Dave Grusin - Piano, Strings And Moonlight: The Many Moods Of Dave Grusin

Size: 99,2 MB
Time: 37:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1962/2015
Styles: Jazz: Cool Jazz
Art: Front

01. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (2:47)
02. Love Is Here To Stay (2:59)
03. My Funny Valentine (3:39)
04. What Is This Thing Called Love (2:11)
05. The More I See You (4:03)
06. Autumn Leaves (2:55)
07. What Is There To Say (3:50)
08. Sara Jane (4:12)
09. The Party's Over (2:50)
10. Here's That Rainy Day (3:31)
11. You Don't Know What Love Is (2:44)
12. When Your Lover Has Gone (2:11)

One of the reasons for the success of this 1962 album is the excellence of Dave Grusins arrangements for eleven violins, two violas, two cellos, bass and drums. While making this album, Dave says, I saw no reason why nice harmonic changes could not be played by strings. I saw no reason why the string writing could not be a little more complicated than it usually is for albums of this type. And with the freedom Bob [Robert Mersey, the albums producer] gave me, I wrote and played exactly what I wanted. Mersey observes that with Daves arrangements, the strings simply become an extension of the piano. In this album Grusin showed that he has a deft, sensitive touch, inventiveness and exceptionally good taste.

Piano, Strings And Moonlight

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Kathryn Hettel - Cookin' In The Kitchen With Dinah: A Tribute To Dinah Washington

Size: 148,1 MB
Time: 63:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Good Daddy Blues (4:22)
02. Showtime (3:20)
03. Fat Daddy (3:22)
04. You Don't Know What Love Is (4:22)
05. I Don't Hurt Anymore (3:22)
06. Blow Top Blues (3:26)
07. Birth Of The Blues (3:50)
08. Since I Fell For You (3:24)
09. Baby Get Lost (2:56)
10. Bad Luck (3:09)
11. Gamblers Blues (3:14)
12. I'll Never Be Free (4:10)
13. Soulville (2:51)
14. Salty Papa Blues (3:06)
15. Stormy Weather (5:49)
16. Bad Case Of The Blues (4:44)
17. This Bitter Earth (3:38)

Cookin' In The Kitchen with Dinah: A Tribute To Dinah Washington. The third album by Northwest vocalist Kathryn Hettel is a collection of her favorite songs from the iconic Dinah Washington. Spanning genres of Jazz, Blues, Pop and Soul. The album pays loving tribute to "The Queen,' as well as expands on the sounds from her repertoire. The album was a three year project in which Hettel and her co-producers, Engineer Steve Feasely and Drummer Rick J Bowen, saw to fruition an idea hatched a decade previous. Kathryn has been singing Dinah's songs for years always striving to emulate the sass and style of Dinah. In 2014 a skilled rhythm section of Darrius Willrich on Piano & Keyboards, Patrick McDanel Bass, Rick J Bowen on Drums, and guitarist Kevin Andrew Sutton laid down the basic tracks. Arranger Charles Hiestand created charts inspired by the original recordings and a horn section and real strings were brought in and new elements such as vibes, Harmonnica, Hammond B3 and pedal steel expand the sound of the time tested songs. Old friend and fellow lady of the blues Mary McPage joined Kathryn for a saucy duet and the album closer 'This Bitter Earth,' finds our star revealing as much as any artist would dare. Cooking In the Kitchen is truly a labor of love that Kathryn Hettel and her team are thrilled to share. *Kitchen Crew = Darrius Willrich – Piano & Keyboards, Patrick McDanel – Bass, Rick J Bowen – Drums, Kevin Andrew Sutton- Guitars. Washington Horns= Brian Kent –Tenor sax, Naomi Siegel –Trombone, Jacob Zimmerman-Alto sax, Kevin Sieley –trumpet. Tony Degrasso-Trumpet.

Cookin' In The Kitchen With Dinah

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Judy Renaud & Eddie Tobin - When Love Comes Around The Corner

Size: 140,0 MB
Time: 60:10
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'll Remember April (3:37)
02. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (6:23)
03. Over The Rainbow (6:28)
04. East Of The Sun (3:25)
05. Midnight Sun (7:06)
06. I Will Wait For You (5:03)
07. You Are My Sunshine (3:47)
08. The Frim Fram Sauce (3:25)
09. Maybe You'll Be There (5:28)
10. Out Of This World (5:25)
11. Smile (3:44)
12. When Love Comes Around The Corner (6:12)

"Some say, Doris Day - Some say, Diana Krall - You'll say, Judy Renaud - is Timeless!" What a nice quote from a great fan.

What a fun time it was having some of my best friends with me at the studio while Eddie and I were recording this album. Sharing the experience with them made it all that much more special for me. And to my husband, Tom, thank you for supporting me with patience and love in this effort to fulfill one of my dreams. "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" is for you. Love you forever.

And for my sons who have provided me with so much joy and excitement and love over the years I want to dedicate these three songs. “You Are My Sunshine" is for you Danny. You have always been my sunshine and always will be. For Jack Allen, it's "Over The Rainbow." You are already there son – I miss you so much. For Ronnie it's "Smile" just because it fits. Love you guys so much.

And without my great friend, Eddie Tobin, this recording never would have happened. Over the past few years you have shared yourself and your magical music and knowledge with me in so many ways, always giving me what I need whether you are playing or arranging for me and always challenging me to stretch and grow musically in all ways. You are an amazing talent and friend whom I am grateful and honored to spend time with professionally and personally. My world is a little bigger and brighter because of you. You know you own a very special corner of my heart and my soul. Thank you for letting me play in the corners of your sandbox my friend.

I wrote "When Love Comes Around The Corner" as a result of the love and encouragement from all of you. Love has come around so many corners in so many ways in my life. I am truly grateful for it all. I hope we have provided some enjoyable and thoughtful songs that might touch you with love and bring back some memories from your own lives. I do smile a lot. It just doesn't get any better than this! Thanks for listening! ~Judy Renaud

In everyone's life there comes a time when you meet special people. They may be artists, athletes, educators, friends or the person in your life that you marry. Judy and Tom are two of those special people. They are friends and musicians.

This is Judy's album with me accompanying. It was an opportunity to play solo piano with a lady who can beautifully sing a melody and create and bring out many nuances that the composer may or may not have thought about. That's jazz. She has a tone that makes you smile!

I must thank Bud, our recording engineer at The Spirit Ranch Studio. He is a real gentleman and awesome engineer. It is always a pleasure to do any kind of project with him. Way to go, Bud!

I am happy that we recorded these songs. It's voice and piano with a few strings added sparingly. It came out quite nicely and I really enjoy listening to the performances. Hope you all enjoy the album. ~Eddie Tobin

When Love Comes Around The Corner

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Sonny Criss - The Complete Imperial Sessions (Bonus Tracks)

Size: 180,8+180,8 MB
Time: 77:08+77:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2000/2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

Vol. 1:
01. Willow Weep For Me (3:47)
02. These Foolish Things (6:04)
03. Blue Friday (2:41)
04. Sunday (3:51)
05. More Than You Know (3:07)
06. Easy Living (2:21)
07. Alabamy Bound (3:09)
08. Something's Gotta Give (4:27)
09. West Coast Blues (4:59)
10. Criss-Cross (3:48)
11. Ham's Blues (2:38)
12. Sweet Georgia Brown (2:51)
13. Summertime (4:00)
14. Memories Of You (3:51)
15. Wailin' With Joe (2:41)
16. How Deep Is The Ocean (2:55)
17. The Blues For Rose (2:29)
18. The Man I Love (3:16)
19. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (4:01)
20. Blue Prelude (2:35)
21. After You've Gone (3:37)
22. Come Rain Or Come Shine (3:48)

Vol. 2:
01. How High The Moon (3:06)
02. If I Had You (2:41)
03. I Love You (4:10)
04. Anything Goes (3:10)
05. Easy To Love (3:14)
06. It's All Right With Me (3:07)
07. In The Still Of The Night (4:17)
08. Love For Sale (2:43)
09. Night And Day (4:40)
10. Just One Of Those Things (2:46)
11. What Is This Thing Called Love (5:41)
12. I Get A Kick Out Of You (2:50)
13. Sweet Lorraine (Bonus Track) (3:39)
14. You Don't Know What Love Is (Bonus Track) (3:59)
15. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Bonus Track) (5:35)
16. Butts Delight (Bonus Track) (4:07)
17. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) (Bonus Track) (3:54)
18. Sylvia (Bonus Track) (7:43)
19. (Back Home Again In) Indiana (Bonus Track) (5:51)

This double disc reissue on Blue Note contains the three releases that alto saxophonist Sonny Criss did for Imperial: Jazz U.S.A., Go Man!, and Plays Cole Porter. These sessions were all recorded in 1956 at a time when Criss had honed his amazing bebop alto precision. These 34 performances contain only five of his originals and are surrounded by mainly standards. The bands consisted of solid lineups with Sonny Clark or Kenny Drew on piano; Barney Kessel on guitar; Leroy Vinnegar, Buddy Clark or Bill Woodson on bass; Larry Bunker on vibes; and Larance Marable or Chuck Thompson taking care of drumming duties. While Criss had a career that erratically spanned the '70s, these Imperial sessions (reissued in glorious mono) contained highly regarded performances of passionate blues, moving ballads, and energetic up-tempo pieces. ~by Al Campbell

The Complete Imperial Sessions Vol. 1
The Complete Imperial Sessions Vol. 2

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Nancy Hamilton - Dreamsville

Size: 102,5 MB
Time: 37:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Slow, Hot Wind (4:48)
02. Invitation (5:13)
03. Soul Eyes (2:33)
04. Dreamsville (3:57)
05. Maybe September (3:36)
06. Out Of This World (3:35)
07. Baltimore Oriole (5:42)
08. Mr Lucky (3:41)
09. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (4:02)

Nancy Hamilton is a vocalist cut from the old cloth, delivering jazz vocals old school.

Her voice is a rich, sultry contralto that instantly recalls smoke-filled jazz bars in dark basements in the heyday of jazz. Although her voice has a beautiful tone, she is not simply a pretty voice. Nancy discovers great gems in the jazz repertoire and gives them a good polish, and a brand new sound. There is always a sense of adventure and exploration, but always a cool control, as different corners of a tune are brought to light.

Dreamsville

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Di Anne Price & Her Boyfriends - Sugar In My Bowl

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:27
Size: 90.3 MB
Styles: Blues piano & vocals
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. She's No Lady, She's Your Wife
[4:23] 2. Just For A Thrill
[2:41] 3. Sticks And Stones
[5:04] 4. Home Of The Blues
[4:15] 5. You Won't Let Me Go
[2:49] 6. My Man Stands Out
[4:38] 7. I Want To Be Seduced
[4:12] 8. Room With A View
[3:30] 9. Sugar In My Bowl
[4:29] 10. Baby You Got What It Takes

Memphis pianist-vocalist Di Anne Price channels the spirit of classic blues divas Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter, Sippie Wallace, and Memphis Minnie. A profoundly soulful singer, her expressive voice is etched with pain or brimming with sly humor while tickling the ivories barrel piano style on two-fisted shuffles, rolling blues, and boogie woogie workouts. ~Jazz Times

Di Anne gets to the heart and meaning of a song that appeals to everyone. “When I play this music, sing these songs, I'm saying ‘share this story with me'. I want real drums, real bass, and I want it to be my voice that people hear, not something created in a studio. Di Anne’s approach to music is shared with "Her Boyfriends" - drummer Tom Lonardo, saxophonist Jim Spake, and bassist Tim Goodwin. "Playing with them makes my back tingle. It's like making love," Di Anne says. "When we play, we're telling a story, and no matter where I start, they go with me." ~John Taylor – Blues On Stage

Sugar In My Bowl

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Tony Bennett - Perfectly Frank

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 73:47

Size: 168.9 MB

Styles: Jazz vocals

Year: 1992/2006

Art: Front

[3:33] 1. Time After Time

[2:01] 2. I Fall In Love Too Easily

[4:11] 3. East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon)

[3:14] 4. Nancy

[2:56] 5. I Thought About You

[3:35] 6. Night And Day

[2:52] 7. I've Got The World On A String

[3:14] 8. I'm Glad There Is You

[2:55] 9. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

[3:08] 10. I Wished On The Moon

[3:46] 11. You Go To My Head

[2:25] 12. The Lady Is A Tramp

[2:58] 13. I See Your Face Before Me

[2:07] 14. Day In, Day Out

[2:59] 15. Indian Summer

[3:24] 16. Call Me Irresponsible

[3:31] 17. Here's That Rainy Day

[2:25] 18. Last Night When We Were Young

[2:14] 19. I Wish I Were In Love Again

[2:11] 20. A Foggy Day

[4:53] 21. Don't Worry 'bout Me

[3:24] 22. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

[2:42] 23. Angel Eyes

[2:55] 24. I'll Be Seeing You

Perfectly Frank is just that -- a group of covers that came to define Frank Sinatra as a vocal legend. Here, Tony Bennett pays homage to "the Voice" in a way only he can. This massive, 24-track compilation runs through the list of standards that made Sinatra legendary. "Night and Day," "East of the Sun (West of the Moon)," and "The Lady Is a Tramp" are just a few of the tracks that Bennett has managed to bring to life just as beautifully as Sinatra did so many years ago. Backed by his standard group, the Ralph Sharon Trio, he manages to make this collection more and more his own. Instead of simply covering the songs, or trying to emulate Sinatra, Bennett adds his personal touch to each song. This is a tribute to the music, as well as to Sinatra. ~Christopher Fielder

Perfectly Frank

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John Colianni Quintet - After Hours

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:12
Size: 96.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:20] 1. Elevation Blues
[4:12] 2. I Don't Know About You
[3:43] 3. Can't Help Falling In Love With You
[2:56] 4. Sweet Sue Just You
[3:41] 5. I Want You Back
[2:20] 6. When Your Lover Has Gone
[3:11] 7. Angel Face
[5:20] 8. I Only Have Eyes For You
[3:57] 9. That Old Feeling
[3:56] 10. After Hours
[4:38] 11. For Heaven's Sake
[1:54] 12. Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Clearly, Colianni is a brilliant pianist. Like most albums this one has several very fine pieces that really delight. Strangely, it also has several pieces in which he and his musicians chose to sing in a 40s style reminiscent so the Sons of the Pioneers-bet you don't remember them. He redeems himself with a few more fine pieces, but then blows it with his final selection: Deep in the Heart of Texas! I guess this must have been a very personal album for the group, but it is a little quirky for this buyer's taste and I wish it had a few more keeper pieces. ~Timeout/Amazon

Currently (2015), Official Baldwin Piano Artist John Colianni (or "Johnny Chops") and his group, The John Colianni Quintet, appear in varieties of venues here in the USA, as well as in international bookings, such as the upcoming August-September club and concert tour of Great Britain and Western Europe. For complete gig listings, please click “Performances”.

John is also featured in the Les Paul Trio. Joining the group in 2003, John performed regularly with Les in NYC and on the road for over 6 years. Since Les's passing in 2009, John has appeared (with the remaining Trio members) in tribute performances, which include frequent guest appearances by performers like Stanley Jordan, Mike Stern, Jose Feliciano, Larry Coryell, Steve Miller, Eric Johnson, Zakk Wylde, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Buffet, Todd Rundgren, Jane Monheit, Bernie Williams (the ex-Yankee), Albert Lee, Blondie Chaplin, Janis Siegel, and Larry Carlton, among others.

After Hours

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Cootie Williams & His Orchestra - 1946-1949

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:08
Size: 146.8 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing, Early R&B
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[2:39] 1. Rhapsody In Bass
[3:06] 2. Ain't Got No Blues Today
[2:46] 3. Bring 'em Down Front
[3:08] 4. I Can't Get Started
[2:44] 5. Inflation Blues
[3:05] 6. I Want To Be Loved
[2:51] 7. Sound Track
[3:15] 8. Ooh La La
[2:52] 9. Save The Bones For Henry Jones
[3:01] 10. If It's True
[2:42] 11. I Should Have Been Thinkin' Instead Of Drinkin'
[2:54] 12. You Talk A Little Trash
[2:41] 13. Typhoon
[3:18] 14. I Love You, Yes I Do
[3:09] 15. Smooth Sailing
[3:08] 16. Gator Tail, Pt. 1
[2:46] 17. Gator Tail, Pt. 2
[2:59] 18. Let 'em Roll
[3:33] 19. Slidin' And Glidin'
[2:12] 20. Mercenary Papa
[2:46] 21. Down The Gator Tail
[2:23] 22. You Gotta Pay Those Dues

Classics picks up the story of former Ellington trumpeter Cootie Williams as the leader of his own orchestra from 1946 through 1949 on sides he recorded for Capitol, Majestic, and Mercury. Vocalists Bob Merrill, Billy Matthews, and Eddie Mack are heavily featured on these 22 cuts. The R&B jump music of Louis Jordan and Wynonie Harris were big draws in the nightclubs and jukeboxes of the time and much of this material lends itself to that style. "Inflation Blues" is a takeoff of the "Let the Good Times Roll" theme, while "Save the Bones for Henry Jones," "I Should O' Been Thinking Instead of Drinkin," "Gator Tail" (parts one and two), and "Doin' the Gator Tail" are enjoyable mixtures of novelty lyrics and stompin' R&B instrumentals. While Williams favored this commercial recipe during these years, he did manage to wax a few ballads, such as "I Can't Get Started" and "I Want to Be Loved," and orchestra numbers like "Rhapsody in Bass"; "Sound Track" leans toward the Ellingtonesque style he was an earlier participant in. ~Al Campbell

1946-1949

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Sandra King, Richard Rodney Bennett - The Magic Window

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:24
Size: 122.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1988/1995
Art: Front

[2:40] 1. Like Someone In Love
[4:04] 2. Only The Lonely
[3:21] 3. It Could Happen To You
[3:38] 4. I Could Have Told You
[3:58] 5. Going My Way
[2:39] 6. What Does It Take
[4:57] 7. The Second Time Around
[3:34] 8. Humpty Dumpty Heart
[5:28] 9. Medley You Think Of Everything Welcome To My Dream
[2:37] 10. And His Rocking Horse Ran Away
[4:26] 11. I'll Only Miss Him When I Think Of Him
[2:57] 12. I Thought About You
[4:32] 13. All My Tomorrows
[4:27] 14. The Magic Window

Sandra King-voc, Richard Rodney Bennett-voc & pno, Gene Bertoncini-gtr, Michael Moore-bs in a celebration of Jimmy Van Heusen's music. Recorded at Mapelshade Studios, Glen Dale, MD (11/10/1986/11/11/1986).

The Magic Window

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Harry Connick, Jr. - Harry Connick, Jr.

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:02
Size: 89,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Love is Here to Stay
(5:51)  2. Little Clown
(1:36)  3. Zealousy
(3:26)  4. Sunny Side of the Street
(5:25)  5. I Mean You
(5:04)  6. Vocation
(5:03)  7. On Green Dolphin Street
(4:15)  8. Little Waltz
(4:04)  9. E

Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Columbia album features him mostly playing stride piano solos in a style heavily influenced by Thelonious Monk. Bassist Ron Carter drops by for a duet on his own "Little Waltz" while "E" finds Connick welcoming bassist Reginald Veal and drummer Herman Riley. The instrumental set is generally colorful even if Connick's timing was not too steady at this point. Standards alternate with forgotten originals with the highlights being "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "I Mean You" and "On Green Dolphin Street." ~ ScottYanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/harry-connick-jr-mw0000651529

Solo performer: Harry Connick, Jr. (vocals, piano).

Harry Connick, Jr.

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Terence Trent D'Arby - Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

Styles: Vocal Pop, Funk
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:11
Size: 108,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:17)  1. If You All Get To Heaven
(3:14)  2. If You Let Me Stay
(3:30)  3. Wishing Well
(3:36)  4. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (Father's Words)
(3:54)  5. Dance Little Sister
(4:31)  6. Seven More Days
(5:32)  7. Let's Go Forward
(2:59)  8. Rain
(4:38)  9. Sign Your Name
(5:36) 10. As Yet Untitled
(4:21) 11. Who's Loving You

Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby is a strong debut by this young singer, who wrote virtually every note, played a multitude of instruments, and claimed that this was the most important album since the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper. Hits included "If You Let Me Stay," "Dance Little Sister," "Sign Your Name," and the number one "Wishing Well." His first album is a curious mixture of old and new styles. Although the production is quite modern, d'Arby shows his roots in the work of older artists, borrowing a page or two from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, while James Brown appears to have had the strongest influence on d'Arby's stage presence. ~ Rob Bowman http://www.allmusic.com/album/introducing-the-hardline-according-to-terence-trent-darby-mw0000197584

Personnel: Terence Trent D'Arby (vocals, baritone saxophone, piano, Clavinet, keyboards, drums, percussion); Christian Marsac (guitar, saxophone); Pete Glenister, "Blast" Murray, Tim Cansfield (guitar); Mel Collins (saxophone); Nick Plytas, Andy Whitmore (keyboards); Cass Lewis, Sean Oliver, Phil Spalding (bass); Preston Heyman (drums, percussion); Clive Mngaza, Bruce Smith (drums); Frank Ricotti (percussion); Ivar Ybrad (sinbula); Tony Jackson, Lance Ellington, Phil Legg, Michelle Oldland, Martyn Ware, Glenn Gregory (background vocals).

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

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Marcus Printup - Ballads - All Night

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 58:21
Size: 93,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. Miles Away
(5:08)  2. Emily
(8:03)  3. Memory Box
(8:28)  4. Lullaby For Nanay
(6:36)  5. Love As Is
(4:46)  6. Corcovado
(9:56)  7. The Nearness Of You
(8:44)  8. Blues All Night

After a flurry of promising CDs for Blue Note at the beginning of his career, trumpeter Marcus Printup has found a home with the Danish label Steeplechase, which has given him pretty much free rein to hire musicians and choose material for his record dates. This mostly ballad date features a number of less familiar names, including rising young pianist Dan Nimmer, trombonist Chris Crenshaw, and harpist Riza Hequibal, varying the lineup a bit from one track to the next. Printup's tone and his reserved playing style add polish to each of the ballads, whether using open or muted horn. The blend between the leader and Crenshaw works very well in his original "Miles Away." "Blues All Night" showcases bassist Carlos Henríquez, while Crenshaw's sassy muted solo recalls some of the great trombonists from Duke Ellington's orchestra, and the leader is effective in both open and muted solos, followed by Nimmer's laid-back yet blues-drenched solo. Printup is hardly the first jazz musician to include a harp in a small-group setting, though it is still the exception rather than the rule on jazz record dates. His duets with Hequibal include moving settings of the standard "Emily" and the bossa nova gem "Corcovado" (arranged by Hequibal), while she is present on several of the other tracks as well. This is another potent date by Marcus Printup. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/ballads-all-night-mw0001961336

Personnel:  Marcus Printup (Trumpet);  Chris Chrenshgaw (trombone);  Dan Nimmer (Piano);  Carlos Henriquez (bass); Quincy Davis (drums);  Riza Printup (harp)

Ballads

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Kristin Chenoweth - The Art Of Elegance

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:48
Size: 117,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:04)  1. Someone to Watch over Me
(2:54)  2. I’ve Got a Crush on You (feat. Dave Koz)
(3:09)  3. Let’s Fall in Love
(4:59)  4. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(3:22)  5. Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart
(4:23)  6. The Very Thought of You (feat. Dave Koz)
(3:04)  7. They Can’t Take That Away from Me
(4:05)  8. A House Is Not a Home
(4:26)  9. I Get Along Without You Very Well
(4:42) 10. Skylark
(5:38) 11. I’m a Fool to Want You
(3:02) 12. Smile
(2:53) 13. You’re My Saving Grace…

Throughout a remarkable career that encompasses stellar work in live theatre, television, film, music and concerts, Kristin Chenoweth has established herself as one of the preeminent interpreters of American songcraft. After having covered country, Christian and Christmas music, the iconic artist continues her personal exploration on The Art of Elegance  her first album of American Songbook classics scheduled for release on September 23, 2016 via Concord Records. The follow-up to Chenoweth’s Concord debut Coming Home, The Art of Elegance is an ideal showcase for the charismatic artist’s sublime interpretative skills. The 13-song set, produced by veteran producer and vocalist Steve Tyrell, finds Chenoweth tackling timeless, beloved classics by the likes of George Gershwin (“Someone to Watch Over Me”), Harold Arlen (“Let’s Fall in Love”), Rodgers and Hart (“Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”), Burt Bacharach and Hal David (“A House Is Not a Home”), Hoagy Carmichael (“I Get Along Without You Very Well”) and Johnny Mercer (“Skylark”). Although The Art of Elegance‘s 13 songs represent a diverse assortment of periods and styles, the material, along with Chenoweth’s personally charged performances, share the attitude that provides the album’s title.

“Elegance is a quality that I look for, in music and in life,” the artist comments. “It goes back deep within me. I’ve always felt that even a little girl from Oklahoma could still be elegant, not just in her musical tastes, but in the way she treats others, how she dresses. I love all kinds of music, but this repertoire has spoken to me my whole life. I remember learning some of this music as young as twelve, and thinking to myself that one day, I would get to perform it. Now here I am with a record dedicated to the melodies and lyrics of some of our greatest composers.” Indeed, Chenoweth relishes the opportunity to bring new emotional depth to classic songs, and to introduce these time-honored compositions to new listeners. “Of course I love to sing songs that people know,” she asserts. “Songs that we’ve heard before are like our DNA; we know them in our hearts. Honoring the singers who have sung this repertoire is the most challenging part of the process, singing it from my heart and my perspective and my experience. It’s a challenge, but it’s a fun one. In every song I sing, I must find my own phrasing, down to the final breath. A lot can be said in a breath or a pause. I also chose songs like ‘Skylark’ and ‘I Get Along Without You Very Well’ because I want to reintroduce them to my younger fans.” Chenoweth sings the praises of Steve Tyrell, whose experience and expertise made him an ideal collaborator.

“Steve and I are a match made in heaven,” Chenoweth states. “Not only is he an incredible singer and performer in his own right, he has a wealth of knowledge of all music. I love that I can have a conversation with Steve from Prince to Sinatra to Adele to Gershwin. He has a fantastic ear and kept reminding me, ‘KC, you don’t have to be perfect the first time!’ He helped me choose the spots to really let go, and he knew when subtlety was required. Chenoweth is particularly pleased, too, with the haunting Frank Sinatra number “I’m a Fool to Want You,” a song which she discovered just in time to include it on the album. “I hope somewhere up there, Sinatra is happy with my version.” Another favorite is “I Get Along Without You Very Well.” “That one has personal significance for me that I think is self-explanatory.” Another favorite, she adds, “is ‘Smile.’ One of the biggest lessons I keep learning is to smile, even when you don’t feel like it. That song is in my top five of all songs ever written. Simple in nature, but deep with meaning. This may sound morbid, but I hope someday when I pass, someone sings that song in honor of me.”

Since achieving Broadway stardom with her roles in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Wicked, Kristin Chenoweth has effortlessly transitioned between her parallel careers in stage, television, film and music. After winning a Tony award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and earning Tony nominations for Wicked and On the Twentieth Century, she won an Emmy award for her role in the ABC TV series Pushing Daisies, and received two Emmy nominations for her work in the Fox series Glee. In addition to numerous other TV, film and stage projects, she was featured in 34 episodes of NBC’s The West Wing, was a guest judge on American Idol and Project Runway, and has recorded four studio albums. In 2014, Chenoweth released Coming Home, a live album, DVD and PBS special recorded at a historic concert in her hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. “It would be impossible for me not to sing,” Chenoweth concludes. “I never feel like I’m not working on my next record, my next concert, the next show… It never occurred to me not to record music that I love. Even if it’s on my own tape recorder. Even if it’s on my iPhone. Music is life for me.” http://www.officialkristinchenoweth.com/audio/the-art-of-elegance/

The Art Of Elegance

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Kenny Rankin - Hiding In Myself

Styles: Vocal, Adult Contemporary
Year: 1988
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 53:23
Size: 86,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:49)  1. Lovin' Side
(5:33)  2. Before The Fall
(4:05)  3. Delila
(3:48)  4. Hiding Inside Myself
(4:12)  5. Trouble Man
(4:02)  6. Keep The Candle Burnin'
(4:37)  7. Lets Get It On
(5:22)  8. She Knows Me Well
(3:43)  9. Down The Road
(5:33) 10. Velez
(3:36) 11. Muddy Creek
(3:59) 12. She Moves, Eyes Follow

Returning to recording after nearly eight years, Rankin bounced back with this one and only album for the A&M subsidiary label, Cypress. With crack support from such jazz and session aces as Lee Sklar, Robben Ford, Steve Lukather, and David Benoit, along with old friends John Sebastian and David Crosby, Rankin made up for some lost ground. The fine balance between light jazz and soft rock fit in nicely with the growing genre of adult pop that would morph into Triple A radio a few years later. Still, the songs are not Rankin's best and, aside from his efforts on a couple of admirable Marvin Gaye covers and one Jimmy Webb interpretation, Rankin's stronger talents do not come through. Also, the album includes only two tracks on which Rankin plays guitar. Nonetheless, it was a clear signal that Rankin was beginning to re-emerge, and future albums would bear the fruit of his labors during this period. ~ Stephen J.Matteo http://www.allmusic.com/album/hiding-in-myself-mw0000197469

Hiding In Myself

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