Marlene VerPlanck - I Think Of You With Every Breath I Take

Size: 96,5 MB
Time: 41:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1983/1993
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. (I Think Of You) With Every Breath I Take (3:20)
02. Accent On Youth (4:37)
03. Snuggle On Your Shoulder (Cuddle In Your Arms) (3:52)
04. Some Other Time (4:21)
05. If I Love Again (3:36)
06. We Could Make Such Beautiful Music (3:05)
07. Deep In A Dream (6:01)
08. Two Cigarettes In The Dark (5:08)
09. Without A Word Of Warning (3:24)
10. You Leave Me Breathless (3:47)

This 1983 CD is a straight reissue of Marlene Ver Planck's first album, a Savoy set that has since been reissued on CD by Denon in their Savoy series. With assistance from trumpeter Joe Wilder, flutist Herbie Mann, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Kenny Clarke, Ver Planck (who had a very impressive voice from the start) brings sincere emotion and a light swing to her renditions of ten ballads from the 1932-44 period. ~by Scott Yanow

I Think Of You With Every Breath I Take

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Jacqueline Tabor - The Lady In The Gown

Size: 120,0 MB
Time: 50:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. On Green Dolphin Street (4:05)
02. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (2:23)
03. Autumn Leaves (3:02)
04. Misty (4:20)
05. Lady In The Gown (2:56)
06. Caravan (1:36)
07. Tight (3:06)
08. When Lights Are Low (3:46)
09. Dindi (3:30)
10. I Fall In Love Too Easily (2:32)
11. That's All (2:46)
12. Mood Indigo (4:53)
13. It Could Happen To You (4:16)
14. Never Make A Move Too Soon (2:34)
15. Crazy He Calls Me (4:56)

The Lady in the Gown is the third solo outing from Seattle-based cabaret vocalist Jacqueline Tabor. Whether fans like their music with a cup of blues or a few scoops of adult pop, Tabor’s vocalese is palatable for them all. She shows the smoothness of Sarah Vaughan, the spontaneity of Joss Stone, and a catchy rhythmic timing that personalizes her sound. Instinctively, she moves her voice in ways that makes it distinguishable.

Joined by drummer Max Holmberg, bass player Greg Feingold, and guitarist Cole Schuster, Tabor offers a comfy respite with the familiar gusto of jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson, shrouded in a moonlight ambience. “Misty,” most of all, showcases this combination. Kicking the tempo up a couple of notches, the recording moves into the title track. An original number, the tune has all the pumping grooves and finesse of R&B-infused jazz. Tabor’s spontaneity thrives under these conditions.

Her rendition of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” is flavored with exotic tribal beats and a spiritual voicing in her register that’s inviting. Imbued with a joyful swinging tone, Tabor sings every track like each was made for her. From the sparse bongo beats of “When Lights Are Low” to the smoky blues atmospherics of “Never Make a Move Too Soon,” Tabor tailors her voice to the mood.

Tabor’s vocal expressions give the tracks depth and meaning – a talent that consistently makes her able to penetrate audiences. Proving she is more than an artist who covers other writers’ works, Tabor shows a passion and reverence for the music she records that touches the listener.

Her understanding of blues music and its origins comes from studying such subjects at Southern University of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. She honed her talent and confidence by performing in clubs throughout the North Pacific of the U.S. Influenced and impacted by a number of jazz singers before her, Tabor developed a presence, able to influence other vocalists and make an impact on the direction that cabaret jazz is presently taking. For a newcomer to radio listeners, Tabor is a well-versed artist. ~Susan Francesny

The Lady In The Gown

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Steve Oliver - Illuminate

Size: 118,8 MB
Time: 50:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Full Tilt (4:00)
02. The Game Is On (3:52)
03. Illuminate (6:01)
04. Visions Of Light (5:40)
05. Vamonos (4:23)
06. Circles (5:12)
07. Raise Up (4:54)
08. Hidden Sun (5:43)
09. Soul Deep (5:16)
10. City Of Lightning (4:03)
11. Illuminate (Reprise) (Solo Guitar) (1:45)

Following in the tradition of his earlier albums POSITIVE ENERGY and RADIANT, Steve Oliver dubs his latest album ILLUMINATE, shining a spotlight on his trademark of vibrant, guitar melodies and sunny wordless vocalese couched in uplifting musical atmospheres. Though the uptempo, road trip ready gems drive the journey, his first set of original contemporary jazz instrumentals in six years includes several intimate ballads that bring a soulful depth to the party. Both live and in the studio, Steve showcases his one-man band mastery by generating his own guitar, bass and keyboard vibes through his unique “sound design.” ILLUMINATE is highlighted with a few top-flight friends including Jimmy Haslip, Joel Taylor and Nelson Rangell. ~Sandy Shore

Illuminate

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Steve Watson, Ian Bracchitta, Rick Dilling & Wendy Jones - Reflections

Size: 166,8 MB
Time: 71:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz, Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Broadway (4:57)
02. S'Wonderful (7:52)
03. Unchain My Heart (5:53)
04. The Boy Next Door (5:31)
05. It Could Happen To You (5:48)
06. Reflections (5:48)
07. The Red Blouse (6:40)
08. Tenderly (8:14)
09. Bright Size Life (3:54)
10. Pure Imagination (3:21)
11. All Too Soon (4:01)
12. Wabash III (6:31)
13. Only You (3:13)

Steve Watson graduated from Newberry College with a BA in 1974 and The University of Miami (Coral Gables) with a MM in 1977.
Steve has performed all over the world. He was a member of The University of Miami Concert Jazz Band that toured Switzerland, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Tunisia. From 1978 through1984 Steve was a member of The Bruce Hornsby Band. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a studio guitarist for television, movies and records. His credits include Hill Street Blues, Magnum PI, The A-Team, Hunter, Hardcastle and McCormick, Riptide, Murder She Wrote, LA Law, Big Business, Simon and Simon, Quantum Leap, The Young Riders, Sonny Spoon, The Greatest American Hero, Young Guns, Trains, Planes and Autos, Sixteen Candles, Rhinestone, Dragnet, Dr. Detroit, River Rats, Into the Night and The Dolly Parton variety television show. He has also recorded commercials for Coors, Budweiser, 7-11, Acura, Honda and Toyota. Steve was an adjunct professor at The University of Southern California from 1981-1990 and lecturer at The University of Miami from 1977-1978.

Steve currently lives with his wife, Susan, of 30 years in Greenville, SC. His 26 year old daughter, Mary Neill, is a graduate of The University of South Carolina and is a nurse in Charlotte NC. and married to Colin Irvine. His 32 year old daughter, Anna, is a graduate of The University of Georgia and is an attorney in Richmond, VA. She is married to Robert Clarke Hunter and they have two children Perrin Elizabeth Hunter, and Olivia Crawford Hunter .

Steve is , Director of Jazz Studies at The Fine Arts Center, an art magnet high school in Greenville, and is an adjunct professor at Furman University.

Steve released “Watson’s Riddle” in 2011 on Palmetto Records (Sony) with Paul Riddle and Chuck Leavell. He wrote all of the material for this project. It was in the top 15 in the contemporary jazz charts for 2011 and 2012.

Steve released his self-produced solo project entitled “Heat It Up” in February 2015. It contains ten tracks of original instrumental contemporary jazz. The single "Mary Anna" was co-produced by smooth jazz veteran and University of Southern California professor Richard Smith. The CD reached #12 on the SmoothJazz.com Indie chart.

Steve released his new CD "Playtime" with the first single "Playtime" featuring Chuck Loeb on May 2nd 2016. Chuck produced this track. Jeff Lorber produced and contributed the track "Stones Throw" on the CD. The other tracks were produced by Steve with production help on "Pear Bear" from Greg Alewine and Hazen Bannister.It reached #18 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart on July 11th.
As of 2-7-2017 "Pear Bear" was # 6 on the smoothjazz.com Top 50 Chart and #29 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart.

In August of 2018 Steve released his first straight ahead jazz CD "Reflections" with Ian Bracchitta on bass, Rick Dilling on drums and Wendy Jones on vocals.

Reflections

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Kat Gang - Come Closer

Size: 112,7 MB
Time: 48:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. This Can't Be Love (2:46)
02. The Very Thought Of You (5:27)
03. Darn That Dream (4:27)
04. Sentimental Journey (3:04)
05. Come Closer (4:55)
06. The Sweet Life (2:35)
07. How Insensitive (4:49)
08. I'm Glad There Is You (5:33)
09. Sometimes I'm Happy (2:29)
10. People Will Say We're In Love (2:56)
11. Say It (4:10)
12. Bella Tristeza (4:59)

Kat has a soul steeped in jazz. Born in Boston, she began her music theory training as a teenager at Berklee and then fell in love with the energy of New York City and went on to gain her BFA from NYU. She escaped the Bush administration by seeking asylum in the UK and studying music at the Royal Academy in London. Kat lived and worked singing jazz all over England for seven years. She has performed twice at the GRAMMY Awards with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, traded fours with Bobby McFerrin at the Blue Note Jazz Festival, and currently is back in New York with a residency at the Plaza Hotel with her quartet. Kat continues to explore the depth of jazz fusion and improvisation with her versatile, extraordinary ear and voice.

Her entire life, Kat has been soul-searching and exploring the world with her ear tuned to music in the air. She has traveled and worked widely – Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, North America and the Atlantic – and continues to seek influences and audiences abroad.

As an actress, Kat is compelling and authentic, visually engaging and emotionally sensitive. With the professional conservatory training received at Tisch’s unique network of studios, she brings depth to characters from Sondheim to Chekov to Rogers and Hart. Kat has a profound understanding of theatrical studies ranging from avant-garde to Broadway; from classical texts to modern American drama.
Kat’s voice, a four octave instrument, comes from a place deep within that touches love, loneliness, longing, and wonder. Revealing the superb vocal finesse and agility for which she is known, Kat can sound vulnerable, omnipotent, saucy, or madly in love. Listen for the intensity in her whispers, the power behind her belts, and her playfulness with words and melodies. Fall in love with her incomparable voice, her vivacious spirit, and her exceptional music.

Come Closer

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Aimee Allen - Wings Uncaged

Size: 129,4 MB
Time: 55:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Skylark (5:37)
02. Shooting Star (5:27)
03. Invitation (5:15)
04. In My Web (5:36)
05. Democracy How (Harmony And Dissonance) (5:51)
06. Touch The Sun (5:20)
07. Fotografia (5:42)
08. Night Owl (4:21)
09. Save Your Love For Me (4:41)
10. Autumn Leaves Les Feuilles Mortes (4:12)
11. Midnight Sun (3:32)

Personnel:
Aimée Allen - vocals
François Moutin - bass
Billy Test - piano
Kush Abadey - drums

Aimée Allen’s latest release, Wings Uncaged, is a musical statement of transcendence. With a set of striking originals featuring winged creatures, negotiating the possibilities and limitations of the natural world, the music is a metaphor for surviving perilous conditions in creative ways.

It is no accident that a profound meditation on the current state of democracy, entitled Democracy How (Harmony and Dissonance) is also included. Interspersed with unexpected reworkings of standards as well, Wings Uncaged proclaims that in love, as in life and in nature, we can rise above and transform our circumstances.

Wings Uncaged

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Greg Osby - Inner Circle

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:59
Size: 105,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Entruption
(4:07)  2. Stride Logic
(4:14)  3. Diary of the Same Dream
(4:09)  4. Equalatogram
(6:36)  5. All Neon Like
(4:45)  6. Fragmatic Decoding
(4:41)  7. The Inner Circle Principle
(6:16)  8. Sons of the Confidential
(6:08)  9. Self-Portrait in Three Colors

Jazz fans searching for a quintessential forward-thinking artist should look no further than the musical musings of Mr. Greg Osby. He's an artist who will not be satisfied with the status quo. Distinguished as an alto saxophone stylist, his voice is unique and easily recognizable among the masses. His recordings of the past few years have all been modern exercises in jazz music that are entertaining, cerebral, and illuminating. As any successful visionary, he has surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who continue to push the envelope of jazz; such as piano extraordinaire Jason Moran and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. His previous recording Symbols of Light (A Solution), which implemented a string quartet into his eclectic mix, was one of 2001's top jazz picks.  Inner Circle continues on the same high level that Osby has been operating at throughout his career. His music is progressively expanding into new boundaries on the ubiquitous jazz theme. It swings, grooves and moves with a distinctive style. The recording features Osby originals with covers by Euro-Pop sensation Bjork and famous bassist Charles Mingus. The title Inner Circle could easily refer to one of the tightest set of young musicians paving the jazz path today. The musicians have been featured on recordings by Jason Moran and Stefon Harris. Bassist Taurus Mateen and drummer Eric Harland comprise one of the most dynamic and talented rhythm sections on the scene today. Osby and Moran have formed a unique and wonderful symbiosis over the past few years that allows for freedom and expression with wide possibilities. Stefon Harris' vibe work just keeps getting better. All the compositons are creative with odd patterns and complex arrangements that never leave the listener too far, and will also encourage a deeper appreciation for the art form. The many highlights include the circuitous and hypnotic "Fragment Decoding" and the brilliant "Inner Circle Principle" with its memorable solos expressed by each musician. With Osby at the helm, one can only anticipate the next move in his forward progression. ~ Mark F.Turner https://www.allaboutjazz.com/inner-circle-greg-osby-blue-note-records-review-by-mark-f-turner.php

Personnel: Greg Osby: Alto Saxophone; Jason Moran: Piano; Stefon Harris: Vibraphone; Tarus Mateen: Bass; Eric Harland: Drums

Inner Circle

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Bryn Roberts - Ludlow

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:25
Size: 122,6 MB
Art: Front

(8:30)  1. Ludlow
(5:48)  2. Indie
(4:33)  3. Fleure
(8:55)  4. Corrigan
(7:55)  5. Reruns
(7:12)  6. Eau De Vie
(4:34)  7. Dancing In The Dark
(5:55)  8. Hagamos Un Trato

Ludlow is a showcase for the considerable gifts of the young Canadian pianist and composer Bryn Roberts. It's a sparkling, varied CD that gets better with each listen. The music is characterized by strong compositional frameworks and flowing improvisation. Pianist Roberts composed all the material on Ludlow except the standard "Dancing In The Dark." His compositions have lengthier expositions than the standards played by earlier generations of jazz musicians. The title tune, for example, is an attractive line, long and flowing, with lyrical chord changes and stop-and-start rhythms that support sinuous improvisations, particularly by the fine young saxophonist Seamus Blake. In fact, it is Blake whose consistent excellence is responsible for the success of this album. His every solo is meticulously constructed, juggling complex ideas effortlessly, played with a warm, clear tone and a rolling swing. The fact that Blake eschews the electronic effects he has used elsewhere only serves to highlight his sound. Roberts, too, is a gifted improviser who isn't afraid to take chances, while his technical command and relaxed swing contribute to the long, lyrical lines that are characteristic of both his improvising and his compositions. Besides the variations in form, Roberts' compositions use other devices characteristic of today's new mainstream. He is fond of odd time signatures, for example. "Indie" sports a 7/4 funk beat, and "Corrigan" is a 7/4 bossa nova. And everybody's at home in good old 4/4, as the up-tempo cooker "Hagamos Un Trato" proves. Kudos also to the excellent rhythm section. Bassist Drew Gress plays with empathy, using imaginative note choices and placements. His lively walking on "Hagamos Un Trato" is also welcome. Mark Ferber is a marvelous young drummer who is most notable for his brilliant use of cymbal shadings and his righteous swing. ~ AAJ Staff https://www.allaboutjazz.com/ludlow-bryn-roberts-fresh-sound-new-talent-review-by-aaj-staff.php

Personnel: Bryn Roberts, piano; Seamus Blake, tenor sax; Drew Gress, bass; Mark Ferber, drums.

Ludlow

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Philip Clouts Quartet - Umoya

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:25
Size: 118,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Lila
(7:35)  2. Dreamy Driving
(7:07)  3. Walking in Starlight
(6:49)  4. Meandering
(5:17)  5. Taranto
(6:44)  6. Umoya
(6:11)  7. Amor
(6:02)  8. Direction South

The Philip Clouts Quartet's Umoya, a follow-up to The Hour Of Pearl, (Point Records, 2013) is named for the Zulu word for Life Force. It's a positive title for an album filled with positive sounds. Bass guitarist Alex Keen remains from those The Hour Of Pearl sessions. He's joined by saxophonist Samuel Eagles and drummer Dave Ingamells. Pianist and composer Clouts was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to the UK as a young child. African music remains a major influence in his writing and playing, as the eight original tunes on Umoya ably demonstrate, but he's open to a much wider range of influences which all go some way to informing these tunes. It's Keen and Ingamells who make the first statement -opening "Lila" with a simple, repetitive, but irresistible groove (the tune takes inspiration from North African Sufi music). The groove stays in place as Eagles (on soprano) and Clouts trade solos, ensuring that dancers will have no trouble keeping their moves together even as the soloists take their own flowing, melodic, paths. The centrality of the groove is a key element of Clouts' music the nature of the groove may vary, but not its importance. On "Walking In Starlight" it's a reggae-influenced bass and drum rhythm that forms the foundation for Eagles' snaky soprano lines and Clouts' electric piano. "Umoya" shares this reggae rhythm: so, too, does "Direction South" although on this tune reggae takes turns with a gentle shuffle beat. "Meandering" has an unsurprisingly relaxed rhythm: one of the album's most overtly jazz influenced tunes it serves to illustrate Eagles' talent on tenor. Whether the inspiration comes from South Africa, Jamaica, his adopted rural English home or the homelands of jazz, Clouts' compositions are strong and likeable. The quartet's playing is similarly engaging, a feeling of optimism pervading the tunes with a life force of its own. ~ Bruce Lindsay https://www.allaboutjazz.com/umoya-philip-clouts-odradek-records-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Philip Clouts: piano, electric piano (3); Samuel Eagles: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Alex Keen: bass guitar; Dave Ingamells: drums.

Umoya

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David Benoit & Gregg Bissonette, Brian Bromberg - Great Composers Of Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:54
Size: 120,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. Brother Go To Mothers
(4:00)  2. Cute
(6:01)  3. Django
(4:11)  4. Blue Rondo a La Turk
(4:40)  5. Some Other Time
(4:57)  6. Cakewalk
(6:02)  7. Stardust
(4:05)  8. Straight No Chaser
(5:14)  9. I Loves You Porgy
(7:27) 10. Waltz For Debby

The newly formed Vertical Jazz Records debuts with an attractive, six-CD series of straightahead trio, quartet and quintet recordings showcasing top West Coast jazz artists, many of whom had never recorded together before. Because these musicians have leaned toward pop-jazz or pursued unidentified studio work, they may surprise you with their stunning straightahead remakes of standards. These sessions, recorded under direction of executive producer/president Suzanne Severini last spring at Ocean Way Recording Studios in Hollywood, prove the label is off to a strong start. In their scintillating 10-tune tribute to the piano trio tradition of Bill Evans, The Great Composers of Jazz, pianist David Benoit, bassist Bromberg and drummer Bissonette deliver polished versions of warhorse standards. Highlights include a rousing take on Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo La Turk,” a lovely reading of the Modern Jazz Quartet classic, “Django” and a sweeping version of Evans’ most famous composition, “Waltz for Debbie.” Bromberg’s 280-year-old bass adds sonorously to the session, especially when he plays the head on “Straight, No Chaser.” Included are provocative remakes of Oscar Peterson’s “Cakewalk,” Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust,” Neal Hefti’s “Cute” and more. ~ Nancy Ann Lee https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/david-benoitgreg-bissonettebrian-bromberg-the-great-composers-of-jazz/

Personnel:  David Benoit (Piano); Brian Bromberg (Bass); Gregg Bissonette (Drums).

Great Composers Of Jazz

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