David Hazeltine - The Jobim Songbook in New York

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:13
Size: 138,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:44)  1. Dreamer
(6:31)  2. Once I Loved
(5:26)  3. Meditation
(4:38)  4. Quiet Nights
(6:56)  5. Dindi
(6:24)  6. Wave
(4:50)  7. One Note Samba
(5:17)  8. Desafinado
(5:15)  9. Caminhos Cruzados
(3:58) 10. O Grande Amor
(4:13) 11. The Girl from Ipanema

On this project, pianist David Hazeltine takes on the music of the late Jobim (who would have turned eighty in 2007) by looking at the music from an American point of view, without the typical bossa nova elements. Most of the music presented here is well-known, from "The Girl from Ipanema to "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (titled "Quiet Nights on the CD), but what Hazeltine does here is augment the classical influence that the songs' writer brought to them. "Jobim borrows from classical sources, Hazeltine comments in the liners. "Studying classical piano opens my mind and wipes the slate clean.  One of the highlights is "Wave, which begins with the melody popularized in the US by Frank Sinatra. "One Note Samba makes good use of its syncopated beat to showcase the talents of bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Joe Farnsworth.  "Caminhos Cruzados (Crossed Paths) is a song from Jobim's early partnership with Newton Mendonça that did not become a household tune. The song's original lyrics speak of a lover who needs to call an affair off because he is tired of the other partner's attitude towards him (a recurring theme in bossa nova). Hazeltine uses the melody's sad tone to his advantage, playing slow notes to enhance its feel.

"The Girl From Ipanema may be the best-known Brazilian song of all time, with thousands of renditions. Hazeltine's take utilizes a fast-paced modern jazz beat that comes in, does its job and ends in the length of a pop single just over four minutes.  The Jobim Songbook in New York is not for strict bossa nova fans. It is, instead, a jazz disc made with an open mind. Hazeltine dares to find new elements in songs ingrained into the fabric of popular music. ~ Ernest Barteldes  www.allaboutjazz.com/the-jobim-songbook-in-new-york-david-hazeltine-chesky-records-review-by-ernest-barteldes.php

Personnel: David Hazeltine: piano; Nat Reeves: bass; Joseph Farnsworth: drums.

The Jobim Songbook in New York

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Sonny Stitt - Sonny Stitt With Strings: A Tribute To Duke Ellington

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:22
Size: 75,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:44) 1. Take The "A" Train
(4:16) 2. Prelude To A Kiss
(4:34) 3. It Don't Mean A Thing, If It Aint'Got That Swing
(5:13) 4. Cotton Tail
(4:08) 5. In A Sentimental Mood
(4:42) 6. In A Mellow Tone
(5:42) 7. Jeep's Blues

Sonny Stitt (on alto and tenor) is joined by a fine rhythm section featuring pianist Gildo Mahones and an eight-piece string section arranged by Bill Finegan for seven familiar Duke Ellington songs. No real surprises occur although the string charts are a cut above the usual. Stitt is at his most melodic and really romps on a few of these pieces, most notably "Cottontail."~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/sonny-stitt-with-strings-a-tribute-to-duke-ellington-mw0000909933

Personnel: Sonny Stitt - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone; Gildo Mahones - piano; Allen Jackson - bass; Clarence Johnston - drums; String section arranged and conducted by Bill Finegan

Sonny Stitt With Strings: A Tribute To Duke Ellington

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Lori Lieberman - Truly

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:35
Size: 100,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:03) 1. You Go To My Head
(3:45) 2. Moonlight In Vermont
(2:29) 3. I Like The Likes of You
(3:21) 4. What Kind of Fool am I
(3:49) 5. Truly
(3:13) 6. It Might As Well be Spring (C'est le Printemps)
(5:19) 7. Killing Me Softly
(3:00) 8. You Are Not my First Love
(3:59) 9. My One and Only Love
(2:57) 10. She Knows Better
(3:26) 11. Love's a Fragile Thing
(3:08) 12. Que Sera, Sera

Truly, quite possibly Lori Lieberman's finest album to-date, both musically & sonically, is guaranteed to become an audiophile favorite. A potpourri of fresh covers from the American Songbook, sprinkled with new, original compositions, embellished by thoughtful arrangements, played by some of the finest musicians, Truly was recorded, mixed and mastered to perfection. Joe Cali, executive producer, assembled a Grammy award winning crew for Truly. Lori 's voice is in shockingly fine form, but wait until you hear Matt Rollings on piano & Hammond B-3 organ and the amazing Lyle Workman on guitar. The album was co-produced by Lori Lieberman and Matt Rollings. Recorded & mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Darcy Proper. This is Lori's finest sounding album. Eight songs are covers which Lori listened to with her father, while driving in Switzerland as a child, bopping to an eight track car stereo.

Two originals were co-written forty years ago with Joe Harnell and never previously recorded. While there is one fresh composition, the title track "Truly" and a wonderful re-imagining of Lori's classic - "Killing Me Softly". Matt Rollings gorgeous jazz improvisation on piano opens the song, later the song is fleshed out by David Pitch (bass), Victor Indrizzo (drums) & Lyle Workman (guitar). In contrast, the original version, recorded when Lori was 19, sounds truly dated. Lori's new version, here on Truly, is the most heartfelt and brought the experienced Bob Clearmountain to tears. Lori's "Moonlight In Vermont" sounds remarkably fresh and current. The song opens with Matt Rollings piano which provides a wonderful counterpoint to her singing. When the rhythm section and Lyle Workman on guitar join in, the party starts to swing. Lyle Workman's twenty second guitar sorbet is clean & refreshing, every note tugs at your heart. We are talking goosebumps territory here. Lori continues singing with the band in full swing it's glorious. Her singing displays maturity & delivers wonderful shades of emotion & passion. This is a top shelf project and it sounds it. https://sirenrecords.com/UPC/793888291171

Personnel: Lori Lieberman, vocal; Matt Rollings, piano; David Piltch, bass; Lyle Workman, guitar; Victor Indrizzo, drums

Truly

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