Silky Denims: 08/17/15

Monday, August 17, 2015

Dion - Lovers Who Wander (Original Album Plus Bonus Tracks 1962)

Size: 99,2 MB
Time: 36:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Pop Rock, Doo Wop
Art: Front

01. Lovers Who Wander (2:29)
02. Come Go With Me (2:54)
03. King Without A Queen (2:30)
04. The Twist (2:32)
05. Little Diane (2:37)
06. Stagger Lee (2:25)
07. Shout (4:18)
08. Tonight Tonight (2:38)
09. (I Was) Born To Cry (2:23)
10. Queen Of The Hop (2:03)
11. Sandy (2:20)
12. Lost For Sure (2:36)
13. Love Came To Me (Bonus Track) (2:44)
14. Little Girl (Bonus Track) (2:24)

Dion Francis DiMucci (b July 18, 1939), better known as Dion, is an Italian-American singer-songwriter now widely recognized as one of the top vocalists of his era, blending the best elements of doo-wop, traditional pop, and rnb styles, as well as a forerunner in the development of rock and roll.

Lovers Who Wander

Papa Bue's Viking Jazzband - Live At Vingaarden (Feat. Theis Jensen)

Size: 113,2 MB
Time: 48:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Label: Storyville Records
Art: Front

01. That's My Home (1:56)
02. Bye And Bye (4:27)
03. Mood Indigo (2:49)
04. Solitude (4:30)
05. My Bucket's Got A Hole In It (3:37)
06. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (6:22)
07. I Want A Little Girl (5:35)
08. Mahogany Hall Stomp (4:50)
09. Good Morning Blues (8:01)
10. Muskrat Ramble (3:08)
11. When It's Sleepy Time Down South (3:08)

Recorded October 27 1975 at Vingaarden, Copenhagen.

Arne "Papa" Bue Jensen (8 May 1930 – 2 November 2011), known as Papa Bue, was a Danish trombonist and bandleader, chiefly associated with the Dixieland jazz revival style of which he was considered an important proponent. He founded and led the Viking Jazz Band, which was active from 1956. Arne Bue Jensen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. At an early age, he became fascinated with jazz, prompted by a pile of records from his brother with artists such as Harry James, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Bert Ambrose. Some records by Bunk Johnson and George Lewis reviving the New Orleans musical made a particular impression. After World War II, Jensen became a sailor for a few years, visiting ports all around the world, where he had an opportunity to listen to enjoy their often lively music venues. It was around this time that he started to play jazz. For borrowed money, which it would take him years to repay, he bought a slide trombone. He was taught the seven basic positions of the slide by a musician from the Royal Danish Orchestra but apart from that he was self-taught. Soon he played with other young jazz musicians and performed in clubs and bars around Copenhagen. He played in bands such as the Royal Jazzman (later the Bohana Jazz Band), Henrik Johansen’s Jazz Band and the Saint Peter Street Stompers, participating as a sideman in several of their recordings. In the 1950s, Papa Bue worked with the Bonanza Jazz Band, Chris Barber, Adrian Bentzon and Henrik Johansen. In the mid 1950s, he was part of the musical environment of the entertainment district around Nyhavn. He jammed with other young jazz musicians in various informal arrangements and, along with six other musicians, he founded the New Orleans Jazz Band in 1956, after a jam session in the establishment 'Cap Horn'. Since Jensen was the eldest he became the bandleader and, as he was also the only band member who was a father, he was given the nickname "Papa Bue" which stuck. In late 1957, Jensen renamed the ensemble the Viking Jazz Band. The name came from the American journalist and vocalist Shel Silverstein who attended one of their concerts at Cap Horn during a stay in Copenhagen. He subsequently wrote an article about them, calling them the Danish Vikings, explaining that they played the original New Orleans and Chicago jazz even better than any American band at the time. The band adopted the new name and released their first album as the Viking Jazz Band in 1958. In 1960 their "Schlafe Mein Prinzchen" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. At a time when many jazz musicians worked in the Bebop idiom, his style remained based on the Dixieland tradition but also with influences from early swing music. He is considered one of the most significant proponents of his genre. The group remained active into the 1990s, and recorded with musicians such as George Lewis (1959), Champion Jack Dupree (1962), Art Hodes (1970), Wild Bill Davison (1970, 1974), Wingy Manone, Edmond Hall and Albert Nicholas. They also played with George Lewis, Earl Hines, Stuff Smith, Ben Webster. Wild Bill Davison was a permanent band member. Jensen released a large number of albums, many of them issued or reissued on Storyville Records, Timeless Records, and Music Mecca. It was Papa Bue's Viking Jazz Band which recorded Bent Fabricius-Bjerre's theme music for the Olsen Gang series, now a legendary sequence for the Danes. In 1969, Papa Bue's Viking Jazz Band was the only non-American band to participate in the New Orleans Jazz Festival and Jensen was honored with the "Golden Keys to the City". Papa Bue died on 2 November 2011, at the age of 81.

Live At Vingaarden

Ian Cooper, Ian Date & Tommy Emmanuel - Just Passing Through

Size: 103,2 MB
Time: 39:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Gipsy Jazz, Folk, Blues
Art: Front

01. Tiger Rag (3:34)
02. Smile (4:03)
03. Honeysuckle Rose (5:02)
04. Georgia On My Mind (5:06)
05. Oh, Lady Be Good! (5:05)
06. Blues For Tex (4:04)
07. Caravan (4:29)
08. Nuages (5:00)
09. After You've Gone (3:25)

When I opened the stream to listen to Just Passing Through and saw that “Tiger Rag” was the opening track, my heart sank a little. A very old traddie piece that’s been dulled by decades of frantic interpretation by musicians whose dreams may possibly have surpassed their talents.

In fact, it’s a great track to begin with, setting the scene for fast-paced dexterity on both the guitars and that red-hot violin.

Just Passing Through features three very fine Australian musicians – Ian Date, Ian Cooper and Tommy Emmanuel – in a tribute to the Quintette du Hot Club de France, the iconic band formed in Paris in 1934 by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Their music is now referred to as “gypsy jazz” or “gypsy swing”. It’s infectious and toe-tapping, and Date, Cooper and Emmanuel bring their own brand of exuberance to the genre. You can actually hear these guys having fun.

The album is both a reflection and a homage to the pioneers of gypsy jazz. Most of the pieces are Hot Club tracks, including “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Georgia on My Mind” (listen to Date’s guitar; it’s as gorgeous as the song), and “Oh, Lady be Good”. My favourite tracks are “Caravan” and “Nuages”.

“Caravan” is a joy. Cooper’s classical credentials come through even as he shows off his considerable jazz chops. There are some very nice Spanish flourishes from Emmanuel’s guitar. The piece goes from subdued to ecstatic, and back again, always evoking the exoticism associated with this great Duke Ellington classic.

The trio plays a beautifully nuanced version of “Nuages“, one of Django’s most enduring compositions, with intelligent, understated guitar work and deft, subtle bowing on that violin. The build-up to the final bars is just lovely.

“Blues For Tex” is a departure from the Hot Club vibe, having a bit of a country music feel, perhaps a nod to Emmanuel’s early mentor, country music stalwart Chet Atkins. The piece’s train-like rhythm and layering of textures is very effective.

“Smile” features lovely sensitive playing from Cooper, and rich inventive harp-like phrases from the guitars. In spite of its title, suggestive of grief and longing, “After You’ve Gone”, the upbeat final track, actually brings a smile to your face. On all tracks, the musicianship is evident. The playing is polished, dextrous and discerning.

One of the striking things about this album is that it has all the hallmarks of a live performance, with both rehearsed precision and spontaneity. There is a palpable rapport between the players – they are listening closely to one another and responding accordingly. I enjoyed the scat singing along with the playing. It’s been my experience that musicians entirely engrossed in what they’re doing tend to “sing” along, mostly unconsciously. It’s quite endearing.

For fans of well-played guitar, this a gratifying listening experience. Add to that the jaunty/pensive, always expressive violin and you’re on a winner.

Gypsy jazz might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s really worth having a listen to these incredible musicians doing their thing. ~by Loretta Barnard

Just Passing Through

Kathy Sanborn - Lights Of Laniakea

Size: 152,7 MB
Time: 65:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/World Vocals
Art: Front

01. Star Catcher (5:35)
02. Follow The Light (5:32)
03. Soul Dancing (5:23)
04. Someday (4:53)
05. Little Candle (6:01)
06. Lani Heaven (5:48)
07. Immeasurable Sky (4:50)
08. The Stuff Of Stars (5:57)
09. Abundant Love (5:39)
10. Akea (4:57)
11. Seeds Of Hope (4:41)
12. Fantasy (6:16)

Teaming with 2015 GRAMMY-winning musician Ricky Kej, Kathy Sanborn combines her trademark silky vocals and heartfelt compositions with Kej's consummate arranging skills to create a groundbreaking form of World music in Sanborn's seventh album, Lights of Laniakea. A true cross-cultural blend of enchanting and uplifting compositions, Lights of Laniakea introduces a fresh and inspiring perspective to the genre of World music. Sanborn says, Lights of Laniakea is packed with cheerful songs and positive energy. Always an optimist, I wanted to share my upbeat vision for the world in Lights of Laniakea, and Ricky Kej was the ideal arranger to bring my compositions to life. Just what is Laniakea? Back in 2014 at the University of Hawaii, scientists mapped a new supercluster that contains our own galaxy, the Milky Way. They named it Laniakea, which means, Immeasurable Heaven. The album, Lights of Laniakea, describes our universal desire to live in the light - in the immeasurable heaven that is our home. The album contains twelve songs with engaging grooves, all composed by Sanborn. Kej adds his own magical touches to each track, resulting in works of art that the listener will want to experience again and again. Lights of Laniakea is World music that will expand your own musical universe with peaceful pleasure. Kathy Sanborn is an American singer and composer renowned for her velvet voice and elegant style. Sanborn won a 2015 American Songwriting Award for the World single, Fantasy. GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Ricky Kej has earned multiple honors for his composition and production skills. His most recent project, Winds of Samsara, reached #1 on the Billboard New Age charts and won a 2015 GRAMMY Award. The album also won Album Of The Year and Best World Music Album at the 2014 Zone Music Reporter Awards.

Lights Of Laniakea

Pablo Ziegler & Quique Sinesi - Desperate Dance

Size: 147,1 MB
Time: 63:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Once Again, Milonga (5:58)
02. Desperate Dance (5:42)
03. Murga Del Amanecer (5:36)
04. Milonga Para Grela (3:09)
05. Escualo (5:27)
06. Mahavishnu Tango (7:10)
07. Conexion Portena (7:00)
08. Soledad (6:59)
09. Milongueta (7:22)
10. Francanapa (4:49)
11. Que Lo Pario (4:05)

Personnel:
Pablo Ziegler - Piano
Quique Sinesi - Guitar
Walter Castro - Bandoneon

Pablo Ziegler is the most important artist of the Tango Nuevo and Astor Piazolla's legitimate successor. Between 1978 and 1989 he worked continously with Astor Piazolla and contributed substantially to his enormous success.When Piazolla became seriuosly ill, Pablo Ziegler formed the Quintett for New Tango, which was celebrated by the press and the audience. Recordings and concerts followed, together with (among others) Milva, Gary Burton and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Latin Grammy-winning pianist, composer and arranger Pablo Ziegler artfully blends classic tango with elements of jazz, adding a new voice to the rich tango lexicon. Pablo Ziegler´s latest work as a producer, arranger, composer and musical director lead to an Echo Classic Award in 2012 in Europe.
Quique Sinesi’s music creates from the rich inheritance of the southamerican continent, from the traditional rhythmic Candombés of the argentinian inhabitants, from the melodic elements of Tango, the Milonga and the music of the european immigrants. The dances are as well as the traditional folk rhythms interpreted with new concepts, Jazz on the other hand joins together with these elements, and the result is an immense lively and sparkling symbiosis.
Quique began his musical career, as the guitarist of the Bandonionist Dino Saluzzi, and as member of the new Tango Duo Quartet with Pablo Ziegler Famous Jazz-stars like Jim Hall were impressed of the technic he plays, the expression and the compositions of this exceptional guitarist.

Since 2000, this exceptional trio is constantly on tour in Europe and Asia. In addition to the Latin Grammy 2005 they were nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2008. Again and again, they develop new arrangements and compositions, leaving an enthusiastic and astonished audience and set new standards in Tango Nuevo. The high artistic level of these three makes it hard to compare with others, because they are all masters in their field. Pablo Ziegler with his long experience on Piazzolla’s side, the experience with the best in jazz and classical music. As a composer, arranger and musician, he is an absolute heavyweight. Quique Sinesi is one of the most versatile guitarists from Argentina, who as the composer for classical guitar already earned a great reputation, he interprets pieces sensitive and detailed and with high virtuosity. Walter Castro, who is an inseparable part of the tango scene, whether white to shine in small formations or large ensembles.

Desperate Dance

Joe Friedman - Cup O' Joe

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 52:33

Size: 120.3 MB

Styles: Guitar jazz

Year: 2006

Art: Front

[5:02] 1. Pure Imagination

[6:48] 2. Bolivar Blues

[7:57] 3. A Darker Shade Of Rose

[4:37] 4. Cup O' Joe

[5:34] 5. My Romance

[6:08] 6. Who's That Lady

[3:37] 7. 'round Midnight/Battle Hymn Of The Republic

[2:56] 8. Myna Bird Blues

[6:08] 9. Stairway To The Stars

[3:41] 10. Blowin' The Blues Away

Cup O' Joe is a surprisingly upbeat and enjoyable debut album for St. Louis-born guitarist Joe Friedman. After playing alongside contemporaries like Cyrus Chestnut and ably providing guitar duties on tour for chanteuse Eartha Kitt, Friedman was given the chance to record his first album as a leader by a fellow Oberlin College alumni, producer and drummer Neal Smith. Alumni brotherhood aside, Smith obviously saw a certain special something in Friedman's playing and his instincts were apparently right on the mark, since that something special comes through so brilliantly loud and clear on this outing.

Ably assisted by the restrained Smith on drums; a facile and tasteful George Colligan on piano; the ever-subtle but rock-steady Peter Washington on bass; and percussionist Renato Thoms lending support, Friedman nimbly but soulfully plays through a variety of well-selected tunes, all demonstrating that this boy has chops. His technique, while amply quick, is respectfully bluesy and can trace its roots to tinges of players like early George Benson and perhaps elder statesman Kenny Burrell in his Jimmy Smith days. His playing is well thought-out and logical, but within it comes nuances of phrasing that are soulfully executed, with great deference to the production of a classic, clean blues-oriented tone reminiscent of Grant Green. When listening, it's easy to realize Friedman is not just another good guitarist.

His playful treatment of "Pure Imagination" from the Willy Wonka movie soundtrack is a case in point, where the music is successfully taken from outside the normally traveled paths of jazz guitar. "Darker Shade of Rose is a fine example of his compositional and arranging skills. The tune starts out with a slow and pretty interplay between Friedman's sensitive guitar and Washington's restrained bowed bass, and quickly heats up to a scorching demonstration of some fine, slow-hand jazz/blues guitar work; a real treat. Throughout the outing, Friedman is accompanied by an able rhythm section, with special mention to Colligan's bow to Monk on the maestro's "Bolivar Blues.

Washington's bouncing bass and the jumpin' solo piano work by Colligan, on the cleverly rendered Isley Brothers tune "Who's That Lady, are perfect compliments to Friedman's free-swinging, extended fret work. A delicately fingered acoustic version of the seminal "'Round Midnight shows the sensitive side to Friedman's playing, especially as he seamlessly melds the tune into a melancholic version of the unlikely "Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Cup O' Joe is a tasteful first effort from Joe Friedman, a record that stands up well to repeated listening and offers a new voice to be watched for in the world of jazz guitar. ~Ralph A. Miriello

Joe Friedman: acoustic and electric guitars; George Colligan: piano; Peter Washington: bass; Neal Smith: drums; Renato Thoms: percussion.

Cup O' Joe

Eddie Vinson - Clean Head's Back In Town: Eddie Vinson Sings

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:30
Size: 90.5 MB
Styles: West Coast blues, Jump blues
Year: 1957/2015
Art: Front

[2:58] 1. Cleanhead's Back In Town
[2:27] 2. That's The Way To Treat Your Woman
[2:25] 3. Trouble In Mind
[2:27] 4. Kidney Stew Blues
[2:54] 5. Sweet Lovin' Baby
[2:47] 6. Caldonia
[2:46] 7. It Ain't Necessarily So
[2:40] 8. Cherry Red
[2:49] 9. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
[3:10] 10. I Just Can't Keep The Tears From Tumblin' Down
[2:24] 11. Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine
[2:27] 12. Hold It Right There
[2:22] 13. Trouble In Mind
[2:25] 14. Kidney Stew Blues
[2:22] 15. Hold It Right There

One of only two albums that altoist/singer Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson led during 1956-1966, this infectious set finds him performing some of his best known tunes. With assistance by a medium-size group that plays in a Count Basie groove (including such Basie-ites as trumpeter Joe Newman, trombonist Henry Coker, either Frank Foster or Paul Quinichette on tenor, and pianist Nat Pierce), Cleanhead makes such songs as "Kidney Stew," "Caldonia," "Cherry Red," "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby," and "Hold It Right There" sound full of joy. This CD reissue adds three alternate takes that were originally recorded in stereo. A good sampling of the great Cleanhead. ~Scott Yanow

Clean Head's Back In Town: Eddie Vinson Sings

Benny Waters - Plays Songs Of Love

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:24
Size: 116,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:47) 1. What Is This Thing Called Love
(4:12) 2. You Are the Sunshine of My Life
(6:31) 3. I'm in the Mood for Love
(3:54) 4. The Love Nest
(6:59) 5. When Your Lover Has Gone
(5:04) 6. Almost Like Being in Love
(2:56) 7. Always
(4:37) 8. I Love You
(5:59) 9. Love Me Or Leave Me
(5:21) 10. Taking A Chance On Love

Until his death at the age of 96, Benny Waters was not only the second oldest active jazz musician (to Eubie Blake who made it to 100) but a powerful altoist who would be considered impressive if he were only 50. Waters' personal history covered virtually the entire history of recorded jazz, although he never really became a major name. He worked with Charlie Miller from 1918-1921, studied at the New England Conservatory, and became a teacher; one of his students was Harry Carney, remarkably. Waters played, arranged for, and recorded with Charlie Johnson's Paradise Ten (1925-1932), an underrated group that also for a time included Benny Carter and Jabbo Smith. Waters, who was primarily a tenor saxophonist and an occasional clarinetist during this period, was influenced to an extent by Coleman Hawkins, and he recorded with both Clarence Williams and King Oliver in the 1920s. During the next two decades, Waters played in many groups including those led by Fletcher Henderson (for a few months), Hot Lips Page, Claude Hopkins, and Jimmie Lunceford. He led his own unit during part of the 1940s, played with Roy Milton's R&B band, and in 1949 went to France with the Jimmy Archey Dixieland group.

Waters settled in Paris, working steadily, although he was largely forgotten at home. By the 1980s, he was visiting the U.S. more frequently, and Waters is heard in brilliant form on a 1987 quartet set for Muse on which he plays tenor, alto, and clarinet, in addition to taking some effective vocals. A short time later he went blind and stuck exclusively to playing alto (on which he played in a jump style reminiscent of Tab Smith, that shows the occasional influence of John Coltrane). The seemingly ageless Benny Waters continued recording and performing with a remarkable amount of energy, touring with the Statesmen of Jazz in 1995 and creating some miraculous music prior to his death on August 11, 1998. Bio ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/benny-waters-mn0000053948/biography

Plays Songs Of Love

Térez Montcalm - I Know I'll Be Alright

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:23
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:27) 1. Superwoman
(3:55) 2. If I Could Turn Around
(3:35) 3. Je reviens te chercher
(3:32) 4. Philadelphia
(4:31) 5. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
(3:59) 6. Lily
(4:42) 7. Honest To the Bones
(4:05) 8. Fling
(4:23) 9. If You Don't Know Me By Now
(3:33) 10. Chambre d'hôtel
(3:36) 11. I Could Have Told You
(3:39) 12. Tell It Like It Is
(3:19) 13. Ashes To Ashes

Térez Montcalm is a Canadian jazz singer and guitarist who broke through to international success in 2007. Born in Quebec, Canada, she grew up bilingually in a family where French and English were spoken interchangeably and where music was important. Her father, a native English speaker originally from Toronto, was a jazz fan who enjoyed Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole. The youngest of five children, she had brothers who were into Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa as well as sisters who were into the Beatles and Edith Piaf. In addition to these influences, Montcalm had favorites of her own, above all Eurythmics lead singer Annie Lennox. Exhibiting an extraordinarily strong voice from an early age, she attended music school as a teenager and ultimately made her full-length recording debut in 1994 with the album Risque on BMG. Sung primarily in French and comprised of original material as well as covers of Charles Aznavour, Tom Waits, and others, Risque was well received from a critical standpoint, and in the wake of its release, Montcalm was awarded a Prix Rapsat-Lelièvre in 1995.

She released her follow-up album, Parle Pas Si Fort, on Universal in 1997 and subsequently retreated from the marketplace for a while, not releasing her third album, Térez Montcalm, until five years later in 2002. Montcalm changed direction on her fourth album, Voodoo, which arrived in 2006. Comprised almost entirely of cover songs, many of them well known (e.g., Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams"), and sung primarily in English rather than French, Voodoo was produced by former Uzeb jazz-rock guitarist Michel Cusson and released on the Universal subsidiary label GSI Musique. A year after its release, Voodoo broke into the French albums chart and remained there for a total of 30 weeks, going all the way to number 43. ~ Bio https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/terez-montcalm/id28719874#fullText

I Know I'll Be Alright

Randy Crawford - Live In Zagreb

Styles: Vocal, R&B
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:38
Size: 98,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:19) 1. Rainy Night In Georgia
(3:29) 2. One Hello
(3:32) 3. You Bring The Sun Out
(5:25) 4. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
(4:51) 5. Almaz
(5:20) 6. One Day I'll Fly Away
(5:27) 7. Street Life
(5:26) 8. Imagine
(3:45) 9. Oh, Daughter Mine

One of the most readily identifiable voices of any contemporary female vocalist, Randy Crawford's initial recognition came from her fiery vocal on "Street Life," a 1979 song matching her with the Crusaders that was included on the soundtrack for Burt Reynolds' film Sharky's Machine. Crawford was born in Macon, Georgia, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio; she worked in clubs as a teen, accompanied by her father. Crawford was lead vocalist in a group that included bassist Bootsy Collins before touring as George Benson's opening act in 1972. Cannonball Adderley invited her to sing on his LP Big Man. Crawford recorded "Don't Get Caught in Love's Triangle," a song produced by Johnny Bristol, during a short stay on the label. She soon moved to Warner Bros., and after "Street Life," recorded and toured Europe with the Crusaders. Crawford was tabbed Most Outstanding Performer at the 1980 Tokyo Music Festival. She remained with Warner Bros. through the '80s and early '90s, during which time she developed a strong following in Europe and Britain. In the new millennium, Crawford has remained quite active, often re-teaming with Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample for such albums as 2006's Feeling Good, 2008's No Regrets, and 2012's concert album Live. ~ Bio https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/randy-crawford/id74188#fullText

Live In Zagreb

Kurt Elling - Live In Chicago

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:25
Size: 163,2 MB
Art: Front

( 3:50) 1. Downtown
(12:17) 2. My Foolish Heart
( 8:29) 3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
( 3:51) 4. Oh My God
( 8:58) 5. Night Dream
( 5:20) 6. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
( 1:44) 7. Intro: (Esperanto)
( 5:16) 8. Esperanto
( 3:38) 9. Don't Get Scared
( 0:44) 10. Intro: (Goin' To Chicago)
( 5:39) 11. Goin' To Chicago
( 0:43) 12. Intro: (The Rent Party)
( 8:18) 13. The Rent Party
( 1:30) 14. Blues Chaser

Fans of Kurt Elling have long known that his recordings, as clever and well-orchestrated as they might be, don't quite match up to the power and charm of his live performances. Years of holding court at the Green Mill and other Chicago clubs are what really have brought Elling his most devoted followers, so it is exciting to see that Blue Note's new Elling album is a document of three special nights spent recording at the legendary Uptown jazz club. And indeed, with a few small exceptions, the album shows off Elling at his best loose, uninhibited, creative, and solid. His standard backing trio has never been tighter and more balanced, and the performance of pianist (and Elling collaborator) Lawrence Hobgood really shines. Three saxophonists Von Freeman, Ed Petersen and Eddie Johnson manage to blend together in perfectly balanced harmonies, as well as command attention in solos of their own.

Chicago's own Khalil El'Zabar makes a fine appearance, and a rare contribution by legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks shows that he can still steal a show. The enthusiasm of the highly appreciative audience is captured, as well as more than a little evidence of the noise in the surrounding bar. The three nights of recording produced some fine versions of new and classic songs, including "Esperanto," Elling's pairing of the poetry of Pablo Neruda with the music of Vince Mendoza's jazz classic, "Esperança"; and "The Rent Party," which recalls Elling's jazz-poet days at the beginning of his career. ~ Stacia Proefrock http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-chicago-mw0000672757

Personnel: Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks (vocals); Von Freeman, Ed Petersen, Eddie Johnson (tenor saxophone); Laurence Hobgood (piano); Rob Amster (acoustic bass); Michael Raynor (drums); Kahil El 'Zabar (hand drums).

Live In Chicago

Marty Paich - Arranger, Conductor, Piano

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:52
Size: 167,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:13) 1. It Don't Mean A Thing
(3:12) 2. Just In Time
(5:03) 3. Moanin'
(3:45) 4. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
(3:34) 5. It's All Right With Me
(4:16) 6. Things Ain't Want They Used To Be
(3:28) 7. Move
(6:13) 8. I Love Paris
(4:26) 9. No More
(4:29) 10. Love For Sale
(4:27) 11. Warm Valley
(3:25) 12. Groovin' High
(3:01) 13. Four Brothers
(5:18) 14. Walkin'
(2:37) 15. Doggin' Around
(4:28) 16. Swingin' The Blues
(3:24) 17. All The Things You Are
(2:24) 18. Marty's Blues

Marty Paich was a pianist, composer, arranger, producer, music director, and conductor. In a career which spanned half a century, he worked in these capacities for such artists as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Kenton, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Stan Getz, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Jackson, Art Pepper, and a hundred others. However, his name is essentially unknown outside professional circles. He took little interest in self-promotion, never acquired a personal agent, happily saw his business affairs managed by his capable first wife Huddy, and as soon as finances permitted decamped Los Angeles for a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley north of Santa Barbara. There he engaged his twin fantasies of riding horses and operating a private museum devoted to the saddles, books, rifles and guns of the American west. For a boy raised in urban Oakland California, this was a charmed leap.He was born Martin Louis Paich on 23 January 1925. His earliest music lessons were on the accordion, and thereafter on the piano. By age 10 he had formed the first of numerous bands, and by age 12 was regularly playing at weddings and similar affairs. Marty first attended Cole Elementary School in Oakland. After graduating from McClymonds High School he attended a series of professional schools in music, including Chapman College, San Francisco State University, the University of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music where he graduated (1951) magna cum laude with a Master's degree in composition.

His private teachers included Mario Castelnuevo-Tedesco (studying in his home at 269 South Clark, in Beverly Hills) and Arnold Schoenberg. The Gary Nottingham Orchestra provided his earliest paying work as arranger; together with Pete Rugulo he wrote some of that band's best-known charts. Paich served in the US Air Corps during World War II, there leading various bands and orchestras and helping build troop morale.From the beginning of his professional career, he also learned music in the time-honored ways: he transcribed countless tunes and charts from recordings, he attended innumerable concerts, and he sat-in on a thousand jams. And from the beginning Paich had an extraordinary ear for style, and tremendously eclectic taste. These gifts would serve him well in his career and provide the opportunity to work in an amazingly large circle of musicians.

After finishing his formal studies, Paich took a series of jobs in the Los Angeles music and recording industry. These included arranging (and playing) the score for the Disney Studio's full length cartoon film The Lady and The Tramp, working as accompanist for vocalist Peggy Lee, playing piano for the Shorty Rogers' Giants, touring with Dorothy Dandridge, and providing arrangements for many local bands in Los Angeles.During the 1950's, Paich was active in West Coast Jazz performance while also working intensively in the studios. He not only played on, but arranged and produced, numerous West Coast jazz recordings, including albums by Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Terry Gibbs, Stan Kenton, Shelley Manne, Anita O'Day, Dave Pell, Art Pepper, Buddy Rich, Shorty Rogers, and Mel Tormé. His professional and personal association with Tormé, though occasionally a difficult one, would last decades. Many jazz critics feel their work with the Marty Paich Dektette to be the high point of their respective careers.

In the 1960s, he became more active in commercial music, and extended his talents to include work for such pop musicians as Andy Williams, Al Hirt, Dinah Shore, Jack Jones, and others of that style. From the late 1960s into the mid-1970s, Paich was the studio orchestra leader for such television variety shows as The Glen Campbell Good-Time Hour, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (where he replaced Nelson Riddle), and The Sonny and Cher Show. He also scored such television programs as Ironside, for which he won an Emmy Award. At this time he began serving as teacher and life-long mentor to his son David, soon to make his own reputation with the band Toto, and to become a distinguished musician in his own right. Marty Paich's work in the 1980s to 1990s built on his long-standing reputation as an artist of wide stylistic gifts, particularly in scoring for strings (he was often hired to 'sweeten' the work of other arrangers), and he received calls to work for musicians ranging from Barbra Streisand to Michael Jackson. During the same period he became active in film, often working as conductor (and on-site arranger) in a number of well-received studio projects. These films, usually scored by his student James Newton Howard, included Flatliners, For The Boys, Grand Canyon, The Package, Pretty Woman, and Prince of Tides.

In 1991 he was honored at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion by Singers' Salute to the Songwriter, Inc., and there received the title 'Songwriter of the Year'. He also led the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl in what would be one of Sarah Vaughan's last public appearances. In this latter period he announced a semi-retirement to his beloved ranch on Baseline Road in Santa Ynez. From this domain he worked on occasional projects, the last of which was with Aretha Franklin. He died of colon cancer on 12 August 1995, at home, surrounded by his family. Those with him at the end included his brother Tom, second wife Linda, children David and Lorrie, their children, and friends Bea, Ruth, Neal and Charles. http://www.martypaich.com/biography.html

Arranger, Conductor, Piano