Marlene VerPlanck - Now!

Size: 136,9 MB
Time: 58:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Cabaret
Art: Front

01. The Party Upstairs (4:11)
02. I Keep Goin' Back To Joe's (4:03)
03. Don't Fall In Love Without Me (3:01)
04. Is It Raining In New York (4:24)
05. Pretty Blue (4:48)
06. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You (3:08)
07. Something Always Happens (4:36)
08. Moments Like This (3:03)
09. Quietly There (4:04)
10. The End Of A Love Affair (3:10)
11. Little Did I Dream (2:41)
12. Fool That I Am (5:00)
13. Yes! (2:22)
14. Drinking Again (4:15)
15. Look Who's Singing Your Song (2:49)
16. Now! (2:41)

This particular recording by singer Marlene Ver Planck is noteworthy in that most of the songs, with the exception of "I Keep Goin' Back to Joe's," "Moments Like This," "The End of a Love Affair," and "Drinking Again," are quite obscure. As usual, Ver Planck sings perfectly in tune, gives beauty and sensitivity to the lyrics, swings lightly, and is joined by top-notch musicians, with the performances being arranged by her husband, Billy Ver Planck. Most selections feature a trio with pianist Tedd Firth. Pianists Billy Taylor and Norman Simmons are on a song apiece (tunes that they wrote), and guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and Jerry Bruno sit in on "Is It Raining in New York" and "Quietly There." Marlene Ver Planck's voice remains beautiful and her interpretations serve each of the songs. Overall, Now! is a delight, and particularly recommended to listeners and singers who are interested in hearing fresh material sung by one of the best. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Now!

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Ken Lovern - Ken Lovern's OJT

Size: 154,8 MB
Time: 66:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Jazz: Hammond B-3
Art: Front

01. Ojt Theme (Intro) (1:09)
02. Swirlies (5:32)
03. Someday My Prince Will Come (6:53)
04. Yuma Green (4:48)
05. It's All Good (8:10)
06. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (6:49)
07. 7-Sticks (6:31)
08. Ojt Theme (Reprise) (1:08)
09. Billie Jean (5:09)
10. Invitation (8:10)
11. All Ice Blues (4:59)
12. Big Cheese (4:52)
13. Ojt Theme (Full Version) (2:23)

For many keyboardists, there's nothing more satisfying to hear than a B-3 beautifully played. Ken Lovern’s Organ Jazz Trio is a wholly satisfying disc for just that reason. Though it’s clear that Ken has a solid groove, creative sense of melody, and the chops to make it all sing, one if the real highlights here is his mastery of the drawbars; the OJT’s organ tone changes constantly and fluidly within the framework of a song or solo, adding an unexpected layer of expressiveness to Ken’s playing. Original tracks like “OJT Theme” and “Swirlies” show a good deal of compositional maturity as well, and the group’s cover of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean is surprisingly cool, funky, and sophisticated.

Ken Lovern's OJT

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Peter White - Smile

Size: 101,0 MB
Time: 42:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Smile (3:37)
02. In Rainbows (4:17)
03. Floating In Air (4:53)
04. Head Over Heels (5:11)
05. Coming Home (2:54)
06. Nightfall (4:30)
07. Hold Me Close (4:25)
08. Beautiful Love (4:57)
09. Don Quixote’s Final Quest (3:21)
10. Awakening (Jordan’s Song) (4:21)

In the era ruled by the electric guitar, British-born, LA-based Peter White reigns supreme as one the world's greatest masters of the nylon-string acoustic guitar. From the time he burst on the scene with rock legend Al Stewart in the seventies and singer Basia in the eighties to his session work with Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum and Boney James, White's fabulous fingers continue to showcase the timeless tones and timbres that come from wood, skin and an expansive musical imagination.

Smile, set for release on October 7th, is White's fourteenth recording as a leader, and his scintillating, contemporary jazz sound is buttressed by his equally-impressive command of several instruments and augmented by an impressive array of special guests, including vocalist Mindi Abair, trumpeter Rick Braun, soprano saxophonist Euge Groove, keyboardist Philippe Saisse, bassist Nate Phillips, violinist (and daughter) Charlotte White, Ramon Yslas on bongos and vocalist Stevo Theard.

Smile

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Kyle Reid & The Low Swinging Chariots - Alright, Here We Go...

Size: 101,0 MB
Time: 39:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Retro Swing, Folk Jazz, Gipsy Jazz
Art: Front

01. Shot Of Whiskey (Live) (3:50)
02. When I Was Young (Live) (4:55)
03. Pride And Swing (Live) (5:55)
04. Dancing (Live) (4:50)
05. Eileen (Live) (6:09)
06. Treat Me That Way (Live) (3:55)
07. Minor Iko (Live) (4:01)
08. A Minor Affair (Live) (6:07)

Kyle Reid leads his band, The Low Swinging Chariots, in a joyful revelry of original swing tunes that draw from New Orleans, Gypsy Jazz, and Western Swing traditions. Reid’s original tunes sound at once familiar yet new and exciting, blending elements of these classic American forms with contemporary attitude. The low sonorous quality of Reid’s voice is well balanced by the hot accents of the rhythm section and the sweet melodies of the brass section. The band's new album, "Alright, Here We Go..." is a rambunctious romp through the trials of a young man making trouble for himself and praying to the gods of swing (Armstrong, Reinhardt, Prima, Waller, et. al.) to once again save him from the depths of despair. The music, time and time again, lifts the band members and listeners out of the mire of everyday drudgery into a tent revival of glorious swinging sound. Kyle Reid and the Low Swinging Chariots are in the business of uplifting their listening audience and compelling them to have as much fun as the band itself.

Alright, Here We Go...

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Yvonne Walter - Bitter Sweet: Remembering Ann

Size: 129,3 MB
Time: 55:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'm A Fool To Want You (5:52)
02. Willow Weep For Me (5:26)
03. (Song For) Libra (4:45)
04. I Wished On The Moon (3:26)
05. In The Wee Small Hours (3:04)
06. I'll Be Around (2:37)
07. Don't Explain (5:01)
08. Where Can I Go (3:53)
09. Go Away Little Boy (4:50)
10. Old Devil Moon (3:59)
11. You've Changed (5:10)
12. The Wind (4:15)
13. The Shadow Of Your Smile (3:26)

A tribute to the great Dutch female jazz singer Ann Burton who left us 20 years ago.

After singing jazz standards for more than two decades as Yvonne de Kok, she changed her artist name into Yvonne Walter (her mother’s name) and started to record her own compositions. On stage she merges jazz standards with her own songs and with today’s composers like Ivan Lins, Johnny Mandel and works of the hands of talented friends.

Yvonne Walter was born in Eindhoven, a town in the southern part of the Netherlands. She started studying piano at the age of seven and in her teens, she performed as a singer in high school bands. At that time she started to compose songs. Yvonne lives in Antwerp, Belgium.

Yvonne likes to work with different accompanists to keep the real jazz spirit high. Although she will not avoid arrangements, which are necessary for a larger band, she prefers the challenge of a fresh rendition in duo, trio or quartet in which her only demands are tempo, rhythm and key.

In a broad range of repertoire Yvonne always seeks for the right atmosphere to touch the soul of the song with deep respect for the composer and the lyricist. With this ability she reaches for true synergy with musicians and audience, where words set to music find love.

Bitter Sweet

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Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra - Prime Time (Feat. Doc Severinsen)

Size: 143,6 MB
Time: 62:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Big Band
Art: Front

01. Cold Duck Time ( 6:33)
02. The Phrygian Five ( 6:34)
03. Torque ( 6:25)
04. El Abrazo ( 7:34)
05. I Want To Be Happy ( 2:59)
06. September Song ( 4:51)
07. Hey Jude (11:32)
08. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face ( 3:26)
09. Blues For Stew's Shoes (12:09)

"Prime Time" is the third release from the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra. Featuring the legendary Doc Severinsen, this album grooves and swings from the first notes! A handful of creative arrangements and four new originals by Alan Baylock make this record shine. Some of the top jazz musicians in the country are featured, including lead trumpet player Brian MacDonald, jazz trumpet players TIm Leahey and Alex Norris, saxophonists Tyler Kuebler and Luis Hernandez, trombonists Ben Patterson and Matt Niess, and the incredible Todd Harrison on drums.

Prime Time

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Paul Potts - Home

Size: 141,8 MB
Time: 60:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Classical
Art: Front

01. Quando Balliam' (When We Dance) (4:44)
02. Non Ti Scordar Di Me (3:32)
03. The Best Of Me (4:27)
04. Through The Barricades (5:12)
05. La Mer (4:26)
06. L'ora Dell Addio (3:36)
07. Something (4:01)
08. Tristezza (3:56)
09. Un Amore Cosi Grande (4:20)
10. I'm Yours (4:15)
11. Il Mio Miracolo (4:13)
12. Desperado (3:49)
13. November Rain (5:20)
14. Home (4:35)

The Bristol-born, Port Talbot-residing tenor, for whom singing has always been a haven and a source of joy, is living his dream. Socially awkward, bullied and taunted at school, singing in his local church choir proved to be a sanctuary from the playground abuse. Listening to La Boheme, aged 16, Paul fell in love with opera, a romance that was to set him on a turbulent journey that would eventually lead to him performing on, and winning, the first series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007.

Truly a life-changing event, he released his debut album ‘One Chance’ that year, topped the charts in 13 countries (including the UK), appeared on Oprah (twice), brought Times Square to a standstill, announced a world tour and became a household name in cities from Seoul to New York and Sydney to Hamburg. Paul’s story has since inspired the Weinstein-produced Hollywood film ‘One Chance’ starring James Corden in the lead role and Paul has written the accompanying autobiography.

But the story doesn’t end there. Paul is constantly touring, averaging 100 concerts each year. He has since released two further studio albums 2009’s ‘Passione’ and 2010’s ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and a Greatest Hits collection in 2013. After the release of the film-themed ‘Cinema Paradiso’ he decided on a change of direction. “I have always felt very strongly that the divisions in music genres are artificial and often arbitrary. It’s often assumed that a rock fan will not like opera, and vice versa. At the end of the day it is all one thing: Music. This was my vision with ‘Home’”.

The new album, titled ‘Home’, is to be released globally in Autumn 2014.

Home

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Various - Maestros Of Cool: A Tribute To Steely Dan (2-Disc Set)

"MAESTROS OF COOL" is a fabulous compilation of cover versions of songs from Steely Dan. "MAESTROS OF COOL" is far too good for the tribute album stamp. What we've got here is a compilation disc featuring an incredibly wide assemblage of musicians, most of whom, although likely unknown to listeners, have not only been influenced by Steely Dan, but have gone on to create spectacular and unique music that ventures far beyond that of their mentors.

David Garfield (Keyboards), Klaudia Salkovic (Vocals), Steve Nieves (Sax & Vocals), Chuck Loeb (Guitar), John Patitucci (Bass), Dave Weckl (Drums), Michael Landau (Guitar), Lee Sklar (Bass), Don Braden (Tenor Sax), Damon Albarn (Vocals), Nathan Haines (Tenor Sax), Carl Orr (Guitar), John Beasley (Vocals & Keyboards), Debbie Deane (Vocals & Piano), Jules Brookes (Vocals), Nash Kato (Guitar), Pam Bricker (Vocals), Jim West (Drums), Wayne Wilentz (Piano, Keyboard, and Vocals), Tony Gallo (Vocals), George Wadenius (Guitar), Bill Ware (Vibes & Fender Rhodes), Alex Ligertwood (Vocals), Justin Morell (Guitar), Abebi Stafford (Fender Rhodes), Gustavo Assis-Brasil (Guitar), Mauricio Zottarelli (Drums), Sean Wayland (Piano), Alex Gunia (Guitar), Philipp Van Endert (Guitar), Cornelius Bumpus (Sax), Rob Aries (Keyboards), Ben Lacy (Guitar), Franz Holtmann (Guitar), Matthias Krauss (Keyboard), Gudze (Bass), and Marco Minnemann (Drums).

Album: Maestros Of Cool: A Tribute To Steely Dan (Disc 1)

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 57:49

Size: 132.3 MB

Styles: Adult contemporary

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[4:35] 1. Nathan Haines - Fm

[5:01] 2. Stereo - Remember

[4:08] 3. Debbie Deane - Any World

[5:21] 4. Raw Stylus - 37 Hours

[3:36] 5. Nash Kato - Dirty Work

[4:53] 6. Pam Bricker - Home At Last

[5:36] 7. Tony Gallo - Black Cow

[5:25] 8. Groovething - The Fez

[5:37] 9. David Garfield - Josie

[4:18] 10. Carl Orr - Tomorrow's Girls

[4:41] 11. Liquid Blue - Rikki Don't Lose That Number

[4:32] 12. Jango - Joyful Caravan

A Tribute To Steely Dan (Disc 1) 

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Album: Maestros Of Cool: A Tribute To Steely Dan (Disc 2)

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 70:18

Size: 160.9 MB

Styles: Adult contemporary

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[ 6:24] 1. David Garfield - Babylon Sisters

[ 5:26] 2. Chuck Loeb - Maxine

[ 6:34] 3. Don Braden - Kid Charlemagne

[ 5:23] 4. Hr-Bigband - Pretzel Logic

[ 4:44] 5. Justin Morell - My Rival

[ 4:07] 6. Abebi Stafford - Green Earrings

[ 6:58] 7. Gustavo Assis-Brasil - Aja

[ 5:38] 8. Stolen Van - Aves Of Altamira

[ 6:39] 9. Alex Gunia & Philipp Van Endert - Third World Man

[ 5:01] 10. Cornelius Bumpus - Chain Lightning

[ 3:14] 11. Ben Lacy - Hey Nineteen

[10:03] 12. Trinity - Steal It Again Dan

A Tribute To Steely Dan (Disc 2)  

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Jim Gailloreto's Jazz String Quintet - S/T

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 76:55
Size: 176.1 MB
Styles: String Quintet, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[ 8:20] 1. Witch Hunt
[ 4:51] 2. Giant Steps
[17:19] 3. Justina With Strings
[ 7:35] 4. Fair Weather
[ 9:05] 5. Shadow Puppets
[ 8:17] 6. Infant Eyes
[ 4:23] 7. Universal Soul
[14:49] 8. Spare Change
[ 2:11] 9. Admit One

Jim Gailloreto's Jazz String Quintet, featuring Kurt Elling, is a string quartet that swings, a sax that soars, with passionate performances and wild improvisations! Jazz String Quintet is an original blending of both jazz and classical music, the instrumentation is string quartet and soprano saxophone.

Brainchild of the exceptional Chicagoan saxophonist Jim Gailloreto, Jazz String Quintet is immersed in the traditions and performance practices of classical music whilst simultaneously expanding and exploring all the truest elements of jazz. The unique programming of this disc highlights traditional jazz standards of composers such as Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, along with original compositions by Jim. This debut release of the Jazz String Quintet also has two vocal tracks from the wonderful and critically acclaimed Kurt Elling. This collaboration enhances the music's solid pedigree in both the jazz and classical worlds, and brings to the recording interpretations of two short works by the 13th century Sufi poet, Rumi.

Jim Gailloreto is a graduate from De Paul University, Chicago, and has received a Masters in Music in Composition from Northwestern University. Recently his composition Part of the Human Mind was premiered at the IAJE convention in New Orleans. He is currently a member of the faculty at Chicago College of the Performing Arts where he teaches Techniques of Improvisation, jazz saxophone studies, arranging and music composition.

Jim Gailloreto - soprano saxophone; Katherine Hughes - violin; Mark Agnor - violin; Ben Wedge - viola; Jill Kaeding - cello; Kurt Elling - vocals (4 & 7); Rob Amster - bass (4 & 7).

Jim Gailloreto's Jazz String Quintet

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Jackie McLean - Vertigo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:13
Size: 172,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. Marney
(8:12)  2. Iddy Bitty
(7:04)  3. The Way I Feel
(6:51)  4. Dusty Foot
(8:13)  5. Vertigo
(4:51)  6. Cheers
(7:55)  7. Yams
(6:00)  8. The Three Minors
(7:06)  9. Blues In A Jiff
(7:47) 10. Blues For Jackie
(4:58) 11. Marilyn's Dilemma

This 1980 recording released for the first time "Formidable" from a 1959 session and five numbers from a 1963 McLean set. While "Formidable" has a strong quintet (with altoist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Donald Byrd, pianist Walter Davis, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Pete La Roca), the 1963 session has the recording debut of drummer Tony Williams along with strong contributions from Byrd, pianist Herbie Hancock (then also near the beginning of his career), and bassist Butch Warren. The latter unit sticks to group originals by Byrd, Hancock, and McLean, and the music ranges from catchy funk and hard bop to strong hints of the avant-garde. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/vertigo-mw0000051675

Vertigo

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Jacky Terrasson - Reach

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:11
Size: 131,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:32)  1. I Should Care
(3:20)  2. The Rat Race
(5:20)  3. Baby Plum
(5:56)  4. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
(9:00)  5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes/ Reach
(8:47)  6. Happy Man
(6:13)  7. First Affair
(4:24)  8. Just One Of Those Things
(8:34)  9. All My Life

The talented young pianist Jacky Terrasson and his trio (with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker) find something new to say on a few standards (including a rare up-tempo version of "For Sentimental Reasons") and introduce five of Terrasson's originals. Although he has does not have an original style yet, Terrasson displays a great deal of potential for the future. Highlights include "I Should Care," "Just One of Those Things," and a medley of his "Reach" with "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/reach-mw0000646792

Personnel: Jacky Terrasson (piano); Ugonna Okegwo (bass); Leon Parker (drums).

Reach

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Etta Jones - Something Nice

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:31
Size: 83,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:54)  1. Through A Long And Sleepless Night
(2:34)  2. Canadian Sunset
(4:02)  3. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread)
(2:49)  4. My Heart Tells Me
(3:58)  5. That's All There Is To That
(2:05)  6. Till There Was You
(3:12)  7. I Only Have Eyes For You
(3:38)  8. Maybe You'll Be There
(3:40)  9. Love Is The Thing
(2:41) 10. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:53) 11. Easy Living

This CD reissue features singer Etta Jones during two recording sessions in 1960-1961. Jones is joined by two separate rhythm sections, and there is a guest appearance for tenor saxophonist Oliver Nelson (on "Easy Living"), two by vibraphonist Lem Winchester, and three from guitarist Wally Richardson. 

Influenced by Billie Holiday during this era, Jones is at her best during straightforward and sincere renditions of such songs as "My Heart Tells Me," "Till There Was You," "Almost Like Being in Love," and "Canadian Sunset."~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/something-nice-mw0000674724

Personnel: Etta Jones (vocals); Wally Richardson (guitar); Oliver Nelson (tenor saxophone); Richard Wyands (piano, vibraphone); Jimmy Neely (piano); Lem Winchester (vibraphone); Rudy Lawless, Roy Haynes (drums).

Something Nice

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