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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Banu Gibson & Bucky Pizzarelli - Steppin' Out

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 55:34
Size: 127.2 MB
Label: Swing Out
Styles: Contemporary Jazz vocals, Easy Listening
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. I Don't Know Enough About You
[3:19] 2. This Year's Kisses
[3:08] 3. Love's A Necessary Thing
[3:22] 4. Steppin' Out With My Baby
[4:08] 5. Memphis In June
[3:45] 6. It's A Woman's Prerogative
[3:19] 7. Put The Blame On Mame
[3:38] 8. Remember
[4:07] 9. There's A Lull In My Life
[5:15] 10. Me And The Blues
[3:56] 11. September Song
[5:07] 12. There Will Never Be Another You
[5:16] 13. Winter Moon
[2:50] 14. What'll I Do

This set is a change of pace for singer Banu Gibson, who is usually heard with her New Orleans Hot Jazz Band. Instead, she is accompanied by a quartet comprised of guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, her regular pianist David Boeddinghaus, bassist Bill Huntington, and drummer Jake Hanna, with occasional appearances by trumpeters Connie Jones or Jon-Erik Kellso and Brian Ogilvie on tenor and clarinet. Also a bit different is the repertoire, which, instead of being from the 1920s and '30s, dates primarily from the late '30s and 1940s. What is the same as in the past is the consistent high quality of Gibson's vocals and her enthusiasm and sensitivity for the music. Among the highlights are "I Don't Know Enough About You," "Memphis in June," "Put the Blame on Mame," "There's a Lull in My Life," and "There Will Never Be Another You." ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded on February 13-14, 2002.

Banu Gibson (vocals); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Brian Ogilvie (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Jon-Erik Kellso, Connie Jones (trumpet); David Boeddinhaus (piano); Bill Huntington (guitar, bass); Jake Hanna (drums).

Steppin' Out

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Dan Barrett - Jubilesta!

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:32
Size: 146,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:21)  1. I Love You
(5:07)  2. Why Can't You Behave?
(3:19)  3. Jubilesta
(3:26)  4. Then I'll Be Happy
(4:11)  5. Sweet Substitute
(4:59)  6. Blue Chu
(4:37)  7. Alabamy Bound
(3:18)  8. Mood Indigo
(4:45)  9. I Surrender Dear
(4:06) 10. Wait 'Til You See 'Ma Cherie'
(4:29) 11. Wherever There's Love (There's You and I)
(4:29) 12. I'll Always Be in Love with You
(4:06) 13. When the Sun Sets Down South
(6:14) 14. Little Jazz

Dan Barrett, probably the top young trombonist currently playing classic jazz, is very well featured on this quartet set with pianist Ray Sherman (himself in superior form), bassist David Stone and drummer Jake Hanna. Barrett revives such songs as "Why Can't You Behave?," "Then I'll Be Happy," "Wherever There's Love," "Wait 'Til You See 'Ma Cherie'," and "Little Jazz," making one wonder why such attractive pieces are not performed more often. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jubilesta-mw0000026397

Musicians: Dan Barrett: Trombone; Ray Sherman: Piano; David Stone: Bass; Jake Hanna: Drums

Jubilesta!

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Plas Johnson - Positively

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:15
Size: 117,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:33)  1. Positively
(4:44)  2. Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be)
(7:09)  3. Let's Get It All Together
(4:39)  4. Easy For You To Say
(4:50)  5. Never More
(5:29)  6. My Foolish Heart
(5:07)  7. Careless Love (Traditional)
(4:30)  8. A Cottage For Sale
(3:34)  9. Dirty Leg Blues
(4:38) 10. Sea Sea

This CD reissue brings back one of Plas Johnson's few opportunities through the years to lead his own recording session. The appealing tenor jams through a variety of songs that range from straight-ahead to soulful, with touches of gospel and even country. Assisted by guitarist Herb Ellis, electric keyboardist Mike Melvoin, bassist Ray Brown, either Jake Hanna or Jimmie Smith on drums, and Bobby Hall on conga, Johnson shows that he was an overlooked transition figure between Stanley Turrentine and Joshua Redman. Highlights include "Lover Man," "My Foolish Heart" and "Careless Love." 

~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/positively-mw0000593294

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Plas Johnson; Bass – Ray Brown; Congas – Bobbye Hall; Drums – Jake Hanna , Jimmie Smith; Guitar – Herb Ellis 

Positively

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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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Warren Vaché, The New York City All-Star Big Band - Swingtime!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:49
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[3:01] 1. Swingtime!
[5:15] 2. From This Moment On
[3:56] 3. I've Got My Fingers Crossed
[4:00] 4. Mr. Bojangles
[4:36] 5. The Way You Look Tonight
[6:09] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[8:23] 7. B. D. Blues
[3:16] 8. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[4:35] 9. A Portrait Of Jenny
[3:52] 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
[6:27] 11. Saturday Night Fish Fry
[3:14] 12. When You're Smiling
[4:59] 13. Let The Good Times Roll

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Chuck Wilson; Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Alan Barnes; Bass – Murray Wall; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Steve Ash; Tenor Saxophone – Harry Allen, Rickey Woodard; Trombone – John Allred, Matt Bilyk; Trumpet – Randy Sandke; Trumpet, Vocals – Warren Vaché. Recorded on January 11 and 12, 2000.

Some album titles so accurately describe the contents that there's almost nothing meaningful that a poor review can say about it. Such is the case with Swingtime!, wherein what is advertised is precisely what one gets—a baker's dozen of inflexibly swinging sorties by trumpeter Warren Vaché and his New York City All—Star Big Band (underweight division). The band includes only two trumpets (Vaché and Randy Reinhart), two trombones, four saxophones and rhythm, but after listening for a few moments you won't care about that, as these gentlemen more than compensate for fewness of numbers by pouring their heart and soul into every note on the page. Mind you, this isn't "contemporary" Jazz—no one is trying to plant fresh seeds or set new standards—but sure as the sunrise, it does swing! A large measure of credit for that must go to the intrepid rhythm section, anchored by drummer Jake Hanna and crowned by Steve Ash's tasteful piano and Murray Wall's walking bass. But everyone has a hand in making this engine go, and the band's consistently sparkling section work is complemented by emphatic solos from Vaché, Ash, tenors Rickey Woodard and Harry Allen, trombonist John Allred and clarinetist / baritone Alan Barnes, each of whom has technique and resourcefulness to burn. Besides playing sublime trumpet, Vaché discloses solid albeit unpolished vocal talent on "I've Got My Fingers Crossed," "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "Let the Good Times Roll." Swingtime! reminds me of another superb Nagel—Heyer album released some five years ago, The Buck Clayton Swing Band Live from Greenwich Village, on which Vaché also played. Clayton's band was larger (16 members) but the payoff was about the same—pure, unvarnished swing from first note to last. If swing's your bag, open this one for a bushelful of pleasure. ~Jack Bowers

Swingtime! mc
Swingtime! zippy

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Jesper Thilo, Jake Hanna - Jesper Thilo Meets Jake Hanna

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:09
Size: 149.1 MB
Styles: Straight ahead jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[ 7:00] 1. Montmartre Blues Up
[10:54] 2. Nancy
[10:05] 3. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[ 5:37] 4. In A Sentimental Mood
[ 8:41] 5. China Boy
[10:40] 6. I Can't Get Started
[ 5:38] 7. Somebody Loves Me
[ 6:31] 8. Billies Bounce

One of the top European straight-ahead jazz musicians from 1970 onward, Danish reedman Jesper Thilo has appeared on many records with American artists in addition to recording with his fellow countrymen. His tenor sound is reminiscent of Zoot Sims. Thilo, who has also occasionally played alto and clarinet, first recorded as a leader for Storyville in 1973, and in the 1980s and 1990s on Storyville his sidemen at various times included Hank Jones, Kenny Drew, Clark Terry, Roland Hanna, and Harry "Sweets" Edison. Thilo also appeared on Miles Davis' Aura (with compositions and arrangements by fellow Dane Palle Mikkelborg), released by Columbia in 1989. After the turn of the millennium Thilo has continued recording for a variety of labels, including several releases on Stunt Records: Remembering Those That Were (2009), On Clarinet (2010), and Scott Hamilton Meets Jesper Thilo (2011). ~ Scott Yanow

A superior drummer equally at ease driving a big band or playing in small mainstream combos, Jake Hanna was a strong asset to a countless number of sessions. He started out playing locally in Boston and worked with Toshiko Akiyoshi (1957), Maynard Ferguson (1958), as the house drummer at Storyville in Boston, with Marian McPartland (1959-1961), and most significantly with the Woody Herman Orchestra (1962-1964). As a studio musician, he was a regular member of the Merv Griffin television program's big band (1964-1975), moving with the show to Los Angeles (1970) where he remained. Hanna co-led a group with Carl Fontana that recorded for Concord in 1975, played with Supersax, and went on to appear on many mainstream and swing sessions, becoming a fixture at jazz parties and festivals. He recorded many dates (mostly as a sideman) for Concord. Jake Hanna died in Los Angeles on February 12, 2010; he was 78 years old. ~Scott Yanow

Jesper Thilo Meets Jake Hanna mc
Jesper Thilo Meets Jake Hanna zippy

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George Masso Sextet - Still Burning!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:51
Size: 139.3 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[9:43] 1. Get Out Of Town
[8:46] 2. Dream Dancing
[4:51] 3. Night And Day
[4:25] 4. Easy To Love
[8:25] 5. C'est Magnifique
[7:16] 6. Just One Of Those Thimgs
[4:28] 7. Ballad For A Friend
[7:05] 8. What Is This Thing Called Love
[5:47] 9. I Love You, Samantha

George Masso - trombone; Lou Colombo – trumpet, flugelhorn; Harry Allen – tenor sax; Johnny Varro - piano; Phil Flanigan - bass; Jake Hanna - drums. Recorded live on March 6, 1999 at the Hanse Merkur Auditorium, Hamburg.

An excellent trombonist who records for Arbors, George Masso has had a long if somewhat underrated career. Other than some early gigs (including a 1948 association with Jimmy Dorsey), Masso made his living from teaching in schools up until 1973. However, he always played trombone on the side and, soon after becoming a full-time musician, he toured with the Benny Goodman Sextet (1973). Masso worked with Bobby Hackett, Bobby Rosengarden, and the World's Greatest Jazz Band (the latter starting in 1975) and recorded with Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, and Woody Herman. He led sessions for Famous Door, World Jazz, and Dreamstreet during 1978-1983, frequently sharing the front line with tenor saxophonist Al Klink and trumpeter Glenn Zottola. Since then, George Masso has recorded for Sackville and Arbors and become a reliable fixture at jazz parties and classic jazz festivals. ~ bio by Scott Yanow

Still Burning!

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Herb Ellis - Roll Call

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:28
Size: 126,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:26)  1. Just Blue
(3:49)  2. Naptown Blues
(4:19)  3. Isn't It Romantic
(4:55)  4. Till The Hurt Goes Away
(3:58)  5. Lime House Blues
(4:39)  6. Blues For Junior
(3:52)  7. Sugar Hill Stomp
(4:41)  8. Once I Loved
(8:46)  9. Detour Ahead
(4:55) 10. Blues For Bernie
(5:05) 11. Amazing Grace

Herb Ellis' first full set as a leader since leaving the Concord label (where he had been during 1973-88) finds him in inspired form. The veteran guitarist is heard in a trio with the recently rediscovered organist Mel Rhyne and drummer Jake Hanna plus guest violinist Johnny Frigo and Jay Thomas on tenor and flugelhorn. A fire seemed to have been lit under Ellis for he plays on the well-rounded program with much more passion than he had on most of his later Concord albums. This CD is highlighted by "Just Blue," "Limehouse Blues," "Sugar Hill Stomp," and "Detour Ahead" but all 11 selections are worth hearing. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/roll-call-mw0000115665

Personnel:  Herb Ellis (guitar);  Jay Thomas (tenor saxophone, flugelhorn);  Johnny Frigo (violin);  Mel Rhyne (Hammond B-3 organ);  Jake Hanna (drums).

Roll Call

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Herb Ellis, Freddie Green - Rhythm Willie

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:15
Size: 86,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. It Had to Be You
(5:56)  2. Rhythm Willie
(3:39)  3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You
(5:08)  4. A Smooth One
(4:24)  5. When My Dream Boat Comes Home
(4:08)  6. Conversations
(4:26)  7. I Want a Little Girl
(5:21)  8. Orange, Brown and Green

Guitarist Herb Ellis is joined by rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, pianist Ross Tompkins, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jake Hanna for this lightly swinging but uneventful program which has been reissued on CD. Since Green as usual does not solo, his contribution is purely as a background player. Ellis, Tompkins and Brown are the lead voices on a variety of swing tunes; best are "It Had To Be You," "A Smooth One" and "When My Dream Boat Comes Home." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/rhythm-willie-mw0000197167

Personnel:  Herb Ellis, Freddie Green (guitar);  Ross Tompkins (piano);  Ray Brown (bass);  Jake Hanna (drums).

Rhythm Willie

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Roberta Gambarini - So In Love

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 68:20

Size: 156.4 MB

Styles: Jazz vocals

Year: 2009

Art: Front

[3:03] 1. So In Love

[2:48] 2. Day In Day Out

[5:05] 3. Get Out Of Town

[4:59] 4. Crazy

[3:27] 5. That Old Black Magic

[4:48] 6. Estate

[5:56] 7. Beatles Medley:Golden Slumbers/Here, There And Everywhere

[6:13] 8. I See Your Face Before Me

[4:52] 9. From This Moment On

[4:39] 10. This Is Always

[6:23] 11. You Must Believe In Spring

[5:31] 12. You Ain't Nothing But A J.A.M.F

[6:37] 13. Medley From Cinema Paradiso:Main Theme Song/For Elena

[3:53] 14. Over The Rainbow

Bass – Chuck Berghofer, George Mraz, Neil Swainson; Drums – Al Foster, Jake Hanna, Montez Coleman; Flugelhorn – Roy Hargrove; Piano – Eric Gunnison, Gerald Clayton, Tamir Hendelman; Tenor Saxophone – James Moody.

It seems incredible that Roberta Gambarini didn't win the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition but she was new to the U.S., having just arrived from her native Italy. But with each new release, she has demonstrated that she is easily the most accomplished vocalist of the competitors for the prize, while pianist Hank Jones, who knows a thing or two about great singers, refers to her as the "greatest vocalist to come along in the past 60 years." With a rhythm section rotating between three talented up-and-coming pianists Tamir Hendeman, Eric Gunnison, or Gerald Clayton) plus veteran bassists George Mraz, Neil Swainson, or Chuck Berghofer and seasoned drummers Jake Hanna, Al Foster, Jeff Hamilton, or Montez Coleman, Gambarini works her magic with familiar standards and a few unexpected choices. She has a love of Cole Porter's songs, opening with a touching, richly textured "So in Love," a virtual rhapsody in a duet with piano. She restores the oft-omitted verse to "Get Out of Town" then delivers a driving rendition that shows off her gift for interpreting a song that has likely been recorded by all vocal jazz greats who have preceded her, proving she belongs in their company; she is joined by the soft tenor sax of James Moody. Her rapid-fire scatting is a highlight of her brisk treatment of "From This Moment On." Gambarini is also very comfortable looking outside of jazz for material, adapting Willie Nelson's "Crazy" with a master's touch, with subtle trumpet added by Roy Hargrove, while she has equal success with a medley of Beatles songs, including a moving "Golden Slumbers" that segues into a breezy "Here, There and Everywhere." But Gambarini's hilarious lyrics for Johnny Griffin's blues "The JAMFs Are Coming" (retitled "You Ain't Nothin' But a J.A.M.F.") prove to be the big surprise, showing off her incredible scatting range and sense of humor, though like a true lady, she never specifies what Griffin meant by a JAMF (hint: an acronym starting with "Jive Ass"). Roberta Gambarini continues to shine brightly as one of top jazz vocalists of her generation with this outstanding release. ~Ken Dryden

So In Love 

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George Masso Allstars - The Wonderful World Of George Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:26
Size: 175.0 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 1992/1999
Art: Front

[ 7:27] 1. Strike Up The Band
[11:51] 2. But Not For Me
[ 6:47] 3. Summertime
[ 7:26] 4. Soon
[ 4:44] 5. Lady Be Good
[ 9:06] 6. Porgy And Bess
[11:36] 7. Somebody Loves Me
[ 5:49] 8. I've Got A Crush On You
[11:35] 9. 's Wonderful

Bass – Len Skeat; Clarinet – Kenny Davern; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Eddie Higgins; Tenor Saxophone – Danny Moss; Trombone – George Masso; Trumpet – Randy Sandke.

For the initial release on the German Nagel-Heyer label, trombonist George Masso heads an all-star mainstream septet that also includes clarinetist Kenny Davern, trumpeter Randy Sandke, the fine Engligh tenor Danny Moss, pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. Together they jam on eight George Gershwin songs plus Higgins plays a "Porgy and Bess Medley." Although the liner notes (unlike later releases) are in German, the music easily comunicates; highlights include a blazing "Strike Up the Band," "Soon," and 11-1/2-minute versions of "Somebody Loves Me" and "S'Wonderful." ~Scott Yanow

The Wondeful Of George Gershwin

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Harry Allen - Christmas in Swingtime

Styles: Christmas
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 158,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:44)  1. O Christmas Tree
(6:22)  2. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(5:46)  3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(5:52)  4. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
(6:10)  5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
(5:51)  6. White Christmas
(3:28)  7. Blue Christmas
(6:07)  8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
(5:13)  9. Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer
(5:26) 10. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:01) 11. Ding! Dong! Merry on High
(5:20) 12. Winter Wonderland
(4:03) 13. A Christmas Love Song

Although it was recorded in New York City, the liner notes for this splendid holiday release by tenor saxophonist Harry Allen are in Japanese, an indication that it was not necessarily aimed at a domestic audience but one that is somewhat farther east. What’s more, the copy I have is on the BMG label while the accompanying press release is from Koch Jazz, which, presumably, obtained the distribution rights from BMG (and has provided an English translation of Dan Polletta’s notes). Are you following me so far? Good. There’ll be a pop quiz later. Allen, who turned thirty–five in October (happy birthday, Harry), is a throwback to an earlier era in which lyricism and a lovely sound reigned supreme, and his influences range from Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Ben Webster to Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn and, among his contemporaries, Scott Hamilton. To these ears, he sounds most like Getz with Zoot’s unerring sense of time. What’s important, of course, is that Allen swings under any and all conditions including seasonal. When it comes to Jazz, there’s little difference between Christmas songs and others; they’re all comprised of chord changes, and once one knows the changes he can treat them like any other number, which is what Allen and his talented colleagues do here. After stating the melody they take the song wherever it leads them, which is invariably along a most picturesque and agreeable byway. Larry Goldings, who’s also an excellent pianist, stays with the Hammond on this date. He and mellow guitarist Peter Bernstein obviate the need for a bassist, while drummer Jake Hanna is a model of taste and proficiency. The quartet is augmented on one number, “Blue Christmas,” by vocalist John Pizzarelli who sounds rather like a latter–day version of Chet Baker. Most of these tunes should be immediately familiar to anyone who’s not been sequestered in a cave, the possible exception being Johnny Mandel’s “Christmas Love Song,” which closes the album. There’s one bona fide “burner,” the traditional carol “Ding! Dong! Merry on High,” on which everyone is in an exuberant holiday mood. The rest is slow to medium but no less earnest. If you can envision Stan Getz playing carols and other seasonal fare you’ll have a reasonably accurate idea of what to expect from Christmas in Swingtime.

 ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/christmas-in-swingtime-harry-allen-koch-international-jazz-review-by-jack-bowers.php
 

Personnel: Harry Allen, tenor saxophone; Larry Goldings, organ; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Jake Hanna, drums; John Pizzarelli, vocal

Christmas in Swingtime

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George Masso Quintet - Trombone Artistry

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:32
Size: 191,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:43)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
( 5:19)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 6:52)  3. More Than You Know
(10:11)  4. Blue Monk
( 7:09)  5. If I Were A Bell
( 8:53)  6. It All Depends On You
(10:08)  7. Just Friends
( 5:21)  8. I Thought Abought You
( 9:52)  9. On The Alamo
( 7:59) 10. Three Little Words

This German CD teams together trombonist George Masso, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. The trombone-clarinet frontline works together quite well, and overall, this is one of Masso's finest recordings. Mainstream fans should enjoy the live recording, which is highlighted by "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "More Than You Know," "It All Depends On You" and a burning rendition of "Three Little Words." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/trombone-artistry-mw0000601827

Personnel: George Masso (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Brian Dee (piano); Jake Hanna (drums).

Trombone Artistry

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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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Emily Remler - Firefly

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:16
Size: 92,6 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:34)  1. Strollin'
(5:27)  2. Look To The Sky
(4:10)  3. Perk's Blues
(4:10)  4. The Firefly
(5:35)  5. Movin' Along
(2:14)  6. A Taste Of Honey
(5:13)  7. Inception
(7:49)  8. In A Sentimental Mood

It sounds very clichéd to say that many of music's best and brightest have lived fast and died young, but it is so true. From Jimi Hendrix to Charlie Parker to Patsy Cline, the 20th century was full of talented artists whose lives were cut short by their self-destructive ways. In an ideal world, Emily Remler would have had a very long career and made it to seventy or eighty; instead, the guitarist used heroin and died of a heart attack at 32. Firefly was Remler's first album as a leader, and it is a promising debut. Joined by pianist Hank Jones, bassist Bob Maize, and drummer Jake Hanna, a 24-year-old Remler delivers an enjoyable hard bop date. The album isn't groundbreaking by early-'80s standards although Firefly was recorded in 1981, it sounds like it could have been recorded in 1961. But there is no law stating that every young jazz musician who comes along has to reinvent the wheel, and Remler (whose influences include Wes Montgomery and Herb Ellis) brings a lot of potential to lively, swinging performances of Horace Silver's "Strollin'," McCoy Tyner's "Inception," and Montgomery's "Movin' Along." The New Jersey native also provides two original tunes ("Perk's Blues" and "The Firefly") and pleasantly surprises listeners by unearthing a pretty but lesser-known Antonio Carlos Jobim song titled "Look to the Sky." Unlike "The Girl From Ipanema," "Corcovado," or "One Note Samba," "Look to the Sky" is far from a standard; however, Remler's heartfelt interpretation demonstrates that the Jobim melody deserves to be much better known. With Firefly, Remler's recording career was off to an appealing start a career that should have been much, much longer.~Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/firefly-mw0000076149

Personnel: Emily Remler (guitar), Hank Jones (piano), Bob Maize (bass), Jake Hanna (drums).

Firefly

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John Sheridan And His Dream Band - Swing is Still the King

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:35
Size: 157,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Always
(5:53)  2. Ballad in Blue
(6:36)  3. You Turned the Tables on Me
(4:08)  4. You're a Heavenly Thing
(3:27)  5. Did You Mean It?
(4:11)  6. Sometimes I'm Happy
(4:28)  7. Keep Me in Mind
(4:27)  8. Behave Yourself
(4:24)  9. Shirley Steps Out
(5:05) 10. Don't Be That Way
(4:19) 11. Take Another Guess
(3:33) 12. I Had to Do It
(5:09) 13. These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)
(5:00) 14. Gotta Be This or That
(3:12) 15. Goodnight, My Love

Pianist John Sheridan has worked hard to keep the spirit of swing alive, both in other bands and as a leader. On Swing Is Still the King, he furthers his effort with the support of singer Rebecca Kilgore and an ensemble of nine other players, including guitarist Eddie Erickson, cornetist Randy Reinhart, and saxophonist Dan Block. Sheridan has named this combo His Dream Band, and the players are given a chance to strut their stuff on the first three instrumentals, including a nice take of Irving Berlin's "Always" and a six-and-half-minute version of "You Turned the Tables on Me." Although the ensemble is fairly large, the arrangements are spare and flexible.

Kilgore joins the band on the fourth cut, "You're a Heavenly Thing," and her vocals play a large role on Swing Is Still the King, fronting the band on ten of the 15 tracks. Kilgore has good tone and works well within the classic medium of swing, and it's nice that she has chosen songs that are not overly familiar. She delivers a fine version of Mel Powell's "Shirley Steps Out," and is equally at home with ballads and uptempo numbers. With sympathetic vocals, a solid band, and good songs, Sheridan will easily convince listeners that Swing Is Still the King. ~ Ronnie D.Lankford,Jr.  http://www.allmusic.com/album/swing-is-still-the-king-mw0000576897

Personnel: John Sheridan (vocals, piano); Rebecca Kilgore (vocals); Eddie Erickson (guitar); Daniel Block (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Ron Hockett (clarinet); Randy Reinhart (cornet); Dan Barrett , Russ Phillips (trombone); Jake Hanna (drums).

Swing is Still the King

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Jake Hanna & His After Hours Gang - The Joint Is Jumpin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:27
Size: 145.3 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:42] 1. Exactly Like You
[6:32] 2. My Ideal
[9:00] 3. P-Town
[6:46] 4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[5:56] 5. These Foolish Things
[6:17] 6. Look For The Silver Lining
[7:26] 7. Oh! Look At Me Now
[6:05] 8. June Night
[5:36] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[4:03] 10. The Joint Is Jumpin'

Jake Hanna: Drums, leader; Jack Sheldon: Trumpet; Tommy Newsom: Tenor; John Allred: Trombone; Ross Tompkins: Piano; David Stone: Bass.

Jake Hanna, one of the all-time drummer greats, has assembled a group of the guys with whom he has jammed after hours for many years to make this relaxed swinging date. Jack Sheldon, on trumpet and also providing some of his one-of-a-kind vocals, Tommy Newsom of The Johnny Carson Tonight Show fame on tenor, Ross Tompkins, also from The Tonight Show, on piano, John Allred, trombone, and David Stone, bass.

The Joint Is Jumpin'

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Red Norvo & Ross Tompkins - Red & Ross

Styles: Vibraphone And Piano Jazz
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:41
Size: 95,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. Whisper Not
(7:09)  2. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
(8:28)  3. How About You
(6:24)  4. It Might As Well Be Spring
(7:09)  5. All Of Me
(6:49)  6. Everything Happens To Me

Vibraphonist Red Norvo, 48 years after his first recording, sounds in fine form on this live set with pianist Ross Tompkins, bassist John Williams and drummer Jake Hanna. Tompkins, who takes the opening "Whisper Not" as his feature, fits in well with the masterful vibist and their two-chorus duets in the middle of "The One I Love" and "All of Me" (during which the bass and drums drop out) are the high points of a spirited and consistently swinging session. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/red-and-ross-mw0001881466

Personnel:  Bass – John Williams (8) ; Drums – Jake Hanna ; Piano – Ross Tompkins ; Vibraphone – Red Norvo

Red & Ross

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The Legendary Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band - Singin' The Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:28
Size: 156.8 MB
Styles: Dixieland
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. Singin' The Blues (Till My Baby Comes Home)
[5:26] 2. Louisiana
[6:25] 3. Blue Turning Grey Over You
[4:41] 4. I Want To Be Happy
[4:45] 5. The Sheik Of Araby
[5:48] 6. Thou Swell
[7:36] 7. Song Of The Islands
[5:15] 8. Stumbling
[8:26] 9. Tin Roof Blues
[4:47] 10. Muskrat Ramble
[3:56] 11. One Alone
[4:17] 12. Hindustan

Recorded Mar. 5 and 6, 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia. 12 tracks recorded 1990 by The Legendary Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band with Yank Lawson, trumpet, co-leader ; Joe Muranyi, clarinet, soprano saxophone; Bucky Pizzarelli, guitar; George Masso, trombone; John Bunch, piano; Bob Haggart, string bass, co-leader; Jake Hanna, drums; Barbara Lea, vocals.

Veteran trumpeter Yank Lawson often preferred to trade fours or eights with another horn player late in his career (four years before his death) rather than take full-length solos, but his fire and sound were very much unimpaired. For this date, he had a reunion with bassist Bob Haggart, coleading one of the last versions of the Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band.

Singin' The Blues

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