By Anyone But You)
(7:33)  2. Midwest Mash
(7:21)  3. Pensive Miss
(6:02)  4. Jessica's Birthday
(6:30)  5. I Happen To Be In Love
(4:38)  6. Hidden Within
(5:31)  7. Just In Time
(6:33)  8. Nascimento
(4:55)  9. A Handful Of Stars
(3:56) 10. Just A Sittin' & A Rockin'
(5:12) 11. It's All Right With Me

Adam Schroeder makes his debut as a leader with A Handful of Stars. Following a number of giants who have played the baritone sax, Schroeder's approach is closest to that of Gerry Mulligan, due to his emphasis on the big reed as a melodic instrument, plus his preference for a pianoless quartet. Schroeder, who has recorded with Clark Terry, Bennie Wallace, Taylor Eigsti, Anthony Wilson, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, recruited the co-leaders from the latter band, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, plus guitarist Graham Dechter (also a Clayton-Hamilton sideman). "I Don't Wanna Be Kissed" is a perfect example of a great song that has been overlooked by jazz musicians; Schroeder's robust baritone sizzles in Josh Nelson's lightly swinging arrangement. Cole Porter's "I Happen to Be in Love" is another forgotten gem worthy of attention; Gerald Clayton's scoring of it reveals its potential, accented by the tasty solos of Schroeder, Dechter, and John Clayton. 

The baritone saxophonist is also up to the challenge of familiar works. His novel duo setting of Duke Ellington's "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'" opens with his reed accompanied by Clayton's whimsical arco bass, though Clayton does alternate playing pizzicato as well. The leader's cooking setting of the standard "Just in Time" pulses with energy, with Dechter's solo showing shades of the great Bucky Pizzarelli. Schroeder's compositions are also potent. The breezy funk vehicle "Midwest Mash" recalls the groove sound popularized in the late '60s and early '70s, showcasing Dechter's bluesy solo. Schroeder's lush ballad "Hidden Within" was jointly arranged by the saxophonist and guitarist, where his horn almost seems to whisper. This is a well-conceived debut by the talented Adam Schroeder. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-handful-of-stars-mw0002006357

Personnel: Adam Schroeder (baritone saxophone); Graham Dechter (guitar); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

A Handful Of Stars

Shawnn Monteiro - One Night In The Castle

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:43
Size: 107,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. Weaver Of Dreams
(4:55)  2. Days Of Wine And Roses
(4:01)  3. Blues Skies In Walked Bud
(6:40)  4. Yesterdays
(5:11)  5. Who Can I Turn To
(5:19)  6. Sometimes I'm Happy
(3:52)  7. Only Trust Your Heart
(3:47)  8. One Note Samba
(4:07)  9. I'm Old Fashioned
(5:00) 10. First Time On A Ferris Wheel

Shawnn Monteiro the daughter of the bassist of Duke Ellington, the great Jimmy Wood. She always sang jazz and Latin music, salsa and rhythm and blues. He was part of the big bands of Mongo Santamaria for many years. Sister of the unforgettable Marvin Gaye has worked with many Motown groups like the Temptations. She sang with Weather Report, the Spyro Gyra, The Four Tops, Nat Adderley, Buster Cooper. She is under contract with the label Monad of New York and makes touring worldwide with his band including Massimo Faraò on piano, his father Jimmy Woode on bass and the great Bobby Durham on drums. She participated in all Americans festivals and many television shows. She has taught in many universities such as University of California, U. of Connecticut, San Jose State. http://www.tonlist.is/Music/Album/514489/shawnn_monteiro_quartet/shawnn_monteiro_quartet_-_one_night_in_the_castle_mp3_album/

Rex Allen's Swing Express - Keep Swingin

Styles: Swing, Big Band
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:59
Size: 176,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:00)  1. Take The 'A' Train
( 6:20)  2. Pleasingly Plump
( 5:16)  3. Back Bay Shuffle
( 5:26)  4. Why
( 6:37)  5. Opus 1
( 3:48)  6. When You're Smiling
( 6:04)  7. Fine And Mellow
( 3:27)  8. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
( 7:52)  9. Blues For Mannie
( 6:02) 10. Stompin' At The Savoy
( 9:02) 11. Duke Ellington Medley
(10:00) 12. Flying Home

A good swing trombonist, Rex Allen heads an octet for this live session for the German Nagel-Hayer label. Trombonist Dan Barrett sticks exclusively to trumpet and plays quite effectively; tenorman Harry Allen is a strong asset; Jim Rothermel switches between clarinet, alto and soprano; the rhythm section is comprised of guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist Mark Shane, bassist Frank Tate and drummer Gregor Beck; and Terrie Richards contributes a few worthy vocals. Unlike most of the other releases from this label, many of the ensembles are arranged, but the music overall swings. The repertoire emphasizes 1930s/'40s swing-era songs, including "Back Bay Shuffle," "Opus One," "Stompin' at the Savoy" and a Duke Ellington medley, with the proceedings concluding with "Flying Home." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/keep-swingin-mw0000061456

Personnel: Rex Allen (trombone, vibraphone); Terrie Richards (vocals); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar, piano); Jim Rothermel (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Dan Barrett (trumpet); Mark Shane (piano); Gregor Beck (drums).