Dave Brubeck - Young Lions & Old Tigers

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:28
Size: 146,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:29)  1. Roy Hargrove
(2:33)  2. How High the Moon
(4:57)  3. Michael Brecker Waltz
(3:27)  4. Here Comes McBride
(3:51)  5. Joe Lovano Tango
(7:52)  6. In Your Own Sweet Way
(6:22)  7. Joshua Redman
(5:43)  8. Together
(6:59)  9. Moody
(4:46) 10. Gerry-Go-Round
(6:43) 11. Ronnie Buttacavoli
(4:41) 12. Deep in a Dream

To celebrate his 75th birthday, Dave Brubeck recorded one number apiece with quite a variety of top jazz stars, both young and old. Some of the performances (which alternate duets with quartets) work better than others (eight are recent Brubeck compositions) but all of the musicians display mutual respect, and it is obvious that the guests are all fans of the still-masterful pianist. Trumpeter Roy Hargrove plays beautifully on his lyrical feature but Jon Hendricks, who sings "How High the Moon" as a ballad, takes it at such a slow tempo as to be dreary. Tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker is fine on "Michael Brecker Waltz," although he sounds a bit restrained, the wittily-titled "Here Comes McBride" is a good-humored romp with bassist Christian McBride; Joe Lovano (on tenor) works well with Brubeck, and particularly memorable is the first meeting on record between Brubeck and fellow pianist George Shearing, with a chance-taking interpretation of "In Your Own Sweet Way." 

Joshua Redman performs fine hard bop on one song, "Together," is a well-conceived duet for baritonist Gerry Mulligan and Brubeck, James Moody plays tenor, sings, and yodels on the minor blues "Moody," Mulligan returns for the contrapuntal "Gerry-Go-Round," and, although the obscure flugelhornist Ronnie Buttacavoli sounds very out of place on his boring feature, the set closes with one of the strongest performances, a solo piano showcase for Brubeck on "Deep in a Dream." Overall, this is quite a mixed bag but, even with its occasional misses, the CD is a must for Dave Brubeck fans, because the pianist is consistently inventive throughout the unusual set. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/young-lions-old-tigers-mw0000176313

Personnel: Dave Brubeck (piano); James Moody (vocals, tenor saxophone); Jon Hendricks (vocals); Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman (tenor saxophone); Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Roy Hargrove (trumpet); Ronnie Buttacavoli (flugelhorn); George Shearing (piano); Chris Brubeck (electric bass); Christian McBride, Jack Six (bass); Randy Jones (drums).

Young Lions & Old Tigers

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Benny Carter - Benny Carter Songbook Vol II

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:04
Size: 174,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. My Mind Is Still On You - Joe Williams
(5:10)  2. Echo Of My Dream - Dianna Krall
(6:00)  3. Rock Me To Sleep - Ruth Brown
(4:04)  4. Stop Me Before I Fall In Love Again - Billy Stritch
(8:33)  5. He Doesn't Need Me Now - Nancy Marano
(6:05)  6. Doozy - Jon Hendricks
(5:10)  7. Nevermore - Billy Stritch
(7:05)  8. Malibu - Lainie Kazan
(5:53)  9. Blue Moonlight - Marlena Shaw
(5:30) 10. Evening Star - Kenny Rankin
(4:46) 11. Slow Carousel - Nancy Marano
(4:05) 12. Whisper To One - Barbara Lea
(5:56) 13. I'm The Caring Kind - Weslia Whitfield
(4:16) 14. When Hilma Smiles

The 1997 release of this CD helped Benny Carter celebrate his 90th birthday, featuring 14 of his original ballads by a dozen guests, in addition to a warm tribute to his wife of many years, "When Hilma Smiles," sung by Carter himself in a friendly, unpretentious manner. His smooth alto sax hasn't lost anything over the decades, and the top-notch cornet of Warren Vaché is also a nice touch. 

The highlights among the guest vocalists' contributions include Nancy Marano's emotional version of "He Doesn't Need Me Now" and Wesla Whitfield's sassy take of "I'm the Caring Kind." ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/songbook-vol-2-mw0000028108

Personnel: Benny Carter (vocals, alto saxophone); Joe Williams, Weslia Whitfield, Ruth Brown, Billy Stritch, Nancy Marano, Jon Hendricks, Lainie Kazan, Marlena Shaw, Kenny Rankin, Barbara Lea, Diana Krall (vocals); Warren Vache (cornet); Chris Neville (piano); Steve LaSpina (bass); Sherman Ferguson, Roy McCurdy (drums)

Benny Carter Songbook Vol II

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The Royal Bopsters - The Royal Bopsters Project

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:22
Size: 144,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:36) 1. Music in the Air - Wildwood' as an instrumental
(5:33) 2. On the Red Clay - 'Red Clay' as an instrumental
(4:57) 3. Peace
(5:58) 4. Basheer, the Snake and the Mirror
(4:54) 5. Señor Blues
(6:22) 6. Invitation
(4:15) 7. Bird Chasin' - Chasin' The Bird as an instrumental
(6:21) 8. Music Is Forever
(4:59) 9. Bebop Lives - 'Boplicity' as an instrumental
(6:12) 10. Just Set Right Up
(4:24) 11. Nothing Like You Has Ever Been Seen Before
(3:45) 12. Let's Fly

New York’s The Royal Bopsters, formed in 2012, bring a new and refreshing approach to the art of vocal jazz. Vocalists Amy London, Holli Ross, Pete McGuinness, and Dylan Pramuk pay tribute to their jazz heroes through intricate harmonies and energetic delivery, bringing jazz classics and bebop style to the next generation and beyond. Their debut recording, The Royal Bopsters Project (Motéma, 2015), featuring vocal jazz legend Mark Murphy and NEA Jazz Masters Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Sheila Jordan, and Bob Dorough, garnered accolades from DownBeat Magazine (4.5 stars), JazzTimes (top 2015 releases), All About Jazz (top picks) and The New York Times (weekend picks) as well as rave reviews from Europe and the UK. The Royal Bopsters soon began performing at major festivals and notable clubs across the U.S. and Europe. Their sophomore release, Party of Four, celebrates both the proud history and the bright future of vocal jazz. A hard-swinging amalgam of vocal virtuosity, electrifying group chemistry, and masterful arranging, Party of Four displays the group’s stunning facility to swing deeply and sing passionately while navigating incredibly precise four-part harmonies. The album is dedicated to Bopster Holli Wasser Ross, o who sadly passed away in the late spring of 2020.

Cited as “expert practitioners of vocalese” in The New Yorker, The Royal Bopsters’ performances are masterclasses in the art of vocal jazz and vocalese, demonstrating the dazzling possibilities of four voices coming together as one. NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan - who began her career singing with Charlie Parker, and who now, with the passing of Annie Ross this July, has become the reigning Queen Matriarch of Vocal Bop, has commented “The Bopsters are my favorite vocal group.” The love is mutual, and The Bopsters include Sheila as a guest in their live shows wherever possible. Bob Dorough, who is most famous for writing Schoolhouse Rock, also guested frequently until his sudden death in 2018. He, Annie, vocalese master Jon Hendricks, and the inimitable Mark Murphy are all much loved and sorely missed by the Bopsters. Amy London, Pete McGuinness, and Dylan Pramuk are all renowned jazz educators, and collectively they instruct at the entire gamut of excellent jazz programs in the NYC area: The New School (London was a founder of the program), NYU, William Paterson, Manhattan School of Music, Montclair State, City College, Hofstra, and Jazz House Kids. The group’s vast collective knowledge of the history and technique of the art form of vocal jazz shines through on every note. http://royalbopsters.com/bios-2

Singers: Amy London, Holli Ross, Dylan Pramuk, Darmon Meader (on recording and has since been replaced by) Pete McGuinness.

Featured singers: Mark Murphy, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Sheila Jordan, Bob Dorough. Band: Steve Schmidt, Sean Smith, Steve Williams, Steve Croon, Cameron Brown

The Royal Bopsters Project

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Home Cookin'

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:30
Size: 92,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:26) 1. Home Cookin'
(2:18) 2. Halloween Spooks
(4:47) 3. Popity Pop
(3:52) 4. Blue
(3:17) 5. Mr P.C.
(5:27) 6. Come on Home
(3:05) 7. The New ABC
(2:33) 8. Farmer's Market
(3:06) 9. Cookin' at the Continental
(2:50) 10. With Malice Towards None
(3:45) 11. Hi-Fly

The premier jazz vocal act of all time, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross revolutionized vocal music during the late '50s and early '60s by turning away from the increasingly crossover slant of the pop world to embrace the sheer musicianship inherent in vocal jazz. Applying the concepts of bop harmonies to swinging vocal music, the trio transformed dozens of instrumental jazz classics into their own songs, taking scat solos and trading off licks and riffs in precisely the same fashion as their favorite improvising musicians. Vocal arranger Dave Lambert wrote dense clusters of vocal lines for each voice that, while only distantly related, came together splendidly. Jon Hendricks wrote clever, witty lyrics to jazz standards like "Summertime," "Moanin'," and "Twisted," and Annie Ross proved to be one of the strongest, most dexterous female voices in the history of jazz vocals. Together Lambert, Hendricks & Ross paved the way for vocal groups like Manhattan Transfer while earning respect from vocalists and jazz musicians alike.

The act grew out of apartment jam sessions by Lambert, a pioneering arranger and bop vocalist who had appeared in groups led by Gene Krupa and Buddy Stewart though he had also gained infamy leading a vocal choir on the disastrous "Charlie Parker with Voices" session recorded for Clef in 1953. That same year, Lambert met Jon Hendricks, who had similar vocal specialties that extended to lyrical changes. The pair debuted with a radically reworked version of "Four Brothers," which featured lyrics by Hendricks and note-for-note duplications of the original solos by Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, and Woody Herman. They recorded a few other sides but were unsuccessful until a chance meeting with solo vocalist Annie Ross hit paydirt.

The first LP by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross was 1957's Sing a Song of Basie. Though the trio originally intended to hire a complete vocal choir to supplement their voices, the general incompetence of the studio voices led them to multitrack their own voices. The results were excellent, incredible vocal re-creations of complete solos from Basie classics like "One O'Clock Jump," "Down for Double," and "Avenue C" with added lyrics by Hendricks. The next year's follow-up, Sing Along with Basie, featured the bandleader himself and his group in a supporting role. Perhaps realizing that multi-tracking was a bit of a gimmick, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross then recruited a straight rhythm trio and began touring and recording that way. The first studio effort, 1959's The Swingers!, represented a leap in quality and musicianship, leading to a contract with Columbia later that year. The trio recorded three albums for the label during the next two years, including a tribute to Duke Ellington.

All three had pursued separate solo projects during the trio's run. After constant touring began to wear her out, Ross left the group in 1962. Lambert and Hendricks replaced her with Yolande Bavan, and continued recording for RCA. However, it was nearly impossible to replace a soloist of Ross' caliber, and the three albums Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan recorded between 1962 and 1964 were decidedly below par. The group broke up in 1964, and Lambert's death in a traffic accident just two years later quashed any hopes of a reunion. Both Hendricks and Ross continued to perform and record, with Ross doing much theater and film work as well.~ John Bush https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lambert-hendricks-ross-mn0000106987/biography

Home Cookin'

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Jon Hendricks - Before Us

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 80:06
Size: 185,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. Out of the Past
(4:18)  2. Another Get Together
(2:51)  3. With Malice Towards None
(5:03)  4. The Shouter
(2:54)  5. Pretty Strange
(4:12)  6. If I Had My Share
(2:30)  7. Please Send Me Someone to Love
(3:33)  8. Saturday Night Fish Fry
(2:10)  9. That's Enough
(2:51) 10. Things Ain't What They Used to Be
(3:42) 11. A Good Git-Together
(4:24) 12. Contemporary Blues
(1:02) 13. Everything Started in the House of the Lord
(2:35) 14. Caravan
(2:35) 15. What Would You Do
(5:41) 16. Fast Livin' Blues
(2:23) 17. I'll Die Happy
(3:32) 18. I Don't Know What Kind of Blues I've Got
(2:22) 19. Social Call
(3:06) 20. Good Old Lady
(4:18) 21. Do You Call That a Buddy
(2:26) 22. Everything Started in the House of the Lord II
(3:31) 23. In a Mellow Tone
(3:02) 24. I'll Never Get Enough of You

Jon Hendricks, the pioneering jazz singer and lyricist with the vocal ensemble Lambert, Hendricks & Ross who helped create an inventive jazz vocal technique called “vocalese,” has died. Hendricks died Wednesday in New York City, his daughter, Aria Hendricks, said. He was 96. When Hendricks arrived on the jazz scene in the ’50s, his mastery of “vocalese”an expansion of scat singing had a powerful influence on the musical tenor of post-World War II bebop. The technique combined existing  usually recorded  instrumental jazz solos and newly written lyrics and often replaced instruments with vocalists. In Hendricks’ hands, the result was seen by his fans as rhythmic poetry. Although vocalese was a relatively new jazz art form, Hendricks quickly defined most of its significant elements in Lambert, Hendricks & Ross’ first recording, “Sing A Song of Basie,” based on such Count Basie classics like “It’s Sand, Man,” “Two For the Blues” and “Little Pony.” Not only did Hendricks create full band passages for the three singers to overdub, he also turned the solos of instrumentalists into vocal passages.

The album earned Lambert, Hendricks & Ross a Grammy nomination. Decades later it was honored with a Grammy Hall of Fame award, given to musical recordings considered to have a lasting historical significance. Singer and pianist Carmen McRae called Hendricks “the greatest lyricist in the world” and Al Jarreau said he was “pound for pound the best jazz singer on the planet.” Joni Mitchell, who rarely recorded songs other than her own, featured Hendricks’ songs on both “Court and Spark” and “The Hissing of Summer Lawns” Mitchell said she fell in love with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross’ “The Hottest New Sound in Jazz” as a teenager. “In a way I’ve always considered that album to be my Beatles, because I learned every song off it,” she said. “I don’t think there’s another album that I know every song on, including my own!” Time magazine labeled Hendricks “the James Joyce of jazz” and Times jazz critic Leonard Feather called Hendricks “the poet laureate of jazz.” As Hendricks’ visibility grew, Duke Ellington chose him as the featured soloist in the premiere performance of Ellington’s first Sacred Music Concert, and his music guided groups like The Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and Take 6.

Born Sept. 16, 1921, in Newark, Ohio, Hendricks and his 14 siblings bounced around before his parents finally settled in Toledo, Ohio.His musical talents were apparent at an early age, and Hendricks was singing on local radio shows by the time he was 7. As a teenager, he expressed ambitions to become a drummer. But opportunities to sing in the company of such major jazz artists as Fats Waller, Art Tatum and Ted Lewis convinced him that his instrument of choice should be his voice. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, Hendricks returned to Ohio to study law and literature at the University of Toledo. His college funding fell through, however, and he fell back on his musical skills, playing drums and singing with local groups. When Charlie Parker heard him scat singing in a local club, the great bebop saxophonist praised Hendricks’ singing, and advised him to devote himself to music. Parker also urged Hendricks to move to New York, offering to help him make his first contacts in the New York City jazz community.

The introductions began to pay off in 1952 when Louis Jordan recorded Hendricks’ “I Want You to Be My Baby.” A year later, Hendricks recorded “Four Brothers” and “Cloudburst” with the Dave Lambert Singers, setting the stage for the foundation of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Hendricks formed the group in 1957, and the trio performed together until 1962, when Annie Ross left for a solo career and was replaced by singer Yolande Bavan. Hendricks and his family lived and performed in Europe between 1968 and 1973. When he returned to the U.S., Hendricks moved to San Francisco, where he wrote about jazz for the Chronicle newspaper and formed a group called the Hendricks Family with his wife, Judith, and children, Michelle and Eric. 

In 1985, Hendricks worked with the Manhattan Transfer on the recording of their album “Vocalese,” which won seven Grammy awards. Hendricks began to teach at the University of Toledo in 2000 and was eventually appointed distinguished professor of jazz studies and granted an honorary doctorate in performing arts. He is survived by a son, Jon; two daughters, Michele and Aria; and three grandchildren. https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-jon-hendricks-snap-story.html

Before Us

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - The Hottest New Group In Jazz Disc 1 And Disc 2

Album: The Hottest New Group In Jazz Disc 1

Styles: Vocal 

Year: 1996

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:22

Size: 140,8 MB

Art: Front

(3:18)  1. Charleston Alley

(2:33)  2. Moanin'

(2:17)  3. Twisted

(3:15)  4. Bijou

(2:15)  5. Cloudburst

(2:26)  6. Centerpiece

(2:57)  7. Gimme That Wine

(3:48)  8. Sermonette

(1:43)  9. Summertime

(4:10) 10. Everybody's Boppin'

(2:55) 11. Cottontail

(3:27) 12. All Too Soon

(1:18) 13. Happy Anatomy

(3:09) 14. Rocks In My Bed

(2:53) 15. Main Stem

(3:29) 16. I Don't Know What Kind Of Blues I've Got

(2:48) 17. Things Ain't What They Used To Be

(2:32) 18. Midnight Indigo

(2:59) 19. What Am I Here For?

(3:28) 20. In A Mellow Tone - Vocal Version

(2:33) 21. Caravan

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Album: The Hottest New Group In Jazz Disc 2

Time: 61:18

Size: 142,6 MB

(5:26)  1. Come On Home

(3:05)  2. The New A B C

(2:32)  3. Farmer's Market

(3:07)  4. Cookin' At The Continental

(2:48)  5. With Malice Toward None

(3:44)  6. Hi-Fly

(4:26)  7. Home Cookin'

(2:18)  8. Halloween Spooks

(4:48)  9. Popity Pop

(3:50) 10. Blue

(3:17) 11. Mr. P. C.

(2:14) 12. Walkin'

(4:06) 13. This Here (Dis Hyunh)

(5:19) 14. Swingin' Till The Girls Come Home

(2:22) 15. Twist City

(2:22) 16. Just A little Bit of Twist

(2:43) 17. A Night In Tunisia

(2:43) 18. A Night In Tunisia - Alternate Version

The immortal vocal jazz group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross recorded five albums during its career: one apiece for Impulse! and World Pacific and three for Columbia. This two-CD set has all of the music from LH&R's Columbia dates (The Hottest Group in Jazz, Sing Ellington, and High Flying), plus four previously unissued and three very obscure selections. Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross were all very talented jazz singers as individuals, and were masters of vocalese. Virtually every one of their performances was special and, in the long run, influential. With assistance from the Gildo Mahones Trio, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison (on the earliest album), and altoist Pony Poindexter (during the seven bonus tracks), the vocal group is heard in memorable form throughout the two-fer. Among the many highlights are "Twisted," "Cloudburst," Hendricks' hilarious "Gimme That Wine," "Everybody's Boppin'," "Cotton Tail," "All Too Soon," "Main Stem," "Farmer's Market," "Cookin' at the Continental," "Halloween Spooks," and "Popity Pop." Essential music for all serious jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hottest-new-group-in-jazz-compilation-mw0000079757

The Hottest New Group In Jazz Disc 1, Disc 2

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Jon Hendricks - Evolution Of The Blues Song

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:31
Size: 106.5 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1960/2018
Art: Front

[3:14] 1. Jon Hendricks - Introduction
[1:10] 2. Jon Hendricks & Chorus - Amo
[2:29] 3. Jon Hendricks - Some Stopped On De Way
[5:23] 4. Hannah Dean & Chorus - Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
[3:40] 5. Pony Poindexter - New Orleans
[4:33] 6. Big Miller - If I Had My Share
[3:21] 7. Jimmy Witherspoon - Please Send Me Someone To Love
[2:24] 8. Big Miller - Sufferin' Blues
[2:26] 9. Hannah Dean & Chorus - That's Enough
[1:49] 10. Jon Hendricks & Chorus - Aw, Gal
[3:51] 11. Jimmy Witherspoon - See See Rider
[2:47] 12. Jon Hendricks - Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
[2:08] 13. Jimmy Witherspoon - Sun Gonna Shine In My Door
[2:44] 14. Jon Hendricks - W.P.A. Blues
[4:26] 15. Big Miller & Chorus - Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

Of the many projects Hendricks has been involved in, this is his crowning glory. It toured the country as a stage production, depicting the history of African-American roots music, from spirituals and field hollers to blues, gospel, and jazz. Hendricks recites signposts of the musical progression in rhyme, and singing here and there. Pony Poindexter plays a little tenor sax and talks about New Orleans, while Ike Isaacs' trio backs the singers. An intro by Hendricks postulates that adults "have their minds made up, don't confuse 'em with facts" and refers to musicians as "metaphysicians." This is one of several pieces where the chorus hums while Hendricks tells his tale. African drums, serving as a call-and-response device, inform "Amo." A slave story told in a Harry Belafonte style by Hendricks accents "Some Stopped on De Way," while a spiritual rap precedes "Swing Low Sweet Chariot." Big Miller digs into a personalized gospel blues, "If I Had My Share," and Witherspoon belts "Please Send Me Someone to Love" like only he can. A highlight is Miller's "Sufferin' Blues," followed by Hendricks' field holler "Aw, Gal" and Witherspoon's groovin' "C.C. (Circuit) Rider." Poindexter returns on "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," which includes references to jazz and Lester Young. The program ends with Witherspoon's brilliant rendition of Big Bill Broonzy's "Sun Gonna Shine," Hendricks' downtrodden take on "W.P.A. Blues," and Big Miller's turn on "Motherless Child." If you'd like to get your children -- or uninformed grown-ups -- a quick, painless, enjoyable lesson in the last 100+ years of our American classical heritage, this is a perfect primer. ~Michael G. Nastos

Evolution Of The Blues Song mc
Evolution Of The Blues Song zippy

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Benny Carter - Songbook

Styles: Vocal, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:37
Size: 179,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:30)  1. Only Trust Your Heart (Feat. Dianne Reeves)
(4:55)  2. All That Jazz (Feat. Carmen Bradford & Kenny Rankin)
(4:23)  3. I Was Wrong (Feat. Joe Williams)
(4:59)  4. Rain (Feat. Marlena Shaw)
(5:34)  5. Cow-Cow Boogie (Feat. Jon Hendricks)
(5:36)  6. Fresh Out Of Love (Feat. Diana Krall)
(4:57)  7. Speak Now (Feat. Billy Stritch)
(5:27)  8. A Kiss From You (Feat. Shirley Horn)
(4:17)  9. You Bring Out The Best In Me (Feat. Bobby Short)
(5:45) 10. My Kind Of Trouble Is You (Feat. Ruth Brown)
(4:06) 11. When Lights Are Low (Feat. Weslia Whitfield)
(6:35) 12. Lonely Woman (Feat. Nancy Marano)
(4:33) 13. Key Largo (Feat. Carmen Bradford)
(6:03) 14. We Were In Love (Feat. Dianne Reeves & Joe Williams)
(4:48) 15. I See You (Feat. Peggy Lee)

Due to his being such a talented altoist, arranger and occasional trumpeter for seven decades, it is often forgotten that Benny Carter wrote some worthy songs along the way. "When Lights Are Low" and "Blues in My Heart" are standards while "Only Trust Your Heart," "Key Largo" and the novelty hit "Cow-Cow Boogie" are close. For this unusual set, 14 different singers had opportunities to interpret one or two Carter compositions while joined by a fine quintet consisting of cornetist Warren Vache, pianist Chris Neville, bassist Steve LaSpina, drummer Sherman Ferguson and Carter himself (88 at the time!) on alto. The ambitious program includes five Carter songs that were receiving their world premiere; in addition Carter also wrote or co-wrote the lyrics to nine of the pieces. The singers all show respect for the melody and words with Jon Hendricks being playful on "Cow-Cow Boogie," Joe Williams quite touching on "I Was Wrong" and a weakened Peggy Lee making a memorable cameo on "I See You." The vocalists consistently seem quite inspired by the unique project. There are many short Carter and Warren Vache solos and, even with the emphasis on ballads, there is more variety than one might expect. The well-conceived tribute (which also has fine appearances by Dianne Reeves, Carmen Bradford, Kenny Rankin, Marlena Shaw, Diana Krall, Billy Stritch, Shirley Horn, Bobby Short, Ruth Brown, Weslia Whitfield and Nancy Marano). ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/songbook-mw0000180497

Personnel:  Benny Carter - alto saxophone;  Warren Vache - cornet;  Chris Neville, Gene DiNovi (#15) - piano;  Steve LaSpina, John Heard (#15) - bass;  Sherman Ferguson, Roy McCurdy (#2,6,13) - drums

Thank You Dave!

Songbook

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Jimmy Rowles, Stan Getz - The Peacocks

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:45
Size: 138,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. I'll Never Be the Same
(5:53)  2. Lester Left Town
(5:51)  3. Body and Soul
(4:57)  4. What Am I Here For?
(5:39)  5. Serenade to Sweden
(5:43)  6. The Chess Players
(5:42)  7. The Peacocks
(4:26)  8. My Buddy
(3:35)  9. The Hour of Parting
(2:54) 10. Rose Marie
(4:23) 11. This is All I Ask
(4:01) 12. Skylark
(1:34) 13. Mosaic/Would You Like to Take a Walk

Though Stan Getz is credited as the leader of The Peacocks, and his immediately identifiable tenor saxophone is well represented, this session is actually headed by pianist and vocalist Jimmy Rowles, with Getz as producer. It is essentially a series of laid-back duets between Rowles and Getz, or a small amount of quartet recordings complemented by bassist Buster Williams and drummer Elvin Jones. The range of emotion and dynamics presented offers a unique listening experience for anyone not particularly familiar with the veteran Los Angeles based Rowles, supported by a variety of players who fully understand his muse. Not without his own innate sense of style, rhythm, and energy, Rowles is the centerpiece in a stack of standards, music of Duke Ellington, modern jazz compositions, and one original. He has a dry vocal style cum Mose Allison or even Tony Bennett, most evident on "I'll Never Be the Same" or the reserved but heartfelt blues ballad/waltz "My Buddy." Without singing, Rowles and Getz sail through the stride flavored Ellington evergreen "What Am I Here For?" and the elegant "Serenade in Sweden," while the title track is the haute cuisine piece, a Rowles original that languishes in pensive, dark and midnight slow liquid colors. Of the ensemble pieces, Wayne Shorter's "Lester Left Town" brims with fermented bubbles, as Getz glides through the melody with a restrained Jones and perky piano from Rowles. A song of slow lingering and reflection on the passing of youth, "This Is All I Ask" is an old man's refrain, fondly remembering bygone glory with a request for one final chance. The stand-out track, completely set apart from the rest, is "The Chess Players," a devilish genius word play set to Wayne Shorter's instrumental melody by Jon Hendricks, featuring the lyricist, family members, wife Judith and daughter Michelle, and Getz's wife Beverly. It's a killer song, rousingly upbeat and wild, as the chorale threatens they're "coming to get you," "you better believe it," and they "must have your love." Rowles does a modified free solo piano adaptation of "Body & Soul," and an interesting medley of Cedar Walton's modal "Mosaic" affixed to a short snippet of "Would You Like to Take a Walk?" as an appropriate coda for this program. With few Jimmy Rowles recordings in the world, this has to rank as his best, clearly the most entertaining, and a project Getz was ever proud to bring to the jazz world. It is definitive, deserving of the Columbia Jazz Masterpieces tag, and a must-have item in your modern jazz collection. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-peacocks-mw0000110344

Personnel:  Stan Getz - tenor saxophone;  Jimmy Rowles - piano, vocals;  Buster Williams - bass;  Elvin Jones - drums;  Beverly Getz, Jon Hendricks , Judy Hendricks, Michele Hendrick - vocals

The Peacocks

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Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross - Sing The Lambert, Hendricks & Ross Songbook

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:36
Size: 109.0 MB
Styles: Vocalese, Jazz vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:28] 1. Lil Pony
[5:26] 2. Come Home
[2:15] 3. Twisted
[2:57] 4. Gimme That Wine
[2:32] 5. Farmer's Market
[2:15] 6. Cloudburst
[3:34] 7. Jackie
[5:47] 8. In Summer
[2:25] 9. Centerpiece
[3:45] 10. Doodlin'
[3:48] 11. Stockholm Sweetnin'
[6:46] 12. Music Is Forever
[3:31] 13. Jumpin' At The Woodside

Jon Hendricks (born September 16th 1921) is a renowned jazz vocalist, lyricist and exceptional improviser. Lambert, Hendricks and Ross went on to become one of the most successful vocal groups of all time. They toured the world and inspired other singers such as The Manhattan Transfer, and the New York Voices to perform vocalese, the setting of lyrics to instrumental music. The legacy of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross continues to live on. As the primary lyricist of the group Hendricks proved to the world that he had a tremendous gift for words.

Sing The Lambert, Hendricks & Ross Songbook mc
Sing The Lambert, Hendricks & Ross Songbook zippy

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George Russell - New York, New York

Styles: Big Band, Bop
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:26
Size: 104,3 MB
Art: Front

(10:33)  1. Manhatten
(11:41)  2. Big City Blues
(10:10)  3. Manhatten - Rico
( 8:00)  4. East Side Medley
( 5:00)  5. A Helluva town

George Russell was one of the most forward-thinking composers and arrangers on the jazz scene during the 1950s, but his work was generally more appreciated by musicians than the jazz-buying public. New York, New York represents one of many high points in his career. He assembled an all-star orchestra, including pianist Bill Evans (a frequent participant on Russell's recordings), Art Farmer, Bob Brookmeyer, John Coltrane, and Milt Hinton, among others.

In Rodgers & Hart's "Manhattan," Russell has the soloists playing over the orchestra's vamp, while he also creates an imaginative "East Side Medley" combining the standards "Autumn in New York" and "How About You." His original material is just as striking as his arrangements, while vocalist Jon Hendricks serves as narrator between orchestra segments. While this release has been reissued several times, it rarely remains in print for long, so don't miss the opportunity to acquire this elusive CD. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-ny-mw0000309054 

Personnel: George Russell (leader, arranger, chromatic drums); Jon Hendricks (spoken vocals); Hal McKusick, Phil Woods (alto saxophone, flute, clarinet); John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Al Cohn (tenor saxophone); Gene Allen, Sol Schlinger (baritone saxophone); Art Farmer, Doc Severinsen, Ernie Royal, Joe Wilder, Joe Ferrante (trumpet); Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Rehak, Tom Mitchell, Jimmy Cleveland (trombone); Bill Evans (piano); Barry Galbraith (guitar); Milt Hinton, George Duvivier (bass); Charlie Persip, Max Roach, Don Lamond (drums); Al Epstein (bongos).             

New York, New York

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Jon Hendricks - A Good Git-Together

Styles: Vocal

Year: 1959

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 38:00

Size: 89,3 MB

Art: Front

(1:03)  1. Everything Started In The House Of The Lord

(3:58)  2. Music In The Air

(3:50)  3. Feed Me

(2:22)  4. I'll Die Happy

(2:53)  5. Pretty Strange

(5:03)  6. The Shouter

(5:21)  7. Minor Catastrophe

(2:22)  8. Social Call

(4:55)  9. Out Of The Past

(3:41) 10. A Good Git-Together

(2:26) 11. I'm Gonna Shout (Everything Started In The House Of The Lord)

On various tracks, Jon Hendricks' first album as a leader, released in 1959, features such major sidemen as altoist Pony Poindexter, guitarist Wes Montgomery, and both Nat and Cannonball Adderley. Hendricks who was riding high in Lambert, Hendricks & Ross at the time is in superb form on such numbers as "I'm Gonna Shout (Everything Started in the House of the Lord)," a couple of songs that Hendricks had written for Louis Jordan, Randy Weston's "Pretty Strange," "Social Call," and the jubilant "A Good Git-Together." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-good-git-together-mw0000551672

Personnel:  Jon Hendricks - vocal;  Ike Isaacs – double bass;  Monk Montgomery – bass;  Nat Adderley – cornet;  Walter Bolden – drums; Walter Tolgen – drums;  Wes Montgomery – guitar;  Gildo Mahones – piano;  Pony Poindexter – alto saxophone, vocals;  Cannonball Adderley – alto saxophone;  Bill Perkins – tambourine;  Buddy Montgomery – vibraphone

R.I.P.
Born: September 16, 1921
Died: November 22, 2017

A Good Git-Together

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Everybody's Boppin'

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:35
Size: 112,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. Charleston Alley
(2:37)  2. Moanin'
(2:18)  3. Twisted
(3:19)  4. Bijou
(2:18)  5. Cloudburst
(2:29)  6. Centerpiece
(3:01)  7. Gimme That Wine
(3:49)  8. Sermonette
(1:46)  9. Summertime
(4:13) 10. Everybody's Boppin'
(4:28) 11. Home Cookin'
(3:51) 12. Blue
(5:29) 13. Come on Home
(2:57) 14. Cotton Tail
(2:32) 15. Midnight Indigo

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross made their debut on Columbia in 1959, and this CD contains not only all of the music from their first CBS album, but five titles from two later records. This set has many memorable classics from the great singers Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks (the top vocalese lyricist) and Annie Ross. Highlights include the upbeat "Charleston Alley," a remake of Ross' "Twisted," the heated "Cloudburst," Hendricks' humorous "Gimme That Wine," "Summertime" (a recreation of Miles Davis' version with Gil Evans), and "Come on Home." Although Lambert, Hendricks and Ross only lasted a few years, their influence on other vocal groups was enormous. This set is a perfect place for collectors to begin to explore their vocal magic. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/everybodys-boppin-mw0000653429

Personnel:  Vocals – Annie Ross, Dave Lambert , Jon Hendricks;   Bass – Charles "Ike" Isaacs;  Drums – Jimmy Wormworth , Walter Lee Bolden;  Piano – Gildo Mahones;  Trumpet – Harry Edward Edison

Everybody's Boppin'

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - High Flying

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:13
Size: 92,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:32)  1. Come On Home
(3:11)  2. The New A B C
(2:36)  3. Farmer's Market
(3:10)  4. Cookin' at the Continental
(2:53)  5. With Malice Toward None
(3:48)  6. Hi-Fly
(4:30)  7. Home Cookin'
(2:21)  8. Halloween Spooks
(4:52)  9. Popity Pop
(3:55) 10. Blue
(3:19) 11. Mr. P. C.

High Flying, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross' third album for Columbia, features more of the group's inventive and playful vocalese, including a vocal adaptation of John Coltrane's "Mr. P.C." The group's active imagination leaves no stone unturned, finding musical inspiration in the alphabet ("The New ABC"), shopping at the "Farmer's Market," and shivering through the seasonal hijinks of "Halloween Spooks." Dave Lambert and company cover kindred soul Slim Gaillard's "Popity Pop," and answer their critics with a disarmingly straightforward vocal group performance on "With Malice Toward None." The Ike Isaacs Trio provides instrumental accompaniment on this delightful outing that was the group's final album with Annie Ross. The album was reissued in its entirety with different cover art as The Way-Out Voices of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. ~ Greg Adams http://www.allmusic.com/album/high-flying-mw0000894932

Personnel:  Bass – Ike Isaacs;  Drums – Jimmy Wormworth;  Piano – Gildo Mahoneys;  Vocals – Annie Ross, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks .

High Flying

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Jon Hendricks & Friends - Freddie Freeloader

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:53
Size: 132.5 MB
Styles: Vocalese, Vocal jazz
Year: 1990/2010
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[5:46] 2. In Summer
[9:05] 3. Freddie Freeloader
[3:55] 4. Stardust
[5:08] 5. Sugar
[3:00] 6. Take The A Train
[5:37] 7. Fas' Livin' Blues
[1:28] 8. High As A Mountain
[4:42] 9. Trinkle Tinkle
[2:50] 10. Swing That Music
[2:28] 11. The Finer Things In Life
[6:31] 12. Listen To Monk
[3:51] 13. Sing Sing Sing

This CD would be highly recommended if only for Jon Hendricks' brilliant vocalese version of "Freddie Freeloader," which has Bobby McFerrin singing pianist Wynton Kelly's part, Al Jarreau as Miles Davis, George Benson as Cannonball Adderley, and Hendricks re-creating John Coltrane. However, all 13 selections on this very memorable set have their strong moments, and the other guests include the Manhattan Transfer, the Count Basie Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, Stanley Turrentine, Tommy Flanagan, Al Grey, and the Jon Hendricks Vocalstra. "Jumpin' at the Woodside" recalls the Lambert, Hendricks & Ross version, Judith Hendricks sings Louis Armstrong's solos on "Stardust" and "Swing That Music," Turrentine helps to re-create "Sugar," there are a couple of Thelonious Monk tunes, and the exciting proceedings conclude with "Sing, Sing, Sing." Essential music. ~Scott Yanow

Freddie Freeloader

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Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - The Swingers

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:50
Size: 96,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:32)  1. Airegin
(3:16)  2. Babe's Blues
(3:32)  3. Dark Cloud
(2:04)  4. Jackie
(5:07)  5. Swingin' 'Til the Girls Come Home
(4:13)  6. Four
(3:30)  7. Little Niles
(2:57)  8. Where
(2:58)  9. Now's the Time
(3:46) 10. Love Makes the World Go Around
(6:49) 11. Clap Hands! Here Somes Charley

One of the lesser-known sets by the classic jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, this LP holds its own with their more famous recordings. Assisted by tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, pianist Russ Freeman, and guitarist Jim Hall, among others, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, and Annie Ross sound at their best on such numbers as "Airegin," "Jackie" (a feature for Ross), "Swingin' 'Til the Girls Come Home," "Four," and "Now's the Time." 

This album is recommended to fans of this unique and influential vocal trio. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-swingers!-mw0000194210

Personnel:  Vocals – Annie Ross, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks;  Bass – Ed Jones;  Drums – Sonny Payne;  Guitar – Freddie Green;  Piano – Russ Freeman;  Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims

The Swingers

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Thelonious Monk - Underground

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1967
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:08
Size: 161,4 MB
Art: Front

( 3:13)  1. Thelonious (Take 1)
(10:30)  2. Ugly Beauty (Take 5)
( 6:48)  3. Raise Four***
( 5:48)  4. Boo Boo's Birthday (Take 11)
( 7:42)  5. Easy Street
(13:11)  6. Green Chimneys
( 6:36)  7. In Walked Bud
( 7:39)  8. Ugly Beauty (Take 4)
( 5:29)  9. Boo Boo's Birthday (Take 2)
( 3:07) 10. Thelonious (Take 3)

Underground was recorded in 1967, about 20 years into the career of this wholly distinctive and unorthodox pianist-composer. Whenever the understated saxophone talents of Charlie Rouse accompany Thelonious Monk, one is assured of an invigorating set of music and this collection is no exception. Supported by Larry Gales on bass and the inimitable Ben Riley on drums, Monk and Rouse elaborate on immortal compositions like "Ugly Beauty." 

On "In Walked Bud," the quartet is joined by vocalist Jon Hendricks. With jagged themes and unusual variations of meter and key, Underground showcases an aging Monk's still-brilliant eccentricity on the piano. A good bit looser than much of Monk's earlier work, he and Rouse infuse this date with their tag-team humor and unrelenting musical enthusiasm. ~ Mitch Myers Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Underground-Thelonious-Monk/dp/B0000AVHBO

Personnel: Thelonious Monk (piano); Jon Hendricks (vocals); Charlie Rouse (tenor saxophone); Larry Gales (bass); Ben Riley (drums).

Underground

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Zoot Sims, Lambert Hendricks & Ross - Zoot Sims Meets Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (2-Disc Set)

Zoot Sims, Bill Perkins (ts), Russ Freeman (p), Freddie Green, Jim Hall, Billy Bean (g), Eddie Jones, Monty Budwig (b), Sonny Payne, Mel Lewis, Frank Capp (d), Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross (vcl).

Although Zoot Sims was born in Inglewood, in southwest downtown Los Angeles, he is always regarded as one of the great talents of the New York scene, to which he had moved in 1955, tired of the jazz they played on the West Coast and looking for fresh excitement. A follower of Lester Young, he became one of the most innovative tenor saxophonists of his generation. In March 1959 he went back to Los Angeles for a month. The first night, he was offered a spot in the Terry Gibbs band.

Highly regarded by the musicians, he was much in demand in clubs around the L.A. area. And, significantly, he also joined as a featured tenor soloist in two remarkable albums for the World Pacific Jazz Records label. The first was The Swingers!, by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, who added vocals to famous instrumentals and had become the hottest singing group in the country. The second, A Gasser! featured the talented voice of Annie Ross, with Zoot booting her along, and swinging superbly in his own solos. During these sessions, Zoot and the rhythm sections which included Russ Freeman on piano, and guitarists Freddie Green, Jim Hall, and Billy Bean also recorded some instrumental sides that were issued on several LP compilations later on.

All the recordings from these two albums are gathered here for the first time in chronological order, including two tracks recorded after Zoot had returned to New York, on which he would be replaced by Bill Perkins. It had been a memorable visit, as these recordings amply prove.

Album: Zoot Sims Meets Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:23
Size: 94.8 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Contemporary jazz vocals
Year: 2011

[3:27] 1. Little Niles
[2:01] 2. Jackie
[4:11] 3. Four
[5:05] 4. Swingin' Till The Girls Come Home
[2:54] 5. Where
[3:14] 6. Babe's Blues
[3:29] 7. Airegin
[2:56] 8. Now's The Time
[3:30] 9. Dark Cloud
[3:43] 10. Love Makes The World Go 'round
[6:48] 11. Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie

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Album: Zoot Sims Meets Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:06
Size: 135.3 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Contemporary jazz vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. Everything I've Got
[5:29] 2. I Didn't Know About You
[2:34] 3. I Was Doin' All Right
[3:51] 4. You Took Advantage Of Me
[5:59] 5. I Don't Want To Cry Any More
[5:38] 6. Brushes
[4:21] 7. Bones For Zoot
[2:12] 8. Lucky Day
[4:09] 9. Invitation To The Blues
[4:49] 10. You're Driving Me Crazy
[2:52] 11. Nobody's Baby
[4:24] 12. Choice Blues
[5:02] 13. You're Nearer
[4:46] 14. Lucky So And So


Zoot Sims Meets Lambert, Hendricks & Ross(Disc 1),(Disc 2)

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Jon Hendricks & Company - Love

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1982
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 42:20
Size: 78,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:06)  1. Royal Garden Blues
(3:38)  2. Bright Moments
(4:32)  3. Willie's Tune
(3:28)  4. Good Ol' Lady
(4:22)  5. Lil' Darlin'
(2:03)  6. I'll Die Happy
(4:37)  7. Love (Berkshire Blues)
(3:36)  8. Tell Me The Truth
(5:29)  9. The Swinging Groove Merchant (Groove Merchant)
(4:30) 10. Angel Eyes
(2:54) 11. In A Harlem Airshaft (Harlem Airshaft)

The first recording to document "Hendricks & Company," athis underrated album finds vocalese genius Jon Hendricks sharing the vocal duties with Judith Hendricks, Michele Hendricks, Bob Gurland and sometimes Leslie Dorsey while joined by three different rhythm sections, guest trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, and the tenor of Jerome Richardson. The emphasis throughout is on Hendricks' witty and inventive lyrics to such numbers as "Royal Garden Blues," "Lil' Darlin'," "Tell Me the Truth," "The Swinging Groove Merchant" and "In a Harlem Airshaft," among others. Superior bebop singing on a very enjoyable set that has fortunately been reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-mw0000309328

Personnel: Jon Hendricks (vocals); Bob Gurland (vocals, trumpet); Leslie Dorsey, Judith Hendricks, Michele Hendricks (vocals); Jerome Richardson (tenor saxophone); Harry "Sweets" Edison (trumpet); David Hazeltine, Jimmy Smith (piano); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums).

Love

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Kurt Elling - Live In Chicago

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:25
Size: 163,2 MB
Art: Front

( 3:50)  1. Downtown
(12:17)  2. My Foolish Heart
( 8:29)  3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
( 3:51)  4. Oh My God
( 8:58)  5. Night Dream
( 5:20)  6. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
( 1:44)  7. Intro: (Esperanto)
( 5:16)  8. Esperanto
( 3:38)  9. Don't Get Scared
( 0:44) 10. Intro: (Goin' To Chicago)
( 5:39) 11. Goin' To Chicago
( 0:43) 12. Intro: (The Rent Party)
( 8:18) 13. The Rent Party
( 1:30) 14. Blues Chaser

Fans of Kurt Elling have long known that his recordings, as clever and well-orchestrated as they might be, don't quite match up to the power and charm of his live performances. Years of holding court at the Green Mill and other Chicago clubs are what really have brought Elling his most devoted followers, so it is exciting to see that Blue Note's new Elling album is a document of three special nights spent recording at the legendary Uptown jazz club. And indeed, with a few small exceptions, the album shows off Elling at his best  loose, uninhibited, creative, and solid. His standard backing trio has never been tighter and more balanced, and the performance of pianist (and Elling collaborator) Lawrence Hobgood really shines. Three saxophonists Von Freeman, Ed Petersen and Eddie Johnson manage to blend together in perfectly balanced harmonies, as well as command attention in solos of their own. 

Chicago's own Khalil El'Zabar makes a fine appearance, and a rare contribution by legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks shows that he can still steal a show. The enthusiasm of the highly appreciative audience is captured, as well as more than a little evidence of the noise in the surrounding bar. The three nights of recording produced some fine versions of new and classic songs, including "Esperanto," Elling's pairing of the poetry of Pablo Neruda with the music of Vince Mendoza's jazz classic, "Esperança"; and "The Rent Party," which recalls Elling's jazz-poet days at the beginning of his career. ~ Stacia Proefrock http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-chicago-mw0000672757

Personnel: Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks (vocals); Von Freeman, Ed Petersen, Eddie Johnson (tenor saxophone); Laurence Hobgood (piano); Rob Amster (acoustic bass); Michael Raynor (drums); Kahil El 'Zabar (hand drums).

Live In Chicago

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