Blossom Dearie - Soubrette: Sings Broadway Hit Songs

Size: 84,6 MB
Time: 35:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1960/2004
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front & Back

01. Guys And Dolls (From Guys And Dolls) (2:46)
02. Confession (From The Bandwagon) (2:39)
03. Rhode Island Is Famous For You (From Inside USA) (2:09)
04. To Keep My Love Alive (From A Connecticut Yankee) (3:20)
05. Too Good For The Average Man (From On Your Toes) (3:26)
06. The Gentleman Is A Dope (From Allegro) (4:12)
07. Always True To You In My Fashion (From Kiss Me Kate) (2:47)
08. Napoleon (From Jamaica) (4:13)
09. Life Upon The Wicked Stage (From Showboat) (2:36)
10. The Physician (From Nymph Errant) (2:14)
11. Love Is The Reason (From A Tree Grows In Brooklyn) (3:31)
12. Buckle Down Winsocki (From Best Foot Forward) (1:48)

To hear Blossom Dearie's early records for Verve is to think that she would excel singing any song in any circumstance; to hear Soubrette: Sings Broadway Hit Songs is to realize that even she has limitations. Dearie, cast as the soubrette ("the saucy-serving-maid" or "the heroine's confidante," from the liner notes), is certainly a perfect fit for the role, which draws upon her skill at delivering witty material with a wink and a smile. This record fails nevertheless for two reasons -- it's her first record with full orchestral arrangements, and she doesn't impress when she's singing a comic song straight (comparatively speaking), which she does here. The arrangements of Russ Garcia are inventive but burdensome, and overly close for a Blossom Dearie date; instead of following every one of her humorous lines with its auditory equivalent (usually brass or vibraphone), far better to let the soubrette speak for herself. And Dearie herself missteps when singing a few of these ("Guys and Dolls" and "Life Upon the Wicked Stage") with no trace of her jazz smarts and unfailing interpretive sense. A few songs allow her to float the punch lines without undue intrusion, such as "To Keep My Love Alive" (in which a female serial killer explains her actions) and the eccentric, playful state-naming "Rhode Island Is Famous for You." ~by John Bush

Soubrette: Sings Broadway Hit Songs

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The Larry Goldings Trio - The Zombie Room

Size: 119,2 MB
Time: 50:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Tell The Wolves Im Home (4:37)
02. The Zombie Room (3:59)
03. Last Exit To Brooklyn (3:09)
04. When Nietzsche Wept (3:52)
05. I Dreamt The Snow Was Burning (2:58)
06. Sick Of Shadows (3:58)
07. In Watermelon Sugar (5:14)
08. Sorry I Ruined Your Orgy (4:22)
09. The Color Of Magic (5:49)
10. Lolita (4:54)
11. How To Lie With Statistics (4:07)
12. The Sky Is Everywhere (3:50)

Larry Goldings is a Grammy-nominated pianist, keyboardist, composer, and songwriter. Among jazz enthusiasts, Goldings' organ trio with Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart has been recognized for charting new ground, with synergistic playing and hard-swinging yet thoughtful music. Goldings' talents have been sought-after by an impressive range of musicians including James Taylor, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Tracy Chapman, Rickie Lee Jones, Charlie Haden, Steve Gadd, Herbie Hancock, Sia, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, and Leon Russell.

Larry has recorded 18 albums as a leader, hundreds more as a sideman, and has collaborated on a long-term basis with Maceo Parker, Jim Hall, Michael Brecker, and John Scofield. Goldings has been recording and touring with iconic singer-songwriter James Taylor since 2001, and is the featured musician on Taylor's One Man Band CD/DVD, the culmination of a two year world-wide tour with James and Larry in duet.

In 2007, Goldings received a Grammy nomination (Best Instrumental Jazz Album of the Year) for his live album Trio Beyond - Saudades (ECM) with John Scofield and Jack DeJohnette. His compositions have been recorded by Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Toots Thielemans, Jim Hall, Gaby Moreno, Bill DeMain, Jane Monheit, Spencer Day, Curtis Stigers, Mike Viola, Lea Michele, Sia, and others. The 2014 UK Songwriting contest awarded Larry, along with Dannielle DeAndrea and David Batteau, "Best Song" in the Jazz/Blues category for the composition, "High Dreams."

Goldings composed the music for the 2013 feature film Dealin' With Idiots, written and directed by Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm). His music graces the soundtracks of Seth Rogan's Neighbors, Judd Apatow's Funny People, as well as the films Space Cowboys, Proof, NBC's The Office, and most recently, an upcoming TBS sitcom, Your Family or Mine, for which Larry co-wrote the music. Goldings' music is frequently heard on NPR's critically-acclaimed This American Life.

Larry's most recent recording, Music From The Front Room, is a freshly untraditional piano trio outing, with Larry playing Steinway upright piano, and features David Piltch on bass, and Jay Bellerose on drums.

The Zombie Room

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Scott Hamilton, Leah Kline & Francesca Tandoi - Triple Treat

Size: 122,1 MB
Time: 52:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Easy To Love (4:07)
02. Early Autumn (7:13)
03. Get Out Of Town (4:02)
04. Little Jazz Bird (5:20)
05. First Song (4:38)
06. Four Brothers (3:41)
07. (He's) Funny That Way (5:36)
08. Star Eyes (4:04)
09. Light At Heart (3:56)
10. But Not For Me (3:58)
11. Blame It On My Youth (5:54)

In Holland ( the Netherlands) I have been living and working with a WIDE variety of musicians. What is so amazing about living here, is that there is for me a lot of freedom to explore my voice and my own musical sensitivities.
I was singing with a swing band Dr. Bernard and his Swing band, and this band focused on Benny goodman style music. Which , being a dancer ages ago. made me very interested in singing on the beat, whereby most torch songs are sung with a back phrasing. I really enjoyed being the one to set a tempo and push the band. This skill became handy when I took on this project of Sax, piano and voice. All lead instruments, all of us soloists, all of us creating tension by phrasing behind the beat.
I felt it was my responsibility sometimes to sing ON THE beat , to create variety.
For Francesca ( our lovely Italian/Roman) pianist the task was of course heavy on her to be the rhythm section,
Scott is known for his smooth languid delivery. We didn't really ask him to phrase differently.. We didn't dare! ha ha.

But as far as variety is concerned, I felt it was also nice to sing and play in layers, for instance in First song and some other tunes, I sing some phrases above to color the solo or Thicken the sound layer.

Being young people playing the oldies, I am really proud of the modal treatment of some of the tunes. I think for this I really like Get out of Town. Francesca and I played with the double time feel but then also extending the bars. The double time tempo really comes in the B part. and I took the liberty of adjusting the lyrics ( her also phrasing forward) to get all the lyrical meaning without rushing.

In every album I make there is always One original tune and on this album it's Light at Heart. These were lyrics that I made for a colleague of mine. Anne Chris who decided to write her own lyrics, so I took the lyrics to Dirk Balthaus who I worked with for 5 years and on the album JuzzFlirtin, and he created the melody to this tune. But we only made one album together. I asked Francesca to play it, and she really dug it.

Francesca is a sort of italian, Blossom Dearie, and I thought it was a shame to not ask her to sing a tune so we added But not For me, for fun. I liked also adjusting my voice tone to blend with her mood.

Four Brothers , is Francesca's favorite, and our snapping really helps to hear her groove. Scott just whipped out the harmony at the session.
What I really like about Scott is that we only rehearsed once, and the interpretations and solos are truly intuitive and not overly spoken.

First Song, I love the lyrics, but I also love the melody, and I like the original key which is difficult to sing the lyrics to convincingly as it is so far out of the speaking voice for me. So.. I just hummed it.. a bit nasal so it would penetrate. It has a spiritual quality. Like in a church or a boys choir like feel. I suppose it's a compliment, but one of the first listeners said about this tune, " When I die, I want this played at my funeral. So beautiful! " now can you get more spiritual than that.

This Album's idea was brought about by Scott Hamilton's mananger in the Benelux area. Jerry Steyger, who is also the manager of the Bernard Berkhout Band. He said this is the First Time Scott has recorded a trio album without a rhythm section. So I hope it is worthy of that debut. I am certainly honored. Both parties on the album are true professionals and it was a pleasure to work with them. Quickly, intuitively and nice vibes.

My inspirations for this album are definitely Anita O'day, Kurt Elling, and I suppose a bit of Blossom Dearie too!
Hope you enjoy listening.
Léah Kline

Triple Treat

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McClenty Hunter Jr. - The Groove Hunter

Size: 121,2 MB
Time: 51:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Blue Chopsticks (4:57)
02. The Big Push (7:44)
03. Autumn (6:25)
04. That Girl (5:42)
05. My Love (6:20)
06. Sack Full Of Dreams (4:35)
07. I Remember When (5:50)
08. Countdown (3:40)
09. Give Thanks (6:42)

Drummer McClenty Hunter Jr. has left an indelible mark on the scene in the years since his move from the Washington D.C. area to the New York proving grounds. Whether taking to the studio with Jim Snidero, tearing it up on stage with icons like Curtis Fuller and Lou Donaldson, or holding down the fort during his lengthy stays in the respective bands of Kenny Garrett and Dave Stryker, Hunter has continually shown his true musical mettle and risen to every challenge and situation he's faced. Now, he takes on the ultimate responsibility—the mantle of leadership—on this, his debut.

The Groove Hunter is both a gathering of friends, a display of diversity, and a marshaling of forces. Hunter brings together a collection of colleagues to cover a wide spectrum of material that leaves no doubt as to the veracity of his position within the jazz community and his groove-hunting habits. He quickly shifts from dirty hi-hat slams to swing on Herbie Nichols' "Blue Chopsticks," serving as the engine of a trio train engineered by pianist Eric Reed. Then he ably backs a horn happening on "The Big Push," takes a back seat to beauty while Stacy Dillard's tenor takes center stage during "Autumn," shuffles his way into a barroom vibe on a Stryker-enhanced take of Stevie Wonder's "That Girl," and ushers the listener from the quietude of Reed's eighty-eights to a John Coltrane-ish realm on "My Love." In each and every instance Hunter holds down the fort and gives the song just what it needs.

The second half of the album, giving Hunter the opportunity to further diversify his portfolio and showcase the heavy company he keeps, is no less pleasing. Stryker returns for an understated "Sack Full Of Dreams" with a low-key soul feel, Hunter joins with pianist Christian Sands and bassist Eric Wheeler for his own nostalgic-turned-triumphant "I Remember When," and muscle and tussle define the day when Donald Harrison's alto leads the charge on Coltrane's "Countdown." Then the tonal beauty of toms underscores reflection and praise on the album-closing "Give Thanks."

In fleshing out this vision, Hunter delivers a work of strength without ego, passion without piousness, and art without artifice. It's music that's straight from—and to—the heart. The Groove Hunter's aim is right and true. ~by Dan Bilawsky

Personnel: McClenty Hunter Jr.: drums; Eddie Henderson: trumpet (2); Donald Harrison: alto saxophone (2, 8); Stacy Dillard: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone (2, 3, 5); Eric Reed: piano (1-3, 5, 8-9); Christian Sands: piano, Fender Rhodes (4, 6-7); Dave Stryker: guitar (4, 6); Corcoran Holt: bass (1-3, 5, 8-9); Eric Wheeler: bass (4, 6-7).

The Groove Hunter

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LaVon Hardison - There Will Be Trouble

Size: 97,5 MB
Time: 41:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. My Funny Valentine (4:12)
02. Frim Fram Sauce (3:20)
03. Should I Stay Or Should I Go (3:22)
04. Mood Indigo (5:01)
05. Heat Wave (3:34)
06. It's Only A Paper Moon (2:53)
07. Firework (7:12)
08. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (2:51)
09. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:42)
10. One Fine Day (5:37)

Did you ever hear a cover version of a popular song and think "That's what it's all about!"? Chances are you’ll feel that way about all of the songs on LaVon Hardison's "There Will Be Trouble." Her fourth release -- and by far her most compelling work to date -- comprises ten eclectic selections that prove that great songs are great songs, regardless of genre or age.

Her selections range from the raucous 1925 jazz standard "Sweet Georgia Brown" anchored by stellar baritone sax work from Hans Teuber, to a powerfully intimate re-imagining of Katy Perry's 2010 hit "Firework."

In between, LaVon visits the 1930s ("My Funny Valentine," "Mood Indigo," "It's Only a Paper Moon"); the 1940s ("Frim Fram Sauce"); the 1960s ("Heat Wave," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)," "One Fine Day"); and the 1980s ("Should I Stay or Should I Go").

Each stop on this trip through diverse times and styles will make you smile, or cry, or think about your own journey in a new way. LaVon's remarkable ability as a musical storyteller -- rooted in a lifetime of acting and musical performance -- helps her become a conduit connecting song to listener. And the top-notch musicians she's chosen to work with support her voice at every step with just the right mix of verve and attitude.

Taking this musical journey with her, you can under stand why LaVon was acclaimed as Earshot Jazz's 2017 Northwest Vocalist of the Year and winner of the 2016 Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition

There Will Be Trouble

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Peter Ecklund - Ecklund At Elkhart The Classic All-Stars

Styles: Trumpet And Cornet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:00
Size: 156,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:55)  1. Opening Remarks
(6:19)  2. Sweethearts On Parade
(3:20)  3. Yacht Club Swing
(4:29)  4. Trees
(5:51)  5. Somebody Stole My Gal
(3:47)  6. The Moon Is Low
(3:17)  7. Indian Summer
(2:47)  8. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
(5:10)  9. Borneo
(4:44) 10. Black Cat Moan
(5:48) 11. Doin' The New Low-Down
(2:18) 12. Nobody's Sweetheart
(4:18) 13. How And I To Know?
(4:03) 14. Prince Of Wails
(4:47) 15. Where The Blue Of The Night

This CD has trumpeter and cornetist Peter Ecklund leading an all-star septet that he assembled for the 1994 Elkhart Indiana Jazz Festival. Ecklund is joined by the members of the Orphan Newsboys (clarinetist Bobby Gordon, rhythm guitarist and singer Marty Grosz, and bassist Greg Cohen) plus trombonist Dan Barrett, pianist Mark Shane, and drummer Hal Smith. Grosz has four vocals, Ecklund whistles on "Where the Blue of the Night," and the band romps on such numbers as "Yacht Club Swing," "Borneo," "Nobody's Sweetheart," and "Prince of Wails." The musicians play up to their usual level, so this set is easily recommended to mainstream swing collectors. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/ecklund-at-elkhart-mw0000775326

Personnel: Peter Ecklund (whistling, trumpet, cornet); Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Bobby Gordon (clarinet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Mark Shane (piano); Hal Smith (drums).

Ecklund At Elkhart The Classic All-Stars

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David Grisman Quintet - Dawg's Groove

Styles: Mandolin
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:09
Size: 138,5 MB
Art: Front

( 6:54)  1. Limestones
( 5:09)  2. La Grande Guignole
( 7:18)  3. Ella McDonnell
( 5:48)  4. Zambola
( 6:31)  5. Tracy's Tune
( 5:22)  6. Dawg's Groove
( 5:17)  7. Cinderella's Fella
( 5:27)  8. My Friend Dawg
(12:17)  9. Blues For Vassar

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of creating his unique "Dawg Music," mandolinist David Grisman's long running quintet has one significant personnel change on this studio date for Dawg's Groove: the replacement of percussionist/fiddler/mandolinist Joe Craven (who launched a solo career) with the return of drummer George Marsh. Grisman's recordings have infrequently included a full drum kit, but Marsh's sensitive touch fits the leader's demands perfectly, though his explosive trade-offs in Grisman's opener "Limestones" prove he's not present just for background work. Marsh also contributed the tender ballad "Waltz for Lucy" (written in memory of his daughter). Grisman's superb musicianship seems to get even better over time, while he also wrote a number of new compositions for this session. Matt Eakle's playful flute remains a focal point and he composed the catchy, brisk samba "My Friend Dawg." Bassist Jim Kerwin, the longest tenured sideman in the quintet, along with guitarist Enrique Coria, a fine addition in 1994, also make important contributions to the Grisman sound. The closing track, "Blues for Vassar," is more of a sensitive waltz in tribute to the late fiddler Vassar Clements, who joined Grisman in various projects by Old & In the Way. Up to his usual tricks, the mandolinist adds a bonus untitled hidden track, as well. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/dawgs-groove-mw0000563287

Personnel:  David Grisman – mandolin, mandola;  George Marsh – drums, percussion;  Matt Eakle – flute, bass flute, tin whistle;  Enrique Coria - guitar, whistle;  Jim Kerwin – bass

Dawg's Groove

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Buddy Terry - Lean on Him

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:18
Size: 99,4 MB
Art: Front

( 5:55)  1. Lean on Me (Lean on Him)
( 5:39)  2. Holy, Holy, Holy
( 3:13)  3. Climbing Higher Mountains
( 4:52)  4. Amazing Grace
(10:17)  5. Inner Peace
( 5:45)  6. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
( 7:34)  7. Love Offering

One of the fullest albums we've ever heard from saxophonist Buddy Terry a set that has him blowing along with a set of soulful larger backings sometimes with a bit of gospel overtones as well! The lineup on the album's pretty darn hip players who include Larry Willis on electric piano, Jay Berliner on guitar, Ernie Hayes on organ, Wilbur Bascomb on Fender bass, Bernard Purdie on drums, and Lawrence Killian on percussion plus added vocals from a group that includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Alphonse Mouzon, and Peaches Wilson! Buddy arranges and conducts and while his tenor and soprano get some space in the arrangements, the overall sound is more focused on the full spirit of the group. Titles include "Lean On Me (Lean On Him)", "Love Offering", "Inner Peace", "Amazing Grace", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Holy Holy Holy", and "Climbing Higher Mountains".  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/850259/Buddy-Terry:Lean-On-Him

Personnel:  Buddy Terry - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, arranger;  Eddie Henderson - trumpet, flugelhorn;  Jay Berliner - electric guitar;  Larry Willis - piano, electric piano;  Ernie Hayes - organ;  Wilbur Bascomb - electric bass;  Bernard Purdie - drums;  Lawrence Killian - percussion;  Alphonse Mouzon, Dee Dee Bridgewater - vocals

Lean on Him

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Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band - Presence

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:13
Size: 177,5 MB
Art: Front

( 9:29)  1. The Scythe
( 8:27)  2. Question
(10:37)  3. Onward
( 3:15)  4. When It Comes
(10:03)  5. Flip the Script
(11:53)  6. Trams
(13:07)  7. Answer
( 8:58)  8. Presence
( 1:19)  9. When It Comes (alternate take)

You have to wonder how many outlets a restless creative like hard bopping pianist Orrin Evans needs to fully express himself. Twenty-five or so albums into a legacy that finds him as the newest member of The Bad Plus after years of riffing and ripping it up with The Mingus Big Band, experimenting with soul/jazz Luv Park; solo successes Faith In Action, (Posi-Tone, 2010); The Evolution of Oneself (Smoke Session, 2014) and various collaborations, Evans still has a talent bursting with ideas that he channels through the explosively celebratory Captain Jack Big Band. Named after his father's favorite pipe tobacco, even a scaled down Captain Black on Presence brings to the bandstand a veritable village of Evans' Philadelphia family. And they all shine bright. Caleb Wheeler Curtis and Todd Bashoreshare alto sax duties. John Raymond,Bryan Davis, and Josh Lawrence bring the trumpets. David Gibson, Brent White, and Stafford Hunter man the trombones. Hard honking, streetwise Troy Roberts blows a fierce and fiery tenor sax. Holding down the fort for all these guys to fly are bassist Madison Rastand the double drumming threat of Anwar Marshall and Jason Brown. Recorded hot and live at Philly's South Jazz Kitchen and Chris' Jazz Cafe, this taut ensemble repeatedly gives the audience its money worth, breaking from the gate with the boisterous and bouncing "The Scythe." Evans brings his love of McCoy Tyner to the effervescent foreground, while Roberts shakes the rafters. A swirling dervish of a track, it is only the beginning. 

Fired up, the audience excitement is palpable as Roberts vigorously solos centerstage intro-ing the rousing post bop "Question" a brassy feast wherein each player readily picks up the other's challenge, pushing the music forward. Trumpeter Raymond's "Onward" is a thrilling ten minutes, shifting seamlessly from an almost anthemic conversation between Evans and Rast to trombones and trumpets signaling a sea-change of time and meter. Evans' "Flip The Script" is a swinging juggernaut, a mighty, Charles Mingus-like blast of reeds and rhythm. Roberts and Curtis are particularly locked in and exuberant as the pianist dodges in between in all, like a boxer trying to land the finishing punch on an ever moving opponent. "Trams" a Roberts' original, is all languid vitality, a bluesy, juke joint highlight. The title track is a raw performance and quite possibly the nearest thing on Presence that one could term traditional. ~ Mike Jurkovic https://www.allaboutjazz.com/presence-orrin-evans-smoke-sessions-records-review-by-mike-jurkovic.php

Personnel:  Orrin Evans: piano;  Caleb Curtis: alto saxophone;  Todd Bashore: alto saxophone;  John Raymond: trumpet;  Bryan Davis: trumpet;  Josh Lawrence: trumpets;  David Gibson: trombone;  Brent White; trombone; Stafford Hunter: trombones; Troy Roberts: tenor saxophone;  Madison Rast: bass; Anwar Marshall: drums; Jason Brown: drums.

Presence

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