Nicki Parrott - Winter Wonderland

Styles: Holiday
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:08
Size: 142,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:23)  1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(4:36)  2. Christmas In New Orleans
(3:35)  3. I'll Be Home For Christmas
(5:33)  4. The Christmas Song
(4:11)  5. Blackberry Winter
(3:51)  6. Blue Christmas
(4:23)  7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
(3:54)  8. Christmas Time Is Here
(3:40)  9. White Christmas
(4:05) 10. June In January
(4:42) 11. My Favorite Things
(3:24) 12. Winter Weather
(3:55) 13. Baby, It's Cold Outside
(3:28) 14. Winter Wonderland
(3:22) 15. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Acclaimed bassist & vocalist Nicki Parrott is joined by sax player Houston Person, pianist John di Martino along with a host of competent musicians for this album dedicated to songs of the Winter season including several Christmas tunes. You'll find such songs as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "Blue Christmas", "June In January", "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", and of course, "Winter Wonderland".

Personnel: Nicki Parrott, vocals, bass; John Di Martino, piano; Houston Person, tenor saxophone; Lisa Parrott, baritone saxophone; Paul Meyers, guitar; Tim Horner, drums

Winter Wonderland

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Nicki Parrott - Feelin' Groovy

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2024
Time: 52:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 121,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:58) 1. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
(5:44) 2. He Called Me Baby
(4:21) 3. Everybody's Talkin'
(4:16) 4. These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
(5:46) 5. Mas Que Nada
(3:26) 6. Catch The Wind
(4:02) 7. Pure Imagination
(4:25) 8. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
(3:50) 9. If I Fell
(3:44) 10. Up On The Roof
(4:43) 11. Both Sides, Now
(4:30) 12. What The World Needs Now Is Love

Australian-born Nicki Parrott emigrated to the USA in 1994 and after studying with Rufus Reid and Ray Brown she soon acquired a reputation in New York circles as a stellar, big-toned bass player. She has become even better known as a high-quality vocalist with an intimate delivery, perfect intonation and exquisite taste in material. She reminds me a little of Blossom Dearie and her Dear Blossom album is well worth tracking down.

She has revisited the older songbook repertoire on her 27 recordings so far and Black Coffee, which won the Golden Disc Award in 2010, is one I often return to. It has numbers you don’t hear every day, such as Don’t Smoke In Bed, Go Slow and Just One More Chance. In recent years she has found inspiration performing songs of a slightly newer vintage on her Carpenters Songbook, the Burt Bacharach Songbook and Great 70s albums.

This release with an all Australian personnel is a follow-up to If You Could Read My Mind and she opens with Paul Simon’s laid-back hymn to the 59th Street Bridge aka Feelin’ Groovy. Woody Allen and Diane Keaton sat alongside that bridge in one of the standout scenes from Allen’s 1979 masterpiece Manhattan.

Mas Que Nada finds Nicki singing in what sounds like authentic Portuguese. It was Sérgio Mendes’ first hit just after Herb Alpert’s wife Lani Hall had joined Brazil ’66. Todd Hardy (trumpet and flugelhorn), Shane Hannan (trombone) and Martha Baartz (tenor) help create a raunchy, foot-tapping groove on He Called Me Baby and These Boots Were Made For Walkin’. As an aside, West Coast bassist Chuck Berghofer played the bass on Boots, Nancy Sinatra’s big 1965 hit, including inventing its distinctive descending chromatic riff.

Ballads such as Everybody’s Talkin’ and the lovely Pure Imagination provide a welcome change of pace. Nicki’s sensitive reading of the latter is a delight. By Gordon Jack
https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2024/08/21/nicki-parrott-feelin-groovy/

Feelin' Groovy

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Nicki Parrott - Misty

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:46
Size: 140,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:37) 1. Whatever Lola Wants
(5:07) 2. Misty
(5:03) 3. Bewitched, Botheered ad Bewildered
(4:25) 4. Old Devil Moon
(5:17) 5. The Nearness Of You
(3:33) 6. Ddestination Moon
(4:55) 7. Good Morning Heartache
(3:28) 8. Girl Talk
(3:31) 9. Big Spender
(3:14) 10. Never Let Me Go
(4:07) 11. It's Love
(5:34) 12. Everything Must Change
(4:59) 13. Here's To Life
(3:50) 14. At Last

Nicki Parrott, an internationally acclaimed bassist, arrived in New York in May of 1994, the recipient of a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts allowing her travel to the US and study with her mentor, one of the world’s premiere double bassists, Rufus Reid. In the same year she was also nominated for the “Australian Young Achievers Award”.

Today, Nicki Parrott is a world-class double bassist and an emerging singer/songwriter. In her work with artists from around the globe she has brought a signature sound to every bass part she has played. She performs regularly at the world’s best Jazz Festivals and can be seen Monday’s at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Since June of 2000, this union has been an ideal showcase for her musical abilities, flair for improv, and gift for entertaining a crowd.

Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki Parrott began her musical training on the piano at the age of four. She also took up the flute and continued to play both instruments throughout her school years. At the age of 15, Nicki switched her focus to the double bass, formed a band with her older sister Lisa (alto sax) and began composing instrumental pieces that they would eventually record for their premier CD release, The Awabakal Suite (2001).

After completing high school, Nicki moved to Sydney and attended the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, where she graduated with an Associates degree in Jazz Studies. When bassists such as the legendary Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson) and John Clayton (Diana Krall, Whitney Houston) were playing in town, Nicki would find them, contact them and arrange lessons from them. She was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pan Pacific Music Camp, and soon after, took first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society's Annual Song Competition for her composition, Come and Get It.

In 1990, Nicki began touring Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer playing sold out shows across the country. This was followed by successful tours with American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. When she was off the road, Nicki was consistently playing bass with other world-renowned jazz musicians like New Zealand’s Mike Nock (piano), Australia's Dale Barlow (tenor sax), Paul Grabowsky (piano), Bernie McGann (alto sax) and the explosive Ten Part Invention.

In May of 2002, The Nicki and Lisa Parrott Quartet headlined the prestigious Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The show was broadcast on NPR and was well received by the press. She was also the resident bassist with the Kitchen House Blend, a house band that premiered and performed new music from local New York composers. They would blend jazz, hip-hop, classical and rock in one evening...“It was a very creative experience”.

Nicki expanded her musical repertoire and appeared on the Broadway stage in such shows as: Imaginary Friends, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Summer of '42, and Jekyll and Hyde. She is still active on Broadway today and regularly performs in the comedic musical, Avenue Q.

Since coming to the United States Nicki Parrott has performed and/or recorded with such notable musicians as Randy Brecker, Skitch Henderson, Jose Feliciano, Rebecca Paris, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache Jr., Clark Terry, Michel Legrand, Billy Taylor, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Annie Ross, the Florida Pops Orchestra, Terri Thornton, Holly Hoffman, DIVA, Marlena Shaw, Monica Mancini, Patrice Rushen, Harry Allen, Red Holloway, Kenny Davern, Mike Stern, Bernard Purdie, John Tropea, David Krakauer, Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, Greg Osby, Jack Wilkins, Ken Peplowski, Johnny Frigo, Joe Wilder, Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Z and Johnny Varro.

Nicki has also performed at most of the world’s major jazz festivals. In the United States she’s appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival (2005), the Litchfield Jazz festival (2005), the Jazz in July concert series at the 92nd street Y (2003, 2004), the Detroit Jazz Festival (2005) and the Lionel Ha mpton Jazz Festival (2001).

Outside the USA Nicki has appeared at the Cully Lavaux Festival (Switzerland - 1995), the Grimsby Jazz Festival (UK - 1996), Berlin Jazz Festival (Germany - 1998), the Ottawa Jazz Festival (2004), the Krakow Music Festival (Poland), JazzAscona (2005, 2006), Bern Jazz Festivals (Switzerland - 2005, 2006), Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK - 2006) and of course, she has played at numerous music festivals across Australia.

Nicki Parrott is committed to the continuing musical education women receive in order to further their careers and ultimately remain active as musicians past their teen years. In keeping with her sense of community, Nicki’s desire is to teach underprivileged kids to play instruments and learn to enjoy music. It is her belief t hat teaching music to children helps keep them interested in school and out of trouble.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/nicki-parrott

Misty

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Dan Barrett's International Swing Party Band - Tour (Live!, Vol.1, Vol.2)

Dan Barrett's International Swing Party Band - Tour (Live!, Vol. 1)
Styles: Vocal, Trombone Jazz
Year: 2012
Time: 68:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 157,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:13) 1. Back Home Again In Indiana (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(6:07) 2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(9:31) 3. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles, Nicki Parrott & Dan Barrett)
(5:22) 4. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(8:45) 5. Tea For Two (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(4:37) 6. Let's Do It (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(5:27) 7. Montevideo (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(7:25) 8. The King (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(8:01) 9. Bochum Electricity Blues (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(6:07) 10. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)

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Dan Barrett's International Swing Party Band - Tour (Live!, Vol. 2)

Time: 65:35
Size: 151,1 MB

(3:22) 1. Neal's Deal (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(3:21) 2. Georgia Jubilee (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(5:51) 3. Waste No Tears (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(3:08) 4. Whoa Babe (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(4:37) 5. Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't (Ma' Baby) (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(4:22) 6. Cavernism (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(5:08) 7. Absolutely, Positively (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles & Bernard Flegar)
(5:14) 8. With 'Em (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles & Bernard Flegar)
(6:29) 9. One O'clock Jump (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(4:45) 10. Montevideo (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(6:06) 11. If I Had You (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(6:57) 12. Sweet Sue (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)
(6:09) 13. Hindustan (Live) (Feat. Butch Miles)

I wasn’t there. I wish I had been. But the good news is that two compact discs from this band’s German tour have been issued on the Echoes of Swing label (EOSP 4058 / 4059, available separately) and they come in the ear like honey. Hot honey, if you must know: a really delicious sensation.

The gracious swingsters on these discs are Duke Heitger, trumpet / vocal; Dan Barrett, trombone, head arrangements, vocal; Dan Block, clarinet, alto, tenor; Engelbert Wroebel, clarinet, soprano, tenor; Chris Hopkins, piano; Eddie Erickson, guitar, banjo, vocal; Nicki Parrott, string bass, vocal; Butch Miles, drums; Bernard Flegar, drums (on two tracks). The material comes from March 2010, and each CD has expansive notes by Dan Barrett. This tour was the idea of the very knowing and generous jazz fan / collector / scholar / promoter Manfred Selchow, who has written two splendid books on his heroes Edmond Hall and Vic Dickenson (PROFOUNDLY BLUE and DING DING! respectively) so you know he has good taste in musicians and bands.

Volume One begins with a string of “old favorites” played with snap and crackle not to ignore pop: INDIANA and SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET, followed by BLUES MY NAUGHTY SWEETIE GIVES TO ME, with echoes of Louis and Eddie Condon and the Hampton Victors, then Eddie convinces he us he is behaving well on KEEPIN’ OUT OF MISCHIEF NOW. The reed players and rhythm make us forget that TEA FOR TWO is ninety years old, and Nicki purrs her way through LET’S DO IT (with some nifty new lyrics as well). A rhythm section feature, MONTEVIDEO, is both startling and supple, evoking a late Ellington trio and then everyone evokes a compact powerful version of the Forties Basie band with THE KING. But wait! There’s more. A nice long blues, BOCHUM ELECTRICTY BLUES, and a sweet Duke vocal / trumpet performance of DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO MISS NEW ORLEANS? (which he does).

Volume Two opens with the bright NEAL’S DEAL (a Neal Hefti line for the 1951 Count Basie Sextet), then moves back nearly thirty years for GEORGIA JUBILEE, a memory of a pre-King-of-Swing record date led by Benny, with Coleman Hawkins on the tenor, and the Sidney Bechet WASTE NO TEARS featuring Block and Wroebel. Dan Barrett sings and swings mightily on the Lionel Hampton classic WHOA BABE, and then Nicki asks the troubling question in swing, IS YOU IS OR IS YOU AIN’T MY BABY. (We is, Nicki. We can’t help it nohow.)

An extraordinary, jumping version of Earl Hines’ CAVERNISM follows, then Eddie woos the crowd, which he does so well, with ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, a sweet love song written by the unheralded member of the Great American Songbook fraternity, Jabbo Smith. WITH ‘EM, Dan Barrett’s clever, hot, boppish take on I GOT RHYTHM, keeps the imagined dancers hopping, leading into a sleekly intense ONE O’CLOCK JUMP. Another delightful version of MONTEVIDEO follows remarkable improvisations on the theme and a tender IF I HAD YOU, before the disc romps home with SWEET SUE and HINDUSTAN.

If you know the players and singers here, you won’t have to be convinced of the quality of the music on these discs. But these performances are sharply executed when the music calls for it (this band isn’t ashamed of rehearsing) and loose, fervent, courageous when it’s time for jamming. These are live performances, so you can hear the good humor and delight in the various rooms and the sound is fine, too.

My only problem is that I file my CDs alphabetically according to the leader or the musician / singer I gravitate towards. I can’t be fair to anyone by putting these CDs under B for Barrett or H for Hopkins. It seems I have to buy multiple copies to satisfy my ethical self. You might not be burdened by such demands, but you will be delighted by every note on both discs.
https://jazzlives.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/chris-hopkins-presents-dan-barretts-international-swing-party-2010-featuring-butch-miles/

Personnel: Dan Barrett, trombone, head arrangements, vocal; Dan Block, clarinet, alto, tenor; Engelbert Wroebel, clarinet, soprano, tenor; Chris Hopkins, piano; Eddie Erickson, guitar, banjo, vocal; Nicki Parrott, string bass, vocal; Butch Miles, drums; Bernard Flegar, drums (on two tracks); Duke Heitger, trumpet /vocal

Tour 2010 (Live!,Vol.1,Vol.2)

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The Dan Barrett, Enric Peidro Quintet - It Goes Without Saying

Styles: Trombone, Saxophone, Swing
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:51
Size: 108,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:05) 1. S'wonderful
(4:58) 2. Lean Baby
(3:23) 3. It Goes Without Saying
(4:54) 4. Just a Riff
(5:14) 5. Ballad Medley: I Didn´t Know About You / Chelsea Bridge
(4:03) 6. This Can´t Be Love
(5:18) 7. A Smooth One
(4:58) 8. Undecided
(5:45) 9. Fur Piece
(4:08) 10. I Want to be Happy

Trombone legend Dan Barrett, from California and spanish tenor player Enric Peidro got together for the first time in March 2018 for a two week tour and since then they have reunited as often as possible to perform together.Not long after their first tour they released a first album called "And the angels swing" Less than a year after that first release they present a brand new album: his second release together, this time co-leading an international quintet wich includes world-class australian bass player Nicki Parrott, piano master Richard Busiakiewicz from UK and talented german drummer Michael Keul.
This new album,recorded July 30th 2019 over a 5 hour recording session swings top to bottom with their usual clean, elegant and hard-driving swing.
https://enricpeidro.bandcamp.com/album/it-goes-without-saying

Personnel: Dan Barrett Tbn; Enric Peidro Ts; Richard Busiakiewicz Pno; Nicki Parrott Bass; Michael Keul Dms

It Goes Without Saying

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Nicki & Lisa Parrott - The Awabakal Suite

Size: 155,2 MB
Time: 66:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Contemporary Jazz
Art: Front

01. Come And Get It ( 6:02)
02. Amblin' ( 7:02)
03. The Awabakal Suite - Part 1-Sawari, Part 2-Qrf, Part 3-Bound For (14:26)
04. Just You And Me As Evidence ( 3:53)
05. Cello Concerto ( 7:01)
06. One For Eric ( 6:12)
07. Jitterbug Waltz ( 5:41)
08. Second Chances ( 5:55)
09. Six Nettes ( 4:42)
10. Bound For South Australia ( 5:58)

The Parrott sisters have pooled their individual talents to release a CD that presents a 360 degree look-see at two of New York City's most exciting jazz musicians. Under the watchful eye of producer Rufus Reid, Nicki and Lisa take the listener on an eclectic jazz journey influenced by Australian folk as well as classical Western and Indian music. Although the creative re-working of standards like Monk's "Evidence" are intriguing, it is the self-penned compositions that make this CD a must-have.

Awabakal Suite is titled after an extinct Australian Aboriginal tribe from Lake Macquari, New South Wales. Nicki and Lisa, who were raised near this lake, elected to record the CD on January 26th, Australia Day. Commemorating the initial English landing, many Australians, including Nicki and Lisa, prefer to refer to this date as "Invasion Day". It has become a day of mourning for the subjugation of Aboriginal peoples. The suite blends Eastern and Western influenced changes in a manner reminiscent of Pharaoh Sanders' Upper and Lower Egypt. Didgeridoo sounds evoke images of native Australians and a marching snare signals British occupation as Lisa plays mournful sax. It is a piece that also weaves childhood themes with historical and political images ending with the catchy "Bound for South Australia", an Australian sea shanty often sung by Australian children.

Prior to this release, the sisters had gone in different directions. Lisa, known for her playing with big band "Diva", the PLK trio and for a smoky Ben Websteresque sax on two Derek Bronston Quartet releases has become a versatile contemporary player with a recognizable light touch who can also "honk" with the best. Nicki appears weekly with Les Paul and is one of New York City's most sought after bassists. She combines Skitch Henderson, Johnny Frigo and Johnny Varro session work with permanent spots in "David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness", "Mikveh", and the "Ron Jackson Duo". For their first collaboration, these two diverse musicians have put together a tight band prominently featuring Kevin Hays (piano) and Dion Parson (drums) that is able to adeptly switch styles while maintaining a solid rhythm.

Nicki's "Come and Get It" and Lisa's "Amblin" showcase Lisa's sax playing in a tight jazz combo setting, with some fine solo trading. Nicki never sacrifices this underlying rhythm for ego tripping solos. Of special mention is the arrangement of Schuman's Concerto in A Minor opus 129 for Cello and Orchestra. Kevin Hays treads that dangerous line of classical/jazz piano without sacrificing the inherent feel of the piece as Nicki plays the cello line exquisitely on bass. The listener's mind floats through heartrending images in the elegant Nicki Parrott composition "Second Chances" only to be jolted to the ceiling by "Six Nettes" that features some of Lisa's best manic playing and honks. Nicki keeps up and anticipates every move as bass and sax drive each other to the point of no return only to be brought back by Nicki's solid line to close out the album.

Up to this point, Nicki and Lisa Parrott were two musicians who happened to be sisters. With The Awabakal Suite they have hearkened back to common roots from their diverse individual perspectives to produce a collective self-portrait. ~by Elliott Simon

Personnel: Nicki Parott (double bass), Lisa Parrott (alto and baritone saxophone), Kevin Hays (piano), Dion Parson (drums), Cafe De Silva (percussion)

The Awabakal Suite  

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Nicki Parrott - Great 70's

Styles: Vocal, Post Bop
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:16
Size: 141,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:27) 1. Lotta Love
(4:39) 2. You're So Vain
(3:48) 3. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
(5:12) 4. Your Song
(4:17) 5. If You Leave Me Now
(4:42) 6. My Love
(5:22) 7. Killing Me Softly With His Song
(4:32) 8. Alone Again Naturally
(4:39) 9. Imagine
(4:16) 10. Chuck E.'s In Love
(4:21) 11. How Deep Is Your Love
(4:09) 12. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(3:37) 13. Laughter In The Rain
(4:08) 14. We're All Alone

A cover of the golden 70's Billboard Greatests hit's masterpieces with a new sense of Nikki jazz style. Venus Records' signature singer / bassist, Nicki Parrott's latest work! Nikki's charm is in full bloom! (Neil Young, Carly Simon, Elton John, Carole King, Chicago, Boz Scaggs, Roberta Flack, Paul McCartney, Gilbert O'Sullivan, John Lennon, Rickie Lee Jones, Neil Sedaka, Beezies , Stevie Wonder).

Celebrated as an instrumentalist and a vocalist, Australian artist Nicki Parrott has earned acclaim as one of the most engaging talents to emerge on the jazz scene in the 21st century. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia in 1970, Parrott had a precocious talent for music, first learning to play the piano when she was four years old. She would become proficient on piano and flute, but when her sister Lisa, who plays saxophone, was looking for a bassist for her jazz combo, Nicki took up the double bass, and fell in love with the instrument. At the age of 16, Parrott earned a scholarship to attend the Pan Pacific Music Camps, and after completing high school, she relocated to Sydney to enroll at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music. Parrott was soon performing with a number of leading Australian jazz musicians (including Mike Nock, Paul Grabowski, and Dale Barlow), as well as American artists Chuck Findley and Bobby Shew. In 1994, Parrott left Australia for New York City thanks to an Arts Council grant, and she began studying bass with Rufus Reid. In 2000, Parrott landed an especially prestigious gig -- she became bassist with Les Paul's combo for the legendary guitarist's weekly performances at the Manhattan jazz spot Iridium. Paul became her mentor, and encouraged her as a vocalist as well as a bassist. (https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nicki-parrott-mn0000108314/biography)

Personnel: Nicki Parrott (vocals, bass); John Di Martino (piano); Dave Blenkhorn (acostic & electric guitar); Quentin Baxter (drums)

Great 70's

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The International Classic Jazz All Stars - International Classic Jazz All Stars

Styles: Classic Jazz, Swing
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:14
Size: 129,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:39) 1. Louise
(3:54) 2. L-O-V-E
(4:12) 3. C Jam Blues
(4:47) 4. The Night is Blue
(5:34) 5. As Time Goes By
(5:32) 6. The Blues I'd Forgotten
(4:44) 7. Strictly Instrumental
(6:13) 8. The Jeep is Jumpin'
(5:46) 9. The Billie Holiday Medley:I Cover the Waterfront/You've Changed
(3:14) 10. Take The A Train
(2:21) 11. The Sid Catlett Medley Thermo-Dynamics-Mop Mop
(7:34) 12. Wabash Blues

"This album is a must-have for any maistream jazz lover as there are not many chances to hear this kind of jazz nowadays, even less performed with such aplomb, taste and elegant creativity. The "dream team" line up includes such luminaries as american trombone legend Dan Barrett (Benny Goodman,Woody Herman, Buck Clayton among many others) who shines throughout the recording with his lyrical solos joined by the more than apt partner-in-crime Spanish tenorman Enric Peidro whose breathy, gorgeous sax sound and clever yet singable lines are the perfect counterpoint to Barrett's melodic approach. Its a pure joy to listen to Barrett and Peidro and their laid-back, conversation-like, unnassuming aproach wich makes you think on two old friends sharing a drink while chatting about their favourite movie or fishing spot. Australian bass player and singer Nicki Parrott greatly contributes to the overall results with her swinging bass lines, perfect note choice and timing, and also with a few vocals delivered with her usual class. British piano player Richard Busiakiewicz proves himself to be an outstanding musician: the way he comps to solos is simply brilliant, bringing to mind greats like Red Garland or Winton Kelly and his solos are both flawless and swingin all the way through.

To round up this extraordinary team, french drummer Guillaume Nouaux shows extensively why he's one of the best jazz (classic jazz if you want) drummers in the scene today: never too busy and always swingin with great savoir-faire (not in vain he's french!!) he proves himself a great soloist too, over the many solo spots he has in the recording.The choice of material is pretty well balanced in between lesser-known tunes as well as very popular material: is really something to hear how these brilliant musicians handle the challenge of playing some over-exposed numbers like "A" Train, C Jam blues, Love and a few others.No doubt as Count Basie once said: -its not the tune what really matters, but what you can do with it- Needless to say they get away with it with brilliance and a great deal of honesty too: all the recording transpires a great sense of well-natured camaraderie and friendship (the album was recorded after a long tour over Spain) and there's no fireworks or showing-off procedures.Just the opposite: what matters here is MUSIC with capital letters and sure there's a lot of that to be found in this extraordinary album.Enjoy listening and lets hope to have a second one soon! .(J.Steyner.Album liner notes) https://enricpeidro.bandcamp.com/album/international-classic-jazz-all-stars

Personnel: Dan Barrett Trombone.Vocals (7 only); Nicki Parrott Bass. Vocals on (2,5,7,10); Enric Peidro Tenor sax; Richard Busiakiewicz Piano; Guillaume Nouaux Drums

International Classic Jazz All Stars

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Jacob Fischer - Guitarist

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:18
Size: 163,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:27) 1. Douce Ambience
(4:59) 2. Detour Ahead
(5:16) 3. Jean de Fleur
(5:14) 4. Gentle Rain
(4:02) 5. Brother Joseph
(3:44) 6. For My Lady
(4:30) 7. Motion
(4:25) 8. Sharing the Blues
(3:41) 9. Swing 39
(3:01) 10. My Serenade
(6:01) 11. Seven Come Eleven
(4:13) 12. West Coast Blues
(5:07) 13. Oriental Shuffle
(5:52) 14. Corner Pocket
(3:05) 15. Kärleksvals
(3:35) 16. Backwaters

On this superb recording, the supremely gifted and surprisingly eclectic Danish artist Jacob Fischer has chosen to interpret pieces by fellow guitarists. In recent years, Fischer has been identified with the Django Reinhardt«s tradition, and several of the songs in this well-chosen set are by Reinhardt or evoke his aura. But Fischer«s personal take on Reinhardt, as well as his inclusion of works by Jimmy Raney, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and others suggests that the guitarist draws on a much more varied musical palette. Jazz fans should be grateful to him and the rest of this group for creating music that reinforces the timelessness, artistic honesty, variety, vitality, and continued creative potential of small-group swing. From the album notes by Ed Berger, who retired in 2011 after more than thirty years at the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies to pursue freelance writing and photography. He is the author of biographies of Benny Carter and George Duvivier, and is currently writing a book about trumpeter Joe Wilder.

Personnel: Jacob Fischer: acoustic guitar; Bucky Pizzarelli: 7-string guitar; Antti Sarpila: clarinet, soprano sax; Nicki Parrott: bass; Eddie Metz: drums

Guitarist

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Nicki Parrott - If You Could Read My Mind

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:36
Size: 128,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:48) 1. I Can See Clearly Now
(4:18) 2. Jolene
(4:42) 3. If You Could Read My Mind
(4:36) 4. Vincent
(4:32) 5. Every Breath You Take
(4:56) 6. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
(4:31) 7. You Belong To Me
(4:04) 8. We've Only Just Begun
(4:54) 9. This Girl's In Love With You
(4:42) 10. Do That To Me One More Time
(4:16) 11. Lean On Me
(4:11) 12. The Water Is Wide

Nicki Parrott, an internationally acclaimed bassist, arrived in New York in May of 1994, the recipient of a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts allowing her travel to the US and study with her mentor, one of the world’s premiere double bassists, Rufus Reid. In the same year she was also nominated for the “Australian Young Achievers Award”.Today, Nicki Parrott is a world-class double bassist and an emerging singer/songwriter. In her work with artists from around the globe she has brought a signature sound to every bass part she has played. She performs regularly at the world’s best Jazz Festivals and can be seen Monday’s at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Since June of 2000, this union has been an ideal showcase for her musical abilities, flair for improv, and gift for entertaining a crowd.Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki Parrott began her musical training on the piano at the age of four. She also took up the flute and continued to play both instruments throughout her school years. At the age of 15, Nicki switched her focus to the double bass, formed a band with her older sister Lisa (alto sax) and began composing instrumental pieces that they would eventually record for their premier CD release, The Awabakal Suite (2001).

After completing high school, Nicki moved to Sydney and attended the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, where she graduated with an Associates degree in Jazz Studies. When bassists such as the legendary Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson) and John Clayton (Diana Krall, Whitney Houston) were playing in town, Nicki would find them, contact them and arrange lessons from them. She was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pan Pacific Music Camp, and soon after, took first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society's Annual Song Competition for her composition, Come and Get It.In 1990, Nicki began touring Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer playing sold out shows across the country. This was followed by successful tours with American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. When she was off the road, Nicki was consistently playing bass with other world-renowned jazz musicians like New Zealand’s Mike Nock (piano), Australia's Dale Barlow (tenor sax), Paul Grabowsky (piano), Bernie McGann (alto sax) and the explosive Ten Part Invention.

In May of 2002, The Nicki and Lisa Parrott Quartet headlined the prestigious Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The show was broadcast on NPR and was well received by the press. She was also the resident bassist with the Kitchen House Blend, a house band that premiered and performed new music from local New York composers. They would blend jazz, hip-hop, classical and rock in one evening...“It was a very creative experience”.Nicki expanded her musical repertoire and appeared on the Broadway stage in such shows as: Imaginary Friends, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Summer of '42, and Jekyll and Hyde. She is still active on Broadway today and regularly performs in the comedic musical, Avenue Q.

Since coming to the United States Nicki Parrott has performed and/or recorded with such notable musicians as Randy Brecker, Skitch Henderson, Jose Feliciano, Rebecca Paris, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache Jr., Clark Terry, Michel Legrand, Billy Taylor, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Annie Ross, the Florida Pops Orchestra, Terri Thornton, Holly Hoffman, DIVA, Marlena Shaw, Monica Mancini, Patrice Rushen, Harry Allen, Red Holloway, Kenny Davern, Mike Stern, Bernard Purdie, John Tropea, David Krakauer, Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, Greg Osby, Jack Wilkins, Ken Peplowski, Johnny Frigo, Joe Wilder, Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Z and Johnny Varro.

Nicki has also performed at most of the world’s major jazz festivals. In the United States she’s appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival (2005), the Litchfield Jazz festival (2005), the Jazz in July concert series at the 92nd street Y (2003, 2004), the Detroit Jazz Festival (2005) and the Lionel Ha mpton Jazz Festival (2001). Outside the USA Nicki has appeared at the Cully Lavaux Festival (Switzerland - 1995), the Grimsby Jazz Festival (UK - 1996), Berlin Jazz Festival (Germany - 1998), the Ottawa Jazz Festival (2004), the Krakow Music Festival (Poland), JazzAscona (2005, 2006), Bern Jazz Festivals (Switzerland - 2005, 2006), Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK - 2006) and of course, she has played at numerous music festivals across Australia. Nicki Parrott is committed to the continuing musical education women receive in order to further their careers and ultimately remain active as musicians past their teen years. In keeping with her sense of community, Nicki’s desire is to teach underprivileged kids to play instruments and learn to enjoy music. It is her belief t hat teaching music to children helps keep them interested in school and out of trouble. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/nickiparrott

Nicki Parrott loves old pop songs with good lyrics and good melodies and decided to feature them into this jazz setting.

Personnel: Nicki Parrott (vocal); Larry Fuller (piano); Lewis Nash (drums); Harry Allen (tenor sax); David Blenkhorn (acoustic and electric guitars)

If You Could Read My Mind

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Warren Vaché - Remembers Benny Carter

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:47
Size: 147,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:35)  1. A Walking Thing
(2:34)  2. When Lights Are Low
(4:42)  3. Doozy
(3:54)  4. Key Largo
(5:34)  5. Evening Star
(6:52)  6. Boulevard Bounce
(5:38)  7. Summer Serenade
(4:08)  8. Only Trust Your Heart
(6:01)  9. Souvenir
(3:50) 10. Rock Me to Sleep
(4:44) 11. I'm Sorry
(4:45) 12. All That Jazz
(4:24) 13. The Romp

There's lots of life to this recording. Veteran trumpeter Warren Vache knows a thing or two about an old friend, mentor Benny Carter. With The Warren Vache Quintet Remembers Benny Carter we take a step back in time even as we venture forth into the present. A present that finds cornetist Vache's style and personage slightly at odds with that goofy-looking guy with the lid shaking hands with Carter for the cover of this release. It's a remarkable transformation for someone who, during Carter's life, was enthralled by the man's spirit as well as his humanity and substantial musical contributions.

Then and now. That's what these kinds of recordings are all about, aren't they? The trick is to pull it off convincingly, which means you gotta inhabit that spirit and wonder with your whole heart and still have the means to convey it. In Vache's case, that's just what happens with this recording of 13 tunes associated with the multi-instrumental maven, whose career spanned a mind-boggling number of years and eras. To perhaps repeat, then and now is furthered along by the visual presentation of this CD. You get the younger, livelier Vache shaking hands with the master along with more recent photos which show a man weathered by the times since Carter's death in 2003 at age 95. Gone is that goofy smile of innocence, replaced by a more taciturn and wry grimace. Vache's seasoning no doubt has included some trials and disappointments in the intervening years. And that's just what seems to be so much a part of this recording: the sound of a man in love with his music and, in this case, the music of another, a more mature voice.

So, take all that in, and then listen to this music and discover a kind of transcendence that speaks to the music's ability to be ageless, Vache's formal treatments of these songs are true to the spirit of Carter's own muse and whatever Vache picked up by being associated with him. There is a joyous quality to everything here, except when "lights are low," but then it somehow remains surreptitiously buoyant. Take any tune and find a group cohesion fostered by the leader of this makeshift group and you'll hear something that's rare in today's marketplace of jazz recordings: an authentic embrace of ... then and now. With regular cohort Tardo Hammer at the keys, along with old friends and colleagues tenorist Houston Person, Nicki Parrott on bass and vocals and Leroy Williams on drums on selective cuts, the moods tend to be mellow when they aren't a tad bouncy. The transition between "Boulevard Bounce" and "Summer Serenade," for example, is the transition between that bounce featuring Vache playing a real cozy mute with tasteful brushwork from Williams to yet another example of Hammer's modest eloquence as he brings the serenade forward, Parrott's basslines and solo work simpatico all the way. "Summer Serenade" is that kind of rendition that certainly suggests what the song implies, a lazy river coursing through a nearby meadow, everything in its rightful place as the late-afternoon sun finds its way through the willows and the breezes are soft and reassuring. It's a trio piece, sans Vache, that serves as the midpoint to this collection, having followed what might be considered the overall mood of the album with "Boulevard Bounce," namely, a lighthearted party.

And so, with Remembers Benny Carter (featuring incisive, Carter-centered liner notes from Carter biographer Ed Berger) there's the seemingly inevitable gesture that comes with age and the talent to deliver it: a bittersweet melancholy and a certain longing for what was, maybe best heard when Parrott's voice enters here and there, her feminine energy a vital ingredient here as she expands on her bassist role via a samba version of "Only Trust Your Heart" and the more rightfully easygoing "When Lights Are Low" (featuring some delicate muted-horn work from the leader). Her voice is intimate, relaxed, lilting, as she inhabits the words to these songs in ways that make her an ideal foil to Vache's sometimes more caustic yet generous spirit. A generous spirit that leaves others to carry the tune, so to speak, from time to time without him.

With the quiet eloquence of "Souvenir" Vache returns with a full-bodied open horn, cradling the song's melody in this gently delivered ballad, a certain highlight that could be adapted to any time of day, but especially when those lights are low. Tardo's piano is once again a voice that provides that rare mesmerizing balance to Vache's clear, recital-like tones. You can practically feel the love for Mr. Carter. "Rock Me To Sleep" kicks it up a notch, echoing not only Carter the trumpeter but an even earlier master of that instrument, Louis Armstrong, the song's medium-tempo swing a lure for anyone who loves to hit the dance floor anytime of day. And with "All That Jazz," Vache joining Parrott in the vocal department, we hear not only more up-tempo swinging but some real harmonizing between these two singers that makes you wish they'd done another. Ending with the up-tempo swinging blues "The Romp" may have you forgetting everything that came before, this quintet seemingly refusing to go out quietly, but instead opting for just a wee bit more fun. Vache's horn and leadership on this date should be a welcome treat for any music lover, regardless of age or taste. His ultimate compliment to Carter could be Vache's overt presence implied as well as stated and his subdued, age-appropriate enthusiasm for this music, and his hitting every note just right even as he also allows everyone in on the party, for everyone to come celebrate the wonder that Benny Carter will always represent. ~ John Ephland https://www.allaboutjazz.com/warren-vache-quintet-remembers-benny-carter-by-john-ephland.php

Personnel: Warren Vache, cornet; Houston Person, tenor saxophone; Nicki Parrott, bass, vocals; Tardo Hammer, piano; Leroy Williams, drums.

Remembers Benny Carter

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Paolo Tomelleri Big Band/Nicki Parrott - A Jazz Story. Volume 1

Styles: Swing Jazz 
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:17
Size: 127,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. Moon River
(7:42)  2. Chinatown My Chinatown
(2:38)  3. Nocturne, Op.9: No. 2 - Jazz Version
(5:08)  4. Mississipi Rag
(4:10)  5. Besame Mucho
(6:37)  6. One o'Clock Jump
(2:46)  7. Fidgety Feet
(7:44)  8. Deep Purple
(6:04)  9. Estrellita
(3:23) 10. Tutti Frutti
(3:36) 11. La Mer

After the extraordinary success of Jazz Broadway 2011, the great gala dedicated to swing music returns to Milan, in a new dress and a new concept: bringing together the best talents on the international scene in Milan. Together they will tell an extraordinary era for swing: the transition from Broadway musicals to the great musical themes of Hollywood films.

The gala reads in an original way the American song book of the 30s and 40s through a path that intertwines the history of music, costume and vintage style, swing dances and extraordinary composers who in their time were great innovators.

Big Band by Paolo Tomelleri (sax, trumpets, trombones, rhythms)
Scott Hamilton (tenor sax, among the greatest living saxophonists)
Carlo Bagnoli (baritone sax)
Niki Parrot (acoustic double bass and vocals)
Paolo Alderighi and Rossano Sportiello (piano)
Stephanie Trick (stride piano)
the drummers Tullio de Piscopo and Christian Meyer

80 years old and a career spanning 60 years: Paolo Tomelleri, rewarded at last year’s festival for his exceptional contribution to the development of jazz in Italy, is a legendary musician from the Milano scene. With experience also as a writer of theater and film music, he is a successful soloist and orchestra director who has collaborated with Enzo Jannacci for over thirty years (as well as with Ornella Vanoni, Giorgio Gaber, and Adriano Celentano) and with famous jazzists such as Tony Scott, Joe Venuti, Jimmy McPartland, Clark Terry, Bill Coleman, or Phil Woods.

A Jazz Story. Volume 1

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The Johnny Varro Quartet - All That Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:48
Size: 164,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:22)  1. The Lady's In Love With You
(4:10)  2. The Touch Of Your Lips
(3:46)  3. Mama's Gone, Goodbye
(4:19)  4. Stars Fell On Alabama
(3:50)  5. Swinging Down To New Orleans
(6:42)  6. A Porter's Love Song To A Chambermaid
(3:25)  7. Was I To Blame For Falling In Love With You'
(4:07)  8. Be Careful, It's My Heart
(4:14)  9. A Monday Date
(4:00) 10. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(5:51) 11. Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
(5:18) 12. Darn That Dream
(4:22) 13. On A Slow Boat To China
(5:05) 14. How Deep Is The Ocean'
(6:09) 15. When Day Is Done

This fine swing-oriented set features the Teddy Wilson-influenced piano of Johnny Varro in a quartet with bassist Nicki Parrott, drummer Joe Ascione, and, most importantly, trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso (who is listed as playing a "puje," a hybrid of trumpet and cornet). Kellso often takes solo honors, with the highlights including such swing standards as "The Lady's in Love With You," "Stars Fell on Alabama," "A Porter's Love Song to a Chambermaid," "A Monday Date," and "On a Slow Boat to China." These melodic and swinging performances would be difficult not to enjoy. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-that-jazz-mw0000013354

Personnel: Piano – Johnny Varro;  Bass – Nicki Parrott; Drums – Joe Ascione; Trumpet – Jon-Erik Kellso

All That Jazz

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Nicki Parrott - Papa Loves Mambo

Styles: Vocal, Post Bop
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:18
Size: 168,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:34)  1. Papa Loves Mambo
(4:34)  2. Somos Novios
(4:02)  3. Perfidia
(4:06)  4. Kiss Of Fire
(3:15)  5. Historia De Un Amor
(4:02)  6. Te Extrano
(4:05)  7. Tango
(4:35)  8. Green Eyes
(3:52)  9. Dos Gardenias
(4:26) 10. Oblivion
(2:39) 11. Blue Tango
(3:15) 12. No Me Platiques Mas
(3:27) 13. Moliendo Cafe
(5:19) 14. Alfonsina Y El Mar

Nicki Parrott, an internationally acclaimed bassist, arrived in New York in May of 1994, the recipient of a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts allowing her travel to the US and study with her mentor, one of the world’s premiere double bassists, Rufus Reid. In the same year she was also nominated for the “Australian Young Achievers Award”. Today, Nicki Parrott is a world-class double bassist and an emerging singer/songwriter. In her work with artists from around the globe she has brought a signature sound to every bass part she has played. She performs regularly at the world’s best Jazz Festivals and can be seen Monday’s at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Since June of 2000, this union has been an ideal showcase for her musical abilities, flair for improv, and gift for entertaining a crowd. Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki Parrott began her musical training on the piano at the age of four. She also took up the flute and continued to play both instruments throughout her school years. At the age of 15, Nicki switched her focus to the double bass, formed a band with her older sister Lisa (alto sax) and began composing instrumental pieces that they would eventually record for their premier CD release, The Awabakal Suite (2001). After completing high school, Nicki moved to Sydney and attended the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, where she graduated with an Associates degree in Jazz Studies. When bassists such as the legendary Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson) and John Clayton (Diana Krall, Whitney Houston) were playing in town, Nicki would find them, contact them and arrange lessons from them. She was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pan Pacific Music Camp, and soon after, took first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society's Annual Song Competition for her composition, Come and Get It. In 1990, Nicki began touring Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer playing sold out shows across the country. This was followed by successful tours with American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. When she was off the road, Nicki was consistently playing bass with other world-renowned jazz musicians like New Zealand’s Mike Nock (piano), Australia's Dale Barlow (tenor sax), Paul Grabowsky (piano), Bernie McGann (alto sax) and the explosive Ten Part Invention.

In May of 2002, The Nicki and Lisa Parrott Quartet headlined the prestigious Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The show was broadcast on NPR and was well received by the press. She was also the resident bassist with the Kitchen House Blend, a house band that premiered and performed new music from local New York composers. They would blend jazz, hip-hop, classical and rock in one evening...“It was a very creative experience”. Nicki expanded her musical repertoire and appeared on the Broadway stage in such shows as: Imaginary Friends, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Summer of '42, and Jekyll and Hyde. She is still active on Broadway today and regularly performs in the comedic musical, Avenue Q. Since coming to the United States Nicki Parrott has performed and/or recorded with such notable musicians as Randy Brecker, Skitch Henderson, Jose Feliciano, Rebecca Paris, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache Jr., Clark Terry, Michel Legrand, Billy Taylor, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Annie Ross, the Florida Pops Orchestra, Terri Thornton, Holly Hoffman, DIVA, Marlena Shaw, Monica Mancini, Patrice Rushen, Harry Allen, Red Holloway, Kenny Davern, Mike Stern, Bernard Purdie, John Tropea, David Krakauer, Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, Greg Osby, Jack Wilkins, Ken Peplowski, Johnny Frigo, Joe Wilder, Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Z and Johnny Varro. 

Nicki has also performed at most of the world’s major jazz festivals. In the United States she’s appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival (2005), the Litchfield Jazz festival (2005), the Jazz in July concert series at the 92nd street Y (2003, 2004), the Detroit Jazz Festival (2005) and the Lionel Ha mpton Jazz Festival (2001). Outside the USA Nicki has appeared at the Cully Lavaux Festival (Switzerland - 1995), the Grimsby Jazz Festival (UK - 1996), Berlin Jazz Festival (Germany - 1998), the Ottawa Jazz Festival (2004), the Krakow Music Festival (Poland), JazzAscona (2005, 2006), Bern Jazz Festivals (Switzerland - 2005, 2006), Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK - 2006) and of course, she has played at numerous music festivals across Australia. Nicki Parrott is committed to the continuing musical education women receive in order to further their careers and ultimately remain active as musicians past their teen years. In keeping with her sense of community, Nicki’s desire is to teach underprivileged kids to play instruments and learn to enjoy music. It is her belief t hat teaching music to children helps keep them interested in school and out of trouble. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/nickiparrott

Personnel: Nicki Parrott - vocals & bass; Ken Peplowski - clarinet & tenor sax; Vince Cherico - percussion; Justin Poindexter - acoustic & electric guitar; Sam Reider - accordion

Papa Loves Mambo

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Nicki Parrott - From New York To Paris

Styles: Vocal, Post Bop
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:01
Size: 136,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. I Love Paris
(4:27)  2. There's A Boat Leaving Soon For New York
(5:30)  3. I Will Wait For You
(4:32)  4. On Broadway
(4:03)  5. The Brooklyn Bridge
(4:29)  6. If You Go Away
(4:15)  7. Under Paris Skies
(4:28)  8. I'll Take Manhattan
(5:09)  9. Broadway
(4:13) 10. April In Paris
(4:28) 11. Do You Miss New York
(1:29) 12. Slaughter On Tenth Avenue
(3:59) 13. If You Love Me
(4:01) 14. La Mer

Jazz bass and vocal star Nicki Parrott performs her magic on fourteen city-themed tunes. Multifaceted jazz bassist and singer, Nicki Parrott, showcases the warm phrasing of her unique vocals while swinging the music to perfection. New York and Paris are two cities for which vocalist/bassist NICKI PARROTT has deep affection. About six years ago she recorded an album titled The Last Time I Saw Paris that contained a variety of songs related to France, either by subject or by composer. On her latest album, From New York to Paris (Arbors 19466), she splits her attention between songs related to France or to New York City. To assist her in her explorations she has enlisted Harry Allen on tenor sax, Gil Goldstein on accordion, John di Martino on piano and Alvin Atkinson on drums. 

The group has a ripping good time addressing the 14 songs on the program. Parrott has developed into one of the elite singers on the jazz scene, and her bass playing is on the same level. Her cohorts are equally adept. Whether attending to songs about New York like ''On Broadway,'' ''Manhattan,'' with some new lyrics by Parrott and Brian Wittman, ''Broadway'' or ''Do You Miss New York,'' or looking for inspiration across the Atlantic on tunes such as ''I Love Paris,'' ''Under Paris Skies,'' ''April in Paris'' or ''La Mer,'' they find spot on ways to present them. 

An added bonus is the set of liner notes by Roger Crane that add some intelligent commentary to accompany the music. Parrott has given us another winner! https://www.amazon.com/New-York-Paris-Nicki-Parrott/dp/B07NHPMMW1
 

''Nicki brings clear articulation, beautiful tone, a sense of rhythmic assuredness and a touch of allure to inventive arrangements.'' ~ Jazz Times

''She has that special gift you cannot buy in a music store.'' ~Les Paul

''Nicki Parrott could make anyone love jazz.'' ~ Cabaret Scene

From New York To Paris

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Kit McClure Band - Just The Thing

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:37
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Diggin Dirt
(4:25)  2. One O'clock Jump
(4:28)  3. Just the Thing
(5:01)  4. I Never Get Tired
(3:51)  5. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:10)  6. Vi Vigor
(4:16)  7. Jump Children
(5:03)  8. She's Crazy With the Heat
(4:32)  9. Don't Get It Twisted
(5:34) 10. Slightly Frantic
(5:15) 11. Nyc Rap

Just the Thing is Part Two of the Kit McClure Band's warmhearted salute to the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a groundbreaking all-woman ensemble that came out of a school for poor black children in Piney Woods, Mississippi, to become one of the most widely successful and admired big bands of the World War II era. Whereas Part One was devoted for the most part to faithful transcriptions of original charts played by the Sweethearts, this second component consists of updated arrangements of those same charts, flavored with hip-hop, funk and salsa, presumably denoting the way the Sweethearts would be playing them today. As the Sweethearts are no longer with us, no one can reasonably argue the point. The first ten selections on Part 2 are the same as on Part 1 (although not in the same order), with Juan Tizol's "Perdido, the last track on the earlier album, replaced on this one by the clunky "NYC Rap, which, as one would expect, suffers by comparison (in other words, they don't write 'em like they used to). McClure had a hand in arranging and reupholstering every number, helped at times by pianist Cathy Harley, bassists Kim Clarke and Nicki Parrott, drummers Barbara Merjan, Bernice Brooks, Lakecia Benjamin and L. Olivia Sci, trombonist Britta Langsjoen and composer/arranger Maurice King who had written five of the tunes for the Sweethearts themselves. It's a sincere and interesting endeavor but as a rule lacks the vitality and enthusiasm of Part 1, which was a tad more straight-ahead and swinging. Several numbers "Vi Vigor, "Just the Thing, Don't Get It Twisted, "She's Crazy with the Heat, Basie's "One O'Clock Jump, a more laid-back version of Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose  are neat and handsome in their new clothing, while others don't fare quite as well. In that respect it's a split decision, one that rests in part on one's penchant for classic swing vs. cool and modern. 

Two selections "Jump Children and "I Never Get Tired were enhanced on the earlier session by one of the original Sweethearts, guitarist/vocalist Carline Ray, who's absent this time. Part Two's most explicit advantage lies in the playing time, 51:36 as opposed to the first album's meager 34:27. That gives the soloists more room to stretch, and McClure, Harley and the others make the most of it. Trumpeter Tanya Darby contributes a number of animated solos, as do drummer Benjamin (especially on "Vi Vigor ) and saxophonists Tia Fuller and Erica Von Kliest. While I'd give a narrow edge to Part One of The Sweethearts Project for overall charm and pleasure, Part Two has much to offer in its own right and is easily recommended. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/just-the-thing-kit-mcclure-band-redhot-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Kit McClure: alto, tenor sax, leader; Liesl Whitaker, Barbara Laronga, Laurie Frink, Tanya Darby: trumpet; Lakecia Benjamin, Lisa Parrott, Tia Fuller, Erica Von Kliest: alto sax; Kristy Norter: tenor sax; Claire Daly: baritone sax; Britta Langsjoen, Jennifer Krupa: trombone; Cathy Harley, Jill McCarron: piano; Nicki Parrott, Kim Clarke: bass; Barbara Merjan, L. Olivia Sci, Bernice Brooks: drums; Sue Hadjopoulos, Karen Jones: percussion.

Just The Thing

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Five Play - On The Brink

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:47
Size: 152,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. I'll Get By
(6:07)  2. I've Got The World On A String
(5:24)  3. How Insensitive
(5:03)  4. On The Brink
(7:22)  5. Medley: I'm A Fool To Want You/ In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning/This Love
(4:30)  6. Scatterbrain
(4:24)  7. Shifting Down
(5:04)  8. Like Someone In Love
(2:50)  9. Some Nerve
(5:37) 10. Someone Nice Like You
(4:24) 11. Momma Flossie
(6:16) 12. How Deep Is The Ocean
(5:11) 13. I Believe In You

Drummer Sherrie Maricle from the Diva Big Band takes four of her bandmates to form this all female quintet of mainstream jazz players. Karolina Strassmayer and Laura Dreyer both play alto sax and flute, Canadian pianist Lorraine Desmarais and Australian acoustic bassist Nicki Parrott help Maricle in the rhythm section. Though the woodwind players are quite lyrical, playing in unison most of the time, it's the sparkling bottom end tones and witty asides of Parrott and the exquisite pianistics of Desmarias that keep the music flowing. The bandmembers wrote none of the 13 selections, but there are homages to the Al Cohn-Zoot Sims tenor tandem, Frank Sinatra, many American popular songwriters, and contemporary jazzmen Jerry Bergonzi and John Scofield, with arrangements by John McNeil. At their best in uptempo hard swinging modes, Strassmayer and Dreyer frequently sound like twin Phil Woods bop towers, for instance the furious "I'll Get By," the outstanding Bergonzi written-up-and-gone title track, the Latin-ish "Scatterbrain," a luscious take on Kenny Dorham's easy swinging "Shifting Down," and the waltzy 6/8 version of the standard "Like Someone in Love." Two flutes appear on the sleepwalk slow "Someone Nice Like You." Alto and flute contrast on the bossa "How Insensitive" and a Sinatra medley of "I'm a Fool to Want You/Wee Small Hours/This Love of Mine." Desmarais' glistening light shines on her delicate features for a bluesy "I've Got the World on a String," where Parrott tears up a solo and states the melody line with the others laying out. The pianist is also particularly strong at improvising on the changes of "On the Brink," her solo is positively captivating, setting up Maricle's drum breaks quite well. Though a steady timekeeper, the drummer does get to punch in with traded fours, solo bars and phrases, but gives the spotlight to her bandmates for the majority of this recording. On Scofield's "Some Nerve" given a too brief 2:28, Maricle plays the N.O. shuffle cum calypso rhythm to perfection and delight. "Momma Flossie" is the Cohn-Sims flagwaver, and a perfect example of what happens throughout, that Strassmayer and Dreyer are reluctant to step on each other's toes and really wail. It's also unfortunate that the producers have not seen fit to identify which solos are Strassmayer's or Dreyer's. This lack of variation and sameness in that regard renders their playing relatively uninteresting; they're very fine musicians, but not distinct. Hopefully they'll get another shot to mix it up a bit. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/on-the-brink-mw0000671740

Personnel:  Sherrie Maricle: Leader, Drums;  Karoline Strassmayer: Alto Saxophone, Flute;  Laura Dreyer: Alto Saxophone, Flute;  Lorraine Desmarais: Piano;  Nicki Parrott: Bass

On The Brink

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Nicki Parrott - Stompin'At The Savoy

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:16
Size: 142,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. It Ain't Necessarily So (feat. Byron Stripling)
(3:46) 2. Gee, Baby, An't I Good to You (feat. Byron Stripling)
(5:01)  3. They Can't Take That Away from Me (feat. Byron Stripling)
(3:24)  4. It don't Mean a Thing (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:53)  5. Cheek to Cheek (feat. Byron Stripling)
(3:19)  6. Everytime We Say Goodbye
(5:06)  7. Dream a Little Dream of Me (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:03)  8. Stompin' at the Savoy (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:15)  9. Mr Paganini
(5:59) 10. Summertime (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:15) 11. Tea for Two
(4:14) 12. Our Love Is Here to Stay (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:07) 13. Evil Gal Blues (feat. Byron Stripling)
(4:20) 14. This Time the Dream's on Me

Dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong!
Nicki Parrott, an internationally acclaimed bassist, arrived in New York in May of 1994, the recipient of a grant from the Australia Council for the Arts allowing her travel to the US and study with her mentor, one of the world’s premiere double bassists, Rufus Reid. In the same year she was also nominated for the “Australian Young Achievers Award”.Today, Nicki Parrott is a world-class double bassist and an emerging singer/songwriter. In her work with artists from around the globe she has brought a signature sound to every bass part she has played. She performs regularly at the world’s best Jazz Festivals and can be seen Monday’s at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Since June of 2000, this union has been an ideal showcase for her musical abilities, flair for improv, and gift for entertaining a crowd. Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki Parrott began her musical training on the piano at the age of four. She also took up the flute and continued to play both instruments throughout her school years. At the age of 15, Nicki switched her focus to the double bass, formed a band with her older sister Lisa (alto sax) and began composing instrumental pieces that they would eventually record for their premier CD release, The Awabakal Suite (2001). After completing high school, Nicki moved to Sydney and attended the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, where she graduated with an Associates degree in Jazz Studies. When bassists such as the legendary Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson) and John Clayton (Diana Krall, Whitney Houston) were playing in town, Nicki would find them, contact them and arrange lessons from them. She was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Pan Pacific Music Camp, and soon after, took first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society's Annual Song Competition for her composition, Come and Get It. In 1990, Nicki began touring Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer playing sold out shows across the country. This was followed by successful tours with American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. When she was off the road, Nicki was consistently playing bass with other world-renowned jazz musicians like New Zealand’s Mike Nock (piano), Australia's Dale Barlow (tenor sax), Paul Grabowsky (piano), Bernie McGann (alto sax) and the explosive Ten Part Invention.

In May of 2002, The Nicki and Lisa Parrott Quartet headlined the prestigious Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The show was broadcast on NPR and was well received by the press. She was also the resident bassist with the Kitchen House Blend, a house band that premiered and performed new music from local New York composers. They would blend jazz, hip-hop, classical and rock in one evening...“It was a very creative experience”. Nicki expanded her musical repertoire and appeared on the Broadway stage in such shows as: Imaginary Friends, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Summer of '42, and Jekyll and Hyde. She is still active on Broadway today and regularly performs in the comedic musical, Avenue Q. Since coming to the United States Nicki Parrott has performed and/or recorded with such notable musicians as Randy Brecker, Skitch Henderson, Jose Feliciano, Rebecca Paris, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache Jr., Clark Terry, Michel Legrand, Billy Taylor, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Annie Ross, the Florida Pops Orchestra, Terri Thornton, Holly Hoffman, DIVA, Marlena Shaw, Monica Mancini, Patrice Rushen, Harry Allen, Red Holloway, Kenny Davern, Mike Stern, Bernard Purdie, John Tropea, David Krakauer, Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, Greg Osby, Jack Wilkins, Ken Peplowski, Johnny Frigo, Joe Wilder, Houston Person, Wycliffe Gordon, Rachel Z and Johnny Varro. Nicki has also performed at most of the world’s major jazz festivals. In the United States she’s appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival (2005), the Litchfield Jazz festival (2005), the Jazz in July concert series at the 92nd street Y (2003, 2004), the Detroit Jazz Festival (2005) and the Lionel Ha mpton Jazz Festival (2001). 

Outside the USA Nicki has appeared at the Cully Lavaux Festival (Switzerland - 1995), the Grimsby Jazz Festival (UK - 1996), Berlin Jazz Festival (Germany - 1998), the Ottawa Jazz Festival (2004), the Krakow Music Festival (Poland), JazzAscona (2005, 2006), Bern Jazz Festivals (Switzerland - 2005, 2006), Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK - 2006) and of course, she has played at numerous music festivals across Australia. Nicki Parrott is committed to the continuing musical education women receive in order to further their careers and ultimately remain active as musicians past their teen years. In keeping with her sense of community, Nicki’s desire is to teach underprivileged kids to play instruments and learn to enjoy music.

It is her belief t hat teaching music to children helps keep them interested in school and out of trouble. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/nickiparrott

Personnel:  Nicki Parrott, vocals, bass;  Byron Stripling, trumpet, vocals;  John Di Martino, piano;  Alvin Atkinson, drums

Stompin' at the Savoy

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John Tropea - Standard Influence

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:18
Size: 140.3 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[6:54] 1. Sandu
[5:41] 2. How Insensitive
[3:26] 3. It Don't Mean A Thing
[5:38] 4. Full House
[5:57] 5. Sir Richard
[6:38] 6. Sack O' Woe
[5:28] 7. If You Don't Know Me By Now
[5:12] 8. I Can't Get Started
[5:13] 9. The Thumb
[3:38] 10. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
[7:27] 11. No Trix, No Clix, No Fix

Featuring: Tropea (Guitar), Steve Gadd (Drums), Anthony Jackson (Bass), Nicki Parrot (Upright Bass), Lou Marini (Sax) & Chris Palmaro (Hammond B3). Produced by John Tropea & Kiyoshi Itoh. Recorded at Clinton Recording, NYC. Engineered & by Jay Messina.

John Tropea is one of the most admired and highly regarded guitar players of his generation. His playing shows a vast knowledge and respect for the tradition of the instrument as well as an original style that continues to define how the guitar best serves a wide variety of musical styles. He is a musician’s musician who attracts the finest players for his own projects.

Tropea has written for and played with major recording artists from around the world. In his long career, his contributions to other artist’s successes have been numerous, including his solo work with Deodato, (2001 theme), projects with Laura Nyro, Harry Chapin (Cat’s in the Cradle), Paul Simon (Fifty Ways), Alice Cooper (Goes to Hell), Eric Clapton (Journey Man), Dr. John, and many others. He is also a composer, arranger, and producer whose vital work is ably demonstrated by his personal projects. Tropea has a deserved worldwide reputation as an artist of quality among both audiences and other musicians.

"At this time in my life now, it is my passion to continue to play with this format.” Tropea’s band plays live regularly these days and has produced two CDs, “Standard Influence,” and “Standard Influence II/Rock Candy,” both “must haves” in any CD collection. Made up of world-class players, this is no pick up band; this is a REAL band that plays with the refined sense of ensemble one finds in the finest string quartet or chamber music group. Made up of: Ronnie Cuber, baritone sax, Clint de Ganon, drums, or Steve Gadd, drums, Anthony Jackson, electric bass, Dave Mann, tenor sax, Lou Marini, tenor sax, and Chris Palmaro, Hammond B3; everyone in this band is a virtuoso, yet no one ever over-plays.

Standard Influence mc
Standard Influence zippy

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Nicki Parrott - Close To You

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:46
Size: 174,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:11)  1. Walk On By
(4:43)  2. Alfie
(3:19)  3. Close To You
(3:05)  4. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
(3:01)  5. Wishin' And Hopin'
(5:12)  6. A House Is Not A Home
(3:10)  7. You'll Never Get To Heaven
(3:12)  8. Wives And Lovers
(3:34)  9. The April Fools
(2:30) 10. There's Always Something There To Remined Me
(4:02) 11. Make It Easy On Yourself
(3:51) 12. Do You Know The Way To San Jose
(3:30) 13. The Girls In Love With You
(3:32) 14. I Say A Little Prayer
(3:46) 15. What The World Needs Now Is Love

Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki started her musical training at age four with the piano, followed by the flute, soon after. Nicki switched to double bass at the age of 15. After graduating high school she moved to Sydney to study jazz at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music where she began to play with Australian musicians such as Mike Nock, Dale Barlow, Paul Grabowsky, Bernie McGann, and Ten Part Invention. She also toured Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer and American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. She continued her studies with various bassists including visiting artists Ray Brown and John Clayton. Nicki was the recipient of two awards, a scholarship to Pan Pacific Music Camps at the age of 16, and first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society’s Annual Song Competition for her composition “Come and Get It,” which is the opening track of Nicki and her sister Lisa’s debut CD, “Awabakal Suite”. She was also nominated for the annual Australian Young Achievers Award by the Arts Council of Australia who granted her the funds to come to New York to study with Rufus Reid. Nicki came to New York in May 1994.  In June 2000, Nicki began performing on Monday nights at the Iridium Jazz Club with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. 

As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney, Slash, Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel. Since then she has performed with such notable musicians as Michel Legrand, Joe Wilder, Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Jose Feliciano, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Harry Allen, Marlena Shaw, David Krakauer, Ken Peplowski, Ann Hampton Callaway, Bill Mays, Scott Hamilton, Lillian Boutte, Larry Carlton and Houston Person, just to name a few. Nicki has also performed in several Broadway shows such as Avenue Q, Imaginary Friends, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Summer of ’42 and Jekyll and Hyde and has made several television and documentary appearances including The Gossip Girls, Chasing Sound and Thank You Les, which recently debuted on PBS. In 2007 and 2008, Nicki received back to back honors for Swing Journal’s Best Jazz Vocal Album (Moon River and Fly Me to The Moon, respectively). In 2010 her album Black Coffee (Venus) received Swing Journal’s Gold Disc award. In 2012, Nicki headlined the Fujitsu Concorde Jazz festival after the release of her eighth CD from Venus Records, Sakura Sakura. She is currently recording her 16th release for the label. Nicki has performed at most major festivals around the globe including the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz in July at the 92nd Street Y, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the Newport Beach Jazz Party, Jazz Ascona and Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland and many others. http://www.nickiparrott.com/biography.html  Nicki Parrott - Close To You   2017

Close To You

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