Renee Olstead - Renee Olstead

Styles: Jazz, Vocal

Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:24
Size: 106,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:12)  1. Summertime
(3:31)  2. Taking A Chance On Love
(3:20)  3. Is You Or Is You Ain't My Baby?
(4:26)  4. Someone To Watch Over Me
(4:11)  5. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
(3:32)  6. A Love That Will Last
(2:56)  7. Meet Me, Midnight
(4:34)  8. Sunday Kind Of Love
(3:16)  9. On A Slow Boat To China
(3:27) 10. What A Difference A Day Makes
(3:21) 11. Midnight At The Oasis
(3:32) 12. Sentimental Journey

With a seriously bluesy jazz voice, Olstead wows everyone who hears her, including the renowned David Foster who co-produced this album of classics. Unless someone told you, you might never suspect that Olstead is only in high school! Renee Olstead...hear her...you won't believe your ears. 

No less an expert on pop affairs than Neil Sedaka likens the impossibly mature voice of 14-year-old vocalist/TV star (CBS' Still Standing) Renee Olstead to "Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday all wrapped in one." There's no disputing the sultry vocal talents showcased on this debut that balances familiar chestnuts from the great American songbook ("Summertime," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Sentimental Journey") with more recent fare that veers from R 'n' B sass ("Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby") to 70s chart hits like Sedaka's own "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis." 

A cynical ear might question how much of Olmstead's own life informs these bluesy performances: how trying can eigth grade be for an attractive redhead with a major label contract? Indeed, the tagline for at least one latter-day Ella Fitzgerald project comes frequently to mind here: "Is it real, or it Memorex?" Olmstead is yet another teen protege of hugely successful producer David Foster (who's midwifed the careers of Josh Groban and Michael Buble in recent years), and he provides her with some sturdy jazz arrangements to riff emotively on here even if his production is as slick and bloodless as ever. Still, Foster's penchant for overwrought melodrama is kept mercifully in check on his own composition "I Want a Love to Last," while his shrewd teaming of the young chanteuse with fellow teen pop phenom Peter Cincotti on Sedaka's "Breaking Up.." deftly underscores the promising talents of both. ~ Jerry McCulley - Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Renee-Olstead-RENEE-OLSTEAD/dp/B00020HEL6

Personnel: Reneé Olstead (vocals); Carol Weisman (vocals); Dean Parks (guitar, acoustic guitar); Don Shelton (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone);  Warren Luening (trumpet); Alan Broadbent, Billy Childs, Billy Childs Trio, Gerald Clayton (piano); Brian Bromberg (bass instrument); Jeff Hamilton , David Tull (drums); Neil Devor (programming); Peter Cincotti (vocals, piano); Dennis Budimir (guitar); Chris Botti, Rick Baptist (trumpet); Chris Dawson (piano); Joe La Barbera, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).

Renee Olstead

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Chris Botti - Vol. 1

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:03
Size: 108,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:50) 1. Danny Boy
(5:16) 2. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(3:52) 3. Two For The Road
(4:17) 4. Paris
(3:25) 5. Blue In Green
(4:42) 6. Someday My Prince Will Come
(6:23) 7. Time On My Hands
(6:11) 8. My Funny Valentine
(4:13) 9. Fix You
(5:50) 10. Old Folks

Chris Botti has a beautiful tone. His trumpet is clear, warm and caring, particularly on slow tunes. He has been recording since 1979, and his first album as a leader, First Wish, was recorded in 1995. Along the way, he has performed and recorded with jazz stars as well as Lady Gaga, Sting, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, among others. His new album Vol. 1 (Blue Note) is a cozy collection of ballads.

Produced by David Foster, Vol. 1 features performances by violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Taylor Eigsti, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and others. The tracks are Danny Boy; Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered; Two for the Road, Paris (with John Splithoff on vocal), Blue in Green, Time on My Hands, My Funny Valentine, Coldplay's Fix You and Old Folks.

A few weeks ago, I had a 50-minute Zoom with Chris for my WSJ “House Call" column. Chris lives in Thermal, Calif., at the Thermal Club, a private residential community that sits on a motorsport track. Chris own three sport cars a Porsche GT4 RS, a Porsche GT4 with a DeMan 4.5-liter engine, and a McLaren 720S.

He loves driving fast, without the fear of traffic or police stops. For Chris, though, the cars and track aren't really about speed. As he confessed to me, he simply loves the sound of the engines running hard, which he likened to “an exhilarating symphony."

What you'll love about his new album is the far off, ruminating sound of his horn. It's of the season, when we prepare to spend more time indoors and think back in time, remembering events, friends and family. Growing up, Chris enjoyed being solitary and worked hard at young ago to play the cornet and then the trumpet. Hanging out just wasn't of interest to him.

His early inspirations were Doc Severinsen and then Miles Davis, during the trumpeter's pre-fusion years. As Chris siad, “Unlike other trumpeters, Miles’s sound was tender, dark and nocturnal. There was a human quality about it."

The recording that first hooked Chris on the trumpet was the theme from Brian's Song, a 1971 TV movie, as played by Severinsen on Henry Mancini and Doc Severinsen: Brass on Ivory. Here it is...

Here's two hour of Chris with Ben Butler on guitar, Caroline Campbell on violin, Sy Smith and Jo Lawry on vocals, Abdelrhani Krija on percussion, Richard Goods on bass, Ben Stivers on keyboards, Lee Pearson II on drums, Geoffrey Keezer on piano and Sting on vocals and bass...By Marc Myers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/chris-bottis-new-album-vol-1/

Vol. 1

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Chris Botti - When I Fall In Love

Styles: Trumpet Jazz 
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:49
Size: 135,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. When I Fall In Love
(5:09)  2. What'll I Do
(6:04)  3. No Ordinary Love
(3:21)  4. My Romance
(3:41)  5. Let's Fall In Love
(4:57)  6. Cinema Paradiso
(4:36)  7. Someone To Watch Over Me
(5:31)  8. La Belle Dame Sans Regrets
(3:11)  9. Nearness Of You
(4:03) 10. How Love Should Be
(4:09) 11. Make Someone Happy
(4:53) 12. One For My Baby
(4:44) 13. Time To Say Goodbye (Con te Partiro)

While his ballad album emphasizes the clear tone and gentle spirit that this lyrical trumpeter releases quite naturally, it also serves to exhibit the nuances with which Chris Botti can convince. His subtle improvisations ooze heartfelt emotion from start to finish. Comparisons with Miles Davis and Chet Baker prove valid. While Columbia prefers to market his good looks and youthful, boyish charm, they know they've got a winning formula here, in this evocative trumpet soloist. Backed by a large studio orchestra and close friends and acquaintances, Botti interprets thirteen sensual ballads with passion and understanding. And who can resist "Con te Partiro"? As he closes out the album with this dramatic aria, the clear tones of his open trumpet ring through the halls in glory. It's a triumphant closing for a session that pays homage to centuries of lyrical beauty. Botti has harnessed that spine-tingling feeling into his solemn work. As Sting sings "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets" in French, the session turns light and bouncy. He and Botti pour the gentle bossa gracefully and gently. Paula Cole interprets "How Love Should Be" slowly with a dramatic spirit. She builds the piece gradually and infuses a sincere plea. Botti replies with a muted trumpet whisper that tugs at your heartstrings. His "One for My Baby" seals the message for good. Open and boldly confident, the trumpeter makes no secret of his feelings. Late at night, in the wee hours, he's in love with a ballad. Highly recommended for all lovers this one hits home.
 

Personnel: Chris Botti- trumpet, vocals; Shane Fontayne, Dean Parks- guitar; Federico Gonzalez Pena, Greg Phillinganes- piano; Billy Childs- piano, electric piano; Jon Ossman, Brian Bromberg- bass; Billy Kilson, Vinnie Colaiuta - drums; Paulinho Da Costa- percussion; Dominic Miller- guitar on "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets;" Mitch Dalton- guitar on "Someone to Watch Over Me;" Alec Dankworth- bass on "Someone to Watch Over Me;" Ralph Salmins- drums on "Someone to Watch Over Me;" Jeff Lorber- keyboards on "No Ordinary Love;" Bob Sheppard- tenor saxophone on "No Ordinary Love;" Gil Goldstein- accordion on "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets"Paula Cole- vocal on "What'll I Do?" and "How Love Should Be"Jill Zadeh- vocal on "No Ordinary Love; Sting- vocal on "La Belle Dame Sans Regrets;" The London Session Orchestra: Isobel Griffiths- conductor; Ken Silleto, Rolf Wilson, Roger Garland, Thomas Bowes, Jonathan Evans-Jones, Patrick Kiernan, Boguslaw Kostecki, Julian Leaper, Rita Manning, Steve Morris, Maciej Rakowski, Jackie Shave, Cathy Thompson, Debbie Widdup, Paul Willey, Dave Woodcock- violin; Edward Vanderspar, Peter Lale, George Robertson, Ivo Van Der Werff, Vicci Wardman, Bruce White- viola; Anthony Pleeth, Dave Daniels, Caroline Dearnley, Paul Kegg, Anthony Lewis, Frank Schaeffer- cello; Chris Laurence, Mary Scully, Alec Dankworth, Patrick Lannigan- double bass; Fiona Hibbert- harp; Phil Todd, Stan Sulzmann, Karen Jones, Helen Keen- flute, alto flute; Andy Panayi- bass flute; Jane Marshall- English horn; David Theodore- oboe; Nick Rodwell, Anthony Pike- clarinet; Jamie Talbot- bass clarinet, tenor saxophone; Derek Watkins, John Barclay, Guy Barker- trumpet, flugelhorn; Mike Thompson, David Pyatt, Richard Bissill- French horn; Peter Beachill, Richard Edwards, Mark Nightingale- trombone; Dave Stewart- trombone, bass trombone; Nigel Hitchcock- alto saxophone; Mitch Dalton- guitar; Ralph Salmins- drums.

When I Fall In Love

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Lisa Lovbrand - Embraceable

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:16
Size: 117,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Light My Fire
(4:58)  2. Embraceable You With Chris Botti
(3:00)  3. Smile
(4:50)  4. The Man I Love
(3:35)  5. When I Fall in Love With David Foster
(5:08)  6. The Nearness of You
(4:05)  7. Over the Rainbow
(3:39)  8. These Foolish Things
(4:32)  9. Seagulls
(4:58) 10. Come Rain or Come Shine  With Paul Buchanan
(5:25) 11. Good Morning Heartache

Lisa Lovbrand, a swedish singer/actress from Dorotea (Sweden) but now spending her days in Los Angeles. The album “Embraceable” was released by Lisa herself on her own label Lovbrand Productions. “Embraceable” is a soft jazz album with some very familiar songs as well as sparkling new music written by Lisa and composer/arranger Jeremy Lubbock. The album was mainly recorded in Stockholm with some of Sweden’s most prominent jazz musicians (see list below), all songs were arranged by Bengt Lindkvist and Kjell Öhman and the album is featured by international artists such as Chris Botti, Paul Buchanan and David Foster! Paul Buchanan from Blue Nile sings on the lovely duet “Come Rain Or Come Shine” and David Foster sings and plays keyboard on “When I Fall In Love”. http://www.westcoast.dk/artists/l/lisa-lovbrand/

Musicians on the Embraceable album: Lisa Lovbrand, David Foster, Chris Botti, Paul Buchanan, Johan Setterlind, Bengt Lindkvist, Per V. Johansson, Jesper Kviberg, Jan Ottesen, Kjell Öhman, Jorgen Smeby, Joakim Ekberg & Klas Lindquist.

Embraceable

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Arturo Sandoval - A Time for Love

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

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

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

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

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

A Time for Love

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Chris Botti - December

Styles: Trumpet, Christmas
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:14
Size: 105,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:32)  1. The Christmas Song
(2:50)  2. First Noel
(4:03)  3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
(3:04)  4. Hallelujah
(2:43)  5. Perfect Day
(4:09)  6. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(3:10)  7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
(3:08)  8. Winter Wonderland
(3:05)  9. Little Drummer Boy
(2:01) 10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(3:16) 11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
(4:59) 12. Silent Night
(4:07) 13. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Season's Greetings from Chris Botti
There are two broad categories of Jazz seasonal discs. One, represented well by Wynton Marsalis' A Crescent City Christmas Card (Sony Special Products 28812, 2002), Oscar Peterson's An Oscar Peterson Christmas (Telarc Jazz 83372, 1995), and Harry Allen's Christmas In Swingtime (Koch Jazz 51409, 2001) are serious, straight-ahead jazz offerings. These recordings will certainly appeal to all jazz fans but perhaps not to the uninitiated. At the other end of the spectrum are Kenny Gorelick's Miracles: The Holiday Album (Arista 18767, 1994), David Benoit's Remembering Christmas (GRP 9852, 1996), and Dave Koz's A Smooth Jazz Christmas (Capitol 33837, 2001), each which sold a sleigh-full of copies and appealed to listeners across all genre lines. Framed like this one could surmise that this is a juxtaposition of mainstream, serious jazz against the backdrop of a more pop-oriented brand of jazz. One would be correct. Having listened to all with some measure of enjoyment and endorsement, this listener has been hoping for recordings that fall somewhere between the two. This type of holiday offering would be lush and attractive as the latter recordings are, yet challenging to the listener in places as the former recordings are. Trumpeter Chris Botti's holiday gift, December, pretty well fits this bill. There is a little something here for everyone. First, this recording could have been entitled, "With Strings," making it similar to Scott Hamilton's recent holiday recording Scott Hamilton with Strings Christmas Love song (Concord Jazz 4771, 1997). 

The strings are tastefully arranged and provide Botti's warm open-bell tone with a plush foundation. Botti also sings. Much has been made in comparing Botti with another trumpeter/vocalist, Chet Baker. Botti's trumpet tone is full, demonstrative, friendly, and sexy. Chet Baker's tone was not. While neither is what I would call an outstanding singer, Botti does infuse his vocals with sincerity and warmth as experienced on Richard Marx's (who also produced the recording) "Perfect Day" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. His horn does the rest of the talking on a Bossa "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," a Crescent City "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," and a James Brown funky "Little Drummer Boy." Botti is plaintive on "The first Noel" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." He plays these with feeling and empathy. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a provocative duet with guitarist Heitor Pereira and recalls Messiah. The disc contains surprises also. In addition to the very appropriate "Perfect Day," Botti also covers Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" beautifully. Botti challenges us with "Drummer Boy" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." He soothes us with "the Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."Each year, I give Holiday Recordings as gifts. This year, it will be Chris Botti's December. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/december-chris-botti-columbia-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: Chris Botti: trumpet, vocals; Billy Childs: keyboards; Anthony Wilson: guitars; Bob Sheppard: saxophones, flute; Jimmy Haslip: bass; Peter Erskine: drums; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums.

December

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Eric Marienthal - Walk Tall: Tribute to Cannonball Adderley

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:19
Size: 127,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
(4:23)  2. Work Song
(4:39)  3. Walk Tall
(3:31)  4. Skylark
(4:34)  5. Imagine That
(5:30)  6. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:37)  7. Here In My Heart
(4:23)  8. Sunstone
(3:30)  9. If You Need Me To
(5:28) 10. Country Preacher
(5:01) 11. Unit 7
(4:13) 12. Groove Runner

Contemporary sax whiz and Chick Corea Elektric Band veteran Eric Marienthal has been appearing with impressive frequency on other people's sessions, while occasionally releasing his own CDs. Until now, his more memorable performances have been those he's rendered in service to others. He makes good progress in remedying that situation with his latest,Walk Tall, a tribute to Cannonball Adderley. This program has one foot firmly planted on traditional soil (mostly during the tunes from Adderley's repertoire and a few standards) and the other foot on contemporary turf. Despite the fact that varying amounts of keyboard, bass, and drum programming are added even to the Adderley tunes, it's a pleasing mixture of old and new. The disk opens with a live recording of Cannonball introducing Joe Zawinul's "Mercy Mercy Mercy," with the instrumental track then fading out and the new recording fading in, in a not-too-awkward manner. Marienthal expressively caresses the lead lines while the programming churns in the background. "Work Song" and "Walk Tall" follow, then there's a beautiful ballad rendition of "Skylark." Other highlights include a medium-tempo spirited romp celebrating "The Way You Look Tonight" and the foot-tapping, bass-walking easy swing of "Unit 7." All in all, this is a pretty tasty deal. It's similar in aspirations to theTwist of JobimCD which inaugurated the i.e. music label, that is, placing an artist's work from a previous era in a more modern setting. Some of the contempo luminaries who contribute arrangements, performances, and production to the affair include Harvey Mason, Lee Ritenour, Rob Mullins, Russell Ferrante, Jeff Lorber, and John Beasley. ~ Dave Hughes https://www.allaboutjazz.com/walk-tall-eric-marienthal-ie-music-review-by-dave-hughes.php

Personnel:  Eric Marienthal - alto or soprano saxophone;  Lee Ritenour, Alan Hinds, Michael Thompson, Jeff Lorber - guitar Lee Ritenour, Rob Mullins, Harvey Mason Jr., Jeff Lorber - drum, bass, and keyboard programming;  John Beasley, Russell Ferrante, Ronnie Foster - piano, keyboards Melvin Davis, Reggie Hamilton, Chuck Domanico, Stanley Clarke, Vail Johnson - bass;  Harvey Mason - drums;  Chris Botti, Chuck Findley - trumpet;  Ralph Morrison III - violin;  Luis Conte - percussion;  Kevyn Lettau, Philip Ingram, Heather Mason, Michael Mishaw, Stevie Russell - vocals

Walk Tall: Tribute to Cannonball Adderley

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Yo-Yo Ma - Songs Of Joy & Peace

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 79:41

Size: 182.4 MB

Styles: Classical crossover

Year: 2008

Art: Front

[2:00] 1. Dona Nobis Pacem

[3:29] 2. You Couldn't Be Cuter (Feat. Diana Krall)

[3:43] 3. Joy To The World (Feat. Dave Brubeck)

[2:50] 4. Here Comes The Sun (Feat. James Taylor)

[2:57] 5. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)

[2:37] 6. The Wassail Song All Through The Night

[3:47] 7. A Christmas Jig Mouth Of The Tobique Reel (Feat. Natalie Macmaster)

[4:20] 8. The Wexford Carol (Feat. Alison Krauss)

[3:06] 9. Panxoliña A Galician Carol (Feat. Cristina Pato)

[0:58] 10. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) (Feat. Sergio Assad)

[3:25] 11. Vassourinhas

[2:32] 12. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) (Feat. Paquito D'rivera)

[4:53] 13. Invitación Al Danzón (Feat. Paquito D'rivera)

[4:07] 14. My One And Only Love (Feat. Joshua Redman)

[3:57] 15. Familia

[4:31] 16. Concordia (Feat. Dave Brubeck)

[6:30] 17. My Favorite Things (Feat. Chris Botti)

[4:36] 18. Touch The Hand Of Love (Feat. Renée Fleming)

[3:26] 19. Kuai Le

[5:02] 20. This Little Light Of Mine (Feat. Amelia Zirin-Brown)

[4:46] 21. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (Feat. Jake Shimabukuro)

[1:58] 22. Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) Auld Lang Syne (Feat. Chris Botti)

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has long been a giant in the classical world, though he has also made a number of recordings with musicians who play other styles. This holiday disc doesn't exclusively stick to traditional Christmas songs, but covers a wide scope of material in a very ambitious manner. Ma opens with a lovely take of the traditional favorite Dona nobis pacem (Give Us Peace), playing both the melody and counterpoint via overdubbing. Jazz pianist/vocalist Diana Krall is superb in a swinging rendition of Jerome Kern's unjustly obscure "You Couldn't Be Cuter," adding bassist John Clayton. An arrangement of Joy to the World features pianist Dave Brubeck, cellist Matt Brubeck (his son), and clarinetist Paquito d'Rivera in a playful setting that works in The Christmas Song and On the Trail. The senior Brubeck's Concordia is filled with spirit in a lively performance with the two cellists. Chris Botti has never sounded better in the warm arrangement of My Favorite Things, playing both open and muted trumpet, with pianist Billy Childs, bassist Robert Hurst, drummer Billy Kilson, and guitarist Romero Lubambo. Ma has previously collaborated with bassist Edgar Meyer (who is equally at home in jazz and classical music), though this is the cellist's first meeting with mandolinist Chris Thile. Together they make an impressive trio, especially in the enticing medley of The Wassail Song and All Through the Night. Soprano Renée Fleming's rich voice is beautifully complemented by Ma, Meyer, and Thile. Having worked with onetime bluegrass fiddler Mark O'Connor, Ma is very much at home with Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster in the lively medley of A Christmas Jig/Mouth of the Tobique Reel. Among the other friends featured on this disc are the Assad Family, Wu Tong & the Silk Road Ensemble, tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman, plus Alison Krauss with piper Christina Pato. One track doesn't fit in all that well with the rest of this CD. The Beatles' bland "Here Comes the Sun" has a warm vocal by James Taylor, but it is hampered by its weak lyrics. ~Ken Dryden

Songs Of Joy & Peace

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Hubert Laws - Moondance

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:53
Size: 100.5 MB
Styles: Crossover jazz
Year: 2004/2010
Art: Front

[3:54] 1. Moondance
[4:40] 2. Bloodshot
[5:15] 3. Stay With Me
[4:42] 4. Summer '75
[3:25] 5. Stinky
[3:55] 6. Nighttime Daydream
[4:08] 7. Malibu
[3:46] 8. Love You Tonight
[4:30] 9. Clarita
[5:33] 10. Kiss

Hubert Laws (flute, keyboards, synth bass, piccolo flute, alto flute), Chris Botti (trumpet), Guy Eckstine (bass guitar, ambient keyboards, drum programming, percussion, clavinet, keyboards, synth bass, Wurlitzer electric piano), Evan Marks (guitar, bass guitar, Wurlitzer electric piano, keyboards, strings), Duncan Moore (drums), Amber Whitlock (vocals), Hilary Van Lier (vocals), Rob Mullins (keyboards/synth strings, special additions), David Budway (piano), John Leftwich (bass), Ralph Penland (drums), Munyungo Jackson (percussion), Alex Al (bass guitar).

The legendary flutist returns to the contemporary jazz fold in an era when the type of sexy cool soul-jazz he recorded on CTI in the '70s (earning three Grammy nominations in the process) is now considered retro and hip. Even with some incredibly fresh new material, magnificently wistful playing, and his grand legacy in tow, he might have trouble getting the flute onto the smooth jazz format. But his new label gives him a great shot at it, helping him along first on the title cut with Chris Botti's subtle trumpet and Fattburger guitarist Evan Marks' best wah-wah clicks. Even with those luminaries and lush backing vocals, Laws' sultry flute gymnastics stand out. "Bloodshot" sounds like the kind of dreamy funk-jazz he did in the '70s, helped along here by the keyboard punch of Jeff Lorber, who also traverses both eras. And speaking of hip, on "Summer '75" Laws picks up the piccolo for a higher-tone melody over the bouncy moods of smooth jazz star Brian Culbertson's Wurlitzer and Rhodes. Another guest sure to help in the marketing of the legend's new era is Herbie Hancock, an old CTI labelmate who charms on acoustic piano on the midtempo "Nighttime Daydream." Ironically, as strong as those tracks are, Laws does just fine with a core trio of David Budway (piano), John Leftwich (bass), and Ralph Penland (drums) throughout the rest of the disc. "Stinky" is all speedy chops, while "Malibu" offers more of Laws' laid-back side. A marvelous night, indeed. ~Jonathan Widran

Moondance mc
Moondance zippy

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David Benoit - Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:54
Size: 96,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:06)  1. Linus and Lucy
(4:18)  2. Charlie Brown Theme
(4:38)  3. Pebble Beach
(4:30)  4. Linus Tells Charlie
(4:34)  5. Frieda
(5:17)  6. Christmas Time Is Here
(3:08)  7. Getting Ready
(4:05)  8. Blue Charlie Brown
(4:28)  9. Red Baron
(3:47) 10. Happiness

An album of Peanuts-related music performed by David Benoit is a no-brainer, not only because of the retirement and death of Charles Schultz, who drew the comic strip, but also because Benoit has in recent years taken over writing the music for the ongoing series of shows, which were scored originally by Vince Guaraldi. Benoit emphasizes his predecessor by devoting seven of the album's ten tracks to Guaraldi compositions. Unfortunately, he begins with one of those exercises in necrophilia that is usually the province of the less-talented progeny of great singers, overdubbing a few of his own unnecessary noodlings on the original recording of "Linus and Lucy." Fortunately, things improve after that, as the trio of Benoit, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Peter Erskine is joined by a series of high-profile guest musicians: guitarist Marc Antoine on "Pebble Beach" and "Red Baron"; trumpeter Chris Botti on Benoit's "Linus Tells Charlie"; saxophonist Michael Brecker on "Freda"; and guitarist Russell Malone on "Blue Charlie Brown." Despite the spring release date, the inclusion of the near-standard "Christmas Time Is Here" is inevitable, and here it's sung by Take 6. In an inspired move, the album closes with Al Jarreau's winsome take on "Happiness," a song from the stage musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. All in all, this is a pleasant, if minor, addition to Benoit's catalog. ~ William Ruhlmann http://www.allmusic.com/album/heres-to-you-charlie-brown-50-great-years%21-mw0000061082

Personnel: David Benoit (piano); Al Jarreau, Take 6 (vocals); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Chris Botti (trumpet); Vince Guaraldi (piano); Marc Antoine, Russell Malone (guitar); Christian McBride (bass); Peter Erskine (drums).

Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!

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Chris Botti - Night Sessions

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:21
Size: 120,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:10)  1. Lisa
(4:33)  2. Miami Overnight
(3:45)  3. Streets Ahead
(0:30)  4. Interlude
(5:03)  5. All Would Envy
(5:01)  6. Best Time
(4:16)  7. When I See You
(5:10)  8. You Move Me
(4:12)  9. Blue Horizon
(4:40) 10. Light The Stars
(4:19) 11. Through An Open Window
(5:38) 12. Easter Parade

How often do you purchase a CD and love it in its entirety? If you love jazz or just good music, buy this CD and experience that rare feeling. Night Sessions is a soon to be classic album. This is jazz at its finest! The musicianship is incredible! Botti is an excellent trumpet player and each of the musicians featured on this CD are top-notch; Dominic Miller on guitar, Christian McBride, Jeff Lorber, Vinni Colaiuta on drums, Billy Childs on keyboards and Bill Reichenback on trombone all turn in stunning performances. Listen to these unbelievable performances and be transported into a jazz club with its dark atmosphere and wonderful ambience.Night Sessions will be propelled onto the radio and up the charts because of one song. "All Would Envy" was written by Sting and is sung by Shawn Colvin. The song is pure genius. It has a Brazilian flavor and is beautifully sung by Colvin. But "All" is not the only fantastic track. Other highlights include: "Miami Overnight," "Streets Ahead," and "Blue Horizon." However, the CDs best and most rockin' and probably most commercial track is "Through an Open Window," with its great fretwork and smooth melody. "Lisa," "Easter Parade" "Streets Ahead" (which features Lorber) and "When I See You" are also strong tracks. See what I mean, every track is excellent. Buy Night Sessions and find your favorite among the twelve gems. ~ Mike Perciaccante https://www.allaboutjazz.com/night-sessions-chris-botti-columbia-records-review-by-mike-perciaccante.php

Personnel:  Shawn Colvin: vocals;  Billy Childs: keyboards;  Bill Reichenbach: trombone;  Jeff Lorber: keyboards;  Chris Botti: trumpet;  Ed Cherney: mixing; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums;  Luis Conte: percussion, drums;  Shane Fontayne: guitar;  Lani Groves: vocals;  Abraham Laboriel: drums; Kazu Matsui: shakuhachi; Christian McBride: bass;  Dominic Miller: guitar;  Marc Shulman: guitar;  La Camilla: vocals;  Heitor Teixeira Pereira: guitar;  Jimmy Johnson: bass; Jeff Scott Young: keyboards.

Night Sessions

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Jeff Lorber - He Had A hat

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 2007

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 52:22

Size: 120,3 MB

Art: Front

(3:48)  1. Anthem For A New America

(4:34)  2. He Had A Hat

(4:06)  3. Grandma's Hands

(4:10)  4. Surreptitious

(4:25)  5. All Most Blues

(3:54)  6. Orchid (Chris Botti)

(2:28)  7. BC Bop

(5:35)  8. The Other Side of the Heart (Paula Cole)

(3:58)  9. Hudson

(3:52) 10. Super Fusion Unit

(3:50) 11. Eye Tunes

(3:43) 12. Requiem for Gandalf

(3:52) 13. Burn Brightly

A sophisticated showcase for his varied jazz styles, Jeff Lorber's He Had a Hat finds the pianist moving from softly funky pop-jazz numbers to a few straight-ahead swingers. Always an urbane and tasteful musician, Lorber has often found a good balance between contemporary pop oriented material and more cerebral improvisational cuts, and He Had a Hat is a prime example of this duality. To these ends, tracks like the title cut and the frenetic "Surreptitious" evince a kind of Tower of Power meets Brecker Brothers funk. Fittingly, trumpeter Randy Brecker adds his supple chops to the latter track. Similarly engaging big-band numbers like "All Most Blues" and the afterglow ballad "Orchid" bring to mind both early- and late-period Miles Davis, respectively. Also joining Lorber here are a bevy of name artists including trumpeter Chris Botti, vocalist Paula Cole, saxophonist Gerald Albright, and many others.This CD was nominated for a Grammy award in 2007 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. ~ Matt Collar http://www.allmusic.com/album/he-had-a-hat-mw0000478929

Personnel:  Jeff Lorber – Piano & Keyboards (All Tracks);  Eric Benet – Vocals (Track 3 & 8);  Paula Cole – Vocals (Track 8);  Hubert Laws – Flute (Tracks 9 & 11);  Bob Sheppard – Tenor saxophone (Tracks 6 & 9);  Gerald Albright – Alto saxophone (Track 3);  Kirk Whalum – Tenor saxophone (Track 2);Ada Rovatti – Tenor saxophone (Track 4);  Chris Botti – Trumpet (Tracks 6 & Bonus Track);  Randy Brecker – Trumpet & Horn Arrangement (Track 4);  Jacques Voyemant – Trombone (Track 2);  Tom Scott – Horns & Horn Arrangement (Tracks 2 & 5);  Paul Jackson Jr. – Guitar (Tracks 2, 3, 4, 8 & 10);Paul Brown – Guitar (Track 3);  Russell Malone – Guitar (Track 13);  Brian Bromberg – Bass (Tracks 1, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 & Bonus Track);  Alex Al – Bass (Tracks 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 13);  Lenny Castro – Percussion (Tracks 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13 & Bonus Track);  Abe Laboriel Jr. – Drums (Tracks 1, 2, 3, 8 & 9); Dave Weckl – Drums (Tracks 4 & 13);  Vinnie Colaiuta – Drums (Tracks 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 & Bonus Track);  Blood, Sweat & Tears – Horns (Tracks 4, 7, 9, 11 & 13);  The Lair Studio Brass Ensemble (Tracks 5, 10 & 12);  The Krim Symphonic Orchestra – Orchestrated by Jeremy Lubbock (Tracks 1 & 8);
Bobby Colomby – Producer (All Tracks).

He Had A hat

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Chris Botti - A Thousand Kisses Deep

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:44
Size: 105,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:37)  1. Indian Summer
(3:45)  2. Do It In Luxury
(5:16)  3. The Look Of Love
(3:59)  4. A Thousand Kisses Deep
(5:08)  5. Ever Since We Met
(4:14)  6. Back Into My Heart
(3:10)  7. My Funny Valentine
(3:32)  8. The Last Three Minutes
(4:33)  9. If I Could
(5:08) 10. She Comes From Somewhere
(3:17) 11. Love Gets Old

Chris Botti's sixth album is a wonderfully, even perfectly crafted group of originals and covers that accent his deep crossover appeal as both a jazz and pop musician. Botti's phrasing is very keen, uncanny in the way it works with simple rhythmic structures, and his tone is rich and warm. His use of keyboards and drum loops is pretty much up to the minute in terms of its hip factor, and his arrangements appeal to serious jazz fans and are something akin to blessed-out ecstasy to smooth jazz aficionados. Therein also lies the problem. Botti hasn't significantly developed his sense of artifice since his debut album and, if anything, has delved deeper into its oh-so-cool bachelor pad faux elegance than ever on A Thousand Kisses Deep. The title track, a very moving song written by Leonard Cohen, is the finest moment on the disc. A spare guitar backdrop is adorned simply; Botti plays the melody in short, clipped staccato phrases for an entire full verse before the rhythm section enters. The effect is haunting, lushly romantic, and full of a sensual warmth that is as spooky as it is silky. The spare keyboards and brushed drums offer the song as something slightly Latin (thanks to the gorgeous guitar playing by Dean Parks). It could have been the love theme in Robert Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico yes, it really does feel slightly mariachi! Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love," despite a marvelous vocal by Chantal Kreviazuk, suffers from cute syndrome as does "The Last Three Minutes," another Bacharach tune. The straight pop stuff, such as "Ever Since We Met" with Bridget Benenate's breathy vocals, work very well. Botti's solo entwines the refrain and carries the singer's voice along into the ether. A duet with pianist Billy Childs on "My Funny Valentine" feels a tad stilted, but there is great tension resolution in the third chorus. "If I Could," another original, with the great Smokey Hormel on guitar in addition to Parks, is a true mood-setter. Smoky, slightly steamy with just a hint of a funk backdrop and Botti whispering through the pastel keyboard sounds with his own shade of deep blue and gauzy elegance, it's the babymaker on the album. In all, as with each of Botti's recordings, there is nothing inherently wrong here, and the formula is successful; it's one of the better mood records out there, but it's still formula, contrived and calculated to establish and keep the listener paying some degree of attention, but not too much. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-thousand-kisses-deep-mw0000319199

Personnel:  Chris Botti (Trumpet); Bridget Benenate, Chantal Kreviazuk (Vocals); Doyle Bramhall (Guitar); Smokey Hormel (Electric guitar); Dean Parks (Acoustic guitar, guitar); Billy Childs (Piano); Keefus Ciancia (Piano, keyboards, moog synthesizer, synthesizer bass); Steve Lindsey (Piano, keyboards, shaker, wurlitzer piano); Printz Board (Keyboards); Jim Cox (Keyboards, Fender Rhodes, organ); Mark Goldenberg (Keyboards, drum programming); Mike Elizondo (Bass); Chuck Berghofer (Bass, acoustic bass); Matthew Gerrard (Bass, electric guitar, keyboards, drum programming, synthesizer bass); Joey Waronker (Drums); Abe Laboriel Jr. (Drums, hi hat); Lenny Castro (Percussion, bongos); Bob Shephard (Tenor saxophone).

A Thousand Kisses Deep

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Aaron Neville - Bring It On Home: The Soul Classics

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:15
Size: 135.7 MB
Styles: Soul, Adult Contemporary
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:37] 1. Rainy Night In Georgia (Feat. Chris Botti)
[3:37] 2. Ain't No Sunshine
[4:26] 3. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
[3:50] 4. Stand By Me
[4:13] 5. You Send Me
[4:04] 6. Respect Yourself (Feat. Mavis Staples)
[3:22] 7. When A Man Loves A Woman
[4:02] 8. Let's Stay Together (Feat. Chaka Khan)
[3:31] 9. It's All Right
[4:05] 10. People Get Ready (Feat. David Sanborn)
[3:57] 11. My Girl
[3:40] 12. Ain't That Peculiar
[4:09] 13. A Change Is Gonna Come
[3:29] 14. (You're Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
[4:06] 15. Bring It On Home To Me

For Aaron Neville, the impact of Hurricane Katrina could only be expressed through music, specifically on songs that are uplifting, meaningful, and close to the heart. Bring It on Home...The Soul Classics is about recovery: a positive response not only to the natural disaster of the hurricane, but undoubtedly to the blasé attitude about it from the federal government. Tragedy can bring out the best in people, and Neville's disc not only aims to deal with his personal pain, but specifically reaches out to those who survived the storm the best way he knows how. These songs are familiar enough to deliver the listener a sense of warmth which hopefully opens the door to healing, grace, and power. Out of the 13 tracks, four are duets: with Mavis Staples on "Respect Yourself," Chaka Khan on "Let's Stay Together," brother Art Neville with David Sanborn for "People Get Ready," and Chris Botti on "Rainy Night in Georgia." Katrina's aftermath found other musicians reaching out to their audience as well, musicians who have created a few painfully triumphant releases like Dr. John & the Lower 911's Sippiana Hericane, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band's reworking of Marvin Gaye's 1971 album What's Goin' On, and the various artists who contributed to Our New Orleans: A Benefit Album for the Gulf Coast. It's safe to say Aaron Neville's Bring it on Home...The Soul Classics should be added to that list. ~Al Campbell

Bring It On Home: The Soul Classics

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Chris Botti - The Best Tunes For Languid Evenings

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:35
Size: 183,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:59)  1. A Thousand Kisses Deep
(4:22)  2. When I Fall In Love
(5:10)  3. Lisa
(4:14)  4. Back Into My Heart
(5:08)  5. She Comes From Somewhere
(4:21)  6. The Look
(5:31)  7. La Belle Dame Sans Regrets
(4:06)  8. Estate
(5:00)  9. Irresistible Bliss
(4:33) 10. If I Could
(4:57) 11. Cinema Paradiso
(5:02) 12. The Look Of Love
(4:38) 13. To Love Again
(5:08) 14. Ever Since We Met
(5:03) 15. All Would Envy
(3:00) 16. Hallelujah
(4:16) 17. When I See You

Though best known as a contemporary jazz performer, trumpeter Chris Botti made his initial splash on the pop music scene. A native of Oregon, he started playing at the age of ten, and began performing professionally while still in high school. After studying in the prestigious Indiana University music program under noted jazz educator David Baker, Botti relocated to New York, where he served with saxophonist George Coleman and trumpet great Woody Shaw. In 1990, Botti was asked to join Paul Simon's band, where he remained for the next five years. Finally, in 1995, he recorded his solo debut, First Wish, a record combining the sounds of contemporary pop-jazz with the textures of art rock. After scoring the 1996 film Caught, Botti resurfaced in 1997 with his second LP, Midnight Without You, which was followed by Slowing Down the World in 1999. Two years later, he was a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day world tour, and that time allowed Botti to rediscover old musical passions and create new ones. Recorded in Los Angeles, 2001's Night Sessions captured such jazzy pop. That muse was explored further in 2003 with A Thousand Kisses Deep, and to a lesser extent on the more traditional orchestral jazz of 2004's When I Fall in Love. That record was his first Top 40 entry, and it was followed by the number 18 hit To Love Again: The Duets in 2005. Another Top 40 placement, Italia, followed in 2007, with the live album Chris Botti in Boston following in 2009. In 2012, Botti returned with the studio album Impressions. Focusing on his love of melody, Impressions features Botti collaborating with such artists as jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, guitarist Mark Knopfler, country singer Vince Gill, composer/pianist/producer David Foster, and more. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/chris-botti-mn0000105329/biography

The Best Tunes For Languid Evenings

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Lee Ritenour - Overtime

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:32
Size: 168,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:48)  1. Boss City
(9:14)  2. Blue in Green
(4:27)  3. Ocean Ave.
(5:01)  4. She Walks This Earth
(5:12)  5. Sugarloaf Express
(4:38)  6. Possibilities
(6:52)  7. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
(5:37)  8. Morning Glory
(7:24)  9. Captain Fingers
(3:47) 10. P.a.L.S.
(5:56) 11. Night Rhythms
(5:00) 12. Lil' Bumpin'
(4:30) 13. Is It You?

Overtime is really two CDs in one. On the instrumentals, particularly "Bass City" and "Blue in Green," guitarist Lee Ritenour sounds a lot like Wes Montgomery and he leads his group (which features either Ernie Watts or Eric Marienthal on tenor) through some relatively straight-ahead numbers filled with soulful and creative playing. However the five vocals numbers are much more in the R&B/smooth vein and are largely throwaways despite the occasional presence of Ivan Lins. Clearly Ritenour was going for variety on this project but will probably only satisfy his greatest fans. The jazz listeners will be turned off by the vocals and the pop/smooth fans will probably only tolerate some of the more adventurous originals. Ritenour sounds fine in both settings but probably should have recorded twice as much music and split this CD into two. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/overtime-mw0000209550

Personnel: Lee Ritenour (guitar); Ivan Lins (vocals, Fender Rhodes piano); Eric Marienthal (flute, saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Patrice Rushen (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer); Dave Carpenter (acoustic bass, double bass); Melvin Davis , Anthony Jackson (bass guitar); Steve Forman (percussion); Tim Carmen (programming); Grady Harrell, Kenya Hathaway (vocals); Ernie Watts (tenor saxophone); Chris Botti (trumpet); Dave Grusin (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Barnaby Finch (keyboards); Harvey Mason, Sr. , Oscar Seaton (drums); Alex Acuña (percussion); Jochem van der Saag (programming).

Overtime

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Steve Tyrell - The Disney Standards

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:06
Size: 110,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. When You Wish Upon A Star
(3:46)  2. Kiss The Girl
(3:27)  3. You've Got A friend In Me
(2:58)  4. Bella Notte
(2:52)  5. Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat
(3:38)  6. Beauty and the Beast
(3:07)  7. He's A Tramp
(4:42)  8. You'll Be In My Heart
(2:48)  9. A Deeam Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
(3:07) 10. When She Loved Me
(2:46) 11. The Bare Necessities
(3:29) 12. Once Upon A Dream
(3:33) 13. Cruella De Vil
(3:54) 14. Baby Mine

On 2006's Disney Standards, pop vocalist Steve Tyrell offers up a charming set of tunes from vintage Mouse House films. Although Tyrell's gravelly voice may seem like an unlikely match for the melodies from animated classics such as Dumbo and Pinocchio, the project works to wonderful effect, allowing the vocalist to imbue the songs with plenty of emotion. Trumpeter Chris Botti joins Tyrell on a delicate reading of "When You Wish Upon a Star" (from Pinocchio), and Dr. John sits in on an easy-going rendition of "You've Got a Friend in Me" (from Toy Story). (The latter is a slightly strange pairing since Tyrell's voice echoes Dr. John's own singing style). Other highlights include "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" (a dreamy, piano-driven version of the beloved Cinderella song) and "The Bare Necessities" (a smooth, orchestral take on the Jungle Book original). For fans of both Disney movies and Tyrell, this disc is sure to entertain. http://www.allmusic.com/album/disney-standards-mw0000702722

Personnel: Steve Tyrell (vocals); Bob Mann (guitar, keyboards); Dave Koz (saxophone); Chris Botti (trumpet); Dr. John, Lee Musiker (piano); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

The Disney Standards

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Andrea Bocelli - Passione

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:23
Size: 117.7 MB
Styles: Classical crossover
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:05] 1. Perfidia
[4:11] 2. Roma Nun Fa' La Stupida Stasera
[3:46] 3. Champagne
[4:06] 4. Anema E Core
[3:15] 5. Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs
[3:39] 6. Era Già Tutto Previsto
[3:21] 7. Tristeza
[3:05] 8. La Vie En Rose
[3:33] 9. Corcovado - Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
[3:39] 10. Sarà Settembre
[2:58] 11. Love In Portofino
[3:35] 12. Garota De Ipanema
[4:14] 13. Malafemmena
[3:50] 14. Love Me Tender

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli's 14th studio album, 2013's Passione features a selection of romantic Mediterranean love songs. Produced by David Foster, the album features several duets including tracks with Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Furtado, and Chris Botti. Also included is a special duet with the late Edith Piaf on her signature song, "La Vie en Rose." ~Matt Collar

Passione

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Chris Botti - To Love Again

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:44
Size: 136,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. Chris Botti - Embraceable You
(5:05)  2. Chris Botti Feat. Sting - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
(5:41)  3. Chris Botti Feat. Paula Cole - My One And Only Love
(3:12)  4. Chris Botti Feat. Michael Bublé - Let There Be Love
(3:59)  5. Chris Botti - What's New
(6:13)  6. Chris Botti Feat. Jill Scott - Good Morning Heartache
(4:38)  7. Chris Botti - To Love Again
(4:01)  8. Chris Botti Feat. Paul Buchanan - Are You Lonesome Tonight
(4:50)  9. Chris Botti Feat. Gladys Knight - Lover Man
(4:18) 10. Chris Botti Feat. Billy Childs - I'll Be Seeing You
(3:46) 11. Chris Botti Feat. Renee Olstead - Pennies From Heaven
(5:07) 12. Chris Botti Feat. Rosa Passos - Here's That Rainy Day
(4:22) 13. Chris Botti Feat. Steven Tyler - Smile

Clearly a ballad album, To Love Again combines Chris Botti's warm trumpet tone and immaculate articulation with strings on a program designed to cure what ails ya. Guest vocalists make the session appeal to a broad audience, while the trumpeter's focus on his intimate ensemble interpretations remains its healthiest feature. His trumpet mastery has developed into a cornucopia of rich fascination. With familiar standards such as "I'll Be Seeing You," "What's New?" and "Embraceable You," Botti lets his open horn shower its melody as if from on high. Gracefully moving from phrase to phrase with a seamless fragrance, the trumpeter enjoys a vocal-like presence that speaks everybody's language. Throughout the history of civilization, ballads have defined communication in its purest form. From the earliest sacred works to opera, folk, pop and rock, the ballad has always held its own. Botti communicates in that universal language that we've been talking about for ages. 

His original "To Love Again" purrs quietly with a smooth, muted trumpet texture that glides stealthily in the night. If Romeo were to enlist the support of this quintet, he'd win Juliet's heart during the overture; before the curtain ever rises. Botti's guest vocalists prove convincing. Michael Bublé swings with a Sinatra swagger. Paula Cole adds heartfelt passion, while Sting questions with sincere honesty. Jill Scott turns in a hip interpretation of "Good Morning, Heartache" that recalls Billie Holiday (just a little). Paul Buchanan expresses with breathy over-emotion, while Gladys Knight turns in a beautiful interpretation of "Lover Man." She's matched with Botti's golden open horn in a teary-eyed adventure. Rosa Passos sings quietly with a hushed presence, while Steven Tyler closes the album with an aching "Smile." Young Renee Olstead sings an old song, "Pennies from Heaven," with a hearty big band arrangement backing her. She, Botti, and the band swing with a jovial mood that contrasts with the rest of the program. It's one of the best tracks, too, putting the trumpeter in the role of Harry James. Ballads make the world go 'round. Chris Botti can be welcomed into every living room, every automobile sound system, and every portable set of earphones, because he communicates freely in a language that we can all understand. ~ Jim Santella   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=19527#.U0SaB1dSvro

Personnel: Chris Botti: trumpet; Billy Childs: piano, Fender Rhodes; Anthony Wilson: guitar; Robert Hurst, Arnie Somogyi, Christian McBride: bass; Billy Kilson, Vinnie Colaiuta: drums; Paulinho da Costa: percussion; Heitor Pereira: guitar (2); Dean Parks: guitar (13); Brian Bromberg: bass (14); Richard Cottle: Hammond organ (10); Greg Phillinganes: Fender Rhodes (6); Peter Erskine: drums (10); Paula Cole: vocal (3); Michael Bublé: vocal (4); Sting: vocal (2); Jill Scott: vocal (6); Steven Tyler: vocal (14); Gladys Knight: vocal (10); Renee Olstead: vocal (12); Rosa Passos: vocal (13); Paul Buchanan: vocal (8); London Session Orchestra 2005.

To Love Again

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Chris Botti - Live With Orchestra And Special Guests

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:40
Size: 175,9 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:14)  1. Someone To Watch Over Me
(7:33)  2. When I Fall In Love
(5:03)  3. A Thousand Kisses Deep
(5:45)  4. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (Feat. Sting)
(5:31)  5. Good Morning Heartache ( Feat. Jill Scott)
(4:02)  6. My One And Only Love ( Feat.  Paula Cole)
(5:17)  7. The Look Of Love ( Feat.  Paula Cole)
(5:01)  8. Cinema Paradiso
(3:30)  9. Pennies From Heaven ( Feat. Renee Olstead)
(4:08) 10. Are You Lonesome Tonight ( Feat. Paul Buchanan)
(5:31) 11. Lover Man ( Feat. Gladys Knight)
(6:20) 12. My Funny Valentine ( Feat. Sting)
(9:49) 13. Why Not
(4:49) 14. One For My Baby

Love it or hate it, the "Smooth Jazz" phenomenon has all but taken over the genre, at least in terms of mainstream appeal. Chris Botti, Kenny G., Dave Koz, Najee  if you've never heard one of these instrumentalists interpret the classics with their New Age-y musical stylings, then somehow you've managed to avoid riding in an elevator over the last decade or so. Combined, they're a commercial force to be reckoned with, having sold a gazillion CDs, and commanding what seems to be the musical entirety of the far corners of the radio dial. But whether you consider their work a fresh take on a commercially impoverished musical genre or a cynical repackaging for the Oprah Book Club set, one thing's for sure: all those "Best of Smooth Jazz" CD collections on the racks of your local Starbucks are here to stay.

Truth be told, it's probably unfair to lump Botti in with such critically-despised contemporaries as Kenny G. and (heaven help us) John Tesh. He may be a bit bland for younger audiences, but his reverence for the material and love of his instrument is obvious, while his Sinatra-esque wit and rakish good looks seem to reduce normally-composed soccer moms into swooning, giggling schoolgirls.

In 'Chris Botti Live with Orchestra and Special Guests,' Botti doesn't mess with his formula for success. Originally broadcast in PBS this past March, this show is never anything less than a classy, black-tie affair  not just in terms of sartorial splendor, but musically as well. While Botti certainly doesn't take any risks with his chosen catalog of fail-safe classics  "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Pennies From Heaven," "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", "My Funny Valentine"  he also never fails to deliver anything but flawless, gorgeous renditions. Simply put, his musicianship is breathtaking in its purity and cleanliness. As a filmed event, 'Chris Botti Live' is no less straightforward an affair. It may lack the narrative interludes and creative staging of a 'Tony Bennett: An American Classic' (another flamboyant, flashy television extravaganza that recently hit Blu-ray), but Botti is not unaware of his rather static stage presence, and wisely calls upon an impressive range of special guests to keep tedium at bay. Sting shows up to offer polite accompaniment on two numbers, including a humorous take on "My Funny Valentine," while the unlikely pairing of Burt Bacharach and Paula Cole surprise with inspired interpretations of "The Look of Love" and "My One and Only Love."

But easily stealing the show are Jill Scott and Gladys Knight, who both bring a fire lacking in the rest of the show by infusing their respective numbers "Good Morning Heartache" and "Lover Man" with some welcome diva posturing.  http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/837/chrisbottilivewithorchestra.html

Live With Orchestra And Special Guests

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