Patrick Williams - Home Suite Home

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:37
Size: 115.9 MB
Styles: Big band swing
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[ 3:20] 1. 52nd & Broadway
[ 6:06] 2. Home Suite Home I. Elizabeth (The Beautiful Scientist)
[ 7:49] 3. Home Suite Home Ii. Greer (The Dreamer)
[ 7:47] 4. Home Suite Home Iii. Patrick B. (The Real Deal)
[ 4:33] 5. A Hefti Dose Of Basie (To The Memory Of Neal Hefti)
[ 3:47] 6. I've Been Around
[10:20] 7. Blue Mist (For Catherine)
[ 6:51] 8. That's Rich (For Buddy)

Patrick Williams: conductor; Dave Grusin: piano; Chuck Berghofer: bass; Peter Erskine: drums; Dean Parks: guitar; Dan Higgins: alto saxophone; Jeff Driskill: alto saxophone; Bob Sheppard: tenor saxophone; Tom Scott: tenor saxophone; Gene Cipriano: baritone saxophone; Wayne Bergeron: trumpet; Dan Fornero: trumpet; Bob Summers: trumpet; Michael Stever: trumpet; Arturo Sandoval: trumpet; Charlie Loper: trombone; Andy Martin: trombone; Bob McChesney: trombone; Craig Gosnell: bass trombone; Dan Grecco: percussion; Patti Austin: vocals (1); Frank Sinatra Jr.: vocals (6); Tierney Sutton: vocals (6).

Composer, arranger and band leader Patrick Williams leads some of the finest jazz musicians in L.A. on another exciting portrait of big band swing on Home Suite Home, an album that's far more personal than all of his previous works. Documenting a personal homage to his family and his first musical love, Williams pays tribute to his children and wife stating "I tried to capture the essence of the personality of my wife and three children in musical terms...""is truly a labor of love." In addition to the all-star list of players on his band, Williams augments the group with vocalist's Patti Austin, Tierney Sutton and Frank Sinatra, Jr. gracing the stage with the likes of pianist Dave Grusin, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, drummer Peter Erskine and long-time associate, saxophonist Tom Scott as special guests adding the final ingredients to his most ambitious and masterful musical project to date.

A prolific composer, the band leader offers eight original tunes leading off with "52nd & Broadway" featuring vocalist Austin fronting a full-on swinging orchestra. The tribute to his children is the center-piece of the disc and incorporated in the three-part suite beginning with his first homage, this time for daughter Elizabeth on "Home Suite Home I. Elizabeth (The Beautiful Scientist)" featuring sparkling solos from tenor men Scott and Bob Sheppard. "Home Suite Home II. Greer (The Dreamer)" is a far more subdued and humble piece of music highlighted by the sweet solos from Dan Higgins. The last homage, "Home Suite Home III. Patrick B. (The Real Deal) features a robust ensemble and showcases the chops of drummer Erskine, saxophonist Scott and trumpeter Michael Stever.

Williams pens the most ambitious track for his wife of 54 years dedicating "Blue Mist (For Catherine)" where trumpeter of note Sandoval leads the band on a delicate lush and introspective soft ballad conveying a warm message of love. One of the non-tribute pieces of the set that stands out here is, the swinging orchestral piece "I've Been Around" featuring a smart duet between vocalists Frank Sinatra Jr. and Tierney Sutton.

Aside from dedications to his family, Williams also includes a tip of the hat to trumpeter/composer and arranger Neal Hefti on "A Hefti Dose of Basie (To The Memory of Neal Hefti)" as the band dose a marvelous impersonation of the Basie orchestra featuring the stylish horn of trumpeter Stever taking the honors on lead. The last non-family tribute is a big band swinging chart entitled "That's Rich (For Buddy)" with various members of the band on solo excursions including drummer Erskine doing his best impersonation of the late great drummer Buddy Rich. When all is done, Patrick Williams' Home Suite Home, is far more than a tribute to family, friends and the music he loves, it's a tasteful creatively-designed flavor of big band swing performed with gusto that hits home. ~Edward Blanco

Home Suite Home

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Arturo Sandoval - A Time for Love

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:13
Size: 158,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:09)  1. Apres un Reve (After the Dream)
(4:26)  2. Emily
(4:37)  3. Speak Low
(4:01)  4. Estate
(5:06)  5. A Time for Love
(5:14) 6. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess)
(5:15)  7. I Loves You Porgy
(5:26)  8. Oblivion (How to Say Goodbye)
(4:52)  9. Pavane
(4:02) 10. Smile
(4:05) 11. All the Way
(4:24) 12. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
(5:35) 13. Windmills of Your Mind
(5:54) 14. Every Time We Say Goodbye

Years ago, on The Tonight Show, host Johnny Carson asked guest Frank Sinatra what music he enjoyed listening to when "in those romantic moments." Sinatra, to the host's surprise, said he particularly enjoyed the hearing works of Debussy, Ravel and other Impressionists and Romantics. With A Time for Love, trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval steps away from the fast, hard-swinging Afro-Cuban and bebop con fuego jazz for which he is known and delivers a 14-cut romantic love letter con alma. This is fine listening, no matter what the moment might be or what Sinatra who certainly knew his trumpeters might have enjoyed.  With A Time for Love, Sandoval once again grabs the crown as a king of the trumpet. Leveraging luscious, intelligently refined orchestral arrangements by string wizard Jorge Calandrelli and the always terrific Shelly Berg, Sandoval uses his mile-wide sound, engaging tone and utter mastery of dynamic and melodic nuance to envelop these Great American Songbook, popular and classical selections in warmth and soul. Since Charlie Parker did it decades ago with Charlie Parker with Strings (Mercury, 1950), jazz musicians have placed themselves in more sedate environments, emulating concert artists by being accompanied by string orchestras. Clifford Brown was one of the first pure jazz trumpeters to do so. Wynton Marsalis and Roy Hargrove followed decades later. More commercially, the Jackie Gleason albums which featured Bobby Hackett's sound did same.

For a jazz player working in this type of environment, one of the displays of maturity is restraint: the ability to take things down tempo-wise, play with the lyric and through the melody to weave wonder with sound. Sandoval does all of this brilliantly. And, as Louis Armstrong, Bunny Berigan, Chet Baker and Jack Sheldon also did, Sandoval also sings ("Estate"). Chris Botti, another trumpet star who has played the ballad and romance game well, appears as a guest artist. Monica Mancini, a marvelous vocal talent who doesn't play on her pedigree, offers a very nice rendition of "Oblivion." There could be a tendency to schmaltz it up in the orchestral scenario, falling prey to saccharine sliding strings and unnecessary overplay. Not here. Sandoval commands the horn and the date, emitting nothing but soul through his buttery flugelhorn, open horn and Harmon-muted trumpet. The arrangements frame him marvelously throughout. The rhythm section is beautifully understated, yet musically supportive, with Berg's piano a golden touch. The only minor critique is the CD's enormity twelve selections plus two bonus selections (which feature pianists Berg and Kenny Barron, respectively). While the music is terrific, it's a bit too much of a very good thing.  A Time for Love is an elegant, beautiful work of musical artistry by a true master. While now might be Sandoval's time for love, his work here is a wonderful labor of same. So, lower the lights, drink up and savor and, for tonight, leave Frank on the shelf. ~ Nicholas F.Mondello https://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-time-for-love-arturo-sandoval-concord-music-group-review-by-nicholas-f-mondello.php

Personnel: Arturo Sandoval: trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals; Shelly Berg: piano; Chuck Berghofer: bass; Gregg Field: drums, percussion; Chris Botti: trumpet (6); Monica Mancini: vocals (8); Kenny Barron: piano (14).Jorge Calandrelli: conductor; Bruce Dukov: concertmaster; Natalie Legget: violin; Phillip Levy: violin; Charlie Bisharat: violin; Darius Campo: violin; Liane Mautner: violin; David Ewart: violin; Tamara Hatwan: violin; Razdan Kuyumijian: violin; Searmi Park: violin; Songa Lee: violin; Kevin Connolly: violin; Tiffany Yi Hu: violin; Robin Olson: violin; Darren McCann: viola; Harry Shirinian: viola; Keith Greene: viola; Alma Fernandez: viola; Dennis Karmazin: cello; Vanessa Freebairn-Smith: cello; Trevor Handy: cello; Christine Ermacoff: cello.

A Time for Love

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Arturo Sandoval - Ultimate Duets

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:46
Size: 126,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Don´t You Worry 'Bout A Thing
(5:56)  2. Corazón Partio
(6:28)  3. People
(4:48)  4. Granada
(3:31)  5. Arturo Sandoval
(5:20)  6. Solo Esta Soledad
(5:01)  7. La Bilirrubina
(4:41)  8. Andante, Andante
(5:14)  9. El Ruido
(4:59) 10. After All
(4:25) 11. Quimbara

Although a superstar in the jazz community, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval is a broadly celebrated performer whose titanic trumpet chops and charismatic stage presence are recognized around the globe. His life story, punctuated by his dramatic defection from Fidel Castro's Cuba, is legendary, and even resulted in the 2000 HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story, starring Andy Garcia. From his early days with the innovative Afro-Latin ensemble Irakere, to his own jazz, fusion, and classical recordings, Sandoval has cultivated a wide-ranging cultural footprint, and earned the respect of music fans from disparate stylistic corners. It's with that wide, stylistic, and cultural scope that he crafted his 2018 album, Ultimate Duets. Produced by Sandoval and multi-Grammy Award-winning drummer Gregg Field, the album finds the trumpeter showcased alongside a series of high-profile guest performers from across the music industry. Included are spots from Stevie Wonder, Alejandro Sanz, Al Jarreau, Josh Groban, and others. From his sparkling, brightly arranged cover of Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" featuring Prince Royce, to his dramatic, flamenco-tinged reading of "Granada" with Placido Domingo and Vicente Amigo, Sandoval lifts Ultimate Duets with a joyous, theatrical passion. It's also fun to hear him take on some more cheeky, pop-oriented material, as on his buoyant, Eurovision-ready rendition of ABBA's "Andante. Andante" with Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Admittedly, a few of these grand studio productions, like the Latin groove of "Arturo Sandoval" featuring Pharrell Williams and Ariana Grande, feel less cohesive. Surprisingly compelling is his album-ending match-up with the late Cuban vocal legend Celia Cruz on "Quimbara." As Cruz passed in 2003, the track is a digital reworking of an older recording. Nonetheless, it sounds absolutely fresh, and roils with an earthy glee, as if Sandoval and Cruz were smiling at each other in the studio. Similarly engaging is the lush, gorgeously rendered Spanish classical piece "Solo Esta Soledad," featuring Groban. Cinematically arranged, it finds Sandoval answering Groban's yearning vocals with his warm, burnished trumpet lines. While Ultimate Duets intermittently transcends its studio confines, Sandoval soars throughout, imbuing the album with all the heartfelt love and enthusiasm one feels from his live concerts. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/ultimate-duets%21-mw0003169269 

Ultimate Duets

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Akira Tana - Jazzanova

Size: 137,3 MB
Time: 58:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Braizilian Jazz, Bossa Nova, Samba
Art: Front

01. Aguas De Março (Feat. Claudia Villela & Claudio Amaral) (4:13)
02. Love Dance (Feat. Carla Helmbrecht) (5:52)
03. Chega De Saudade (Feat. Maria Volonte & Jackie Ryan) (4:52)
04. Bilhete (Feat. Sandy Cressman) (4:12)
05. Corcovado (Feat. Carla Helmbrecht) (5:43)
06. Condename A Callar (Feat. Maria Volonte) (3:26)
07. Waiting For Angela (Feat. Branford Marsalis & Claudia Villela) (3:51)
08. Jangada (Feat. Claudia Villela) (5:33)
09. Caminhos Cruzados (Feat. Sandy Cressman) (4:51)
10. Aquele Frevo Axe (Feat. Claudio Amaral) (3:45)
11. Por Causa De Voce (Feat. Jackie Ryan) (3:45)
12. Diride (Feat. Claudia Villela & Ricardo Peixoto) (4:26)
13. La Gloria Eres Tu (Feat. Arturo Sandoval & Maria Volonte) (4:20)

With Special Guests Branford Marsalis and Arturo Sandoval and a Dazzling Cast Of Singers, Including Rio-Born Claudia Villela, Viva Brazil’s Claudio Amaral, Argentine Tango Master Maria Volonté, Mexican-American Jazz Diva Jackie Ryan, Thrice-Grammy Nominated Carla Helmbrecht, and Brazilian Jazz Specialist Sandy Cressman.

Akira Tana didn’t have to go looking for Brazilian music as a young musician. An elite jazz drummer since the mid-1970s, he’s been immersed in the verdant hothouse of Brazil’s surging rhythms and sensuous melodies his entire career. His new album JAZZaNOVA, which is slated for release by Vega on March 1, 2018, reflects an abiding passion kindled by his formative experiences with some of Brazilian jazz’s foundational figures. It’s a treasure trove of Brazilian riches, with beautifully crafted arrangements designed to shine a lustrous new light on classic material.

Featuring a cast of top-shelf Bay Area players, JAZZaNOVA was designed to showcase a superlative cast of singers and instrumentalist interpreting some of the Brazilian Songbook’s definitive standards and lesser known gems, with a couple of songs en Español included for good measure. While Tana is best known for the talent-proving band he co-led with bassist Rufus Reid, TanaReid, and as first call accompanist who toured and recorded with jazz legends such as James Moody, Zoot Sims, the Heath Brothers, Art Farmer and J.J. Johnson, he’s collaborated with Brazilian masters from the start of his career.

“It goes back to when I was in school in Boston,” Tana says. “Trumpeter Claudio Roditi was living there after studying at Berklee, and we’d play Brazilian jazz around Boston that sometimes included alto saxophonist and composer Victor Assis Brazil and trombonist Raul de Souza. I met Ricardo Peixoto when I was doing gigs in Nantucket during the summers. I followed his career and am fortunate that he ended up living in the San Francisco Bay Area and was able to be involved in this project.”

Rio-born Peixoto, a Bay Area mainstay who provides the essential pulse throughout the album, is a direct link between Tana’s early immersion in Brazilian music and JAZZaNOVA. Tana’s band also features Peter Horvath on piano and Fender Rhodes, Airto and Flora Purim collaborator Gary Brown on bass, and percussion master Michael Spiro. Saxophonist Branford Marsalis or Cuban-born trumpeter Arturo Sandoval contribute vivid solos on almost every track, providing incisive commentary for the six extraordinary vocalists. As Andrew Gilbert writes in the liner notes, “the album’s concept is based upon matching singers and songs…an eclectic cast united by the fact that each possesses an utterly personal sound and approach.”

The album opens with Peixoto’s playful arrangement pairing Claudio Amaral and Claudia Villela on “Águas de Março” (Waters of March), a loving hat tip to Jobim and Elis Regina duet on the classic 1974 album Elis & Tom. It’s a welcome spotlight for Amaral, who’s better known as a prolific composer and guitarist via collaborations with vocalist Mark Murphy and Brazilian stars Martinho da Vila, Joao Gilberto, and Airto Moreira. Villela, one of the world’s finest Brazilian jazz singers, also contributes two original pieces, the soaring, Joni Mitchell-esque “Jangaga” and “Diride,” which pairs her with her longtime creative partner Peixoto on acoustic guitar.

Vocalist Sandy Cressman steps forward on a gorgeous version of “Caminhos Cruzados” (Crossroads), one of five classic Jobim songs on the album. Known for her expansive repertoire of MPB (musica popular brasileira), she’s an ideal choice to interpret Ivan Lins and Vitor Martins’s popular ballad “Bilhete,” which features a startlingly beautiful Branford soprano sax solo. Carla Helmbrecht also puts her stamp on Jobim and Lins, delivering supple and emotionally resonant versions of “Corcovado” and “Love Dance” (Lins’s best known jazz standard).

While Helmbrecht isn’t usually associated with Brazilian music, Jackie Ryan has honed a polyglot repertoire encompassing numerous Brazilian standards, and her aching rendition of Jobim’s “Por Causa De Você” (Don’t Ever Go Away) taps into the same bottomless well of desperation that made Frank Sinatra’s collaboration with the composer so powerful. Ryan and the great Argentine vocalist Maria Volonte effectively team up on Peixoto’s sleek and buoyant multi-lingual arrangement of Jobim’s “Chega De Saudade” (No More Blues).

One of Argentina’s most celebrated tango singers, Volonté fits neatly into the JAZZANOVA fold. In addition to “Chega De Saudade,” she performs another duet, joining Sandoval on the album’s closer, the romantic ballad “La Gloria Eres Tu,” indelibly linked to Mexican superstar Luis Miguel. Volonté’s impassioned performance is no surprise, but Sandoval’s potent vocals offer another glimpse at his prodigious musical gifts.

Throughout the session, Tana renders the various grooves with taste and an unerring ear for textural support. As authoritative as he is behind the drum kit, he’s emerged in recent decades as a savvy producer who can turn a concept into a singular musical communion, such as 2011’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Sons of Sound), a session exploring title themes from James Bond films, and 2013’s Otonawa, a strikingly beautiful project marrying traditional Japanese melodies with trenchant jazz improvisation.

Born in San Jose in March 14, 1952 and raised in Palo Alto, Tana played in a rock band as a teenager, and become a devoted jazz convert after acquiring a used copy of Miles Davis’s classic 1966 album Miles Smiles. His father led various Buddhist congregations around the Bay Area and his mother played koto and piano. While majoring in East Asian Studies at Harvard, he continued to play jazz whenever he could. His friendship with budding jazz drum star Billy Hart led to an early epiphany when he had a chance to sit in with Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band in the early '70s. A protégé of the great drum teacher Alan Dawson (whose past students included Tony Williams and Clifford Jarvis), Tana decided to pursue music full time and enrolled at New England Conservatory, graduating with a degree in percussion, still finding time to do tours with Sonny Rollins, Hubert Laws, and the Paul Winter Consort.

Other extracurricular gigs with heavyweight jazz artists like Milt Jackson, Sonny Stitt and Helen Humes during his eight years in Boston helped pave the way for his move to New York in 1979. He made a name for himself as a leader with TanaReid, a band he co-founded and led with bassist Rufus Reid. During the course of the 90s the group toured internationally, released six CDs and helped boost the careers of brilliant young improvisers like pianist Rob Schneiderman, and tenor saxophonists Mark Turner and Ralph Moore. With JAZZaNOVA , he’s staked a rightful claim to the Brazilian jazz canon, joined by a cast of redoubtable cast of collaborators. ~Mouthpiece Music

Jazzanova

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Dave Valentin - Red Sun

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:28
Size: 104,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. With A Little Help From My Friends
(5:12)  2. Red Sun
(3:47)  3. Two Steps Ahead
(5:17)  4. We'll Be Together Again
(4:34)  5. Beyond The Ridge
(4:29)  6. Lia's Song
(5:05)  7. Loco Motion
(6:23)  8. Little Sunflower
(4:15)  9. Pensativa

This was flutist Dave Valetin's 15th release for GRP and, as with his previous ones, it features impeccable musicianship, subtle funk grooves, some heated Latin rhythms and rather lightweight melodies. Despite some passionate moments, the music always sounds a bit controlled, never exceeding prescribed time limits or emotional boundaries. There are some strong moments of interest on this relatively pleasing CD, particularly a restrained melodic statement by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on "We'll Be Together Again" and a groovin' version of "With a Little Help from My Friends."~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/red-sun-mw0000097869

Personnel: Dave Valentin (flute); Jon Lucien (vocals); Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Arturo Sandoval (flugelhorn); Steve Turre (trombone); Bill O'Connell (piano, synthesizer); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Lincoln Goines (acoustic bass); Robby Ameen (drums, cymbals, percussion); Richie Morales (drums, cymbals); Milton Cardona (congas, cowbells, percussion); Sammy Figueroa (percussion); Steve Shapiro (programming).

Red Sun

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Ernie Watts - Reaching Up

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:58
Size: 158,0 MB
Art: Front

( 7:50)  1. Reaching Up
( 8:53)  2. Mr. Syms
( 5:55)  3. I Hear A Rhapsody
( 6:14)  4. Transparent Sea
( 5:21)  5. The High Road
( 5:38)  6. Inward Glance
( 6:54)  7. You Leave Me Breathless
( 4:51)  8. Sweet Lucy
(10:21)  9. Angel's Flight
( 3:56) 10. Sweet Solitude

For this quartet set with pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Charles Fambrough, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Watts definitely came to play. Virtually all of his solos are high powered and even his ballad statements are filled with clusters of passionate notes. Trumpeter Arturo Sandval has two appearances and makes the music even more hyper. In addition, the rhythm section keeps the proceedings consistently stimulating. The main focus on these standards and originals is generally on Watts' tenor, and even though there isn't all that much variety, this CD is a strong example of his jazz talents. 

~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/reaching-up-mw0000108870

Personnel: Ernie Watts (saxophone); Arturo Sandoval (trumpet); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Charles Fambrough (acoustic bass); Jack DeJohnette (drums).

Reaching Up

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Ed Calle - Twilight

Styles: Flute, Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:58
Size: 131,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:21)  1. Joyful
(4:49)  2. Love After Dark
(4:03)  3. Smood Dude
(4:51)  4. Twilight
(4:13)  5. Bar Talk
(4:29)  6. Laughter in the Rain
(2:01)  7. Spanish Rose Prelude
(4:57)  8. Spanish Rose
(4:33)  9. Lovin' You
(4:08) 10. Lover's Lane
(5:54) 11. Sari's Song
(4:16) 12. Bud & Sandy
(4:17) 13. Strut

Even though this brilliant saxman and composer insists on once again using a generic romantic title for a disc of incomparable diversity and riches (much as he did with 1999's Sunset Harbor), there are at least six surefire smooth jazz airplay hits which will keep radio excited over the next year. If Steve Cole thought he had cornered the market on multi-track sax hooks the listener can't stop humming after the first spin, he better size up his competition with Calle. He combines soprano and tenor on both the funky, upbeat (and well-titled) "Joyful" and the silky, romantic "Love After Dark," then doubles up on tenor throughout the shuffling urban-flavored "Smood Dude" and the spirited "Bar Talk" (an ode to the Miami club Raffles where he got his start). Smooth jazz balladry doesn't get much better than the soulful, orchestrally enhanced "Sari's Song," a passionate tribute to Calle's wife. Those are the obvious hits, but there's still the deeper part of Calle's Latin heritage to consider on the brisk, rolling Gato Barbieri-like "Lover's Lane" (on which he plays alto, tenor, and baritone and floats his horns before the soaring drama of the Miami Symphonic Strings). 

With Arturo Sandoval featured on "Strut," one might expect another Latin extravaganza, but this one's a moody, retro soul blues-rock jam featuring Calle once again on all horns, teaming up note for note with the trumpet legend. Calle also has a sense of nostalgia, performing gorgeous readings of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in the Rain" and Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You." And "Bud and Sandy" borrows more than a riff or two from the classic Doobie Brothers' sound. Sunset Harbor came out early in 1999 and stuck around to become one of the year's top discs, and Twilight with its 13 outstanding tracks is a shoo-in candidate for best genre album of 2001. ~ Jonathan Widran http://www.allmusic.com/album/twilight-mw0000586802

Personnel: Ed Calle (flute, piccolo, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Dan Warner (guitar); Rene Toledo (acoustic guitar); Arturo Sandoval (trumpet, piano); Jim Gasior (piano); Lee Levin (drums, programming); Richard Bravo (percussion); Doug Emery (programming).

Twilight

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Arturo Sandoval & Chucho Valdes - Straight Ahead

Styles: Trumpet And Piano Jazz 
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:27
Size: 104,3 MB
Art: Front

( 7:57)  1. King Pete's Heart
(10:34)  2. My Funny Valentine
( 4:32)  3. Mambo Influenciado
( 7:20)  4. Claudia
( 6:52)  5. Blues 88
( 8:10)  6. Blue Monk

With his remarkable range and phenomenal technique, Arturo Sandoval is one of the world's great trumpeters; he can do virtually anything he wants on his instrument. Some detractors have claimed that he has too much technique (is such a thing possible?) and that his recordings for GRP are a bit erratic. 

The latter criticism cannot be applied to this 1988 release. Sandoval is heard with a standard quartet comprised of the great pianist Chucho Valdes (the leader of Irakere), bassist Ron Matthewson, and drummer Martin Drew. Recorded in England before Sandoval broke ties with Cuba, Sandoval is in near-miraculous form on some blues, a lyrical "My Funny Valentine," and a few basic originals. Just listen to him tear through "Blue Monk," playing in the low register with the speed of an Al Hirt before jumping into the stratosphere like Maynard Ferguson. This CD serves as an excellent introduction for the bop lover to the very talented Arturo Sandoval. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/straight-ahead-mw0000171274

Personnel:  Bass – Ron Matthewson;  Drums – Martin Drew;  Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval;  Piano – Chucho Valdes;  Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval

Straight Ahead

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Arturo Sandoval, WDR Big Band - Mambo Nights

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:55
Size: 155.5 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[7:46] 1. Sofrito
[5:34] 2. Come Candela
[6:00] 3. Asi Asi
[6:43] 4. Manteca
[5:17] 5. A Mayra
[4:54] 6. Autumn Leaves
[6:19] 7. Mambo 934
[5:17] 8. Oye Como Va
[6:38] 9. Mambo Sandoval
[4:41] 10. Quiero Ir Contigo
[8:41] 11. Mambo Inn

Paul Shigihara (guitar); Heiner Wiberny, Karolina Strassmayer (alto saxophone); Paul Heller, Olivier Peters (tenor saxophone); Jens Neufang (baritone saxophone); Rob Bruynen, John Marshall , Klaus Osterloh, Andy Haderer, Wim Both (trumpet); Bernt Laukamp, Ludwig Nuss, Tim Coffman (trombone); Mattis Cederberg (bass trombone); Frank Chastenier (piano); Mark Walker (drums); Pernell Saturnino (percussion).

Arturo Sandoval & WDR Big Band “Mambo Nights” In the course of a career that goes back about forty years, Arturo Sandoval has worked on innumerable album productions both as soloist and as side man. With “Mambo Nights” Señor Sandoval has delivered an eloquent example of his qualities as a performer. In the opening piece, “Sofrito” by Mongo Santamaria, Sandoval and the WDR Big Band, in cheerful mood, set the scene of their plan to revive the great era of Afro-Cuban jazz on this album. In this timeless classic, Sandoval at first keeps a low profile, almost as if he were just warming up; then the following track, “Come Candela”, also written by Mongo Santamaria, sets off a magnificent firework display of spectacular trumpet sounds. In particular his high-register solo notes leave the listener gasping and gaping in amazement. As a reporter from the Washington Star once wrote after a concert: “Sandoval reaches notes most trumpeters barely even know.”

Mambo Nights

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Irakere - Cuba Libre

Styles: Latin Jazz, Fusion
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:10
Size: 93,5 MB
Art: Front

(12:57)  1. Cuba Libre
( 6:58)  2. Sea Mail
( 7:38)  3. Encuentro
( 5:28)  4. Qué Pasa?
( 5:58)  5. Gospelanza
( 1:08)  6. Cuba Libre (reprise)

It's with great pleasure that Far Out Recordings can re-issue this extremely rare, cult record from one of the finest bands to emerge from Cuba. Stepping out of Brazil Joe Davis has been digging through the dustiest crates to re-discover one of the very best Latin American records. Recorded in Japan in 1980 and released as a Japanese exclusive vinyl LP 'Cuba Libre' was composed, arranged and produced by the remarkable Japanese musician Chikara Ueda. With almost the entire original line up in place including Chucho Valdes, Arturo Sandoval, and Jorge Alfonso this is a record of sublime quality that retains all of the authentic essence and beauty of Cuban music. Among the most influential Latin bands Irakere's mix of fiery funk anthems and sophisticated jazz has rarely sounded better than on these six classic and uniquely Cuban tracks. 'Cuba Libre' is one of Irakere's finest moments. Never before released on CD, this is the first ever release outside of Japan for 'Cuba Libre' and with stunning re-mastering and music of glorious quality this is an essential and significant re-issue of one of Latin music's holy grail collector's items. A vital 45 minutes in the history of Cuban music. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/CDs-Vinyl/Cuba-Libre-Irakere/B003BL0BCC

First time on CD for this 1980 Japanese release by one of Cuba's best loved bands. Overshadowed internationally by the sucess of Buena Vista Social Club, Irakere inhabit an exalted place with those in the know. A real treaasure for all music lovers. ~ Clash
 

Personnel:  Chucho Valdés – keyboards;  Arturo Sandoval – trumpet;  Jorge Varona – trumpet;  Germán Velazco - alto saxophone;  Carlos Averhoff - tenor saxophone;  Carlos Emilio Morales – guitar;  Carlos del Puerto – bass;  Jorge "El Niño" Alfonso – percussion;  Óscar Valdés – percussion;  Enrique Plá – drums.

Cuba Libre

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GRP All-Star Big Band - GRP All-Star Big Band

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:45
Size: 164,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:10)  1. Airegin
(4:35)  2. Blue Train
(4:13)  3. Donne Lee
(6:34)  4. Maiden Voyage
(6:48)  5. Sister Sadie
(6:39)  6. The Sidewinder
(5:59)  7. Seven Steps To Heaven
(5:33)  8. I Remember Clifford
(6:54)  9. Footprints
(6:55) 10. Manteca
(7:01) 11. 'Round Midnight
(5:18) 12. Spain

When this CD was released, it was a major surprise. GRP is a label whose initial reputation was made on pop-ish jazz. However, co-founders Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen always had a love for the sound of big bands and for hard bop. For this set, they gathered together some of the most notable players on their label to play 12 jazz standards dating from the mid-'40s ("Donna Lee") up to the early '70s ("Spain"). The lineup of musicians is quite impressive, comprised of trumpeters Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, and Sal Marquez; trombonist George Bohanon (who had to be imported since GRP did not have any trombonists); a reed section of Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Bob Mintzer, Ernie Watts and Tom Scott; bassist John Patitucci; drummer Dave Weckl; and several alternating pianists (Grusin, Russell Ferrante, Kenny Kirkland, and David Benoit), plus such guests as guitarist Lee Ritenour, flutist Dave Valentine, vibraphonist Gary Burton, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, and percussionist Alex Acuna. 

On the strictly straight-ahead set, which has such tunes as "Blue Train," "Sister Sadie," "The Sidewinder," and "Manteca," all of the musicians are featured adequately. It is a particular revelation hearing Marienthal and Rangell sound passable in this setting. Easily recommended to hard bop and big band collectors. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/grp-all-star-big-band-mw0000612127

GRP All-Star Big Band: Lee Ritenour (guitar), Tom Scott, Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer (saxophone), Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Sal Marquez (trumpet), George Bohanon (trombone), Dave Valentine (flute), Eddie Daniels (clarinet), Gary Burton (vibraphone), Dave Grusin, David Benoit, Kenny Kirkland, Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards), John Patitucci (bass), Dave Weckl (drums), Alex Acuna (percussion).

GRP All-Star Big Band

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GRP All-Star Big Band - All Blues

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:05
Size: 140,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:41)  1. Cookin' At the Continental
(5:16)  2. Stormy Monday
(7:38)  3. All Blues
(6:03)  4. Birk's Works
(5:19)  5. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
(6:16)  6. Senor Blues
(5:31)  7. Blue Miles
(8:12)  8. Mysterioso/Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are: Mysterioso
(3:46)  9. Some Other Blues
(7:19) 10. Aunt Hagar's Blues

When one considers the large number of great players who participated in this project (including trumpeters Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker and Chuck Findley, trombonist George Bohanon, the reeds of Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Tom Scott, Ernie Watts and Bob Mintzer, such keyboardists as Dave Grusin, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis and Russell Ferrante, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Dave Weckl, and guests B.B. King and tenor great Michael Brecker), the rather predictable results are a disappointment. With the exception of Chick Corea's recent "Blue Miles," this album could have been titled "Warhorses" due to the very familiar material. The arrangements by Michael Abene, Scott, Grusin, Mintzer and Ferrante contain no real surprises (other than some unexpected moments on "Misterioso"), and none of the solos are long enough to really build. 

There is a certain novelty in hearing some of the crossover players like Rangell, Scott and Lewis playing hard bop tunes such as "Birks Works," "Senor Blues" and "Cookin' at the Continental," but why waste B.B. King on yet another version of "Stormy Monday Blues?" ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/all-blues-mw0000124778

GRP All-Star Big Band: Eric Marienthal (alto & soprano saxophones), Nelson Rangell (alto & soprano saxophones, flute), Ernie Watts (tenor & soprano saxophones), Bob Mintzer (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet), Tom Scott (baritone, soprano & tenor saxophones), Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Chuck Findley (trumpet, flugelhorn), George Bohanon (trombone), Dave Grusin, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis (piano), Russel Ferrante (piano, Hammond B-3 organ), B.B. King (guitar, vocals), John Patitucci (acoustic & electric bass), Dave Weckl (drums).

All Blues

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Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band - Swingin' For The Fence

Styles: Big Band
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:50
Size: 137,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:33)  1. Sing Sang Sung
(7:31)  2. Count Bubba
(6:56)  3. Samba Del Gringo
(7:48)  4. Bach 2 Part Invention in D Minor
(5:47)  5. I Remember
(5:06)  6. Swingin' For the Fences
(4:48)  7. Mueva los Huesos
(5:03)  8. Second Chances
(5:43)  9. There's the Rub
(5:30) 10. A Few Good Men

To carry the baseball metaphor a step further, the hard hitting Big Phat Band not only swings for the fences on skipper Gordon Goodwin’s dynamic new album, it slams almost every fastball or curve thrown its way well beyond the fence and out of the park. And even when the ensemble misses, it does so by no more than a whisker. From this vantage point the first eight tracks are towering home runs, while the last two are solidly struck triples that barely miss clearing the center field wall (others may deem them round–trippers as well). The charts, all of which are Goodwin’s, shine, sizzle and (for the most part) satisfy, and his talent laden ensemble rips into them like scavengers sundering a fresh carcass. As a result, everything swings, even J.S. Bach’s “Two Part Invention in D Minor” or perhaps we should say, especially Bach’s “Two Part Invention,” as it is one of the more high powered selections on offer (and the competition in that arena is indeed formidable).

The Big Phat Band takes dead aim at Goodwin’s opening delivery, “Sing Sang Sung,” a stylish update of the Louis Prima classic that helped make Benny Goodman a household name back in ’38, and crushes it out of sight, thanks to razor sharp ensemble work, superb drumming by Bernie Dresel and breathtaking solos by guest artists Eddie Daniels and Arturo Sandoval. That sets the tone for the rest of the date, as the band romps through eight more originals by Goodwin and the other by Johann Sebastian. To his credit, Goodwin waits until the last two tracks to get funky with “There’s the Rub” and “A Few Good Men.” They’re not bad, but as noted earlier, no more than triples on this reviewer’s scorecard. But hey, even Mark McGuire or Sammy Sosa would do almost anything short of sacrificing his first–born to hammer eight round–trippers in ten trips to the plate, and Goodwin has ample reason to be pleased with Swingin’ for the Fences. The other barn burners are “Count Bubba,” “Samba del Gringo,” “Mueva Los Huesos” and, of course, “Swingin’ for the Fences," while moments of repose are the rule on "I Remember" and "Second Chances." Daniels solos again on "Two-Part Invention," Sandoval on "Mueva Los Hesos." Goodwin has invited no less than three talented alto soloists to sit in Dan Higgins ("Count Bubba," "I Remember"), Brandon Fields ("Samba del Gringo," "There's the Rub") and Eric Marienthal ("Swingin' for the Fences," "Mueva Los Hesos"). 

Guitarist Carl Verheyen picks, scrapes and wails on "A Few Good Men." Goodwin solos twice on tenor, once each on piano ("I Remember") and soprano ("Second Chances"), while trombonist Andy Martin and pianist Tom Ranier are heard on "Swingin' for the Fences," Martin again on "Samba del Gringo," and pianist Jim Cox (uncredited) on "Two-Part Invention." Goodwin says he loves big bands, an avowal that's easy to believe when listening to Swingin' for the Fences, which resonates with high spirits and abiding love for an oft-maligned but enormously creative and pleasurable art form. Goodwin and his Big Phat murderer's row have won the pennant and the Series with this album. ~ Jack Bowers http://www.allaboutjazz.com/swingin-for-the-fences-gordon-goodwin-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Gordon Goodwin (woodwinds, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, piano); Grant Geissman, James Harrah, Carl Verheyen (guitar); Dan Higgins (woodwinds, tenor saxophone); Sal Lozano, Greg Huckins, Bill Liston (woodwinds); Eric Marienthal (alto saxophone, horns); Brandon Fields (alto saxophone); Dan Savant, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, Larry Hall , Wayne Bergeron, Dennis Farias, Arturo Sandoval (trumpet); Alex Iles, Steven Holtman, Bill Ricenbach, Andy Martin , Craig Ware, William Frank "Bill" Reichenbach Jr. (trombone); Jim Cox, John Pena, Tom Ranier (piano); Dave Stone (acoustic bass); Bernie Dresel (drums, percussion); Gregg Bissonette (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Swingin' For The Fence

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Arturo Sandoval - Americana

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:32
Size: 118.0 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[4:18] 1. Just The Way You Are
[5:19] 2. Come Back To Me
[4:18] 3. Englishman In New York
[4:48] 4. Let's Stay Together
[5:42] 5. All Night Long (All Night)
[3:28] 6. Baby, Come To Me
[4:38] 7. Killing Me Softly With His Song
[5:41] 8. If You Leave Me Now
[3:35] 9. She's Out Of My Life
[4:20] 10. We've Only Just Begun
[5:20] 11. Isn't She Lovely

Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval offers a love letter to American pop songwriting on Americana (N Coded Music NC-4206-2; 52:09), featuring his takes on an interesting lineup of selections, from the truly classic (Al Green's Motown immortal "Let's Stay Together") to pop muzak (Peter Cetera's "If You Leave Me Now"). All are subject to Sandoval's lively, percussion-centered interpretations, which jell well for a gospel romp on Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" and a seductive, slow-burning Latin waltz on the Roberta Flack chestnut "Killing Me Softly." Sandoval uses his mute trumpet and fluegelhorn for gentle romance on the Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun" (which also takes off into a smooth jazz ride), and "Just the Way You Are," highlighted by a sweet Latin guitar sway, if slightly marred by tinny keyboards. Most surprising is the punch lent to "All Night Long," which Sandoval injects with a wow-worthy horn chorale, uncovering and accentuating calypso and Latin elements of Lionel Richie's bubblegum tune. Sandoval's enthusiastic approach, highlighting both technical skill and lyrical melodic interpretation, allows listeners to revere and rethink this interesting cross section of Americana. ~Hilarie Grey

Americana     

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Arturo Sandoval - Swingin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:04
Size: 162.7 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, Afro-Cuban jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[5:38] 1. Moontrane
[8:15] 2. Swingin'
[7:16] 3. Moment's Notice
[7:42] 4. Streets Of Desire
[6:08] 5. Real Mcbop
[6:26] 6. Weirdfun
[3:50] 7. Dizzy's Atmosphere
[7:31] 8. Reflection
[7:12] 9. Woody
[5:24] 10. It Never Gets Old
[5:40] 11. Mack The Knife

It seems remarkable that Arturo Sandoval never seems to win any jazz polls, for few trumpeters can come close to equaling his technique, jazz chops, and warm sound. On this advanced hard bop date, the music is strictly straight-ahead without any Latin rhythms. Sandoval matches wits quite successfully with clarinetist Eddie Daniels on two songs, tenor great Michael Brecker on three (including a memorable rendition of "Moment's Notice"), and veteran flügelhornist Clark Terry on a joyous "Mack the Knife." In addition, Sandoval pays tribute to Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, and Dizzy Gillespie. Other highlights include the moody "Streets of Desire" (on which Sandoval plays piano), the racehorse tempo of "Real McBop" (which has an impossible but impeccably played melody chorus), and Sandoval's humorous use of the plunger mute on "It Never Gets Old." All in all, this is one of Arturo Sandoval's finest recordings to date. ~Scott Yanow

Swingin'

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Arturo Sandoval - Dear Diz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:28
Size: 159.0 MB
Styles: Afro-Cuban jazz, Trumpet jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[8:17] 1. Be Bop
[6:45] 2. Salt Peanuts! (Mani Salado)
[5:15] 3. And Then She Stopped
[6:02] 4. Birks Works (Ala Mancini)
[7:07] 5. Things To Come
[5:05] 6. Fiesta Mojo
[5:56] 7. Con Alma (With Soul)
[6:49] 8. Tin Tin Deo
[6:12] 9. Algo Bueno (Woody And Me)
[7:18] 10. A Night In Tunisia (Actually An Entire Weekend!)
[4:38] 11. Every Day I Think Of You

Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval's 2012 tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, Dear Diz (Every Day I Think of You) is a big-band Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz tour de force. Showcasing Sandoval's long-storied titan bop trumpet chops, Dear Diz frames the Cuban-born virtuoso with layered big-band arrangements on many of Gillespie's best-known compositions. Produced by Gregg Field and Sandoval, the album also features a bevy of name jazz musicians, including Hammond B-3 master Joey DeFrancesco, vibraphonist Gary Burton, tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, and many more. Included here, among others, are such Gillespie songs as "Salt Peanuts!," "Birks Works," "Con Alma," and, of course, Gillespie's trademark theme, "A Night in Tunisia." Gillespie was Sandoval's biggest musical influence and, after the two met during Gillespie's tour of Cuba in 1977, he became one of Sandoval's most ardent champions, mentors, and friends. In that sense, Dear Diz is clearly a labor of love, a sentiment that permeates this joyously exuberant album. ~Matt Collar

Dear Diz

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Dr. John - Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch

Styles: New Orleans Blues-Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:31
Size: 134,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. What A Wonderful World
(6:13)  2. Mack The Knife
(4:51)  3. Tight Like This
(4:04)  4. I've Got The World On A String
(2:47)  5. Gut Bucket Blues
(4:45)  6. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
(3:55)  7. That's My Home
(4:36)  8. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
(6:36)  9. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
(4:27) 10. Dippermouth Blues
(4:18) 11. Sweet Hunk O'Trash
(5:02) 12. Memories Of You
(2:41) 13. When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)

New Orleans piano man Dr. John needs little introduction his work as a groundbreaking genre-bending musician crosses multiple musical borders. Multiple collaborations with various artists throughout a long career have given him a well-deserved reputation that earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even though he is a New Orleans boogie man at heart. His amazing tribute to the music of fellow Louisiana son Louis Armstrong features musicians from various backgrounds. The disc begins with a zydeco take on the classic "What a Wonderful World," presented miles away from Satchmo's classic ballad. 

The tune features the Blind Boys of Alabama and writer and trumpeter Nicholas Payton, who adds a funky solo the proceedings. Though most of the songs keep things close to the bandleader's hometown of New Orleans, some of them do go to a different direction. Take for example "Motherless Child," which features a neo-soul arrangement with vocals by Anthony Hamilton. The subtle arrangement is the perfect environment for Dr. John's piano improvisations. "Nobody Knows The Troubles I've Seen" is given a Gospel treatment with a complete choir led by the voice of Ledisi, while "Sweet Hunk O' Trash" is played as a lovely reggae-meets blues arrangement. ~ Ernest Barteldes  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/ske-dat-de-dat-the-spirit-of-satch-dr-john-concord-music-group-review-by-ernest-barteldes.php#.VB2bPhawTP8

Personnel: Dr. Johm: piano and vocals; Bonnie Raitt: vocals; Anthony Hamilton: vocals; Ledisi: vocals, Arturo Sandoval: trumpet; Nicholas Payton: trumpet; Dirty Dozen Brass Band: various brass; Terence Blanchard: trumpet; Blind Boys Of Alabama: various instruments; McCrary Sisters: vocals; Shemekia Copeland: vocals; Wendell Brunious: trumpet;James "12" Andrews: trumpet; Mike Ladd: raps; Telmary: raps

Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch

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Arturo Sandoval - Collection

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 81:26
Size: 186.4 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. Be-Bop
[7:32] 2. Manteca
[3:50] 3. Flight To Freedom
[5:39] 4. Joy Spring
[5:13] 5. The Latin Trane
[4:56] 6. Daahoud
[3:57] 7. La Guarapachanga
[5:06] 8. Caprichosos De La Habana
[4:09] 9. I Remember Clifford
[5:22] 10. A Mis Abuelos
[5:54] 11. Parisian Thoroughfare
[5:06] 12. Cherokee
[6:15] 13. Danzon
[8:14] 14. Swingin'
[5:50] 15. I Left This Space For You

A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1949, just two years after Gillespie became the first musician to bring Latin influences into American Jazz. Sandoval began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve, but it didn’t take him long to catch the excitement of the jazz world. He has since evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer.

Sandoval has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards, and nominated 19 times; he has also received 6 Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award. The latter for his composing work on the entire underscore of the HBO movie based on his life, “For Love or Country” starring Andy Garcia. His two latest Grammy award winning albums, “Dear Diz “Everyday I think of you” and Tango “Como Yo Te Siento” are now available worldwide. Recently released, is a new book chronicling his relationship with Dizzy Gillespie entitled “The Man Who Changed My Life”. Arturo is also the 2013 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Collection

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Dana Lauren (Feat. Arturo Sandoval) - Stairway to the Stars

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:08
Size: 117,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:39)  1. Mean to Me
(5:05)  2. But Beautiful
(3:12)  3. If I Were a Bell
(4:18)  4. Sometimes I'm Happy
(5:55)  5. I've Grown Accustomed to His Face
(3:24)  6. Devil May Care
(3:34)  7. I Thought About You
(4:16)  8. I Could Write a Book
(4:54)  9. You Hit the Spot
(2:56) 10. How High the Moon
(4:41) 11. Corcovado
(4:09) 12. Stairway to the Stars

Being at the right place at the right time is certainly relevant for Dana Lauren. On August 12, 2006, Dana attended the Newport Jazz Festival where Arturo Sandoval was performing. As luck would have it, Dana bumped into Mr. Sandoval as he was headed back to the stage in between performances. During a brief conversation, Mr. Sandoval found out that Dana was a jazz vocalist and getting ready to begin her first year at New England Conservatory as a jazz vocal performance major. He invited Dana to join him on stage at Sculler’s Jazz Club in Boston that following November. Since that time, Dana has had the honor of performing with Arturo at the Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club in Miami, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Birdland in NYC to mention a few. This CD is the result of that meeting in Newport. Dana will always be thankful to Arturo for giving her this amazing opportunity and considers him not only her mentor but also a very good friend. Meeting Arturo Sandoval on the day of her 18th birthday was a life changing experience.

Dana has loved music for as long as she can remember. Her parents knew she had a passion and love of music when she was playing songs by ear on her keyboard at 6 years old. Shortly after that, she began taking classical piano lessons. While she was always singing, it didn’t dawn on anyone that her “gift” was her voice. While Dana’s mother loved to listen to jazz, Dana did not discover her passion for jazz until she arrived at high school and was chosen as the piano player for her high school jazz ensemble. Through her high school years, Dana was a member of the jazz band, jazz choir and women’s choir. She also directed an a cappella jazz quartet. Dana added jazz piano instruction as well as voice lessons to her schedule knowing that she would be majoring in jazz performance in college. Dana was thrilled to receive the Outstanding Vocal Soloist Award at the 2006 Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival and the Judge’s Choice Award for her piano and choir performance. Dana is completing her sophomore year at New England Conservatory as a jazz vocal performance major. She is excited to be transferring to Berklee College of Music on scholarship for the fall 2008 semester where she will continue her jazz vocal training and get back to seriously working on her jazz piano chops. Dana continues to perform with her own band in venues along the East Coast.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danalauren

Stairway to the Stars

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