Pee Wee's Song - The Music Of Pee Wee Russell

Styles: Jazz, swing
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:46
Size: 151,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:40) 1. Oh No!
(4:44) 2. I Got 'Em Again
(4:13) 3. But Why
(3:56) 4. What's The Pitch
(3:33) 5. Midnight Bue
(4:45) 6. Twenth Eighth And Eight
(5:22) 7. Muskogee Blue
(4:13) 8. Are You Here'
(5:19) 9. Pee Wee' Song
(4:04) 10. Cutie Pie
(5:40) 11. Pee Wee's Blues
(5:50) 12. Charles Ellsworth Stomp
(4:51) 13. Missy
(5:30) 14. I'd Climb The Highest Mountain

This is a logical tribute since clarinetist Bobby Gordon's main influence is Pee Wee Russell. Although Gordon's solos are not as eccentric or death-defying as Russell's, his tone is similar and there are times when he sounds eerily close to his idol. Joined by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, trombonist Dan Barrett, tenor saxophonist Rick Fay, pianist Johnny Varro, rhythm guitarist Marty Grosz, bassist Bob Haggart, and drummer Gene Estes, Gordon explores a dozen songs composed by Russell. In addition, Gordon performs "Charles Ellsworth Stomp" (which he co-wrote) and one of Russell's favorite songs, "I'd Climb the Hightest Mountain." Since some of these numbers were co-written by Dick Cary and recorded by Russell in modern swing settings during the late '50s (rather than Dixieland dates with Eddie Condon), the music on this CD is often tightly arranged while leaving some room for spontaneous jamming. Pee Wee Russell himself would have enjoyed the results.~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/pee-wees-song-the-music-of-pee-wee-russell-mw0000026868

Musicians: Bobby Gordon: Clarinet; Jon-Erik Kellso: Trumpet; Dan Barrett: Trombone; Rick Fay: Tenor Sax, Clarinet; Johnny Varro: Piano; Marty Grosz: Guitar; Bob Haggart: Bass; Gene Estes: Drums

Pee Wee's Song: The Music Of Pee Wee Russell

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Maxine Sullivan - The Great Songs from the Cotton Club

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2014
File: MP3@192K/s
Time: 47:26
Size: 67,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:09) 1. Happy As the Day Is Long
(3:38) 2. You Gave Me Ev'rything but Love
(2:39) 3. As Long As I Live
(4:10) 4. Raisin' the Rent
(3:39) 5. Neath the Pale Cuban Moon
(5:04) 6. Ill Wind
(2:57) 7. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
(2:14) 8. I Love a Parade
(2:54) 9. Harlem Holiday
(2:39) 10. Get Yourself a New Broom
(3:21) 11. Stormy Weather
(3:26) 12. In the Silence of the Night
(3:18) 13. That's What I Hate About Love
(2:17) 14. Primitive Prima Donna
(2:55) 15. I've Got the World on a String

“Maxine Sullivan was in a class by herself. Sullivan gave her all to a song, and in so doing made the song a celebration of the best in classic American popular music rather than an occasion to show off her vocal prowess. It is one of her best albums, and should be heard by all.”~ Lawrence Schulman, ARSC Journal

Back in print for the first time in more than a decade, Harbinger Records’ award-winning album, MAXINE SULLIVAN: THE GREAT SONGS FROM THE COTTON CLUB BY HAROLD ARLEN AND TED KOEHLER is making it’s long-awaited debut on iTunes and other music download sites. Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Vocalist and winner of the NAIRD award in the same category, the album features many previously unrecorded songs by the famous songwriting team of Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. In addition to the first-time recordings, Sullivan interprets such standards as “Stormy Weather” and “Buds Won’t Bud” with her patented gently swinging style. Hailed on many 10 Best lists, Great Songs from the Cotton Club, brought Maxine Sullivan’s 50-year career to a highpoint and led the way to two more highly regarded recordings for Harbinger, Together: Maxine Sullivan Sings Jule Styne and The Lady’s in Love with You: Maxine Sullivan Sings the Music of Burton Lane.

Maxine Sullivan got her start at a remarkably named nightclub, The Benjamin Harrison Literary Club, in 1934. She sang with Claude Thornhill’s band and had a smash hit with her recording of the Scottish standard, “Loch Lomond.” In the ‘40s, she and her husband, jazz musician John Kirby, became the first black jazz stars to have a regular radio program. She appeared in the films St. Louis Blues and Going Places, the latter in which she and Louis Armstrong introduced the song “Jeepers Creepers.” She and Armstrong had a long friendship and appeared together in the fabled Cotton Club and on Broadway in the musical Swinging the Dream in which Maxine introduced the jazz standard, “Darn That Dream.” She later appeared on Broadway in the show My Old Friends for which she received a Tony Award nomination.

After retiring to raise her children, Maxine created The House That Jazz Built in the South Bronx where she supported programs encouraging young talent and introducing children to the world of jazz. In 1967 she returned to recordings with jazzman Bob Wilbur. Her three albums for Harbinger Records came soon thereafter giving new audiences a chance to hear one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. This long-awaited reissue brings this tremendous album to her legion of fans and to a new generation who can rejoice in the great vocals and great songs of the Cotton Club era. https://www.musicaltheaterproject.org/maxine-sullivan-the-great-songs-from-the-cotton-club.html

Personnel: Vocals – Maxine Sullivan; Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Phil Bodner; Bass – Phil Flanagan; Drums – Jackie Williams ; Guitar – Marty Grosz; Piano – Keith Ingham

The Great Songs from the Cotton Club

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Marty Grosz & His Hot Combination - Marty Grosz & His Hot Combination

Styles: New Orleans Jazz Revival
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:28
Size: 162,1 MB
Art: Front

( 4:14)  1. Alabamy Home
( 4:52)  2. Did I Remember?
( 4:02)  3. If It Ain't Love
( 4:34)  4. You
( 4:55)  5. What'll I Do?
( 4:59)  6. Don't Let It Bother You
( 3:59)  7. I'd Rather Be With You
( 4:09)  8. Murder In The Moonlight
( 7:01)  9. Four Or Five Times
( 4:40) 10. Life Begins When You're In Love
( 6:06) 11. Spoken Introduction To Just A Gigolo
( 3:39) 12. Just A Gigolo
(10:00) 13. Spoken Introduction To English Blues
( 3:11) 14. English Blues

Marty Grosz is a fine guitar player and singer, and has earned a solid rep as a purveyor of classic jazz styles. He's joined on Marty Grosz and His Hot Combination by a number of other players associated with classic styles, including clarinetist Ken Peplowski and trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso. The main idea of the album, then, is fairly straightforward: surround yourself with great players, choose a handful of standards, and play your heart out. The collection begins with a spry, instrumental take on Dave Ringle and Duke Ellington's "Alabamy Home" before delving into a fine vocal version of Harold Adamson and Walter Donaldson's "Did I Remember?"

The track list includes lots of love songs and a neat take on "Just a Gigolo," revealing that Grosz has a romantic sensibility tinged with humor. The only item that distracts from the proceedings is Grosz's lengthy spoken introductions to "Just a Gigolo" and "English Blues." While both are more like funny monologues than introductions proper, they're too long and serve to interrupt the flow of music. Otherwise, Marty Grosz and His Hot Combination is a lovely album that reveals how joyful jazz was before the modern era. ~ Ronnie D.Lankford  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/marty-grosz-and-his-hot-combination-mw0000408647.

Personnel: Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet); James Dapogny (cornet, piano); Arnie Kinsella (drums).

Marty Grosz & His Hot Combination

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Scott Robinson - Melody From The Sky

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:34
Size: 166,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:46)  1. Davenport Blues
(3:45)  2. Where Is Love?
(2:59)  3. Just Like A Melody Out Of The Sky
(4:49)  4. Isfahan
(6:35)  5. Yardville
(3:35)  6. I'm Making Believe
(8:27)  7. Saxophone Blues
(3:42)  8. This Is No Laughing Matter
(4:26)  9. Sweet Rhythm
(2:36) 10. The Swan
(5:34) 11. Ups And Downs
(3:54) 12. Count Your Blessing Instead Of Sheep
(3:32) 13. For No Reason At All In C
(2:37) 14. Singin The Blues
(4:42) 15. C Here
(4:27) 16. A Melody From The Sky

Known as a multi-talented/stylistic woodwindist, Robinson concentrates on the C-Melody saxophone for this CD, which makes it not only a rarity, but an event unto itself. He also showcases a four-pitch selection: organ based, string quartet flavored, straight-ahead swing, and guitar-oriented jams with either James Chirillo or Marty Grosz on four cuts apiece. Mark Shane and Larry Ham split keyboard duties, with Lee Hudson or Greg Cohen on bass, and occasionally Cohen plays a bass marimba originally owned by Sun Ra. On the lighter side is the solo laden, easily swung "Davenport Blues," the relaxed quartet take of "This Is No Laughing Matter," the quaint "For No Reason at All," and the old-timey, stride-based title track. With the strings the slowed torch song "Where Is Love?" is short and sweet with no solos, the quartet adds spice without being overbearing during "I'm Making Believe," and turns "Count Your Blessings" into a languid, heartfelt ice melter. Also in a classical/romantic vein is the serene 3/4 Saint Saens piano (Ham)/sax ballet "The Swan." The organ numbers provide the greatest contrast and offer Robinson a challenge to make the sounds mesh; in fact, the keyboard sounds more like a C-3. In this area are the classic ballad "Isfahan," the reverential organ- (Shane) based "Sweet Rhythm" with choppy, banjo-like chords from Grosz, the modern "Freedom Jazz Dance"-type Robinson original "C Here" with organ by Ham on top (no foot pedal bass), and a loping legato sax and subtle marimba lurking behind while stretched, long organ tones from Ham inform the ballad take on "Singin' the Blues." In an Earl Bostic tone, Rudy Wiedhoeft's '20s-era "Saxophone Blues" is an 8+ minute-long, blues-drenched, country-styled groove swing, with again Ham and Chirillo's single-line solo a highlight. The best swinger is a John Kirby/Raymond Scott/Keystone Cops-ish Robinson-penned "Ups & Downs," trumped up by Jon Erik-Kellso's trumpet, while a hard bopping sax/guitar (Chirillo) line sets the fuse on Robinson's "Yardville," while Grosz and Cohen's slight marimba inserts a buoy for Robinson's good swing on "Just Like a Melody out of the Sky." If it were just a matter of sound, this would be a novelty item, but Robinson plays the C-melody so well without straining or going overtly smooth. The instrument, though not being produced anymore, deserves a revisit and a close listen on this truly delightful, high-variety recording that is better upon repeated listenings. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/melody-from-the-sky-mw0000064494

Personnel: Scott Robinson - C-melody saxophone; Jon-Erik Kellso - trumpet ; Marty Grosz, James Chirillo- Guitar; Ming Yeh - violin; Larry Ham - piano, organ; Carol Benner - viola

Melody From The Sky

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Marty Grosz,The Fat Babies - Diga Diga Doo

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:54
Size: 170,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:48)  1. Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me?
(5:16)  2. A Jazz Holiday
(1:13)  3. Intro to Blue (And Broken Hearted)
(3:33)  4. Blue (And Broken Hearted)
(4:23)  5. In a Little Spanish Town
(4:21)  6. Sweet Sue (Just You)
(4:44)  7. My Daddy Rocks Me
(2:49)  8. Prince of Wails
(3:45)  9. Hold Me
(4:11) 10. Diga Diga Doo
(3:28) 11. Forevermore
(4:41) 12. Rose of Washington Square
(4:34) 13. How Deep Is the Ocean
(3:55) 14. A Good Man Is Hard to Find
(5:12) 15. Church Street Sobbin' Blues
(3:52) 16. Strut Miss Lizzie
(0:45) 17. Intro to the Lady in Red
(3:22) 18. The Lady in Red
(4:54) 19. Marty Talks

Fledgling jazz musicians take note. In his annotations to this lighthearted collection of vintage tunes, Marty Grosz, the 85-year-old guitarist, banjoist, crooner and raconteur, offers some sage advice: “I suggest that you take up an instrument, study and practice until you become accomplished, and then attach yourself to someone who can support you.” Of course, failing that, you can always find ample joy in the music itself, as Grosz demonstrates here. Clearly inspired by the setting and the selection of tunes, he sounds as pleased as can be, playing with a group of kindred spirits and occasionally providing deadpan commentary (“Banjos never die-they just sound that way”). The lineup includes pianist James Dapogny, reedman Jonathan Doyle and, key to the album’s considerable charm and vitality, the Fat Babies, a hot-swing septet out of Chicago led by bassist Beau Sample. Doyle and John Otto, on clarinet and tenor and baritone saxophones, are largely responsible for the album’s shining lyricism, while Dapogny and fellow pianist Paul Asaro craft wonderfully evocative accompaniment. Cornetist Andy Schumm also distinguishes himself in a crucial role, and Grosz certainly does his part, contributing concise breaks and steady propulsion. Some tunes are classics, such as “How Deep Is the Ocean,” though it receives a Louis Armstrong-inspired overhaul. But often, the more obscure or sadly neglected the tune, the better. Take the album’s title track, for example, a Cotton Club favorite that colorfully kicks off this session and presages similar pleasures to come. ~ Mike Joyce https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/marty-groszfat-babies-diga-diga-doo-hot-music-from-chicago/

Personnel: Marty Grosz (guitar, banjo); John Otto (clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Jonathan Doyle (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Andy Schumm (cornet); Panic Slim, Dave Bock (trombone); Paul Asaro, James Dapogny (piano); Alex Hall (drums).

Diga Diga Doo

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Marty Grosz - Hooray For Bix!

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz 
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:00
Size: 104,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:42)  1. Changes
(4:15)  2. Cryin' All Day
(3:12)  3. Lonely Melody
(4:07)  4. I'm Gonna Meet My Sweetie Now
(3:46)  5. Sorry
(3:05)  6. My Pet
(3:46)  7. The Love Nest
(4:00)  8. Clementine
(4:19)  9. Oh, Miss Hannah
(3:39) 10. Wa-Da-Da (Everybody's Doin' It Now)
(4:24) 11. For No Reason At All In 'C'
(3:38) 12. Because My Baby Don't Mean Maybe Now

A native of Germany, guitarist and vocalist Marty Grosz's especial personality has been part of the traditional jazz scene since the early '50s. Growing up in New York and later moving to Chicago, Grosz has played over the years with renown musicians such as Dick Wellstood, Art Hodes, Jabbo Smith, and the group Soprano Summit. Still active today, Grosz's Hooray For Bix! was originally cut for Riverside in 1957 and it not only pays homage to its namesake, '20s and '30s cornet wizard Bix Beiderbecke, but also serves as a watermark of the '50s revivalist movement. Like one of his inspirations, Eddie Condon, Grosz works out on a guitar of the four-string variety and his main function here is of a rhythmic thrust, with two fine vocals thrown in to boot. In deference to Beiderbecke's horn of choice, co- leader Carl Halen opts for the use of a cornet, an instrument seldom used these days in jazz. The rest of the band is filled out with instruments representative of your normal Dixieland-type ensemble, and while none of the men have any major name recognition, they all play with skill and fervor. Frank Chace's robust baritone sax work is particularly lovely, as is his breathy clarinet stylings, which are very much akin to that of Pee Wee Russell. A shrewd decision on the parts of Grosz and Halen was to go for material that was a bit left-of-center from the obvious, so don't expect to hear "Singin' the Blues" or "In a Mist." In fact, the only Beiderbecke original turns out to be "For No Reason At All." That's all just fine though, because this set proves to be a bit more poetic than similar sessions of this ilk. Even those with a bit of apprehension towards music of this genre will find something to like here, as solo space for all is copious and collective improvisation is kept at a minimum. As an added bonus, Dave Jones' beautiful early stereo manifests each instrument with clarity and warmth. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/hooray-for-bix-marty-grosz-fantasy-jazz-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Marty Grosz- guitar and vocals; Carl Halen- cornet, Turk Santos- second cornet (tracks 6 & 12 only), guitar (track 9 only); Harry Budd- trombone; Frank Chace- clarinet & baritone sax, Bob Skiver- clarinet & tenor sax; Tut Soper- piano, Chuck Neilson- bass, Pepper Boggs- drums

Hooray For Bix!

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Marty Grosz and Destiny's Tots - Sings of Love and Other Matters

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:36
Size: 141,8 MB
Art: Front

( 3:00)  1. With Plenty of Money and You
( 3:07)  2. How Can You Face Me?
( 3:41)  3. Lonesome Me
( 3:30)  4. Mean Old Bed Bug Blues
( 4:50)  5. All My Life
( 3:28)  6. I'm in the Market for You
( 3:16)  7. The Panic Is On
( 3:33)  8. I Wish I Were Twins
( 3:52)  9. A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid
( 3:37) 10. My Very Good Friend the Milkman
( 3:36) 11. Breakin' the Ice
( 4:10) 12. Until the Real Thing Comes Along
( 3:04) 13. I'm Building up to an Awful Letdown
( 3:24) 14. You've Been Taking Lessons in Love
(10:21) 15. The English Blues

Marty Grosz, a Fats Waller-inspired vocalist, a masterful chordal acoustic guitarist and a frequently hilarious comedian, is well showcased on this Jazzology CD reissue of a set originally cut for the Statiras label. Featured with his Destiny's Tots (a group not dissimilar to his Orphan Newsboys), Grosz sings such bright numbers as "With Plenty of Money and You," "I'm In the Market for You," "I Wish I Were Twins," "My Very Good Friend the Milkman," "I'm Building Up to an Awful Letdown," and "You've Been Taking Lessons In Love." Hot solos are provided by Dick Meldonian (on tenor, alto and baritone), Dan Barrett (doubling on trombone and cornet), pianist Keith Ingham and bassist Phil Flanigan. Highly recommended to classic jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sings-of-love-other-matters-mw0000411161

Personnel:  Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Marty Grosz; Piano – Keith Ingham; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Dick Meldonian; Acoustic Bass [String] – Phil Flanigan;  Trombone, Cornet – Dan Barrett 

Sings of Love and Other Matters

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Peter Ecklund - Ecklund At Elkhart The Classic All-Stars

Styles: Trumpet And Cornet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:00
Size: 156,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:55)  1. Opening Remarks
(6:19)  2. Sweethearts On Parade
(3:20)  3. Yacht Club Swing
(4:29)  4. Trees
(5:51)  5. Somebody Stole My Gal
(3:47)  6. The Moon Is Low
(3:17)  7. Indian Summer
(2:47)  8. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket
(5:10)  9. Borneo
(4:44) 10. Black Cat Moan
(5:48) 11. Doin' The New Low-Down
(2:18) 12. Nobody's Sweetheart
(4:18) 13. How And I To Know?
(4:03) 14. Prince Of Wails
(4:47) 15. Where The Blue Of The Night

This CD has trumpeter and cornetist Peter Ecklund leading an all-star septet that he assembled for the 1994 Elkhart Indiana Jazz Festival. Ecklund is joined by the members of the Orphan Newsboys (clarinetist Bobby Gordon, rhythm guitarist and singer Marty Grosz, and bassist Greg Cohen) plus trombonist Dan Barrett, pianist Mark Shane, and drummer Hal Smith. Grosz has four vocals, Ecklund whistles on "Where the Blue of the Night," and the band romps on such numbers as "Yacht Club Swing," "Borneo," "Nobody's Sweetheart," and "Prince of Wails." The musicians play up to their usual level, so this set is easily recommended to mainstream swing collectors. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/ecklund-at-elkhart-mw0000775326

Personnel: Peter Ecklund (whistling, trumpet, cornet); Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Bobby Gordon (clarinet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Mark Shane (piano); Hal Smith (drums).

Ecklund At Elkhart The Classic All-Stars

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Various - Stringin' The Blues: A Tribute To Eddie Lang

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:29
Size: 179.7 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2003/2018
Art: Front

[ 9:07] 1. Bucky Pizzarelli - Sweet Georgia Brown
[ 6:16] 2. Howard Alden - These Foolish Things
[ 4:28] 3. Frank Vignola - The Sheik Of Araby
[ 5:13] 4. Frank Vignola - Fascinating Rhythm
[ 2:31] 5. Howard Alden - Medley: I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles/E Is For Emmet
[ 1:41] 6. Howard Alden - I'll Never Be The Same
[ 2:31] 7. Marty Grosz - Peg Leg Shuffle
[ 3:02] 8. Marty Grosz - From Monday On
[11:24] 9. Bucky Pizzarelli - Medley:Tangerine/It Must Be True/Please/A Blues Serenade/April Kisses
[ 6:55] 10. Bucky Pizzarelli - Broadway
[ 3:17] 11. Al Viola - Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[ 3:03] 12. Lino Patruno - Some Of These Days
[ 3:25] 13. Lino Patruno - Sweet Sue
[ 2:51] 14. Andy Stein - Wild Cat
[ 3:32] 15. Lino Patruno - Danzon
[ 9:05] 16. Howard Alden - Limehouse Blues

Bass – Frank Tate (2), Guido Giacomini; Drums – Joe Ascione; Guitar – Al Viola, Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden, Lino Patruno, Marty Grosz, Michele Ariodante; Piano – Mark Shane (2); Violin – Andy Stein; Vocals, Whistling – Clive Riche. Recorded Live At New Orleans Jazz Ascona (Switzerland), July 4th, 2002.

This 16 track CD is a "guitar summit" featuring some of the top guitarists on the contemporary scene including Bucky Pizzarelli, Frank Vignola, Howard Alden, Al Viola, Marty Grosz and others. It was recorded live in 2002 at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland on beautiful Lake Maggiore. The guitarists are backed by Andy Stein, Mark Shane, Frank Tate, Joe Ascione, Clive Riche and others.

Stringin' The Blues: A Tribute To Eddie Lang mc
Stringin' The Blues: A Tribute To Eddie Lang zippy

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Marty Grosz - Left To His Own Devices

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 64:27

Size: 147.6 MB

Styles: New Orleans jazz

Year: 2000

Art: Front

[4:18] 1. The New Yorker

[4:33] 2. It's A Sin To Tell A Lie

[4:26] 3. Dream Sweetheart

[3:52] 4. Mood Hollywood

[2:59] 5. The Night Was Made For Swing

[4:37] 6. Then I'll Be Tired Of You

[3:13] 7. You're Gonna Lose Your Gal

[3:53] 8. Street Of Dreams

[4:12] 9. Blue Echoes

[4:24] 10. Dream Man

[5:39] 11. I've Had My Moments

[2:46] 12. Never Had A Reason To Believe In You

[4:31] 13. Concentratin' (On You)

[3:18] 14. Take Me To That Land Of Jazz

[3:38] 15. Jubilee

[4:02] 16. Lonesome Me

All of guitarist-singer Marty Grosz's recordings are easily recommended to fans of small group swing and hot jazz. On this set Grosz is often heard in a smaller unit than usual. While five songs utilize a quintet with cornetist Randy Reinhart, the reeds of Scott Robinson, guitarist Mike Peters, and bassist Greg Cohen, and five other numbers have the same group except without Reinhart and with Dan Block adding his reeds, there are also three duets by Grosz and Reinhart, and three duets for the guitarists. No matter what the setting, Grosz is in a typically droll and witty mood, reviving obscurities (including two Fats Waller songs), contributing two originals, taking cheerful vocals, and contributing chordal guitar solos. Fun music. ~Scott Yanow

Left To His Own Devices  

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Marty Grosz - Keep A Song In Your Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:14

Size: 149.3 MB

Styles: Guitar jazz

Year: 1995

Art: Front

[3:32] 1. Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia

[3:38] 2. He Ain't Got Rhythm

[4:10] 3. I've Got To Sing A Torch Song

[3:36] 4. Hot Lips

[4:19] 5. I've Got A Crush On You

[3:58] 6. Georgia Jubilee

[5:50] 7. Snuggled On Your Shoulder

[3:31] 8. Keep A Song In Your Soul

[3:53] 9. Little White Lies

[4:48] 10. From Monday On

[4:42] 11. Love Will Find A Way

[4:15] 12. A Cheerful Little Earful

[3:49] 13. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man

[3:47] 14. By The Fireside

[3:35] 15. You Can't Stop Me From Loving You

[3:43] 16. You Came To My Rescue

Marty Grosz is quite notable in at least three ways. He is one of the top (and one of the few) rhythm acoustic guitarists, and his chordal solos are always delightful. He sings in a Fats Waller-inspired style. And Grosz is one of jazz's top comedians, able to spin out hilarious, sometimes nonsensical monologues. Two of his three talents are heard on this CD, although he should record a comedy album someday. Grosz leads two different groups during the 1994 sessions. One band has the members of his Orphan Newsboys (trumpeter Peter Ecklund, clarinetist Bobby Gordon, and bassist Greg Cohen) along with the reeds of Dan Levinson, pianist Chris Dawson, and drummer Hal Smith. The other half of this set features Ecklund, Cohen, trombonist Joel Helleny (whose plunger work is outstanding), Dan Block on clarinet and alto, Scott Robinson on tenor and baritone, pianist Keith Ingham, and drummer Artie Kinsella. The repertoire is dominated by obscurities from the '20s and '30s, with a couple of standards tossed in. Grosz sings on half of the songs. Highlights include "Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia," a cooking version of "Hot Lips," "From Monday On," and "Love Will Find a Way." This is a spirited and enjoyable outing, well worth picking up by hot jazz fans. ~Scott Yanow

Keep A Song In Your Soul

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VA - The Soprano Summit In 1975 And More

Size: 150,3+183,9 MB
Time: 64:27+78:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Swing Parade ( 3:09)
02. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - The Mooche ( 6:41)
03. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Oh Sister Ain't That Hot ( 6:11)
04. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Steal Away ( 7:35)
05. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Linger Awhile (10:50)
06. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Panama ( 8:38)
07. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Songs Of Songs ( 5:41)
08. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Swing Thirty Nine ( 4:27)
09. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - Egyptian Fantasy ( 3:57)
10. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay - The Fish Vendor ( 7:14)

CD 2:
01. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay, Dick Hyman - Kansas City Stomp ( 3:22)
02. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay, Dick Hyman - Original Jell Roll Blues ( 3:41)
03. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay, Dick Hyman - Froggie Moore ( 3:41)
04. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay, Dick Hyman - Shreveport Stomp ( 3:21)
05. Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Marty Grosz, George Duvivier, Connie Kay, Dick Hyman - Sidewalk Blues ( 3:12)
06. Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Bob Rosengarden - C.C. Rider ( 5:40)
07. Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Bob Rosengarden - Fidgety Feet ( 4:58)
08. Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Bob Rosengarden - Sweet Substitute ( 6:37)
09. Kenny Davern, Dick Wellstood, Bob Rosengarden - Shim-Me-Sha Wabble ( 6:16)
10. Ruby Braff, Bob Wilber, Wayne Wright, George Duvivier, Fred Stoll - Sugar ( 5:11)
11. Ruby Braff, Bob Wilber, Wayne Wright, George Duvivier, Fred Stoll - When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) ( 6:01)
12. Ruby Braff, Bob Wilber, Wayne Wright, George Duvivier, Fred Stoll - These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) ( 6:14)
13. Ruby Braff, Bob Wilber, Wayne Wright, George Duvivier, Fred Stoll - All Of Me ( 9:17)
14. Ruby Braff, Bob Wilber, Wayne Wright, George Duvivier, Fred Stoll - Fine And Mellow (10:58)

While clarinetist/soprano saxophonists Kenny Davern and Bob Wilber are of the generation that produced the first wave of bebop and hard bop players, both favor earlier jazz modes of small-group swing and New Orleans-inspired hot jazz. From 1972 to 1979, Davern and Wilbur co-led Soprano Summit, a hard-swinging quintet dedicated to pre-bop styles. Recorded live in 1975 and backed by simpatico fellow travelers Marty Grosz (acoustic guitar) and George Duvivier (bass) plus inspired guest Connie Kay (drummer for the MJQ), this Summit combo goes to town on New Orleans standards and Jelly Roll Morton gems. To fill out this double-disc set, there are fine live tracks by other small groups featuring Davern and Wilber (along with trombonist Dick Wellstood and cornetist Ruby Braff, no less). ~by Mark Keresman

The Soprano Summit In 1975 And More CD 1
The Soprano Summit In 1975 And More CD 2

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Ed Polcer All-Stars - Jammin' A La Condon

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:59
Size: 162.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. California, Here I Come
[6:47] 2. Condon Medley At Sundown Big Butter And Egg Man Back In Your Own ..
[4:01] 3. Jubilee
[5:22] 4. Somebody Stole My Gal
[5:47] 5. Home
[7:04] 6. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
[4:33] 7. On The Alamo
[4:56] 8. Bye Bye Blues
[3:10] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[8:02] 10. Linger Awhile
[6:47] 11. Wild Bill Medley Blue Again The Vanderbilt Confessin I Can't ..
[8:30] 12. Wolverine Blues

With Tom Saunders, Bob Havens, Bill Allred, Ken Peplowski, Allan Vache, Mark Shane, Marty Grosz, Greg Cohen, Joe Ascione.

During the past several years, Ed Polcer has become one of the most sought after performers on the jazz festival circuit. He has appeared in hundreds of concerts, festivals and jazz parties throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including numerous return appearances at the Newport/Kool/JVC Festival in New York. Ed's musical versatility and leadership have earned him a reputation as a dynamic bandleader, and he is often called upon to organize festivals, concerts, dances and parties.

Ed joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for an American tour in 1973. An expert showman, Ed has led numerous concerts with varied themes, including his extensive U.S. tours for Columbia Artists. In 1992, '93 and '94." A Night At Eddie Condon's", transported the audience back to the famous nightclub and gave a musical retrospective of American jazz over the last 100 years.

Jammin' A La Condon

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Marty Grosz - Rhythm Is Our Business

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:56
Size: 154,2 MB
Art: Front

( 3:39)  1. Rhythm Is Our Business
( 3:36)  2. Believe It Beloved
( 5:10)  3. Yellow Dog Blues
( 4:47)  4. Diga Diga Doo
( 3:44)  5. Penthouse Serenade
( 5:02)  6. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
( 3:42)  7. I'm In the Mood For Love
( 4:01)  8. Heartaches
( 3:41)  9. If We Never Meet Again
( 4:18) 10. That Da Da Strain
( 4:33) 11. Squeeze Me
( 2:37) 12. The Japanese Sandman
( 4:26) 13. Wabash Blues
( 3:18) 14. Dream Man
(10:15) 15. Rhythm For Sale  He Ain't Got Rhythm  I Got Rhythm

Marty Grosz recordings are always fun. Grosz, a top humorist (though his monologues have yet to be fully included on recordings), is a cheerful vocalist whose style is influenced by Fats Waller, and a superior acoustic chordal guitarist. His combos are superb examples of small group swing with an emphasis on songs from the 1920s and '30s. For this date recorded in Germany, Grosz leads his Hot Puppies, a quintet with fellow American Randy Reinhart on trumpet and three excellent German players. 

Frank Roberscheuten shows his versatility by playing clarinet (his best ax), tenor, and alto while bassist Nico Gastreich and drummer Moritz Gastreich are swinging and subtle in support. The repertoire is inspired and some of the frameworks (including a version of "Heartaches" that hints strongly at Ted Weems' hit recording) are inventive. Reinhart and Grosz are the solo stars and this set is easily recommended to fans of vintage swing and classic jazz. ~ Scott Yanow    http://www.allmusic.com/album/rhythm-is-our-business-mw0000693801

Personnel: Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Frank Roberscheuten (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Randy Reinhart (trumpet); Moritz Gastreich (drums).

Rhythm Is Our Business

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Marty Grosz & Hot Winds - The Classic Sessions

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 68:07

Size: 155.9 MB

Styles: Swing, Contemporary jazz

Year: 2009

Art: Front

[4:37] 1. Pardon Me Pretty Baby

[4:12] 2. Rent Party Blues

[3:13] 3. Just One Of Those Things

[3:25] 4. I Must Have That Man

[5:50] 5. Maori

[3:33] 6. I Just Couldn't Take It Baby

[6:49] 7. Wabash Blues

[3:27] 8. Under A Blanket Of Blue

[2:57] 9. My Blackbirds Are Blubirds Now

[5:28] 10. Caught

[3:26] 11. Love And Kisses

[9:22] 12. Riverside Blues

[4:15] 13. The Panic Is On

[5:08] 14. When Buddha Smiles

[2:17] 15. I Gotta Get Up And Go To Work

Rhythm guitarist Marty Grosz has been a central figure squarely placed in the vintage/traditional/swing era/hot jazz style. He's in many ways a one-of-a-kind artist as a performer, while priding himself as an archivist, historian, and song excavator. The Hot Winds band that Grosz surrounds himself for this recording is loaded with multi-instrumentalists like Scott Robinson, Dan Block, and Vince Giordano, wielding an array of woodwind and brass instruments, especially from the clarinet family. Yes, everything on this recording is from that bygone era of jazz, while the tracks are filled with the counterpoint and layered ideas that sparked the initial forays into improvisation that makes jazz vital, enjoyable, unique, and exciting. What Grosz and crew accomplish is pretty much major league in terms of how they sustain interest through and through by mixing and matching front-line instruments, conceiving a new way to play these tunes with every twist and turn. Check out their "fusion" of three different melody phrases during the upbeat original "Love & Kisses," a load of fun for all. Fans of Fats Waller can't be denied their ebullience, and this combo is no different on the bluesy instrumental "Caught" or the uptown strutter "The Panic Is On," with vocals from Grosz. Some very obscure numbers are discovered, like the lively car chase tune "My Blackbirds Are Bluebirds Now" featuring a ribald vocal from Giordano, the straight Chicago-style Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey composition "Riverside Blues," Duke Ellington's "Rent Party Blues" with two clarinets and the banjo of Grosz, and the quite unknown blues "When Buddha Smiles," featuring baritone sax, C-melody sax, and the peckhorn. The one non-swing entity "Maori" is in a calypso beat with the spirited banjo of the leader slyly jutting and ducking. Perhaps the one song that stands apart is the resurrected Ethel Waters song "I Just Couldn't Take It Baby," with the singing of the leader digging deep into the black bottom spectrum. Robinson's clarinet, soprano, baritone sax, or cornet, Block's clarinet, alto, baritone sax, and bass clarinet, Giordano's upright bass, tuba, bass sax, and the mysterious Panic Slim on trombone for five tracks allow the variations and diverse sounds closer to a full-blown big band. For those who enjoy early period jazz as it was invented, this is a marvelous example of how it should be, and still can be done. ~Michael G. Nastos

The Classic Sessions 

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Marty Grosz, Keith Ingham & His Paswonky Serenaders - Unsaturated Fats

Size: 161,8 MB

Time: 70:08

File: MP3 @ 320K/s

Released: 1990

Styles: Early Jazz, New Orleans Jazz

Art: Front

01. St. Louis Shuffle (4:13)

02. Prisoner Of Love (4:37)

03. Georgia Bo Bo (3:40)

04. Breezin' (2:57)

05. That Rhythm Man (4:49)

06. Dixie Cinderella (3:42)

07. Say It Whith Your Feet (3:09)

08. Asbestos (4:43)

09. Keep A Song In Your Soul (3:23)

10. If It Ain't Love (5:30)

11. Old Folks Shuffle (4:42)

12. Say Yes (3:35)

13. Lookin' Good But Feelin' Bad (2:44)

14. My Heart's At Ease (2:31)

15. Midnight Stomp (5:05)

16. Charleston Hound (3:01)

17. Strange As It Seems (3:58)

18. Take It From Me (3:41)

This is a rather unusual CD, for few listeners (including early jazz fanatics) would be able to identify the 18 selections as Fats Waller compositions. Only "Lookin' Good But Feelin' Bad" was actually recorded by Waller and, while "St. Louis Shuffle," "That Rhythm Man" and "If It Ain't Love" were slightly known at one time, it had been quite awhile since anyone recorded "Dixie Cinderella," "Absbestos," "Say Yes" and "Charleston Hound." Grosz (who takes some vocals) doubles on guitar and banjo and is joined by pianist Keith Ingham, cornetist Peter Ecklund, clarinetist Joe Muranyi, trombonist Dan Barrett, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Arnie Kinsella for the spirited and often-surprising program. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Unsaturated Fats 

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The New York Allstars - Broadway

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:53
Size: 133,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Broadway
(5:44)  2. Moten Swing
(3:37)  3. 'Round Midnight
(3:36)  4. Rosetta
(6:07)  5. In A Mellow Tone
(3:59)  6. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(3:44)  7. After You've Gone
(4:47)  8. Bye Bye Blackbird
(5:34)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:53) 10. It's All Right With Me
(5:23) 11. Basin Street Blues
(5:21) 12. Mack The Knife

As trumpeter Randy Sandke remembers in the liner notes, the music on this CD was recorded after a seven-hour drive in Germany with most of the musicians already suffering a bit from jet lag. The studio was hot and the repertoire was comprised of old warhorses. And yet, despite all of that, the music turned out to be quite magical. The all-star group (Sandke; trombonist Dan Barrett; Scott Robinson on tenor, bass sax, and cornet; pianist Mark Shane; guitarist/singer Marty Grosz; bassist Linc Milliman, and drummer Dave Ratajczak) managed to be quite inspired and the little arranged sections (probably by Barrett) were major assets. Highlights include "Broadway," "Rosetta," "After You've Gone," and "Mack the Knife." Recomended for small-group swing fans. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/broadway-mw0000050444

Personnel: Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Scott Robinson (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, cornet); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Mark Shane (piano); Dave Ratajczak (drums).

Broadway

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Marty Grosz & Orphan Newsboys - Rhythm For Sale

Styles: New Orleans Jazz Revival
Year: 1996
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 67:35
Size: 109,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Rhythm For Sale
(4:17)  2. Satan Takes A Holiday
(3:20)  3. Miss Annabelle Lee
(5:39)  4. Del Mar Drag
(4:05)  5. In A Little Spanish Town
(4:35)  6. Up Jumped You With Love
(4:33)  7. Rose Fo The Rio Grande
(4:35)  8. Ready For The River
(4:14)  9. Twenty-Four Hours A Day
(3:42) 10. Happy Feet
(5:04) 11. I Found A Million-Dollar Baby
(4:10) 12. I Love You
(3:21) 13. Let Yourself Go
(4:30) 14. Popinjay
(3:18) 15. One, Two, Button Your Shoe
(3:59) 16. Make Believe

Guitarist/vocalist Marty Grosz made a long string of rewarding and very enjoyable recordings for Jazzology throughout the 1990s. This particular CD features him in six settings from three different occasions, playing in settings ranging from a quartet to an octet. Ranging from classic jazz to small-group swing, the music features such notable players as cornetist Peter Ecklund, Dan Block (on alto and clarinet), clarinetist Bobby Gordon, Scott Robinson on reeds and pianist Keith Ingham among others. Grosz, who takes vocals on five of the 16 numbers, sounds typically joyful as he leads the troops through such numbers as "Satan Takes a Holiday," "Miss Annabelle Lee," "Happy Feet," "Let Yourself Go" and "Make Believe." Easily recommended to pre-bop jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rhythm-for-sale-mw0000727953.

Personnel: Marty Grosz (vocals, guitar); Peter Ecklund (whistling, cornet); Jack Stuckey (clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Daniel Block (clarinet, alto saxophone); Bobby Gordon (clarinet); Scott Robinson (alto clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Vince Giordano (bass saxophone); Pierre Calligaris (piano); Keith Ingham (celesta); Hal Smith , Arnie Kinsella (drums).

Rhythm For Sale

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Marty Grosz Quartet - Just For Fun

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:44
Size: 141.3 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[5:58] 1. All I Do Is Dream Of You
[4:09] 2. Just Friends
[7:49] 3. Love Is Just Around The Corner
[4:22] 4. It's The Talk Of The Town
[4:52] 5. How Can You Face Me
[6:48] 6. Mood Indigo
[5:39] 7. Sweethearts On Parade
[4:37] 8. Ain't Misbehavin'
[4:02] 9. A Hundred Years From Today
[3:07] 10. If I Had A Talking Picture Of You
[5:06] 11. Memphis Blues
[5:12] 12. The Lady Is In Love Ith You

Like Eddie Condon, one of his early mentors, acoustic guitarist and vocalist Marty Grosz has always preferred playing in small combos. The present occasion, as recorded live in Hamburg's Amerika Haus, is no different in that respect from the many stateside sessions he has recorded over the years under such fanciful names as Destiny's Tots, the Hot Cosmopolites, the Orphan Newsboys, the Paswonky Serenaders, and the Collector's Item Cats, the latter a sobriquet he stole from an exceedingly obscure 1940 78 by Wild Bill Davison and Boyce Brown. So much for his literarily arcane, jazzlore-rich wit, which has also, invariably to his admirers' delight, graced the liner notes of equally well-informed jazz recordings.

Featured with Grosz on this overseas progress through tunes both familiar and rarely tried are trumpeter Alan Elsdon and baritonist, altoman, and clarinetist Johnny Barnes, both longstanding veterans of the British trad scene, and Australian-born bassist Murray Wall, now a well-established New York-based mainstreamer. A master of the plunger mute, Elsdon throughout summons up memories of Muggsy Spanier and Cootie Williams, while Barnes has long been considered one of the best baritone players of any nationality to master the full-bodied, booming, Adrian Rollini-Ernie Caceres approach to the lower ensemble voice.

Grosz's vocals are, as always, models of their kind, with the joint influence of Fats Waller's rent-party humor and Red McKenzie's highly personal synthesis of jazz phrasing and melodramatic pathos never far from the surface. For an example of the latter, listen to "Just Friends," one of Red's early hits. Elsdon takes the vocal on "Sweethearts On Parade," while Barnes emotes with similar effectiveness on "If I Had A Talking Picture Of You," a parody of an early '30s Bing Crosby number that even includes a half-chorus in German. ~Jack Sohmer

Just For Fun

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Marty Grosz & His Swinging Fools - Ring Dem Bells

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 76:45

Size: 175.7 MB

Styles: Swing, New Orleans jazz, Guitar jazz

Year: 1995/2012

Art: Front

[8:05] 1. Rose Of The Rio Grande

[5:28] 2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home

[4:23] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You

[7:42] 4. Nobody's Sweetheart

[4:16] 5. I Must Have That Man!

[5:00] 6. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me

[5:53] 7. Old Man Blues

[6:04] 8. Ain't Cha Glad

[6:49] 9. My Daddy Rocks Me

[5:22] 10. Swing That Music

[5:25] 11. More Than You Know

[6:05] 12. She's Crying For Me

[6:05] 13. Ring Dem Bells

For this live concert from Hamburg, Germany, guitarist/vocalist Marty Grosz called his pickup sextet "the Swinging Fools." With trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and Scott Robinson on clarinet, soprano and baritone (who are assisted by pianist Martin Litton, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Chuck Riggs), Grosz had two contrasting soloists who blended together well and took chances within the Dixieland/swing genre. The leader contributes some excellent chordal acoustic guitar solos and a few humorous vocals. The highpoints of the date include "Rose of the Rio Grande," "Nobody's Sweetheart," "Old Man Blues," "Swing That Music" and "Ring Dem Bells." An excellent outing. ~Scott Yanow

Ring Dem Bells

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