Monique DiMattina - Monique DiMattina In New Orleans: NOLA's Ark

Size: 131,2 MB
Time: 56:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals, New Orleans Jazz
Art: Front

01. Young At Heart (4:04)
02. Dig A Hole (3:58)
03. No More Coffee (3:59)
04. Let's Do Something Bad (4:33)
05. What's In A Kiss (3:55)
06. C'est Tout (3:23)
07. I'll Be Seeing You (2:31)
08. Bring On The Rain (6:23)
09. Numb Fumblin' (3:03)
10. Black Cat (5:08)
11. Godzilla (4:29)
12. You Fool You (5:08)
13. Black Cat (Reprise) (5:37)

Personnel:
Eric Bolivar - Drums
Matt Perrine - Acoustic bass and sousaphone
Leroy Jones - Trumpet
Rex Gregory - Clarinet
Loren Pickford - Sax
Richard Scott- Accordion
Anthony Cuccia - Percussion
June Yamagishi - Guitars

Monique diMattina is back, this time with Nola’s Ark, her most inspired album to date. Recorded in the thriving metropolis and birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans, during the hottest month of the year whilst twenty weeks pregnant, accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians, this album will lead you on an unforgettable musical journey.

That aside, the recording is hot and a result of stellar musicianship with New Orleans good time sensibility. Deeply inspired by the roots music tradition, Monique paid homage to the history of New Orleans, Louisana, known to locals as NOLA and crafted her fourth studio album whilst living and breathing the deep music culture.

The famed downtown Piety Studios (Elvis Costello, John Scofield, Allen Toussaint) the vessel for this masterpiece, with an all-star crew including trumpeter Leroy Jones (Harry Connick Jnr Band) and bass/sousaphone man Matt Perrine (Dr John, Jon Cleary) and masterfully steered by producer Mark Bingham (R.E.M., Cassandra Wilson). Zonked from jet-lag and baby-growing, diMattina fell asleep randomly, and often, but the magic of the moment pulled them through. The outcome? Her best album yet!

Nola’s Ark is Monique’s fourth album and follows the critical success of 2010’s Welcome Stranger, the songwriters’ first foray into the vocal realm – inspired by overseas and hometown experiences alike. This new recording draws on the strong and poignant experiences of motherhood - the juggle and the struggle. Nola’s Ark also includes songs written on her unique 3RRR segment 'Shaken Not Rehearsed', writing and performing original songs, within the hour, live to air according to listener requests.

Nola’s Ark draws together echoes of Ramsey Lewis, Dr John, Nina Simone, Blossom Dearie and, the influence from a mother of two juggling it all, a panorama from sweet sonority to chaos and back. Superb.

Monique DiMattina In New Orleans: NOLA's Ark

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Wayne Linsey - Wayne Linsey Presents A Swingin Christmas

Size: 167,2 MB
Time: 72:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Swing Jazz, Xmas
Art: Front

01. Oh Christmas Tree (5:34)
02. Santa Baby (Feat. Bridgette Bryant) (5:26)
03. Christmas Time Is Here (6:15)
04. The Christmas Song (5:13)
05. Linus And Lucy (8:25)
06. Away In A Manger (2:54)
07. Silent Night (Feat. Bridgette Bryant) (7:15)
08. White Christmas (4:37)
09. Winter Wonderland (5:38)
10. Little Drummer Boy (8:15)
11. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (3:54)
12. My Favorite Things (8:32)

The consummate musician, producer, arranger, songwriter and artist in his own right, Wayne Linsey’s list of credits reads like a who’s who in contemporary music. Legendary names like Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are among the plethora of artists with whom the L.A.-based maestro has worked on stage and in the recording studio. Super producers like Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and hitmakers like Whitney Houston and Earth, Wind & Fire always call Wayne to work on their projects; as a touring musician, Wayne spent many years with the ever-popular band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, lending his distinctive and soulful touch as the primary keyboardist to the group’s energetic live show.

As a multi-talented instrumentalist, Wayne plays keyboards, guitar, bass and drums on the record; special guest players include trombonist Fred Wesley, Bobby Brown, Michael ‘Patches’ Stewart on trumpet, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, drummer Teddy Campbell., Kevin Ricard on percussion, Hiram Bullock, Paul Jackson Jr., John “Jubu” Smith & Tariqh Akoni on guitars and vocalists Leon Ware, Louis Price Jr., Lamont Van Hook, Sy Smith and Wayne’s former wife, artist in her own right, Lynne Fiddmont, among others. Incorporating funky grooves, soulful slow jams and pieces with topical lyrical messages and including “Bookendz,” a tune originally commissioned by Miles Davis which appears on his live recordings as “Wayne’s Tune,” Wayne’s new CD, “A Song Without Words,” reflects the broad spectrum of music he’s mastered since his early days studying at Washington DC’s Howard University.

Wayne Linsey Presents A Swingin Christmas

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Michael Rosen - Sweet 17

Size: 137,4 MB
Time: 59:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Saxophone Jazz
Art: Front

01. Architextures (6:21)
02. Ebb Tide (7:11)
03. Sweet 17 (6:54)
04. Fair Weather Ahead (7:10)
05. Hopefully (7:04)
06. Safe As Houses (5:01)
07. 39 Belgrave Square (7:38)
08. Yellow Barn Road (1:13)
09. Jacoby's Ladder (6:56)
10. The Way We Were (3:38)

17 years it is the age when one dreams and hopes that one day their dreams come true, and this is what happened to the American saxophonist, residing for almost 30 years in the beautiful country, and currently splits most of his time between Rome and London, maintaining intense activity in both musical circles of the two capitals.
Today, after 35 years of international success, 9 CDs as a leader and sideman made by almost 200, and backed by collaborations with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Sarah Jane Morris, Mike Stern, the Orchestra della Scala, and countless other musicians Americans and Europeans, the seventeen year old boy with long hair and disheveled, now at the height of his artistic maturity, wanted to return to New York, his hometown, to record his new music with a stellar cast of jazz musicians .
Sweet 17, like all the cd of the saxophonist / composer, leaves ample room for melodic beauty and expressiveness, and proposes compositions more dynamic, modern and evolved so far that Rosen has written, reflecting all the experience gained from the late 80s to date, and also thanks to the great musicians who have chosen this trip: Lage Lund on guitar, Ralph Alessi on trumpet, Domenico Sanna on the ground, Matt Penman on bass and Bill Stewart on drums. ~automatic translation.

Sweet 17

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Jack Jones - Live In Liverpool / Fly Me To The Moon

Album: Live In Liverpool
Size: 140,5 MB
Time: 60:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Without A Song (Live) (4:29)
02. I've Got You Under My Skin (Live) (4:08)
03. She Loveboat (Live) (5:48)
04. Intro To Song (Live) (0:58)
05. Dio Como Ti Amo (Live) (4:57)
06. Sullivan Story (Live) (3:05)
07. Send In The Clowns (Live) (3:10)
08. George Story (Live) (2:41)
09. Man Of La Mancha/Impossible Dream (Live) (6:48)
10. Music Of The Night (Live) (5:46)
11. Imagine From A Distance (Live) (7:03)
12. Intro Band (1:06)
13. If (Live) (5:01)
14. Intro Song (Live) (0:34)
15. We'll Be Together Again (Live) (4:37)

Personnel:
Lou Forestieri: Piano
Chris Colangelo: Bass
Kendall Kay: Drums
Paul Kelvington: Keyboard
John Chamberlain: Keyboard
George Double: Percussion

Recorded at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool 29 May 2013, England.

Live In Liverpool

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Album: Fly Me To The Moon
Size: 105,3 MB
Time: 43:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Fly Me To The Moon (2:56)
02. Donkey Serenade (2:33)
03. Show Me The Way To Get Out Of This World ('cause That's Where Everything Is) [Remastered] (2:25)
04. Swinging Through The Park (2:08)
05. Angel Eyes (Remastered) (3:10)
06. Me And My Big Ideas (2:12)
07. Then I'll Be Tired Of You (3:20)
08. When I Take My Sugar To Tea (2:27)
09. Gift Of Love (2:16)
10. I've Got My Pride (2:27)
11. It's A Lonesome Old Town (3:03)
12. When A Man Cries (2:17)
13. I Like The Likes Of You (2:13)
14. Pick Up The Pieces (2:16)
15. She's My Darling, She's My Heart (2:35)
16. Bye Bye Baby (2:28)
17. Time After Time (3:01)

A two-time Grammy winner in the early '60s, Jack Jones has made a fine living since, blending vocal standards from traditional pop with swinging renditions of contemporary pop and rock hits. Born in Los Angeles in 1938, Jones was the son of the romantic lead actor and recording artist Allan Jones (who had a hit with "The Donkey Serenade") and actress Irene Hervey. He began studying the vocal arts in high school, and after graduation joined his father's successful act on the nightclub circuit. Jack left less than a year later, determined to make it on his own, and began playing small clubs around the country.

Several years after forging his independence, Jack Jones was spotted in San Francisco and signed to Kapp Records in 1961. Though he was called into the army soon after, he managed to record the single "Lollipops and Roses," a moderate 1962 hit which earned him a Grammy for Best Performance by a Male Singer. Jones earned several other awards during the mid-'60s, including another Grammy for his best-known hit, the Burt Bacharach-Hal David chestnut "Wives and Lovers." Though he only recorded one more single that performed as well, 1965's "The Race Is On," Jones became a successful LP seller, touring artist (especially in Great Britain), and occasional television performer. He moved to RCA Records in 1967, and began to add to his repertoire rock songs such as "Light My Fire" and "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today." Jack Jones also mounted a successful act in Las Vegas during the 1980s and '90s. ~by John Bush

Fly Me To The Moon

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Andy Williams - We Need A Little Christmas

Size: 103,5 MB
Time: 44:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1995/2015
Styles: Pop Vocals, Xmas
Art: Front

01. Silent Night (5:24)
02. What Child Is This (4:05)
03. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day (3:04)
04. Jolly Old St. Nicholas (2:29)
05. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (3:31)
06. The Christmas Song (3:58)
07. Angel Medley (4:36)
08. We Need A Little Christmas (3:28)
09. Away In A Manger (2:57)
10. Up On The House-Top (3:04)
11. I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:16)
12. Mary's Little Boy Child (4:11)

An engaging crooner, TV personality, and entrepreneur, Andy Williams was one of the most bankable and popular singers of his era. With his laid-back delivery, supple voice, and amiable charm, Williams rode a wave of success that took him from a childhood vocal act with his brothers to worldwide fame as a solo artist, eventually finding latter-day success as a theater impresario in Branson, Missouri. Though he started out as a crooner in the post-Frank Sinatra style, his wide-ranging taste in music (as evidenced by the guests on his '60s variety show) found him embracing artists and songs across generational and stylistic boundaries; and he can be heard on record interpreting songs that range from traditional pop to rock to bossa nova, country, and beyond. From the pre-rock & roll era onward, Williams was one of the most recognizable singers of his day.

Born in Wall Lake, Iowa, Williams sang in his church choir and later formed a quartet with his three brothers. The group performed on radio throughout the Midwest, then moved to Los Angeles to make it in show business. The Williams Brothers Quartet appeared on Bing Crosby's 1944 hit "Swinging on a Star" and appeared with comedienne Kay Thompson during the late '40s.

Andy Williams finally began his solo career in 1952, making several appearances on Steve Allen's The Tonight Show before signing a contract with Archie Bleyer's Cadence Records in 1955. He hit the Top Ten in 1956 with his third single for the label, "Canadian Sunset." One year later, his soft-toned cover of the Charlie Gracie rockabilly nugget "Butterfly" hit number one (it's still his biggest hit). Additional Top Ten entries "Are You Sincere," "Lonely Street," and "The Village of St. Bernadette" followed before Williams moved to Columbia in 1961.

Despite another big hit in 1963, "Can't Get Used to Losing You," Williams failed to generate much action on the singles charts during the 1960s. Instead, his highly rated variety program on NBC-TV spurred interest in the ever-growing LP market for adult and middle-of-the-road audiences. The popular 1962 album Moon River & Other Great Movie Themes featured the song he's most identified with, and the following year's Days of Wine and Roses hit the top of the album charts. Nine more LPs hit the Top Ten for Andy Williams during the '60s, many organized around loose themes -- Broadway, ballads, and one album that featured members of his family. Though 1971's Love Story was a platinum success that sparked a Top Ten hit for the title song, his television show was canceled that year.

Andy Williams remained very popular during the '70s, especially for British audiences. His single "Solitaire" hit the Top Ten there in 1973, though it didn't even chart in America. Two of his subsequent albums also performed well, but only in Britain. He released relatively few LPs during the 1980s, but returned to the pop world in the early '90s when he founded his own theater/resort in the home-grown entertainment capital of Branson, Missouri. Williams continued to headline shows there for 20 years, although he announced from its stage during a Christmas 2011 show that he had been diagnosed with cancer. It finally took his life on September 25, 2012. ~by John Bush

We Need A Little Christmas

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Art Taylor - Taylor's Tenors

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:14
Size: 82.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop
Year: 1959/2012
Art: Front

[5:40] 1. Straight No Chaser
[6:50] 2. Rhythm-A-Ning
[6:51] 3. Fidel
[5:03] 4. Little Chico
[5:34] 5. Dacor
[6:14] 6. Cape Millie

Legendary drummer Art Taylor played on a multitude of classic jazz sessions, but only managed to release a few dates as a leader before he passed away in 1995. His second, Taylor's Tenors, from mid-1959, features two straight-ahead tenor saxophonists, Charlie Rouse and Frank Foster, engaging in an insightful yet swinging hard bop conversation. Rouse would shortly become Thelonious Monk's tenor of choice, while Foster continued his tenure with Count Basie's band for another five years. These six hard bop pieces include two by Monk, Jackie McLean's "Fidel," and originals each from Rouse, pianist Walter Davis, and Taylor. ~Al Campbell

Taylor's Tenors

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Lionel Loueke - Gaïa

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:29
Size: 127.0 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:43] 1. Broken
[5:49] 2. Sleepless Night
[4:30] 3. Sources Of Love
[3:40] 4. Wacko Loco
[5:16] 5. Aziza Dance
[4:28] 6. Rain Wash
[7:04] 7. Forgiveness
[4:00] 8. Even Teens
[3:46] 9. Gaia
[6:30] 10. Veuve Malienee
[3:18] 11. Procession
[4:20] 12. How Deep Is Your Love

Lionel Loueke: electric guitar; Massimo Biolcati: bass; Ferenc Nemeth: drums.

Guitarist Lionel Loueke brings a presence to jazz unlike any other due in part to his West African upbringing heard in the uniqueness of his playing, vocals and phrasing which have enriched recordings from trumpeter Terence Blanchard to singers Angelique Kidjo and Luciana Souza. Recorded live in front of a small audience Gaïa finds Loueke with longtime trio-mates bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth in an intimate session that captures his musicality and spontaneity. While the audio is not as refined as studio recordings Gilfema (ObliqSound, 2005) or Karibu (Blue Note, 2008), the recording harnesses the trio's artistic energy for an altogether rewarding experience. Things being wildly with "Broken" as Loueke's solos feverishly with gnarly sound effect as the rhythm section powers through the raucous tempo. While Loueke's signature blend of African flavors and jazz is intact, there's a definite rock music influence heard in "Sleepless Nights" and the scorched earth "Wacko Loco" as the trio rips through the killer riff. But as usual, it's not easy to pigeonhole Loueke's music. There are melodious yet odd metered changes that travel from get-down funkiness in "Aziza Dance" to breezy atmospherics in "Source of Love." The music's playground includes an using an array of sound effects that range from grimy overdrive to silky synth keyboard-like emulations in "Veuve Malienne" enriched by Loueke's emotive African fingerpicking that flourishes in the tune "Forgiveness."

Gaïa 's meaning is a nod to Mother Earth, the music shedding light about the impact of humans on the planet. Add some funky string slap techniques, electronic touches, and psychedelia ("Eventeens"); gut-bucket rock blues ("Procession") and end things with a jamming West Africanized cover of the Bee Gees "How Deep Is Your Love" and this is one of Loueke's most memorable releases. ~Marc Turner

Gaia

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Louisa Bey - Blue Thoughts

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:05
Size: 144.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:20] 1. Tell Me
[3:41] 2. Blue Thoughts
[5:35] 3. The Red Virgo
[2:44] 4. In A Sentimental Mood
[6:55] 5. Roxanne
[5:06] 6. Bye Bye Boy
[6:59] 7. My One And Only Love
[4:43] 8. Humans Fall
[6:24] 9. Opened To The Unknown
[4:05] 10. Magic Spell
[4:28] 11. Vanished Melodies
[2:40] 12. Song In Blue
[5:18] 13. Roxanne

Après une formation juridique et quelques chemins de traverses notamment en communication, Louisa Bey, Isabelle Marchand de son vrai nom, prend les rennes de sa passion de toujours : la musique. Formée à l’école ATLA, elle y suit le cursus complet de musicien-chanteur, et notamment le cours de jazz vocal de Viviane Ginapé.

Dès lors, elle rencontre une nouvelle famille, celle du jazz, grâce à Frédéric Charbaut directeur artistique du festival de jazz de Saint-Germain-des-Prés qui la guide dans son envie de réaliser son premier album. Isabelle devient Louisa Bey en hommage à Abbey Lincoln et enregistre son premier disque Blue Thoughts avec les talentueux Alexandre Saada au piano, Jean-Daniel Botta à la contrebasse et Laurent Sériès à la batterie.

Disque sorti chez Cristal, distribué par Abeilles musique, l’album reçoit un joli accueil radio (coup de coeur jazz à Fip) et presse (4* dans Jazzman).

Empruntant un temps le chemin des planches, c’est au théâtre que Isabelle/Louisa nourrit l’artiste en elle.

Blue Thoughts

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Boz Scaggs - Hits!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:37
Size: 147.9 MB
Styles: Blue-eyed soul, Pop?Rock/R&B
Year: 1980/2006
Art: Front

[2:59] 1. What Can I Say
[5:51] 2. Jojo
[5:30] 3. Miss Sun
[4:30] 4. Hard Times
[3:12] 5. Slow Dancer
[5:56] 6. Harbor Lights
[3:02] 7. Dinah Flo
[5:17] 8. Look What You've Done To Me
[4:34] 9. Breakdown Dead Ahead
[3:32] 10. You Make It So Hard (To Say No)
[2:49] 11. It's Over
[4:12] 12. We're All Alone
[4:10] 13. Heart Of Mine
[5:15] 14. Lowdown
[3:41] 15. Lido Shuffle

Digitally remastered and expanded reissue of this classic compilation by the '70s solo star (and former bandmate of Steve Miller) , complete with new artwork! This new version drops 'You Can Have Me Anytime' but adds six more to take it's place: 'What Can I Say', 'Hard Times', 'Slow Dancer', 'Harbor Lights', 'It's Over' and 'Heart Of Mine'.

Hits!

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Dave Pike - Jazz For The Jet Set

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:27
Size: 85.7 MB
Styles: Hard bop
Year: 1966/2012
Art: Front

[6:49] 1. Blind Man, Blind Man
[5:47] 2. Jet Set
[3:18] 3. Sunny
[2:57] 4. When I'm Gone
[4:06] 5. You've Got Your Troubles
[3:48] 6. Sweet 'tater Pie
[4:34] 7. Just Say Goodbye
[6:04] 8. Devilette

This disc is a bit unusual in a few ways. Vibraphonist Dave Pike sticks here exclusively to the marimba, while pianist Herbie Hancock is heard throughout on organ, an instrument he rarely played again. The band also includes two trumpeters (most notably Clark Terry who has a few short solos) and a rhythm section with guitarist Billy Butler. Most of the music consists of obscurities and is open to the influences of the boogaloo and pop rhythms of the era; highlights include Hancock's "Blind Man, Blind Man," "Sunny" and "Devilette." An interesting effort. ~Scott Yanow

Jazz For The Jet Set

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Phil Woods Septet - Pairing Off

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:46
Size: 103,0 MB
Art: Front

(14:20)  1. The Stanley Stomper
( 9:47)  2. Cool Aid
(12:15)  3. Pairing Off
( 8:22)  4. Suddenly It's Spring

The title of this excellent CD reissue comes from the fact that the featured septet consists of two altos (Phil Woods and Gene Quill) and two trumpets (Donald Byrd and Kenny Dorham) in addition to a rhythm section (pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Philly Joe Jones). Of the pairings, Woods and Dorham were more distinctive in 1956, but both Quill and Byrd get in some good licks. The full group stretches out on four lengthy numbers: three Woods originals and the ballad "Suddenly It's Spring." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/pairing-off-mw0000263287

Phil Woods Septet: Phil Woods, Gene Quill (alto saxophone); Kenny Dorham, Donald Byrd (trumpet); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Doug Watkins (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Pairing Off

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Dave Koz - Live At Blue Note Tokyo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:25
Size: 132,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:50)  1. What You Leave Behind
(5:13)  2. Together Again
(5:36)  3. Put the Top Down
(3:28)  4. Let It Free
(3:31)  5. Anything's Possible
(6:04)  6. Love Is on the Way
(3:59)  7. It's Always Been You
(4:16)  8. All I See Is You
(4:37)  9. Honeydipped
(4:40) 10. Faces of the Heart
(5:42) 11. Silverlining
(7:22) 12. You Make Me Smile

Saxophonist Dave Koz has been recording as a solo artist since 1990. During that time he's issued more than a dozen albums of surprising variety, and has been nominated eight times for Grammy Awards. In an age when the live album has become a compulsory thing for artists who sometimes have only a single studio album to draw from, Koz waited until now to issue his first concert date, Live at the Blue Note Tokyo (recorded in 2011), which finds the saxophonist backed by a stellar quintet that includes musical director Brian Simpson on keyboards, guitarist Randy Jacobs, drummer Jay Williams, bassist André Berry, and Tio Banks on additional keyboards. 

The set was recorded impeccably by the gifted engineer Melissa Britton, who captured all of the spontaneity and warmth on display that evening. The material includes a number of excellent versions of tunes from Koz's then-current studio album, 2010's excellent Hello Tomorrow ("What You Leave Behind," "Anything's Possible," "Put the Top Down") and some killer new takes on catalog jams including "Together Again" and the hit "Love Is on the Way" from 1999's The Dance; "All I See Is You" and "Honey-Dipped" from 2003's Saxophonic; and even the funky "Silverlining," the ballad "Faces of the Heart" (which became the theme song for the soap opera General Hospital for a time), and an extended jam on "You Make Me Smile," all from 1993's Lucky Man. 

The stellar playing and the obvious love affair that takes place between audience and performers on Live at the Blue Note Tokyo make Koz's first live album one of his catalog's highlights. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-blue-note-tokyo-mw0002468987

Personnel: Dave Koz (saxophone); Randy Jacobs (guitar); Tio Banks, Brian Simpson (keyboards); Jay Williams (drums).

Live At Blue Note Tokyo

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