Debbie Kirkland - In Session

Size: 113,8 MB
Time: 48:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997/2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Forbidden Fruit (4:01)
02. In The Thick Of It (4:02)
03. Waiting On You (5:34)
04. Who (7:49)
05. Badembe' (5:26)
06. Can We Still Be Friends (6:00)
07. Couldn't You Read My Mind (3:57)
08. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (6:38)
09. Pain Management (5:29)

Jazz singer Debbie Kirkland began singing as a child and attended the Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in DC, where one of her classmates was future opera diva Deniece Graves. During her late teens, Kirkland spent a summer performing in a street theater program. While in college, one of Kirkland's favorite nightspots was Charlie's, a Georgetown jazz club whose stage hosted Rosemary Clooney, George Shearing, Mel Tormé and Nancy Wilson. One night at Charlie's, Wilson was introduced to Kirkland by D.C. jazz guitarist Bill Harris. The jazz legend became one of Kirkland's most ardent supporters. Graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree (music in vocal performance), Kirkland joined a band and began touring Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. While in Italy, Kirkland was hired by an American composer to sing on the commercial jingles that he produced. One of the projects, a cover of "America the Beautiful," received a Dove/Steller Award nomination.

Her 1997 debut album Debbie Kirkland in Session is a collection of inventively arranged acoustic jazz. The album's first single, the lilting, ethereal "Who," was played on urban adult and contemporary jazz stations around the country. The Washington, D.C., native has shared the stage with George Duke, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jack McDuff, and Sonny Stitt. She's also appeared on Black Entertainment Television's BET on Jazz and performed at the prestigious Capitol Jazz Fest at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbus, MD.

In Session

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Stephen Haynes - Pomegranate

Size: 137,9 MB
Time: 59:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Sillage ( 6:08)
02. Mangui Fii Reek (I Am Still Here) ( 9:37)
03. Pomegranate (10:13)
04. Becoming (17:11)
05. Crepuscular ( 7:13)
06. Odysseus (Lashed To The Mast) ( 9:08)

New Atlantis Records is honored to present Pomegranate, a new offering from cornetist Stephen Haynes. This quintet is an extension of Haynes’ lauded trio, Parrhesia, with guitarist Joe Morris and percussionist Warren Smith augmented by bassist William Parker and tubaist Ben Stapp. Pomegranate was conceived as a posthumous dedication to the monumental spirit and influence of trumpeter Bill Dixon, Haynes’ longtime (40 years) mentor and collaborator. Bill Dixon left specific instructions with regards to tributes... “If you want to pay tribute to me, you should (be) do (ing) your own work. If you have really paid attention to me, then you will understand that.”

From Dixon, Haynes learned much, beginning with how to play the trumpet based upon Dixon’s unique technique; unquestionably a moving target, across the years. Haynes had his last lesson with Dixon in 2010, three weeks before his passing. Dixon was a model organizer in the music, and Haynes has picked up and carried Dixon’s commitment to redefining artists’ working conditions through an emphasis on community and local work.

Pomegranate is fundamentally refreshing listening, deeply imbued with the free-ranging, iconoclastic spirit inherent to Haynes’ work - a sensibility/aesthetic central to Dixon’s oeuvre. The sound of the ensemble is devoid of the typical trappings of style and genre and defies easy categorization. A bracing, percolating rhythmic foundation shifts like tectonic plates, transmuting, in constant motion; gradually, climactically rumbling into periods of wonderfully rollicking intensity. Haynes’ partnership with Joe Morris - musically, and as co-curators of the long-running Improvisations concert series in Hartford, CT where Haynes lives and works - is a steady, grounding singularity throughout the music. The two knit and unfold a rich, endlessly transmuting lexicon, each somehow furthering the expressive orbit of the other in equal measure.

Bill Dixon loved the low end, and he would have dug this instrumentation. It is worth noting that a key part of making the music work – the orchestration, a la Ellington – is in the selection of players. Who is playing the instrument is, perhaps, more important than the instrument itself. This is a stellar ensemble, and the results are alternately propulsive and contemplative, angular and lyrical. The unit finds its footing from the outset, realizing a dynamic, bracing new aesthetic in Free Music.

Pomegranate

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Bill Liggett & Ruddy Nickel - North On 51

Size: 105,5 MB
Time: 45:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues/Folk/Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Big Things (4:15)
02. House Of Cards (4:55)
03. Lessons Learned (4:47)
04. North On 51 (4:08)
05. I'll Be Gone (4:52)
06. Living This Dream (4:43)
07. Let Me Down Easy (3:58)
08. Sailed That Sea (5:16)
09. Wedding In June (4:30)
10. One Good Metaphor (3:38)

Jazzed Up Blues with a twinge of Folkyness.

Bill Liggett and Ruddy Nickel is the result of a live studio recording session at "Chris Sipos Music Studio" in the Chicago area, consisting of Bill Liggett ( guitar and vocals ) Rick Ledgerwood ( Bass ) and Larry Sell ( Harmonica ) This recording was made in Sept of 2014 while the band Ruddy Nickel was still with their drummer Kevin Lingin, but does not include Kevin on the recording. At the time they were in rehersal for many months and gigging sporadically. Life pressures saw the group slowly drift apart and currently Bill and Larry mostly play shows as a duo.

The songs are all Bill Liggett originals with significant artistic input from the band members. This particular session started as " Lets get the show on the road and record our demo so we can start knocking on doors and booking some gigs ". Then it became " well , lets just all mic up and see if we cant pull off some decent live takes and save ourselves some time and money ". We figured that it would be fine because what we really wanted was an accurate representation of our live sound, sort of , what you hear is what you get.... you like , you buy.

Many other tracks were recorded that day... some tracks were covers and others were originals with takes we didnt feel made the grade.

The title " North on 51 " came about when Larry asked his daughter Deanna if she would please do the art for the eventual CD cover. OR... she might have just came out and offered to do it on her own.. I'll have to ask Larry.. anyhow ,SHE picked the title track AND theme. The song is about " Going up north and fishin and stuff ". Hence the rare and beautiful fish.

This is the first official release of Bills original songs. Being quite prolific , Bill has a huge catalog of songs yet to be recorded . Plenty more songs in this genre ( which is pretty hard to pinpoint ) which he calls the " Make em drink " genre, songs written specifically for a certian kind of targeted venue. Mostly drinkin and eatin establishments. Many more in different genres such as Quasi classical instrumentals , Americana , Folk songs and " Other ".

Bill and Larry have plans to do another CD of " Real Mellow " stuff... so , the faster this one sells , the sooner they can finance it. ( Wink )

Oh, yeah , the band name , " Ruddy Nickel " is a reference from one of Bills songs entitled " Endless Hourderves " ( Spelling... sue me ) which is not on this CD. It goes something like this ,." Down to my last Ruddy Nickel, Glad I dont smoke cigarettes...." so on and so forth " Endless Hourderves and drinks to calm your nerves , sunday morning cocktails on the beach "..

You Know the rest....

North On 51

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Mezcolanza - Headbanger

Size: 124,6 MB
Time: 53:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Afro Cuban Jazz, Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Headbanger (5:04)
02. Wise Guy (5:32)
03. Brute (4:49)
04. The Road We Walk Again (6:56)
05. One Note Boogaloo (4:31)
06. Pal Monte (6:31)
07. Bra-Dap (4:51)
08. Circuit (4:44)
09. Why You (4:44)
10. The Chili Peppers (5:46)

Mezcolanza is here to stay! On their debut album called ‘Headbanger’, the band takes the listener into a deep-rooted musical tradition of catchy jazz-melodies and afro cuban rhythms. The craftsmanship and musical ingenuity of keyboardist Peter Wenk (and associates) gives this record memorable melodies, depth and a danceable feel. Since its birth, the band has experienced a growing maturity and their group dynamics have become noticeably strong. This all comes together in the recordings sessions that Mescolanza did in November 2014 for O.A.P. Records. Interesting detail: percussionist Gerardo Rosales recently received a Grammy for his percussion work for various studio sessions in the USA. His contribution to 'Headbanger' is therefore a sign that Mezcolanza is an act to reckon with!

Line-up:
Peter Wenk - Piano/Keyboard
Christof May - Sax/Clarinet/Sound effects
Gerardo Rosales - Congas/Percussion
Mick Paauwe - Bass
David Barker - Drums

Headbanger

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Budd Johnson - Mr. Bechet

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:49
Size: 100.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[4:30] 1. Mr. Bechet
[4:54] 2. Am I Waisting My Time
[9:02] 3. The Dirty Old Man
[5:56] 4. Linger Awhile
[9:49] 5. Blues For Sale
[4:54] 6. Gone With The Wind
[4:41] 7. If You Were Mine

Budd Johnson didn't do much recording as a leader, so this French studio date is particularly valuable. He's reunited with Earl Hines, with whom he played during three stints between 1932-1942; they're joined by drummer Panama Francis and bassist Jimmy Leary. The title track is an original tribute to the king of soprano saxophonists, though it was his second instrument, Johnson delivers a powerful solo with his own unique tone. He's back to tenor sax for the bluesy "Am I Wasting My Time?" and clearly enjoys himself on Hines' romping "Linger Awhile." Like all of Budd Johnson's releases, this CD is strongly recommended. ~Ken Dryden

Mr. Bechet

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Josephine Biundo - Let There Be Love

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:30
Size: 106.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[4:12] 1. Meglio Stasera (It Had Better Be Tonight)
[3:22] 2. My Darling Daughter
[3:53] 3. Let There Be Love
[4:08] 4. To Love Somebody (Cosi Ti Amo)
[4:01] 5. Adesso Mi Trovo
[3:12] 6. Lover Come Back
[4:28] 7. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
[3:59] 8. Io Non Ti Penso Piu
[4:16] 9. Teach Me Tonight
[3:34] 10. Who Will I Love Today
[3:54] 11. Time To Say Goodbye
[3:26] 12. Evil Gal Blues

In case her effervescent personality doesn’t make it perfectly obvious, singer Josephine Biundo wants to assure you that that she’s a born entertainer. “I’m naturally very much a people person,” she says divulging a trait that has stood out like an exclamation point since childhood. “I’d always sing and dance at family gatherings at a very young age.” (And like any up-and-coming young musician, she admits debt to her supportive family, who never complain about the noise.) Biundo has since emerged as a passionate singer and heartfelt singer/songwriter who’s as serious about her craft as she is about the joy of singing.

A 20-year-old former honours student at Mohawk College’s jazz music program, she has won numerous songwriting competitions over the past several years. Her proudest is an International win, first runner up in an original song competition at the International Festival of Napoli.

Studying under some of the top vocal coaches in Canada has given her a range and versatility that has served her well. Playing in diverse settings has also strengthened her chops. In April, she took part in the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band’s recreation of Duke Ellington’s 1954 Hamilton Forum Concert. But you might just as easily catch her in a classical setting, singing standards at a wedding, fronting a rock/R&B five piece band Stella or playing an intimate acoustic gig. Discipline, she says, is everything. “It’ like training to run a marathon,” she explains, nothing that her work as a vocal instructor at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts and Binbrook’s Broadway Bound Studio helps keep her voice in shape.

Let There Be Love

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Booker Little - Bee Tee's Minor Plea

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:57
Size: 80,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. Opening Statement
(5:36)  2. Minor Sweet
(5:36)  3. Bee Tee's Minor Plea
(6:48)  4. Life's A Little Blue
(4:53)  5. Grand Valse
(5:23)  6. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)

Trumpeter Booker Little's second session as a leader (there would only be four) is a quartet outing (with Wynton Kelly on piano, bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Roy Haynes) that puts the emphasis on relaxed tempoes. Little's immediately recognizable melancholy sound and lyrical style are heard in top form on "Who Can I Turn To" and five of his originals, some of which deserve to be revived. His jazz waltz "The Grand Valse" (inspired by Sonny Rollins' "Valse Hot") is a highpoint of this set which has been reissued by Bainbridge/Time on CD. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/booker-little-mw0000313900

Personnel: Booker Little (trumpet), Wynton Kelly (piano), Scott LaFaro (bass), Roy Haynes (drums)

Bee Tee's Minor Plea

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Abbie Gardner - Hope

Styles: Vocal, Folk
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:17
Size: 83,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. Break it Slow
(3:27)  2. Liar
(3:06)  3. Comes Love
(3:22)  4. I Can't Be Good for You
(4:38)  5. Hope
(3:11)  6. It's You
(2:32)  7. Bang Bang
(1:58)  8. Do It (feat. Craig Akin)
(2:59)  9. Nellie
(3:31) 10. Walkin' Cane
(3:19) 11. Too Soon

Coming five years and three Red Molly albums after her last solo CD, Hope is Abbie Gardner's latest solo recording- set to be released on April 1, 2011. The CD features her versatile voice backed by 3 types of slide guitar (dobro, lap steel, and National bottleneck) and a band comprised of not only her father, Herb Gardner (piano), but also her sister, Sarah Gardner, on organ. Ben Wittman (the drummer on Red Molly's James) locks in with upright bassist Craig Akin, who is featured on the first instrumental Abbie has ever recorded (a bass and dobro duet). The songs range from heartache to hope, from gritty lap steel to singing cellos, courtesy of Emily Hope Price. Folk sweetheart Robby Hecht lends his voice to three tracks and fellow member of Red Molly, Laurie MacAllister, is heard throughout. Longtime friends and collaborators Fred Gillen, Jr. and Beaucoup Blue also lend their voices.

"I feel like the songs revolve around Hope, both the song and the idea. Rather than having all hopeful songs, this CD reflects the glimmer of hope we all look for when in the midst of darkness."~ Abbie Gardner, talking about her new solo CD Hope.

"Abbie Gardner shows her prodigious writing chops in her new album, Hope. Tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, ride the back of her by-now familiar, formidable slide guitar licks. She channels Lucinda and Bonnie, but remains pure Abbie." ~  Richard Cuccaro, Publisher, Acoustic Live

"Abbie Gardner gives the grit to Red Molly with her Dobro playing. On her new solo CD we get to hear not only her instrumental and songwriting prowess, but her marvelously versatile voice, which can convey pain or playfulness or pure bad girl blues power."~ John Platt, WFUV   http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/abbiegardner7

Hope

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Benny Green - Source

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:30
Size: 122,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Blue Minor
(4:07)  2. Way 'Cross Town
(6:49)  3. I Waited For You
(4:47)  4. Little T
(6:05)  5. Cool Green
(3:32)  6. Tempus Fugit
(6:30)  7. Park Avenue Petite
(5:30)  8. Chant
(6:32)  9. Born To Be Blue
(4:26) 10. Opus De Funk

Pianist Benny Green has not been in the studio leading a recording date since his collaboration with Russell Malone, Bluebird (Telarc, 2004). Far from stagnating, Green has most recently been found providing support on recordings like Hilary Kole's You Are There (Justin Time, 2010), Kenny Burrell's Be Yourself (HighNote , 2010) and Anat Cohen's Clarinetworks: Live at the Village Vanguard. All this adds up to his attractiveness to Jazz Legacy Productions, a label that specializes in recording those artists without contract, or who are under-recorded. For this date, Green is joined by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington - Vocals. Both Washingtons had previously recorded with Green, but not together. Recently, the trio performed together in Japan, Kenny Washington convincing Green to pursue the working chemistry of the trio. Source is the result of that working chemistry. Green decided on a play list that included compositions from many of the finest bebop and hard bop pianists, among them Bud Powell ("Tempus Fugit"), Sonny Clark ("Blue Minor"), Horace Silver ("Opus de Funk") and Kenny Drew ("Cool Green"). Green also pays and plays homage to trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie ("I Waited for You") and Donald Byrd ("Little T"). 

Conspicuously absent from Green influences is former employer Ray Brown, with whom Green recorded in the middle-to-late 1990s. Brown's "Dejection Blues" would have gone far for Green. Green's playing is exact and exemplary. He plays and solos precisely, as do the Washingtons, when called upon. This disc displays the art of the piano trio as it lies somewhere between the bandstand and the stage. It is not played so reverently to be consigned to a museum gathering dust but is played reverently enough to pay proper homage to those composers it represents. ~ C.Michael Bailey http://www.allaboutjazz.com/source-benny-green-jazz-legacy-productions-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php
 

Personnel: Benny Green: piano; Peter Washington: bass; Kenny Washington: drums.

Source

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