The Lucky Duckies - Glamour & Nostalgia: Part One

Size: 116,7 MB
Time: 49:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Swing, Rock & Roll
Art: Front

01. Tao Bom (2:06)
02. Exactly Like Mario (2:01)
03. Somebody New (1:56)
04. Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home (1:47)
05. Tell Me Lord Up Above (4:24)
06. The Way You Look Tonight (4:15)
07. Mr. Trump (2:24)
08. Hurt (4:35)
09. Uncle Paul Anka (3:13)
10. My Baby Just Cares For Me (2:28)
11. Pretty Baby (1:58)
12. Mr. Valentino (2:38)
13. Cartas De Amor (3:16)
14. Who Put The Bomp (2:41)
15. Hushabey (3:20)
16. C'mom Everybody (1:56)
17. My Blue Heaven (1:39)
18. Sh-Boom (2:40)

The Lucky Duckies are a revival band "cut" from some Las Vegas Casino in the Fifties or the early Sixties. The band includes "crooner" Marco Antonio, female singer Cláudia Faria, piano player, upright bass player, guitar player and drummer. Together they offer us joy and entertainment in the style of Dean Martin or Dinah Shore, and they don't forget Elvis, Sinatra, or Nat King Cole. Their spirit is jokey and very interactive, and more than good music, they give us pure entertainment! They promise us lots of Swing Jazz, Country Music, Boleros and Rock'n'Roll. The quality of this band has been recognized by the Media that divulged this project with "glamour and nostalgia" worldwide. They released 2 albums, one in 2010 and another in 2013. These records includes original songs and classics with new arrangements. They have toured the five continents.

Glamour & Nostalgia: Part One

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Georgie Fame, Uschi Bruning & Alan Skidmore - A Declaration Of Love

Size: 125,1 MB
Time: 53:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Rockin' Chair (Georgie Fame) (3:59)
02. Mr. PC (Alan Skidmore Quartet) (6:12)
03. Jumping With Symphony Sid (Georgie Fame) (5:57)
04. On A Misty Night (Georgie Fame) (7:22)
05. A Declaration Of Love (Georgie Fame) (5:21)
06. Yeh Yeh (Georgie Fame) (5:47)
07. Black Coffee (Uschi Bruning) (6:52)
08. Anthropology (Uschi Bruning) (2:42)
09. God Shall Wipe All Tears Away (Uschi Bruning) (3:50)
10. Stormy Monday (Georgie Fame & Uschi Bruning) (5:40)

Personnel: Uschi Brüning (vocals); Georgie Fame (vocals, piano); Alan Skidmore Quartet (tenor saxophone); Steve Melling (piano); Ian Palmer (drums).

Recorded at Kammermusiksaal der Berliner Philharmonie, September 19, 2008.

The Jazzwerkstatt was just launched when my good English friend (saxophonist) Alan Skidmore and his quartet gave a concert dedicated to the music of John Coltrane. Later we talked about Georgie Fame whom I had seen just recently in a Van Morrison BBC feature. Some days before Id heard Georgie's CD with the Danish Radio Big Band and, anyway, I knew him well for a long time. Moreover, I had to arrange a concert with (German jazz/soul singer and songwriter) Uschi Brüning. That is how it was decided to stage a concert at the (Berliner Philharmonie) Kammermusiksaal the way we hear it on this CD. (Ulli Blobel)

A Declaration Of Love

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Joey 'G-Clef' Cavaseno - Live With Bobby Forrester

Size: 186,3 MB
Time: 80:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Swing, Bop
Art: Front

01. Robbin’s Nest (Live) ( 9:18)
02. Candy (Live) ( 9:02)
03. Little Suede Shoes (Live) (10:08)
04. Turfer’s Blues (Live) (11:05)
05. You Are Too Beautiful (Live) ( 4:21)
06. Honeysuckle Rose (Live) ( 8:26)
07. Battle Royal (Live) (10:30)
08. Night In Tunisia (Live) (14:48)
09. Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid (Live) ( 2:35)

Personnel:
Alto Saxophone – Joseph Cavaseno
Drums – Tootsie Bean
Electric Guitar – William Ash
Layout – Jesse Scherr
Organ – Bobby Forrester
Percussion – Daniel Sadownick

Grooving, hard-swinging Bebop with the last of the great organists, the now late, great Bobby Forester, recorded live in 1994 in Brookhaven Jazz Festival, in Long Island, NY. Alto Saxist Joey "G-Clef" Cavaseno, of Illinois Jacquet and Panama Francis fame, was becoming one of the top straight ahead, hard-swinging alto saxophonists. Also featured, are guitar great William Ash, and legendary drummer of Ruth Brown fame, Tootsie Bean. This set swings ridiculously hard from top to bottom, and the group's enthusiasm is contagious. A Rare Gem!

Live With Bobby Forrester

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Benny Goodman - The Essential Benny Goodman (2-Disc Set)

One of at least seven entirely different compilations that brandish the word "Essential" in their titles, this double-disc anthology of 40 classic swing performances actually does convey the essence of Benny Goodman, and is therefore highly recommended. The recordings, most of them cut in the Victor and Columbia studios between 1934 and 1945, are laid out in four exacting categories of ten tracks apiece. A tribute to Goodman's big-band arrangers pays homage to Fletcher and Horace Henderson, Edgar Sampson, Jimmy Mundy, George Bassman, Deane Kincaide, Spud Murphy, Eddie Sauter and Mel Powell. A "Visit to Tin Pan Alley" salutes songwriters George & Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, Richard Whiting, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter and Vernon Duke. The superb lineup of vocalists includes Helen Ward, Martha Tilton, Mildred Bailey, Helen Forrest and Peggy Lee. Goodman's small groups, from trios to septets, are well represented here.

Starting with the cardinal players Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton, the potent third segment of the album gradually ushers in such brilliant improvisers as Charlie Christian, Red Norvo, Cootie Williams, Georgie Auld, Johnny Guarnieri and Count Basie. This marvelous double album closes with ten examples of Goodman performing in front of live audiences. These radio broadcast airchecks document the manner in which most people in North America heard Goodman on a regular basis. Perhaps the best of these is the final track; an exciting five-and-a-half minute version of Fats Waller's "Stealin' Apples" performed on the roof of the Hotel Astor in New York City. This swinging performance demonstrates exactly why Benny Goodman was so popular before, during and after the Second World War. ~arwulf arwulf

Album: The Essential Benny Goodman (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 70:40

Size: 161.8 MB

Styles: Clarinet jazz, Big band

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[2:32] 1. Let's Dance

[2:56] 2. Bugle Call Rag

[3:08] 3. King Porter Stomp

[3:21] 4. Don't Be That Way

[3:09] 5. When Buddha Smiles

[8:39] 6. Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)

[3:05] 7. Big John's Special

[3:06] 8. Get Happy

[4:31] 9. Stealin' Apples

[8:43] 10. Oh! Baby

[2:29] 11. Goody Goody

[2:28] 12. There's A Small Hotel

[2:48] 13. You Turned The Tables On Me

[3:02] 14. Can't Teach My Old Heart New Tricks

[2:45] 15. This Can't Be Love

[2:31] 16. I Love You More And More Each Day

[2:57] 17. It Never Entered My Mind

[3:07] 18. Taking A Chance On Love

[2:00] 19. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)

[3:14] 20. How Long Has This Been Going On

The Essential Benny Goodman (Disc 1)

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Album: The Essential Benny Goodman (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 63:48

Size: 146.1 MB

Styles: Carinet jazz, Big band

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[2:46] 1. After You've Gone

[2:37] 2. Runnin' Wild

[3:25] 3. The Man I Love

[3:10] 4. Moonglow

[3:11] 5. Flying Home

[2:46] 6. Rose Room

[2:52] 7. Good Enough To Keep (Air Mail Special)

[2:41] 8. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise

[3:02] 9. Wholly Cats

[2:52] 10. Rachel's Dream

[2:36] 11. Ridin' High

[2:08] 12. Sunny Disposish

[3:22] 13. Body And Soul

[2:12] 14. Sweet Leilani

[4:15] 15. Roll 'em

[3:41] 16. Life Goes To A Party

[4:11] 17. Avalon

[2:29] 18. Swingtime In The Rockies

[3:53] 19. My Gal Sal

[5:30] 20. Stealin' Apples

The Essential Benny Goodman (Disc 2)

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Frank Wess - Pin Up

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:59
Size: 180.8 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:02] 1. Pin Up
[5:22] 2. Playboy
[5:43] 3. Gone With The Wind
[3:55] 4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[4:19] 5. Yesterdays
[8:22] 6. Rainy Afternoon
[6:15] 7. Bohemia After Dark
[6:05] 8. I See Your Face Before Me
[8:23] 9. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
[8:29] 10. Kansas City Side
[9:24] 11. Steamin'
[4:09] 12. Baubles, Bangles And Beads
[4:24] 13. Wanting You

One of the first major jazz flutists, Frank Wess was also a top Lester Young-influenced tenor man, an expert first altoist, and an occasional composer/arranger -- certainly a valuable man to have around. Early on he toured with Blanche Calloway, served in the military, and had stints with the Billy Eckstine Orchestra (1946), Eddie Heywood, Lucky Millinder, and R&B star Bull Moose Jackson. That was all just a prelude to Wess' important period with Count Basie's big band, from 1953-1964. His flute playing, so expertly utilized in Neal Hefti's arrangements, gave the Basie Orchestra a fresh new sound, and his cool-toned tenor contrasted well with the more passionate sound of fellow tenor Frank Foster; Wess also had opportunities to play alto with the classic big band. Wess subsequently freelanced in countless settings, playing with Clark Terry's big band, the New York Jazz Quartet (with Roland Hanna) during the second half of the 1970s, Dameronia (1981-1985), and Toshiko Akiyoshi's big band, and also had occasional reunions with Frank Foster. Frank Wess led sessions for Commodore (1954), Savoy, Prestige, Moodsville, Pablo (with Foster), Progressive, Uptown, Concord, and Town Crier. He died of a heart attack at the age of 91 in Manhattan on October 30, 2013. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Pin Up

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Jeff Hamilton - Dynavibes

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:43
Size: 118.4 MB
Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[5:26] 1. Killer Joe
[4:00] 2. Just Like Sd
[6:15] 3. Cherokee
[6:33] 4. Long Ago And Far Away
[6:19] 5. Sweet Lorraine
[4:41] 6. Close Enough For Love
[5:07] 7. Happy Kick
[4:16] 8. Midnight Sun
[3:33] 9. Todo
[5:28] 10. Blues For Milt

Although vibraphonist Frits Landesbergen had recorded a couple of dates as a leader for Timeless prior to appearing as a guest with the Jeff Hamilton Trio on the 1996 studio session Dynavibes, the Mons CD should introduce him to a wider audience. With Hamilton's first-rate drumming and solid accompaniment from pianist Larry Fuller and bassist Lynn Seaton, the trio turns over the spotlight to Landesbergen, who acquits himself rather well with his four-mallet technique playing a mix of standards like "Cherokee" and "Sweet Lorraine," bop classics ("Killer Joe"), and a quartet of intriguing originals, including the funky "Happy Kick" and a smoking tribute to a legendary vibraphonist, "Blue for Milt." Overall, this is a very rewarding session. ~Ken Dryden

Dynavibes

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Maureen McGovern - The Best Of Maureen McGovern

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:46
Size: 81.9 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[2:20] 1. The Morning After
[3:24] 2. Where Did We Go Wrong
[2:09] 3. We May Never Love Like This Again
[2:50] 4. Everybody Wants To Call You Sweetheart
[2:29] 5. Nice To Be Around
[2:58] 6. Put A Little Love Away
[2:54] 7. Love Songs Are Getting Harder To Sing
[3:20] 8. Even Better Than I Know Myself
[2:45] 9. Give Me A Reason To Be Gone
[3:29] 10. Love Knots
[3:51] 11. I Won't Last A Day Without You
[3:12] 12. Like A Sunday Morning

The Best Of Maureen Mcgovern: 20th Century Masters is the first collection to showcase McGovern's treasure of pop and adult contemporary fare, recorded between 1973 and 1975 for the 20th Century Records label. Featured in the collection is her Oscarr winning #1 hit 'The Morning After (Theme From The Poseidon Adventure)' as well as radio and fan favorites 'I Won't Last A Day Without You', 'Nice To Be Around' and 'Give Me A Reason'. Each selection has been newly remastered for superior sound.

The Best Of Maureen McGovern

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Allen Toussaint - Songbook (Deluxe Edition)

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz

Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:36
Size: 181,2 MB
Art: Front

( 0:54)  1. Introduction
( 3:57)  2. It's Raining
( 2:05)  3. Lipstick Traces
( 0:39)  4. Introduction To Brickyard Blues
( 3:29)  5. Brickyard Blues
( 3:31)  6. With You In Mind
( 4:09)  7. Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further
( 1:58)  8. Sweet Touch Of Love
( 3:02)  9. Holy Cow
( 0:12) 10. Introduction To Get Out Of My Life, Woman
( 3:01) 11. Get Out Of My Life, Woman
( 4:11) 12. Freedom For The Stallion
( 2:23) 13. St. James Infirmary
( 0:12) 14. Introduction To Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed
( 3:17) 15. Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed
( 2:41) 16. Soul Sister
( 3:42) 17. All These Things
( 4:06) 18. We Are Americayes We Can
( 2:51) 19. The Optimism Blues
( 3:38) 20. Old Records
( 3:15) 21. Certain Girl Medley Certain Girlmother-In-Lawfortune Tellerworking In The Coal Mine
( 3:07) 22. It's A New Orleans Thing
( 2:37) 23. I Could Eat Crawfish Everyday
( 2:26) 24. There's No Place Like New York
(13:00) 25. Southern Nights

New Orleans musicians laid the cornerstone for a large swath of American music, and Allen Toussaint is among the city s most gifted players. As a composer, arranger, producer, pianist and singer, Allen has created an enduring body of work that includes local hits by Irma Thomas and Lee Dorsey; songs covered by Glen Campbell, the Rolling Stones and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss; national hits by Ernie K-Doe and LaBelle; and collaborations with Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello, all in addition to his own recording career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama in July, 2013.

Songbook presents Allen Toussaint as many of his fans have longed to hear him, in an intimate solo setting, performing many of his best-loved songs. His piano playing is a marvel, with its orchestral conception and effortless New Orleans syncopation. But what comes across most strongly is the warmth of Allen s performance. The gentle Creole lilt in his voice brings a resonance and a smile to his songs, rivaling the versions he produced for others. Recorded live at Joe s Pub in New York, the deluxe edition of Songbook includes a DVD with backstage and studio interviews. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Songbook-DVD-Combo-Deluxe-Edition/dp/B00BHWG1OO

Songbook (Deluxe Edition)

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John Vance - It's All Right With Me

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:26
Size: 102,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:00)  1. I'll Take Romance
(2:25)  2. Haven't We Met
(5:49)  3. Isn't It Romantic
(2:38)  4. One Note Samba
(4:39)  5. The Nearness of You
(4:11)  6. Wave
(5:08)  7. When Sunny Gets Blue
(3:34)  8. The Best is Yet to Come
(5:23)  9. Easy Living
(2:52) 10. There Will Never Be Another You
(2:23) 11. It's All Right With Me
(3:18) 12. Two for the Road

Another day dawns and another new male vocalist interpreting the Great American Songbook appears... but here's one who does it right. John Vance, with acting credentials from television, commercials and film, wanted to pursue his muse in becoming a jazz singer in 2001 and has co-produced this collection of twelve tracks. He is a resident in the L.A. area and also appears in local clubs there. This album is a winner on several levels. Mr.Vance has a pleasant voice, not a significant one, and I would compare it somewhat to a Chet Baker presentation, on at least a portion of these songs. Baker was lambasted for not being a "good singer," which only acted in stimulating both the public and his own incentive to do more. Let's compare John Vance to the most popular male jazz vocalists to come along in the past year.


Peter Cincotti has the public convinced that he's the next Harry Connick Jr. I'm convinced that he's got a great public relations machine behind him and that he's the next supermodel for The Gap or Old Navy. He's a pretty good pianist but sings without any soul. Michael Buble, a young Canadian vocalist, with a good stage presence, has a pleasant delivery on pop songs with a trace of Mel Torme. He is not a jazz vocalist. Although I've never seen or heard John Vance other than this album, I'd put him ahead of either of these folks. He has a jazz sensibility that sets him apart from the others. The choice of material here is just right. Whether it's timing or good planning, several of these songs are ready for rediscovery, having been performed ad nauseum in the past. Good examples are the opening Oscar Hammerstein piece "I'll Take Romance," Kenny Rankin's "Haven't We Met," and the Warren-Gordon "There Will Never Be Another You" all staples of a typical 1960s bistro set list. Others like the Ned Washington-Hoagy Carmichael "The Nearness of You" and Mancini's film music "Two For The Road" never got enough attention along the way. Sure, there are some songs here that we could do without, like the title tune and even the Jobim classic "Wave," that have grown tired. Vance and his trio, Jeff Colella, Randy Landas and Rod Harbour succeed in conveying a sensitive and swinging piano trio sound that is perfect accompaniment to the singer. Mr. Vance shows a "cabaret" affinity in selecting the right songs for the right occasion. We are indeed advised that this album, released late last year, won a "Best Cabaret CD of 2003" by the Beverly Hills Outlook. ~ Michael P.Gladstone  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/its-all-right-with-me-john-vance-erawan-records-review-by-michael-p-gladstone.php

Personnel: John Vance, vocals;  Jeff Colella, piano;  Randy Landas, bass;  Rod Harbour, drums.

It's All Right With Me

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Lulu - The Atco Sessions 1969-1972(Disc 1) And (Disc 2)

Dusty Springfield thrived when she traveled to Memphis and recorded with producers Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin and a bunch of Muscle Shoals pros, cutting music that was soulful and successful, so it made sense for Atco/Atlantic to put Lulu, another British pop-soul singer, through the same drill. At least it did on paper, but as Rhino UK's The Atco Sessions: 1969-1972 a deluxe double-disc reissue of the 1970 albums New Routes and Melody Fair, buttressed with almost a full album's worth of unreleased material cut with Dowd in 1970, the 1972 single "It Takes a Real Man (To Bring Out the Woman in Me)"/"You Ain't Wrong You Just Ain't Right," some alternate takes and other stray tracks the results weren't nearly as compelling as the classic Dusty southern sessions, even if almost every element from those records was replicated here. Lulu is supported by a cast of all-stars the Dixie Flyers featuring Jim Dickinson, the Memphis Horns, the Sweet Inspirations do backing vocals, Felix Cavaliere lays down percussion, even Duane Allman shows up on New Routes the production is sharp and soulful, and she sings with considerable spunk and sass...and that may be the problem, actually. Whereas Springfield was a nuanced deep soul singer, Lulu's appeal almost always relied on her energy, and while she leans hard on that here, it's not enough to give these records some spark because the setting is too smooth and soulful to be swayed by her relentless good cheer. Even if these recordings are strangely, slightly off, with Lulu's strengths not fitting well with that of the pros, this is hardly bad music: Lulu gives it her all and the productions are impeccable, even if they're not quite engaging, so this is worth a listen for those who value either the singer or the players here. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-atco-sessions-1969-1972-mw0001163629

Disc 1
Styles: Pop/Rock
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:14
Size: 156,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. Marley Purt Drive
(3:30)  2. In the Morning
(2:43)  3. People in Love
(3:17)  4. After All (I Live My Life)
(2:59)  5. Feelin Alright
(2:22)  6. Dirty Old Man
(2:42)  7. Oh Me Oh My (I m a Fool for You Baby)
(2:41)  8. Is That You Love
(3:08)  9. Mr. Bojangles
(3:05) 10. Where's Eddie
(2:42) 11. Sweep Around Your Own Back Door Melody Fair
(2:36) 12. Good Day Sunshine
(2:48) 13. After the Feeling Is Gone
(3:12) 14. I Don't Care Anymore
(2:50) 15. (Don't Go) Please Stay
(2:48) 16. Melody Fair
(2:52) 17. Take Good Care of Yourself
(2:45) 18. Vine Street
(2:58) 19. Move to My Rhythm
(3:21) 20. To the Other Woman (I'm the Other Woman)
(2:43) 21. Hum a Song (from Your Heart)
(3:33) 22. Sweet Memories
(3:09) 23. Saved

The Atco Sessions  1969-1972 (Disc 1)

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Disc 2
Time: 44:09
Size: 101,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Bury Me Down by the River
(2:11)  2. Got to Believe in Love
(2:19)  3. Jokers Wild
(3:27)  4. Come Down in Time
(2:23)  5. Everybody s Got to Clap
(2:22)  6. Back Home
(2:44)  7. Things Are Getting Better
(2:44)  8. Love Song
(3:00)  9. Goodbye My Love, Goodbye with the Dixie Flyers
(2:57) 10. It Takes a Real Man (to Bring Out the Woman in Me)
(2:20) 11. You Ain't Wrong You Just Ain't Right
(2:58) 12. Even If I Could Change
(3:02) 13. Hum a Song (from Your Heart)
(3:27) 14. I Don't Care Anymore (Early Mix)
(2:14) 15. I Got to Believe in Love (Early Version)
(2:29) 16. Povera Me (Oh Me Oh My)

The Atco Sessions  1969-1972 (Disc 2)

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John Proulx - The Best Thing For You

Styles: Vocal and Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:27
Size: 164,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:56)  1. The Best Thing For You (Would Be Me)
(5:36)  2. Sing
(4:31)  3. Jogger Chronicles
(5:17)  4. Love Is For Dreamers
(4:50)  5. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(5:56)  6. Angel
(5:24)  7. Wabash
(5:33)  8. Before We Say Goodnight
(4:38)  9. Push Hands Anna
(5:29) 10. And So It Goes
(4:12) 11. Two of a Kind
(5:04) 12. In the Days of Our Love
(3:46) 13. Here's to the "Chuckster"
(5:07) 14. Proulx's Blues

While female jazz vocalists outnumber male jazz vocalists five to one, it would be a fallacy to believe there is not a wealth of talent among the men singers. With Louis Armstrong and Chet Baker now memories, and Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks in twilight, as Kurt Elling ascends their throne, there exists a vocal diaspora of the most refined and sonically appealing voices singing, and they are all men. Andy Bey, Beat Kaestli, Henry Darragh and John Proulx all have beautifully sweet and slightly androgynous voices that are able to flatter a broad range of song types. Proulx, who has previously released the uniformly excellent Moon and Sand (2006) and Baker's Dozen: Remembering Chet Baker on Maxjazz, proves again, on The Best Thing For You, that he is the leader of this pack.

The Best Thing For You weighs heavier with Proulx originals than standards and the entire assembly hangs as if born together. Proulx has great empathy with Irving Berlin, spinning his title tune into a tale that can only be described as delightful. Proulx channels Berlin's stage spirit in his own tunes, like the "Push Hands Anna," which is almost a throwback to the wartime Andrews Sisters, but sings perfectly now. Proulx programs the McHugh/Fields chestnut "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" with his own "Love Is For Dreamers," which he duets with Sara Gazarek. His excellent vocals and piano smooth the two rather different songs together into a homogenous whole, making perfect sense.

Proulx's core trio includes bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Joe LaBarbera, who also supported the singer on his two previous outings. Guitarist Larry Koonse, trumpeter Ron Stout and reed multi-instrumentalist Bob Sheppard all appear in different contexts. Pianist Bill Cunliffe shares production and song arrangement services with Proulx, while playing piano on Marian McPartland's "In The Days of Our Love." Proulx sings Peggy Lee's lyrics like they were penned yesterday. The duet between Cunliffe and Proulx is very effective. He also duets with the Berghofer on "Here's to The Chuckster," a song Proulx penned in honor of the bassist. Proulx is not a blues singer per se, but does demonstrate his affinity for the style on the piano, rendering a swinging "Proulx's Blues," which closes this most excellent recital. ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-best-thing-for-you-john-proulx-maxjazz-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: John Proulx: vocals. piano; Chuck Berghofer: bass; Joe La Barbera: drums; Sara Gazarek: vocals (4, 6, 8); Michael Feinstein: vocals (11); Bill Cunliffe: piano (12); Bob Shepphard: soprano, tenor saxophone & flute (1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11); Larry Koonse: guitar (2, 4, 7-9); Ron Stout: trumpet (1, 3, 7, 11); Jeremy Boersma: cello (6).

The Best Thing For You

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