Donald Byrd - The Cat Walk (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:24
Size: 92.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1962/2007
Art: Front

[7:18] 1. Say You're Mine
[7:00] 2. Duke's Mixture
[5:34] 3. Each Time I Think Of You
[6:41] 4. The Cat Walk
[6:17] 5. Cute
[7:31] 6. Hello Bright Sunflower

Trumpeter Donald Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams worked together on several recordings between 1958 and 1961, and The Cat Walk (released on LP in 1962) is among the best. A quintet setting, with pianist Duke Pearson (another longtime Byrd collaborator), bassist Laymon Jackson, and a lively Philly Joe Jones on drums joining the front line of Byrd and Adams, the sessions for The Cat Walk benefited from the writing and arrangement skills of Pearson, who contributes three compositions here, the impressive opener "Say You're Mine," "Duke's Mixture," and "Hello Bright Sunflower," which borrows its melodic structure from the opening bars of "Lullaby of Broadway" and features Byrd using a muted trumpet. Byrd contributed the title track, which attempts to capture the coiled, taut, but somehow still relaxed and assured gait of a tomcat, thanks in no small part to Jones' inspired drumming which hits the mark with stops and turns and smooth run-outs that are indeed very feline in nature. Byrd's playing throughout is typically sleek and lyrical, and Adams' sturdy, husky baritone sound is the perfect counterbalance, making The Cat Walk an essential Byrd purchase. ~Steve Leggett

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Tom McDermott - Choro Do Norte

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:00
Size: 135.1 MB
Styles: Piano & Clarinet jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[5:12] 1. Casa Denise
[3:37] 2. Atrapado
[5:04] 3. Santa Teresa
[2:43] 4. Choro For Tom
[3:29] 5. Sweetheart Of Mine
[5:20] 6. Swipesy Cakewalk
[3:29] 7. Lizinha
[5:29] 8. Heliotrope Bouquet
[3:09] 9. Choro #1
[5:23] 10. Estatico
[2:48] 11. Realidade É Saudade
[5:39] 12. The Chrysanthemum
[3:35] 13. Driving With Jacob
[3:57] 14. Bamboula

Tom McDermott – Piano; Evan Christopher – Clarinet; Rick Trolsen – Trumpet.

Tom McDermott and his frequent partner Evan Christopher are two of the most creative and forward looking jazz musicians in New Orleans. To call Evan Christopher a world class jazz clarinetist is an understatement. He virtually defines the class, although there are a few players in New Orleans who just might want to challenge that viewpoint! McDermott is a superlative traditional pianist, but he prefers to focus his creative energies on composition.

It is some 20 years now since the well traveled Mr. McDermott first started hearing, then playing, and then creating Brazilian choros. The choro is generally defined as a combination of African, Native Indian and Portuguese music, just one of several types that come to us from Brazil. The samba and bossa nova are two related but different genres. All of them have something of a jazz feel. What makes the choro unique though, is that it goes back as far as the 1870s, but is still evolving today. Early choros have been compared to American ragtime. Some of the pieces on this CD emphasize that relationship, including three Scott Joplin rags.

What makes this CD different, and you’ll know it from the very first cut onward, is the Brazilian rhythm section; three young musicians playing respectively a tambourine related percussion instrument known as the pandeiro, a bandolim, which is the Portuguese version of a mandolin, and a seven string guitar, which has become increasingly popular with guitarists in general and especially with modern jazzmen. The Brazilian musicians are not the only additions to this CD that make the sounds so different. There is also Rick Trolsen on trombone, and, for one cut each, Ray Moore on flute, and Matt Perrine on tuba. ~Steve Steinberg

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Jazz Juice - 52nd Street

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:29
Size: 149.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Electronica
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Too Horny
[6:18] 2. Atravessar
[4:51] 3. Jody's Grind
[5:19] 4. Montuno Uno
[4:50] 5. Baiana
[4:59] 6. Canto De Ossanha
[4:25] 7. 52nd Street (Minor Blues)
[4:48] 8. Sound Of The Summer
[4:42] 9. Bugablue (Dub Mix)
[7:08] 10. Love For Sale
[5:20] 11. Los Chicos
[4:40] 12. Hotpants Breakdown
[4:37] 13. Borboletta

The Jazz Juice story, much like the musical hotpot contained within, is one that has been brewing and boiling for many years. UK born DJ Graham B moved to Amsterdam in the late 1980's and has played an influencial role on the Dutch dance scene. As member of the legendary Soho Connection party organisation he was one of the pioneers of the early house movement and was later dubbed 'Godfather of Jazzdance' by the dutch press in recognition of his hugely successful Club 802 Jazzbops held at Amsterdams famous Paradiso. He has also collaborated with many talented musicians on various live music projects including the development and production of the New Cool Collective, the early stages of Project 2000 and recently with a new band called Electro Coco picking up a prestigious Edison Award for their CD Coco Do Mundo.

JazzJuice is his latest collaboration with Electro Coco production partner Alain Eskinasi. Another veteran of the scene, Alain's experience in the music business is extensive, with 40 CD projects under his belt. He spent seven years in the States during the nineties working as a staff-producer for Virgin Records and collaborating with many musicians from bands such as Yes and Steely Dan. His work received 2 Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award on a production with ex Jefferson Airship guitarist Craig Chequico.

Together they've taken a fresh look at mixing the art of DJ'ing with live musicianship and have come up with an exciting new style. The result is a superbly refreshing sound that connects old school with future jazz. During a live Jazz Juice session guest artists can compliment many of the strong clear themes and crucially with the removal of many of the original solos are given the space and freedom for much improvisation. This leads to a spontaneous fully integrated and exciting sound that adds a brand new dimension to a conventional DJ set, literally bringing the material to life on stage and never ceases to keep the dance floor kicking.

Featuring the hit singles 'Bugablue', 'Montuno Uno' and 'Sound Of The Summer', 52nd Street is a fresh twist on the Blue Note sound laid down so many years ago: updating the style and vibe of the masters for a new generation of Jazz fans.'

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Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade - Children Of The Light

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:45
Size: 127.6 MB
Styles: Piano trio jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[6:54] 1. Children Of The Light
[4:33] 2. Sunburn And Mosquito
[4:59] 3. Moonlight On Congo Square
[4:26] 4. Lumen
[3:21] 5. Within Everything
[3:38] 6. Milky Way
[9:47] 7. Light Echo Dolores
[4:30] 8. Ballad For A Noble Man (In Memory Of Doug Sommer)
[5:29] 9. Looking For Light
[2:38] 10. Luz Del Alma
[5:23] 11. African Wave

Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade have been three quarters of the extraordinary Wayne Shorter Quartet for more than a decade. Since, they’ve also continued their individual careers as leaders of their own projects and groups. Now, on Children of the Light, they step forward as a trio for the first time with an imagination and fearlessness in their approach that defies the roles and ways of a trio in both obvious and subtle ways.

“We can ‘comprovise’ (spontaneous composition) with dense harmonic and melodic forms, but we can also explore the beauty of a simple harmony,” says Pérez. “And you can see the care each one of us put into the songs we brought in.”

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Ralph Alessi & This Against That - Look

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:44
Size: 134.5 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, Modern Creative
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:52] 1. Near Cry
[5:11] 2. It's Just A Toy
[5:14] 3. At The Seams
[6:05] 4. Hands
[3:07] 5. The Tooth Fairy And Pistol Pete
[4:56] 6. Lap Nap
[5:34] 7. Brown Hat
[3:34] 8. Look
[3:59] 9. Words, Actions
[4:44] 10. Platform Velvet
[7:18] 11. Old Beady Eyes
[4:03] 12. Sir

Ralph Alessi: trumpet, flugelhorn; Andy Milne: piano; Drew Gress: bass; Mark Ferber: drums; Ravi Coltrane: tenor saxophone (2,8,10,11).

Like the angelic blast of Gabriel's horn, trumpeter Ralph Alessi plays his mortal trumpet with exhilaration and sublime finesse. A popular session player, he has heightened recordings like Scott Colley's Archtiect of the Silent Moment (CamJazz, 2007) and Simone Guiducci's Dancin' Roots (Felmay, 2005). Alessi's own recordings as a leader—including Vice & Virtue (RKM, 2003) and This Against That/Vice & Virtue (RKM, 2002) —are obscure gems of eclectic music; but Look is an outstanding work of intellect and fire, showing what a progressive trumpeter sounds like without gimmicks or effects. A man, his horn, and a band—complete in its creative element.

Alessi's quartet of leading players includes the unsung, talented pianist Andy Milne and the superb rhythm section of bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber; plus, on four tracks, a special guest: saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. The group is excellent at executing Alessi's eclectic and original pieces and making them enjoyable and seductively challenging. The leader's strength as a trumpeter is obvious, but another attribute that surfaces is his ability as a composer, which includes a gift for tying disparate threads of jazz, avant-garde, and classical persuasions into a vibrant work of contemporary music. Some tunes are ostensibly simplistic yet harmonically complex, like "Near Cry, where Alessi solos hotly over a tricky vamp. Other times there's a repeating phrase, as on "At the Seams, where Gress and Ferber not only sustain the effervescence but also contribute their own voices. ~Mark F. Turner

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Leo Richardson Quartet - The Chase

Styles: Saxophone Jazz  

Year: 2017

File: MP3@320K/s 

Time: 54:14 

Size: 129,2 MB 

Art: Front

( 5:33)  1. Blues For Joe

( 5:19)  2. Demon E

( 6:30)  3. The Curve

( 5:37)  4. The Chase

( 7:24)  5. Elisha's Song

( 7:33)  6. Mambo

( 6:14)  7. Silver Lining

(10:01)  8. Mr. Skid

An alumnus of London's Trinity College of Music, tenor saxophonist Leo Richardson, who incidentally is the son of bassist Jim Richardson (formerly of the jazz rock band If), graduated from the College with a first class honours degree in Jazz Performance. Whilst studying at Trinity he was tutored by some world class players including Jean Toussaint, Julian Siegel, Martin Speake, Mark Lockheart and Mick Foster. Since leaving Trinity he has become an in-demand saxophonist on the London Jazz scene. He's performed with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, Clare Teal, Dick Pearce, Norma Winstone and Jim Mullen to name just a few. What is extraordinary about Richardson's debut album The Chase is how familiar all the tracks sound. Whilst these hard bop numbers are all Richardson compositions they instantly evoke a period of 1950s-60s jazz, typified by such luminaries as Art Blakey, Hank Mobley and Dexter Gordon. The fiery head to "Blues for Joe," a tribute to Joe Henderson, leads into a blistering solo by Richardson, whereas "Demon E," with Quentin Collins soloing expansively on trumpet, evinces a strong evocation of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, indeed all that's missing is the drummer's trademark press rolls. "The Curve," again with Collins, evokes memories of the irresistible recordings of Lee Morgan and Collins's final contribution on the album is the ebullient title track and here Richardson plays with magnificent intensity and speed, the piece being rounded-off by a lightning fast drum solo from Ed Richardson. There's a change of pace with the stately ballad "Elisha's Song" and again the mood changes with the modal "Mambo." There's a return to lively hard bop with "Silver Lining," dedicated to the late Horace Silver and featuring some arresting piano from Rick Simpson. The standout track saved for last, and the longest at 10 minutes, is the Impulse! era Coltrane-esque "Mr Skid" featuring guest Alan Skidmore, one of Britain's finest saxophonists. Here the two tenors, playing in harmony, bounce notes off each other, a configuration reminiscent of the great twin tenors of the 1960s, the Jazz Couriers featuring Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes. There are appropriately coruscating solos from both saxophonists and the whole piece culminates in a powerful crescendo of saxophones. Kudos goes to Richardson who has succeeded in writing original tunes that channel the Blue Note songbook but, amazingly, they do so without a trace of plagiarism. All the selections sound new and fresh as does this remarkable saxophonist's playing. ~ Roger Farbey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-chase-leo-richardson-ubuntu-music-review-by-roger-farbey.php

Personnel: Leo Richardson: tenor saxophone; Rick Simpson: piano; Mark Lewandowski: bass; Ed Richardson: drums; Plus: Quentin Collins: trumpet (2,3,4); Alan Skidmore: tenor saxophone (8).

 

The Chase

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Eileen Farrell - Sings Torch Songs

Styles: Vocal 

Year: 1990

File: MP3@320K/s 

Time: 57:11 

Size: 131,5 MB 

Art: Front

(6:43)  1. Stormy Weather

(3:23)  2. When Your Lover Has Gone

(4:48)  3. 'Round Midnight

(3:23)  4. The End of a Love Affair

(5:26)  5. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry

(4:49)  6. Something Cool

(5:08)  7. I Get Along without You Very Well

(6:04)  8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most

(5:00)  9. Black Coffee

(4:31) 10. Don't Explain

(3:15) 11. Get Out of Town

(4:35) 12. This Time the Dream's on Me

Singer whose style and approach have jazz connections, but whose sound is more in a show business, pre-rock pop vein than an improvising mode. 

She has recorded albums of standards in '90s for Reference label. ~ Ron Wynn https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/eileen-farrell-sings-torch-songs/995325617

Sings Torch Songs

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The Buddy Rich Big Band - Mercy, Mercy

Styles: Jazz, Bop, Big Band 

Year: 1968

File: MP3@320K/s 

Time: 61:52 

Size: 144,5 MB 

Art: Front

( 5:35)  1. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

( 4:06)  2. Preach And Teach

(12:50)  3. Channel 1 Suite

( 3:22)  4. Big Mama Cass

( 6:18)  5. Goodbye Yesterday

( 5:50)  6. Acid Truth

( 3:49)  7. Alfie

( 3:39)  8. Ode To Billie Joe

( 5:21)  9. Chavala

( 5:47) 10. Mr. Lucky

( 5:11) 11. Chelsea Bridge

This CD reissue brings back the finest all-round recording by Buddy Rich's big band. The original version of "Channel 1 Suite" is a classic and contains tenor saxophonist Don Menza's most memorable solo, plus a couple of brilliant improvisations from the explosive drummer/leader. Another highlight is an inventive Phil Wilson arrangement of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and even "Alfie" (a melodic feature for altoist Art Pepper) and "Ode to Billie Joe" come across well. In addition to the original LP program, three selections were released for the first time on this CD. 

"Chelsea Bridge" is particularly significant, for it showcases Pepper, who was making a brief (and unsuccessful) comeback seven years before he finally returned to the scene. This spirited and often-exciting set is a real gem and is essential. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/mercy-mercy-mw0000619226     

Personnel:  Buddy Rich - drums;  Walter Namuth - guitar;  William Prince - trumpet;  Al Porcino - trumpet;  Kenneth Faul - trumpet;  David Culp - trumpet; Jim Trimble - trombone;  Richard Stepton - trombone;  Peter Graves - bass trombone;  Don Menza - tenor saxophone, arranger;  Art Pepper - alto saxophone;  Charles Owen -salto saxophone, arranger;  Pat LaBarbera - tenor saxophone;  John Laws - baritone saxophone;  Joe Azarellopiano;  Gary Walters - bass, string bass.

 

Mercy, Mercy

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Leon Bridges - Coming Home

Styles: Vocal, Soul 

Year: 2016

File: MP3@320K/s 

Time: 34:07 

Size: 78,6 MB 

Art: Front

(3:26)  1. Coming Home

(2:20)  2. Better Man

(3:26)  3. Brown Skin Girl

(3:03)  4. Smooth Sailin'

(3:37)  5. Shine

(4:03)  6. Lisa Sawyer

(2:56)  7. Flowers

(3:00)  8. Pull Away

(4:12)  9. Twistin' & Groovin'

(4:00) 10. River

Leon Bridges is the 'out of almost nowhere' story that only comes along once in a while. Awareness of Leon Bidges and his unique craft continues to grow authentically and consistently.  It was only last summer that Leon was singing open mics in his hometown Fort Worth, TX. One of those open mics was attended by Austin Jenkins and Josh Block of the notable indie band White Denim who were absolutely floored by Leon's voice, songs, and creative vision. They soon after set-up shop in a makeshift studio and recorded the album's opener "Coming Home" completely live to tape. This first take is exactly what you hear opening the album. The remaining 9 songs followed in a burst of creativity and inspiration. Leon was the breakout artist of 2015's SXSW, and performed to capacity crowds at A-level events including Heartbreaker at Willie Nelson's ranch, the Gorilla-vs-Bear HypeHotel showcase, Spotify House and Saint David's Church. His soulful, movement based performances and adept backing band garnered strong reviews from a variety of top-level media including the New York Times, Billboard and Grantland amongst many others. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Leon-Bridges/dp/B00VVZUPIU    

 

Coming Home

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Stefano Bollani - Que Bom

Styles: Piano Jazz 

Year: 2018

File: MP3@320K/s 

Time: 72:07 

Size: 166,1 MB 

Art: Front

(5:15)  1. Sbucata da una nuvola

(3:46)  2. Galapagos

(5:02)  3. Certe giornate al mare

(3:33)  4. La nebbia a Napoli

(5:02)  5. Habarossa

(5:42)  6. Uomini e polli

(3:29)  7. Ho perduto il mio pappagallino

(4:40)  8. Criatura dourada

(3:20)  9. Michelangelo Antonioni

(3:58) 10. Accettare tutto

(6:31) 11. Ravaskia

(4:28) 12. Olha a Brita

(4:57) 13. Il gabbiano ischitano

(4:16) 14. Aleijadinho lê o Codex Seraphinianus aquì

(3:45) 15. Nação

(4:16) 16. Que Bom

Italian piano genius Stefano Bollani's new Brazilian album QUE BOM building on the success of his successful album CARIOCA (2008), which sold over 70'000 copies. Que Bom primarily consists of Bollani's own original tunes and distinctive melodies strongly influenced and informed by Brazilian music culture, which Bollani has always cherished since the very beginning of his rich, multifaceted crackerjack music making and dexterous playing.  In QUE BOM - a genuine hymn to life marked by sparkling liveliness and (contagious) joy Bollani is joined by the same outstanding rhythm section as in CARIOCA - Jorge Helder (db), Jurim Moreira (dr) and Armando Marçal (perc) - plus Thiago da Serrinha (perc), but here, in QUE BOM, also by the grand guest stars Caetano Veloso, João Bosco, Jaques Morelenbaum and Hamilton de Holanda. The CD packaging, an elegant and exquisite 6-side DigiSleeve with an 8-page booklet (concept & supervision of the art work by Italian actress and artist Valentina Cenni) contains the lyrics of the songs with Caetano Veloso and João Bosco, photos of the merry Rio recording session by Vinícius Giffoni and extraordinary pictures from Codex Seraphinianus by Italian artist and designer Luigi Serafini. QUE BOM, entirely produced by Bollani, is the first album to be released worldwide by his own newly created label ALOBAR. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Que-Bom-Stefano-Bollani/dp/B07BSXX4GT               

 

Que Bom

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