Eddie Higgins Featuring Scott Hamilton & Ken Peplowski - A Handful of Stars

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:40
Size: 164,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:16)  1. In  Love In Vain
(6:04)  2. You Leave Me Breathless
(8:20)  3. A Handful Of Stars
(6:42)  4. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(6:14)  5. April In Torino
(8:16)  6. Night Has A Thousand Eyes
(5:39)  7. Flamingo
(6:01)  8. Breezin' Along With The Breeze
(7:17)  9. A Portrait Of Jenny
(5:28) 10. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
(5:17) 11. All Too Soon

A solid bop-based pianist, Eddie Higgins has never become a major name, but he has been well-respected by his fellow musicians for decades. After growing up in New England, he moved to Chicago, where he played in all types of situations before settling in to a long stint as the leader of the house trio at the London House (1957-1969). Higgins moved back to Massachusetts in 1970 and went on to freelance, often accompanying his wife, vocalist Meredith D'Ambrosio, and appearing at jazz parties and festivals. Eddie Higgins has led sessions of his own for Replica (1958), Vee-Jay (1960), Atlantic, and Sunnyside; back in 1960, he recorded as a sideman for Vee-Jay with Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter.
By Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eddie-higgins/id80690717#fullText


Personnel: Eddie Higgins – piano; Scott Hamilton - tenor sax; Ken Peplowski - tenor sax; clarinet; Jay Leonhart – bass; Joe Ascione - drums

A Handful of Stars

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Ed Polcer & His Swingtet - Lionel, Red & Bunny

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:08
Size: 140.0 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. King Porter Stomp
[3:45] 2. Stompin' At The Savoy
[3:20] 3. Darn That Dream
[3:45] 4. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
[2:27] 5. It Might As Well Be Spring
[5:57] 6. Bernies Tune
[3:28] 7. I See Your Face Before Me
[4:23] 8. Down By The Old Mill Stream
[4:22] 9. Don't Take Your Love Away From Me
[2:49] 10. Just One Of Those Things
[4:01] 11. I Can't Get Started With You
[2:49] 12. Blue Skies
[4:17] 13. I'm Old Fashioned
[3:34] 14. I May Be Wrong
[4:12] 15. I Hadn't Anyone Til You
[4:50] 16. Almost Like Being In Love

In addition to Ed Polcer, this swinging CD features (among others) vibraphonist John Cocuzzi as well as Vince Giordano, John Allred, Ken Peplowski, Ken Ascher, Joe Ascione, Norman Simmons, Frank Tate, and Judy Kurtz on vocals.

Ed Polcer has become one of the most sought after performers on the jazz festival circuit. He has appeared in hundreds of concerts, festivals and jazz parties throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Ed joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for an American tour in 1973. An expert showman, Ed has led numerous concerts with varied themes, including his extensive U.S. tours for Columbia Artists. In 1992, '93 and '94, "A Night At Eddie Condon's", transported the audience back to the famous nightclub and gave a musical retrospective of American jazz over the last 100 years. Since 1996, Ed's "Magic of Swing Street" has offered classic jazz in its many forms as it was played on New York's fabled W. 52nd Street, including four appearances at New York's Lincoln Center. Ed's recent presentation, "When Broadway Meets Swing Street", merges show tunes with the world of swing. "Lionel, Red & Bunny" is a centennial celebration of legendary jazz musicians Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo and Bunny Berigan.

In 2004, he was honored to play for the official opening of the Louis Armstrong House museum, and became a member of the Statesmen of Jazz. President Clinton invited Ed to play for the 1994 Congressional Ball in the White House, and in 2001, Ed appeared in a command performance in Bangkok for the King of Thailand. If you dropped in at Eddie Condon's club in New York City between 1975 and 1985, chances are good you ran across Ed. Besides being the resident cornetist and bandleader at that historic jazz spot, he was also the manager and co-owner. At Princeton University, he joined Stan Rubin's Tigertown Five, perhaps the best-known collegiate Dixieland group of the day. With that band he made several Carnegie Hall appearances and performed at the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly in Monaco.

In the 1980's, Ed was honored to serve as President of the International Art of Jazz, as well as a member of the Advisory Panel of the Jazz Musicians Foundation of New York. Ed's biography has been included in the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, the Encyclopedia of Jazz in the '70s and the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz, both compiled by Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler, and Trumpet Kings by Scott Yanow. In Great Britain, Ed is listed in The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz, as well as Jazz, the Essential Companion and Jazz, the Rough Guide. Chip Deffaaa devoted a full chapter to Ed in Traditionalists and Revivalists in Jazz.

Lionel, Red & Bunny

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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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The Johnny Varro Quartet - All That Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:48
Size: 164,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:22)  1. The Lady's In Love With You
(4:10)  2. The Touch Of Your Lips
(3:46)  3. Mama's Gone, Goodbye
(4:19)  4. Stars Fell On Alabama
(3:50)  5. Swinging Down To New Orleans
(6:42)  6. A Porter's Love Song To A Chambermaid
(3:25)  7. Was I To Blame For Falling In Love With You'
(4:07)  8. Be Careful, It's My Heart
(4:14)  9. A Monday Date
(4:00) 10. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(5:51) 11. Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
(5:18) 12. Darn That Dream
(4:22) 13. On A Slow Boat To China
(5:05) 14. How Deep Is The Ocean'
(6:09) 15. When Day Is Done

This fine swing-oriented set features the Teddy Wilson-influenced piano of Johnny Varro in a quartet with bassist Nicki Parrott, drummer Joe Ascione, and, most importantly, trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso (who is listed as playing a "puje," a hybrid of trumpet and cornet). Kellso often takes solo honors, with the highlights including such swing standards as "The Lady's in Love With You," "Stars Fell on Alabama," "A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid," "A Monday Date," and "On a Slow Boat to China." These melodic and swinging performances would be difficult not to enjoy. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-that-jazz-mw0000013354

Personnel: Piano – Johnny Varro;  Bass – Nicki Parrott; Drums – Joe Ascione; Trumpet – Jon-Erik Kellso

All That Jazz

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Joey DeFrancesco - Goodfellas

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:45
Size: 126,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:29)  1. Speak Softly Love
(4:14)  2. Volare
(5:13)  3. Fly Me To The Moon
(5:10)  4. All The Way
(4:13)  5. Whack 'Em
(4:04)  6. Malafemmena
(3:49)  7. Young At Heart
(5:12)  8. O Solo Mio
(4:32)  9. Evidence
(6:09) 10. Goodfellas
(4:44) 11. Ya See What I'm Sayin'?
(1:51) 12. Whack 'Em (Reprise) / Tarentella

When you spend your youth growing up in South Philadelphia, the music of Frank Sinatra and the earlier music that influenced him has to have a major lasting impact on you. The timeless nature of standards such as "Young At Heart," "Fly Me to the Moon" and "All The Way" cannot be ignored. Other significant crooners such as Perry Como, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett have extended the feelings we harbor that these songs will live forever. For his latest album, 28-year-old organist Joey DeFrancesco adds in a little ethnic Italian folk scenery and some Godfather movie theme spice to these standards. The result is an enjoyable trio session that pays its respects to the tradition while folding in a mainstream jazz background. The trio’s best example of mixing the cauldron thoroughly is "O Solo Mio" with its ride cymbal and walking bass. Guitar and organ sound off effectively; the arrangement even includes a Basie ending. DeFrancesco’s Hammond B-3 is particularly hot on "Fly Me to the Moon," as the unit improvises on a familiar theme. Similarly, Frank Vignola swings heartily on most tracks; he’s particularly effective on the blues-based "Whack ‘em." Joe Ascione takes his share of fours and extended solos; the drummer’s steady driving force is particularly notable on "Malafemmena" with its hefty modified New Orleans shuffle beat. 

The title track is a tribute to another Philadelphia "godfather" organist Jimmy Smith. One of DeFrancesco’s mentors and a favorite driving force all over the world, Smith has a way with the blues that won’t quit. The trio captures this mood quite well, swings with passion throughout the session, and does a bang-up job of bringin’ home the good-natured fun. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/goodfellas-joey-defrancesco-concord-music-group-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Joey DeFrancesco- Hammond B-3 organ; Frank Vignola- guitar; Joe Ascione- drums.

Goodfellas

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Joe Ascione Octet - My Buddy (A Tribute To Buddy Rich)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:20
Size: 170.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Mainstream jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[ 6:01] 1. Cottontail
[ 5:35] 2. My Buddy
[ 4:57] 3. J & B's Bag
[ 5:06] 4. Here's That Rainy Day
[ 4:59] 5. Limehouse Blues
[ 6:29] 6. Hi Fly
[ 4:12] 7. Nica's Dream
[ 5:01] 8. Straight No Chaser
[ 5:54] 9. Soft Winds
[ 4:16] 10. I Want To Be Happy
[ 7:20] 11. Love For Sale
[14:24] 12. Blues No. 5 (Sad Songs Say So Much)

Drummer Joe Ascione's love for drummer Buddy Rich is no secret as he goes to town with the 12 tracks on this CD. He fronts an octet through these standards like a hot knife through butter, and the group could not be more en fuego. Veterans Randy Sandke, trumpet, Dan Barrett, trombone, the legendary tenor saxophonist Billy Mitchell, Bob Haggart, bass (since passed on) join multi-instrumentalist Brian Ogilvie, pianist Mark Shane, and guitarist James Chirillo for a hard driving, soulfully swinging tribute to Rich. Throughout the date, Ascione, 35 at the time of this recording, acquits himself well. He's not as brash as Rich (who could be?) but pushes the band without being pushy. Everyone in the combo contributes arrangements, most noticeable is Barrett's bouncy, sprightly "Limehouse Blues," ultra cool "Soft Winds," and Ogilvie's uppity chart on "I Want to Be Happy" where he takes an extroverted alto sax lead. Sandke's duet with Ascione on "Nica's Dream" is quite stripped down and daring, and the 14:19 "Blues #5 (Blues for Kurtchen)" is a downtrodden finale where everyone in the band gets blue for Rich. Mitchell's feature on "J & B's Bag" is the CD's highlight, and it's great to hear this icon still very much in the game, his original, bluesy legato sound intact and vibrant. Rich was short and snappy, and so are these tunes for the most part. At times you think their lamps are trimmed and burning, as if there's a prescribed cut-off point. There's a variance in tempo from up to down and back up, an interesting contrast in a tribute to a person who was generally pretty fiery. Kudos to Ascione and crew for a fine offering of pure, authentic, professional, mainstream jazz. Highly recommended for lovers of traditional, classic sounds. ~Michael G. Nastos

My Buddy (A Tribute To Buddy Rich) mc
My Buddy (A Tribute To Buddy Rich) zippy

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The Joe Ascione Trio - Post No Bills

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 137.3 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[5:01] 1. My Shining Hour
[2:51] 2. Well, You Needn't
[5:34] 3. Bouncin' With Bud
[4:52] 4. Pent Up House
[7:01] 5. Chelsea Bridge
[5:41] 6. Get Happy
[4:44] 7. Moment's Notice
[5:18] 8. All Blues
[7:17] 9. Nobody Else But Me
[8:24] 10. All My Tomorrows
[3:12] 11. Eternal Triangle

Joe Ascione plays the drums in the aggressive, take-no-prisoners mode of Buddy Rich, which is no surprise since he once worked as Rich’s roadie. In addition to his powerhouse chops, Ascione displays excellent instincts as a leader on his debut release on the Arbors label. While his drumming is busy and LOUD, he is a supportive player who does not step on his bandmates’ toes. The album features trio, quartet, and quintet versions of mostly familiar modern jazz standards—some perhaps a bit too familiar, though the group does interesting things with them. Ascione’s superb trio includes Dave LaLama on piano and Tim Givens on bass, with guests Ron Affif on guitar and Jerry Weldon on tenor sax. And Ascione wisely gives each of these fine musicians plenty of room to shine.

LaLama shows off his improvisational dexterity and inventiveness on the opening number, the Johnny Mercer-Harold Arlen gem “My Shining Hour.” The pianist ends the piece with some of this decidedly straight-ahead album’s furthest out playing, before an unfortunate fadeout. Bassist Givens plays the head on “Get Happy,” with Ascione drumming forcefully behind him and taking some impressive solos. Weldon’s smooth, full bodied tenor is featured to nice effect on Bud Powell’s “Bouncin’ With Bud” and Sonny Stitt’s “Eternal Triangle.” Guitarist Affif steps out front on a high-precision sprint through Sonny Rollins’ “Pent Up House,” as well as on a relaxed take on Sammy Cahn’s “All My Tomorrows.”

While Ascione is at his best on the full-speed-ahead numbers that call for him to play hard and fast, he can also handle tunes where a light touch is needed, as on Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge” or the Hammerstein-Kern classic “Nobody Else But Me.” The quintet take on Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” provides for some fine ensemble playing by all. The trio tackles Miles Davis’ “All Blues” at a quicker than usual tempo, with LaLama pushing hard and Givens’ offering a memorable bowed solo. Throughout the proceedings, Ascione’s drumming is imaginative and unrelenting. A rewarding album from a drummer sure to heard from again. ~Joel Roberts

Post No Bills mc
Post No Bills zippy

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Ed Polcer-Jim Galloway Big Five - At The Ball

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:56
Size: 167.0 MB
Styles: Swing, New Orleans jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[6:17] 1. At The Ball
[6:43] 2. Look For The Silver Lining
[5:08] 3. Song Of The Wanderer
[5:14] 4. I Cried For You
[7:44] 5. Tishomingo Blues
[6:06] 6. Seems Like Old Times
[3:41] 7. Doin' The New Low-Down
[6:23] 8. Judy
[5:40] 9. This Can't Be Love
[4:22] 10. Of All The Wrongs You've Done To Me
[5:21] 11. Roses Of Picardy
[5:49] 12. Too Late Now
[4:21] 13. When My Dreamboat Comes Home

Ed Polcer, cornet; Jim Galloway, soprano sax; Mark Shane, piano; Dick Waldburger, bass; and Joe Ascione, drums.

Ed Polcer is a consistently creative cornetist who has a knack for putting together first- rate bands. His playing and generous spirit are part of what makes At the Ball such an appealing recording. Polcer is joined on the marquee by Scotland born soprano saxophonist Jim Galloway as the Ed Polcer - Jim Galloway Big Five. Both Polcer and Galloway are well known pros in the dixie/swing world. Both also compliment each other musically, demonstrating a fine, vigorous rapport throughout. The tone combination of cornet and soprano sax is a treat especially during their intertwining solos and rapid exchanges. The third "old pro" of the group, Dick Waldburger on bass, is the solid ground beat of all the action. His rapport with his fellow rhythm section players is a highlight of the session. The youngsters of the group, Mark Shane on piano, and Joe Ascione on drums, are outstanding. Ascione is one of the most exciting drummers of the traditional jazz world. His solos are concise and intense, and his accompaniment is persistently imaginative. Check out his solo work on "This Can't Be Love." Few drummers have the combination of taste and touch that Ascione routinely displays.
Mark Shane has become so good of an accompanist and soloist that it's easy to take him for granted. He's a team player who often sets everyone else up with a subtle solo, and then provides intricately swinging comping that brings out the best in everyone. This is exactly what happens on "Doin' The New Low Down." This tune is also as interesting for Polcer's and Galloway's soloing as it is for the interaction of Shane & Ascione & Waldburger. Take a careful listen to Shane's highly intuitive rapport with Polcer on full display throughout their duet on Hoagy Carmichael's poignant composition "Judy."

Ah, to sit back and listen to a fine band play a long line-up of great old tunes - what more could a jazz fan want? At the Ball fits the bill, and is highly recommended. ~Mike Neely

At The Ball

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Ed Polcer All-Stars - Jammin' A La Condon

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:59
Size: 162.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. California, Here I Come
[6:47] 2. Condon Medley At Sundown Big Butter And Egg Man Back In Your Own ..
[4:01] 3. Jubilee
[5:22] 4. Somebody Stole My Gal
[5:47] 5. Home
[7:04] 6. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
[4:33] 7. On The Alamo
[4:56] 8. Bye Bye Blues
[3:10] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[8:02] 10. Linger Awhile
[6:47] 11. Wild Bill Medley Blue Again The Vanderbilt Confessin I Can't ..
[8:30] 12. Wolverine Blues

With Tom Saunders, Bob Havens, Bill Allred, Ken Peplowski, Allan Vache, Mark Shane, Marty Grosz, Greg Cohen, Joe Ascione.

During the past several years, Ed Polcer has become one of the most sought after performers on the jazz festival circuit. He has appeared in hundreds of concerts, festivals and jazz parties throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including numerous return appearances at the Newport/Kool/JVC Festival in New York. Ed's musical versatility and leadership have earned him a reputation as a dynamic bandleader, and he is often called upon to organize festivals, concerts, dances and parties.

Ed joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for an American tour in 1973. An expert showman, Ed has led numerous concerts with varied themes, including his extensive U.S. tours for Columbia Artists. In 1992, '93 and '94." A Night At Eddie Condon's", transported the audience back to the famous nightclub and gave a musical retrospective of American jazz over the last 100 years.

Jammin' A La Condon

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Kenny Davern & Flip Phillips - Spanish Eyes

Styles: Clarinet and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:35
Size: 173,4 MB
Art: Front

( 0:25)  1. Opening Remarks
( 9:27)  2. Elsa's Dream
(10:57)  3. Flip's Dido
(10:31)  4. Spanish Eyes
( 6:35)  5. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm
( 7:57)  6. Royal Garden Blues
(10:42)  7. Miki's Dream
( 6:18)  8. All Of Me
(12:39)  9. Lover Come Back To Me

As Gene Lees makes clear in his notes, there is escape from bebop. There's none of it here, or just a soupcon on one track from Phil Woods, who can't really help it, even if Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges were his earlier influences. But Phillips and Davern are a fine, tough pair and swing happily together despite a twenty-year age difference, a fact that goes to prove something. Certainly, their combination of tenor and clarinet falls agreeably on the ear, just as that of tenor and trombone does. They're caught in action here on a 1995 Floating Jazz Festival, with generally sympathetic backing by Derek Smith, Howard Alden, Milt Hinton and Joe Ascione, although some of Smith's piano solos at up tempo sound spectacularly overcrowded. The well-chosen program includes two attractive Phillips originals, "Flip's Dido" and to match Davern's "Elsa's Dream," an intriguing "Miki's Dream." Mrs. Davern is Elsa, but the identity of Dido and Miki is not revealed. The last and longest track, "Lover, Come Back to Me," on which Woods appears, runs for twelve and a half minutes that many will presumably find climactically exciting. ~ Stanley Dance  http://jazztimes.com/articles/7798-spanish-eyes-kenny-davern-flip-phillips

Personnel: Flip Phillips (tenor saxophone); Howard Alden (guitar); Kenny Davern (clarinet); Phil Woods (alto saxophone); Derek Smith (piano); Joe Ascione (drums).

Spanish Eyes

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Frank Vignola - Vignola Plays Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:24
Size: 129.1 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz, Guitar jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[5:34] 1. I Got Rhythm
[5:00] 2. Summertime
[2:21] 3. 's Wonderful
[2:51] 4. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[3:31] 5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[5:50] 6. The Man I Love
[3:15] 7. Somebody Loves Me
[4:36] 8. Strike Up The Band
[3:18] 9. Nice Work If You Can Get It
[4:10] 10. Fascinating Rhythm
[4:08] 11. Embraceable You
[4:48] 12. Lady Be Good
[3:03] 13. How Long Has This Been Going On
[3:51] 14. But Not For Me

Frank Vignola: guitar; Joe Ascione: drums; Tom Kennedy: bass; Corey Christiansen: guitar.

"I like a Gershwin tune," Frank Sinatra sings on the Burton Reed/Ralph Freed classic, "How About You." Guitarist Frank Vignola apparently loves a Gershwin tune, passionately. Vignola—with twelve CDs as a leader under his belt—is a versatile musician who sites an array of influences: Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Charlie Christian. On Vignola Plays Gershwin he leans in a swinging gypsy direction, bringing a Django vibe to fourteen George Gershwin melodies.

The guitarist's quartet includes Joe Ascione on drums, bassist Tom Kennedy and guitarist Corey Christiansen, who supplies the crisp rhythms behind Vignola. The tunes are all the familiar classics: "I Got Rhythm," "Summertime," "S'Wonderful," "Our Love is Here to Stay," "Fascinating Rhythm, "How Long Has This Been Going On," and more. The band swings hard. It's a reverent, loving elevation of one of America's master songwriters. The group attacks "I Got Rhythm" with a joyous fever; they relax into a smooth flow on "Nice Work If You Can Get It," and put a zippy sting into "Fascinating Rhythm."

I'm struck by Vignola's technical virtuosity. It sounds as if he's incapable of hitting even a slightly wrong sound; and it's a warm, breathing virtuosity that feels spontaneous and fresh—a comfortable and supremely confident-in-his-artistic-skin player. If America has ever turned out a finer melodist than George Gershwin, I haven't heard him. Frank Vignola and his band play the man's music with a beautiful zest. ~John McClenaghan

Vignola Plays Gershwin

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Bob Wilber - What Swing Is All About

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:54
Size: 178,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Smiles
(4:13)  2. Tickle Toe
(6:08)  3. Someday You'll Be Sorry
(4:18)  4. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues
(5:16)  5. I Want To Be Happy
(3:42)  6. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
(5:40)  7. Basic Jump
(5:42)  8. Back Home Again In Indiana
(3:56)  9. Love Comes Along Once in a Lifetime
(6:06) 10. The Song Is You
(3:09) 11. Feeling I'm Falling
(4:22) 12. I've Got A Crush On You / You Do Something To Me
(3:44) 13. Bernfest '96
(3:28) 14. This Is New
(4:06) 15. Goody, Goody
(3:52) 16. Billie's Bounce
(5:27) 17. Doggin' Around

This is simple stuff, plain and unassuming. Two high horns, with a broad arsenal, trade nimbly over a bright trio. The group was formed for a hotel job in 1984 and plays to this day. The repertoire is expected: old standards and basic originals. The album has no surprises, save one: this old music sounds fresher than a lot of modern bands. This is what swing is all about. The horns step together on “Smiles”, a parallel theme with plenty of warmth. Wilber shouts high, a clarinet purity on soprano; his former student Antti Sarpila is pure Lester. Pleasant but light; a gentle stroll in the park. It picks up with “Tickle Toe”: Antti is more urgent but still Presidential; Wilber, on clarinet, bends tone and shows grit while staying sweet. The exchanges are tough, Joe Ascione fending off both horns at once. It all works, right down to Basie’s Morse code at the end. The fans agree. 

“I Got a Right” brings in Pug Horton, for the first of any vocals. Befitting the tune, she is low and weary, with a charming vibrato. Mark Shane is understated, light rolls and Ellington trills. Wilber takes the straight soprano (less sweet than his curved model); it’s the match to Antti’s clarinet. Pug is brighter on “Nice to Come Home To”; less vibrato and more heat. Her notes stay creamy even down low – not many can say that. Wilber’s solo is busy and happy; Antti’s is almost its equal. “Basiec Jump” is a fun turn on “Undecided”; Antti stretches a bit with nice sandpaper tone. Shane strides right (he played a Basie tribute at this club a few months later); Wilber has little space, but does he use it! “Indiana” starts at a crawl: Pug muses as the piano flows, as slow as the Wabash River. She stops; the band starts. Antti dances high, while Wilber rolls a bit lower. Ascione gets a soft solo; hear the horns jab behind him. It’s quite a display, and the crowd agrees.

“Feeling I’m Falling” is a gem, a Gershwin tune I wish I knew before this. The clarinets walk together. Wilber keeps to theme, going high with bent notes; Antti likes trills. A lazy day of a song: it may be simple, but always welcome when it comes. Pug comes back for “I’ve Got a Crush on You” (hear Wilber on the lovely verse.) On the final word “you” it becomes “You Do Something to Me” – like that romance becomes passion. Next is “Bernfest ‘96” (named for a festival Wilber played), but don’t be fooled  it’s a classic swinger that could have been written in ’36. The tune is a winner, like the clarinet-tenor blend. There’s little here but the theme, but you don’t need anything else. “Goody Goody” is a group vocal: besides Pug, you hear Wilber, and maybe some of the crowd. Bob’s high swirling is his best solo; Antti groans a bit with a nice rumpled tone. “Billie’s Bounce” isn’t just Charlie Parker here it’s a bossa! And it swings. 

The soprano is slow, some bop moves but without the tension. Antti calls on Lester again, with great results. Shane hammers hard with tremolos: he’s old and modern at once. And “Doggin’ Around” is another “Undecided”, this one from the Count. Wilber is bluesier than normal, with high tumbles. Antti gets tough, quoting “Broadway” and beginning to strut. I like it; the crowd does not disagree. Shane strides again; his best effort. The long ending should be savored but I could say that for the whole album. ~AAJ  Staff  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/what-swing-is-all-about-bob-wilber-review-by-aaj-staff.php

Personnel: Bob Wilber (clarinet, soprano saxophone); Pug Horton (vocals); Antti Sarpila (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Mark Shane (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass instrument); Joe Ascione (drums).

What Swing Is All About

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Eddie Higgins Quartet Featuring Scott Hamilton - My Funny Valentine

Styles: Piano and Saxophone Jazz

Year: 2004

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 68:03

Size: 156,7 MB

Art: Front

(7:02)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

(3:56)  2. I'm A Fool To Want You

(4:55)  3. When Sunny Gets Blue

(7:08)  4. Alone Together

(3:39)  5. My Funny Valentine

(7:53)  6. It's All Right With Me

(7:11)  7. Stardust

(6:45)  8. I Only Have Eyes For You

(7:01)  9. Don't Explain

(7:13) 10. On A Slow Boat To China

(5:19) 11. Imagination

A solid bop-based pianist, Eddie Higgins has never become a major name, but he has been well-respected by his fellow musicians for decades. After growing up in New England, he moved to Chicago, where he played in all types of situations before settling in to a long stint as the leader of the house trio at the London House (1957-1969). Higgins moved back to Massachusetts in 1970 and went on to freelance, often accompanying his wife, vocalist Meredith D'Ambrosio, and appearing at jazz parties and festivals. Eddie Higgins has led sessions of his own for Replica (1958), Vee-Jay (1960), Atlantic, and Sunnyside; back in 1960, he recorded as a sideman for Vee-Jay with Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter. Bio ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eddie-higgins-mn0000364205/biography

Personnel: Eddie Higgins (piano); Scott Hamilton (saxophone);  Jay Leonhart (bass); Joe Ascione (drums).

My Funny Valentine

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Johnny Varro Swing 7 - Afterglow

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:33
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. It's a Wonderful World
(4:25)  2. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
(2:58)  3. Ida! Sweet As Apple Cider
(4:24)  4. Truckin'
(4:00)  5. Afterglow
(4:06)  6. In The Still Of The Night
(6:02)  7. Moten Swing
(4:24)  8. Pom Pom
(5:37)  9. Change Partners
(2:51) 10. Humoresque
(3:21) 11. One For Todd
(3:50) 12. Cross Your Heart
(3:28) 13. Front And Center
(4:36) 14. The Chase
(4:56) 15. Brandy N' Beer

Pianist Johnny Varro came closer that anyone in the '90s to play in the flawless swing style of Teddy Wilson. Varro's occasional combos (the one on this CD is called the "Swing 7") are very much in the idiom of late '30s prebop music. Varro, tenor saxophonist Tommy Newsom, Ken Peplowski (on clarinet and his rarely heard alto), trombonist Dan Barrett, trumpeter Randy Sandke, bassist Frank Tate and drummer Joe Ascione perform a variety of '30s and '40s material plus Varro's "Afterglow" and "One for Todd." Although some of the arrangements are reminiscent of John Kirby's Sextet (particularly "Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider," "Humoresque" and Charlie Shavers' "Front and Center"), other groups hinted at are Duke Ellington's small combos, Count Basie and the Dave Pell Octet. The 15 performances include quite a few gems and this is a highly enjoyable example of latter-day small-group swing. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/afterglow-mw0000047267

Personnel: Johnny Varro (piano); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, alto saxophone); Tommy Newsom (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Joe Ascione (drums).

Afterglow

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Derek Smith - High Energy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:50
Size: 155.3 MB
Styles: Swing, Piano jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[3:36] 1. Like Someone In Love
[4:04] 2. How Deep Is The Ocean
[4:55] 3. Fools Rush In
[4:43] 4. Girl Talk
[4:09] 5. Doxy
[2:40] 6. Lazy Afternoon
[4:31] 7. On Green Dolphin Street
[6:15] 8. Alone Together
[2:51] 9. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[4:31] 10. Here's That Rainy Day
[4:11] 11. Let's Fall In Love
[3:48] 12. I Love You
[4:29] 13. Teach Me Tonight
[3:11] 14. Theme From 2nd Movement Concerto De Aranjuez
[3:37] 15. St. Thomas
[6:11] 16. What The World Needs Now Is Love

Although Derek Smith arrived in New York City in 1957 and has recorded and performed in a variety of settings in and out of jazz, the veteran pianist made relatively few record dates as a leader during his long career. That's one reason that this trio session for Arbors Jazz is so special. Joined by bassist Nicki Parrott and drummer Joe Ascione, Smith brings a freshness to such familiar standards as "Like Someone in Love," "On Green Dolphin Street," and "Alone Together." His jaunty take of Sonny Rollins' "Doxy" and a lively version of the tenor saxophonist's Caribbean-flavored "St. Thomas" (the latter of which is kicked off without the leader) contrast with Neal Hefti's soft-spoken ballad "Girl Talk." It's hard to debate with liner-note writer Dr. Chuck Berg that Smith's poignant solo interpretation of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most." It is a safe bet that everyone in the studio was all smiles by the time the recording was completed, so this Derek Smith CD should be considered an essential purchase by jazz piano fans. ~Ken Dryden

High Energy

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Mary Foster Conklin - You'd Be Paradise

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 113,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Devil May Care
(4:00)  2. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
(3:22)  3. Don't Get Scared
(4:08)  4. But For Now
(6:06)  5. Baby, You Should Know It
(4:34)  6. Broken Bicycles
(5:38)  7. Everything Happens To Me
(4:42)  8. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:22)  9. The Windmills Of Your Mind/Theme From "The Thomas Crowne Affair"
(4:05) 10. Nirvana
(4:10) 11. Right On My Way Home

Hip singer, splendid album. To elaborate  New York–based songstress Mary Foster Conklin, who obviously loves what she does, goes around the block and back to avoid the obvious on You’d Be Paradise, complementing no less than four sophisticated tunes by the inimitable Bob Dorough with one each by David Cantor (“Nirvana”), Tom Waits (“Broken Bicycles”) and Michel Legrand (“The Windmills of Your Mind”), King Pleasure’s wry commentary on Stan Getz’s opus “Don’t Get Scared,” a brace of venerable Cole Porter standards (“My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To”) and Matt Dennis / Thomas Adair’s plaintive lament, “Everything Happens to Me” (set to a pleasant Latin beat, but one that fails to capture the essence of Dennis’ heart rending version). 

Conklin has a clear and charming mid–range voice, knows how to sell a lyric, and is reinforced by the presence of a world class rhythm section that knows when to press and when to ease up. She has chosen some lovely melodies, none of which has been restated enough to grow stale, even Porter’s classics from the first half of the twentieth century. Dorough’s insouciant “Devil May Care” is a tantalizing curtain raiser, and his lovely ballad “But for Now” is no less agreeable, nor are Waits’ perceptive “Broken Bicycles,” Cantor’s touching “Nirvana” or the better–known “Windmills of Your Mind,” which Conklin says she heard Legrand sing in French on a July 4 evening in the Big Apple. Conklin wraps the package neatly with Dorough / Lynn Gibson’s witty “Right on My Way Home,” ably abetted, as she is on every number, by the impressively compatible foursome of Mays, Vignola, Burr and Ascione who commit themselves uncompromisingly to the task at hand. Playing time is less than fifty minutes, but Conklin and her companions make each of them shine. Hip singer, splendid album. ~ Jack Bowers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/youd-be-paradise-mary-foster-conklin-mock-turtle-music-review-by-jack-bowers.php 

Personnel: Mary Foster Conklin, vocals; Bill Mays, piano; Frank Vignola, guitar; Jon Burr, bass; Joe Ascione, drums.

You'd Be Paradise

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Eddie Higgins Trio - Dear Old Stockholm

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:29
Size: 171,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Moonlight Becomes You
(5:16)  2. More than you know
(4:31)  3. Nardis
(4:57)  4. Over The Rainbow
(6:00)  5. Dear old stockholm
(5:17)  6. I Remember Clifford
(6:19)  7. You And Night And The Music
(5:30)  8. If You Could See Me Now
(4:48)  9. Again
(4:03) 10. We will be together again
(7:11) 11. Wichcraft
(5:22) 12. It Never Entered My Mind
(5:19) 13. Stella by starlight
(4:45) 14. Blame it on my youth

By the time this album was recorded in 2002, veteran pianist Eddie Higgins had become one of the most popular pianists in Japan, thanks in no small part to the independent label Venus Records. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Venus asked its fans which songs they would like to hear the Eddie Higgins Trio perform in their new album. Higgins chose 12 songs out of the top 25 and added two of his own choosing. It might be interesting for you to learn what songs are preferred by Japanese jazz fans. With a lot of ballads, this is in most part a mellow, relaxing album. Supported by the deep, tuneful bass of Jay Leonhart and sensitive drums of Joe Ascione, Higgins plays these popular songs with elegance and restrained passion. His musical ideas are always flowing and harmonies beautiful. Highlights include "Nardis" where the trio picks up the tempo and intensity, "Dear Old Stockholm" (the No. 1 choice of fans) and "Witchcraft" (swinging Sinatra number, anyone?). Great songs, wonderfully played. And as always the case with Venus Records, great sound. http://www.elusivedisc.com/Eddie-Higgins-Trio-Dear-Old-Stockholm-SACD/productinfo/VENSA0011/

Musicians: Eddie Higgins, piano; Jay Leonhart, bass; Joe Ascione, drums

Dear Old Stockholm

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Johnny Varro Swing 7 - Swingin' On West 57th Street

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:04
Size: 161,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. As Long As I Live
(3:15)  2. Caught
(4:10)  3. On the Sunny Side of the Stree
(4:17)  4. Old Fashioned Love
(5:00)  5. Mission to Moscow
(5:23)  6. Black Butterfly
(7:06)  7. You Need To Rock
(3:49)  8. Bounce Of The Sugar Plum Fairi
(4:30)  9. It's Been So Long
(4:00) 10. Avalon
(4:03) 11. Constantly
(5:01) 12. Complainin'
(4:08) 13. Doin' The New Low-Down
(2:55) 14. Polonaise
(5:11) 15. Hag's Blues
(3:18) 16. I'm Shooting High

The Johnny Varro Swing Seven: Swingin’ on West 57th Street is a bright, upbeat septet recording that presents a band with distinctive soloists and a superb rhythm section. Johnny Varro on piano, Michael Moore on bass, and Joe Ascione on drums, are about as good a rhythm section as there exists in traditional jazz, precise and agile with the power to push the music to another level. The lively arrangements are nearly all written by the leader/pianist Johnny Varro. The compositions include works by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Jess Stacy, and James P. Johnson. There’s a Chopin "Polanaise," and an outrageous Charlie Shavers arrangement of a Tchaikovsky piece entitled "Bounce of the Sugar Plum Fairies." Highlights of the recording include Ellington’s "Black Butterfly," with enticing solo work by trumpeter Rande Sandke and pianist Varro.

This band can swing, indeed it can, just check out the old Benny Goodman classic "Mission to Moscow." The section work is a joy throughout. The Hodges number "You Need To Rock" features the extraordinary team of Ascione and Moore, and the unison work of the horns and reeds. Throughout the disc Ken Peplowski, on clarinet and alto sax, is an inspired presence. Swingin’ on West 57th Street does exactly that what it promises. Good stuff. ~ Mike Neely  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-johnny-varro-swing-seven-swingin-on-57th-street-johnny-varro-arbors-records-review-by-mike-neely.php
 

Personnel: Johnny Varro, piano, leader, arranger; Randy Sandke, trumpet; Dan Barrett, trombone; Ken Peplowski, clarinet, alto sax; Scott Robinson, tenor sax; Michael Moore, bass; Joe Ascione, drums.

Swingin' On West 57th Street

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John Cocuzzi - Groove Merchant

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:02
Size: 165,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Groove Merchant
(4:56)  2. Crazy Rhythm
(8:05)  3. Dream Dancing
(5:10)  4. The Glory Of Love
(4:45)  5. How Am I To Know
(7:14)  6. Tenderly
(5:14)  7. Minor Drag
(3:43)  8. Mellow Guitar
(4:08)  9. Did I Remember
(3:52) 10. Last Night On The Back Porch (I Loved Her Most Of All)
(3:56) 11. Je Ne Sais Pa
(7:16) 12. What'll I Do
(2:40) 13. Lover

John Cocuzzi has long been a favorite at jazz parties for his swinging vibes, in addition to occasionally taking a turn at the piano and singing as well; he's been a featured artist since the inception of the Atlanta Jazz Party. But in a career that dates back to the 1990s, he has been recorded only sporadically, and this 2012 CD is his first CD to be issued on a widely distributed jazz label. For these sessions, Cocuzzi sticks to vibes with a few vocals, surrounded by a number of musicians who've played with him at jazz parties and/or on record dates: pianist John Sheridan, guitarist James Chirillo, bassist Frank Tate, drummer Joe Ascione, and clarinetist Antti Sarpila (who doubles on soprano sax). 

What's apparent right away is that the vibraphonist planned ahead by selecting a mix of familiar and forgotten songs, while finding a way to give them a fresh sound. Though Cocuzzi is a strong soloist, he isn't one to hog the spotlight, satisfied with taking a couple of choruses before sharing space with his mates. Cole Porter's "Dream Dancing" is recast as an easygoing samba, showcasing Sarpilla's playful clarinet, while the subtle swing of the vintage "Mellow Guitar" puts the spotlight on Chirillo, Cocuzzi, Sarpilla (on soprano), and Sheridan in turn. Cocuzzi's warm vocal in "Last Night on the Back Porch (I Loved Her Most of All)" is sincere rather than salacious, even though the song was considered suggestive when it was written in 1920s; it was considered wholesome enough to be recorded by Mitch Miller for his Singalong with Mitch series. 

"Je Ne Sais Pa" is a delicious swinger penned by Lionel Hampton and Hank Jones that sounds like it was written at the heyday of the Swing Era; Sarpilla's alternately gritty and lightly swinging clarinet and Cocuzzi's rapid-fire vibes keep it lively. Fats Waller's "Minor Drag" is full of pep as well, focusing on Sheridan's stride chops, Sarpilla's fiery soprano, and the leader's economical but potent vibes. Groove Merchant reinforces what jazz party fans have known for years: John Cocuzzi swings effortlessly every time, inspiring those sharing the stage or studio with him. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/groove-merchant-mw0002265260.

Personnel: John Cocuzzi (vocals, vibraphone); James Chirillo (guitar); Antti Sarpila (clarinet, soprano saxophone); John Sheridan (piano); Joe Ascione (drums, djembe, shaker).

Groove Merchant

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Various - Swingin' The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:56
Size: 114.3 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:20] 1. Swingin' The Blues
[3:13] 2. Moten Swing
[5:08] 3. Blue And Sentimental
[3:49] 4. April In Paris
[5:14] 5. Lil' Darlin'
[3:36] 6. Big Noise From Winnetka
[8:09] 7. Broadway
[6:01] 8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[9:22] 9. The King

Randy Sandke's second volume of a concert salute to Count Basie is equal to the earlier CD. Sandke has long been underrated as a soloist, but he more than proves himself. These performances, utilizing both new charts by bandmembers as well as tried and true scores, have the feeling of Basie-type head arrangements, flowing easily yet swinging hard. Yet none of the music comes across as a museum-piece re-creation; rather, the selections featured here are updated treatments of favorites. Joining him are trombonist Dan Barrett, multi-reed player Brian Ogilvie, tenor saxophonist (and Basie alum) Billy Mitchell, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, drummer Joe Ascione, and the legendary bassist and composer Bob Haggart. Mitchell arranged the lush chart of "Blue and Sentimental" and Sandke shines in "April in Paris," while omitting the traditional (if trite) quote of "Pop Goes the Weasel." The one non-Basie-related track is Haggart's fun-filled duet with Ascione of "Big Noise from Winnetka," which dates from his days as a member of Bob Crosby's Bobcats. All in all, this is a very enjoyable tribute. ~ Ken Dryden

Features Randy Sandke, Dan Barrett, Brian Ogilvie, Billy Mitchell, Mark Shane, James Chirillo, Bob Haggart & Joe Ascione.

Swingin' The Blues

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