Charleston Chasers - Steaming South

Size: 188,4 MB
Time: 79:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1996
Styles: Jazz: Big Band, Early Jazz
Art: Front

01. Swanee (2:27)
02. Funny Honey (3:28)
03. Stomp Off, Let's Go (2:44)
04. Baby! (4:35)
05. Charleston (2:32)
06. Carolina Stomp (2:45)
07. Paddlin' Madelin' Home (3:52)
08. Mixy Rag (3:28)
09. My Pretty Girl (2:33)
10. Allah's Holiday (5:08)
11. I'm On The End Of The Phone (3:18)
12. San (2:37)
13. I Want To Be Bad (3:04)
14. I Never Knew (2:46)
15. Melancholy Lou (3:10)
16. I Love My Baby (3:41)
17. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now (4:36)
18. Sunday (3:01)
19. Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down (3:00)
20. She's Funny That Way (3:37)
21. Naughty Man (2:42)
22. I'll Be A Friend With Pleasure (3:32)
23. Steaming South (3:47)
24. Just Another Day Wasted Away (3:19)

The Charleston Chasers (a ten-piece British group that has no connection to the 1920s group) plays a wide repertoire of music from the mid- to late '20s. This CD is a step up from their previous Stomp Off release Pleasure Mad due to the developing writing talents of pianist Raina Reid. The band's main arranger, Reid also contributed four originals that fit well into the group's style; a highlight is her "I'm on the End of the Phone," which is in the style of McKinney's Cotton Pickers complete with Nik Payton whispering a vocal that sounds like Don Redman. The other vintage tunes generally avoid strict recreations and, even when based on a certain recording, the solos and some of the ensembles are different. The revivals of such rarely heard numbers as "Allah's Holiday," "I Want to Be Bad," "Melancholy Lou" and "Just Another Day Wasted Away" (which has the fine singer Debbie Arthurs accompanied only by Raina Reid's piano) are four additional reasons why classic jazz fans should search for this one. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Steaming South

---

Alex Pangman - New

Size: 93,6 MB
Time: 36:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Fit As a Fiddle (3:36)
02. I'll Never Smile Again (3:03)
03. It's Never Enough (3:32)
04. Rhythm Is Our Business (2:48)
05. The World Is Waiting For the Sunshine (3:25)
06. You Let Me Down (5:15)
07. When I Got Low I Get High (3:16)
08. Sweet Substitute (4:14)
09. Who-oo? You-oo? That's Who! (2:25)
10. My Man Rocks (4:32)

Toronto’s Alex Pangman is set to release “new”, her 3rd album with Justin Time Records on November 3rd, at Toronto’s Hugh’s Room, with subsequent launches on November 7th at Montreal’s Upstairs Jazz, and November 9th at London ON’s Aeolian Hall.

The album was recorded in New Orleans. New being the theme, it represents both a new chance at life — Pangman had second lung transplant just seven months before recording this album — but also a shock of new things. New co-producer Andrew Gilchrist recorded Pangman in New Orleans using new musicians from the city where jazz was born. “I wanted to test myself as an artist by taking this record someplace different, physically and sonically. This new session has a slightly different soundscape, and I think it’s groovy and very swinging.”

Known for a dozen or so years as Canada’s sweetheart of swing, Pangman made sure to include Canadian compositions in this collection of tin pan alley gems. her original song It’s Never Enough slide in seamlessly beside Canadian classics, I’ll Never Smile Again, and, The World is Waiting For the sunrise. Her favourite song on the record is Fit As A Fiddle, “Because I am again,” she says. True to form, not even a year after her most recent transplant, she was on the road again touring the jazz festival circuit to prove it.

New

---

Glendale One - Live At Asylum Artists (Feat. The B-Town Horns)

Size: 121,9 MB
Time: 52:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Country Rock, Jazz Rock
Art: Front

01. Drive My Car (Live) (2:54)
02. I Saw Her Standing There (Live) (3:31)
03. Things We Said Today (Live) (3:54)
04. No Reply (Live) (2:28)
05. Tell Me Why (Live) (5:12)
06. Norwegian Wood (Live) (3:56)
07. I Call Your Name (Live) (2:53)
08. You Can't Do That (Live) (4:19)
09. A Hard Days Night (Live) (3:12)
10. Back In The U.S.S.R. (Live) (2:56)
11. It Won't Be Long (Live) (3:16)
12. Can't Buy Me Love (Live) (3:21)
13. What Goes On (Live) (4:49)
14. Rain (Live) (5:18)

GLENDALE ONE are five childhood friends reunited after 30 years to share their love for playing, performing and recording music together. Their name is the phone exchange they all shared in grade school. The addition of the B-Town Horns, a stellar five-piece brass section, featuring trombonist and arranger George Guerrette and lead trumpet Dave Harmsworth, has resulted in exciting new arrangements captured in the bands latest recording - LIVE at Asylum Artists

Glendale One pays homage to the Lennon/McCartney catalogue through unique arrangements in styles ranging from Texas Swing to Jazz Rock/Fusion. Proof positive you can go anywhere with a well written song. They are homegrown Canadian talent giving, “jump to your feet and dance”, performances to audiences throughout Ontario, at festivals and outdoor events and in Toronto at Hugh’s Room, the Cadillac Lounge and the Dominion on Queen, to name a few. Glendale One - nothing but fun.

Lead vocalist & guitarist Gordon Smith has a film career stretching from Platoon to X-Men but today explores 3D-listening environments for live amplified music performances with Asylum Artists.

Lead guitarist & vocalist, Brian Gibson, has television career ranging from Nikita to Rookie Blue. A vintage guitar collector, his collaboration with Smith goes back to the grand old days of the Riverboat.

Drummer & vocalist Kevin Frank, is an actor and the artistic director of Second City’s training and education program. He also lectures around the world on how improvisation applies to corporate relationships.

Rhythm guitarist & vocalist, Frank Reid, is an accomplished pianist, acoustics specialist and founder of Progressive Interiors, responsible for most of the professional sound recording studios in Toronto over the past 25 years.

Bass guitarist & vocalist, Craig Ryan, is also a talented drummer, graphic artist, and a professional organizational effectiveness “guru” with clients in both public and private sectors.

Live At Asylum Artists

---

Mark Elf - Mark Elf Returns 2014

Size: 126,0 MB
Time: 54:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Straight-Ahead/Mainstream
Art: Front

01. A Little Diddy (6:20)
02. It Was So Beautiful (4:19)
03. Jacky's Jaunt (6:52)
04. Time On My Hands (4:46)
05. Michellie's Mambo (5:41)
06. Low Blow (Baritone Guitar) (5:36)
07. Titillating (6:49)
08. The Bottom Line (Baritone Guitar) (3:20)
09. People Will Say We're In Love (5:57)
10. The Sandy Effect (4:32)

Nothing can stop guitarist Mark Elf from making music. He's battled serious health problems, contended with the ups and downs of the music industry for decades, and, most recently, dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the massive storm that flooded his home, delaying the recording of this record for a year. In spite of all of those setbacks and hardships, Elf still manages to have a fairly sunny musical outlook when he straps on the guitar for this, his first album in eight years.

Mark Elf Returns 2014 finds the guitarist swinging alongside an A-list rhythm section made up of pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Lewis Nash. All three men were aboard for Elf's two previous projects—Glad To Be Back (Jen Bay Records, 2004) and Liftoff (Jen Bay Records, 2006)—so there's instant rapport, something that's really required when recording without rehearsal, as was done here.

The music presented on this one is direct and accessible, as Elf delivers swingers, a couple of ballads, a spicy mambo, and plenty of songs that basically follow the tried-and-true head-solos-head format. And though the song form(s) may be predictable at times, song forms are merely vessels meant to contain the music. It's what the musicians put into those songs that counts, and these men only add the finest musical ideas and ingredients to these successful sonic recipes.

The album opens on "A Little Ditty," a swinging number that's based on the changes of "Jordu," and quickly moves to ballad country with "It Was So Beautiful." After that, there's more modest swing, a one-off guest shot from percussionist Steven Kroon on "Michellie's Mambo," a pair of burning numbers that feature Elf on baritone guitar, and a mellow goodbye in the form of "The Sandy Effect." There's lots to love here solo-wise, with plenty of fine work from Elf and Hazeltine, lots of trading fours with Nash, and an eye-of-the-storm solo from Washington during "Low Blow."

This is straight-ahead jazz as it should be played. Here's to hoping that life doesn't delay the next one from Elf. ~Dan Bilawsky

Personnel: Mark Elf: guitar; David Hazeltine; piano; Peter Washington: bass; Lewis Nash: drums; Steven Kroon: percussion (5).

Mark Elf Returns 2014

---

Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet - Vocal Madness (With Richie Cole)

Size: 149,1 MB

Time: 63:35

File: MP3 @ 320K/s

Released: 2014

Styles: Jazz Vocals

Art: Front

01. Now I Have Everything But You (3:30)

02. It's The Same Thing Everywhere (5:21)

03. Tokyo Rose Sings The Blues (6:51)

04. Take Me Away (5:31)

05. So You're Gone (5:23)

06. Bossa Nova Eyes (5:12)

07. He Was The Cat (4:00)

08. Pure Imagination (4:16)

09. I Got Friends (5:17)

10. Vanna Bonta (5:38)

11. D.C. Farewell (3:45)

12. I Love Lucy (8:45)

Legendary alto saxophonist Richie Cole first heard the Washington DC based Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet in 2012 and immediately declared them "My new discovery, the whole package!" Cole, who has worked extensively with The Manhattan Transfer and been featured on their Grammy-winning albums "Vocalese," Mecca for Moderns," and "Extensions," instantly recognized the vocal appeal of Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet and the unique songwriting and jazz arranging talents of their leader, Ginny Carr. A lover of swingin' vocal harmonies and a prolific songwriter himself, Cole invited Carr to arrange his own songs for her group and collaborate with him on a recording featuring their collective original compositions. Vocal Madness is a rich compilation of original songs by both Richie Cole and Ginny Carr, with most of the vocal arrangements by Carr. It's a high-flying and highly original performance by the power ensemble of Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet and their terrific band, with guest Richie Cole on sax. The album includes two special reprises: Carr's original salute to the late Eddie Jefferson, "He Was The Cat," featuring Eddie's own musical partner and close friend Richie Cole on the alto sax solo, and a new version of Cole's famously bebopping "I Love Lucy" from his 1979 "Hollywood Madness" release... this time with Carr's vocal arrangement adding the UVJQ signature.

Vocal Madness 

---

Michael Bubble - Christmas, Just The Two Of Us (Special Deluxe Edition)

Size: 103,7 MB
Time: 38:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Holiday
Art: Front

01. Baby It's Cold Outside (With Amy Taylor) (2:25)
02. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (1:34)
03. Blue Christmas (2:13)
04. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (3:29)
05. I'll Be Home For Christmas (With Claire Taylor) (2:22)
06. The Little Drummer Boy (With Matt Alexander) (3:26)
07. Santa Baby (With Claire Taylor) (3:27)
08. Merry Christmas Everyone (3:16)
09. Rockin Around The Christmas Tree (2:04)
10. Somethin' Stupid (With Claire Taylor) (2:46)
11. Silent Night (3:06)
12. All I Want For Christmas (3:56)
13. Let It Snow (With A.L. Martinez) (1:53)
14. White Christmas (2:16)

Michael Bubble is THE swing music performer from the UK. NOT to be confused with the young pretender Mr Bublé, Michael Bubble has been in the business of swing music since the mid 1980's and has toured extensively around Europe. Michael had previously released all his music on formats such as CD, Vinyl, and even Cassette (Remember them?), before making his debut on Itunes and other digital sites in July 2011 with the hugely successful album 'Forever, For Now'. He is currently in the process of releasing his follow-up album, and playing dates around the UK.

Christmas, Just The Two Of Us

---

Zona Sul - Pure Love

Styles: Jazz, Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:14
Size: 127,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:14)  1. The Waters Of March
(4:45)  2. Bonita
(4:42)  3. Estate
(3:19)  4. Retrato Em Branco E Preto
(3:57)  5. Dorme Profundo
(3:14)  6. Águas De Março
(2:33)  7. Vivo Sonhando
(3:09)  8. Inútil Paisagem
(2:51)  9. O Cantador
(3:55) 10. Dans Mon Ile
(2:33) 11. Dreamer
(4:20) 12. Falando
(2:29) 13. Eu Vim Da Bahia
(3:33) 14. Chovendo Na Roseira
(3:09) 15. If You Never Come To Me
(3:24) 16. Estrada Do Sol

Zona Sul will appeal to anyone who fondly remembers the music of João and Astrud Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, or even Charlie Byrd. Discarding contemporary embellishments, Pure Love is a throwback of sorts, relying on quiet arrangements and soft vocals to create a gentle, lovely bossa nova. Sophie Wegener handles each vocal carefully, creating a "light as air" feel that perfectly underlines delicate songs like "O Cantador" and "Dans Mon Île." Pianist Tizian Jost, guitarist Pedro Tagliani, bassist Sava Medan, and drummer Hajo V. Hadeln join her, providing sensitive support that blends nicely with the compositions. 

The songs tend to stay in the three- and four-minute range, only leaving time for occasional solos. But Zona Sul's strength has less to do with their individual talents than their ability to play cohesively as a unit. The only oddity on Pure Love is that some songs "The Waters of March" and "Dreamer" are sung in English. Simply put, these songs just don't flow as poetically as those sung in Portuguese. The translation, arrangement, and supple vocal on Jobim/Gilbert's "If You Never Come to Me" transform a traditional piece of bossa nova into late-night cocktail jazz. Still, all of these selections are enjoyable and quite easy on the ears, and Pure Love is a fine turn on classic Brazilian jazz. ~ RonnieD.Lankford http://www.allmusic.com/album/pure-love-un-amor-t%C3%A3o-puro-mw0000696397

Personnel: Sophie Wegener (vocals); Tizian Jost (piano); Pedro Tagliani (guitar); Sava Medan (bass); Hajo V. Hadeln (drums).

Pure Love

---

Bennie Wallace, Dave Holland & Elvin Jones - Big Jim's Tango

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:38
Size: 88,5 MB
Art: Front

( 5:41)  1. Big Jim Does The Tango For you
( 5:57)  2. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
( 9:41)  3. Green & Elloy
( 4:46)  4. Monroe County Moon
(12:31)  5. The Free Will

Bennie Wallace has long had his own unique style, combining together the raspy tone of Ben Webster with the frequent wide interval jumps of Eric Dolphy. He has an explorative style that sound-wise looks back toward the swing era. Wallace started on clarinet when he was 12 and a few years later switched to tenor. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1968, and in 1971 moved to New York, where he debuted with Monty Alexander. Wallace gigged with Sheila Jordan, played with many avant-garde musicians, was in George Gruntz's Concert Jazz Band in 1979, and led his own trio/quartet on and off throughout the 1970s and '80s. 

He recorded frequently prior to 1985 for Enja, but his mid- to late-'80s Blue Note recordings are more memorable, for they find him infusing his appealing sound with touches of New Orleans R&B and a healthy dose of humor. In the '90s, Wallace began writing music for films, including White Men Can't Jump. He also stayed active on the jazz scene, releasing Old Songs in 1993 on JVC, Talk of the Town also in 1993 on Enja, and Someone to Watch Over Me in 1999 on Enja. In 2002 Wallace scored critical success with Moodsville and followed it up with the release of In Berlin, a recording of a 1999 appearance at the Berlin Jazz Festival. Since that time, Wallace has released studio albums including The Nearness of You in 2004 and the Coleman Hawkins-themed Disorder at the Border in 2007. Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/bennie-wallace/id215522732#fullText

Personnel: Bennie Wallace (tenor saxophone); Dave Holland (bass); Elvin Jones (drums).

Big Jim's Tango

---

Various Artists - I Just Love Jazz Piano

Styles: Hard Bop, Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:20
Size: 102,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:48)  1. Jumpin' Jacques
(4:54)  2. Blues Too Much
(3:06)  3. Thou Swell
(3:43)  4. The Boy Next Door
(3:00)  5. Together
(2:46)  6. Hou About You
(2:49)  7. Apart
(2:41)  8. Thou Swell
(2:43)  9. It's You Or No One
(2:29) 10. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(2:46) 11. S'Wonderful
(2:31) 12. Nichols And Dimes
(2:40) 13. Who's Blues
(2:50) 14. Nichols and Dimes (Previously unissued alternate take)
(2:27) 15. Cherokee

I Just Love Jazz Piano is, if not essential, certainly an enjoyable collection of early-'50s jazz piano. It is perhaps most interesting because it contains some early Herbie Nichols recordings, which pre-date his better-known releases on Blue Note and Bethlehem. Unfortunately, and certainly to his credit, Nichols, in 1952, was not the harmonically challenging soloist that he would later become. Otherwise, this collection includes material by pianists Hampton Hawes, Paul Smith, and John Mehegan. While Hawes' selections are nice, and Smith's interesting (because he doubles on piano and organ simultaneously), it is Mehegan who provides the most engaging set. Perhaps this is because he is joined by the strongest rhythm section on the LP: Charles Mingus and Kenny Clarke. Either way, his speedy rendition of "Cherokee" is a welcome change on an LP dominated to a fault, even by too many reserved, mid-tempo numbers. ~ Brandon Burke  http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-just-love-jazz-piano-mw0000095364

I Just Love Jazz Piano

---