Ruby Braff & Dave McKenna - Complete Original Quartet/Quintet Recordings

Styles: Trumpet And Pianno Jazz
Year: 2007
Time: 64:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 149,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:08) 1. Dancing in the Dark
(3:52) 2. Blue Prelude
(2:50) 3. Why Was I Born?
(2:58) 4. Blue (And Broken-Hearted)
(3:01) 5. If I Could Be with You
(3:13) 6. I'm Crazy About My Baby
(2:27) 7. Louisiana
(4:00) 8. It's Wonderful
(2:21) 9. Almost Like Being in Love
(3:21) 10. Lover Come Back to Me
(4:07) 11. I Must Have That Man
(3:07) 12. As Long as I Live
(2:56) 13. Blue, Turning Gray over You
(3:07) 14. If I Had You
(3:13) 15. It's Been So Long
(1:57) 16. I'm Shooting High
(3:09) 17. Stardust
(3:34) 18. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(3:59) 19. Soft Lights and Sweet Music
(5:26) 20. The Song Is Ended But the Melody Lingers On

Although Ruby Braff and Dave McKenna played together on several occasions during their long careers, these two sessions best represent their collective legacy for a number of reasons. It must be said that their recorded collaborations were not as abundant as one might expect.

Their two initial sessions together were as sidemen for other musicians: A 1955 date as part of the Benny Goodman septet, and a February 1956 session backing singer Milli Vernon's recording debut. These dates were followed by the two incredible sessions included here. After that, the only known recordings of the Hackett-McKenna partnership are a 1961 live recording at Eddie Condon's with Bobby Hackett and Peanuts Hucko, and two 1991-93 double albums with a band including tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton.

The sessions featured on this edition are, thus, their only true small group quartet/quintet) recordings and the only instrumental sessions they made at the peak of their careers, in which both musicians can be considered, in a way, session leaders. Gambit.By Editorial Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Original-Quartet-Quintet-Sessions/dp/B000JVSWLY

Original Quartet/Quintet Recordings

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Dave McKenna & Buddy DeFranco - You Must Believe In Swing

Styles: Clarinet And Piano Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:15
Size: 131,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:08)  1. You Must Believe In Swing
(8:24)  2. Invitation
(6:31)  3. The Song Is You
(5:41)  4. If You Could See Me Now
(5:26)  5. Darn That Dream
(5:30)  6. Autumn Nocturne
(5:55)  7. Poor Butterfly
(5:01)  8. You Must Believe In Spring
(4:24)  9. Anthropolgy
(4:12) 10. Detour Ahead

Sing, Sing, Sing. Dave McKenna and Buddy DeFranco have been active musicians over approximately that same period. Both are recognized as expert in their respective musical areas. Dave McKenna is an acknowledged master of the swing piano school, specializing in songs of the 1930s. Buddy DeFranco is reputed to be the evolutionary link between Benny Goodman and Eddie Daniels. These two performers make for a splendid and interesting duo. The clarinet, because of Benny Goodman, will forever be heard in terms of the swing era. Buddy DeFranco, however, cultivated it for Be-bop. Both the splendid and interesting elements in this duo are manifest in the combination of a swing instrument (clarinet) played by a Be-bopper and a Be-bop instrument (piano) played by a swing specialist. A Fine Sauce of Flatted Fifths. 

The synergistic performances on this record are of a very high order. It is fun to listen to McKenna?s full-chorded, two-handed swing approach sliding beneath the slippery, boppish DeFranco, and make no mistake about it, DeFranco is 100% Be-bop. It is not unlike a fine sauce. A sauce is actually nothing more than a well-blended emulsion, a mixture of oil and water. Well-blended, because McKenna and DeFranco respond well to one another, but still oil and water. Still different. And the listener never loses sight of that difference. Swing, Swing, Swing. The disc opens with a DeFranco original, "You Must Believe in Swing", a take off on the Bergman-Legrand composition, "You Must Believe in Spring", performed later on the disc. It is a medium tempo blues that is all Be-bop. The duo competently navigates through the ballads "Invitation" and "The Song is You" to arrive at the next Be-bop cornerstones, Tadd Dameron?s "If You Could See Me Now" and "Darn That Dream". Both are fun romps in the repertoire, but the real fun is in the Bop anthem "Anthropology". 

DeFranco begins the head straight, but soon careens off in the same way Charlie Parker did on his famous and unrecognizable recording of "Embraceable You". I cannot help but compare this clarinet version of "Anthropology" with another, Art Pepper?s performance on The Complete Village Vanguard Sessions (Contemporary 9CCD-4417-2, 1995). The first portion of this performance is also a tight and exciting duet (with bassist George Mraz). Pepper?s version possesses a greater discipline and sheer musical tension than DeFranco, but DeFranco has merit in his risk-taking abandon. Where Pepper?s performance is dead serious, DeFranco?s is playful and has fun. Having Fun. That pretty well sums up this record. Both performers sound comfortable and friendly. It is hard to believe that anyone would not like the sound of a clarinet in a piano duet. Played happy or sad, they always have a sound of hope and good will. Kind of like what these two Jazz giants have. ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dave-mckenna-and-buddy-defranco-you-must-believe-in-swing-dave-mckenna-concord-music-group-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php#.VCy_1RawTP8
 

Personnel: Dave McKenna: piano; Buddy DeFranco: clarinet.

You Must Believe In Swing

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Dave McKenna - Solo Piano

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1973
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:00
Size: 171,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:42)  1. C Jam Blues
(4:06)  2. I Wonder Why
(3:44)  3. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
(4:19)  4. There Will Never Be Another You
(2:16)  5. You're Lucky To Me
(3:52)  6. Sweet Georgia Brown
(3:40)  7. Scrapple From the Apple
(3:50)  8. Lucky To Be Me
(3:53)  9. Emaline
(4:13) 10. My Cherie Amour
(5:26) 11. Yesterday-Yesterdays
(3:00) 12. Blues Chiaroscuro
(4:13) 13. Scrapple from the Apple, Pt. 2
(2:54) 14. Have You Met Miss Jones Sequence, Pt. 1
(2:49) 15. Have You Met Miss Jones Sequence, Pt. 2
(2:43) 16. Have You Met Miss Jones Sequence, Pt. 3
(3:23) 17. Chiaroscuro Blues
(4:38) 18. Sweet And Lovely
(3:35) 19. You're Lucky to Me, No. 2
(3:34) 20. C Jam Blues, No. 2

Prior to 1973, pianist Dave McKenna had not recorded as a leader in a decade and it was this particular album (now available on CD with two additional songs and a few alternate takes) that helped him gain recognition for his brilliant playing; it would be followed by three other Chiaroscuro dates and a countless number of sets for Concord. A couple of attempts at uplifting current material aside ("Norwegian Wood" and "My Cherie Amour" do not fit McKenna's sound), this solo performance finds the pianist displaying his fully formed swing style on a variety of superior tunes, including a three-part "Have You Met Miss Jones Sequence.")

By Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/solo-piano-mw0000122101

Personnel: Dave McKenna (piano).

Solo Piano

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Dave McKenna - Hear Me Now

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 132:50
Size: 305,9 MB
Art: Front

( 6:39)  1. Lady Be Good
( 5:28)  2. Chinatown, My Chinatown
( 9:10)  3. Once I Loved
( 8:11)  4. I'll Only Miss Her When I Think of Her
(12:02)  5. Comes Love
( 7:18)  6. Fred
( 5:34)  7. September Song
( 9:23)  8. O Grande Amor
( 8:46)  9. The Touch of Your Lips
( 5:44) 10. Life Is Better
(10:34) 11. Holiday in the Sun
( 9:50) 12. Just You, Just Me
( 8:44) 13. Emily
(13:46) 14. It's Alright with Me
( 9:44) 15. On the Alamo
( 1:50) 16. Good Night, Travel Well

One of the top swing-based pianists of the past 25 years, Dave McKenna's hard-driving basslines give momentum to uptempo pieces, and his vast knowledge of superior songs from the 1930s has resulted in many rewarding albums of traditional but fresh music. Although talented from the start, McKenna did not achieve that much recognition until he was already in his forties. He joined the Musicians' Union when he was 15 and picked up early experience playing with Boots Mussulli (1947), Charlie Ventura (1949), and Woody Herman's Orchestra (1950-1951). After two years in the military, McKenna had a second stint with Ventura (1953-1954) and then worked with a variety of top swing and Dixieland players including Gene Krupa, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Eddie Condon, Bobby Hackett, and Bob Wilber (in the late '70s), and was a soloist at piano bars in Massachusetts. 

McKenna had recorded for ABC-Paramount (1956), Epic (1958), Bethlehem (a two-piano date shared with Hall Overton in 1960), and Realm (1963), but in 1973, McKenna's talents finally began to be more fully documented. He led sets for Halycon, Shiah, Famous Door, Inner City (with vocalist Teddi King), and four for Chiaroscuro. And then in 1979 with No Bass Hit (a trio date with Scott Hamilton and Jake Hanna), McKenna debuted with Concord, finding his home. He has made many sessions for Concord ever since, some as a sideman or with small groups, but the best ones being unaccompanied recitals. In the mid-'90s Dave McKenna was at the top of his field. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dave-mckenna-mn0000687586/biography

Hear Me Now

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Dave McKenna - Dave McKenna In Madison

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:37
Size: 144,5 MB
Art: Front

( 4:18)  1. Too Marvelous For Words
(15:25)  2. Vernon Duke Medley
( 3:50)  3. Craziology
( 9:14)  4. Soon Medley
( 5:39)  5. Medley
( 8:19)  6. Exactly Like You
( 5:10)  7. Detour Ahead
(10:39)  8. Time Medley

Too many things have a way of getting forgotten. If you are unfortunate enough not to have experienced pianist McKenna, here's something to think about. I had been hired to start a jazz label. One of my first calls was to McKenna at a hotel in Boston. He was recording on a handshake with Concord at the time and expressed too much loyalty to Carl Jefferson to leave the stable. In coming hedge fund owners changed that dynamic around. The change led him to jazz fan Mat Domber while I was off in other directions. 

The sum total of all that is this live date recorded well away from his stomping grounds. It was never intended to be a record and it's nice to have it escape on a label that'll know what to do with it. Maybe the greatest saloon piano player of our times, this is him simply kicking it out, keeping the audience in the palm of his hand. Whether it was ever supposed to be a record or not, this is a master class of a master at work, doing it solo and swinging like he invented it. A winner throughout. ~ Chris Spector (Midwest Records).

Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Dave-McKenna-Madison/dp/B07HGBDNXD

Personnel:  Piano – Dave McKenna 

Dave McKenna In Madison

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Scott Hamilton - Ballad Essentials

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:35
Size: 152,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Skylark
(3:40)  2. Everything Happens to Me
(5:26)  3. My Foolish Heart
(3:47)  4. That's All
(4:59)  5. In a Sentimental Mood
(4:44)  6. I Should Care
(5:39)  7. Body and Soul
(5:57)  8. 'Round Midnight
(5:33)  9. My Romance
(4:01) 10. Stardust
(4:26) 11. I'll Be Around
(5:24) 12. Tonight I Shall Sleep (With a Smile on My Face)

The musical line leading up to tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is not confusing. He wears his influences on his sleeve. You hear Lester Young's phrasing, Ben Webster's languid tone, and more than a dash of Zoot Sims's overall presentation. And while 1989's Scott Hamilton Plays Ballads is a gorgeous showing off of these influences, Ballad Essentials is a magnificent overview of his smoldering command of the genre. There's a pair of tracks from Plays Ballads ("In a Sentimental Mood" played as limber, late-night swing and "Round Midnight" given a robust, big-hearted embrace) and a pair from With Strings. The other eight pieces come from all over Hamilton's catalog, and describing any particular tune would tax the vocabulary "aching" and "tender" have only so many synonyms. Hamilton's sense of swing is easy to love, as is his brawny tone even when it slips into whispering mode. Ballad Essentials is meant as a themed collection, and it not only succeeds as such, it also serves as a primer for Hamilton's whole output. Editorial Reviews ~ Andrew Bartlett  http://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Essentials-Scott-Hamilton/dp/B00004NRVM

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Chris Flory, Howard Alden, Cal Collins (guitar); Ken Peplowski, Spike Robinson (tenor saxophone); Dave McKenna, Gerry Wiggins, John Bunch, Alan Broadbent, Nat Pierce, Norman Simmons, Brian Lemon (piano); Connie Kay, Jake Hanna, Jeff Hamilton , Allan Ganley, Roy McCurdy, Chuck Riggs (drums).

Ballad Essentials

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Dave McKenna - Dancing in the Dark

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:25
Size: 106,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. By Myself
(2:45)  2. A Shine On Your Shoes
(4:05)  3. I See Your Face Before Me
(4:47)  4. Alone Together
(3:11)  5. I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan
(3:27)  6. You and the Night and the Music
(3:46)  7. Dancing in the Dark
(4:25)  8. Something to Remember You By
(3:46)  9. New Sun in the Sky
(3:51) 10. Oh, But I Do
(4:22) 11. A Gal in Calico

The great swing pianist Dave McKenna performs 11 selections written by Arthur Schwartz, one of the lesser-known (but very talented) songwriters of the golden age of American popular music. Among the pieces that McKenna joyfully revives are "By Myself," "A Shine on Your Shoes," "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan," and "Dancing in the Dark." Bright, melodic treatments of classic music. 

~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/dancing-in-the-dark-mw0000188381

Dancing in the Dark

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Thelma Gracen - Thelma Gracen / Introducing Milli Vernon

Styles: Vocal 
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:01
Size: 165,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:50)  1. I’ll Remember April
(3:01)  2. Night and Day
(4:17)  3. I’ll Never Be the Same
(2:34)  4. Tea for Two
(3:40)  5. I’ll Get By
(2:35)  6. Out of Nowhere
(3:55)  7. Solitude
(1:47)  8. Just You, Just Me
(4:14)  9. I’m Yours
(2:46) 10. People Will Say We’re in Love
(3:48) 11. More Than You Know
(1:59) 12. Let There Be Love
(2:19) 13. Weep for the Boy
(2:11) 14. Moments Like This
(2:58) 15. Spring Is Here
(2:48) 16. ST. James Infirmary
(3:14) 17. My Ship
(2:05) 18. This Year’s Kisses
(3:03) 19. Moon Ray
(2:35) 20. Everything but You
(3:02) 21. Every Time
(2:52) 22. Blue Rain
(2:39) 23. I Don’t Know What Kind of Blues I’Ve Got
(3:37) 24. I Guess I’ll Have to Hang My Tears out to Dry

Thelma Gracen
Just where the boundary lies between the singer of popular songs and the real jazz singer is very often difficult to delineate. Thelma Gracen’s name may not ring any bells for neither jazz fan nor pop addict, but don’t let that deter you. After enjoying a few of her songs, you will realize that she had what it takes to be not only a good singer, but a good jazz singer. She has the beat, the feeling, and that special inner understanding of a lyric that can make an indifferent song sound good, a good song sound great, and a great song sound the way it was meant to sound.

Introducing Milli Vernon
Before this recording session, Jazz singer Milli Vernon was virtually unknown, and for good reason. She had served her apprenticeship singing with various bands under the name Pat Cameron, and on club dates in the New York area for about six years. Her voice was pretty and expressive, and she had a strong sense of time, good intonation and a kind of flexible, intimate quality to her voice that makes her sound like no other. For her first album, Milli was backed beautifully by Dave McKenna, Jimmy Raney, Wyatt Ruther, Jo Jones, and on all but three of the tracks by Ruby Braff as well, in a collection of seldom recorded tunes which include Artie Shaws’s moody Moon Ray. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/thelma-gracen-milli-vernon-albums/46591-thelma-gracen-introducing-milli-vernon-2-lp-on-1-cd.html

Personnel: Thelma Gracen, Milli Vernon (vcl), Ruby Braff (tp), Georgie Auld (ts), Quentin Anderson (tb), Lou Levy, Dave McKenna (p), Barney Kessel, Jimmy Raney (g), Joe Comfort, Wyatt Rhuter (b), Sid Bulkin, Jo Jones (d)

Thelma Gracen / Introducing Milli Vernon

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Al Cohn, Scott Hamilton, Buddy Tate - Tour De Force

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:17
Size: 162,2 MB
Art: Front

( 8:57)  1. Blues Up and Down
( 7:31)  2. Tickle Toe
(10:29)  3. Soft Winds
( 5:04)  4. Stella by Starlight
( 7:50)  5. Broadway
( 7:41)  6. Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
( 7:38)  7. Jumpin' at the Woodside
( 8:12)  8. Bernie's Tune
( 6:51)  9. Rifftide

Al Cohn gets top billing on this CD (formerly a double-LP) but that was because among the three tenors his name comes first alphabetically. This is a jam session set featuring the tenors of Cohn, Scott Hamilton and Buddy Tate. They battle it out to a draw, mostly jamming on fairly basic material such as "Blues Up and Down," "Tickle Toe," "Soft Winds," "Broadway" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside." With guitarist Cal Collins, pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Bob Maize and drummer Jake Hanna offering swinging support, this is a set easily recommended to fans of Jazz at the Philharmonic and mainstream jazz. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/tour-de-force-mw0000315236

Personnel: Al Cohn - tenor saxophone; Scott Hamilton - tenor saxophone; Buddy Tate - tenor saxophone; Cal Collins - guitar; Jake Hanna - drums; Bob Maize - bass; Dave McKenna - piano

Tour De Force

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John Pizzarelli - My Blue Heaven

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:19
Size: 135.8 MB
Styles: Guitar & vocal jazz
Year: 1990/2008
Art: Front

[4:00] 1. My Blue Heaven
[3:46] 2. I'm An Errand Boy For Rhythm
[3:22] 3. It Could Happen To You
[8:02] 4. Oh, Lady Be Good
[2:32] 5. The Touch Of Your Lips
[4:05] 6. Can't Take You Nowhere
[2:51] 7. Take My Smile
[3:02] 8. That's What
[2:42] 9. Stray Horn
[2:45] 10. Best Man
[3:24] 11. Oh Me, Oh My, Oh Gosh
[3:10] 12. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:16] 13. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[4:12] 14. Passion Flower
[4:25] 15. Zoot Walked In Morning Fun
[3:37] 16. Candy

Just prior to signing with RCA/Novus, John Pizzarelli recorded two sets for Chesky that featured him playing in the swing style that he would soon make quite popular. Although joined by all-stars (pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Connie Kay, his father, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and flugelhornist Clark Terry) rather than his regular trio, Pizzarelli's likable vocals and relaxed guitar solos are not overshadowed. In fact, this is a delightful date, with memorable renditions of such songs as "I'm An Errand Boy for Rhythm," "Lady Be Good," "The Best Man," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" and "Candy." Easily recommended to John Pizzarelli fans. ~Scott Yanow

My Blue Heaven mc
My Blue Heaven zippy

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Joe Venuti And Dave McKenna - Alone At The Palace

Styles: Violin And Piano Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:46
Size: 156,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. At The Jazz Band Ball
(4:25)  2. More Than You Know
(3:03)  3. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
(3:02)  4. Runnin' Ragged
(4:15)  5. Speak Low
(3:33)  6. Oh, Lady Be Good
(3:55)  7. Take The ''A'' Train
(3:06)  8. A Cottage For Sale
(6:29)  9. Satin And Velvet
(2:52) 10. That's A'Plenty
(3:03) 11. Send In The Clowns
(2:53) 12. The Other Side Of The Walk
(2:55) 13. At The Jazz Band Ball #2
(2:38) 14. At The Jazz Band Ball #3
(2:11) 15. Runnin' Ragged #2
(2:52) 16. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:06) 17. Esterllita
(4:38) 18. Variations On Tea For Three
(3:21) 19. Ain't Doin' Bad Doin' Nothin'

For one of violinist Joe Venuti's final recording sessions, he engages in a set of duets with the talented swing pianist Dave McKenna. The original LP had a dozen performances and the reissue CD adds seven more. In addition to the usual standards, there are several Dixieland tunes (including three versions of "At the Jazz Band Ball") and four Venuti originals. McKenna (with his rolling basslines) was a perfect partner for the violinist, making this set one of the best of Venuti's later years. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/alone-at-the-palace-mw0000077616

Personnel: Joe Venuti (violin), Dave McKenna (piano).

Alone At The Palace

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Donna Byrne - Don't Dream Of Anybody But Me

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:38
Size: 157,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
(7:37)  2. Street Of Dreams
(3:38)  3. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
(3:15)  4. In A Sentimental Mood
(3:10)  5. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(6:37)  6. Don't Dream Of Anybody But Me
(6:25)  7. The Two Lonely People
(3:12)  8. All Alone On My Own
(5:16)  9. My Melancholy Baby
(4:23) 10. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)
(4:21) 11. He Was Too Good To Me
(5:23) 12. Someone To Light Up My Life
(6:52) 13. A Cottage For Sale - A House Is Not A Home
(3:26) 14. I Hear Music

A gem of a singer, Donna Byrne's latest is a 14-track journey through the pages of the Great American Songbook, and she brilliantly captures the essence of each of these chestnuts. The Boston vocalist knows how to extend herself far beyond mere recitation of words. Her delivery is so engaging, so dazzling, so bright, that each tune is an entertaining foray into the world of the art of jazz vocal. Not only is she equipped with an extraordinary set of vocal chords, as well as excellent and top-of-the-line timing and phrasing, but she does not get hemmed in by conventional vocal wisdom  she lets her imagination provide the direction for the session. Whether it be on a rousing up-tempo number like "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" (where she uncharacteristically indulges in some scatting going back and forth with Mike Turk's harmonica), to her poignant delivery of "He Was Too Good to Me," Byrne uses the appropriate combination of swing, elan, wit, or romanticism  whatever is needed to make the performance go. Another factor that makes this CD go are two sets of exemplary musicians who perform their duties as Byrne's supporters, adding their own inventive musical musings. Jazz piano institution and fellow New Englander Dave McKenna once again joins Byrne. But while he makes no attempt to overshadow the singer, his years as a top-flight jazzman come through clearly on tunes such as "My Melancholy Baby." The other pianist on the set, Tim Ray, also shines as he helps with a swinging melody on "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top." Erstwhile reedman Mike Monaghan's slightly biting tenor is in front on tracks such as "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)." Byrne's regular rhythm section, Jim Gwin on drums and husband Marshall Wood on bass, shows that familiarity in no way breeds contempt but respect, harmony, and mutual admiration. The last two cuts are not on the play list: Track 13 is a lovely medley of "A Cottage for Sale"/"A House Is Not a Home," and track 14 is an off-to-the-races "I Hear Music." Don't Dream of Anybody but Me only solidifies Byrne's position as a major contemporary jazz singer. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/dont-dream-of-anybody-but-me-mw0000722605

Personnel:  Donna Byrne -Vocals;  Dave McKenna -Piano;  Tim Ray -Piano/Fender Rhodes;  Jim Gwin -Drums;  Marshall Wood -Bass;  Mike Monaghan -Tenor Sax/Flute;  Kenny Wenzel -Trombone/Flugelhorn;  Mike Turk -Harmonica

Thank You my Friend!!!!

Don't Dream Of Anybody But Me

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Ernestine Anderson - I Love Being Here With You Disc 1 And Disc 2

Album: I Love Being Here With You (Disc 1)

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 39:46
Size: 64,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. I Love Being Here With You
(7:03)  2. All Blues
(5:30)  3. Down Home Blues
(4:26)  4. As long As I Live
(6:50)  5. Please Send Me Someone To Love
(3:30)  6. I Let A Song Go Out Of My My Heart
(4:00)  7. Spring is Here
(4:37)  8. Street Of Dreams

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Album: I Love Being Here With You (Disk 2)

Time: 55:25
Size: 89,1 MB

( 7:32)  1. Blues In The Closet (instr)
( 4:42)  2. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
(10:21)  3. I Should Care
( 5:22)  4. There Is No Greater Love
( 7:14)  5. Skylark
( 4:57)  6. On My Own
(15:14)  7. Never Make Your Move Too Soon

This nicely packaged, but hard to follow (I'm still not completely sure who's playing what on which CD) two CD set compiles excerpts from four live performances by Ernestine Anderson, mostly as a guest. The album covers three live performances from 1987 and one from 1990, when the singer was doing some very good work. The CD 2 is a complete replication of the Live at the 1990 Jazz Festival album. Since as far as I know, this album is still available, why it is included here is a bit of a mystery to me. CD 1 is the far more engaging of the two. One of the compilations's highlights for me is Anderson's appearance with the Frank Capp/Nat Pierce Juggernaut Band from Live at the Alley Cat. This was the last of that high flying big band's albums due to the death of co-leader Nat Pierce. Anderson did four numbers on that album. The work on the "Street of Dreams" and "I Let a Song Go out of My Heart" is recommendation enough to run out and try and located that Frankie Capp/Nat Pierce CD. At one point during his career, pianist George Shearing seemed determined to record with just about every singer he could get his arms around. He cornered Anderson for two cuts on his 1987 release Dexterity. He and Shearing come together nicely on the cuts on which Anderson appears, "As Long As I Live" and "Please Send Me Someone to Love". The other album on this medley, again from 1987, and this time features the Concord All-Stars with such luminaries as Dave McKenna, Red Holloway and Dan Barrett occupying seats. There are three cuts from this album, with Anderson and McKenna working out on "I Love Being Here with You" the top item. This album will certainly appeal to Anderson's many fans as well as to those who just love a good singer behind a good band especially the Capp/Pierce outfit. ~ Dave Nathan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/i-love-being-here-with-you-ernestine-anderson-concord-music-group-review-by-dave-nathan.php

Personnel: Dan Barrett, Charlie Loper, Garnett Brown, Buster Cooper - Trombone;  Ed Bickert, Ken Pohlman - Guitar;  Scott Hamilton, Bob Cooper,  Frank Wess - Tenor Sax;  Red Holloway - Alto & Tenor Sax;  Dave McKenna, George Shearing, Gene Harris, Nat Pierce - Piano; Jimmie Smith, Frank Capp, Harold Jones - Drums; Warren Vache - Trumpet; Steve Wallace, Neil Swainson, Chuck Berghofer, Lynn Seaton - Bass; Snooky Young, Frank Szabo, Conte Candoli, Bill Berry; Dave Edwards, Joe Romano, Marshal Royal - Alto Sax; Bill Green - Baritone Sax

I Love Being Here With You (Disk 1) And (Disk 2)

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Dave McKenna/Scott Hamilton/Jake Hanna - Double Play: No Bass Hit Disc 1 And Major League Disc 2

No Bass Hit  Disc 1

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:13
Size: 96,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:02)  1. But Not for Me
(3:53)  2. If Dreams Come True
(3:53)  3. Long Ago and Far Away
(6:59)  4. Drum Boogie
(5:53)  5. I Love You, Samantha
(6:10)  6. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
(5:26)  7. Easy to Love
(3:53)  8. Get Happy

Major League  Disc 2

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:04
Size: 94,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

(3:29)  1. Swinging at the Copper Rail
(5:06)  2. A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody
(4:19)  3. Cocktails for Two
(4:20)  4. I'm Through with Love
(4:14)  5. Linger Awhile
(5:01)  6. September in the Rain
(5:26)  7. This Is All I Ask
(4:25)  8. It All Depends on You
(4:40)  9. April in Paris

Concord greatly enriched the revival of more traditional forms of jazz in the 1970s and 1980s when they bought together established players like pianist Dave McKenna and drummer Jake Hanna with new kids on the block like tenor Scott Hamilton. This bassless trio recorded No Bass Hit in 1979, then returned for an encore with Major League in 1986. The two-disc set Double Play re-introduces both titles while keeping the baseball metaphor intact. Quiet standards by the Gershwins and Cole Porter trade places with up-tempo delights like Gene Krupa and Roy Eldridge's "Drum Boogie." One might imagine missing the steady beat of the bass, but a cursory listen to "Easy to Love" verifies that this isn't the case. McKenna plays chords with one hand while keeping a steady bass rhythm with the other, assuring a solid beat even when he's playing lead. The band swings with vim and vigor on "Swinging at the Copper Rail" and "It All Depends on You," while offering relaxed versions of "I'm Through With Love" and "This Is All I Ask." Part of the joy of this band is their versatility, with Hamilton and McKenna exchanging lead lines or with Hanna kicking off a song with a snazzy drum roll. Double Play offers an hour and a half of excellent mainstream jazz and serves as a fine addition to the works of all the players involved.~Ronnie D.Lankford,Jr. http://www.allmusic.com/album/double-play-no-bass-hit-major-league-mw0000220613

Personnel: Dave McKenna (piano, bass); Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Jake Hanna (drums).

No Bass Hit  Disc 1 And Major League  Disc 2

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Dave McKenna Swing Six - No Holds Barred

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:58
Size: 148.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[7:08] 1. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
[6:11] 2. Idaho
[6:10] 3. Memories Of You
[5:34] 4. Avalon
[4:14] 5. You're Lucky To Me
[4:19] 6. Look For The Silver Lining
[5:00] 7. Dave's Blues
[6:01] 8. Idaho
[4:37] 9. Look For The Silver Lining
[3:58] 10. You're Lucky To Me
[6:14] 11. Memories Of You
[5:27] 12. Avalon

Dave McKenna piano + leader, Warren Vache trumpet, Scott Hamilton tenor saxophone, Al Cohn tenor saxophone, Milt Hinton bass, Butch Miles drums.

Dave McKenna is undoubtedly the hardest swinging pianist on today's music scene. Long a favorite of players like Red Norvo, Carl Fontana and many others, McKenna has had a recording career dating back to the sixties. He's made some solo records as well as many small group dates.The disc at hand is probably the best he has produced up to the present. Backed by a truly compatible all-star group of players, everybody, including Dave, is given much space to stretch out....

No Holds Barred

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Ruby Braff Feat. Coleman Hawkins - Braff!

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:51
Size: 94,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. Stardust
(4:48)  2. Here's Freddie
(4:05)  3. Indian Summer
(2:56)  4. Blue Turning Grey Over You
(3:40)  5. Just One More Chance
(3:24)  6. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
(3:10)  7. You're Lucky To Me
(3:22)  8. Moonglow
(3:12)  9. It's Been So Long
(2:38) 10. Too Marvelous For Words
(3:31) 11. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(2:50) 12. 'S Wonderful

This reissue LP from 1989 in CBS's short-lived Portrait series features the great trumpeter Ruby Braff playing with three very different but equally swinging groups. Four of the best performances, including "Stardust" and "It's Been So Long," showcase Braff with a rhythm section that includes pianist Dave McKenna. 

Braff also meets up with tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, baritonist Ernie Caceres and trombonist Lawrence Brown in an all-star nonet and with vibraphonist Don Elliott in a sextet. The emphasis is on veteran swing standards (Braff does contribute the original "Here's Freddie") and jamming ensembles. This enjoyable program, which is worth searching for, will hopefully be reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/braff!-mw0000727631

Personnel: Ruby Braff (trumpet);  Coleman Hawkins (tenor saxophone);  Don Elliot (trumpet);  Dave McKenna (piano).

Braff!

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Daryl Sherman & Dave McKenna - Jubilee: Celebrating The Centennials Of Fred Astair, Hoagy Carmichael, Noel Coward & Duke Ellington

Size: 124,9 MB
Time: 53:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Tulip Or Turnip (2:45)
02. Isn't This A Lovely Day (5:10)
03. Flying Down To Rio (3:55)
04. Memphis In June (3:44)
05. Perdido (3:03)
06. A Room With A View (2:44)
07. Zigeuner (3:52)
08. It's Kind Of Lonesome Out Tonight (4:25)
09. Moonburn (3:53)
10. Riverboat Shuffle (2:14)
11. Chase Me Charlie (3:39)
12. C'est Comme Ca (3:26)
13. Swingtime In Honolulu (2:35)
14. Jubilee (3:41)
15. 20th Century Blues (4:04)

This CD of old standards, as performed by singer Daryl Sherman with pianist Dave McKenna, celebrates simultaneously the centennials of Fred Astaire, Hoagy Carmichael, Noel Coward, and especially Duke Ellington. Sherman's background includes both cabaret and jazz, and her friendly swinging style adds just the right touch to complement McKenna's rhythmic piano. A bouncing "Tulip or Tulip," an obscure Ellington tune from the '40s, is a perfect opener; while the moody "It's Lonesome out Tonight" will send folks scurrying for their Ellington discography. The ballad "Isn't This a Lovely Day" and uptempo "Flying Down to Rio" are salutes to Astaire's popular musicals, even if they aren't the tunes most associated with him. Sherman takes McKenna's place at the keyboard on several tracks, including Hoagy Carmichael's delicate "Moonburn" and another seldom heard Ellington work, the playful "Swingtime in Honolulu." The rest of rhythm section is also first rate: guitarist Joe Cohn, bassist Frank Tate, and drummer Terry Clarke. This release is a delight from start to finish. ~by Ken Dryden

Jubilee 

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Charlie Ventura - Charlie Ventura Plays Hi Fi Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:09
Size: 78,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:37)  1. Runnin' Wild
(2:25)  2. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:16)  3. When The Saints Go Marching In
(2:51)  4. It's Only A Paper Moon
(3:03)  5. Sweet Sue, Just You
(2:10)  6. Dark Eyes
(2:28)  7. Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home
(3:28)  8. Stardust
(2:31)  9. Sweet Lorraine
(2:42) 10. Harvest Moon
(3:23) 11. Exactly Like You
(3:09) 12. I've Got You Under My Skin

By 1956 tenor-saxophonist Charlie Ventura no longer had a regular band and was drifting into semi-retirement. In fact, other than an album for King the following year and a set for Famous Door in 1977, this Lp was his final recording. Teamed with the then-unknown pianist Dave McKenna, guitarist Billy Bean, bassist Richard Davis (at the beginning of his career) and drummer Mousey Alexander, Ventura switches between tenor, alto, baritone and bass saxophones. The repertoire is filled with swing and dixieland standards including such unlikely songs as "When The Saints Go Marching In," "Bill Bailey" and "Sweet Sue" (in addition to a remake of Ventura's old hit with Gene Krupa "Dark Eyes") but the interpretations are full of spirit and swing. Although it may not look too promising, this budget Lp (which is long out of print but may be found at a cheap price) is actually well worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/charlie-ventura-plays-hi-fi-jazz-mw0000931007

Personnel:  Bass – Richard Davis;  Drums – Mousey Alexander;  Guitar – Bill Bean;  Piano – Dave McKenna;  Saxophone – Charlie Ventura

Charlie Ventura Plays Hi Fi Jazz

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Urbie Green - All About Urbie Green: His Quintet And Big Band

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 71:00
Size: 162.5 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz, Big band
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:15] 1. Reminiscent Blues
[3:18] 2. Thou Swell
[4:19] 3. You Are Too Beautiful
[2:59] 4. Paradise
[2:45] 5. Warm Valley
[1:48] 6. Frankie And Johnny
[2:44] 7. One For Dee
[2:02] 8. Limehouse Blues
[3:02] 9. Am I Blue
[2:43] 10. Dirty Dan
[3:09] 11. Too Late Now
[2:51] 12. Sleep
[6:28] 13. Soft Winds
[3:09] 14. With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
[3:30] 15. I Ain't Got Nobody
[3:03] 16. Stella By Starlight
[3:05] 17. Little John
[3:20] 18. Home
[2:36] 19. Cherokee
[3:20] 20. 'round Midnight
[3:15] 21. Springsville
[4:11] 22. Plain Bill From Bluesville

Featuring: Urbie Green (tb, v-tb), Joe Wilder, Johnny Carisi, Phil Sunkel (tp), Chauncey Welsh, Jack Satterfield, Lou McGarity, Rex Peer (tb), Hal McKusick, Al Cohn, Sol Schlinger (saxes), Dave McKenna (p), Jimmy Raney (g), Percy Heath (b), Kenny Clarke (d)

This CD presents Urbie Green, one of the most versatile of all top-ranking trombonists in two facets. On the first quintet recordings we hear him playing relaxed, modern mainstream jazz with strong roots in the blues. His tone is full, his ideas personal and imaginative, and his beat equal to that of his gassing rhythm section.

Urbie’s role on the remaining tracks is that of the leader of a big band. He had often expressed a desire to front a large dance band of his own before he had this opportunity. His choice of Johnny Carisi as chief arranger and unofficial musical director was made because of a rather mutual agreement between the two about the purposes of a band of this kind and the methods of achieving them. Johnny was among the group of writers—like Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Tiny Kahn, et al.—who were setting new stepping-stones in band and small-group arranging. Carisi’s writing in this set is clean and functional— achieving the prime purposes of providing a good jazz and dance-band style and setting a foundation upon which Urbie can project himself as leader-soloist.

All About Urbie Green: His Quintet And Big Band

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Bob Wilber - New Clarinet In Town

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 38:18
Size: 87.7 MB
Styles: Dixieland, Swing
Year: 1960/2006
Art: Front

[3:26] 1. Swing 39
[5:40] 2. The Duke
[2:53] 3. Blame It On My Youth
[6:53] 4. Benny Rides Again
[5:27] 5. Django
[2:39] 6. All Too Soon
[3:07] 7. Clarinade
[3:17] 8. Lonely Town
[4:51] 9. Upper Manhattan Medical Group

Bob Wilber - clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader - has done it again. He is featured here with a quintet consisting of Charlie Byrd (guitar), Dave McKenna (piano), George Duvivier (bass) and Bobby Donaldson (drums), as well as a string section conducted by Dean Kincaide. On this rare Classic Jazz release, originally released in 1960, the group swings through nine tracks including "The Duke," "Benny Rides Again" and "Upper Manhattan Medical Group."

Bob Wilber (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Charlie Byrd (guitar); Peter Dimitriades, Jesse Tryon (violin); George Brown (viola); Sidney Edwards (cello); Tony Miranda (French horn); Dave McKenna (piano); Bobby Donaldson (drums).

New Clarinet In Town

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