Conte Candoli - Powerhouse Trumpet

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:07
Size: 79,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:26)  1. Toots Sweet
(4:12)  2. Jazz City Blues
(5:43)  3. My Old Flame
(6:25)  4. Full Count
(3:09)  5. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(3:58)  6. Four
(5:11)  7. Groovin' Higher

Powerhouse Trumpet, which was also previously issued under the title Groovin' Higher, is an immaculately performed set of straight-ahead bop finding trumpeter Conte Candoli in fine form. 

The 1999 Rhino reissue has been digitally remastered from the original tapes.~ Steve Suey https://www.allmusic.com/album/powerhouse-trumpet-mw0000255948

Personnel:  Conte Candoli - trumpet;  Lou Levy - piano;  Bill Holman - tenor saxophone;  Leroy Vinnegar - bass;  Lawrence Marable - drums

Powerhouse Trumpet

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Conte Candoli & Lou Levy - West Coast Wailers

Styles: Trumpet And Piano Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:04
Size: 94,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:19) 1. Love Come Back To Me
(4:19) 2. Comes Love
(3:39) 3. Lover Man
(3:29) 4. Pete's Alibi
(5:54) 5. Cheremoya
(5:00) 6. Jordu
(5:28) 7. Flamingo
(4:52) 8. Marcia Lee

Trumpeter Conte Candoli and pianist Lou Levy had only occasional opportunities to work as leaders before this 1955 session they recorded together for Atlantic Records. Both made the most of the chance, fronting a quintet that also included tenor saxophonist Bill Holman, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Lawrence Marable.

The group got out of the gate quickly (following a contemplative piano intro, that is) on a quickstep bop reading of the Sigmund Romberg operetta tune "Lover Come Back to Me," which quickly established that a commonplace of jazz ensembles would hold no matter whose name is in large print on the cover, it's the group that's performing, and other people will get their chance to shine, too.

While the rhythm section contented itself with supporting (though Marable often made his drums noticeable), Holman got more solo time than his sideman credit would indicate, at least on this track. Levy and Candoli got to make their statements up front, of course, but this was really a five-headed beast and, from the sound of forceful bop compositions like Candoli's "Pete's Alibi," it's one that should have been given more of a hearing than just one album. By William Ruhlmann
https://www.allmusic.com/album/west-coast-wailers-mw0000558663

Personnel: Conte Candoli - trumpet; Lou Levy - piano; Bill Holman - tenor saxophone; Leroy Vinnegar - bass; Lawrence Marable - drums

West Coast Wailers

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Terry Gibbs, Bob Cooper, Conte Candoli, Lou Levy - Now's the Time to Groove

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:21
Size: 113,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:29) 1. Little Girls - Live
(6:36) 2. Tippe - Live
(6:12) 3. The Austin Mood - Live
(5:22) 4. No name theme - Live
(4:57) 5. The beautiful people - Live
(6:18) 6. Havin fun - Live
(6:24) 7. Now's the time to groove - Live
(5:59) 8. That Chumley feeling - Live

Terry Gibbs is one of the most legendary musicians in the world. He has seen and done it all. He has played with some of the greatest musicians in jazz history such as: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Mel Torme, Buddy DeFranco, Tiny Kahn and many more. He also conducted tv shows for Steve Allen and Regis Philbin.

The Dream Sextet features some of the finest musicians from the West Coast. Conte Candoli was one of the best trumpet players and long time member of the Dream Band. He was one of Terry’s top 5 favorite trumpet players. Lou Levy was also a former member of the Dream Band and was one of the most in demand piano players. Bob Cooper was a heavy weight tenor player at the time who was widely regarded in the same league as Al Cohn or Sal Nistico.

The ensemble is backed up by the swinging rhythm section consisting of Bob Magnusson and Jimmie Smith. All these gentlemen were high in demand musicians at the time, so it was the first time that night that they all shared the stage together. The Dream Sextet recordings are all recorded live at Lord Chumley’s on July 30th 1978 in Playa Del Rey, California.

Terry has a talent of bringing out the best from his musicians. A live recording such as this one is the perfect proof of what happened in that moment.

The other aspect that is so special about these recordings is that all of the tunes are originals written by Terry. Terry’s originals are very melodic and lyrical such as Townhouse 3 or Tippie. You can sing along after hearing the tune only once. Terry wrote these tunes in such a way that the chord changes are fun to play over. You can clearly hear this, because of the way how the musicians are digging into these tunes. https://monsrecords.de/en/terry-gibbs-dream-sextet-nows-the-time-to-groove/

Personnel: Terry Gibbs, vibraphone; Bob Cooper, tenor saxophone; Conte Candoli, trumpet; Lou Levy, piano

Now's the Time to Groove

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Roy Eldridge Quintet & Ella Fitzgerald Quintet - In Concert

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:01
Size: 119,9 MB
Art: Front

(9:36) 1. Soft Winds
(5:19) 2. Roy's Riff
(3:57) 3. Cheek To Cheek
(3:19) 4. You Brought Me A New Kind Of Love
(3:32) 5. All I Need Is You
(2:51) 6. Too Close For Comfort
(2:55) 7. Whatever Lola Wants
(5:18) 8. Allright, Okay, You Win
(3:54) 9. Lady Be Good
(4:44) 10. I Loves You, Porgy
(6:30) 11. How High The Moon

Roy Eldridge’s name on this disc is a bit of a red herring. The trumpeter plays the first two songs, accompanied by the same band that will back Ella Fitzgerald on the remainder of the program. Make no mistake: This recording belongs to the First Lady of Song, who’s in top form for this May 1959 Copenhagen performance.

Granted, it’s hard to find a Fitzgerald title from this period where she wasn’t in top form, so perhaps In Concert is just par for the course. But what a par. Her flawless flower of a voice coats each song like a soothing balm; only on close listening do we hear details like her masterful rubato on “You Brought Me a New Kind of Love” or the delicately sung syllables of “Lady Be Good” (here even slower than on her then-recent Gershwin Songbook album). But there are also delights right on the surface: “All Right, Okay, You Win” is loaded with Fitzgerald’s famous ad libs in both scat and lyric. (“He got eyes like diamonds, teeth shine like yellow gold FORT KNOX!”)

The album’s jewel is an on-point reading of “Whatever Lola Wants.” Fitzgerald melds with precision to Gus Johnson’s drums, then guitarist Herb Ellis melds with precision to Fitzgerald; they hold the line through more of Ella’s rubato, flourishes and growls, moving on a dime into high gear when the song becomes a medley with “Who’s Got the Pain?”

Does that make the Eldridge tunes throwaways? Hardly. Both “Soft Winds” and the rhythm-changes “Roy’s Riff” are brilliant showcases for his serrated-edge trumpet sound and timeless swing, the former doubling as a feature for Ellis’ surprisingly caustic guitar. He and Eldridge are a magical combination. Good as they are, though, they’re appetizers. Ella is the main course.By Michael J.West
https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/roy-eldridge-quartet-ella-fitzgerald-quintet-in-concert-steeplechase/

Personnel: Roy Eldridge - (trumpet on tracks 1 & 2); Ella Fitzgerald - (vocal on tracks 3 -11); Herb Ellis - (guitar on tracks); Lou Levy - (piano); Wilfred Middlebrooks - (bass); Gus Johnson - (drums)

In Concert

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The Terry Gibbs & Buddy DeFranco Quintet - Jazz at Dukes Place: Live in New Orleans

Styles: Vibraphone And Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:23
Size: 125,7 MB
Art: Front

( 8:31)  1. Yesterdays
(10:27)  2. Austin Mood
( 3:36)  3. Body and Soul
( 3:56)  4. Blues for Brodie
( 9:34)  5. Love for Sale
( 7:33)  6. We’ll Be Together Again
( 6:48)  7. Samba Wazoo
( 3:54)  8. Air Mail Special

Shot atop the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans French Quarter in the early 1980's for the national television series "Live in New Orleans". Terry Gibbs & Buddy DeFranco teamed up and were joined by Lou Levy on piano, Bob Maize on bass and Ray Mosca on drums, to perform before a live audience in what was then known as Dukes Place. https://vimeo.com/ondemand/terrygibbsbuddydefranco/159264006

Jazz at Dukes Place: Live in New Orleans

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Terry Gibbs - Hollywood Swing

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:36
Size: 153,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:09)  1. Townhouse 3
(5:00)  2. Those Eyes, Those Lips, That Nose, That Face, That Girl
(4:50)  3. Chant Of Love
(6:05)  4. That Chumley Feeling
(6:20)  5. The Austin Mood
(4:21)  6. Nina
(6:14)  7. Blues For Brody
(7:41)  8. Little Girls
(6:44)  9. Tippie
(5:35) 10. No Name Theme
(6:32) 11. Now’s The Time To Groove’Em Up

A stellar sextet led by vibraphonist Terry Gibbs delivers a dozen swing tunes recorded in 1978 for the private Jazz A La Carte label, but never before released. Gibbs fuels the all-star session with his contagiously enthusiastic “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” which is still his mantra when leading his current Dream Band. 

The colossal sound of the late Bob Cooper’s tenor sears a slow-swinging “Those Eyes, Those Lips, That Nose, That Face, That Girl,” adds depth to “Blues for Brody” and burns through “Smoke ‘Em Up.” Conte Candoli’s trumpet is bold and sassy on “Townhouse 3,” punches up “The Austin Mood” and accents the East-Indian flavor of “Chant of Love.” Gibbs is at his best on “Now’s the Time to Groove,” solidly backed throughout by pianist Lou Levy (on a studio piano that’s a bit out of tune), bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Jimmie Smith. https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/terry-gibbs-hollywood-swing/

Personnel:  Terry Gibbs - vibe; Lou Levy - piano; Bob Magnusson - bass; Jimmie Smith - drums; Bob Cooper - tenor sax; Conte Candoli - trumpet

Hollywood Swing

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Herb Ellis - Herb Ellis Meets Jimmy Giuffre

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:53
Size: 92,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:05)  1. Goose Grease
(5:57)  2. When Your Lover Has Gone
(7:43)  3. Remember
(4:06)  4. Patricia
(5:06)  5. A Country Boy
(4:32)  6. You Know
(3:32)  7. My Old Flame
(4:49)  8. People Will Say We're In Love

"Herb Ellis Meets Jimmy Giuffre presents an unusual team. It is an album with involved arrangements, as opposed to a jam session format, and the only solo voice heard here is Ellis guitar with the exception of the tune "Remember", on which some short solos by the horns are heard. Not even Giuffre solos, as he contented himself with writing all of the arrangements and playing on the elaborate ensemble passages." https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/herb-ellis-albums/5238-herb-ellis-meets-stan-getz-roy-eldridge-art-pepper-jimmy-giuffre-2-lp-on-1-cd.html

Personnel:  Guitar – Herb Ellis, Jim Hall;  Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Arranged By – Jimmy Giuffre;   Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper, Bud Shank; Bass – Joe Mondragon; Drums – Stan Levey; Piano – Lou Levy; Tenor Saxophone – Richie Kamuca

Herb Ellis Meets Jimmy Giuffre

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Lanny Morgan - A Suite for Yardbird

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:30
Size: 150,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:09)  1. Ornithology
(5:27)  2. Blues for Alice
(5:26)  3. Segment
(4:05)  4. Ko Ko
(6:12)  5. Yardbird Suite
(6:07)  6. Marmaduke
(8:23)  7. Steeplechase
(5:27)  8. The Hymn
(4:18)  9. Klact-Oveeseds-Tene
(4:11) 10. Donna Lee
(4:56) 11. Bird Feathers
(4:44) 12. Kim-Country Gardens-Sign Off

Records led by altoist Lanny Morgan are always well-worth acquiring because he is a brilliant bebop soloist. For this quartet outing with pianist Lou Levy, bassist Tom Warrington, and drummer Paul Kreibich, Morgan performs a dozen songs composed by Charlie Parker. Although no new revelations occur, it is nice to hear such obscurities as "Segment," "Marmaduke," "Steeplechase," and "Kim" revived and played in extended versions that are often five to eight minutes long. Morgan knows this material backwards and really sounds like he lives the music, adding his own ideas to the classic material. A special bonus is the extended liner notes and a very colorful historical booklet that comes with the CD. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-suite-for-yardbird-mw0000570269

Personnel: Lanny Morgan (saxophone);  Lou Levy (piano), Tom Warrington (bass), and Paul Kreibich (drums).

A Suite for Yardbird

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Woody Herman - Keeper Of The Flame

Styles: Clarinet, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:21
Size: 137,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. That's Right
(2:52)  2. Lemon Drop
(3:14)  3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
(3:07)  4. I Ain't Gettin' Any Younger
(3:12)  5. Early Autumn
(3:05)  6. More Than You Know
(3:03)  7. Keeper Of The Flame
(3:14)  8. The Crickets
(3:13)  9. More Moon
(3:11) 10. Detour Ahead
(3:12) 11. Jamaica Rhumba
(2:53) 12. Not Really The Blues
(2:57) 13. Tenderly
(2:42) 14. Lollipop
(2:37) 15. I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You
(3:13) 16. You've Got A Date with The Blues
(3:10) 17. Rhapsody In wood
(2:57) 18. The Great Lie
(3:14) 19. In The Beginning

Subtitled The Complete Capitol Recordings of the Four Brothers Band, this CD contains 19 selections from Herman's Second Herd, including three songs never before released. Top-heavy with major soloists (including trumpeters Red Rodney and Shorty Rogers; trombonist Bill Harris; tenors Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, and Gene Ammons; and vibraphonist Terry Gibbs; not to mention Herman himself), this boppish band may have cost the leader a small fortune but they created timeless music. Highlights include "Early Autumn" (a ballad performance that made Stan Getz a star), the riotous "Lemon Drop," and Gene Ammons' strong solo on "More Moon." 

~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/keeper-of-the-flame-the-complete-capitol-recordings-mw0000075785

Personnel:  Clarinet – Woody Herman;  Alto Saxophone – Sam Marowitz, Woody Herman;  Baritone Saxophone – Serge Chaloff;  Bass – Chubby Jackson (tracks: 1 to 7), Joe Mondragon (tracks: 13 to 19), Oscar Pettiford (tracks: 8 to 12);  Drums – Don Lamond (tracks: 1 to 7), Shelly Manne (tracks: 8 to 19);  Piano – Lou Levy;  Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn (tracks: 1 to 7), Buddy Savitt (tracks: 8 to 19), Gene Ammons (tracks: 8 to 19), Jimmy Giuffre (tracks: 8 to 19), Stan Getz (tracks: 1 to 7), Zoot Sims (tracks: 1 to 7);  Trombone – Bart Varsalona (tracks: 8 to 19), Bill Harris, Bob Swift (tracks: 1 to 7), Earl Swope, Ollie Wilson ; Trumpet – Al Porcino (tracks: 8 to 19), Bernie Glow (tracks: 1 to 7), Charlie Walp (tracks: 8 to 19), Ernie Royal, Red Rodney (tracks: 1 to 7), Shorty Rogers, Stan Fishelson;  Vibraphone – Terry Gibbs (tracks: 1 to 7, 10 to 19);  Vocals – Mary Ann McCall (tracks: 1 to 9), Woody Herman

Keeper Of The Flame

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Terry Gibbs - A Jazz Band Ball, Second Set

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:50
Size: 95,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:33)  1. The Dipsy Doodle
(3:44)  2. Where Or When
(4:01)  3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(4:58)  4. Hollywood Blues
(3:19)  5. Tangerine
(3:32)  6. Just Friends
(4:08)  7. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
(3:35)  8. Memories Of You
(3:07)  9. Broadway
(6:47) 10. Allen's Alley

This reissue is unrelated to another V.S.O.P. set simply titled A Jazz Band Ball. Terry Gibbs on vibes and marimba matches wits and creativity with Victor Feldman and Larry Bunker, both of whom double on vibes and xylophone. Assisted by pianist Lou Levy, bassist Max Bennett and drummer Mel Lewis, the intriguing frontline essentially plays bop, but with a great deal of color. The interaction between the vibraphonists, who are all featured and occasionally trade off, is the main reason to acquire this very interesting set.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-band-ball-mw0000046596

Personnel: Terry Gibbs - vibraphone, marimba; Max Bennett - bass;  Lou Levy - piano; Larry Bunker, Vic Feldman - vibraphone, xylophone; Mel Lewis - drums.  

A Jazz Band Ball, Second Set

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The Lou Levy Trio - Jazz in Hollywood

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:58
Size: 55,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:18)  1. The Gentleman is a Dope
(2:40)  2. Serenade in Blue
(3:03)  3. Woody'n You
(3:33)  4. Without You
(3:36)  5. All the Things You Are
(2:26)  6. Tiny's Other Blues
(2:54)  7. Like Someone in Love
(3:24)  8. Bloo Denim

A superior bop-based pianist who has worked with a countless number of top jazz artists, Lou Levy started on piano when he was 12. He played with Georgie Auld (1947), Sarah Vaughan, Chubby Jackson (1947-1948), Boyd Raeburn, Woody Herman's Second Herd (1949-1950), Tommy Dorsey (1950), Auld again, and Flip Phillips. Levy was outside of music for a few years (1952-1954) and then gained a strong reputation as a fine accompanist to singers, working with Peggy Lee (on and off during 1955-1973), Ella Fitzgerald (1957-1962), June Christy, Anita O'Day, and Pinky Winters. Levy also played with Shorty Rogers, Stan Getz, Terry Gibbs, Benny Goodman, Supersax, and most of the major West Coast players. Lou Levy has recorded as a leader for Nocturne (1954), RCA, Jubilee, Philips, Interplay (1977), and Verve. He passed away in late January 2001.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lou-levy-mn0000213320/biography

Personnel:  Lou Levy Piano;  Harry Babasin Bass;  Larry Bunker Drums

Jazz in Hollywood

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Bud Shank, Lou Levy - Jazz in Hollywood

Styles: Saxophone, Flute and Piano Jazz
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:09
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Casa de Luz
(3:23)  2. Lotus Bud
(3:24)  3. Left Bank
(3:17)  4. Shank's Pranks
(4:13)  5. Jasmine
(4:16)  6. Just a Few
(2:17)  7. The Gentleman Is a Dope
(2:41)  8. Serenade in Blue
(3:03)  9. Woody'n You
(3:32) 10. Tres Palabras (Without You)
(3:36) 11. All the Things You Are
(2:26) 12. Tiny's Other Blues
(2:53) 13. Like Someone in Love
(3:23) 14. Bloo Denim

The two sessions included on this 1998 CD (both are also available as part of Fresh Sound's three-CD Complete Nocturne Recordings Vol. One) are unrelated. The first six selections feature one of the best of all the collaborations between altoist Bud Shank (doubling on alto flute) and trumpeter Shorty Rogers, in a quintet with pianist Jimmy Rowles, bassist Harry Babasin and drummer Roy Harte. The musicians play six of Rogers' originals, including "Casa De Luz" and the debut of "Lotus Bud." The second half of the CD is actually a trio set led by pianist Lou Levy and also including Babasin and drummer Larry Bunker. Levy is quite boppish and heard throughout in top form. Well worth picking up by collectors of 1950s straight-ahead jazz.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-in-hollywood-mw0000037062

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Flute – Bud Shank (tracks: 1 to 6);  Piano – Jimmy Rowles (tracks: 1 to 6), Lou Levy (tracks: 7 to 14);  Bass – Harry Babasin;  Drums – Larry Bunker (tracks: 7 to 14), Roy Harte (tracks: 1 to 6);  Flugelhorn – Shorty Rogers (tracks: 1 to 6)

Jazz in Hollywood

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Lou Levy - By Myself

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:55
Size: 119,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:53)  1. Love Walked In
(5:14)  2. Embracable You
(3:36)  3. By Myself
(4:41)  4. Everything Happens to Me
(4:10)  5. I Believe in You
(4:53)  6. Lost in Loveliness
(4:32)  7. How High the Moon
(3:43)  8. Easter Parade
(6:03)  9. Close Enough for Love
(4:06) 10. O Grande Amor
(4:02) 11. You're Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do?)
(1:59) 12. Put Your Dreams Away (For Another Day)

A superior bop-based pianist who has worked with a countless number of top jazz artists, Lou Levy started on piano when he was 12. He played with Georgie Auld (1947), Sarah Vaughan, Chubby Jackson (1947-1948), Boyd Raeburn, Woody Herman's Second Herd (1949-1950), Tommy Dorsey (1950), Auld again, and Flip Phillips. Levy was outside of music for a few years (1952-1954) and then gained a strong reputation as a fine accompanist to singers, working with Peggy Lee (on and off during 1955-1973), Ella Fitzgerald (1957-1962), June Christy, Anita O'Day, and Pinky Winters. Levy also played with Shorty Rogers, Stan Getz, Terry Gibbs, Benny Goodman, Supersax, and most of the major West Coast players. 

Lou Levy has recorded as a leader for Nocturne (1954), RCA, Jubilee, Philips, Interplay (1977), and Verve. He passed away in late January 2001. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/by-myself/214618929

By Myself

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Art Pepper - Presents “West Coast Sessions!”: Volume 1 (Disc 1 And Disc 2)

Album: Presents “West Coast Sessions!” Volume 1: Sonny Stitt Disc 1

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:43
Size: 156,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:40)  1. Scrapple From The Apple
(6:30)  2. Wee
(8:40)  3. Bernie's Tune
(8:44)  4. How High The Moon
(5:56)  5. Walkin'
(6:07)  6. Groovin' High
(7:23)  7. Bernie's Tune (Take 1)
(6:42)  8. Bernie's Tune (Take 2)
(4:45)  9. Wee (Take 1)
(6:11) 10. Groovin' High (Alternate Take)

In 1977, saxophonist Art Pepper was approached by Japanese label Atlas about possibly doing some recording. Pepper, then under contract to the Fantasy/Galaxy label, was obliged to find a work-around and decided to appear as a sideman on the recordings, bringing on various "headliners" to release the albums under. For the fourth and fifth Atlas albums, Pepper brought in saxophonist Sonny Stitt, with whom he had performed but never recorded. Omnivore's 2017 reissue of those sessions, Art Pepper Presents West Coast Sessions, Vol. 1: Sonny Stitt, brings this period of Pepper's career into sharp focus with liner notes from producer and Pepper's then wife and manager Laurie Pepper. Here, we get both albums, originally released in 1980 as Groovin' High: Sonny Stitt & His West Coast Friends and Atlas Blues: Blow! & Ballade!. We also get a handful of previously unissued alternate takes. The first sessions (Groovin' High) feature Stitt and Pepper backed by pianist Lou Levy, bassist Chuck DeMonico, and drummer Carl Burnette. Together, they fly through a set of brightly delivered, well-worn bop standards including a piercingly assured take on "Walkin," with their dual altos slicing through the opening melody. However, while there is some fine playing by all involved, the Groovin' High cuts sound somewhat routine in comparison to what is to come. The real discovery here are the Atlas Blues dates that found Pepper conscripting legendary West Coast pianist Russ Freeman along with bassist John Heard and drummer Burnette. A longtime associate, Freeman had recorded several times before with Pepper in the '50s, appearing on such albums as Surf Ride, Mucho Calor, and Modern Art. By the '70s, Pepper's open-minded ear for post-John Coltrane harmonics, not to mention years of hard living, meant that he wasn't particularly inclined to try and re-create his tender '50s style. His playing on these dates is typical of his latter-period, with vigorous in-the-moment solos that seem to flow directly out of his psyche, like a cubist bop haiku one minute and a mangled blues aside the next. However, with Freeman at his side, Pepper sounds warmly engaged and their chemistry evokes wild hope of those early West Coast years. Ultimately, on both sets, it's the juxtaposition between Stitt's seamless bop flow and Pepper's thoughtful, bluesy reticence that remains magical. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/art-pepper-presents-west-coast-sessions-vol-1-sonny-stitt-mw0003009536  

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Art Pepper, Sonny Stitt; Drums – Carl Burnett; Piano – Lou Levy, Russ Freeman

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Album: Presents “West Coast Sessions!” Volume 1 Sonny Stitt Disc 2

Time: 42:31
Size: 98,1 MB

( 9:35)  1. Atlas Blues
(11:27)  2. Lester Leaps In
( 4:59)  3. Autumn In New York
( 5:35)  4. My Funny Valentine
( 4:55)  5. Lover Man
( 5:57)  6. Imagination

Presents “West Coast Sessions!” Volume 1 Sonny Stitt Disc 2

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Randy Crawford - Don't Say It's Over

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:16
Size: 102,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:09)  1. I'm Glad There Is You
(5:10)  2. Love's Mystery
(3:57)  3. Can We Bring It Back
(4:02)  4. Keep Me Loving You
(6:12)  5. In My Life
(4:11)  6. Elusive Boogie
(4:27)  7. Mad Over You
(4:32)  8. Why Can't We Take A Chance
(2:42)  9. Year After Year
(5:50) 10. Don't Say It's Over

Don't Say It's Over album for sale by Randy Crawford was released Jan 08, 2008 on the Wounded Bird label. In her slippery, velvety tone, Randy Crawford blossoms on this diverse cast of songs, which includes jazz, dance, pop, and a little bit of boogie. Don't Say It's Over buy CD music She does nothing fancy or unique other than address these lyrically sound numbers with good old-fashioned singing. Don't Say It's Over songs Crawford softly croons through the lead track "I'm Glad There Is You" accompanied by only a piano. 

Don't Say It's Over album for sale She follows suit on songs like "Can We Bring It Back" and "Year After Year." Don't Say It's Over CD music They too are tranquil numbers that prey upon the tenderness of the heart. Her up-tempo numbers like "Keep Me Loving You" and "Elusive Boogie" expose Crawford's spirited side. Not flamboyant with her vocals, her mellow yet illuminating style is pleasing, as is the album's lyrical content. ~ Craig Lytle http://www.allmusic.com/album/dont-say-its-over-mw0000105736

Personnel: Randy Crawford (vocals); Ramon Stagnaro (acoustic guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Colin "Doc" Sobers (guitar); Steve Tavaglioni, Justo Almario (saxophone); Ray Brown (flugelhorn); Will Miller, Rick Baptist (trumpet); Alan Kaplan (trombone); Lou Levy (piano); Donn Wyatt (organ); Misha Segal (keyboards, strings, synthesizers, bass); Greg Mathieson (keyboards); Abraham Laboriel, Andrew Gouche (bass); Demetric Collins, Jorge Patrono (drums, programming); William Maxwell, Ricky Lawson (drums); David Lasley, Arnold McCuller, Myrna Smith, Terry Young, Monalisa Young, Maxi Anderson (background vocals).

Don't Say It's Over

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Sonny Stitt - Sonny Stitt Blows The Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:46
Size: 84.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1960/2010
Art: Front

[4:28] 1. Blue Devil Blues
[4:23] 2. Home Free Blues
[3:07] 3. Blue Prelude
[5:31] 4. Frankie And Johnny
[5:58] 5. Birth Of The Blues
[4:06] 6. Blues Offering
[6:10] 7. Hymnal Blues
[2:59] 8. Morning After Blues

Alto Saxophone – Sonny Stitt; Bass – Leroy Vinnegar; Drums – Mel Lewis; Piano – Lou Levy.

Sonny Stitt led a number of excellent record dates in 1959, especially at the end of the year when he produced three LPs for Verve over a span of three sessions with pianist Lou Levy, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Mel Lewis. Playing alto sax throughout this album, Stitt hardly sounds like a Charlie Parker clone, something that unfortunately was a frequent claim by tin-eared critics throughout a fair portion of his career. The music includes several potent originals, especially "Hymnal Blues" (which is based on an old hymn) and the slow, powerful "Morning After Blues." Even an old warhorse like "Frankie and Johnnie" (which actually dates back to the early 1800s, according to liner note writer Leonard Feather) sounds fresh in the quartet's hands, with great solos by Stitt, Levy, and Vinnegar. ~Ken Dryden

Sonny Stitt Blows The Blues

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Lou Levy Trio - My Old Flame

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1978
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:45
Size: 93,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. I've Never Been In Love Before
(4:56)  2. The Trolley Song
(6:04)  3. If You Could See Me Now
(4:31)  4. My Old Flame
(5:17)  5. Old Devil Moon
(6:03)  6. Gentle Rain
(5:24)  7. Gal In Calico
(3:45)  8. Love Walked In

"The Material recorded by the trio for this album was put together at the session. The trio has worked together for two years as the rhythm section for Supersax. Without that "togetherness," the degree of freshness brought to this material, I believe, might not have been achieved. For instance, the form of 'Trolley Song,' with its verse, interludes, and vamps between sections tends to keep the player on his toes. 'Gal in Calico' was done, cowboyish for kicks. 

Fred Atwood and John Dentz, not only great musicians, but very close friends, are with me whenever possible. Luckily, this day that situation existed once again." ~ Lou Levy  http://www.freshsoundrecords.com/my_old_flame-cd-6151.html

Personnel:  Lou Levy (piano), Fred Atwood (bass), and John Dentz (drums).

My Old Flame

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Lou Levy Trio - A Most Musical Fella

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:10
Size: 96.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1957/1983/2007
Art: Front

[4:12] 1. Night And Day
[4:04] 2. Angel Eyes
[3:44] 3. Lou's Blues
[6:16] 4. Yesterdays
[3:24] 5. Apartment 17
[3:33] 6. How About You
[4:13] 7. Baubles, Bangles And Beads
[2:58] 8. Woody'n Lou
[4:29] 9. We'll Be Together Again
[5:11] 10. I'll Remember April

Lou Levy (p), Max Bennett (b), Stan Levey (d). Recorded in Los Angeles, January 2 & 26, 1957.

This early effort by pianist Lou Levy (28 at the time) finds him playing superior bop interpretations of seven standards and three straight-ahead originals. Levy is teamed on the Los Angeles dates with bassist Max Bennett and drummer Stan Levey. Last available as a French RCA LP in 1983, the music is an excellent example of the modern mainstream of the period and still sounds quite stimulating and swinging. ~Scott Yanow

A Most Musical Fella

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Art Farmer - Central Avenue Reunion

Styles: Trumpet, Hard Bop
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:49
Size: 141,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:50)  1. Star Eyes
(7:17)  2. Farmer's Market
(7:04)  3. Embraceable You
(7:18)  4. Blue Minor
(9:15)  5. I Remember You
(5:59)  6. Don't Blame Me
(9:33)  7. Cool Struttin'
(6:30)  8. Donna Lee

Three of the five musicians on this quintet date (flügelhornist Art Farmer, altoist Frank Morgan, and pianist Lou Levy) had played on Central Avenue in Los Angeles of the late '40s. Not all of the eight songs that they perform with bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath are from the era ("Blue Minor" and "Cool Struttin'" were written by Sonny Clark several years later), but the outing is very much in the bop style of the period. Their live set is highlighted by spirited versions of "Star Eyes," "Farmer's Market," "I Remember You," and "Donna Lee." This CD is filled with high-quality bebop that is easily recommended to straight-ahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/central-avenue-reunion-mw0000207356

Personnel: Art Farmer (trumpet, flugelhorn); Frank Morgan (alto saxophone); Lou Levy (piano); Eric Von Essen (acoustic bass); Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums).

Central Avenue Reunion

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Stan Getz - The Steamer

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:42
Size: 123,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:53)  1. Blues For Mary Jane
(9:20)  2. There Will Never Be Another You
(4:13)  3. You're Blasé
(6:19)  4. Too Close For Comfort
(6:30)  5. Like Someone In Love
(7:24)  6. How About You?
(6:54)  7. How About You? (Complete Alternative Take, alternate take, complete)
(1:09)  8. There Will Never Be Another You (Breakdown Take) (Incomplete Take)
(0:46)  9. You're Blase (take False Start, false start)
(0:37) 10. Like Someone in Love (Incomplete Take)
(2:30) 11. How About You? (Breakdown Take) (False Start)

It doesn't happen too often, but there are times when the title of a jazz album and the material within interface perfectly. Hence The Steamer, where Stan Getz joined forces with a super West Coast-based rhythm section to produce some truly steaming music. "Blues for Mary Jane" is remarkable; for all of the straight-ahead heat generated by the rhythm section, Getz is incredibly relaxed, poised, and always under control while still managing to swing like mad. In other words, the style that he was able to carry over to his bossa nova adventures in the following decade is right here, ready to go. 

There is also room for the Getz-ballad manner on "You're Blase," and "Like Someone in Love" combines a leisurely swinging tempo with Getz's natural warmth. From the evidence of these sessions alone, not to mention countless others, the team of bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Stan Levey ought to be anointed as one of the greatest rhythm sections in jazz history, and sure-fingered pianist Lou Levy benefits from their finesse and drive. All of this music is available on the three-CD set East of the Sun: The West Coast Sessions, and this Verve Master Edition release offers outtakes from that set at the end of the disc. Indeed, the alternate "How About You?" has some swinging hairpin turns by Getz that will make your head swivel. ~ Richard S.Ginell  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-steamer-mw0000256953

Personnel: Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Lou Levy (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Stan Levey (drums).

The Steamer

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