Carmen Lundy - Fade To Black

Styles: Vocal
Time: 56:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 130,8 MB
Art: Front

(8:06) 1. Shine a Light
(3:31) 2. So Amazing
(5:39) 3. Daughter of the Universe
(3:19) 4. Ain't I Human
(5:19) 5. Lonesome Blue Butterfly
(4:41) 6. Spell of Romance
(7:15) 7. Say Her Name
(5:21) 8. Transition (To A Promised Land)
(3:49) 9. Privacy
(5:51) 10. Reverence
(3:45) 11. Rest In Peace

Fade To Black is Carmen Lundy’s 16th album and one of her most personal to date. Grammy® Nominated for her previous album Modern Ancestors, these 11 original songs, written and arranged by Carmen Lundy, were conceived during the challenging months of the pandemic and reflect this time of great loss, sorrow, healing, and hope for a brighter, more inclusive future for us all. Tackling the difficult social issues of our time while also musing on the joys of love and relationships, this stunning set of songs takes us on an emotional journey that culminates in the extraordinary hymn-like ballad titled “Rest In Peace”.

Carmen Lundy explains, “I approached the writing of this work from being in this moment in time not necessarily looking back, but observant of the times we live in NOW. Traditional Jazz composition involves understanding its evolution and the spirit of improvisation. In this complete oeuvre, I wanted to explore different approaches to harmonic progressions, extended forms, and subtle rhythmic concepts while providing plenty of space for the lyrics and melodies to sing and tell stories without necessarily feeling the need to represent preconceived ideas about vocal jazz, harmonies and rhythms.” This project was funded in part by a New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America (CMA). All songs written and arranged by Carmen Lundy (Carmen Lundy Publishing/BMI).
https://carmenlundy.com/product/fade-to-black/

Personnel: Carmen Lundy: vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion, horn arrangements, backing vocals. Julius Rodriguez: piano. Matthew Whitaker: organ, keyboards, string arrangements, programming. Kenny Davis: acoustic bass, electric bass. Curtis Lundy: acoustic bass. Terreon Gully: drums. Andrew Renfroe: guitar. Wallace Roney Jr.: trumpet. Giveton Gelin: trumpet. Camille Thurman: tenor saxophone. Morgan Guerin: tenor saxophone.

Fade To Black

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Carmen Lundy - Jazz Deluxe

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2020
Time: 19:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 44,0 MB
Art: Front

(1:26) 1. Showtime
(1:25) 2. It Will Be All Right
(1:36) 3. White Russian
(1:42) 4. Prairie Calm
(1:56) 5. Brahms' Lullaby
(1:25) 6. Mandela - Man of Peace
(1:50) 7. It's a New Day
(2:17) 8. Carmen's Blues
(2:57) 9. Pamela
(2:22) 10. Hush Little Baby

Carmen Lundy began her professional career as a jazz vocalist and composer when there were very few young, gifted and aspiring jazz vocalists on the horizon.

Three decades later, Ms. Lundy is celebrated throughout the world for her vocal artistry and is highly regarded for her jazz innovation. Her contribution of over 60 self-penned compositions now comprises the New Jazz Songbook.

Carmen Lundy’s work as a vocalist and composer has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, as well as numerous foreign publications. As a composer, Ms. Lundy’s catalogue numbers over sixty published songs, one of the few jazz vocalists in history to accomplish such a distinction, and has led to the first publication of the Carmen Lundy Songbook (2007). Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Kenny Barron (“Quiet Times”), Ernie Watts (“At The End Of My Rope”), and Straight Ahead (“Never Gonna Let You Go”).

“Musicians as diversely gifted as Carmen Lundy, who has excelled as a vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger, guitarist and keyboardist for more than three decades, remain few and far between.” http://jazzbluesnews.com/2021/01/07/cd-review-carmen-lundy-jazz-deluxe-2021-live-full-concert-video-cd-cover/

Personnel: Carmen Lundy, vocals, piano; Darryl Hall, bass; Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums; Andrew Renfroe, guitar

Jazz Deluxe

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Carmen Lundy - Soul To Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:33
Size: 163.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Kindred Spirits
[6:14] 2. Life Is A Song In Me
[6:36] 3. Soul To Soul
[7:11] 4. When Will They Learn
[5:12] 5. Daybreak
[4:08] 6. Between Darkness And Dawn
[6:34] 7. Grace
[4:36] 8. Grateful, Pt. 1
[4:43] 9. Grateful, Pt. 2
[6:31] 10. Everything I Need
[4:33] 11. Don't You Know How I Feel
[5:36] 12. Sardegna
[4:11] 13. What's Your Story, Morning Glory

Carmen Lundy – vocals, piano, Rhodes, keyboards, guitar, drums, percussion, string arrangements and programming; Patrice Rushen – piano, Rhodes, keyboards; Geri Allen – piano, Rhodes; Darryl Hall – acoustic bass, electric bass; Jamison Ross – drums, percussion; Mayra Casales – percussion, congas; Carol Robbins – harp; Warren Wolf – vibes; Randy Brecker – trumpet, ugelhornl Ada Rovatti – tenor sax; Bennie Maupin – tenor sax, soprano sax Simphiwe Dana – vocals; Background Vocals – Carmen Lundy, Patrice Rushen, Jamison Ross, Mayra Casales, Darryl Hall, Elisabeth Oei.

“Soul To Soul,” a passionate new song cycle from vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy is Lundy’s 14th album, and the next chapter in her critically-acclaimed career as both a musical artist and a visual artist; a return to her roots but also an exploration of these roots — and the journey that those roots can take you on. Featuring the stellar talents of guest artists Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Mayra Casales, Simphiwe Dana, Bennie Maupin, Carol Robbins, Ada Rovatti, and Warren Wolf along with Carmen’s core rhythm section members Darryl Hall and Jamison Ross , “Soul To Soul” invites the listener on an intriguing journey. The moods and moments of “Soul To Soul” are genre-bending and traverse many borders, both literally and figuratively.

Soul To Soul

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Carmen Lundy - Code Noir

Styles: Vocal 
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:22
Size: 122,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Another Chance
(4:41)  2. Live Out Loud
(3:51)  3. Black and Blues
(4:30)  4. Whatever It Takes
(4:53)  5. Afterglow
(3:41)  6. Second Sight
(4:38)  7. The Island, The Sea and You
(5:36)  8. I Keep Falling
(5:07)  9. I Got Your Number
(4:54) 10. You Came into My Life
(2:56) 11. Have a Little Faith
(4:40) 12. Kumbaya

Fantastic work from Carmen Lundy one of our favorite jazz singers of all time, and an artist who keeps on giving us her best as the years go on! This album's definitely some of Carmen's best as it features the singer working with a wonderful group that includes Jeff Parker on guitar, Patrice Rushen on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums a tight core combo who really find a way to push Lundy's energy even more than usual while Carmen herself handles other keyboards with her vocals, and serves especially righteous material! There's a bit more politics here than on previous records perfect for the spirit of the moment but Carmen also mixes a lot of warmth and love into her music as well. Titles include "Black & Blues", "Afterglow", "Whatever It Takes", "I Keep Falling", "The Island The Sea & You", "Have A Little Faith", and "Another Chance". © 1996-2017, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/823955/Carmen-Lundy:Code-Noir

Carmen Lundy: vocals, keyboards, guitar, background vocals; Patrice Rushen: piano; Ben Williams: acoustic and electric bass; Kendrick Scott: drums, percussion; Jeff Parker: electric guitar; Elisabeth Oei: background vocals track 7.

Code Noir

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Geri Allen - Timeless Portrait And Dreams

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:27
Size: 134,3 MB
Art: Front

(1:52)  1. Oh Freedom
(7:07)  2. Melchezedik
(2:27)  3. Portraits And Dreams
(5:22)  4. Well Done
(4:21)  5. La Strada
(2:23)  6. I Have A Dream
(4:27)  7. Nearly
(5:40)  8. In Real Time
(2:48)  9. Embraceable You
(4:51) 10. Al-Leu-Cha
(4:21) 11. Just For A Thrill
(5:59) 12. Our Lady (for Billie Holiday)
(5:05) 13. Timeless Portrait And Dreams
(1:38) 14. Portrait And Dreams, reprise

There's a certain purity, perhaps innocence, about jazz that's played without the bells and whistles of modern technology and untainted by commercial trappings. When that purity is combined with superb songwriting, you have the makings of a recording that will never sound old. So it is with Timeless Portraits and Dreams.  A native of Detroit, Geri Allen began taking piano lessons at age eleven. She graduated from Howard University with a degree in jazz studies, and she later earned a master's degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional career has included professorships in music at Howard and the University of Michigan; she has earned several awards. As a recording artist, she has collaborated with Mino Cinelu, Mary Wilson and the Supremes, Tony Williams, Ron Carter and Betty Carter, among others. On Timeless Portraits and Dreams, Allen delivers nearly an hour's worth of musical elegance. The stage is set on the opening tracks, "Oh Freedom and "Melchezedik, two originals that feature Allen on solo piano and then joined by her rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jimmy Cobb. On the latter piece, Carter stretches out. Allen is backed by the Atlanta Jazz Chorus on "Well Done, which features guest vocalist Carmen Lundy. Donald Walden introduces "I Have a Dream with a soft tenor sax solo. George Shirley, the first African-American tenor to sing at the Metropolitan Opera, sings lead on this tribute to the famous speech of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., accompanied by the Atlanta Jazz Chorus. 

Trumpeter Wallace Roney takes the lead on "In Real Time, an upbeat original penned by Allen and Roney. Allen's solo in the middle is one of the finer points of the album, aided by Carter's bass. Though he plays in the background for much of the album, Cobb steps up with a drum solo on the cover of Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha. Throughout Timeless Portraits and Dreams, Allen's piano and Carter's bass keep the listener engaged. Cobb's drum work is subtle but effective. Lundy, Walden, Roney, Shirley and the Atlanta Jazz Chorus supplement the trio with great results. The collection includes a bonus CD single, "Lift Every Voice and Sing, which features Shirley and the Atlanta Jazz Chorus. Together, they form a gallery of emotions, thought-provoking messages and good jazz.~ Woodrow Wilkins https://www.allaboutjazz.com/timeless-portraits-and-dreams-geri-allen-telarc-records-review-by-woodrow-wilkins.php

Personnel: Geri Allen, piano; Ron Carter, bass; Jimmy Cobb, drums; Carmen Lundy, vocals; Wallace Roney, trumpet; George Shirley, vocals; Donald Walden, tenor saxophone; Atlanta Jazz Chorus, directed by Dwight Andrews.

Timeless Portrait And Dreams

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Carmen Lundy - Modern Ancestors

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:46
Size: 119,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. A Time for Peace
(3:58)  2. Burden Down, Burden Down
(6:22)  3. Ola De Calor
(4:18)  4. Flowers and Candles
(4:28)  5. Jazz On TV
(4:26)  6. Meant for Each Other
(9:39)  7. Eye of the Storm
(3:30)  8. Clear Blue Skies
(4:48)  9. Affair Brazil
(6:03) 10. Still

Featuring 10 self-penned and arranged tracks and a stellar band consisting of Julius Rodriguez on piano, brother Curtis Lundy on acoustic upright bass, Kenny Davis on electric and acoustic bass, Mayra Casales on percussion, Terreon Gully and Kassa Overall on drums and Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Modern Ancestors is set for release October 25th via Afrasia Productions and will be accompanied by tour dates both in the US and abroad. From the Gospel-inflected musings of “Burden Down, Burden Down” (Hello Sister Rosetta Tharpe!) to the Afro-Cuban vibes of “Hola De Calor” and “Affair Brazil”; from the Geri Allen-inspired “A Time For Peace” to the cynical humor of “Jazz On TV” and the terror and sadness of “Flowers And Candles”. From the beautiful love songs of “Meant For Each Other” and “Still” to the tropics-inspired “Eye Of The Storm,” Modern Ancestors takes the listener on a musical journey that traverses a multitude of cultures, emotions and generations and is at the same time unlike any album Carmen has recorded in the past and yet remains so true to her craft. https://carmenlundy.com/discography/modern-ancestors/

Personnel: Carmen Lundy: vocals [1-10], background vocals [1, 2, 3, 5, 9], nylon string guitar [6, 9], rhythm guitar [2], tambourine [2], synthesizers [1, 2], orchestrations [4, 6, 8, 9, 10], Fender Rhodes, keyboards [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9];  Julius Rodriguez:  piano [1-10];  Curtis Lundy: acoustic upright bass [1, 3, 4, 10];  Kenny Davis:  electric bass [2, 3, 7], acoustic bass [5, 6, 8, 9];  Terreon Gully:  drums [1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10] Kassa Overall:  drums [2, 5, 8, 9];  Andrew Renfroe:  guitar [2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10];  Mayra Casales:  percussion [2, 3, 7, 8, 9]

Modern Ancestors

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Carmen Lundy - This Is Carmen Lundy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:53
Size: 125.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[ 6:19] 1. All Day, All Night
[ 3:58] 2. This Is The End Of A Love Affair
[ 5:28] 3. Now That He's Gone
[ 4:38] 4. Better Luck Next Time
[ 4:47] 5. Send Me Somebody To Love
[10:48] 6. I Dream In Living Color
[ 8:41] 7. Is It Love
[ 6:44] 8. One More River Cross
[ 3:25] 9. Seventh Heaven

Carmen Lundy's first outing on the Justin Time label is also her first to feature all-original material. The classy vocalist is joined by an impressive cast: Curtis Lundy (Carmen's brother/producer) on bass, Onaje Allan Gumbs or Anthony Wonsey on piano, Ralph Peterson or Victor Lewis on drums, Bobby Watson on alto, Mark Shim on tenor, Kevin Louis on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Mayra Casales on percussion. Lundy wrote the music, the lyrics, and the arrangements, and much of it is impressive, particularly the difficult melody line she sings in unison with the horns on "Better Luck Next Time." In the production booth, however, Curtis Lundy relies a bit too heavily on fadeouts. The three/four ballad "Now That He's Gone," the mellow bossa "Send Me Somebody to Love," and the ambitious jam vehicle "(I Dream) In Living Color" would have benefited from real endings; the fades on these tracks sound like the creative equivalent of pulling the plug. Instrumental detail livens up some otherwise pedestrian material (e.g., the horn lick on the outro of "This Is the End of a Love Affair" and Mark Shim's tenor filigree and solo [and Ralph Peterson's brushes] on "Is It Love"). Lundy ups the ante, lyrically speaking, on the last two tracks: "One More River to Cross," co-written with Deborah Ash, deals with spiritual striving and contains a recitation of a Langston Hughes poem, while "Seventh Heaven," dedicated to the late pianist Kenny Kirkland, is a dramatic plea for peace. ~David R. Adler

This Is Carmen Lundy mc
This Is Carmen Lundy zippy

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Carmen Lundy - Something to Believe In

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:58
Size: 108,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:16)  1. In Love Again
(5:52)  2. Something to Believe In
(5:23)  3. Windmills of Your Mind
(2:53)  4. Happiness Is
(4:07)  5. Wild Child
(7:31)  6. I Loves You Porgy
(5:35)  7. Vu Ja De
(2:32)  8. A Gift of Love
(5:17)  9. It Might as Well Be Spring
(3:28) 10. Moody's Mood for Love

Something to Believe In could and should be the breakout album for veteran opera-trained vocalist Carmen Lundy. This is not to imply that Ms. Lundy doesn’t already possess a large group of devoted admirers, but this disc will go a long way to solidify her position as one of the finest jazz singers performing today; whether singing her own compositions, or bringing new interpretation and meaning to a standard tune, Lundy is hard not to believe in. Coincidentally all the songs here are about love. The title track, written by Lundy and Rich Meitin, is a sensual duet between her and Anthony Wonsey on piano. It’s a relaxed, slow-paced song whose melody sticks to you for a long time after the song ends. Wonsey knows when to take center stage and when to accentuate Lundy’s impeccable phrasing. On Lundy’s interpretation of the Michael Legrand classic "Windmills of Your Mind," a personal favorite, the vocalist is joined by Wonsey, drummer Victor Lewis, bassist Curtis Lundy, percussionist Mayra Casales, and violinist Regina Carter but unfortunately on just two others. Contributing gypsy-like floating phrases that sound like an elusive wind rushing round and round and round, Carter kicks a fast-paced rendition of "Windmills of Your Mind" up several levels.  Saxophonist Mark Shim blows tenor and soprano on four songs: the classic Gershwin tune "I Loves You Porgy"; an up-tempo Lundy original, "Vu Ja De"; "Wild Child"; and the opener, "In Love Again," another Ms. Lundy composition. Something to Believe In is immediately likeable, a quality that only expands through repeated listenings. ~ Rich Friedman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/something-to-believe-in-carmen-lundy-review-by-rich-friedman.php
 

Personnel: Carmen Lundy: Vocals, Percussion; Curtis Lundy: Bass Myra Casales: Percussion, Background Vocals; Anthony Wonsey: Piano, Fender Rhodes; Regina Carter: Violin; Victor Lewis: Drums; Mark Shim: Soprano and Tenor Saxophones.

Something to Believe In

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Carmen Lundy - Night and Day

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:05
Size: 105,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Night And Day
(6:15)  2. Everything Must Change
(5:12)  3. Easy To Love
(3:38)  4. My Old Flame
(4:03)  5. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
(3:18)  6. Lullaby Of Birdland
(4:55)  7. More Than You Know
(5:32)  8. Willow Weep For Me
(4:16)  9. My Shining Hour
(4:03) 10. Every Time We Say Goodbye

Reissue of the 1987 classic album on its 25th anniversary with these very special musicians - Kenny Kirkland, Rodney Jones, Curtis Lundy, Victor Lewis, Ricky Ford and Alex Blake. Available for the first time after many years, the album contains the original tracks with new artwork created by Carmen Lundy especially for this reissue. Finally, the wait is over! We loved this album then, and it sounds even better this time around. Features extraordinary performances from Ms. Lundy and a stellar ensemble, with the late great Kenny Kirkland on piano, this album of standards (her only album of all standards) is a welcome return to the classic songbook.~Afrasia Productions https://www.amazon.com/Night-Day-Carmen-Lundy/dp/B005X1TJUI

Personnel:  Carmen Lundy : Vocals; Kenny Kirkland: Piano; Alex Blake: Bass & Electric Bass; Curtis Lundy: Bass;  Victor Lewis: Drums;  Rodney Jones: Guitar;  Ricky Ford: Tenor Saxophone

Night and Day

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Fred Wesley - New Friends

Styles: Trombone Jazz

Year: 1990

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 66:32

Size: 152,7 MB

Art: Front

(5:29)  1. Rockin' In Rhythm

(2:28)  2. Honey Love

(5:57)  3. Bright Mississippi

(6:32)  4. Love We Had Stays On My Mind

(9:58)  5. For The Elders

(6:23)  6. Plenty Plenty Soul

(7:58)  7. Blue Monk

(6:04)  8. Peace Fugue

(5:54)  9. Eyes So Beautiful

(6:08) 10. Birks Works

(3:40) 11. D-Cup And Up

Trombonist Fred Wesley, best-known for his long-term association with James Brown, has long expressed the desire to play jazz. This is mostly a jazz-oriented CD although he hedges his bets a little with "Honey Love" (which has a cute vocal by Wesley over a calypso groove), an R&B-ish Carmen Lundy vocal on "Love We Had Stays On My Mind," the ballad "Eyes So Beautiful" and the funky "D-Cup And Up." But on the other six numbers Wesley plays in a boppish style influenced most by J.J. Johnson and there is a suitable amount of solo space for altoist Maceo Parker (heard at his best when trying to emulate Hank Crawford), trumpeter Stanton Davis and a restrained but tasteful Geri Allen on piano. Highlights include "Rockin' In Rhythm," Thelonious Monk's "Bright Mississippi" and "Birks Works" on the mixed but generally enjoyable bag.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/new-friends-mw0000314191

Personnel:  Fred Wesley - trombone, vocals (track 2);  Maceo Parker - alto saxophone, percussion;  Anthony Cox – bass;  Bill Stewart – drums;  Geri Allen – keyboards;  Tim Green - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, percussion;  Robin Eubanks - trombone (tracks 5 and 8);  Steve Turre - trombone (tracks 5 and 8);  Stanton Davis - trumpet, flugelhorn;  Carmen Lundy - vocals (tracks 4 and 9)

New Friends

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Carmen Lundy - Old Devil Moon

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 113,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:44)  1. Star Eyes
(4:47)  2. When Your Lover Has Gone
(4:39)  3. Just One More Chance
(5:22)  4. You're Not In Love
(3:24)  5. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(4:17)  6. Flying Easy
(3:32)  7. I'm Worried About You Baby
(3:13)  8. Old Devil Moon
(4:28)  9. At the End Of My Rope
(6:32) 10. In A Sentimental Mood
(4:28) 11. Love Me Forever

The deep voice of Carmen Lundy is well showcased on this varied set. With assistance from an impressive backup crew (pianist Billy Childs, flugelhornist Randy Brecker, Frank Foster or Bob Mintzer on tenor, and a pair of rhythm sections), Lundy performs six standards, four of her stimulating originals, and Donny Hathaway's "Flying Easy." The music ranges from fairly straight-ahead to more R&B-oriented, with Carmen Lundy's appealing voice being the main star. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/old-devil-moon-mw0000027856

Personnel: Carmen Lundy (vocals); Frank Foster, Bob Mintzer (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Harry Whitaker (piano, synthesizer); Billy Childs (piano); Santi Debriano (acoustic bass); Victor Bailey (electric bass); Winston Clifford, Omar Hakim (drums); Mayra Casales (congas, shekere, bongos, tambourine, percussion); Ralph Irizarry (timbales); Lani Groves, Gwen Guthrie, Tawatha Agee, Dennis Collins (background vocals).

Old Devil Moon

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Carmen Lundy - Solamente

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:40
Size: 126,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:35)  1. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
(4:10)  2. Fire In The Rhythm
(3:55)  3. The Out Crowd Pt.1
(3:27)  4. Lay Low
(5:31)  5. Requiem For Kathryn
(3:41)  6. Show Me A Sign
(4:05)  7. When The Lights Are Low
(3:28)  8. Free As A Child
(7:48)  9. Move On
(5:52) 10. America, The Beautiful
(4:47) 11. Without Your Love
(2:14) 12. The Out Crowd Pt 2

Carmen Lundy's voice is one of the very best in jazz, and has always been an integral part of the backing bands she works with. In what may be an unprecedented format for a jazz singer, this is a solo project in every sense, as she wrote and performed everything, save a modified version of "America the Beautiful." One gets the airy and diffuse feeling of this album from the beginning, at times drifting or approximated, at others assured and even stoic in her resolve to do this all on her own. There are themes borrowed and assimilated, but it seems more like extrapolations than interpretations. Lundy is unique, if not all that original here, where in previous performances she's been much more of a pioneer than carrying on in whatever jazz vocal tradition. 

This recording tends toward that derived sound, with pop, Brazilian, and more commercial leanings rather than jazz. Still Lundy's penchant for improvising is softly rendered on the most tuneful blues "Lay Low" where she picks up an acoustic guitar, or in the easy waltz of "Without Your Love," her most pronounced effort. There's a party tune, a shimmering requiem, and even spacy music, all atypical of what Lundy's fans might expect. More what it is not compared to her previous recordings, Lundy has made a bold move here, even if it largely isn't as successful. ~ Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/solamente-mw0001497646

Solamente

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Carmen Lundy - Jazz And The New Songbook - Live At The Madrid Disc 1 And Disc 2

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:04 (Disc 1)
Size: 137,7 MB (Disc 1)
Time: 64:30 (Disc 2)
Size: 147,8 MB (Disc 2)
Art: Front

Disc 1

(4:50)  1. In Love Again
(7:50)  2. One More River To Cross
(5:56)  3. Something To Believe In
(5:58)  4. Better Days
(8:00)  5. Where'd It Go
(5:57)  6. Wild Child
(8:55)  7. Afrasia!
(6:34)  8. Happy New Year
(6:01)  9. Long Journey Home

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Disc 2

( 5:35)  1. You're Not In Love
( 5:58)  2. All Day, All Night
( 7:59)  3. Walking Code Blue
( 6:34)  4. Send Me Somebody To Love
( 7:36)  5. Old Friend
(14:44)  6. (I Dream) In Living Color
( 5:40)  7. Firefly
( 4:40)  8. Vu Ja De
( 5:41)  9. Good Morning Kiss

Listening to Carmen Lundy "live" on Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid is truly a remarkable experience and solidifies the adage that she is in a class all her own. On this exceptional two-disc set, the multi-talented vocalist performs 18 of her original compositions accompanied by some of the music world's most talented musicians. Recorded February 18, 2005, at the Madrid Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, the concert opens with the hit song "In Love Again," the optimistic ode to romance that was previously released on Something to Believe In. Lundy's multi-octave range is fluid, sensuous, and sexy. It is captivating as it floats with seductive nuance and swinging rhythms. "Better Days," originally heard on Carmen's Self Portrait CD, opens with Curtis Lundy laying down an alluring bassline, anchored by Victor Lewis' drums and great comping by David Roitstein's keyboards, Phil Upchurch's guitar, and the Los Angeles String Quartet. With a range from soprano to contralto, the tones of her voice flow like the fluid strokes of a paintbrush on a canvas as listeners are treated to the pure ambience of Lundy's potent lyricism, delivered with a powerful voice that urges you to just hang in there. "Wild Child" is another passionate masterwork that features the high-powered upper registers and full bottom registers of Lundy's great voice. A double trio, impeccably complementing her inspired rendition, backs her. 

Mark Shim's soprano sax solo and the great improvisations by the double trio definitely take this song to another level. Steve Turre's conch shell work on "Afrasia" is truly a crowd-pleaser as he introduces the exotic vocals of Lundy and Krystal Davis Williams, who invoke the myriad names given to God in many different cultures. This beautiful prayer is truly indicative of Lundy's exceptional prowess and spiritual connections. Disc two features several songs from This Is Carmen Lundy, including "All Day, All Night," "Send Me Somebody to Love," and "I Dream in Living Color." Bonus tracks include three highly popular Lundy songs whose "official" 48-track concert recordings were lost due to a power surge on that rainy night in Los Angeles. Overall, this double-disc set houses a great mix of ballads, straight-ahead jazz, Latin, fusion, and funk that showcases Carmen Lundy's amazing voice and compositional integrity. Highly recommended.          ~ Paula Edelstein  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-and-the-new-songbook-live-at-the-madrid-mw0000479880

Personnel: Albert Romero, Michelina Wright, Alberto Romero (violin); Rachel Arnold (cello); Bobby Ray Watson, Bobby Watson (alto saxophone); Billy Childs, Billy Childs Trio (piano, keyboards); David Roitstein, David Roitstien (piano); Mayra Casales (percussion); Krystal Davis Williams (vocals, background vocals); Phil Upchurch (guitar); Catherine Lamb (viola); Steve Turre (conch shell, trombone); Mark Shim (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Robert Glasper (piano, keyboards); Curtis Lundy (acoustic bass); Kenny Davis , Nathan East (electric bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Victor Lewis (drums).

Live At The Madrid Disc 1

Live At The Madrid Disc 2

Carmen Lundy - Come Home

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:35
Size: 152,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:41)  1. Lost In San Rafael
(3:44)  2. Nature Boy
(5:11)  3. Come Home
(4:56)  4. My Wedding Vow
(2:40)  5. Happy New Year
(3:32)  6. Seductive Reasoning
(7:46)  7. Heart Of Gold
(4:00)  8. Gossip
(7:12)  9. Walking Code Blue
(6:45) 10. Lil' Lu
(7:57) 11. Afrasia
(4:05) 12. Something Happened Today

Carmen Lundy's follow-up recording to her extraordinary Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid is a studio effort emphasizing her compositions co-written by various others. As her credentials as one of the premier present-day jazz vocalists grow, she retains a solidly grounded and supple voice coupled with her direct and vibrant presence on the 2000s scene. Her flexible, vivacious, and clear voice is evident to anyone who pays close attention. What Lundy does that sets her apart is tackle the challenge of creating an ambitious book of songs that go beyond convention while still retaining a contemporary feel without being overproduced. Accompanists are chosen for their taste level and ability to lift Lundy's spirits  pianist Anthony Wonsey and guitarist Lage Lund loom large on this list. This sense of collaboration, from the songwriting to the instrumental arrangements, lifts the music to a lofty artistic level. 

These are not just songs of love, for or not for me me me, while the variety of sounds and styles tell you Lundy is truly thinking about how to change things up. In the more modern traditionalist jazz sense, "Gossip" is a hot, quick, quirky be-bopper, but that's about it. Modalities are explored in the free float to 6/8 to expansive scat and lyric of "Lost in San Rafael," the John Coltrane like easy and carefree "Walking Code Blue," and the low key, pensive 5/4 chart of the standard "Nature Boy." In a more now-than-then style, the clock timed rhythm of the title cut, or the funky and electric inserts of "Lil' Lu," which approach but never cross the line into a commercialized pop arena. Lundy also embraces Brazilian and Portuguese lyric elements, essential Afro-Cuban to Asian rhythms, a children's song, a New Year's wish, and a wedding vow tune. "Something Happened Today," in duet with pianist Geri Allen, is the most personal statement on the disc, a spirit song of realization and transformation. Lundy's star continues to rise, and this CD is further evidence of that steady ascension. ~ Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/come-home-mw0001626448

Come Home

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Carmen Lundy - Moment To Moment

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 44:20
Size: 101.5 MB
Label: Arabesque
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[6:20] 1. Invitation
[4:56] 2. Don't You Worry Your Head About It
[4:47] 3. You'll Always Have A Part Of Me
[4:34] 4. Samba De Laplaya
[3:24] 5. As One
[4:25] 6. A Time For Love
[9:54] 7. Big Girls
[5:57] 8. Moment To Moment

Carmen Lundy began her professional career as a jazz vocalist and composer when there were very few young, gifted and aspiring jazz vocalists on the horizon. Three decades later, Ms. Lundy is celebrated throughout the world for her vocal artistry and is highly regarded for her jazz innovation. Her contribution of over 80 self-penned published compositions now comprises the New Jazz Songbook.

Having recorded more than twelve albums as a leader, Carmen has also performed and recorded with such musicians as brother and bassist Curtis Lundy, Ray Barretto, Kenny Barron, Bruce Hornsby, Mulgrew Miller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kip Hanrahan, Courtney Pine, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Marian McPartland, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Geri Allen, Robert Glasper and the late Kenny Kirkland. Ms. Lundy's 2005 release, the critically acclaimed “Jazz and The New Songbook-Live at The Madrid”, features some of the jazz world's best known musicians paying tribute to Ms. Lundy.

Carmen Lundy's work as a vocalist and composer has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, as well as numerous foreign publications. As a composer, Ms. Lundy's catalogue numbers over eighty published songs, one of the few jazz vocalists in history to accomplish such a distinction, and has led to the first publication of the Carmen Lundy Songbook (2007). Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Kenny Barron ("Quiet Times"), Ernie Watts ("At The End Of My Rope"), and Straight Ahead ("Never Gonna Let You Go").

Carmen Lundy (vocals); Kevin Eubanks (guitar); Chico Freeman (tenor saxophone); Onaje Allan Gumbs (piano, keyboards); Kenny Davis (acoustic bass, electric bass); Buddy Williams (drums); Mayra Casales (percussion).

Recording information: Sorcerer Sound Recording Studios, New York, NY (04/10/1991-04/18/1991); Sorcerer SOund, New York, NY (04/10/1991-04/18/1991).

Moment To Moment

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