The John Sheridan Trio - Artistry 3

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:21
Size: 150,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:14) 1. It's Been So Long
(3:48) 2. I'm Glad There Is You
(5:50) 3. Soon
(6:14) 4. Wonder Why
(4:56) 5. Ev'rything I Love
(8:07) 6. Change Partners
(6:10) 7. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
(4:48) 8. I'll Always Be In Love With You
(5:20) 9. Poor Butterfly
(4:21) 10. I Never Knew
(4:50) 11. No Love, No Nothin'
(5:37) 12. Let's Get Away From It All

There's something refreshing about the way a piano trio can bring a simple, straightforward beauty to even familiar tunes. Pianist John Sheridan is joined by bassist Dave Stone and drummer Tony DeNicola on Artistry 3 for an even dozen pieces from the classic songbook. With an exception or two, however, the music chosen isn't overly familiar, giving the album a nice combination of recognizable style (mainstream jazz) and fresh material.

As with many piano trios, the success here depends on the interplay among the performers. Sheridan's light touch provides a high-key contrast to Stone's heavy-in-the mix bassline, and this balance works very well on "I'm Glad There Is You" and Cole Porter's "Ev'rything I Love." DeNicola uses brushes for the light touch on the former piece, perfectly complementing the mood of his partners. While this group really stands out on a piece like "Poor Butterfly," the musicians also offer fun versions of upbeat material like "It's Been So Long" and "I'll Always Be in Love With You."

The most ambitious effort here is the medium-tempo "Changing Partners," an Irving Berlin composition that the trio develops for eight minutes. For anyone fond of classic piano trios, the John Sheridan Trio adds a fresh sheen to a great set list.
By Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.https://www.allmusic.com/album/artistry-3-mw0000209476

Personnel: John Sheridan - piano; David Stone - bass; Tony DeNicola - drums

Artistry 3

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Banu Gibson/John Sheridan/David Boeddinghaus - Livin' In A Great Big Way

Styles: Vocal, Bop
Year: 1991
Time: 42:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:32) 1. I'm Living In A Great Big Way
(2:15) 2. They All Laughed
(3:01) 3. Fancy Meeting You
(2:55) 4. It's Been So Long
(2:44) 5. About A Quarter To Nine
(2:58) 6. I've Got A Crush On You
(2:12) 7. Lazy
(2:34) 8. Take Another Guess
(2:15) 9. You Can't Pull The Wool Over My Eyes
(2:45) 10. Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody
(2:47) 11. I've Got A Feelin' You're Foolin'
(2:24) 12. You're Getting To Ba A Habit With Me
(1:54) 13. Out For No Good
(2:59) 14. After You, Who?
(2:46) 15. I'll See You In My Dreams
(3:05) 16. Goodnight My Love

This is an unusual Banu Gibson CD in that, instead of using her regular New Orleans Hot Jazz Orchestra, the talented singer is accompanied by just one of two pianists, John Sheridan or David Boeddinghaus. Gibson's repertoire on this set includes both classics from the pre-bop era and obscurities, and the highlights (among many) are "They All Laughed," "It's Been So Long," "About a Quarter to Nine," "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'" and "I'll See You in My Dreams."

Arguably the top classic jazz singer to be active in the 1990s, Banu Gibson's attractive voice and versatile swinging style are very much in evidence throughout this excellent outing. By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/livin-in-a-great-big-way-mw0000654405

Livin' In A Great Big Way

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John Sheridan's Dream Band - Get Rhythm In Your Feet

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 69:42
Size: 159.6 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:07] 1. Stop Look And Listen
[3:56] 2. All The Cats Join In
[3:55] 3. Indian Summer
[6:42] 4. I Love My Baby
[4:04] 5. I Was Doing All Right
[6:42] 6. A Gal In Calico
[3:02] 7. Humpty Dumpty Heart
[3:16] 8. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
[3:24] 9. People Like You And Me
[4:14] 10. I'm In The Mood For Love
[2:52] 11. Get Rhythm In Your Feet
[4:35] 12. A Handful Of Stars
[3:18] 13. You Can't Pull The Wool Over My Eyes
[4:05] 14. My Extraodinary Gal
[3:57] 15. Walkin' By The River
[5:27] 16. The Dixieland Band

"The Dream Band´s third release, Get Rhythm In Your Feet, is on the same high level as the first two, and in some ways is the best of the trio...John Sheridan´s Dream Band looks back towards The Swing Era and the classic groups of that era without directly copying any of them. Mixing together written and jammed ensembles with concise solos and Becky Kilgore´s joyful vocals, the Sheridan Dream Band is carving out its own legacy within the current classic jazz scene." ~ Scott Yanow

John Sheridan - leader, arranger, piano Randy Reinhart - cornet Russ Phillips - trombone Brian Ogilvie - tenor saxophone Ron Hockett - clarinet Reuben Ristrom - guitar Phil Flanigan - bass Ed Metz Jr. - drums Becky Kilgore - vocals

Get Rhythm In Your Feet

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Allan Vaché - High Speed Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:07
Size: 80.4 MB
Styles: Swing, Clarinet jazz
Year: 1984/2016
Art: Front

[4:51] 1. Swing '39
[2:01] 2. If I Could Be With You
[4:20] 3. Emily
[3:09] 4. I've Started All Over Again
[2:37] 5. China Boy
[3:54] 6. Secret Love
[5:09] 7. I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
[1:41] 8. Gone With The Wind
[3:13] 9. Moonlight On The Ganges
[4:08] 10. Goodbye

Bass – Jack Wyatt; Clarinet, Leader – Allan Vaché; Drums – Kevin Hess; Guitar – Howard Elkins; Piano – John Sheridan. Recorded February 12, 1984 at Bob Bruce's United Audio Recording, San Antonio Tx.

When Allan Vaché plays swing on his clarinet, the smooth sounds invite comparisons to a young Benny Goodman, which isn't surprising since the King of Swing was one of Vaché's chief influences. Vaché can be downright blistering as well as warm and inviting and his graceful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy. Critics also compare him to jazz clarinetist Peanuts Hucko.

Vaché evinced an early aptitude for music, which he pursued while at college during the 1970s. He became a student of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra's David Dworkin. He also studied with traditional jazz clarinetist Kenny Davern. Early on he performed professionally with a number of noted musicians, among them Lionel Hampton, Bobby Hackett, Gene Krupa, Pee Wee Erwin, Clark Terry, Dick Hyman, Dick Wellstood, Max Kaminsky, Bob Wilber, Cliff Leeman, and Wild Bill Davison. He also often played with his brother, flügelhorn and cornet player Warren Vaché Jr.

High Speed Swing mc
High Speed Swing zippy

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John Sheridan & His Dream Band - Something Tells Me

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:30
Size: 161.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[3:15] 1. Something Tells Me
[6:31] 2. Japanese Sandman
[3:05] 3. I've Got A Heartful Of Music
[3:30] 4. Can't Teach An Old Heart New Tricks
[3:02] 5. I Only Have Eyes For You
[3:43] 6. About A Quarter To Nine
[4:30] 7. I'll String Along With You
[4:24] 8. September In The Rain
[3:20] 9. Too Marvelous For Words
[4:15] 10. Have You Got Any Castles, Baby
[4:31] 11. Ride Tenderfoot, Ride
[2:45] 12. I'd Love To Take Orders From You
[3:32] 13. Silhouetted In The Moonlight
[8:21] 14. Till We Meet Again
[4:07] 15. Bob White
[3:05] 16. You Oughta Be In Pictures
[4:27] 17. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone

A member of Jim Cullum's band since 1979 and the main arranger for the Riverwalk, Live From the Landing radio series, pianist John Sheridan has spent most of his career exploring pre-bop styles. A big fan of the swing era, when Sheridan was given the opportunity to lead this date for Arbors, he quickly put together a list of favorite songs that included both a few standards and many obscurities. It turned out that all but three of the numbers were either composed by Harry Warren or Richard Whiting. The three remaining songs are from the 1930s, were written by other composers, and were programmed at the end of the CD. In addition to the inspired repertoire ("Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride" is not exactly overrecorded these days), Sheridan gathered a versatile and talented cast of sidemen, contributing inventive arrangements. Some of the ensembles are jammed, but many are written out in the style of the swing era, with "I'd Love to Take Orders From You" making the unit sound like the John Kirby Sextet. With Randy Reinhart and Dan Barrett both capable of playing either trumpet or trombone, and saxophonists Brian Oglivie and Rob Hockett both doubling on clarinets in spots, there is no shortage of variety in instrumental colors; in addition, bassist Bob Haggart has two opportunities to whistle. A delightful set, with the highlights including "I've Got a Heartful of Music," "About a Quarter to Nine," "September in the Rain" and "Till We Meet Again." Recommended.. ~Scott Yanow

Something Tells Me mc
Something Tells Me zippy

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Randy Reinhart - As Long As I Live

Styles: Cornet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 67:57
Size: 126,4 MB
Art: Front

( 5:45)  1. At The Jazz Band Ball
( 7:17)  2. As Long As I Live
( 6:33)  3. Too Late Now
( 6:16)  4. Nobody's Sweetheart
( 3:21)  5. I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan
( 2:50)  6. Weatherbird Rag
( 4:36)  7. Mood Indigo
( 9:53)  8. The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
(10:59)  9. Yellow Dog Blues
( 4:15) 10. More Than You Know
( 6:07) 11. Clarinet Marmalade

A critic's job is to critique, and while that doesn't necessarily mean finding fault, it does mean that you're supposed to be able to hear the good and bad together and comment on both. The problem comes when an album is so consistently appealing that you have a hard time getting distance from its charms. That's exactly the problem with this live album from cornettist and trombonist Randy Reinhart, who coats every tune on this winning program of trad and swing standards with a tone so sweet and burnished that listening to it makes you feel like you're eating ice cream. The fact that his accompanists include clarinetist Kenny Davern, trombonist Dan Barrett, and pianist John Sheridan only adds to the difficulty of gaining critical distance. So suffice it to say that the band's charging rendition of "At the Jazz Band Ball" is a masterpiece of group-improv tension and release, that their ten- and 11-minute-long versions of "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me" and "Yellow Dog Blues" are too short, and that when Reinhart and Barrett switch instruments on "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan" the only reason you notice is that their brilliance changes color slightly. And when you listen closely to the opening head on "As Long as I Live," you'll hear harmony work between the cornet, trombone, and clarinet that is liable to make you tear up. Innovative? Not in the slightest. Masterful, brilliant, inspiring? Absolutely. ~ Rick Anderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/as-long-as-i-live-mw0000350778

Personnel: Dan Barrett (cornet, trombone); Frank Tate (double bass); James Chirillo (guitar); Kenny Davern (clarinet); Randy Reinhart (cornet, trombone); John Sheridan (piano); Tony DeNicola (drums).

As Long As I Live

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Allan Vaché - One For My Baby

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:47
Size: 143.7 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Shiny Stockings
[6:37] 2. If She Walked Into My Life
[5:38] 3. Just Friends
[4:44] 4. Autumn In New York
[4:12] 5. It's You Or No One
[5:52] 6. Lover Man
[3:20] 7. Drum Boogie
[5:48] 8. I'm All Better Now
[4:34] 9. Night In Tunisia
[5:53] 10. Willow Weep For Me
[4:38] 11. My Kind Of Town
[6:43] 12. One For My Baby

Allen Vache (cl, leader); John Sheridan (p); Howard Elkins (g); Jack Wyatt (sb, v).

Allan Vache remains a very underrated jazz clarinetist. This cd with John Sheridan on piano is a very good listen. The selection of songs is superb and the melodies are never lost. A gem. ~Frank G. Santy

One For My Baby

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The Jim Cullum Jazz Band - Honky Tonk Train: The Boogie Woogie Craze

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:19
Size: 112.9 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Narrative New Orleans Hop Scop Blues
[4:47] 2. Jungle Blues
[3:19] 3. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie
[2:13] 4. Narrative
[5:26] 5. Jammin' The Boogie
[4:03] 6. Honky Tonk Train
[3:58] 7. Riverwalk Blues
[5:01] 8. Celestial Express
[3:50] 9. Interview
[4:42] 10. Roll 'em
[3:26] 11. Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar
[3:17] 12. Boogie Woogie On St. Louis Blues

This entry in the valuable series of Jim Cullum radio broadcasts ("Riverwalk, Live from the Landing") focuses on the history of boogie-woogie. There is some narration, with excerpts from some historical recordings and lots of exciting piano from Dick Hyman and John Sheridan. Cullum's hot jazz band (a septet with the cornetist/leader, Sheridan, clarinetist Allan Vache and trombonist Mike Pittsley) has several romps, including "Jammin' the Boogie," "Roll 'Em" and "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar." Most intriguing is "Celestial Express," in which Hyman switches to celeste and is joined in a quartet by Vache, guitarist Howard Elkins and bassist Don Mopsick. Fun music that is easily recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Honky Tonk Train: The Boogie Woogie Craze

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John Sheridan's Dream Band - Hooray For Christmas!

Size: 153,3 MB
Time: 65:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Vocals, Xmas
Art: Front & Back

01. Hooray For Christmas! (4:26)
02. Pocketful Of Miracles (6:48)
03. The Holiday Season (3:32)
04. Christmas Will Be A Little Lonely This Year (4:58)
05. (Everybody's Waiting For) The Man With (4:36)
06. The Christmas Blues (7:21)
07. Cool Yule (4:56)
08. I Know Why And So Do You (5:01)
09. Plenty To Be Thankful For (4:50)
10. A Song For Christmas (4:04)
11. Little Jack Frost Get Lost (2:40)
12. The Difficult Season (6:23)
13. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (5:23)

There's a certain sameness to many Christmas CDs because so many artists focus on a relatively small group of carols and standards of the season, but that isn't the case with Hooray for Christmas! Pianist John Sheridan formed his Dream Band after leaving his work as a sideman with Jim Cullum's Jazz Band, and he recruited one of his favorite singers, Rebecca Kilgore (who is a regular guest on his CDs), for this project, while he has shared the stage with many of the musicians at various jazz parties, including cornetists Randy Reinhart and Warren Vaché, trombonist Dan Barrett, and clarinetists Dan Block and Ron Hockett, among others. The upbeat "Hooray for Christmas!" was penned by Don Sebesky and it serves as a perfect opener, showcasing Kilgore's warm vocals. The forgotten gem "Pocketful of Miracles" features a delightful trombone conversation between Barrett and Russ Phillips. Guitarist Eddie Erickson is the featured vocalist in the witty "Christmas Blues," while Kilgore is on hand for Dave Frishberg's bittersweet "The Difficult Season." Kilgore's romantic touch is evident in her lovely interpretation of "I Know Why and So Do You." The swinging "Cool Yule" was penned by the prolific pianist/composer/author/television star Steve Allen, with Kilgore's snappy vocal backed by the swinging horn section. Sheridan wrote the lovely, touching ballad "Christmas Will Be a Little Lonely This Year," backing Kilgore's sensitive vocal with elegant piano and Vaché adding a touching muted solo, as the remainder of the band sits this one out. This is one Christmas CD that will stand the test of time without growing stale. ~by Ken Dryden

Hooray For Christmas!

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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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Dick Hyman & John Sheridan - Forgotten Dreams: Archives of Novelty Piano 1920's-1930's

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:14
Size: 141,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Echo of Spring
(2:54)  2. Concentratin'
(2:53)  3. Morning Air
(2:55)  4. Finger Buster
(3:09)  5. In the Dark
(3:47)  6. Soliloquy
(4:14)  7. Spring Fever
(3:12)  8. Southern Charms
(2:54)  9. Aunt Jemima's Birthday
(3:20) 10. Dancing Tamourine
(3:46) 11. Midsummer's Nightmare
(2:27) 12. Nickel in the Slot
(3:59) 13. Grandfather's Clock
(2:55) 14. My Pet
(2:17) 15. Lace Embroidery
(4:06) 16. Southern Exposure
(2:39) 17. Hobson Street Blues
(2:43) 18. Eye Opener
(3:05) 19. The Legend Of Lonesome Lake

When I first got into Jazz, I considered anything written and produced before, say, 1999 to be "Novelty" Jazz. So, it was with more than a little surprise that I popped Forgeotten Dreams into the CD player and was amazed to not hear Kenny G covers, but the style of music that had brought me into the Jazz realm. A fantastic album of songs penned by such greats as Zez Confrey, Willie "the Lion" Smith and Rube Bloom. All 19 cuts on this collection of hauntingly beautiful pieces is masterfully performed by the two men Sheridan and Hyman. 

Both men, performing on identical pianos for this recording, have shown that their 15+ years playing together has really created a unified flow to what they do. There are times when the two pianos are panned seperately into the speakers, so that one can distinguish the parts being play. There are times, particularly in "Finger Buster" when the two parts though panned are indistinguishable in a collision of sonic fury. An absolutely perfect companion for reading and/or writing, this album is certain to please any avid fan of Novelty Piano. ~ AAJ Staff  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/forgotten-dreams-archives-of-novelty-piano-1920s-1930s-dick-hyman-arbors-records-review-by-aaj-staff.php 
 

Personnel: Dick Hyman-Piano; John Sheridan-Piano

Forgotten Dreams: Archives of Novelty Piano   1920's-1930's

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Dan Barrett, John Sheridan - Two Sleepy People

Styles: Cornet, Trombone and Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:48
Size: 137,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:47)  1. Two Sleepy People
(4:17)  2. Hey, Good Lookin'
(4:04)  3. I Like the Likes of You
(3:50)  4. All My Love
(4:11)  5. Remember Me
(2:51)  6. Whoa Babe
(7:45)  7. Medley for Billie Holiday: They Say/One Never Knows..
(3:31)  8. Who loves you?
(4:24)  9. Oh, You Crazy Moon
(4:42) 10. Hear Me Talkin' to Ya?
(5:02) 11. Moanin' Low
(3:45) 12. You Can't Lose a Broken Heart
(3:08) 13. Why Do I Lie to Myself About You?
(5:23) 14. Two Sleepy People

The word that best sums up this set of duets by Dan Barrett and John Sheridan is "delightful." Trombonist Barrett (who doubles quite effectively on cornet) and the stride/swing pianist Sheridan match together quite well, inspiring each other on a set of older swing standards and obscurities. Although the emphasis is on melodic improvising, there are enough chances taken to make this music slightly unpredictable. The program begins and ends with different versions of "Two Sleepy People." Other highlights include an unusual jazz treatment of Hank Williams' "Hey, Good Lookin'," a four-song Billie Holiday medley that avoids the more obvious tunes, Louis Armstrong's rarely performed "Heah Me Talkin' to Ya," "All My Love" and "You Can't Lose a Broken Heart." Actually each of the 14 performances are quite enjoyable and this set is easily recommended to fans of Dixieland, swing and mainstream jazz. There is nothing sleepy about the music. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/two-sleepy-people-mw0000090444

Personnel: Dan Barrett (cornet, trombone); John Sheridan (piano).

Two Sleepy People

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John Sheridan & His Dream Band - Dream Band, Make Me Some

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:19
Size: 161.0 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[3:30] 1. I'll See You In My Dreams
[7:24] 2. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
[3:50] 3. Dream Man
[3:50] 4. It's The Dreamer In Me
[3:57] 5. Dream Dancing
[3:06] 6. I Had The Craziest Dream
[4:08] 7. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
[3:56] 8. Dream Of You
[5:02] 9. Deep In A Dream
[3:31] 10. I've Got A Pocketful Of Dreams
[4:59] 11. Harlem Lullaby
[3:18] 12. Gotta Get Some Shut-Eye
[3:24] 13. Dreamsville
[2:50] 14. Please Keep Me In Your Dreams
[4:29] 15. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)
[5:56] 16. Sleep, Come On And Take Me
[3:02] 17. Dream

Pianist, arranger John Sheridan has put together an octet with a rhythm section that has a lively bounce. He’s got bright soloist stepping out of shifting sections that really swing. This is an octet with a big band sound that’s having infectious fun, theme-y fun.

John Sheridan:Dream Band, Make Me Dream Some More cover a line-up of songs like “Dream Dancing,” “Gotta Get Some Shut-Eye,” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams.” Get the drift? Vocalist Rebecca Kilgore steps in on five of the seventeen cuts to deliver some, dare I say, dreamy vocals. Really. John Sheridan’s arrangements are consistently exquisite accompaniments to her fine singing.

The rhythm section of John Sheridan, Reuben Ristrom, Phil Flanigan, and Jeff Hamilton is outstanding, providing a swing beat with flexibility and sophistication. Jeff Hamilton, on drums, is a particular pleasure to listen to for his touch and taste. The soloists are a very well balanced bunch with big ears. Two notable solos are Ron Hockett’s clarinet solo on “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” and John Sheridan’s piano solo on “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” These are two almost arbitrary choices among a wealth of outstanding solos. This band plays together with a flair for the upbeat in beautifully arranged interactions, especially among the horns and reeds. John Sheridan gets the best out of players who sound like they’re having a great time with the music. This band will get you out onto the dance floor or just might coax you out into the moon glow of a balmy summer night. Take a chance, leave your worries behind – it’s Dream Time . . . Highly Recommended. ~Mike Neely

John Sheridan, leader, piano, arranger, vocal (one track); Randy Reinhart, cornet, trumpet, trombone; Dan Barrett, trombone, cornet; Brian Ogilvie, tenor and alto sax, clarinet; Ron Hockett, clarinet, alto sax; Reuben Ristrom, guitar; Phil Flanigan, bass; Jeff Hamilton, drums; Rebecca Kilgore, vocals (five tracks).

Dream Band, Make Me Some

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Bob Barnard & John Sheridan - Thanks A Million

Size: 163,0 MB
Time: 69:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2004
Styles: Jazz: Trumpet Jazz, Dixieland
Art: Front

01. You're Lucky To Me (3:47)
02. Thanks (4:39)
03. Jalousie (4:10)
04. Samantha (4:08)
05. The Skeleton In The Closet (5:45)
06. Thanks A Million (3:40)
07. Black Moonlight (5:51)
08. When It's Sleepy Time Down South (4:15)
09. That Old Girl Of Mine (4:23)
10. Was I To Blame (For Falling In Love With You) (3:54)
11. I've Got A Crush On You (4:47)
12. I'm Shooting High (4:15)
13. Arkansas Lullaby (3:20)
14. Please (3:34)
15. The Day You Came Along (4:38)
16. Sidewalk Blues (4:16)

Veteran Australian cornetist Bob Barnard and stride pianist John Sheridan (best known for his 23 years playing with Jim Cullum) team up for this exciting duet set. Most of the songs on their collaboration were associated with Louis Armstrong or Bing Crosby, although there are some exceptions (such as Jelly Roll Morton's "Sidewalk Blues"). Both of the musicians are heard in prime form, inspiring each other and coming up with witty and swinging ideas within the genre of pre-bop jazz. One does not miss other horns when Barnard plays, and Sheridan is a full rhythm section by himself. With such highlights as "You're Lucky to Me," "The Skeleton in the Closet," "I'm Shooting High," and "Please," this CD is easily recommended to fans of small-group swing and hot jazz. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Thanks A Million

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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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John Sheridan's Dream Band - Easy As It Gets

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:29
Size: 145.3 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. Devil May Care
[6:10] 2. Easy As It Gets
[3:33] 3. Spring Cleaning
[4:45] 4. Morning Glory
[3:17] 5. You Leave Me Breathless
[3:14] 6. Cherry
[5:02] 7. It's So Peaceful In The Country
[3:20] 8. You Lucky People You
[4:30] 9. The Gypsy
[4:25] 10. Someone Like You
[3:49] 11. When We're Alone
[2:46] 12. You Do Something To Me
[4:02] 13. Me, Myself And I
[4:55] 14. Dedicated To You
[5:26] 15. I'm Sitting On Top Of The World

Pianist John Sheridan delivers another superb album of swing jazz and standards with his Dream Band on Easy as It Gets. Once again featuring the talents of cornetist Randy Reinhart, trombonist Russ Phillips, clarinetist Ron Hockett, tenor saxophonist Scott Robinson, guitarist Bob Leary, bassist Phil Flanigan, drummer Joe Ascione, and, of course, vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, the band is traditional and old-timey without seeming staid. A solid dance-oriented ensemble, Sheridan's Dream Band keeps the tone light and lively with lesser performed songs including "You Leave Me Breathless," "Me, Myself and I (Are All in Love With You)," and "Devil May Care." Fans of old-school jazz should be very pleased with Easy as It Gets. ~ Matt Collar

John Sheridan (vocals, piano); Rebecca Kilgore (vocals); Bob Leary (guitar); Ron Hockett (clarinet); Scott Robinson (tenor saxophone); Randy Reinhart (cornet); Russ Phillips (trombone); Joe Ascione (drums).

Easy As It Gets

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