Friend 'N Fellow - Purple Rose / Taxi

Album: Purple Rose
Size: 107,3 MB
Time: 45:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Fly Like An Eagle (3:33)
02. Forbidden Wine (3:28)
03. Snow Is Gleamin' Red (4:05)
04. Wind Calls Me (3:21)
05. Colours (4:13)
06. Friend Of Mine (4:53)
07. Forever Young (3:27)
08. Don't Run Away (2:22)
09. Father's Home (3:58)
10. Blind Man (4:31)
11. Babble (2:15)
12. Return To Love (3:10)
13. Godlike Grace (2:19)

On Purple Rose, Friend 'n Fellow -- lyricist/vocalist Constanze Friend and composer Thomas Fellow -- pay tribute to the spirit of the late Luther Allison with a selection of mostly original pieces, although there are a couple of rock covers in Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" and Steve Miller's "Fly like an Eagle." The ensemble's instrumentation is mostly acoustic -- highlighted by the organ and drum work of brothers Mathias and Alexander Bätzel, respectively -- and the music often roams the middle ground between jazz and blues. ~by Steve Huey

Purple Rose

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Album: Taxi
Size: 102,1 MB
Time: 43:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2002
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Blue In You (3:31)
02. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (4:10)
03. Mountains (2:41)
04. House With 6 Rooms (2:55)
05. Grandma's Hands (3:31)
06. Naked In A Jacket (4:27)
07. Little Doll (3:19)
08. Taxi (4:01)
09. Unknown (3:16)
10. Kiss The Rain (4:51)
11. Purple Haze (3:01)
12. Overjoyed (3:30)

On their CD Taxi, Friend 'n Fellow reveals the latest progress they have made on a long journey, which we can only hope will have many more miles.

This new double portion of magical voice and rich guitar-grooves follows their debut at Ruf- Records with the CD Home (1997) and the following album Purple Rose (1998). They see their music as 'acoustic soul', but beware: you won't be spared any surprising excursions into other musical fields!

Friend n' Fellow are a lively counterpoint in the American-dominated music market. They are perfectly comfortable in the company of the best musicians of their genre, and have been recognised with respect by stars like Ray Charles, Al Jarreau or Keb 'Mo. The great legend of the Blues, Luther Allison, was their mentor and supporter, teacher and enthusiastic fan, to which he "outed" himself during their common European tour in 1997.

It is hard to resist the connectedness of these extraordinary musicians. Virtuosity and absolute control over their means of expression make Friend 'n Fellow a perfect live performance.

Taxi

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Don Baraka - Retro-Groove

Size: 148,6 MB
Time: 64:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Soul Jazz
Art: Front

01. Let's Straighten It Out (3:31)
02. Searching For My Love (3:20)
03. Sweetest Taboo (4:06)
04. Blue Horn (2:03)
05. Cry My Heart Out (4:19)
06. Ooh Baby Baby (3:35)
07. I Do Love You (3:55)
08. Ire'ne Means Peace (4:02)
09. Colours (2:46)
10. Blue Moon (6:07)
11. Blue Bossa (3:03)
12. Chain Of Fools, Pt. 1 (5:47)
13. Chain Of Fools, Pt. 2 (3:53)
14. Start It Up (3:55)
15. Mustang Sally (4:18)
16. Rain Keep Falling (5:18)

Don Baraka has been playing and singing contemporary music since 1955. A very young 72 years old, his tenor sax, alto and flute work appears on many CDs. Equally comfortable with fronting or singing background, his voice ranges from a modest baritone to a smooth falsetto. Growing up with rock and roll as it transitioned from its R&B roots, Don went from custom cars and hall dances through the San Francisco scene of the 60s. Influenced by artists he backed up (Bobby Freeman, Freddie King, Drifters, Coasters, Joe Turner) hung out with (Gatemouth Brown, Paul Revere, Teddy Neely, Janis Joplin, Doug Sahm) and gigged with (Jimmy Soul Strickland, Dick Jensen, Murphy Brock, Sam Johnson, Gene Washington), Don also assimilated elements of soul and inflection from the greats he witnessed live at the Fillmore West: Chicago, Sly Stone, Otis Redding, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, and of course the Grateful Dead, Moby Grape, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Bro & the Holding Co, Jefferson Airplane, Blue Cheer, Grand Funk, Iron Butterfly and great SF Bay Area horn bands like The Loading Zone (with Linda Tillery), Sons of Champlin and Cold Blood. He worked with 10 piece Home Sweet Home, cross-bay rivals of Tower of Power, and more recently a 6-year stint with Red Archibald and the Internationals, and the Bingtones with their 5 horn modern R&B sound. Maintaining the early ethic of the Soul era - it's got to be real, you got ta feel it - Don brings honesty, musicianship and respect for the tradition to every note he plays. But the evidence is in the listening. Please enjoy this first offering from his own Profunk record label, and tell your friends!

Retro-Groove

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Big Joe Kennedy - 504-Tified

Size: 165,9 MB
Time: 69:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: New Orleans Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Junco Partner (4:11)
02. Keep On Gwine (3:31)
03. New Orleans Party (3:39)
04. Makin' Whoopee (5:45)
05. Let's Make A Better World (4:10)
06. Tain't No Sin (2:26)
07. Runnin' Wild (3:16)
08. Ma, She's Making Eyes At Me (2:25)
09. The Proposal (3:02)
10. Take Me To The Land Of Jazz (4:15)
11. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover (4:05)
12. Darktown Strutters Ball (2:25)
13. Come By Me (3:42)
14. Stayin' Alive (3:58)
15. Doctor Jazz (3:06)
16. Sugar Blues (3:01)
17. Stayin' Alive (3:58)
18. The Curse Of An Aching Heart (3:22)
19. Sea Cruise (2:29)
20. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (3:00)

Joe Kennedy’s musical artistry is a welcome change to the stale environment in today’s vocoder-worshipping music industry. His dexterous combinations of Blues and Jazz recall classic performers while boldly paving a new path that is entirely his own.

Kennedy knew he was destined for greatness the day he placed his fingers on a piano at age eight. He began studying Jazz at age 15 and, at 16, was attending local Blues jams where the performers took him under his wing and invited him on tour when he turned 18 where he learned the ropes of performance, showmanship and crowd interaction in his home state of Wisconsin and in Illinois.

After years of working with other artists, he released his solo debut album, Submerged, in 2004. The album’s combination of Blues and Jazz was a critical hit and an underground sensation that earned him the “Best Blues Pianist” award the same year in a statewide competition. He continued his success with The Straight Ahead EP in 2006 and 2008’s No Turning Back.

His style has been compared to that of Harry Connick Jr., James Taylor and Ray Charles and draws influence from a wide pool of influential artists such as Paul Simon, Richard Tee, Debussy and Satie. Piano fanatics will notice shades of Gene Harris, Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Hancock and other piano masters.

Kennedy fully embraces the praise (and criticism) that his distinct style receives. “My style is too jazzy for blues and too bluesy for jazz,” he says, “so I have been told. I like to take a jazz song and make it dirty,” he explains, “or take a rough blues tune and clean it up just enough to get the story across on the piano instead of guitar.”

Kennedy, a University of Wisconsin-Parkside alumnus, received his Master’s of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Las Vegas where he studied with Dave Loeb, Bruce Paulson and Tom Warrington. He was also the Graduate Assistant for the school’s Jazz department where he coordinated all student performances as the Jazz Event Coordinator.

After finishing the Masters Program at UNLV, Joe was a full time faculty member for the 2009 and 2010 academic years at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts in New Orleans, teaching jazz and traditional piano. He also held long term engagements at clubs in the French Quarter playing 3+ nights a week solo piano, with his Jazz Trio, and his 7 piece funky blues band.

In December of 2010 Joe was recruited to be the band leader and pianist in lounges on cruise ships. He has traveled to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçau, Mexico, Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Nevis, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent, Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatamala, Panama, Costa Rica, and Alaska. After a 2 year run on cruise ships, Joe joined forces with Felix & Fingers Dueling Piano's in Chicago, IL. He traveled with them all around the midwest performing private parties, corporate events, weddings and more from late 2012 until the fall of 2013.

New Orleans' own DUKES of Dixieland invited Joe to perform with them for a weekend in the Spring of 2013, and it turned out to be the beginning of a new friendship. Joe officially joined the DUKES of Dixieland in Sept. 2013 as the full time pianist and performs with them nightly in New Orleans.

Joe Kennedy continues to grace audiences with his music, and perform his brand of funky jazzy blues wherever the music takes him.

504-Tified

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Zeeteah Massiah - Maybe Tomorrow

Size: 171 MB
Time: 40:53
File: FLAC
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Cry Me A River (3:59)
02. Fever (4:24)
03. One For My Baby (4:00)
04. What A Difference A Day Made (3:56)
05. Here In You (3:50)
06. Mona Lisa (3:53)
07. Under My Skin (4:46)
08. Butterfly (3:33)
09. Never Never Never (5:09)
10. Every Time We Say Goodbye (3:19)

Born in Barbados, raised in London, Zeeteah Silveta Massiah has spent her life exploring every avenue of musical expression.

Since 2012, Zeeteah has lived in London with her husband, songwriter and producer Paul Caplin. Together they have explored a fresh new approach to classic jazz, and released two albums: Juice (2014) and Maybe Tomorrow (2016).

Maybe Tomorrow

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Sonny Fortune - In the Spirit of John Coltrane

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:53
Size: 117,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:39)  1. Trane and Things
(3:45)  2. Hangin' Out with JC
(6:23)  3. Africa
(7:16)  4. In the Spirit
(5:33)  5. Mr. Jones
(4:23)  6. Hangin' Out with JC Again
(5:48)  7. Ole
(5:20)  8. Say What
(6:42)  9. For John

It is not surprising to see Sonny Fortune pay tribute to John Coltrane. After all, perhaps more than anyone else, Fortune is carrying the torch that was handed off when Coltrane died -- his style owes a lot to the sax player, and some of his best work has been with others who contributed to the Coltrane legacy, namely the great McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. Fortune doesn't just rehash Coltrane's work on this album, however; instead, In the Spirit of John Coltrane features Fortune's original compositions, inspired by Coltrane but with Fortune's unique stamp as well. A fine return to recording after a three-year hiatus, In the Spirit of Coltrane shows that Fortune still has a few tricks up his sleeve.~Stacia Proefrock http://www.allmusic.com/album/in-the-spirit-of-john-coltrane-mw0000672792

Personnel: Sonny Fortune (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones); John Hicks (piano); Santi Debriano, Reggie Workman (bass); Ronnie Burrage, Rashied Ali (drums); Steve Berrios, Julio Collazo (bata drums).

In the Spirit of John Coltrane

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Diana Krall - When I Look In Your Eyes

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:52
Size: 126,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(3:20)  2. Devil May Care
(4:19)  3. Let's Fall In Love
(4:31)  4. When I Look In Your Eyes
(4:28)  5. Popsicle Toes
(6:10)  6. I've Got You Under My Skin
(2:33)  7. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(4:45)  8. I'll String Along With You
(4:56)  9. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)
(3:01) 10. Pick Yourself Up
(2:36) 11. The Best Thing For You
(4:45) 12. Do It Again
(4:03) 13. Why Should I Care

With this CD, the young Canadian singer/pianist/arranger joins forces with producer Tommy LiPuma, who places his orchestral stamp on eight of the 13 tracks. It is the latest attempt to push Krall to an even wider pop/smooth jazz audience than she already enjoys. After all, Nat Cole, Wes Montgomery, and George Benson, among others, went this route. Wonder if she'd agree the cuts sans strings were more fun and challenging? Krall does get to it with central help from bassists John Clayton and Ben Wolfe, drummers Jeff Hamilton and Lewis Nash, and guitarist Russell Malone, all stellar players. Krall's voice is sweet and sexy. She's also flexible within her range and at times a bit kitschy, mostly the hopeless romantic. On this CD of love songs, it's clear she's cool but very much in love with this music. Bob Dorough's "Devil May Care" and the insistent "Best Thing for You" really click. Favorites are a decent Shearing-esque "Let's Fall in Love" with vibist Larry Bunker; a suave slow bossa on the opening number, "Let's Face the Music"; the lusher-than-lush title track; and especially an incredible horn-fired fanfare intro/outro on the hip "Pick Yourself Up." Some might call this fluff or mush, but it depends solely on your personal taste. This will certainly appeal to Krall's fans, lovers, and lovers at heart.~Michael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/when-i-look-in-your-eyes-mw0000238826

Personnel: Diana Krall (vocals, piano); Russell Malone (guitar); Pete Christlieb (saxophone); Alan Broadbent (piano); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Jeff Hamilton , Lewis Nash (drums).

When I Look In Your Eyes

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Frank Sinatra - Francis A. & Edward K.

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1967
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:10
Size: 81,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. Follow Me
(4:12)  2. Sunny
(5:00)  3. All I Need Is the Girl
(4:12)  4. Indian Summer
(5:00)  5. I Like the Sunrise
(4:57)  6. Yellow Days
(4:27)  7. Poor Butterfly
(3:23)  8. Come Back to Me

The much-anticipated collaboration between Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington, Francis A. & Edward K., didn't quite match its high expectations. At the time of recording, the Ellington band was no longer at its peak, and Sinatra was concentrating on contemporary pop material, not standards. It was decided that the record would be a mixture of standards and new material; as it happened, only one Ellington number, "I Like the Sunrise," was included. Due to a mild cold, Sinatra was not at his best during the sessions, and his performance is consequently uneven on the record, varying between robust, expressive performances and thin singing. Similarly, Ellington and his band are hot and cold, occasionally turning in inspired performances and just as frequently walking through the numbers. But that doesn't mean there is nothing to recommend on Francis A. & Edward K. On the contrary, the best moments on the album fulfill all of the duo's promise. All eight songs are slow numbers, which brings out Sinatra's romantic side. "Indian Summer" is a particular standout, with a sensual vocal and a breathtaking solo from saxophonist Johnny Hodges. Much of the material on the album doesn't gel quite as well, but devoted Sinatra and Ellington fans will find enough to treasure on the record to make it a worthwhile listen.~Stephen Thomas Erlewine http://www.allmusic.com/album/francis-a-edward-k-mw0000198867

Personnel : Frank Sinatra (vocals); Duke Ellington (piano); Jimmy Hamilton (clarinet); Russell Procope, Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone); Harry Carney (baritone saxophone); Rev. Francis A. & Edward K.; Cootie Williams, Cat Anderson (trumpet); Lawrence Brown (trombone); Sam Woodyard (drums, percussion).

Francis A. & Edward K.

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Sir Roland Hanna - Tributaries

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:53
Size: 148,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. Sea Changes
(6:50)  2. A Child Is Born
(8:28)  3. Body And Soul
(4:43)  4. Soon
(5:29)  5. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
(7:00)  6. Never Let Me Go
(7:26)  7. The Cup Bearers
(4:34)  8. 'Tis
(6:37)  9. I Concentrate On You
(4:03) 10. Robin's Nest
(5:18) 11. Delarna

Recorded in June 2002, Sir Roland Hanna’s solo piano tribute to the memory of Tommy Flanagan brings a message of love. They both came up through Detroit, and they shared similar career paths. Good friends, one had served as Ella Fitzgerald’s music director, while the other accompanied Sarah Vaughan as her musical director. Hanna recorded this tribute to his old friend, who had passed away on November 16, 2001. Several months after this recording had been finished, however, Hanna became ill from a viral infection of the heart, and passed away on November 13, 2002. This tragic coincidence leaves us with a farewell tribute to both piano giants. Hanna expresses lyrical ballads with effortless ease. His motions flow smoothly, and his use of rich harmonic textures places each piece on a pedestal. The pianist’s walking keyboard rhythms annotate the performance with swing. The variety that he attaches to this set of well-known standards gives the performance a lift. Two of Flanagan’s compositions are represented, to open and close the session. Both pieces exhibit serenity and deep feeling. Hanna interprets them with passion, slowly and deliberately. His agile fingers turn the keys over with a vocal-like presence. Lyricism reigns throughout this fine tribute, as it did throughout two fruitful and unforgettable careers.~Jim Santella http://www.allaboutjazz.com/tributaries-reflections-on-tommy-flanagan-sir-roland-hanna-ipo-recordings-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Sir Roland Hanna- piano.

Tributaries

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