Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Nora McCarthy & Joshua Wolff - A Time For Love

Size: 158,7 MB
Time: 68:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Time For Love (9:11)
02. Better Than Anything (6:26)
03. Small Day Tomorrow (6:31)
04. I Like You You're Nice (4:05)
05. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (7:23)
06. It Isn't So Good It Couldn't Get Better (2:56)
07. Blue Gardenia (5:04)
08. I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (7:23)
09. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (7:30)
10. You Are There (7:00)
11. Lucky To Be Me (4:54)

A Time For Love, is comprised of music written by some of the most beloved contemporary composers and lyricists of Great American Music namely: Johnny Mandel, Tommy Wolf, Fran Landesman, Jules Styne, Sammy Cahn, Dave Frishberg, Leonard Bernstein, Bill Loughborough, David Wheat, Bob Russell, and Blossom Dearie. With timeless pieces such as, “A Time For Love,” “Small Day Tomorrow,” “Blue Gardenia,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” “You Are There ” and, “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry,” among others, the musical chemistry between McCarthy and Wolff is palpable and their near telepathic, spontaneous, and compelling performance is unforgettable.

The music on this CD was captured on May 28, 2010, at the internationally acclaimed jazz cabaret, The Metropolitan Room, NYC. It was a magical night of remembering, honoring, sharing , friendship, and love.

Nora McCarthy has thus far had a very productive and significant musical career. Recently listed in the "Best Jazz of 2012 for Female Singer and Top Vocal Jazz Album" categories by Arnoldo DeSouteiro, Journalist, Founder and CEO of JSR (Jazz Station Records), for her CD, In the Language of Dreams, she is known as a brilliant improviser. A poet and a songwriter in addition to being a highly original singer, she is an important force in the advanced New York jazz vocal scene since 1996 when she recorded her first of thus far six CD’s, red&blue. Nora's burnished alto voice is rich, subtle and laced with varying degrees of earthy blues and soulful phrasings that are rooted in the Jazz tradition.

From Seattle, Washington, Joshua Wolff was known for being a strong soloist and sensitive accompanist. His performances took him all over the United States and to Europe including several tours to Japan with legendary jazz singers Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. One of the first gigs Wolff performed in NYC was with the beautiful, talented singer Nora McCarthy on December 31, 1998. Wolff recalled “It was love at first sight and sound . . . I knew right away that she had something magical about her. It was more than her sense of intonation and time; she simply understood the music and was able to share it in a very personal way. This is a very rare quality in any musician. I knew at that moment, that this was the beginning of a very wonderful musical relationship.”

"....Joshua Wolff was more than a competent accompanist; he was a unique voice, an artist of the highest caliber, a musical architect who had incredible ears, a wonderfully percussive technique—excellent sense of timing, and tremendous emotional capacity. The journey we embarked upon this night was unpredictable and it would also be one of our last together. I will forever treasure the music and memory of this evening. This night we were not just a singer with piano accompaniment, No, we were two artists playing together, making music, telling our story, dancing our dance together, and on this night our music became immortal; Joshua Wolff passed away, May 19, 2013 of pancreatic cancer...." Nora McCarthy

This CD reminds that life is about embracing every moment, living to the fullest, squeezing every drop of delicious juice from it, taking chances, having no regrets, surrendering your all, touching hearts and leaving your mark with dignity and love.

A Time For Love

Ferenc Nemeth & Attila Laszlo - Bridges Of Souls (Feat. Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante)

Size: 140,7 MB
Time: 60:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Label: Dreamers Collective Records
Art: Front

01. Bridge Of Souls (6:19)
02. Downhill (6:26)
03. The Untouchable Number (4:44)
04. It's Already That (6:23)
05. Sounds Of My Heart (5:37)
06. Dance (4:46)
07. Alone (Feat. Charlie Horvath) (4:50)
08. Magic City (6:40)
09. Little Heart (Feat. Lara Bello) (4:44)
10. Creep (6:06)
11. Missing You (3:36)

With a propensity for chord dynamics and ingenuity, Bridges of Souls features the versatility of drummer Ferenc Nemeth and guitarist Attila László. The pair's compositions establish a rhythm which keeps the music moving in a state of flux. Joining Nemeth and László are pianist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, both longtime members of the Yellowjackets.

Atmospheric and melodically pleasing, the title track is finely finessed, introducing audiences to the duo's terms of synchronicity as they create flowing phrases which build effortlessly, moving along a lithesome rhythm. "Downhill" is clad with bopping grooves and chord dynamics penned in the language of jazz improvisation as the reggae beats of "Alone" buffer the raw, gravelly vocals of Hungarian singer Charlie Horvath.

The nimble movements of Ferrante's keys in "Magic City" quilt a pattern of trickling notes as László's guitar chords loop around the sparkling droplets. Ferrante's cruising keys sustain a contemplative feel in "Little Heart" as the soft vocals of Spanish singer Lara Bello weld a reflective vibe making for a bluesy pop fusion. The duo's performance of Radiohead's pop hit "Creep" takes liberties by infusing a bluesy funk texture into the melody, and switches to a relaxing meditative mood in "Missing You," which is kindled by soft sonic glimmers and ethereal-sounding chords.

Ferenc Nemeth and Attila László expand the breadth of jazz fusion, blending pop music with shades of blues, funk, and improvisation. Bridges of Souls is a product of Nemeth's and László's personalities, asserting their proclivity for honing chord dynamics and ingenuity. Their music embraces the principles of jazz, creating compositions that have a sparse script and depend on the musicians' ingenuity to fill in spaces. ~By Susan Francesny

Musicians:
Ferenc Nemeth - drums, Attila László - guitar, Russell Ferrante - piano and keyboards, Jimmy Haslip - bass, Charlie Horvath - vocals on "Alone," Lara Bello on "Little Heart"

Bridges Of Souls

Jeff Wyatt - My Christmas Guitar

Size: 86,0 MB
Time: 36:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Vocals, Holiday
Label: Cardboard Alley Music
Art: Front

01. Go Tell It On The Mountain (Instrumental) (4:04)
02. What Child Is This (3:34)
03. The First Noel (4:42)
04. Christmas Guitar Medley: Good King Wenceslas/Joy To The World/Jingle Bells/Silent Night (4:57)
05. Oh Holy Night (5:55)
06. Oh Christmas Tree (3:13)
07. Silent Night (4:18)
08. Auld Lang Syne (1:50)
09. Go Tell It On The Mountain (4:04)

My Christmas Guitar, Jeff’s November 2014 release, is a contemporary approach to traditional Christmas favorites, with an obvious emphasis on guitar as the featured instrument. Electric and acoustic, finger-style and slide; the guitar playing styles vary, but the BLUES influence is evident?

“My work has been described to me as an interesting mix of styles resembling that of artists like Ry Cooder, David Wilcox, Mark Knopfler, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Jeff Beck and others. Well,...I'm truly humbled at the mere thought of any such remote comparisons to these musical giants. Personally I just think I sound like me,... whatever that is,... however, all those personalities have certainly influenced my playing and writing.”

Jeff, originally from the Saskatchewan prairies (where he performed with the popular 70's prairie band EDEN), has been involved with the Canadian west coast music scene (writing, recording and performing live) since 1991, prior to his 24 year involvement with the Canadian prairie music scene.

My Christmas Guitar

Harry Allen - For George, Cole And Duke

Size: 163,7 MB
Time: 70:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. Always True To You In My Fashion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:33)
02. In A Mellow Tone (Feat. Chuck Redd, Ehud Asherie & Nicki Parrott) (5:06)
03. Happy Reunion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:40)
04. Silk Stockings (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (7:12)
05. Purple Gazelle (Angelica) [Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero] (4:24)
06. How Long Has This Been Going On (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:30)
07. I Love You Samantha (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:07)
08. Shall We Dance (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:18)
09. By Strauss (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:58)
10. Love For Sale (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (6:01)
11. They All Laughed (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:51)
12. Who Cares (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:08)
13. Mood Indigo (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (3:11)

Mainstream jazz at it's very finest with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen and drummer/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, pianist Ehud Asherie and bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott with a touch of Latin fire on three tracks from "Little Johnny" Rivero.

Blue Heron Records LLC is proud to have produced, through the generous, unconditional support of many friends, this very first in a series of high quality recordings of America’s musical treaure, jazz. It is our intent to create and leave the planet a legacy, representative of the finest examples of jazz music available.

The guiding principle behind this endeavor is “Artistic Integrity First,” our label’s theme. When this concept is extended to the artists at a recording session, the music they make becomes magic! Such was the case in New York, March of 2014. The chemistry was absolutely incredible among players, engineer, artistic cordinator, and producers. The sessions were amazing. You will undoubtedly hear and feel the positive energy in this recording.

For George, Cole And Duke

Joe Henderson - Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:48
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Post bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1992/2012
Art: Front

[5:58] 1. Isfahan
[6:30] 2. Johnny Come Lately
[7:19] 3. Blood Count
[5:49] 4. Rain Check
[4:31] 5. Lotus Blossom
[6:57] 6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
[7:12] 7. Take The A Train
[7:33] 8. Drawing Room Blues
[4:59] 9. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
[4:56] 10. Lush Life

With the release of this CD, the executives at Verve and their marketing staff proved that yes, indeed, jazz can sell. The veteran tenor Joe Henderson has had a distinctive sound and style of his own ever since he first entered the jazz major leagues yet he has spent long periods in relative obscurity before reaching his current status as a jazz superstar. As for the music on his "comeback" disc, it does deserve all of the hype. Henderson performs ten of Billy Strayhorn's most enduring compositions in a variety of settings ranging from a full quintet with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson to an unaccompanied solo exploration of "Lush Life." This memorable outing succeeded both artistically and commercially and is highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

New York Voices - Let It Snow

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 115.5 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. Let It Snow
[4:58] 2. Christmas Time
[4:43] 3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
[1:35] 4. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
[3:21] 5. We Three Kings
[2:29] 6. Holiday For Strings
[2:34] 7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
[2:59] 8. Sleepers, Wake!
[5:21] 9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
[5:45] 10. The Merry Medley (Man With The Bag, I'd Like You For Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)
[6:38] 11. I Wonder As I Wander
[4:26] 12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
[2:01] 13. Silent Night

New York Voices has fashioned a Christmas album that honors beloved traditional and sacred classics as well as secular favorites, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. This highly anticipated recording features the highly acclaimed vocal quartet in a cappella, swinging big band, and lush studio orchestra settings, making this a must have for the holidays!

Peter Eldridge – Vocals; Lauren Kinhan – Vocals; Darmon Meader – Vocals, Soprano Sax; Kim Nazarian – Vocals.

Let It Snow

Caribbean Jazz Project - Mosaic

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:30
Size: 133.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:59] 1. Nardis
[4:59] 2. St. Ogredol
[7:51] 3. Portraits Of Cuba
[5:40] 4. Afro Green
[8:47] 5. Wazo Dayzeel
[4:42] 6. Slow Dance
[4:38] 7. Spinnaker
[6:53] 8. Mambo De Luna (Para Cachao)
[7:58] 9. Dusk

Mosaic is the first studio album since 2003 by the Carribean Jazz Project, led by vibes/marimba specialist Dave Samuels. Drawing on a variety of Afro-Cuban, Venezuelan, Peruvian, Jamaican and other North American rhythms, this release features three different bands. On four tracks, Samuels leads a quintet with keyboardist Alain Mallet, bassist Boris Kozlov, drummer Dafnis Prieto and percussionist Roberto Quintero. Two other tracks feature violinist Christian Howes, and the remaining three selections find Samuels reunited with former CJP co-founders reedman Paquito D'Rivera and steel pan player Andy Narell.

Best known for his lengthy tenure with Spyro Gyra, Samuels' resume also lists stints with Gerry Mulligan and Frank Zappa. His mallet work, a key element in Spyro Gyra's sound, added a "tropical" feel and made the group's music more accessible in many ways. Jazz critics singled him out for praise, suggesting that if he were liberated from Spyro Gyra's somewhat formulaic "smooth jazz" recipe, something more creative might be forthcoming. However, after leaving the group, his solo recordings tended to be disappointing commercial offerings that fell into the soothing and vacuous world of airplay jazz—easy-listening, predictable music with light funk rhythms that are upbeat but instantly forgettable.

Samuels has an original voice on vibes—not an easy thing to accomplish—and he leaves his stamp on any project with which he's involved. This certainly applies to the CJP, which is, for all practical purposes, the Dave Samuels Project. This album's subtitle ("featuring Dave Samuels") is an understatement: he not only led the session, he produced the recording. Always a prolific songwriter, he penned four of the tunes on Mosaic, and the overall sound evokes the best and worst of Spyro Gyra: the brilliant musicianship and the highly polished—over-refined to some ears—production. Samuels seems aware of a general perception of his music as often more pleasant than challenging. Discussing his decision to record a live album (Here and Now, 2005), he noted that ..." in the studio is where you can get this kind of veneer/urethane coating ... that sometimes can disguise the intent and intensity of the music." Some critics viewed the CJP as a slightly threadworn outfit in need of new blood, and another Samuels comment suggests he knew it, too. "I realized that as the personnel started to change... things were re-invigorated," he said in a 2005 interview. "There was a rebirth of sorts...."

With Mosaic, however, Samuels and the CJP are back in the studio, and the urethane coating is all too evident. Indeed, the album's glossy sheen can make it difficult, for purists at least, to appreciate its good points. Certainly, there is no faulting the musicianship. Mallet, in particular, contributes strong solos, and Prieto adds an infusion of energy throughout. The arrangements are strong, notably a sophisticated reinterpretation of Miles Davis' "Nardis." But for better or worse (depending on one's taste), all the rough edges are smoothed and buffed, and despite the band's name and its tropical ambience, listeners looking for some real heat will probably be a bit disappointed. ~Victor Verney

Dave Samuels: vibraphone, marimba; Alain Mallet: piano, organ (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Boris Kozlov: acoustic bass (1,2,4,6-8); Dafnis Prieto: drums (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Roberto Quintero: percussion (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Christian Howes: violin (6, 7); Andy Narell: steel pans (3, 5, 9); Paquito D'Rivera: alto sax, clarinet (3, 5, 9); Alon Yavnai: piano (3, 5, 9); Oscar Stagnaro: electric bass (3, 5, 9); Mark Walker: drums (3, 5, 9); Pernell Saturnino: percussion (3, 5, 9).

Mosaic

John Paiva - Cut The Sheet

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:08
Size: 78.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. One At A Time
[3:19] 2. B Kuz Ov U
[2:23] 3. My September Song
[3:20] 4. A Cool One
[3:32] 5. November
[2:59] 6. Looper
[2:21] 7. Cut The Sheet
[2:32] 8. Anything Funky For You
[3:56] 9. Before I Start To Cry
[2:09] 10. Expert
[2:57] 11. Phant
[1:28] 12. Not This Time

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island. Learned first chords at 14 on guitar from his father. Turned professional musician at 21 after military service. Worked the Boston music scene till 1970 playing with The Platters, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydel and Bostons "Everett and the Screamers (Skeemers)"... Joined hit group The Happenings, (Mammy, I Got Rhythm, See You In September), 1973 joined Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. John earned two platinum and three gold records. Moved to Germany in 1980 after touring Europe with Fats Domino. Has worked successfully in Europe since then with various artists and in the studio.

Cut The Sheet

Bill Easley - Love Stories

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:03
Size: 142,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:41)  1. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:10)  2. Hey There
(5:27)  3. Love With a Proper Stranger
(5:47)  4. You Go To My Head
(4:29)  5. The End of a Love Affair
(4:13)  6. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:24)  7. My Foolish Heart
(5:23)  8. Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)
(4:36)  9. Don't You Know That I Care
(4:41) 10. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(4:05) 11. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
(5:18) 12. Falling In Love With Love
(3:45) 13. I'll Take Romance

Though the word “virtuoso” is almost as overused as “genius” when applied to musicians, Bill Easley’s abilities on multiple saxophones and clarinets, in styles extending from swing and hard bop to R&B and pop, have proven that designation accurate. But on his sixth session as a leader, Easley opts for a more conventional, thematically conservative menu, a 13-track date of show tunes and romantic standards. He also limits himself to tenor sax, and is the key soloist in a group that includes pianist Tommy James, bassist Hassan Shakur, drummer Willie Martinez and percussionist Chembo Corniel. Easley’s command and tone are impressive, his interpretations engaging. He’ll take chances on occasion, transforming “Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)” into a more urgent, energetic romp. He’s appropriately tender on such numbers as “Falling in Love With Love” and “Hey There,” but provides soul and passion during his treatments of “Don’t You Know That I Care” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” 

James proves a fine second soloist and accompanist, while Shakur’s bass is expertly recorded, bringing a deep, rich bottom presence to every arrangement. The decision to include a drummer and percussionist was also a smart one. The secondary textures that Corniel’s congas add to Martinez’s primary beats give Easley valuable additional support, and he operates nicely atop their foundations. ~ Ron Wynn  http://jazztimes.com/articles/27354-love-stories-bill-easley

Personnel: Bill Easley (tenor saxophone); Tommy James (piano); Willie Martinez (drums); Chembo Corniel (congas, percussion).

Alex Pangman With Bucky Pizzarelli - Have A Little Fun

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:13
Size: 109,8 MB
Scans:

(2:17)  1. Some Of These Days
(2:23)  2. Are You Having Any Fun
(4:15)  3. The Fog Song
(3:36)  4. The Panic Is On
(3:01)  5. I’m Confessin’ That I Love You
(3:51)  6. If Felt So Good To Be So Bad
(3:07)  7. Just One More Chance
(4:11)  8. Shanghai Lil
(4:26)  9. Out Of Nowhere
(3:55) 10. Stardust
(3:24) 11. Melancholy Lullaby
(3:22) 12. Topsy Turvy
(2:48) 13. Undecided
(0:30) 14. Intro Some Of These Days

For years Alex Pangman has, alongside her slick Alleycats, been indulging her predilection for tunes that predate the 36-year-old Canadian chanteuse by at least four decades. But unlike the vast majority of contemporary vocalists whose approach to such material sounds patently artificial, Pangman is startlingly authentic in her interpretations. In other words, she’s not a poseur but a peer to Ruth Etting or the great Connee Boswell, with whom she shares an intense stylistic kinship. Two years ago, Pangman, fresh from double lung transplant surgery, shaped the sterling 33, focusing on standards that gained their first flush of popularity in 1933. 

For two-thirds of the tracks on Have a Little Fun she strays slightly from that date, inching back to 1926 for the Sophie Tucker showstopper “Some of These Days” and as far forward as 1939 for “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” Joining her band is 87-year-old Bucky Pizzarelli, who can claim more immediate familiarity with the vintage playlist yet performs with more vigor than most guitarists a third his age. Terrific as it is to hear them tiptoe through “I’m Confessin’,” slink through “Shanghai Lil” or cut loose on Fats Waller’s fevered “The Panic Is On,” the biggest delight is in discovering Pangman’s eerie ability to write new songs that seem genuinely sepia-tinted. The four included here are top-flight compositions, particularly her dreamily contemplative “The Fog Song” and sly, saucy “It Feels So Good to Be So Bad.” ~ Christopher Loudon  http://jazztimes.com/articles/87242-have-a-little-fun-alex-pangman-bucky-pizzarelli

Personnel: Alex Pangman: vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Drew Jurecka: violin (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Brigham Phillips: trumpet (4,6,8,12,13); Ross Woodbridge: clarinet and tenor sax (4,6,8,12,13); Laurie Bower: trombone (3); Peter Hill: piano (3,4,6,8,12,13); Jesse Barksdale: guitar (3,4,6,12,13); Chris Banks: bass (3,4,6,8,12,13); Glen Anderson: drums (3,4); Michael Herring: bass (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Chris Lamont: drums (6,8,12,13).

David Leonhardt - Jazz For Dancers

Styles: Straight ahead Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:45
Size: 121,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:12)  1. Blues In The Night
(3:28)  2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:27)  3. Jammin' Slow Blues
(3:33)  4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
(5:00)  5. Strike Up The Band
(5:15)  6. Cheek To Cheek
(3:58)  7. When I Fall In Love
(3:31)  8. That's All
(3:30)  9. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:35) 10. Georgia On My Mind
(4:30) 11. In A Mellow Tone
(4:22) 12. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(4:18) 13. Late Night Blues

If there is one word to describe the musical qualities of David Leonhardt, besides being talented, it's multicolored. This man is adept at all ways of presenting jazz music, running from small combo presentations of his own interesting compositions to Music Minus One-like training sessions for tap dancers, with the taps to be provided instead of an instrument. On this 2000 release, Leonhardt and his trio turn their attention to what they believe to be one of the original purposes of jazz music, dancing. Certainly that was true during the dark days of the Depression when people on the down and out could go to cheap halls and dance their woes away either in marathon dance contests or just for the fun of it. 

The music is designed to lure people to the dancefloor for three to five minutes of music that encourages tripping to the light fantastic in a civilized manner. There are tunes for slow, body-to-body dancing, such as "Cheek to Cheek," others calling for a little more individual expression such as a dancehall version of "Blues in the Night," as well as opportunities to show off Latin dancing skills with "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars." All of this fine music is provided by the trio in a relaxed, elegant, non-threatening manner with Leonhardt getting solid support from Bruce Cox on drums and Lee Hudson on bass. One does not to be a Fred Astaire or a Michael Jackson to get up and weave to these lovely classic standards flawlessly performed. If one doesn't have the wherewithal to purchase a lot of albums, but is interested in hearing as many of the different types of jazz as possible, turning to Leonhardt's comprehensive discography is a reasonable option. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-for-dancers-mw0000018769