Dee Dee Bridgewater - Midnight Sun

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:41
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[7:23] 1. Midnight Sun
[5:51] 2. Angel Eyes
[4:56] 3. My Ship
[4:58] 4. Que Reste-T-Il De Nos Amours (I Wish You Love)
[5:21] 5. Lonely Woman
[4:18] 6. Speak Low
[4:09] 7. I'm A Fool To Want You/I Fall In Love Too Easily
[5:04] 8. L' Hymne à L'amour
[3:42] 9. The Island
[5:11] 10. Good Morning Heartache
[5:42] 11. Here I'll Stay

Midnight Sun, issued by Decca/Emarcy, is a ballads collection of jazz and pop standards assembled from Dee Dee Bridgewater's recordings for Verve and other UMG-associated labels dating back to 1993's Keeping Tradition, and moving through 2010's Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee. For those who've followed Bridgewater's career by collecting her albums over the last 18 years, there is only one track here you likely don't already own, a gorgeous version of the Edith Piaf standard "L'hymne a L'amour (J'ai Deux Amours)," previously only issued in Japan as a bonus track on the album of the same name. It's a gorgeous duet with guitarist Luis Winsberg sung in both French and English. Other highlights here include the title track from 1997's Dear Ella album (written by Johnny Mercer), her fine version of the Earl Brent and Matt Dennis nugget "Angel Eyes" from Keeping Tradition, "Lonely Woman," from Love & Peace: A Tribute to Horace Silver, and Kurt Weill's and Jay Lerner's "Here I'll Stay" from This Is New, released in 2002. As an album, these tracks -- all beautifully remastered -- hold together very well despite the variety of instrumental settings, and Bridgewater imbues them all with her consummate phrasing and intimacy. ~Thom Jurek

Midnight Sun

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Yehudi Menuhin, Stéphane Grappelli - Jealousy & Other Great Standards

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:10

Size: 149.2 MB

Styles: Continental jazz/Classical

Year: 1988

Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Jealousy

[3:38] 2. Tea For Two

[2:52] 3. Limehouse Blues

[3:16] 4. These Foolish Things

[4:06] 5. The Continental

[5:07] 6. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

[3:02] 7. Sweet Sue, Just You

[4:46] 8. Skylark

[4:27] 9. Laura

[2:35] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown

[4:08] 11. I'll Remember April

[3:33] 12. April In Paris

[5:05] 13. The Things We Did Last Summer

[3:35] 14. September In The Rain

[4:38] 15. Autumn Leaves

[4:16] 16. Autumn In New York

[2:55] 17. Button Up Your Overcoat

Grappelli was a master of collaboration and the pure joy and explosive exuberance of that shines through in this wonderful collaboration with Menuhin on some old favorites. The great become even greater when their spirits merge in music. Get it while you still can if it is not already in your collection. ~ Lindsay N. Bowker

Jealousy & Other Great Standards

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Art Hodes - The Authentic Art Hodes Rhythm Section

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:47
Size: 114.0 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues, Dixieland
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:45] 1. Maybe Not At All (Not On The First Night Baby)
[4:55] 2. Wasted Life Blues
[3:53] 3. Big Butter And Egg Man
[5:32] 4. Jelly Roll Blues
[4:11] 5. There'll Be Some Changes Made
[6:53] 6. Back Water Blues
[3:42] 7. You Rascal You (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead)
[6:10] 8. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
[3:54] 9. What A Friend We Have In Jesus!
[6:48] 10. Silent Night

The title of this Parkwood set is a bit ironic, since pianist Art Hodes is the entire rhythm section. Hodes performs a pair of duets ("Jelly Roll Blues" and "When It's Sleepy Time Down South") with the great trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and joins Doc in accompanying singer Carrie Smith. The feeling throughout is of 1920s classic blues recordings, helped out by Smith's ability to emulate another Smith, Bessie. Among the more memorable vocal selections are "Big Butter and Egg Man," "There'll Be Some Changes Made" and "Backwater Blues." ~Scott Yanow

The Authentic Art Hodes Rhythm Section

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Huey Lewis & The News - Greatest Hits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:42
Size: 180.2 MB
Styles: Album oriented rock
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:03] 1. The Heart Of Rock And Roll
[3:30] 2. I Want A New Drug
[3:53] 3. The Power Of Love
[3:28] 4. Jacob's Ladder
[4:24] 5. Stuck With You
[3:37] 6. Doing It All For My Baby
[3:50] 7. If This Is It
[3:26] 8. Do You Believe In Love
[4:09] 9. Heart And Soul
[4:17] 10. Back In Time
[4:05] 11. Perfect World
[3:50] 12. I Know What I Like
[4:25] 13. Trouble In Paradise
[3:00] 14. It's Alright
[3:31] 15. Cruisin'
[3:42] 16. Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do
[4:40] 17. Small World, Pt. 1
[2:51] 18. But It's Alright
[3:59] 19. Hip To Be Square
[3:15] 20. Couple Days Off
[2:37] 21. Workin' For A Livin'

Hollywood, California - April 17, 2006 - The central images from a Huey Lewis and the News music video are indelible -- singing heads sprouted from the sand, Lewis' head held in a sink of ice water, and Lewis' trademark baby blues. Capitol / EMI Music Catalog Marketing is proud to announce the May 23 release of Huey Lewis And The News: Greatest Hits and a limited edition CD/DVD package, Greatest Hits & Videos. The 21-track CD includes 20 Top 20 hits, among them 17 Top 10s and six #1 singles spanning the Grammy-winning band's career, from their first Top 10 single, 1982's "Do You Believe In Love" to 2000's #1 smash duet "Cruisin'." Greatest Hits & Videos pairs the CD with a DVD collecting nine of Huey Lewis and the News' biggest and best-remembered music video moments and a concert performance clip from 1982. All ten video cuts make their DVD debut, and both packages contain liner notes essays penned by Huey Lewis, comedian/TV host Jimmy Kimmel and writer Paul Liberatore.

Greatest Hits

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Ida Landsberg - Acoustic Bossa Nova

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:32
Size: 99,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(2:39)  2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
(3:01)  3. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
(2:37)  4. Venus
(3:50)  5. The Look Of Love
(3:19)  6. It's Too Late
(3:36)  7. Walk On The Wild Side
(3:42)  8. Sunny
(4:36)  9. Maniac
(3:13) 10. Jammin'
(3:49) 11. Fragile
(3:44) 12. You Are Not Alone

Despite the fact that bossa nova is often composed and played on a guitar the number of acoustic bossa nova albums produced presently, as in the past, are surprisingly relatively small in number. It is possibly due to this fact, that singer Ida Landsberg could release her album titled “Acoustic Bossa Nova,” without the worry of ambiguity. Safe to say there is no ambiguity from a musical aspect either; Ida Landsberg sounds like no one else on this record. As the acoustic nature of the album provides it with a theme already, the song selection was allowed to be a varied one. Several popular songs from artists of all times and genres were covered, though there does seem to be a focus on nostalgic songs from the pre 90’s era. Different moods are also explored throughout the album.

Simone Salvatore’s skillful playing ensures that the absence of other musical instruments is not missed. His virtuoso moments are impressive and well adopted to the specific songs. As well, he provides enough variety to ensure that the background never gets repetitive. Ida sounds comfortable on each track and has the controlled subtlety needed to sing bossa nova. These qualities ensure that the album is a pleasant one and Ida’s modest charisma makes the experience more memorable This quality is brought out on several occasion such as when Ida tones down the 80’s cult classic anthem “Maniac”. Whereas the original was a pulsating song that became synonymous with aerobic work outs, this version is what would be played after the exercise. The aggressive examinations are replaced with a softer approach but not one lacking in energy. She manages to be colorful in expression while always sounding in control and the same can be said about a number of songs on the album.

Ida Landerg’s choice to make an album from an unusual combination of songs is one that pays off. Most of the tracks on the album have rarely, if ever, been done in the bossa nova style and the decision to make the whole album an acoustic one is just as unique as it is effective. ~ http://bnovamusic.com/acoustic-bossa-nova/

Acoustic Bossa Nova

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Sonny Rollins - Freedom Suite

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:41
Size: 119,0 MB
Art: Front

(19:35)  1. The Freedom Suite
( 4:40)  2. Someday I'll Find You
( 2:58)  3. Will You Still Be Mine?
( 5:01)  4. Till There Was You (Take 4)
( 4:16)  5. Shadow Waltz
( 4:20)  6. Till There Was You (Take 1)
( 4:59)  7. Till There Was You (Take 3)
( 5:48)  8. There Will Never Be Another You

From 1955-59, it appeared that Sonny Rollins could do no wrong. One needs only to listen to the 1-2-3 punch of Saxophone Colossus, Live At The Village Vanguard or Way Out West for confirmation. Most jazz fans know these albums backwards and forwards. One of the albums from this period that's only slightly less revered than the aforementioned triumvirate is Freedom Suite, Rollins' last recording for Riverside. Recorded as a trio (the best way to hear Rollins) with long-time collaborators Oscar Pettiford on bass and Max Roach on drums, this recording was one where Rollins was pushing at the boundaries. The title track is a side-long, five-part suite with themes that allow Rollins and his cohorts room to roam; It is surprising this piece (or at least some of its movements) hasn't become a jazz standard. The melody of the middle ballad section is stunning and the high velocity final movement could make any accomplished improviser sound good.

The second side of the original issue was a romp through four Broadway showtunes/standards that always provided fertile ground for Rollins. Although this recording has been in print on CD steadily since its reissue on OJC, here it is given a 24-bit dusting off as part of "The Keepnews Collection" reissue series. There is an additional third take of "Til There Was You" that's exclusive to this release and a Pettiford/ Roach duet on "There Will Never Be Another You" that was recorded while waiting for Rollins to show up at the studio. There's also an essay by producer Orrin Keepnews that details the vibe of the session apparently Rollins was very, very nervous throughout which is barely detectable from the results. Though these features aren't enough to warrant an upgrade, Freedom Suite is a recording no jazz fan's home should be without. ~ Robert Iannapollo  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/freedom-suite-sonny-rollins-concord-music-group-review-by-robert-iannapollo.php
 

Personnel: Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone (except for There Will Never Be Another You); Oscar Pettiford: bass; Max Roach: drums.

Freedom Suite

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Houston Person - Something Personal

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:20
Size: 145,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:40)  1. The Second Time Around
(5:01)  2. Crazy He Calls Me
(5:11)  3. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
(7:43)  4. The Way We Were
(7:03)  5. Guilty
(6:00)  6. Change Partners
(5:51)  7. Teardrops from My Eyes
(4:50)  8. Something Personal
(4:00)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(9:55) 10. I Remember Clifford

Houston Person still remembers the day in 1950 that changed his life. He was a typical 16-year-old in his hometown of Florence, SC. He sang in the high-school choir and glee club, but he was mostly interested in football and basketball. Then, Christmas morning, his parents gave him a surprise gift: a tenor saxophone. Several decades, hundreds of albums, and thousands of concerts later, his life and career remain centered around the tenor sax. When it comes to soul-jazz, Person has been at the top of the genre for more years than he may care to admit. Through all the different styles coursing through those decades  from hard bop, through fusion, to avant-garde Person has been steadfast in his dedication. All of Houston Person's trademarks are present on his newest recording. With the phenomenal vibes of Steve Nelson and the top-flight rhythm section ably led by pianist John di Martino Houston & Co. caress the ballads with lush melodicism and swing heartily through the up-tempo numbers. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Something-Personal-Houston-Person/dp/B0157THUHO

Personnel:  Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone;  Steve Nelson – Vibes;  John di Martino – Piano;  James Chirillo – Guitar;  Ray Drummond – Bass;  Lewis Nash - Drums

Something Personal

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Jerry Bergonzi - Rigamaroll

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:37
Size: 143,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:59)  1. Awake
(6:34)  2. An Internal Affair
(9:56)  3. Rise Up
(6:06)  4. A Hankering
(5:29)  5. Tidlig
(9:04)  6. Rigamaroll
(8:49)  7. Do It to Do It
(8:37)  8. Lunar Aspects

For someone who’s always been reluctant to tout his skills as a composer, Boston-based saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi certainly knows how to write to his strengths.Hard-charging, riff-based tunes prove that time and again here, providing bracing impetus for a veteran reedman known for his harmonic acumen, commanding improvisations and aggressive attack. In fact, after listening to just a few compelling performances from Rigamaroll the aptly titled “Awake” will do for starters fellow saxophonists shouldn’t be surprised if they suddenly find themselves feeling a bit winded, and awestruck.

If the title track makes one thing clear, it’s that Bergonzi thrives in the company of musicians of a similar caliber and postbop inclination. The frontline he forges with trumpeter Phil Grenadier is formidable in its power and fluidity, and the contributions made by pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Dave Santoro and drummer Andrea Michelutti further elevate the level of play. The title cut is also a prime example of how Barth’s atmospheric chromaticism adds color and texture to arrangements that prominently feature restive horns and rhythmic prodding. Bassist Santoro also shines, both as a mood-setting soloist check out the resonating prelude he fashions for “Rise Up” and as a member of a rhythm section fully capable of complementing the frontline’s fire and finesse. One suspects that Bergonzi himself was surprised and delighted by how his writing inspired the kind of chemistry captured here. The album closes out with the otherworldly “Lunar Aspects,” a ballad that haunts long after the music fades away. 

~ Mike Joyce  http://jazztimes.com/articles/162839-rigamaroll-jerry-bergonzi

Personnel: Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Phil Grenadier (trumpet); Bruce Barth (piano); Andrea Michelutti (drums).

Rigamaroll

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