Randy Sandke - The Music Of Bob Haggart

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:00
Size: 138,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. It Ain't Necessarily So
(2:30)  2. It Takes a Long Pull To Get There
(2:35)  3. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
(3:00)  4. Summertime
(3:11)  5. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
(2:12)  6. Oh, I Can't Sit Down
(3:24)  7. I Loves You, Porgy
(4:26)  8. My Man's Gone Now
(3:07)  9. Bess, Oh Where's My Bess?
(2:23) 10. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York
(3:20) 11. Mardi Gras Parade
(3:22) 12. What's New?
(5:42) 13. Dogtown Blues
(3:10) 14. My Inspiration
(4:39) 15. South Rampart Street Parade
(4:58) 16. At the Jazz Band Ball
(4:27) 17. Big Noise From Winnetka

Most jazz fans are well acquainted with some arrangement or another of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, but few of them are acquainted with Bob Haggart's charts of the score. The reason is simple: Haggart's arrangements, released at the same time as the Porgy and Bess movie, were pushed to the back of the record racks by versions of the same music by (among others) Miles Davis and Gil Evans, the Modern Jazz Quartet, the Oscar Peterson Trio and Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Modern-day trumpeter Randy Sandke has decided that this was an unfair quirk of history, and after some detective work and painstaking transcription he's reassembled Haggart's Porgy and Bess plus some other charts under the prosaic title The Music of Bob Haggart.

Haggart's charts for Gershwin don't try to reinvent the wheel as other interpreters at the time did; their sound, straightahead, tart and tight, takes the listener back to Gershwin's own idiom with minimum fuss and maximum verve. Frequent solo breaks allow the stellar band Sandke has assembled to shine; while everyone puts their best foot forward in this endeavor, the two most impressive players are Jon-Erik Kellso on the (frequently muted) puje, sounding period without sounding old, and Sandke himself, alternately caressing and goosing some of the most famous melodies ever written. Jazz fans shouldn't lose sleep over having favored Miles, Oscar or Louis and Ella for so many years; Haggart's version isn't that compelling. But, as this recording proves, it can be a lot of fun in the right hands. ~ Andrew Lindemann Malone  http://jazztimes.com/articles/13713-the-music-of-bob-haggart-under-the-direction-of-randy-sandke-randy-sandke

Personnel:  Bob Haggart (arranger, bass); Randy Sandke (leader, trumpet); Scott Robinson (tenor & baritone saxophones); Jack Stuckey (baritone saxophone); Byron Stripling (trumpet); John Allred, George Masso, Wycliffe Gordon (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Derek Smith, Ed Metz, Sr. (piano); Howard Alden (guitar); Greg Cohen (bass); Joe Ascione, Tony DeNicola (drums).

The Music Of Bob Haggart

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Ruby Braff - Braff Plays Wimbledon (Second Set)

Album: Braff Plays Wimbledon (Second Set)

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Size: 146,8 MB
Time: 63:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Year: 2007
Art: Front

1. Rockin' Chair ( 4:29)
2. When A Woman Loves A Man ( 5:09)
3. I Cried For You ( 9:26)
4. Pennies From Heaven ( 6:03)
5. Jive At Five (13:30)
6. I'm Pullin' Through ( 5:54)
7. Miss Brown To You ( 5:59)
8. I Know That You Know ( 8:44)
9. Save It, Pretty Mama ( 4:35)

Although cornetist Ruby Braff is joined on this set by flügelhornist Warren Vaché, trombonist Roy Williams, guitarist Howard Alden, pianist Brian Lemon, bassist Dave Green, and drummer Allan Ganley, Vaché's role is, in reality, minor (mostly just ensemble parts with a few short solos), and Williams is only on a few numbers, although he plays very well.

Fortunately, Braff is in prime form throughout, even better here than on The First Set; the phrase "adoration of the melody" (which he coined a few decades ago) perfectly fits his lyrical improvisations. The repertoire consists of veteran standards and the highlights include "I Cried for You," "Pennies from Heaven," and "I Know That You Know," although all nine selections are quite enjoyable.

Braff, a master at utilizing his lower register, sometimes has a musical conversation with himself, jumping between registers. Swing pianist Lemon sounds inspired throughout, while guitarist Alden has a few good spots. A typically rewarding Ruby Braff session. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/braff-plays-wimbledon-the-second-set-mw0000441662

Personnel: Ruby Braff - cornet; Brian Lemon - piano; Warren Vaché - flugelhorn; Roy Williams - trombone; Howard Alden - guitar; Dave Green - bass; Allan Ganley - drums

Braff Plays Wimbledon (Second Set)

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Ruby Braff - Braff Plays Wimbledon (First Set)

Album: Braff Plays Wimbledon (First Set)

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Size: 132,2 MB
Time: 57:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Year: 2007
Art: Front

1. Someday Sweetheart ( 4:20)
2. The Very Thought Of You ( 7:42)
3. Wouldn't It Be Loverly ( 5:10)
4. I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling ( 5:14)
5. Take The A Train (14:45)
6. This Is All I Ask ( 5:30)
7. It's The Same Old South ( 3:30)
8. When I Fall In Love ( 5:37)
9. China Boy ( 5:40)

Cornetist Ruby Braff sound fine on this set for the British label Zephyr. Most of the selections find him taking passionate and typically lyrical solos on swing standards in a quintet with pianist Brian Lemon, guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Dave Green and drummer Allan Ganley.

A few numbers add Warren Vache on flugelhorn and trombonist Roy Williams, but perhaps due to too much mutual respect, few fireworks fly. One would hope that Braff and Vache would match wits against each other, but this is largely Braff's show.

Still, the music overall (which is highlighted by "Someday Sweetheart," "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" and "China Boy") should please trad jazz and mainstream collectors. By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/braff-plays-wimbledon-the-first-set-mw0000434487#review

Personnel: Ruby Braff - cornet; Brian Lemon - piano; Warren Vaché - flugelhorn; Roy Williams - trombone; Howard Alden - guitar; Dave Green - bass; Allan Ganley - drums

Braff Plays Wimbledon (First Set)

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Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski & Spike Robinson - Groovin' High

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:13
Size: 150,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:52)  1. Blues Up And Down
(5:06)  2. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
(7:31)  3. That Ole Devil Called Love
(5:08)  4. Shine
(7:30)  5. The Goof And I
(7:00)  6. What's New
(7:14)  7. I'll See You In My Dreams
(8:27)  8. Groovin' High
(5:42)  9. Body And Soul
(6:37) 10. The Jeep Is Jumpin'

Fans of jam sessions and tenor battles will definitely want this CD. Tenors Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski and Spike Robinson (constantly pushed by the brilliant rhythm section of pianist Gerry Wiggins, guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Dave Stone and drummer Jake Hanna) take turns raising the temperature on such viable devices as "Blues Up and Down," "Shine," "I'll See You In My Dreams" and "The Jeep Is Jumpin'." Robinson (easily the oldest of the trio of tenors) gets a slight edge and generates the most heat, but the saxophonists actually complement each other quite well. A consistently exciting set.
By Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/groovin-high-mw0000077010

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Ken Peplowski (tenor saxophone); Spike Robinson (tenor saxophone); Howard Alden (guitar); Gerald Wiggins, Gerry Wiggins (piano); Jake Hanna (drums).

Groovin' High

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Daryl Sherman, Johnny Mercer: A Centennial Tribute

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:57
Size: 146,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:42)  1. I'm Shadowing You
(5:21)  2. Little Ingenue
(5:11)  3. Midnight Sun
(3:20)  4. Jeepers Creepers
(4:38)  5. Come Rain Or Shine
(4:24)  6. The Bathtub Ran Over Again
(6:25)  7. Lazy Bones
(3:00)  8. Peter Piper
(5:38)  9. I Thought About You
(3:21) 10. At The Jazz Band Ball
(4:56) 11. Charade
(4:27) 12. Dream
(4:44) 13. Twilight World
(3:43) 14. Here Come The British

Choosing "I'm Shadowing You" as the opener on Daryl Sherman's fine Centennial Tribute to composer and lyricist Johnny Mercer inevitably recalls Blossom Dearie. Heretofore that tune has pretty much been the exclusive property of the late vocalist. There are also other, more than passing, resemblances between the two singers, both first-class self-accompanists on piano possessing underage sounding voices used effectively to slyly charming ends. With a legacy of 1,500 heartfelt and humorous songs, Mercer's is a rich one from which to choose. Sherman's selections are a welcome mix of classics such as "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Midnight Sun" with more than a few choice rarities like "The Bathtub Ran Over Again." On the latter Wycliffe Gordon joins Sherman for a delightfully foxy vocal duet. His gravelly sound contrasts perfectly with Sherman's petite smoothness. "Little Ingenue" (co-written with Jimmy Rowles) is another gem. 

Here Sherman's silken glissando, backed by Jerry Dodgion's alto sax, is especially effective in capturing hope in the face of glamour that's a tad shopworn. On "Dream," one of the few songs for which Mercer wrote both music and lyrics, Gordon's trombone provides the most sensitive of accompaniment. As Sherman conjures "smoke rings rising in the air," he is playing heavenly notes behind her. It is a great, great song performed to perfection. The artistry and empathy between Sherman and her fellow musicians makes for a set that is a glowing tribute to one of the great masters of the jazz idiom and the American Songbook. ~ Andrew Velez  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/johnny-mercer-a-centennial-tribute-daryl-sherman-arbors-records-review-by-andrew-velez.php#.VFkx_8mHmtg

Personnel: Daryl Sherman: piano, vocals; Jerry Dodgion: alto sax; Wycliffe Gordon: Trombone, vocals; Howard Alden: guitar, banjo; Jay Leonhart: bass, vocals; Chuck Redd: drums, vibraphone; Marian McPartland: piano, Barbara Carroll: piano.

Daryl Sherman Johnny Mercer: A Centennial Tribute

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Milt Hinton - The Basement Tapes

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:54
Size: 145,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. Raincheck
(6:04)  2. A Time For Love
(4:11)  3. Johnny Comes Lately
(4:02)  4. Fascinating Rhythm
(4:35)  5. Blessed Assurance
(6:26)  6. Mona's Feeling Lonely
(3:55)  7. Order In The Court
(3:27)  8. Wade In The Water
(3:23)  9. Night And Day
(3:56) 10. As Long As I Live
(4:04) 11. Love Me Or Leave Me
(3:40) 12. Old Man Time
(6:26) 13. Summertime
(5:35) 14. Travelin' All Alone

In recent years, much of the attention given to late bass great Milt Hinton's career and legacy has been directed at his prowess as a jazz photographer. Nevertheless, we must not forget that behind those extraordinary photographs was an equally extraordinary musician. With Chiaroscuro's recent release of The Basement Tapes, jazz fans will find a welcome reaffirmation of Hinton's formidable gifts as both timekeeper and soloist. Composed of previously shelved material, the disc's 14 tracks offer up a broad slice of the spectrum of styles Hinton encountered over his illustrious career. On the swingin' side of things are two Billy Strayhorn pieces, "Raincheck" and "Johnny Come Lately" - taken at pace by Hinton with the help of Warren Vaché on trumpet and pianist Janice Friedman.

Both Vaché and Friedman offer keen lyrical insight and, with able hands, tend to Strayhorn's touching melodies. Hinton, meanwhile, occupies himself with tempo and swing. His bass walks - nay, runs - deftly across the rolling passes of the tunes, stopping only for an exquisite pair of solos. On "Fascinating Rhythm," a duet with drummer Kenny Washington, the listener is again dazzled by a prodigious display of rhythmic dexterity. Throughout the piece, Washington's traps snap, crackle and pop like the burning coals of a campfire, while Hinton's fat tone casts rounded shapes and bold colors over the playfully erratic Gershwin composition. Other highlights include a burning version of Frank Wess' "Order in the Court" and "Old Man Time," complete with Hinton's lighthearted vocals, Kenny Davern's mood-ified clarinet, guitarist Howard Alden's infectious strums (à la Freddie Green), and drummer Jackie Williams' strokes of skilled brushwork. Above all else, The Basement Tapes is a glaring testament to Hinton's rhythmic reliability. Like a monument at the center of town, his bass stands tall and firm carrying with it an unmistakable air of steadiness and permanency. ~Riel Lazarus https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-basement-tapes-milt-hinton-chiaroscuro-records-review-by-riel-lazarus.php

Personnel: Milt Hinton - Bass; Howard Alden - Guitar; Kenny Davern - Clarinet; Warren Vache - Trumpet; Sylvia Syms - Vocals; Kenny Washington - Drums; Frank Wess - Flute, Tenor Sax; Jackie Williams - Drums; Janice Friedman - Piano; James Williams - Piano.

The Basement Tapes

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Ruby Braff - Cornet Chop Suey

Styles: Cornet Jazz, Swing
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 59:31
Size: 137,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:09) 1. Cornet Chop Suey
(4:29) 2. Nancy with the Laughing Face
(5:12) 3. Ooh, That Kiss
(4:33) 4. Do It Again
(4:55) 5. Love Me or Leave Me
(4:38) 6. It’s the Same Old South
(4:31) 7. It Had to Be You
(3:45) 8. I Must Have That Man
(4:14) 9. Sweet and Slow
(6:24) 10. Shoe Shine Boy
(4:34) 11. High Society Medley
(7:03) 12. Lover, Come Back to Me

For this Concord CD, the great veteran cornetist Ruby Braff is joined by guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Frank Tate and (on five of the twelve numbers) clarinetist Ken Peplowski and drummer Ronald Zito. Braff has never recorded a dull album and his highly expressive playing is the main reason to acquire this disc although Alden is also in particularly good form. Highlights include a rapid rendition of "Cornet Chop Suey," "Do It Again," an unusual instrumental version of "It's the Same Old South," an emotional "It Had to Be You" and a medley of songs from the film High Society. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/cornet-chop-suey-mw0000116513#review

Personnel: Cornet – Ruby Braff; Bass – Frank Tate (2); Clarinet – Ken Peplowski (tracks: 3, 6, 7, 10, 12); Drums – Ronald Zito* (tracks: 3, 6, 7, 10, 12) Guitar – Howard Alden

Cornet Chop Suey

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Howard Alden & Dan Barrett - Swing Street

Styles: Guitar and Trombone Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:57
Size: 103,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:22)  1. Lullaby In Rhythm
(3:02)  2. Fun City Swinger
(5:53)  3. Black Sheep Blues
(3:28)  4. I May Be Wrong (But I Think Yo
(3:12)  5. Dawn On the Desert
(3:30)  6. Flying Home
(2:51)  7. Front and Center
(4:02)  8. Pannonica
(3:29)  9. Cherry Blossom
(3:58) 10. I Didn't Know About You
(4:34) 11. Stompin' At the Savoy
(3:30) 12. Cotton Tail

This is a remarkable record by the Howard Alden-Dan Barrett Quintet. Although the group has an instrumentation of guitarist Alden, trombonist Barrett, Chuck Wilson on alto and clarinet, bassist Frank Tate, and drummer Jackie Williams, its arrangements (some by Buck Clayton) often make the band sound a bit like the John Kirby Sextet, a classic unit comprised of trumpet, alto, clarinet, piano, bass, and drums. 

The delightful unit uplifts such tunes as "Lullaby in Rhythm," "I May Be Wrong," Charlie Shavers' "Dawn on the Desert," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and even Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica," revitalizing small-group swing. Highly recommended.By Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/swing-street-mw0000197085

Personnel: Howard Alden (guitar), Dan Barrett (trombone), Frank Tate (bass), Jackie Williams (drums), Chuck Wilson (alto saxophone, clarinet).

Swing Street  

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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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Rick Fay & Friends - Rolling On

Styles: Vocal And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:05
Size: 140,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. I Double Dare You
(5:09)  2. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
(3:04)  3. In the Dark
(5:20)  4. Somebody loves me
(2:47)  5. Ballad For Eddie
(5:04)  6. Can't We Be Friends?
(4:07)  7. Roll on, Mississippi, Roll On
(6:30)  8. Possum Jump
(4:31)  9. Tishomingo Blues
(5:26) 10. Manoir De Mes Reves
(3:38) 11. Plain and Simple
(2:24) 12. Echoes of Spring
(3:35) 13. Day Dream
(4:10) 14. Come Back Sweet Papa

Rick Fay's series of Arbors releases, which really got going in 1991, are superior examples of Dixieland and small-group swing. On this set Fay sticks to tenor and soprano (leaving his clarinet in the case), welcoming such major players as trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist Dan Barrett, clarinetist Chuck Hedges, pianist-arranger Dick Cary and guest-guitarist Howard Alden (who makes a couple of rare appearances on banjo) to his octet. 

The music is played with plenty of spirit and, although all of the music but three originals was already quite vintage at the time, the musicians come up with many fresh statements. Among the highlights are "I Double Dare You," a Dick Cary arrangement of Bix Beiderbecke's "In The Dark," "Somebody Loves Me," "Roll On, Mississippi, Roll On," and "Come Back Sweet Papa." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/rolling-on-mw0000026400

Personnel: Rick Fay (vocals, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Howard Alden (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo); Paul Scavarda (guitar, banjo); Chuck Hedges (clarinet); Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Dick Cary (alto horn, piano); Joe Ascione (drums).

Rolling On

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Judy Carmichael - Pearls

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:37
Size: 148,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:20)  1. Lulu's Back in Town
(3:33)  2. Squeeze Me
(4:11)  3. The Pearls
(4:12)  4. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down (And Write Myself a Letter)
(3:23)  5. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
(3:53)  6. Everybody Loves My Baby
(3:28)  7. Sugar
(2:35)  8. Mule Walk Stomp
(3:24)  9. Ain't She Sweet
(3:47) 10. California, Here I Come
(3:02) 11. Little Rock Getaway
(3:19) 12. Lulu's Back in Town (Take 1)
(3:34) 13. Squeeze Me (Take 1)
(4:12) 14. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down (And Write Myself a Letter)
(3:51) 15. Everybody Loves My Baby (Take 1)
(3:48) 16. Sugar (Take 2)
(3:31) 17. Ain't She Sweet (Take 2)
(3:28) 18. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Take 2)

The CD reissue of what was originally a Statiras set by pianist Judy Carmichael expands the original ten song program to 18. Carmichael teams up with cornetist Warren Vache, guitarist Howard Alden and bassist Red Callender for a spirited set of classic jazz and swing standards. Seven of the eight "new" selections are actually alternate takes so this CD is really two records in one. However when the songs played are of the caliber of "Lulu's Back in town," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and "Everybody Loves My Baby," one does not really mind hearing two versions. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/pearls-mw0000089559

Personnel: Judy Carmichael (piano); Howard Alden (guitar); Warren Vaché (cornet).

Pearls

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Ruby Braff Trio - Me, Myself And I

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 51:28
Size: 83,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:39) 1. Muskrat Ramble
(3:34) 2. Let Me Sing And I'm Happy
(4:10) 3. You've Changed
(4:10) 4. You're A Lucky Guy
(5:01) 5. Honey
(2:43) 6. No One Else But You
(3:21) 7. Me, Myself And I
(4:52) 8. Dream Dancing
(3:20) 9. When You're Smiling
(4:12) 10. When I Fall In Love
(4:32) 11. Swan Lake
(3:16) 12. That's My Home
(3:34) 13. Jubilee

Although often overlooked in popularity polls, cornetist Ruby Braff during the 1980s and '90s recorded many classics and near-classics. For this trio set with guitarist Howard Alden and bassist Jack Lesberg, Braff's repertoire ranges from the dixieland tunes "Muskrat Ramble" and "When You're Smiling" to superior popular numbers such as "You've Changed," "When I Fall in Love" and "You're a Lucky Guy." As usual he brings an individual sound, swing, melodic creativity and passion to each of his improvisations.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/me-myself-i-mw0000204639

Personnel: Cornet – Ruby Braff; Bass – Jack Lesberg; Guitar – Howard Alden

Me, Myself And I

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Banu Gibson - Let's Face The Music And Dance

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:02
Size: 133,9 MB
Art: Front

(0:09)  1. Swing out Fanfare
(2:26)  2. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails
(4:15)  3. Music Makes Me
(3:24)  4. Let's Begin
(4:11)  5. I'll Be Hard To Handle
(3:54)  6. A Needle in a Haystack
(3:01)  7. No Strings
(3:46)  8. Isn't This a Lovely Day?
(3:36)  9. Let Yourself Go
(3:08) 10. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
(3:29) 11. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(2:54) 12. (I've Got) Beginner's Luck
(3:45) 13. Bojangles of Harlem
(3:43) 14. Pick Yourself Up
(2:54) 15. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(4:39) 16. Change Partners
(4:25) 17. A Fine Romance
(0:13) 18. Swing Out Swinging Fanfare

Banu Gibson, with the New Orleans Hot Jazz, is a dynamic performer with a big voice, and stage presence to spare she's the consummate entertainer specializing in early classic jazz, and her band is absolutely superb. An evening with Banu and her band features songs by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, and George Gershwin. Leonard Maltin, film correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, said "Banu Gibson and her band blend musicianship and showmanship in an irresistible brand of entertainment. I'm crazy about them." http://centerstageartists.com/artists/BanuGibson/index.html

Personnel: Harry Shearer (vocals); Hank Mackie, Howard Alden (guitar); Matt Rhody, Ann Taylor (violin); Karen Ray (cello); Tom Fischer, Brian Ogilvie (clarinet, saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet, cornet); Charlie Fardella, Connie Jones, Duke Heitger, Randy Reinhart (trumpet); Bob Havens, Dan Barrett , David Sager, Mark Mullins (trombone); David Boeddinghaus, Dick Hyman, John Sheridan (piano); Chris Tyle, Jeff Hamilton , James Alsanders (drums).

Let's Face The Music And Dance

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Howard Alden, Jeanne Gies - Window: The Music of Manu Lafer

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:34
Size: 87,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. Journey
(3:33)  2. Soul Tree
(4:09)  3. Gypsy
(4:11)  4. Crime
(5:45)  5. Window
(4:12)  6. Ta Shema
(3:34)  7. Sky
(4:52)  8. Translation
(4:06)  9. Account

Manu Lafer is an interesting man. A prolific and accomplished musician and composer with over 300 songs to his catalog, and a discography of over 15 CDs, he studied guitar with Luiz Tatit, Cezar Mendes Nogueira, and Ítalo Perón; and studied singing with Ná Ozzetti, Fernanda Gianesella and Wagner Barbosa. In addition to his extensive experience as a producer, arranger, and composer, Lafer also studied medicine at Escola Paulista de Medicina in at São Paulo. He earned a doctorate in pediatrics, and has worked as a visiting researcher at Columbia University in New York and with the Food and Drug Administration in Maryland. With Lafer’s Brazilian jazz compositions as an inspiration and musical template, vocalist and MFM member Jeanne Gies, and guitarist Howard Alden set out to interpret Lafer’s music. The result is amazing. Gies is performing artist of international renown, and an educator. She has recorded with Sandro Albert, Howard Alden, Gerald Cannon, Sherman Irby, Willie Jones III, Romero Lubambo, Russell Malone, Bucky Pizzarelli, Eric Reed, and Jack Wilkins. As a licensed voice specialist, Gies presides over the annual Jazz Vocal and Guitar Workshop in Bolzano Italy. Alden began playing guitar at age ten, inspired by Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Barney Kessel, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and George Van Eps. He performed with Joe Bushkin, Ruby Braff, Joe Williams, Warren Vache, and Woody Herman, and has been a Concord Jazz recording artist since the late ’80s. He also performed on the soundtrack to the 1999 Woody Allen movie Sweet and Lowdown (starring Sean Penn) and also coached Penn on playing the guitar for his role in the film. He concentrates on the 7 string guitar.

The addition of the low B string gives the instrument a rich harmonic spectrum which Adlen makes use of in an impressive manner. From the opening track, “Journey,” it’s clear that Gies and Alden have a special chemistry. On this Brazilian jazz piece, Gies and Alden establish as firmly as possible that this is that special branch of jazz that draws you into a peaceful and lush world. Alden also plays tenor banjo on this song (obviously overdubbed – but we can overlook this brief deviation from the orthodoxy of Gies’ silky smooth and flawlessly executed vocal performance continues its musical peregrination on “Soul Tree.” Her interaction with Alden’s inventive harmonic concept produces some astonishing moments. “Gypsy” affords Alden the opportunity to nod in respect and admiration to the great Django Reinhardt. His guitar invokes the classical era of Gypsy Jazz, and brings it into a modern jazz context. Gies responds to this, assuming the role of playful, and almost flirtatious chanteuse. The overall effect is truly delightful. The mood of the previous song is transformed into an almost (but not quite) Noir quality in the next track “Crime.” Gies becomes more of a storyteller on this song, with Alden providing a backdrop. His solo brings out an interesting compliment to the implied darkness of the song. Gies and Alden continue to explore the musical possibilities of Lafer’s songs, and the complex interaction between their own musical personalities. I won’t spoil any surprises that may await you in the remainder of the music. You will want to experience it yourself. The jazz world has no shortage of vocal / guitar duos; and few realize that this reduction of instrumentation places not less but more demands upon the performers. 

The full essence of the music is distilled into a form of almost frightening intimacy, and few can stand up to this intensity of musical scrutiny. With Gies and Alden, it’s impossible not to recall the same unity of musical vision shared between Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass. Yet, this is not an imitation of what’s already been perfected; they have their own musical story to tell. Like the aforementioned legends, they know how to bring out the finest and most expressive nuances of their respective instruments. Gies and Alden stand apart from the crowd as true artists and true purveyors of the requisite beauty this music demands. ~ Dawoud Kringle https://doobeedoobeedoo.info/2019/01/06/cd-review-jeanne-gies-howard-alden-window/

Window: The Music of Manu Lafer

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Howard Alden - Concord Jazz Guitar Collective

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:21
Size: 149,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:57)  1. Bittersweet
(4:27)  2. Strictly Confidential
(4:38)  3. String Thing
(6:37)  4. Mating Call
(4:09)  5. Seven Come Eleven
(7:01)  6. Body And Soul
(5:28)  7. Donna Lee
(6:10)  8. Perdido
(4:57)  9. Swing 39
(5:04) 10. Four Brothers
(4:27) 11. Song D'Autumne
(5:22) 12. Ornithology

The Concord Jazz Guitar Collective was a 1995 project that united Howard Alden with fellow guitarists and Concord artists Jimmy Bruno and Frank Vignola. For Concord, a three-guitar date was hardly unprecedented; back in 1974, the label had brought Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, and Herb Ellis together as the Great Guitars. Despite the fact that they all play the same instrument, Alden, Bruno, and Vignola prove compatible on this outing, which also employs Jim Hughart on upright bass and Colin Bailey on drums. Although Bruno tends to be more aggressive and forceful than Alden, he can be quite lyrical when he wants to; and while Alden isn't as hard a player as Bruno, he definitely swings. The two have a strong rapport on uptempo numbers like Charlie Parker's "Ornithology," Sam Jones' "Bittersweet," and Benny Goodman's "Seven Come Eleven," as well as on more relaxed performances like Django Reinhardt's "Song D'Autumne" and the standard "Body and Soul." Vignola, meanwhile, also proves to be an asset. Though not all of his 1990s output for Concord was memorable, he's a talented guitarist; and on Concord Jazz Guitar Collective, the presence of Alden and Bruno encourages Vignola to work hard and put that talent to use instead of wasting it. This is a CD that lovers of hard-bop guitar playing will appreciate. ~ Alex Henderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/concord-jazz-guitar-collective-mw0000646483

Personnel:  Howard Alden, Jimmy Bruno (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7, 8, 10, 12), Electric Guitar – Frank Vignola (tracks: 8, 10, 12),  Acoustic Guitar – Frank Vignola (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 11), Jimmy Bruno (tracks: 2, 6, 9, 11); Bass – Jim Hughart (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12); Drums – Colin Bailey (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12)

Concord Jazz Guitar Collective

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Ruby Braff - Born To Play

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:43
Size: 158,2 MB
Art: Front

( 9:59)  1. Avalon
( 9:07)  2. The Doodle King
( 3:56)  3. Medley:Smile/La Violettera
( 9:37)  4. Think
(12:08)  5. Jive At Five
( 9:14)  6. I Want A Litle Girl
( 8:36)  7. I'm Shooting High
( 6:03)  8. Born To Lose

At 71, cornetist Ruby Braff was still in prime form at the time of this interesting project. Braff decided to try something different so he utilized clarinetist Kenny Davern, three guitarists (Howard Alden, Bucky Pizzarelli and Jon Wheatley), two bassists (Michael Moore and Marshall Wood) and drummer Jim Gwin. The unusual six-piece rhythm section is well featured with each of the players somehow staying out of each other's way and the three guitars often emulating a piano. 

Braff sounds fine on such numbers as "Avalon," an emotional medley of two Charlie Chaplin-associated melodies ("Smile" and "La Violettera"), "Jive at Five" and a pair of the cornetist's originals. The closing "Born To Lose" is a frivolity with a so-so Braff vocal (why do older trumpeters feel compelled to sing?) but otherwise this is a successful mainstream effort. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/born-to-play-mw0000048581

Personnel: Cornet, Lead Vocals – Ruby Braff;  Bass – Marshall Woods, Michael Moore; Clarinet – Kenny Davern; Drums – Jim Gwin; Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Jon Wheatley

Born To Play

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Dan Barrett Octet - Strictly Instrumental

Styles: Trombone Jazz 
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:41
Size: 91,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Old Fashioned Love
(3:16)  2. Somebody Loves Me
(3:55)  3. Quasimodo
(2:58)  4. The Minor Infraction
(3:22)  5. No Regrets
(3:34)  6. Moon Country
(3:12)  7. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
(5:08)  8. Strictly Instrumental
(3:24)  9. Sleep
(3:53) 10. Some Other Spring
(3:24) 11. There's Honey on the Moon Tonight

Trombonist Dan Barrett utilizes some of the top younger players of pre-bop in this delightful octet session. In addition to Barrett, the lineup includes cornetist Warren Vache; Ken Peplowski on clarinet and tenor; altoist Chuck Wilson; the late, great pianist Dick Wellstood; guitarist Howard Alden; bassist Jack Lesberg; and drummer Jackie Williams. Together, they play a variety of high-quality standards, including relative obscurities such as "No Regrets," Hoagy Carmichael's "Moon Country," and "There's Honey on the Moon Tonight." The concise solos and Barrett's clever arrangements make this a particularly memorable release. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/strictly-instrumental-mw0000194071

Personnel:  Trombone – Dan Barrett; Valve Trombone – Dan Barrett;  Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Howard Alden; Alto Saxophone – Chuck Wilson; Bass – Jack Lesberg; Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ken Peplowski; Cornet – Warren Vaché; Drums – Jackie Williams; Piano – Dick Wellstood

Strictly Instrumental

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The Ken Peplowski Quintet - Sonny Side

Styles: Saxophone And Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:01
Size: 116,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Ring Dem Bells
(5:25)  2. Bright Moments
(4:47)  3. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(4:32)  4. When I Take My Sugar To Tea
(4:12)  5. Ugly Beauty
(5:48)  6. Sonny Side
(4:01)  7. Everything I Love
(3:57)  8. Who Wants To Know?
(4:26)  9. Half Nelson
(4:39) 10. Alone At Last
(3:25) 11. Hallelujah

Switching between tenor, clarinet and alto, Ken Peplowski is hard-swinging and consistently brilliant throughout this quintet set with guitarist Howard Alden, pianist Dave Frishberg, bassist John Goldsby and drummer Terry Clarke. The music is mostly mainstream swing, with the highlights including "Ring Dem Bells," "When I Take My Sugar to Sea," Sonny Stitt's "Sonny Side" and "Hallelujah." 

As if to show that he is aware of later styles, Peplowski also does a good job on Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Bright Moments," Thelonious Monk's "Ugly Beauty" and Miles Davis' "Half Nelson." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sonny-side-mw0000199765

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Ken Peplowski;  Bass – John Goldsby;  Drums – Terry Clarke;  Guitar – Howard Alden;  Piano – Dave Frishberg

Sonny Side

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Pat Kelley - Overtones For 2 Guitars

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:46
Size: 139.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[7:05] 1. Stompin' At The Savoy (Feat. Bruce Forman)
[5:20] 2. Full House (Feat. Anthony Wilson)
[5:03] 3. Impulsive Blues (Feat. John Stowell)
[7:33] 4. Body And Soul (Feat. John Pisano)
[5:51] 5. If I Were A Bell (Feat. John Storie)
[7:22] 6. Corcovado (Feat. Frank Potenza)
[7:28] 7. Nobody Else But Me (Feat. Peter Bernstein)
[5:35] 8. How Deep Is The Ocean (Feat. Howard Alden)
[6:02] 9. Emily (Feat. Larry Koonse)
[3:21] 10. Minor Inconvenience

In his wide-ranging career, Pat Kelley has appeared on more than 2,000 sessions as a studio guitarist, he has often performed with his friend George Benson, and he has been on many smooth and pop sets. However one should never underrate his talents as a jazz soloist.

On Overtones 4 Two Guitars, Kelley performs one duet apiece with guitarists Bruce Forman, Anthony Wilson, John Stowell, John Pisano, John Storie, Frank Potenza, Peter Bernstein, Howard Alden and Larry Koonse. The music is comprised of straight ahead renditions of standards (plus an original blues) including such numbers as “Stompin’ At The Savoy,” “Body And Soul,” “Nobody Else But Me” and “How Deep Is The Ocean.” Even with all of the different guitarists involved, there is a strong unity and consistency to the set with each performance swinging, featuring some friendly competition and lots of good vibes and interplay.

Overtones For 2 Guitars mc
Overtones For 2 Guitars zippy

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Howard Alden, Andy Brown Quartet - Heavy Artillery

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:24
Size: 136.0 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[6:23] 1. Louisiana
[5:54] 2. Chuckles
[6:27] 3. Voce E Eu
[6:13] 4. I Had The Craziest Dream
[5:06] 5. Three And One
[6:08] 6. No One Else But You
[6:09] 7. Brigas Nunca Mais
[5:26] 8. Heavy Artillery
[5:39] 9. I Brung You Finjans For Your Zarf
[5:55] 10. If Dreams Come True

Its title notwithstanding, Heavy Artillery has far more to do with finesse than firepower, something that’s evident from the opening track, a slyly unfolding, effortlessly swinging rendition of “Louisiana.”

Lest anyone need further proof that guitarists Howard Alden and Andy Brown-mentor and protégé, respectively-are inspired by their rhythm tandem (bassist Joe Policastro and drummer Bob Rummage) and the relaxed studio setting, the balance of the album offers seven additional selections that elegantly underscore ensemble chemistry and intuitive guitar interplay. There is a pair of guitar duets, too. The last, a woven interpretation of “If Dreams Come True,” is as spry as it is delightful, arranged in ways that showcase nimble exchanges and contrapuntal designs.

The colorfully varied tune selection is also a big plus. Alden and Brown never seem at a loss when it comes to refreshing a vintage tune, familiar or not. Both players excel at melodic embellishment, and when shifting from lead to rhythmic roles, as they often do, the transitions are seamless. One after another, pieces composed by Clark Terry (“Chuckles”), Thad Jones (“Three and One”), Antonio Carlos Jobim (“Brigas Nunca Mais”), Don Redman (“No One Else But You”), Django Reinhardt (the album’s title track) and, not least, Red Norvo/Tal Farlow (“I Brung You Finjans for Your Zarf”) are imaginatively recast and revived by the quartet-so much so, in fact, that the absence of original material is never an issue. ~Mike Joyce

Heavy Artillery mc
Heavy Artillery zippy

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