Don Ellis - Live At Montreux

Styles: Trumpet Jazz

Year: 1977

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 73:55

Size: 173,6 MB

Art: Front

( 9:41)  1. Open Wide

( 5:54)  2. Loneliness

( 7:18)  3. Future Feature

( 5:10)  4. Go-No-Go

( 8:45)  5. Sporting Dance

(11:59)  6. Niner Two

( 8:32)  7. Lyra

( 5:39)  8. Eros

(10:51)  9. Arcturus

Recorded 27 years ago, this album from the Don Ellis library contains all the rhythmic and polyphonic excitement that you’d expect from such a pioneer in modern big band jazz. With this CD release, the original LP has been augmented by the addition of three previously unreleased tracks that came from the same Montreux performance. With his trumpet in hand, and an instrumentation that exceeds the norm, Ellis gave the world a remarkable sound. His compositions and arrangements left their mark. Performances such as this one have provided inspiration for all. Bass clarinet, French horn, oboe, tuba, congas and a string quartet combined to give his orchestra a unique collective timbre. Add to that his fascination with meter. “Future Feature,” for example, is in traditional 4/4, but its complex subdivision gives you that old Don Ellis magic: 223, 32, 223, 32, 3232, 223, 223, 3232, 33. ”Lyra,” “Eros,” and “Arcturus” appeared on another album for Atlantic, Music From Other Galaxies And Planets Featuring The Theme From Star Wars, which was created in a studio. Therefore, the inclusion here of live performances of these three pieces at Montreux was never considered. They make a sizable addition to the concert, however, and these arrangements fit in well. “Arcturus” was the concert’s encore. This was Ellis’ final recording. He passed away the following year at age 44 from complications of an earlier heart attack. His farewell trumpet solo on “Niner Two” leaves a lasting impression. Featuring stellar solo work from Ellis (on several instruments), Ted Nash, Jimbo Ross, Ann Patterson, Chino Valdes, Jim Snodgrass, and Alan Kaplan, the album has a significant place in the history of jazz. Ellis influenced many. His legacy continues to inspire. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-montreux-don-ellis-koch-international-jazz-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Don Ellis- leader, quartertone trumpet, Firebird trumpet, flugelhorn, superbone;  Ann Patterson- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, oboe, piccolo;  Ted Nash- alto saxophone, flute, clarinet;  James Coile- tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet;  Jim Snodgrass- baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, piccolo, flute, oboe;  Glenn Stuart, Gil Rathel, Jack Coan- trumpet;  Sidney Muldrow- French horn;  Alan Kaplan- trombone;  Richard Bullock- bass trombone;  Jim Self- tuba;  Randy Kerber- keyboards;  Darrell Clayton- acoustic bass;  Leon Gaer- synth bass, electric bass;  Dave Crigger- drums; Mike Englander- drums, mallets, percussion;  Ruth Ritchie- percussion, tympani;  Chino Valdes- congas, bongos;  Pam Tompkins, Lori Badessa- violin;  Jimbo Ross- viola;  Paula Hochhalter- cello.

Live At Montreux

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China Moses And Raphaël Lemonnier - Crazy Blues

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:43
Size: 139,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Resolution Blues
(4:55)  2. Why Don't You Do Right
(4:15)  3. Closing Time
(4:48)  4. You're Crying
(4:21)  5. The Mailman The Butcher And Me
(5:56)  6. Crazy Blues
(3:53)  7. Cherry Wine
(5:01)  8. I Just Wanna Make Love To You
(6:59)  9. Work Song
(3:57) 10. Hot Stuff
(6:39) 11. Just Say I Love Him
(4:26) 12. Move Over

Pouring old wine into new bottles has become a specialty of vocalist China Moses and Pianist/Arranger Raphael Lemonnier. Rejuvenating classics with a pint of spirited innovation is a landmark of the duet, who, for their first encounter revisited the best of Dinah Washington, This One's for Dinah. For their second collaboration they pay tribute to great dames of blues and soul, and reexamine how 'blues' can be so jazzy. As such, Crazy Blues is unchained and blurs the dividing line between blues and jazz. The powerful presence of Moses, as well as her vocal flexibility, combined with Lemmonier's exploratory vision confers verve to the takes. Comparison with the original songs is useless, as Moses and Lemonnier do not borrow. Rather, they capture a song's essence. Ranging from Mamie Smith, Lilian Smith, Dinah Washington, Little Esther and Nina Simone, to Etta James, the remakes trace roots of female blues singing, passing the pop and rock of Janis Joplin and Donna Summer along the way. The entire variety is worth rediscovering, and sheds light on the songs' jazz possibilities. The album opens with a slow, rhythmic yet funny ballad, "Resolution Blues," where Moses cries out in longing. 'Why don't You do Right" follows, to raise the beat and display each musician's talent and flexibility as they turn a tender song into bebop. In call and response style, "Closing Time" is a gentle ballad featuring Hugh Coltman. Similarly, "Crying" is contemplative and touching. The fifth song, "The Mailman, the Butcher, and Me'' is an original where Lemonnier and bassist Cedric Caillaud navigate through drive and rhythm while Moses punctuates pauses to pave the ground for impulsive starts. Sixth on the album, "Crazy Blues," sounds similar to Dixieland, with a horn section orchestrated with finesse.

By far, one of the album's most cheerful songs is "Cherry Wine," a second duet featuring vocalist Sly Johnson. The song recounts a couple's fight over a bottle of cherry wine and abounds with saxophone solos. The lustful "I Just Want To make Love To You" is played with a pint of suspense. The refrain is slowed and repeated several times until Moses improvises, and pushes for an ascending climax. Simone's "Work Song" is a wonderful percussion exercise, and an opportunity for the saxophone players to display their talent. Trumpet player Renaud Gensane blows his top at the end of the tune. On the other hand, "Hot Stuff" is one of the familiar hits that displays the band's creativity to twist disco with rock influences into masterfully arranged, orchestral blues in Chicago colors. In Simone's "Just Say I Love Him," Moses unleashes dramatic contralto singing, infused with Bastien Ballaz's trombone to reinforce the poignant lyrics. To liven up the album, the last song is a groovy version of Janis Joplin's "Move Over." 

With an ostinato on piano and rolling drums, Moses smooths out Joplin's original ascending rhythm to make it sound warmer. These covers by Moses and Lemonnier have all been re- imagined to sound fresh with creativity. They shine, intense and loud! ~ Mehdi El Mouden https://www.allaboutjazz.com/china-moses-crazy-blues-by-mehdi-el-mouden.php

Personnel: China Moses: vocals; Raphael Lemonnier : piano; Jean-Pierre Derouard: drums; Fabien Marcoz : bass; Guests Luigi Grasso: alto & tenor sax #1,2,4,6,7,8,10; Anne Paceo: drums #2; Pierrick Pedron: alto sax #2,10; Cedric Caillaud: bass #5; Hugh Coltman: vocals #3; Daniel Huck: alto sax #6,7; Sly Johnson: vocals #7; François Biensan: trumpet #6,7,8; Renaud Gensane: trumpet #2,9,10; Bastien Ballaz: trombone #2,10,11; Frédéric Couderc: baritone & tenor sax, clarinet #2,6,7,8,10; Jean-Claude Onesta: trombone #2,6,7,8,10; Claude Egea: trumpet #2,10; Nicolas Dary: tenor sax #2,10; Jean-Claude Tartour: violin; Camille Verhoeven: violin; Nicolas Galière: viola; Vincent Catulescu: cello.

Crazy Blues

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Chico Freeman - Spoken into Existence

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:37
Size: 162,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:34)  1. Seven Steps to Heaven
(5:43)  2. Free Man
(8:33)  3. India Blue
(5:53)  4. Black Inside
(5:35)  5. Dance of Light for Luani
(4:33)  6. Nia's Quest
(8:15)  7. N'tiana's Dream
(2:51)  8. Lara's Lullaby
(6:28)  9. Erika's Reverie
(9:21) 10. Soft Pedal Blues
(4:59) 11. Niskayuna
(1:23) 12. The Crossing
(3:22) 13. Ballad for Hakima

Jive Music Austria is honored to present the third album in a row of the great Chico Freeman! He’s a legend, but is at the same time not laying back and resting on the laurels of his history. Far from it: He’s always on the move, making new projects with new and interesting musicians and with the newest recording tools and technics as well! For this CD he brought some of the finest musicians together that work and live in Europe; with them he can also tour Europe more easily, without so much time lost on long overseas flights. These guys each are splendid on their instruments and well known with their groups and projects, together they are tight and sound as a unit with Mr. Freeman as the crown jewel on this royal swingin’ and groovin’ group! The repertoire is mainly original pieces of Chico’s and some of the other members of the quartet. The cd is completed with some special versions of great and special standards like “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “Soft Pedal Blues”. The Bandleader is also very proud to present an anthology of songs, each dedicated to, and inspired by his daughters: Erika, Luani, N’tiana, Nia and Lara! These songs are very special and with the others that are composed and played with warm-hearted sensitivity you feel the positive, expressive power of this unique artist! https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chicofreeman3

Personnel:  Chico Freeman - saxophones, Antonio Faraò - Piano, Heiri Känzig - bass, Michael Baker - drums

Spoken into Existence

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Stephane Wrembel Trio - Gypsy Rumble

Styles: Guitar Jazz 
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:04
Size: 140,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Jimmy's Bar
(3:24)  2. Les Deux Guitares
(3:17)  3. China Boy
(4:48)  4. Swing Gitane
(3:00)  5. Swing de Bellevue
(3:33)  6. Buster Swing
(4:14)  7. Swing 48
(4:49)  8. Supplique
(3:20)  9. Mabel
(5:08) 10. Big Brother
(4:15) 11. Blue Drag
(3:41) 12. Milko
(4:41) 13. David
(4:23) 14. Belleville Rendezvous
(4:44) 15. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

French guitarist Stephane Wrembel clearly emulates fellow countryman and musician Django Reinhardt. Yet Wrembel’s Reinhardt-influenced playing doesn’t lose charm for its easy-to-spot inspiration. Instead, GYPSY RUMBLE, recorded with Wrembel’s trio and special guest David Grisman on mandolin, fuses the gypsy jazz of Reinhardt with various world music influences and postmodern flourishes in fresh and exciting ways. 

The album comes highly recommended to fans of Reinhardt, gypsy music, or acoustic classical guitar. ~ Anthony Tognazzini http://www.allmusic.com/album/gypsy-rumble-mw0000801646

Personnel:  Stephane Wrembel (guitar); Eric Rodgers (guitar); Jared Engel (bass instrument, bass guitar).

Gypsy Rumble

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Eddie Harris - I Need Some Money

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:03
Size: 103,6 MB
Art: Front

( 3:12)  1. I Need Some Money
( 9:49)  2. Get On Down
( 6:11)  3. Time To Do Your Thing
( 4:15)  4. Carnival
(11:56)  5. I Don't Want Nobody
( 4:07)  6. Bumpin
( 5:30)  7. That's It

No longer content to hide his voice behind a horn and an amp, Eddie Harris finally steps out as a singer in the first of a series of humorous hard-luck songs that would be the flagships of his next few LPs (one reason for this move, perhaps, was the title of this album, but his vocals didn't produce any hits). Harris also fools with an electronic rhythm machine and electronic horn attachments that practically turn his sax into a synthesizer. In any case, the thing he still does best here is ride a groove, the best of which is the extremely danceable "Get on Down," complete with Leon Thomas-like yodeling and a percussive vocal from the erstwhile sax master. "Carnival" also develops a head of steam when it starts to evoke a street celebration. There are indications, though, that Harris' repertoire of funk sax licks is beginning to run a bit thin. ~ Richard S.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-need-some-money-mw0000944796

Personnel: Eddie Harris (vocals, saxophone, tenor saxophone, electric saxophone, piano, electric piano, organ); Derf Reklaw-Raheem (vocals, congas, talking drum, tabla); Durf Frederick Walker (vocals, congas, tabla, timbales); Bradley Bobo (guitar, 6-string bass); Ronald Muldrow (guitar); Rufus Reid (upright bass, 6-string bass); Calvin Barnes (drums, percussion).

I Need Some Money

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