Sunday, February 26, 2017

Jeff Harnar - Because Of You: Fifties Gold

Size: 101,1 MB
Time: 43:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Pop
Art: Front

01. Hold Me! Thrill Me! Kiss Me!/You Send Me (3:44)
02. Young At Heart (3:02)
03. It's Not For Me To Say (3:55)
04. Quizas (3:19)
05. Little White Cloud That Cried (2:20)
06. Secret Love (2:40)
07. Fever (3:45)
08. Smile/Cry (4:56)
09. Nature Boy (2:12)
10. Cabin In The Sky/Stranger In Paradise/Angel (5:28)
11. Because Of You (3:16)
12. Unchained Melody (4:33)

Because of You: Fifties Gold finds Jeff Harnar running through '50s pop standards like "Fever," "Young at Heart," "Unchained Melody," and "Nature Boy." Harnar has a rich, warm croon and delivers these songs with a minimum of camp and kitsch. Because of You is simply good neo-traditional pop, and Harnar makes it more than nostalgia with his passionate performances. ~by Rodney Batdorf

Because Of You

Sal Mineo - Start Movin': The 1950's Recordings

Size: 142,6 MB
Time: 59:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Pop Rock
Art: Front

01. Start Movin' (In My Direction) (2:30)
02. Love Affair (2:26)
03. Lasting Love (2:26)
04. You Shouldn't Do That (2:05)
05. Party Time (2:13)
06. The Words That I Whisper (2:06)
07. Little Pigeon (2:00)
08. Cuttin' In (2:15)
09. Seven Steps To Love (2:08)
10. A Couple Of Crazy Kids (2:24)
11. Secret Doorway (2:16)
12. Souvenirs Of Summertime (2:46)
13. Young As We Are (2:13)
14. Make Believe Baby (2:04)
15. I'll Never Be Myself Again (2:10)
16. (I Play) The Part Of A Fool (2:10)
17. Dino (1:59)
18. Too Young (2:13)
19. My Bride (2:18)
20. Not Tomorrow But Tonight (1:47)
21. Blue Eyed Baby (2:09)
22. Tattoo (1:51)
23. Now And For Always (2:04)
24. Down By The Riverside (2:40)
25. Oh Marie (2:07)
26. Deep Devotion (2:50)
27. Baby Face (1:30)

Actor Sal Mineo blazed a trail to glory on the silver screen in the mid 1950s in films like 'Rebel Without A Cause', 'Giant' and 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' to quickly become one of the most recognisable and beloved actors of his generation. Sal also had a pretty profitable sideline as a singer during the second half of the 1950s, one that brought him a worldwide Top 20 hit with "Start Movin'" and almost half a dozen other medium sized US hits. Titled after his pan-global smash, 'Start Movin'' is a comprehensive chronicle of Sal's active career as a singer containing, as it does almost every recording he made during the 1950s and early 1960s, the A and B sides of 8 singles, the entire contents of his lone LP 'Sal Sings', a soundtrack EP rarity and material not issued at the time. Sal recorded new songs by some of the best known pop writers of the era, including Barry Mann, Luther Dixon, the team of Frank Slay and Bob Crewe, Gary Paxton and Cameo-Parkway's Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe (using aliases of Harold Lund and Jon Sheldon) and 'Start Movin'' composer Bobby Stevenson. He may have regarded his singing career as a distant second to his acting but the material he cut for his fans was never less than first rate. He never really felt comfortable as a singer and was happy to call time on his vocal career as the 60s got underway, but Sal Mineo's chart profile makes him one of the most consistently successful 'singing actors' of any period. Jasmine is more than happy to restore his recordings to catalogue in a package that pays tribute to the many talents of Salvatore Mineo Jr.

Start Movin'

Irvin Mayfield & The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra - Live At Newport

Size: 157,3 MB
Time: 68:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: New Orleans Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Tune Up (Rising Tide) (Live) ( 2:24)
02. The Elder Negro Speaks (Live) ( 7:48)
03. Angola (Live) ( 7:52)
04. Yesterday (Live) ( 4:34)
05. I've Got The World On A String (Live) ( 6:57)
06. Sweet Bread On The Levees (Live) ( 5:41)
07. Overjoyed (Live) ( 5:40)
08. Indians (Live) ( 6:46)
09. May His Soul Rest In Peace (Live) ( 9:40)
10. We Will Rock You - Joe Avery Blues (Second Line) (Live) (10:37)

With his latest record, Grammy and Billboard Award winning Irvin Mayfield joins the ranks of Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin. The latest in a recording career of more than 30 live and studio albums, Live at Newport gives the listener an opportunity to hear Mayfield and the nineteen musicians fresh, raw, and uncut.

Live at Newport brings you through a world of jazz experiences from well-known standards, heavily orchestrated traditional New Orleans-style jazz, and jazzified rock and pop. It’s a live experience entertaining to all and is not one to be missed.

Live At Newport

Fay Claassen - Luck Child

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 49:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Luck Child (A.K.A. Sandbox) (4:00)
02. One Trick Pony (3:32)
03. Song Of Life (4:05)
04. Blackbird (5:03)
05. Fay (3:22)
06. In A Sentimental Mood (4:54)
07. Finding You (3:54)
08. When Love Is New (4:46)
09. Oh Shenandoah (3:45)
10. Miniature No. 7 (0:57)
11. A House Is Not A Home (3:17)
12. God Bless The Child (4:25)
13. Cinema Paradiso (3:23)

With this album Luck Child a long-standing wish of jazz singer Fay Claassen is fulfilled. It is an ode to youth and beauty with a mix of old and new songs. This compilation album consists mostly of songs that she has been singing for many years but never recorded before. Famous and beloved songs by like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach and Ennio Morricone are presented alongside new compositions by Paul Heller.

Luck Child

Organic Trio - Saturn's Spell

Size: 152,0 MB
Time: 65:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Johnny Young (7:32)
02. But When Do We Eat (8:09)
03. The Place Is Now (6:26)
04. Vum Land (4:21)
05. Saturn's Spell (7:51)
06. Quirky (5:13)
07. The Flower (5:16)
08. Organ Donor (7:35)
09. Twist (4:18)
10. Buffalo Trace (8:18)

The Organic Trio’s infectious groove, stellar musicianship and compelling compositions, have been flooring fans for four years across Europe and in the States. They have succeeded in updating the possibilities of the classic Hammond powered format, and even better, they’ve done it naturally, without any overt effort or artificial ingredients. Sure they swing out and get funky like their honored predecessors, but they also explore the ethereal, the poignant and the bombastic. It’s all delivered with enthusiasm, sincerity and, some might say, a fraternal love. Best of all, the Organic Trio has that special 6th sense that only comes when a band of kindred spirits gets to tour together for many years and hundreds of shows.

BRIAN SEEGER – guitar
Brian Seeger is an integral part of New Orleans vibrant jazz community. His fluid and rich tone, and searching melodic improvisations, have led to his recognition as “One of New Orleans’ best jazz guitarists.” No stranger to the Hammond Trio format, Seeger has performed with some of the all-time greats of the idiom, including Dr. Lonnie Smith and Big John Patton, as well as many other jazz and New Orleans music scene luminaries. Although his musical excursions have been influenced by his studies with jazz figures such as Gary Burton and Ellis Marsalis, Seeger’s playing and compositions are well grounded in the blues and American roots music, as well as the sounds of New Orleans’ streets. Seeger melds these elements into an approach that is heartfelt and individual; his aesthetic is that of a jazz musician, but there is still space for ideas from other idioms. Seeger holds a faculty position in the esteemed University of New Orleans Jazz Studies program.

JEAN-YVES JUNG – organ
Yves Jung is easily one of France’s most well-renowned organists. When Jung is not touring with the Organic Trio, he holds down the Hammond chair with guitar phenom Bireli Lagrene's Quartet. Jung’s organ skills and compositions are extensively featured on Lagrene's latest Verve release, Mouvements. Jung’s organ playing can be nimble and acrobatic, funky and futuristic, soulful and searching. He emanates a tremendous joy from the stage whenever he plays, and the challenges of his compositions are juxtaposed by his playful sense of melody and rhythm. Along with the Organic Trio and Bireli Lagrene, Jean-Yves has had the opportunity to record and tour with many musical greats, including Billy Cobham, Philip Catherine, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Andre Ceccarelli, The Paris Jazz Big Band, Jimmy Woode and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg.

PAUL WILTGEN – drums
Luxembourg native Paul Wiltgen, is internationally recognized as an accomplished jazz percussionist, an imaginative composer and a visionary bandleader. An artist in the truest sense of the word, Paul compellingly balances his musical aesthetic and his personal passion, creating a sound from the drums that simultaneously supports and inspires.
Wiltgen is in the vanguard of today’s jazz scene, having worked with many of its leading voices, including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mike Moreno, Dave Binney, Lage Lund, Patrick Cornelius, Michael Janisch, Ambrose Akinmusire and Will Vinson.
Paul earned a Masters Degree from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, and has studied with David Liebman, Samir Chatterjee and John Riley. Wiltgen is also an active member of the collective Trio Reis/Demuth/Wiltgen (Laborie Records, FR).

Saturn's Spell

Bud Powell - The Very Best

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:18
Size: 92.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[3:00] 1. Bouncin' With Bud
[2:49] 2. Dance Of The Infidels
[4:42] 3. Un Poco Loco
[3:19] 4. Parisian Thoroughfare
[4:12] 5. A Night In Tunisia
[2:21] 6. Glass Enclosure
[3:01] 7. Collard Greens And Black-Eyed Peas
[2:50] 8. Autumn In New York
[5:40] 9. John's Abbey
[4:20] 10. Cleopatra's Dream
[3:59] 11. The Scene Changes

As part of Blue Note's Very Best series, pianist Bud Powell is spotlighted on 11 tracks recorded between 1949 and 1958. This set is aimed at the casual listener and includes the Powell-penned classics "Bouncing with Bud," "Dance of the Infidels," "Un Poco Loco," "Parisian Thoroughfare," and "Glass Enclosure." Backed by fellow Blue Note alumni Fats Navarro, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Arthur Taylor, Paul Chambers, Roy Haynes, and Philly Joe Jones, among others, makes this an excellent sampler for the novice at a mid-line price.

The Very Best

Carmen McRae - The Sound Of Silence

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:25
Size: 88.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1968/2005
Art: Front

[2:59] 1. The Sound Of Silence
[3:25] 2. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
[3:58] 3. MacArthur Park
[2:33] 4. Watch What Happens
[4:03] 5. Stardust
[2:14] 6. Don't Go Away
[4:02] 7. Gloomy Sunday
[3:40] 8. I Sold My Heart To The Junkman
[2:17] 9. Poor Butterfly
[2:31] 10. My Heart Reminds Me
[4:26] 11. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
[2:12] 12. Can You Tell

Carmen McRae (v), Shorty Rogers (dir, a), Jimmy Jones (con, a), Gene Cipriano, James Horn, John Lowe (sax), Marion Childers, Jack Sheldon, Jimmy Zito (t), Lew McCreary, Dick Nash (tb), Vince DeRosa (frh), Michael Deasy, Al Hendrickson, Tommy Tedesco, Francois Vaz (g), Max Bennett, Joe Comfort, Bob West (b), Norman Simmons (p, elp), John Collins, James Gordon, Paul Humphrey (d), Larry Bunker, Emil Radocchia (per), Herman Clebanoff, Sam Freed, David Frisina, Anatol Kaminsky, Nat Kaproff, Bernard Kundell (vn), Robert Helfer (unk), Lou Raderman (cm).

The Sound Of Silence, arranged & conducted by Shorty Rogers & Jimmy Jones. There is no stopping Mcrae & her golden voice, moving in a more jazzy sophisticated realm here & reminiscent of the likes of Marlena Shaw & Nancy Wilson.

The Sound Of Silence

Tony Monaco - Intimately Live At The 501

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:06
Size: 169.6 MB
Styles: Jazz-Funk
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[ 6:16] 1. The Cat
[ 9:31] 2. Takin' My Time
[10:02] 3. Mellow Mood
[ 7:16] 4. Take The Coltrane
[ 7:54] 5. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[ 6:23] 6. Paper Moon
[11:01] 7. I'll Close My Eyes
[ 5:12] 8. Sweet Georgia Brown
[10:27] 9. Footprints

Tony Monaco has moved the Hammond B3 organ beyond its common niche as a vehicle for hit R&B, blues, and soul. Like Larry Young, Monaco has expanded the instrument beyond the chitlin', black beans, and funk so often associated with this musical mechanism and transformed it into a major improvisational force. The organ in his hands has as much of a modern sound to it as others on the scene, with the possible exception of Joey DeFrancesco, as evidenced by such modern jazz classics as "Take the Coltrane" and "Footprints" on the play list. Listen to the complex chordal displays on "Mellow Mood," which offers a highly listenable combination of traditional and new organ styles. By no means does Monaco abandon established uses, as he swings like mad on "Sweet Georgia Brown." But here he discards the melody line rather quickly and races down the improvisational trail with such improbable speed that if this were not a live session, one would swear there was a bit of dubbing going on. The coda to this tune is so strong it will likely make the hair on the back of your neck tingle. Monaco also has a technique which allows him to utilize a variety of riff patterns that are sufficiently diverse to assure that not everything on the album sounds the same. In other words, Monaco's CDs will appeal to those beyond B3 devotees. He is helped considerably by the understated guitar of Robert Kraut throughout, but especially on such cuts as "It's Only a Paper Moon" and a haunting "I'll Close My Eyes," which is molded by an elongated harmonic structure. Intimately Live at the 501 is another good effort from this organ trio and is recommended. ~Dave Nathan

Intimately Live At The 501

Loggins & Messina - The Best: Sittin' In Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:05
Size: 176.5 MB
Styles: Soft rock
Year: 1971/2005
Art: Front

[3:25] 1. Watching The River Run
[3:40] 2. Travelin' Blues
[2:47] 3. Your Mama Don't Dance
[6:56] 4. Be Free
[3:06] 5. Till The Ends Meet
[2:58] 6. Nobody But You
[4:20] 7. House At Pooh Corner
[3:11] 8. A Love Song
[4:14] 9. Danny's Song
[3:48] 10. Long Tail Cat
[1:09] 11. Just Before The News
[2:47] 12. Listen To A Country Song
[4:02] 13. Good Friend
[8:15] 14. Same Old Wine
[3:47] 15. Changes
[7:40] 16. Angry Eyes
[6:07] 17. Sailin' The Wind
[4:45] 18. Vahevala

Hard to believe, but it's been nearly 30 years since Loggins & Messina have had their five albums compiled into a greatest-hits collection. The first, Best of Friends, appeared in 1976, just after the partnership went its separate ways, and this second set, The Best: Sittin' in Again, appeared in the summer of 2005 to coincide with a reunion tour. On the back cover of the CD, Messina is quoted as saying that "this album is about more than hits," with Loggins elaborating that he wants "this new retrospective to accurately depict who Loggins & Messina was." To that end, Sittin' in Again does indeed overlook some hits, including "My Music" and "Thinking of You" -- two Top 20 hits that appeared on Best of Friends -- plus the 1975 "Growin'," one of their last charting hits; similarly, the winding full-length LP version of "Angry Eyes" is here instead of the single edit. While the absent hits are indeed missed, the majority of the duo's biggest songs are indeed here -- "Your Mama Don't Dance," "House at Pooh Corner," "Danny's Song," "Vahevala" -- and there's a strong emphasis on their first two records (six of the nine songs on their 1972 debut, Sittin' In, are here, six of the 11 cuts from its eponymous 1972 follow-up), which are their best LPs (it's no coincidence that there's nothing here from their poorly regarded final album, 1976's Native Sons). Although some listeners will certainly miss those aforementioned two big hit singles, Sittin' in Again nevertheless is a strong summary of Loggins & Messina's strengths, capturing them at their best as a tuneful soft rock duo. It emphasizes Messina's skills as a record producer and Loggins' folky, introspective songwriting, while revealing such usually overlooked traits in their music such as some country overtones and a tendency toward subtly eclectic, laid-back jams, which is why this is arguably the definitive portrait of the duo, even if it skimps on some actual charting hits. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The Best: Sittin' In Again

Ingrid James, John Reeves - Circumflex

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 156.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, Standards
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[6:18] 1. Slow Hot Wind
[5:00] 2. Yesterdays
[1:55] 3. Intro
[7:05] 4. God Only Knows
[3:57] 5. Strange Brew
[8:36] 6. First Song (For Ruth)
[6:25] 7. Beautiful Love
[4:48] 8. Just One Of Those Things
[4:41] 9. Line For Lyons
[3:48] 10. And I Love Her
[4:40] 11. Gentle Rain
[4:50] 12. Devil May Care
[6:13] 13. Yesterdays (Version Two)

Award-winning jazz singer Ingrid James and UK pianist John Reeves have recorded a duo album of contemporary and classic standards as well as material from the Beatles to the Beach Boys. The approach to much of the recording was inspired by 'live' performances where so often trying something for the first time delivers a unique arrangement and special qualities. They work as an organic unit, weaving melodies, textures and rhythms to express a personal interpretation of these songs and the endless possibilities they present. Circumflex is a stunning vocal and piano duo album full of live energy, warmth and deep emotion.

Circumflex

Elmo Hope - Elmo Hope Trio

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:51
Size: 98.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1959/2010
Art: Front

[5:39] 1. B's A Plenty
[6:11] 2. Barfly
[3:50] 3. Eejah
[5:57] 4. Boa
[6:08] 5. Something For Kenny
[7:23] 6. Like Someone In Love
[4:45] 7. Minor Bertha
[2:54] 8. Tranquility

The boppish and fairly original Elmo Hope performs seven of his obscure originals, many of which are well worth reviving, plus "Like Someone In Love" in a trio with bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Frank Butler. Bop and straight-ahead jazz fans wanting to hear a talented pianist play fresh tunes should explore Elmo Hope's valuable music. ~Scott Yanow

Elmo Hope Trio

Ruby Braff, Red Norvo - Swing That Music

Styles: Cornet And Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:42
Size: 164,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:16)  1. Cornet Chop Suey
(4:08)  2. (Was I To Blame For) Falling In Love With You
(6:17)  3. I Got A Feelin' I'm Fallin'
(4:47)  4. It's Wonderful
(4:10)  5. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(5:24)  6. Thankful
(2:57)  7. Swing That Music
(5:23)  8. Someday, You'll Be Sorry
(4:22)  9. Spider's Webb
(3:37) 10. Confessin'
(4:40) 11. Rose Room
(3:46) 12. The Girl From Ipanema
(5:22) 13. Lulaby Of The Leaves
(5:00) 14. Sunday
(6:27) 15. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams

This two-record set combines separate sets by Ruby Braff and Red Norvo from the same 1969 Paris studio session, though both musicians use the identical rhythm section of pianist George Wein, bassist Larry Ridley, drummer Don Lamond, and guitarist Barney Kessel, who has many nice solos in both sessions. Braff, playing cornet, pays tribute to Louis Armstrong throughout his performance, ranging from a brisk "Cornet Chop Suey" and Satchmo's perennial theme song "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" to pretty ballads like "(Was I to Blame For) Falling in Love With You?" and the swinging "I've Got a Feelin' I'm Fallin'," which features some nice exchanges between Braff and Kessel. Norvo's soft mallet technique contrasts with most of the players who have followed him on the vibraphone. "Spider's Webb" has fallen into obscurity but Norvo swings it mightily. He throws a curve to anyone expecting nothing but swing with the bossa nova megahit "The Girl From Ipanema." Norvo ends his session with an inspired treatment of "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams." Strangely, the producers evidently didn't think of adding each leader to the other's set for one number, though they are pictured together in the studio on the front cover of this long unavailable release. Although Swing That Music is not an essential acquisition for swing fans, those who locate it will not be disappointed. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/swing-that-music-mw0000916891

Personnel:  Ruby Braff-cornet (# 1-8);  Red Norvo-vibroharp (# 9-15)replace Ruby Braff;  George Wein-piano;  Barney Kessel-guitar;  Larry Ridley-bass;  Don Lamond-drums

Swing That Music

Shauna Antoniuc Anderson - Simple

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 103,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:11)  1. Give Me the Simple Life
(3:14)  2. When I Need You
(3:00)  3. Simple
(2:50)  4. Swinging Through the Hard Times
(4:59)  5. Happy Family
(2:37)  6. Darn It, Baby That's Love
(4:46)  7. Harvest Moon
(4:55)  8. Count Your Blessings
(3:52)  9. Fallen
(4:15) 10. Try Your Wings
(3:26) 11. Old Porch Swing
(3:32) 12. Cerasse Tea
(1:12) 13. La La Lu (Lullaby from Lady and the Tramp)

Shauna grew up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, surrounded by music and singing relatives. She got her musical start at a young age in the basement of her Grandpa Murphy's house where she spent hours pounding away on a dusty, out-of-tune, upright piano. When piano playing didn't click with her, she moved on to the acoustic guitar. Frustrated, she quickly gave it up when her brother Ryan excelled at a much quicker pace. Fortunately, singing came much easier.  Shauna started singing "professionally" at Sacred Heart High School in Kingston, MA. She was very active in drama and chorus, led by the "Singing Sisters," Sisters Rosalie and Rosemund. Her first big solo in chorus was *Chiquita Banana.* When she came to U. of Vermont, she longed to start a band and play at the clubs downtown. While in the library (pretending to study) she saw a sign on a bulletin board that said, "WANTED: Singer for new Acid Jazz band." She tore down the sign, called the number the next day and by the end of the week had joined the band Belizbeha. That was March of 1994. For the next 6-7 years Belizbeha toured extensively around the country and produced 2 CDs of all original material. Belizbeha shared the stage with the likes of Kool & the Gang, Gil Scott Heron, The Last Poets, De La Soul, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, and many others. After the release of their second album, "Void Where Inhibited" the band dissolved, although they still play shows every now and again. Everyone in Belizbeha went on to pursue music in his or her own individual way.

When not on the road with Belizbeha, Shauna worked part-time at the Sai-Gon Cafe in Burlington, and it was there that she hooked up with Joe Capps and Chris Peterman. She had known Joe from Belizbeha; they had recorded some songs out at Joe's studio. Shauna knew Chris through Belizbeha as well; he played saxophone on their first album and played many gigs with them. When Joe and Chris were playing at the restaurant, Shauna would sometimes get up and sing a song or two with them. Since it was so fun they decided to pursue playing some "real" gigs together. Thus, in 1997, the Shauna Antoniuc Trio was born, and they went on to play numerous gigs at jazz bars, restaurants, weddings, corporate functions, and colleges throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. They released one CD called "The Dream's On Me" in 2002 and recorded another in 2003. The second CD, after sitting on a shelf for 5 years, was released in 2008. It's called "In the Moonlight." Their third CD together, "Simple" is being released in 2011 under a new name, Shauna Anderson. Rick Norcross was a regular customer at the Sai-Gon Cafe as well, and when the singer left his western swing outfit, Rick and the Ramblers, he asked Shauna to audition for the job. She was hired for the summer 1999 tour and worked with them for 5 more summers, playing every weekend throughout Vermont. Chris Peterman also joined Rick's crew in 2001, playing with him for another year. Shauna still sits in on gigs in Vermont for both the jazz trio and the Ramblers.

2003 was a busy year for Shauna. In February, she and husband Brandy Anderson were married at the breathtaking Marie Reine-du-Monde Cathedral in Montreal. Mother's day was truly special that year as they found out they were pregnant. In July, they left Vermont behind and moved to Sacramento, CA to be near Brandy's family. The fall brought new jobs, and on December 29th little Jula Elizabeth arrived just in time for the tax break. They crammed marriage and moving, career changes and diaper changes all into one fantastic year. When Shauna arrived in CA she knew she wanted to continue singing. She joined the musician's union and asked who she should contact for jazz. Bill Rase was the leader of one of the oldest big bands in the area, so she stopped by his recording studio and gave him a CD. Soon she was playing gigs with Bill all over the Sacramento area. At one of Bill's gigs, Shauna met Brad Hammett, an outstanding trombone player. He asked her is she would like to join a band they were putting together. Brad has an awesome studio in Auburn, so Shauna went out there to meet Mickey Bennett, a swinging bass player, and Charlie Robinson, a fantastic jazz guitarist. They recorded a bunch of standards and started playing out at weddings, restaurants, and functions.

Shauna also joined a couple of cover bands; in 2004 she hooked up with Frenchy and The Feather River Outlaws. They covered mostly country and rock tunes and played heavily in the Marysville area. Shauna still keeps in touch with the Outlaws and plays with them sometimes. In the summer of 2006, Shauna joined another cover band, Stealin' Time. They play occasional gigs as well. Shauna took a hiatus from singing as she and Brandy had two more little girls, one right after the other; in May of 2006 Mary-Margaret Christine arrived, and right on her coat tails was Evamarie Dorothy, born a year and 2 days later. Baby #4  another girl arrived on January 1st, 2009. Cecilia Juanita is named after the patron saint of musicians, St. Cecilia! Recently, Shauna returned to Vermont to record an album of some of her favorite pop and jazz songs with Joe and Chris and other musicians she used to work with. This album, Simple, is made up of songs that remind her of the simple blessings in our lives. In times that are rough - indeed, in ALL times - it is good to remember what really matters. Shauna hopes to make the world just a little more beautiful with these songs!  https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/shaunaanderson/from/greatindiemusic

Simple

Vic Dickenson & Joe Thomas & Their All-Star Bands - Mainstream

Styles: Trombone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:23
Size: 88,2 MB
Art: Front

( 4:52)  1. Sweethearts On Parade
( 5:58)  2. I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me
( 4:47)  3. Undecided
( 3:39)  4. Crazy Rhythm
( 6:15)  5. The Lamp Is Low
(12:50)  6. Blues For Baby

Mainstream presents swing masters Joe Thomas and Vic Dickenson fronting all-star bands in a time when swing music was elbowing for attention amidst the world of be-bop, cool, and other modern jazz movements. The year was 1958, and English jazz critic Albert J. McCarthy was in New York City writing a book on swing. Surprised to find how difficult a time even the best swing musicians were having in the homeland of jazz, he approached Atlantic Records to sponsor two recording sessions. The first session featured underrated trumpeter Joe Thomas with a band that included Dickie Wells, Buddy Tate, Buster Bailey, and oddly enough, modernist Herbie Nichols on piano. The second session featured the great trombonist Vic Dickenson, Buck Clayton, and Gene Ramey. Both sessions have been re-mastered; the sound quality is excellent. So are the performances. 

Joe Thomas is still grotesquely underrated, and if anyone needs evidence of his mastery this is the recording to bring home that Thomas was among the best of his instrument. Over the years he played and recorded with Fletcher Henderson, Teddy Wilson, and Art Tatum to mention a few. His clear, assured sound and technical skill makes it obvious why McCarthy felt compelled to document this neglected musician. Two-thirds of the disc features Thomas and his band. The other third features Vic Dickenson who has faired better in the annals of jazz history. He is known for his bluesy-toned trombone of exquisite phrasing. Lauded by the famous French jazz critic Andre Hodeir as one of the best of all early jazz musicians, Dickenson doesn’t disappoint on this disc. Although his solo time is limited in the ensemble focus of the arrangements, his solo on "The Lamp Is Low" is particularly memorable. Actually, with either Dickie Wells or Vic Dickenson playing trombone and either Joe Thomas or Buck Clayton playing lead trumpet this is a brass player’s disc if there ever was one. In short, if you’re interested in a satisfying, swing recording featuring a line-up of outstanding soloists, good rhythm sections, and a selection of solid arrangements, then Mainstream is definitely worth checking out. Recommended. ~ Mike Neely https://www.allaboutjazz.com/mainstream-vic-dickenson-koch-international-jazz-review-by-mike-neely.php

Personnel: Joe Thomas, trumpet; Johnny Letman, 2nd trumpet; Dickie Wells, trombone; Buddy Tate, tenor sax; Buster Bailey, clarinet; Herbie Nichols, piano; Everett Barksdale, guitar; Bill Pemberton, bass; and Jimmy Crawford, drums. Vic Dickenson, trombone; Buck Clayton, trumpet; Hal Singer, tenor sax; Herbie Hall, clarinet; Al Williams, piano; Danny Barker, guitar; Gene Ramey, bass; and Marquis Foster, drums.

Mainstream

Gene Harris And The Three Sounds - Elegant Soul

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:12
Size: 90,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:15)  1. Elegant Soul
(6:20)  2. Do It Right Now
(9:18)  3. Sittin' Duck
(2:48)  4. (Sock It To Me) Harper Valley P.T.A.
(2:48)  5. Sugar Hill
(4:30)  6. African Sweets
(3:29)  7. Black Gold
(3:26)  8. Book Of Slim
(3:13)  9. Walls Of Respect

After the release of Coldwater Flat five months earlier, Three Sounds pianist Gene Harris and bassist Andy Simpkins found themselves faced with yet another personnel change: Donald Bailey, who'd been with group for only two albums, left the group (after replacing founding drummer Bill Dowdy) and was replaced by Carl Burnett. The jazz-pop direction that Harris and Simpkins pursued on the fine Coldwater Flat set where the trio fronted the Oliver Nelson band and a string section was followed up here with composer and saxophonist Monk Higgins as arranger, conductor, and co-producer (with Dee Ervin). Elegant Soul, one of two albums Higgins did with the trio, is indeed fittingly titled. The pop tunes on the set include a reading of Tom T. Hall's hit "Harper Valley P.T.A.," featuring additional players like drummer Paul Humphrey (who appears on the entire album for added muscle), Alan Estes on vibes, guitarist Al Vesvoco, and nine string players, adding a perverse, lush, deeply soulful sheen with shuffling breaks laid down by Burnett, Humphrey, and a chorus of uncredited female backing vocalists.

The centerpiece of this beautiful and underappreciated at the time album is Higgins' nine-plus-minute "Sittin' Duck," with Harris at his hooky gospelized best, playing the hell out of the changes and filling the measures with his requisite taste and feel. The two drummers shuffle in unison, and Estes' vibes articulate the melody with Harris adding a warmer dimension. The strings are rich, but are employed mostly in the codas and tags, adding to the dramatic weight of the tune, which is otherwise a long, dance-worthy strut. Elsewhere, the strings are varied in their texture on the gorgeous "Sugar Hill"; they outdo those in the hits of the day like Paul Mauriat's "Love Is Blue," or even Roger Williams' "Born Free." Ervin's "African Sweets" is one of the set's highlights, too. It lifts six notes from the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" on top of a happening bass vamp and some slamming snare to introduce the cut. This is down-and-dirty soul-jazz dressed for Saturday night at the club; Harris beats the hell out of the piano's middle register in pure groove ecstasy. The added flamenco-style guitar and rough-and-rowdy flute solo add to an already heady brew. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg in a sense. 

Elegant Soul was and could even be currently dismissed with a casual listen as lightweight pop with a compelling rhythmic sense. But that would be selling it way short. This album warrants close listening to discern all that's happening in its production and arrangements. Whether it's on the dancefloor, for sampling, for feel-good or deep listening, or for finger-popping, it satisfies on all levels. [Previously only available as an import, Elegant Soul was reissued in 2008 as part of Blue Note Records' venerable Rare Groove series.] ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/elegant-soul-mw0000791386

Elegant Soul