Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz - Strictly Confidential

Size: 165,6 MB
Time: 71:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Piano Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Strictly Confidential (5:55)
02. Sunset And The Mockingbird (5:25)
03. John Hardy's Wife (4:23)
04. What A Difference A Day Made (4:12)
05. Hallelujah, I Love Him So (4:13)
06. Misty (5:29)
07. A Brush With Bunji (3:49)
08. She (5:32)
09. Shoe Shine Boy (5:33)
10. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (6:01)
11. Pure Imagination (5:10)
12. Sunny Morning (2:33)
13. Close To You (3:19)
14. Shiny Stockings (4:52)
15. How Beautiful Is Night (5:26)

Personnel:
Rossano Sportiello - Piano
Nicki Parrott - Bass and vocals
Eddie Metz - Drums

Here's a piano trio of vet jazzbos that can play the kind of mannered cocktail jazz hotels demand in their sleep, but they wink at each other and slip in loads of swing when nobody is looking. Tasty stuff from a crew of unmistakable pros that love their work and have proven their mettle over and over again behind A listers than enlisted them, the set card has a few familiar tent poles in it but for the most part, they've done their homework to make sure the program is interesting and populated with goodies that shouldn't be forgotten from several different eras. State of the art piano trio work throughout. Reviewed by Chris Spector --Midwest Record

Strictly Confidential

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Allan Vache & Harry Allen - Allan Allen

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:52
Size: 157.7 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz, Swing
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[6:19] 1. Lover, Come Back To Me
[5:28] 2. Jive At Five
[5:18] 3. Lake Ponchartrain Blues
[4:27] 4. Allan And Allen
[4:39] 5. Where Are You
[4:05] 6. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
[3:28] 7. Straighten Up And Fly Right
[4:56] 8. You Go To My Head
[5:51] 9. Tickle Toe
[6:34] 10. Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
[6:11] 11. Ben's Blues
[6:42] 12. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
[4:47] 13. Stealin' Apples

This studio session featuring clarinetist Allan Vache and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen together was a long overdue idea, since they had worked together frequently at jazz festivals and parties; they're joined by a first-class rhythm section of pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Phil Flanigan, and drummer Eddie Metz. Most of the material consists of familiar standards from the swing era, including the easygoing "Jive at Five," a snappy "Tickle Toe," and a laid-back "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me." Flanigan contributed the lively swinger "Allan and Allen," while Higgins wrote the pretty ballad "Lake Ponchartrain Blues." There are also separate features for the two reedmen: Vache's lush, lyrical interpretation of "You Go to My Head" is matched by Allen's gorgeous take of the infrequently heard ballad "Where Are You." Vache also adds a campy (though not exactly memorable) vocal on "Straighten up and Fly Right." This is one of many memorable recordings that has helped to elevate Nagel Heyer into one of the top labels covering mainstream jazz at the beginning of the 21st century. ~Ken Dryden

Allan Allen

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Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz, Nicki Parrott - It's A Good Day

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:17
Size: 144.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Theme From 'Grumpy Old Men' End Title
[3:54] 2. Pick Yourself Up
[5:13] 3. Quintessence
[3:39] 4. Lavender Blue
[4:23] 5. This Is No Laughing Matter
[3:39] 6. It's A Good Day
[6:01] 7. Don't Love Me
[5:51] 8. Theme From 2nd Movement Of The Piano Sonata N. 8 Op. 13
[4:57] 9. Too Late Now
[7:24] 10. For You, For Me, Forevermore
[4:04] 11. Last Night When We Were Young
[4:37] 12. Invention
[4:45] 13. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Rossano Sportiello embodies an entire musical tradition with a glowing musical spirit that is far more than simply a collection of influences. This trio, Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz and Nicki Parrott, is a friendly supportive group; each voice is equal yet from the first notes a lovely synergy emerges. Sportiello set a wonderfully relaxed, unrushed tone giving this CD a joyous and uplifting sound. A great follow up to the trio´s previous recording "Live at The Jazz Corner" which was warmly received by critics and music lovers alike.

It's A Good Day

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Bob Wilber - Bob Wilber & The Three Amigos

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:41
Size: 162,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Limehouse Blues
(6:10)  2. Tampa Bay Trot
(2:58)  3. Jubilee Stomp
(4:00)  4. Passport to Paradise
(4:17)  5. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
(5:56)  6. Black and Tan Fantasy
(6:32)  7. Bernfest '96
(4:31)  8. The Mooche
(5:59)  9. Avalon
(4:19) 10. In an Old Deserted Ballroom
(3:42) 11. Basie-issimo
(4:46) 12. Blue Horizon
(3:08) 13. The Best Things in Life Are Free
(3:56) 14. Willow Weep for Me
(5:20) 15. Isotope Rag

The Three Amigos is not a table-hopping Mariachi band, but an ever-cruising all-star jazz combo, so dubbed during a gig in Mexican waters when they first played together. Don’t let the Alaskan wolf jackets throw you off, they are mementos from another cruise destination, the 49th state. If luxurious cruise ships come to mind, you’ve got the picture. This particular journey took the Amigos to a Florida studio where the eight world-class Amigos led by Bob Wilber strut their stuff, whether as soloists or tight ensemble players, backed by a swinging rhythm section, fresh from the Third Arbors Invitational Jazz Party. As these notes are written, the Amigos are getting ready to gear up for a round trip Jazzdagen -sponsored cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. The Alaskan wolf jackets will be held in reserve. http://www.arborsrecords.com/recordtemplate.html?ProductID=19424

Personnel: Bob Wilber-soprano sax, clarinet; Pieter Meijers-soprano sax, clarinet; Antti Sarpila-soprano sax, clarinet; Rossano Sportiello-piano; Bucky Pizzarelli-guitar; John Cocuzzi-vibes; Nicki Parrott-bass; Eddie Metz Jr-drums

Bob Wilber & The Three Amigos

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Eddie Metz And His Gang - Tough Assignment : A Tribute To Davie Tough

Styles: Swing, Contemporary jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:46
Size: 162,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Smiles
(4:18)  2. It All Belongs To Me
(6:46)  3. Moanin' Low
(4:34)  4. Waiting At The End Of The Road
(5:39)  5. Beale Street Blues
(5:57)  6. It's Been So Long
(3:26)  7. Sophisticated Swing
(5:06)  8. At The Codfish Ball
(5:28)  9. Why Begin Again
(4:17) 10. I Hadn't Anyone 'Till You
(4:45) 11. Lover Come Back To Me
(6:05) 12. Hindustan
(4:48) 13. Not Too Tough
(5:24) 14. Tough Sledding

The drumming son of pianist Ed Metz, Ed Metz, Jr. plays music that was interpreted by early swing and big-band drummer Dave Tough, a stalwart with the bands of Red Nichols, Claude Thornhill, the Dorseys, Artie Shaw, and Woody Herman. While Metz, 41, is no doubt an engaging, literate, standout drummer, he's picked a backup band truly capable of fueling his swinging fire: Trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist John Allred, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, clarinetist Allan Vaché, pianist Johnny Varro, and bassist Phil Flanigan take this music to heart and swing their collective butt off. This CD is neatly programmed into four sections. The first four pieces are culled from Tough's associations with bands in the '20s. "Smiles" is a good, hard swinger saturated with counterpoint (as are many of these tunes). The joy of this call-and-response approach is infectious, as is evident on the head of "It All Belongs to Me." Vaché, Allred, Sandke, and Allen each leads his own melody line for "Moanin' Low," while Sandke and Varro stand out as Metz trades fours on a rousing "Waiting at the End of the Road." 

The next five pieces are from the Dorsey era. The delicate swing of "Beale Street Blues" gets deeper into royal hues as it goes along; "It's Been So Long" is a real fine swinger, with the horns inspiring a rippling drum solo; "Sophisticated Swing" is a feature for young Allen in an Ellington-type motif; "At the Codfish Ball" has more interplay on the head, and solos by all the participants; the ballad blues "Why Begin Again?" (which is probably closest to the Tommy Dorsey style), showcases Allred's trombone. In the third section of the program, Benny Goodman is feted by the always right-on Vaché on the easy swinger "I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You." Allen and Varro are in an upbeat mood for the classic "Lover, Come Back to Me," and Vaché's Artie Shaw inflections fire up the ripsnorting Metz on "Hindustan." The sole unison melody of the date, "Not Too Tough" comes from the Herman book and is a simple, enjoyable number charted by Allred. "Tough Sledding," written by Metz Jr. and his father, is an original blues swing with plenty of holes for drum fills. Though led by a drummer, this session is not obviously a drummer's date, which is a tribute to the importance that Tough placed on being a team player. Metz Jr. and crew have done Dave Tough proud with this fine date. ~ Michael G.Nastos   http://www.allmusic.com/album/tough-assignment-tribute-to-dave-tough-mw0000053470

Personnel: Eddie Metz (drums); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); John Allred (trombone); Alan Vache (clarinet); Johnny Varo (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass).

Tough Assignment

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The Eddie Metz Jr Trio - Bridging The Gap

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:08
Size: 144.6 MB
Styles: Swing, Contemporary jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[5:47] 1. Falling In Love With Love
[4:06] 2. Huggin' Higgins
[5:18] 3. Overjoyed
[4:38] 4. I'm Old Fashioned
[5:47] 5. Count Your Blessings (Instead Of Sheep)
[5:39] 6. Bodhisattva
[4:37] 7. Ner Blues
[4:15] 8. One Less Bell To Answer
[4:25] 9. The More I See You
[4:24] 10. Crazy Life
[4:28] 11. Little Girl
[4:53] 12. More Than You Know
[4:44] 13. Gotta Get A Hold Of Myself

Veteran jazz musicians like drummer Eddie Metz, Jr. encounter the same challenge all of the time, particularly when they play weekend jazz parties: the obvious aging of their audience. Although many older fans resist the playing of newer pop material, musicians have to find a way to draw new listeners to eventually replace older ones. So he recruited Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello and bassist Nicki Parrott, with fellow jazz party regulars John Allred (trombone) and Harry Allen (tenor sax) added on several tracks. There are plenty of great old standards: delightful, swinging trio settings of "Falling in Love with Love," "I'm Old Fashioned," "The More I See You," and a sublime "More Than You Know." Modern pop is represented by enjoyable interpretations of Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" and Steely Dan's "Bodhisattva" and a bossa nova setting of 1970s Italian pop singer Gino Vannelli's "Crazy Life," featuring Allred carrying the melody, while Parrott sings "One Less Bell to Answer," a hit decades earlier for the 5th Dimension.

Metz penned the understated "NER Blues," which will be immediately recognized by any seasoned jazz fan as a tribute to Count Basie, while the full quintet is heard in the sassy "Huggin' Higgins," a peppy salute to veteran pianist Eddie Higgins, another jazz party regular who crosses paths with the rest of the band on occasion. Metz has done his part to bridge the generation gap among jazz fans; now it is up to the listeners to take the first step across it. ~ Ken Dryden

Ed Metz, Jr. (drums); Nicki Parrott (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar); Rossano Sportiello (piano); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); John Allred (trombone). Audio Mixers: Veit Renn; Charlie Bertini. Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, NY (02/18/2008/02/19/2008).

Bridging The Gap

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Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz & Nicki Parrott - It's a Good Day

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:50
Size: 146,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:45)  1. Theme From "Grumpy Old Men" End Title
(3:57)  2. Pick Yourself Up
(5:16)  3. Quintessence
(3:42)  4. Lavender Blue
(4:27)  5. This Is No Laughing Matter
(3:42)  6. It's a Good Day
(6:04)  7. Don't Love Me
(5:53)  8. Theme From "2nd Movement of the Piano Sonata N. 8 Op. 13"
(5:00)  9. Too Late Now
(7:26) 10. For You, For Me, Forevermore
(4:07) 11. Last Night When We Were Young
(4:39) 12. Invention
(4:47) 13. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

There is much to be said for musical simpatico. These trio-mates have it in great abundance in live concert – and on the recording studio, as this newest Arbors CD attests. Their forte is in gems from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards and adding jazz twists to classical music. The latter is a natural fit because of Milan native Rossano Sportiello’s classical piano training and amazing chops in so many styles.

Favorites: the band’s elegant take on Quincy Jones’ ballad "Quintessence,” its romp through “Lavender Blue,” which Burl Ives sang in the 1948 Disney film So Dear to My Heart, Sportiello’s solo take on “This Is No Laughing Matter,” and bassist-singer Nicki Parrott’s warm and vibrant vocal approach to “Pick Yourself Up” and the Peggy Lee classic “It’s a Good Day.” Other treats: the band’s jazz adventures on two classical pieces: Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata” and Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Drummer Eddie Metz Jr.’s subtle surprises enhance his solid swing. As evidenced by this project, it is great to see Rachel Dombers carrying on the work of her late husband, Arbors founder Mat Dombers, who passed away in September 2012.   http://kenfrancklingjazznotes.blogspot.com.br/2014/02/cds-of-note-short-takes.html

It's a Good Day

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Rossano Sportiello, Nicki Parrott, Eddie Metz - Live At The Jazz Corner

Styles: Jazz, Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:26
Size: 168,1 MB
Art: Front

( 7:51)  1. Beats Up
(10:03)  2. Gal in Calico
( 5:21)  3. Besame Mucho
( 5:41)  4. Honeysuckle Rose
( 3:52)  5. Li'l Darlin'
( 4:22)  6. Blue and Sentimental
( 6:14)  7. Spanish Eyes
( 6:10)  8. Nocturne
( 5:15)  9. Fantasie Impromptu
( 4:16) 10. Minute Waltz
( 3:58) 11. Fever
(10:18) 12. St. Louis Blues

The Eddie Metz Trio is comprised of three veterans, all from different continents, though all three make their homes in the U.S. Drummer Eddie Metz has played with a host of famous leaders, including Count Basie, Clark Terry, and Woody Herman. Bassist Nicki Parrott has taken her adopted homeland by storm since arriving from Australia, recording a number of her own CDs, duets with others, and appearing regularly as a guest player. 

Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello is recognized for his effortless swing and broad interest in many jazz styles. All three players have also shared time on the jazz party circuit. This CD is made of tunes recorded over two nights at the Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, South Carolina, a nice mixture of standards, jazz classics, and even a few rarely played songs. Tommy Flanagan's "Beats Up," one of many bop vehicles based on "I Got Rhythm" chord changes, proves to be a solid, swinging opener, while the easygoing, foot-tapping take of "Gal in Calico," interrupted only by Metz's drum breaks, is a potent follow-up tune. Parrott has two vocal features, opening the exotic take of "Besame Mucho" with her potent bass chops before she begins her dramatic interpretation, in which the vocal retains its sad air, a point often overlooked by interpreters. 

Parrott entices the listener with her sexy take of Peggy Lee's hit "Fever," adding some playful scat in unison with her bass. Sportiello dazzles with his medley of Chopin masterworks, though he's just as comfortable romping through "Honeysuckle Rose" or taking a leisurely stroll through Count Basie's signature song "Li'l Darlin'" (penned by the prolific Neal Hefti). The trio recalls the tango roots of W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues" by incorporating it into their introduction, then alternating between it and straight-ahead swing. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-jazz-corner-mw0002320796

Live At The Jazz Corner

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