Steve Turre - Woody's Delight

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:29
Size: 155,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:45)  1. Woody's Delight
( 7:07)  2. Something For Sweets
( 8:01)  3. In Retrospect
( 4:06)  4. Luna
( 6:25)  5. Annette's For Sure
( 8:37)  6. Adios Mi Amigo
( 7:20)  7. Manny's Mambo
( 8:16)  8. 3 For Woody
(10:47)  9. Brother Bob

Trombonist and master of musical shells Steve Turre has been playing professionally since he was 13, working with a variety of bandleaders including Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Ray Charles, and Chico Hamilton, although he credits his musical maturity to his eight-year tenure with trumpeter Woody Shaw (which began when he was in his thirties). Turre recorded 14 albums with Shaw and it is to Shaw's influence and memory that the album's title refers. Turre wrote eight of the nine compositions here. The wildly diverse program includes five trumpeters Claudio Roditi, Jon Faddis, Wallace Roney, Chocolate Armenteros, and Freddie Hendrix three keyboard players, four bass players (including Buster Williams), two drummers, and three bongo, timbales, and conga percussionists. Faddis' fiery acrobatics are heard on the title track a skittering, jaunty blues in G-minor and on "Something for Sweets" (for Harry "Sweets" Edison), a strolling Basie-esque blues where both Faddis and Turre use mutes. Roney is showcased on "In Retrospect," a shimmering, mysterious, ethereal ballad that Turre wrote for him, reflecting the influence of Miles Davis on the trumpeter. Roney also appears on "Luna," which reflects the influence of Shaw's ambitious compositional style and use of extreme harmonic intervals on Turre. Perhaps the most beautiful entry on the set is Roditi's jazz-samba "Annette's for Sure," with bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca (who also plays berimbau). 

Together the band creates an authentic samba atmosphere that is underscored by Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo and Turre's shells. There is a killer Latin number here too in "Manny's Mambo," dedicated to Oquendo Turre also spent time in Conjunto Libre. The trumpeter here is 83-year-old legend Chocolate Armenteros. Both men and pianist Perdomo play moñas like the house is burning down, as percussionists and drummer underscore the joyous dance feel. "Adios Mi Amigo" is a Latin ballad written for Turre's late colleague and friend, pianist Hilton Ruiz. Roditi's solo is achingly beautiful and is underscored by Turre's use of the plunger mute and Andy Gonzalez's bassline. Youthful up-and-comer Hendrix is showcased on the final two cuts here, the modal "3 for Woody," and the deep, bluesy swing of "Brother Bob." Woody's Delight is not a mere tribute to Shaw's influence on Turre (though that would be enough); it displays the trombonist's wide angle and ambitious compositional and arranging skills with true flourish. The music here is all soulfully articulated and expertly performed, the album some of Turre's finest work. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/woodys-delight-mw0002280215

Personnel: Steve Turre: trombone and shells; John Faddis: trumpet (1, 2); Wallace Roney: trumpet (3, 4); Claudio Roditi: trumpet (5, 6); Chocolate Armenteros: trumpet (7);  Freddie Hendrix: trumpet (8, 9);  Xavier Davis: piano (1 – 4, 8, 9);  Luis Perdomo: piano (5, 6, 7);  Aruan Ortiz: Fender Rhodes (4); Buster Williams: bass (1 – 4); Andy Gonzalez: bass (6, 7); Corcoran Holt: bass (8, 9); Nilson Matta: bass (5); Dion Parson: drums (1 – 4, 8, 9); Duduka Da Fonseca: drums and percussion (5, 6); Jimmy Delgado: timbales and conga (6, 7); Pedro Martinez: bongos and campana; George Delgado: conga (7).

Woody's Delight

---

Monty Alexander - Monty Meets Sly And Robbie

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:24
Size: 120,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Chameleon
(5:25)  2. Monty's groove
(5:21)  3. Soulful strut
(5:14)  4. The in crowd
(5:01)  5. Sidewinder
(5:12)  6. People make the world go 'round
(4:28)  7. (Do the) kool step
(5:06)  8. Moanin'
(4:36)  9. Mercy, mercy, mercy
(5:49) 10. Hot milk

Jazz purists may turn up the nose at this jazz-reggae summit meeting, but that's their loss. It's not that they wouldn't have the right to be suspicious experiments in jazz-reggae fusion do not have a distinguished history. But the combination of Jamaican-born jazz pianist Monty Alexander and reggae godfathers Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare works beautifully here for a number of reasons: first of all, Alexander is a gifted melodist with an unerring sense of groove (not always a given with jazz players), and second of all, Sly and Robbie emancipated themselves long ago from reggae's rhythmic strictures, so there's lots of variety on this album. The grooves are never less than bone deep: on "Monty's Groove," Shakespeare's minimalist bassline and Dunbar's funky drumming propel Alexander into inspired (if a bit restrained) flights of improvisation, and "People Make the World Go 'Round" is a slow, dark dancehall workout that gives Alexander's piano lots of open space to work with. "Hot Milk," the album's closer, is a touching tribute to the late reggae organist Jackie Mittoo, on which Alexander plays mournful melodica over a modified rocksteady beat. There are times when you might wish Alexander would cut loose and wail a bit more, but this album is a delight from beginning to end. ~ Rick Anderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/monty-meets-sly-robbie-mw0000060577

Personnel: Monty Alexander (piano, melodica); Jay Davidson (saxophone); Steve Jankowski (trumpet); Handel Tucker (keyboards); Robbie Shakespeare (bass); Sly Dunbar (drums, programming); Desmond Jones (drums).

Monty Meets Sly And Robbie

---

Mildred Bailey - The Rockin' Chair Lady (1931-1950)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:11
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. Willow Tree
(2:56)  2. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:02)  3. Squeeze Me
(3:22)  4. Down-Hearted Blues
(3:09)  5. Blues In My Heart
(3:08)  6. You Call It Madness (But I Call It Love)
(3:02)  7. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(3:08)  8. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
(2:42)  9. When That Man Is Dead And Gone
(3:17) 10. Jenny
(3:22) 11. Georgia On My Mind
(2:37) 12. Rockin' Chair
(3:11) 13. Sometimes I'm Happy
(3:14) 14. Ev'rything Depends On You
(3:02) 15. Lover, Come Back To Me
(3:28) 16. All Too Soon
(3:17) 17. It's So Peaceful In The Country
(2:36) 18. More Than You Know
(3:03) 19. Cry, Cry, Cry
(3:06) 20. Blue Prelude

One of at least six Mildred Bailey compilation albums with the phrase "Rockin' Chair Lady" in the title, this 20-track overview issued by GRP in 1994 spans virtually her entire recording career from her Paul Whiteman days (1931) to one of her very last sessions (1950). Possessed of a lovely and at times delicate voice, Mildred Bailey specialized in Tin Pan Alley pop tunes, mostly songs of love and heartbreak. Married for a while to xylophonist and bandleader Red Norvo, she achieved fame during the 1930s but gradually receded from the limelight after 1940. This collection of vintage recordings, which were originally released on Decca phonograph records, includes sublime interpretations of songs by Fats Waller, Benny Carter, Lovie Austin, Hoagy Carmichael, and Duke Ellington. ~ arwulf arwulf http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rockin-chair-lady-1931-1950-mw0000121548

Personnel: Mildred Bailey (vocals); Dave Barbour, Gene Gifford, Al Hendrickson, Carmen Mastren (guitar); Mel Jenssen (violin); Jimmy Lytell (clarinet); Clarence Hutchenrider, Glen Gray, John Rotella, Kenny Sargent, Ted Nash, Wilbur Schwartz (reeds); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Bo Ashford, John Best , Bobby Lee Jones, Jack Jenney, Joe Hostetter, Billy Butterfield, Bunny Berigan (trumpet); Billy Rauch, Eddie Kusby, Murray McEachern, Pee Wee Hunt, Si Zentner (trombone); Joe Hall , Herman Chittison, Teddy Wilson, Billy Kyle (piano); O'Neill Spencer, Jimmie Hoskins, Tony Briglia, Irving Cottler (drums).

The Rockin' Chair Lady (1931-1950)

---

Branford Marsalis Trio - Bloomington

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:01
Size: 177,3 MB
Art: Front

(15:12)  1. Xavier's Lair
( 7:53)  2. Everything Happens To Me
(19:02)  3. The Beautyful Ones
(16:18)  4. Citizen Tain
(11:12)  5. Friday The 13th
( 7:21)  6. Roused About

This live set (part of which was included in the performance film The Music Tells You) features Branford Marsalis and his longtime trio (bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts) really stretching out on six pieces. Most of the playing is unfortunately very long-winded and rather dull. Marsalis seems content to play the part of a chameleon, doing his impressions of late-period Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and (when he switches to soprano) Ornette Coleman. Also, the music lacks variety and Marsalis is off-mic part of the time. Although the final two selections give this set a much needed dose of humor, it is too little too late. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/bloomington-mw0000098933

Personnel: Branford Marsalis (soprano & tenor saxophones); Robert Hurst (acoustic bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums).

Bloomington

---

Art Farmer Quintet - Manhattan

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:14
Size: 90,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:56)  1. Context
(5:11)  2. Blue Wail
(6:57)  3. Manhattan
(6:53)  4. Passport
(6:56)  5. Arrival
(6:19)  6. Back Door Beauty

Art Farmer added a bit of a different twist for these 1981 studio sessions, including baritone saxophonist Sahib Shihab with him in the front line, along with fellow expatriate Americans Kenny Drew (piano) and Ed Thigpen (drums), plus bassist Mads Vinding. Drew contributed the first two songs, including the boisterous mid-tempo opener "Context" and the brisk blues "Blue Wail," both top-notch features for Farmer and Shihab. The intricate take of Charlie Parker's "Passport" and Bennie Wallace's inventive "Back Door Beauty" find Shihab switching to soprano sax. 

The only standard is a lush take of "Manhattan," showcasing the leader's lyrical flugelhorn. This release is a little short by CD standards, clocking under 40 minutes, but it will be of great interest to fans of Art Farmer. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/manhattan-mw0000188125

Personnel: Art Farmer (trumpet, flugelhorn); Sahib Shihab (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Kenny Drew (piano); Ed Thigpen (drums).

Manhattan

---

Ken Peplowski - A Good Reed

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:37
Size: 137,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:46)  1. Luck Be A Lady
( 7:07)  2. Dream Theme
(17:25)  3. Homage Concerto For Clarinet
( 7:08)  4. Deep
( 6:14)  5. I've Never Been In Love Before
( 7:53)  6. Purple Gazelle
( 6:00)  7. Royal Garden Blues

Featuring the seventeen-minute "Homage Concerto For Clarinet And Jazz Orchestra" with Loren Schoenberg's big band backing clarinetist Ken Peplowski, this session is well-balanced, with four numbers by the leader's small group and four with the large ensemble. Peplowski plays clarinet on three tracks; tenor saxophone on the other four. His experience with the Tommy Dorsey ghost orchestra under Buddy Morrow's direction, working some with Benny Goodman, and more recently with Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, and as a duo with Howard Alden, has gained the clarinetist considerable exposure; this is his fourteenth Concord Records album as a leader. On tenor saxophone, Peplowski maintains a quiet posture on "Luck Be A Lady" and "I've Never Been In Love Before." The latter is arranged by guitarist James Chirillo, includes Schoenberg's big band, and features a delightful bass clarinet solo by Danny Bank. 

Bassist Greg Cohen composed "Dream Theme" with the random qualities of a stereotypical dream in mind; it features Peplowski's dreamy tenor, the composer's lyrical bass solo, and pianist Ben Aronov's dreamy keyboard work as well. The "Homage Concerto for Clarinet and Jazz Orchestra" in three movements was written by Chirillo and naturally infuses a classical bent. The names of each movement, "Swing," "Elegy," and "Driving," give one a feel for what is being accomplished. It is Peplowski's strong point, and the big band backs him capably. Duke Ellington's "Purple Gazelle" finds guest tenorist Loren Schoenberg beside the quartet of clarinetist Peplowski, pianist Aronov, bassist Cohen, and drummer Chuck Redd. With a Latin rhythm and a unique Monkish piano outing, the clarinet and tenor saxophone trade phrases and work very well together. The full orchestra returns for the final track, Duke Ellington's arrangement of "Royal Garden Blues." Up-tempo, yet relaxed with a swing, the big band works out behind the confident and imaginative clarinet solos by Ken Peplowski. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-good-reed-ken-peplowski-concord-music-group-review-by-jim-santella.php?width=1920

Personnel: Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); James Chirillo, Paul Meyers (guitar); Jon Gordon , Steve Wilson (flute, alto saxophone); Doug Lawrence, Mark Lopeman (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Danny Bank (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Loren Schoenberg (tenor saxophone); John Edkert, Greg Gisbert, Tony Kadleck, Bob Millikan (trumpet); Eddie Bert, Bobby Pring, Mike Christianson (trombone); Tim Newman (bass trombone); Dick Katz, Benny Aronov (piano); Chuck Redd (drums)

A Good Reed

---

Linda Pettersson - Who Are You?

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:56
Size: 130,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Who Are You?
(7:53)  2. Detour Ahead
(5:24)  3. The Ballad Of The Sad Young Men
(4:59)  4. In Your Eyes
(2:44)  5. Skylark
(4:54)  6. All I Want
(6:43)  7. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
(4:12)  8. From Ton To Tom
(3:59)  9. Up From The Skies
(5:39) 10. Winther Sweet
(5:27) 11. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Linda was born on the island of Alnö just off the east coast of Sweden and near the town of Sundsvall. She comes from a musical family and since 1994 she has worked as a freelance singer. She performs often in duo format, with her own group and is popular as guest soloist in other diverse musical constellations. Linda has made a considerable name for herself in a relatively short time. She is an unusually versatile singer with jazz as her favourite form of expression. She possesses a wide vocal range and a sensitive gift for giving lyrics rich and meaningful interpretations that communicate easily and directly with her listeners. Even though it is in jazz and it's near-related genres that Linda has found her musical heartland, she has also had a large degree of success in other musical styles. As one of Sweden's field artists in Bosnia and Kosova she received a great response and acclaim from the soldiers for her vocal talents in rock and pop concerts there. Over the years Linda has worked with, among others: Toots Thieleman's, Georg Riedel, Putte Wickman, Charlie Norman, Mikael Råberg, Peter Gullin, Claes Janson, Kenny Wheeler, Krister Jonsson, Mathias Algotsson, Lars Jansson, Ewan Svensson, Morten Kargaard Group, Pan Trio, Jerker Lindström & Radio Jazz Group Nouveau, Tim Hagens & Norrbotten Big Band, Sandviken Big Band, Bohuslän Big Band, Stockholm Wind Symphony, Stockholm Jazz Orchestra.

In December 2000 Linda performed on her own one-hour TV programme from Nalen in Stockholm, together with the Mathias Algotsson Quartet. Together with Mikael Råberg, Kenny Wheeler with Bohuslän Big Band, and Morton Kargaard Group, Linda has sung specially written parts without words as in the role of an instrument. Linda has made international tours and performed in Japan, France, Scotland, South Africa and Denmark. In 2006 she made a record-long "Pulslag" tour of Sweden together with "Up from the Skies" (Ulf Adåker, Anders Persson, Christian Spering and Magnus Gran). Linda can be heard on many recordings including her first CD in her own name "Who Are You?" (released 2004) and on "Some Really Nice Songs We Really Like" together with guitarist Krister Jonsson (released 2007). She is also guest soloist on other CDs with, among others, Ewan Svensson, Mikael Råberg and Peter Gullin Trio. Linda is a singer that leaves no one unmoved. With a voice that speaks directly to the receiver, and with a subtle intensive presence she transforms lyrics into rich stories. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Who-Are-You-Linda-Pettersson/dp/B000RP2KH4

Who Are You?

---

Shorty Rogers and His Giants - Jazz Waltz

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:13
Size: 93,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. I'm Gonna Go Fishin'
(5:27)  2. Greensleeves
(4:17)  3. Walk On The Wild Side
(2:57)  4. Witchcraft
(3:35)  5. Be As Children
(4:06)  6. Jazz Waltz
(4:41)  7. Echoes Of Harlem
(2:52)  8. A Taste Of Honey
(3:34)  9. Terrence's Farewell
(4:06) 10. The Streets Of Laredo

Shorty Rogers' Jazz Waltz is exactly that, an exploration of ten compositions played in waltz settings. Only these big-band charts are hardly the waltzes heard on Lawrence Welk's long-running television series. Rogers kicks off with a swinging number ("I'm Gonna Go Fishin'") written by Duke Ellington for the soundtrack to the film Anatomy of a Murder and featuring the leader's rich flügelhorn. The lyrical take of the centuries-old folk melody "Greensleeves" alternates between the tense rhythm section and Bud Shank's gorgeous flute solo. Rogers' delightful "Be as Children" almost sounds as if it was adapted from a gospel song. The brisk treatment of Ellington's "Echoes of Harlem," featuring Paul Horn on flute, is refreshing. Only Bobby Scott's "A Taste of Honey" is the least bit disappointing, simply because this arrangement isn't quite as adventurous as the rest of the album. Originally issued by Reprise in 1962 and out of print for decades, this album was finally reissued by Collectables in a compilation with another LP by Rogers, Bossa Nova. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jazz-waltz/id205750825

Personnel: Shorty Rogers-trumpet and his Giants.

Jazz Waltz

---

Bill Evans & Eddie Gomez - Intuition

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:45
Size: 96,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:32)  1. Invitation
(5:08)  2. Blue Serge
(4:07)  3. Show-Type Tune
(3:26)  4. The Nature Of Things
(5:01)  5. Are You All The Things
(5:39)  6. A Face Without A Name
(4:31)  7. Falling Grace
(7:18)  8. Hi Lili, Hi Lo (For Ellaine)

After having played together on a regular basis for eight years, it is not surprising that this set of duets by pianist Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez is intuitive and bordering on the telepathic. The material is quite fresh. Evans might have recorded "Invitation" and "Show-Type Tune" previously, but the other six songs were getting their debut in his hands. Whether it be "Hi Lili, Hi Lo," Claus Ogerman's "A Face Without a Name," Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace" or "Blue Serge," the sensitive and generally introspective playing on this LP definitely holds one's interest. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/intuition-mw0000316646

Personnel: Bill Evans (piano); Eddie Gomez (bass).

Intuition

---

Eartha Kitt - 'Miss Kitt', To You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:27
Size: 101.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1992
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. Je Cherche Un Homme (I Want A Man)
[2:51] 2. Just An Old Fashioned Girl
[2:20] 3. Lazy Afternoon
[2:44] 4. St. Louis Blues
[3:01] 5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
[3:00] 6. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
[3:24] 7. Avril Au Portugal (The Whisp'ring Serenade)
[2:56] 8. C'est Si Bon (It's So Good)
[2:36] 9. Hey Jacque
[2:29] 10. Mademoiselle Kitt
[3:11] 11. Beale Street Blues
[3:05] 12. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)
[2:07] 13. I'm A Funny Dame
[1:59] 14. A Woman Wouldn't Be A Woman
[2:07] 15. Toujour Gai
[3:43] 16. Monotonous

On this smoky 16-track compilation of classics, legendary temptress Eartha Kitt tells it like it is on "Je Cherche Un Homme (I Want a Man)," and W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues," Cole Porter's "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Let's Do It," and a dozen others. ~AllMusic

'Miss Kitt', To You mc
'Miss Kitt', To You zippy

---

Jonathan Stout & His Campus Five - Moppin' And Boppin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:30
Size: 154.6 MB
Styles: Swing, Big band
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Wholly Cats
[3:11] 2. Royal Family
[2:48] 3. As Long As I Live
[3:16] 4. C.V. Jam
[2:29] 5. I Don't Know Enough About You
[3:54] 6. Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen
[3:10] 7. Judy
[4:11] 8. Moppin' And Boppin'
[2:41] 9. Bli-Blip
[2:36] 10. 9:20 Special
[3:09] 11. Gone With 'what' Wind
[2:44] 12. Just A Little Bit South Of North Carolina
[2:49] 13. S'wonderful
[2:57] 14. Swing Brother Swing
[4:03] 15. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[3:24] 16. Illinois Goes To Chicago
[2:42] 17. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[3:46] 18. I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me
[2:57] 19. I'm Beginning To See The Light
[3:09] 20. Rhythm Itch
[3:57] 21. Bugle Call Rag

Another platter of superbly danceable, rare and unique small group swing gems. Starting again with the classic small group sounds of the Benny Goodman Sextet, the album begins with “Wholly Cats” and also features the Basie-Goodman composition “Gone with ‘What’ Wind.” The album also features tunes from lesser-known small groups of the 30’s and 40’s – Lionel Hampton’s “Royal Family”, Charlie Ventura’s “C.V. Jam”, and Sir Charles Thompson’s “Rhythm Itch.” Hilary sings on Peggy Lee’s "I Don’t Know Enough About You" and Anita O'Day’s "As Long As I Live" and “Just a Little Bit South of North Carolina”, as well as our versions of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “Swing, Brother, Swing.” Jim Ziegler lends his voice to Lionel Hampton’s "Judy". The title track, Fats Waller’s 1943 classic “Moppin’ and Boppin’” features vintage drumming master Josh Collazo. The Campus Five goes to town on our versions of "It Don’t Mean a Thing" (a one-take jam session) and "Bugle Call Rag" (inspired by the 1944 Jazz at the Philharmonic Version).

As on our previous records, the album was recorded by vintage-jazz extraordinaire Dick Hamilton at his studio, the Doing, using vintage RCA 44 microphones to capture the traditional sound of classic small group swing. "Moppin’ and Boppin’" features Los Angeles' best swing musicians, including Tenor Saxophonist and Clarinetist Albert Alva, Trumpeter and Vocalist Jim Ziegler, Pianist Christopher Dawson, Bassist Wally Hersom, and Vintage-Jazz drumming phoneme Josh Collazo.

Moppin'And Boppin 

---

Carl Perkins - The Original Sun Recordings

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:48
Size: 114.0 MB
Styles: Rockabilly, Rock n Roll
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:08] 1. Movie Magg
[2:55] 2. Boppin' The Blues
[2:50] 3. Let The Jukebox Keep On Playing
[2:37] 4. Gone, Gone, Gone
[2:14] 5. Blue Suede Shoes
[2:51] 6. Honey, Don't!
[2:50] 7. Boppin' The Blues
[2:05] 8. All Mama's Children
[2:25] 9. I'm Sorry I'm Not Sorry
[2:39] 10. Dixie Fried
[2:07] 11. Matchbox
[2:48] 12. Your True Love
[2:35] 13. Forever Yours
[2:47] 14. That's Right
[2:31] 15. Sure To Fall
[3:18] 16. Only You
[3:06] 17. All Mama's Children
[2:39] 18. Tennessee
[2:15] 19. Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby

While Carl Perkins recorded many fine records and enjoyed a long and successful career after he left Sun Records, there's no arguing that the sides cut during his tenure with Sam Phillips are his best-known and most influential work; it's all but impossible to imagine the rockabilly revolution of the 1950s happening without hits like "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Boppin' the Blues," and literally thousands of rock guitarists from George Harrison to Lou Reed first had their heads turned around by his trademark licks. The Original Sun Recordings compiles 19 of Perkins' best and best-known recordings for Sun, and you could hardly ask for a better introduction to the man's music. ~Mark Deming

The Original Sun Recordings

---

Robin McKelle & The Flytones - Heart of Memphis

Styles: Vocal, Soul

Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:39
Size: 115,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. About to Be Your Baby
(2:45)  2. Good Time
(4:10)  3. Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
(3:52)  4. Control Yourself
(3:32)  5. Forgetting You
(4:43)  6. Heart of Memphis
(4:14)  7. Like a River
(4:16)  8. Easier That Way
(4:10)  9. What You Want
(3:09) 10. Good & Plenty
(3:07) 11. Baby You're the Best
(4:02) 12. Down with the Ship
(3:11) 13. It's over This Time

It certainly is rare to read about a soul/blues singer who once finished third in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal competition.  Originally from Rochester, NY, vocalist Robin McKelle migrated to France, where two recordings of big band swing material made her a star. Five years ago she began a transformation that took her through songs from composers like Willie Dixon and Doc Pomus to this latest recording that celebrates the musical legacy of the city of Memphis. McKelle’s  band, the Flytones, quickly serve notice that they have an innate understanding of  sweet soul music with Al Street on guitar, Ben Stivers on a multitude of keyboards, Derek Nievergelt on bass and Adrian Harpham on drums 7 percussion. Producer Scott Bomar certainly brings a wealth of experience to the project. He is the bass player for the Bo-Keys and learned how to work a studio alongside the legendary Willie Mitchell, leading to Bomar engineering two Al Green recordings. Two other members of the Bo-Keys add their considerable talents to the mix – Mark Franklin on trumpet & flugelhorn and Kirk Smothers on saxophones & flute. Sounding like a modern-day version of Dusty Springfield, McKelle possesses a rich, resonant voice that is used to tell stories, minus most of the vocal gyrations that infect many current vocal performances. She is a singer’s singer with a voice that can break your heart on “Easier That Way,” which borrows a horn riff from Rev. Green, or breathe fire into the dance-floor stomper, “Good Time”. On the title track, McKelle offers a reverential tribute to the people and magical sounds of the famed city over an easy-rolling rhythm punctuated by horn accents.

“About To Be Your Baby” sounds like it was borrowed from one of Ann Peebles classic recordings on Hi Records.  The full scope of the singer’s voice is revealed on “It’s Over This Time,” which starts out simmering at a slow boil as it builds to the climatic coda. The addition of a string section give tracks like “Control Yourself” and “Down With The Ship” a more contemporary R&B feel.  McKelle’s powerful voice cuts loose on “What You Want” as she demands some answers from a reluctant lover. Two covers head in opposite directions. O.B. McClinton’s “Forgetting You” adds a soulful country flavor while the Animal’s hit, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,”  gets an updating complete with Stivers on Farfisa organ injecting an eerie feel to the proceedings.  

The band is hitting on all cylinders on the up-tempo romp “Good & Plenty” while “Like A River” sports a stone-cold, seductive Memphis groove for more of McKelle’s forthright testimony on love and happiness. This project validates McKelle’s decision to move on from her jazz roots and embrace a new career course. Her gorgeous voice and spirited delivery combined with an exceptional brew of original material puts this one in the “Highly Recommended “category!  http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/robin-mckelle-the-flytones-heart-of-memphis-album-review/

Heart of Memphis

---

Hubert Laws - The Rite Of Spring

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 1971
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:50
Size: 70,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:43)  1. Pavane
(9:03)  2. Rite Of Spring
(3:34)  3. Syrinx
(6:01)  4. Brandenburg Concerto No 3, First Movement
(4:27)  5. Brandenburg Concerto No 3, Second Movement

Long before Wynton decided he could play classical chops as well as the real long-haired interpreters, even though he was a jazz musician, Hubert Laws and his partners at CTI gave it a run with a jazz twist, and for the most part with a far more adventurous repertoire. Unfortunately, the results were just about as thrilling as Wynton's, with a few notable exceptions. For whatever reason, flutist Hubert Laws, known for his soul-jazz deftness, decided to take on handful of classical texts with the help of Bob James on piano, harpsichord, and electric piano; bassist Ron Carter, who doubles on cello; and drummer Jack DeJohnette, along with percussionists Airto and David Friedman, a pair of classical guitarists, and a trio of bassoonists. The program ranges from Debussy's lovely "Syrinx" and Faure's "Pavane," to Stravinsky on the title cut and two movements of the third Brandberg Concerto by Bach. The problem with so much variation and ambition is that it's bound to get caught up somewhere. That catching place is in the articulation of the actual transcriptions. They are stiff, rigid, oddly intoned, and lackluster except in Debussy's "Syrinx," which is gorgeous throughout with its strange meter and lilting cadence. On the rest, the only place the tunes work is in the sections where the players engage in jazz improvisation upon the score, which is a swirling, engaging free-for-all of color, texture, and nuance. But since this happens so irregularly, the pieces just seem to grate on the listener. This is a brave but ultimately failed experiment. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rite-of-spring-mw0000649611

Personnel : Hubert Laws (flute); Walter Kane, Jane Taylor, Wally Kane (bassoon); Ron Carter (cello, bass); David Friedman (vibraphone, percussion); Bob James (piano, electric piano, harpsichord); Gene Bertoncini, Stuart Scharf (guitar); Jack DeJohnette (drums); Airto Moreira (percussion).

The Rite Of Spring

---

George Colligan - Isolation

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:31
Size: 141,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. Song For Sinne
(5:40)  2. Lonely Wind
(5:33)  3. Dead Of Winter
(5:38)  4. Flint Michigan
(7:04)  5. The Wrong Stuff
(4:51)  6. Isolation
(5:27)  7. The Secret Of Andreas' Beard
(5:27)  8. Simple Pleasures
(6:05)  9. The Old Danish Castle
(6:21) 10. The Road Back
(3:16) 11. Regret

If the word “isolation” strikes you as a less than enticing title for a CD devoted to solo piano performances, some of the original pieces George Colligan has chosen for this collection “Dead of Winter,” “Lonely Wind,” “Regret,” for starters don’t exactly promise a sunny day in the park, either. Still, on his 20th recording as a leader, Colligan creates a series of absorbing and multi-faceted vignettes. More often than not they possess a meditative quality. Melodies are introduced (and often sustained) in free time, resonating chords and chromatic flashes punctuate harmonically ambiguous passages, and spacious designs allow plenty of opportunities for Colligan to display his contemplative side, improvisatory prowess and beautifully honed technique. There are, however, bright and charming moments amid the soulful musings; Exhibit A being the quirky waltz “Simple Pleasures.” By contrast, “The Wrong Stuff” is a haunting, noirish portrait.

In the album’s liner notes, Colligan credits solo recordings by pianists Cedar Walton and Tete Montoliu for inspiring his appreciation of artists who have distinguished themselves in unaccompanied settings. Yes, risk-taking clearly appeals to Colligan. Several of the album’s highlights, whether newly composed or recently dusted off, illustrate how adept he is at moving beyond familiar harmonic schemes without losing his footing or his audience. He may not have been prepared for solo performances when he was a struggling musician in Baltimore years ago, as he confesses in the liner notes, but what a difference two decades and countless gigs make. ~ Mike Joyce http://jazztimes.com/articles/27157-isolation-george-colligan

Isolation

---

Cannonball Adderley - Quintet & Orchestra

Styles: Big Band, Soul Jazz
Year: 1970
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:48
Size: 102,8 MB
Art: Front

(20:12)  1. Experience In E
(12:37)  2. Tensity
(11:58)  3. Dialogues For Jazz Quintet And Orchestra

The Cannonball Adderley Quintet & Orchestra (also known as Experience in E) is an album by jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley recorded in Los Angeles, California in 1970 featuring performances by Adderley's Quintet featuring Nat Adderley, Joe Zawinul, Walter Booker and Roy McCurdy with an unidentified orchestra conducted by William Fisher or Lalo Schifrin.   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cannonball_Adderley_Quintet_%26_Orchestra

Personnel:  Cannonball Adderley - alto saxophone;  Nat Adderley – cornet;  Joe Zawinul - piano, electric piano;  Walter Booker – bass;  Roy McCurdy – drums;  Unidentified orchestra;  William Fisher - conductor (tracks 1 & 2);  Lalo Schifrin - conductor (track 3).

Thank You Flyingfinger!

Domination

---

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra With The Swing Sisters - Take Me Back

Size: 104,9 MB
Time: 44:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1995
Styles: Retro Jazz, Swing
Art: Full

01. When The Midnight Choochoo Leaves (3:02)
02. Old Yazoo (3:19)
03. Dinah (3:03)
04. Heebie Jeebies (2:51)
05. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (3:52)
06. It Don't Mean A Thing (3:10)
07. Everybody Loves My Baby (2:27)
08. Mood Indigo (3:44)
09. Civilization (3:07)
10. Can't Help Lovin' That Man (2:55)
11. Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia (3:21)
12. I'm Sorry For Myself (4:00)
13. When I Take My Sugar To Tea (3:03)
14. Shoo Shoo Baby (2:58)

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra is a contemporary band from England that specialises in the jazz and swing genres of music of the 1920s and 1930s, although their full repertoire is considerably wider. The orchestra has existed since 1969, although the line-up has frequently changed. It has achieved success outside of the United Kingdom, most notably in Germany.

The Swing Sisters are a trio of female Danish singers who perform hit songs of the 1940s and earlier. The trio often pay tribute to The Andrews Sisters, as well as many others, such as The Boswell Sisters. They have collaborated with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra on several occasions. The group has a strong following in Denmark, Sweden, Germany and England.

Take Me Back

---

Elizabeth Geyer - The Bridge

Size: 100,5 MB
Time: 41:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Bridge (3:58)
02. Waterfalls And Rainbows (3:51)
03. Goodnight Romeo (2:32)
04. Home (3:10)
05. Perfect Life (2:29)
06. Rain Falls (3:32)
07. The Party (3:19)
08. The Jewel (2:45)
09. I Weep (3:39)
10. Postcards From Paradise (3:47)
11. The Wall (3:11)
12. Place To Fly (3:31)
13. Rose (2:07)

Elizabeth Geyer invites you to join her on a journey seven years in the making. The renowned trumpet player turned flugelhorn turned vocalist has released a very personal album titled The Bridge.

Make no mistake about it Elizabeth still plays all of those instruments including the piano. You are probably wondering how someone that recorded instruments changed over to vocals? Well as she notes, “I had to find my voice.” Lord have mercy, did she ever.

The Bridge is aptly titled as this lady gathered up all her courage and crossed that bridge into unknown territory. I am here to tell you it was a successful trip. Her voice is beautiful, inviting and warm. She commands a song, she owns it, with an innate sense of melody and lyrics this performer knows how to put together a story in a song and make it all believable.

Another multitalented individual in his own right, Paul Adams, produced, engineered and mixed the album and was kind enough to introduce this amazing talent to me. In addition he played guitar and all the instruments that Elizabeth did not.

“The Bridge” opens the curtain, which is the most important track on any album as it sets the tone for everything else and the fact that it is the title track is all the more poignant. The instrument that is the key to these tracks is the piano, it lays down a solid foundation to build upon. The notes float off her fingers like the petals of a flower coming in for a soft landing on the morning grass. It is tasteful and a perfect lead into the rest of the album and the literal “bridge” to the rest of the story.

The more I listened to this album the more I realized what a great soundtrack it would make for a movie, when in fact it the artist playing her own movie for us to hear through music and words. I must say even though the piano is the most important instrument on this album the horns come in a close second. The brass gives it some nice smooth jazz tones while the piano has a more contemporary feel to it with influences drawn from classical and new age blending nicely with all the other elements presented.

One of my other favorites was the heartfelt track “The Jewel.” The song is too one very special person in the life of an artist going through change, stepping through the fear with courage and getting on with what her heart desires. We all need special people in our life for support, to lean on once in a while and mainly believe in us no matter what. That is what I heard on the track and I will leave it up to the listeners to decide what it means for them.

It is my practice to choose three key tracks but to be perfectly honest I could have easily chosen any one of the 13 offered on this album and would have had plenty to say. It is all very good. But “Postcards from Paradise” I felt was a prolific track with the perfect ambiance added to accompany the wonderful voice of Ms. Geyer. It made me feel tingly all over like I should be talking a walk on the beach at a favorite vacation spot.

With The Bridge Elizabeth Geyer has triumphed in every way possible. As far as this listener is concerned it is a perfect 5/5 stars! ~Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

The Bridge

---

Ashleigh Smith - Sunkissed

Size: 99,0 MB
Time: 35:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Soul/R&B Vocals
Art: Front

01. Best Friends (4:18)
02. Sara Smile (3:56)
03. The World Is Calling (2:19)
04. Love Is You (3:31)
05. Blackbird (4:14)
06. Sunkissed (4:00)
07. Into The Blue (5:06)
08. Brokenhearted Girl (2:09)
09. Beautiful And True (3:44)
10. Pure Imagination (1:45)

Vocalist Ashleigh Smith, winner of the 2014 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocals Competition, will release her Concord Records debut album, Sunkissed, on August 26.

The album showcases a wide range of styles and influences, from Latin and bossa-nova to R&B and soul jazz. Smith co-wrote five of its 10 tracks. The other five tracks include interpretations of compositions by artists such as The Beatles and Hall & Oates, as well as a version of “Pure Imagination” from the soundtrack of the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Sunkissed features Smith playing alongside musicians who were fellow classmates of hers at the University of North Texas, where she studied jazz. Her band includes bassist Nigel Rivers and guitarist Joel Cross. “I wanted people who have already been an integral part of my musical development,” explained Smith in a press release. “They all played a big part into the making of who I am as a musician. That’s something you figure out not necessarily in the classroom but when you’re performing on stage.”

Sunkissed

---

Ron Helman - It Never Entered My Mind

Size: 150,0 MB
Time: 64:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. You've Changed (5:39)
02. Just Friends (5:38)
03. Close Your Eyes (5:11)
04. Born To Be Blue (5:28)
05. All Or Nothing At All (7:34)
06. When Sunny Gets Blue (8:11)
07. Sweet Georgia Brown (5:41)
08. Desafinado (5:17)
09. Don't Explain (5:49)
10. Overjoyed (3:59)
11. It Never Entered My Mind (6:06)

Personnel:
Ron Helman: flugelhorn
Mike Mainieri: vibraphone
David Spinozza: guitar
Rachel Z Hakim: piano & fender rhodes
James Genus: bass
Joel Rosenblatt: drums

Special Guests:
Ann Hampton Callaway: vocals
Steve Wilson: alto & soprano sax

Proud to be part of jazz trumpeter Ron D Helman's beautiful CD "It Never Entered My Mind" singing the Mel Torme classic "Born to Be Blue." Finally got to listen to this romantic, late night collection of elegant standards played in every shade of blue with the great band he assembled- Steve Wilson, James Genus, Mike Mainieri, Rachel Z, David Spinozza and Joel Rosenblatt. Love the songs- every one is a jewel- and Ron's playing is stunning. Check it out! ~Ann Hampton Callaway

It Never Entered My Mind

---

Ilonka - To Be Loved

Size: 117,6 MB
Time: 50:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front & Back

01. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (4:02)
02. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (2:47)
03. Extraordinary Life (2:51)
04. You Needed Me (3:53)
05. Real Emotional Girl (3:00)
06. The Way You Look Tonight (4:22)
07. If You Stay (4:32)
08. Love's Work Is Never Done (3:43)
09. I Can't Imagine (4:26)
10. Getting Over (3:50)
11. The Power Of Love (5:30)
12. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (3:01)
13. A Reason (4:30)

Ilonka began her professional singing career at age 12 when she won a national singing competition in her native South-Africa. That accomplishment resulted in her first record label deal and launched her into six consecutive years of performances and casino tours.

With a thousand shows under her belt, a young nineteen-year old Ilonka then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue the next chapter of her music story. Her most recent record project (tenth studio album), “To Be Loved”, is a Light Jazz/Adult Contemporary creation on Naxos’ Suite 28 Records that showcases her intimate, yet powerful mezzo-soprano voice, in the same sisterhood as Sarah McLachlan and Celine Dion.

Her tumultuous journey through a childhood music career compelled her to write a tell-all book, “Keeping Secrets”. The book (2016) chronicles the dramatic and abusive life of a young girl surviving the South-African music industry and has propelled her to become a fierce advocate for women facing abuse.

She has shared her story on the Steve Harvey Show and multiple TV networks. She founded a free women’s counseling clinic in Franklin, Tennessee to help women in crisis. She continues to sing and speak, and directs her passions to encourage audiences with her uplifting message.

When she’s not on the road Ilonka lives in Franklin, Tennessee, enjoying the “bliss of life” with her husband Bill, daughter Iália, her Yorkie, a good book and wading in a fly fishing stream.

As a women of passionate faith, her music and book truly reveals a personal journey from “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” to having an “Extraordinary Life”.

To Be Loved

---

Steve Turre - Colors For The Masters

Size: 140,8 MB
Time: 60:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Taylor Made (6:18)
02. Quietude (5:40)
03. Joco Blue (5:14)
04. Coffee Pot (5:06)
05. Reflections (6:51)
06. Mellow D For R.C. (5:53)
07. Colors For The Masters (5:48)
08. When Sunny Gets Blue (7:17)
09. United (5:01)
10. Corcovado (7:17)

When it comes to the contemporary trombone artists, there are two schools of exploration. Steve Turre is an advocate of the more melodic school of which elder champions include Curtis Fuller and J.J. Johnson. The more ebullient and bop-inflected side of things has its greatest proponent in Conrad Herwig. No one method should be considered the right path or wrong path to wander down, however Turre is quite outspoken when it comes to opinions on his contemporaries. He is also one whose own recordings have been inconsistent and possibly a bit too scattered in approach over the years.

Let the foregoing put into context the release at hand. For this writer, Turre's catalog has its share of gems and an equal share of misfires. Quite simply, Colors for the Masters is easily one of Turre's best releases in years. Without taking anything away from the trombonist, the company he keeps has a lot to do with that. A master of singular authority, pianist Kenny Barron has that perfect combination of fire and melodic grace. And if you can't pick out a Ron Carter bass line in a measure or two you are just not listening hard enough. Turre sagaciously lets the master take a nice share of his own solo spots, each one better than the next. Then there is Jimmy Cobb, still downright swinging at the ripe young age of 87.

The first three numbers penned by Turre cover a lot of stylistic ground in a way that recalls a finely-paced club set. "Taylor Made" is one of those slow, tipping tempos that goes down easy, while "Quietude" is a beautiful ballad with a lingering melody. "JoCo Blues" is obviously a blues and to hear these accomplished gentlemen tackle its basic structure speaks to its limitless possibilities. Other originals include "Mellow D for R.C.," one of four pieces to also present Javon Jackson on tenor saxophone. The title tune features a modal vamp set up by Barron that finds Turre speaking in angular lines across the range of his instrument.

Rounding out the ten tracks are Monk's "Reflections," J.J. Johnson's "Coffee Pot," Wayne Shorter's "United," and the standard "When Sunny Gets Blue." Of course, no Turre album would be complete without his creative use of conch shells. The closing "Corcovado" provides fodder for that talent with further textures added by percussionist Cyro Baptista. It's a spirited sendoff to an album that finds Turre and his colleagues at the top of their games. ~C.Andrew Hovan

Personnel: Steve Turre: trombone, shells; Kenny Barron: piano; Ron Carter: bass; Jimmy Cobb: drums; Javon Jackson: tenor sax; Cyro Baptista: percussion.

Colors For The Masters

---

Kiki Manders - Love Is Yours Is Mine

Size: 99,0 MB
Time: 42:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Leefde Is Van Dich Is Van Mich (6:28)
02. Sound Of Cycles (1:08)
03. Words And Sand (7:11)
04. De Storm (5:27)
05. Cycle Song (1:58)
06. Broken Stone (4:39)
07. Particles (4:23)
08. Avec Le Temps (4:48)
09. Mystery Of The In Between (4:36)
10. Alles Begint Met Ut Hert (1:41)

With her expressive, enchanting and warm voice, Kiki Manders sings her music like a painter uses his palette to paint. Creating different colours and sounds with her voice, from fragile and tender to dark and powerful, Manders creates a musical world of her own, striving to be as open and pure as possible.

Along with her quartet, this Dutch, Berlin-based vocalist and composer takes us on an adventurous musical journey into the depths of her soul, through jazz, storytelling in both English and Dutch dialect, and intimate ballads.

Manders grew up in Venlo, a small town in the south of the Netherlands. She graduated from the jazz singing program at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, where she earned a Bachelor and Masters of Music Degree under the tutelage of Sylvi Lane, Lydia van Dam and Annett Andriessen. After graduation, Manders moved to New York City to study Poetry and Singing and studied with Jen Shyu and Theo Bleckmann. While living in New York City, Manders started writing songs in the dialect from her hometown Venlo and she recently selected two to be recorded on her Debut Album, to be released with UNIT Records, August 2016.

A finalist in the Voicingers International Singers Competition and semi-finalist in the Brussels Young Jazz Singers Vocal Competition, Manders’ “irrepressible style” makes her an “in demand musician both as a bandleader and as a sideman.” She lent her voice to Amsterdam-based saxophonist Maarten Ornsteins’ DASH!, which featured artists such as Oene van Geel and Morris Kliphuis. She performed with DASH! throughout Europe, in the Music Theatre production “Spica”, multi-disciplinary theatre performance “Brilliant Limbs" and toured China with the band.

Manders performed and/or collaborated with The Metropole Orchestra, Maarten Ornstein, Oene van Geel, Morris Kliphuis, Grammy nominee Vince Mendosa, Erik Hoeke, Joshua Samson, Alexander Maksymiw, Yuriy Yaremchuk, Jeffrey Bruinsma, Oene van Geel, Alex Oele, Wim Kegel, Daniel Schroeteler. She performed at world known venues and festivals such as The Bimhuis, Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Paradiso, North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Concert Hall Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the Unterfahrt in Germany, the Sziget Festival in Hungary, the Brussels Jazz Club in Belgium, Jazzclub Jazz Dock in the Czech Republik, Jazz Club Dzyga in Ukraine, the Jazz Gallerie in Canada and at the Nanjijng Jazz Festival and the Chengdou Jazz Festival in China.

Love Is Yours Is Mine

---

Jay McShann - At Cafe Des Copains

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:50
Size: 132.4 MB
Styles: Piano
Year: 1989/1999
Art: Front

[3:24] 1. Exactly Like You
[3:44] 2. Autumn in New York
[3:34] 3. The Bells Are Ringing
[6:39] 4. Body and Soul
[4:31] 5. Caravan
[4:47] 6. But Beautiful
[3:18] 7. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
[3:29] 8. Night Train
[4:15] 9. On the Trail
[4:51] 10. Once in a While
[3:41] 11. Watch What Happens
[4:09] 12. Sweet Sue
[3:40] 13. I Cover the Waterfront
[3:42] 14. But Not for Me

Jay McShann may be best known as "Charlie Parker's first employer", but he is far more than that...This record of solo piano, live from a cafe in Canada, is breathtaking. The man tackles boogie woogie, blues, stride and more modern jazz with equal strength and authority, and the music swings with total abandon from start to finish. They just don't make them like this anymore. ~T. Bekken

At Cafe Des Copains                 

---

Cynthia Sayer - Forward Moves

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:31
Size: 115.7 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. Kiss Me Sweet
[3:06] 2. Moonlight On The Ganges
[4:49] 3. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
[4:23] 4. Melancholy
[4:04] 5. Douce Ambiance
[5:07] 6. Blues In My Heart
[4:10] 7. Kansas City Kitty
[5:08] 8. Cryin' For The Carolines
[4:19] 9. Forward Moves
[3:26] 10. Crazy Man Blues
[3:46] 11. Them There Eyes
[4:03] 12. Is You Is, Or Is You Aint (Ma' Baby)

Kenny Davern on clarinet; Peter Ecklund on cornet; Vince Giordano on bass saxophone; Greg Cohen on string bass. This CD was remastered by multi-award-winning engineer Alan Silverman of Arf! Digital

FORWARD MOVES is fresh and vibrant as when it was first released, thanks to Cynthia’s usual unique approach to early jazz styles. Cynthia Sayer is regarded a one of the top 4-string banjoists in the world today. A member of Woody Allen’s jazz band for over 10 years, Cynthia’s solo career has taken her well beyond these New Orleans roots to become an acclaimed bandleader and guest artist. She has a unique and expansive approach to the instrument which is all her own, and she is also a respected vocalist. Her eclectic repertoire ranges from swing and hot jazz to tango, western, classical, and more. Cynthia has worked with a variety of leading jazz and popular artists such as Dick Hyman, Wynton Marsalis, Marian McPartland, Bill Cosby, Warren Vaché, Les Paul, Wycliffe Gordon, Marvin Hamlisch, Bucky Pizzarelli, Scott Robinson, and many others. She has also played with some top bluegrass/roots/country artists, including Tony Trischka, Bill Keith, Odetta, Eric Weissberg, Mike Marshall, and John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).

Cynthia's extensive career includes performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, playing the White House, appearing with The New York Philharmonic, feature film and TV soundtracks, TV commercials, radio jingles, and numerous national TV and radio show appearances in the USA and abroad. She plays at many music festivals in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Cynthia has accumulated numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Banjo Hall of Fame. Her most recent CD release, “Attractions,” which includes legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, received two 2009 award nominations. She is also a subject of a PBS documentary about the banjo, expected to be aired in 2011. Cynthia endorses Ome banjos and GHS Strings.

Forward Moves

---

Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn & Orchestra - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:30
Size: 83.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1961/1999
Art: Front

[2:59] 1. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:35] 2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
[2:26] 3. The Gal From Joe's
[2:59] 4. Your Love Has Faded
[3:25] 5. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
[3:17] 6. Jeep's Blues
[3:55] 7. Day Dream
[3:18] 8. Juice A-Plenty
[2:32] 9. Azure
[3:34] 10. Tailor Made
[4:24] 11. Stardust

Alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges recorded frequently for Verve in the 1950s and 1960s, although nearly all of the musicians on this CD are from the Ellington orchestra and the arrangements are by Billy Strayhorn. Hodges is never less than superb throughout this reissue, while Lawrence Brown, Harry Carney and non-Ellingtonians Howard McGhee on trumpet and pianist Jimmy Jones also deserve praise. Strayhorn's exotic chart of "Azure" and emotional scoring of "Your Love Has Faded" are especially striking. Recommended. ~Ken Dryden

Johnny Hodges, Billy Strayhorn & Orchestra

---

George Masso Quintet - Trombone Artistry

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:32
Size: 191,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:43)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
( 5:19)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 6:52)  3. More Than You Know
(10:11)  4. Blue Monk
( 7:09)  5. If I Were A Bell
( 8:53)  6. It All Depends On You
(10:08)  7. Just Friends
( 5:21)  8. I Thought Abought You
( 9:52)  9. On The Alamo
( 7:59) 10. Three Little Words

This German CD teams together trombonist George Masso, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. The trombone-clarinet frontline works together quite well, and overall, this is one of Masso's finest recordings. Mainstream fans should enjoy the live recording, which is highlighted by "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "More Than You Know," "It All Depends On You" and a burning rendition of "Three Little Words." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/trombone-artistry-mw0000601827

Personnel: George Masso (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Brian Dee (piano); Jake Hanna (drums).

Trombone Artistry

---

Branford Marsalis - Contemporary Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:54
Size: 170,3 MB
Art: Front

( 6:49)  1. In The Crease
(10:19)  2. Requiem
(16:03)  3. Elysium
( 8:47)  4. Cheek To Cheek
( 8:23)  5. Tain Mutiny
( 6:03)  6. Ayanna
(17:26)  7. Countronious Rex

Although the penultimate release from Branford Marsalis was entitled Requiem, this outing for sure embodies a fitting tribute to Kenny Kirkland. The pianist died mid-recording of Branford’s last disc, shocking the young saxophonist and causing him to find a new rhythm section leader. Well actually Tain Watts is the center of any rhythm scene wherever he plays. Calderazzo fills the Kirkland role in a sort of meddling way. While and accomplished pianist on his own, Calderazzo doesn’t fit nicely into Branford’s jazz vision. His piano seems to agitate and disturb the tenor. Marsalis is a talented trio saxophonist, in that I mean he can carry the melody and his improvisation without the need of a piano, as evidenced on his recordings Trio Jeepy (1988), Bloomington (1991), and The Dark Keys (1996). Most of the tracks here work best when either Marsalis or Calderazzo listen to the other play in trio format. 

The highlight of the record is Marsalis’ remake of Irving Berlin’s “Cheek To Cheek.” Playing havoc with time signatures, Branford and Watts reshuffle the familiar to create the infinite in terms of permutations of the song. His reworking a song, be it an original or his own “Elysium” (originally on Requim ), is Branford’s strongest suit. After Marsalis opens “Cheek,” Calderazzo follows in the deconstruct mode, chasing the melody up and down the keyboards. While the songs are not just soloing devices, the solos here are significant. Watt’s opens “Tain Mutiny” with his patented thunder attack before Marsalis spits a horn line and the wrestling match continues. And, like the WWF, all the mayhem is choreographed. You just got to love Tain’s pulse over Branford’s best Coltrane blowing. The set closes with the Gospel tinged “Countronious Rex,” named for the drummer’s country roots. The Pittsburgh-born Watts (the Steeler’s country?, well maybe Terry Bradshaw) wrote the hand-clapping soul station blues it seems to act as an old fashion revival. Reminds me of Cannonball Adderley and his feel for a great song. ~ Mark Corroto https://www.allaboutjazz.com/contemporary-jazz-branford-marsalis-columbia-records-review-by-mark-corroto__13180.php

Personnel: Branford Marsalis (saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Eric Revis (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums).

Contemporary Jazz

---

Paul Grabowsky - Tales of Time and Space

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:38
Size: 171,4 MB
Art: Front

(9:28)  1. Tailfin
(8:50)  2. Sideshow Sarabande
(5:13)  3. Silverland
(6:58)  4. Angel
(9:48)  5. Medium Rare
(8:29)  6. Wist
(6:52)  7. Reason and Rhyme
(6:49)  8. Updraft
(7:03)  9. Circle of Trust
(5:04) 10. Silverland

There is little question that for the public at large, pianist and bandleader Paul Grabowsky is the largest question mark when it comes to the personnel on this album. Holding company with Branford Marsalis, Joe lovano, Scott Tinkler, Ed Schuller, and Jeff "Tain" Watts is no small feat. And although the liner notes to Tales of Time and Space attempt to answer the question of who Grabowsky is, the just-under-fifty Australian pianist is more than a musician with wide ranging roots in jazz and film scoring, he's a consummate pianist and composer who warrants significant attention. Aside from those facts, the other welcome surprise here is that although Tales is a one-off recording with a ton of talent something that often results in a muddy or uninspired date this is a tight ensemble with purpose and drive. Everyone shines and has his particular moments, but first and foremost they serve Grabowsky's music and vision. Recorded in 2003, Tales of Time and Space has the elegance of a modern straight-ahead jazz recording that one might hear in performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center, but the music also has depth and fire that can sometimes be lacking in such establishments. Marsalis' command of the sometimes unwieldy soprano is inspired, continuing his impressive development of an individual voice on the instrument he has been cultivating more publicly of late. And while his quartet band mate Watts, the modern tenor giant Lovano, and the highly adaptive and imaginative bassist Schuller all turn in quality performances, Tinkler and his swaggering trumpet provide a particular voice that nearly eclipses them.

With a strong full sound and a background tying him with the leader, Tinkler more than holds his own on tracks like the opening "Tailfin, where he uses a plunger alongside Lovano and Marsalis, who states a theme that pulls in different directions of space and time following an opening drum solo that sets a locomotive pace. Grabowsky himself finally comes in following all this action underneath the band, and he almost immediately falls away when Tinkler races out front. Tinkler's articulation is crisp and never escapes him during his invigorating solo. He eventually pulls up his pace in time with the plaintive soprano that emerges behind him, eventually giving way to Grabowsky, who sounds somewhere between Kenny Barron's natural flow and Ran Blake's reductive use of space and sound. There is little question why everyone involved was excited after the inspired take of "Tailfin. And the majority of the album follows suit. The one misstep, however, is the inclusion of a remix of "Silverland (dedicated to the Australian rock trio Silverchair). While it is an interesting track unto itself, with Watts mixed way up front, its inclusion here seems out of place with the overall feel of the album. This quibble aside, Tales of Time and Space is an excellent recording for those who enjoy straight-ahead ensemble playing that straddles the mainstream jazz vernacular and a loose and outer-reaching feel. ~ Michael McCaw https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tales-of-time-and-space-paul-grabowsky-sanctuary-records-review-by-michael-mccaw.php
 

Personnel:  Paul Grabowsky: piano;  Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone; Branford Marsalis: soprano saxophone; Scott Tinkler: trumpet;  Ed Schuller: acoustic bass;  Jeff "Tain" Watts: drums.

Tales of Time and Space

---

Kerry Ellis, Brian May - Acoustic By Candlelight

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:30
Size: 147.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. Born Free
[4:49] 2. I Loved A Butterfly
[3:45] 3. I Who Have Nothing
[4:21] 4. Dust In The Wind
[4:25] 5. The Kissing Me Song
[4:56] 6. Nothing Really Has Changed
[4:30] 7. Life Is Real
[3:43] 8. The Way We Were
[4:32] 9. Something
[4:37] 10. Love Of My Life
[3:25] 11. I'm Not That Girl
[4:31] 12. I Can't Be Your Friend
[3:44] 13. In The Bleak Midwinter
[3:46] 14. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
[6:04] 15. No One But You [only The Good Die Young]

Vocal and acoustic instruments - you've got to be good to get away with that! And you've got to be very good to produce a five-star album. Fortunately Kerry Ellis and Brian May are very good.

The CD takes a while to get going - after the first few songs I was convinced this was going to be a four-star review - but picks up quickly with highlights including The Kissing Me Song, Something, Love Of My Life, I'm Not That Girl, I Can't Be Your Friend, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and No One But You. Special mention has to go to Something, which has long been my favourite Beatles song. Kerry's voice sounds wonderful on this and Brian has done an excellent job of reproducing George Harrison's guitar sound. ~Mark Syder

Acoustic By Candlelight

---

The Speakeasies' Swing Band - Land Of Plenty

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:54
Size: 105.1 MB
Styles: Retro Swing
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Sinner's Advice
[4:31] 2. My Baby Kicked Me Out
[4:49] 3. Love Theme From 'the Godfather'
[5:41] 4. S. Ballad
[2:34] 5. Cashor Check
[3:18] 6. Pera Vrechi
[4:15] 7. To Danio
[4:23] 8. Gypsy Curse
[5:28] 9. Please Love Me
[5:40] 10. Deal With The Devil

Acoustic Guitar – Giannis Ntalianis; Clarinet – Christos Papadopoulos; Double Bass – Panos Voulgarakis; Drums – Stergios Koias; Electric Guitar – Panos Karnoutsos; Piano, Accordion – Manolis Stamatiadis; Saxophone – James Wylie (tracks: 7,8,10); Trombone – Menelaos Karagiannis (tracks: 8,10); Trumpet – Christos Anastasiadis (tracks: 7,8,10); Violin – Thanos Anagnostopoulos (tracks: 3); Vocals – Caterina Sisinni. Recorded live at “Royal Alzheimer Hall” studio by Titos Kariotakis, Christos Harbilas & Orestis Patsinakidis.

Ten stories that will take you back to the Prohibition era where the speakeasies and swing music were the only means to get around everyday life problems.

Land Of Plenty

---

Shorty Rogers & His Giants - The Swinging Mr. Rogers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:17
Size: 103.7 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, West Coast jazz
Year: 1955/2006
Art: Front

[5:42] 1. Isn't It Romantic
[4:38] 2. Trickley Didlier
[6:29] 3. Oh Play That Thing
[4:56] 4. Not Really The Blues
[7:53] 5. Martians Go Home
[6:10] 6. My Heart Stood Still
[3:53] 7. Michele's Meditation
[5:32] 8. That's What I'm Talkin' 'bout

This Lp has one of trumpeter Shorty Rogers' finest small group sessions of the 1950's; fortunately the music has been reissued by Mosaic on CD in a box set. Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre (on clarinet, tenor and baritone), pianist Pete Jolly, bassist Curtis Counce and drummer Shelly Manne are the epitome of cool on a well-rounded and consistently interesting set. Highlights including "Isn't It Romantic," "Trickleydidlier," "Not Really The Blues" and Rogers' "hit" "Martians Go Home." ~Scott Yanow

The Swinging Mr. Rogers

---

Steve Turre - One4J

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:26
Size: 140,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:47)  1. Overdrive
(6:50)  2. Wee Dot
(4:52)  3. Lament
(5:07)  4. One 4 J
(4:58)  5. Mr. Johnson
(5:41)  6. Short Cake
(6:22)  7. Kelo
(5:21)  8. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(5:08)  9. El Camino Real
(5:50) 10. Enigma
(6:25) 11. Minor Blues

One4J is the second high profile multi-trombone release this season, after Spirit of the Horn (MCG Jazz, 2003) by Slide Hampton and The World of Trombones. That disc was an implicit hommage to the trombone master J.J. Johnson. This present disc is explicitly dedicated to the Imminent Mr. Johnson, who passed away February 4, 2001. Steve Turre digs deep into the Johnson songbook to pull out compositions by and songs associated with or inspired by Mr. Johnson. For his part, Turre successfully arranged these various trombone anthems for six talented and very different trombonists. He crafts "Overdrive" for himself and Robin Eubanks; "We Dot" for Andre Heyward; and Johnson's most famous composition, "Lament," for Joe Alessi and Steve Davis (with Douglas Purviance blowing the bass trombone). All are carried off with the grace and calm of low brass. Discs like this can be somewhat risky affairs, with their emphasis on a single instrument. An orchestra of trombones might sound as if it will come off as an orchestra of cellos. But in this case, the disc is not terribly trombone heavy. It provides a completely satisfying listening experience while highlighting those keen practitioners of the trombone. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/one4j-paying-homage-to-jj-johnson-steve-turre-telarc-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php?width=1920

Personnel: Steve Turre, Joe Alessi, Steve Davis, Robin Eubanks, Andre Hayward, Douglas Purviance -Trombones;   Stephen Scott,  Renee Rosnes-Piano;  Peter Washington-Bass;  Victor Lewis-Drums;  Abou M'Boup-Percussion.

One4J

---

Chris Connor - Sweet And Swinging

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1978
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:10
Size: 87,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:21)  1. I Feel A Song Comin' On
(4:05)  2. Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home
(3:00)  3. Just In Time
(3:41)  4. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:38)  5. Out of This World
(5:40)  6. When Sunny Gets Blue
(1:51)  7. Things Are Swingin'
(3:37)  8. Where Flamingos Fly
(2:55)  9. I've Got You Under My Skin
(4:49) 10. I Wish You Love
(1:28) 11. The Sweetest Sounds

Not all that much was heard from Chris Connor after her last Atlantic record in 1962 until this date. Her recordings for FM, ABC-Paramount (quite commercial), Bainbridge and Japanese Sony in the interim were all quite obscure. But at the age of 50, she began to make a comeback and showed that her voice was still strong and her cool style intact. Accompanied by pianist Michael Abene, bassist Michael Moore, drummer Ronnie Bedford and Jerry Dodgion on alto and flute, Connor performs 11 diverse tunes, including remakes of a few earlier numbers. Highlights include "Out of This World," "Where Flamingos Fly" and "When Sunny Gets Blue." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-and-swinging-mw0000626664

Personnel: Chris Connor (vocals); Michael Abene (piano, keyboards); Ronnie Bedford (drums).

Sweet And Swinging

---

Branford Marsalis - I Heard You Twice the First Time

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:48
Size: 161,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:06)  1. Brother Trying to Catch a Cab (On the East Side) Blues
(10:10)  2. B.B.'s Blues
( 9:21)  3. Rib Tip Johnson
( 6:48)  4. Mabel
( 6:32)  5. Sidney in da Haus
( 5:27)  6. Berta, Berta
( 7:16)  7. Stretto from the Ghetto
( 5:33)  8. Dance of the Hei Gui
( 6:23)  9. The Road You Choose
( 3:09) 10. Simi Valley Blues

Branford Marsalis plays the blues on this interesting if erratic CD. Among his many guests are B.B. King (although surprisingly, there is no interaction between Marsalis and King), John Lee Hooker, Russell Malone, Linda Hopkins (who comes across very well), Joe Louis Walker and brothers Wynton and Delfeayo Marsalis. Ranging from hints of field hollers and New Orleans to country blues, a vignette ("Brother Trying to Catch a Cab (On the East Side) Blues") and a few more conventional burnouts, this is an intriguing set that is worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-heard-you-twice-the-first-time-mw0000084782

Personnel:  Branford Marsalis (vocals, soprano, alto & tenor saxophones);  B.B. King, John Lee Hooker (vocals, guitar); Linda Hopkins, Thomas Hollis, Roscoe Carroll, Carl Gordon, Charles Dutton (vocals); Wessel Anderson (alto saxophone); Wynton Marsalis, Earl Gardner (trumpet); Defeayo Marsalis, David Sagher (trombone); Kenny Kirkland (piano); Russel Malone, Joe Louis Walker, T-Blade (guitar); Robert Hurst, Reginald Veal (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bernard Purdie, Herlin "Homey" Riley (drums).

I Heard You Twice the First Time

---