Louie Bellson - Don't Stop Now!

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1984
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:22
Size: 97,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Don't Stop Now!
(6:19)  2. Lover Man
(4:58)  3. Indian Summer
(5:12)  4. Cipriana
(5:15)  5. With Bells On
(5:05)  6. Darn That Dream
(7:16)  7. Three Ton Blues
(3:17)  8. Seven Come Eleven

Recorded in 1984 for Pete Christlieb's Bosco label, this outing by the Louie Bellson Orchestra has plenty of power, more variety than usual, and swings up a storm; half of the selections actually feature a small group from the orchestra. The big band tracks have spots for trumpeters Conte Candoli and Ron King, trombonists Carl Fontana and Andy Martin, tenor great Christlieb and drummer Bellson (who is showcased on Thad Jones' "With Bells On"), while the combo tracks put the focus on trumpeters Conte Candoli and Steve Huffsteter, trombonist Fonanta (featured on "Indian Summer") and Christlieb. This is a rather obscure and hard-to-find release, but is worth the search, for the musicians sound consistently inspired. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/dont-stop-now%21-mw0000694508

Personnel:  Drums – Louis Bellson;  Bass – Dave Stone ; Keyboards [Dx7] – Mike Melvoin;  Piano – Frank Strazzeri;  Saxophone – Dave Edwards (3), Joe Roccisano, John Bambridge, Pete Christlieb, Bill Green; Trombone – Andy Martin, Carl Fontana, Mike Wimberly, Bob Payne; Trumpet – Conte Candoli, John Audino, Ron King, Steve Huffsteter, Walt Johnson

Don't Stop Now!

---

Carl Fontana - The Fifties

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:13
Size: 149.3 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[ 1:06] 1. Intro Blues
[ 3:04] 2. Lester Leaps In
[ 0:17] 3. Where's Charlie Ventura
[ 4:51] 4. Ballad Medley If You Could See Me Now Come Back To Sorrento
[ 3:59] 5. Intermission Riff
[11:44] 6. Daniel's Blues
[ 6:51] 7. Scrapple From The Apple
[ 7:56] 8. Buhaina
[ 9:23] 9. Ballad Medley These Foolish Things You Go To My Head Darn That Dream
[ 3:09] 10. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[ 2:28] 11. Soon
[ 6:02] 12. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[ 4:18] 13. Carl

Trombonist Carl Fontana spent the early part of his career playing with a number of different big bands, including groups led by Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton, the latter being the leader with whom he grew his reputation. Tiring of travel, he settled in Las Vegas playing commercial music for several decades (still taking time out for some brief tours with jazz bands), though he started leading jazz gigs and occasionally recording as a leader beginning in the '80s. This compilation comes from several different radio and television broadcasts plus some studio dates. The first set features Fontana leading a quintet with tenorist Vido Musso (a last-minute substitute for an injured Charlie Ventura). Fontana easily outshines Musso with his effortless but brief rapid-fire solo in "Lester Leaps In," while each man takes half of a ballad medley as an individual feature. Several numbers feature Fontana with members of the Kenton band plus pianist Henri Renaud. Fontana's intricate solo in Charlie Parker's "Scrapple from the Apple" is humorous at times, while Horace Silver's soulful "Buhaina" showcases trumpeter Dickie Mills and the trombonist. Fontana is the featured player in two selections with the Jimmy Cook Big Band, playing a powerful solo in "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" buoyed by Bill Holman's richly textured arrangement and adding some pep to an already breezy "Soon." The final two tracks showcase Fontana in concert with Kenton in Berlin playing two Bill Holman charts, including "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and the arranger's own "Carl.""Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and the arranger's own "Carl." These vintage recordings from 1956 to 1960 are of surprising audio quality, making them essential for fans of the late Carl Fontana, who succumbed to Alzheimer's disease in 2003. ~Ken Dryden

The Fifties

---

Stan Kenton - Cuban Fire!

Styles: Piano Jazz, Latin Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:06
Size: 125,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Fuego Cubano (Cuban Fire)
(5:53)  2. El Congo Valiente (Valiant Congo)
(5:01)  3. Recuerdos (Reminiscences)
(4:49)  4. Quien Sabe (Who Knows)
(5:09)  5. La Quera Baila (The Fair One Dances)
(4:20)  6. La Suerte De Los Tontos (Fortune Of Fools)
(2:59)  7. Tres Corazones (Three Hearts)
(3:51)  8. Malibu Moonlight
(4:34)  9. El Panzon
(5:22) 10. Carnival
(3:05) 11. Wagon
(2:56) 12. Early Hours (Lady Luck)

This CD contains one of the classic Stan Kenton albums, a six-part suite composed and arranged by Johnny Richards. The Kenton orchestra was expanded to 27 pieces for these dates including six percussionists, two French horns and six trumpets. With such soloists as tenor-great Lucky Thompson (on "Fuego Cubano,") trombonist Carl Fontana, altoist Lennie Niehaus, Bill Perkins on tenor and trumpeters Sam Noto and Vinnie Tanno, and plenty of raging ensembles, this is one of Stan Kenton's more memorable concept albums of the 1950s. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/cuban-fire!-mw0000264239

Personnel : Stan Kenton (piano);  Lennie Neihaus, Gene Baltazar (alto saxophone);  Bill Perkins, Lucky Thompson (tenor saxophone);  Billy Root, Marvin Holliday (baritone saxophone);  Ed Leddy, Sam Noto, Lee Katzman, Phil Gilbert, Al Mattaliano (trumpets); Vinnie Tano (trumpet, flugelhorn); Bob Fitzpatrick, Carl Fontana, Kent Larsen (trombone); Irving Rosenthal, Julius Watikins (French horn); Jay McAllister (tuba); Gene Roland (mellophonium); Ralph Blaze (guitar); Curtis Counce, Pete Chivily (bass); Art Anton, Mel Lewis (drums); Tommy Lopez, George Acevedo (congas); George Laguna (timbales); Roger Mozian (claves); Mario Alvarez (maracas).

Cuban Fire!

---

Carl Fontana & Jiggs Whigham - Nice 'n Easy

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:36
Size: 158,6 MB
Art: Front + Back

( 6:45)  1. The Touch of Your Lips
( 8:50)  2. Sweet Lorraine
( 7:22)  3. Take the Coltrane
( 8:07)  4. Here's That Rainy Day
(10:13)  5. If I Only Had a Brain
( 9:15)  6. Nice 'n Easy
( 5:45)  7. It Could Happen to You
( 6:39)  8. Incident
( 5:36)  9. Cape Clip So

Recorded in 1997, Nice 'n' Easy finds Carl Fontana joining forces with another veteran trombonist: Jiggs Whigham. Together, Fontana and Whigham form a two-trombone front line, and they have a solid rhythm section that consists of pianist Stefan Karlsson, bassist Tom Warrington, and drummer Ed Soph. These days, two-trombone attacks are a rarity, and anyone who has a high opinion of the sessions that trombonists J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding co-led in the '60s knows how regrettable that is. So, when two skilled trombone veterans like Fontana and Whigham get together, it is a happy event. Fontana is the older of the two; born in 1929, he was 14 when Whigham was born in 1943. Both of them bring a lot of experience to the table, and they enjoy a strong rapport when they turn their attention to original pieces, as well as Duke Ellington's "Take the Coltrane" and some overdone standards (including "Sweet Lorraine" and "It Could Happen to You"). Those who have listened to Fontana and Whigham extensively should have no problem telling them apart; both are recognizable. 

But even so, it is a good thing that the liner notes tell you which trombonist is soloing first on a particular song  that way, novices will know for sure. On Nice 'n' Easy, the trombonists do not sound like they are trying to compete with one another. There are no duel-to-the-death battles; in fact, most of the performances tend to be relaxed and easygoing (which is why Nice 'n' Easy is an appropriate and accurate title). Fontana and Whigham always share a friendly, good-natured dialogue on this rewarding disc. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/nice-n-easy-mw0000245872

Personnel: Carl Fontana (trombone); Jiggs Whigham (trombone); Stefan Karlsson (piano); Ed Soph (drums).

Nice 'n Easy

---

Kai Winding & Carl Fontana's Cleveland Express - The Complete Ohio Sessions

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:41
Size: 171,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:12)  1. Blue Lou
(4:25)  2. The Party's Over
(6:47)  3. The Preacher
(3:33)  4. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
(4:34)  5. Jive at Five
(7:19)  6. The Blues
(3:07)  7. Whistle While You Work
(5:10)  8. You Don't Know What Love Is
(4:51)  9. Mole Hill
(6:43) 10. There'll Never Be Another You
(8:04) 11. Jim and Andy's
(5:14) 12. In a Sentimental Mood
(7:36) 13. I Want to Be Happy

Of all the legendary trombone innovators, no one deserves more recognition for the development of the instrument than the great Kai Winding and Carl Fontana. Peerless soloists, band leaders, section players, arrangers and composers, the two trombonists' legendary collaboration began in August 1956, when Winding decided to form a septet consisting of four trombones and a rhythm section. The band's most impressive recording consists of an excellent June, 1957 live performance in Cleveland, Ohio. The minimal amount of background noise and ample applause is a testament to the high musical quality and audience chemistry. 

Winding expertly weaves moods, tempos, and textures on an array of show tunes, movie songs, classic jazz and several originals that showcase his superb arrangements and virtuoso group of musicians. all the legendary trombone innovators, no one deserves more recognition for the development of the instrument than the great Kai Winding and Carl Fontana. Peerless soloists, band leaders, section players, arrangers and composers, the two trombonists' legendary collaboration began in August 1956, when Winding decided to form a septet consisting of four trombones and a rhythm section. The band's most impressive recording consists of an excellent June, 1957 live performance in Cleveland, Ohio. The minimal amount of background noise and ample applause is a testament to the high musical quality and audience chemistry. Winding expertly weaves moods, tempos, and textures on an array of show tunes, movie songs, classic jazz and several originals that showcase his superb arrangements and virtuoso group of musicians.

"This 1957 concert in Cleveland seems to be Winding's earliest date with four trombones in a generally well-recorded nightclub date that has a bare minimum of clinking dishes and audience conversations. The rich harmonies are a delight as Winding blends with trombonists Carl Fontana, Wayne André and Dick Lieb." ~ Ken Dryden http://www.freshsoundrecords.com/the_complete_ohio_sessions-cd-3519.html

The Complete Ohio Sessions

---

Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana - Trombone Heaven, Vancouver, 1978

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:10
Size: 181,2 MB
Art: Front

(11:07)  1. Medley: Here's That Rainy Day/
(16:31)  2. Well, You Needn't
(15:33)  3. All Blues
(13:10)  4. Just Friends
( 9:33)  5. Laura/Embraceable You
(13:13)  6. Ow

Truly an unearthed gem, Trombone Heaven is a previously unreleased concert recording from 1978 at the Bayshore Inn in Vancouver, Canada, featuring the late slide legends Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana. The spirited set is anchored by the swinging rhythm section of pianist Elmer Gill, bassist Torban Oxbol and drummer George Ursan. Given the loose, jam-session nature of the set, the tunes are lengthy, allowing ample room for both Rosolino and Fontana to stretch out and display their unmatchable technique. Disc highlights include the impromptu trombone conversations on Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't," Miles Davis' "All Blues" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Ow." The telepathic give-and-take between the co-leaders, especially on the up-tempo numbers is utterly mesmerizing. On the opening ballad medley of "Here's That Rainy Day" and "Stardust," the dynamic duo relies as much on sense of humor and unpredictability of note choice as on virtuosity. The two prod each other on in an uncompetitive way, enjoying each others company and having a swinging good time. By the time of this concert, both Rosolino and Fontana had established their reputations as two of the most innovative trombonists jazz had ever known. This session, chock-full of fiery bop lines, sensual lyricism and eye-popping trombone gymnastics, documents the unbridled passion of two titans of a bygone era. ~ John Barron  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/trombone-heaven-frank-rosolino-uptown-records-review-by-john-barron.php#.U9wls7FryKI
 

Personnel: Frank Rosolino: trombone; Carl Fontana: trombone; Elmer Gill: piano; Torban Oxbol: bass; George Ursan: drums.

Trombone Heaven, Vancouver, 1978

---

Bobby Shew Quintet With Carl Fontana - Heavyweights

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:59
Size: 165,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:49)  1. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
(6:33)  2. My Romance
(8:21)  3. Bags' Groove
(8:15)  4. But Not for Me
(8:46)  5. Autumn Serenade
(6:45)  6. The Girl from Ipanema
(6:57)  7. Just in Time
(9:24)  8. While My Lady Sleeps
(9:06)  9. Night and Day

Trumpeter Bobby Shew had been wanting to make an album with the under-recorded trombonist Carl Fontana for 25 years when he finally had the opportunity in 1995. Using swinging arrangements by the recently deceased Herbie Phillips, Shew and Fontana (who are assisted by pianist George Cables, bassist Bob Magnusson, and drummer Joe LaBarbera) perform a bop-oriented program comprised of nine jazz standards. The interplay between the two very fluent horns is consistently delightful, and the highlights include "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," "My Romance," "The Girl From Ipanema," and "While My Lady Sleeps." Recommended for straight-ahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/heavyweights-mw0000180851

Personnel: Bobby Shew (trumpet); Carl Fontana (trombone); George Cables (piano); Joe La Barbera (drums).              

Heavyweights

---

Carl Fontana - The Great Fontana

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 58:42
Size: 108,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Shoutin' On A Riff
(6:23)  2. It Might As Well Be Spring
(5:47)  3. Soon
(6:17)  4. I Thought About You
(5:09)  5. Showcase
(7:14)  6. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
(4:18)  7. Always
(6:02)  8. Expubident
(7:26)  9. What's New?
(5:35) 10. America The Beautiful

Considering his ability and strong reputation, it is very surprising that this was trombonist Carl Fontana's first recording date as a leader. Fifty-seven at the time, Fontana's fluent horn matches well with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Akira Tana. The CD reissue of the Uptown release expands the original six-song program to ten. An excellent effort from an underrated but talented bop-based trombonist. ~ Scott Yanow  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-great-fontana-mw0000204790              

Personnel: Al Cohn - tenor sax, Richard Wyands - piano, Ray Drummond - bass & Akira Tana - drums.         

The Great Fontana

---