Janet Seidel - Don't Smoke In Bed

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:38
Size: 138.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2002/2016
Art: Front

[5:07] 1. Blues In The Night
[3:11] 2. I Don't Know Enough About You
[4:33] 3. Bella Notte La Lu Lu
[3:47] 4. Mr Wonderful
[2:22] 5. Bye Bye Blues
[3:01] 6. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
[4:20] 7. Street Of Dreams
[3:42] 8. Don't Smoke In Bed
[3:17] 9. You Do Something To Me
[2:48] 10. He's A Tramp
[2:22] 11. Things Are Swingin'
[5:16] 12. Fever
[4:13] 13. Johnny Guitar
[4:04] 14. It Takes A Long Train With A Red Caboose
[5:48] 15. Black Coffee
[2:42] 16. Why Don't Ya Do Right

Lounge and cabaret performer and all-around ace singer Janet Seidel's Don't Smoke in Bed honors the important contributions of Peggy Lee to the vocal art. Australia's Seidel doesn't stop at entries from the Great American Songbook that Lee liked to sing, and includes her significant contributions to that document as a composer. In addition to the title tune, "Don't Smoke in Bed," there are five more Lee pieces on the play list. Through her personal appearances and many recordings, Seidel is a virtual institution in that country down under. This album is understandably somewhat jazzier -- and a lot torchier -- than her previous release, which was a nod to another one her favorites, Doris Day. Thus, you have a swinging, lilting "Street of Dreams," a sassy "I Don't Know Enough About You," and a very smoky version of a Lee classic, "Black Coffee." Kevin Hunt and Chris Morgan on piano and guitar, respectively, add just the right amount of the jazz feel for this cut, especially Morgan's intense, smoldering guitar. Another interesting element added by Seidel and cohorts is that the songs are not just limited to Lee's big recordings, such as the always enduring "Fever," but those she sang in her early days with Benny Goodman and some from her movie work, such as the films The Lady and the Tramp and Johnny Guitar. As always, Seidel is backed by top musicians. In addition to Hunt and Morgan, reed player Don Burrows is on a couple cuts. Her brother, David Seidel, carries on with his usual bass duties, helped along by Adam Pache on drums. Seidel by no means replicatesLee's way of doing this material, but presents it Seidel style. So this release offers the best of two worlds, literally: Peggy Lee and Janet Seidel. ~Dave Nathan

Don't Smoke In Bed

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Tony O'Malley - Back At The Bag

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:29
Size: 133.9 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:35] 1. Back At The Bag
[5:40] 2. Fall In Love
[3:11] 3. Millie Baby
[5:21] 4. Hey Girl
[3:57] 5. Common Sense
[4:55] 6. You Just Can't Smile It Away
[4:24] 7. Leave
[4:04] 8. True To My Soul
[3:26] 9. Fine And Beautiful
[5:10] 10. Bein' Green
[5:16] 11. Living In The Bubble
[4:09] 12. Learning Curve
[3:17] 13. If I Could Only..

The ball started rolling for this project back in January 2011, when top sound engineer Haydn Bendall suggested we get together to make a record. Astonishingly, the wheels were in motion within a few weeks when Tony Cronk offered to finance the recording of the bunch of songs at Ralph Salmins' lovely little studio in Welwyn Garden City. That was at the end of February 2011, with Neil Hubbard & Adam Phillips featuring on guitars, Mel Collins on sax, Steve Pearce on bass and Ralph Salmins on the drums. With the invaluable help of Gary McCulloch & Mark Lewis, several sessions of overdubs followed in Haydn's studio at Strongroom Studios in Shoreditch, East London. But it wasn't until the owner of the Bag O'Nails Club in London, Malik Ishmuratov, stepped in to help that we were able to finish the recordings in October 2014.

Finally, special words of thanks are due to a fine Yorkshireman. Without Mike Henderson's loyalty and assistance, this project could never have been completed. Cheers, Mike! In fact, big love and huge thanks go to ALL contributors, family and friends, especially Haydn, and to all the great musicians and singers who gave of themselves so generously. Here's to the next one...Tony

Back At The Bag

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Tok Tok Tok - 2 albums: I Wish / Revolution 69

Formed in Germany in the late '90s, contemporary jazz and soul duo Tok Tok Tok feature vocalist Takunbo Akinro and saxophonist Morten Klein. Akinro and Klein first met while studying music in college. After performing in various ensembles, the duo came up with the concept of Tok Tok Tok and began focusing on a mix of acoustic soul, pop, and jazz. They released their debut album, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, on BHM in 1999. Since then they have released a handful of albums. ~bio by Matt Collar

Album: I Wish
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:58
Size: 162.5 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:38] 1. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
[3:48] 2. Day Tripper
[5:11] 3. Have A Talk With God
[4:36] 4. Walk On The Wild Side
[0:19] 5. Her Majesty
[5:33] 6. I'll Never Fall In Love Again
[4:15] 7. The Jack
[5:00] 8. Alone Again
[5:12] 9. Hallelujah
[3:48] 10. Look Of Love
[5:01] 11. Monkey-See And Monkey-Do
[5:33] 12. Boogie Woogie Bossa Nova
[4:31] 13. I Wish
[3:50] 14. Waters Of March
[7:23] 15. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
[3:12] 16. Eleonor Rigby

I Wish

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Album: Revolution 69
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:24
Size: 110.8 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[2:32] 1. Come Together
[3:01] 2. We Can Work It Out
[2:15] 3. Blackbird-The Fool On The Hill
[2:56] 4. Taxman
[1:56] 5. Get Back
[4:15] 6. Dear Prudence
[1:40] 7. I Will
[2:53] 8. Lady Madonna
[2:57] 9. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!
[2:24] 10. She's Leaving Home
[4:12] 11. Help!
[3:40] 12. Run For Your Life
[3:03] 13. Why Don't We Do It In The Road
[3:14] 14. Revolution 1
[2:22] 15. I'll Follow The Sun
[4:56] 16. Workin' Day And Night

Revolution 69

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Neil Young - Everybody's Rockin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 24:54
Size: 57.0 MB
Styles: Album rock
Year: 1983
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. Betty Lou's Got A New Pair Of Shoes
[2:12] 2. Rainin' In My Heart
[3:09] 3. Payola Blues
[2:59] 4. Wonderin'
[1:51] 5. Kinda Fonda Wanda
[1:58] 6. Jellyroll Man
[2:17] 7. Bright Lights, Big City
[2:39] 8. Cry, Cry, Cry
[2:46] 9. Mystery Train
[1:56] 10. Everybody's Rockin'

By following the hi-tech Trans after only seven months with a rockabilly album, Neil Young baffled his audience. Just as he had followed the sales peak of Harvest in 1972 with a series of challenging, uncommercial albums, Young had now dissipated the commercial and critical acceptance he had enjoyed with 1979's Rust Never Sleeps with a series of mediocre albums and inexplicable genre exercises. Everybody's Rockin', credited to "Neil & the Shocking Pinks," represented the nadir of this attempted career suicide. Running less than 25 minutes, it found Young covering early rock evergreens like "Betty Lou's Got a New Pair of Shoes" and writing a few songs in the same vein ("Kinda Fonda Wanda"). If he had presented this as a mini-album at a discount price, it would have been easier to enjoy the joke Young seemed to intend. As it was, fans who already had their doubts about Young dropped off the radar screen; Everybody's Rockin' was his lowest-charting album since his 1969 solo debut, and he didn't release another album for two years (his longest break ever between records). ~William Ruhlmann

Everybody's Rockin'

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Barry Harris - Barry Plays Tadd Dameron

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 96.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1975/2015
Art: Front

[4:30] 1. Hot House
[5:39] 2. Soultrane
[5:10] 3. The Chase
[5:02] 4. Ladybird
[8:23] 5. Casbah
[5:28] 6. If You Could See Me Now
[3:36] 7. The Tadd Walk
[4:16] 8. Our Delight

Bass – Gene Taylor; Drums – Leroy Williams; Piano – Barry Harris. Recorded June 4, 1975.

Barry Harris, arguably the top bebop pianist of the 1970s, '80s and '90s, was particularly in prime form throughout his Xanadu recordings. The perfect player to interpret Tadd Dameron's music (of which he had full understanding), Harris performs eight of the influential composer's songs on this 1975 album with bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Leroy Williams. Highlights of the highly recommended (but probably difficult-to-find) set include "Hot House," "The Chase," "Casbah" and "Our Delight." ~Scott Yanow

Barry Plays Tadd Dameron

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Misha Tsiganov - The Artistry Of The Standard

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:43
Size: 148,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:41)  1. Fall
(9:19)  2. Get Out Of Town
(7:04)  3. The Song Is You
(7:01)  4. Au-Leu-Cha
(5:35)  5. This Is For Albert
(6:37)  6. Four On Six
(7:48)  7. Falling In Love With Love
(6:41)  8. Mr. Day
(6:52)  9. Make Sure You're Sure

Standards represent so many things. They can be a fallback for those short on ideas or a springboard for those willing to invest a bit of themselves into the music. They're a representative historical sampling of what jazz has been and done, reminding all of those on the bandstand of who and what came before, but they can be so much more. Considering all of that, it's hard to imagine why a segment of players often prefer not to address them at all.  Plenty of modernists have abandoned standards or choose to simply use them as garnish around their own dishes. Some are willing to buck the trend and do all-standards programs, but they often do so by making simple adjustments to the established formulas or retreating into the comfortable confines that these songs offer in their original state(s). Pianist Misha Tsiganov does no such thing on The Artistry Of The Standard. Tsiganov pulls history in his direction, altering the shape and scope of these pieces without abandoning what made each one so special in the first place.  The Artistry Of The Standard marks the first time that Tsiganov has ever imagined and written a program with specific musicians in mind, and it's easy to see why he's so enthused about these men. Drummer Donald Edwards can navigate his way through any course with grace and drive; bassist Boris Kozlov is as dynamic and supportive as they come; Seamus Blake's terpsichorean tenor can bound along with glee, sing sweet songs, and outpace nearly anybody in a sprint; and trumpeter Alex Sipiagin brings both focused potency and a sense of warmth to the party, changing hats for different scenarios.

This may be the debut of this particular quintet, but Tsiganov's comrades-in-arms are no strangers to one another. They've crossed paths in various settings and they make up four-fifths of Opus 5, the collectively-operated quintet that also includes pianist David Kikoski. They're well-attuned to one another and it shows on these natty rewrites. Lesser musicians, and even some fine players, would likely stumble and falter on the twisting and turning version of saxophonist Wayne Shorter's "Fall" that opens the album. That song gets the ball rolling and it never stops. As the program continues, the band winds its way through Cole Porter country ("Get Out Of Town"), Tsiganov steps out front to introduce the work of Jerome Kern ("The Song Is You"), and everybody adds a little attitude to a Charlie Parker classic ("Ah-Leu-Cha"). Tsiganov has no problem molding fan favorites to his liking, as demonstrated on the aforementioned numbers and a charged take on guitarist Wes Montgomery's "Four On Six," but he also works his magic on lesser-covered gems like Stevie Wonder's "Make Sure You're Sure." Sipiagin's muted trumpet work, Blake's beautiful tenor, and the leader's classy trappings all come together wonderfully on that one.  Many of these songs have come to define jazz for a certain segment of listeners, but they need not be viewed as sacrosanct vessels. A song, be it a standard or any other type, is simply source material, and it's up to the musicians to do with them as they please. That's where artistry comes into play when addressing the standards, and Tsiganov truly gets that. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/misha-tsiganov-the-artistry-of-the-standard-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Misha Tsiganov: piano;  Alex Sipiagin: trumpet, flugelhorn;  Seamus Blake: tenor saxophone;  Boris Kozlov: bass;  Donald Edwards: drums.

The Artistry Of The Standard

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Ari Ambrose - On Another Day

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 68:52
Size: 110,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:23)  1. Bang
(7:53)  2. Who Can I Turn To?
(9:16)  3. Clueless
(7:45)  4. I Fall in Love Too Easily
(7:53)  5. Samsara
(5:47)  6. Never Let Me Go
(6:09)  7. Vai Chegar
(6:45)  8. On Another Day
(9:56)  9. If I Had You

Ari Ambrose ( 1974 ) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and bandleader. Ambrose studied in Washington, DC and played there with local bands. From 1991 he continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music and played with musicians like the trumpeter Ryan Kisor . At the end of the 1990s, he became known for his own band projects; The trio album " Introducing Ari Ambrose" was composed for SteepleChase Records with bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Billy Hart in 1998. It is based on the trio session of Sonny Rollins (1957) or Joe Henderson's Village Vanguard concert in 1985 .  Subsequently, he presented five other albums for the label, created with musicians such as pianist George Colligan , bassist Jay Anderson, or drummer Billy Drummond .  According to the critic C. Hovan, Ambrose is based on models like Ben Webster , Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp and Joe Henderson. 

Personnel:  Ari Ambrose (tenor sax);  Joe Magnarelli (trumpet);  Gary Versace (Hammond B-3 organ);  Mark Ferber (drums).

On An Other Day

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Amy Sky & Olivia Newton-John & Beth Nielsen Chapman - Liv On

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:34
Size: 96,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. My Heart Goes out to You
(4:10)  2. Live On
(3:21)  3. Stone in My Pocket
(4:28)  4. Sand and Water
(4:48)  5. Forever Blue
(3:24)  6. Immortality
(3:27)  7. Don't Know What to Say
(3:27)  8. Impossible
(4:58)  9. I Will Take Care of You
(3:59) 10. Grace and Gratitude
(2:44) 11. There's still my joy

'LIV ON,' a collaboration of GRAMMY®-Award winner Olivia Newton-John and fellow songwriters Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky, is an album that uses the power of music to heal and offer comfort to those experiencing grief and loss. The 11 songs carry a message of support, compassion and hope, to aid those in time of need, which was the intention of the album's creators. Its theme of love underscores the strength for healing in order for people to overcome their obstacles and live on! ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Newton-John-Neilsen-Chapman/dp/B01LP5HS4O

Personnel:  Accordion – Austin Hoke;  Acoustic Guitar – Beth Nielsen Chapman, Kerry Marx, Michael Thompson (tracks: 2);  Bass – Matt McKenzie;  Cello – Austin Hoke;  Choir – Ezra Jordan (tracks: 2), Kenna Ramsey (tracks: 2), Liisi Lafontaine (tracks: 2), Marc Jordan (tracks: 2), Nita Whitaker (tracks: 2);  Drums – Mark Beckett; Electric Guitar – Kerry Marx, Michael Thompson (tracks: 2); Flute – John Ragusa; Harp – Hattie Webb; Keyboards – Dane Bryant, Kirby Shelsdad; Lead Vocals – Amy Sky (tracks: 5, 9), Beth Nielsen Chapman (tracks: 4, 7), Olivia Newton-John (tracks: 2, 8, 10, 11);  Pedal Steel Guitar – Dan Dugmore;  Percussion – Mark Beckett;  Piano – Amy Sky (tracks: 5, 6), Dane Bryant

Liv On

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Don Grusin - Raven

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:59
Size: 126,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Flight Of The Raven
(4:32)  2. Two Lives
(4:43)  3. Hip Hop Be Bop
(6:03)  4. Oracle
(5:28)  5. Outback Oasis
(4:44)  6. Light in the Window
(5:32)  7. Zuma Noon
(5:12)  8. Um Beijo (A Kiss)
(4:24)  9. Graffiti-Bird
(4:14) 10. Highline
(5:26) 11. Catwalk

As he proved in his production of David Benoit's 1989 smash Urban Daydreams, the younger brother of Dave Grusin is a master at texturing various synth textures with the acoustic piano. On his solo debut Grusin once again does a remarkable job of this, mixing up his styles along the way to include bits and pieces of funk, Brazilian and mainstream jazz, along with healthy doses of the obligatory pop jazz formulas. Though the ballads here, such as "Oracle," are likable, Grusin the player is most at home on funky and frisky numbers like the stealthy "Catwalk," which features some tasty acoustic improvisations layered sparingly amidst a contagious synth groove. The best cut is another funkfest, "Graffiti Bird," which features the very punchy solo chops of saxman Eric Marienthal. The horns of Gary Herbig, Gary Grant, and Jerry Hey brass up this cut, as well as the softer line of "Light in the Window," while Sal Marquez's trumpet (which added so much to The Fabulous Baker Boys) adds a mainstream touch to songs like the title cut. The Brazilian vocalizing by Djavan makes "Two Lives" a memorable experience as well. And let's not forget kudos for the solid backbeat by bassist Flim Johnson and skinmaster Tommy Brechtlein. GRP was the smooth jazz mecca for many years, but once in a while the label released a project like this which added a lot of twists to the tried and true. ~ Jonathan Widran http://www.allmusic.com/album/raven-mw0000207728

Personnel:  Don Grusin - Producer, Arranger, Piano, Piano (Acoustic), Synthesizer, Vocals;  Ricardo Silveira – Guitar; Tom Brechtlein – Drums;  Eric Marienthal - Saxophone (Alto), Saxophone (Soprano);  Gary Herbig - Saxophone (Alto), Saxophone (Soprano), Saxophone (Tenor), Flute (Alto);  Kate Markowitz - Vocals, Vocals (Background);  Marilyn Scott - Vocals, Vocals (Background);  Sal Marquez – Trumpet;  Djavan – Vocals;  Jim Gilstrap - Vocals, Vocals (Background);  Gary Grant - Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Flute (Alto);  Jerry Hey - Flugelhorn, Trumpet;  Jimmy Johnson – Bass.

Raven

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