Fern Lindzon - Like A Circle In A Spiral

Size: 115,6 MB
Time: 49:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Jazz At The Bookstore (4:48)
02. The Windmills Of Your Mind (4:42)
03. Mishaela (5:19)
04. Carrie (6:17)
05. Night And Day (3:43)
06. A Malekh Veynt (An Angel Weeps) (4:21)
07. Shashado - Loro (5:00)
08. Wishing - Papir Is Dokh Vays (Paper Is White) (4:29)
09. Even Divas Get The Blues (3:55)
10. What's Your Story, Morning Glory (4:43)
11. This Little Love (2:19)

With the release of Like a Circle in a Spiral, Toronto's Juno Award-nominated pianist and singer Fern Lindzon again puts her own, unique spin on contemporary jazz. Her much-anticipated follow-up to Two Kites, which was nominated for a Juno as Vocal Jazz Album of the Year 2012, leads off with Ron Sexsmith's Jazz at the Bookstore, a track inspired by meeting Ron on the train to the Juno Awards. Drawing as always on a wide range of inspirations, Fern once more finds both the personal and the universal in the work of Michel Legrand, Egberto Gismonti, Cole Porter, Mary Lou Williams and others old and new, near and far — all warmly sung, imaginatively arranged and gracefully played. A wealth of musical riches.

"I look everywhere," Fern says. "My listening is not limited to the Great American Songbook. I also listen to music from Brazil, Israel and Eastern and Western Europe. Classical, pop, klezmer and jazz. And when I’m struck by a lyric, a melody or a groove, I find my own way into it. Because for me, jazz is about forms and improvisations that take me to places I've never imagined. A good arrangement is a platform, a diving board — a place where I can take the leap and circle and spiral my way into the deepest possible understanding of a song, and then share that understanding with the listener. With Like a Circle in a Spiral I am exploring the crazy windmills of our inner thoughts – love and loss, joy and sorrow, hope and laughter. These are the recording’s poetic themes.”

Like A Circle In A Spiral

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Jose Feliciano & Harri Stojka - Djangoizing

Size: 131,4 MB
Time: 56:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Gipsy Jazz
Art: Front

01. How High Is The Moon (5:23)
02. East Of The Sun (5:04)
03. Djangoizing (2:57)
04. Moon Glow (4:44)
05. Lover (3:20)
06. Sweet Georgia Brown (4:29)
07. Sheik Of Arabic (4:19)
08. My Blue Heaven (3:49)
09. Whispering (5:07)
10. Twelfth Street Rag (3:37)
11. Caravan (3:15)
12. Bye Bye Blue (3:54)
13. Muskrat Ramble (3:13)
14. Sweet Sue (3:05)

DJANGOIZING: a realization of a dream inspired by one of Jose’s childhood heroes, Django Reinhardt. Django’s gypsy swing moved Jose to explore and absorb his style, resulting in a brilliant collection of Latin-Gypsy Swing pieces he calls Djangoizing. Simply speaking, with the corroboration of Harri Stojka, the Viennese-Roman-Gypsy jazz-swing guitarist, and with his own stroke of genius, they simply sent the project over the Moon.

Djangoizing

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VA - Shades Of Beautiful: The Tracy Stark Songbook

Size: 147,1 MB
Time: 63:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01 Ann Hampton Callaway - Woman On The Stage (4:59)
02 Lesley Gore - Find My Strength (5:05)
03 Lillias White - You Changed Me (3:54)
04 Jane Monheit - Mr. Moon (4:28)
05 Nona Hendryx - Walk With Me (5:09)
06 Janis Siegel - Camera (5:00)
07 Nicolas King - The Only One (3:40)
08 Johnny Rogers & Tracy Stark - Morning Light (4:26)
09 Tanya Holt - Let Love In (3:56)
10 Karen Black - Greatest Nightmare (3:31)
11 Barb Jungr - Portrait (4:15)
12 Janice Pendarvis - Hungry (3:23)
13 Marcus Simeone - Fluffy World (3:27)
14 Tonya Pinkins - Life's Been Kind (3:45)
15 Tracy Stark - Welcome Home (4:02)

Tracy Stark’s newest CD, Shades of Beautiful:?The Tracy Stark Songbook, is proof that this multi-award-winning, busy lady is much more than a skilled piano partner who is a great arranger. She is an accomplished songwriter who deserves more recognition. In his liner notes, James Gavin quotes Stark: “… Cabaret used to be a genre: the Great American Songbook, show tunes, standards. In the present world, I see it as a giant umbrella of any genre, as long as you can create a sense of intimacy.” Mission accomplished. Those words describe a CD that is sure to make a mark. It’s an intimate album for sure and it touches several genres with intelligence and great style.

The new release on Miranda Music is proof of the scope of Stark’s songwriting talent. The songs, sung by various gifted artists—with the last cut performed solo by the songwriter (who also provides back-up vocals on a number of cuts)—should be rated on what they are and what they offer. They are sublime—some darn good stuff with terrific songs about the midnight hour and some longing pieces straight from the heart. Some have an optimistic, timeless quality. Others are reflective and come to life with pieces of a pop/soul craft that are pensive, echoing a likeness to ladies like the late Laura Nyro, as on “Walk with Me” (sung by Nona Hendryx), which repeats its message of believing, supported by a subtle backup chorus. This is carried through on a reflective ballad called “Life’s Been Kind” sung with passion by Tonya Pinkins.

With so many wonderful artists, it’s hard to single out one over the other. Ann Hampton Callaway kicks off the CD on a light, yet discreetly powerful nod with a cool reading of “Woman on the Stage” that makes a statement about ladies in the spotlight. “Fluffy World,” sung by frequent musical partner Marcus Simeone, is a personalized, melancholic, sleepy ballad about waking up next to her husband after a hard night’s work in a smoky, crowded place (a piano bar?): “… You are everything supreme and the reason I can truly love.” “Morning Light” has Stark in a bluesy, jazz-tinged duet with Johnny Rodgers that is a highlight. The great Lillias White offers a soulful “You Changed Me” that really cooks. It’s about a tough woman who admits to poor life choices, who gave up, and ultimately found someone. A strong cut. Jazz artist Jane Monheit flawlessly caresses “Mr. Moon” with a sexy reading that could melt butter: “… I lay myself down, but I’m gonna get up again… It’s all under wraps.” And so it goes.

All the cuts are so special and all reflect a songwriter who deserves a wider platform. There’s more to be said indeed. For now, Stark, whose songs often lean toward jazz stylings, are introspective and memorable with simple challenges. Most exemplify the relevance of how less is more. There are fifteen cuts by impressive artists that stand out for their interpretive and musical gifts. However, Tracy Stark is the real winner here on a haunting album that is worthy of attention.

The album is produced by Richard Barone. Other singing artists include the late Lesley Gore, Janis Siegel, Nicolas King, Tanya Holt, Barb Jungr, Janice Pendarvis and the late Karen Black.

In addition to Stark on piano for most tracks, the musicians including: guitarists Gene Bertoncini, Ronald Drayton; drummers Trevor Gale, Ratso Harris, Donna Kelly (percussion, too), Danny Mallon, David Silliman; bassists Warren McRae, Maryann McSweeney, Michael Visceglia, Skip Ward; keyboardist Etienne Stadwijk; and a special nod to Sean Harkness whose guitar brilliance is on almost every cut. ~by John Hoglund

Shades Of Beautiful

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Herb Ellis & The All-Stars - The Midnight Roll

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:46
Size: 88.8 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing, Guitar jazz
Year: 1962/2010
Art: Front

[4:14] 1. Broadway
[3:04] 2. Gravy Waltz
[3:38] 3. Poor Darlin' Nellie
[3:32] 4. Old Folks
[4:44] 5. Roy Showed
[3:56] 6. Things Ain't What They Used to Be
[3:54] 7. Willow Weep for Me
[3:19] 8. Symphony
[3:35] 9. It Makes No Difference Now
[4:45] 10. It Don't Mean a Thing

Bass – Israel Crosby, Jimmy Rowser; Drums – Gus Johnson; Guitar, Leader – Herb Ellis; Piano – Ray Bryant; Tenor Saxophone – Buddy Tate; Trumpet – Frank Assunto, Roy Eldridge.

Herb Ellis is known primarily for playing with small ensembles, so this recording as part of an octet is a departure for the great guitarist. This "all-star" combo includes trumpeter Roy Eldridge in a sublimated role, while tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate is featured a bit more, and pianist Ray Bryant solidifies the nucleus of a very talented band of old pros and unsung heroes. Trumpeter Frank Assunto may not be a common garden-variety name to most, but he asserts himself quite well during this session. Twin bass underpinnings from Israel Crosby and Jimmy Rowser add heft to the rhythm section, while always reliable drummer Gus Johnson shows his mettle as a solidly swinging timekeeper. The fare is split between standards, originals, and favorites, including Duke Ellington's rousing "It Don't Mean a Thing" with the jamming Eldridge leading the charge, and "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" as everyone joins in and Assunto takes a fine, distinctive solo. The classic "Gravy Waltz" of Ray Brown is done here, as Bryant's deft chords with the sax and trumpets form a strolling, impenetrable front line -- one of the very best, fully formed and realized versions of this great song. Ellis contributed the folkish "Poor Darlin' Nellie," derived from the story of banished African-American slave Nellie Gray, a light rural swing with no horns save Assunto's muted trumpet solo. "Roy Showed" is a bouncy bop blues punctuated by Tate's tenor as Ellis further accents with sharp strumming chords. Everybody plays together in sweet agreement on "Broadway," a stock jam tune that shows the band has no issues with grandstanding, egos, or finding enough space to play. The band strips down to a trio on the pristine ballad "Willow Weep for Me" and Tate presents a spare, spacious melody line during "It Makes No Difference Now." The balance of this group should duly receive high marks (especially since it was a one-shot), Ellis sounds right at home with these fellow legends, and the obscure Assunto deserves individual stars on his own. ~Michael G. Nastos

The Midnight Roll

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Jean Frye Sidwell - From The Heart

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:53
Size: 139.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[5:08] 1. Misty
[5:16] 2. Alfie
[3:37] 3. The Girl From Ipanema
[6:31] 4. Love Dance
[5:01] 5. Bird Of Beauty
[4:37] 6. Like A Lover
[4:41] 7. Here's That Rainy Day
[4:10] 8. Bridges
[6:27] 9. Meditation
[3:45] 10. On A Clear Day
[4:55] 11. Being Cool
[6:40] 12. Kisses

With her rich contralto voice and smooth, soulful phrasing, Jean is truly a jazz singer's, jazz singer. The consummate performer, she beams with honesty and passion, delivering silky nuances and vocal shadings that captivate even the most sophisticated music lovers. Her dramatic vocal expression renders new shape and meaning to some of our most beloved classic jazz treasures, be it Gershwin, Ellington or Jobim. A native of Southern California, Jean received music, voice and dance training in Los Angeles. Her professional singing career has spanned 30 years and culminated in the recording of six self-produced CDs. Partnered with husband, bassist/composer Chris Sidwell, she is co-creator and co-owner of Pacific Coast Music, an independent record label. Due to the overwhelming success of her CDs Jean is recognized today as an international recording artist.

From The Heart

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Hot Lips Page - Walking In A Daze

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:52
Size: 139.4 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[2:40] 1. Walking In A Daze
[3:22] 2. Double Trouble Blues
[3:02] 3. Blooey
[2:49] 4. Rockin' At Ryan's
[3:12] 5. My Gal Is Gone
[3:24] 6. Evil Man's Blues
[2:54] 7. Pagin' Mr. Page
[2:38] 8. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
[3:15] 9. I Keep Rollin' On
[2:58] 10. It Ain't Like That
[2:53] 11. Just Another Woman
[3:13] 12. My Fightin' Gal
[3:11] 13. You'd Be Frantic Too
[3:14] 14. Thirsty Mama Blues
[2:50] 15. Six, Seven, Eight Or Nine
[2:31] 16. Small Fry
[3:18] 17. The Blues Jumped The Rabbit
[2:50] 18. The Lady In Bed
[3:13] 19. You Need Coachin'
[3:16] 20. Uncle Sam's Blues

One of the great swing trumpeters in addition to being a talented blues vocalist, Hot Lips Page's premature passing left a large hole in the jazz world; virtually all musicians (no matter their style) loved him. Page gained early experience in the 1920s performing in Texas, playing in Ma Rainey's backup band. He was with Walter Page's Blue Devils during 1928-1931, and then joined Bennie Moten's band in Kansas City in time to take part in a brilliant 1932 recording session. Page freelanced in Kansas City and in 1936 was one of the stars in Count Basie's orchestra but, shortly before Basie was discovered, Joe Glaser signed Hot Lips as a solo artist. Although Page's big band did alright in the late '30s (recording for Victor), if he had come east with Basie he would have become much more famous. Page was one of the top sidemen with Artie Shaw's orchestra during 1941-1942 and then mainly freelanced throughout the remainder of his career, recording with many all-star groups and always being a welcome fixture at jam sessions. ~ bio by Scott Yanow

Walking In A Daze

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Diego Figueiredo - Tempos Bons

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:02
Size: 153.4 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Latin rhythms
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[ 5:07] 1. Na Baixa Do Sapateiro
[ 2:30] 2. El Colibri
[ 4:25] 3. Spain
[ 4:51] 4. Que Reste-T-Il
[10:42] 5. Retratos Do Nordeste
[ 3:33] 6. Carinhoso
[ 2:57] 7. Old Devil Moon
[ 5:43] 8. Granada
[ 4:19] 9. Wave
[ 6:16] 10. Lamentos Do Morro
[ 5:02] 11. Dindi
[ 4:06] 12. Round Midnight
[ 1:58] 13. Las Abejas
[ 5:27] 14. Stella By Starlight

At only 29, Brazilian Diego Figueiredo is already considered one of the world’s great guitarists. His story is that of the child prodigy who was first photographed with a guitar at the age of four. At six he received a mandolin, and he went through a succession of various other instruments, before settling down with the guitar at twelve. Soon he was performing locally, and his improvisational and har- monic talent was apparent even at this early stage. At fifteen he was playing in small concert halls and nightclubs either alone or with others. While performing with various Brazilian bands, he was also studying classical guitar and popular Brazilian music and jazz at the conservatory in his hometown Franka and in Ribeirão Preto and Tatuí. He won his first prize at a contest in South America and received a grant to study at Berklee College of Music. In 2001 Diego Figueiredo received the Visa Award for his performance of “instrumental Brazilian popular music”; and the shower of honors on this modest, but giant talent has never ceased – the first prize at Montreux Jazz Competition is but one example.

These days Diego is accompanist to vocalist and composer Belchior on tours of Brazil and abroad. He has played with Hermeto Pascoal, Sebastião Tapajos, Osvaldo Montenegro, Jair Rodrigues, Toquinho Horta, Tunai, Paulinho da Viola, Moraes Moreira, Fafa de Belém, Amelinha, Zeca Baleiro and other prominent Brazilian musicians. But he is also known outside South America, and he tours most of the world as a soloist. He is famous for his technique as well as his sensitive interpretations of South American, classical and jazz music. He is often compared with Baden Powell, Helio Delmiro and Joe Pass. After hearing his set at the Montreux Jazz Festival, George Benson exclaimed, “Diego is the best guitarist I’ve ever heard!” Pat Metheny was equally impressed, and spoke of magic moments. Next time he visits Brazil, he says he will insist on playing with Diego. Diego has released several albums, including DADAIÔ, recorded in Copenhagen with bassist Rodolfo Stroeter and legendary drum- mer and percussionist Robertinho Silva, and released on Stunt Records. The Danish critic Henrik Palle gave the CD six out of six possible stars, calling it “a lovely dream of a record... enticing and enchantingly show-offish”, tying up his review with the following statement: “contagious joy in portions large enough to make it damn hard to keep a winter depression alive”. His newspaper, Politiken, placed DADAIÔ among the year’s ten best albums.

With TEMPOS BONS, Stunt Records continues its collaboration with Diego Figueiredo. The compilation includes solo guitar selections recorded in Brazil, a trio recording, and three songs with the charming French vocalist Cyrille Aimée, with whom Diego has celebrated long, triumphant American tours. The repertoire on this compilation is varied: the Brazilian mainstay is spiced with a few jazz standards and a wonderful French song, originally made famous by Charles Trenet. Enjoy the good times – TEMPOS BONS – with Diego. Sensitive and lyrical musical postcards from genuine and imagined landscapes, where melody and rhythm go hand in hand with youthful creative prowess in joyous and sensual music.

Tempos Bons

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Conrad Herwig - Hieroglyphica

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:21
Size: 138.1 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[10:04] 1. Hieroglyphica
[ 6:39] 2. The Orange Dove
[ 5:22] 3. Solar Circle
[ 4:59] 4. Quiet Mountain
[ 8:50] 5. Island Of The Day Before
[ 6:22] 6. The Intruder
[ 7:04] 7. The Antipodes
[10:58] 8. The Eleventh Hour

Trombonist extraordinaire Conrad Herwig continues his spiritual journey here on his fourth Criss Cross recording, Hieroglyphica. Long reknowned for his superb work with Slide Hampton's World of Trombones, the Mingus Big Band, Eddie Palmieri and, more recently, Joe Lovano and Tom Harrell, Conrad Herwig's trombone playing is bold, brash and unpredictable.

Through musical conversations with the wonderful rhythm section of Bill Charlap (piano), James Genus (bass) and Gene Jackson (drums), Conrad's Hieroglyphica speaks equally well to Herwig's prowess as a leader and composer. Hieroglyphica is the real thing: full of compelling ideas, attitude and groove.

Hieroglyphica

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The Band - Rock Of Ages (2-Disc Set)

Released on the heels of the stilted, static Cahoots, the double-album Rock of Ages occupies a curious yet important place in Band history. Recorded at a spectacular New Years Eve 1971 gig, the show and album were intended to be a farewell of sorts before the Band took an extended break in 1972, but it turned out to be a last hurrah in many different ways, closing the chapter on the first stage of their career, when they were among the biggest and most important rock & roll bands. That sense of importance had started to creep into their music, turning their studio albums after The Band into self-conscious affairs, and even the wildly acclaimed first two albums seemed to float out of time, existing in a sphere of their own and never having the kick of a rock & roll band. Rock of Ages has that kick in spades, and it captures that road warrior side of the band that was yet unheard on record. Since this band -- or more accurately its leader, Robbie Robertson -- was acutely aware of image and myth, this record didn't merely capture an everyday gig, it captured a spectacular, in retrospect almost a dry run for the legendary Last Waltz. New Orleans R&B legend Allen Toussaint was hired to write horn charts and conduct them, helping to open up the familiar tunes, which in turn helped turn this music into a warm, loose, big-hearted party. And that's what's so splendid about Rock of Ages: sure, the tightness of the Band as a performing unit is on display, but there's also a wild, rowdy heart pumping away in the backbeat of this music, something that the otherwise superb studio albums do not have. Simply put, this is a joy to hear, which may have been especially true after the dour, messy Cahoots, but even stripped of that context Rock of Ages has a spirit quite unlike any other Band album. Indeed, it could be argued that it captured the spirit of the Band at the time in a way none of their other albums do. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Album: Rock Of Ages (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:55
Size: 182.9 MB
Styles: Country rock, Album rock
Year: 1972/2016

[1:22] 1. Introduction
[5:00] 2. Don't Do It
[4:05] 3. King Harvest (Has Surely Come)
[3:38] 4. Caledonia Mission
[3:33] 5. Get Up, Jake
[3:54] 6. W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
[4:38] 7. Stage Fright
[4:35] 8. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
[3:59] 9. Across The Great Divide
[4:07] 10. This Wheel's On Fire
[4:33] 11. Rag Mama Rag
[5:32] 12. The Weight
[4:14] 13. The Shape I'm In
[4:48] 14. The Unfaithful Servant
[4:17] 15. Life Is A Carnival
[7:48] 16. The Genetic Method
[5:24] 17. Chest Fever
[4:20] 18. (I Don't Want To) Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes

Rock Of Ages (Disc 1)

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Album: Rock Of Ages (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:15
Size: 103.6 MB
Styles: Country rock, Album rock
Year: 1972/2016
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
[4:03] 2. I Shall Be Released
[4:38] 3. Up On Cripple Creek
[5:02] 4. The Rumor
[4:06] 5. Rockin' Chair
[4:07] 6. Time To Kill
[5:26] 7. Down In The Flood
[4:17] 8. When I Paint My Masterpiece
[4:38] 9. Don't Ya Tell Henry
[5:25] 10. Like A Rolling Stone

Rock Of Ages (Disc 2)

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