Chris Connor - New Again

Styles: Vocal 
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:02
Size: 99,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:07)  1. Dearly Beloved
(4:12)  2. Down In Brazil
(3:49)  3. I Never Meant To Hurt You
(3:18)  4. Love Locked Out
(5:42)  5. Astaire Medley
(3:08)  6. Mad About The Boy
(4:19)  7. Antonio's Song
(4:14)  8. I Wish I'd Met You
(5:03)  9. My Foolish Heart
(6:04) 10. Jukebox Medley

The follow-up album to Chris Connor's Classic is similar in the moods it covers, the style of music and the instrumentation. Michael Abene and Richard Rodney Bennett split the keyboard duties, trumpeter Claudio Roditi and Bill Kirchner (on various reeds) have some short solos, and flutist Dave Valentin makes a couple of guest appearances. Connor, at 59, still had a powerful and haunting voice, as she shows on "Dearly Beloved," "My Foolish Heart," and even on a couple of medleys (one of Fred Astaire tunes and the other a "Jukebox Medley"). Listeners should acquire a good sampling of Chris Connor's 1950s recordings first, but her two Contemporary CDs have their value too. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-again-mw0000200370

Personnel:  Vocals – Chris Connor;  Acoustic Bass – Michael Moore;  Drums – Buddy Williams; Flute – Dave Valentin; Keyboards – Michael Abene, Richard Rodney Bennett; Percussion – Sammy Figueroa; Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Bill Kirschner; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi

New Again

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Buddy Montgomery - Ties Of Love

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 1986

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 44:07

Size: 101,2 MB

Art: Front

(6:57)  1. Muchissimo

(7:01)  2. Expressions In Blue

(5:24)  3. Darrah

(3:35)  4. All The Things You Are (A)

(5:43)  5. Ties (A/B)

(4:55)  6. Stablemates (B)

(4:33)  7. Rose Marie

(5:55)  8. Soft Earth

By 1986, Buddy Montgomery had not recorded as a leader for many years, and because he is so well-respected, his first Landmark outing became quite an all-star affair. Heard mostly on piano but also switching to vibes for two songs, Montgomery is joined on various tracks by trumpeter Claudio Roditi, David "Fathead" Newman on tenor and flute, guitarist Ted Dunbar, bassists Ron Carter and John Heard, drummers Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Billy Higgins, and a couple of percussionists. In addition, tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris jams on "Stablemates" and "Ties," and Marlena Shaw takes vocals on "Ties" and "All the Things You Are." Despite all of the guests, the leader (who contributed five of the eight songs) does not get buried in the proceedings and holds his own with his friends. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/ties-of-love-mw0000193414

Personnel:  Buddy Montgomery - piano, vibes,  Marlena Shaw - vocal,  Eddie Harris - tenor sax,  Ron Carter - bass,  Ted Dunbar - guitar,  John Heard - bass,  Billy Higgins - drums, Steve Kroon - congas,  David "Fathead" Newman - tenor sax, flute, Claudio Roditi - trumpet, Marvin "Smitty" Smith - drums, Warren Smith - percussion

Ties Of Love

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Gary Bartz Quintet - West 42nd Street

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:47
Size: 158,4 MB
Art: Front

( 8:51) 1. West 52nd Street
(19:10) 2. Speak Low
(11:45) 3. Its Easy to Remember
(10:02) 4. Cousins
(18:56) 5. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes

After a long period of indifferent recordings, altoist Gary Bartz started to fulfill his potential in the early '90s. Joined by a superb rhythm section (comprised of pianist John Hicks, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Al Foster) and trumpeter Claudio Roditi (whose restrained power complements rather than competes with Bartz), the altoist really stretches out, particularly on "Speak Low" and "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" which both clock in at within seven seconds of 19 minutes apiece. Bartz is quite lyrical on a superior version of "It's Easy to Remember" and also takes inventive solos on his modal blues "Cousins" and Wilbur Harden's "West 42nd Street." A highly recommended gem. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/west-42nd-street-mw0000073378

Personnel: Saxophone [Alto, Soprano] – Gary Bartz; Bass – Ray Drummond; Drums – Al Foster; Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Claudio Roditi; Piano – John Hicks

West 42nd Street

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Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band - I'm BeBoppin' Too

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:16
Size: 157,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:37) 1. I'm BeBoppin' Too
(5:08) 2. Cool Breeze
(7:37) 3. Round Midnight
(5:38) 4. Manteca
(4:52) 5. Birks Works
(7:12) 6. If You Could See Me Now
(4:38) 7. Dizzy's Blues
(7:45) 8. Una Mas
(6:00) 9. I Can't Get Started
(4:55) 10. One Bass Hit
(6:19) 11. Tin Tin Deo
(5:30) 12. Lover Come Back To Me

Tribute bands are often bland affairs, because they become too predictable, while often omitting any artists who played with the deceased artist. Fortunately, this third CD by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band mixes veterans who worked with the trumpeter and talented younger players who acquit themselves very well. Trombonist Slide Hampton contributed a fresh chart of Dizzy's "Manteca" that is a bit more introspective and less percussive and shouting, with potent solos by pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath scored the subtle, hip treatment of Kenny Dorham's "Una Mas," showcasing alto saxophonist Mark Gross, trombonist Douglas Purviance, and baritonist Gary Smulyan.

Vocalist Roberta Gambarini's solid performance of "'Round Midnight" (and Hampton's fresh arrangement) trump those who claim that this landmark Thelonious Monk composition is recorded all too often; there is always room for a top-notch recording such as this one. Gambarini also guests in Heath's setting of Tadd Dameron's bittersweet ballad "If You Could Seem Me Now" and Hampton's snappy setting of "Lover, Come Back to Me." Nor should the brass players be overlooked: Roy Hargrove's lush playing in "I Can't Get Started," plus his comic vocal in the jive piece "I'm BeBoppin' Too," are complemented by Greg Gisbert's searing trumpet and Michael Dease's brief, effective trombone solo. Recommended.~Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-beboppin-too-mw0000820620

Personnel: Slide Hampton - musical director, trombone; James Moody - tenor sax, flute, vocals; Jimmy Heath - tenor sax; Antonio Hart - lead alto sax, flute; Gary Smulyan - baritone sax; Frank Greene - lead trumpet; Greg Gisbert - trumpet; Roy Hargrove - trumpet, vocals; Claudio Roditi - trumpet; Jason Jackson - lead trombone; Steve Davis - trombone; Michael Dease - trombone; Douglas Purviance - bass trombone; Cyrus Chestnut - piano; John Lee - bass, executive director; Lewis Nash - drums; Roberta Gambarini – vocals

I'm BeBoppin'Too

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Jim Hall - Textures

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:33
Size: 118,3 MB
Art: Front

( 6:58) 1. Fanfare
( 9:46) 2. Ragman
( 6:44) 3. Reflections
( 4:46) 4. Quadrologue
(12:54) 5. Passacaglia
( 5:59) 6. Sazanami
( 4:23) 7. Circus Dance

Now this is really different. Without dropping his electric and acoustic guitars for a minute, Jim Hall reaches back to his early classical studies and joins the Third Stream. The result is an absorbing set of seven Hall compositions that reveal a hitherto unseen, serious, sometimes whimsical side of a musician we all thought we had pegged. A lot of this is rooted in 1950s classical/jazz fusions from Stan Kenton to Gunther Schuller, yet Hall thankfully makes even the most cerebral passages sound attractive, thanks in part to the delicate, still-soft timbres of his electric guitar. Each piece is quite different from that of its neighbor; two ("Fanfare," "Reflections") have surprisingly dense and dissonant writing for a brass septet, another ("Quadrologue") uses pizzicato strings plunking acerbically over a repeated ostinato, still another is an informal "Passacaglia" with isolated interludes for solo classical guitar. The splendidly nostalgic "Sazanami," with steel drum tappings over a Caribbean shaker rhythm, is the closest thing to a strictly jazz-oriented groove on the CD, and a mock "Circus Dance" for oompah-ing brass adds a touch of droll and morose humor at the end of the program.

The most original piece is probably "Ragman," with its contemporary string writing, Middle Eastern flavor, and Joe Lovano rattling around the percussive rhythms on soprano sax. Signing with Telarc allegedly a safe refuge for aging jazz stars seems to have brought out the daring explorer in Hall in this and his previous release, Dialogues. More power to him.~ Richard S. Ginell https://www.allmusic.com/album/textures-mw0000023650

Personnel: Guitar, Composed By, Arranged By – Jim Hall; Bass – Scott Colley; Drums – Terry Clarke; Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi; Soprano Saxophone – Joe Lovano; Steel Drums – Derek DiCenzo; Trombone – Jim Pugh; Trumpet – Ryan Kisor

Textures

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Michael Dease - Grace

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:42
Size: 157.3 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[1:42] 1. Discussao
[6:31] 2. Blues On The Corner
[5:40] 3. In A Mist
[8:26] 4. I Talk To The Trees
[7:10] 5. Four
[4:09] 6. Tippin'
[5:30] 7. Setembro
[5:28] 8. 26-2
[5:56] 9. Toys
[5:56] 10. Love Dance
[6:16] 11. Grace
[5:53] 12. Salt Song

Michael Dease: trombone, valve trombone; Roger Squitero, Circle Rhythm: vocals, percussion; Mark Whitfield: guitar, acoustic guitar; Yotam: acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Sharel Cassity: alto flute, alto saxophone; Eric Alexander: tenor saxophone; Roy Hargrove: trumpet, flugelhorn; Claudio Roditi: flugelhorn; Steve Davis: trombone; Cyrus Chestnut: piano; Gene Jackson: drums.

Michael Dease is to the trombone what Harry Allen is to the tenor saxophone. Lyrical, traditional, well-studied and broad based, both artists can equally get their freak on when necessary. Dease's trombone style contains many influences, but like many conservatory-trained musicians, Dease has had the time and practice to develop is own potent voice. Emerging among a class of young musicians that include Sharel Cassity and Carol Morgan, Dease presents as a neo-traditionalist with pristine chops and a universal exposure (both bandstand and didactic) to music providing him a virtual library from which to draw. Technically, that is all well and good as a description; but what does Dease sound like? Dease's previous recordings, Dease Bones (Astrix Media, 2007) and Clarity (Blues Back Records, 2008) found Dease honing his already very capable craft. His voice and tone have become perfectly rounded with a rich and creamy timbre superbly captured on the Jobim opener, "Discussao."

Bix Beiderbecke's "In A Mist" is post-modern updated by Dease, making it both more densely impressionistic and swinging at the same time, proving that the two not need mutually exclusive. Dease allows himself ample room for exploration with a reigned-in rhythm section providing the propulsion without getting in the way. Dease approaches Miles Davis' "Four" where he doubles on trombone and tenor saxophone. More ballad than bebop, Dease's treatment is languid and moody like an opiate nod. Cyrus Chestnut holds the piece together with a concise solo before Dease does his best Scott Hamilton.

Dease does get his bebop on for Oscar Peterson's "Tippin'" playing J.J. Johnson fast, taking corners like Curtis Fuller. His fluid chops are on display on this song with a taut and effusive solo where he is able to exercise his considerable solo prowess. It is as a balladeer that Dease excels and where his true strength lies, as demonstrated on the two Ivan Lins compositions "Setembro" and "Love Dance." Dease's lone composition, the title piece, is a mid-tempo swinger that sums up well what Dease's finely crafted jazz is all about. C. Michael Bailey

Grace

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Maucha Adnet - The Jobim Songbook

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:16
Size: 143,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:37)  1. Vivo Sonhando
(4:20)  2. Só Tinha De Ser Com Você
(4:57)  3. Insensatez
(4:33)  4. Ela É Carioca
(4:54)  5. Chega De Saudade
(5:26)  6. Samba Do Avião
(3:55)  7. Águas De Março
(3:59)  8. Meditacão
(4:59)  9. Desafinado
(4:29) 10. Corcovado
(5:10) 11. Outra Vez
(6:01) 12. Garota De Ipanema
(4:51) 13. Água De Beber

The lack of liner notes doesn't give much clue as to how long Maucha Adnet has been active professionally as a vocalist, though a quote from Antonio Carlos Jobim indicates that she toured with the late, legendary composer. Her deep, soulful voice is very appealing, similar to that of Leny Andrade. Accompanied by a mix of Brazilian and American musicians, including pianist Helio Alves, flugelhornists Claudio Roditi and Michael Brecker, trombonist Jay Ashby, guitarists Mario Adnet and Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonsaca, she is obviously very familiar with a wide range of Jobim's compositions, covering both internationally known hits and pieces that have received less exposure outside of Brazil. The focus is on the singer, with occasional piano or guitar solos, with the brass and reed instruments providing background colors. She scats in unison with an unidentified male singer during the introduction to "Chega De Saudade" before swinging its joyous lyrics, with Alves switching to electric piano. She brings more depth to "Aquas de Marco" (The Waters of March)" than most singers, while Adnet's understated interpretation of "Outra Vez" is also welcome. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-jobim-songbook-mw0000577529

Personnel:  Vocals, Producer – Maucha Adnet; Saxophone – Joe Lovano; Trombone – Jay Ashby;  Acoustic Bass – Nilson Matta; Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo; Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Mario Adnet; Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca; Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi, Randy Brecker; Piano – Alfredo Cardim, Helio Alves

The Jobim Songbook

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Claudio Roditi - Gemini Man

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@128K/s
Time: 42:07
Size: 40,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:54)  1. We (To Kristen and Me)
(5:02)  2. Una Misma Alma
(4:58)  3. Jacarand`
(5:57)  4. Snow Samba
(5:55)  5. Gemini Man
(4:42)  6. Em Minas Gerais
(5:28)  7. Conceição
(4:07)  8. Brazilian Roots (To Amaury Tristco)

This CD features trumpeter Claudio Roditi playing Brazilian-oriented music with a group consisting of pianist Roger Kellaway, Daniel Freiberg on synthesizers, bassist Nilson Matta, either Ignacio Berroa or Akira Tana on drums and percussionist Rafael Cruz. Roditi, who composed or co-wrote six of the eight mostly gentle originals, also sings quite effectively on three numbers, one apiece in English, Spanish and Portuguese. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/gemini-man-mw0000198766

Personnel:   Flugelhorn, Vocals, Trumpet – Claudio Roditi ;  Bass – Nilson Matta;  Drums – Akira Tana, Ignacio Berroa;  Percussion – Rafael Cruz ;  Piano – Roger Kellaway;   Synth, Electric Piano – Daniel Freiberg

Gemini Man

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Dizzy Gillespie - To Diz with Love

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:22
Size: 152,2 MB
Art: Front

(14:43)  1. Billie's Bounce
(10:37)  2. Confirmation
(12:52)  3. Mood Indigo
(11:28)  4. Straight No Chaser
(16:40)  5. A Night in Tunisia

Dizzy Gillespie's final recording, taken from a month he spent featured at the Blue Note in New York, matches the aging giant with such fellow trumpeters as Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Wallace Roney, Red Rodney, Charlie Sepulveda and the ancient but still brilliant Doc Cheatham (who cuts both Diz and Faddis on "Mood Indigo"). Although Gillespie was no longer up to the competition, the love that these fellow trumpeters had for him (and some fine solos) makes this historic CD worth getting. ~Scott Yanow

https://www.allmusic.com/album/to-diz-with-love-diamond-jubilee-recordings-mw0000077323

Personnel:  Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet;  Doc Cheatham (track 3), Jon Faddis (track 3), Wynton Marsalis (tracks 2 & 4), Claudio Roditi (tracks 1 & 5), Wallace Roney (tracks 1 & 5), Charlie Sepulveda (track 4), Lew Soloff (unbilled, track 5) - trumpet;  Red Rodney - flugelhorn (track 2);  Junior Mance - piano;  Peter Washington - bass;  Kenny Washington - drums

To Diz with Love

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McCoy Tyner - McCoy Tyner And The Latin All-Stars

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:52
Size: 143,3 MB
Art: Front

(11:02)  1. Festival In Bahia
( 6:59)  2. Poinciana
(12:23)  3. Afro Blue
(10:34)  4. A Song For Love
( 8:36)  5. La Habana Sol
( 5:24)  6. We Are Our Father's Sons
( 6:51)  7. Blue Bossa

McCoy Tyner's percussive piano style has always worked well within an Afro-Cuban groove, and this recording provides an excellent setting for him and his all-star lineup to work in. Mixing genre classics like "Afro Blue" and "Poinciana" with original material, Tyner's first release for the Telarc label provides a completely satisfying, highly rhythmic experience. Regular bassist Avery Sharpe combines with a three-man percussion section to propel the group's extended explorations. Besides the leader's instantly recognizable pianistic flurries and fat, two-handed chords, the front-line foursome of flute whiz Dave Valentin, saxophonist Gary Bartz, trumpeter Claudio Roditi and bone-and-shell man Steve Turre is superb, both in ensemble passages and individual solo spots. In the course of his long career, McCoy Tyner has recorded in nearly every conceivable setting. Though many of his solo, trio and quartet dates are superb, his expansive style has often been most enjoyably showcased in the company of multiple horns. From the rollicking opener "Festival in Bahia," to the beautiful "A Song for Love," to the straightforward timbale-driven Latin groove of "We Are Our Father's Sons," McCoy Tyner & the Latin All-Stars makes a potent case for inclusion in the upper tier of Tyner's catalog. ~ Jim Newsom https://www.allmusic.com/album/mccoy-tyner-the-latin-all-stars-mw0000235460

Personnel: McCoy Tyner: piano;  Gary Bartz: saxophones; Claudio Roditi: trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Turre: trombone; Dave Valentin: flute; Avery Sharpe: bass; Ignacio Berroa: drums;  Johnny Almendra: timbales;  Giovanni Hidalgo: percussion

McCoy Tyner And The Latin All-Stars

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Greg Abate Quintet - Bop Lives!

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:07
Size: 148,2 MB
Art: Front

( 7:41)  1. Love's No Secret
( 5:39)  2. Happenin'
( 4:04)  3. Blues for H.O.
( 7:23)  4. This I Dig of You
( 6:40)  5. Bop Lives!
( 9:39)  6. Ask Me Now
( 5:16)  7. Voyage
( 6:50)  8. Children's Waltz
(10:51)  9. Speak Low

With a title such as Bop Lives, it is a bit surprising to realize that there are actually no bop standards on this CD. However the playing by altoist Greg Abate (whose sound recalls Phil Woods and Richie Cole) is certainly in the bop tradition; he is a heated and frequently exciting improviser. Trumpeter Claudio Roditi is aboard for five of the nine selections and is a perfect frontline partner for Abate. Of the repertoire, three tunes are by the leader and there is one apiece from Roditi, pianist Kenny Barron (who leads a rhythm section also including bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Ben Riley), Mark Morganelli, Hank Mobley ("This I Dig Of You"), Thelonious Monk and Kurt Weill (a nearly 11-minute rendition of "Speak Low"). The well-rounded program features Greg Abate at his best and this uncomplicated but generally chancetaking bop set is easily recommended.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/bop-lives%21-mw0000610795    

Personnel: Greg Abate (alto saxophone); Claudio Roditi (trumpet, flugelhorn); Kenny Barron (piano); Ben Riley (drums).

Bop Lives!

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Heath Brothers - Endurance

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:47
Size: 120.8 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[7:39] 1. Changes
[5:09] 2. Wall To Wall
[4:36] 3. You Or Me
[6:09] 4. Ballad From Leadership Suite
[6:14] 5. Dusk In The City
[4:21] 6. Two Tees
[7:42] 7. Autumn In New York
[3:22] 8. From A Lonely Bass
[7:31] 9. The Rio Dawn

Jimmy Heath: tenor, soprano sax; Jeb Patton: piano; David Wong: bass; Albert "Tootie" Heath: drums; Claudio Roditi: shaker (9).

The Heath family is illustrious in jazz. Percy and Jimmy got their starts in the late forties, a part of the emerging jazz scene in New York. The oldest, Percy on bass, became part of the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952 and stayed with the legendary group for over forty years. Jimmy on reeds, meanwhile, has led and performed with the greats over the years. He has a substantial reputation as composer, arranger and educator. Albert "Tootie," several years the youngest, has established a reputation as a peerless drummer and educator.

The three have worked together as a group for over twenty years, making seven recordings together, with pianist Jeb Patton the fourth cog in recent years. When Percy died in 2005, the brothers decided to carry on, bringing in bassist David Wong. Endurance is the first without Percy, and endurance is certainly the keyword in describing the Heath Brothers.

Seven of the nine numbers here are originals by Jimmy. Each player gets many opportunities to shine. Beginning with "Changes," Jimmy's straight-ahead assertive tenor takes charge. Next, on "Wall to Wall," Tootie's drums and Patton's piano combine for some funky rhythmic fun at the onset, followed by Jimmy's rocking tenor solo. Wong's bass stars on "You and Me," sharing the stage with Tootie's spiffy brush work. Jimmy gets serious with the spiritual "Ballad for Leadership Suite," an impressive segment from his commission for the inauguration of the president of Howard University. He dedicates "Two Tees" to Tootie, who gets plenty of room to stretch in his drum solo, with Patton coming in for a romping turn on piano. Jimmy composed "From a Lonely Bass" as a memoriam to the Late Percy. Wong's bowed bass provides emotional warmth, assisted by Jimmy's elegiac soprano sax. Perhaps most effective is the group's lush rendering of Vernon Duke's 1934 standard, "Autumn in New York." Here, Jimmy shows his debt to Coleman Hawkins with his breathy tenor probing all aspects of the tune. ~Larry Taylor

Endurance mc
Endurance zippy

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Claudio Roditi - Impressions

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:26
Size: 158.9 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[6:29] 1. Moment's Notice
[6:41] 2. Naima
[6:26] 3. Impressions
[7:15] 4. Bye Bye Blackbird
[7:53] 5. The Monster And The Flower
[6:47] 6. Bossa Do Brooklyn
[9:36] 7. Speak Low
[6:57] 8. A Ra
[4:10] 9. Giant Steps
[7:06] 10. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Claudio Roditi's 2006 return trip to his native Brazil prompted this recording session, which draws extensively from John Coltrane's repertoire and adds a few originals. Joined by saxophonist Idriss Boudrioua (who doubles on alto and soprano), pianist Dario Galante, bassist Sergio Barroso, and drummer Pascoal Mereilles, Roditi sticks to trumpet for the entire date. Opening with three straight Coltrane compositions is a challenge that's successfully met by the quintet. "Moment's Notice" and "Impressions" add a lively samba groove underneath the horns, while Boudrioua switches to soprano for the shimmering take of the timeless ballad "Naima." Roditi adds a mute for a lighthearted take of "Bye Bye Blackbird," propelled by a soft samba rhythm and Boudrioua's subdued alto. The trumpeter's originals include the playful bossa nova "The Monster and the Flower" and the sauntering "Bossa do Brooklyn," which sounds as if it were inspired by girl-watching on clear spring day. "Giant Steps," the final Coltrane composition played on the session, is taken at a relaxed tempo. There's never a dull moment during this enjoyable meeting. ~Ken Dryden

Impressions

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Ricky Ford - Hot Brass

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:25
Size: 137,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:35)  1. Ford Variations
(5:48)  2. Banging, Bashing, Bowing and Blowing
(7:11)  3. A Night in Valencia
(5:51)  4. 11/15/91
(3:33)  5. Cop Out
(8:16)  6. Hot Brass
(7:25)  7. Mood Blues
(6:42)  8. Speak Now
(7:32)  9. Carbon 14
(2:28) 10. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

Nice session matching tenor saxophone standout Ricky Ford with crew of fiery trumpet and trombone players, plus bassist Christian McBride, drummer Carl Allen, and percussionist Danilo Perez. Ford was a young lion back in the '70s, when there was no hype. He's now an experienced, skilled veteran, and teams superbly with trumpeters Lew Soloff and Claudio Roditi and trombonist Steve Turre. ~ Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-brass-mw0000094556

Personnel: Ricky Ford (tenor saxophone); Christian McBride (bass guitar); Claudio Roditi, Lew Soloff (trumpet); Steve Turre (trombone); Danilo Pérez (piano); Carl Allen (drums).

Hot Brass

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Greg Abate - Straight Ahead

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:37
Size: 148,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:26)  1. Straight Ahead
(7:33)  2. Kelly Blue
(7:13)  3. Denise Marie
(8:24)  4. Nica's Dream
(6:41)  5. Jessica
(5:45)  6. 2-22
(8:26)  7. Con Alma
(6:20)  8. Bossa For Gregory
(7:45)  9. It's All Right With Me

The title perfectly summarizes this quintet date -- hard bop and standards delivered professionally and competently by an experienced band. Greg Abate is a fluid alto and tenor saxophonist who executes the chord changes, progressions, and solos efficiently, while trumpeter Claudio Roditi adds some Afro-Latin spice and hot licks, and pianist Hilton Ruiz, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Kenny Washington keep the rhythmic center together. Mraz's bass sounds undermiked at times, but otherwise this date does exactly what it set out to: showcase jazz professionals comfortable in their environment and with their material. ~ Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/straight-ahead-mw0000182465

Personnel: Greg Abate (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Claudio Roditi (trumpet, flugelhorn); Hilton Ruiz (piano); Kenny Washington (drums).

Straight Ahead

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Greg Abate - Horace Is Here: A Tribute To Horace Silver

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:28
Size: 168.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2005/2011
Art: Front

[7:08] 1. Mayreh
[8:08] 2. Horace Is Here
[6:21] 3. Nica's Dream
[7:15] 4. Song For My Father
[6:07] 5. Nutville
[7:21] 6. Silver's Serenade
[7:18] 7. On The Road
[9:56] 8. Peace
[7:45] 9. Filthy Mcnasty
[6:04] 10. Quicksilver

Bass – Marshall Wood; Drums – Artie Cabral; Piano – Hilton Ruis; Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Arranged By – Greg Abate; Trumpet, Arranged By – Claudio Roditi. Recorded Sept. 24-25, 2004.

Many artists have covered pianist Horace Silver's compositions, but few have approached them with a freshness like multi-reed player Greg Abate. Accompanied by trumpeter Claudio Roditi, pianist Hilton Ruiz (on one of his last recording sessions prior to his mysterious death in 2006), bassist Marshall Wood, and drummer Artie Cabral, Abate reharmonized each of the pieces and gave them a new sound while retaining the essence of the original works. "Song for My Father" is a perfect example, with the leader's rich tenor blending with Roditi's mellow trumpet and a less pronounced rhythm. Abate is on alto for "Nica's Dream," which has a more breezy air, almost seeming to float over its hard bop inner soul. Wood's brooding bass introduces "Peace," with Abate's mournful soprano sax beautifully backed by Ruiz's almost reverent piano. Abate also penned two solid tribute to Silver, the hip "Horace Is Here" and the turbulent "On the Road." Greg Abate's salute to Horace Silver will please fans of the hard bop giant's music. ~Ken Dryden

Horace Is Here: A Tribute To Horace Silver

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Steve Turre - Woody's Delight

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:29
Size: 155,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:45)  1. Woody's Delight
( 7:07)  2. Something For Sweets
( 8:01)  3. In Retrospect
( 4:06)  4. Luna
( 6:25)  5. Annette's For Sure
( 8:37)  6. Adios Mi Amigo
( 7:20)  7. Manny's Mambo
( 8:16)  8. 3 For Woody
(10:47)  9. Brother Bob

Trombonist and master of musical shells Steve Turre has been playing professionally since he was 13, working with a variety of bandleaders including Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Ray Charles, and Chico Hamilton, although he credits his musical maturity to his eight-year tenure with trumpeter Woody Shaw (which began when he was in his thirties). Turre recorded 14 albums with Shaw and it is to Shaw's influence and memory that the album's title refers. Turre wrote eight of the nine compositions here. The wildly diverse program includes five trumpeters Claudio Roditi, Jon Faddis, Wallace Roney, Chocolate Armenteros, and Freddie Hendrix three keyboard players, four bass players (including Buster Williams), two drummers, and three bongo, timbales, and conga percussionists. Faddis' fiery acrobatics are heard on the title track a skittering, jaunty blues in G-minor and on "Something for Sweets" (for Harry "Sweets" Edison), a strolling Basie-esque blues where both Faddis and Turre use mutes. Roney is showcased on "In Retrospect," a shimmering, mysterious, ethereal ballad that Turre wrote for him, reflecting the influence of Miles Davis on the trumpeter. Roney also appears on "Luna," which reflects the influence of Shaw's ambitious compositional style and use of extreme harmonic intervals on Turre. Perhaps the most beautiful entry on the set is Roditi's jazz-samba "Annette's for Sure," with bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca (who also plays berimbau). 

Together the band creates an authentic samba atmosphere that is underscored by Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo and Turre's shells. There is a killer Latin number here too in "Manny's Mambo," dedicated to Oquendo Turre also spent time in Conjunto Libre. The trumpeter here is 83-year-old legend Chocolate Armenteros. Both men and pianist Perdomo play moñas like the house is burning down, as percussionists and drummer underscore the joyous dance feel. "Adios Mi Amigo" is a Latin ballad written for Turre's late colleague and friend, pianist Hilton Ruiz. Roditi's solo is achingly beautiful and is underscored by Turre's use of the plunger mute and Andy Gonzalez's bassline. Youthful up-and-comer Hendrix is showcased on the final two cuts here, the modal "3 for Woody," and the deep, bluesy swing of "Brother Bob." Woody's Delight is not a mere tribute to Shaw's influence on Turre (though that would be enough); it displays the trombonist's wide angle and ambitious compositional and arranging skills with true flourish. The music here is all soulfully articulated and expertly performed, the album some of Turre's finest work. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/woodys-delight-mw0002280215

Personnel: Steve Turre: trombone and shells; John Faddis: trumpet (1, 2); Wallace Roney: trumpet (3, 4); Claudio Roditi: trumpet (5, 6); Chocolate Armenteros: trumpet (7);  Freddie Hendrix: trumpet (8, 9);  Xavier Davis: piano (1 – 4, 8, 9);  Luis Perdomo: piano (5, 6, 7);  Aruan Ortiz: Fender Rhodes (4); Buster Williams: bass (1 – 4); Andy Gonzalez: bass (6, 7); Corcoran Holt: bass (8, 9); Nilson Matta: bass (5); Dion Parson: drums (1 – 4, 8, 9); Duduka Da Fonseca: drums and percussion (5, 6); Jimmy Delgado: timbales and conga (6, 7); Pedro Martinez: bongos and campana; George Delgado: conga (7).

Woody's Delight

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McCoy Tyner - Blue Bossa

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:43
Size: 88,9 MB
Art: Front

(9:57)  1. Blue Bossa
(5:50)  2. Recife's Blues
(7:45)  3. I'll Take Romance
(6:49)  4. Rotunda
(8:21)  5. We'll Be Together Again

McCoy Tyner's CD for the budget label LRC finds his regular trio of the time (bassist Avery Sharpe and drummer Aaron Scott) augmented by percussionist Raphael Cruz and trumpeter/fluegelhornist Claudio Roditi on most of the tracks. Unfortunately, Cruz proves to be more of an unnecessary distraction, marring an otherwise potent take of "Blue Bossa" and adding little to Tyner's hard driving "Rotunda." Roditi is a better fit with Tyner's group, especially on the lyrical arrangement of "We'll Be Together Again," but his two originals are rather lame compared to the remainder of the release. Tyner's trio tackles "I'll Take Romance" without either one of their guests, with superb results. Three additional tracks from these sessions appeared on the compilation Double Exposure. A later reissue of this CD by Laserlight under the same title omits both Roditi's "The Natural Bridge" and Tyner's "Traces." Although Tyner is in top form throughout, this is not an important release in his considerable discography, but its low price make it worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-bossa-mw0000268506

Personnel: McCoy Tyner (piano); Claudio Roditi (trumpet, flugelhorn); Avery Sharpe (bass); Aaron Scott (drums); Raphael Cruz (percussion).

Blue Bossa

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Claudio Roditi - Claudio, Rio & Friends

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:28
Size: 136,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Leste
(4:38)  2. La Tropezienne Samba
(6:53)  3. Romanza
(5:22)  4. Bonne Terrasse
(4:56)  5. Caribe's Dream
(7:51)  6. Irere
(4:54)  7. Arpoador
(5:16)  8. Samba de Um Breque
(7:29)  9. Melancia
(7:04) 10. Demansinho

An idol to many jazzmen currently playing in his native Rio de Janeiro, bop trumpeter Roditi apparently had no difficulty in lining up an enthused and talented crew to participate in this session of heated Brazilian jazz. For his core group, Roditi chose the 11-year-old Cama de Gato, a burning, bop-inspired quartet comprising alto-man/flutist Mauro Seise, keyboardist Jota Moraes, bassist Arthur Maia, and drummer Pascoal Meirelles. Seven of the ten selections allow us to also hear such other formidable local musicians as trumpeter/fluegelhornist Guilherme Dias Gomes, tenorman Nivaldo Ornellas, guitarists Guinga, Rodrigo Campello, and Lula Gavao, and, singing the Portuguese lyrics on "Samba De Um Bregue," Leila Pinheiro.

Now that it has moved beyond the lilting attractiveness of bossa nova to embrace the visceral approach of hard bop, Brazilian jazz is becoming as valid a representation today of its West African heritage as the related expressions of New Orleans and the Caribbean. What unites them all, of course, is the primary emphasis placed on a swinging polyrhythmic time base, an element largely abandoned in jazz during its various fascinations with West Coast Cool and the European avant garde. ~ Jack Sohmer  http://jazztimes.com/articles/9596-claudio-rio-friends-claudio-roditi

Personnel: Claudio Roditi (trumpet); Leila Pinheiro (vocals); Luis Galvao (guitar); Rodrigo Campello (acoustic guitar); Mauro Senise (flute, alto saxophone); Nivaldo Ornelas (tenor saxophone); Guillerme Dias Fomez (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jota Moraes (keyboards); Pascoal Meirelles (drums)

Claudio, Rio & Friends

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Claudio Roditi, Klaus Ignatzek & Jean-Louis Rassinfosse - Beyond Question

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:31
Size: 141,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:59)  1. Pleasant Journey
(7:06)  2. Early Hour
(5:10)  3. Hot Temper
(6:44)  4. Sound of the Sea
(4:37)  5. Change of Air
(5:59)  6. Piccolo Blues
(4:47)  7. Stay Within Sight
(5:42)  8. Hanksome
(5:55)  9. Hidden Secret
(3:55) 10. Other Side of the Coin
(6:32) 11. Love Dance

The Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi, the German pianist Klaus Ignatzek and the Belgian bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse are one of today's leading chamber jazz ensembles. They have been playing together for more than 20 years now, they perform mostly their own compositions rooted in jazz and Brazilian music as well as specially arranged versions of standards. Countless concerts throughout Europe stand as impressive documents of their long term collaboration in the trio format. On their latest release Claudio Roditi, Klaus Ignatzek and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse demonstrate one more time that they belong to the top of the jazz scene. Melodic jazz doesn't get much better than this. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Question-Ignatzek-Jean-Louis-Rassinfosse-Claudio/dp/B001J1HBOM

Beyond Question

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