Kenny Drew Trio - Lullaby of Birdland

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:21
Size: 114,1 MB
Art: Front

( 6:21) 1. Lullaby of Birdland
(10:04) 2. It Might as Well Be Spring
( 3:38) 3. The Summer Knows
( 5:50) 4. Django
( 4:32) 5. The Gentle Rain
( 3:28) 6. My Ship
( 3:19) 7. On Green Dolphin Street
( 7:31) 8. God Bless the Child
( 4:33) 9. On a Slow Boat to China

American pianist Kenny Drew (1928-1993) moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1964. Although he may have somewhat faded from the radar of American jazz fans, he had a fantastic career in Denmark and was beloved by European and Japanese jazz fans. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Drew's popularity in Japan grew to incredible heights when he began recording for Japanese labels such as Baystate and Alpha under a partnership with Japanese producer Makoto Kimata.

To commemmorate the 20th anniversary of Drew's passing, a very special series was launched in Japan in 2013, with a release of previously unpublished materials recorded for the two labels between 1972 and 1992. They are alternate takes and takes that did not make onto the original albums released in this period. Danish super-bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen held the bass chair throughout, and the drummer is either Ed Thigpen, a fellow American expat who had settled in Copenhagen, or Alvin Queen.

It is quite amazing to hear the consistently high quality of these "outtakes" and to realize that there is enough material to fill 15 CDs in this series. Actually, many these "outtakes" tend to be more exciting than those takes that made the original albums. They may have been "cut" because they were slightly rough around the edges, but perhaps they were played with more freedom, abandon, and adventurous spirit. Very highly recommended to fans of Kenny Drew and piano trio jazz! Release produced by Makoto Kimata. Recorded 1978-1992.http://www.eastwindimport.com/product-info.asp?CategoryName=Pony+Canyon&ProductID=3200

Personnel: Kenny Drew (piano); Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass); Ed Thigpen (drums); Alvin Queen (drums)

Lullaby of Birdland

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Kenny Drew - Fantasia

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:25
Size: 114,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:34) 1. Flight Of Fancy
(5:37) 2. Someday My Prince Will Come
(6:24) 3. Wishing Hoping
(4:59) 4. When You Wish Upon A Star
(8:54) 5. Fantasia
(5:06) 6. Dream
(6:33) 7. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
(4:15) 8. Children's Dance

Kenny Drew was born in New York City in August of 1928. At the age of 5, he began studying classical piano with a private teacher and at 8, gave a recital. This early background is similar to that of Bud Powell, the man who later became his main inspiration as a jazz pianist. After digging Fats Waller, at 12, and then Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson, Drew attended the High School of Music and Art. He was known as a hot boogie woogie player but passed through this phase before graduation.

Kenny's first professional job was as accompanist at Pearl Primus' dance school. At the same time, he was alternating with Walter Bishop Jr. in a neighborhood band that included Sonny Rollins, Jackie McLean and Art Taylor. In this period, he used to hang-out on 52nd Street to listen to Charlie Parker and Powell and began sitting in at various jam sessions around town.

In January of 1950, Drew made his first appearance on record, with Blue Note. Howard McGhee was the leader and the other featured soloists were Brew Moore and J.J. Johnson. One of the six sides released was “I'll Remember April.” The label, in addition to stating “Howard McGhee's All Stars”, further read, “Introducing Kenny Drew.”

Later, in 1953, Kenny made his first album as a leader. Again it was Blue Note who recorded him, this time in a trio with Curly Russell and Art Blakey. But Kenny opted to settle in Los Angeles for the next few years. There in 1955, he formed a quartet with the late Joe Maini, Leroy Vinnegar and Lawrence Marable. The quartet first recorded together in 1955 for Pacific Jazz. In December, Jazz West, a subsidiary of Aladdin Records, brought the quartet as is into Capitol's recording studios for “Talkin' & Walkin'.” In February of '56, Kenny's band and arrangements were used for another Jazz West release, this one by vocalist Jane Fielding. A month later, Drew, Paul Chambers, John Coltrane and Philly Joe Jones made the great “Chambers' Music” for the same label, which is now reissued on Blue Note.

In early 1957 Kenny made his way back to New York as accompanist for Dinah Washington. That September, he participated in John Coltrane's monumental masterpiece “Blue Train,” but his association with Blue Note did not heat up again until 1960 when he made his own “Undercurrent” as well as Jackie McLean's “Bluesnik,” and “Jackie's Bag,” Kenny Dorham's “Whistle Stop,” Dexter Godon's “Dexter Calling,” Grant Green's “Sunday Mornin'” and a couple of Tina Brooks dates all within the space of a year.

Although Kenny was active on the recording and club scenes in New York and even subbed for Freddie Redd for a while in the successful Off-Broadway run of The Connection, he eventually chose to migrate to Europe. But he again popped up on a classic Blue Note date, Dexter Godon's “One Flight Up,” done in Paris in 1964.

Kenny became a major star in Europe and Japan although his music was sadly neglected at home. He settled in Copenhagen where he ran a publishing company and was the house pianist at the Café Montmartre. He was also the pianist for the Steeplechase label, where he was on countless sessions backing visiting musicians. He left an impressive legacy of recordings both as sideman and leader. Kenny Drew died on Aug. 4, 1993. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/kenny-drew

Personnel: Kenny Drew (p); Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen (b); Ed Thigpen (d)

Fantasia

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Mundell Lowe - A Grand Night For Swinging

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:59
Size: 88,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:22) 1. It's A Grand Night For Swingin'
(7:18) 2. Blues Before Freud
(7:19) 3. Easy To Love
(2:53) 4. It Could Happen To You
(3:35) 5. Love Me Or Leave Me
(5:37) 6. You Turned The Tables On Me
(6:52) 7. Crazy Rhythm

At one time a listener could place a CD like guitarist Mundell Lowe's A Grand Night for Swinging in the disc player and immediately date it to the 1950s. But the revival of many older styles by younger musicians like guitarist Howard Alden in the '80s and '90s has led to an overlapping of styles. This may make it difficult to match an album to a particular date, but it does help to make older styles more familiar and, thus, accessible. A Grand Night for Swinging is a nice set, featuring Lowe and a good supporting cast including pianist Billy Taylor, bassist Les Grinage, drummer Ed Thigpen, and, on three cuts, alto saxophonist Gene Quill. Known for his cooler tone and lighter touch at the time, Lowe had decided to record an album that proved he could swing a little harder.

The set kicks off with the upbeat title track, a Taylor original, that finds Lowe bopping along with clean flowing lines, similar to Barney Kessel. The up-tempo pieces, like "Love Me or Leave Me" and "Crazy Rhythm," work best, pushing the band into fervent workouts. The addition of Quill on several selections adds depth and drive to cuts like "Blues Before Freud," creating something akin to Kenny Burrell's early '60s work. That this recording should be re-released soon after 2000's Mundell's Mood is fitting; it's a reminder of a distinguished bop/cool tone guitarist who has recorded a number of fine albums since the 1950s. A Grand Night for Swinging will be a real treat for fans unfamiliar with Lowe's earlier work, and a satisfying selection for fans of good jazz guitar.~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-grand-night-for-swinging-mw0000116708

Personnel: Mundell Lowe - guitar; Billy Taylor - piano; Les Grinage - bass; Ed Thigpen - drums; Gene Quill - alto saxophone (tracks 2, 5 & 6)

A Grand Night For Swinging

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Oscar Peterson Trio - Oscar Peterson Trio Plus One

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:18
Size: 93,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:35)  1. Brotherhood Of Man
(3:00)  2. Jim
(6:54)  3. Blues For Smedley
(3:54)  4. Roundalay
(2:00)  5. Mumbles
(5:15)  6. Mack The Knife
(4:18)  7. They Didn't Believe Me
(3:28)  8. Squeaky's Blues
(5:08)  9. I Want A Little Girl
(2:42) 10. Incoherent Blues

Some guest soloists get overshadowed by Oscar Peterson's technical prowess, while others meet him halfway with fireworks of their own; trumpeter Clark Terry lands in the latter camp on this fine 1964 session. With drummer Ed Thigpen and bassist Ray Brown providing solid support, the two soloists come off as intimate friends over the course of the album's ten ballad and blues numbers. And while Peterson shows myriad moods, from Ellington's impressionism on slow cuts like "They Didn't Believe Me" to fleet, single-line madness on his own "Squeaky's Blues," Terry goes in for blues and the blowzy on originals like "Mumbles" and "Incoherent Blues"; the trumpeter even airs out some of his singularly rambling and wonderful scat singing in the process. Other highlights include the rarely covered ballad "Jim" and the even more obscure "Brotherhood of Man" from the Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. A very engaging and enjoyable disc. ~ Stephen Cook https://www.allmusic.com/album/oscar-peterson-trio-one-mw0000615538

Personnel: Oscar Peterson – piano; Clark Terry – trumpet, flugelhorn, vocal; Ray Brown – double bass; Ed Thigpen – drums

Oscar Peterson Trio Plus One

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Thad Jones - Three And One

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:53
Size: 135,7 MB
Art: Front

( 5:28)  1. Instant blues disinstant
( 8:03)  2. My one and only love
( 8:13)  3. But not for me
( 5:40)  4. Night mist blues
( 6:41)  5. My romance
( 8:58)  6. Three and one
(10:20)  7. But not for me
( 5:26)  8. Instant blues disinstant

Thad Jones was 61 at the time of this recording and had made a full-fledged recovery after some health problems, although he was only two years away from his death. He is showcased on cornet throughout the quartet date with pianist Ole Hansen, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Ed Thigpen, and is heard in very good form. Jones plays two of his originals, Ahmad Jamal's "Night Mist Blues," "My Romance," "My One and Only Love" and "But Not for Me." This date is reminiscent in ways of Jones' Debut session from 29 years earlier, which also found him taking harmonically sophisticated solos in a quartet. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/three-and-one-mw0000647320

Personnel:  Cornet – Thad Jones; Bass – Jesper Lundgaard; Drums – Ed Thigpen; Piano – Ole Kock Hansen

Three And One

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Kenny Drew - Moonlit Desert

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:27
Size: 88,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:46)  1.Moonlit Desert
(4:35)  2 Solveig's Song
(4:15)  3 Kay-Dee
(4:41)  4 Stardust
(4:03)  5 Roselil
(4:24)  6 Prelude To A Kiss
(6:11)  7 Blues Wail
(4:29)  8 Star Crossed Lovers

Kenny Drew is joined by bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Ed Thigpen, along with members of the Royal Danish Chamber Orchestra on this 1982 recording made originally for the Japanese label Baystate. Drew's playing is surprising laid-back and someone introspective for the most part. His arrangement of classical composer Edvard Grieg's "Solveig's Song" is masterful, with the addition of strings and a solo flute. Ernie Wilkins, who wrote the arrangements for the remaining tracks, also composed the boisterous "Kay-Dee," which adds a brass section to augment the trio. Alto flute plays a prominent role in the scoring of the standard "Stardust," showcasing Drew's ability to interpret ballads. Pedersen's prominent bass is a key component of the string-laden scoring of "Prelude to a Kiss," while another piece from the Duke Ellington songbook, "The Star-Crossed Lovers," is at first nearly overcome by overly sweet strings, but Pedersen's marvelous solo helps overcome this liability. While this CD may not appeal to fans of Drew's typical trio recordings in a hard bop setting, those with open minds will enjoy it.~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/moonlit-desert-mw0000346012 

Personnel:  Kenny Drew  piano;  Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen  bass;  Ed Thigpen  drums;  Ernie Wilkins  conductor, arranger

Moonlit Desert

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Monty Alexander - Fridaynight

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:57
Size: 116,2 MB
Art: Front

( 8:01)  1. Catwalk
( 9:50)  2. Never Let Me Go
( 8:28)  3. Renewal
(12:04)  4. Since My Baby Left Me
( 6:41)  5. River
( 4:51)  6. Milestones

Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander is a sophisticated, prolific performer with an urbane, swinging style informed by the bop tradition, as well as the reggae and Caribbean folk he grew up with. Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1944, Alexander first started playing piano around age four and took classical lessons from age six. By his teens, however, he had discovered jazz and was already performing in nightclubs. Although his early career found him covering pop and rock hits of the day, it was his love of jazz-oriented artists like Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole that brought him the most inspiration. In 1961, he moved with his family to Miami, Florida to better pursue his musical ambitions. It was there that Alexander met restaurateur and Frank Sinatra associate Jilly Rizzo, who eventually hired him as the house pianist at his New York nightclub, Jilly's. For the next several years, Alexander lived in New York and worked at Jilly's, where had the opportunity to befriend and perform with a bevy of stars including Sinatra, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, and others. Buoyed by this success, in 1964 he traveled to Los Angeles, where he recorded several well-received albums for the Pacific Jazz label, including Alexander the Great and Spunky. A handful of additional efforts followed, including 1967's Zing! on RCA and 1969's This Is Monty Alexander on Verve. In 1969 he also appeared on vibraphonist Milt Jackson's That's the Way It Is. In the 1970s, Alexander built a long-lasting relationship with Germany's MPS (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label and released a steady stream of albums, including 1971's Here Comes the Sun, 1974's Perception!, and 1977's Cobilimbo with longtime friend and collaborator Ernest Ranglin. These albums found Alexander pushing his sound in new directions and often combining jazz with elements of the Caribbean musical traditions of his youth. During this period he formed working relationships with bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton. 

As a trio, they debuted to much acclaim on 1976's Live! Montreux Alexander, and would continue to work together in various configurations over the next several decades. The pianist also continued to record with Milt Jackson, and made appearances on albums by Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Phyllis Hyman, and others. The '80s were also a fruitful period for Alexander, who continued to combine his love of straight-ahead jazz and Caribbean music with the release of such albums as 1983's The Duke Ellington Songbook, 1985's The River, and 1986's Li'l Darlin'. He also reunited with Clayton and Hamilton on 1983's Reunion in Europe and paired with bassist Ray Brown for several dates, including 1985's Full Steam Ahead and 1987's The Red Hot Ray Brown Trio. More albums followed, including 1994's Live at Maybeck and 1995's reggae-inflected Yard Movement. He rounded out the decade with 1997's Frank Sinatra-inspired Echoes of Jilly's and 1999's Stir It Up: The Music of Bob Marley. n 2000, Alexander's artistic achievements were recognized by the Jamaican government with his designation as a worldwide music ambassador and as Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica. That same year, he collaborated with reggae giants Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare on Monty Meets Sly & Robbie, followed in 2001 by Caribbean Duet with pianist Michel Sardaby. He then paired again with Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis for 2002's Triple Scoop and 2003's Straight Ahead. Two tribute sessions followed with 2008's The Good Life: Monty Alexander Plays the Songs of Tony Bennett and 2009's Calypso Blues: The Songs of Nat King Cole. Alexander then highlighted his fusion of reggae, ska, R&B, and jazz on 2011's Harlem-Kingston Express and 2014's Harlem-Kingston Express, Vol. 2: River Rolls On, both recorded at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/artist/monty-alexander-mn0000589256/biography

Personnel:  Piano – Monty Alexander;  Bass – Reggie Johnson;  Drums – Ed Thigpen

Fridaynight

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Oscar Peterson Trio - Live At CBC Studios 1960

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:41
Size: 84.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[5:58] 1. My Heart Stood Still
[2:11] 2. Blues For Big Scotia
[3:22] 3. Autumn Leaves
[2:00] 4. Sweet Georgia Brown
[4:28] 5. How About You
[4:19] 6. I Got Plenty O' Nothin'
[1:29] 7. Cookin' At The Continental
[4:01] 8. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
[3:31] 9. Let There Be Love
[5:15] 10. Dancing On The Ceiling

After recording a ton of music in 1959, the Oscar Peterson Trio only made one studio album in 1960 (The Music from Fiorello) and was not documented again until July 28, 1961. This 1997 CD has ten selections recorded for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation but not released commercially until decades later. Pianist Peterson, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen, as usual, swing hard, with O.P. being the dominant force. Among the highlights of the predictably excellent program are Peterson's "Blues for Big Scotia," "My Heart Stood Still," "How About You," "Cookin' at the Continental" and "Dancing on the Ceiling." This tight trio was nothing if not consistent! ~Scott Yanow

Live At CBC Studios 1960 mc
Live At CBC Studios 1960 zippy

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Duke Jordan Trio - Two Loves

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:06
Size: 165.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[8:07] 1. Subway Inn
[8:41] 2. My Old Flame
[5:11] 3. Blue Monk
[3:06] 4. Two Loves
[7:10] 5. No Problem
[5:00] 6. Glad I Met Pat
[1:51] 7. Here's That Rainy Day
[8:02] 8. On Green Dophin Street
[7:12] 9. Embraceable You
[2:44] 10. Wait And See
[5:31] 11. I'll Remember April
[4:05] 12. Lady Dingbat
[5:20] 13. Jordu

The companion piece to Flight to Denmark, Duke Jordan's Two Loves was compiled from the same two recording dates in late 1973. Although he had built a solid resume working with Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz, Gene Ammons, Art Farmer, and Oscar Pettiford, he fell into obscurity during the early '60s, leaving the jazz scene to spend over five years driving a cab in New York. In 1973, the pianist was invited to tour Denmark and, not having recorded since 1962, Jordan began doing sessions for SteepleChase records. These dates were the first products of what was to become a prolific relationship with the Danish label. Joined by drummer Ed Thigpen (Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Ella Fitzgerald) and Danish bassist Mads Vinding, Jordan performs five original compositions, three standards, and Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk." Jordan's style is perhaps the most subdued of the first generation bebop pianists; his touch is gentle, his chords are simply constructed, and his preference for medium tempos is evident. Though not the most flashy of beboppers, Jordan is quite an excellent composer. (His "Jordu" remains a favorite of many contemporary players.) The bluesy original "Subway Inn" is reminiscent of Bobby Timmons' popular "Moanin'" with its call and response motif. Best on this date, though, is the bittersweet title track, "Two Loves," which Jordan performs on solo piano. The harmonic inspiration of Tadd Dameron and John Coltrane can be felt in this composition. Overall, an enjoyable session despite a piano with less than perfect intonation and an unfortunately dry drum sound. ~Lee Bloom

Two Loves

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Gil Mellé - Patterns In Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:00
Size: 84,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:50)  1. The Set Break
(5:15)  2. Weird Valley
(9:07)  3. The Arab Barber Blues
(8:18)  4. Nice Question
(4:55)  5. Moonlight In Vermont
(4:33)  6. Long Ago And Far Away

Like the modern art that stormed the art world in the '50s, Patterns in Jazz is filled with bright, bold colors and identifiable patterns that camouflage how adventurous the work actually is. On the surface, the music is cool and laid-back, but close listening reveals the invention in Melle's compositions and arrangements of the standards "Moonlight in Vermont" and "Long Ago and Far Away." Part of the charm of Patterns in Jazz is the unusual instrumental balance of Melle's bari sax, Eddie Bert's trombone, Joe Cinderella's guitar, and Oscar Pettiford's bass. These low, throaty instruments sound surprisingly light and swinging. Compared to the two standards, Melle's original compositions are a little short on melody, but they give the musicians room to improvise, resulting in some dynamic music. Ultimately, Patterns in Jazz is cerebral music that swings it's entertaining, but stimulating. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine http://www.allmusic.com/album/patterns-in-jazz-mw0000463220

Personnel:  Gil Mellé - tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone;  Eddie Bert – trombone;  Joe Cinderella – guitar;  Oscar Pettiford – bass;  Ed Thigpen - drums

Patterns In Jazz

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Clark Terry Quartet - Funk Dumplin's

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Jazz Funk
Year: 1978
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:44
Size: 102,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Funk Dumplin's
(4:20)  2. Serenity
(3:16)  3. Brushes And Brass
(5:16)  4. Beautiful
(5:48)  5. Snavset Blues
(6:29)  6. Bayside Cookout
(4:11)  7. Somebody Done Stole My Blues
(5:15)  8. A Child Is Born
(4:57)  9. Silly Samba

For this very worthy Matrix LP, flugelhornist Clark Terry is joined by three residents of Denmark, all American expatriates: pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Ed Thigpen. Their repertoire of mostly little-known group originals is fresh, and C.T., who has yet to record an unworthy album, is in typically joyful form. This was the beginning of his association with Red Mitchell, who joins Terry on the vocal of "Snavset Blues." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/funk-dumplins-mw0000909291

Personnel:  Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry; Bass – Red Mitchell;  Drums – Ed Thigpen;  Piano – Kenny Drew

Funk Dumplin's

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Gene Ammons - A Stranger In Town

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:51

Size: 155.3 MB

Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz

Year: 2002

Art: Front

[9:41] 1. The Song Is You

[3:59] 2. Light'n Up

[3:32] 3. Short Stop

[3:58] 4. They Say You're Laughing At Me

[4:13] 5. Salome's Tune

[4:10] 6. Blue Coolade

[5:58] 7. A Stranger In Town

[5:32] 8. Scam

[4:24] 9. Count Your Blessings

[3:07] 10. Cara Mia

[5:18] 11. Night Lights

[5:41] 12. Calypso Blues

[8:11] 13. Nature Boy

Alto Saxophone – Oliver Nelson;Baritone Saxophone – Gene Easton, Robert Ashton; Bass – George Duvivier, Wendell Marshall; Congas – Henry Pucho Brown, Ray Barretto; Drums – Billy English, Ed Thigpen, George Brown, Rudy Collins, Walter Perkins; Piano – John Houston, Mal Waldron, Patti Brown, Richard Wyands, Wynton Kelly; Tenor Saxophone – Gene Ammons, George Barrow, Red Holloway; Trombone – Henderson Chambers; Trumpet – Clark Terry, Hobart Dotson, Nate Woodward.

More so than other independent jazz labels such as Blue Note and Riverside, the powers to be at Prestige seemed to take great liberties in producing albums that would often contain cuts from multiple sessions, a discographical nightmare at its most basic. But even more troubling, this often made for a lack of coherence that could be disconcerting at times. What then made all of this worse was that the practice was often used with some of the label’s most important and visible artists.

The forgoing will hopefully put into perspective the circumstances surrounding the strange mélange that makes up the Gene Ammons compilation A Stranger In Town. Taken from no less than five recording sessions that span from 1954 to 1970, the 13 tracks assembled here originally appeared on the albums Velvet Soul, Sock!, and Night Lights. That’s the easy part; and then it gets confusing as you try to keep up with the rotating cast of characters on hand. A boisterous “The Song Is You” gets us started with some great small group charts provided by Oliver Nelson, only to give way to a spate of quartet performances that while solid are not particularly all that revelatory. The closing three tracks, particularly a tasty “Calypso Blues,” are the cream of the crop as Ammons' blustery attack gets bluesy support from the ubiquitous Wynton Kelly. ~C. Andrew Hovan

A Stranger In Town

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Katrine Madsen - You Are So Beautiful

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:48
Size: 127.7 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1999/2013
Art: Front

[5:18] 1. Early In The Autumn
[4:29] 2. You Are So Beautiful To Me
[5:34] 3. When Nightbirds Sing
[5:25] 4. You Must Believe In Spring
[3:31] 5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[5:14] 6. I Lost Myself To You
[4:15] 7. Let There Be Love
[5:44] 8. Shadow Woman
[2:51] 9. Isn't It A Pity
[3:09] 10. Let Me Love You
[5:33] 11. Speak Low
[4:40] 12. Everything Must Change

Bass – Jesper Bodilsen; Drums – Ed Thigpen; Piano – Carsten Dahl; Vocals – Katrine Madsen, Svante Thuresson.

You Are So Beautiful is a 1999 music album with Danish jazz singer Katrine Madsen. On two of the tracks she sings duet with Svante Thuresson.

You Are So Beautiful

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Kenny Drew - Nature Beauty

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:08
Size: 124,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Dear Old Stockholm
(3:24)  2. Nature Beauty
(6:47)  3. Django
(3:43)  4. Autumn Leaves
(7:25)  5. Water Stream
(4:12)  6. Dream
(4:55)  7. When You Wish Upon a Star
(3:35)  8. Dream Land
(4:43)  9. Willow Weep for Me
(3:55) 10. Hash-A-Bye
(6:05) 11. Finale

To commemmorate the 20th anniversary of Drew's passing, a very special series was launched in Japan in 2013, with a release of previously unpublished materials recorded for the two labels between 1972 and 1992. Most of them are alternate takes and takes that did not make onto the original albums released in this period. Danish super-bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen held the bass chair throughout, and the drummer is either Ed Thigpen, a fellow American expat who had settled in Copenhagen, or Alvin Queen.

Personnel:  Kenny Drew – piano;  Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen – bass;  Ed Thigpen - drums

Nature Beauty

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Ricky Ford Quartet - Balaena

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:29
Size: 170,6 MB
Art: Front

(11:50)  1. Pie Crust
( 7:40)  2. Cable Waltz
( 8:29)  3. Blues Work
( 7:58)  4. Song For Pres
( 6:59)  5. Blues In Fourths
( 9:24)  6. Balaena
(13:32)  7. Blues A Hoy
( 8:34)  8. In Walked Bish

Heldentenor Veteran Tenorist Rick Ford debuts of Jazz Friends with a solid live set supported by a truly all-star rhythm section of George Cables; Cecil McBee, and Ed Thigpen. This release is made up of mostly extended pieces where Ford shows his depth and breadth form Dexter Gordon passing through Sonny Rollins on his way to John Coltrane. "Pie Crust" encompasses all in on piece. Equal adept in the blues and ballads, Ford hones his chops in both venues. George Cables remains a vastly under-recognized talent, playing with his usual panache and intelligence. McBee and Thigpen are both tasteful and cool. The sum of all parts is an excellent recording, recommended to any fan of the tenor saxophone. Good Show! ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/balaena-ricky-ford-jazz-friends-productions-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php
 

Personnel: Ricky Ford: Tenor Saxophone; George Cables: Piano; Cecil McBee: Bass; Ed Thigpen: Drums.

Balaena

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Gene Ammons - Water Jug

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:10
Size: 181.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:36] 1. Water Jug
[4:17] 2. But Not For Me
[3:54] 3. Time On My Hands
[5:25] 4. Confirmation
[4:16] 5. My Romance
[3:44] 6. Love Is Here To Stay
[5:14] 7. Ol' Man River
[8:47] 8. Blues Up And Down
[6:30] 9. There Is No Greater Love
[6:42] 10. Mad House
[8:50] 11. Scamperin'
[8:58] 12. Hip Tip
[4:38] 13. A Pair Of Red Pants
[5:13] 14. My Foolish Heart

Ammons is paired up with a rhythm section featuring Mal Waldron on piano, bassist Wendell Marshall and Ed Thigpen on drums. These are relatively straightforward ballads which concentrate on melody. The tunes serve as effective parts to the album, coming after the celebratory mood of “Water Jug,” and features a creative cadenza by Ammons.

Water Jug

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Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson Plays The Harry Warren & Vincent Youmans Song Books

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:38
Size: 72.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1959/2015
Art: Front

[2:28] 1. Lullaby Of Broadway
[3:08] 2. Serenade In Blue
[3:19] 3. You'll Never Know
[2:48] 4. I Had The Craziest Dream
[3:37] 5. I Only Have Eyes For You
[2:09] 6. Chattanooga Choo Choo
[2:54] 7. More Than You Know
[2:12] 8. Carioca
[1:44] 9. Drums In My Heart
[3:30] 10. Without A Song
[1:47] 11. Time On My Hands
[1:57] 12. Great Day

Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Ed Thigpen; Piano – Oscar Peterson.

This LP is one of nine different Songbook LPs recorded by the Oscar Peterson Trio (with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen) within one month. Peterson performs six songs apiece by Harry Warren (including "Lullaby of Broadway," and "I Only Have Eyes for You") and Vincent Youmans (highlighted by "More than You Know" and "Without a Song") with his usual swinging approach. Very much an ad-lib one-take set, the music is given respectful melodic treatment while being updated to the late '50s. The results are not essential but the pianist's many fans will enjoy his songbooks. ~Scott Yanow

Oscar Peterson Plays The Harry Warren & Vincent Youmans Song Books

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Horace Parlan - Relaxin' With Horace

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:42
Size: 155.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[6:56] 1. Like Someone In Love
[6:20] 2. Don't Take Your Love From Me
[6:02] 3. Thinking Of You
[7:09] 4. Theme For Ernie
[6:47] 5. For Heaven's Sake
[8:12] 6. Everything Happens To Me
[7:09] 7. Love And Peace
[7:59] 8. Everytime We Say Goodbye
[4:42] 9. Blues For Hp
[6:21] 10. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out

Double Bass – Jesper Lundgaard; Drums – Ed Thigpen; Piano – Horace Parlan.

Pianist Horace Parlan has long dealt with the damage done to his right hand, which came from a childhood bout with polio, by developing a potent left hand. As a result, Parlan has never had the opportunity to play completely to the potential he would have had if spared his serious illness, though his recordings have been consistently rewarding. He was 73 years old at the time of this 2004 studio session, which features old friends Jesper Lundgaard on bass and drummer (and fellow expatriate) Ed Thigpen, yet one doesn't sense that age is cramping his style in the least. The focus is primarily on standards that aren't played much in the 21st century, generally low-key ballads, with Lundgaard's strong bassline and Thigpen's crisp brushwork in support of the leader. It is refreshing to hear a relaxed, choppy interpretation of a ballad such as "Like Someone in Love," which many artists have the tendency to rush through and destroy the melody. Parlan slows "Don't Take Your Love from Me" to a crawl in order to pack an emotional punch, without having a vocalist sing its maudlin lyrics. The pianist's "Love and Peace" has a bit of a wistful air, while Thigpen's "Blues for HP" is a good bit more intense than the remainder of the session, with the drummer returning to sticks and Parlan sounding a bit more playful. All in all, this is a remarkable effort by the trio. ~Ken Dryden

Relaxin' With Horace

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Duke Jordan - Beauty Of Scandinavia

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:41
Size: 127.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2004/2011
Art: Front

[6:30] 1. Dear Old Stockholm
[6:50] 2. Midnight Sun
[6:40] 3. Night Train From Snekkersten
[4:23] 4. Chateau Ed Suede
[5:02] 5. The Midnight Sun Will Never Set
[3:43] 6. When You Wish Upon A Star
[2:33] 7. Gule Blomster (Yellow Flower)
[4:17] 8. Misty Thursday
[5:59] 9. What Is Wrong
[5:30] 10. Sweet Meat
[4:08] 11. Sultry Eve

Duke Jordan (piano); Jesper Lundgaard (bass,electric bass); Ed Thigpen (drums). Recorded at Eazy Sound Recording, Copenhagen, Denmark, on August 25 & 26, 1995.

Beauty of Scandinavia is Duke Jordan's musical love letter to the region he called home for the latter part of his life. A long-time resident of Copenhagen, Denmark, he recorded many beatutiful albums for European and Japanese labels such as SteepleChase, Marshmallow and Videoarts.

The program consists of famous Scandinavian traditionals ("Dear Old Stockholm"), songs inspired by the region ("Midnight Sun," "Midnight Sun Will Never Set") and Jordan's attractive originals. His fellow American expat living in Denmark, the great drummer Ed Thigpen contributed one original ("Yellow Flower") as well. With the strong support from Thigpen and the great bassist Jesper Lundgaard, this album became an instant classic. Recommended!

Beauty Of Scandinavia  

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The Oscar Peterson Trio - We Get Requests

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 39:45

Size: 91.0 MB

Styles: Bop, Swing, Piano jazz

Year: 1964/2016

Art: Front

[2:48] 1. Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars)

[2:39] 2. The Days Of Wine And Roses

[5:12] 3. My One And Only Love

[3:30] 4. People

[4:10] 5. Have You Met Miss Jones

[4:48] 6. Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars)

[3:51] 7. The Girl From Ipanema

[5:10] 8. D & E

[4:37] 9. The Days Of Wine And Roses

[2:56] 10. Goodbye, J.D

Oscar Peterson, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Ed Thigpen, drums.

This 1964 studio session features the Peterson trio with bassist Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen, a group that had been together for five years by then and performed like a well-oiled machine. The repertoire is mostly pop songs of the day, including bossa nova tunes and film themes, and the treatments are fairly brief, with emphasis placed squarely on the melodies. Even in their lightest moments, though, the group demonstrates some of the qualities that made it among the most influential piano trios in jazz, a group that could generate tremendous rhythmic energy and a sense of developing musical detail. For all his legendary force, Peterson possesses a subtle rhythmic sense, and here he infuses even "People" with an undercurrent of swing  

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