Shorty Rogers & The Giants - You Shorty, Me Tarzan!

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:42
Size: 129,4 MB
Art: Front

( 3:25)  1. The Elephant Wail
( 1:40)  2. Los Barbaros
( 3:05)  3. Paradise Found
( 1:55)  4. Trapped
( 2:14)  5. Los Primitivos
( 3:24)  6. Oomgawa
(17:33)  7. Tarzanic Suite
( 3:19)  8. Mountain Greenery
( 4:57)  9. Martian Lullaby
( 4:08) 10. Bluesies
( 2:16) 11. Big Band Blues
( 1:15) 12. I Want To Be Happy
( 6:26) 13. The Three Little Bops

2010 release, the fourth installment in the Giant Steps label's series of classic recordings by legendary modernists Shorty Rogers & the Giants. Assembled is the rare percussive soundtrack to Tarzan the Ape Man that featured the likes of Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Frank Rosolino and other famed West Coasters. Said Shorty: "At first, I was slightly apprehensive when MGM approached me to write and record the soundtrack for a Tarzan movie, but I needn't have concerned myself. They just said, make it exciting with plenty of drumming, and left me alone to get on with it. So I approached it as if I was really making a new Giants album, which is what it really was. I don't want to sound discourteous, but the album we made was much better that the actual movie". Also included is an equally rare 'live' appearance by the Big Band version of the Giants from an appearance on the TV show the Stars of Jazz. Giant Steps. ~Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/You-Shorty-Tarzan-Rogers-Giants/dp/B0032BVEIG

Personnel:  Trumpet, Conductor, Composed By – Shorty Rogers ;  Bass – Buddy Clark, Joe Mondragon ;  Drums – Carlos Rosario, Chach Gonzales, Chico Guerrero, Frank Capp, Modesto Duran ;  Piano – Pete Jolly ;  Saxophone – Bill Holman, Bill Hood, Bill Perkins, Bob Cooper, Bud Shank, Chuck Gentry;  Trombone – Bob Enevoldsen, Frank Rosolino, Harry Betts, Marshall Cram;  Trumpet – Al Porcino, Buddy Childers, Don Fagerquist, Ollie Mitchell

You Shorty, Me Tarzan!

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Bud Shank - New Gold!

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:43
Size: 142,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:45)  1. Port Townsend
(4:52)  2. Alternate Root
(5:56)  3. Let Me Tell You Why
(5:41)  4. Straight No Chaser
(6:25)  5. Perkolater
(6:15)  6. Grizzly
(5:13)  7. Finger Therapy For Sherman
(6:35)  8. Linda
(4:58)  9. Killer Joe
(4:59) 10. Funcused Blues
(5:00) 11. Little Rootie Tootie

Bud Shank assembled a pianoless sextet made up of West Coast musicians for this 1993 studio date, including a front line consisting of the alto saxophonist and leader with trumpeter Conte Candoli, tenor and soprano saxophonist Bill Perkins, baritone saxophonist Jack Nimitz, and a rhythm section that includes bassist and composer John Clayton and drummer Sherman Ferguson. The playing is crisp, the ensembles are a joy to hear, and the solos are consistently adventurous. "Port Townsend" is a lively post-bop vehicle that opens the session, featuring a strong solo by Candoli. The leader contributed the somewhat exotic "Perkolator" (a feature for Perkins' soprano sax) and the pretty ballad "Linda." But it is Clayton's charts that threaten to steal the show, including the strutting "Alternate Root," the bittersweet "Let Me Tell You Why," which has some almost mournful solos by Shank, and the funky blues "Funcused Blues." There are also impressive performances of jazz standards by Thelonious Monk and Benny Golson. Unfortunately, this CD was deleted with the demise of the initial revival of the Candid label. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-gold-mw0000177457

Personnel:  Bud Shank (alto saxophone);  Conte Candoli (trumpet);  Bill Perkins (tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone);  Jack Nimitz (baritone saxophone);  John Clayton (bass);  Sherman Ferguson (drums)

New Gold!

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Bill Perkins - Jazz City

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:38
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:56)  1. Jazz City
(3:17)  2. It Had to Be You
(3:34)  3. Beyond the Sea
(2:48)  4. Cross Walk
(3:06)  5. Blue Skies
(3:12)  6. Hags!
(6:03)  7. Montrose
(2:32)  8. Sweet Saxophones
(6:15)  9. The Mouse Hop
(2:24) 10. Early Morning Smog
(5:25) 11. Two Visitors

Among the "coolest" of the West Coast tenor players of the 1950s, Bill Perkins in later years became a bit influenced by John Coltrane and modernized his style in a personal way. A flexible and versatile musician who also played baritone, alto, soprano, and flute, Perkins was best-known for his work on tenor. Born in San Francisco, he grew up in Chile, moved to Santa Barbara, and served in the military in World War II. After studying music and engineering, he played in the big bands of Jerry Wald, Woody Herman (1951-1953 and 1954), and Stan Kenton (1953-1954 and 1955-1958).

"Perk" started recording as a leader in 1956 (most notably Grand Encounter with John Lewis), including sets with Art Pepper and Richie Kamuca. During the 1960s he had a dual career as a studio musician and a recording engineer, and during 1970-1992 he was a member of the Tonight Show Band. Since then, Perkins played baritone and tenor with the Lighthouse All-Stars and was a member of the Bud Shank Sextet, in addition to heading his own sessions for a variety of labels. He died on August 9, 2003 of cancer at the age of 79.~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/bill-perkins/id714766#fullText

Jazz City

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Bill Perkins & Frank Strazzeri - Warm Moods

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:22
Size: 131.3 MB
Styles: West Coast jazz
Year: 1992/2004
Art: Front

[3:38] 1. Ceora
[5:11] 2. Dewey Square
[5:06] 3. Warm Valencian Nights
[4:18] 4. For Sal
[5:50] 5. Sweet Lorraine
[3:39] 6. You Know I Care
[4:56] 7. Lavender Dreams
[3:50] 8. Scrapple From The Apple
[4:20] 9. Haelen Nocturne
[5:08] 10. Long Ago
[8:24] 11. Willow Weep For Me
[2:56] 12. Yesterdays Gardenias

Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Producer – Bill Perkins (tracks: 3,11 (Bass Clarinet] 5 [Clarinet]); Piano, Producer – Frank Strazzeri. Recorded at Sage & Sound Recording Studio in Hollywood, California on November 11, 1991.

Among the "coolest" of the West Coast tenor players of the 1950s, Bill Perkins in later years became a bit influenced by John Coltrane and modernized his style in a personal way. A flexible and versatile musician who also played baritone, alto, soprano, and flute, Perkins was best-known for his work on tenor. Born in San Francisco, he grew up in Chile, moved to Santa Barbara, and served in the military in World War II. After studying music and engineering, he played in the big bands of Jerry Wald, Woody Herman (1951-1953 and 1954), and Stan Kenton (1953-1954 and 1955-1958). "Perk" started recording as a leader in 1956 (most notably Grand Encounter with John Lewis), including sets with Art Pepper and Richie Kamuca. During the 1960s he had a dual career as a studio musician and a recording engineer, and during 1970-1992 he was a member of the Tonight Show Band. Since then, Perkins played baritone and tenor with the Lighthouse All-Stars and was a member of the Bud Shank Sextet, in addition to heading his own sessions for a variety of labels. He died on August 9, 2003 of cancer at the age of 79.~ Scott Yanow

Warm Moods

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Conte Candoli Octet & Art Pepper - Mucho Calor

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:48
Size: 103,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:55) 1. Mucho Calor
(3:07) 2. Autumn Leaves
(5:30) 3. Mambo De La Pinta
(2:22) 4. I'll Remember April
(3:23) 5. Vaya Hombre Vaya
(5:48) 6. I Love You
(3:49) 7. Mambo Jumbo
(5:27) 8. Old Devil Moon
(3:58) 9. Pernod
(4:23) 10. That Old Black Magic

This recording brings back an obscure session from the long defunct Andex label that was probably recorded around 1956. The emphasis is on Latin jazz with altoist Art Pepper, trumpeter Conte Candoli, tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins, pianist Russ Freeman, bassist Ben Tucker, and drummer Chuck Flores interacting with the percussion of Jack Costanza and Mike Pacheko. With arrangements by Bill Holman, Johnny Mandel, Benny Carter, and Pepper, the music is quite jazz-oriented if a touch lightweight. Worth investigating by fans of the idiom. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/mucho-calor-mw0000731997

Personnel: Trumpet – Conte Candoli; Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper; Bass – Ben Tucker; Bongos – Jack Costanza, Mike Pacheko; Drums – Chuck Flores; Piano – Russ Freeman; Tenor Saxophone – Bill Perkins

Mucho Calor

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Art Pepper - Art Pepper + Eleven

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:36
Size: 125,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:27)  1. Move
(3:24)  2. Groovin' High
(3:13)  3. Opus de Funk
(3:34)  4. 'Round Midnight
(3:00)  5. Four Brothers
(3:00)  6. Shaw 'Nuff
(2:46)  7. Bernie's Tune
(3:32)  8. Walkin' Shoes
(3:20)  9. Anthropology
(3:02) 10. Airegin
(5:17) 11. Walkin'
(3:24) 12. Donna Lee
(5:00) 13. Walkin' (alternate take 1)
(5:02) 14. Walkin' (alternate take 2)
(3:26) 15. Donna Lee (alternate take)

Only a handful of jazz recordings can be described as truly classic. Art Pepper + Eleven: Modern Jazz Classics is a member of that handful. Recorded between March and May 1959, + Eleven has the distinction of being excellent on multiple planes. One is Pepper himself. A journeyman multi-reedist who was already a veteran of big bands lead by Gus Arnheim, Benny Carter, and Stan Kenton, Pepper was reaching his first pinnacle as an artist when + Eleven was recorded. This recording falls chronologically between Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section (Contemporary CCD-7532-2) and Gettin' Together (Contemporary OJCCD-169-2) in the Contemporary catalog. This trilogy alone would have established Pepper's reputation as the finest post-Parker alto saxophonists, let alone all of his exceptional comeback recordings of the late '70s and early '80s that followed a decade of incarceration because of Pepper's well known heroin addiction. Pepper's tone during this period was dry ice-cool, very expressive and brilliant. A second source of excellence in this recording is the presence of the late Marty Paich as the arranger. It was a monumental task that Mr. Paich undertook to mold these often craggy bebop tunes into the engaging big band vehicles they became under his pen. 

Denzil Best's "Move" simply jumps from the speakers. It is comparable to Miles Davis 1949 Nonette recording of the same song, except that Paich and Pepper add a hard shine to the soft bop of the song. Paich's French Horns on Monk's "'Round Midnight" recalls both Gil Evans and Claude Thornhill before him, ensuring that lineage of thought remained intact. "Four Brothers," "Bernie's Tune," "Walkin' Shoes," and "Anthropology" are all treated as high art by artist, arranger and band alike. Speaking of the band, this is the third mark of excellence in this recording. A Who's Who of West Coast musicians, it is fairly easy to pick out Pete Condoli's and Smiling Jack Sheldon's trumpets or Bill Perkins's tenor saxophone. Russ Freeman provides the piano as he did on several other Pepper offerings. A Big Band in all but name, this group of musicians was as essential to the historic significance of this recording as the leader and arranger. This release of Art Pepper + Eleven: Modern Jazz Classics is part of Fantasy's effort to release remastered masterpieces from its vaults. All of the alternate takes are released, as they have a several earlier offerings. The sonics of this release are exceptional. The drums and bass are clear and apparent and the space around Pepper and the other soloists is well defined. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/art-pepper--eleven-modern-jazz-classics-art-pepper-contemporary-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: Art Pepper: Alto And Tenor Saxophones, Clarinet; Al Porcino, Jack Sheldon, Pete Candoli: Trumpet; Dick Nash: Trombone; Bob Enevoldsen: Tenor Saxophone, Valve Trombone; Vince De Rosa: French Horn; Charlie Kennedy, Bud Shank, Herb Geller: Alto Saxophone; Richie Kamuca, Bill Perkins: Tenor Saxophone; Med Flory: Baritone Saxophone; Russ Freeman: Piano; Joe Mondragon: Bass; Mel Lewis: Drums.

Art Pepper + Eleven

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Bill Perkins & Victor Feldman - Quietly There

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet And Flute Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:04
Size: 110,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. Quietly There
(5:27)  2. Emily
(5:32)  3. Groover Wailin'
(5:24)  4. A Time For Love
(3:50)  5. Sure As You're Born
(5:37)  6. Just A Child
(3:55)  7. Keester Parade
(2:28)  8. The Shining Sea
(6:30)  9. Something Different
(4:53) 10. The Shadow of Your Smile

This set by multi-reedist Bill Perkins (who switches between tenor, baritone, bass clarinet and flute) has been reissued on CD with one extra selection. On what was one of the earliest tributes to film composer Johnny Mandel, Perkins was careful to not only perform ballads such as "Emily," "A Time for Love" and "The Shadow of Your Smile" but to add some variety by also playing a few of Mandel's more obscure medium-tempo numbers. Still the results are generally pretty relaxed and tasteful on a quintet set with pianist Victor Feldman (who also plays some cheesy-sounding organ and vibes), guitarist John Pisano, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Larry Bunker. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/quietly-there-mw0000268340

Personnel: Bill Perkins (flute, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); John Pisano (guitar, electric guitar, classical guitar); Victor Feldman (piano, organ, vibraphone); Larry Bunker (drums).

Quietly There

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Toshiko Akiyoshi & Lew Tabackin Big Band - Kogun

Styles: Piano And Saxophone
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:19
Size: 95,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:13) 1. Elegy
(10:21) 2. Memory
( 6:48) 3. Kogun
( 5:48) 4. American Ballad
( 9:08) 5. Henpecked Old Man

As a writer known for her incorporation of traditional Japanese music into idiomatic big band writing, it is only on the title track of this 1974 recording that this propensity is exhibited. The rest of the album is dedicated to more traditional big band approaches, but, in the hands of Toshiko Akiyoshi, "traditional" techniques always manage to sound fresh. Few of the many twists and turns on display in the five songs off of Kogun fail either to surprise or to work. Although straight-ahead cookers such as "Elegy" (which features a wicked piano solo by the leader) succeed marvelously, it is when Akiyoshi turns to more unconventional writing techniques, such as the spoken word fragments that are interspersed throughout the extraordinary "Memory" or the endlessly shifting form and mood of "Kogun," that her muse is most clearly on display.

This is big band as orchestra, and it is evocative in a way that most other big band records simply are not. Although Akiyoshi's contributions are impossible to downplay, the reason for this record's sublimity must also rest in the orchestra itself, co-led by tenor (and hubby) Lew Tabackin. From trumpeter Bobby Shew to alto saxophonist Dick Spencer, the winds are uniformly excellent, and the rhythm section of Gene Cherico and Peter Donald cook without being heavy-handed. Kogun easily displays why Akiyoshi is such a treasure. It's a record that is simultaneously driving, romantic, and experimental, seductive in its implications and undeniable in its swing. A difficult combination, to be sure, but one for which Akiyoshi clearly has the winning formula.
By Daniel Gioffre https://www.allmusic.com/album/kogun-mw0000351554

Personnel: Toshiko Akiyoshi – piano; Lew Tabackin – tenor saxophone; Tom Peterson – tenor saxophone; Dick Spencer – alto saxophone; Gary Foster – alto saxophone; Bill Perkins – baritone saxophone; Bobby Shew – trumpet; John Madrid – trumpet; Don Rader – trumpet; Mike Price – trumpet; Charles Loper – trombone; Jim Sawyer – trombone; Britt Woodman – trombone; Phil Teele – bass trombone; Gene Cherico – bass; Peter Donald – drums; Scott Ellsworth – voice (on "Memory")

Kogun

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André Previn - The Subterraneans

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:36
Size: 91,0 MB
Art: Front

(1:57)  1. Why Are We Afraid?
(3:07)  2. Guido's Blackhawk
(4:01)  3. Two By Two
(4:14)  4. Bread And Wine
(2:44)  5. Coffee Time
(3:27)  6. A Rose And The End
(2:28)  7. Should I
(1:32)  8. Look Ma, No Clothes
(5:37)  9. Things Are Looking Down
(4:20) 10. Analyst
(1:57) 11. Like Blue
(3:06) 12. Raising Caen

MGM director Ronald McDougall didn't do much right in adapting Jack Kerouac's novel The Subterraneans for the big screen first, the lead character of Mardou Fox (played by Leslie Caron) was transformed from black to white, and future A-Team star George Peppard was miscast as Kerouac's alter ego, Leo Percepied. And don't even mention Robert Thom's clumsy, lightweight screenplay. But at least composer André Previn had the good sense to recruit cool jazz giants including Gerry Mulligan, Russ Freeman, and Dave Bailey to perform his Subterraneans score: jazz not only fueled Kerouac's work, but his prose sought to evoke the rhythms and energy of bebop. Indeed, this music comes far closer to accurately capturing Kerouac's writing than any of the film's dialogue. Previn also deserves credit for articulating the sadness of the original novel, deftly combining horns and strings to create a score that is dark and emotive. ~ Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-subterraneans-original-soundtrack-mw0000906573

Personnel: André Previn – piano, arranger, conductor; Gerry Mulligan – baritone saxophone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8–10);  Carmen McRae – vocals (track 5); Art Farmer (tracks 4 & 9), Jack Sheldon (1, 3, 6, 8 & 10 and 12) – trumpet; Bob Enevoldsen – valve trombone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6 and 9); Art Pepper – alto saxophone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6 & 8–10 and 12); Bill Perkins – tenor saxophone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6 and 9); Russ Freeman – piano (tracks 4, 9 and 12); Buddy Clark (tracks 4 & 9), Red Mitchell (tracks 1-3, 5–8, and 10–12) – bass; Dave Bailey (tracks 4 & 9), Shelly Manne (tracks 1–3, 5–8, and 10–12) – drums

The Subterraneans

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Bill Perkins - Just Friends

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:59
Size: 92,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. Just Friends
(3:57)  2. A Foggy Day
(4:34)  3. All Of Me
(3:09)  4. Diane-A-Flow
(3:19)  5. Limehouse Blues
(5:22)  6. What Is This Thing Called Love
(4:32)  7. Solid Desylva
(5:06)  8. Sweet And Lovely
(3:43)  9. Zenobia

Tremendous work from tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins  easily one of our favorite talents of the LA scene of the 50s, heard here on material from 2 rare albums! On these 50s recordings, Bill's got a great tone that really deserves to be heard  as lean and cool as fellow LA scenester Bud Shank, but also with a soulful quality that recalls some of the alto work coming out of Boston at the same time. Half the CD features titles from the Pacific Jazz album Just Friends  and Perkins plays tenor on most of the album, plus a bit of flute and bass clarinet  in the company of Art Pepper, Richie Kamuca, Jimmy Rowles, and Hampton Hawes. Tracks include "Solid De Sylva", "Zenobia", "Diane A Flow", and "Just Friends". The remaining tracks are from the even more obscure Liberty album Tenors Head On  a tight small group session that matches the horns of Perkins and Richie Kamuca, alongside rhythm from Pete Jolly on piano, Red Mitchell on bass, and Stan Levey on drums. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/bill-perkins-albums/4380-just-friends-tenors-head-on.html

Personnel:  Art Pepper (as) Bill Perkins (ts,bclar,f) Richie Kamuca (ts) Jimmy Rowles/ Hampton Hawes (p) Ben Tucker/ Red Mitchell (b) Mel Lewis (d)

Just Friends

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Vic Lewis, West Coast All Stars - Play Bill Holman

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:35
Size: 131.8 MB
Styles: West Coast jazz
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[7:12] 1. Oleo (First Version)
[7:26] 2. Yesterdays
[6:54] 3. Sizzler Before Lunch
[3:54] 4. When I Fall In Love
[7:35] 5. Easter Parade
[8:43] 6. As We Speak
[8:21] 7. Sizzler After Lunch
[7:26] 8. Oleo (Second Version)

Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank (tracks: 1 to 6 ,8), Lanny Morgan (tracks: 7), Lennie Niehaus (tracks: 7); Baritone Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Flute [Alto], Bass Clarinet – Bill Perkins; Bass – John Clayton; Drums – Jeff Hamilton; French Horn – Ron Loofbourrow; Piano – Alan Broadbent (tracks: 1, 3 to 6), Dudley Moore (tracks: 7), Mike Lang (tracks: 2,8); Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Bob Cooper; Trombone – Andy Martin (tracks: 7), Rob McConnell; Trumpet – Conte Candoli, Jack Sheldon; Vocals – Ruth Price.

Vic has no hesitation in declaring Bill Holman to be the finest big band jazz arranger in the world and in 1988 he satisfied a long held ambition by asking Bill to write arrangements for a complete album by the West Coast All Stars. As can be seen from the personnel listing, the cream of California's jazzmen were assembled for the date.

Play Bill Holman mc
Play Bill Holman zippy

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Bill Perkins Big Band - Our Man Woody

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:11
Size: 122,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:09)  1. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
(5:47)  2. I've Got The World On A String
(4:04)  3. Tenderly
(6:31)  4. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
(5:14)  5. 9:20 Special
(5:41)  6. My Funny Valentine
(4:42)  7. Blue Lou
(4:54)  8. I've Got A Lot Of Living To Do
(6:04)  9. Sweet Lorraine
(6:00) 10. Blues For Woody

Bill Perkins pays tribute to former boss Woody Herman on this CD by leading a 14-piece big band through a variety of standards, most of which were featured by Herman. Actually, this is more of a tribute to Herman's spirit than to his original recordings, for the arrangements (by Jim Knight, John La Barbera, Dennis Mackrel, Frank Strazzeri and Mark Taylor) are much newer; not all of the songs (such as "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me," "9:20 Special" and "Blue Lou") were that closely connected with Herman's legacy, and his hits ("Four Brothers" and "Early Autumn") are absent. In addition, there is no clarinetist in the band filling in for Herman. Many soloists are heard from, including Perkins (on tenor, alto and soprano), trumpeters Bob Summers and Clay Jenkins, Bob Cooper on tenor, baritonist Jack Nimitz, trombonists Charlie Loper and Andy Martin, and pianist Strazzeri. Among the highlights of the spirited set are Perkins' feature on "I Got It Bad," "Blue Lou," Nimitz on "Sweet Lorraine," and "Blues for Woody." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/our-man-woody-mw0000429155  

Personnel: Bill Perkins (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Bob Cooper, Brian Scanlon (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jack Nimitz (baritone saxophone); Clay Jenkins, Joseph Davis , Rick Babtist, Wayne Bergeron, Bob Summers (trumpet); Andrew Martin , Charles Loper (trombone); Richard Bullock (bass trombone); Frank Strazzeri (piano); Paul Kreibich (drums).

Our Man Woody

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Vic Lewis, West Coast All Stars - Shake Down The Stars: The Music Of Jimmy Van Heusen

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:20
Size: 177.0 MB
Styles: Bop, West Coast jazz
Year: 1992
Art: Front

[ 5:53] 1. Swinging On A Star
[ 6:28] 2. But Beautiful
[ 5:34] 3. Suddenly It's Spring
[ 7:26] 4. I'll Only Miss Her
[ 7:45] 5. Here's That Rainy Day
[10:06] 6. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[11:04] 7. I Thought About You
[ 7:51] 8. So Would I
[ 8:50] 9. Shake Down The Stars
[ 6:19] 10. Collar

Bass – Joel DiBartolo; Clarinet, Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Bill Perkins; Drums – Paul Kreibich; Piano – Mike Lang; Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper; Trombone – Andy Martin. Recorded at Good Times Vibes Studio, Woodland Hills, CA on April 5th, 1992.

Vic Lewis gathered together a remarkable all-star group of top Los Angeles-based musicians for this date and had the great Bill Holman contribute some very complex but swinging arrangements. With strong solos from the likes of trumpeters Conte Candoli and Jack Sheldon, valve trombonist Rob McConnell, altoist Bud Shank, Bob Cooper on tenor, Bill Perkins on various reeds, either Mike Lang or Alan Broadbent on piano, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton along with guest spots for pianist Dudley Moore, trombonist Andy Martin and altoists Lennie Niehaus and Lanny Morgan, it is not surprising that the music is often quite magical. But even with the major individual voices, it is Holman's writing that consistently takes honors for his charts are full of surprises and unusual twists and turns. Performed in 1989 (except for Ruth Price's more recently re-recorded vocal on "When I Fall in Love"), this set is highly recommended and a particularly strong example of the brilliance of Bill Holman's writing. ~Scott Yanow

Shake Down The Stars mc
Shake Down The Stars zippy

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Lighthouse All Stars - Eight Brothers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:54
Size: 160.0 MB
Styles: West Coast jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. Back To The Basie-Ics
[7:56] 2. Yesterday, Today And Forever
[5:24] 3. Unfinished Dream
[6:55] 4. Magic Man
[7:34] 5. Eight Brothers
[4:40] 6. Stray Horns
[6:49] 7. Like It Is
[6:11] 8. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
[4:35] 9. The Essence Of Tenderness
[6:33] 10. Double Trouble
[8:05] 11. No Additives, No Preservatives

Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank; Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bill Perkins; Bass – Monty Budwig; Drums – Larance Marable; Piano – Pete Jolly; Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper; Trumpet – Conte Candoli; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Shorty Rogers. Recorded at Entourage Studios, North Hollywood, California 13/14th January 1992.

The title track of this album refers to the members of the Light House All Stars, men who have come through the jazz wars in Los Angeles to emerge at the peak of their abilities. This, one of two great Candid sets, features some of the true giants of West Coast Jazz. Compositions and arrangements by Shorty Rogers and Bud Shank, Conte Candoli, Bob Cooper et al are featured prominently. The Lighthouse was truly a coast jazz beacon, especially during the 1950s. It was one of those special places where the elements were right for creative magic and the memories and the music of the Lighthouse All Stars still hold generations enthralled.

Eight Brothers 

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Terry Gibbs & His Dream Band - Swing Is Here

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:30
Size: 79.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1960/2009
Art: Front

[2:33] 1. The Song Is You
[3:10] 2. It Might As Well Be Swing
[3:05] 3. Dancing In The Dark
[2:44] 4. Moonglow
[5:03] 5. Bright Eyes
[3:04] 6. The Fat Man
[2:57] 7. My Reverie
[3:42] 8. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
[5:22] 9. Evil Eyes
[2:44] 10. Back Bay Shuffle

Alto Saxophone – Charlie Kennedy; Alto Saxophone [Lead] – Joe Maini; Baritone Saxophone – Jack Schwartz; Bass – Buddy Clark; Drums – Mel Lewis; Piano – Lou Levy; Tenor Saxophone – Bill Perkins, Med Flory; Trombone – Bob Edmondson, Frank Rosolino, Bobby Pring, Tommy Sheppard; Trumpet – Conte Candoli, John Audino, Ray Triscari, Stu Williamson; Trumpet [Lead] – Al Porcino; Vibraphone – Terry Gibbs. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA, February 23-24, 1960.

The title Swing Is Here would have been more appropriate for the 1930s instead of 1960 when this album was originally issued, and the big-band era had long since waned. Yet vibraphonist Terry Gibbs kept the home fires burning out in California with this exceptional orchestra of cool jazz giants playing a stack of standards and modern compositions by Bill Holman or Gibbs, and one look back with an Artie Shaw number. What is most interesting about these arrangements is that they are always different in emphasizing the fleet, dampened sound of Gibbs in contrast, apart from, or in tandem with the woodwinds and brass instruments. They also never get in each other's way, making for some delightful tonic music-making that reflects both the dance tradition and more modernized precepts of big-band music. Reflecting the style of the Count Basie band with a big helping of Woody Herman or Stan Kenton, the band leaps into "The Song Is You" as Gibbs plays the first melody line, then the band takes over, while the opposite ploy is utilized during "Dancing in the Dark." Holman's originals "Bright Eyes" and "Evil Eyes" are different from the rest and each other, the former a lively bop chart with jumping counterpoint saxes and brass, the latter led out by pianist Lou Levy and the horns, with Gibbs holding up the rear guard of the band. A 12-bar blues, "The Fat Man" has, over time, become a favorite Gibbs composition covered repeatedly by his bands, and here is the original recording. "It Might as Well Be Swing" is a cleverly modified title from the standard "It Might as Well Be Spring" but is closer to Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll" in its elegant, sophisticated imagery. Claude Debussy's "My Reverie," on the other hand, dismisses its composers early morning visage for a classic jazz sound that is truly the epitome signature style Gibbs portrays. The Artie Shaw tribute to Boston "Back Bay Shuffle" has drummer Mel Lewis codifying and extending Gene Krupa's bompity bomp rhythmic dance remarks in a danceable yet enlivened manner. There are some extraordinary musicians in the band, such as trumpeter and ostensible leader Al Porcino, "second" trumpeters Conte Candoli and Stu Williamson, trombonist Frank Rosolino (listed third on the depth chart), lead alto saxophonist Joe Maini, and Bill Perkins, and Med Flory on tenor saxes. Gibbs plays a lot on this album, a testament to his tenacity as a unique voice on his instrument, and a good example of how this well-defined music refused to die even though it fell out of favor due to sheer economics. Clocking in at under 35 minutes with no alternate takes or extra tracks, and out of print for decades prior to this CD reissue, it's a short, sweet item recommended at a bargain price. ~Michael G. Nastos

Swing Is Here mc
Swing Is Here zippy

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Bill Perkins & Richie Kamuca - Tenors Head On

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet And Flute Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:34
Size: 143,6 MB
Art:

(4:37)  1. Cotton Tail
(5:57)  2. I Want A Little Girl
(4:30)  3. Blues For Two
(4:40)  4. Indian Summer
(5:06)  5. Don't Be That Way
(5:38)  6. Oh! Look At Me Now
(5:02)  7. Spain
(4:25)  8. Pick A Dilly
(4:32)  9. Solid De Sylva
(5:10) 10. Just Friends
(4:32) 11. All Of Me
(3:19) 12. Limehouse Blues
(5:02) 13. Sweet And Lovely

The Lester Young-influenced tenors of Bill Perkins (who later developed a more Coltrane-oriented style) and Richie Kamuca are matched on this 1956 set. The music comprises hard-swinging but light-toned run-throughs on standards with the two complementary tenors both in excellent form. The material is taken from two former LPs and feature a pair of all-star rhythm sections (pianist Pete Jolly, bassist Red Mitchell, drummer Stan Levey, or pianist Hampton Hawes, Mitchell, and drummer Mel Lewis). Lovers of bebop and solidly swinging music will find much to enjoy on the set including some rare (if conventional) bass clarinet and flute from Perkins on a colorful version of "Sweet and Lovely." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/tenors-head-on-mw0000277343

Personnel:  Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute – Bill Perkins;  Tenor Saxophone – Richie Kamuca;  Bass – Red Mitchell;  Drums – Mel Lewis (tracks: 9 to 13), Stan Levey (tracks: 1 to 8);  Piano – Hampton Hawes (tracks: 9 to 13), Pete Jolly (tracks: 1 to 8)

Tenors Head On

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Al Cohn, Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca - The Brothers!

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:51
Size: 174,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:48)  1. Blixed
(3:13)  2. Kim's Kaper
(3:08)  3. Rolling Stone
(3:08)  4. Sioux Zan
(2:48)  5. The Walrus
(3:12)  6. Blue Skies
(3:17)  7. Gay Blade
(3:13)  8. Three Of A Kind
(3:19)  9. Hags!
(3:04) 10. Pro-Ex
(3:19) 11. Strange Again
(3:39) 12. Cap Snapper
(3:02) 13. Memories Of You
(3:22) 14. Saw Buck
(3:22) 15. Chorus For Morris
(3:15) 16. Slightly Salty
(5:09) 17. Just Friends
(4:32) 18. All Of Me
(3:18) 19. Limehouse Blues
(4:31) 20. Solid De Sylva
(5:02) 21. Sweet And Lovely

This release presents the complete original 1955 album The Brothers! (RCA Victor LPM1162), featuring the wonderful West Coast frontline of Al Cohn, Bill Perkins and Richie Kamuca. In addition to the complete original album, this CD also includes all of the tunes recorded during those sessions that were originally excluded from the LP, as well as a splendid complete quintet session that also features Perkins and Kamuca. http://www.jazzmessengers.com/en/9356/al-cohn/the-brothers

Personnel:  Al Cohn, Bill Perkins, Richie Kamuca, tenor saxes,  Hank Jones, piano;  Barry Galbraith, guitar (on 2-3, 6-8, 10, 13 & 16);  Jimmy Raney, guitar (on 1, 4-5, 9, 11-12 & 14-15); John Beal, bass;  Chuck Flores, drums

The Brothers!

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John Lewis - Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East-3 Degrees West

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:10
Size: 83,2 MB
Art: Front

(8:23)  1. Love Me Or Leave Me
(3:36)  2. I Can't Get Started
(4:19)  3. Easy Living
(6:12)  4. 2 Degrees East - 3 Degrees West
(3:10)  5. Skylark
(9:28)  6. Almost Like Being In Love

Also reissued as 2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West and occasionally listed under tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins' name, this classic session is the ultimate in cool jazz. Perkins' mellow tone matches quite well with the quiet but inwardly passionate playing of pianist John Lewis, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Chico Hamilton. Lewis is featured with the rhythm section on "I Can't Get Started," Hall is added for "Skylark," and the full group plays three standards plus Lewis' memorable (and atmospheric) "2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West."~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/grand-encounter-2-degrees-east-3-degrees-west-mw0000194407

Personnel:  John Lewis – piano;  Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone;  Jim Hall – guitar;  Percy Heath – bass;  Chico Hamilton - drums

Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East-3 Degrees West

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Buddy Bregman And His Dance Band - Swinging Standards / Gypsy (Feat. Annie Ross)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:16

Size: 149.4 MB

Styles:

Year: 2012

Art: Front

[2:36] 1. My Buddy

[3:03] 2. All Of You

[4:37] 3. In A Mellotone

[4:03] 4. I Love Paris

[3:44] 5. It's All Right With Me

[2:35] 6. Too Close For Comfort

[2:24] 7. Baubles, Bangles, And Beads

[3:06] 8. Imagination

[4:08] 9. My Heart Stood Still

[3:39] 10. Just In Time

[3:43] 11. Gypsy Overture

[3:44] 12. Everything's Coming Up Roses

[3:29] 13. You'll Never Get Away

[4:09] 14. Some People

[3:00] 15. All I Need Is A Boy

[2:39] 16. Small World

[4:36] 17. Together Where You Go

[3:37] 18. Let Me Entertain You

[2:15] 19. Roses

Twofer: Tracks #1-10 from the 12" LP "Swingin' Standards" (World Pacific STEREO-1024). Tracks #11-19 from the 12" LP "Gypsy" (World Pacific STEREO-1028).

Personnel on "Swingin' Standards": Al Porcino, Stu Williamson, Ray Triscari, Conte Candoli, John Audino (tp); Frank Rosolino, Joe Howard, Lloyd Ulyate, Marshall Cram (tb); George Roberts (b-tb); Richie Kamuca, Bob Cooper, Bill Holman (ts); Bill Perkins (bs); Russ Freeman (p); Jim Hall (g); Monty Budwig (b) and Mel Lewis (d). Recorded at United recording Studios, Hollywood, on April 21 (#6-10), 22 (#1-5), 1959. Personnel on "Gypsy": Annie Ross (vcl); Pete Candoli, Al Porcino (tp); Frank Rosolino (tb); Bud Shank (as); Richie Kamuca, Bill Perkins (ts); Russ Freeman (p); Jim Hall (g); Monty Budwig (b) and Mel Lewis (d). Recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, on July 7 & 8 (#11,13,14,15), 1959.

Not yet 30 and dubbed Hollywood's wonder-boy of music when he recorded these sessions, Buddy Bregman had already amassed an incredible list of radio, television and motion picture credits, and had done backgrounds for everybody from Ella to Bing Crosby.

In 1959, he had a show every Sunday on NBC titled Buddy Bregmans Music Shop, where he appeared leading the powerful dance band with which he recorded the album Swingin Standards. The band featured the best of front rank Hollywood musicians, with fine soloing from brass and reeds and an excellent rhythm section authoritatively driven by Mel Lewis and the tasteful beat of guitarist Jim Hall. That same year, Buddy assembled a reduced version of his band to accompany Annie Rossone of the most versatile, brilliant and the swingingnest female jazz singer of the momentto record an album dedicated to the Broadway show Gypsy, with music composed by Buddys uncle Jule Styne, and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim. Miss Ross has never been more hip, sultry and just plain enjoyable. Listening to the ripe, full sound the band gets suggests awesome power carefully under control. This is the flamboyant swing of Buddy Bregmans band.

Swinging Standards  Gypsy 

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Peggy Lee & Quincy Jones - Blues Cross Country + If You Go (CD 1/2)

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:51
Size: 175,0 MB
Art: Front

(2:29)  1. Kansas City
(3:04)  2. Basin Steet Blues
(2:38)  3. Los Angeles Blues
(2:53)  4. I Left My Sugar (In Salt Lake City)
(1:52)  5. The Grain Belt Blues
(3:21)  6. New York City Blues
(2:37)  7. Goin' To Chicago Blues
(2:37)  8. San Francisco Blues
(3:11)  9. Fisherman's Wharf
(2:05) 10. Boston Beans
(2:42) 11. The Train Blues
(2:15) 12. St. Louios Blues
(1:53) 13. Hey! Look Me Over
(2:52) 14. As Time Goes By
(2:43) 15. If You Go
(2:37) 16. Oh Love Hast Thou Forsaken Me
(2:58) 17. Say It Isn't So
(2:49) 18. I Wish I Didn't Love You So
(2:04) 19. Maybe It's Because
(2:48) 20. I'm Gonna Laugh You Out Of My Life
(2:49) 21. I Get Along With You Very Well
(2:30) 22. Gipsy Soul
(3:16) 23. When I Was A Child
(2:50) 24. Here Is Rthat Rainy Day
(2:21) 25. Smile
(2:57) 26. Deep Purple
(3:08) 27. Farewell To Arms
(3:19) 28. Fever

This two-fer from Fresh Sound features a pair of out of print Peggy Lee LP's, If You Go and Blues Cross Country originally issued on Capitol in 1961 and 1962 respectively. The albums highlight 28 songs including "Basin Street Blues," "Goin' to Chicago Blues," "As Time Goes By," and "Here's That Rainy Day." 

This is great material but is geared more toward the collector. Casual listeners would be better served by the one of the many Peggy Lee compilations. ~ Al Campbell http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-cross-country-if-you-go-mw0002325291

Featuring: Peggy Lee (vcl), with Quincy Jones (arr, cond). Orchestras includes Jack Sheldon, Pete Candoli (tp), Frank Rosolino (tb), Benny Carter, Buddy Collette, Plas Johnson, Bill Perkins (saxes), Jimmy Rowles (p), Dennis Budimir (g), Shelly Manne (d)

Blues Cross Country + If You Go (CD 1/2)

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