Bucky Pizzarelli And Strings - So Hard To Forget

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:52
Size: 142,2 MB
Art: Front + Back

( 4:47)  1. Laura
( 4:02)  2. Slow Burning
(11:48)  3. Duke Ellington Medley :  Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me In a Sentimenta
( 5:20)  4. It's Easy to Remember
( 3:34)  5. Sonatina in A : First Movement
( 2:25)  6. Sonatina in A : Second Movement
( 4:07)  7. My One and Only Love
( 3:11)  8. Prelude to a Kiss
( 5:17)  9. Wabash One More Time
( 5:08) 10. Tarantella Opus 87a
( 2:25) 11. Test Pilot
( 8:20) 12. Boots Blues
( 1:22) 13. Last Night When We Were Young

Several well-known jazz musicians have used string quartets to complement their performances over the decades, and many have come up with resultant syrupy mixes drowning individuality via over-production. Thankfully, this collaboration between legitimate jazz string players and legendary veteran guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli does not suffer from sucrose saturation, as these sessions were conceived and played with large amounts of taste, class, and substance. Cellist Jesse Levy, violist Valerie Levy, and violinists Aaron Weinstein and Sara Caswell all are very capable of swinging this program of standards along quite well, while Pizzarelli's seven-string amplified or acoustic guitar has more than enough fuel to keep the songs moving along in a interesting manner without forcing or dragging them into a saccharine morass. Bassist Jerry Bruno, a longtime collaborator of Pizzarelli, is added to five cuts, while the repertoire includes American popular songs, works of Duke Ellington, legitimate Spanish classical works, and the music of George M. Smith. This is Pizzarelli's seventh recording for the Arbors label as a leader, and his 30th project for them overall, proof of his endurance and continuing interest in making good music consistently through the decades of his golden years. 

The technique of counterpoint between Pizzarelli and the strings crops up on the fun, '30s hot jazz-flavored Smith composition "Test Pilot," while the other Smith number, "Slow Burning," has the leader and Bruno conversing with the strings replying in slight refrains. Employing mainly the solo format, Pizzarelli's take of "It's Easy to Remember" is a ballad, deepened by the late-arriving strings sadly agreeing that separation is inevitable, while the short closer, "Last Night When We Were Young," has the guitarist pulling out harmonic chord flourishes of pensive introspection. Duke Ellington's music is lovingly interpreted in a 12-minute medley where Pizzarelli bends bluesy notes and chords, and does a polite version of "Prelude to a Kiss" alongside second guitarist Frank Vignola.

Federico Torroba's Sonatina in two movements is a classical bolero waltz, with a changed up George Gershwin Americana-styled second part, while Tarantella Opus 87a is a lithe Italian chamber piece in 2/4 instead of the typical 6/8 time. Bouncy, upbeat, and happy, "Wabash One More Time" is the best swinger, while Pizzarelli's "Boots Blues" is a straightforward, easygoing tune, with help from Vignola and solos by both the exceptional violinists. This CD is a pleasant listening experience that yields more upon additional playings, best heard with significant others or ideally at dinner. It is also another fine effort in the long and illustrious career of one of the truly great jazz guitarists of all time.By Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/so-hard-to-forget-mw0000801885.

Personnel: Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar, 7-string guitar); Frank Vignola (guitar); Sara Caswell, Aaron Weinstein (violin); Valerie Levy (viola, cello); Jessy Levy, Jesse Levy (cello); Jerry Bruno, Martin Pizzarelli (bass instrument).

So Hard To Forget

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JaLaLa - That Old Mercer Magic!

Styles: Vocal Jazz 
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:16
Size: 120,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:00)  1. Spring, Spring, Spring
(5:30)  2. You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby
(3:35)  3. Jeepers Creepers
(4:22)  4. My Shining Hour
(4:24)  5. Accentuate The Positive
(3:34)  6. Dream
(3:29)  7. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:56)  8. Riding On The Moon
(7:29)  9. Moon River / Moon Country
(4:34) 10. Have You Got Any Castles Baby?
(2:18) 11. Too Marvelous For Words
(5:58) 12. The Dance Of Life

Janis Siegel has done a fair amount of recording away from the Manhattan Transfer during her decades-long tenure with the vocal group, but this a rare opportunity to hear her with other vocalists outside of it. JaLaLa, featured on four selections, includes Laurel Massé and Lauren Kinhan on vocals, with each singer leading individual selections.; the core group of musicians includes pianist Yaron Gershovsky, bassist David Finck, guitarist Frank Vignola, and drummer Matt Wilson, with guests added or substituted on some pieces. The songs selected from Johnny Mercer's vast output include both still-popular standards and obscurities, with the supporting cast varying from one track to the next. All three vocalists join forces for a fun-filled romp through "Ac-Cent-U-Ate the Positive" and the neglected "Spring Spring Spring," both of which add pedal steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar. Siegel handles both "Jeepers Creepers" and "Too Marvelous for Words" effortlessly. Kinhan shines in the breezy bossa nova setting of "My Shining Hour," while Massé delivers a warm "Moon River" which is joined in a medley with the less familiar "Moon Country," a sauntering chart that features JaLaLa. Only the lame setting of "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," saddled with the inane antics of DJ Sugarkone and a bland groove, proves disappointing. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-old-mercer-magic%21-mw0000820178

Personnel: Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé (vocals); David Finck (guitar, acoustic bass); Frank Vignola (guitar); Aaron Weinstein (mandolin, violin); Sara Caswell (violin); Margot Leverett (clarinet); Lew Soloff (trumpet); Yaron Gershovsky (piano); Matt Wilson (drums); Rich "Dusty Chopmeat" Zukor (djembe); Eric Elterman (hand claps).

That Old Mercer Magic!

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Jessica Molaskey - A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:13
Size: 142,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. Happy Habit
(4:20)  2. Baby Medley
(3:28)  3. Hello Sunshine Hello
(4:12)  4. A Kiss to Build a Dream On
(3:17)  5. Louis
(4:09)  6. Tea for Two
(3:41)  7. Take Me to You
(4:13)  8. Breezin' Along With the Breeze
(3:48)  9. Isn't He Something
(3:46) 10. Hiding in Plain Sight
(3:07) 11. Four Leaf Clover
(5:51) 12. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
(5:53) 13. Ain't Misbehavin'
(4:49) 14. Bye Bye Blues
(2:48) 15. Heart's Desire

When Broadway actress Jessica Molaskey met jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, an engaging partnership (both musical and marital) was formed. Molaskey enjoyed the musical family she married into, including father and guitarist Bucky and brother-in-law/bassist Martin, all of whom join her on her first CD for a purely jazz label. Rounding out the band is the talented young violinist Aaron Weinstein, a swinging, sensitive player in the Stéphane Grappelli tradition whose maturity on his instrument belies his youth. One of Molaskey's greatest strengths is her effortless ability to convey the emotion of each song without overdoing it, while her vocals are always right on the money. She also chose quite a few pieces that have long fallen into obscurity, including the upbeat "Happy Habit," the brightly swinging "Hello Sunshine Hello" (which interpolates "You Are My Sunshine" and utilizes multi-tracked vocals), and "Breezin' Along with the Breeze." John joins her for an intimate vocal duet of "Tea for Two" that includes the oft-omitted verse, along with their warm original "Hiding in Plain Sight," the latter adding guest Larry Fuller on piano. She also chose a pair of Stephen Sondheim songs, offering a playful rendition of "Everybody Loves Louis" (from Sunday in the Park with George and the sentimental ballad "Isn't He Something" (from Bounce. Jessica Molaskey will warm an audience of any size with this superb release. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-kiss-to-build-a-dream-on-mw0000797982

Personnel:  Jessica Molaskey-vocals;  John Pizzarelli-guitar, vocal duets (6, 10);  Bucky Pizzarelli-guitar;  Martin Pizzarelli-bass;  Aaron Weinstein-violin;  Larry Fuller-piano (10)

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

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Ken Peplowski Gypsy Jazz Band - Gypsy Lamento

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:15
Size: 140,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:19)  1. Topsy
(4:42)  2. Anouman
(4:54)  3. Crepuscube
(4:26)  4. Tears
(7:33)  5. I'm Confessin'
(4:35)  6. Minor Swing
(4:24)  7. Solitude
(5:18)  8. Nympheus
(4:15)  9. Please
(5:33) 10. Nuages
(4:26) 11. I've Hat My Moments
(2:46) 12. Time On My Hands

This is a gypsy combo of the Django Reinhardt persuasion, rather than being fully-crazed wedding party cacophony. In fact, reedman Ken Peplowski makes matters even more specialized by concentrating on a preponderance of slow plodders rather than the frenetic hurtling that many gypsy jazz guitar outfits now prefer. The album's cover is slightly strange. Two pseudo-brides in billowing white silk cavort with a pair of goats. Is this what gypsy life entails?  Half of the compositions are written by the old Belgian guitar master Reinhardt, with Peplowski flanked by guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and Howard Alden, which is certainly an impressive way to be surrounded. This is a world where reeds are not always invited, but Peplowski smoothly slides in his clarinet and tenor saxophone, delivering some of the most sensitive solos of his career. Pizzarelli and Alden opt for steely picking, bright with a percussive attack, but it sounds like it's the former who's taking most of the solos.

The playing, arrangements and production qualities make this a disc to savor, even though it would benefit from a few more briskly trotting numbers. Peplowski's oozing clarinet closeness on "Anouman" sinks the listener into a less familiar Reinhardt tune. Next up, his tenor tone on "Crepuscule" is magnificent; sounding like the mic is buried deep inside its velvet-lined bowels. Violinist Aaron Weinstein isn't around much, but when he's soloing, the impact is noticeable. He's half slick sluice, half hot friction. The guitars engage in a dialogue during "I'm Confessin,'" the leader layers up both of his horns on "Please," conversing with himself, while it's just Peplowski and Pizzarelli together for the closing "Time On My Hands." This album is an oldster's reflection, but this is no bad thing. Peplowski burns up frequently during other sessions, so a reclined set makes for a pleasurable change. ~ Martin Longley  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/gypsy-lamento-ken-peplowski-venus-records-review-by-martin-longley.php
 

Personnel: Ken Peplowski: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden: guitars; Aaron Weinstein: violin; Frank Tate: bass; Chuck Redd: drums.

Gypsy Lamento

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Jay Geils, Gerry Beaudoin & The King Of Strings - St

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:32
Size: 146,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Desert Sands
(4:06)  2. The Flat Foot Floogie
(2:56)  3. Jackie's Serenade
(3:48)  4. Sweet Georgia Brown
(7:46)  5. All Blues
(6:26)  6. In a Mellow Tone/ Rose Room
(6:15)  7. Out of Nowhere
(4:26)  8. Blue Benedetto
(4:33)  9. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:10) 10. Minor Swing
(5:49) 11. I Thought About You
(5:04) 12. Take the A Train
(4:49) 13. Sweet One

Veteran guitarists Jay Geils and Gerry Beaudoin, aka the Kings of Strings, welcome to their jazz den a cub, young fiddle phenom Aaron Weinstein. Beaudoin is a Grammy-nominated guitarist and Jay Geils is the iconic founder of the eponymous rock & roll J.Geils Band. Together they hit some nice grooves and breeze us gently through an eclectic, easy-going set of Tin Pan Alley and Swing Era classics, with a few original blues and a timeless bop blues update.

Personnel: Gerry Beaudoin-guitar, Jay Geils-guitar, Aaron Weinstein-violin & mandolin, Bob Nieske-bass, Les Harris Jr-drums

Jay Geils, Gerry Beaudoin & The King Of Strings

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Rebecca Kilgore - Rebecca Kilgore's Lovefest at the Pizzarelli Party

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:23
Size: 138,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. How Are You Fixed for Love
(5:27)  2. Middle of Love
(3:11)  3. Loads of Love
(5:15)  4. Let There Be Love
(4:29)  5. Where Is Love?
(5:02)  6. It's Love
(4:58)  7. That Tired Routine Called Love
(5:02)  8. Love Is a Necessary Evil
(5:16)  9. That Old Devil Called Love
(4:45) 10. Take Love Easy
(7:49) 11. Down With Love / Hooray for Love
(4:03) 12. Something Like Love

One can almost hear Rebecca Kilgore smiling as she sings. Since she launched her jazz career, she's been a jazz party favorite and has often displayed a penchant for digging up forgotten songs. For these 2010 sessions, she shares the spotlight with some of her regular collaborators on record dates (most of whom she's shared the stage with as well), including guitarists Bucky and John Pizzarelli, bassist Martin Pizzarelli, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Larry Fuller, drummer Tony Tedesco, and violinist Aaron Weinstein, with love being a common theme in the music. The little licks added behind her vocals in the swinging opener, "How Are You Fixed for Love," demonstrate the natural chemistry of the musicians. The haunting ballad "Where Is Love?," written for the movie Oliver!, is a warm feature with John Pizzarelli's soft guitar; Tedesco adds gentle brushwork, while Weinstein detours into "Who Will Buy?" from the same film in his brief solo.

Kilgore's lively approach to Matt Dennis' "That Tired Routine Called Love" makes one wonder why jazz singers have overlooked this gem for so long. Harry Allen's sassy tenor is the perfect accompaniment to the singer in her swinging take of Duke Ellington's obscure "Take Love Easy." There isn't a weak spot throughout this enjoyable CD, something Rebecca Kilgore fans have long come to expect when giving her latest release its initial spin. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/lovefest-at-the-pizzarelli-party-mw0002087161

Personnel: Rebecca Kilgore, vocal; John Pizzarelli, guitar; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar; Martin Pizzarelli, bass; Aaron Weinstein, violin; Harry Allen, tenor sax; Larry Fuller, piano; Tony Tedesco, drums.

Rebecca Kilgore's Lovefest at the Pizzarelli Party

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John Pizzarelli - Rockin' In Rhythm

Styles: Jazz, Swing, Guitar Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:47
Size: 115,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:11)  1. In A Mellow Tone
(3:41) 2. East St. Louis Toodle-oo/Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(3:38)  3. Satin Doll
(7:59)  4. C Jam Blues
(3:51)  5. In My Solitude
(3:21)  6. Just Squeeze Me
(4:10)  7. Perdido
(3:09)  8. All Too Soon
(4:06)  9. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(3:48) 10. Love Scene
(3:46) 11. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
(4:00) 12. Cottontail/Rockin' In Rhythm

John Pizzarelli is a walking, talking embarrassment of riches. He has a great pedigree, as his father, Bucky Pizzarelli), was a prodigious guitar talent (on a seven-string guitar, no less) with a voice like Chet Baker should have had. It is all this charm that Pizzarelli freely shares with us lesser mortals. Rockin' in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington is a thematic collection picking up where his 2006 collection, Dear Mr. Sinatra (Telarc), left off. What more can be done with Duke Ellington that has not been done before? Well, quite a lot it turns out. What sets Pizzarelli's Ellington apart from the rest (that is, in addition to his infectious, happy singing) are the arrangements. An artistic discipline unto itself, jazz arrangement often provides the crux upon which a song's success or failure rests. Rockin' in Rhythm sports two of the finest in the business, with the date leader working on the quartet pieces and Don Sebeskyarranging the Swing Seven Horns on seven of the 12 compositions held within. 

Sebesky's genius is exercised in spades on the opening of the disc. "In a Mellow Tone" features tart horn backing to Pizzarelli's uncommonly sweet vocals. Pizzarelli provides an equally tart guitar solo doubled expertly with the guitarist's voice. "East St. Louis Toodle-Do" is overlaid with a sung "I Don't Get Around Much Anymore," with the two tunes attached firmly at the bridge. The effect is startling. Gerald Wilson's arrangement of "Perdido" is given lyrics by Pizzarelli's wife, Jessica Molaskey, who shares vocal duties with Kurt Elling. Other guests include tenor saxophonist Harry Allenand violinist Aaron Weinstein playing Ben Webster and Ray Nance on "C Jam Blues." Pizzarelli takes Ellington for a solo guitar spin on "Just Squeeze Me," giving his father a loving nod in the bargain. Speaking of Bucky, he provides the solo for "Satin Doll." Mainstream jazz is a demanding mistress and Pizzarelli manages her with grace and wit. This recording is an accomplishment of the most rarefied order. ~ C.Michael Bailey   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/rockin-in-rhythm-a-tribute-to-duke-ellington-john-pizzarelli-telarc-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php#.U6mlfbG4OSo

Personnel: John Pizzarelli: vocals, guitar; Jessica Molaskey, Kurt Elling: vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli: acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Aaron Weinstein: violin; Andy Fusco: clarinet, alto saxophone; Kenny Berger: bass clarinet, baritone saxophone; Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Tony Kadleck: trumpet; John Mosca: trombone, alto horn; Larry Fuller: piano; Martin Pizzarelli: double bass; Tony Tedesco: drums.

Rockin In Rhythm

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Christine Ebersole - Strings Attached

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:28
Size: 116,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:01)  1. Shall We Dance
(4:28)  2. The Things We Did Last Summer
(3:48)  3. This Time The Dream's On Me
(5:14)  4. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
(3:35)  5. Am I Blue
(5:35)  6. Moon Dreams
(2:46)  7. I Wish I Were In Love Again
(5:10)  8. After You've Gone/Too Gone Too Long
(3:47)  9. Our Love Is Here To Stay
(3:43) 10. I'll Be Seeing You
(4:37) 11. Jitterbug Waltz
(3:08) 12. Something There
(1:29) 13. La La Lu

Two-time Tony Award®-winning actress Christine Ebersole teams with virtuoso violinist/arranger Aaron Weinstein for a program of classic songs imbued with originality, musicality, and swing. Known for her brilliance as an actress and cabaret artist, Ebersole proves that shes equally talented in the jazz arena on a selection of beautifully arranged versions of gems from the Great American Songbook. Tony Award® winner for her roles in 42nd Street and Grey Gardens, Ebersole is currently starring in the hit TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son, is featured in the 2013 blockbuster The Big Wedding (which ends with a song she wrote and performs), and appears in the Fall 2013 Scorsese drama The Wolf of Wall Street. Named a Rising Star Violinist by DownBeat, Aaron Weinstein is quickly earning a reputation as one of the finest jazz violinists of his generation. As a featured soloist he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wolftrap Center, Birdland, Blue Note, Iridium, and more. ~ Editorial Reviews  

http://www.amazon.com/Strings-Attached-Christine-Ebersole/dp/B00FMSGYLE

Personnel: Christine Ebersole (vocals); Aaron Weinstein (violin); Tedd Firth (piano).

Strings Attached

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Aaron Weinstein - A Handful Of Stars

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 59:24
Size: 136.0 MB
Styles: Violin jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[ 4:24] 1. After You've Gone
[ 4:26] 2. A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
[ 4:18] 3. Samba De Orpheu
[ 5:01] 4. A Handful Of Stars
[ 3:11] 5. Swingtime In The Rockies
[ 2:43] 6. Let's Get Lost
[ 5:08] 7. Dark Eyes
[ 3:03] 8. Someone To Watch Over Me
[ 3:38] 9. If Dreams Come True
[ 5:19] 10. Pennies From Heaven
[ 5:18] 11. Dinner With Friends
[12:49] 12. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me

A Handful of Stars is a startlingly mature and impressively confident debut album from 19-year-old jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein, a young man who plays with a felicitous combination of Stuff Smith's earthy, powerful attack and Stéphane Grappelli's elegant sophistication. Accompanied by a shifting complement of sidemen that includes, at various times, guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and John Pizzarelli, saxophonist Houston Person, bassist Nicki Parrott, and drummer Joe Ascione, he's at his best and most confident on such traditional swing fare as "If Dreams Come True," "Swingtime in the Rockies" (in a very fun arrangement featuring multi-tracked violins), and "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes." He's just as good on the ballads as on the up-tempo numbers -- his sweet and tender rendition, with just a quiet guitar accompaniment, of "Pennies from Heaven" is one of the album's highlights -- but his feel for Brazilian rhythms is a bit less sure. On "Samba de Orfeu" he sounds just a bit tentative -- skillful and melodically insightful, but less confident and breezy than on the more ebullient swing selections. Still, if the worst that can be said of him is that he's a bit less fun on the sambas than he is on the other material, then that's high praise indeed. Strongly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Aaron Weinstein (violin); John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Nicki Parrott (bass instrument); Joe Ascione (drums).

A Handful Of Stars

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