Silky Denims: 05/10/17

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme - We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits

Size: 155,7 MB
Time: 64:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1996
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front & Back

01. We Got Us (From We Got Us) (2:32)
02. Side By Side (From We Got Us) (2:33)
03. No Two People (From We Got Us) (2:03)
04. Darn It, Baby, That's Love (From We Got Us) (2:38)
05. Together Wherever We Go (From We Got Us) (2:08)
06. Flattery (From We Got Us) (3:22)
07. This Could Be The Start Of Something (From We Got Us) (2:26)
08. I Remember It Well (From We Got Us) (3:26)
09. Baby, It's Cold Outside (From We Got Us) (2:47)
10. Two Lost Souls (From We Got Us) (2:29)
11. Harmony (From We Got Us) (2:51)
12. Cheek To Cheek (From We Got Us) (2:58)
13. I've Heard That Song Before (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:43)
14. I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:38)
15. Green Eyes (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:43)
16. I Hear A Rhapsody (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:22)
17. And The Angels Sing (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:13)
18. Who Wouldn't Love You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:51)
19. Bel Mir Bist Du Schon (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:15)
20. Marie (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:37)
21. I Don't Want To Walk Without You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:28)
22. I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:14)
23. White Christmas (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:12)
24. Sentimental Journey (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:17)

Married couple and singing partners Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme launched their duo on records with two LPs released in 1960 by ABC-Paramount Records, We Got Us and Eydie and Steve Sing the Golden Hits; the albums are combined on this CD, albeit in reverse order of their initial appearance. We Got Us (tracks 13-23) finds Lawrence and Gorme hunting through then-recent film theme songs and among standards for some classic duets, and presenting their versions of them. Numbers like "Side by Side" are naturals, but anything requiring something in the way of characterization tends to be beyond vocalists who are most concerned with the sound of their voices, not the meaning of the lyrics. They do fine with "No Two People," a Frank Loesser composition from Hans Christian Andersen in which two lovers trip over themselves to express their sweet devotion. But the erotic undercurrent of Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is not something they choose to express, and there's no bite to "I Remember It Well" from Gigi, in which Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics are supposed to express a gentle joisting between the old lovers. Lawrence and Gorme are much better on the songs from Golden Hits (tracks 1-12), which, by the way, are not their golden hits. This album was not a best-of, it was the two singers (separately and together) reviving a bunch of songs from the swing era. They had a natural affinity for these songs, since they could concentrate on the rhythms and act like band singers. ~by William Ruhlmann

We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits

Lou Bennett - Dansez Et Revez (Bonus Track Version)

Size: 181,5 MB
Time: 77:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Moins Que Rien (Misty) (6:42)
02. Les Enfants Du Piree (Never On Sunday) (2:26)
03. Tendrement (4:35)
04. Clementine (2:17)
05. Blues Valse (3:04)
06. Les Voiliers (3:32)
07. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (4:21)
08. Soleil De Minuit (3:14)
09. Verte Campagne (5:31)
10. Le Vrai Blues (2:56)
11. If You Were The Only Girl In The World (Bonus Track) (7:10)
12. Wonderful, Wonderful (Bonus Track) (5:40)
13. West Coast Blues (Bonus Track) (5:43)
14. No Smokin' (Bonus Track) (5:16)
15. Low Life (Bonus Track) (5:20)
16. Satin Doll (Bonus Track) (5:18)
17. What A Difference A Day Makes (Bonus Track) (4:39)

Personnel:
LOU BENNETT, organ.
ELEK BACSIK, guitar.
DANIEL HUMAIR, drums

Paris, France, Summer 1960.

This release contains Bennett’s second LP as a leader in its entirety: "Dansez et Rêvez avec le trio Lou Bennett" (RCA Victor 430.051). Presented here for the first time ever on CD, it also marks his first album in a trio format.

As a bonus, three tracks have been added showcasing Bennett in a quartet format along with celebrated Belgian guitarist René Thomas, and two more in a trio setting with Jimmy Gourley and Kenny Clarke taped live in Germany. Closing this set are two songs also appearing on CD for the first time ever, which present Bennett in a trio format with Jean-Marie Ingrand and Kenny Clarke. They were only previously issued in 1960 on a long out of print German EP.

Dansez Et Revez

Jennifer Salisbury & James Mustafa - Unspoken Rule

Size: 101,1 MB
Time: 41:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Mr. Fix-It (3:52)
02. You've Changed (5:13)
03. Baby I'm Sorry (3:15)
04. There Was A Time (5:14)
05. I Wish Your Kiss (4:24)
06. Washing Line (4:58)
07. My Middle Name Is Moderation (3:08)
08. Web Of Gold (5:21)
09. Red Red Robin (Feat. Harry M. Woods) (2:38)
10. Unspoken Rule (3:11)

Unspoken Rule is an 8 piece jazz band featuring Jennifer Salisbury (vox) and James Mustafa (trumpet).

Intrigue - Romance - Desire - Love - Heartbreak - Despair - Hope and everything, in fact, that makes life worth living.

This is the story of ‘Unspoken Rule’, a jazz project built around the endless ramifications of a love cycle experience, as narrated through Jennifer Salisbury’s songs.

An enchanting singer with a natural sense of swing, Jennifer Salisbury has made a name of herself among the jazz community with her breezy renditions of the american songbook.
When onstage, she channels the great voices of the ‘40s and ‘50s guiding her audience in a time-traveling roller-coaster of emotions, navigating the history of jazz. Her own songwriting is deeply influenced by the golden era of jazz; it’s almost impossible to tell apart the songs that she wrote herself, from the classic repertoire she draws from to tell the Unspoken Rule story; songs immortalized by Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Doris Day, Benny Goodman, in unexpected arrangements by James Mustafa, turning the project into a balancing act between the vintage and modern esthetics.

Led by the incandescent Jennifer Salisbury, the band comprises of a dream team of talented musicians, some of the best of the vibrant Melbourne Jazz community. James Mustafa, an inventive composer, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist, has been experimenting with jazz orchestration through the Melbourne Composers Big Band, his own James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra and his work with the Horns of Leroy and Backburners; Sam O’ Halloran is a fixture in the Melbourne Gypsy Swing Scene, after mastering the idiom in France; Trent Howard’s signature voice on the tenor sax has made him a favourite among the big band and swing bands; Aaron Rodriguez makes his baritone sax the gravitational point in any band that he plays in; Selene Messinis is a fiery pianist, constantly exploring a range of rhythmic patterns, from european minimalism to latin’; Hiroki Hoshino is one of the hardest-working and versatile double bassists in the community, having played with a vast array of greats, from Allan Browne and Tony Gould to Gerald Clayton and Enrico Rava; Tim Clifton has been playing drums since he was nine and since his graduation from the Monash University Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music he’s been performing alongside some of the most respected national and international jazz artists.

Line Up:
Hiroki Hoshino: Double Bass
James Mustafa: Trumpet and Arrangements
Aaron Rodrigues: Baritone Sax
Trent Howard: Tenor Sax
Drums: Tim Clifton
Vox: Jen Salisbury
Guitar: Samual O'halloran
Piano: Selene Messinis

"Jennifer's voice sparkles like antique diamonds, clear and true, and her original tunes sound like they're meant to take their place amongst the canon of jazz standards. Joining forces with wunderkind James Mustafa has elevated Jennifer's musicality to the upper echelon of modern jazz singers in this country" - Kimba Griffith

Unspoken Rule

Julian Vaughn - Hey, Lester!

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 52:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Hey Lester! (4:01)
02. Three Strikes (7:50)
03. He Bop (5:06)
04. Afro Blue, Afro Blues (3:59)
05. New Leans (5:22)
06. Equinox (7:30)
07. Night & Day (6:29)
08. Yes & No (8:36)
09. What's Up (3:51)

Personnel: Julian Vaughn (d), Albert Bover (p), Fredrik Carlquist (ts), Dennis 'El Huevo' Hernández (tp, flh), Barnabas Hangonyi (cello), Randy Greer, Danna Leese Roth (vcl), Fernando Tejero (keyb).

Hey Lester! Is a composition dedicated to Lester Bowie who was a great jazz trumpeter and married to the late great Fontella Bass whose big hit was Rescue Me. Lester was one of my biggest influencers and inspirations. A bit more about my original compositions: New Leans was inspired from the rebirth of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The concept of Afro Blues was an idea inspired combining the blues of Nat King Cole and John Coltrane together. What’s Up is a different piece I created alongside my girl Dana Leese Roth.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Julian is the only musician in his family. Growing up in a city synonymous with great music was his defining influence. He spent his childhood beating on anything he could find to resonate the music within, including his mother’s pots and pans, chairs and tables. At twelve years old Julian began his musical journey when his mom brought home his first drum-set and enrolled him at his local music school. At fifteen, he started to earn recognition playing in clubs with local musicians. At seventeen he received a call from a good friend, a fellow musician who was playing with Albert King, invited Julian to join them on tour as their drummer. The first time playing in a touring band, it was an unparalleled experience for a 17 year old boy from St Louis. A couple of years passed by playing to audiences all around the world until Julian got another call, this time from the legendary B.B. King who asked him to substitute and join them on a year long tour, another phenomenal experience.

Ironically the next call came from Ron Levy, the ex-piano player of B.B. King, who called Julian to join his band in Boston. Here he discovered the plethora of great conservatories and music teachers the city of Boston had to offer. Julian began his studies at the Berkley School of Music and studied alongside the great drummer Alan Dawson for 3 years. During that time he also met and collaborated with such esteemed musicians as Donald Harrison (saxophonist), Mike Stern (guitarist), Dave Kikoski (pianist), Jeff 'Tain' Watts (drummer), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drummer) and blues musicians Otis Rush and Johnny Copeland.

It is in Boston where he also made his first album recording with the late great Johnny Copeland 'The Copeland Special.' This recording went on to win in 1981 the coveted W.C. Handy’s Best Blues Album of the Year award.

After studying and playing in Boston for four years, Julian embarked on a new adventure and moved to New York to become a touring musician with Johnny Copeland. Whilst living in the Big Apple Julian also joined the Jimmy McGriff Band as well as playing stints with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Kenny Garrett, Joseph Bowie's group "Defunct Lester Bowie" and Arthur Blythe.

Hey, Lester!

Salvador Sobral - Excuse Me

Size: 106,7 MB
Time: 45:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Excuse Me (4:20)
02. Nada Que Esperar (4:39)
03. Change (3:12)
04. Nem Eu (3:12)
05. Autumn In New York (3:20)
06. Ready For Love Again (3:39)
07. Something Real (3:40)
08. Ay Amor (5:48)
09. Beach Prision (3:49)
10. I Might Just Stay Away (5:59)
11. After You’ve Gone (1:57)
12. Glow (1:57)

Salvador Sobral is a singer who manages to put across a unique musical sensibility and magnetism on stage. He will represent Portugal in Kyiv with the song Amar Pelos Dois (For The Both Of Us), penned by his sister Luisa.

Salvador Sobral studied Psychology, but his overwhelming passion for music took over and he has proved to be one of the great promises in the Portuguese and Spanish music scene. While he lived in the United States and in Barcelona, where he studied at the prestigious school Taller de Musics, he carried out several musical projects: he composed for himself but at the same time he created audacious performances inspired by Chet Baker, took in bossa-nova and lent his songs the sweet sonorities of Latin America.

His voice, always in the right place and over which he has full, flawless control, and the magnetism with which he wins people over when he’s on stage, have awarded him the best reviews from the specialised press, colleagues and, most importantly, from the ultimate judge; the public. Excuse Me (2016), his debut album, was a musical co-production of Júlio Resende, Leonardo Aldrey and Salvador himself.

Excuse Me

Lea Salonga - Blurred Lines

Size: 135,3 MB
Time: 58:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front

01. Manhattan (3:37)
02. My Foolish Heart (3:46)
03. Give It Up For The Band (0:44)
04. Blackbird - A Quiet Thing (5:02)
05. The Story Of My Life (4:22)
06. A Song For You - I Can't Make You Love Me (6:09)
07. Fast Car (2:48)
08. I Won't Mind (4:53)
09. Nice Work If You Can Get It (2:42)
10. Possibilities And Prospects (0:23)
11. All Of Me (5:44)
12. Blurred Lines (4:19)
13. Gratitude (1:15)
14. Greatest Hits Medley (7:07)
15. How Do You Keep The Music Playing - How Deep Is The Ocean (5:08)

Known across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.

Currently, Lea is a judge on the Philippines hit version of “The Voice.” Mitoy Yonting, a member of Team Lea, was named the first season winner. She is currently filming the third season of The Voice Kids.

Blurred Lines

Various - Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (3-Disc Set)

Sanctuary Records (Castle Music) are to be congratulated on the issue of this superb compilation. Produced during the 1950's when the world was new by Dennis Preston and issued at the time on the 'Nixa' label the recordings never achieved the commercial success the material deserved. A wealth of British Jazz musicians play with superb perfection not a note out of place and most important the music swings. In that is everything the music swings, rhythm sections support but never intrude, not an electronic thumping base line to endure from beginning to end. The proof (if any were needed) is the music is timeless more than 50 years since it was laid down it sounds completly fresh. Much credit to the unsung (or credited engineers) the record quality is pretty near perfect. Not the original vinyl issues for sure and 'best of compilations' have their critics I'm just glad to have the material made available again in any format. As the man said...it dont mean a thing if it aint got that swing. These musicians know how to swing. ~Keith Wise

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:15
Size: 165.4 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004

[6:52] 1. Melody Maker All Stars - Top Score
[3:51] 2. The Fawkes-Turner Sextet - Here Today
[3:21] 3. Tony Coe Quintet - Sans Humph
[4:19] 4. Don Rendell Jazz Sextet - Star Eyes
[4:27] 5. Fairweather - Red For Go
[4:42] 6. Joe Harriot Quartet - Everything Happens To Me
[3:19] 7. Dill Jones Trio - May-Zee
[3:50] 8. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Act One, Scene One
[3:08] 9. Jimmy Skidmore Jazz Group - Cocquette
[4:16] 10. Semple - I Cover The Waterfront
[3:34] 11. Sandy Brown's Jazz Band - Go Ghana
[2:53] 12. The Martin Slavin Septet - A Smo-O-Oth One
[4:15] 13. The Kenny Graham Afro-Cubists - Time's A-Wastin'
[4:14] 14. Kenny Baker's Dozen - I Must Have That Man
[6:07] 15. Melody Maker All Stars - Mood Indigo
[2:54] 16. Bertie King - Blue Lou
[3:19] 17. Kenny Baker's Dozen - Tea For Two
[2:46] 18. Dill Jones Trio - Carolina Shout

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 1)

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:34
Size: 177.6 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004

[ 5:15] 1. Kenny Baker - It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
[ 5:27] 2. The Kenny Graham Afro-Cubists - Tuxedo Junction
[ 3:11] 3. Don Rendell Jazz Sextet - Rush Job
[ 2:30] 4. Vic Ash Quintet - Softly, As In The Morning Sunrise
[ 4:25] 5. The Fawkes-Turner Sextet - Blue Turning Grey Over You
[ 2:40] 6. Joe Harriott Quartet - Just Friends
[ 5:32] 7. Fairweather - September In The Rain
[ 5:27] 8. Dick Heckstall-Smith Quintet - Russian Lullaby
[ 5:13] 9. The Jazz Today Unit - Blue Feeling
[ 3:42] 10. The Jazz Today Unit - Farewell Blues
[ 2:39] 11. Lennie Felix Trio - Sweet Lorraine
[ 2:00] 12. Ellefsen - Let Yourself Go
[ 3:54] 13. Jimmy Skidmore Jazz Group - You Took Advantage Of Me
[ 3:17] 14. Alan Ganley Quartet - I Feel A Song Coming On
[ 2:30] 15. Diz Disley Quintet - Minor Swing
[ 2:45] 16. Cleo Laine - Indian Summer
[10:26] 17. The Jazz Today Unit - Blues In Threes
[ 3:14] 18. Vic Ash Quartet - With The Wind And Rain In Your Hair
[ 3:17] 19. Sandy Brown Big Four - Sugar

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 2)

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:14
Size: 174.5 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:48] 1. Kenny Baker - Too Cool For The Blues
[4:26] 2. Bruce Turner - Oh Baby
[3:01] 3. Jones & Christie - Mean Dog Blues
[3:27] 4. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Cuban Fantasy
[3:29] 5. Kenny Baker's Dozen - Swallowin' The Blues
[2:50] 6. Kenny Baker - Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:05] 7. The Jazz Today Unit - Rockin' In Rhythm
[2:14] 8. Kenny Baker - I'll Get By
[3:06] 9. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Monkey Business
[2:08] 10. Kenny Baker's Group - Bongo Chant
[3:31] 11. Kenny Baker - I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem
[3:10] 12. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Sidewalks Of Cuba
[6:00] 13. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Time's A-Wastin'
[3:36] 14. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Love Me Or Leave Me
[5:25] 15. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - How's This
[9:05] 16. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Blues For John
[6:18] 17. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Symphony In Riffs
[4:35] 18. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Bugle Blues
[2:51] 19. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Bakerloo Non-Stop

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 3)

Rickey Woodard - The Tokyo Express

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:39
Size: 145.7 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1992/2008
Art: Front

[ 6:38] 1. Recorda-Me
[ 5:49] 2. The Very Thought Of You
[ 7:39] 3. Just Friends
[ 8:55] 4. Sand Dance
[ 8:06] 5. Easy Living
[ 6:33] 6. Groovy Samba
[ 8:15] 7. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[11:41] 8. The Tokyo Express

Alto Saxophone – Rickey Woodard; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Joe Chambers; Piano – James Williams (2); Tenor Saxophone – Rickey Woodard.

Rickey hails from Nashville and was born into a family of musicians and was taught the saxophone and piano by his father. With his sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles and anybody in the neighborhood who wanted to play or sing, they formed a family band in the roadhouses and clubs of Tennessee. His earlier gigs were in blues and R&B but leaning toward jazz. Influenced by the big explosive style of Gene Ammons, Coleman Hawkins and Hank Mobley and the intellectualism of John Coltrane, Rickey has developed a distinctive, soulful and seductive style. By his late twenties he was a permanent member of the Ray Charles Band and toured worldwide for seven years. He currently works with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Frank Capp's Juggernaut Big Band. Rickey is also a popular visitor to Europe and the UK - and the international jazz festival circuit. In addition to playing the tenor, Rickey also plays the alto and soprano saxophones, along with the clarinet, flute and guitar. Rickey has performed worldwide with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ernestine Anderson, Benny Carter, and Horace Silver.

The Tokyo Express

Jerry Butler - The Best Of Jerry Butler

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:19
Size: 71.7 MB
Styles: R&B, AM Pop
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[2:35] 1. Only The Strong Survive
[2:20] 2. Moody Woman
[2:40] 3. I Dig You Baby
[2:55] 4. Never Give You Up
[2:35] 5. Mr. Dream Merchant
[2:37] 6. Lost
[2:41] 7. Hey, Western Union Man
[4:24] 8. Ain't Understanding Mellow
[3:25] 9. One Night Affair
[2:35] 10. What's The Use Of Breaking Up
[2:27] 11. A Brand New Me

The great Jerry Butler was blessed with two big hit periods in his career and this CD covers his late sixties comeback on the Mercury label. Originally the lead singer of The Impressions, a group founded with his friend Curtis Mayfield, Jerry was encouraged to follow a solo career, which he did on Chicago's legendary R&B label, Vee Jay Records. There he had numerous hits throughout the Early Sixties that included He Will Break Your Heart, Moon River and Let It Be Me (with labelmate Betty Everett). In the Mid Sixties he faded from the charts as the new sound of Motown took over the R&B charts and by 1966 Vee Jay declared bankruptcy amid numerous lawsuits and finally ceased to operate.

This might have looked like the end, but for Jerry it was a new beginning. Talented composer-producer and A&R man Jerry Ross knew how talented Jerry Butler was and signed him to Mercury Records. He wrote and produced Mr.Dream Merchant, with its big orchestral arrangement, for him and by late 1967 Jerry was back in the Top 40 for the first time since 1964. Jerry Ross had his friend and protege Kenny Gamble at Mercury and let him and his composing partner Leon Huff take over Jerry Butler's career and that's when it really took off.

Gamble and Huff were not only talented composers but also arrangers and they were creating a new sound that would reshape soul music in the years to come as the "Sound of Philadelphia" with artists like Billy Paul, The O'Jays, Joe Simon, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. They had already produced hits like Expressway To Your Heart (Soul Survivors) and Cowboys To Girls (Intruders) and with Jerry would develop their sound further and have their biggest hits yet. What's amazing is that most of the later Philly sound is already there: a good string section, strong bass line rhythm, forward twangy guitar and a female chorus. Jerry's voice was as warm and powerful as ever ("The Iceman" referred more to his demeanor than his voice) but instead of the smooth pop-styled voice of his early hits it was a little rougher. Together they put out a string of Top 20 hits that kept Jerry on the airwaves almost constantly in 1968 to 1969 and peaked with his number 4 hit, Only the Strong Survive, with its great spoken introduction. Never Gonna Give You Up is smooth and jazzy, while Hey Western Union Man and moody Woman still show a lot Motown influence in their rhythm and strings. A Brand New Me is given essentially the same arrangement as Gamble and Huff gave Dusty Springfield when she recorded it for them. The most forward sounding arrangement is on One Night Affair; after a trembling violin and voice opening it breaks into a full on early 70's urban sound closer to that of Curtis Mayfield or Isaac Hayes a few years later than anything going on in the late 60's.

If you like Jerry Butler this is an essential album to have, since it has all the highlights of his "The Iceman Cometh" years. Of course it doesn't include the early 60's Vee Jay recordings, but for those I'd recommend Rhino's "The Best of Jerry Butler," just a few titles down, which has all his great Vee Jay hits plus a few of the biggest Mercury hits. Some fans may only know Jerry Butler from his Late sixties hits and for them this disc alone will be enough. But if you remember his whole career you will want to have both. ~johnf

The Best Of Jerry Butler

Various - Best Of The Soul Jazz From The Groove Merchant Vault Vol. 1

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 156.5 MB
Styles: R&B, Jazz-Soul
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:48] 1. B. Baker Chocolate Compay - Snowblower
[5:01] 2. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Dreamer
[5:40] 3. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Carousel
[6:38] 4. Joe Thomas - Plato's Retreat
[5:47] 5. Joe Thomas - Masada
[4:38] 6. Joe Thomas - Poinciana
[4:44] 7. Joe Thomas - Gemini Flyin' High
[2:32] 8. O'Donel Levy - Where Is The Love
[4:40] 9. O'Donel Levy - People Make The World Go Round
[3:42] 10. O'Donel Levy - I Want To Make It With You
[6:04] 11. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Keep On Lovin
[6:07] 12. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Sweet Honey Wine
[5:54] 13. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Journey To Within

Best Of The Soul Jazz From The Groove Merchant Vault Vol. 1

Jon Zeeman - Zeeland

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:05
Size: 123.8 MB
Styles: Jazz guitar
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:49] 1. Mr. Head
[6:07] 2. Surfside
[5:30] 3. Zeeland
[4:47] 4. Slow Night Blues
[5:59] 5. Kingsize
[4:15] 6. Coral
[6:10] 7. Hard Roll
[3:42] 8. Get It
[3:54] 9. D.A. Blues
[6:19] 10. Y
[3:28] 11. Mr. Head Reprise

From the age of 8 Jon Zeeman has been obsessed with guitars, amplifiers, wah-wah pedals, power tubes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, the Beatles, the Stones etc.....growing up outside NYC he studied classical piano as well as guitar and decided on a career in music at the age of 13. Early jobs at ihop and others taught him that the business world, or anything that required waking up early was not for him, so he spent his high school years practicing more and more, and doing less and less homework.....After studying music at Ithaca College for 2 years Jon left school to play on the road. Leaving Ithaca in the mid 80's for NYC jon became involved with producing, session work and song writing, working at his " studio Z" in a downtown loft. The New York years were punctuated by many trips to Scandinavia, where he toured and recorded with several groups....Jon began performing his own music in the mid 90's, working regularly at the 55 club and othe downtown venues...Leaving NYC at the birth of his daughter Zoe, Jon now resides in Martha's Vineyard and West Palm Beach FL, where he performs regularly...He has toured, recorded and performed with such notables as Susan Tedeschi, Janis Ian, The Burns Sisters Band ,Chris Spedding, and the Allman Brothers Band. his first cd "Still Life" was released in Europe in 2003 to much acclaim and will be followed by "Zeeland" in 2008 and the upcoming "Jupiter Session".

Zeeland mc
Zeeland zippy

Bill Carrothers - I Love Paris

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:24
Size: 148,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:25) 1. Beyond The Blue Horizon
(6:51) 2. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
(6:10) 3. Button Up Your Overcoat
(8:15) 4. Stars Fell On Alabama
(7:55) 5. I Love Paris
(6:08) 6. It's A Blue World
(6:34) 7. I Apologize
(7:57) 8. Moon Love
(7:05) 9. Sleep Warm

One great thing about jazz is that an artist is more likely to be measured by his or her career arc, rather than the success or failure of a single release. It also means that, when an artist releases a career-defining record, subsequent releases are less likely to measured against it. Instead, they are seen within the broader context of the artist's larger body of work. Take pianist Bill Carrothers, whose Armistice 1918 found its way onto many a reviewer's 2004 top ten list. An ambitious work that integrated Carrothers' not inconsiderable musical talents with his interest in history, the sprawling two-disc release also raised the bar for integrating visual arts with music the packaging of the disc by Philippe Ghielmetti of the sadly now-defunct Sketch Records was as beautiful as the music's narrative was vivid and poignant. That an artist like Carrothers could create such a powerful and moving piece of work at such a relatively early stage in his career clearly portended greater things to come. If Armistice 1918 were a rock record, the industry would be looking for his next step to be even bigger. Thankfully the jazz world is less driven by such concerns. While Carrothers' followup, I Love Paris, may not have the kind of grand ambition of Armistice 1918, it's every bit as compelling just in a smaller, more intimate way. Moving ahead in time from the music of the First World War, Carrothers brings together nine tracks from the 1920s through 1940s; some familiar, like Cole Porter's title track, others less well-known by name, but like some of the music on Armistice 1918 such a part of the larger collective unconscious that one recognizes them without actually knowing them. And, true to form, Carrothers manages to show just how far you can stretch the mainstream while still remaining within its general boundaries.

Carrothers is a harmony-rich player with an uncanny ability to see the greater potential of both hands in concert. While some pianists are fairly linear with their right hand and eke out accompaniment with their left and there are times when Carrothers is more linear he has a vivid sense of larger voicings, like British pianist John Taylor, sometimes creating eight- and nine-part harmonies that move smoothly, and in ways that makes every subsequent note feel perfectly logical, yet somehow unpredictable. Bassist Nicolas Thy and drummer Dré Pallemaerts are intuitive players, supporting Carrothers as much as pushing him into areas of further possibility. While an underlying sense of swing pervades the entire set, the trio also takes more liberties; the title track and "Moon Love serve as examples of how familiar tunes can be re-imagined recognizable yes, but undeniably new as well. With a gradually growing and significant body of work, Carrothers is clearly an artist to keep an eye on, and I Love Paris is another fine addition that skirts the mainstream while providing plenty of surprises for the more adventurous at heart. ~ John Kelman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/i-love-paris-bill-carrothers-pirouet-records-review-by-john-kelman.php?width=192

Personnel: Bill Carrothers (piano), Nicolas Thys (bass), Dré Pallemaerts (drums).

I Love Paris

Ulita Knaus - So Lost Like Peace

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:40
Size: 131,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:45) 1. Time
(5:32) 2. I Can Wait
(6:01) 3. Flower
(4:20) 4. Summer Green Eyes
(4:23) 5. Crossing Our Ways
(4:15) 6. So Lost Like Peace
(4:45) 7. How I'd Love To
(5:11) 8. Sweets
(4:07) 9. Manic Depression
(5:43) 10. Dark Veils
(4:41) 11. Places To Be
(4:51) 12. When I Fall In Love

"Expressive and impressive, versatile and with perfect pitch, seductive and melancholic, clear as a bell in the higher register and warm in the deeper notes, all that and more is the voice of Germany’s most talented female jazz singer." https://www.last.fm/music/Ulita+Knaus/+wiki

Personnel: Acoustic Bass – Gerold Donker; Drums – Heinz Lichius; Grand Piano – Mischa Schumann; Guitar – Sven Kerschek (tracks: 4, 9, 11); Percussion – Marcio Doctor (tracks: 4, 5, 11); Tenor Saxophone – Gabriel Coburger (tracks: 1, 3, 7, 10); Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Claus Stötter (tracks: 6, 8)

So Lost Like Peace

Bruce Gertz - Red Handed

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1998
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 66:38
Size: 123,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:35) 1. Red Handed
(6:54) 2. In A Perfect World
(6:03) 3. J.B.
(3:44) 4. Remembering The Future
(7:49) 5. Eleven Moons
(6:39) 6. Are We There Yet?
(3:07) 7. Giant Steps
(9:10) 8. Celestial Light
(3:25) 9. Big Heart
(8:53) 10. Sun Flash
(3:14) 11. Bea

Boston-based bassist Bruce Gertz is a writer-leader to reckon with. As annotator Bob Blumenthal reminds us, this is the fourth outing for the Gertz quintet. Since its debut disc in 1991, Gertz’s fivesome, save one change, has retained the same turbo-charged line-up of guitarist John Abercrombie, tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi and drummer Adam Nussbaum, with pianist Bruce Barth now in for Joey Calderazzo. Talk about musical ESP. These guys “see” as well as hear around corners. Lines fly “inside” and “out” and everywhere else. A large part of that has to do with Gertz’s tunes which, while appealing in their own right, also function to push the band into the ether of inspired weight-free improvisation.

On one hand, there’s the loping gait of “Are We There Yet?,” a deceptive little swinger graced with Monk-ian twists and Gertz’s alluring arco and pizzicato forays. Gertz, an accomplished double bassist, also displays impressive electric chops in the spirited run-down of “Giant Steps,” the one non-Gertz track. The mystic aura of “Celestial Light” is a perfect set-up for Abercrombie’s cloud-hopping peregrinations, as well as the more earthbound wanderings of Bergonzi and Barth. Bergonzi, by the way, is colossal, whether rhapsodizing with “In a Perfect World” or churning funkily in “J.B.” Nussbaum is a constant source of evocative colors, subtle punctuations and Swiss watch time keeping. And, when the fivesome strolls late at night, as they do on the street-smart title track, watch out-It’s serious attitude! ~ Chuck Berg https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/bruce-gertz-red-handed/

Personnel: Bruce Gertz (bass); Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Bruce Barth (piano); John Abercrombie (guitar); Adam Nussbaum (drums).

Red Handed

Ulf Wakenius - Enchanted Moments

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:02
Size: 129,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:08) 1. Hymn
(8:10) 2. Little Girl Blue
(5:19) 3. Cry Me a River
(6:26) 4. When I Fall in Love
(5:41) 5. Old Folks
(5:58) 6. I Wish I Knew
(4:00) 7. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
(5:08) 8. Blues at Night
(3:38) 9. My One and Only Love
(6:30) 10. Ballad of the Sad Young Men

Those who've been exposed to Ulf Wakenius' more aggressive side will be pleasantly surprised by Enchanted Moments, a generally rewarding collection of ballads and standards that finds the Swedish fusion/hard bop/post-bop improvisor playing acoustic guitar exclusively. Wakenius' range of influences has included Pat Metheny and John McLaughlin as well as earlier guitarists like Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall -- and in this very lyrical and reflective setting, Metheny's influence is especially apparent. Well-respected in Swedish jazz circles but little known in the U.S., Wakenius is, for the most part, well-served by Scandinavian jazzmen Lars Jansson (acoustic piano, synthesizers) Lars Danielsson (acoustic bass, synthesizers) and Raymond Karlsson (drums, percussion). Overall, the synthesizers have a warm, strings-like sound that compliments Wakenius' vulnerable lyricism -- although on occasion, they take on a dull, new age-ish quality. But thankfully, this CD (available on the Stockholm-based Dragon label) has more strengths than weaknesses. ~ Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/enchanted-moments-mw0000023923

Personnel: Lars Danielsson - Bass (Acoustic), Composer, Synthesize; Lars Jansson - Piano, Synthesizer; Raymond Karlsson - Drums, Percussion; Ulf Wakenius - Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)

Enchanted Moments