Dave Pike - Manhattan Latin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 39:05

Size: 89.5 MB

Styles: Hard bop, Vibraphone jazz

Year: 1964/2006

Art: Front

[2:44] 1. Baby

[3:16] 2. Que Mal Es Querer

[3:58] 3. Not A Tear

[2:37] 4. Mambo Dinero

[3:19] 5. Montuno Orita

[3:11] 6. Aphrodite

[3:02] 7. La Playa

[2:51] 8. Latin Blues

[2:36] 9. South Sea

[2:39] 10. Sandunga

[3:21] 11. Dream Garden

[5:26] 12. Vikki

Manhattan Latin captures Dave Pike in flux between the straight-ahead approach of his earlier sessions and the psychedelic pop-jazz of his efforts for MPS: a playful yet methodical immersion into pure, sunkissed groove, its artful assimilation of global rhythms and textures anticipates the direction of Pike's most memorable work. Recorded with an impressive lineup including flautist Hubert Laws, drummer Willie Bobo and then-unknown pianist Chick Corea, the album largely eschews familiar Latin standards in favor of Pike originals. What's impressive is that the end result seems completely organic, living up to the album's title in terms of both sophistication and flavor. Phenomenal cover, too. ~Jason Ankeny

Manhattan Latin

---

Noah Stewart - Noah

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:49
Size: 95.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:09] 1. Cara Mia
[2:56] 2. Deep River
[2:32] 3. Recondita Armonia
[3:55] 4. Notte Di Luce (Nights In White Satin)
[3:26] 5. Without A Song
[3:28] 6. Hallelujah
[3:31] 7. Shenandoah
[2:49] 8. Ave Maria
[4:20] 9. I Have A Dream
[2:47] 10. I'll Walk With God
[3:23] 11. Amazing Grace
[3:32] 12. This Land Is Mine
[1:55] 13. The Star Spangled Banner

Upon the album's release in April 2012, Noah debuted at #1 on the UK Classical Charts, and even entered the UK's main Official Albums chart as the 2nd new entry, behind Madonna's MDNA. Noah includes renditions of the operatic arias Recondita Armonia, from Puccini's Tosca, and Pourquoi me reveiller, from Massenet's Werther, as well as the enduringly popular Bach/Gounod Ave Maria. Noah casts a much wider net too with inspirational input from producers and arrangers Steven Baker and Christian Seitz. The album presents Noah Stewarts's rich, resonant voice in the spiritual classics Deep River and Shenandoah, and the traditional Silent Night and Nearer My God To Thee, the hymn played during the sinking of the Titanic. Exclusive to the US edition is Noah's soaring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner which he memorably sang at the televised Chicago Bears/Tampa Bay Bucaneers NFL game at Wembly Stadium.Born and raised in New York City, Stewart, who used to be a receptionist at New York's Carnegie Hall, had support from the legendary Bill Cosby who sponsored the young singer's musical training at Juilliard.

In the four years since participating in the prestigious Adler Fellowship program at the San Francisco Opera, Noah Stewart has established himself as one of the fastest-rising young tenors in the world, debuting in New York, Detroit, London and Paris in major opera repertoire. When he was a student at New York's famous La Guardia High School, Noah Stewart gained some experience in the pop music industry when he sang backup for Mariah Carey at Madison Square Garden and appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman with rapper Coolio. This experience gave Noah a feel for how to tackle the pop standards that appear on this debut album like Nights In White Satin (Notte di Luce) and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. There's also a visit to the movies with a stirring new arrangement of the theme from Exodus.

Noah

---

Tal Farlow - The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 1 of 7)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:48
Size: 171.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Tenderly
[3:22] 2. I Remember You
[3:15] 3. Skylark
[2:42] 4. If There's Someone Lovelier Than You
[2:59] 5. With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
[3:32] 6. My Old Flame
[2:42] 7. Gibson Boy
[3:39] 8. You And The Night And The Music
[2:42] 9. Love Nest
[2:48] 10. Blues In The Closet
[3:27] 11. Everything I've Got
[3:00] 12. With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
[3:26] 13. Ev'rything I've Got
[3:08] 14. I Like To Recognize The Tune
[3:25] 15. Strike Up The Band
[5:02] 16. Autumn In New York
[4:22] 17. And She Remembers Me
[3:22] 18. Little Girl Blue
[4:56] 19. Have You Met Miss Jones
[5:09] 20. Tal's Blues
[4:50] 21. Cherokee

Tal Farlow, was an innovative self-taught jazz guitarist who influenced generations of guitarists following in his footsteps. Although some of his peak years as a recording artist occurred during his association with Verve between 1954 and 1959, relatively few of the tracks were available for decades until the release of this comprehensive Mosaic box set. The music is consistently brilliant, as the leader's solos seem to evolve effortlessly, often finding fresh ground in the many standards and classic jazz compositions performed in this set. Aside from the three opening tracks from Farlow's days as a member of vibraphonist Red Norvo's trio, the guitarist is the leader. His meeting with fellow guitarist Barry Galbraith (with bassist Oscar Pettiford and a surprisingly restrained Joe Morello on drums) is highlighted by his intricate original "Gibson Boy." The sessions with pianist Gerry Wiggins, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Chico Hamilton focus primarily on standards, though "And She Remembers Me" is an obvious reworking of "I'll Remember April"; the rapid-fire take of "Cherokee" takes top honors. Two separate dates with pianist Claude Williamson and bassist Red Mitchell (one which adds drummer Stan Levey) stick exclusively to standards, with plenty of lively interplay. Two sessions with West Coast stylists including valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins, and baritone saxophonist Bob Gordon complement Farlow's sound very well. It is surprising that producer Norman Granz did not initially release a unique date with Oscar Pettiford (on cello) as a second front-line instrument, with the outstanding rhythm section of Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Louie Bellson. Highlights from this meeting include the cellist's "Swingin' Till the Girls Come Home," "Jordu," and two takes of "Bernie's Tune." A regular working trio led by Farlow with pianist Eddie Costa (who died far too young following a car wreck in 1962) and bassist Vinnie Burke produced three separate albums (with Knobby Totah or Bill Takas taking Burke's place on the final session). The chemistry between Farlow and Costa is readily apparent. Another musician who died far too young, Belgian flutist and tenor saxophonist Bobby Jaspar, joined the guitarist, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Osie Johnson for three numbers featuring Farlow on an acoustic instrument for the first time, producing the kind of jazz that only true aficionados can appreciate. A larger group with saxophonist and flutist Frank Wess, trombonist Benny Powell, pianist Dick Hyman, and baritone saxophonist Charles Fowlkes delves into the music of Harold Arlen, including several long overlooked songs composed for the musical Saratoga along with some of his best-known works, though at times their unfamiliarity with some of the tunes and each other is apparent. The detailed booklet contains many rare photos of Farlow and the men who worked with him, along with an informative analysis by fellow guitarist Howard Alden. This limited-edition collection should be on every jazz guitar fan's wish list. ~Ken Dryden

Discs 2 - 7 over the next few days.
The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 1)

---

Hannah Svensson - Each Little Moment

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:41
Size: 111.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:34] 1. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
[3:46] 2. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
[5:34] 3. My Foolish Heart
[3:36] 4. Ev'rything I Got
[5:25] 5. Fine And Mellow
[3:58] 6. Them There Eyes
[5:39] 7. Too Late Now
[3:54] 8. Lover, Come Back To Me
[4:09] 9. A Foggy Day
[5:03] 10. It's Easy To Remember
[2:57] 11. I Got Rhythm

The shade of her idol, the tragic Eva Cassidy hovers in judgement as Svensson performs 10 numbers from the Great American Songbook and one Louis Jordan knockabout. Cassidy made every song she sang her own. Svensson, perhaps in awe of the material, runs through it dutifully and extremely competently. But the numbers stay "on the page," refuse to come alive.

Most likely a question of personality and inability to express it, what Danish novelist Aksel Sandemose called The Law of Jante, an inbuilt psychological inhibition that prevents individual Scandinavians from rocking the collective boat by getting too up close and personal. Even the powerful presence of her father, guitarist Ewan Svensson, in her backing band can't break the spell cast by The Law of Jante. Until, in the penultimate number, "It's Easy To Remember," by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, she manages somehow to climb from her shell and— perhaps inadvertently—lends meaning to the simple but great lyrics of the chorus. Buoyed up by this, Hannah attacks the Gershwin brothers' "I've Got Rhythm" with something approaching oomph. Sadly, by this time, it's too late. There's just a glimpse of what might have been.

Each Little Moment

---

Duke Pearson Trio - Profile & Tender Feelin's

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:13
Size: 174.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:24] 1. Like Someone In Love
[4:22] 2. Black Coffee
[4:48] 3. Taboo
[4:46] 4. I'm Glad There Is You
[5:05] 5. Gate City Blues
[5:50] 6. Two Mile Run
[5:38] 7. Witchcraft
[4:16] 8. Bluebird Of Happiness
[5:21] 9. I'm A Fool To Want You
[4:31] 10. I Love You
[5:05] 11. When Sonny Gets Blue
[5:24] 12. The Golden Striker
[6:43] 13. On Green Dolphin Street
[8:53] 14. 3 A.M.

Duke Pearson (p), Gene Taylor (b), Lex Humphries (d). Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Tracks #1-7 on October 29, and #8-14 on December 6, 1959. Stereo 24-Bit Digitally Remastered.

Columbus Calvin Pearson Jr. (Atlanta, Georgia, August 17, 1932–August 4, 1980), better known as Duke Pearson, set great store by lyricism and flowing, effortless swing every time he played. “I try to get to the heart of each tune,” he said. “I try to get to the meaning of someone else’s tune.” He was equally adept when scoring his own compositions or setting the work of others.

This brilliant pianist was not afraid of unabashed romanticism, a quality very much in evidence throughout his improvisations on these trio performances and expressed through his gentle, warm, almost sensuous touch. Alongside him, bassist Gene Taylor’s work is unfailingly impeccable, and Lex Humphries provides ample confirmation of his reputation as a sensitive, thoroughly reliable drummer.

The interaction within the group is at all times of the highest level in a virtually flawless demonstration of the art of reflective, many-faceted jazz piano trio playing.

Profile & Tender Feelin's

---

John Pizzarelli And The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Dear Mr. Sinatra

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:52
Size: 89,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:34)  1. Ring-A-Ding Ding
(3:57)  2. You Make Me Feel So Young
(2:42)  3. How About You?
(4:46)  4. If I had you
(4:11)  5. Witchcraft
(3:24)  6. I've Got You Under My Skin
(2:44)  7. Nice 'N' Easy
(4:11)  8. Medley: I See Your Face Before Me....
(3:56)  9. Can't We Be Friends?
(3:01) 10. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
(2:20) 11. Last Dance

With the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra interpreting swinging big band arrangements, John Pizzarelli captures the spirit of Frank Sinatra's memorable years with the bands of Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Count Basie and others. His aim here is not to emulate Sinatra, but to honor him with the songs that he sang so effectively. How can we ever forget? The program includes eleven familiar songs from the Sinatra years, all presented as brief arrangements that keep creative soloing to a minimum. Pizzarelli's guitar provides a number of well-constructed solos, but they too are also abbreviated. His wordless vocals with unison guitar provide several of the session's high points.

If I Had You features a clarinet choir in a tender interpretation that strolls leisurely at a slow, romantic pace. "I've Got You Under My Skin features Pizzarelli's suave vocal sashay alongside a sensual battery of genteel wind players. "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning features a slow and steady walk that Pizzarelli delivers convincingly. "Last Dance closes the album with a sad and forlorn sign-off that recalls the emotional impact that Frank Sinatra held in the palm of his hand. Along with Pizzarelli's Swing Era vocals and his always refreshing guitar interludes, Dear Mr. Sinatra features brief but creative solos from John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Rickey Woodard, Tamir Hendelman and Bucky Pizzarelli. ~ Jim Santella http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dear-mr-sinatra-john-pizzarelli-telarc-records-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Bucky Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); John Clayton (clarinet, alto saxophone, bass guitar); Charles Owens II, Charles Owens (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Bijon Watson (trumpet); Maurice Spears, Robbie Hioki (trombone, bass trombone); Ryan Porter (trombone); Christoph Luty (bass guitar); Jeff Clayton , Keith Fiddmont (clarinet, alto saxophone); Rickey Woodard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Lee Callet (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Gilbert Castellanos, James Ford , Sal Cracchiolo, Bobby Rodriguez (trumpet); George Bohanon, Ira Nepus (trombone); Tamir Hendelman (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Dear Mr. Sinatra

---

Carmen Cuesta & Chuck Loeb - Dreams

Styles: Vocal, Bossa Nova
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:54
Size: 137,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:47)  1. Dreams
(5:21)  2. Invitation
(5:34)  3. Vuelvo A Ti
(4:39)  4. No Te Olvidare
(4:16)  5. Blue Kiss
(4:47)  6. Corcovado
(4:53)  7. Estrana
(5:07)  8. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(4:01)  9. Something
(5:16) 10. Until
(5:02) 11. The Garden
(5:06) 12. My Romance

The album "Dreams" is the most personal statement of Carmen Cuesta - Loeb so far. On one hand she has interpreted such standards as the Jobim hymn "Corcovado, the Rodgers/Hart classic "My Romance" or George Harrison's "Something" in a way all her own. On the other she also placed a great deal of weight on a blend of songs sung in English and Spanish. As diverse as they are, they are intended to reflect how cosmopolitan her life is, but at the same time become what she modestly calls an "exciting American-Spanish love affair".

The songs are enhanced by solos from Germany's No.1 jazz musician Till Brönner (flugelhorn), US keyboard authority Bob James (Fourplay), Andy Snitzer and jazz legend Michael Brecker. Hubby Chuck Loeb, meanwhile advanced to a paramount No. 1 Jazz Radio Artist in the US of A, contributes the finest of solo parts and all the know-how it takes after years as a producer. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ccuestaloeb2

Personnel: Carmen Cuesta: vocals; Chuck Loeb: synths, drum & percussion programming;  Michael Brecker: tenor sax;  Bob James: piano;  Till Brönner: flugelhorn;  Andy Snitzer: tenor saxophone; Will Lee: bass;  John Patitucci: bass;  Mike Ricchiutti: synths, piano;  Wolfgang Haffner: drums;  Brian Dunne: drums;  David Charles: percussion, cymbals;  Kev Katz: bass;  Lizzy Loeb: vocals

Dreams

---

John La Barbera Big Band - On The Wild Side

Styles: Big Band
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:09
Size: 145,0 MB
Art: Front

( 4:22)  1. Mayreh
( 7:21)  2. So What
( 4:25)  3. Tiger of San Pedro
( 7:15)  4. Message from Art
(10:33)  5. Walk on the Wild Side Suite
( 5:16)  6. Cachaça Gotcha
(10:30)  7. Eleanor Rigby
( 6:16)  8. Cloth of Silver - Threads of Blue
( 6:06)  9. Highland Crossing

Good things, it has been said, come to those who wait. Well, we've waited a long time for John La Barbera, the middle third of the multi-talented La Barbera brothers, to record his first big-band album, and it's good. Check that; it's better than good much closer, one might reasonably argue, to spectacular. As a composer and arranger, La Barbera knows how to make a big band swing like there's no tomorrow; one doesn't spend nearly two decades playing and writing for Buddy Rich without learning that. La Barbera has further helped the cause by putting together an ensemble whose rhythm section (on five tracks), plus trumpeter Clay Jenkins and tenor saxophonist Bob Shepard, doubles as the Joe La Barbera Quintet (Bill Cunliffe, piano; Tom Warrington, bass). Yes, that's younger brother Joe on drums, driving the band relentlessly forward, and older brother Pat on tenor, soloing brightly on five of the nine selections. The rest of the band is a who's who of top-drawer West Coast sidemen who can nail anything La Barbera or anyone else dreams up. The leader even persuaded elder statesman Bud Shank, playing as well as ever at age seventy-five (when the recording was made), to take the album's first solo, on Horace Silver's fast-moving bop theme "Mayreh."

Besides transforming the Beatles' shopworn "Eleanor Rigby" into an ingenious big band tour de force and reupholstering the dramatic suite from Elmer Bernstein's "Walk on the Wild Side," originally arranged for Rich, John wrote the growling "Tiger of San Pedro" (which trombonist Bill Watrous used as the title of one of his '70s albums), the supple "Cachaça Gotcha," mercurial "Cloth of Silver-Threads of Blue" and evocative "Highland Crossing," while brother Joe penned the powerful remembrance of Art Blakey, "Message from Art," to which he, Shepard and trombonist Bruce Paulson have added the exclamation marks. Pat's tenor is showcased on "Tiger," "Eleanor Rigby" and Miles Davis' "So What," his soprano on "Highland Crossing," and both instruments on "Wild Side." Jenkins solos adroitly on four tracks, trumpeters Wayne Bergeron and Dennis Farias bare their chops on "Tiger" and "Crossing," respectively, and alto Kim Richmond is customarily forceful on "Gotcha." Worth waiting for? Without a doubt. Horace Silver, who cuts right to the chase, keenly assesses Wild Side in one dead-on sentence on the album's cover: "Good arrangements... good band... good performance." There's not much one can add to that.~ Jack Bowers http://www.allaboutjazz.com/on-the-wild-side-john-la-barbera-jazz-compass-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Wayne Bergeron, Dennis Farias, Bob O'Donnell, Clay Jenkins, trumpet; Brian Scanlon, alto, soprano sax, flute, piccolo; Kim Richmond, alto sax; Bob Sheppard, Pat La Barbera (2, 3, 5, 9), Tom Peterson (1, 4, 6-8), tenor sax; Bob Carr, baritone sax, bass clarinet; Bruce Paulson (1, 4, 6-8), Alex Iles, Andy Martin, Bill Reichenbach (2, 3, 5, 9), trombone; Ken Kugler, bass trombone; Bill Cunliffe (1, 4, 6-8), Tom Ranier (2, 3, 5, 9), keyboards; Tom Warrington, bass; Joe La Barbera, drums; Scott Breadman (6), percussion.

On The Wild Side

---

Anjani - Anjani

Styles: Vocal

Year: 2000

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 49:58

Size: 116,1 MB

Art: Front

(3:55)  1. Here And Now

(3:15)  2. How I Love You

(5:51)  3. Angel By Your Side

(4:15)  4. Kanaloa

(3:10)  5. Shelter For My Soul

(3:48)  6. Queen Of Your Heart

(4:37)  7. Ties That Bind

(4:41)  8. Ain't Foolin' No One

(4:21)  9. Over You

(3:03) 10. What's Left Of Our Dream

(5:42) 11. The Spirit Of Love

(3:14) 12. Silver Diamonds

This is the first solo cd by Anjani, who later went on to collaborate with Leonard Cohen on a quietly seductive record titled, Blue Alert. This self-titled CD is a cool collection of original acoustic, smooth jazz, and world music. These songs contain many references to Anjani's upbringing in the tropical, multi-cultured paradise of Hawaii. Anjani takes you on an intimate journey of revelation and celebration, portraying affairs of the heart with vision and integrity. What sets her apart from other vocally blessed singer/songwriters is her mastery of the keyboard. In the words of one reviewer, The arrangement on this song (Ain t Foolin No One) is so subtle and well filled out, it is a while before you realize it is only voice and piano, with no other accompanying instruments. Comfortable playing in diverse musical genres from jazz torch ballad (Over You) to ki ho alu (slack key guitar duet with Henry Kapono); and Okinawan melodies (Spirit of Love), each tune is an unexpected offering that reaches beyond pop fare. Fusion jazz virtuoso, Frank Gambale plays superb acoustic guitar on five cuts, most notably the latin tinged samba, Ties That Bind.

Anjani says, For years I wanted to do a record but I never got beyond the dream state. Lovers of enchanting ballads and heartfelt, sensuous imagery woven into wonderfully crafted songs, will be glad this artist started putting her dreams down onto disc. On one of the finest cuts, How I Love You, the mood is slow and mesmeric with gradual build-ups to, Wonder, magic, wild abandon, dance of passion There are several of these before we are brought to ground again, with the knowing melancholia of the final line: Time will tell me, how you love me. There is an ethereal, other worldly quality running through many of these songs, and moments of homespun philosophy too. There are no bad tracks and all the songs are well crafted poetic statements. There is a maturity about this work that belies its debut status. The song arrangements and lyrics are obviously the work of someone who has spent considerable time and patience honing her craft. On the first cut of the record Anjani tells us she is getting off to a late start. All I can say is whatever it took for this talent to ripen, judging by this stunning first record, it has been well worth the wait. ~ Stephen Carr Japan Update

Anjani, Hawaii-born, half-Okinawan, has released a self-titled, classy and superbly-produced beauty of a CD. The 12-song debut has elements of pop, folk, jazz and world music presented with an easy spirit and fresh finesse. Kanaloa, a stunning duet with Henry Kapono, is a gorgeous Hawaiian language tribute to the island of Kaho'olawe and is probably the most beautiful song on the CD. All in all, Anjani exhibits talent and authenticity with endless possibilities. ~ Les Reynolds Indie-Music.com

The first locally released album by Hawaii expatriate Anjani, is a beautiful calling card. All the songs are new; she wrote most and co-wrote the others. They create a musical portrait that opens with singles bar patter ( I m a Virgo moon with a Leo heart ) then gels as a memorable chronicle of life and love. Kanaloa, sung as a duet with Henry Kapono while Ozzie Kotani plays guitar, adds a sense of her island roots. Anjani is a soothing musical experience. ~ John Berger Honolulu Star Bulletin – Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/Anjani-Thomas/dp/B000CADTHY

Anjani

---

Stan Hasselgard - California Sessions

Styles: Vocal And Clarinet Jazz

Year: 2010

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 76:46

Size: 176,8 MB

Art: Front

(2:53)  1. Gotta Have More Money

(3:13)  2. Hortense

(2:35)  3. Flying Foam

(2:34)  4. Gone After You

(3:02)  5. Swedish Pastry

(2:46)  6. Sweet And Hop Mop

(2:51)  7. Who Sleeps

(2:58)  8. I'll Never Be The Same

(4:26)  9. Indiana

(2:42) 10. Swedish Pastry

(1:07) 11. Greetings To Sweden

(0:55) 12. One O'clock Jump

(4:14) 13. C Jam Blues

(2:33) 14. I Never Loved Anyone

(3:37) 15. What Is This Thing Called Love

(6:16) 16. Jam Session At Jubilee

(1:35) 17. Who's Sorry Now

(1:30) 18. One O'clock Jump

(5:11) 19. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone

(3:07) 20. Jelly

(5:42) 21. Blues For Billy

(4:54) 22. Just You, Just Me

(2:40) 23. Sweet And Hot Mop

(3:14) 24. I'll Never Be The Same

Greatly influenced by Benny Goodman, Stan Hasselgård was an ill-fated Swedish clarinetist who focused on swing in the late '30s and '40s, but started exploring bebop toward the end of his life. In fact, he was among the first musicians to play bop on the clarinet. The jazzman was born Ake Hasselgård in Sundsvall, Sweden, but grew up in the small town of Bollnas. Hasselgård was given a clarinet for his 16th birthday. At 19, while he was attending the University of Uppsala in Uppsala, Sweden, he joined a small group called the Royal Swingers. Hasselgård joined bassist Arthur Osterwall's quintet in 1945, which was also the year in which he helped form a new Royal Swingers lineup. By the mid-'40s, the clarinetist had become well-known in Swedish jazz circles, and 1946-1947 found him being featured prominently on recordings by the Swingers, as well as the sextet of bassist Simon Brehm.

By July 1947, Hasselgård was living in New York, where he sat in with Jack Teagarden at the Famous Door on the legendary 52nd Street not long after his arrival. Then in 1948, Hasselgård got a chance to play and record with his idol, Benny Goodman, who employed the Swede in a two-clarinet septet that also included Mary Lou Williams and Wardell Gray. It was also in 1948 that Hasselgård employed American musicians on some small-group recordings of his own and headlined the 52nd Street club called the Three Deuces, where he had a quintet that boasted Max Roach on drums. On the opening night of his Deuces engagement in October 1948, he was billed as "the Bebop King of Sweden" and found that none other than Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie were in the audience. Hasselgård's last recording sessions came on November 18, 1948. Four days later, on November 22, he was killed in an auto accident in Decatur, IL, at the age of 26. ~ Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/artist/stan-hasselg%C3%A5rd-mn0000743950/biography

Personnel: Stan Hasselgard - clarinet & vocal #1;  Johnny White - vibraphone & piano;  Red Norvo - Vibraphone;   Arnold Ross, Jimmie Rowles Dodo Marmarosa - piano;   Wardell Gray - tenor sax;  Guy Scalisi, Barney Kessel, Al Hendrickson - guitar;   Rollo Garberg, Harry Babasin, Billy Hadnott - bass; Frank Bode, Jackie Mills, Don Lamond - drums; Frances Wayne & Billy Eckstine - vocal.

California Sessions

---

Johnny Adams - Man of My Word

Styles: Vocal, R&B
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 137,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Even Now
(4:12)  2. It Ain't The Same Thing
(4:40)  3. This Time I'm Gone For Good
(4:27)  4. Going Out of My Mind Sale
(4:38)  5. Now You Know
(4:48)  6. Up and down World
(4:11)  7. I Don't Want To Know
(4:55)  8. Man Of My Word
(4:28)  9. You Don't Miss You Water
(4:35) 10. Bulldog Break His Chain
(3:37) 11. It Tears Me Up
(5:00) 12. Looking Back
(4:54) 13. Never Alone

Adams kept cranking out solo albums for the Rounder imprint and this one was the ninth such effort, finding him in tip-top shape vocally and in full command of his consummate powers.

In addition to top-notch new material from Dan Penn ("It Ain't the Same Thing"), Carson Whitsett ("Bulldog Break His Chain"), Bobby Charles ("I Don't Want to Know") and Jonnie Barnett ("Going Out of My Mind Sale"), Adams takes on William Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water," Brook Benton's "Looking Back" and Percy Sledge's "It Tears Me Up." 

Closing out the album is a duet with Aaron Neville on the gospel chestnut "Never Alone." ~ Cub Koda http://www.allmusic.com/album/man-of-my-word-mw0000600071

Personnel: Johnny Adams, Aaron Neville, Nick Daniels, Charles Elam III, Earl J. Smith, Jr. (vocals); Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Michael Toles (guitar); Jim Spake (tenor & baritone saxophones); Scott Thompson (trumpet); Craig Klein (trombone); David Torkanowsky (keyboards); George Porter, Jr. (bass); Donnell Spencer, Jr. (drums); Elaine Foster (background vocals).

Man of My Word

---