Ingrid Sertso - What Do I Know

Size: 107,3 MB
Time: 45:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Contemporary Jazz
Art: Front

01. We Are Going (3:05)
02. Lonely Woman (1:25)
03. What Do I Know (2:41)
04. Over The Rainbow (4:41)
05. Seasons Change (2:57)
06. When Will The Blues Leave (7:32)
07. About The Moon (4:02)
08. To Know Love (4:43)
09. For What Is It To Die (2:41)
10. Music (3:22)
11. Nameless Child (5:28)
12. Mano Peme (3:16)

Personnel:
Bansuri – Steve Gorn (tracks: 3, 5, 9)
Bass – John Lindberg (tracks: 3), Michael Bisio (tracks: 6, 8, 10)
Cello – Jane Scarpantoni (tracks: 2, 5)
Guitar – Kenny Wessel (tracks: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Percussion, Voice – Nana Vasconcelos* (tracks: 12)
Piano, Vibraphone [Vibes] – Karl Berger (tracks: 2, 3, 5 to 10)
Trumpet – Bob Selcoe (tracks: 1, 5, 6, 8, 10)
Violin – Betty McDonald* (tracks: 2, 5)
Vocals – Ingrid Sertso
Xalam [N'goni], Bass – Tom Schmidt (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 9)

Ingrid Sertso is an utterly original vocalist and poet, who engages the listeners with the soft intensity that is her trademark. She effortlessly alternates and mixes song interpretations with sound improvisations and spoken work, with her uncanny sense of time. Ingrid is a co-founder of Woodstock's famed Creative Music Studio. Her husband Karl Berger is her musical partner, producer and the two are a creative force. WACBIZ is honored to be working with such a special talent as Ingrid Sertso.

What Do I Know

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Anthony Dixon - Up On The Roof

Size: 144,6 MB
Time: 62:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Night In Tunisia (4:32)
02. Stardust (6:08)
03. Book Of Faces Blues (6:08)
04. Up On The Roof (6:57)
05. Lovely Eyes (4:49)
06. We're Good Together (7:32)
07. Take Five (5:05)
08. Chances Are (5:15)
09. So I'm Late (6:27)
10. Jazz Ain't Nothin' But Soul (4:45)
11. Bye-Bye Baby (4:38)

This is Anthony Dixon's sophomore recording containing 6 jazz standards presented in a non-traditional way and five new original tunes including the exciting new tune “Lovely Eyes.”

Vocalist recording artist Anthony Dixon, was born in Glendale, Arizona but raised in the Pan-Handle of Panama City, FL amongst a family of skilled musicians and vocalist who could stir the soul thru moving emotive music. Inevitably, he too developed a passion for music and that same ability to stir the soul. He’s worked with Tyler Perry, Diana Ross, Jennifer Holliday, Cissy Houston, and Melba Moore.

While he was introduced to all genres of music, gospel music played a big role in his music development with a southern Pentecostal sanctuary giving stage to his earliest performances. And so a little boy who stood and sang from the edge of an old wooden choir stand grew up to stand and sing at the edge of New York stages enthralling hundreds with a soulful voice clear as water and smooth as alabaster.

He is a member of the JFM Band and has appeared on the morning show, Good Day Atlanta. He was also part of the revival of the musical "Purlie" with Melba Moore, Sherman Hemsley, and Robert Giluame. He has sung backup for New Kid's On the Block, and was the winner of the Georgia Music Industry Association's Urban competition for songwriters. He has performed at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, Tavern on the Green, the Russian Tea Room, Nells, and Makors. He’s written songs for the Barrio Boyzz on the Latin Record Label, Fonovisa.

He appeared in Atlanta's Alliance Theater's production of the musical "CHESS," directed by the brilliant David Bell. He has also played in "Ain't Misbehavin" twice, once with the Theatre Arts Guild of Atlanta and once with the North Carolina Stage Ensemble.

Anthony now resides in the Northeast where he performs as a vocalist currently with the company Bud Maltin Metropolitan Music where he continues to shape beautiful melodies into gems of great inspiration. Recently having studied piano under the tutelage of jazz organist Radam Schwartz, Anthony embarked on recording a new live recording arranged by Schwartz. As you listen to this man’s music savoring the many ingredients of feel good emotion you’ll come to the same discovery of several others; that where ever the stage and whomever the audience, one thing is very clear; this man’s music holds a very important ingredient…the power to stir the soul.

Up On The Roof

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Albert Rivera - Back At It

Size: 133,6 MB
Time: 57:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Funk
Art: Front

01. He Said, She Said ( 9:02)
02. Back At It ( 4:49)
03. Misunderstood ( 4:05)
04. One More Once (Interlude) ( 0:39)
05. Distance Of Your Smile ( 4:44)
06. Remember When ( 6:35)
07. Disappearing Footsteps (10:54)
08. Forty Two Point 195 ( 3:36)
09. You Did What ( 6:42)
10. The Injustice Of Justice ( 6:25)

Described by WNPR's Owen McNally as "A Modern Jazz Messenger" Bronx born and raised saxophonist Albert Rivera got his introduction to jazz at LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts and continued his musical studies attending The New School University Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Since then he has toured extensively both nationally and internationally and stays active in New York venues like The Blue Note, Smalls, Zinc Bar, Cleopatra’s Needle, 55 Bar, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and more.

His love, passion and dedication for music has put him on stage with the who's who in the industry including Junior Mance, Winard Harper, Claudio Roditi, Rachel Z, The Curtis Brothers and many others.

Downbeat magazine called Albert and his band "part of the next wave in this jazz ritual." He was selected as a 2012 Chamber Music America Residency Grant and a winner of the 2009 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award. He is the current Director of Operations at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.

Back At It

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The Ruby Page & Joe Ruberto Jazztet - Dream Serenades

Size: 116,1 MB
Time: 49:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Swing
Art: Front

01. Day In Day Out (3:29)
02. Spanish Medley (Be True To Me; Acercate Mas; Green Eyes) (4:38)
03. Moonglow (3:17)
04. Stars Fell On Alabama (3:29)
05. That's All (3:55)
06. It Don't Mean A Thing (2:58)
07. This Time The Dream's On Me (3:30)
08. Dindi (3:55)
09. Day By Day (3:43)
10. One Note Samba (2:54)
11. We'll Be Together Again (3:41)
12. A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square (6:53)
13. Once In A While (3:20)

Personnel:
Joe Rubert: Piano, Vocals
Bob Venier: Trumpet, Vocals
Barrie Boyes: Tenor Saxophone
Dean Addison: Double Bass
Dean Cooper: Drums
Eric Budd: Trombone

NewMarket Music is excited to announce the long awaited new release from jazz vocalist Ruby Page, ‘Dream Serenades’, featuring her all-star band The Ruby Page & Joe Ruberto Jazztet. This exceptional recording has captured a diverse, super tight ensemble of three brass and three part harmonies, supported by piano, bass and drums; with original arrangements and influences from legendary vocal groups such as The Four Freshmen, The Singers Unlimited and The Hi Lo’s. Simply sensational!

The original arrangements by pianist and musical director Joe Ruberto center the repertoire on traditional and modern jazz standards, with a strong foundation of straight-ahead jazz accompaniment. Ruby Page and the Joe Ruberto Jazztet form a magical spark that re-kindle’s that classic Jazz flame.

Dream Serenades

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Marcus Johnson - Live & Direct

Size: 173,3 MB
Time: 74:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Right Now (Live) ( 6:26)
02. Chase Me (Live) ( 8:05)
03. My Way (Live) ( 5:49)
04. Oui Merci (Live) (11:06)
05. The Rush (Live) (12:37)
06. Summertime Flo' (Live) ( 5:50)
07. My Caddy (Live) ( 7:32)
08. You And I (Live) (12:09)
09. Let It Flo' (Live) ( 5:19)

An independent Billboard-ranked musician and NAACP Image Award-nominated jazz keyboardist and pianist, Marcus Johnson is also the CEO and Founder of FLO Brands, LLC and more recently FLO Wine, LLC. He has combined an eminently successful musical career with his love of wine by marrying the two in a unique endeavor.

Over the last decade, Marcus Johnson has released 15 successful studio albums. On Pandora, Marcus receives 5.1 million spins per year with 2,000 new stations added each month, and his music receives a 74% “thumbs ups” rating verses an average of 56%. Johnson is the owner of a music label, Three Keys Music, and has emerged as one of the young lions of the “DIY” music world. His unique self-taught style of piano play has earned him distinction among his peers, praise from the media and accolades across the music industry. Marcus is on the cutting edge of ‘Euro Jazz’ having formed JURIS, a musical collaboration with acclaimed Parisian DJ and producer Young Pulse. The duo quickly developed a name within the international music community, enjoying large-scale performances and preparing a Q3 release of their latest project entitled “Eiffel Tower.”

Live & Direct

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Labek - What A Woman Knows

Size: 144,3 MB
Time: 61:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. I've Been Loving You (5:49)
02. Fragile (7:18)
03. Gotta Move (2:14)
04. A World I Never Made (4:06)
05. Time Is Running Out (3:49)
06. Alone Together (3:50)
07. Ask Me Bout Nothin (4:34)
08. Miles (3:48)
09. Goodbye (7:41)
10. Trouble Blues (4:06)
11. Love Provides (4:30)
12. After Hours (3:53)
13. Twilight Time (3:03)
14. Life Is A Gift (3:02)

Labek's new release "What A Woman Knows" is filled with poignant titles. She chose songs for her third CD that feature lyrics most women can relate to. Cover titles like Sting's "Fragile," Doc Pomus' and Dr. John's "A World I Never Made," and originals that include "Life Is A Gift," "Trouble Blues," and "Love Provides" are interpreted from a particularly feminine point of view.
The musical excellence of award-winning musicians on three different sessions (Latin, Blues and Acoustic) provide the listener a unique variety to savor. Arrangements by Jack Perricone enhance Labek's interpretations that are rich both in wisdom and musicality.

"Women have long been the quiet regenerators of the Earth. And now, we are finally finding our louder voices through cries of outrage, and reminders of the joy found in loving and finding compassion for each other on this small planet." -Labek

What A Woman Knows

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Inez Jones & Oscar Moore - Have You Met Inez Jones

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:42
Size: 141.3 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:14] 1. Too Marvelous For Words
[2:47] 2. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
[3:03] 3. Tangerine
[2:36] 4. Since I Fell For You
[2:53] 5. I Can't Get Started With You
[3:19] 6. Where Or When
[2:26] 7. Angel Eyes
[1:50] 8. Dancing On The Ceiling
[3:46] 9. To A Wild Rose
[3:01] 10. Moonlight In Vermont
[4:42] 11. It's A Pity To Say Goodnight
[3:08] 12. Don't Worry 'bout Me
[2:40] 13. Sweet Loraine
[2:06] 14. Don't Take Your Love From Me
[2:40] 15. There's A Small Hotel
[1:49] 16. Big, Fat Butterfly
[3:13] 17. If You Were Mine
[2:27] 18. Happy
[1:26] 19. Taborra
[2:24] 20. Take A Back Seat Mr Jackson
[2:21] 21. They Say
[2:32] 22. I Want A Man To Gimme Some Luck
[2:09] 23. Proud Of You

Tracks #1,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 & 18 are from the 12” LP “Have You Met Inez Jones?” first issued on Riverside (RLP 12-819), and Omegatape (ST-7018). Tracks #3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17 & 19 are from “Presenting Oscar Moore”, Omegatape (ST-7012). Tracks #3 & 15 also issued on the 12” LP “Have You Met Inez Jones?” Riverside (RLP 12-819). Tracks #20 & 21 from the 78 rpm Victor 20-5135. Tracks #22 & 23 from the 78 rpm Victor 20-4989.

Personnel on tracks #1,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18: Inez Jones (vcl), Oscar Moore (g), Carl Perkins (p), Curtis Counce (b), and Bill Douglas (d); Master Recorders, Los Angeles, May 27, 1957. Personnel on tracks #3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19: Oscar Moore (rhythm guitar, and solo guitar [overdubbed]), and Leroy Vinnegar (b); Audio Arts Studio, Los Angeles, Dec. 12 & 14, 1956. Personnel on tracks #20-23:Inez Jones (vcl), Howard Biggs (p), Red Callender (b), and Chico Hamilton (d); Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, July 17, 1952.

Inez Jones was a good singer whose solid reputation, especially among the jazz cognoscenti, never really spread much beyond San Francisco’s Bay Area, where she worked steadily during the Forties and the Fifties. With a light, attractive voice, a little reminiscent of Maxine Sullivan, she could swing, and her deft phrasing and reading of a lyric enabled her to handle a variety of material with persuasive authority.

Her rare recorded work is notable for the fact that she brought the intimate manner of her club performances into the studio, and for the accomplished jazzmen she used to make the handful of recordings on which she appeared. On the 1957 album these include the near legendary pianist, Carl Perkins, part of a fine West Coast rhythm section with bassist and celebrated bandleader Curtis Counce, and drummer Bill Douglas, as well as guitarist Oscar Moore, who achieved his greatest fame in the trio of another singer, Nat King Cole. (Incidentally, on the instrumental numbers turned by Moore in this album, two guitars are heard, both by Oscar. Bass, played by Leroy Vinnegar, and rhythm guitar were recorded first, and then solo guitar was overdubbed.)

As a bonus, four tracks from two rare 78rpm albums Miss Jones recorded five years earlier are included, and all the tunes from the Moore and Vinnegar session that were not released on the album.

Have You Met Inez Jones

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Tardo Hammer - Somethin' Special

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 63:47

Size: 146.0 MB

Styles: Piano jazz

Year: 2001

Art: Front

[5:00] 1. John's Abbey

[6:21] 2. Divertimento

[5:21] 3. If I Loved You

[7:01] 4. Somethin' Special

[4:56] 5. Take Me Out To The Ballgame

[7:19] 6. You're My Thrill

[6:49] 7. Lizard Lips

[5:02] 8. Blues For Philly Joe

[7:13] 9. Into The Fire

[8:39] 10. Subterranean

The best Jazz pianist you’ve never heard? He could answer to the name Tardo Hammer. The 43–year–old New Yorker is indeed somethin’ special, as he demonstrates time and again on his second album for Sharp Nine. We were lucky enough to review the first one ( Hammer Time ), and everything written then bears repeating, with even weightier emphasis. “When listening to him play,” we observed, “one doesn’t think of a Hammer so much as a scalpel, or perhaps a paint brush. Hammer has a marvelous touch (using both hands well), an inspired feeling for dynamics and time, and above all, a wonderful ability to articulate his musical impulses and let them sing. Like every world–class musician, he makes everything seem preposterously easy . . .” And, we should add, he swings easily and often, in the manner of such illustrious predecessors and role models as Bud Powell, Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Drew, Duke Jordan, Barry Harris, Hampton Hawes and other renowned masters of bebop piano. For persuasive evidence, listen to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” Powell’s “John’s Abbey” or his own “Lizard Lips.” Hammer’s no slouch when it comes to interpreting ballads either, as he proves on “You’re My Thrill,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “If I Loved You” (from Carousel ) and another of his sharply–drawn compositions, “Into the Fire.” Hammer also wrote “Divertimento” and “Subterranean” (based, respectively, on the standards “Dancing in the Dark” and “All the Things You Are”), and rounds out the engaging program with Sonny Clark’s minor blues, “Somethin’ Special,” and Sonny Rollins’ loping “Blues for Philly Joe.” Hammer’s colleagues, bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Leroy Williams, have been with him since the mid–’80s, and they know how to push without shoving. Hammer responds well to their cues, and the group interplay is secure but not unmalleable. On the contrary, everything flows almost as easily as it would from one mind instead of three, which is the way Jazz trios should perform. While Hammer’s piano is the focal point, Irwin and Williams have their moments as well, and each contributes a number of perceptive solos. Together they’ve produced another “special” album, one that should please anyone who admires superbly talented bop–based piano trios. ~Jack Bowers

Somethin' Special

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John Bunch, Bucky Pizzarelli - NY Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:43
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Swing, Piano & Guitar jazz
Year: 1992/2004
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Oh, Lady Be Good
[5:18] 2. Hi Fly
[6:12] 3. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me
[4:34] 4. Dot's Cheesecake
[4:34] 5. Stompin' At The Savoy
[4:29] 6. How Am I To Know
[5:44] 7. Sleepin' Bee
[6:01] 8. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[5:25] 9. Jitterbug Waltz
[5:10] 10. Sunday
[5:44] 11. In A Sentimental Mood

John Bunch (piano), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass), Joe Cocuuzzo (drums).

Originally issued by Sonny Lester on his LRC label, this tribute to the music of Cole Porter has reappeared under the Laserlight banner. The album's style recalls the George Shearing groups, with Bucky Pizzarelli's guitar taking on the role that Joe Roland and other vibes players had with Shearing. Under the name New York Swing, the ensemble features Pizzarelli joined by a bevy of top-drawer New York musicians led by pianist John Bunch. This paean to Porter follows other albums by the group honoring other major contributors to the Great American Songbook, like Jerome Kern and Rodgers & Hart. All of these musicians have played these Porter gems before. Rather than making the songs sound old hat and tired because of this close familiarity, the group members have successfully found fresh ways to express their ideas. And that is what makes this composer a favorite among virtually all jazz performers: His work promotes improvisation. He allows good players to borrow the song, add his or her interpretative imprimatur to it, and then return it intact. "Easy to Love," for example, is presented in a chamber music setting featuring Jay Leonhart's bowed bass. In addition to those customary Porter gems, there are also a few songs that are not so often heard, like "Where Have You Been," which he wrote for an appropriately titled musical The New Yorkers. These are given the same high level of respectful treatment by the group as the more famous Porter material. With nary a bad track in the set, this album of outstanding small group performing is highly recommended. ~ Dave Nathan

NY Swing

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Marta Król - The First Look

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:58
Size: 112,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:48)  1. Like A Lover
(4:11)  2. April In Paris
(6:05)  3. The Way You Look Tonight
(3:53)  4. Never Will I Marry
(4:33)  5. I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme From Once Upon A Time In America )
(4:36)  6. Summer Soft
(5:55)  7. Wives And Lovers
(5:25)  8. The Way We Were
(3:58)  9. Light My Fire
(5:28) 10. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Born  in Bytom, Poland. Is a classically trained and graduated viola player  from Chopin`s Music School in Bytom, but during her education without a doubt it was her voice that became her main instrument.

Winner of many important vocal festivals in Poland, including:  1st Prize and a Special  Polish Television Prize at the  Young Vocalists Fesival – Debuts in Lublin (2005 and 2007);  Grand Prix at the national English Song Festival  in Brzeg (2007);  Special Prize at International Jazz Festival New Hope of Jazz in  Lomza (2009).

Her  first album  The First Look  has appeared in May 2011, was reviewed by many critics and journalists and nominated  for the most prestigious music awards in the country: The Third Program Of Polish Radio  Mateusz Award (category Debut of  the Year);  Phonographic Academy Fryderyk Award (category Jazz  Debut Recording of  the Year).

Album was recorded  by  leading jazz musicians  of the younger  generation in Poland, extraordinary instrumentalists composed of:  Pawel Tomaszewski – piano, rhodes piano;  Dawid Glówczewski – saxophones;  Andrzej Swies- bass;  Pawel Dobrowolski- drums;  Tomasz Kalwak- arrangements, production, keyboards

“Played  and processed simply and with savor at the same time. Her low and warm voice with faultless intonation draws attention. It is unusual, amazing  singing and  an excellent album!”~ Jazz Forum  The European Jazz Magazine

“ I'm very impressed. I look forward to her future long career. Unbelievable how good  is The First Look ”~ Marek Niedzwiecki  Legend of polish musical journalism

Vocalist  is promoted by  the legendary Third Program of Polish Radio. Chosen to perform at the oldest and the most prestigious  music festival in the country, Polish Song Festiwal  in Opole (2012). In april 2014 appears her second album Thank God I`m a Woman, released by Universal Music,which contains authorial songs and a few jazz standards from the past century presenting new interpretations. On the album appears also trio of leading  jazz musicians in the country and other special guests. http://martakrol.pl/biografia/lang=en

The First Look

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Christian Jacob - Beautiful Jazz: A Private Concert

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:51
Size: 130,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:33)  1. How Long Has This Been Going On
(3:32)  2. That's All
(5:05)  3. It Might as Well Be Spring
(2:14)  4. Stravinsky's Etude No. 4 in F# Major
(5:53)  5. My Romance
(5:14)  6. The Surrey With the Fringe On Top
(4:34)  7. Tea for Two
(4:33)  8. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:37)  9. One Note Samba
(6:04) 10. Body and Soul
(4:18) 11. September Song
(2:47) 12. Giant Steps
(3:22) 13. Till the Clouds Roll By

There was a time when pianist Christian Jacob thought he'd be making his mark as a classical pianist. That's perfectly understandable considering the fact that he was playing piano at age four and studying at the Metz conservatory at age six. By the time he was in college, studying at the Paris Conservatory, he was winning awards and prepping for piano competitions.

Jacob was following the prescribed course that classical piano hopefuls typically follow, but his destiny was with jazz. Jacob was taken with the work of Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson and other jazz luminaries early on, but it took him some time to realize that this music was his true calling. Nowadays, it's hard to imagine that Christian Jacob could've ever doubted that his fate was tied to jazz. As a sideman, Jacob has worked with a long list of greats, from trumpeter Maynard Ferguson to vibraphonist Gary Burton to arranger/bandleader Bill Holman. He's inextricably linked to the acclaimed Tierney Sutton Band, working side by side with the nominal leader on her incredibly well-received albums, and he's gained some traction as a leader through his work with the Christian Jacob Trio. He's even worked with symphony orchestras on occasion. In short, he's done a hell of a lot for a guy who didn't figure on a career in jazz, but he's never put out a solo piano disc; that is, until now.

Beautiful Jazz: A Private Concert is Jacob's love letter to the genre that whisked him away from the waiting arms of the classical world. He tackles old favorites here, revisiting and/or revising some of the very material that drew him toward jazz in the first place. Jacob brings a sense of wonder to "How Long Has This Been Going On?," tackles "That's All" in seven, muses on "My Romance," and delivers an information-dense "Surrey With The Fringe On Top." Jacob also tips his cap to pianist Bill Evans with "I'm Old Fashioned," references his classical upbringing through Stravinsky's "Etude No. 4 in F# Major," and delivers a wonderful "September Song" arrangement that's devoid of improvisation. This whole program was recorded at a private concert at Zipper Hall in Los Angeles, with Jacob playing on a Hamburg Steinway Model D Grand. Both the scene and the instrument helped to shape this album, but it's Jacob who delivers on the promise of the title. Beautiful Jazz it is. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/beautiful-jazz-a-private-concert-christian-jacob-wilderjazz-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Christian Jacob: piano.

Beautiful Jazz: A Private Concert

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Martin Taylor - Spirit of Django

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Gypsy Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:32
Size: 139,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:03)  1. Chez Fernand
(5:33)  2. Minor Swing
(6:38)  3. Night and Day
(4:45)  4. Nuages
(5:00)  5. James
(5:48)  6. Double Top
(5:15)  7. Django's Dream
(5:38)  8. Swing 42
(5:14)  9. Lady Be Good
(6:29) 10. Honeysuckle Rose
(5:04) 11. Johnny and Mary

In the 1990s, jazz tribute albums could be incredibly predictable, with young tenor saxophonists paying tribute to John Coltrane by emulating his tone and playing his best-known songs exactly like he played them, or young trumpeters saluting Miles Davis by trying to sound like a carbon copy of him on yet another version of "So What" or "Solar." Spirit of Django is Martin Taylor's tribute to fellow guitarist Django Reinhardt, and thankfully, this is one tribute album that's interesting and unpredictable instead of cliché-ridden. Though Taylor's love of Reinhardt's legacy is evident throughout the album, the guitarist never sounds like an outright clone. 

His individuality comes through on Reinhardt pieces (including "Nuages" and "Minor Swing"), as well as Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose" and the standards "Night and Day" and "Lady Be Good." To his credit, Taylor makes some unlikely choices. Pat Metheny's "James," for example, isn't something you'd expect to hear on a Reinhardt tribute, yet Taylor's interpretation fits in perfectly. This excellent CD is highly recommended to admirers of both Taylor and Reinhardt. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/spirit-of-django-mw0000646679

Personnel: Martin Taylor, John Goldie (acosutic guitar); Jack Emblow (accordion); Dave O'Higgins (soprano & tenor saxophones); Alec Dankworth (acoustic bass, cabasa); James Taylor (snare drum).

Spirit of Django

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Shirley Horn With Strings - Here's to Life

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:11
Size: 145,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:37)  1. Here's to Life
(7:27)  2. Come a Little Closer - Wild Is the Wind
(3:23)  3. How Am I to Know
(6:45)  4. A Time for Love
(4:36)  5. Where Do You Start
(3:32)  6. You're Nearer
(5:09)  7. Return to Paradise
(5:47)  8. Isn't It a Pity
(6:09)  9. Quietly There
(6:02) 10. If You Love Me
(7:38) 11. Summer (Estate)

Shirley Horn's meeting with a string section and an orchestra arranged by Johnny Mandel has some exquisite moments although sometimes it is just overly sweet. Horn recorded with her trio (which includes bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams) first, emphasizing slow ballads. Mandel used the pianist-vocalist's improvisations and chord voicings as the basis for his charts and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis took guest solos on "A Time for Love" and "Quietly There." 

Shirley Horn fans will love this CD (which includes such numbers as "Here's To Life," "How Am I To Know" and "If You Love Me") but no real surprises or contrast occurs. 

~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/heres-to-life-mw0000072357

Personnel: Shirley Horn (vocals, piano); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Charles Ables (bass instrument); Steve Williams (drums); Johnny Mandel.

Here's to Life

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Pat Coil - Just Ahead

Styles: Guitar And Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:41
Size: 95,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:32)  1. Big Spring
(5:35)  2. Just Ahead
(4:16)  3. A Higher Road
(5:28)  4. Lady J
(4:36)  5. Escape Clause
(4:20)  6. More Than the Eye Can See
(5:49)  7. Show Me
(5:02)  8. For Woody

Ron Komie's electric strings and Gerald Albright's sax add spectacular punch to keyboardist Pat Coil's multi-faceted second effort, the live to two-track Just Ahead. Coil is once again all aces, providing a textbook example of how to reconcile improvisational training with accessible funk, jazz with burning soul, and spirited salsa. Passionate one minute and frolicsome the next, Coil seems to enjoy crossing various lines, heading to the tropics with Andy Narell one minute, cooling his jets on ballads the next, and then exploding for several bouncy free-for-alls. It is fitting to feature Jimmy Johnson on bass, since the typical Coil composition is reminiscent of the best of Flim & the BBs, taking simple lines and twisting them into adventures. Adding to the fun here are John Patitucci, John Beasley, Bob Sheppard, and the wistful flute of Jim Walker. With Just Ahead, Coil is poised to become a master contemporary player and composer.
~ Jonathan Widran  http://www.allmusic.com/album/just-ahead-mw0000076130

Personnel: Pat Coil (electric guitar, piano); George Doering (guitar, acoustic guitar); Dean Parks (guitar, electric guitar); Ron Komie (electric guitar); Jim Walker (flute); Bob Shepard, Gerald Albright, Brandon Fields (saxophone); John Beasley (synthesizer); Jimmy Johnson (electric bass, fretless bass); John Patitucci (electric bass); John "J.R." Robinson , William Kennedy (drums); Andy Narell (steel drum); Luis Conte (percussion).

Just Ahead

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