Guinga - Guinga & Convidados Vol. 1 & Vol. 2

Album: Guinga & Convidados Vol. 1
Size: 129,6 MB
Time: 55:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Samba, Bossa
Art: Front

01. Lendas Brasileiras (Feat. Chico Buarque) (3:21)
02. Baiao De Lacan (Feat. Leila Pinheiro) (3:02)
03. Cha De Panela (Feat. Alceu Valença) (4:46)
04. O Silencio De Iara (4:02)
05. Nem Cais, Nem Barco (Feat. Leny Andrade) (6:08)
06. Mingus Samba (Feat. Lenine) (2:23)
07. Guia De Cego (Feat. Ivan Lins) (3:50)
08. Rio De Exageros (Feat. Chano Dominguez) (4:20)
09. No Fundo Do Rio (Feat. Nei Lopes E Sergio Cabral) (3:41)
10. Concubinato (Feat. Fatima Guedes) (3:27)
11. Par Constante (Feat. Ed Motta) (5:45)
12. Yes, Ze Manes (Feat. Chico Buarque) (5:20)
13. Constance (Feat. Toots Thielemans) (5:26)

Guinga began his musical studies as a self-taught violonista at 13. Later, he would deepen his apprenticeship of classical violão. At 16, he began to write his own compositions and in 1967, he presented one of them at II FIC (Rede Globo, Rio). In 1973, MPB-4 recorded two of his songs written with the illustrious Paulo César Pinheiro: "Conversa Com o Coração" and "Maldição de Ravel." Always flirting with the musical scenery, but was unable to make a living in it (as many sincere artists in Brazil). He became a dentist, but nevertheless registered his love for the true Brazilian tradition in appearances as sideman in several samba albums since then, like the second solo album by Cartola recorded in 1976, in which he plays the violão on "As Rosas Não Falam." As an instrumentalist, he has accompanied such artists as Beth Carvalho, Cartola, Alaíde Costa, Clara Nunes, and João Nogueira. His first solo show is from 1989, where he performed in the Vou Vivendo nightclub (São Paulo) with Paulo César Pinheiro and Ithamara Koorax. His first solo album, Simples e Absurdo (Velas 1991), featured lyrics by Aldir Blanc and special guests Chico Buarque, Cláudio Nucci, Leila Pinheiro, Paulinho Malaguti, Ivan Lins, Zé Renato, Leny Andrade, Be Happy, and others. His second album is Delírio Carioca (Velas 1993), with special guests Djavan, Boca Livre, and Leila Pinheiro. The third album, Cheio de Dedos (1996), is almost entirely instrumental, with special guests Chano Dominguez, Diapasón, Chico Buarque, Nó em Pingo D'água, and Ed Motta. This one was awarded with the Prêmio Sharp in 1996 in three separate categories: Best Instrumental Album, Best Instrumental Song ("Dá o Pé Loro," by Guinga), and Best Production (Paulo Albuquerque). In 2000, they released a fourth album, Suíte Leopoldina (Velas), with special guests Toots Thielemans ("Dos Anjos" and "Constance"), Chico Buarque/Nei Lopes ("Parsifal"), Alceu Valença ("Chá de Panela"), Ivan Lins ("Guia de Cego"), Lenine ("Mingus Samba"), and Ed Motta ("Par Constante"). Since 1993, he has become an international artist, performing at the Festival Internacional de Guitarra (Cordoba, Spain), and the Festival Braziliana -- Jazz House (Copenhagen, Denmark). His compositions have been recorded by such artists as Paulo César Pinheiro, Elis Regina, Cauby Peixoto, Leila Pinheiro, Sérgio Mendes, Turíbio Santos, and others. ~ Alvaro Neder

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Album: Guinga & Convidados Vol. 2
Size: 101,4 MB
Time: 37:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Samba, Bossa
Art: Front

01. Rio-Orleans (Feat. Ivan Lins) (4:18)
02. Simples E Absurdo (Feat. Lucia Helena) (1:18)
03. Ramo De Delirios (Feat. Claudio Nucci) (3:12)
04. Fonte Abandonada (Feat. Leila Pinheiro) (3:27)
05. Parsifal (Feat. Chico Buarque & Nei Lopes) (3:15)
06. Mingus Samba (Feat. Lenine) (2:23)
07. Delirio Carioca (Feat. Djavan) (2:14)
08. Aria De Opereta (Feat. Ed Motta) (4:19)
09. Canibaile (Feat. Leila Pinheiro) (2:37)
10. Por Tras De Bras De Pina (Feat. No Em Pingo D'agua) (2:36)
11. Impressionados (Feat. Chico Buarque) (3:42)
12. Dos Anjos (Feat. Toots Thielemans) (4:33)

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The Michael Blum Quartet - Initiation

Size: 143,3 MB
Time: 61:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Rebecca (4:59)
02. Stella By Starlight (6:32)
03. Castle Rock (6:37)
04. A Child Is Born (6:41)
05. Yellow Alert (7:48)
06. When Sunny Gets Blue (8:27)
07. Six Weeks (3:38)
08. Brown Ave (5:14)
09. Corcovado (7:09)
10. High Summer (4:33)

Presenting an equal balance of originals and familiar jazz standards in stylish fashion, the very appealing Initiation is the inaugural album from Hanover, NH—based Michael Blum and his vibrant quartet. Blum is a twenty-year old guitarist and student at Dartmouth College with a passion for jazz. His interest in jazz as a serious pursuit, drew him to study with bassist and renowned educator/clinician and Professor at the Berklee School of Music, Jim Stinnett, who was so comfortable with the young guitarist's development, that his encouragement to document his playing, led to this strong debut. With the help of mentor Stinnett—who not only plays acoustic bass, contributes several compositions and serves as the album's producer—Blum assembled a seasoned cast of players providing stellar support as the young leader's first band.

The program begins with the light and warm "Rebecca," an original contribution from the bassist, where the guitarists' appreciable talents are immediately on display, followed by a brisk interpretation of the Victor Young standard "Stella By Starlight" featuring pianist Brad Smith. The band's play takes a hard turn on the up tempo burner "Castle Rock," providing bassist Stinnett and drummer ((Dom Moio}} strong solo spots without overshadowing Blum's own performance. One of the definite highlights on the disc has to be the superb rendition of the time-honored classic "When Sunny Gets Blue," a beautiful harmonization of the melody.

The slow and almost humbling "Six Weeks," is the guitarists' only original piece of the album which, allows the guitarist the opportunity to perform in an intimate duet with mentor Stinnett as well as providing ample space to demonstrate his skills on the instrument. Blum plays Brazil with a tasteful treatment of Antonio Carlos Jobim's immortal "Corcovado" supported by the beats and cymbal accents from Moio, turning into a pleasant jam session with every band member getting into the act. The perky and melodic Stinnett original, "High Summer," is the perfect album closer showcasing the quartet once again.

No doubt about this one, Initiation is an impressive beginning for the young student who, with this stellar debut, marks his formal acceptance into the jazz world of recorded artists. Michael Blum plays with seemingly flawless technique, whose musical style and driving ambition, may one day carry him to elite status. ~Edward Blanco

Personnel: Michael Blum: guitar; Jim Stinnett: bass; Brad Smith: piano; Dom Moio: drums.

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Katy Free - Fine Day

Size: 106,7 MB
Time: 42:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Moondance (6:16)
02. Come Together (3:24)
03. Walking After Midnight (5:22)
04. That Man (2:43)
05. Man Like That (2:31)
06. I Feel The Earth Move (3:36)
07. One Fine Day (5:31)
08. The Way You Make Me Feel (4:58)
09. God Bless The Child (3:42)
10. Love (4:38)

Sure, Katy's first memory of singing is "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" for her church while actually missing her two front teeth. After that auspicious beginning she studied classical voice and applied that to musicals and choirs that toured and performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. While studying musicology and jazz voice at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, she toured the eastern United States sharing her passion and love of jazz music. Katy's multifaceted musical experience and versatile voice make her well equipped for many types of music and performance. Her specialty is taking songs from every genre and creating jazz stylings with her velvet voice that will reach out and wrap itself around you.

Katy released her debut album, Fine Day, in 2016 and is currently supporting it with dates in the southeast US. She is incredibly busy as a solo jazz artist and hosts Katy Free’s Singers Series at The Red Piano Lounge in Knoxville, Tn. She performs as a duo with the extremely gifted jazz pianist and composer, Wendel Werner. Additionally she sings with her guitar duo, trio "Katy Free Three," four-piece, "Katy Free Fourtet," and full bands. Any and all of these talented musicians perform in concert halls, jazz clubs, bars and restaurants, weddings, church services, and other venues.

With her wide array of musical experiences, interest in various genres, and her desire to be the very best musician she can be, Katy is in constant study and strives to share her deep love of music with her audiences. Katy Free’s style reveals the soul-baring interpreting power of her influences Sarah Vaughan, Jane Monheit, Etta James, Esperanza Spalding, and Stevie Wonder. She calls on the vocal vulnerability of Joni Mitchell with the versatility of Linda Ronstadt while reflecting the instrumental influence of the greats like Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Her musicality, savvy use of drama, and creativity are spurred by influences from Sammy Davis Jr. to Post Modern Jukebox. Katy, above all, gives of herself to her listeners in shows and recordings that are all her own.

MC
Ziddu

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Kevin Dozier - A New York Romance

Size: 145,0 MB
Time: 61:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Introduction (Live) (0:19)
02. Oh What A Beautiful Mornin' (Live) (3:19)
03. Take Me To The World (Live) (3:16)
04. Sailing On (Live) (3:43)
05. That Face - Put On A Happy Face (Live) (3:50)
06. Wonderful! Wonderful! (Live) (4:36)
07. I'll Tell The Man In The Street (Live) (2:48)
08. Les Miserables Audition (Live) (0:07)
09. Brady Miserables (Live) (3:24)
10. Another Hundred People - So Many People (Live) (2:32)
11. New York Romance (Live) (3:53)
12. Almost (Live) (3:00)
13. Always - Time Heals Everything (Live) (3:15)
14. On My Way To You - Bless Your Heart (Live) (4:48)
15. What More Can I Say (Live) (3:46)
16. The Best Things In Life Are Free (Live) (2:50)
17. I Hear Bells (Live) (2:45)
18. I Hear Bells (Outro) [Live] (0:58)
19. Sidewalks Of New York - Sunday In New York - New York, New York - There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York (Medley) (Live) (5:02)
20. I Believe (Live) (2:27)
21. Playoff (Live) (0:58)

Kevin Dozier was awarded the MAC and Backstage Bistro Awards for ‘Outstanding Vocalist’ in 2011. He was a 2015 and 2016 BroadwayWorld.com nominee for Outstanding Male Vocalist for his shows, "It's About Time", and "A New York Romance" at '54 Below' and 'The Metropolitan Room' in NYC.

He recently completed a series of acclaimed shows at The Metropolitan Room, entitled "A New York Romance", of which Rex Reed said, "A thrill to hear a polished singer with an impressive range, uncanny good taste, and a voice that is genuinely delightful to listen to. In a cabaret world numb with mediocre male vocalists, Mr. Dozier is very special indeed.". The shows were recorded and will be released as a new CD on May 10th 2016.

Kevin has had sold-out runs at ‘Feinstein’s’, 'The Metropolitan Room', 'The Laurie Beechman Theatre', and 'Don't Tell Mama's' in NYC, and 'The Plush Room' in San Francisco. He has also been a featured performer at 'Jazz at Lincoln Center', 'The National Arts Club', ’54 Below’, 'San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center', and numerous 'Noel Coward Society' functions.

Kevin’s second CD, "Love's Never Lost" was released in February of 2013. This CD, produced by Paul Rolnick, with arrangements, orchestrations, and musical direction by Alex Rybeck, is a collection of songs, old and new, reflecting on the many stages of love.

Kevin's highly acclaimed debut album, "Love-Wise”, made many of 2009's top album lists including Broadwayworld.com's Top 10 Vocal Albums of 2009 and WHLI radio’s Top 50 of 2009. Produced and arranged by Christopher Marlowe (arranger and musical director for Nancy LaMott), the album features love songs from the Great American Songbook.

In December of 2013, Kevin released a small collection of holiday recordings with Alex Rybeck at the piano, "Home for the Holidays".

Kevin was born in Kentucky and grew up in Minnesota, Missouri, and Kansas, where he worked as a studio-singer. While pursuing his business career in marketing, he put his singing career on the back burner. After 10 years in San Francisco, where he was named "Male Cabaret Performer of the Year" in the San Francisco Cabaret Competition, Kevin returned to New York City in 2005, He made his critically acclaimed NYC cabaret debut at 'Don't Tell Mama' in June of 2008, followed by several successful runs at 'The Metropolitan Room'. These performances garnered him a MAC Award nomination in 2009 for Best Male Debut Performance.

MC
Ziddu

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Andrea Cincinelli Organ Trio - Worst Intentions

Size: 126,6 MB
Time: 54:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Blues, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Urban Dance (3:53)
02. Autumn Leaves (5:07)
03. G Song (4:49)
04. Worst Intentions (6:01)
05. First Rule (3:54)
06. Deep And Smoky (4:06)
07. High Flow (3:54)
08. The Days Of Wine And Roses (2:59)
09. Snails Race (4:03)
10. 12 Bars Bop (4:58)
11. Abyss Promenade (5:18)
12. Prelude To A Kiss (5:06)

Andrea Cincinelli: Guitar, Vocals
Manrico Seghi: Hammond Organ
Giovanni Paolo Liguori: Drums

MC
Ziddu

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The Sky Is Crying - Why Don't You Do Right

Size: 115,9 MB
Time: 49:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Miss Celie's Blues (4:55)
02. Why Don't You Do Right (4:50)
03. Don't Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down (3:47)
04. Greveholm (3:12)
05. St. James Infirmary (4:54)
06. Worrisome Heart (3:22)
07. Please Mr. Jailer (4:03)
08. Make You Feel My Love (3:35)
09. Give Me One Reason (Live) (3:47)
10. Your Heart Is As Black As Night (Live) (4:33)
11. Wonderwall (Live) (4:15)
12. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl (Live) (4:29)

The Sky Is Crying is a blues band from Göteborg, Sweden.

The Sky Is Crying are:
Kristin Ladström - Voice
Gustav Davidsson - Trombone + Piano
Marcus Fenn - Bass + other stringed instruments

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Anne Ducros - Urban Tribe

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:46
Size: 120.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. Sexy Sadie
[3:31] 2. When I Know, If I Know
[5:19] 3. Up Jumped Spring
[5:29] 4. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[4:28] 5. You And The Night And The Music
[3:20] 6. Easy To Love
[5:29] 7. Stairway To The Stars
[4:59] 8. Who Can I Turn To
[4:30] 9. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
[3:56] 10. Over The Rainbow
[7:49] 11. Green Dolphin Street

Anne Ducros' second Dreyfus CD is a mixed bag. After an impressive first effort for the label, this session opens with two dreadful numbers, a bland pop interpretation of the Beatles' "Sexy Sadie" (not one of the typical Beatles' pieces chosen by jazz musicians), and an annoying original by her pianist Oliver Hutman, "When I Know, If I Know," which sounds as if it was written during the heyday of disco. Fortunately, Ducros regains focus on the sound of jazz for the remaining tracks, scatting up a storm in "Up Jumped Spring," delivering a moving interpretation of the melancholy "I Fall in Love Too Easily," and offering a playful "Who Can I Turn To." Ducros does not take a lot of liberties with Otis Redding's soulful "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay," though her decision to sing it as a duet with bassist Essiet Essiet keeps it from getting dull. Saxophonist Ada Rovatti is added on several tracks, providing a rich backdrop for the singer in a breezy setting of "Over the Rainbow." Drummer Bruce Cox provides excellent support throughout this disc. ~Ken Dryden

Urban Tribe

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Bobby Gordon - Pee Wee's Song

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:03
Size: 148.9 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 1997/2006
Art: Front

[3:37] 1. Oh No!
[4:40] 2. I Got 'em Again
[4:08] 3. But Why
[3:53] 4. What's The Pitch
[3:29] 5. Midnight Blue
[4:41] 6. Twenty Eighth And Eighth
[5:18] 7. Muskogee Blues
[4:10] 8. Are You Here
[5:20] 9. Pee Wee's Song
[4:04] 10. Cutie Pie
[5:36] 11. Pee Wee's Blues
[5:45] 12. Charles Ellsworth Stomp
[4:46] 13. Missy
[5:29] 14. I'd Climb The Highest Mountain

This is a logical tribute since clarinetist Bobby Gordon's main influence is Pee Wee Russell. Although Gordon's solos are not as eccentric or death-defying as Russell's, his tone is similar and there are times when he sounds eerily close to his idol. Joined by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist Dan Barrett, tenor saxophonist Rick Fay, pianist Johnny Varro, rhythm guitarist Marty Grosz, bassist Bob Haggart, and drummer Gene Estes, Gordon explores a dozen songs composed by Russell. In addition, Gordon performs "Charles Ellsworth Stomp" (which he co-wrote) and one of Russell's favorite songs, "I'd Climb the Hightest Mountain." Since some of these numbers were co-written by Dick Cary and recorded by Russell in modern swing settings during the late '50s (rather than Dixieland dates with Eddie Condon), the music on this CD is often tightly arranged while leaving some room for spontaneous jamming. Pee Wee Russell himself would have enjoyed the results. ~Scott Yanow

Pee Wee's Song

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Larry Carlton - The Best Of Larry Carlton

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 53:45

Size: 123.1 MB

Styles: Guitar jazz

Year: 2006

Art: Front

[5:42] 1. Smiles And Smiles To Go

[5:44] 2. High Steppin'

[4:30] 3. Sleepwalk

[4:53] 4. Minute By Minute

[6:18] 5. Knock On Wood

[5:19] 6. Hello Tomorrow

[6:15] 7. Emotions Wound Us So

[4:02] 8. Layla

[6:34] 9. The Waffer

[4:23] 10. Shop 'till You Drop

Larry Carlton’s own musical story began in Southern California. He picked up his first guitar when he was only six years old. He was introduced to jazz in junior high school after hearing The Gerald Wilson Big Band album, Moment of Truth, with guitarist Joe Pass. Larry then became interested in Barney Kessel, Wes Montgornery and the legendary blues guitarist B.B. King. Saxophonist John Coltrane was also a major influence on Carlton, beginning with Coltrane’s 1962 classic Ballads.

withlittlehelpfromfriends.jpgIn 1968 he recorded his first LP, With A Little Help From My Friends (Uni). The enthusiastic industry response garnered him a place among jingle singers The Going Thing, recording on camera and radio commercials for Ford. Mid-season in his second year, he segued to Musical Director for Mrs. Alphabet, an Emmy-nominated children’s show on the same network. It was here that Carlton showcased his acting skills, performing as the show’s co-star, "Larry Guitar."

During his tenure with The Crusaders (through 1976), Carlton performed on 13 of their albums, often contributing material. In 1973, Carlton released his second solo project, SinginglPlaying, on Blue Thumb Records ­ aptly titled, as he not only played guitar, but also performed vocals on eight tracks. Carlton’s demand as a session player was now at its zenith, he was constantly featured with stars from every imaginable genre, ranging from Sammy Davis, Jr., and Herb Alpert to Quincy Jones, Paul Anka, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Jerry Garcia and Dolly Parton. At the same time, he was still performing more than 50 dates a year with The Crusaders.

As his association with the Crusaders began to draw to a close, Carlton signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1977. Between ’78 and ’84, Larry recorded six solo albums for Warner Bros. Records: Mr. 335: Live In Japan, Friends; Eight Times Up; Sleep Walk; Strikes Twice; Larry Carlton. The latter self-titled album was released hot on the heels of his debut session with rock supergroup Steely Dan. Rolling Stone magazine lists Carlton’s tasty ascent on Steely Dan’s Kid Charlemagne as one of the three best guitar licks in rock music.

The Best Of Larry Carlton

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Rene Scholl Jazztet - A Tribute To Bing And Bob

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:32
Size: 145.5 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:53] 1. 9:20 Special
[2:10] 2. Announcement
[3:09] 3. Jimtown Blues
[4:56] 4. Some Of These Days
[4:12] 5. South Rampart Street Parade
[4:40] 6. What's New
[3:54] 7. Sugar Fott Strut
[3:56] 8. If I Could Be With You
[2:59] 9. Paducah Parade
[5:11] 10. Don't Say Goodbye
[2:36] 11. You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby
[4:26] 12. I Can't Get Started
[4:54] 13. Them There Eyes
[3:26] 14. Panama
[3:14] 15. Fidgety Feet
[4:49] 16. Mississippi Mud

A Tribute To Bing And Bob

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The Laurie Bower Singers - The Roses And The Rain

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:53
Size: 86.7 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[3:58] 1. Kiss Me In The Rain
[3:21] 2. Didn't We
[2:49] 3. Pussywillows, Cattails, Soft Wind And Roses
[2:18] 4. A Simple Song
[3:11] 5. A Love Song
[3:27] 6. The Rose
[2:08] 7. Here's That Rainy Day
[2:38] 8. If You Feel The Way I Do
[3:09] 9. Rain Brings People Together
[2:03] 10. The Importance Of The Rose
[3:10] 11. Rainy Day People
[2:42] 12. Daybreak
[2:52] 13. Stop And Smell The Roses

The Laurie Bower Singers always excelled at creating soothing, ear-pleasing harmonies with their covers of popular songs of the 1970s and 1980s. Although their recordings seemed tailor-made for "Beautiful Music" (or, if you prefer the more derogatory term, "elevator music" or "Muzak") radio stations which have all but disappeared from the dial, they can be enjoyed as legitimate cover versions. If you still have a Beautiful Music or Adult Standards radio station that still plays some of the true "easy listening" music in your neck of the woods, you may have heard their music, though you may not have known the artist. On this CD, with songs themed around rain and roses, they tackle songs best known by Gordon Lightfoot ("Rainy Day People"), Barbra Streisand ("Kiss Me In The Rain"), Kenny Rogers ("A Love Song"), Barry Manilow ("Daybreak"), and Mac Davis ("Stop And Smell The Roses"). Particularly pleasing are their takes on "A Love Song" and "Kiss Me In The Rain," which they turn into the soft, sweet, soothing ballad it sounds like it was meant to be (Barbra's version is wonderful, but it can get a little overblown, especially toward the end, when she sings "I don't even mind if we get wet" and suddenly jumps a full octave - and begins to scream at the top of her lungs - on the word "wet"). No screaming here, just delightful harmonies that will soothe you and which work just as well as "foreground" music as "background" music. ~Christopher Bubb

The Roses And The Rain

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Avishai Cohen - The Trumpet Player

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:56
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:03)  1. The Fast
(10:31)  2. The Trumpet Player
( 7:43)  3. Dear Lord
( 8:44)  4. Olympus
( 6:52)  5. Idaho
(10:32)  6. Shablool
( 6:27)  7. Giggin'

Avishai Cohen, the trumpet player (not to be confused with the bassist/keyboardist of the same name), comes from a rich musical heritage in his native Israel. His sister is clarinetist Anat Cohen, his brother saxophonist Yuval Cohen, and together they front a fine progressive/contemporary jazz group, 3 Cohens. For his debut CD as a leader, the trumpeter has chosen a trumpet/bass/drums format, challenging because there are no chordal instruments to play off of. The sparseness of the instrumentation means there's nothing to lean on, play off of, or hold back from. This lends itself to the burnished attack and matted finish the horn offers, but also can tend to lead to overly lengthy stretches where Cohen's playing has to constantly command attention and remain interesting to the listener. Certainly drummer Jeff Ballard (also a member of the other Avishai Cohen's bands) is more than valiant in keeping the rhythm navigation on an intriguing keel. Two ten-and-a-half-minute tracks, "The Trumpet Player" and "Shablool," could be virtually the same piece, both in waltz time, both drawn out and singular-minded, both more treatise than short story. "The Fast" is a neo-bop, upbeat jam that displays Cohen's clean lines and angular ideas. Clearly influenced by hard boppers like Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, and Freddie Hubbard, Cohen takes those precepts and turns them into inexhaustible Zen-like epics. Tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm is added, but plays after the fact on the 5/4 exercise "Olympus," taking the first solo, while a welcome interchange during "Idaho" mixes the group dynamic in a manner reminiscent of the partnership between Don Cherry and John Coltrane. 

The trio does a nice version of Coltrane's "Dear Lord" in 4/4 to implied 3/4, while Frahm jumps in as a soloist only for Ornette Coleman's choppy "Giggin'," where Cohen leaps out of his shell after a playful intro from Ballard and before a deft solo from bassist John Sullivan. The Trumpet Player is a first effort with loads of potential, and as Avishai Cohen's career goes ahead, there will be many collaborators to join with and concepts to explore. This CD sports clear, present, and solid musicianship, but if there is a shortcoming to the proceedings, it is the sameness or lack of variety that prevents the music from becoming great. That should happen in due time.~Michael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-trumpet-player-mw0000322943

Personnel: Avishai Cohen (trumpet); Joel Frahm (tenor saxophone); John Sullivan (bass); Jeff Ballard (drums).

The Trumpet Player

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Jeanie Bryson - Deja Blue

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:04
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Deja Blue
(5:01)  2. Poetry Man
(4:30)  3. It's So Nice To Have A Man Around The House
(4:59)  4. I'd Like To Be Baby To You
(4:27)  5. Sadness
(2:58)  6. I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out
(4:32)  7. Azure Te
(4:35)  8. Hello It's Me
(4:38)  9. Bittersweet Surrender
(3:43) 10. Now Or Never
(3:52) 11. Do You Sometimes Think Of Us?
(4:23) 12. Con Alma/Am I Blue?

One of today's top jazz singers, Jeanie Bryson delivers convincingly with down-home expression. Lucid lyrics, comfortable phrasing, and mellow harmony make her session easy to like. Her warm, seductive style continues to recall Peggy Lee. Jazz & blues, swing & cabaret, R&B and pop "" she's a natural for all aspects of vocal music. Bryson's fourth major album may be her best yet. "Deja Blue" starts the session slowly with a deliberate drive. It's a lush, 12-bar blues that welcomes you into the singer's congenial household. Etta Jones joins Bryson for "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House" to trade choruses and share in the blues mood of the album. While Connie Bryson's lovely jazz waltz, "Do You Sometimes Think of Us?" hypnotizes the listener; it serves to connect the past with Jeanie Bryson's unique style. When appropriate, she alters the pitch to make her point. Storytelling comes naturally to the gifted singer, and everyone knows what it's like to sit through performances that do not convince. 

Just take a quick look at your radio and television advertising for a reminder.Bryson's sensual session includes superb instrumental interludes that complement her vocals. Gerry Niewood, Coleman Mellett, Christian McBride, Ted Brancato and Steve Nelson contribute loose, moving solos that match the leader's mood. It's been a while since we've been treated to a new album by Jeanie Bryson; but this one, fortunately, rekindles the fire. It's about time.~Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/deja-blue-jeanie-bryson-koch-international-jazz-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Jeanie Bryson- vocals;  Ted Brancato- piano, Fender Rhodes;  Christian McBride, John Herbert- bass;  Andrea Valentini- drums;  Steve Nelson- vibraphone;  Gerry Niewood- C flute, alto flute;  Chuggy Carter- percussion;  Frank Weber- vocals on "Bittersweet Surrender;"  Etta Jones- vocals on "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House."

Deja Blue

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Brad Mehldau - Blues and Ballads

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:43
Size: 128,1 MB
Art: Front

(10:56)  1. Since I Fell for You
( 7:23)  2. I Concentrate on You
( 3:55)  3. Little Person
( 7:42)  4. Cheryl
( 6:03)  5. These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)
( 9:29)  6. And I Love Her
(10:12)  7. My Valentine

It's easy to play the blues or at the very least it's easy to learn the basics but keeping the form fresh and interesting is another matter entirely. Likewise, any beginner can tackle a quiet ballad, but presenting something simple and pretty is really harder than it sounds. The Brad Mehldau Trio manages its always-distinctive blend of all those things on this lineup's fifth release, still making song-sculpting and harmonic shifting into something both inventive and accessible.They run a vast gamut in "Since I Fell for You" alone as they stretch that age-old I-IV-V pattern into a ten-minute exploration that never settles into rut or repetition. Mehldau wanders from lightly bouncing shuffle to freeform tonal meandering and back again, while Jeff Ballard and Larry Grenadier demonstrate their impeccable skill for knowing when to add a light touch and when it's best to stay out of the way. The opener and the smoky "My Valentine" wind up bookending the album with the bluesiest treatments while largely sandwiching the more song-based pieces in between. As the title declares, this set omits the genre-spanning originals and modern rock covers (or often reinventions, rather) that usually make part of his mix in favor of more familiar material.

A couple Lennon/McCartney tunes are the newest ones to be found here, while the disc is rounded out by a few standards quite a bit older than that from the likes of Charlie Parker or Cole Porter. In the spirit (if not necessarily the footsteps) of Keith Jarrett's classic trio, this crew is concerned less with the songs themselves than the possibilities for exploration they can offer. Each provides a springboard to playful dialogue and the chance for surprise. "I Concentrate on You" luxuriates in its airy minor Latin feel while the Beatles' "And I Love Her" gets an extended workout, including staggered rhythmic grooving and a sort of subdued mini-crescendo between the piano and Ballard's drums. The framework may start straightforwardly, but even the simpler pieces get stretched with Mehldau's mix of kaleidoscopic chording and smoothly winding melody runs.The trio continually enjoys the easy back-and-forth of longtime mates without losing any spontaneity. Whether there's some complexity behind a song's structure or not, the results are always pleasing to the ear and no trouble to simply follow if you don't feel like dissecting what's going on. More seriously intense work can wait for another album (or for the listener, another hour). Forward-thinking envelope-pushers deserve a break now and then as much as anyone, and Blues and Ballads makes an enticing rainy-day listen to give their down time and ours a most beautifully cool accompaniment.~Geno Thackara https://www.allaboutjazz.com/blues-and-ballads-brad-mehldau-trio-nonesuch-records-review-by-geno-thackara.php
 

Personnel: Brad Mehldau: piano; Larry Grenadier: bass; Jeff Ballard: drums.

Blues and Ballads

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John Zorn - In Lambeth: Visions From The Walled Garden Of William Blake

Styles: Avant-garde, Jazz Contemporary
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:22
Size: 99,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Tiriel
(4:45)  2. A Morning Light
(6:17)  3. America, A Prophecy
(3:55)  4. Through The Looking Glass
(6:55)  5. The Ancient Of Days
(3:35)  6. Puck
(3:25)  7. The Minotaur
(4:55)  8. The Night Of Enitharmon's Joy
(4:32)  9. The Walled Garden

In Lambeth (subtitled Visions from the Walled Garden of William Blake) is an album composed by John Zorn and performed by Bill Frisell, Carol Emanuel and Kenny Wollesen which as recorded in New York City in April 2013 and released on the Tzadik label in December 2013. The album is the third by the trio following The Gnostic Preludes (2012) and The Mysteries (2013). Its title quotes from William Blake's poem Jerusalem (plate 37, line 14 "There is a Grain of Sand in Lambeth that Satan cannot find"). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Lambeth_(album)

Personnel:  Carol Emanuel – harp;  Bill Frisell – guitar;  Kenny Wollesen - vibraphone, bells;  Ikue Mori - electronics (track 7)

In Lambeth: Visions From The Walled Garden Of William Blake

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