Jo Harrop & Paul Edis - When Winter Turns to Spring

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2022
Time: 41:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 95,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:48) 1. Short Story
(3:46) 2. When Winter Turns to Spring
(3:40) 3. Spring Put the Swing in My Step
(3:44) 4. Umbrellas in the Rain
(3:29) 5. A Perfect Winter's Day
(5:04) 6. Winter Love Affair (One Day Soon)
(3:05) 7. A Child is Born
(3:09) 8. New Year, New You
(4:38) 9. Breathing
(5:13) 10. In the Bleak Midwinter
(3:00) 11. Only Spring Will Decide

Although Jo Harrop had previously released albums such as Songs for the Late Hours (Lateralize, 2019) and Weathering the Storm (Lateralize, 2020), the release of The Heart Waits (Lateralize, 2021) was a quantum leap forward for the Durham-born vocalist, not least because the album included fewer covers and far more original material than before. Harrop has said of that breakthrough album, "I sent my first lyrics to [pianist] Paul Edis and we wrote "If I Knew," which became the key that unlocked the door to creating this album." In fact, of the album's twelve tracks Harrop was credited with eight of them, and Edis with three, two jointly with Harrop. So, it is no surprise that Harrop and Edis are jointly credited on When Winter Turns to Spring and that all but two of its eleven tracks are credited to one or both of them.

As with her past albums, When Winter Turns to Spring is not a haphazard collection of songs, but has a theme running through it. Just as Weathering the Storm dealt with pathos and pain, while The Heart Wants focussed on love and life, losing and then finding oneself, so When Winter Turns to Spring is a reflective journey through the seasons; on this theme, the album's only two tracks not penned by Harrop or Edis are "When a Child is Born" by Thad Jones & Alex Wilder, and an Edis arrangement of Gustav Mahler's "In the Bleak Midwinter" played on piano and guitar with no vocals.

Whatever the subject matter, Harrop's voice is always versatile enough to eloquently convey a range of moods and emotions; she always makes this sound effortless and natural. Throughout the album, in addition to his roles as composer and arranger, Edis is ever present as accompanist or soloist, fully justifying his joint billing with Harrop. Where The Heart Waits featured a plethora of guest musicians, including the likes of Christian McBride, Jason Rebello and Troy Miller, this album needs no visitors as the accompaniment perfectly complements and showcases Harrop's voice throughout. Altogether, this album is another step on Harrop's route to superstardom. By John Eyles https://www.allaboutjazz.com/when-winter-turns-to-spring-jo-harrop-and-paul-edis-lateralize

Personnel: Jo Harrop: vocals (1-7 9-11); Adam King: bass (1-2, 4, 6, 9-11); Peter Adam Hill: drums (1-2, 4, 6, 9- 11); Emma Rawicz: soprano saxophone (1), flute (4, 9) , clarinet(4, 9), bass clarinet (4) tenor saxophone (10-11); Jamie McCredie: guitar (1, 8, 11); Debs White: violin& fixer (3-4, 7, 10); Reiad Chubah: viola (3-4, 7, 10); Will Hillman: viola (3-4, 7, 10); Julia Graham: cello (4, 10); Freddie Gavita: flugel horn (4, 9) trumpet (10-11); Rory Ingham: trombone (4, 11); Bryony James: cello (4, 7); Paul Edis: piano.

When Winter Turns to Spring

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Polly Gibbons - Midnight Prayer: The Best of Polly Gibbons on Resonance

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2020
Time: 83:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 192,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:08) 1. Permit Me to Introduce You to Yourself
(4:15) 2. Miss Celie's Blues
(5:45) 3. Ability to Swing
(5:39) 4. Pure Imagination
(3:42) 5. Midnight Prayer
(4:51) 6. Company
(7:10) 7. So Good
(7:23) 8. Everything Must Change
(4:26) 9. Don't Be on the Outside
(5:56) 10. Wild Is the Wind
(5:06) 11. Dr. Feelgood
(6:28) 12. Good Hands Tonight
(6:11) 13. Love Me Like A Song
(6:04) 14. After Hours
(5:39) 15. This Is Always

Polly Gibbons is a growing presence in the UK Jazz scene. She has already been nominated twice as "Best Jazz Vocalist" by JAZZ FM and the BBC. Fully embracing the inspiring expansiveness of American Jazz, Blues, Soul and R&B, her career as a vocalist, composer and live performer is influenced by these genres. But Polly is hesitant to define her music as strictly Jazz; her eclectic repertoire and the ease and style with which she performs it, have led her to appear at a variety of music festivals and venues: from the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London opening for George Benson and Gladys Knight, or for Bozz Scaggs at the famous Montreal Jazz Festival. Equally, her fans might find her performing a weekly residency with her band at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in NYC, Ronnie Scott’s in London or at the funky new venue Rudy's down in Nashville. Her music and her voice have a broad appeal to music lovers - and her ongoing touring over the last few years in the USA has garnered her many new fans.

One might ask how a farmer's daughter (one of seven siblings), who grew up in a small market town in Suffolk, England, came to sing in some of the greatest venues in the world? Polly grew up in a family that loved various types of music and although acting was her first love, she first began to experiment with vocals at 13; and the well-known British vocalist, Ian Shaw, helped her secure her first gig in London at 17. Then she was off! She released her first album, My Own Company in 2014, and soon afterward she was contacted by the American producer, George Klabin, President of the established USA label, Resonance Records, a division of the non-profit RISING JAZZ STARS, INC.

It was at Resonance Records Beverly Hills studio where Polly recorded Many Faces of Love, released in 2015. Touring the country from Oklahoma City to Minneapolis to New York City in support of that CD began a new career phase for Polly. She soon returned to the States in the Autumn of 2016 to begin work on her second album for Resonance: Is It Me…? The album was released in April of 2017 and several new touring periods (in the USA, EUROPE and ASIA) began, attracting critical acclaim from many music critics and periodicals; for example, the American music magazine, DOWNBEAT, compared Polly to a female version of the highly acclaimed vocalist, Gregory Porter.

In the Summer of 2018 the dynamic young vocalist spent three months in NYC exploring both the eclectic music scene in the city and some of its best musicians, as well as taking on the challenge of her first live recording - her third for Resonance. It took place over two days in June at the famed Powerstation/Berklee NYC, and was staged in front of a live audience.

It was an exciting event, made even more special by the presence of several All-Star Band members who have worked with Polly on both the East Coast and West Coast, as well as in London: the keyboards were represented by the remarkable musicians Tamir Hendelman and James Pearson on the acoustic piano, and Shedrick Mitchell held court on the Hammond B3. The rhythm section featured Polly’s long time guitarist, Paul Bollenback, along with the versatile drummer Mark McClean and Richie Goods who performed on both electric and acoustic basses. The repertoire chosen for the new 12-track CD represents the vocalist as both a singer and a songwriter, and features her original title track, “All I Can Do”, as well as another track co-written with the pianist and Polly’s long-time collaborator, James Pearson, entitled “If You Had The Chance”. The remainder of the album features tunes as diverse as Prince’s “Nothing Compares to You”; a very unusual and delightful version of the great Cole Porter standard, ”Anything Goes”; and the Duke Ellington classic, “I’m Just a Lucky So and So”.

All I Can Do will be released in February of 2019, and will be supported initially by a tour of the West Coast, followed in the early Spring by performances in both the Midwest, the East Coast and the UK.

As Polly reflects on her career so far, she says, "it's a fascinating journey that's constantly in flux, there are always exciting new goals to work towards." The vocalist and songwriter is definitely on that road, and with All I Can Do out soon, she is on the way to new and extraordinary musical destinations. Stay tuned!! https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/polly-gibbons/

Midnight Prayer: The Best of Polly Gibbons on Resonance

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Noah Preminger - Ballads

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2025
Time: 37:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 86,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:42) 1. Stan's Mood
(3:53) 2. Carry Me Ohio
(5:23) 3. Unfair World
(6:17) 4. In Our 20s
(5:30) 5. Democracy
(6:35) 6. Pneu
(5:16) 7. Someone To Watch Over Me

An album of pure elegance, which can be seen as a tribute to John Coltrane. Without imitating him, it achieves the remarkable feat of presenting inspiring works with a dazzling aesthetic. My personal tastes being exceptionally broad, I find as much joy in writing these lines about this album as I would for one by Médéric Collignon, Céline Bonacina, or Wadada Leo Smith. We are not dealing with just any musician: of the Brooklyn-based saxophonist Noah Preminger, The New York Times declares: “Mr. Preminger designs a different kind of sound for each note, an individual destiny and story.”

At just 36 years old and a two-time recipient of Downbeat magazine’s Rising Star Best Tenor Saxophonist award, Preminger has recorded nearly two dozen critically acclaimed albums as a leader. These few lines from his biography encapsulate not only his style as a performer but also his philosophy of music, as it is clear that Noah Preminger possesses a singular vision, allowing us to grasp and appreciate his inner universe.

Born in 1986, Preminger grew up in Canton, Connecticut. He released his debut album, Dry Bridge Road, shortly after his 21st birthday, earning the title of Debut of the Year in the Village Voice Critics Poll. His second and third albums as a leader were released in 2011 and 2013 under Palmetto Records. The Boston Globe describes him as “a master of standards and ballads, as well as an adventurous composer.” The saxophonist has performed on prestigious stages across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and he has played or recorded alongside artists such as Jason Moran, Dave Holland, John Patitucci, Fred Hersch, Dave Douglas, Billy Hart, Rob Garcia, Joe Lovano, Victor Lewis, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Cecil McBee, George Cables, and Roscoe Mitchell. Preminger currently teaches at the Longy School of Music of Bard College and The New School.

Ballads, an album steeped in bebop, romance, and lyricism, is an exceptional work that prioritizes both substance and the aesthetics of form. This form of beauty, found as much in Pachelbel as in Coltrane, takes a modern, warm direction here, balanced by the extraordinary musicians accompanying Preminger in this venture: pianist Julian Shore, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Allan Mednard. The exceptional cohesion of this quartet offers a dynamic stage presence that would be a delight to experience live.

2025 promises jazz in all its forms, with a January that has already exceeded expectations and a February poised to do the same. The press, much like myself, deeply appreciates this artist: “Noah Preminger’s sound is beholden to no one. That makes him continually unpredictable and continually satisfying.” By The Boston Phoenix

“Mr. Preminger designs a different kind of sound for each note, an individual destiny and story.” By The New York Times

Ballads is intelligent music meant to inspire dreams, with arrangements that are both understated and stylish an album destined to find its place among our “Essential” collection. By Thierry De Clemensat https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/noah-preminger-ballads-eng-review/

Personnel: Noah Preminger – Tenor Saxophone; Julian Shore – Piano; Kim Cass – Bass; Allan Mednard – Drums

Ballads

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Sergio Mendes - In The Key of Joy Disc 1, Disc 2

Album: In The Key of Joy Disc 1
Styles: Bossa Nova
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:37
Size: 102,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:11) 1. Sabor Do Rio
(3:20) 2. Bora Lá
(2:54) 3. La Noche Entera
(3:56) 4. Samba In Heaven
(4:13) 5. Muganga
(3:13) 6. In The Key Of Joy
(4:15) 7. Love Came Between Us
(3:11) 8. Catch The Wave
(2:57) 9. Romance In Copacabana
(2:56) 10. This Is It (É Isso)
(4:26) 11. Times Goes By
(3:58) 12. Tangara

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Album: In The Key of Joy Disc 2
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:00
Size: 134,6 MB

(2:39) 1. Mas Que Nada
(4:03) 2. Agua De Beber
(3:57) 3. Primitivo
(3:24) 4. Lamento (No Morro)
(3:14) 5. Pais Tropical
(4:52) 6. Reza
(3:19) 7. Consolacao
(3:05) 8. Going Out Of My Head
(2:43) 9. The Frog
(4:29) 10. Morro Velho
(2:43) 11. The Look Of Love
(3:18) 12. Constant Rain
(4:16) 15. Never Gonna Let You Go
(4:01) 16. Fanfarra – Cabua-Le-Le

With exuberant Brazilian beats variously smoldering and at full flame, In the Key of Joy (Concord Records, 2019) archives the sound and the ambiance that defines Sergio Mendes. In 2020, the composer, keyboardist and vocalist celebrates more than sixty years in the music industry with this release. No matter how many beautiful songs and engaging records Mendes has provided over the years, many of a certain age will always first conjure up Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66. The 1960s produced a musical tapestry that was near limitless in its emotional depth and diversification. Mendes firmly yet delicately grabbed hold of that joy with both hands and has never let go. He has expressed it in pop, jazz, Brazilian and beyond. In 1968 we were treated to his spicy take on Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love" and the heartbeat of Latin romance was within us. That sound and mood has playfully filled the air ever since.

In the Key of Joy kicks off with a visit from Common on the feisty "Sabor Do Rio." This, along with the title track, with rapper Buddy, illustrate Mendes' ability to stay current and explore new territory, while never sacrificing any of his core sound. Chico Brown's catchy acoustic guitar work is augmented by vocalist Shelea on "Catch the Wave." Mendes shuns the collaborative with his own jaunty piano skills on "Romance in Copacabana." His days with bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim are remembered with pianist and co-writer Joao Donato playing a duet on the upbeat "Muganga." It's also a family affair as Mendes' wife, singer and muse Gracinha Leporace joins in the fun and Joe Pizzulo's daughter, Sugar Jones, sings "Samba in Heaven." Pizzulo himself adds a reconnect with Mendes on "Love Came Between Us." Long time collaborators Hernan Pascal and Guinga join the party as well. A true celebration of family, friends and music. On the final track, Guinga's snappy guitar grooves signify that the celebration continues.

Released in conjunction with a bright documentary of his career, In the Key of Joy is at once a homage to the past and a step forward. This is a concept record. Breezy, bright, and infectious tunes are generally not the making of a concept record. But again, Sergio Mendes does what he does best. The concept is simple. Relax, get comfortable and breathe in the joy.~Jim Worsley https://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-the-key-of-joy-sergio-mendes-concord-music-group

Personnel: Sergio Mendes: piano; Leo Costa: drums; Andre de Santana: bass; Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar; Mika Mutti: acoustic guitar, synths & rhythm design, percussion.

In The Key of Joy Disc 1, Disc 2

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Ivan Lins, Chucho Valdes E Irakere - Ao Vivo Em Cuba

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 137.3 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[9:48] 1. Lua Soberana
[4:11] 2. Somos Todos Iguais Nesta Noite
[5:59] 3. Comecar De Novo
[3:16] 4. Dinorah, Dinorah
[8:33] 5. La Explosion
[4:03] 6. Lembra De Mim
[2:52] 7. Iluminados
[7:10] 8. Garota De Ipanema
[4:18] 9. Vitoriosa
[9:44] 10. Al, Al, Al, Al, Al

The combination of Chucho Valdés’ Afro-Cuban fusion jazz with Ivan Lins’ elaborate songwriting has produced a truly world-class recording. For Ivan Lins music lovers, Ao Vivo em Cuba is more than a collection of greatest hits. The new arrangements and totally new Caribbean flavor in Lins’ songs are unforgettable and just sound well together.

Ivan Lins is not new to the world market. Since Quincy Jones’s Grammy winner arrangement of “Velas” hit the air waves in 1981, Ivan Lins’s music is being recorded by artists such as George Benson, Manhattan Transfer, Mark Murphy, Diane Schuur, Sting, Nancy Wilson and a fantastic array of renowned names. Also, the encounter of Brazil and Cuba is not new. This Brazilian-Cuban romance has survived governments and geographical distances. Pablo Milanés, for example, has sung some of his songs with Chico Buarque and Simone. This new flame with Ivan Lins is the result of the work of Julio Ballester Guzmán and Vítor Martins (Ivan Lins’s most regular songwriting partner).

As indicated in the liner notes, Ao Vivo em Cuba was recorded in La Casa de la Música (Havana, Cuba) before a live audience exclusively comprised of Cuban artists and musicians. Irakere’s Latin percussion and, especially, Chucho Valdés’s piano accompaniment carry most of the songs in this release. To give the audience a breathing moment, Ivan Lins sings a few songs only with piano accompaniment. It is during this segment of the show that we hear a medley of “Garota de Ipanema” and “Aos Nossos Filhos.” Though a rather unusual medley, the ending result is quite pleasing. However, from the opening track of “Lua Soberana/Confins,” the listener has no alternative but agree with Franklin Valverde’s statement that this CD is a “cocktail to be enjoyed slowly.” “Somos Todos Iguais Nesta Noite,” “Dinorah” or the closing track “Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai” will be anything and everything that encompass Cuban and Brazilian flavors. ~Egídio Leitão

Ao Vivo Em Cuba

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