Ruby Braff, Scott Hamilton - For The Last Time

Album: For The Last Time Disc 1

Styles: Cornet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:32
Size: 137,1 MB
Art: Front

(12:15)  1. Sometimes I'm Happy
( 4:57)  2. Why Shouldn't I'
(12:24)  3. Just You, Just Me
(15:58)  4. I Want a Little Girl
(13:56)  5. Rockin' Chair

Ruby Braff's discographer Thomas P. Hustad addresses the concern posed by this album in his liner notes when he speaks of the "trepidation" with which "we tend to approach any musician's final recording." Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, whose contribution approaches Braff's own, had his own hesitations, based on his unhappy memories of the gig, at the Nairn Jazz Festival in Scotland, as Braff, suffering from the emphysema that would kill him six months later, required a fan on-stage to help his breathing. But Hamilton withdrew his objections when he actually heard the recording, which shows little evidence of the leader's infirmity. It gives plenty of evidence of a group of sympathetic musicians accustomed to playing together, taking their orders from Braff, who seems to call for the solos and also decide when they're finished.

Everybody in the six-piece band takes those solos, as the tunes extend out to ten or even 15 minutes each. Probably, that allows time for Braff to gather himself for his own playing, but when he steps in, he is his usual self, coming up with interesting variations on the melodies of familiar standards. The best moments, though, are when Braff and Hamilton, his longtime protégé, play together at the openings of such songs as "Dinah," "Yesterdays," and "The Man I Love," with Hamilton coming up with counter-melodies. At such times, this doesn't come off as Braff's last night on-stage; it seems like just another great show in a storied career. By William Ruhlmann https://www.allmusic.com/album/for-the-last-time-mw0000801881

Musicians: Ruby Braff-cornet, Scott Hamilton-tenor saxophone, Jon Wheatley-guitar, John Bunch-piano, Dave Green-bass, Steve Brown-drums

---

Album: For The Last Time Disc 2

Time: 55:41

Size: 128,3 MB

(10:29)  1. Dinah

(13:08)  2. Yesterdays

(15:42)  3. The Man I Love

( 6:31)  4. The Man With a Horn

( 9:49)  5. Indiana

For The Last Time Disc 1, Disc 2

---

New York Swing - The Music Of Jerome Kern

Styles: Piano And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:20
Size: 127,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:15)  1. The Song Is You
(2:52)  2. Why Was I Born?
(4:20)  3. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:19)  4. All The Things You Are
(4:51)  5. Remind Me
(3:33)  6. Nobody Else But Me
(2:55)  7. I Dream Too Much
(4:04)  8. Why Do I Love You
(3:06)  9. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:35) 10. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
(4:11) 11. Sure Thing
(3:24) 12. Pick Yourself Up
(4:40) 13. Bill
(4:10) 14. Yesterdays

New York Swing consists of pianist John Bunch, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and bassist Jay Leonhart, while the group worked with more than one drummer during their existence. On this 1993 session, Dennis Mackrel rounds out the group. The music is drawn exclusively from the Jerome Kern songbook, starting with a breezy, playful arrangement of "The Song Is You." But while the group plays a number of time-tested standards, including "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "Pick Yourself Up," "All the Things You Are," and "Yesterdays," all with a freshness that belies the vintage of these songs and the numerous times they have been recorded by jazz musicians, it is some of the less familiar tunes that especially stand out. The leisurely waltz "I Dream Too Much" and the shimmering ballad "Remind Me" are worthy of greater exploration, too. Pizzarelli's guitar is prominent throughout the date, though Bunch and Leonhart are capable soloists as well, with the veteran Mackrel focusing primarily on keeping time. This is one of the better releases in producer Sonny Lester's series of budget releases that have appeared on various labels.By Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/plays-the-music-of-jerome-kern-mw0000234669

New York Swing: John Bunch (piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Jay Leonhart (bass); Dennis Mackrel (drums).

The Music Of Jerome Kern

---

Chris Flory - City Life

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Size: 134,5 MB
Time: 58:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1993
Art: Front

1. Alexandra (4:26)
2. Besame Mucho (4:05)
3. S'posin' (5:26)
4. Tin Tin Por Tin Tin (4:09)
5. Good Morning Heartache (5:35)
6. J.A. Blues (4:49)
7. My Shining Hour (3:56)
8. So Danco Samba (4:01)
9. Drafting (3:43)
10. Come Back To Me (4:25)
11. New York (3:59)
12. Penthouse Serenade (5:09)
13. Caf Solo (4:57)

Chris Flory, a talented swing-based guitarist, tackles standards, Latin tunes, and a few hot jam-session numbers on his second Concord CD with a solid quartet that also features pianist John Bunch, bassist John Webber, and drummer Chuck Riggs. Highlights include an enjoyable "So Danco Samba," the up-tempo blues "Drafting," "Besame Mucho," "S'Posin'," and a spirited rendition of "My Shining Hour." This swinging session is consistent with the high-quality music to be found throughout Concord's impressive catalog.By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/city-life-mw0000110045#review

Personnel: Guitar – Chris Flory; Bass – John Webber; Drums – Chuck Riggs; Piano – John Bunch

City Life

---

Scott Hamilton & Harry Allen - Heavy Juice

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:09
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:05)  1. Heavy Juice
(6:57)  2. Did You Call Her Today?
(7:02)  3. Groovin' High
(6:48)  4. If I Should Lose You
(6:28)  5. Blues Up and Down
(8:32)  6. If Dreams Come True
(5:47)  7. Warm Valley
(9:08)  8. Ow!
(6:20)  9. Strike Up The Band

This CD has been a recording waiting to happen for twenty years. Back then, highschooler Harry Allen joined Scott Hamilton on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival for a cameo performance with the George Wein-led Newport All-Stars. Allen grew up in Rhode Island, which also claims Hamilton as a native son. And Hamilton certainly was a role model as Allen blossomed then and fast became a welcome young player on the New York swing jazz scene.  They've had occasional chances to collaborate on the bandstand. And now, Heavy Juice enables them to join a line of great tenor summit session pairings that through the years have included Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins, Gene Ammons and Dexter Gordon, Ammons and Sonny Stitt, and Al Cohn and Zoot Sims. This is a splendid session in which two good musical friends mine common musical ground with very similar sounds. Both favor a breathy, growling Webster tone at times. These days, Allen comes more out of a Stan Getz melodic bag, which Hamilton explored in an earlier phase. 

At times, when they're playing in unison or locked into the same tone, it helps to know that Hamilton is on the left stereo channel, Allen on the right. The crack rhythm section provides a strong cushion, with John Bunch's dancing hands providing some elegant twists and turns at the piano. Nothing here disappoints, but their bop-meets-R&B take on "Blues Up and Down" by Ammons and Stitt ranks as my clear favorite. It's filled with an exuberant spirit of one-upmanship until they blend together for the final shout chorus. In contrast, the Duke Ellington ballad "Warm Valley" enables them to share a Websterish blend. From start to finish, through all eight tracks, this blend of Heavy Juice is very, very good.
By Ken Franckling https://www.allaboutjazz.com/heavy-juice-scott-hamilton-concord-music-group-review-by-ken-franckling.php

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone), Harry Allen (tenor saxophone), John Bunch (piano), Dennis Irwin (bass), Chuck Riggs (drums)

Heavy Juice

---

New York Swing - Cole Porter Collective

Styles: Piano And Guitar Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:38
Size: 144,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:47)  1. What Is This Thing Called Love
(5:02)  2. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
(5:51)  3. Dream Dancing
(6:18)  4. All Through the Night
(4:29)  5. Easy to Love
(5:22)  6. Let's Do It
(5:05)  7. From This Moment On
(3:48)  8. You're Sensational
(5:36)  9. Where Have You Been
(4:53) 10. Get Out of Town
(5:50) 11. Lookin' At You
(5:31) 12. It's Alright With Me

Originally issued by Sonny Lester on his LRC label, this tribute to the music of Cole Porter has reappeared under the Laserlight banner. The album's style recalls the George Shearing groups, with Bucky Pizzarelli's guitar taking on the role that Joe Roland and other vibes players had with Shearing. Under the name New York Swing, the ensemble features Pizzarelli joined by a bevy of top-drawer New York musicians led by pianist John Bunch. This paean to Porter follows other albums by the group honoring other major contributors to the Great American Songbook, like Jerome Kern and Rodgers & Hart. All of these musicians have played these Porter gems before. Rather than making the songs sound old hat and tired because of this close familiarity, the group members have successfully found fresh ways to express their ideas. And that is what makes this composer a favorite among virtually all jazz performers: His work promotes improvisation. 

He allows good players to borrow the song, add his or her interpretative imprimatur to it, and then return it intact. "Easy to Love," for example, is presented in a chamber music setting featuring Jay Leonhart's bowed bass. In addition to those customary Porter gems, there are also a few songs that are not so often heard, like "Where Have You Been," which he wrote for an appropriately titled musical The New Yorkers. These are given the same high level of respectful treatment by the group as the more famous Porter material. With nary a bad track in the set, this album of outstanding small group performing is highly recommended. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-swing-cole-porter-mw0000280391

Personnel: John Bunch (piano), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass), Joe Cocuzzo (drums).

Cole Porter Collective

---

The George Masso Sextet - A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism

Styles: Trombone Jazz, Swing
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:38
Size: 142,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:21) 1. So Danco Samba
(6:00) 2. I'm Glad There Is You
(6:41) 3. A Fine Romance
(6:03) 4. For You, For Me Forevermore
(5:45) 5. It All Depends On You
(4:29) 6. I See Your Face Before Me
(6:16) 7. A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism
(5:19) 8. Them There Eyes
(4:15) 9. I've Gotta Be On My Way
(3:59) 10. Just Friends
(5:26) 11. Love Is Just Around The Corner

Trombonist George Masso's third recording as a leader and second for the now-defunct Famous Door label (none of the recordings have yet been reissued on CD) has him playing six swinging standards and his own title cut with what could have been called the Famous Door All-Stars: Glenn Zottola (who alternates between trumpet and alto), veteran tenor Al Klink, pianist John Bunch, bassist Linc Milliman, and drummer Butch Miles. Masso's warm sound is well featured on such numbers as "So Danco Samba," "For You, For Me, Forevermore" and "It All Depends On You."~Scott Yano https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-swinging-case-of-masso-ism-mw0000911126

Personnel: Trombone – George Masso; Bass – Linc Milliman; Drums – Butch Miles; Piano – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Al Klink; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Alto Saxophone – Glenn Zottola

A Swinging Case Of Masso-Ism

---

Warren Vaché Trio - Live at the Vineyard

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:30
Size: 119,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:22) 1. Sunday
(7:23) 2. A Time for Love
(5:13) 3. The Best Thing for You
(0:47) 4. Vaché Remarks About Cornet and Trumpet
(6:15) 5. I've Got a Crush on You / Embraceable You
(4:38) 6. Twelve by Twelve
(1:25) 7. Warren Vaché Remembers Roy Eldridge
(7:27) 8. The Song Is You
(5:28) 9. The Touch of Your Lips
(6:27) 10. Cherokee

Warren Vaché, Jr., one in a long line of important cornetists following Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmy McPartland, and Ruby Braff, showcases his effortless lyricism and ability to swing during this 1984 trio concert at New York's Vineyard Theatre. Accompanied by veteran pianist John Bunch and bassist Phil Flanigan, two equally strong musicians, Vaché's intimate interpretations of decades-old standards such as "Sunday" and "The Best Thing for You" prove that this smaller brass cousin of the trumpet is hardly an obsolete instrument. He starts on open horn in a blistering take of "The Song Is You" before adding a mute for a typically sassy solo. The fire of earlier greats can also be heard in his rendition of "Cherokee," which is played at a moderate tempo rather than the all-too-often breakneck pace, also showcasing Flanigan to good effect. Vaché sits out Ron Carter's "Twelve by Twelve," a lively bop duet feature for Bunch and Flanigan. The cornetist's comments about his instrument and jamming with trumpeter Roy Eldridge (who baited him into joining him on the bandstand by explaining he wasn't feeling well!) are priceless. Warmly recommended!~Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-vineyard-mw0000079453

Personnel: Warren Vaché - cornet | John Bunch - piano | Phil Flanigan - bass

Live at the Vineyard

---

Buddy Rich - Swingin' New Big Band

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:25
Size: 148,7 MB
Art: Front

( 3:22)  1. Readymix
( 5:40)  2. Basically Blues
( 3:31)  3. Critic's Choice
( 3:05)  4. My Man's Gone Now
( 2:49)  5. Up Tight (Everything's Alright)
( 3:15)  6. Sister Sadie
( 4:20)  7. More Soul
(10:48)  8. West Side Story Medley: a) Overture • b) Cool • c) Something's Coming • d) Somewhere
( 2:50)  9. What'd I Say
( 2:41) 10. Hoe Down
( 3:17) 11. Step Right Up
( 2:33) 12. Apples (aka Gino)
( 2:26) 13. Chicago
( 3:45) 14. In A Mellotone
( 2:42) 15. Never Will I Marry
( 2:45) 16. Lament For Lester
( 3:29) 17. Naptown Blues

1966 was a most illogical time for anyone to try forming a new big band but Buddy Rich beat the odds. This CD reissues the first album by the Buddy Rich Orchestra, augmenting the original Lp program with nine previously unissued performances from the same sessions. The arrangements (eight by Oliver Nelson along with charts by Bill Holman, Phil Wilson, Jay Corre, Don Rader and others) swing, put the emphasis on the ensembles and primarily feature Corre's tenor although trumpeter Bobby Shew, altoist Pete Yellin, pianist John Bunch and guitarist Barry Zweig are also heard from. Most of the songs did not stay in the drummer's repertoire long (other than Bill Reddie's adaptation of "West Side Story" and "Sister Sadie") and in fact only three members of the 17-piece orchestra would still be working for Rich a year later. An enjoyable and somewhat historic set. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/swingin-new-big-band-mw0000179253

Personnel: Buddy Rich – drums; Gene Quill – alto saxophone, clarinet; Peter Yellin – alto saxophone, flute; Jay Corre, Martin Flax – tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Stephen Perlow – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Robert Shew, John Sottile, Yoshito Murakami, Walter Battegello – trumpet; Jim Trimble, John Boice – trombone; Dennis Good, Mike Waverley – bass trombone; John Bunch – piano; Barry Zweig – guitar; Carson Smith – bass

Swingin' New Big Band

---

John Bunch - It's Love in the Spring

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:21
Size: 114,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. It's Love in the Spring
(4:11)  2. Celia
(4:29)  3. Cincinnati Slick
(4:04)  4. Emily
(6:27)  5. Struttin' with Some Barbecue
(5:38)  6. Dream Dancing
(5:55)  7. Night Mist Blues
(3:43)  8. Jubilee
(4:55)  9. Cincinnati Slick - Alt-Take 2
(5:45) 10. It's Love in the Spring - Alt-Take 2

John Bunch (1921-2010) was already in his mid-thirties before he made his first recordings, but he lasted long enough to leave behind a strong musical legacy. A member of the Woody Herman Orchestra in 1957, he worked along the way with Maynard Ferguson, Eddie Condon, Tony Bennett (1966-72), Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, and Gene Krupa. In the 1970s when the rise of Scott Hamilton and Warren Vaché launched the comeback of small-group swing, Bunch was utilized on many sessions despite being twice as old as many of the movement’s pacesetters. He led over 20 record dates of his own during 1975-2009. A flexible swing pianist who had no difficulty playing with both Ruby Braff and Louie Bellson, Bunch was an asset to every group in which he appeared. It’s Love In The Spring, which was recorded March 1, 1977, teams Bunch in a drumless trio with guitarist Cal Collins and bassist George Mraz on eight songs plus two previously unreleased alternate takes. The repertoire covers a wide ground, from “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “Jubilee” (both of which are taken as romps) to Bud Powell’s “Celia” and “Emily.” Bunch, who contributed two originals, works very well in this setting, guitarist Collins has many fine solos, and bassist Mraz holds everything together quite well. The variety of songs and tempos make It’s Love In The Spring a very satisfying listen and an excellent example of John Bunch’s tasteful and swinging piano. ~ Scott Yanow https://syncopatedtimes.com/john-bunch-its-love-in-the-spring/

Personnel: John Bunch (p); Cal Collins (g); George Mraz (b)

It's Love in the Spring

---

Flip Phillips - Claw: Live At The Floating Jazz Festival

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:16
Size: 173,1 MB
Art: Front

(14:54)  1. Topsy
(13:48)  2. Loose Walk
(14:19)  3. Sm-o-o-o-th One, A
(10:06)  4. Flying Home
(11:27)  5. Claw, The
( 1:28)  6. Closing Comments
( 9:11)  7. Jazzspeak

Veteran tenor Flip Phillips is heard leading a jam session during what was dubbed the 1986 Floating Jazz Festival since the music took place on the S.S. Norway somewhere in the Caribbean Sea. Phillips and his fellow tenors Buddy Tate, Al Cohn and Scott Hamilton (along with pianst John Bunch, guitarist Chris Flory, bassist Major Holley and drummer Chuck Riggs) clearly had a good time stretching out on the five pieces (which all sport fairly basic chord changes); fluegelhornist Clark Terry dropped by and joins in on three of the pieces. Unfortunately the liner notes do not tell who solos when but veteran collectors should be able to tell the tenors apart. 

The only minus to this CD is a surprisingly boring monologue by Phillips (one of Chiaroscuro's few unsuccessful "Jazzspeaks") at the conclusion of this disc. However his nine minutes of talking is preceded by 64 minutes of hot jamming, making this CD easily recommended to fans of Jazz at the Philharmonic and straightahead jazz.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-claw-live-at-the-floating-jazz-festival-mw0000614349

Personnel:  Flip Phillips, Buddy Tate, Al Korn, Scott Hamilton (ts);  Clark Terry (tp) John Bunch (p) Chris Flory (g);  Major Horley (b) Chuck Riggs (ds)

Claw-Live At The Floating Jazz Festival

---

Rolf Kuhn - And His Sound Of Jazz

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:33
Size: 96,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:15)  1. Istambul
(3:58)  2. Waltzing Matilda
(3:44)  3. Lady Of Spain
(5:18)  4. Canadian Sunset
(4:10)  5. South Of The Border
(5:01)  6. Atlanta, GA
(3:08)  7. A Touch Of Berlin
(4:39)  8. Manhattan
(3:21)  9. Chicago
(3:56) 10. Caravan

Rolf Kuhn's style has evolved through the years. The clarinetist started out playing in German dance bands in the late '40s. He worked with radio orchestras starting in 1952 and moved to the U.S. in 1956. Kuhn subbed for Benny Goodman on a few occasions during 1957-1958, played in the Tommy Dorsey ghost band (1958), and worked in a big band led by Urbie Green (1958-1960). In 1962, Kuhn returned to Germany, where he has explored more adventurous styles of jazz (including dates with his younger brother, keyboardist Joachim Kuhn) but still occasionally shows off his ties to swing. Kuhn recorded with an all-star group called Winner's Circle (1957), Toshiko Akiyoshi (1958), and as a leader starting in 1953, including a 1956 New York quartet date for Vanguard. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rolf-kuhn-and-his-sound-of-jazz/462175205

Personnel: Rolf Kuhn (clarinet); Jack Sheldon (trumpet); John Bunch (piano); Jim Hall, Chuck Wayne (guitar); George Duvivier, Henry Grimes (bass); Don Lamond, Ray Mosca (drums).

And His Sound Of Jazz

---

The John Bunch Quintet - John's Other Bunch

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:35
Size: 152.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[5:18] 1. (I Would Do) Anything For You (Take 2)
[6:10] 2. I'll Take New York
[3:41] 3. Lotus Blossom
[5:10] 4. The Man I Love
[4:23] 5. Seventh Avenue Scene (Take 2)
[5:08] 6. My Baby Just Cares For Me
[4:34] 7. Ellington '66 (Take 4)
[4:27] 8. This Can't Be Love
[3:16] 9. Sunday Night
[5:14] 10. (I Would Do) Anything For You (Take 1)
[2:56] 11. Why Shouldn't I (Take 1)
[4:10] 12. Ellington '66 (Take 1)
[4:34] 13. Seventh Avenue Scene (Take 1)
[2:59] 14. Why Shouldn't I (Take 2)
[4:30] 15. Ellington '66 (Take 2)

Bass – Michael Moore; Piano, Leader, Arranged By – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Scott Hamilton; Trumpet – Warren Vaché.

This disc is most notable in that veteran swing pianist John Bunch welcomes two up-and-coming players to his quintet: tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and trumpeter Warren Vache. Both Hamilton and Vache had recently been discovered and they are full of fire, inspiring the trio of Bunch, bassist Michael Moore, and drummer Connie Kay. Another plus is the repertoire which matches standards (including heated versions of "I Would Do Anything for You" and "This Can't Be Love") with obscurities (Bunch's "I'll Take New York," "Seventh Avenue Scene," and "Ellington '66"). Hamilton and Vache would soon be recording regularly for Concord, so it is a treat hearing them at the beginning of their productive careers, interacting with the Teddy Wilson-inspired piano of John Bunch. ~Scott Yanow

John's Other Bunch mc
John's Other Bunch zippy

---

The John Bunch Quintet - John's Bunch

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:27
Size: 133.8 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1975/2002
Art: Front

[5:09] 1. John's Bunch
[8:02] 2. Love You Madly
[4:12] 3. Who Cares
[4:29] 4. Cecily
[4:46] 5. Isfahan
[4:39] 6. Just Friends
[6:22] 7. Cecily (Take 2)
[4:01] 8. Just Friends (Take 2)
[5:16] 9. John's Bunch (Take 7)
[6:34] 10. Cecily (Take 1)
[4:51] 11. Isfahan (Take 2)

A rare set made in 1975 for Harry Lim's Famous Door label, John's Bunch finds veteran swing pianist John Bunch making his debut as a leader. He jams four standards and his own "John's Bunch" and "Cecily" in a quintet with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, trombonist Urbie Green, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Mousie Alexander. It is a rare pleasure getting to hear Urbie Green (normally a studio or mood music musician) in this small-group setting, and his beautiful tone blends in well with the cool tone of Cohn. Recommended. [The CD reissue adds alternate takes to four of the six selections (with two new versions of "Cecily"), so it practically doubles the amount of music.] ~Scott Yanow

John's Bunch mc
John's Bunch zippy

---

John Bunch - Tony's Tunes

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:07
Size: 146.8 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[3:53] 1. I've Got The World On A String
[4:44] 2. Somewhere Along The Line
[5:05] 3. Emily
[4:04] 4. Broadway
[5:04] 5. The Second Time Around
[6:29] 6. Sleepin' Bee
[4:44] 7. Forget The Woman
[3:48] 8. Takin' A Chance On Love
[3:36] 9. The Good Life
[4:44] 10. Chicago
[3:53] 11. Maybe September
[6:44] 12. Street Of Dreams
[3:55] 13. Girl Talk
[3:16] 14. Put On A Happy Face

John Bunch (piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Jay Leonhart (bass). Recorded at Nola Recording Studio, New York, New York on May 12, 2003.

No one can accuse John Bunch of having a short career; born on December 1, 1921, the veteran pianist was 81 when he recorded Tony's Tunes for Chiaroscuro on May 12, 2003. What's the secret to Bunch's success? In addition to having impeccable chops and an inherent sense of swing and melody, Bunch is smart enough to realize that a musician needs to be true to himself. All these years, Bunch has been a swing-oriented pianist along the lines of Teddy Wilson and Nat King Cole; that's his turf, and he has excelled by sticking with what he does best. This CD is called Tony's Tunes because all 14 of the songs are ones that Bunch played with Tony Bennett in the '60s, when he was the singer's music director -- familiar gems that range from "Street of Dreams" and Harold Arlen's "I've Got the World on a String" to Neal Hefti's "Girl Talk." Tony's Tunes is a tribute to Bennett, but it's a tribute on Bunch's own pianistic terms; there are no vocals at all, and Bunch maintains an improviser's mindset whether he is interpreting "Chicago" (that toddlin' town!) or "Put On a Happy Face." When Chiaroscuro president Hank O'Neal (who produced this release) first came up with the idea for Tony's Tunes, he seemed to envision an album of unaccompanied solo piano. But Tony's Tunes ended up being a trio session -- not a traditional piano trio (piano, bass, and drums), but a drummer-less trio uniting Bunch with frequent companions Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) and Jay Leonhart (bass). That piano/guitar/bass format is, of course, the same format that the Nat King Cole Trio favored in the '30s and '40s, and it's a format that works pleasingly well for Bunch throughout this fine CD. ~ Alex Henderson

Tony's Tunes mc
Tony's Tunes zippy

---

Butch Miles Sextet - Miles And Miles Of Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:51
Size: 137.0 MB
Styles: Swing, Cool jazz
Year: 1978/2015
Art: Front

[6:58] 1. Cherokee
[5:45] 2. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[6:01] 3. Take The 'a' Train
[5:28] 4. The King
[5:05] 5. Sweet Lorraine
[7:10] 6. For The Boss
[4:32] 7. Broadway
[4:29] 8. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (Alt Take)
[6:08] 9. Take The 'A' Train (Alt Take)
[4:28] 10. Broadway (Alt. Take)
[3:41] 11. I Surrender, Dear (Previously Unreleased)

Bass – Milt Hinton; Drums – Butch Miles; Flugelhorn – Marky Markowitz; Piano – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Scott Hamilton. Recorded at Mastertone Recording Studios Inc., New York, Fall 1977.

Drummer Butch Miles' recording debut as a leader was his first of five Famous Door releases. Miles leads an all-star mainstream sextet also including both Scott Hamilton (during his brief pre-Concord days) and Al Cohn on tenors, flugelhornist Marky Markowitz, pianist John Bunch, and bassist Milt Hinton. Equally influenced by Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, Miles gets in a few good spots, but mostly lets his top-notch sidemen blow. With the exception of the spontaneous "For the Boss," the repertoire is comprised of material from the swing era, including "Cherokee," "The King" (originally a feature for Illinois Jacquet with Count Basie's Orchestra in the mid-40s) and "Broadway." An excellent set with a jam session feel, this LP from the defunct Famous Door label will be difficult to find. ~Scott Yanow

Miles And Miles Of Swing

---

Harry Allen Quartet - Jazz Im Amerika Haus, Volume 1

Styles: Saxophone Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream 
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:53
Size: 181,2 MB
Art: Front

( 9:28)  1. 'Deed I Do
( 9:50)  2. Close Your Eyes
( 5:29)  3. But Beautiful
( 9:37)  4. The King
(10:01)  5. Did You Call Here Today
( 5:21)  6. Honeysuckle Rose
( 4:53)  7. Thie Time the Dream's On Me
( 8:49)  8. My Heart Stood Still
( 5:06)  9. Every Day I Have The Blues
(10:13) 10. Limehouse Blues

Young Harry Allen, a rising star among swing–based tenor saxophonists, is heard here in the company of a world–class rhythm section that helps him breeze confidently through a nearly eighty minute long concert consisting for the most part of well–known songs from the Golden Age of American popular music. Although Allen is no one’s clone, I am struck by how often his wailing sound and informed manner of expression remind me of the late Stan Getz, of all people. This is especially true at faster tempos and in the higher register, where he comes as close to mimicing Stan as anyone I’ve heard not that he is doing so on purpose; for all I know, Allen may not even be aware of the resemblance, but it’s nonetheless there. In the lower register, the New York born Allen’s full bodied tenor more closely parallels those of Scott Hamilton, Ken Peplowski or other contemporary swing era advocates. 

Thanks to his awesome technique and endless flow of fresh ideas, Allen is perfectly comfortable in any tempo, as are his enterprising colleagues (listen as they let it all hang out on Count Basie’s barn–burner, “The King”). The veteran Bunch is a paragon of swinging and tasteful lyricism, while Irwin and Jackson know precisely the proper support to furnish in any situation (Jackson, the son of bassist Chubby, is equally dazzling with brushes or sticks in hand). As for the music, well, one could hardly wander far astray reprising such time honored classics as “Close Your Eyes,” “My Heart Stood Still,” “This Time the Dream’s on Me” or “Limehouse Blues.” Aside from offering well–deserved applause after solos and at the end of each number, the audience is quiet as a company of church mice. This is a luminous concert session, and while I’m perfectly aware that musical tastes vary widely, I’d recommend it to anyone. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/jazz-im-amerika-haus-vol-1-harry-allen-review-by-jack-bowers.php 
 

Personnel: Harry Allen, tenor sax; John Bunch, piano; Dennis Irwin, bass; Duffy Jackson, drums.

Jazz Im Amerika Haus, Volume 1

---

Scott Hamilton Quintet - The Right Time

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:07
Size: 94,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:16)  1. Just in Time
(6:39)  2. If I Love Again
(4:13)  3. Sleep
(4:20)  4. Eventide
(4:44)  5. Dropsy
(7:00)  6. All Through the Night
(4:59)  7. Skylark
(4:55)  8. Stealing Port

The choice of some offbeat material uplifts this otherwise fairly typical offering by tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton's mid-1980s quintet, a group also including pianist John Bunch, guitarist Chris Flory, bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Chuck Riggs. "Sleep," "If I Love Again," Hoagy Carmichael's "Eventide" and even Cole Porter's "All Through the Night" are not performed all that often, and one does not mind hearing additional versions of "Just In Time" and "Skylark"; the date is rounded out by a pair of Hamilton's originals. Everyone swings as usual, and Hamilton (who has yet to make an inferior recording) is in fine form. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-right-time-mw0000196941

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); John Bunch (piano); Chris Flory (guitar); Phil Flanigan (bass); Chuck Riggs (drums).

The Right Time

---

Daryl Sherman - Look What I Found

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:19
Size: 146,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:18)  1. Cheek To Cheek
(4:50)  2. Lazy In Love
(2:58)  3. Music Makes Me
(2:43)  4. Any Old Time
(2:41)  5. Simple As That
(5:57)  6. There's A Lull In My Life
(4:32)  7. Knock Me A Kiss
(2:55)  8. Many A New Day
(3:28)  9. Look What I Found
(4:15) 10. This Will Make You Laugh
(2:30) 11. Something Brazilian
(6:24) 12. I Was Wrong
(3:02) 13. Why Do I Love You
(5:04) 14. This Is New
(4:12) 15. I Never Knew (That Roses Grew)
(3:21) 16. Things Are Looking Up

Daryl Sherman's relaxed and straightforward approach to singing, paying attention to the meaning of the lyrics but always swinging, is quite winning. Whether being lyrical on "Any Old Time" or saucy on "Knock Me a Kiss," Sherman is in delightful form throughout this set, and she contributes two fine originals, "Simple as That" and the humorous (if sad) "Something Brazilian." A major asset to the CD are the arrangements of Dan Barrett, which utilize his trombone, trumpeter Randy Sandke, four reeds (Jerry Dodgion, Ken Peplowski, Scott Robinson and Chuck Wilson) and a fine rhythm section (guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist John Bunch, bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Klaus Suonsaari) quite colorfully. 

The reeds all double and sometimes triple (Scott Robinson's bass clarinet is quite atmospheric), and a variety of instrumentation is used: "Any Old Time" is taken as a Sherman duet with Pizzarelli, "Many a New Day" finds the singer accompanied only by bassist Maleson, "Things Are Looking Up" (one of a few numbers on which Daryl herself plays piano) is taken solo, and she forms an appealing duo with Barrett on "Why Do I Love You." 

All of the horn players have their spots and, most importantly, Daryl Sherman is perfectly suited for the material. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1116654&style=music&fulldesc=T

Personnel: Daryl Sherman (vocals, piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Chuck Wilson (flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Scott Robinson (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barnett (trombone, piano); John Bunch (piano); Klaus Suonsaari (drums, percussion).

Look What I Found

---

John Bunch, Bucky Pizzarelli - NY Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:43
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Swing, Piano & Guitar jazz
Year: 1992/2004
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Oh, Lady Be Good
[5:18] 2. Hi Fly
[6:12] 3. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me
[4:34] 4. Dot's Cheesecake
[4:34] 5. Stompin' At The Savoy
[4:29] 6. How Am I To Know
[5:44] 7. Sleepin' Bee
[6:01] 8. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[5:25] 9. Jitterbug Waltz
[5:10] 10. Sunday
[5:44] 11. In A Sentimental Mood

John Bunch (piano), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Jay Leonhart (bass), Joe Cocuuzzo (drums).

Originally issued by Sonny Lester on his LRC label, this tribute to the music of Cole Porter has reappeared under the Laserlight banner. The album's style recalls the George Shearing groups, with Bucky Pizzarelli's guitar taking on the role that Joe Roland and other vibes players had with Shearing. Under the name New York Swing, the ensemble features Pizzarelli joined by a bevy of top-drawer New York musicians led by pianist John Bunch. This paean to Porter follows other albums by the group honoring other major contributors to the Great American Songbook, like Jerome Kern and Rodgers & Hart. All of these musicians have played these Porter gems before. Rather than making the songs sound old hat and tired because of this close familiarity, the group members have successfully found fresh ways to express their ideas. And that is what makes this composer a favorite among virtually all jazz performers: His work promotes improvisation. He allows good players to borrow the song, add his or her interpretative imprimatur to it, and then return it intact. "Easy to Love," for example, is presented in a chamber music setting featuring Jay Leonhart's bowed bass. In addition to those customary Porter gems, there are also a few songs that are not so often heard, like "Where Have You Been," which he wrote for an appropriately titled musical The New Yorkers. These are given the same high level of respectful treatment by the group as the more famous Porter material. With nary a bad track in the set, this album of outstanding small group performing is highly recommended. ~ Dave Nathan

NY Swing

---

Ruby Braff & Scott Hamilton - A First

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:18
Size: 97,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:03)  1. Romance in the Dark
(4:17)  2. When a Woman Loves a Man
(7:28)  3. Rockin' Chair
(4:33)  4. Dinah
(5:38)  5. All My Life
(4:53)  6. Shine
(4:36)  7. Medley: If You Were Mine/I Wished on the Moon
(4:48)  8. Bugle Blues

Although it is implied with its title that this was the first collaboration between cornetist Ruby Braff and tenor-saxophonist Scott Hamilton, they had recorded a date back in December 1983 for the Swedish Phontastic label. Accompanied by Hamilton's regular quartet of the period (pianist John Bunch, guitarist Chris Flory, bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Chuck Riggs), Braff and Hamilton inspire each other and play some explosive and consistently passionate solos. Highlights include a surprisingly hard-swinging "Rockin' Chair," "Dinah," "All My Life" and "Bugle Blues." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-first-mw0000198500

Personnel: Ruby Braff (trumpet), Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone), John Bunch (piano), Chris Flory (guitar), Phil Flanigan (bass), Chuck Riggs (drums).

A First

---