Manhattan Jazz Quintet - 25-Tribute to Art Blakey

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:06
Size: 123,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:51) 1. Les Liaisons Dangereuses
(9:15) 2. Moanin'
(6:00) 3. Mosaic
(7:09) 4. Blues for Buhaina
(6:17) 5. Quick Silver
(5:33) 6. Split Kick
(7:30) 7. Come Rain or Come Shine
(6:28) 8. Blues March

Manhattan Jazz Quintet, an all-star band led by pianist and arranger David Matthews and a brainchild of Japanese producer Shigeyuki Kawashima, celebrates its 25th anniversary with this strong tribute album to Art Blakey. This is also the super-group's second release from the Birds Records label, following the extremely successful V.S.O.P. which not only became Swing Journal Gold Disc but also won the prestigious magazine's 2008 Jazz Disc Silver Award. In addition to Matthews, the current edition of band features trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist Andy Snitzer, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Victor Lewis. They perform the quintessential tunes associated with Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, including "Moanin'", "Mosaic" and "Blues March," all arranged by Matthews with a few modern twists. According to the MJQ's tradition, Matthews also wrote an original tune "Blues For Buhaina," a funky blues dedicated to the legendary drummer. The all-star band sounds terrific here. The rhythm section provides kinetic grooves and pushes the entire group. The horn players' performances are inspired and intensely hot! The sound quality of the recording is also quite good. Recommended for fans of hard bop jazz! Produced by Shigeyuki Kawashima. Recorded at Sear Sound Studio, New York, February 27 & 28, 2009.~Swing Journal Gold Disc http://www.eastwindimport.com/product info.asp?ProductId=1186

Personnel: David Matthews (piano); Lew Soloff (trumpet); Andy Snitzer (tenor sax); Charnett Moffett (bass); Victor Lewis (drums)

25-Tribute to Art Blakey

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Manhattan Jazz Orchestra - Swing, Swing, Swing

Styles: Swing, Big Band
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:00
Size: 122,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:18) 1. Ironside
(7:24) 2. Swing, Swing, Swing
(6:37) 3. Jumpin' At The Woodside
(6:38) 4. Moonlight Serenade
(6:54) 5. Take The A Train
(6:50) 6. Ai No Corrida
(6:04) 7. Manteca
(6:11) 8. Stompin' At The Savoy

Manhattan Jazz Orchestra was created by pianist/arranger David Matthews and an accomplished Japanese producer Shigeyuki Kawashima (both GRAMMY winners) in 1989. It is one of the premier and most prolific big bands in the US, having released more than 13 CDs over the years.

For Swing, Swing, Swing, recorded in 2006, Matthews and his big band chose as materials tunes written by and associated with Quincy Jones ("Ironside," "Ai No Corrida") and Glenn Miller ("Moonlight Serenade") for the first time. They also pay tribute to the great big bands led by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillispie and Benny Goodman. The title tune is Matthews' original that takes a nostalgic look back at the big band era. The all-star band, including star players Lew Soloff, Ryan Kisor, Randy Brecker, Jim Pugh and Chris Hunter, plays Matthews' intricate scores with technical perfection and provide inspired solos. Recommended for fans of the contemporary big band sound!

Produced by Shigeyuki Kawashima and David Matthews. Recorded February 2004, New York. Lew Soloff (trumpet); Ryan Kisor (trumpet); Walter White (trumpet; )Scott Wendholt (trumpet); Randy Brecker (trumpet); Jim Pugh (trombone); John Fedchock (trombone); Larry Farrell (trombone); David Taylor (bass trombone); Fred Griffen (French horn); John Clark (French horn); Tony Price (tuba); Chris Hunter (alto sax,flute); Aaron Heick (soprano sax,tenor sax); Scott Robinson (baritone sax,bass clarinet); Chip Jackson (bass); Terry Silverlight (drums); David Matthews (arranger,conductor,piano).

Swing, Swing, Swing

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Face to Face

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
v Time: 65:41
Size: 150,5 MB
Art: Front

( 8:36) 1. Face to Face
( 9:59) 2. Take Five
( 8:01) 3. Work Song
(15:26) 4. Summertime
(17:26) 5. Moanin'
( 6:11) 6. Rosario

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan! for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet-mn0000674690/biography

Personnel: Piano - David Matthew; Bass – John Patitucci ; Drums – Dave Weckl ; Piano; Saxophone – George Young ; Trumpet – Lew Soloff

Face to Face

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Still Crazy

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:27
Size: 118,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:40) 1. Tell Her About It
(6:13) 2. Grampa
(5:25) 3. One Note Samba
(5:03) 4. It's Only a Paper Moon
(8:20) 5. Theme from Good King Bad
(6:30) 6. Nica's Dream
(5:29) 7. S'Wonderful
(7:43) 8. Still Crazy After All These Years

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet, led by David Matthews, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new recording in New York! Arrangements by David Matthews, the "magician of arrangement", that touches the hearts of Japanese jazz fans, and the front lines of New York. Explosive performances by top-notch musicians!

So far, he has worked on numerous arrangements in the pop music field, and has won the Grammy Award for Arrangements twice. The songs of Paul Simon and Billy Joel are also arranged in jazz this time. Also included is a specially written tribute song to James Brown, for which Matthews has worked on many arrangements. Of course, MJQ's 30-year career includes jazz standards that have not yet been recorded!

Personnel: David Matthews (p,arr); Michael Rodriguez (tp); Chris Hunter (sax); Jon Burr (b); Jimmy Madison (ds)

Still Crazy

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - I Got Rhythm

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:52
Size: 135,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:43)  1. I Got Rhythm
(9:07)  2. Def Groove
(5:29)  3. Stuff Like That
(8:38)  4. Mr.Magic
(4:24)  5. Donna Lee
(7:16)  6. Why Wouldn't I?
(6:43)  7. Breezin'
(5:43)  8. Harbor Hotel
(6:49)  9. Feel Like Makin' Love

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan! for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-got-rhythm/687452860

I Got Rhythm

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Live At Pit Inn

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:51
Size: 163,2 MB
Art: Front

( 8:10)  1. So This
(11:02)  2. Angel Eyes
(12:04)  3. Round Midnight
( 9:13)  4. Misticized
(10:37)  5. S.u. Blues
(15:29)  6. Autum Leaves
( 4:14)  7. Rosario

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan! for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet-mn0000674690/biography  

Personnel: Lew Soloff trumpet; George Young tenor saxophone;  David Matthews piano; Eddie Gómez bass;  Steve Gadd drums.

Live At Pit Inn

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Manhattan Jazz Quintet

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1984
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:07
Size: 92,2 MB
Art: Front

(8:59)  1. Summertime
(3:11)  2. Rosario
(8:26)  3. Milestones
(9:22)  4. My Favorite Things
(5:43)  5. Airegin
(4:25)  6. Summer Waltz

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan!  for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet-mn0000674690/biography

Personnel:  Lew Soloff (trumpet) George Young (tenor sax) David Matthews (piano) Charnett Moffett (bass) Steve Gadd (drums)

Manhattan Jazz Quintet

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Come Together

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop

Year: 2005

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:01

Size: 137,6 MB

Art: Front

(5:58)  1. Come Together

(7:19)  2. A Day in the Life

(6:24)  3. Big Apple Jam Part II

(7:55)  4. Michelle

(5:51)  5. We Can Work It Out

(6:44)  6. I Was Born to Love You

(6:18)  7. All My Loving

(6:11)  8. Don't Stop Me Now

(7:16)  9. Over the Rainbow

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan! for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet/id79729527#fullText

Personnel:  Lew Soloff – Trumpet;  Andy Snitzer – Tenor Saxophone;  David Mathews – Piano;  Charnett Moffett – Bass;  Victor Lewis – Drums.

Come Together

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Manhattan Jazz Orchestra - Swing, Swing, Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:00
Size: 121.3 MB
Styles: Swing, Big band
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:18] 1. Ironside
[7:24] 2. Swing, Swing, Swing
[6:37] 3. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[6:38] 4. Moonlight Serenade
[6:54] 5. Take The A Train
[6:51] 6. Ai No Corrida
[6:04] 7. Manteca
[6:11] 8. Stompin' At The Savoy

Manhattan Jazz Orchestra was created by pianist/arranger David Matthews and an accomplished Japanese producer Shigeyuki Kawashima (both GRAMMY winners) in 1989. It is one of the premier and most prolific big bands in the US, having released more than 13 CDs over the years.

For Swing, Swing, Swing, recorded in 2006, Matthews and his big band chose as materials tunes written by and associated with Quincy Jones ("Ironside," "Ai No Corrida") and Glenn Miller ("Moonlight Serenade") for the first time. They also pay tribute to the great big bands led by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillispie and Benny Goodman. The title tune is Matthews' original that takes a nostalgic look back at the big band era. The all-star band, including star players Lew Soloff, Ryan Kisor, Randy Brecker, Jim Pugh and Chris Hunter, plays Matthews' intricate scores with technical perfection and provide inspired solos. Recommended for fans of the contemporary big band sound!

Produced by Shigeyuki Kawashima and David Matthews. Recorded February 2004, New York. Lew Soloff (trumpet); Ryan Kisor (trumpet); Walter White (trumpet; )Scott Wendholt (trumpet); Randy Brecker (trumpet); Jim Pugh (trombone); John Fedchock (trombone); Larry Farrell (trombone); David Taylor (bass trombone); Fred Griffen (French horn); John Clark (French horn); Tony Price (tuba); Chris Hunter (alto sax,flute); Aaron Heick (soprano sax,tenor sax); Scott Robinson (baritone sax,bass clarinet); Chip Jackson (bass); Terry Silverlight (drums); David Matthews (arranger,conductor,piano).

Swing, Swing, Swing

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Manhattan Jazz Orchestra - Hey Duke!

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 60:37

Size: 138.8 MB

Styles: Modern big band

Year: 1999/2009

Art: Front

[ 6:53] 1. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

[ 9:01] 2. Prelude To A Kiss

[ 9:02] 3. Mood Indigo

[ 6:03] 4. Come Sunday

[ 6:58] 5. Satin Doll

[ 4:49] 6. Song For Edward

[ 7:00] 7. Cotton Tail

[10:48] 8. In A Sentimental Mood

Pianist/arranger David Matthews turns his pen to the classic music of Duke Ellington on Hey Duke!, the latest release featuring the adroit talents of the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra. Matthews came up during the 1970s, when straight-ahead jazz was about as cool and mainstream as a buzz cut and pegged pants. College jazz programs were barely in their infancy but, despite the general cultural malaise regarding the music, there was still a sense that more could be done with what Bird, Monk, and Coltrane had given the world. Creativity could flow unimpeded by draconian notions of the "tradition." Granted, this didn't always produce the most lasting and desirable music, but for every Spyro Gyra there is a Weather Report. Matthews keeps this vision alive on Hey Duke! Influenced by the progressive, angular, and modern work of Stan Kenton and Chick Corea, Matthews reworks some of Ellington's songs in a respectful, albeit liberal manner. "It Don't Mean a Thing" screams itself to life, eventually laying into a speedy swing featuring the immense post-bop lines of soprano saxophonist Aaron Heick and Manhattan man about town trumpeter Ryan Kisor. One of the most compelling departures from traditional style is the police drama funk of "Mood Indigo," featuring bright horn hits and a dirty, wah-wah plunger trumpet over a driving hi-hat. Conversely, "Come Sunday" is given a pastoral, West Coast gospel feel à la Gerald Wilson, and features the operatic soprano of vocalist Christine Sperry. Matthews also pays tribute to Duke with his original "Song for Edward," a mid-tempo ballad featuring the soul-inflected alto sax of Chris Hunter. These are thoroughly invigorating and unconventional interpretations of Ellington's work. ~Matt Collar

Hey Duke!  

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Someday My Prince Will Come

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:00
Size: 101,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Wheel Of Fortune
(5:20)  2. So What?
(5:36)  3. Someday My Prince Will Come
(5:39)  4. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:46)  5. The Wind Machine
(6:10)  6. Fly Me To The Moon
(5:11)  7. On the Sunny Side Of The Street
(6:18)  8. A Song For You

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet have been an on-again, off-again collective of New York City-based musicians who primarily record for the Japanese market. Co-founding members David Matthews (piano and arranger) and trumpeter Lew Soloff are still on hand, though the remainder of the group on this occasion consists of tenor saxophonist Andy Snitzer, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Victor Lewis. Matthews' driving post-bop composition "Wheel of Fortune" provides an excellent introduction, though his scoring of "So What" is somewhat disappointing, as it doesn't make good use of Lewis' immense talent with its lazy funk backbeat. "Someday My Prince Will Come" opens with laconic opening statements by Snitzer and Soloff (the latter on muted horn), though it quickly transforms into a breezy waltz setting. 

One can feel the energy of a big band in the brisk arrangement of Sammy Nestico's "The Wind Machine," featuring Snitzer to good effect. The old warhorse "On the Sunny Side of the Street" also benefits from Matthews' scoring, transforming it into a hard bop cooker. Even pop artist Leon Russell's often syrupy "A Song for You" sounds good in the hands of The Manhattan Jazz Quintet. If there is a downside to this CD, it is the stingy 46 minutes of music, which seems rather brief in the 21st century for a jazz release. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/someday-my-prince-will-come-mw0000485807.

Personnel: Lew Soloff – Trumpet; Andy Snitzer - Tenor Saxophone; David Mathews – Piano; Charnett Moffett – Bass; Victor Lewis - Drums

Someday My Prince Will Come

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Teen Town

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:53
Size: 116,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:07)  1. Flash Point
(6:43)  2. Blues Intro/The Chicken
(4:31)  3. Teen Town
(7:20)  4. Road Song
(6:26)  5. I Wish
(4:08)  6. To M.O. Emm
(4:08)  7. Sparkle
(6:14)  8. Pastime Paradise
(5:12)  9. Rumblin'

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. 

Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects  and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers  but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings  among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan!  for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts.  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet/id79729527#fullText

Teen Town

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Blue Bossa

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:54
Size: 123,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:18)  1. Samba de Orfeu
(5:22)  2. Route 66
(5:43)  3. Englishman in New York
(8:31)  4. Agua de Beber
(4:06)  5. No More Blues
(5:40)  6. Don't Know Much
(4:12)  7. Blue Bossa
(6:56)  8. Wave
(7:02)  9. Amblin'

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. 

Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects  and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers  but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings  among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan!  for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts.~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet/id79729527#fullText

Blue Bossa

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Marica Hiraga With Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Close to Bacharach

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:04
Size: 129,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
(4:55)  2. Do You Know The Way To San Jose
(4:56)  3. Alfie
(3:58)  4. The Look Of Love
(3:12)  5. What The World Needs Now Is Love
(4:05)  6. Close To You
(4:38)  7. Wives And Lovers
(4:38)  8. A House Is Not A Home Flash
(4:23)  9. Arthur's Theme (The Best You Can Do)
(4:07) 10. God Give Me Strength
(4:28) 11. I'll Never Fall in Love Again
(4:17) 12. This Guy's In Love With You
(4:30) 13. That's What Friends Are For

Marica Hiraga is Japan’s leading jazz vocalist with a rich talent both in expression and technique. Her professional career began in 1981 after she was awarded the Asia Music Award in Hong Kong. She has acquired her understanding and feeling of jazz by performing and traveling between Tokyo and New York. Her first Jazz standard album, My Shining Hour, was released in 2001, and won the Best Singing Techniques award at the 19th Japan Jazz Vocal Award hosted by Jazz World magazine in 2003. Her 2nd album, Faith, released in 2006, was recorded with Eric Alexander and Harold Mabern Trio. Faith was selected as “ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and became her breakthrough album. She then worked with the legendary jazz combo, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, lead by David Matthews, on 3rd album, Close to Bacharach, which was highly praised as the new Bacharach standards. 

The album was again selected as “ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and she received the Best Vocal award at the 41st Jazz Disc Award, hosted by Swing Journal, one of the most prestigious awards for jazz music in Japan. In May 2008, she released a collection of mature love songs as 4th album, More Romance, and in November, she released 5th album, BATUCADA-Jazz‘ n’ Bossa, on which she worked with many prominent musicians including the genius Gil Goldstein, the leading AOR musician Michael Franks, Marcos Valle, Phil Woods, Kenny Garrett and Randy Brecker, as a celebration album for bossa nova’s 50th anniversary. BATUCADA was again selected as“ Swing Journal Gold Disc” and won her the Best Vocal award at the 42nd Jazz Disc Award. ~ Bio   http://www.last.fm/music/Marica+Hiraga

Close to Bacharach

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Latino-Bop

Styles: Post-Bop, Latin
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:38
Size: 132,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:55)  1. El Cumbanchero
(8:42)  2. Besame Mucho
(6:23)  3. Volare
(7:08)  4. Libertango
(5:01)  5. La Malaguena / Granada
(8:00)  6. Sway (Quien Sera)
(7:16)  7. Taboo
(7:10)  8. Passion Fruit

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet are an unusual group in that they very rarely perform as a unit in the United States (much less Manhattan) but have been a major hit in Japan, both for their recordings and occasional tours. Originally comprised of leader/pianist David Matthews, trumpeter Lew Soloff, tenor saxophonist George Young, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, the band (which emphasizes straight-ahead hard bop swinging) first came together in 1983 at the suggestion of the King label and the top Japanese jazz magazine Swing Journal. To everyone's surprise, its first recording (simply called Manhattan Jazz Quintet) became such a big seller that it was awarded Swing Journal's annual 1984 Gold Disk Award as the number one album in Japan. Several years later the group broke up when Gomez and Gadd needed more time to pursue their individual projects and all of the quintet members later became quite successful in their own careers but this edition of the MJQ recorded reunions in 1990 (which found John Scofield guesting on a few selections) and in 1993. 

Victor Lewis replaced Gadd that year, and subsequently Young was replaced by Andy Snitzer and Gomez by Charnett Moffett. The Manhattan Jazz Quintet recorded primarily for King in Japan (those dates were mostly made available in the U.S. by Projazz) during the 1980s, although they cut some later recordings among the comparative very few that actually took place in Manhattan! for the Sweet Basil label. During the new millennium the Manhattan Jazz Quintet have recorded regularly for Video Arts. Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/manhattan-jazz-quintet/id79729527#fullText.

Personnel: David Matthews – Piano; Lew Soloff – Trumpet; Andy Snitzer - Tenor Saxophone; Francois Mutin – Bass; Victor Lewis - Drums

Latino-Bop

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