Red Holloway Quartet - Nica's Dream

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 46:01

Size: 105.3 MB

Styles: Saxophone jazz

Year: 1984/1995

Art: Front

[ 4:19] 1. Reshma Rani Barnase

[10:25] 2. Lover Man

[ 7:52] 3. Love For Sale

[ 7:10] 4. Nica's Dream

[ 5:38] 5. Georgia On My Mind

[ 6:07] 6. 369 Blues

[ 4:27] 7. Wee

Doubling on tenor and alto, Red Holloway shows on this no-nonsense quartet set how strong an improviser he is within the world of bebop. Joined by pianist Horace Parlan, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Aage Tanggaard, Holloway plays two basic originals and five jazz standards, highlighted by a lengthy "Lover Man," "Love for Sale" and a speedy "Wee." ~Scott Yanow

Recording Date: July 7, 1984

Nica's Dream

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Rose Room - Am I Blue

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:29
Size: 99.6 MB
Styles: Gypsy swing
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Me, Myself And I
[3:42] 2. China Boy
[4:31] 3. J'attendrai
[4:14] 4. Bossa Dorado
[3:25] 5. Sweet Sue
[5:41] 6. Am I Blue
[3:30] 7. Songe D'automne
[3:05] 8. 'deed I Do
[3:34] 9. Limehouse Blues
[5:08] 10. I'll See You In My Dreams
[3:29] 11. It's A Sin To Tell A Lie

Scottish Jazz Awards finalists Rose Room have become one of Scotland’s leading ensembles influenced by the Gypsy Jazz genre. Sharing a love of Swing music and the style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, their“vigorous and vivacious” performances seem to go “down a storm” with any audience as their 1930s ‘Hot Club’ standards and self-penned originals are always served up with great energy and panache.

Based in Glasgow, the quartet features award-winning virtuoso violinist and vocalist Seonaid Aitken (who also performs with Scottish Opera, folk singer Roddy Woomble and recently orchestrated the music for the BBC/Richard Curtis film ‘Esio Trot’), guitar maker to the stars Jimmy Moon on double bass, and Danny Kyle Award-winners ‘Swing Guitars’ Tam Gallagher and Tom Watson on rhythm and lead guitars respectively.

Am I Blue

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Mike Melvoin - Oh Baby

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 59:22

Size: 135.9 MB

Styles: Straight ahead jazz, Piano jazz

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[6:54] 1. There Is No Greater Love

[6:54] 2. The Melody Is You

[7:22] 3. You And The Night And The Music

[8:34] 4. Sandy

[5:13] 5. North Star

[7:55] 6. I'll Never Smile Again

[6:59] 7. Fifth Power

[5:29] 8. So In Love

[3:59] 9. Oh Baby

Oh Baby is about as good a jazz piano trio album as you’ll ever hear, at least in this millennium. Mike Melvoin is one of the unsung heroes of the music industry, a prolific composer/arranger/producer for countless albums, television shows and films. As a pianist he’s logged more hours in the recording studio than just about any pianist on the planet. He’s been President of NARAS, he’s been the musical director for the Grammy Awards, and now he’s going back to his first love, straight ahead jazz.

With the infectious swing of Ahmad Jamal, the acute harmonic sensitivity of Bill Evans and the deft dexterity of Chick Corea, Mike Melvoin is the consummate jazz pianist. And his sidemen are every bit his equal. John Guerin on drums has impeccable dynamic control that propels the beat but never overwhelms; his solos overflow with taste and musical sensitivity. Brian Bromberg on bass is a phenomenon of nature. The speed at which he plays double- and triple-stops would lead one to believe that he has three or perhaps four arms. And to top it all off, he has impeccable time.

Oh Baby is a fine album by an outstanding jazz pianist and jazz combo. Maybe Mike Melvoin should be onstage receiving a Grammy instead of directing the show. ~William Grim

Mike Melvoin, piano; John Guerin, drums; Brian Bromberg, bass; Tom Scott, alto and soprano saxophone

Oh Baby

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John Lee Hooker - Hooker 'n Heat (2-Disc Set)

When this two-LP set was initially released in January 1971, Canned Heat was back to its R&B roots, sporting slightly revised personnel. In the spring of the previous year, Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass) and Harvey Mandel (guitar) simultaneously accepted invitations to join John Mayall's concurrent incarnation of the Bluesbreakers. This marked the return of Henry "Sunflower" Vestine (guitar) and the incorporation of Antonio "Tony" de la Barreda (bass), a highly skilled constituent of Aldolfo de la Parra (drums). Sadly, it would also be the final effort to include co-founder Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, who passed away in September 1970. Hooker 'n Heat (1971) is a low-key affair split between unaccompanied solo John Lee Hooker (guitar/vocals) tunes, collaborations between Hooker and Wilson (piano/guitar/harmonica), as well as five full-blown confabs between Hooker and Heat. The first platter focuses on Hooker's looser entries that vacillate from the relatively uninspired ramblings of "Send Me Your Pillow" and "Drifter" to the essential and guttural "Feelin' Is Gone" or spirited "Bottle Up and Go." The latter being among those with Wilson on piano. Perhaps the best of the batch is the lengthy seven-minute-plus "World Today," which is languid and poignant talking blues, with Hooker lamenting the concurrent state of affairs around the globe. "I Got My Eyes on You" is an unabashed derivative of Hooker's classic "Dimples," with the title changed for what were most likely legal rather than artistic concerns. That said, the readings of the seminal "Burning Hell" and "Bottle Up and Go" kept their familiar monikers intact. The full-fledged collaborations shine as both parties unleash some of their finest respective work. While Canned Heat get top bill -- probably as it was the group's record company that sprung for Hooker 'n Heat -- make no mistake, as Hooker steers the combo with the same gritty and percussive guitar leads that have become his trademark. The epic "Boogie Chillen No. 2" stretches over 11 and a half minutes and is full of the same swagger as the original, with the support of Canned Heat igniting the verses and simmering on the subsequent instrumental breaks with all killer and no filler. The 2002 two-CD pressing by the French Magic Records label is augmented with "It's All Right," with a single edit of "Whiskey and Wimmen." ~Lindsay Planer

John Lee Hooker vocals; guitar; Alan Wilson harmonica; Henry Vestine guitar; Antono de la Barreda bass; Adolfo de la Parra drums.

Not to be confused with the later live recordings Hooker made with Canned Heat at the Fox Venice Theatre (that's currently available on Rhino).

Album: Hooker 'n Heat (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:48
Size: 93.4 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 1971/1991/2005

[3:21] 1. Messin' With The Hook
[4:31] 2. The Feelin' Is Gone
[4:46] 3. Send Me A Pillow
[4:04] 4. Sittin' Here Thinkin
[3:31] 5. Meet Me In The Bottom
[4:30] 6. Alimonia Blues
[4:55] 7. Drifter
[3:14] 8. You Talk Too Much
[5:26] 9. Burning Hell
[2:26] 10. Bottle Up And Go

Hooker 'n Heat (Disc 1)

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Album: Hooker 'n Heat (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:05
Size: 103.2 MB
Styles: Electric blues
Year: 1971/1991/2005
Art: Front

[ 7:44] 1. The World Today
[ 4:24] 2. I Got My Eyes On You
[ 4:34] 3. Whiskey And Wimmen'
[ 7:39] 4. Just You And Me
[ 4:04] 5. Let's Make It
[ 5:05] 6. Peavine
[11:32] 7. Boogie Chillen No. 2

Hooker 'n Heat (Disc 2)

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Bria Skonberg - Fresh

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:39
Size: 97.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Trumpet jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:25] 1. Lovefool
[3:14] 2. Won't You Come Out And Play
[3:14] 3. Just One Of Those Things
[2:29] 4. Come On-A My House
[5:24] 5. Beau Dirk
[4:45] 6. I'll Never Be The Same
[2:47] 7. Almost Like Being In Love
[2:18] 8. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
[3:42] 9. Lucky Devil
[2:32] 10. L.O.V.E
[4:16] 11. Meet Me In Your Dreams
[4:29] 12. Mercedes Benz

Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, and now living in New York City, award winning trumpeter / vocalist / composer Bria Skonberg is "poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation."- Wall Street Journal.

“Bria Skonberg’s new CD is like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room…She has a voice that is pure and almost little girl in quality except on bluesey items where she displays some of the authority of Dinah Washington…This is a totally fun album and very contagious. There is never a dull moment…most of all there is the bright, inquisitive talents and spirit of Bria Skonberg who promises to be a mighty musical force.” ~ Marcia Hillman

Fresh

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Ronnie Laws - Tribute To The Legendary Eddie Harris

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:04
Size: 84.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Funk-jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[3:55] 1. Listen Here
[4:26] 2. Freedom Jazz Dance
[4:27] 3. Boogie Woogie Bossa Nova
[3:58] 4. Cold Duck
[4:27] 5. Sham Time
[5:21] 6. I Don't Want No One But You
[4:02] 7. Hip Hoppin
[6:24] 8. Compared To What

Ronnie Laws' performs eight songs associated with the late, great saxophonist Eddie Harris. In some spots Laws (whose other recordings are in the worlds of jazz-funk and pop) closely copies his early inspiration, but when he tries to sound like himself, he comes across as a fine improviser. Laws (who doubles on tenor and soprano) is joined by a rhythm section including pianist Vernell Brown, Jr.; trumpeter Oscar Brashear makes two welcome appearances (particularly on "Cold Duck Time"). This CD (which is highlighted by lightly funky versions of "Freedom Jazz Dance," "Hip Hoppin'," and "Compared to What") is the first Ronnie Laws release recommended for conservative jazz listeners. ~Scott Yanow

Tribute To The Legendary Eddie Harris

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Anita O'Day With Oscar Peterson Quartet - Anita Sings The Most

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:45
Size: 77,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:55)  1. 'S Wonderful/ They Can't Take That Away From Me
(3:19)  2. Tenderly
(2:51)  3. Old Devil Moon
(2:32)  4. Love Me Or Leave Me
(3:36)  5. We'll Be Together Again
(2:03)  6. Stella By Starlight
(2:21)  7. Taking A Chance On Love
(2:36)  8. Them There Eyes
(3:56)  9. I've Got The World On A String
(3:39) 10. You Turned The Tables On Me
(3:53) 11. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered

Anita O'Day recorded many rewarding albums in the 1950s when her voice was at its strongest, and this collaboration with the Oscar Peterson Quartet (comprised of pianist Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer John Poole) may very well be her best. Not only is the backup swinging, giving a Jazz at the Philharmonic feel to some of the songs, but O'Day proves that she could keep up with Peterson. "Them There Eyes" is taken successfully at a ridiculously fast tempo, yet the singer displays a great deal of warmth on such ballads as "We'll Be Together Again" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." 

While Peterson and Ellis have some solos, O'Day is never overshadowed (which is saying a lot) and is clearly inspired by their presence. The very brief playing time (just 33 minutes) is unfortunate on this set, but the high quality definitely makes up for the lack of quantity. A gem. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/anita-sings-the-most-mw0000188608

Personnel: Anita O'Day (vocals); Herb Ellis (guitar); Oscar Peterson (piano); Milt Holland, John Poole (drums).

Anita Sings The Most

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Bud Powell - The Best Of Bud Powell On Verve

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:08
Size: 131,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:42)  1. Lady Bird
(2:16)  2. Dance Of The Infidels
(3:13)  3. So Sorry, Please
(2:47)  4. Sweet Georgia Brown
(4:22)  5. Willow Grove (Willow Groove)
(2:25)  6. Tempus Fugit
(2:55)  7. It Never Entered My Mind
(3:37)  8. Bean And The Boys
(2:57)  9. Celia
(3:45) 10. Tea For Two
(3:28) 11. Star Eyes
(3:07) 12. April In Paris
(3:14) 13. Tenderly
(2:59) 14. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
(4:57) 15. Stairway To The Stars
(3:49) 16. Just One Of Those Things
(2:27) 17. Parisian Thoroughfare

When approaching the work of pioneering bebop pianist Bud Powell, the most vexing question is where to start. In 1994, the year that would have been Powell's 70th had he not died tragically at the age of 42, Verve released a five-disc retrospective titled The Complete Bud Powell on Verve. That box set provides a great starting place for anyone with deep pockets, but for everyone else Verve also released this handy one-disc distillation. It won't be anywhere near enough for Powell fans or, really, for anyone who loves jazz piano, but it is a good place to begin. Most of the signature tunes are here the sprightly "Dance of the Infidels," the kitschily Oriental "So Sorry Please," the potboiler ballads "April in Paris" and "Tenderly," the astonishingly Bach-like "Tempus Fugue-It." 

Everywhere Powell's otherworldly grace and confidence are in evidence; while he made ample use of the jagged harmonic gestures and lightning speed that typified bebop playing, his compositions never sounded anything other than logical and his playing never sounded frantic or rushed. Of all the pianists of the period, Powell is the one who came closest to rivaling Charlie Parker in his ability to condense and exemplify the bebop movement. Highly recommended.~ Rick Anderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-best-of-bud-powell-on-verve-mw0000117853

Personnel: Bud Powell (piano), Ray Brown, George Duvivier, Percy Heath, Curly Russell, Lloyd Trotman (bass), Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Art Taylor (drums).

The Best Of Bud Powell On Verve

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Calacas Jazz Band - Gracias Por Cooperar

Styles: Dixieland, Swing, Vocal
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:21
Size: 106,8 MB
Art: Front

(0:48)  1. Intro (Exactly Like You)
(6:23)  2. After You've Gone
(4:25)  3. Bourbon Street Parade
(3:56)  4. I've Found a New Baby
(4:12)  5. All of Me
(3:23)  6. That's a Plenty
(3:33)  7. Sweet Georgia Brown
(7:46)  8. Some of These Days
(3:33)  9. Royal Garden Blues
(5:34) 10. My Bucket's Got a Hole in It
(2:42) 11. The Pink Panther Theme

The sextet Calacas Jazz Band, composed of Alejandro Hernandez (drums), Angel Leal (trumpet), Gary Anzures (tuba), Jasmine Luna (sax), Cristian Merino (banjo) and the elegant voice of Maria Arellano, make "Thank You For Cooperate ", a real treat for lovers of Cotton Club. Calacas Jazz Band manages to convey not just a good portion of joy for music, but also a new feel to the merger, a kind of thunderous dixieland, wearing a tuxedo in the style of New Orleans in the 20's. Certainly we can say that people do not stay seated while listening to this material. The result is cheerful and festive thanks to the hard copy of the repertoire, which includes memorable tracks like "The Pink Panther Theme" by Henry Mancini, "After You've Gone" Marion Harrys of pride, "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It "the country icon Hank Williams, to name a few. A nostalgic album begins his task with an authentic sound. Translate by google  http://eclecticmusic.entula.mx/node/41

Gracias Por Cooperar

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Gerry Beaudoin - Sentimental Over You

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:03
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:06)  1. Witchcraft
(5:08)  2. Misty
(2:14)  3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(2:54)  4. Just in Time
(5:56)  5. I Got It Bad
(3:01)  6. What'll I Do
(2:40)  7. Seven Come Eleven
(5:26)  8. Chelsea Bridge
(3:10)  9. The Days of Wine and Roses
(3:15) 10. Shiny Stockings
(5:36) 11. This Love of Mine
(2:46) 12. Move
(3:46) 13. My Romance

This CD Sentimental Over You is the second in a three CD series of great songs from the Great American Songbook performed Tby the Boston Jaz Ensemble. The Boston Jazz Ensemble is an all-star group put together by award winning jazz guitarist Gerry Beaudoin. Boston has a jazz history that is long and legendary. When putting together this group Gerry chose the cream of the Boston jazz scene. Drummer Alan Dawson is best known for his stints with pianist Dave Brubeck and vibist Lionel Hampton but has performed with a who's who in the jazz world including Kenny Burrell, Tal Farlow, Ruby Braff, Dave McKenna,Scott Hamilton and a host of others. The three Boston Jazz Ensemble CD's also feature Alan on vibes. Pianist Paul Schmeling is the Chairman of the piano department at Berklee College Of Music. His performance credits range from vocalists Dakota Staton and Carol Sloan to Jackie McClean, Scott Hamilton, Ruby Braff and Herb Pomeroy. Bassist Bob Nieske is the jazz artist in residence at Brandeis University and a graduate of New England Conservatory. Jeff Stout from the Buddy Rich Band plays trumpet and flugelhorn , Fred Lipsius Grammy winning arranger from Blood, Sweat and Tears is on alto sax, and Dick Johnson a world reknowned clarinetist, flautist and the leader of the Artie Shaw Orchestra add's his considerable talent to this project. 

Leader,arramger and guitarist Gerry Beaudoin is a guitarist's guitarist having performed or recorded with John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack Wilkins, Jimmy Bruno, Howard Alden, Frank Vignola. Ronnie Earl,Duke Robillard and J.Geils. He has also performed or recorded with Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Fred Lipius from the seminal jazz rock group Blood Sweat and Tears , Dick Johnson from the Artie Shaw Orchestra, legendary Kansas City pianist Jay McShann, Carol Sloan, and Jerry Portnoy from the Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton Bands. His 1998 recording Just Among Friends was " submitted for consideration for a Grammy nomination." He is a featured performer on the Mel Bay Productions DVD Cafe Benedetto and a member of the New Guitar Summit featuring Gerry alongside blues icon Duke Robillard and rock superstar Jay Geils from the J. Geils Band. In 1992 In A Sentimental Mood by the Boston Jazz Ensemble was released to critical acclaim and rave reviews. It relieved a Cadence Jazz Magazine Editors Choice Award and was soon followed by this CD Sentimental Over You and then Sentimental Christmas.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gerrybeaudoinandthebosto

Personnel: Gerry Beaudoin (guitar); Dick Johnson (cittern, flute, clarinet); Mike Turk (harmonica); Rich Lataille (alto saxophone); Fred Lipsius (tenor saxophone); Jeff Stout (trumpet); Paul Schmeling (piano); Alan Dawson (vibraphone, drums); Bob Nieske (acoustic bass)

Sentimental Over You

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