Monday, July 31, 2017

Eddie Calvert - The Man With The Golden Trumpet

Styles: Trumpet Instrumental
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:17
Size: 171,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:47)  1. Around The World
(2:22)  2. Cherry Pink And Apple Bloss
(2:46)  3. O Mein Papa
(3:01)  4. John And Julie
(3:31)  5. London By Night
(2:29)  6. Mandy
(2:44)  7. Midnight
(2:09)  8. Sucu Sucu
(2:40)  9. Zambesi
(3:10) 10. I Love Paris
(3:43) 11. I'm Getting Sentimental Ove
(2:25) 12. Softly As A Morning Sunrise
(2:20) 13. Serenata
(2:54) 14. Tenderly
(1:51) 15. Wonderful Copenhagen
(2:47) 16. Memories Of You
(2:37) 17. On A Slow Boat To China
(2:47) 18. Roses Of Picardy
(2:10) 19. Spanish Flea
(1:37) 20. The Poor People Of Paris
(3:16) 21. Vilia
(2:37) 22. Stranger In Paradise
(2:15) 23. Spellbound
(2:38) 24. Oh My Beloved Daddy
(2:10) 25. April In Portugal
(3:01) 26. Little Serenade
(2:32) 27. Summertime
(2:43) 28. My Son,My Son

Eddie Calvert, known as the man with the golden trumpet, was born in Preston, Lancashire on the 15th March 1922 as Albert Edward Calvert. As a child he was exposed to his family's love of brass band music and he learned to play many brass instruments but concentrated on the trumpet. He joined the Preston Town Silver Band at the age of 11 but the war interrupted his musical career and by the late 1940s he returned to play in various amateur brass bands, eventually moving to the professional circuit with the dance bands Geraldo and Billy Ternet. Going solo, he appeared on TV with the Stanley Black Orchestra. He signed to the Columbia label, part of the EMI group and released an instrumental trumpet version of the German song Oh Mein Papa which had most famously been covered in English as Oh My Papa by Eddie Fisher. Calvert's instrumental easily won the chart battle in the UK and it remained at no.1 for nine weeks at the beginning of 1954. Over a year later he was involved in another chart battle for supremacy with the song Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White and this time it was much closer with both his and a very similar trumpet version by Perez Prado reaching no.1 in the Spring of 1955. Several other hits followed including a version of Stranger In Paradise, John And Julie and Mandy, while Little Serenade was his final hit in June 1958. When the 1960s provided no change of fortune, Calvert moved away to settle in South Africa where he lived out the remainder of his life, dying on the 7th of August 1978. 
~ Sharon Mawer http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eddie-calvert-mn0000793645

The Man With The Golden Trumpet

Leata Galloway - The Naked Truth

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:30
Size: 102,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:01)  1. With Every Beat Of My Heart
(5:23)  2. Fascination
(5:27)  3. Shades Of Blue
(4:39)  4. Heartache (Don't Discriminate)
(3:40)  5. Cry Me A River
(6:21)  6. One Of These Nights
(5:50)  7. You'll Never Get To Heaven
(3:27)  8. I'm Scared Of You
(5:40)  9. The Naked Truth

Exploring territory quite foreign to that on her early-'80s debut set, Leata Galloway proves herself an assured song stylist on The Naked Truth. The opening power pop-soul, mid-tempo number, "With Every Beat of My Heart" released as a single is a glorious cross between the raw grit of Tina Turner and the lushness of Nancy Wilson. Gliding with serene melody and lyrics true to life, "Heartache (Don't Discriminate)" is another peak moment. Occasionally, Nick Martinelli's production is a bit too glossy; for the most part, however, the sound here is thoroughly relaxing and durably arranged. This is one of the most impressive early efforts to blend contemporary R&B and jazz into the format that gradually blossomed into R&B-driven smooth jazz. Galloway's inspired, passionate performances throughout insure that the songs don't fall victim to the banality sometimes associated with that subgenre. The cohesive listening experience that results makes one wonder why this gem of an album didn't get nearly the commercial clout it deserved. ~ Justin Kantor http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-naked-truth-mw0000195817

Personnel : Leata Galloway – Vocals;  Toots Thielemans – Harmonica;  Wilton Felder - Sax Tenor;  Ron Kerber - Saxophone, Horn;  Jeffrey Lego, Richard Kerber, Robert Hagglund, Douglas Dupre, Marcus Johnson, Steve Wise, Dennis Wasko, Gary McKeen, Robert McAllister – Horn;  Linda Lawley, Angel Rogers, Armand Pocoroba, Carolyn Mitchell Vocals (Background);  James K. Lloyd, Preston Glass, Curtis Dowd, Jr., Dennis Richardson – Keyboards;  Donald Robinson - Flute, Keyboards, Piano, Keyboards;  Randy Bowland – Guitar;  Randy Cantor - Synthesizer, Keyboards, Strings;  Doug Grigsby – Bass Guitar;  Daryl Burgee, Jim Salamone – Drums;  Mayra Casales, Pablo Batista - Percussion

The Naked Truth

Herb Alpert - Keep Your Eye On Me

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:50
Size: 104,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:11)  1. Keep Your Eye On Me
(3:56)  2. Hot Shot
(4:53)  3. Diamonds
(3:14)  4. Traffic Jam
(5:26)  5. Cat Man Do
(4:32)  6. Pillow
(3:54)  7. Our Song
(5:55)  8. Making Love In The Rain
(3:51)  9. Rocket To The Moon
(2:53) 10. Stranger On The Shore

The unbelievable sales success of this record is a testament to Herb Alpert's extraordinary ability to keep his ear to the ground no doubt aided by his position as vice-chairman and co-owner of A&M Records and adapt to the times. At a time when A&M's Janet Jackson was blazing up the charts, Alpert journeyed to Minneapolis and cut some tracks with Jackson's producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, producing the others himself in a mostly similar techno-pop vein. Presto!, three Top Ten R&B singles came out of the album, "Keep Your Eye on Me," "Making Love in the Rain," and the number one hit "Diamonds." The flashy, trashy "Diamonds" no doubt was aided on its rush up the charts by Jackson and Lisa Keith's bouncy lead vocals; it's really their record and that of Jam and Lewis, despite Alpert's top billing. Jackson and Keith also take the lead in the simple-minded lyrics of "Making Love in the Rain," which nevertheless has a haunting effect accented by Alpert's muted musings through an electronic gauze. At first, this seems like a gleaming digital machine of a record, loaded with repetitive sampling effects and drum machines churning out that ubiquitous '80s backbeat. But the techno stuff gradually gives way to Alpert's humane trumpet, which in a touching valentine to the '60s on Acker Bilk's "Stranger on the Shore," is eventually allowed to soar unimpeded over the electronics. ~ Richard G.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/album/keep-your-eye-on-me-mw0000188950

Personnel:  Herb Alpert (harmonica, trumpet, flugelhorn, celesta); Jellybean Johnson (vocals, percussion); Janet Jackson, Lisa Keith, Terry Lewis (vocals, background vocals); James Greer, Jerome Benton, Lani Hall (vocals); Michael Landau (guitar); John Barnes (tuba, organ, keyboards); Laythan Armor (keyboards, bass synthesizer, drums, percussion, programming); Les Pierce (keyboards, drums, programming); Roy Bittan (keyboards); Chuck Domanico (acoustic bass); Jimmy Jam (bass guitar, drums, percussion, keyboard programming); Steven Schaeffer (drums, percussion); Jeff Porcaro (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); David Eiland (keyboard programming, sampler).

Keep Your Eye On Me

David Benoit - Every Step Of The Way

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:02
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:03)  1. Every Step Of The Way
(3:33)  2. Shibuya Station
(5:02)  3. The Key To You
(4:33)  4. Remembering What You Said
(2:45)  5. Once Running Free
(4:40)  6. ReBach
(5:16)  7. Sao Paulo
(5:34)  8. No Worries
(4:52)  9. I Just Can't Stop Loving You
(4:25) 10. Painted Desert
(4:14) 11. Saturdays

One of the more popular performers in the idiom somewhat inaccurately called "contemporary jazz," David Benoit has mostly performed light melodic background music, what critic Alex Henderson has dubbed "new age with a beat." Benoit has done a few fine jazz projects (including a tribute to Bill Evans and a collaboration with Emily Remler) but most of his output for GRP has clearly been aimed at the charts. He studied composition and piano at El Camino College and, in 1975, played on the soundtrack of the film Nashville. After recording with Alphonse Mouzon and accompanying singer Gloria Lynne, he was signed to the AVI label when he was 24, recording sets that paved the way for his later output. In 1986, Benoit signed as a solo artist with GRP, a relationship that would last until 2003. Albums like 1989's Waiting for Spring and 1999's Professional Dreamer showcase his smooth, lyrical style, while projects like his 2000 tribute to Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts scores, Here's to You, Charlie Brown!: 50 Great Years!, demonstrate where his own tastes lie. A decade after their first joint venture, Benoit and Russ Freeman collaborated on Benoit/Freeman Project 2, released by the Concord-associated label Peak in 2004. For 2005's Orchestral Works he was joined by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and members of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He released two studio albums including Full Circle in 2006 and Standards, which appeared later that same year. In 2008, Benoit paid tribute to some of his musical idols with the album Heroes. The album saw him covering songs by Elton John, the Beatles, Dave Brubeck, and others. Two years later, Benoit delivered the Clark Germain-produced electronica-inflected album Earthglow, and in 2012, he returned with Conversation, which featured the classical trio-meets-jazz-trio title track taken from his "Music for Two Trios" suite. In 2014, Benoit contributed to former Ambrosia guitarist David Pack's Napa Crossroads set with Alan Parsons, Ray Manzarek, Larry Carlton, Mindi Abair, and others. Benoit shifted focus on his next outing. Deciding to record an all-originals vocal album, he collaborated with lyricists Lorraine Feather, Mark Winkler, and Spencer Day. Released in the June of 2015, 2 in Love featured Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. She was also featured heavily on Believe, a Christmas recording that appeared just four months later. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-step-of-the-way/id19683771

Personnel:  David Benoit - piano, synthesizer;  Russ Freeman – guitar;  Randy Waldman – keyboards;  Grant Geissman – guitar;  Nathan East – bass;  Bob Feldman – bass;  Neil Stubenhaus – bass;  Michael Landau – guitar;  David Pack – vocals;  John Robinson – drums;  Harvey Mason – drums;  Stanley Clarke – bass;  Mike Fisher – percussion;  Sam Riney – saxophone;  Tony Morales - drums

Every Step Of The Way

Rachid Taha - Live

Styles: World
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:49
Size: 181,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:54)  1. Menfi
(6:39)  2. Nokta
(6:22)  3. Ida
(8:59)  4. Ya Rayah
(6:46)  5. Medina
(8:59)  6. Bent Sahra
(5:41)  7. Barra Barra
(6:46)  8. Foqt Foqt
(5:06)  9. Ala Jalkoum
(7:46) 10. Voila Voila
(8:45) 11. Garab

Rachid Taha rules the rai music scene with a hip sound that gathers up both the desert rhythms of North African traditional music and the unbridled energy of rock and electronic dance music. A genuine global star, Taha plays to the masses in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and some Americans have been lucky enough to see this galvanizing performer in midsize clubs. In either setting there is a heady atmosphere of a wild Algerian frat party that is barely under control. Recorded during a single show in Brussels while touring behind the excellent Made in Medina (five of the set's 11 songs are from this album), Live features great tunes performed by Taha's working band and a few special guests. Live also captures the essence of the Taha performance. Sometimes bantering good-naturedly with the crowd in French, sometimes whipping them into a cheering frenzy, Taha proves that he is the consummate entertainer. This album is what live music is all about great music, good times, and hanging out with people. ~ Tad Hendrickson https://www.amazon.com/Rachid-Taha-Live/dp/B000062Y9H

Live

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Eddie Calvert - Latin Carnival

Styles: Trumpet Instrumental
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:42
Size: 82,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:53)  1. Siboney
(3:17)  2. Besame Mucho
(3:18)  3. Por Favor
(2:29)  4. Flamingo
(2:26)  5. La Ultima Noche
(2:25)  6. Copacabana
(2:54)  7. Nicolasa
(3:25)  8. Vevezuela
(2:22)  9. Adios Mariquita Linda
(2:09) 10. Aurora
(2:36) 11. You Belong To My Heart
(2:21) 12. Three Caballeros

Eddie Calvert, known as the man with the golden trumpet, was born in Preston, Lancashire on the 15th March 1922 as Albert Edward Calvert. As a child he was exposed to his family's love of brass band music and he learned to play many brass instruments but concentrated on the trumpet. He joined the Preston Town Silver Band at the age of 11 but the war interrupted his musical career and by the late 1940s he returned to play in various amateur brass bands, eventually moving to the professional circuit with the dance bands Geraldo and Billy Ternet. Going solo, he appeared on TV with the Stanley Black Orchestra. He signed to the Columbia label, part of the EMI group and released an instrumental trumpet version of the German song Oh Mein Papa which had most famously been covered in English as Oh My Papa by Eddie Fisher. Calvert's instrumental easily won the chart battle in the UK and it remained at no.1 for nine weeks at the beginning of 1954. 

Over a year later he was involved in another chart battle for supremacy with the song Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White and this time it was much closer with both his and a very similar trumpet version by Perez Prado reaching no.1 in the Spring of 1955. Several other hits followed including a version of Stranger In Paradise, John And Julie and Mandy, while Little Serenade was his final hit in June 1958. When the 1960s provided no change of fortune, Calvert moved away to settle in South Africa where he lived out the remainder of his life, dying on the 7th of August 1978. ~ Sharon Mawer http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eddie-calvert-mn0000793645/biography

Personnel:  Trumpet – Eddie Calvert;  Orchestra – The Martin Slavin Orchestra

Latin Carnival

Laverne Butler - Love Lost And Found Again

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:17
Size: 120,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:40)  1. Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home
(3:57)  2. Be a Sweet Pumpkin
(4:06)  3. I've Told Every Little Star
(5:29)  4. Eveybody's Somebody's Fool
(3:33)  5. The Bluest Blues
(4:46)  6. Travelin' Light
(4:08)  7. That's All
(6:11)  8. Be Anything (But Be Mine)
(4:36)  9. In My Own Little Corner
(5:39) 10. I'll Never Be Free
(3:07) 11. Smile

LaVerne Butler has recorded only sporadically since her 1992 debut, but it isn't due to a lack of talent. Steeped in jazz with an appreciation for R&B, she tackles a mix of Broadway tunes and pop, backed by her frequent collaborator, the gifted pianist Bruce Barth, who also penned the arrangements, along with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Rudy Royston, with tenor saxophonist Houston Person added on seven tracks. Butler makes it all sound effortless with her expressive alto, gliding through the arrangements as if they've long been part of her repertoire instead of being created just before the sessions. She makes the most of the variety of music, excelling in standards like "I've Told Ev'ry Little Star" and a forgotten gem like Rodgers & Hammerstein's "In My Own Little Corner," but really delivers with a memorable rendition of Charlie Chaplin's decades-old tearful ballad "Smile." Person's presence is welcome, reminiscent of his many appearances in support of the late singer Etta Jones, adding a soulful touch that complements Butler on "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home," "Travelin' Light," and "Be Anything (But Be Mine)."~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-lost-and-found-again-mw0002417492

Personnel: LaVerne Butler (vocals); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Bruce Barth (piano); Rudy Royston (drums).

Love Lost And Found Again

Karel Boehlee Trio - Last Tango In Paris

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:32
Size: 143,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:19)  1. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(6:41)  2. Last Tango In Paris
(5:40)  3. Adagio
(7:05)  4. Dat Mistige Rooie Beest
(4:59)  5. My Man's Gone Now
(5:18)  6. Comes Love
(6:32)  7. Longing
(7:07)  8. Lueur Dans La Nuit
(6:10)  9. Le Grisbi
(5:36) 10. Dreams

Karel Boehlee (April 23, 1960), a pianist and composer. From his youngest years Boehlee was a revelation in the Dutch jazz scene. From his birthplace he started from his 16th to play with various bands and jazz artists. His first records were an immediate success, especially in Japan. And since 1989 he was invited with his European Jazz Trio for several performances in Japan. Over the years, Boehlee emerged himself as one of the greatest pianists in the Netherlands which resulted in performances with the very greatest international jazz musicians. He has been playing for over twenty years as a pianist with such as Toots Thielemans and Philip Catherine. He also plays regularly with our national jazz greats like Toon Roos, Fay Claasen and Trijntje Oosterhuis. He is also in demand as a session musician with pop artists like Gino Vanelli and many others. His recognizable piano playing and compositions are also increasingly being asked in Japan, Korea where Boehlee increasingly performs as a solo artist. Besides his career as a pianist Karel Boehlee is also main piano teacher at the Conservatory van Amsterdam. https://karelboehleepiano.wordpress.com/bio/

I also bought it caught in a jacket. Karel Boehlee's new score "Last Tango In Paris". It is feeling that it was fitted in the trap of Mr. Kimitsunobu (Kimata · Makoto) again this time. However, I am impressed with the work which I did well as usual. If you listen as BGM in mini-component etc., it becomes easy listening jazz, and when listening with facing the face with a reasonable expensive equipment it is made to be able to be touched by a lyrical phrase that is not covered with Boelly's dress It is.  "It does not get in the way even if it is flowing while doing something else, but listening comprehensively if you listen with having the intention to listen, listening comprehensive music."  This is the producer of Key 'Stone Music , Kimonosuke' s production attitude, so it is not exactly the music whose appearance such as this work appeared virtually. As for the previous work, "Blue Prelude", I wrote it in my blog before, so please come here.

That's why, like M & I's work so far, it is a work fascinated by Lyricism, which is very fresh and transparent. As with pure water from which all minerals and impurities are removed through a reverse osmosis membrane filter, there is no wasteful decorating technique and no complicated constitution at all, only to clearly and transparently beautiful sound, melody played only to that one point Boierie's aesthetic sense concentrates on the appearance of not only jazz fans but also the universality of music accepted by every music fans. As before, the members are Hein Van de Geyn (Hain van der Gain) and drums Hans Van Osterhout (Hans van Osta Houtou). Although the title is "Last Tango In Paris", it is not a collection of Tango songs. It consists of less familiar musical songs, movie music, classics and more. This time the original Boeley is only one song and less. Personally I am sorry a little because there is attachment to the original of Boelly. I purchased this disc about 3 days ago and I listen to it everyday, but I feel it gradually. It is good feeling. His work always seems, but at first it does not come with pins, but as he listens, his distinctive beauty melody emerges as if it emerges and stimulates my sentimental center. It would be something I did if I did. "If you listen carefully, as it is, concentrate and listen, it resonates properly in your heart." Is not it an excellent work that was given such a mechanism? https://translate.google.com.br/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://blog.goo.ne.jp/crissmorgan/e/1653e3d0cbc1d7fdcea1e374892ca487&prev=search

Personnel:  Piano – Karel Boehlee;  Bass – Hein Van de Geyn;  Drums – Hans Van Oosterhout

Last Tango In Paris

Bob James - Dancing On The Water

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:43
Size: 152,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:04)  1. Alone Together
(6:06)  2. The Green Hour
(4:03)  3. Bogie's Boogie
(8:11)  4. Altair and Vega
(6:38)  5. Hum Drum
(7:41)  6. Last Night When We Were Young
(4:57)  7. Dancing on the Water
(4:37)  8. Modesty
(5:31)  9. Tapawingo
(5:53) 10. Autumn Nocturne
(5:57) 11. Duo Oto Subito

Dancing on the Water features a collection of solo piano performances by Bob James plus duets by James with a diverse array of artists, including bassist Dave Holland, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and pianists Keiku Matsui and Joe Sample. James wrote nine songs on the CD everything except "Alone Together" and "Last Night When We Were Young." Four songs ("The Green Hour," "Bogie's Boogie," "Hum Drum," and "Modesty") receive the benefit of James performing solo on acoustic piano. His duet with Keiko Matsui, "Altair and Vega," is an eight-minute masterpiece featuring exceptional interplay between the pianists. The sweet melodies along with fine, balanced technique and tremolo earn this duet high marks. Piano and bass duets by James and Dave Holland are featured on "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Autumn Nocture"; both songs strike an artful balance with rhythmic improvisations that reflect the duo's award-winning jazz styles in a complementary setting. Chuck Loeb expands his awareness of jazz guitar on the title track, "Dancing on the Water." His joyful interpretations and subtle surprises make the music of the acclaimed jazz pianist sound fresh and new. Two tracks with Joe Sample, "Alone Together" and "Tapawingo," exhibit the emotive and superbly inventive bebop-based compositions at the hands of two masters. Their crisp, flowing lines and intricate melodic voicings reflect the influence of such jazz icons as Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner. This is an excellent CD and Bob James continues his exceptional musical dialogues with more pronounced affection for traditional jazz styles than on previous releases. ~ Paula Edelstein http://www.allmusic.com/album/dancing-on-the-water-mw0000625099

Personnel: Bob James, Keiko Matsui, Joe Sample (piano); Chuck Loeb (guitar); Dave Holland (bass).

Dancing On The Water

Stanton Moore - With You In Mind

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:57
Size: 122,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. Here Come The Girls
(3:46)  2. Life
(4:56)  3. Java
(5:37)  4. All These Things
(6:00)  5. Night People
(4:19)  6. The Beat
(5:59)  7. Riverboat
(4:25)  8. Everything I Do Gone Be Funky
(6:10)  9. With You In My Mind
(7:33) 10. Southern Nights

Galactic drummer Stanton Moore is a busy man. Besides working with NOLA's funky sons, he teaches, does a copious amount of TV and film work, and works on solo projects. One of the latter is his acclaimed trio with organist David Torkanowsky and bassist James Singleton. The three had booked studio time in the fall of 2015 to cut a follow-up to the previous year's celebrated Conversations. That was put on hold when Crescent City icon Allen Toussaint died suddenly after a concert in Spain. Moore's trio didn't feel right proceeding on their own without acknowledging the artist's passing. Moore had done studio work with Toussaint, and the shadow of his influence on the trio looms large.

Instead of cutting an original record, the three assembled a host of NOLA luminaries for this masterful presentation of Toussaint's multi-faceted compositions. Vocalist Cyril Neville fronts the band on half the set's tunes, including the raucous "Here Come the Girls" (with a burning solo by Trombone Shorty). Neville's also there on the syncopated, second-line funk of "Life," whose horn section boasts solos by trumpeter Nicholas Payton and saxophonist Skerik, as well as a killer backing chorus comprised of Erica Falls and Jolynda Chapman. The latter of these two fronts the trio on the soulful ballad "All These Things." There are excellent instrumentals to boot. "Java," a famous Toussaint jazz tune synonymous with Al Hirt, is realized with Torkanowsky laying down his most "humid" piano lines amid a knotty, hard-swinging horn section comprised of Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr., Payton, and Shorty, with Moore and Singleton driving the rhythm home. The altoist and trumpeter also join the trio on the bluesy, nocturnal "Riverboat," with its gospel overtones and shimmering atmospheric vibe adorned by gently rolling snare, tom-toms, and electric piano. On the deep funk tip, there's the eternal "Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky from Now On" that joins Moore's trio to sax players Maceo Parker and Skerik, trumpeter Eric Bloom and trombonist Mark Mullins. Neville and the backing vocalists emphasize the Mardi Gras Indian-styled chant in the refrain as the groove thunders. Toussaint was nothing if not a supreme melodist. In the title track, Singleton lays down a gorgeous solo before Moore and Torkanowsky follow to improvise on the harmony with grace and elegance. Actor Wendell Pierce guests on the classic "Southern Nights." He speaks the lyric with a jazzman's swing and a rapper's sense of time. Then Payton takes over the unmistakable sweet soul melody on a B-3 while Torkanowsky adds fills with an electric piano; Singleton and Moore frame it all with a laid-back groove. The icing on the cake is Payton's Louis Armstrong-inspired trumpet solo to carry it out. It's likely that other tributes to Toussaint's genius will follow, but it's just as likely that few will be as heartfelt and discerning as the Stanton Moore Trio's With You in Mind. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/with-you-in-mind-mw0003047826

Personnel: Stanton Moore (drums); David Torkanowsky (keyboards). Featuring: Jolynda Kiki Chapman, Cyril Neville, Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison, Trombone Shorty, Maceo Parker, Nicholas Payton and Wendell Pierce.

With You In Mind

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Al Hirt - They're Playing Our Song

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:35
Size: 76,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:52)  1. I Had The Craziest Dream
(2:39)  2. Paper Doll
(2:53)  3. You'll Never Know
(2:38)  4. It's Been A Long, Long Time
(2:40)  5. The Song From Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart)
(2:33)  6. Autumn Leaves
(2:33)  7. There, I've Said It Again
(2:37)  8. I've Heard That Song Before
(3:18)  9. I'll Get By
(2:20) 10. Deep Purple
(2:29) 11. Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White
(2:58) 12. I'll Be Seeing You

They're Playing Our Song is an album by Al Hirt released by RCA Victor in 1965. The album was produced by Jim Foglesong. It was recorded at Webster Hall in Manhattan, New York City. The album landed on the Billboard Top LPs chart, reaching #39 in 1966. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/They%27re_Playing_Our_Song_(album)

They're Playing Our Song

Kate Ceberano - The Girl Can Help It

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:16
Size: 103,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. Beautiful Life
(4:11)  2. Sunburn
(3:47)  3. Yes
(3:43)  4. Pilot
(5:12)  5. I Hope I Never
(3:40)  6. A Good Thing
(3:32)  7. Bring It On
(4:17)  8. Let Me In
(3:39)  9. 3 Small Words
(3:03) 10. Let's All Get Together
(5:16) 11. Cherry Blossom Lipstick

One of Australia's most gifted and versatile performers, Kate Ceberano's music crossed several genres and made her one of the most popular female vocalists of the 1980s and '90s. Ceberano first rose to prominence as the teenage lead singer of Australian funk-pop outfit I'm Talking in 1985. Their debut (and as it transpired, only) album, Bear Witness, produced three hit singles, including "Love Don't Live Here Anymore." I'm Talking disbanded in 1987, and Ceberano released her debut solo jazz album in that same year. Kate Ceberano and Her Septet, featuring her brother Phil and veteran session musicians Alex Pertout and Jex Saarelaht, became a huge hit, and was followed in 1988 by You've Always Got the Blues, which featured Ceberano and Wendy Matthews as vocalists. In 1988 the first single from Ceberano's eagerly awaited first pop album was released. "Bedroom Eyes" became the highest-selling Australian single of 1988 and helped Ceberano win two ARIA awards for best female vocalist in 1988 and 1989. The album, Brave, was released in 1989 and went triple platinum. "Young Boys Are My Weakness" was also released as a single from this disc. Another jazz album called Like Now followed in 1990, then her second pop album, Think About It, appeared in 1991. However, it could not build on the success of Brave and failed to produce a strong single. 1992 saw a stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar open in Australia. Ceberano won the part of Mary Magdalene, and performed alongside John Farnham, Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens, and former Rose Tattoo lead singer Angry Anderson in the show. The Australian cast album went four-times platinum and Ceberano's song from the production "I Don't Know How to Love Him" was released as a single. In 1996, another pop album, Blue Box, was released, and this was followed in 1998 with Pash. The '60s-influenced pop of the title track became her biggest hit since "Bedroom Eyes." A best-of collection entitled True Romantic appeared in 1999. ~ Jonathan Lewis https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-girl-can-help-it/id1150454551

Personnel:  Backing Vocals – Kate Ceberano, Richard Pleasance (tracks: 1 to 7);  Bass – Kevin McCormick (tracks: 8, 11);  Drums – Mauricio Lewak (tracks: 8, 11);  Guitar – Mark Goldenberg (tracks: 8, 11), Phil Ceberano (tracks: 8, 9, 11);  Guitar [All Guitars] – Richard Pleasance (tracks: 1 to 7) Keyboards – Mark Goldenberg (tracks: 8, 11), Richard Pleasance (tracks: 1 to 7);  Piano – Kate Ceberano (tracks: 1 to 7, 9)

The Girl Can Help It

Stan Getz & Chet Baker - The Stockholm Concerts Disc 1, Disc 2 And Disc 3

Album: The Stockholm Concerts Disc 1

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:20
Size: 128,3 MB
Art: Front

( 1:43)  1. Announcement
(10:50)  2. Stablemates
( 7:42)  3. We'll Be Together Again
(10:52)  4. On the Up and Up
( 5:53)  5. How Long Has This Been Going On
( 7:08)  6. O Grande Amor
(11:09)  7. Just Friends


Album: The Stockholm Concerts Disc 2

Time: 58:25
Size: 135,4 MB

( 9:00)  1. My Funny Valentine
( 8:40)  2. Sipping at Bell's
( 5:40)  3. Stella by Starlight
( 7:46)  4. Airegin
( 8:33)  5. The Baggage Room Blues
( 7:33)  6. We'll Be Together Again
(11:10)  7. I'll Remember April


Album: The Stockholm Concerts Disc 3

Time: 58:58
Size: 137,1 MB

(1:25)  1. Annoucement
(8:38)  2. Just Friends
(8:22)  3. My Funny Valentine
(9:02)  4. Sippin' at Bell's
(5:04)  5. Blood Count
(9:55)  6. Milestones
(8:47)  7. Airegin
(5:28)  8. Dear Old Stockholm
(2:12)  9. Line for Lyons

According to this set's annotator, Mike Hennessey, and Stan Getz's biographer, Donald Maggin, the circumstances surrounding the making of these 1983 recordings was unpleasant in the extreme. For various reasons, Getz was unhappy to be concertizing with Baker and forced him out before the 35-date tour was halfway finished. Before Baker left, however, the men played a pair of concerts in Stockholm, which were fortunately recorded for posterity. Fortunately not because Getz and Baker shared any special rapport that led to a classic performance, but because the resulting album gives listeners another example of how wonderful a player Chet Baker was, even after years of drug addiction and general dissolution. Getz is his typical self lyrical, facile almost to the point of glibness, but musical nevertheless. Baker, on the other hand, is as he ever was one of the most spontaneously creative, emotionally compelling voices in jazz. The band is good if unspectacular; drummer Victor Lewis was a particularly nice choice in that he could drive a band like this without overwhelming the rather brittle lead voices. And Getz is excellent; if you're a Getz fan, he's in fine form here, so you won't be disappointed. Baker, on the other hand, is superb; it's his inimitable musicality that ultimately makes this rather pricey three-disc set a bargain. ~ Chris Kelsey

Personnel: Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet); Jim McNeely (piano); George Mraz (bass); Victor Lewis (drums).


Stanley Turrentine - Joyride

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:00
Size: 98,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:18)  1. River's Invitation
(4:25)  2. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone
(6:29)  3. Little Sheri
(5:59)  4. Mattie T.
(6:18)  5. Bayou
(3:57)  6. A Taste Of Honey
(4:38)  7. Gravy Train
(4:53)  8. A Kettle Of Fish

Stanley Turrentine is the featured artist in this big band session with an all-star orchestra arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson. While Nelson's charts are funky and easygoing (without providing any solo space for the likes of Phil Woods, Clark Terry, and Jay Jay Johnson), they serve the purpose to inspire the tenor saxophonist. Turrentine is quite soulful on Percy Mayfield's "River's Invitation," and his huge tone carries the day in a waltzing chart of the 1960s hit "A Taste of Honey." The artist also contributed some originals to the date, including the easygoing "Little Sheri," which features the unison flutes of Danny Bank and Jerry Dodgion, and "Mattie T," a gospel-like song that almost seems like a march. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/joyride-mw0000649759

Personnel:  Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine;  Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Phil Woods;  Alto Saxophone, Flute, Flute [Alto Flute], Clarinet, Piccolo Flute – Jerry Dodgion;  Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Flute [Alto Flute] – Danny Bank;  Bass – Bob Cranshaw;  Drums – Grady Tate;  Guitar – Kenny Burrell;  Piano – Herbie Hancock;  Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Robert Ashton;  Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet – Albert J. Johnson;  Trombone – Henry Coker, Jay Jay Johnson, Jimmy Cleveland;  Trumpet – Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Snooky Young

Joyride

Robin Kenyatta - Terra Nova

Styles: Flute And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1973
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:52
Size: 82,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:03)  1. Temptation Took Control of Me (And I Fell)
(9:01)  2. Need Your Love So Bad
(4:56)  3. Terra Nova
(3:46)  4. You Are the Sunshine of My Life
(3:51)  5. Freedom Jazz Dance
(3:22)  6. Mother Earth (Provides for Me)
(3:15)  7. Touch
(3:35)  8. Island Shakedown

Backing off a bit from the outright funky fusion of 1972's Gypsy Man, Terra Nova nonetheless finds saxophonist Robin Kenyatta still indulging his newfound love of electricity and rhythmically altered jazz-funk tempered by his newfound love of Caribbean music. This Michael Cuscuna-produced date showcases Kenyatta's alto in three different settings though half of them feature him in an octet with a pair of electric guitarists and two pianists, an organist, bassist, drummer, and no less than Ralph MacDonald on percussion. The feel on most of these cuts is informed by bubbling funky reggae and calypso. Eric Kaz's "Temptation Took Control (And I Fell)" and " Mother Earth (Provides for Me)," Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance" and the originals "Island Shakedown" and the title track (that add saxophonist Carlos Garnett, trumpeter Enrico Rava, and trombonist Jonas Gwangwa), are all drenched in these rhythms. The remaining two numbers include a tough, Ray Charles  inflected soul-jazz version of Little Willie John's "Need Your Love So Bad," and the straight up proto-smooth jazz tune "Touch." These latter two numbers make the recording feel a bit schizy, but nonetheless extremely enjoyable though in 1973 it must have felt like it was coming from left-field and has dated well This is a prime example of the wide range of musical interests Kenyatta attempted to integrate during the '70s. Wounded Bird finally made this set available on CD in 2008. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/terra-nova-mw0000793923

Personnel: Robin Kenyatta (flute, saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Betty Jack Davis (vocals); Hux Brown (guitar); Carlos Garnett (tenor saxophone); Enrico Rava (trumpet); Jonas Gwangwa (trombone); Neville Hinds, Pat Rebillot (piano, electric piano); Gladstone Anderson (piano); Sonny Burke , Winston Wright (organ); Ron Carter (bass instrument, electric bass); Jackie Jackson , Boris Gardiner (electric bass); Ray Lucas, Winston Grennan (drums); Ralph MacDonald (congas, percussion).

Terra Nova

Friday, July 28, 2017

George Shearing - The Way We Are

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:45
Size: 92,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:36)  1. The Way We Were
(5:50)  2. Do You Know The Way To San Jose?
(2:51)  3. Killing Me Softly
(4:34)  4. The World Is A Ghetto
(5:16)  5. Superstar
(4:03)  6. Eleanor Rigby
(2:29)  7. Brian's Song
(3:28)  8. Aquarius
(4:02)  9. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(4:31) 10. Alone Again (Naturally)

The formula for the George Shearing Quintet was wearing very thin by the time of this 1974 release, although he adds two Latin percussionists to the group for variety. The lack of notable sidemen means that Shearing does almost all of the solos, excepting the guest percussionists, but the major weakness of this record is the inane material. While Stevie Wonder's "The Sunshine of My Life" has been successfully absorbed into the jazz repertoire, forgettable turkeys like "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," "Killing Me Softly," a Muzak-like rendition of "Superstar" (the sleep-inducing hit for Karen Carpenter written by Leon Russell), the insipid "The World Is a Ghetto," and especially the nauseating Gilbert O'Sullivan ballad "Alone Again (Naturally)" prove that even a first-rate musician can do little to make these tunes interesting to jazz listeners. 

One almost assumes that Leonard Feather's liner notes are tongue in cheek and that he had to force himself to say something positive about this dubious project. Long out of print since BASF's departure from the record-making business in the mid-'70s (possibly encouraged by flops like this), it's safe to say that fans of the earlier successes (and the later revival) of the George Shearing Quintet can safely bypass this extremely disappointing LP. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-way-we-are-mw0000874525

Personnel:  Piano – George Shearing;  Bass – Andy Simpkins;  Bongos, Congas – Chino Valdes;  Drums – Rusty Jones;  Guitar – Sigi Schwab;  Timbales – Carmelo Garcia;  Vibraphone – Heribert Thusek

The Way We Are

Emilie-Claire Barlow - The Very Thought Of You

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:06
Size: 139,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. The Very Thought Of You
(3:45)  2. Almost Like Being In Love
(3:35)  3. O Pato (The Duck)
(4:46)  4. Les Yeux Ouverts (Dream A Little Dream Of Me)
(4:25)  5. Pennies From Heaven
(5:22)  6. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
(5:00)  7. Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(5:59)  8. My Time Of Day / I've Never Been In Love Before
(3:51)  9. C'est Si Bon
(2:54) 10. De Conversa Em Conversa
(5:25) 11. The Boy Next Door
(5:28) 12. So Many Stars
(2:53) 13. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me

Named after the 1934 Ray Noble-penned standard made famous by Bing Crosby, The Very Thought of You is the sixth studio album from Canadian jazz vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow. Released in 2007, it features silky-smooth renditions of Nat King Cole's "Almost Like Being in Love," Billie Holiday 's "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," and Mama Cass' "Dream a Little Dream of Me" alongside interpretations of hits from various musicals including Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, and Pennies from Heaven. ~ Jon O’Brien http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-very-thought-of-you-mw0000821545

Personnel: Emilie-Claire Barlow - vocal, shaker, triangle;  Reg Schwager (guitar); Drew Jurecka, Kathryn Sugden, Rebecca VanDerPost, Lenny Solomon (violin); Claudio Vena (viola); Wendy Solomon, Alex Grant (cello); Bill McBirnie (flute); Kelly Jefferson, Mike Murley (tenor saxophone); Kevin Turcotte (flugelhorn); Nancy Celeste Walker (piano); Alan Hetherington (pandeiro, rainsticks, surdo, wood block, caxixi, percussion, bells).

The Very Thought Of You

Stanley Turrentine - More Than a Mood

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:11
Size: 127,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:26)  1. Thomasville
(8:57)  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(7:28)  3. In a Sentimental Mood
(5:57)  4. Easy Walker
(5:45)  5. Triste
(5:19)  6. Pieces of Dreams
(9:19)  7. Spirit Up Above
(6:58)  8. More Than a Mood

For this quartet date with pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Higgins (trumpeter Freddie Hubbard sits in on two numbers), Turrentine is in top form on a variety of standards plus Tommy Turrentine's "Thomasville" and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Spirits up Above." A fine session. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/more-than-a-mood-mw0000029373

Personnel:  Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine;  Bass – Ron Carter;  Drums – Billy Higgins;  Flugelhorn – Freddie Hubbard (tracks: 7);  Piano – Cedar Walton;  Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard (tracks: 1)

More Than a Mood

Red Norvo Quintet - ...Naturally!

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:15
Size: 75,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:44)  1. I'll Remember April
(4:11)  2. Spider's Web
(3:45)  3. Tenderly
(3:57)  4. Lullaby Of Birdland
(3:19)  5. Stella By Starlight
(3:59)  6. Scorpion's Nest
(3:55)  7. Funny Valentine
(4:20)  8. Love For Sale

This reissue of a 1957 Rave Records release features Red Norvo's Quintet with Bob Drasnin on flute and alto; Jimmy Wyble on guitar, Buddy Clark on bass and Bill Douglass on drums. This quintet has a hard-swinging low-key style that epitomizes the 'cool' jazz of Hollywood in the 1950's. Great solos by Red on vibes, Bob Drasnin on alto and flute and Jimmy Wyble remind us of how alive this music could be in the hands of these consummate professionals. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Naturally-Red-Norvo/dp/B0009G3B9M

Personnel: Red Norvo (vibraphone); Robert Drasnin (alto, flute); Jim Wuble (guitar); Bill Douglass (drums)

...Naturally!

Poncho Sanchez - Papa Gato

Styles: Latin Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:57
Size: 91,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Quindembo
(4:50)  2. Papa Gato
(4:43)  3. Serenidad
(4:16)  4. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
(4:40)  5. Baila Baila
(4:59)  6. Pan Dulce
(5:30)  7. Tania
(4:23)  8. Senor Blues
(5:50)  9. Manteca

Percussionist Poncho Sanchez has long led one of the top Latin jazz groups, succeeding his former boss, the late Cal Tjader. On this enjoyable release, Sanchez features plenty of solos from Justo Almario (on alto, tenor, and flute), trumpeter Sal Cracchiolo, and trombonist Art Velasco, and the three percussionists have many opportunities to romp. The jazz content is pretty high with such songs as "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," "Senor Blues," and "Manteca" alternating with group originals. A fine introduction to the accessible Latin jazz of Poncho Sanchez. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/papa-gato-mw0000196943

Personnel: Poncho Sanchez (congas, bata); Justo Almario (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet, flugelhorn); Arturo Velasco (trombone); Charlie Otwell (piano); David Romero (bongos); Ramon Banda (timbales).

Papa Gato

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Louis Armstrong - The Standard Oil Sessions

Size: 124,2 MB
Time: 53:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (5:40)
02. Muskrat Ramble (5:42)
03. Basin Street Blues (4:21)
04. Struttin' With Some Barbeque (5:05)
05. Boogie Woogie On St. Louis Blues (4:52)
06. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans (4:33)
07. Lazy River (4:37)
08. Panama (4:10)
09. Back O'Town Blues (6:22)
10. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (First Rehearsal Take) (4:08)
11. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Second Rehearsal Take) (3:33)

Personnel:
Louis Armstrong: Trumpet & Vocals
Jack Teagarden: Trombone & Vocals
Earl “Fatha” Hines: Piano
Lyle Johnson: Clarinet
Clancy Hayes: Guitar
Bass & Drums: Unknown

This 50+ minute recording was recorded in San Francisco, California on January 20, 1950 by the Standard Oil Company for their radio show, “Musical Map of America.” The recording was episode 19, “Musical Story of New Orleans,” and featured Armstrong, Jack Teagarden and Earl Hines. For reasons not known, the broadcast was never made and Louis was personally given the acetate discs of the sessions.

The Standard Oil Sessions

Janet Seidel - The Art Of Lounge, Vol. 2

Size: 130,8 MB
Time: 55:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2001/2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Poinciana (4:07)
02. Lonesome Road (3:10)
03. Agua De Beber (4:02)
04. Oh How My Heart Beats For You (2:05)
05. They Say It's Wonderful (3:51)
06. You're A Lucky Guy (3:07)
07. It Had Better Be Tonight (3:05)
08. Perhaps (2:35)
09. Slow Boat To China (3:10)
10. Spanish Harlem (4:29)
11. Skylark (4:01)
12. Always Something There To Remind Me (3:37)
13. Button Up Your Overcoat (3:24)
14. You Belong To Me (4:04)
15. Can't We Talk It Over (3:08)
16. Sentimental Journey (3:46)

Australia's Janet Seidel continues to work magic on popular songs of the past, many of which have become standards. Like her first volume honoring the art of sophisticated swing and ballads, Seidel chooses to work in small-group settings, sometimes with sax or cornet added, other times with strings. When the sax is in control it adds a jazzy tingling. On "Poinciana," tenor saxman Paul Williams sneaks in jazz figures behind Seidel and the strings, creating interesting counterpoint. Another highlight track is "Lonesome Road," where the singer, Maree Steinway's piano, and Chuck Morgan's guitar framed by the rhythm of David Seidel and John Morrison beget a version of this tune that is bouncy but also as relaxed as one could expect to encounter. Seidel's unapologetic admiration of Doris Day is evident with "Sentimental Journey." But there is no big band cum Les Brown here. Rather, it's another laid-back small group rendering, this time with bass, guitar, and drums. Seidel is the vocal counterpart of alto sax player Paul Desmond, who was renowned for his comfortable playing style and respect for the melody line. The closest to vocal gymnastics is on "Slow Boat to China," where the ambidextrous Baker switches to cornet. Seidel has cut eight albums paying tribute to great popular music for the La Brava label. Each is a testimony to her vocal artistry and this does no less. Highly recommended. ~by Dave Nathan

Personnel: Janet Seidel - Vocals/Conductor; Col Nolan, Maree Steinway, Kevin Hunt - Piano; Chuck Morgan - Guitar; Paul Williams - Tenor Sax/ Clarinet; Tom Baker - Tenor Sax/Cornet/Vocals; Ben Jones - Alto & Tenor Sax/Vocal; David Seidel - Bass; Billy Ross - Drums; Ian Bloxsom - Percussion; John Morrison - Drums/Percussion; Mirka Rozmus, Rebecca Daniel, Michelle Kelly, Anne-Louise Comerford; Rachel Valentine - Strings

The Art Of Lounge, Vol.2      

SWR Big Band & Sammy Nestico - A Cool Breeze

Size: 149,7 MB
Time: 64:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz: Big Band
Art: Front & Back

01. Cell Talk (3:59)
02. Along Came Betty (5:00)
03. A Cool Breeze (5:29)
04. I'll Follow My Secret Heart (4:46)
05. Shirley (4:09)
06. Close Enough For Love (4:31)
07. Moonlight On The Ganges (3:49)
08. Frankie & Johnny (5:20)
09. Poor Butterfly (5:19)
10. 'Round Midnight (3:37)
11. Tippin' In (3:59)
12. Toni (5:25)
13. Softly From My Window (3:37)
14. The Jazz Music Box (5:09)

Seventeen musicians-one sound. And a very convincing sound, at that. The SWR Big Band has so far been nominated four times for a Grammy - the most important music award in the world. Also it received in 2015 a Jazz Award in Cold ffom German music industry. Enjoyed a great honor in 2011, when it was the first German band ever suggested for the "Premio da Musica Brasileira", Brazil's most important music award. In the face of so much fame, it seems almost modest to say that the SWR Big Band is one of the best big bands in the world.

Sammy Nestico is a composer-arranger whose accomplishments and credits have earned him legendary status in the music business.

Today’s word that best describes him is “iconic.”

He has done it all: a host of big band arrangements including those for the Count Basie Band, The Airmen of Note and Germany’s SWR Orchestra, movie and television scores, and a variety of commercials.

Along the way, he has won a bunch of Grammy Awards and, judging by the smile that appears to never leave his face, he has had a great deal of fun doing what he loves to do.

He’s a perfect example of the adage: “Do what you love and the rest will follow.”

On June 9, 2017, SWR Music released A Cool Breeze: Sammy Nestico and the SWR Big Band which documents more of the ongoing love affair between this brilliant, Stuttgart-based big band and one of the most accomplished composer-arrangers in the history of big band Jazz.

Everything about this recording is simply splendid from the SWR’s technical execution of the arrangements, to the joyful and magical way Sammy’s charts play out on the listener’s ear to the audio quality which imbues the music with a rich texture and a warm sound. Listening to the music on this recording makes you realize why Big Band Jazz is a category apart and that when it’s done right, no other aspect of Jazz matches its majestic sonority.

A Cool Breeze

Marica Hiraga - Vintage

Size: 119,1 MB
Time: 51:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. April In Paris (4:25)
02. So In Love (4:25)
03. Everything Happens To Me (4:30)
04. Angel Eyes (4:05)
05. As Time Goes By (4:36)
06. September In The Rain (4:21)
07. Golden Earrings (4:34)
08. I Loves You Porgy (5:21)
09. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (2:58)
10. When You Wish Upon A Star (3:35)
11. Cheek To Cheek (5:13)
12. Good Morning Heartache (3:11)

Marica Hiraga is Japan’s leading jazz vocalist with a rich talent both in expression and technique. Her professional career began in 1981 after she was awarded the Asia Music Award in Hong Kong. She has acquired her understanding and feeling of jazz by performing and traveling between Tokyo and New York.

Her first Jazz standard album, My Shining Hour, was released in 2001, and won the Best Singing Techniques award at the 19th Japan Jazz Vocal Award hosted by Jazz World magazine in 2003. Her 2nd album, Faith, released in 2006, was recorded with Eric Alexander and Harold Mabern Trio. Faith was selected as “ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and became her breakthrough album.

She then worked with the legendary jazz combo, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, lead by David Matthews, on 3rd album, Close to Bacharach, which was highly praised as the new Bacharach standards. The album was again selected as “ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and she received the Best Vocal award at the 41st Jazz Disc Award, hosted by Swing Journal, one of the most prestigious awards for jazz music in Japan.

In May 2008, she released a collection of mature love songs as 4th album, More Romance, and in November, she released 5th album, BATUCADA-Jazz‘ n’ Bossa, on which she worked with many prominent musicians including the genius Gil Goldstein, the leading AOR musician Michael Franks, Marcos Valle, Phil Woods, Kenny Garrett and Randy Brecker, as a celebration album for bossa nova’s 50th anniversary. BATUCADA was again selected as“ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and won her the Best Vocal award at the 42nd Jazz Disc Award.

In 2009, she released 6th album, Sing Once More-Dear Carpenters, a tribute album to Carpenters, for which she received the grand prize at the 25th Japan Jazz Vocal Award and the Best Vocal award at the 43rd Jazz Disc Award, making her the first musician to receive this award for 3 consecutive years.

In 2011, She released 7th album, Mona Lisa-Tribute to Nat King Cole, a tribute album to the legendary singer, Nat King Cole.
Marica Hiraga’s latest album, Sings With The Duke Ellington Orchestra, released in April 2012, The full big band album which becomes the first in self is challenged, and costarring with a historical big band is achieved.

She has been performing at numerous concert halls and jazz festivals, and her artistic talents extend to a wide range of activities, such as being a radio personality and contributing as a music magazine columnist.

Vintage

Matthew Whitaker - Outta The Box

Size: 132,9 MB
Time: 57:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz: Piano/Hammond Jazz
Art: Front

01. Matt's Blues ( 2:48)
02. Neighborhood Park ( 6:34)
03. Flow ( 4:54)
04. Mas Que Nada ( 4:10)
05. I Thought About You ( 4:48)
06. Song For Allie ( 7:54)
07. Take A Break ( 4:58)
08. Back Track (10:04)
09. Pistachio ( 4:07)
10. Until Next Time ( 7:03)

Born in 2001 in Hackensack, NJ, Matthew Whitaker grew up surrounded by music. His love for playing music first began at the young age of 3, after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard.

At 9, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond—in its 80+ year history. He was also named a Yamaha Artist at 15, becoming the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists.

Matthew has had years of music instruction, currently studying classical piano and drums at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School of the Lighthouse Guild in NYC. It is the only community music school for the blind and visually impaired in the US. He also attends the Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Jazz Program.

He previously studied at The Harlem School of the Arts and was a member of both the Jazz House Big Band and the Organ Messengers at Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ.

Matthew has received the “Outstanding Soloist Award” from Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Charles Mingus High School Competition and Festival and the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. He was also recognized by the Harlem International Film Festival, which named him “Most Remarkable Young Person on Screen.”

He’s already toured both here in the US and abroad, performing before The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in NYC, and on other world renowned stages, including: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC; SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco; the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts & Ali Cultural Arts in Florida, and at international venues in France, Italy, Morocco, and Japan.

In 2010, Matthew was a winning participant in the “Child Stars of Tomorrow” competition, as part of Amateur Night at the Apollo. A year later, at just 10 years old, he was invited to perform at Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. He returned to the Apollo for FOX TV’s revival of SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO in 2016, where he won the audience over with his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s classic “I Wish.” Matthew has been on National and International television which included an appearance on the syndicated TV talk show ELLEN!

Outta The Box

Meg - Quicker Than The Eye

Size: 116,6 MB
Time: 50:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Thriller (4:58)
02. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (4:27)
03. Eleanor Rigby (4:42)
04. Emily (4:51)
05. It's All Right With Me (4:36)
06. I've Got You Under My Skin (4:42)
07. Destiny (4:56)
08. Only Trust Your Heart (4:00)
09. Sophisticated Hula (3:22)
10. Let's Face The Music And Dance (3:44)
11. Blame It On My Youth (5:39)

Born in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, Jazz Singer raised in Yokohama.

In 2006 debuted with the album "Grace" from the prestigious Verve label of jazz.

And the 4th album "Little Waltz" of world-class bassist Ron Carter Produce becomes a big topic.

In recent years, she performed vigorous activities in a jazz singer but also in a field of pops, Tetsuya Komuro composer / Reiko Yukawa songwriter "Re-love ~ Love you again ~" (2010) appointed as the theme song of the movie "Destiny town" In addition, "Sayonara Kabukicho" (15) Theme Song, Anime "Hero Bank (TV Tokyo)" ED Theme, Drama "JK is Snow Life" (MBS · TBS Series Broadcast) ED Theme, New TV Series for the First Time in 30 Years "Lupine the 3rd" overseas edition OP theme, etc. We are in charge of various tie-up songs.

In December 2016 we released the best album collecting original songs of the past to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the debut. And this year, which will be the 10th anniversary YEAR this year, Osao Kotaro Composition / Yukawa Reiko song "Something like Jacaranda's Flow" started from April, the insertion song of MBS / TBS drama "Final Fantasy XIV Hikari no Dada"

C / w "rain of time" is appointed as the theme song of July released movie "Her life is not a mistake".

In addition, on July, JAZZ album 'Quicker Than the Eye' of luxury big band led by Moriya Junko was released and a nationwide tour was held. (google translation)

Quicker Than The Eye

Lisa Casalino - Introducing Lisa Casalino

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:11
Size: 119,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:11)  1. 'S Wonderful
(4:47)  2. The Good Stuff
(4:21)  3. Break A Leg
(4:32)  4. Easy Street
(5:27)  5. Dream Dancing
(4:43)  6. I Get Along Without You Very Well
(3:24)  7. This And That
(4:31)  8. Manhattan
(5:40)  9. Smile
(3:57) 10. Broken Hearted Melody
(3:27) 11. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
(4:06) 12. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe

Lisa Casalino is a local jazz singer in Tampa that has been entertaining the community with her singing talents for nearly two decades, and in Central Florida since 1998. Casalino originates from Long Island, New York and has been a very welcomed and appreciated artist for many years in Tampa, FL. Singing in many local Tampa restaurants and events, while touring all over Florida, Lisa Casalino is now one of the most wanted singers in the Tampa Bay area. Combined with her incredible musical talents, her beauty and amazing persona have made her unstoppable. Truly a woman who is an incredible example for making dreams come true, we can only wait in anticipation to see where else her career will lead her. Until then, we enjoy the singing talents of Lisa Casalino at our favorite restaurants and popular events if they are lucky enough to book her in time! https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/lisacasalino

Introducing Lisa Casalino

Al Hirt - The Best of Dixieland

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:50
Size: 107,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. The Original Dixieland One-Step
(4:37)  2. Tin Roof Blues
(2:50)  3. Royal Garden Blues
(3:28)  4. Panama
(2:54)  5. Blue and Broken-Hearted
(5:18)  6. Wolverine Blues
(3:09)  7. Washington and Lee Swing
(4:24)  8. I'm Going Home
(3:36)  9. Jazz Me Blues
(3:07) 10. Night and Day
(5:33) 11. South Rampart Street Parade
(3:38) 12. Sugar

This is one of the finest recordings ever of trumpeter Al Hirt and clarinetist Pete Fountain. A classic Dixieland set, it finds Hirt and Fountain in their early prime quite inspired by each other's ideas. With the assistance of a fine rhythm section and the underrated trombonist Bob Havens, Hirt and Fountain romp through such numbers as "The Original Dixieland One-Step," "Royal Garden Blues," "Jazz Me Blues," and "South Rampart Street Parade." A special bonus is that Fountain takes very rare tenor solos on two songs, being showcased (and sounding like Eddie Miller) on "Washington and Lee Swing." Essential music for Dixieland fans. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/pete-fountain-presents-the-best-of-dixieland-al-hirt-mw0000113503

Personnel: Al Hirt (trumpet); Pete Fountain (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Bob Havens (trombone); Roy Zimmerman (piano); Bob Coquille (bass); Paul Edwards (drums).

The Best of Dixieland

Walter Bishop, Jr. - Coral Keys

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1971
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:41
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:44)  1. Coral Keys
(5:22)  2. Waltz For Zweetie
(6:30)  3. Track Down
(5:31)  4. Soul Turn Around
(5:15)  5. Our November
(4:44)  6. Three Loves
(9:33)  7. Freedom Suite

The keys are coral, and the sound is sublime one of the greatest albums ever from pianist Walter Bishop Jr, and proof that he can really stretch out, given the right setting! The piano here is all acoustic, but there's an almost-electric vibe to the date  long, open tracks that sway and swell with some great spiritual energy  made even more wonderful by work from reedman Harold Vick, who plays tenor, flute, and soprano sax on the record and makes it one of his best recordings ever! The reedwork alone is worth the price of admission but the rhythms are also great too  a mix of soulful, modal, and some slight funky bits handled by Reggie Johnson on bass, and either Idris Muhammad or Alan Benger on drums. Woody Shaw plays trumpet on some cuts, too and titles include "Coral Keys", "Soul Turn Around", "Freedom Suite", "Track Down", "Waltz For Zweetie", and "Three Loves". (Remastered with updated artwork and new liner notes.) © 1996-2017, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/629505

Personnel: Walter Bishop, Jr. Coral Keys songs (piano); Harold Vick (flute); Woody Shaw (trumpet); Idris Muhammad, Alan Shwaetz Benger (drums).

Coral Keys

Stanton Moore - Flyin' The Koop

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:17
Size: 120,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:05)  1. Tang the Hump
(4:32)  2. Fallin' off the Floor
(5:55)  3. Let's Go
(4:00)  4. Launcho Diablo
(4:08)  5. Prairie Sunset
(3:22)  6. Things Fall Apart
(4:06)  7. Amy's Lament
(6:04)  8. Magnolia Triangle
(5:14)  9. Hunch
(1:47) 10. Bottoms Up
(3:46) 11. For the Record
(3:12) 12. Organized Chaos

Galactic drummer Stanton Moore returns for his sophomore solo effort on a major label with a host of super-choppers at his side, including Chris Wood from Medeski, Martin & Wood, the Greyboy Allstars' Karl Denson, saxophonist Skerik, guitarist Brian Seeger, and New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians and all around vocalists extraordinaire the Wild Magnolias. As on his debut, All Kooked Out, Moore's primary motivating factor is the almighty groove and how to present it in challenging, innovative settings. And he does it here. There's the jazzed-out funky romp of "Tang the Hump," with a subtle New Orleans second-line rhythm backing up the syncopation. And then there's the drum skank on "Fallin' off the Floor," where Chris Wood and Moore play deep, blue funk as the horns play the line. But Moore is also capable of being a jazzer, and he displays this to the hilt on the beautifully driven, R&B-inflected "Prairie Sunset," whose lyrical invention is as gorgeously intricate as any saxophonist's. Also is the deep funk jazz on the intense, jam-oriented "Launcho Diablo," with dueling flute and saxophones in between the rhythmic accents. The drive here is almost Afro-funk, but its architecture is strictly jazz, with the knotty key changes and improvised middle, with a screaming guitar solo Seeger. Moore is a solid bandleader and composer who stresses the groove as the backbone of every track; everything must move along a perimeter of backbone slipping greasy punch, no matter where it comes from originally or gets to. In many ways, as satisfying as Galactic can be live, Moore manages to be the same way on record. He's got the party fully in hand and knows how to make its dynamics work, carrying the listener up to the threshold, slipping them into a little loose-groove meditation, and carrying them out on the steaming rhythmic rail. This is every bit as good as his debut and is as good as any New Orleans record you're likely to find in the 21st century. 
~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/flyin-the-koop-mw0000214727

Personnel: Stanton Moore (drums, shaker, tambourine, loops); Brian Seeger (guitar); Karl Denson (flute); Skerik (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Chris Wood (upright bass, electric bass, bass programming); Chris Lovejoy (shaker, caxixi).

Flyin' The Koop

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Kenny Dorham - Jerome Kern Showboat

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:27
Size: 74,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Why Do I Love You?
(5:41)  2. Nobody Else But Me
(6:37)  3. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
(5:49)  4. Make Believe
(4:15)  5. Ol' Man River
(4:01)  6. Bill

This CD reissue of a Kenny Dorham session that was originally on the Time label features the talented trumpeter and an all-star quintet (with Jimmy Heath on tenor, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Art Taylor) playing six famous themes from the Jerome Kern play Show Boat. All of the melodies ("Why Do I Love You?," "Nobody Else but Me," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Ol' Man River" and "Bill") are heard in likable and swinging versions. This is one of Dorham's better sessions from the era and is easily recommended to his fans and collectors of hard bop. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/show-boat-mw0000197461

Personnel:  Kenny Dorham – trumpet;  Jimmy Heath - tenor saxophone;  Kenny Drew – piano;  Jimmy Garrison – bass;  Art Taylor - drums

Jerome Kern Showboat

Emilie-Claire Barlow - So Many Stars

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:55
Size: 152,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:13)  1. Gentle Rain
(5:29)  2. Like A Lover
(4:12)  3. Bem Bom
(7:18)  4. La Belle Vame Sans Regret
(4:46)  5. So Danço Samba
(8:45)  6. Jobim Medley
(5:31)  7. De Flor Em Flor
(5:14)  8. Retrato Em Branco E Preto
(4:01)  9. Jardin d' Hiver
(2:54) 10. De Conversa Em Conversa
(2:59) 11. Little Boat (O Barquinho)
(5:29) 12. So Many Stars

Toronto's Emilie-Claire Barlow is a Juno Award-winning singer with a warm, lithe vocal style and a knack for tackling urbane jazz standards. Born in Toronto in 1976, Barlow grew up in a musical family. Her father is jazz drummer Brian Barlow, who has also recorded as Brian Leonard and is best known for his work with the Boss Brass (a Canadian big band led by trombonist Rob McConnell). Not surprisingly, the drummer instilled an appreciation of jazz in his daughter and encouraged her to sing and to study several instruments, including piano, violin, cello, and clarinet. By the time she was seven, Emilie-Claire Barlow was singing for television and radio commercials. She went on to become quite active on Toronto's jazz scene, and in 1997 she and her father formed the Barlow Group an acoustic-oriented octet whose soloists have included trombonist Russ Little and saxman John Johnson. She co-produced her first album, Emilie-Claire Barlow Sings, with her father in 1998 before recording Tribute (also co-produced with Brian Barlow) in 2000. Both albums were released independently in Canada on the Rhythm Tracks label, and both garnered Juno Award nominations for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. A third Rhythm Tracks album, Happy Feet, appeared in 2003. Barlow then founded her own Empress Music Group and delivered a handful of well-received albums, including 2005's Like a Lover, 2006's holiday-themed Winter Wonderland, and 2007's The Very Thought of You, for which she earned her third Juno Award nomination. 

The following year, she won Female Vocalist of the Year at Canada's National Jazz Awards. Two more Juno Award-nominated albums followed with 2009's Haven't We Met and 2010's The Beat Goes On. In 2011, Barlow delivered Seule Ce Soir, her ninth studio recording and first sung entirely in French. Much lauded, the album earned the singer her first Juno Award win for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, as well as an ADISQ Award for Album of the Year Jazz Interpretation. A concert album, Live in Tokyo, followed in 2014. In 2015 she returned with Clear Day, which featured backing from the Dutch Metropole Orkest. The album showcased jazz reworkings of modern pop, rock, and folk standards, including songs by David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and others. It won the Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. ~ Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/artist/emilie-claire-barlow-mn0001839872/biography

So Many Stars