Manhattan Jazz Quintet - 25-Tribute to Art Blakey

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:06
Size: 123,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:51) 1. Les Liaisons Dangereuses
(9:15) 2. Moanin'
(6:00) 3. Mosaic
(7:09) 4. Blues for Buhaina
(6:17) 5. Quick Silver
(5:33) 6. Split Kick
(7:30) 7. Come Rain or Come Shine
(6:28) 8. Blues March

Manhattan Jazz Quintet, an all-star band led by pianist and arranger David Matthews and a brainchild of Japanese producer Shigeyuki Kawashima, celebrates its 25th anniversary with this strong tribute album to Art Blakey. This is also the super-group's second release from the Birds Records label, following the extremely successful V.S.O.P. which not only became Swing Journal Gold Disc but also won the prestigious magazine's 2008 Jazz Disc Silver Award. In addition to Matthews, the current edition of band features trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist Andy Snitzer, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Victor Lewis. They perform the quintessential tunes associated with Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, including "Moanin'", "Mosaic" and "Blues March," all arranged by Matthews with a few modern twists. According to the MJQ's tradition, Matthews also wrote an original tune "Blues For Buhaina," a funky blues dedicated to the legendary drummer. The all-star band sounds terrific here. The rhythm section provides kinetic grooves and pushes the entire group. The horn players' performances are inspired and intensely hot! The sound quality of the recording is also quite good. Recommended for fans of hard bop jazz! Produced by Shigeyuki Kawashima. Recorded at Sear Sound Studio, New York, February 27 & 28, 2009.~Swing Journal Gold Disc http://www.eastwindimport.com/product info.asp?ProductId=1186

Personnel: David Matthews (piano); Lew Soloff (trumpet); Andy Snitzer (tenor sax); Charnett Moffett (bass); Victor Lewis (drums)

25-Tribute to Art Blakey

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Mike Levine - Star Gazing

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:28
Size: 126,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:05) 1. Oh Yeah
(4:32) 2. Star Gazing
(3:54) 3. Rio Funk
(4:21) 4. Twilight
(3:55) 5. Road Song
(3:34) 6. Sundays Touch
(4:04) 7. Willy's Gumbo
(4:24) 8. Really Wish I Could Love You
(3:33) 9. Getting to It
(3:57) 10. City of Hope
(4:46) 11. Jaco
(4:19) 12. The Herb
(4:58) 13. Soaring

Pianist and keyboardist Mike Levine unveils his third solo project Star Gazing providing another laid back, Smooth- styled gem of a recording containing a little of everything, from the obvious relaxing mellow melodies, to some swinging sizzling funky material. An artist who has performed with some of the finest musicians on the planet, during his long-distinguished career, Levine is a mainstay, a fixture in Miami's vibrant Latin music and exploding jazz scene. A man of many talents who has delved into various music genres, he seems to gravitate to the Smooth landscape where he feels more comfortable whether on piano or the keyboards.

The pianist delivers twelve originals and one cover tune featuring eighteen musicians performing on selected tracks throughout the recording. Calling on several special guests like saxophonists Ed Calle and Andy Snitzer along with Will Lee on bass, the rhythm section just happens to be, as the pianist states, "The Nucleus of the project..." featuring the leader and bassist accompanied by drummer Lee Levin performing on all tracks except two where son Sam Levine brings the power of "L" to the third degree. Opening up with the high-spirited "Oh Yeah" and the leader on a hot piano, the tune showcases guitarist Dan Warner, and a blistering horn section of Ed Maina, Tom McCormick and Mike Brignola on the saxophones along with trumpeter Jeff Kievit and trombonist Dante Luciani all of whom appear again on the upbeat "Getting to It." The music keeps gyrating on "Willy's Gumbo" featuring the torrid saxophone of master Ed Calle around Levine's key strokes.

The title track and the warm "Twilight," display the kind of feel-good and cozy texture that defines the Smooth style of jazz. Levine and Snitzer let it all hang out on the lively and deliciously funky "Rio Funky" before moving on to the only cover track, Wes Montgomery's 1968 R&B hit "Road Song." Baritone singer LeNard Rutledge lends his marvelous vocals on "Really Wish I could Love you" in one of two vocal tracks where the leader and guitarist Warner are featured prominently. Other noteworthy tunes here are "City of Hope," "The Herb" and the beautiful finale "Soaring," capping off another delightful session of light jazz that will appeal to everyone from the casual listener to the discerning aficionado. Piano and keyboard specialist Mike Levine builds upon what he has previously documented designing another successful and highly- entertaining musical statement on Star Gazing proving the axiom, "the third time is a charm."~ Edward Blanco https://www.allaboutjazz.com/star-gazing-mike-levine-self-produced-review-by-edward-blanco.php

Personnel: Mike Levine: piano. keyboards; Will Lee: bass; Lee Levin: drums; Sam Levine: drums (3, 12); Richard Bravo: percussion; Dan Warner: guitar (1-4, 7-10, 13); Lindsey Blair: guitar (5, 6, 11, 12); Ed Calle: saxophone (2, 4); Andy Snitzer: saxophone (3); Ed Maina: saxophone (1, 7, 10); Billy Ross: saxophone (12); Tom McCormick: saxophone (1, 9); Lenard Rutledge: vocals (8); Jeff Kievit: trumpet (1, 9); Dante Luciani: trombone (1, 9); Mike Brignola: baritone saxophone (1, 9); Dana Teboe: trombone (12); Jackson King: vocals (11).

Star Gazing

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Mike Levine - Just Chillin'

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:58
Size: 124,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:24) 1. Let's Do This
(4:08) 2. Gliding
(3:45) 3. Reflection
(4:39) 4. Miami
(3:39) 5. Just Chillin
(3:41) 6. I Found You
(4:36) 7. Summer
(3:27) 8. Soul Gumbo
(3:43) 9. Eleanor Rigby
(4:32) 10. Star Gazing (Vocal Version)
(3:53) 11. Simple Samba
(3:48) 12. Nice and Easy
(5:38) 13. On Ramp

A proponent of the more relaxing side of the jazz spectrum, pianist and keyboardist Mike Levine presents his fourth album as leader, offering thirteen primarily original pieces falling decidedly within the smooth jazz category. A talented composer, Levine's music seems to eschew the core jazz tenet of improvisation in favor of catchy melodies perfect for those chilling-out moments that overwhelm us all sooner or later. A first-call musician by anyone's count, Levine draws on his vast experience performing in various genres and in many formats from trios to big band in designing this special album. A well-established artist in Miami and the south Florida area, he calls on thirty musicians, playing in different formats, to complete this effort. From flautist Nestor Torres, and saxophonist Andy Snitzer to altoist Ed Calle as well as guitarists Steve Oliver and Randy Bernsen, among them. In reaching out to friends, including several musicians from the talent-rich Miami jazz scene, Levine assembles an impressive cast.

Opening up with the apropriately titled "Let's Do This," Levine and band do just that on a lively, percussive chart featuring Snitzer, whose exquisite solo moments slide right into the second piece, "Gliding," where guitarist Oliver takes over the tune with his light string work on a charming chart. The pianist's melodic lines come shining through. Paying tribute to the city he has called home for a long time, Levine plays joyfully and humbly on his own "Miami," accompanied well by the great Nestor Torres. Definitely a shoulder-moving number, the title track is one of the keepers of the set featuring the leader on keyboards. Other like tunes include "I Found You," "Summer" and "Star Gazing," featuring a vocal duet from LeNard Rutledge and Wendy Petersen.

The doctor is in the house when Dr. Ed Calle lends his high-pitch alto saxophone on the rousing "Soul Gumbo." Levine provides a delicate touch on Lennon-McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby" with fusion guitarist Aaron Lebos powering the track with his rock-styled riffs. The relaxing tunes wind down the set on the stellar "Simple Samba" and "Nice and Easy," and closes with "On Ramp," bringing one marvelous session to a smooth ending. But not for long: Mike Levine's Just Chillin is one of those albums that creates a distinct musical appetite which only repeated spins can satisfy.~ Edward Blanco https://www.allaboutjazz.com/just-chillin-mike-levine-self-produced

Personnel: Mike Levine: piano; Andy Snitzer: saxophone; Steve Oliver: guitar; Ed Calle: saxophone; Will Lee: bass; Nestor Torres: flute; Randy Bernsen: guitar; Lindsey Blair: guitar; Wendy Petersen: voice / vocals; Lee Levin: drums; Richard Bravo: percussion; Carlomagno Araya: drums; Jimmy Madina: percussion; Dan Warner: guitar; Aaron Lebos: guitar; Rene Toledo: guitar; Nicky Orta: bass, electric; Rafael Valencia: bass; Julio Hernandez: bass; LeNard Rutledge: voice / vocals.

Just Chillin'

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Andy Snitzer - Alfie's Theme

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:03
Size: 120,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:06) 1. Alfie's Theme
(6:07) 2. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
(5:17) 3. Easy Street
(4:53) 4. Tenor Madness
(5:52) 5. The Dream
(4:35) 6. Stan's Shuffle
(6:15) 7. Too Young To Go Steady
(5:12) 8. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
(7:41) 9. Superstar

Contemporary jazz saxophonist/composer Andy Snitzer was born and raised in Philadelphia; although his first instrument was the clarinet, he turned to the sax at age 15, going on to study music at the University of Miami. There he was discovered by Bob James, touring behind the keyboardist and appearing on a series of albums beginning with 1987's Obsession; Snitzer concurrently earned his MBA at New York University, landing a position at the J.P. Morgan Investment firm while also emerging as a sought-after session musician.

He made his headlining debut with Ties That Bind, scoring the NAC chart-topper "You've Changed"; he also branched out from jazz to pop, touring behind the Rolling Stones and recording with artists from Bette Midler to Aretha Franklin. Snitzer returned in 1996 with In the Eye of the Storm; Some Quiet Place followed three years later.~Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/artist/andy-snitzer-mn0000047716/biography

Personnel: Andy Snitzer - tenor saxophone; Alain Mallet - piano, organ; Clarence Penn - drums.

Alfie's Theme

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