Roseanna Vitro - Tropical Postcards

Styles: Vocal, Bossa Nova
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:15
Size: 140,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:40)  1. Song Of The Jet
(6:46)  2. Land Of Wonder
(3:50)  3. I'll Be Seeing You
(5:21)  4. Certas Canções
(5:28)  5. Kisses
(5:17)  6. I Just Need Your Kisses
(5:50)  7. Reza
(3:47)  8. I Remember You
(5:27)  9. Wave
(5:49) 10. Cravo E Canela
(7:53) 11. In Search Of My Heart

Tropical Postcards isn't the first time that Roseanna Vitro has embraced Brazilian jazz; over the years, the expressive vocalist has recorded some Brazilian songs here and there. However, Tropical Postcards is the first time that Brazilian jazz has seriously dominated one of her albums, and it is also among her best, most inspired and memorable projects. Vitro doesn't embrace Brazilian jazz exclusively on Tropical Postcards; she gets away from the album's Brazilian theme on McCoy Tyner's "In Search of My Heart" (which favors more of a modal/Indian/Middle Eastern ambience) and Johnny Mercer's "I Remember You." Nonetheless, Brazilian jazz is the album's primary direction, and that theme serves Vitro impressively well whether she is tackling Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave" and two Milton Nascimento songs ("Cravo e Canela" and "Certas Cancoes") or providing a bossa nova interpretation of the standard "I'll Be Seeing You."

Thankfully, Tropical Postcards doesn't have an all-standards-all-the-time policy; Vitro, much to her credit, isn't afraid to offer some surprises when it comes to selecting material. "Wave," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "I Remember You" have been recorded countless times, but Vitro true to form also surprises us with some gems that jazz vocalists haven't paid nearly as much attention to, including Tom Harrell's "Terrestris" and Ivan Lins' "I Just Need Your Kisses." Clearly, Vitro is smart enough to realize that a song doesn't have to be a Tin Pan Alley warhorse to have value, and she knows how important it is for a jazz vocalist to put his/her stamp on some lesser known pearls. Tropical Postcards is an excellent addition to Vitro's catalog. ~ Alex Henderson   http://www.allmusic.com/album/tropical-postcards-mw0000209663

Recording information: Charlestown Road Studios, Hampton, NJ. Photographer: Paul Wickliffe.

Personnel: Roseanna Vitro (vocals); Dean Johnson , Nilson Matta, Robert E. Bowen (bass instrument); Tom Lellis (vocals); Romero Lubambo (guitar, acoustic guitar); Chieli Minucci (guitar, electric guitar); Don Braden, Joe Lovano (saxophone); Kenny Werner (piano); Duduka Da Fonseca, Cecil Brooks III (drums); Mino Cinelu (percussion); Trio da Paz.

Tropical Postcards

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Etta Jones - Doin' What She Does Best

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:54
Size: 145,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:53) 1. Laughing At Life
(3:56) 2. Orange Colored Sky
(4:56) 3. Crazy He Calls Me
(3:33) 4. It Could Happen To You
(4:25) 5. I Saw Stars
(5:47) 6. I'm In The Mood For Love
(3:12) 7. I'm Gonna Lock My Heart And Throw Away The Key
(4:34) 8. I'll Be Seeing You
(5:14) 9. My Romance
(4:14) 10. I Laughed At Love
(3:31) 11. East Of The Sun
(5:50) 12. The Man That Got Away
(4:00) 13. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
(5:43) 14. Gone Again

Singer Etta Jones made a comeback while with Muse in the 1970s and '80s, recording more than a dozen albums and teaming up with tenor saxophonist Houston Person (who also produced her sessions). This superior sampler has 14 of her very best recordings from that era.

Person's tenor both complements and contrasts with Jones' voice, and the frameworks/arrangements along with the singer's distinctive phrasing uplift these standards. Her renditions of songs like "Crazy He Calls Me," "I Saw Stars," "I'm Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key)," "My Romance," "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)," and "The Man That Got Away" are quite definitive. In fact, these are among the very best (and most enjoyable) recordings of Jones' long career.
~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/doin-what-she-does-best-mw0000040165

Personnel: Vocals – Etta Jones; Bass – Buster Williams, George Duvivier, Milt Hinton, Sam Jones; Congas, Percussion – Lawrence Killian; Drums – Cecil Brooks III, Frankie Jones, Grady Tate, Idris Muhammad, Jimmy Cobb, Walter Davis Jr.; Guitar – Jimmy Ponder, Melvin Sparks; Keyboards – Sonny Phillips; Percussion – Ralph Dorsey; Piano – Cedar Walton, Stan Hope; Tenor Saxophone – Cedar Walton; Tenor Saxophone – Houston Person; Vibraphone – George Devens

Doin' What She Does Best

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Eric Reed - From My Heart

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:09
Size: 119,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:19) 1. Yesterday
(4:45) 2. Goodbye
(4:04) 3. I Should Care
(4:53) 4. Prelude in E minor
(5:39) 5. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good
(4:20) 6. How Deep Is the Ocean?
(5:46) 7. I'll Never Stop Loving You
(6:31) 8. Flamenco Sketches
(5:21) 9. 'Round Midnight
(4:27) 10. I Fall in Love Too Easily

Reed is an expert at building tension (his formative years with Wynton Marsalis taught him well), and here he works some amazing technical runs up to a delicious release. An intriguing version of Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor" follows, with Reed gently easing Chopin's melody into a rich, increasingly dense solo. Reed gets back to basics with Duke Ellington's 1941 masterpiece "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," taking several playful choruses in the upper registers even hinting at Donaldson and Kahn's "Makin' Whoopee" at one point. Burno comes in for a nice melodic solo to take the tune out. Reed's take on the Irving Berlin classic "How Deep Is the Ocean" is equally playful, finding the pianist taking his time with the opening melody, using every little bit of space available for embellishment. Reed follows with a moving version of Cahn and Brodszky's "I'll Never Stop Loving You." From My Heart ends with odes to Miles Davis and Monk, with Reed covering Davis' "Flamenco Sketches" and Monk's "'Round Midnight" w with equal luster.

Of particular note is how Reed takes full advantage of the modal basis of "Flamenco Sketches," building lush chord structures, trills, and tremolo effects on top of each other for a heavy six and a half minutes. Reed does a stretching, gorgeous interpretation of "'Round Midnight," combining his own blazing technical prowess with an ode to Monk's quirky style. Brooks and Burno even go into a bossa nova on one of the last choruses. Reed finishes the album with a gentle, intimate version of Cahn and Styne's "I Fall in Love Too Easily," gracefully and subtly easing the melody in and out of his solo, until finally breaking into several more fine, melodic runs and upper structures to take the song out. From My Heart works as both an ode to several great composers and a fabulous exposition of Reed's ability to make even the most demanding ballads his own. While From My Heart may not have the usual Reed lineup of blazing horn players and original songs (Reed is a fine composer by any standard), it gives this talented pianist a chance to show that he is finally coming into his own as a stylist. ~ Alex Arcone http://www.allmusic.com/album/from-my-heart-mw0000214543

Personnel: Eric Reed (piano); Cecil Brooks III (drums).

From My Heart

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John Hicks - Impressions of Mary Lou

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:08
Size: 121,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:31)  1. Lord Have Mercy - From "Music for Peace"
(3:21)  2. Ballad for Mary Lou
(4:08)  3. O.W.
(3:45)  4. Old Time Spiritual
(4:09)  5. Mary Lou's Interlude
(7:54)  6. Medi II
(4:31)  7. Not Just Your Blues
(4:58)  8. Intermission
(4:03)  9. Not Too Straight
(4:31) 10. Two for You
(2:16) 11. Zodiac Suite - Excerpt from "Aries"
(3:56) 12. The Lord Says - From "Music for Peace"

John Hicks' series of tributes to greats of the past for High Note continues with this fine CD honoring Mary Lou Williams, who passed away in 1981. What is so compelling about Hicks' salute to Williams is that he ignores her best known secular works; he sticks mostly to excerpts from her religious compositions, which, of course, still swing mightily. Joined by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Cecil Brooks III, the pianist opens with a driving rendition of her "Lord Have Mercy" (from "Music for Peace"). "O.W." is a strut that alternates between a slow chant (anchored by Dwayne Burno's booming bass vamp) and some lively but brief up-tempo bop choruses. "Intermission" shows Williams' adventuresome nature as a composer; Hicks and company are up to the task. Hicks also wrote five originals that fit right in with Williams' songs. Hicks doesn't try to mimic her style of writing but succeeds in capturing her essence in his compositions. "Two for You" is a lively bop vehicle and solo piano feature that has shades of Mary Lou as well as Bud Powell. "Ballad for Mary Lou" is a beautiful melody that also reflects the complex nature of Williams' playing, as well as her personality. "Not Too Straight" is an up-tempo blues that has the angular quality of Thelonious Monk's works with the aggressiveness of Mary Lou Williams. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/impressions-of-mary-lou-mw0000098525

Personnel: John Hicks - piano; Dwayne Dolphin - bass; Cecil Brooks III - drums

Impressions of Mary Lou

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Cecil Brooks III - Double Exposure

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:48
Size: 108,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:45)  1. On the Trail
(6:10)  2. Serenade in Blue
(7:34)  3. Tea for Two
(6:32)  4. Bird of Beauty
(6:35)  5. Double Exposure
(5:07)  6. I Can't Give You Anything but Love
(6:09)  7. You've Changed
(2:51)  8. Cute

The liner notes for Double Exposure recount that the disc was recorded in a few spare hours that drummer Cecil Brooks III and organist Gene Ludwig found themselves with while they were recording another album. That feeling of spontaneity and casual inspiration is very present on this rare organ and drum duo effort. Ludwig is a veteran who has been performing since the early '60s. His style is very much in the same vein as the other more well-known soul-jazz players of the era. He achieves a rich, stately and swinging feel, all at the same time. His work at the end of "Serenade in Blue reveals the majesty of Hammond B-3 in full flight with a long, sustained burst of sound. Elsewhere, on Stevie Wonder's "Black Beauty, Ludwig takes an opposite route, showing off some fast finger work. Brooks' playing throughout is steady and unobtrusive. He seems to sense that the best path to take when backing up an organ player is to keep things simple and make sure the proceedings don't get too abstract or loose. On his own composition, "Double Exposure, Brooks opens with some tensely rhythmic pounding that morphs into a slinking groove. He also gets to strut his stuff with some skittering breaks on Neal Hefti's "Cute.  Double Exposure is a fine, relaxed effort showcasing two musicians who play together with a great deal of comfort and conversational grace. The recording session was definitely a few hours of time well spent. ~ Stephen Latessa https://www.allaboutjazz.com/double-exposure-cecil-brooks-iii-savant-records-review-by-stephen-latessa.php

Personnel: Cecil Brooks III: drums; Gene Ludwig: organ.

Double Exposure

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Andrew Hill - But Not Farewell

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:22
Size: 146,1 MB
Art: Front

( 7:20)  1. Westbury
( 7:12)  2. But Not Farewell
( 8:28)  3. Nicodemus
(17:19)  4. Georgia Ham
( 5:44)  5. Friends
( 3:44)  6. Sunnyside
(13:32)  7. Gone

This is a recommended set of stimulating post-bop jazz. Andrew Hill's highly distinctive piano playing and unusual compositions hint at the past while following their own rules. The feeling of polyrhythms is present in several of Hill's seven compositions on this CD. The tightness of the bass-drum team (Lonnie Plaxico and Cecil Brooks) is quite impressive, as is the blend of Robin Eubanks' warm trombone and Greg Osby's alto. Osby's angular improvisations, which seem out of place in standard bebop, sound perfectly at home in Andrew Hill's music. "Friends" features the altoist's lyricism in a duet with the pianist. Although the final two numbers (including the 13-and-a-half-minute freely improvised "Gone") are solo piano performances, it is the quintet tracks with Osby and Eubanks that are the main reason to acquire this disc. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/but-not-farewell-mw0000263609

Personnel:  Andrew Hill - piano; Greg Osby - soprano saxophone (tracks 1-3), alto saxophone (tracks 4 & 5); Robin Eubanks - trombone (tracks 1-4); Lonnie Plaxico - bass (tracks 1-4); Cecil Brooks III - drums (tracks 1-4)

But Not Farewell

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Darrell Grant - Twilight Stories

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:13
Size: 138,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:48)  1. Afrique-Ville
(6:02)  2. Yvette
(6:39)  3. When You Dance That Way
(6:29)  4. Twilight
(6:14)  5. My Old Flame
(5:22)  6. I Thought About You
(5:51)  7. The Resumption
(6:30)  8. Wake Up Call
(7:03)  9. Arise
(5:11) 10. Please Send Me Someone To Love

This session remained unissued in the archives of Muse until it was acquired by Joel Dorn when he purchased the label. Most of Grant's earlier releases were done for European labels, so this CD is a great opportunity to get to know a talented pianist. His originals "Afrique-ville" and "Twilight" showcase his talents as a composer as well as at the keyboard. Also recommended are his mellow take of "My Old Flame" and a snappy, stutter-stepped run through "I Thought About You." Tenor saxophonist Don Braden, bassist Joris Teepe and drummer Cecil Brooks III complement Grant's playing, and each contributed a valuable original to the session. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/twilight-stories-mw0000041334

Personnel:  Darrell Grant, piano; Don Braden, tenor saxophone; Joris Teepe, bass; Cecil Brooks III, drums

Twilight Stories

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Russell Gunn - Young Gunn Plus

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:41
Size: 165,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:07)  1. East St. Louis
(5:36)  2. Fly Me To The Moon
(7:03)  3. Wade In The Water
(2:38)  4. D.J.
(6:58)  5. You Don't Know What Love Is
(5:18)  6. The Concept
(6:40)  7. The Message
(4:30)  8. There Is No Greater Love
(8:55)  9. Blue Gene
(4:04) 10. Pannonica
(3:54) 11. The Beach
(2:27) 12. Bronwyn
(7:26) 13. Ginger Bread Boy

Recorded in 1994 when young lion Russell Gunn was a mere 23 years old, the Muse album Young Gunn is a quintet session with tenor saxophonist Sam Newsome, pianist John Hicks, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Cecil Brooks III. This 32 Jazz reissue adds three tracks with a different quintet. Coming from a background that like that of many younger jazz artists, Russell Gunn learned the trumpet in elementary school, enjoyed and benefited from public school instrumental programs, and allowed his musical interests to range far and wide. That he attended the same high school as Miles Davis shows up in Gunn's pretty ballad tone. His experience includes avant-garde work with Oliver Lake, Wynton Marsalis' Blood On The Fields, and Branford Marsalis' Buckshot LeFonque. A more recent recording, Gunn Fu on the High Note label, teams the trumpeter with tenor saxophonist Greg Tardy and flutist Sherman Irby. The ballads "You Don't Know What Love Is," "There Is No Greater Love," and "Fly Me to the Moon" present straight-ahead mainstream jazz and feature Gunn's lyrical trumpet. "Pannonica," presented as a trumpet-piano duet, offers yet another opportunity to appreciate Gunn's sensitive trumpet tone and manner. The leader's compositions "East St. Louis" and "The Message" represent hard bop ideas with "outside" or avant-garde stretches. The quintet is tight and burns accordingly. "The Concept" invites guest rap artist Chef Word to relate the biographical tale of Russell Gunn's change in focus from everyone's music to jazz. The syncopated hip-hop lyrics include: "Son of a gun.Old socks, new shoes,Feels kinda like the bluesWith the fat groove.Runnin' the bustos, crush fo's,Chef Word and Russ-o, go with all the gusto.He used to be your MC before we ever played a keister,Got the love as he evolved musically.Straight-ahead, see, as we swing." Branford Marsalis replaces Sam Newsome on the final three tracks. Recorded in 1995, the additional pieces employ a different piano trio as well, but Gunn is in fine form. He and Marsalis present a fiery hard bop take of Jimmy Heath's "Ginger Bread Boy" that includes solos from all. Recommended. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/young-gunn-plus-russell-gunn-32-records-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel:  Russell Gunn: trumpet; Sam Newsome, Branford Marsalis: tenor sax; John Hicks, James Hurt: piano; Peter Washington, Eric Revis: bass; Cecil Brooks III, Ali Jackson: drums; Chef Word (Derek Washington): rap on "The Concept."

Young Gunn Plus

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Don Braden - Landing Zone

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:40
Size: 134,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Landing Zone
(5:48)  2. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(7:58)  3. Nightline
(7:10)  4. Body And Soul
(1:47)  5. The Break
(6:21)  6. Hillside
(7:06)  7. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(5:11)  8. Have You Met Miss Jones
(7:51)  9. A Blue Spree
(3:03) 10. Amsterdam Jam
(1:26) 11. Quadralog

Tenor saxophonist Don Braden is a highly-competent young hard bopper with an attractively reedy tone, flexible technique, and a sure sense of time. This is a straightahead jazz album like dozens of others released in the mid-to-late '90s  better than many, no different from most. Pleasant, untroubling, and ultimately forgettable. Braden's a decent player who might have the potential to be something more. His is an agreeable musical personality, but he's got some stretching to do if he wants to make a lasting contribution. ~ Chris Kelsey https://www.allmusic.com/album/landing-zone-mw0000627954

Personnel:  Don Braden - tenor saxophone;  Kevin Hays - piano;  Cecil Brooks III - drums;  Joris Teepe - bass

Landing Zone

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Don Braden - Gentle Storm

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:15
Size: 133,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. Secret Love
(6:24)  2. Gentle Storm
(6:21)  3. Never Can Say Goodbye
(4:21)  4. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
(7:58)  5. This Masquerade
(4:52)  6. The Hunter
(7:53)  7. Willow Weep For Me
(5:48)  8. Two Of A Kind
(2:57)  9. My Foolish Heart
(5:37) 10. Speed Ball

Don Braden has come a long way since his days at Harvard, where he studied engineering along with playing in the university's jazz band. Over two decades into his career in jazz at the time of these recording sessions, the tenor saxophonist is very much at the top of his game. Joined by pianist George Colligan, bassist Joris Teepe and drummer Cecil Brooks III, who have all worked together on a number of occasions, Braden assembles a terrific program. He recasts the standard "Secret Love" as a turbulent post-bop vehicle, with Colligan showing shades of McCoy Tyner. Braden's laconic, blues-drenched setting of another standard, "Willow Weep For Me," features some of his most heartfelt playing of the date. Braden offers a punchy take of Lee Morgan's hard bop masterpiece, "Speedball." Not many artists could take a hit from the pop group The Jackson Five and turn it into meaningful jazz, but Braden's bluesy treatment of "Never Can Say Goodbye," in a mid-tempo groove, works perfectly. Leon Russell's "This Masquerade" has been tackled by jazz players with mixed success; the tenorist's punchy, soulful arrangement makes it one of the better interpretations. Braden switches to alto flute for a warm rendition of "My Foolish Heart," accompanied solely by Teepe. The leader's originals are just as valuable. "Gentle Storm" is a low key, lyrical bossa nova, while "The Hunter" is an intricate duet with Teepe. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allaboutjazz.com/gentle-storm-don-braden-highnote-records-review-by-ken-dryden.php

Personnel: Don Braden: tenor sax, alto flute; George Colligan: piano; Joris Teepe: bass, Cecil Brooks III: drums.

Gentle Storm

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Arthur Blythe Trio - Spirits in the Field

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:51
Size: 134,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:33)  1. One Mint Julep
( 7:26)  2. Miss Nancy
(10:59)  3. Odessa
( 9:29)  4. Rambler
( 3:24)  5. Spirits in the Field
( 6:37)  6. Lenox Avenue Breakdown
( 7:23)  7. Ah George, We Hardly Knew You
( 5:55)  8. Break Tune #2

On this live club date, recorded at the Bim Huis in Amsterdam, Blythe and his combo (tubaist Bob Stewart and drummer Cecil Brooks III) perform a nice cross section of his most familiar material. Blythe's husky, virile alto sax has never sounded better, and though the recording quality is a little thin, the music comes roaring through the speakers nonetheless. The good-time swinger "One Mint Julep" kicks things off, and is followed by the rambling bopper "Miss Nancy," which is the leader at perhaps his most quintessential. The showstopper is a reworked, energized "Odessa," on which Brooks uses his mallets to fine effect, Stewart blows a minimal but insistent tuba, and Blythe unfurls more of his startling improvisational legerdemain. A quirky, elusive 9/8 rhythm informs the tuba modality of "Rambler," and the title track sports a sneaky melody and a short but free discourse without drums. The trio digs right in on "Lenox Avenue Breakdown," even dispensing with an intro. The slow waltz "Ah George, We Hardly Knew You" (written by Don Pullen for George Adams) and the funky and fat "Break Tune #2" close this satisfying set. In his insightful liner notes, Francis Davis questions Blythe's diminished cachet among critics. That he's moved back home to San Diego from New York City might be an issue, but it doesn't detract from the fact that Blythe's sound and vision remain as fresh and vital as ever. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/spirits-in-the-field-mw0000605222

Personnel:  Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone;  Bob Stewart – tuba;  Cecil Brooks III – drums.

Spirits in the Field

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Don Braden - Earth Wind and Wonder

Styles: Flute and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:13
Size: 163,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:30)  1. Fantasy
(6:59)  2. Can't Hide Love
(6:23)  3. Visions
(5:45)  4. Getaway
(6:38)  5. I Can't Help It
(7:35)  6. The Elements (Earth Air Fire Water)
(6:36)  7. After the Love Has Gone
(7:06)  8. Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing
(5:18)  9. The Wonder of You
(6:18) 10. Higher Ground

Don Braden is an impressive tenor saxophonist whose style pushes at the boundaries of hard bop while staying a solid part of the tradition. He was raised in Louisville, KY, and began on tenor when he was 13; within two years, he was playing professionally. He played in the McDonald's All-American High School Jazz Band and, although he studied engineering at Harvard (1981-1984), Braden also played in the Harvard jazz band. In 1984, Braden moved to New York, working with the Harper Brothers, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Betty Carter (with whom he made his recording debut). He toured with Wynton Marsalis (as Branford Marsalis' first replacement) during 1986-1987 and since then has played in many settings, including with Roy Haynes, Tony Williams, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Tom Harrell, Art Farmer, and the Mingus Big Band. As a leader, Braden has recorded for Criss Cross, Landmark, Epicure, and RCA. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/earth-wind-and-wonder/1380801939

Personnel:  Don Braden - tenor sax, flute and alto flute;  Brandon McCune, Art Hirahara - piano;  Joris Teepe, Kenny Davis - bass;  Cecil Brooks III, Jeremy Warren - drums;  Kahlil Kwame Bell - percussion

Earth Wind and Wonder

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Russell Gunn - Mood Swings

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:52
Size: 116,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. The Injuns
(6:30)  2. Park Avenue Petite
(7:36)  3. African Queen
(3:41)  4. S. Crib
(6:32)  5. Night And Day
(6:47)  6. Mood Swings
(6:57)  7. I'll Close My Eyes
(4:47)  8. Blues To Lee
(4:08)  9. Twice Around

At first, it might seem like a calculated stylistic detour hot young hip-hop-influenced trumpeter teams up with a Hammond organ player (Radam Schwartz) who's equally fresh but strictly from the old school. But 2003's Mood Swings is not Wynton Marsalis-style dilettante posing of the "I remember Jimmy Smith" variety; there is nothing retro or nostalgic about this album, although it's firmly rooted in '60s-style organ combo jazz and mostly draws from the hard bop songbook. The opening track, a frenetic 20-notes-a-second take on Donald Byrd's "The Injuns," is as forward-looking as anything Gunn has done. Although ballads like Benny Golson's weightless, lovely "Park Avenue Petite" allow Gunn to explore Miles Davis' gentle tonal palette, it's more aggressive performances like "S. Crib" and the downright funky "Twice Around" that really show off Gunn's abilities. ~ Stewart Mason https://www.allmusic.com/album/mood-swings-mw0000318983

Personnel: Russell Gunn (trumpet); Radam Schwartz (Hammond B-3 organ); Eric Johnson (guitar); Cecil Brooks III (drums)

Mood Swings

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Don Braden - Brighter Days

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:18
Size: 138,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:12)  1. She's On Her Way (Dedicated To
(5:58)  2. I Hear A Rhapsody
(7:44)  3. Sweet T (Dedicated To Stanley
(7:34)  4. Invitation
(3:36)  5. Underground Groove
(5:27)  6. Not Yet (Dedicated To Grover W
(7:00)  7. My Favorite Things
(6:07)  8. Montclair
(4:11)  9. Prelude To A Kiss
(6:28) 10. Brighter Days

Don Braden has long been a top-notch hard bop tenor saxophonist. For this quartet date with pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Dwayne Burno, and drummer Cecil Brooks III, the arrangements by Braden and the choice of songs greatly uplift the program. There are many high points, including the opening ballad "She's on Her Way," tributes to Stanley Turrentine ("Sweet T") and Grover Washington Jr. ("Not Yet"), a driving "Invitation," a duet with drummer Brooks ("Underground Groove"), and the swinging Cecil Brooks original "Montclair." Everything works! This is one of Don Braden's finest recordings so far, a well-conceived and very successful project. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/brighter-days-mw0000006448

Personnel :  Don Braden (tenor saxophone); Xavier Davis (piano); Dwayne Burno (bass); Cecil Brooks III (drums).

Brighter Days

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Cecil Brooks III - For Those Who Love to Groove

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:10
Size: 154,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. Get Lonely
(5:43)  2. Mother And Child
(4:53)  3. Stay One Step Ahead
(4:03)  4. Browne James
(3:31)  5. Sweet Summer Breeze
(5:06)  6. Can We Talk
(7:11)  7. Lakumbe's Theme
(6:06)  8. Adreena
(4:32)  9. Swamp Run
(4:19) 10. Yvette
(6:35) 11. Hill District
(2:32) 12. Body And Soul
(2:20) 13. I Gan't Get Started
(2:53) 14. Tenderly
(3:14) 15. Sanj's Smoke Shop

On drummer Cecil Brooks III's Savant debut he is joined by tenor saxophonist Don Braden, alto saxophonist Bruce Williams, trumpeter Riley Mullins, and organist Radam Schwartz to perform ten originals by the group members, two pop songs, and a ballad medley. While Brooks is a modern hard bop drummmer in the tradition of Art Blakey, he chooses to stay in the background for most of this recording, while Schwartz plays strong basslines that are essential to creating the groove that is this recording's focus. Favorites include the soulful finger poppin' grooves of "I Get Lonely," a pop hit for Janet Jackson; "Can We Talk," a pop hit for Tevin Campbell; the exotic grooves of "Browne James" and "Lakumbe's Theme"; and the up-tempo burning grooves of "Swamp Run" and "Hill District." This is different from the bop, blues, and ballads that most organ-based groups play, which makes it an enjoyable listening experience. ~ Greg Turner https://www.allmusic.com/album/for-those-who-love-to-groove-mw0000251490

Personnel: Cecil Brooks III (drums); Bruce Williams (alto saxophone); Don Braden (tenor saxophone); Riley Mullins (trumpet); Radam Schwartz (organ)

For Those Who Love to Groove

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Don Braden - The Voice of the Saxophone

Styles: Flute And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:25
Size: 150,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:41)  1. Soul Station
(5:43)  2. Speak No Evil
(6:36)  3. Winelight
(6:43)  4. After the Rain
(6:24)  5. The Dust Kicker
(6:36)  6. Monk's Hat
(6:24)  7. Cozy
(6:40)  8. The Face I Love
(6:36)  9. Point of Many Returns
(5:59) 10. The Voice of the Saxophone

Don Braden's The Voice of the Saxophone is, for the most part, impressive. His quartet arrangements of "After the Rain" and the title track should turn heads. His big-toned tenor sax carries the octet in covers of hard bop gems like "Soul Station" and "Speak No Evil." He's also making headway as a composer, especially on "Cozy," which features both him and Vincent Herring on flutes. Less successful is the pseudo-Monk TV theme from The Cosby Show, which is called "Monk's Hat." ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-voice-of-the-saxophone-mw0000025404

Personnel: Don Braden (flute, tenor saxophone); Vincent Herring (flute, alto saxophone); Hamiet Bluiett (clarinet, contrabass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Frank Lacy (trombone); Darrell Grant (piano); Dwayne Burno (acoustic bass); Cecil Brooks III (drums).

The Voice of the Saxophone

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Don Braden - The New Hang

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:43
Size: 148,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:24)  1. Through The Fire
(5:57)  2. Without A Song
(7:00)  3. When I Fall In Love
(6:32)  4. The Traveler
(8:13)  5. No Complaints
(5:39)  6. Wish List
(7:02)  7. Release
(4:39)  8. Mother's Wish
(4:36)  9. Code Blue
(7:35) 10. The New Hang

The ever youthful Don Braden has released his 12th recording as a leader, The New Hang , a splendid collection which showcases not only his prowess as one of jazz' tenor ambassadors but the prowess of a stellar supporting cast. Things start off with a surprisingly jaunty and upbeat version of Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire." Braden swings during his solo, moving in and around the melody as drummer Cecil Brooks III thrashes behind him. Organist Kyle Koehler follows and lays down the law with his gritty solo turn. The standard "Without A Song" is played at a joyful up-tempo with everyone burning through their solos, especially Koehler. This is followed by another standard, "When I Fall In Love," a lovely duet between Braden and Koehler which features textures from blues and gospel.  "The Traveler" is another burner where Braden blows like crazy as the rhythm section drives him. Trombonist Conrad Herwig's fiery solo takes over to add spice to the already simmering gumbo. The tune shifts with the bass line defining the funk groove which lies dormant. "Wish List" finds Braden playing in an appropriately wistful tone. The song features another great Koehler solo and excellent drumming by Brooks. The band shifts into an R&B mode with "Release." Braden springs fountains of invention from his horn, triumphantly seizing the upper register like a prize.  Braden shifts tempo on "Mother's Wish," which he plays with a clear, strong, confident tone. "Code Blue" is another excellent horn interplay and even more dynamic drumming by Brooks. The disc ends with the title track, a standard blues with more hot tenor from the leader and more great down-in-the-trenches work by Koehler. From straight-ahead jazz to gospel, up-tempo to ballads, there's no musical style to which Braden can't apply his technical mastery and boundless imagination. Herwig, Koehler and Brooks complete the stellar ensemble work, making The New Hang a thoroughly enjoyable listen. ~ Terrell Kent Holmes https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-new-hang-don-braden-review-by-terrell-kent-holmes.php

Personnel:  Don Braden: tenor sax;  Conrad Herwig: trombone;  Kyle Koehler: organ;  Cecil Brooks III: drums.

The New Hang

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Arthur Blythe - Focus

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:13
Size: 142,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:52)  1. Opus 1
(3:18)  2. Children's Song aka That Old Man
(4:58)  3. C.C. Rider
(2:53)  4. Once Again
(8:09)  5. My Son Ra
(6:20)  6. Hip Toe
(6:50)  7. Night Song
(3:16)  8. Bubbles
(5:00)  9. Stuffy Turkey
(5:19) 10. Night Creeper
(7:58) 11. In A Sentimental Mood
(1:16) 12. Focus

After what many considered a dry period in the early 1990s, Arthur Blythe gently began his return to alto prominence through exotic collaborations with cellist David Eyges and mallets player Gust William Tsilis. Focus presents one of his most unusual ensembles since the early '80s tuba/cello/guitar quintet. The sparse, foreign sound of this new quartet takes a moment to adjust to, but after a short distance into “Opus 1” (a Blythe original, not the old Sy Oliver chestnut) we are completely sucked in. Tsilis’s tinkly marimba carries the air of the Brazilian rainforest or African veldt but, within the full context of the album, manages to sound comfortably at home. Two obscure Monk tunes, actually expansions of prior art, are assayed here. “Children’s Song,” a recasting of “This Old Man,” is taken slowly and decorated by Blythe’s signature wide vibrato. “Stuffy Turkey,” drawing heavily from Coleman Hawkins’ “Stuffy”, gets the Bourbon Street treatment; Stewart’s vigorous puffing sounds perfectly fitting, and Brooks is sufficiently flexible to negotiate all the different turns this multi-hued album takes. Two duo tracks offer Blythe and friends a chance for more introspective action. “Once Again” is a mysterious duet for Blythe and Tsilis, their lines woven together like a rich textile. As the altoist matches wits with Stewart on “Hip Toe,” they fill in the numerous spaces nicely with spontaneous phrases and thoughtful responses. Only Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood” flounders, and significantly so. Blythe’s intonation is quite unsteady at times, and Tsilis mostly noodles with a seeming lack of direction as if he were unfamiliar with the tune. However, Blythe quickly redeems things on the title piece, a too-short solo of impressive lyricism which brings a satisfying end to a most surprising experience. More evidence that Blythe still has plenty of good, creative notions within his expansive mind. ~ Todd S.Jenkins  https://www.allaboutjazz.com/focus-arthur-blythe-savant-records-review-by-todd-s-jenkins.php

Personnel: Arthur Blythe, alto sax; Gust William Tsilis, concert grand marimba; Bob Stewart, tuba; Cecil Brooks III, drums.

Focus

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Gia Notte - Shades

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:21
Size: 129,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:28)  1. Caravan
(4:17)  2. Speak Low
(4:26)  3. Close Your Eyes
(4:59)  4. My Funny Valentine
(4:11)  5. Since I Fell For You
(5:39)  6. The Look Of Love
(3:37)  7. Love Me Or Leave Me
(4:41)  8. Autumn Leaves
(3:57)  9. I Wish You Love
(3:57) 10. Lover Come Back To Me
(5:49) 11. It Don't Mean A Thing
(5:13) 12. What'll I Do

Margie "Gia" Notte's debut recording, Just You, Just Me & Friends Live at Cecil's, (GNote Records, 2009) was an exciting standards-based journey. Her follow-up, Shades, also finds her interpreting some well-worn songs but the delivery and the arrangements make this more than a run-of-the-mill recording. While the adrenaline-fueled excitement from her live recording is hard to match in a studio setting, she substitutes this quality with a more polished delivery. Each arrangement shows a different side of Notte and the nuances she adds to these songs prove her to be an artist that is constantly growing. "Caravan" opens the album with a sense of intrigue and excitement that comes through in the music. Don Braden, who worked with Notte on her first album, returns for this record and contributes some flute work to this track. 

After a performance of "Speak Low," Notte's delivery gains a little sass and spunk as she sings "Close Your Eyes" over a comfortable, mid-tempo swing feel. Freddie Hendrix takes the first solo and saxophonist Guy Notte makes his lone album appearance on this track. Pianist Brandon McCune works in a tasty rising chromatic pattern at one point during his solo. "My Funny Valentine" is taken at a brisk tempo but Notte creates some space and stretches things out at the start of phrases to give the piece some elasticity. Bassist Tom DiCarlo and pianist Jason Teborek play a rising-and-falling riff in the background and Braden delivers some soulful saxophone work. "Since I Fell For You" has a bluesy feel to it and McCune and Braden seem right at home in this atmosphere. 

Kahlil Kwame Bell provides some percussive seasoning, with subtle shakers and wind chimes coming in and out of the mix, on "The Look of Love." This track is equally soothing and seductive thanks to Braden's flute work and Notte's delicious delivery. "Autumn Leaves" is taken at an extremely slow pace and drummer Cecil Brooks III holds it together with his brushwork. Notte's voice sounds bright and optimistic on "I Wish You Love," while "Lover Come Back To Me" proves to be a high point on the album. Brooks provides some hip New Orleans grooves and Hendrix's trumpet work is fiery and fresh. "It Don't Mean A Thing" begins with a mystical vibe as the band creates a continuous drone-like presence. Notte delivers some deep, earthy vocals in a Cassandra Wilson-esque vein and, once things start to swing, there is a parade of solos with Brooks and DiCarlo finally getting some space to show their stuff. Notte finds a balance between despair and hope as she sings "What'll I Do" and Braden's flute matches her mood as the album draws to a close. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/shades-gia-notte-gnote-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 

Personnel: Gia Notte: vocals; Don Braden: tenor saxophone, soprano flute, alto flute; Jason Teborek: piano (2, 4, 6-10, 12); Brandon McCune: piano (1, 3, 5, 11); Tom DiCarlo: bass; Cecil Brooks III: drums; Freddie Hendrix: trumpet and flugelhorn; Guy Notte: alto saxophone (3); Kahlil Kwame Bell: percussion.

Shades

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Cecil Brooks III - Hot D.O.G.

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:32
Size: 128,1 MB
Art: Front

( 6:32)  1. Penn Relays
( 7:57)  2. Sunny
( 4:43)  3. Hey Joe
( 6:23)  4. Don't Know Why
( 5:52)  5. Tu Tu
( 5:05)  6. Heaven
( 7:54)  7. Theme from "Mannix"
(10:43)  8. They Long to Be Close to You
( 0:20)  9. Cecil Brooks III Introducing the Band

Cecil Brooks III frequently performs with this unit at his Cecil's Jazz Club & Restaurant in West Orange, New Jersey. The trio abides by a free-spirited, good-timey jazz gait, and is not concerned with reinventing the proverbial wheel. It's a good bet that the patrons got their monies' worth via these perky and tightly-woven spins on jazz and pop standards. The musicians also dish out a sprightly jazz-waltz rendering of "Theme from, Mannix," from the popular 1960s and '70s TV detective series starring Mike Connors.

Brooks holds the fort down with crisp and powerful drumming during these straightforward and unpretentiously executed works. With Bobby Hebbs' pop classic "Sunny," the trio does indeed parallel the song title with a radiant and at times, spunky workout, enamored by guitarist Matt Chertkoff's weeping chord progressions. Then Brooks lays it all out towards the finale with a vividly poetic solo.

The band works within a breezy methodology amid some hot and nasty riffing by organist Kyle Koehler, who also delves into some heated call-and-response mechanisms with his band mates. On the Burt Bacharach/Hal David hit "They Long To Be Close To You," the artists get knee-deep into the classic jazz-organ combo format, spiced with the soloists bluesy phrasings. They inject a prominent groove quotient into the parts of the whole as memorable hooks are equalized by the soloists' buoyant exchanges, nicely exploiting Brooks' nifty arrangements.

~ Glenn Astarita   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34439#.UptDjeJc_vs

Personnel: Cecil Brooks III: drums; Kyle Koehler: organ; Matt Chertkoff: guitar.

Hot D.O.G.

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