Charles Brown - Just A Lucky So And So

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:12
Size: 114.9 MB
Styles: Urban blues
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[5:28] 1. I Won't Cry Anymore
[3:44] 2. Just A Lucky So And So
[5:02] 3. Black Night
[4:03] 4. One Never Knows
[5:20] 5. Driftin' Blues
[5:57] 6. Gloomy Sunday
[5:25] 7. I Stepped In Quicksand
[4:42] 8. The Danger Isn't Over
[5:06] 9. A Song For Christmas
[5:20] 10. So Long

Charles Brown's casual yet stunning phrasing, inventive voicings, and piano accompaniment are wonderfully presented on this ten-song set. Ron Levy's production and the arrangements of Wardell Quezergue and Brown are tasteful, breezy, and geared for his carefully constructed, teasing solos and rich, creamy leads. Such numbers as Brown's classic "Drifting Blues," as well as "Gloomy Sunday" and "I Won't Cry Anymore," convey despair and hurt, yet retain a certain appeal and charm. Brown keeps making fine records, sounding as convincing in the 1990s as he did at the start of his career. ~Ron Wynn

Just A Lucky So And So

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Betty Carter - Inside Betty Carter

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 45:26

Size: 104.0 MB

Styles: Bop, Soul jazz vocals

Year: 1972/1993

Art: Front

[3:11] 1. This Is Always

[1:55] 2. Look No Further

[5:07] 3. Beware My Heart

[1:35] 4. My Favourite Things

[3:45] 5. Some Other Time

[3:13] 6. Open The Door

[5:17] 7. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most

[1:57] 8. Something Big

[2:57] 9. New England

[2:02] 10. The Moon Is Low

[2:56] 11. Once In Your Life

[1:51] 12. It's A Big Wide Wonderful World

[3:48] 13. There Is No Greater Love

[4:03] 14. You're A Sweetheart

[1:42] 15. Isn't It Romantic

These recordings can be considered the final ones of Betty Carter's early period for, by the time she next appeared on record (in 1969), the singer was much more adventurous in her improvisations. This CD reissues eight selections from Carter's rather brief 1964 Roulette LP (under 26 minutes), plus it adds seven previously unissued numbers from 1965. On the former date Carter (who is quite memorable on "This Is Always," "Some Other Time," and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most") is accompanied by pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Roy McCurdy, while the "new" session ("There Is No Greater Love" and "You're a Sweetheart" are the standouts) features guitarist Kenny Burrell plus an unknown rhythm section in the backup band. Highly recommended to Betty Carter fans and to those listeners who find her later work somewhat forbidding. ~Scott Yanow

Inside Betty Carter

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Marc Miralta - New York Flamenco Reunion

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:55
Size: 116.6 MB
Styles: Flamenco, Fusion
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[5:34] 1. Epistrophy
[6:55] 2. Bye Bye Blackbird
[6:16] 3. Bésame Mucho
[3:54] 4. Segment
[6:14] 5. Evidence
[5:44] 6. Los Luchadores No Suspiran
[5:12] 7. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[6:01] 8. Los Sueños Y El Tiempo
[5:02] 9. Dexterity

Marc Miralta, is one of the most renowned Spanish drummers in the Spanish jazz scene. Both in its facet of traditional jazzman, as in the fields of the fusion of flamenco and jazz. Born in Barcelona in 1966 and starts playing the drums at age seven. At twelve he began to receive classes from the Pau Bombardó drummer. He has studied classical percussion and also plays Hindu tabla. He studied at the Zeleste Music School (CDMBR) in Barcelona (1980-1984), at the Barcelona Conservatory of Music (1982-1989) and at the Berklee College of Music in Boston (USA) (1990-1993).

He has performed at festivals and jazz clubs in Spain, the USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Holland, the former Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Portugal, Slovenia and Bulgaria among others, with musicians of the By Pat Metheny, Gary Burton, Steve Lacy, Paquito D'Rivera, Tete Montoliu, Art Farmer, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mark Turner, Joshua Redman, Perico Sambeat, Chano Domínguez, Gerardo Núñez and Esperanza Fernández among others. He has performed with different musical styles, including classical music with the European Young Common Market Orchestra (ECYO), directed by Claudio Abbado, the Vallès Symphony Orchestra and the Symphonic Orchestra of Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya. (Translated from Spanish.)

New York Flamenco Reunion

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Bill Evans Trio - At Shelly's Manne-Hole

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:57
Size: 125.8 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1963/2009
Art: Front

[4:41] 1. Isn't It Romantic
[5:26] 2. The Boy Next Door
[5:17] 3. Wonder Why
[5:55] 4. Swedish Pastry
[4:51] 5. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[9:06] 6. 'round Midnight
[5:05] 7. Stella By Starlig
[5:42] 8. Blues In F
[8:50] 9. All The Things You Are

Although the Scott LaFaro-Paul Motian lineup of the Bill Evans Trio is generally considered to be the strongest, Chuck Israels and Larry Bunker make a strong case of their own on At Shelly's Manne-Hole, a 1964 release that finds the entire band in classic form. This particular trio may lack some of the sheer combustive force of the better-known lineup, but it is, if possible, even more sensitive, melancholic, and nostalgic than the previous band. The leadoff track, "Isn't It Romantic," is one of Evans' finest moments, with the gently swinging theme leading into a strong, if restrained, solo from Israels. Over Bunker's sensitive brush work, Evans comments briefly and beautifully on the theme before returning to the head. The band's readings of such classics as "'Round Midnight," "Stella By Starlight," and "All the Things You Are" are wonderful, but it is the lesser-known tracks, such as "Swedish Pastry" and the aforementioned "Isn't It Romantic," that makes this recording so valuable. Jazz is rarely as sensitive or as melodic as this. Another classic from Bill Evans and company. ~Daniel Gioffre

At Shelly's Manne-Hole

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Charlie Byrd - Latin Byrd

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:21
Size: 163.3 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova, Brazilian jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[5:33] 1. The Duck (O Pato)
[2:00] 2. Amor Flamenco
[3:32] 3. Azul Tiple
[2:03] 4. Cancion Di Argentina
[2:33] 5. Manha De Carnival
[3:12] 6. Homage A Villa--Lobos
[3:50] 7. Bogota (Pasillo Colobiano)
[2:47] 8. Mexican Song No. 2
[0:56] 9. Mexican Song No. 1
[2:54] 10. Samba De Uma Nota So
[2:10] 11. Galopera (Acualero Azuncena)
[5:32] 12. Vals (Opus 8.No 4)
[3:13] 13. Outra Vez
[3:25] 14. Presente De Natal
[2:55] 15. Insensatez
[2:20] 16. Three Note Samba
[1:59] 17. Samba Da Minha Terra
[3:00] 18. Limehouse Blues
[2:23] 19. Saudade Da Bahia
[4:37] 20. Anna
[2:39] 21. Socegadamente (Softly)
[3:13] 22. Chega De Saudade
[4:22] 23. Cancao De Ninar Para Carol

This single CD reissues two complete Charlie Byrd LPs (Latin Impressions and Charlie Byrd's Bossa Nova), some of which had been available previously on a 1970s two-fer. Byrd, the master of the acoustic guitar whose gentle and lyrical style perfectly fit bossa nova, is heard in prime form on 23 rather pretty numbers. There are six unaccompanied solos and many workouts with his quartet, which is sometimes augmented by four cellos, a French horn, trumpeter Hal Posey, vibraphonist Tommy Gwaltney, and/or extra percussionists. Surprisingly there are only two Antonio Carlos Jobim songs among the ones performed, but the other selections (which include five Byrd originals) are very much in the idiom. This CD shows that pretty music does not have to be Muzak or new age. Highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Latin Byrd

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Kenny Barron - A Table for Two

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:22
Size: 145,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:48)  1. Say it Over and Over Again
(5:40)  2. Stolen Moments
(6:22)  3. Estate
(6:31)  4. The Very Thought of You
(5:26)  5. Alfie
(6:06)  6. Berceuse
(6:25)  7. I Only Have Eyes for You
(5:33)  8. Phantoms
(5:23)  9. Very Early
(5:56) 10. Blame it on My Youth
(5:08) 11. In a Sentimental Mood

Tender, lyrical jazz by the Kenny Barron Ensemble sets the tempo for relaxed dining. The music will make you want to dance in your kitchen or at least after dinner! Here s to great music, delicious dinners, and many magical evenings! Liner notes include two recipes- Roasted Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Flans Caramelized Apples with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. https://www.amazon.com/Table-Two-Dinner-Music/dp/B0006ULQQ6

Personnel:  Kenny Baron, piano; Bob Sheppard,saxophones and flute; Dave Ellis, saxophones; Peter Barshay, bass; Lewis Nash, drums

A Table for Two

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Karin Plato - There's Beauty In The Rain

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:52
Size: 126,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. This Can't Be Love
(4:42)  2. If I Were A Bell
(4:58)  3. Hum Drum Blues
(5:05)  4. Innocent Again
(2:59)  5. Mountain Greenery
(6:28)  6. Beauty In The Rain
(3:52)  7. Joy Spring
(4:12)  8. You Don't Know What Love Is
(5:59)  9. Lazy Afternoon
(4:34) 10. You Give Me The Blues
(5:24) 11. Hooray For Love
(3:11) 12. Dog For A Day

Karin Plato is a talented jazz vocalist whose delivery is straightforward and swinging. Rather than being an adventurous improviser or a scat singer, Plato's variations are subtle, soulful and expressive while paying close attention to the words that she improvises. She hits the notes that she aims for and is able to essay wide interval jumps with apparent ease; plus, her haunting voice is appealing. The singer was wise to surround herself with a particularly strong group of jazz players for her debut. Pianist Ross Taggart (who has many short solos), bassist Torben Oxbol and drummer Craig Scott give her a solid and swinging foundation. Campbell Ryga, who is heard on alto and soprano, is often a co-star, taking many inventive spots that fit in well with Plato's voice. Tenor saxophonist Bill Abbott guests on "Beauty in the Rain," one of four originals contributed by the singer. Other highlights include a happy reworking of "If I Were a Bell," Oscar Brown, Jr.'s "Hum Drum Blues," a heated "Mountain Greenery," Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring" (which is not easy to sing) and a slower than usual treatment of "Hooray for Love." This CD is well worth exploring, and Plato clearly has a great future ahead of her.~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/theres-beauty-in-the-rain-mw0000941299

Personnel: Karin Plato (vocals); Campbell Ryga (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Bill Abbott (tenor saxophone); Ross Taggart (piano); Craig Scott (drums).

There's Beauty In The Rain

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Gigi Gryce - Nica's Tempo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:09
Size: 99,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Speculation
(4:26)  2. In a Meditating Mood
(2:46)  3. Social Call
(3:42)  4. Smoke Signal
(3:29)  5. (You'll Always Be) the One I Love
(3:03)  6. Kerry Dance
(5:03)  7. Shuffle Boil
(4:47)  8. Brakes Sake
(5:30)  9. Gallop's Gallop
(6:11) 10. Nica's Tempo

Oh...if these sessions could have only been issued in separate long forms with the bands that are included. Nica's Tempo comprises six tracks with Gigi Gryce's groundbreaking big band, and another four ostensibly as a member of the Thelonious Monk quartet, all from 1955. Each band showcases the estimable compositional and arranging genius of Gryce, as well as his unique sound on the alto saxophone. In this CD format, the music serves a purpose in displaying Gryce's many talents, but ultimately leaves the listener wanting more. What the orchestra tracks offer in terms of an advanced concept paired with extraordinary musicianship is indisputably brilliant. The combination of Gryce with Monk is unparalleled in another way, the brief but fruitful joining of jazz masters that helped both of them grow, while attaining a symbiosis that Monk only reached briefly with Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and later in extensia with Charlie Rouse. Gryce is perfectly situated in his element, able to not only exploit the individualism of his bandmates, but play his slightly tart alto sax in a manner that very few have ever imagined. His shining charts emphasize lower octave tones by baritone saxes, trombones, French horns, tuba, the lone trumpet of Art Farmer, and no extra woodwinds. This larger band, averaging ten pieces, is influenced by Duke Ellington during the fully flowered ballad "In a Meditating Mood," or traditional Irish music on the short and sweet, perfectly layered, bluesy swinger "Kerry Dance." Dizzy Gillespie's complex bop visage is present for the nifty, sub-toned, dynamically controlled in mezzo piano, hard surfaced and simmering "Smoke Signal," with clever meter switchings from 4/4, 3/4, or 2/4, while Bill Barber's tuba lurks underneath. 

The opener "Speculation" reflects its title, with the composer Horace Silver's piano solo intro nicely drawn out, merging into warm simple horn charts with off-minor flourishes a great jazz composition especially engaging considering this is an emerging Silver at age 27. Ernestine Anderson's Sarah Vaughan styled dusky voice is featured in slight echoplex production on the all-time classic "Social Call" about a left behind lover still hoping for a reconnect, while her confessional balladic rendition of (You'll Always Be) "The One I Love" is as passionate as any romantic love song ever. The Monk quartet tracks are as precious as can be, with the dynamite rhythm section of Percy Heath and Art Blakey really on top of it. The pianist is happy to hand the spotlight to Gryce on selections made more famous later on by Herbie Nichols or the Steve Lacy and Roswell Rudd bands. He's comfortably animated during "Shuffle Boil" cutting loose with flurries of notes, using staccato and staggered phrases for "Brake's Sake," and traverses the treacherous, slippery melody of "Gallop's Gallop" as if it had no degree of difficulty. Gryce's Nica's Tempo concludes in off-minor and obtuse angles as Monk liked it, with Heath and Blakey swinging expertly as only they could. These performances are nothing short of flawless, and though one might wish for additional tracks or outtakes, this album remains highly recommended with no reservation, and one for the ages. 

~ Michaael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/nicas-tempo-mw0000092265

Personnel: Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Ernestine Anderson (vocals); Danny Bank, Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); Art Farmer (trumpet); Gunther Schuller, Julius Watkins (French horn); Eddie Bert, Jimmy Cleveland (trombone); Bill Barber (tuba); Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk (piano); Oscar Pettiford, Percy Heath (bass); Kenny Clarke, Art Blakey (drums).

Nica's Tempo

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Naoko Terai - Limelight

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:33
Size: 118,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:54)  1. Prelude in E minor
(4:31)  2. Chaconne
(5:08)  3. Love Theme from The Godfather
(4:07)  4. El Choclo
(4:51)  5. Terry's Theme/Smile
(4:23)  6. Pictures at an Exhibition
(3:14)  7. Merry-Go-Round
(4:34)  8. Somewhere from 'West Side Story'
(2:45)  9. Sing, Sing, Sing
(5:18) 10. Ave Maria
(3:27) 11. Travel in Dream
(4:14) 12. Summer Fantasy

From the age of 4 began to learn the violin, 1988 to professional jazz violinist debut. In 1997, with the Japanese jazz pianist Kenny Barron co-starred in the opportunity to participate in the recording of New York, in one fell swoop attention. After that, we carry out extensive music activity with concerto-centered, television, radio, advertisement, etc., with full expression of expressiveness and rich style of play. With fine expression and passionate playing, active in the world stage jazz violinist. Translate by google http://www.zh-tw.barks.jp/artist/?id=52008425&m=bio

Personnel:  Naoko Terai – violin;  Naoki Kitajima – piano;  Kunio Tanaami – bass;  Go Nakazawa - drums

Limelight

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Nicole Mitchell - Mandorla Awakening II: Emergin Words

Styles: Flute Jazz 
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:25
Size: 175,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:36)  1. Egoes War
( 5:35)  2. Sub-mission
( 2:49)  3. The Chalice
( 5:48)  4. Dance of Many Hands
(12:06)  5. Listening Embrace
( 4:54)  6. Forestwall Timewalk
( 9:48)  7. Staircase Struggle
( 8:06)  8. Shiny Divider
(10:22)  9. Mandorla Island
( 7:15) 10. Timewrap

Mandorla Awakening II: Emerging Worlds is Nicole Mitchell's second album for Chicago-based FPE Records. Recorded in May of 2015 at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, it features her longtime collaborators Renée Baker (violin), Tomeka Reid (cello, banjo), Alex Wing (electric guitar, oud) and Jovia Armstrong (percussion), along with new members Tatsu Aoki (bass, shamisen, taiko) and Kojiro Umezaki (shakuhachi). Also in the mix is Chicago artist, scholar and poet avery r young, who brings the her lyrics to life with visceral humanity. Composer and flutist Nicole Mitchell, once hailed by Chicago Reader music critic Peter Margasak as the greatest living flutist in jazz, continues the work begun when jazz visionary Sun Ra and his Arkestra first touched down on Planet Earth and told humanity that space (outer and inner) is indeed the place. As with contemporary Afrofuturist pioneers like cosmic jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, post-everything beat maker Flying Lotus, R&B cyborg Janelle Monáe and dystopian noise-rappers Death Grips, she uses Afrofuturism as a platform to launch her own, unique vision. Her vast sound often encompasses contemporary classical, globally oriented fusion, gospel, spoken word, funk-inspired groove research and even brittle shards of avant-rock. Mandorla Awakening II collides dualities such as acoustic vs electric, country vs urban, simple vs complex, while also sounding through intercultural dialogue between Black, European and Pan-Asian improvisational languages. The outcome is a creative music suite that blurs musical styles into recognizable fragments that weave a unique sound fabric, where human emotion and the struggles of today swim. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Mandorla-Awakening-Ii-Emerging-Worlds/dp/B06W9J3KJ5

Personnel: Nicole Mitchell (flute, electronics);  Alex Wing (electric guitar, oud, Theremin); Tomeka Reid (banjo, cello); Tatsu Aoki (shamisen, taiko); Renée Baker (violin); Kojiro Umezaki (shakuhachi); Jovia Armstrong (percussion).

Mandorla Awakening II: Emergin Words

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