Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Barbara Fasano - The Girls Of Summer

Size: 95,8 MB
Time: 40:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Full

01. Ribbons Down My Back (3:09)
02. The Girls Of Summer (3:29)
03. Thunder Road (5:13)
04. Sally's Pigeons (4:51)
05. Cool (4:03)
06. Only A Dream (7:12)
07. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (2:14)
08. Once Upon A Summertime (2:49)
09. The Boys Of Summer (4:09)
10. The Shining Sea (2:49)

Barbara Fasano has been hailed as one of the nation’s most stunning and soulful singers. Frank Scheck of The New York Post raves, "Fasano is a gorgeous, soulful singer who has an actor’s intensity in whatever she sings." Whether singing a song by Joni Mitchell or Harold Arlen or Cole Porter, Fasano takes her audience on a spellbinding, emotional musical journey. A 2010 New York Nightlife Award winner, and a regular performer at New York’s most prestigious supper club, The Oak Room at The Algonquin Hotel, her new show with Eric Comstock, “HELLUVA TOWN: A New York Soundtrack”, enjoyed an acclaimed and sold-out run earlier this year. The New York Times’ Stephen Holden called it “exhilarating”, singling out Fasano as a “lyrically sensitive interpreter” and comparing her to one of her idols, Lena Horne. “Mr. Comstock and Ms. Fasano are turning the neighborhood into a hotbed of pleasure.”

Fasano’s exquisite voice reaches deep into the soul of humanity. “She illuminates with torchlight,” according to David Finkle of The Huffington Post. “The slim, raven-haired Fasano continually allows feelings to simmer and crackle, singing Cole Porter's ‘In the Still of the Night’ as well or better than anyone has ever sung it.” Rex Reed of The New York Observer notes, "She gives off palpable electricity”, and NEXT’s David Hurst declares , “Fasano is nothing short of a revelation, with the poise and jazz chops to go with her beauty to create a formidable singer.” Theatermania’s Brian Scott Lipton simply states, “Fasano, who sounds better than ever, once again proves herself to be a remarkably expressive singer.”

Wall Street Journal jazz critic Will Friedwald calls Barbara “a charismatic stylist who effectively channels the spirits of the great über-divas Lena Horne and Barbra Streisand” in his new book The Biographical Guide to the Great Jazz and Pop Singers (Pantheon, 2010). On her CD, “Written In The Stars”, a Harold Arlen collection, she surrounds herself with an A-list jazz ensemble, including John di Martino on piano. The CD has garnered praise in publications as diverse as JazzTimes and Playbill, and receives radio play around the world. The New Republic’s David Hajdu raves, “With this record, Barbara Fasano proves that she is not just a great Italian crooner, an heir to Sinatra for our time, but a jazz singer of the first rank.” Barbara’s previous CD, “The Girls of Summer”, is an eclectic mix ranging from Springsteen to Sondheim, and based on her one-woman show of the same title. Both of these CDs were named Record of the Year by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Back Stage Bistro awards, and her work as a live performer has twice earned her awards for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Barbara grew up in a spirited Italian Catholic household – excellent preparation for a life in show business! From her early childhood, music and stories were a way of life. Her mother made the Sunday lasagna while listening to Italian American singers like Jerry Vale on the radio. Her father listened to Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby and sang along in an effortless baritone, teaching Barbara many of his favorite songs. From the early Streisand albums, she learned the music of her favorite composer, Harold Arlen, and learned to play the guitar, memorizing recordings by Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and other singer-songwriters. Combine all this with her grandparents’ stories of Neapolitan singers and vaudeville and you see how her musical identity was forged. Within her eclectic choices, what remains consistent is her ability to invest a lyric with deep emotional truth, creating virtual one-act plays out of each song.

Barbara’s many New York headline engagement include concert appearances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s American Songbook at the Allen Room, Rose Hall, Town Hall and New York’s 92nd Street Y’s Lyrics and Lyricists series. Starring engagements in cabaret and nightclubs include The Algonquin, Feinstein’s, The Carlyle, Birdland, Iridium, and Café Sabarsky. Arts centers and music festivals across the country include Caramoor, Arizona Jazz Festival, Jersey Jazz, Kanbar Center, Cooperstown Music Festival, and Kerrytown Concert House. In the words of jazz critic Ira Gitler, she “has it all, and then some … artistic, swinging, and superbly entertaining.”

The Girls Of Summer

Jacky Terrasson - Take This

Size: 103,6 MB
Time: 44:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Kiff (3:34)
02. Un Poco Loco (4:12)
03. Take Five (Take 1) (5:10)
04. Come Together (3:22)
05. Dance (3:17)
06. Blue In Green (2:58)
07. November (6:22)
08. Take Five (Take 2) (4:11)
09. Maladie D'amour (3:13)
10. Somebody That I Used To Know (3:32)
11. Letting Go (4:39)

Pianist/composer Jacky Terrasson makes his Impulse! label debut with the February 24, 2015 release of Take This, a sparkling new album that captures the quintessence of his multifaceted musical makeup, which draws upon modern post-bop, pop, hip-hop, European classical, and African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms and melodies. Terrasson will celebrate with release event performances at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz Lincoln Center in New York City March 13-15. Further tour dates will be announced shortly.

Being the product of a French father and an American mother, the 49-year-old Terrasson has built a distinguished, two-decade plus career by threading musical links between various cultures and nationalities. On Take This, he convenes a truly international band featuring American bassist Burniss Travis, Cuban-born drummer Lukmil Perez, Malian percussionist Adama Diarra, and Afro-French vocalist and human beatbox virtuoso Sly Johnson, forming a hip cosmopolitan combo that represents jazz’s expansive global mindedness while still affirming its African-American roots.

Take This boasts four Terrasson originals starting off with the opening, “Kiff,” on which Terrasson pairs his jovial piano and keyboard melodies with Johnson’s lissome, wordless vocals. Terrasson deftly infuses Afro-Cuban melodicism on the delightful “Dance,” which also provides the perfect vehicle for Diarra’s splendid percussion work alongside Johnson’s shadowy beatbox ingenuity. “November” bounces to vivacious yet sensitive Caribbean beat propelled by Perez and Travis as Terrasson unravels labyrinthine passages marked by cogent melodicism and spry rhythms. Terrasson reveals his balladry mastery on the sensual “Letting Go.”

The album also contains nine surprising covers that range from inventive takes on a handful of jazz standards – Bud Powell’s “Un Poco Loco,” the Miles Davis/Bill Evans ballad “Blue In Green” and Paul Desmond’s “Take Five”— a riveting piano-vocal duo rendition of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” an ebullient reading of Henri Salvador’s 1950 French-Caribbean hit, “Maladie D’Amour” and a jazz/hip-hop makeover of Gotye’s 2011 international pop hit, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

Throughout, Terrasson enlivens the music with sleek improvisations, rhythmic fluidity and an impeccable touch – all of which have become hallmarks to his singular sound. He also ignites a rapport with his band mates that favors memorable and importantly meaningful musical dialogue over callow pyrotechnics, making Take This another welcoming musical adventure in Terrasson’s oeuvre.

About Jacky Terrasson:
Jacky Terrasson (born 1965) is an internationally renowned Franco-American pianist, composer and bandleader, who recorded his debut as a leader in 1992. The following year, he won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition then toured with the legendary Betty Carter, both of which propelled him to the top echelon of the jazz world. In addition to releasing 10 memorable albums on Blue Note Records between 1994-2007, he’s recorded for Concord Records and Universal France. During his distinguished career, Terrasson has also worked with notable jazz artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Stefon Harris, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Scott and Dianne Reeves.

Take This

Sarah Maclaine - The Heart Of Me

Size: 100,1 MB
Time: 41:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) (3:13)
02. God Only Knows (4:19)
03. Moon River (3:01)
04. In My Life (3:45)
05. This Girl's In Love With You (4:29)
06. Little Willow (3:05)
07. Forever Autumn (5:04)
08. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (5:04)
09. Secret Love (4:26)
10. Make You Feel My Love (4:44)

As a singer of both jazz and pop, Sarah has interpreted some popular songs in a jazz style to create her new album, "The Heart of Me". Here's what she has to say about it:

"This is an album where each of the songs I've selected has a place in my heart. Every track has a special meaning to me, and I hope this comes through in my heartfelt performance of each one."

Sarah's vocals on this jazz release are influenced by great classic jazz vocalists such as Julie London and Mel Torme, and contemporary female jazz artists like Diana Krall, Stacey Kent and Tierney Sutton. Sarah also loves the recordings of Michael Buble.

The Heart Of Me

Erik Deutsch - Outlaw Jazz

Size: 92,9 MB
Time: 39:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Country, Jazz Soul
Art: Front

01. Outlaw Boogie (4:54)
02. Dearest Darling (Feat. Victoria Reed) (4:43)
03. Wild Horses (6:12)
04. Pickle (4:20)
05. Whistlers And Jugglers (Feat. Shooter Jennings) (6:05)
06. Crown Vic (4:21)
07. Ballad Of San Pancho (3:16)
08. Diamonds, Heels, And Suits (Feat. Jon Gray) (6:04)

...It all started with that mythical viper who bites his tail and rolls along like a greased wheel. It was 1985 in Nashville, TN, and 3rd-grader Erik Deutsch had just won his school's songwriting contest with his first original tune, 'Hoopsnake'. The prize? Get together with a songwriter, add some chords and such, and perform that sucker at the Country Music Hall of Fame. That, ladies and gentlemen, was Erik's first gig, so it doesn't come as too much of a surprise that 30 years later he's introducing Outlaw Jazz to the world.

Outlaw Jazz is Deutsch's melding of the psychedelic soul-jazz sounds from his last record, Demonio Teclado, with the classic sounds of outlaw country, rhythm and blues, and southern funk. In a way, he's been an outlaw in the jazz world for a while now--never quite fitting with the straight ahead cats, the avant garde scene, the jammers, or the funksters--but continuing to make independent records and blaze his own trail, and always with the pedal to the metal. Erik's mom came from an old Nashville family, and having spent a part of his childhood there, the country music has always been a part of his musical make-up. Combine that with a chance meeting with a certain Nashvillian, and Deutsch had the ingredients to bring this record to life.

Erik remembers going over to Shooter Jennings house many times as a child. His younger brother was a pal of Shooter's, and there were countless pick-ups, drop-offs, and parties where these guys were hanging out. Shooter, the son of country legends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, got a quick start to his prolific career and has been in the public eye a good deal for the past 15 years. When Erik heard Shooter was moving to NYC in 2010, he reached out through some old friends. It'd been 25 years since these two had seen each other, but it only took a couple minutes before they felt like best friends. A couple years on the road and two albums later, their musical bond was strong, and Deutsch had an idea about how he could extend this inspiration into his own sound.

He started writing some music that had a little bit of country in it, all the while listening to records by Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Floyd Cramer, and of course Waylon. He launched his first-ever Kickstarter campaign and was overwhelming successful (raising more than $17,000 with 180 backers). The next step was to assemble a crack band: the core of Tony Mason (drums), Jeff Hill (bass), Jon Gray (trumpet), and Avi Bortnick (guitar) were joined by Jon Graboff (steel guitar), Scott Metzger (guitar), Steve Elliot (guitar), Tony Leone (drums), Jon Stewart (sax), and Mike McGinnis (sax). It was Deutsch's dream band, and after three days of recording and a couple weeks of Jeff Hill mixing, the results speak for themselves. Featuring five originals, three covers, and three memorable vocal performances (including Shel Silverstein's 'Whistlers and Jugglers' with Shooter), Deutsch has forged into new, exciting territory that brims with joy, creativity, and funky beauty. In an era of idiomatic recycled music, Outlaw Jazz stands out as a truly original, heartfelt album.

Fast forward to now, as Deutsch just inked a record contract with Nashville upstart label Cumberland Brothers. Chenault Sanders, Jake Sanders, and Nick Worley (son of legendary Nashville producer Paul Worley) are the 'Brothers' to whom the label refers, and just so happen to have met Erik in 1st grade--1982, Nashville, TN. The desire for Deutsch to join a label for the first time in over a decade was strong; the fact that he's joining forces with two life-long friends on a Nashville-based label is brilliant. It really couldn't have played out any better.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the joyful noise that is "Outlaw Jazz". There's a lot of history here, folks…trust me, you can hear it in the music.

Outlaw Jazz

Andy De Campos - Colors

Size: 112,9 MB
Time: 48:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'm In The Mood For Swing (2:38)
02. The Cincinnati Kid (3:35)
03. Agua De Beber (3:45)
04. Beyond The Sea (3:05)
05. The Pink Panther (2:58)
06. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (2:58)
07. Anytime Anyday Anywhere (2:23)
08. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (2:34)
09. C'est Si Bon (3:38)
10. I'll See You In Cuba (4:25)
11. Sunday Morning (4:17)
12. Ti Guardero Nel Cuore (2:56)
13. Hey Jealous Lover (1:58)
14. When You Wish Upon A Star (3:19)
15. Toronto! (3:41)

Andy brings a fresh contemporary take to his material while staying true to the sound of the original era. The variety of his repertoire and its delivery is built to enthrall his audiences and keeps Andy top of the list of entertainers in Canada.

“Colors” is Andy’s debut album released in 2015. This project, generously composing 15 recordings, is an accurate showcase of the crooner’s wide musical spectrum both in repertoire and technique.

Andy’s vocal sound is bright and unique and not just like any other baritone. His phrasing plays with the melody just enough and it goes with the exotic sound of the music. Andy’s release “Colors” blends the time-honoured American standards with widespread universal classics and original material delivered in different music genres. The song selection and musical arrangements harmonizes, in a rare form, both the cool mood of the confined gritty lounge with the aspirant exotic utopia beyond.

Illustrative of it’s mosaic nature Andy is honoured to record with sublime talent from different corners of Canadian Jazz: Robi Botos, Sean Bellaviti, Terry Clarke, Kelly Jefferson, Braxton Hicks, Steve MacDonald and William Sperandei (to mention a few).

Colors

Wolff & Clark Expedition - Wolff & Clark Expedition 2

Size: 151,0 MB
Time: 64:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Clark Bar (7:37)
02. Sunshine Of Your Love (4:38)
03. Israel (4:08)
04. Madiba (8:27)
05. Monk's Dream (5:26)
06. Stray (4:55)
07. Gingerbread Boy (3:13)
08. Mulgrew (6:23)
09. 1999 (4:56)
10. A Night In Tunisia (5:50)
11. Invisible (3:30)
12. In Walked Bud (5:25)

The WOLFF & CLARK EXPEDITION — pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Mike Clark — release their 2nd Expedition, with bassist Christian McBride, saxophonist Hailey Niswanger, trumpeter Wallace Roney and young bass phenom Daryl Johns (sharing duties with McBride). With unique covers of tunes by Prince, Monk, Ornette, and Cream and beguiling originals from the leaders, this is an excursion that should not be missed! Truly a “Band without boundaries,” WOLFF & CLARK combine elements of Jazz, Funk, and Soul in an intelligent, accessible way to create their own brand of burning music.

Wolff & Clark Expedition 2

Bickley Rivera - Breaking The Mold

Size: 100,7 MB
Time: 39:21
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Let's Kick It (4:23)
02. Latin Ride (3:21)
03. Morning Dance (4:29)
04. Cool Like Dat (4:10)
05. Love Me Now (3:33)
06. Brazilian Breeze (4:04)
07. Make You Mine (3:23)
08. Moving Song (3:38)
09. Que Sabor! (3:40)
10. Emerald Flow (4:36)

Five years ago, the smooth jazz world was treated to the remarkable breezy, easy, tropical sound of steel pan charm from Bickley Rivera with her Bickley Riverarelease Chillin’ After Five. Just as sure as I am that the album produced a collective ‘wow!” from listeners, her latest project Breaking’ the Mold will take you to yet another level of appreciation.

This latest offering of Caribbean bliss finds her exotic pan jazz sound blending with guest collaborators like guitarist Steve Oliver (who also produced this fine work), bassist Eddie Reddick, saxman Will Donato, Spyro Gyra members Tom Schuman (keys) and Bonny B (drums), and fellow steel pan artist Andy Narell.

Among the delightfully melodic pieces here are her lead sunshine-bright and springy track “Let’s Kick It,” the intoxicatingly rhythmic and exotic “Latin Ride” with that trademark Steve Oliver guitar touch, her wonderfully snappy take on Spyro Gyra’s classic “Morning Dance,” the sexy, sauntering “Make You Mine,” the lively and robust “Que Sabor,” and the oh-so-suave finale “Emerald Flow.” There are other gems to be found here, as well. Without a doubt, Rivera again weds herself to the sounds of island magic with the appeal of a stroll along a beach splashed with a glowing sunrise or soft sunset.

There is such a savory caress to Rivera’s approach, even when the tempo is lively and robust. Whenever you need to escape to a place of pleasant dreams and desires, whether in reality or imagined, you want this to be the music to accompany you there. Breaking the Mold is a truly masterful, feel-good effort. — Ronald Jackson

Breaking The Mold

Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt - We'll Be Together Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:41
Size: 93.1 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Soul Jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1961/1992
Art: Front

[4:19] 1. Red Sails In The Sunset
[4:15] 2. But Not For Me
[4:35] 3. A Pair Of Red Pants
[4:31] 4. We'll Be Together Again
[3:17] 5. A Mess
[3:54] 6. New Blues Up And Down
[5:10] 7. My Foolish Heart
[2:35] 8. Water Jug
[4:08] 9. Autumn Leaves
[3:53] 10. Time On My Hands

The title of this exciting meeting between the tenors of Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt was rather poignant, because this recording was released in the late '60s, when Ammons was serving a long jail sentence for possession of heroin, and it appeared that he and Stitt might never meet up again. Backed by pianist John Houston, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer George Brown, Ammons and Stitt (who had co-led a regular group a decade before) proved once again to be a perfect team, jamming on a variety of standards, blues, and ballads while also revisiting "New Blues Up and Down." The two tenors always brought out the best in each other, and luckily, they would get back together in the early '70s. This is high-quality bebop. ~Scott Yanow

We'll Be Together Again

Amy Banks - When The Sun Comes Out

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:48
Size: 107.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[4:05] 1. How High The Moon
[4:42] 2. Poetry Man
[3:40] 3. Devil May Care
[4:58] 4. When The Sun Comes Out
[7:21] 5. I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)
[5:26] 6. It Keeps You Runnin'
[2:37] 7. Foul Play
[3:48] 8. Ruined For The Rest
[6:24] 9. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be )
[3:43] 10. Skylark

Amy's third album is her first foray into recording her jazz favorites. Classic standards coupled with pop hits from the 70s make this album a fresh offering for the vocal jazz listener.

Amy Banks has spent two decades performing as a professional singer, actress, and television personality. Originally from Minnesota, she has appeared on stage and screen all over the world, but calls Lancaster, Pennsylvania home after relocating there to perform at the American Music Theatre. Since then, she has self-published and produced four music CDs, of which her third CD, When the Sun Comes Out, reached Chartbound status at JazzWeek. Her fourth offering, In Love, has garnered serious attention. Amy made her television hosting debut as a host-commentator on the reality TV shows "Design Invasion" (FOX) and "Bad Baths USA" (HGTV).

Amy's performing career began while living in Atlanta, Georgia where she first appeared in productions with the top stage companies including The Alliance Theater, Jomandi Productions and The Horizon Theater. For nearly a decade she performed cabaret-style shows with Robert Ray and through working with him, further honed her singing skills before moving to Orlando, Florida to work for Walt Disney World Company at the brand new Animal Kingdom theme park. She played both female roles in The Festival of the Lion King singing favorites from the Lion King movie including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life”. While in Florida she began a year-long engagement singing jazz three nights a week with the Ed Connelly Trio at The Grosvenor Resort.

When The Sun Comes Out

Eva Cassidy - The Best Of Eva Cassidy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:03
Size: 178.7 MB
Styles: Adult alternative
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. You Take My Breath Away
[2:43] 2. Kathy’s Song
[3:42] 3. Songbird
[4:17] 4. What A Wonderful World
[4:00] 5. Wade In The Water
[3:23] 6. Ain’t No Sunshine
[3:55] 7. Time After Time
[4:40] 8. Autumn Leaves
[3:14] 9. I Can Only Be Me
[4:40] 10. Fields Of Gold
[3:10] 11. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
[4:33] 12. Imagine
[4:57] 13. Over The Rainbow
[4:46] 14. True Colors
[3:39] 15. Danny Boy
[3:21] 16. People Get Ready
[2:49] 17. Anniversary Song
[4:01] 18. Early Morning Rain
[3:58] 19. I Know You By Heart
[3:41] 20. Tall Trees In Georgia

On the 17th of September 1996 a young woman, accompanied by a few dozen family and friends, attended her own tribute concert in a small club in the Washington, DC area. Transcending the effects of chemotherapy and morphine in that moment, the singer abandoned her walker and was helped onto the stage for what would be her final performance, What a Wonderful World. A few weeks later Eva Cassidy passed away, having been diagnosed with melanoma months earlier. Refusing to bend her music to the industry s conventions and expectations, Eva was known only within the DC area during her lifetime. She left behind one live album, a duet album, and various studio demos and live recordings. In these intervening 16 years, Eva's music has proven timeless and universal. Crossing all boundaries-musical, cultural, geographical-her voice survived and is finding new listeners every day in every corner of the earth. Released on the eve of what would have been her 50th birthday these twenty performances document Eva Cassidy's musical legacy for the ages.

The Best Of Eva Cassidy

Various - Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:33
Size: 131.8 MB
Styles: Soundtrack
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. K.D. Lang - Skylark
[3:38] 2. Joe Williams - Too Marvelous For Words
[5:06] 3. Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
[4:07] 4. Rosemary Clooney - Fools Rush In [where Angles Fear To Tread]
[5:07] 5. Brad Mehldau - Dream
[4:44] 6. Cassandra Wilson - Days Of Wine And Roses
[3:28] 7. Kevin Spacey - That Old Black Magic
[4:28] 8. Alison Eastwood - Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:33] 9. Clint Eastwood - Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
[3:42] 10. Alison Krauss - This Time The Dream's On Me
[4:46] 11. Kevin Mahogany - Laura
[3:56] 12. Diana Krall - Midnight Sun
[4:57] 13. Joshua Redman - I'm An Old Cowhand [from The Rio Grande]
[2:09] 14. Tony Bennett - I Wanna Be Around

This Clint Eastwood vanity-project was one of the biggest box office disappointments of 1997, despite a masterful performance by Kevin Spacey, Eastwood's typically subtle direction and, to these ears anyway, one of the most satisfying collections of songs gathered in service of a film in many a year. It didn't hurt that they were all penned by the late, great Johnny Mercer (a native of Savannah, GA, the film's locale and most crucial, underrated element) and with the exception of Tony Bennett's "I Wanna Be Around" and Sinatra's classic "Summer Wind," were rendered by an all-star team of jazz players (Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Kevin Eubanks, Christian McBride among them) and an impressive line-up of vocalists including k.d. lang, Paula Cole, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Cassandra Wilson, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall, and Kevin Mahogany. Eastwood has long been a jazz devotee and, in recent years, eager proselytizer; this album plays like a love letter to one of his most beloved musicians and composers. --Jerry McCulley

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

The Hot Club Of San Francisco - Postcards From Gypsyland

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:30
Size: 124.8 MB
Styles: Swing, Gypsy jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[5:52] 1. Not So Fast
[3:41] 2. Spivy
[4:08] 3. La Gitane
[4:07] 4. Waltz Una Nota
[6:21] 5. Alle Presse Con Una Verde Milonga
[4:02] 6. Lover's Leap
[3:59] 7. Il Camino
[4:33] 8. Jonesin'
[4:30] 9. Theme From Gypsyland (Nuages)
[3:07] 10. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunt
[3:04] 11. Song Of India
[4:20] 12. Melodie Au Crepscule
[2:41] 13. Manoir De Mes Reves

Unlike some of the gypsy jazz groups that are around today and very much dedicated to the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, the Hot Club of San Francisco have added quite a few new originals and offbeat material to their repertoire. The quintet/sextet, which differs from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France in its use of two violins on five of the 13 selections, plays tangos, waltzes, and some more modern tunes in addition to Django swing tunes. Guitarist Paul Mehling and violinist Evan Price are the main soloists, but all of the musicians are quite talented. Whether it be the heated "Lover's Leap," the haunting "Alle Prese Son una Verde Milonga," a vocalized version of "Nuages" (renamed "Theme from Gypsyland"), or "Song of India," this CD is a consistent delight that is full of surprising moments and fresh material. ~Scott Yanow

Postcards From Gypsyland

George Shearing - Satin Brass

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:45
Size: 75,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:32)  1. Deep Night
(2:45)  2. Stairway To The Stars
(2:59)  3. You Look Like Someone
(2:17)  4. Night Flight
(3:06)  5. In The Blue Of Evening
(2:06)  6. I Could Write A Book
(2:55)  7. Sleepy Manhattan
(2:46)  8. If I Had You
(2:40)  9. Just Plain Bill
(2:51) 10. First Floor Please
(2:56) 11. Chelsea Bridge
(2:47) 12. A Ship Without A Sail

The George Shearing Quintet (comprised of piano, vibes, guitar, bass and drums) is joined by four trumpets, four trombones, two French horns and a tuba for a dozen easy-listening performances on this Capitol LP. The pianist/leader arranged the majority of the selections which include a few standards and several obscurities. Although the instrumentation might lead one to believe that this LP will contain shouting performances, actually the playing is often quite mellow and restrained with the Quintet very much in the lead throughout. Nice music but not too essential. https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/satin-brass/id512709153

Jaimee Paul - Bonded: A Tribute To The Music of James Bond

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:42
Size: 118,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:08)  1. Skyfall
(4:25)  2. Live and Let Die
(4:21)  3. Tomorrow Never Dies
(2:59)  4. You Only Live Twice
(3:52)  5. James Bond Theme ( feat. Jack Jezzro)
(3:37)  6. Nobody Does It Better
(3:50)  7. Diamonds Are Forever
(3:37)  8. Goldeneye
(4:36)  9. From Russia with Love
(4:57) 10. For Your Eyes Only
(4:12) 11. A View to a Kill
(3:44) 12. Goldfinger
(3:17) 13. Moonraker

The James Bond movie franchise is celebrating 50 years of exciting entertainment and one key aspect of the Bond movies are the unforgettable theme songs. Shirley Bassey, Carly Simon, Tina Turner, Madonna, Adele - the biggest names in music have graced these timeless compositions with their voices over the last half century. Multiple Grammy Award winning producer, keyboardist and arranger, Michael Omartian, has joined forces with producer and award winning, jazz guitarist, Jack Jezzro, to bring new life and a fresh approach to these iconic songs. Powerhouse jazz vocalist, Jaimee Paul, shows her range both stylistically and technically, as she impressively steps into the shoes of the vocal luminaries of the original recordings with stunning results. Bonded is Jaimee Paul's 4th recording on the Green Hill Music label and certainly her crowning achievement thus far in her young career. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Bonded-Tribute-Music-James-Bond/dp/B00AO7HNQ8

Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis & Shirley Scott - Jaws

Styles: Hard Bop, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 37:01
Size: 59,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
(4:46)  2. I'll Never Be the Same
(4:22)  3. You Stepped Out of a Dream
(4:28)  4. Old Devil Moon
(4:20)  5. Too Close for Comfort
(4:34)  6. Body and Soul
(4:12)  7. But Not for Me
(4:53)  8. Tangerine

Tenorman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and organist Shirley Scott co-led a popular combo during 1956-60, recording many albums and helping to popularize the idiom. This particular CD finds the quartet (with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill) interpreting eight swing standards, alternating ballads with romps. It's a fine all-around showcase for the accessible group. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jaws-mw0000263203

Personnel: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor saxophone); Shirley Scott (organ); Arthur Edgehill (drums).

Jaws

Pete Alderton - Living on Love

Styles: Vocal, Pop/Rock
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:01
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

(0:35)  1. It Seems Strange... (Intro)
(3:36)  2. (She Said That) Evil Was Her Name
(5:11)  3. Song For David (alternative version)
(3:12)  4. Have The Roses Gone Dry
(3:55)  5. I‘m Sad
(3:10)  6. Living on Love
(3:50)  7. Jesus In A Bottle
(0:46)  8. A Fool For Her Body (Skit)
(3:11)  9. Witching Hour
(3:12) 10. Give Me All Your Love
(1:05) 11. I Still Remember... (Skit)
(3:48) 12. A Taste Of The Blues
(3:36) 13. Baby I Love You
(3:59) 14. The Loved
(5:41) 15. Evil Was Her Name (Full edit)
(1:02) 16. Passing Ships
(1:02) 17. The End Of The Day (Outro)

I’ve got to admit, I hadn’t heard of Pete Alderton to the day I held the CD ‘Living On Love’ in my hands. It would have been easy to search for information, I could have listened to the recorded interview attached to the press kit, but I elected to listen first. To listen, undisturbed from any information, which might influence me. The only thing I knew was that these songs were based on the Blues. That alone enhanced my curiosity because I grew up on the Blues. And, as many of you may know, once you love, understand, play, and feel the Blues it remains a constant in your live, it’s just there, even when you don’t listen to it for many years. Which, of course, you won’t do. Anyway, I was in for a surprise. Expecting rough and to-the-core rhythms, garnished with screaming, virtously performed guitar solos and elaborate piano/organ excursions along with powerful, energetic voices, steaming drums and steady rocking, powerful baselines all of which I really love Pete Alderton and his crew came to me from a very different angle. 

‘Living on Love’ transports the Blues into another age, from its roots planted long ago right into our present days. Consequently, what we call the Blues has to be partly regarded in another way after this CD. This is no longer just a musical structure, which the instruments can use in order to go on excursions bound into these very limitations. Pete Alderton focuses much more on the words, the ever actual themes of  the Blues, like lost loves, loneliness, sadness and the boobytraps of feelings human life is constantly subjected to. This consequently comes in a different musical dress. Most of the songs are balladesque and adhere to Pete’s remarkable voice dark, deep, at times rough, at times even sentimental, but always in perfect context to the theme of the song. This voice is never stressed, it’s never going to the physical limits of its ability. There is quietness in it, coming from a man who is true to the word he sings. This creates an almost overwhelming honesty, an honesty felt by the listener as real truth and authenticity, and that is exactly what it is. As an almost perfect background the accompanying music plays on that same tune. No need to scream, no need to force issues, no need of lamenting and exposing technical stunts although I love those, too. 

The music here observes the strict rule of underlining the words and the voice, in a quiet and unselvish way, yet shining in its depth and perfect artistry. Passion is celebrated in a way that goes back to the very essentials and the roots of honesty, at the same time creating an atmosphere of peaceful acknowledgment of the words sung. Yes, here you can understand and clearly listen, at the same time being subjected to your own experiences and your feelings deep down inside, all of those getting hit straight on. Bullseye. I have to tip my hat to Pete Alderton, not only for his remarkable voice and his masterful lyrics, but also for his dedication to music. Also, I have to mention Carsten Mentzel, who co-wrote many songs, as well as Dagobert Böhm, Siggi Zufacher and Michel Roggenland for their great contributions. I know, I didn’t mention a song in particular. That was my very intent, cause there is no need to. All I wanted to achieve was to make you curious enough to listen to this CD. It’s definitely worth it.  By Fred Wheeler  http://www.tokafi.com/news/cd-feature-pete-alderton-living-on-love/

Personnel: Pete Alderton (vocals); Carsten Mentzel (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, bass guitar, percussion, programming, background vocals); Dagobert Böhm (acoustic guitar); Siggi Zufacher (bass instrument); Michel Roggenland (drums).