Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Red Norvo Trio - The Savoy Sessions

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:02
Size: 144.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1995/2010
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
[2:31] 2. Time And Tide
[3:43] 3. Little White Lies
[4:02] 4. Prelude To A Kiss
[2:35] 5. Move
[3:30] 6. September Song
[4:01] 7. I'm Yours
[2:24] 8. I Get A Kick Out Of You
[3:25] 9. Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart
[2:38] 10. Cheek To Cheek
[4:05] 11. Night And Day
[4:08] 12. Godchild
[3:29] 13. Mood Indigo
[4:06] 14. If I Had You
[1:50] 15. Deed I Do
[3:18] 16. I'll Remember April
[2:28] 17. This Can't Be Love
[2:21] 18. I've Got You Under My Skin
[2:25] 19. Swedish Pastry
[3:01] 20. Have You Met Miss Jones

One of the first great improvisers on the xylophone and marimba, Red Norvo was also one of the few swing-era stars to make a successful transition to the harmonic and rhythmic challenges of bebop (he recorded with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in 1945). By that time he had switched up to a vibraphone--a more versatile instrument with its amplified sound and sustain pedal--but his steely rhythmic articulation always reflected his experiences as an acoustic mallet player.

THE RED NORVO TRIO WITH TAL FARLOW AND CHARLES MINGUS chronicles his 1950-51 recordings with the innovative guitarist and bass player, and are among the most influential examples of what has come to be known as chamber jazz. When economic conditions made touring with a sextet impossible, Norvo decided to dispense with a rhythm section. In Farlow and Mingus he found players who shared his fascination with sophisticated harmonies, and were able to hang with him at the brisk tempos he favored.

Thanks to their elaborately crafted arrangements, the trio created a full orchestral dimension and a powerful rhythmic thrust. On "Prelude To A Kiss," Mingus' rich arco work triggers several cunning thematic variations, while Norvo's tart dissonances behind Farlow's solo create a harmonic tension which is only resolved during his own improvisation--together, they create a series of fanciful motifs behind Mingus' solo. Denzel Best's "Move" is driven along by Mingus' articulate, up-tempo melodic variations, as Norvo and Farlow navigate his equestrian changes with imperturbable refinement. Farlow's witty percussive effects on "Night And Day" and Mingus' flamboyant bowing on "Time And Tide" make it seem as if the musicians are playing with roses between their teeth. From the classical grandeur of "I'll Remember April" to the boppish drive "Godchild" and "Swedish Pastry," the wit and technical range of this band is phenomenal.

Recording Date: October 31, 1950 - April 13, 1951

The Savoy Sessions

Various - Crazy: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:28
Size: 111.0 MB
Styles: Soundtrack, Country
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[0:11] 1. Larry Klein - Opening Riff
[1:27] 2. Dean Parks - Sugarfoot Rag
[2:48] 3. Madeleine Peyroux - Crazy
[2:14] 4. Stacy Earl - Honky Tonk Blues
[2:48] 5. Larry Koonse - Angel Eyes
[0:47] 6. Soundtrack - Rock-A-Billy Baby
[2:30] 7. Roy Orbison - Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
[1:51] 8. Shawn Colvin - I Can't Stop Loving You
[2:13] 9. Kip Lennon - Jingle Bell Rock
[2:47] 10. Shawn Colvin - Tennessee Waltz
[3:03] 11. Larry Klein - Voom
[1:38] 12. Larry Klein - Lazy
[1:59] 13. Mandy Barnett - Walking After Midnight
[3:08] 14. Madeleine Peyroux - Lonesome Road
[1:35] 15. Dean Parks - Hank's Dream
[1:29] 16. Soundtrack - Dreams In G
[2:54] 17. Mandy Barnett - I Fall To Pieces
[2:47] 18. Larry Klein - Nothing That You Were
[1:37] 19. Larry Klein - Larry's Lament
[4:23] 20. Larry Klein - Jam At The Gate
[2:19] 21. Larry Klein - Hank's Shuffle
[1:47] 22. Dean Parks - Sugarfoot Boogie

Inspired by the tragic life of legendary 1950's-era guitarist Hank Garland, this soundtrack features songs performed by Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Shawn Colvin, Mandy Barnett, Madeleine Peyroux, Stacy Earl, and Kip Lennon. Produced by multiple Grammy-winning producer Larry Klein, Favored Nations CEO/guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, and former Guitar Center-owner Ray Scherr, CRAZY features beautiful vocal renditions by Shawn Colvin, and Madeleine Peyroux as well as blazing instrumentals by Larry Koonse, Dean Parks and many other brilliant artists.

Crazy: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Martin Denny - The Versatile Martin Denny

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:10
Size: 69.1 MB
Styles: Exotica, Easy Listening
Year: 1963/2013
Art: Front

[2:42] 1. Theme From Mondo Cane
[2:15] 2. Exotique Bossa Nova
[2:31] 3. Our Day Will Come
[2:43] 4. Scarlet Mist
[2:26] 5. The End Of The World
[2:31] 6. Little Boat
[2:36] 7. Sukiyaki
[2:16] 8. Quiet Village Bossa Nova
[2:42] 9. Losing You
[2:42] 10. Strawberry Tree
[2:33] 11. Little Bird
[2:07] 12. Night In Tunisia

The unfortunate trend in light piano jazz continues. Three tracks on this record are quite worthwhile: "Exotique Bossa Nova," "Night in Tunisia, " and the very interesting reworking, "Quiet Village Bossa Nova." ~Tony Wilds

The Versatile Martin Denny

Carol Sloane - Carol Sings

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:45
Size: 95,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. Cheek to Cheek
(6:25)  2. Morning Star
(4:35)  3. An Older Man (Is Like an Elegant Wine)
(4:53)  4. Frasier (The Sensuous Lion)
(3:36)  5. Medley: If Dreams Come True/ Don't Be That Way
(4:20)  6. Prelude to a Kiss
(5:46)  7. Looking Back
(5:21)  8. Checkered Hat
(3:28)  9. My Leopard (Isfanhan)

Originally released by Progressive, this Carol Sloane album is quite definitive. After 15 years of neglect, the appealing jazz singer began to emerge on records again in 1977. On her effort, Sloane performs ten superior songs, which range from swing standards such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Prelude to a Kiss" to lesser-known numbers such as a pair of Johnny Mercer-Jimmy Rowles collaborations ("Morning Star" and "Frasier the Sensuous Lion"), Norris Turney's "Checkered Hat" and "An Older Man Is Like an Elegant Wine." The singer is ably assisted by pianist Rowles (who also arranged the tunes), tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, altoist Norris Turney (who guests on his composition), bassist George Mraz and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/carol-sings-mw0000120233

Carol Sings

Jack Jezzro - Gershwin On Guitar

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:02
Size: 108,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Love Is Here To Stay Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:20)  2. Who Cares Feat. Beegie Adair
(4:35)  3. It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:22)  4. I Got Rhythm
(4:18)  5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(5:11)  6. A Foggy Day Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:49)  7. How Long Has This Been Going On
(3:19)  8. They All Laughed Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:48)  9. But Not For Me
(3:29) 10. Love Walked In Feat. Beegie Adair
(4:26) 11. Embraceable You Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:56) 12. Soon

An internationally recognized guitarist and composer, Jack Jezzro is a multifaceted and successful studio musician. He has produced over 100 albums, earned a Grammy nomination and five Dove award nominations. Starting out as a member of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and attending the Eastman School of Music, Jezzro eventually moved to Nashville where he now resides. Also an accomplished double bassist, Jezzro performs regularly with Nashville String Machine, an in-demand studio group recording with many top artists. As a studio musician, Jezzro's recording credits include work with Faith Hill, Matchbox Twenty, Randy Travis, and many others.His work can also be heard on numerous motion picture soundtracks including Con Air, Pocahontas, and The Green Mile. Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jack-jezzro/id200096162#fullText

Personnel: Jack Jezzro (nylon-string guitar); Mary Alice Hoepfinger (harp); Cate Meyer, Cathy Umstead, Mary Kathryn Van Osdale, Carl Gorodetzky, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , Lee Larrison, Alan Umstead, David Angell (violin); Jim Grossjean, Kristin Wilkinson, Monisa Angell, Gary VanOsdale (viola); The Nashville String Machine.

Eric Felten - Gratitude

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:41
Size: 132,5 MB
Art: Front

(9:27)  1. Jeep's Blues
(5:19)  2. Pretty Lies
(5:56)  3. Gratitude
(3:43)  4. Paul's Interlude
(6:17)  5. Fat Chance
(6:57)  6. I Fall In Love Too Easily
(8:39)  7. The King In Yellow
(7:07)  8. Pie Eye
(4:12)  9. Gratitude (reprise)

Gratitude, Eric Felten's second CD as a leader, finds the young trombonist in the company of some seasoned veterans, but his confident playing doesn't give away his age. Brent Wallarab contributed the arrangements, which start with a stunning take of Johnny Hodges' "Jeep's Blues." Though trumpeter Randy Brecker, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, and the leader each produce a great solo, it is bass clarinetist Bob Mintzer (who sounds somewhat inspired by Eric Dolphy) who steals the show with his adventurous solo. Felten's lyrical tone in the ballad "I Fall in Love Too Easily" has a vocal quality to it. The remainder of the session is devoted to Felten's originals. His fat-toned solo leads off the brisk-paced "Pretty Lies," while it is the richly textured harmony of the unison passages in the ballad "Gratitude" that stay with the listener. 

"Pie-Eye" (the name of the character Duke Ellington played in the film Anatomy of a Murder) is not a swing composition but very heavily post-bop, though one could imagine Ellington tilting his earlobe and snapping on the afterbeat in approval. The rhythm section, consisting of pianist Jonny King, bassist Ira Coleman (with Paul Henry subbing on one track), and drummer Billy Drummond, is first-rate. The only surprise is that Felten didn't release another CD as a leader until 2003, eight years after this excellent disc. 
~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/gratitude-mw0000181064

Personnel: Eric Felten (trombone); Bob Mintzer (bass clarinet); Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jonathan King , Jonny King (piano); Billy Drummond (drums).

Ray Charles - My World

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 1993
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 44:44
Size: 82,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:01)  1. My World
(4:12)  2. A Song For You
(4:59)  3. None Of Us Are Free
(3:59)  4. So Help Me God
(5:25)  5. Let Me Take You Over
(4:22)  6. One Drop Of Love
(4:52)  7. If I Could
(4:06)  8. Love Has A Mind Of Its Own
(3:48)  9. I'll Be There
(4:57) 10. Still Crazy After All These Years

My World marked an attempt to somewhat "modernize" Ray Charles by incorporating elements of hip-hop and New Jack swing into his trademark sound. As a result, the record has aged poorly; the highlights are the songs done in Charles' usual inimitable style, including a reading of Leon Russell's "A Song for You" and a soulful rendition of Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years." ~ Jason Ankeny  
http://www.allmusic.com/album/my-world-mw0000094264

Personnel: Ray Charles (vocals, guitar, synthesizer); Rose Stone (vocals, background vocals); Randy Waldman (guitar, synthesizer); Tommy Organ, Eric Clapton, Thomas Organ, James Harrah, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Doug Norwine (saxophone, horns); Lee Thornburg (horns); James Cox, Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Cox (piano); Billy Preston (Clavinet, organ); Shaun LaBelle (Clavinet, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, drum programming); Steve Lindsey, Randy Kerber (organ, synthesizer); Jud J. Friedman (keyboards, synthesizer); Dan Farrow (keyboards); John Levy (synthesizer, drums, percussion, drum programming); Chuckii Booker, Guy Moon, Robert Thiele, Bob Thiele Jr., Khris Kellow, Tom Snow, Barry Mann (synthesizer); Portia Griffin (vibraphone, background vocals); Carl King (drums, percussion, programming); Donny Nguyen (drums, percussion, drum programming); Rob Chiarelli (drums, drum programming); Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd , Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (congas, tambourine); Enrico DePaoli (percussion, drum programming); Maxayn Lewis, Valerie Pinkston-Mayo, Maxine Anderson, Karen Grant, Arnold McCutler, Carmen Twittie, Sharon Wallace, Joey Diggs, June Pointer, Lisa Frazier, Alex Brown, Alfie Silas, Mavis Staples, Maxi Anderson, Monalisa Young, Oren Waters, Phil Perry, Phil Roy, Arnold McCuller, Tata Vega, Terry Young, Billy Valentine, Jean McClain, Yvonne Williams, Brenda Russell , Carmen Twillie (background vocals).