Chris Connor - The Very Cool Voice Of Chris Connor

Size: 99,2 MB
Time: 42:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Hear Music (2:17)
02. Lullaby Of Birdland (2:20)
03. Spring Is Here (2:52)
04. Out Of This World (2:51)
05. All About Ronnie (2:54)
06. Come Back To Sorrento (2:42)
07. Why Shouldn't I (2:42)
08. Try A Little Tenderness (2:59)
09. Lush Life (2:51)
10. Cottage For Sale (2:32)
11. How Long Has This Been Going On (2:30)
12. Stella By Starlight (2:25)
13. Gone With The Wind (2:16)
14. He's Coming Home (2:41)
15. Goodbye (2:31)
16. What Is There To Say (2:50)

Along with June Christy, Helen O'Connell, and Julie London, Chris Connor epitomized cool jazz singing in the 1950s. Influenced by Anita O'Day, the torchy, smoky singer wasn't one for aggression. Like Chet Baker on the trumpet or Paul Desmond and Lee Konitz on alto sax, she used subtlety and restraint to their maximum advantage. At the University of Missouri, Connor (who had studied clarinet at an early age) sang with a Stan Kentonish big band led by trombonist Bob Brookmeyer before leaving her native Kansas City for New York in 1947. Quite appropriately, she was featured in the lyrical pianist Claude Thornhill's orchestra in the early '50s. After leaving Thornhill, Connor was hired by Kenton at Christy's recommendation, and her ten-month association with him in 1952-1953 resulted in the hit "All About Ronnie." Connor debuted as a solo artist in 1953, recording three albums for Bethlehem before moving to Atlantic in 1955 and recording 12. Connor reached the height of her popularity in the 1950s, when she delivered her celebrated versions of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and George Shearing's "Lullaby of Broadway," and recorded such excellent albums as The Rich Sound of Chris Connor and Lullabies of Birdland for Bethlehem and Chris Craft and Ballads of the Sad Cafe for Atlantic. Connor made a poor career move in 1962, the year she left Atlantic and signed with a label her manager was starting, FM Records -- Connor had recorded only two albums for FM when they folded. Connor's recording career was rejuvenated in the 1970s, and she went on to record for Progressive, Stash, and Contemporary in the '70s and '80s. Connor maintained a devoted following in the 1990s and continued to tour internationally. ~Biography by Alex Henderson

The Very Cool Voice

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Al Foster, Dave Kikoski, Chris Potter, Doug Weiss - Brandyn

Size: 128,9 MB
Time: 55:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Jazz: Saxophone Jazz
Art: Front

01. The Chief (7:35)
02. Brandyn (5:21)
03. Monk Up & Down (9:11)
04. Barney Rose (7:30)
05. Amsterdam Blues (6:32)
06. Hope (7:25)
07. No Title (5:51)
08. Black Nile (5:51)

Drummer Al Foster is widely recognized as a first call jazz drummer who has worked with many greats, including an extended tour of duty with Miles Davis, as well as stints with Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Henderson. This 1996 studio session made for the German Laika label is evidently Foster's first opportunity to record as a leader. Putting together an excellent band, with saxophonist Chris Potter (who doubles on soprano and tenor), pianist Dave Kikoski, and bassist Doug Weiss, Foster writes challenging post-bop compositions that inspire his bandmates, while he is perfectly happy to give them the spotlight. His bittersweet, bluesy "Monk Up and Down," is harmonically rich, with a superb tenor solo by Potter. The saxophonist contributed the percolating "Amsterdam Blues," suggesting the lively night scene of Harlem in its heyday. Kikoski composed the driving "Hope." The one familiar piece is Wayne Shorter's "Black Nile," played with gusto by the quartet. This may not be an easy CD to find, but it is obvious to anyone hearing it that Al Foster merits more opportunities to lead his own record dates. ~Review by Ken Dryden

Brandyn

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Candice Reyes - Crossing Over

Size: 110,9 MB
Time: 47:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Without A Song (5:08)
02. Recordame (4:02)
03. Crossing Over (6:42)
04. Sugar (4:46)
05. Moonlight In Vermont (7:26)
06. Beatrice (4:19)
07. I Remember You (2:57)
08. If You Never Come To Me (4:39)
09. Softly As Ina Morning Sunrise (3:14)
10. Very Early (4:10)

Vocalist Candice Reyes brings a young and refreshing sound to jazz. Not only is she known for her vibrant vocals and petite figure, she is making musical waves by captivating her audience with her unique style and passion for good music.
Born into a musical family, the young vocalist has grown to evolve her style and character as a passionate performer. Candice not only expresses herself through her lush voice; she interprets her natural character through her compelling music.
Sassy vocalist Candice Reyes is determined to grow and absorb musical experiences as her career progresses. Her new CD displays her honesty in singing jazz and exhibits her true colors as an up-coming and noted vocalist of the future.

Crossing Over

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Phil Brown & The New Arts Jazztet - Arkadia

Size: 166,4 MB
Time: 71:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Art: Front

01. Arkadia (7:17)
02. Neil's Notion (8:00)
03. Amethyst Eyes (6:19)
04. Demage (6:56)
05. Habanera (5:14)
06. Shakedown (5:23)
07. In Black (6:59)
08. And The People Said.. (6:43)
09. Saudade (7:32)
10. Changes We Can Believe In (4:18)
11. Where Beauty Lies (6:59)

PHIL BROWN & the New Arts Jazztet has long been regarded as southern Illinois' premier jazz group, regularly presenting a select repertoire—engaging original works as well as choice standards—forged in the energy of hard bop and the eclecticism of contemporary jazz. With its hip, approachable character and sound, the cross-generational group—saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums—convincingly helps to sustain jazz into the 21st Century.

Arkadia (a caldera productions, 2014), the new release by NAJ bassist, Phil Brown, again features the band. The group enjoyed considerable nationwide radio airplay and attention on Brown's previous recording, Bright Side (a caldera productions, 2009). And the New Arts Jazztet, along with the duo, FourOnSix, was also featured on Brown's Darkness Into Light (a caldera productions, 2006).

The NAJ is in residence at Southern Illinois University, where all but one of its members are School of Music faculty. Its current line-up is Dick Kelley, reeds; Bob Allison, trumpet/flugelhorn; Tim Pitchford, trombone; Mel Goot, piano; Phil Brown, bass; and Ron Coulter, drums. Annually, for one week in June, New Arts Jazztet members staff a jazz improvisation camp at SIU. Each fall, the group presents a formal concert of jazz standards, and each spring, a formal concert of original music. The NAJ is also a headline ensemble at the Southern Illinois Music Festival each summer.

Arkadia

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Michael Feinstein - A Michael Feinstein Christmas

Size: 142,3 MB
Time: 60:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Holiday
Art: Front

01. The Christmas Song (5:01)
02. Sleigh Ride (3:44)
03. There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays (4:38)
04. Winter Wonderland (2:48)
05. White Christmas (5:23)
06. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (3:17)
07. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (5:25)
08. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (3:09)
09. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (3:01)
10. A Christmas Love Song (4:55)
11. The Christmas Waltz (3:37)
12. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (2:31)
13. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (3:14)
14. I'll Be Home For Christmas (4:59)
15. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (4:52)

The Celebrated Singer/Pianist Covers Christmas Classics with GRAMMY® Award-Winning Pianist Alan Broadbent on A Michael Feinstein Christmas

Concord Records is delighted to announce the release of A Michael Feinstein Christmas. Feinstein, accompanied by venerable GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz pianist Alan Broadbent (Charlie Haden, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole), puts his signature styling on a selection of holiday standards. Now available digitally and in retail stores nationwide, these sought-after recordings were previously part of a limited release and out of print for over ten years. No stranger to spreading holiday cheer, Feinstein’s popular annual holiday concert in New York City is touted by the New York Times to be “as much a Christmas season ritual as catching the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall or visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,” making A Michael Feinstein Christmas a true gem for Feinstein fans as it is the only recorded collection of yuletide songs by the singer.

Long recognized as one of the world’s finest singers and pianists, Feinstein is also celebrated for his tireless efforts to preserve, protect and promote the songs and songwriters that shaped the Golden Age of American music. Feinstein founded the Great American Songbook Foundation, which strives “to bring the music of the Great American Songbook to young people today and to preserve it for future generations.” The foundation is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana at The Center for the Performing Arts, where the Midwest-born Feinstein serves as Artistic Director.

Over the course of his non-stop, 30-plus year career, Michael Feinstein has wowed millions of fans with his cabaret and concert hall performances, earned five GRAMMY® nominations, two EMMY® nods, and has released nearly an album a year—the majority of which pay tribute to his heroes—Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Webb, the Gershwins and most recently, André Previn, with 2013’s Change of Heart: The Songs of André Previn on Concord Records. The prolific performer also hosts a nationally syndicated public radio show, Song Travels, and hosted the PBS show Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook. Last summer, Michael was honored to be named the Principal Pops Conductor at the Pasadena POPS in Southern California, where he will follow in the footsteps of the great Marvin Hamlisch—certainly a position in which Michael can continue to share his limitless passion for music with the world.

A Michael Feinstein Christmas

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The Brehms - Summer Moon

Size: 81,0 MB
Time: 34:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Ciao Ciao (3:11)
02. Summer Moon (4:31)
03. Paint This House Black (3:25)
04. Kitty Kat (3:09)
05. When You're With Me (3:25)
06. Small World (4:12)
07. Don't Ask Me Why (4:46)
08. Blue Moon High (4:05)
09. Beautiful Bird (3:35)

Stephanie and her guitarist/co-writer husband David, continue their all-original approach on this sophomore effort, offering up passionately delivered compositions that play like a musical caravan. One minute you'll be flirting with your star crossed lover at a romantic cafe on the French riviera, then suddenly you find yourself being whisked away to the hilltop favelas in Rio de Janeiro, and before you know it you are walking hand in hand across a sandy beach in Jamaica.

Like the smokey chanteuse she is, Stephanie's contra alto voice smolders as she sings of star crossed lovers, aching hearts, wandering souls, and unrequited love. David's warm and melodic guitar tone is the perfect compliment to Stephanie's breathy vocal stylings and the two of them seemed locked in like never before.

Summer Moon

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Kenny Burrell - Midnight In Detroit

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:23
Size: 110.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[ 4:46] 1. Close Your Eyes
[ 6:17] 2. All Of You
[ 6:45] 3. Boo-Lu
[ 8:16] 4. Don't Cry Baby
[ 5:43] 5. Autumn In New York
[ 6:09] 6. Flickers
[10:24] 7. Body And Soul

Kenny Burrell (1931) began his musical career in Detroit while a student at Wayne State University. He was a well-established player on the Detroit jazz scene when he made his professional recording debut with Dizzy Gillespie on Tin Tin Daeo and Birk’s Works in 1951. After his graduation from Wayne State in 1955, he made his way to New York. There he found a high demand for his guitar as both a session player and as a leader. During 1956 he played on recordings by Frank Foster, Frank Wess, Thad Jones, Tommy Flanagan and others. 1956 culminated for Kenny Burrell when he recorded Introducing Kenny Burrell and All Night Long and All Day Long with Donald Byrd. A succession of high profile recordings followed with leaders like John Coltrane, Paul Chambers and Kenny Clarke.

Today, Kenny Burrell continues to influence the jazz guitar community and further the value of jazz guitar. He performs and records on a regular basis and he continues to teach. He holds a BA in Music from Wayne State University, an honorary doctorate from William Paterson College and he is Professor of Guitar, Jazz Program Director at UCLA. He is co-founder and president emeritus of the Jazz Heritage Foundation, a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, and a member of the American Guild of Authors and Composers.

In addition, Kenny Burrell remains one of the most popular and respected jazz guitarists ever.

Midnight In Detroit

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Gabor Szabo - His Great Hits

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 81:02
Size: 185.5 MB
Styles: Post bop, Crossover jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[ 5:05] 1. Sophisticated Wheels
[ 4:43] 2. Simpatico
[ 5:27] 3. My Foolish Heart
[ 3:02] 4. Twelve-Thirty (Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)
[ 3:10] 5. Krishna
[ 4:24] 6. Mountain Heir
[ 7:01] 7. Gypsy '66 (Lady Gábor)
[ 3:14] 8. Evil Eye
[ 3:21] 9. If I Fell
[ 2:15] 10. Spring Song
[11:01] 11. Lady Gábor
[ 5:21] 12. People
[ 2:07] 13. Search For Nirvana
[ 2:29] 14. White Rabbit
[ 4:38] 15. El Toro
[ 2:54] 16. Yearning
[ 6:37] 17. Space
[ 4:04] 18. Spellbinder

To date, this is easily the best Gabor Szabo sampler ever issued because it thoroughly sums up exactly five years of extraordinary creative curiosity on two LPs. Once Szabo had left the Chico Hamilton band -- though not leaving him entirely behind -- he got caught up in the whole 1960s idea of restless, eclectic experimentation. Yet Szabo fit in brilliantly; his unique tone and attacks gave everything he touched a signature sound, and his yen for hypnotic incantatory improvisations rooted in Hungarian folk music was made to order for the wave of Indian influences that swept the Western music scene then. There is Indian-tinged music here -- Szabo's overdubbed sitar playing may have been technically crude, but it added appealingly off-kilter microtones to his blues jams -- as well as small-combo jazz, big band stuff, Latin grooves, and show and rock tunes. The innovative Gary McFarland often turns up with intriguing big band charts or vibraphone work, presaging their later collaborations on McFarland's Skye label. Szabo the composer is amply represented by superb tunes like the lovely "Spring Song" and the Latin-accented "Evil Eye." The mysterious "Lady Gabor" turns up twice -- once with McFarland and the second time in a lengthy flashback to the Hamilton band of 1962. There were failures, like the hokey TV commercial-like version of John Phillips' "Twelve-Thirty," but it is more noteworthy that so many of these experiments worked. Given the shockingly bare state of Szabo's catalog, GRP ought to lift this entire collection of tracks for a CD reissue. ~Richard S. Ginnell

His Great Hits

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Ann Malcolm - Shadows Who Dance

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 66:27
Size: 152.1 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:18] 1. Isfahan
[7:47] 2. Out Of This World
[7:21] 3. Secret
[4:23] 4. I'm Into You (Dig)
[7:09] 5. Last Tango In Paris
[3:39] 6. Theme From Concierto De Aranjuez
[6:20] 7. Sea Journey
[5:15] 8. April In Paris
[5:11] 9. Bruno's Dance
[7:33] 10. A Timeless Place (The Peacocks)
[4:14] 11. I Am The Walrus
[4:11] 12. Holnap, Ki Tudja, Holnap

The American singer Ann Malcolm’s musical journey began in her home state of Iowa where she was born and raised in the small town of Belle Plaine. She began piano at the age of four, listening nearly daily to her grandmother who had been a pianist for silent movies. After adding the saxophone at age ten, Ann says, "I knew very young that I wanted to be a musician. In Iowa Ann had many opportunities to build up a strong musical foundation. During the high school years Ann played organ every Sunday in the Congregational Church next to an intensive schedule of music contests and master classes on the saxophone. Ann received the Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Iowa and it was in Iowa City she had her first engagements as a jazz singer. Ann received the Master of Music degree (saxophone performance) at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston with the highly respected professor, Joe Allard. At the same time, she continued singing with New York guitarist, Paul Meyers ( guitarist with vocalist Andy Bey, Annie Ross, Janis Siegel among many others). Her studies in Boston included vocal workshops with Sheila Jordan and lessons in New York with Helen Merrill. At New England Conservatory she also was involved in the Third Stream Department, created by Gunther Schuller, including classes with pianist Ran Blake. She was often sought out by fellow musicians who appreciated her excellent time, intonation and sense of musical line. Ann proved to be an exciting and expressive vocalist at the Charles Mingus Memorial Concert.

The CD, “Shadows Who Dance”, recorded by Daniel Dettwiler ( “Idee und Klang”, Basel ) at Radio DRS, Zürich was released in November 2007 on Mons Records, Germany. The rhythm section is Colin Vallon,piano; Bänz Oester,bass; and Dejan Terzic,drums and includes creative sound design by Hannes Kumke. Ann’s abilities as a lyricist are again evident on lyrics to Sascha Schönhaus’s “Bruno’s Dance” and “I’m Into You” ( “Dig”) by Miles Davis. This quartet toured in Switzerland 2006-2009.

Shadows Who Dance

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The Modernaires - The Modernaires Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:01
Size: 93.9 MB
Styles: Harmony vocal group
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:33] 1. Hi Diddlee I Di
[2:17] 2. Goody Goody
[2:11] 3. I'm Late
[2:40] 4. Wake The Place
[2:06] 5. He Who Has Love
[2:18] 6. That's You That's Me That's Love
[2:18] 7. The Dipsy Doodle
[2:43] 8. Put Some Money In The Juke Box
[2:24] 9. Rock A Bye Boogie
[2:23] 10. The Milkman's Matinee
[3:20] 11. April In Paris
[2:51] 12. Alice In Wonderland
[2:30] 13. Alright Okay You Win
[2:45] 14. Ain't She Sweet
[2:35] 15. Ask For Joe
[2:59] 16. East Of The Sun

Playing an important part of the big band swing era of the '40s, The Modernaires remained together after the era ended. Accompanied by a variety of studio big bands and wisely eschewing the pop music of that decade, they stick with the style and the music which made them one of the most popular vocal groups during the heyday of swing, getting their start with Charlie Barnet followed by a long tenure with Glenn Miller. This album features the basic quintet of Hal Dickinson, Fran Scott, Johnny Drake, Alan Copeland, who was replaced later by Dick Cathcart, and the very good Paula Kelly, augmented from time to time from friends from the past.

The selections making up the play list and the arrangements don't stray far from the upbeat swinging formula that was used so successfully in the past, a formula which continues to attract to this day.

The Modernaires Swing

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Roseanna Vitro - Catchin' Some Rays: The Music of Ray Charles

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:01
Size: 140,5 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:27)  1. Unchain My Heart
(5:22)  2. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'
(4:40)  3. One Mint Julip
(6:28)  4. Night time Is The Right Time / But, On the Other Hand
(6:17)  5. Them That's Got
(4:41)  6. I Don't Need No Doctor
(5:16)  7. Tell Me You'll Wait For Me
(4:09)  8. Sticks and Stones
(5:25)  9. The Danger Zone
(3:05) 10. Roll With My Baby
(3:44) 11. Lonely Avenue
(6:22) 12. You Don't Know Me / Ruby

Roseanna Vitro is a very talented and versatile singer, as she proves throughout this highly enjoyable set. Vitro performs 14 songs (including a pair of two-song medleys) associated with Ray Charles. Although jazz has long been only a small part of Charles' music, the tunes are transformed into swinging and soulful jazz by Vitro. The instrumentation changes throughout the date, but often features pianist Ken Werner (who duets with the singer on a medley of "You Don't Know Me" and "Ruby"), trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and tenorman David "Fathead" Newman, among others; some of the songs utilize a larger than usual band. Highlights include "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'," a swinging "One Mint Julep," "I Don't Need No Doctor" and "Lonely Avenue." Thankfully, Roseanna Vitro avoids many of Brother Ray's best-known hits (including "Georgia On My Mind") in favor of songs better suited to her style and to this setting. A continually interesting set. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/catchin-some-rays-the-music-of-ray-charles-mw0000027836

Catchin' Some Rays: The Music of Ray Charles

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Scott Lafaro - Pieces Of Jade

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:29
Size: 168,5 MB
Art: Front

( 6:15)  1. I Hear A Rhapsody
( 6:09)  2. Sacre Bléu (Take 1)
( 6:34)  3. Green Dolphin Street
( 6:15)  4. Sacre Bléu (Take 2)
( 5:35)  5. Woody'n You
(22:41)  6. My Foolish Heart (Rehearsal Tape:  Bill Evans & Scott LaFaro - 1960)
(13:35)  7. Interview with Bill Evans by George Klabin 1966
( 6:22)  8. Memories for Scotty

Bassist Scott LaFaro was killed in an auto accident in 1961 at only 25, cutting off a career in which he was destined for greatness. Before his death he had already made a name for himself in pianist Bill Evans' groundbreaking trio, which also included drummer Paul Motian. This group was immortalized by its 1961 recording at Village Vanguard, Sunday at The Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debbie, both released by Riverside the same year. These live dates set the standard for piano trios; the playing melding seamlessly, with each player given ample opportunity to stand out on his own. Here, Pieces of Jade features material previous lyun available.

Five selections were recorded in New York City in 1961, showcasing LaFaro with pianist Don Friedmanand drummer Pete LaRoca. As a bonus, the CD offers a 22-minute recording from an extended 1960 practice session with LaFaro and Evans, as they put together their famous version of "My Foolish Heart." Included, as well, is a 13-minute 1966 interview with Evans reflecting on LaFaro, his life and talent. The play list consists of a mix of standards, along with two takes of an original by Friedman. The program finishes with Friedman's moving solo piece, "Memories for Scotty," recorded in 1985. The greatness of LaFaro is reestablished here as he once more excels in the trio format. In this context, it's possible to further appreciate LaFaro's improvisational skill and full bass sound, as he rhythmically marches through Friedman's "Sacre Bleu" and frames his buoyant solo on "Green Dolphin Street." The pleasant surprise of this record is Friedman. 

Always an under-appreciated musician, he still plays today. In this early effort his sparkling genius is apparent throughout. Certainly influenced by Evans, Friedman also shows a pleasant penchant for Red Garland's block chords as in "Sacre Bleu." His lightning pace is on display particularly as he trades fours with LaRoca in Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody'n You." The rehearsal session tape with Evans is certainly interesting, but marred by garbled sound. More enlightening is the Evans interview with George Klabin, with Evans analyzing what made LaFaro's playing so unique. One thing Evans says is that he had to advise LaFaro to control himself, to hold back. He was trying to say too much as he improvised. This is indeed ironic. In his short life, he had so much to say, it's very fortunate to have another recording to add to his legacy. ~ Larry Taylor  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/pieces-of-jade-scott-lafaro-resonance-records-review-by-larry-taylor.php#.VEBQpBawTP8
 

Personnel: Don Friedman: piano; Scott LaFaro: bass; Pete LaRoca: drums.

Pieces Of Jade

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