Silky Denims: Randy Sandke

Showing posts with label Randy Sandke. Show all posts

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Randy Sandke - The Music Of Bob Haggart

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:00
Size: 138,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:26) 1. It Ain't Necessarily So
(2:30) 2. It Takes a Long Pull To Get There
(2:35) 3. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
(3:00) 4. Summertime
(3:11) 5. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
(2:12) 6. Oh, I Can't Sit Down
(3:24) 7. I Loves You, Porgy
(4:26) 8. My Man's Gone Now
(3:07) 9. Bess, Oh Where's My Bess?
(2:23) 10. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York
(3:20) 11. Mardi Gras Parade
(3:22) 12. What's New?
(5:42) 13. Dogtown Blues
(3:10) 14. My Inspiration
(4:39) 15. South Rampart Street Parade
(4:58) 16. At the Jazz Band Ball
(4:27) 17. Big Noise From Winnetka

Most jazz fans are well acquainted with some arrangement or another of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, but few of them are acquainted with Bob Haggart's charts of the score. The reason is simple: Haggart's arrangements, released at the same time as the Porgy and Bess movie, were pushed to the back of the record racks by versions of the same music by (among others) Miles Davis and Gil Evans, the Modern Jazz Quartet, the Oscar Peterson Trio and Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Modern-day trumpeter Randy Sandke has decided that this was an unfair quirk of history, and after some detective work and painstaking transcription he's reassembled Haggart's Porgy and Bess plus some other charts under the prosaic title The Music of Bob Haggart.

Haggart's charts for Gershwin don't try to reinvent the wheel as other interpreters at the time did; their sound, straightahead, tart and tight, takes the listener back to Gershwin's own idiom with minimum fuss and maximum verve. Frequent solo breaks allow the stellar band Sandke has assembled to shine; while everyone puts their best foot forward in this endeavor, the two most impressive players are Jon-Erik Kellso on the (frequently muted) puje, sounding period without sounding old, and Sandke himself, alternately caressing and goosing some of the most famous melodies ever written. Jazz fans shouldn't lose sleep over having favored Miles, Oscar or Louis and Ella for so many years; Haggart's version isn't that compelling. But, as this recording proves, it can be a lot of fun in the right hands. ~ Andrew Lindemann Malone http://jazztimes.com/articles/13713-the-music-of-bob-haggart-under-the-direction-of-randy-sandke-randy-sandke

Personnel: Bob Haggart (arranger, bass); Randy Sandke (leader, trumpet); Scott Robinson (tenor & baritone saxophones); Jack Stuckey (baritone saxophone); Byron Stripling (trumpet); John Allred, George Masso, Wycliffe Gordon (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Derek Smith, Ed Metz, Sr. (piano); Howard Alden (guitar); Greg Cohen (bass); Joe Ascione, Tony DeNicola (drums).

The Music Of Bob Haggart

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Ken Peplowski - Last Swing Of The Century

Styles: Clarinet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:28
Size: 150,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:20) 1. Let's Dance
(3:27) 2. Hunkadola
(3:12) 3. Between The Devil And The Deep
(6:59) 4. King Porter Stomp
(5:17) 5. Moon Glow
(6:08) 6. Stealin' Apples
(2:32) 7. You Turned The Tables On Me
(3:07) 8. Bugle Call Rag
(3:19) 9. Don't Be That Way
(4:00) 10. Memories Of You
(4:11) 11. Restless
(3:16) 12. Get Happy
(5:14) 13. Sometimes I'm Happy
(4:56) 14. China Boy
(3:29) 15. Down South Camp Meetin'
(3:53) 16. Good-Bye

Last Swing Of The Century - Big Band Music of Benny Goodman released on Concord Jazz in 1999 by Benny Goodman Orchestra alumnus, Ken Peplowski, is a heartfelt tribute to The King of Swing and the wonderful arrangements he commissioned in the 1930s and 1940s. Recorded the last night of a 15-concert tour, the CD is the perfect collection of swing standards for those who dance or those that spectate. Ken Peplowski takes 16 essentials, long associated with one of the greatest names in jazz and reinteprets it with veterans of various Benny Goodman orchestras including Randy Sandke, Eddie Bert, Bobby Pring, Ben Aronov, Frank Capp and Jack Stuckey along with other brilliant musicians as Conte Candoli, Frank Vignola, Bob Milikan, Scott Robinson, Joe Romano, Rickey Woodard, and Richard Simon.

Although the cliche that big bands will never come back is somewhat true, Ken Peplowski is the closest that some listeners near the end of this century will remember as bringing the music back to the ‘90s with taste, drive and creativity. Peplowski doesn’t compromise the artistic integrity of his mentor even though each soloist is playing in their own style, with no re-creations of solos from old records! Popular standards such as “Let’s Dance,” “Moon Glow,” “Bugle Call Rag,” “Don’t Be That Way,” and the “King Porter Stomp,” receive some of the very best arrangements they’ve ever had. On “Memories Of You,” Ken spotlights Bobby Pring’s trombone and the young, Frank Vignola’s mellow guitar. He duets with Vignola on one of Goodman’s favorites, “China Boy,” originally recorded with Teddy Wilson and Gene Krupa in 1936.

The clarinet of Ken Peplowski, taken up in honor of Goodman, is brilliant on this hard-swinging set of performances by his orchestra and serves as an excellent example of what can be done and has been done to the keep the music of the Big Band Era fresh and vital. Last Swing Of The Century - Big Band Music of Benny Goodman captures the brilliant essence of Benny Goodman and is ever so essential.
By Paula Edelstein http://www.allaboutjazz.com/last-swing-of-the-century-big-band-music-of-benny-goodman-ken-peplowski-concord-music-group-review-by-paula-edelstein.php

Musicians: Ken Peplowski, clarinet; trumpets; Conte Candoli, Bob Milikan, Randy Sandke; trombones, Eddie Bert, Bobby Pring; saxophones, Jack Stuckey - lead alto, Scott Robinson - tenor, Joe Romano - alto, Rickey Woodard - tenor; rhythm section, Ben Aronov-piano, Frank Vignola - guitar, Richard Simon - bass, Frank Capp - drums.

Last Swing Of The Century

Monday, June 21, 2021

Randy Sandke - Uptown Lowdown - A Jazz Salute to The Big Apple

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 82:46
Size: 191,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:07) 1. Echoes of Harlem / Drop Me Off in Harlem
(3:37) 2. Jungle Nights in Harlem
(3:33) 3. Boys from Harlem
(2:31) 4. Sugar Hill Penthouse (3:07) 5. Blue Belles of Harlem
(5:28) 6. Harlem Speaks
(3:09) 7. Chinatown, My Chinatown
(6:44) 8. Rose of Washington Square / Broadway Rose
(5:13) 9. Slumming on Park Avenue
(5:59) 10. 42nd Street
(5:48) 11. Scrapple from the Apple
(8:14) 12. Nostalgia in Times Square
(8:31) 13. Grand Central
(4:42) 14. 52nd Street Theme
(7:47) 15. Take the "A" Train
(5:09) 16. What's New

It took a German recording team to enable trumpeter/arranger Randy Sandke to assemble this all-American, 12-piece ensemble for a panorama of New York-inspired tunes, recorded in the Big Apple in the Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse as part of the 1999 JVC Jazz Festival. In doing so, he raided the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, as well as several independent history-minded players in the area, and emerged with a band that fires off the numbers with crisp virtuosity in any idiom called for. Thankfully, there is also more than enough gusto in the playing, due in no small part to the live festival recording situation. "The Harlem Medley," a lengthy leadoff stream of delicacies from the land of Ellingtonia, gets close enough to the Ellington sound to convey the idea without being slavishly imitative or ghostly.

The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra boys know their Ellington craft well and apply the plunger mutes accordingly. From there, the band doubles back to Dixieland, works its way up to swing, and slides without a glitch into bebop ("Scrapple From the Apple"), a Mingus shuffle blues ("Nostalgia in Times Square"), transitional Coltrane ("Grand Central"), and some Monk ("52nd Street Theme"), before being deposited back in Harlem by naturally the "'A' Train." In between the main tour stops, Concord Jazz teammates guitarist Howard Alden and clarinetist Ken Peplowski serve up another of their fluid duets on Irving Berlin's "Slumming on Park Avenue."

Other high points include clarinetist Allan Vaché wailing in the trad flagwaver "Chinatown" and trumpeters Sandke and Warren Vaché duking it out on "42nd Street." In all, a well-recorded souvenir of what sounds like a heartwarming local celebration.~ Richard S.Ginell https://www.allmusic.com/album/uptown-lowdown-a-jazz-salute-to-the-big-apple-mw0000102679

Personnel: Randy Sandke - trumpet; Warren Vaché - trumpet; Wycliffe Gordon - trombone; Ken Peplowski - clarinet, tenor sax; Allan Vaché - clarinet; Scott Robinson - alto sax, tenor sax, flute; Joe Temperley - baritone sax; Howard Alden - guitar; Eric Reed - piano; Mark Shane - piano; Rodney Whitaker - bass; Joe Ascione - drums

Uptown Lowdown - A Jazz Salute to The Big Apple

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Randy Sandke - Trumpet After Dark

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:11
Size: 155,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:47) 1. Quiet is the Night
(5:45) 2. Nocturne
(4:36) 3. Being Human
(4:41) 4. Goodbye For Now
(4:41) 5. Star Crossed Lovers
(4:16) 6. Etude in E
(4:06) 7. Le Jour Ou La Colombe
(4:43) 8. Monk's Mood
(5:04) 9. A Blues Serenade
(3:19) 10. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
(6:16) 11. Lullabye for Karen
(4:58) 12. Blues for Sandy
(5:38) 13. Lush Life
(5:15) 14. Soul Eyes

There is much to admire in this album, subtitled Jazz In A Meditative Mood. Trumpeter Randy Sandke has been actively recording since 1985, largely in a postwar swing and mainstream style, although Mainstream Meets the New Music, his 2002 venture into free jazz, raised some eyebrows and garnered new fans. Sandke is comfortable working in a "jazz with strings" setting, and his arrangements here are quite attractive. Many of these selections recall the albums that cornetist Ruby Braff made under a "Mood Jazz" heading with strings or brass ensembles during the 1950s. However, Trumpet After Dark improves on the past. Sandke's jazz quartet features pianist Bill Charlap, bassist Greg Cohen, and drummer Dennis Mackrel. He has chosen a viol quartet, Parthenia, and it is likely that this is the first instance in which the viola da gamba has been used in a jazz context. Parthenia's deep sonorous timbre, as heard in the opening of "Being Human,"sounds like Renaissance music before Sandke's clarion melody statement, without seeming out of place.

Randy Sandke has contributed five originals, of which two, "Quiet Is The Night" and "Nocturne," were written specifically for this album. Both "Nocturne" and and "Lullabye For Karen" are standouts. Most of these tunes are performed in ballad or mid-tempo with, oddly enough, the swingingest track being Chopin's "Etude In E." I enjoyed the eclectic choice of material from a variety of sources, such as a song taken from a Nana Mouskouri album, another from English composer John Dowland, and a piano duet with Charlap on "Monk's Mood." In addition, the standards "Lush Life" and "Star Crossed Lovers" blend in well. Throughout the album, Bill Charlap provides his usual sensitive accompanist role, as well as soloing to match Sandke's lyrical trumpet work.~ Michael P.Gladstone https://www.allaboutjazz.com/trumpet-after-dark-randy-sandke-evening-star-records-review-by-michael-p-gladstone.php

Personnel: Randy Sandke: trumpet; Bill Charlap: piano; Greg Cohen: bass; Dennis Mackrel:drums; Rosamund Morley: treble viol; Beverly Au: treble and bass viol; Lawrence Lipnik: tenor viol; Lisa Terry: treble and bass viol.

Trumpet After Dark

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Warren Vaché, The New York City All-Star Big Band - Swingtime!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:49
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[3:01] 1. Swingtime!
[5:15] 2. From This Moment On
[3:56] 3. I've Got My Fingers Crossed
[4:00] 4. Mr. Bojangles
[4:36] 5. The Way You Look Tonight
[6:09] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[8:23] 7. B. D. Blues
[3:16] 8. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[4:35] 9. A Portrait Of Jenny
[3:52] 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
[6:27] 11. Saturday Night Fish Fry
[3:14] 12. When You're Smiling
[4:59] 13. Let The Good Times Roll

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Chuck Wilson; Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Alan Barnes; Bass – Murray Wall; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Steve Ash; Tenor Saxophone – Harry Allen, Rickey Woodard; Trombone – John Allred, Matt Bilyk; Trumpet – Randy Sandke; Trumpet, Vocals – Warren Vaché. Recorded on January 11 and 12, 2000.

Some album titles so accurately describe the contents that there's almost nothing meaningful that a poor review can say about it. Such is the case with Swingtime!, wherein what is advertised is precisely what one gets—a baker's dozen of inflexibly swinging sorties by trumpeter Warren Vaché and his New York City All—Star Big Band (underweight division). The band includes only two trumpets (Vaché and Randy Reinhart), two trombones, four saxophones and rhythm, but after listening for a few moments you won't care about that, as these gentlemen more than compensate for fewness of numbers by pouring their heart and soul into every note on the page. Mind you, this isn't "contemporary" Jazz—no one is trying to plant fresh seeds or set new standards—but sure as the sunrise, it does swing! A large measure of credit for that must go to the intrepid rhythm section, anchored by drummer Jake Hanna and crowned by Steve Ash's tasteful piano and Murray Wall's walking bass. But everyone has a hand in making this engine go, and the band's consistently sparkling section work is complemented by emphatic solos from Vaché, Ash, tenors Rickey Woodard and Harry Allen, trombonist John Allred and clarinetist / baritone Alan Barnes, each of whom has technique and resourcefulness to burn. Besides playing sublime trumpet, Vaché discloses solid albeit unpolished vocal talent on "I've Got My Fingers Crossed," "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "Let the Good Times Roll." Swingtime! reminds me of another superb Nagel—Heyer album released some five years ago, The Buck Clayton Swing Band Live from Greenwich Village, on which Vaché also played. Clayton's band was larger (16 members) but the payoff was about the same—pure, unvarnished swing from first note to last. If swing's your bag, open this one for a bushelful of pleasure. ~Jack Bowers

Swingtime! mc
Swingtime! zippy

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Susannah McCorkle - Someone To Watch Over Me: The Songs Of George Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:35
Size: 141.0 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[5:23] 1. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[4:15] 2. Who Cares
[4:18] 3. Someone To Watch Over Me
[4:51] 4. It Ain't Necessarily So
[5:20] 5. How Long Has This Been Going On
[1:13] 6. I Got Rhythm Intro
[3:37] 7. I Got Rhythm
[3:37] 8. Love Walked In
[3:44] 9. I Loves You Porgy
[4:58] 10. They All Laughed
[3:07] 11. Summertime
[4:13] 12. 's Wonderful
[4:49] 13. I Was Doing All Right
[4:01] 14. I Got Plenty O' Nuthin'
[4:03] 15. Will You Remember Me Drifting Along With The Tide

Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Flute [Alto Flute] – Jerry Dodgion; Bass – Dick Sarpola, Steve Gilmore; Drums – Rich DeRosa; Guitar – Howard Alden; Tenor Saxophone, Flute [Alto Flute] – Chris Potter;Trombone – Conrad Herwig; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Sandke; Vocals – Susannah McCorkle.

Throughout her career, singer Susannah McCorkle recorded many "songbook" sets dedicated to the music of a particular composer or lyricist. She followed up sets of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin in 1997 with a full program of George Gershwin's music. On this CD, McCorkle performs 15 Gershwin songs in settings ranging from an octet that includes tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist Conrad Herwig, and altoist Jerry Dodgion to duets with guitarist Howard Alden ("I Loves You, Porgy"), bassist Dick Sarpola ("I Was Doing All Right" and "Love Walked In"), and her musical director, pianist Allen Farnham (a medley of "Will You Remember Me?" and "Drifting Along with the Tide"). Even when singing such well-known tunes as the title cut, "How Long Has This Been Going On," "I Got Rhythm" (to which she adds an introduction explaining Ira Gershwin's method of coming up with lyrics), and "'S Wonderful," McCorkle comes up with fresh variations and subtle creativity. Although one wishes that she had unearthed more Gershwin obscurities, listeners should be grateful that Susannah McCorkle recorded a long string of easily recommended vocal jazz albums during her lifetime. ~Scott Yanow

Someone To Watch Over Me

Saturday, January 21, 2017

George Masso Allstars - The Wonderful World Of George Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:26
Size: 175.0 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 1992/1999
Art: Front

[ 7:27] 1. Strike Up The Band
[11:51] 2. But Not For Me
[ 6:47] 3. Summertime
[ 7:26] 4. Soon
[ 4:44] 5. Lady Be Good
[ 9:06] 6. Porgy And Bess
[11:36] 7. Somebody Loves Me
[ 5:49] 8. I've Got A Crush On You
[11:35] 9. 's Wonderful

Bass – Len Skeat; Clarinet – Kenny Davern; Drums – Jake Hanna; Piano – Eddie Higgins; Tenor Saxophone – Danny Moss; Trombone – George Masso; Trumpet – Randy Sandke.

For the initial release on the German Nagel-Heyer label, trombonist George Masso heads an all-star mainstream septet that also includes clarinetist Kenny Davern, trumpeter Randy Sandke, the fine Engligh tenor Danny Moss, pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. Together they jam on eight George Gershwin songs plus Higgins plays a "Porgy and Bess Medley." Although the liner notes (unlike later releases) are in German, the music easily comunicates; highlights include a blazing "Strike Up the Band," "Soon," and 11-1/2-minute versions of "Somebody Loves Me" and "S'Wonderful." ~Scott Yanow

The Wondeful Of George Gershwin

Friday, April 22, 2016

Warren Vaché - Warren Plays Warren

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:48
Size: 172,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:05) 1. This Heart Of Mine
(5:04) 2. Would You Like To Take A Walk
(5:21) 3. Nagasaki
(4:32) 4. Serenade In Blue - At Last
(4:13) 5. I Only Have Eyes For You
(5:20) 6. The Girlfriend Of The Whirling Dervish
(4:35) 7. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(4:33) 8. Lulu's Back In Town
(3:03) 9. I Remember You From Somewhere
(5:56) 10. Forty-Second Street
(6:09) 11. September In The Rain
(5:33) 12. Blues Times 2
(3:45) 13. An Affair To Remember
(5:10) 14. I Had The Craziest Dream
(3:37) 15. Jeepers Creepers
(3:45) 16. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me

In my estimation, Harry Warren is the most underrated songwriter of the 20th Century. While very successful, he is less famous than his songs (“Lullaby of Broadway”, “There Will Never Be Another You”) or the people who sang them (Jolson, among many others.) While Gershwin and Coward became celebrities, Warren stayed in the shadows, quietly building an immense catalog. The songs are still here, and in the right hands are a gold mine. In an intimate setting with stellar rhythm, Warren Vache fills these tunes with joy, charm, and an unstoppable swing. It’s a great feeling, and the two Warrens fit each other very well. Vache, cornet in hand, takes the left speaker; Randy Sandke’s trumpet is on the right. The come in together on “This Heart of Mine”; then it’s Sandke for two glowing minutes. Check out Kenny Drew, Jr.: his little fills go way beyond comping. Warren goes high, with velvet touch: all the mellow of a flugelhorn. Sandke goes brassy on the exchanges, and Warren gives it back, shout for shout. Each blast tops the last, and still they fit together. They exit in concert, and you’ve got it: a marriage of tune and performer. Keep listening: the honeymoon is far from over.

Murray Wall gets that bass going on (what else?) “Would You Like to Take a Walk”. The horns stroll beside him. Warren takes off he muses, but loudly! Sandke is more restrained: he creeps where Warren struts. “Nagasaki” gets the bop treatment: locked horns with plenty of steam. Hear Sandke quote “The Theme”; the duet opening is a must. Vache then lays out on “I Only Have Eyes”; a marvelous solo starts right from the theme. Sandke owns it, and Drew ain’t bad either. Next we speak Latin: “Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish” is as turbulent as the name. Drew strikes a montuno, and Randy tumbles eloquently. The mutes go in for “Getting to be a Habit”, and we are back in the ‘Thirties. Randy is sly; Warren has a charming honk, as warm as an old floppy hat. He then sings a verse did I say charming honk? The rumply voice works in ways I can’t describe all I can do is enjoy. Game, set, and match we have a winner.

For the homestretch we kick it up some. “Lulu’s Back in Town” stomps like the old girl herself: a duel in dead heat. “42nd Street” gets its verse, and a whole lot of brass. Vache is higher than normal; Sandke’s deep like a trombone. Drew goes angular, a modern solo with some Monk bleeps. Warren growls, but he also shows some hard bop. Randy also goes this direction; a new sound from an old source. Likewise “An Affair to Remember”: the bossa beat, and a mute as warm as Miles’. Vache finishes the theme with equal charm. Bright piano, shining cymbals remember you will. This leads to other soft spots: “The Craziest Dream” a brassy soft focus, “I Remember You From Somewhere” a muted cousin to “Mood Indigo”. And for dessert there’s another “Habit”, minus the words. The drums are sharper here, with more oomph to the trumpet.

Drew is big : wide chords, and the essence of class. You won’t forget the first version, but this should be heard. It’s a great work, and shows love for the great works of Harry Warren. Says Vache: “Back in the ‘Thirties, they threw away more good tunes no one’s heard of, than they’re writing now.”Hear this and you’ll agree.~AAJ Staff http://www.allaboutjazz.com/warren-plays-warren-warren-vache-review-by-aaj-staff.php

Personnel: Warren Vache (vocals, cornet); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Kenny Drew Jr. (piano); Murray Wall (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums).

Warren Plays Warren

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Stephanie Nakasian - Thrush Hour: A Study Of The Great Ladies Of Jazz

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:10
Size: 154,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:41) 1. A Good Man Is Hard to Find
(2:50) 2. Guess Who's in Town
(3:27) 3. Rockin' Chair
(3:49) 4. A Hundred Years From Today
(3:05) 5. It Don't Mean A Thing
(3:20) 6. Lullaby Of The Leaves
(2:25) 7. Goody Goody
(2:25) 8. All Of Me
(2:52) 9. What Is This Thing Called Love
(3:40) 10. Moments Like This
(2:42) 11. Take The 'A' Train
(3:47) 12. Million Dollar Secret
(4:47) 13. Day Dream
(2:21) 14. I Cried For You
(2:53) 15. Maybe
(4:18) 16. Too Late Now
(2:35) 17. Peel Me A Grape
(4:46) 18. Blue Gardenia
(3:57) 19. Street Of Dreams
(3:23) 20. All That Jazz

Stephanie Nakasian is a great gift to jazz buffs and especially to those who love singers. Not just for her exuberant performances but for her ability to articulate in layman's terms what it is to be a jazz singer. Her latest recording on V.S.O.P. Records, Thrush Hour, combines masterful singing, top-notch musicianship, and an educator's expertise to deliver a comprehensive "study of the great ladies of jazz, as the subtitle reads. On this release Nakasian approaches a generous number of vocal jazz classics in the style of the original recording artist, from Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters to Abbey Lincoln and Ella Fitzgerald. Along with each track is an informative biographical sketch of the original artist that places the music in its era and details its significance in jazz history. Few singers can tell you as much about where their sound comes from.

Without resorting to imitation Nakasian synthesizes each of these singers' unique vocal abilities with her own estimable talent, and the result is both educational and entertaining. Nakasian shifts from one color and feel to the next quite deftly, moving from Connee Boswell's throaty version of "Lullaby of the Leaves , say, to Helen Ward's light and swinging up-tempo "Goody Goody, to Billie Holiday's high, subtly back-phrased "All of Me, to Anita O'Day's fast-paced, scatting bop in "What Is This Thing Called Love. These tunes are just a small sample of the stylistic leaps Nakasian displays on this 20-track CD. (You will be left to figure out how Nakasian can sound so convincing on a rendering of a Sarah Vaughn tune and then on one by Blossom Dearie, but there it is.) The CD, recorded in two days (that's ten tunes a day), shows off the considerable chops of Nakasian's rhythm section: her husband Hod O'Brien on piano, Steve Gillmore on bass, Bill Goodwin on drums, and Howie Collins on rhythm guitar; and of her horn players, Randy Sandke (trumpet), Tod Hamilton (tenor sax), and John Jensen (trombone). The team borrows the arrangements from the original recordings, one assumes from reading the liner notes, but the presentation is fresh. ~ Suzanne Lorge http://www.allaboutjazz.com/thrush-hour-stephanie-nakasian-vsop-records-review-by-suzanne-lorge.php

Personnel: Stephanie Nakasian: vocals; Hod O’Brien: piano; Steve Gillmore: bass; Bill Goodwin: drums; Howie Collins: rhythm guitar; Randy Sandke: trumpet; Tod Hamilton: tenor sax; John Jensen: trombone.

Thrush Hour: A Study Of The Great Ladies Of Jazz

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Dick Hyman - Swing Is Here

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:29
Size: 155,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:14) 1. The Most Beautiful Girl In The World
(3:54) 2. I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music
(3:45) 3. When Lights Are Low
(3:35) 4. The Jeep Is Jumpin'
(3:56) 5. Swing Is Here
(4:23) 6. With Plenty Of Money And You
(3:34) 7. How Am I To Know?
(8:07) 8. Dickie's Dream
(2:58) 9. Who Cares?
(3:06) 10. I'll Get By
(7:51) 11. Taps Miller
(4:04) 12. On The Bumpy Road To Love
(3:58) 13. Jive At Five
(2:29) 14. Fine And Dandy
(7:27) 15. If I Had You

Pianist Dick Hyman pays tribute to small-group swing with a collection of 15 swing-era tunes. Hyman is joined by vibraphonist Peter Appleyard, who sometimes purposely emulates Lionel Hampton, as well as clarinetist Ken Peplowski (nodding toward Benny Goodman), trumpeter Randy Sandke, veteran tenorman Frank Wess (whose solos are actually the most modern of the date), guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Butch Miles. Nancy Marano contributes a few pleasing vocals. Nothing all that unexpected occurs, and the performances of such numbers as "I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music," "Dickie's Dream" and "Jive at Five" do not dwarf the original recordings. But mainstream fans should enjoy the well-played and often spirited outing. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/swing-is-here-mw0000188993

Personnel: Dick Hyman (piano); Nancy Marano (vocals); Frank Wess (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Peter Appleyard (vibraphone); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar); Jay Leonhart (acoustic bass); Butch Miles (drums).

Swing Is Here

Friday, December 11, 2015

The New York Allstars - Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop!!: The New York Allstars Play Lionel Hampton

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:28
Size: 145.3 MB
Styles: Swing, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[ 9:27] 1. Air Mail Special
[ 6:47] 2. Moonglow
[ 6:01] 3. Ring Dem Bells
[ 3:49] 4. Indian Summer
[ 5:23] 5. Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop
[ 3:15] 6. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
[ 7:07] 7. Avalon
[ 7:35] 8. Rose Room
[ 3:59] 9. Body And Soul
[10:01] 10. Flying Home

Bass – Dave Green; Clarinet – Antti Sarpila; Drums – Ed Metz Jr.; Leader – Randy Sandke; Piano – Thilo Wagner; Rhythm Guitar – James Chirillo; Tenor Saxophone – Antti Sarpila; Trombone – Roy Williams; Trumpet – Randy Sandke; Vibraphone – Lars Erstrand.

Trumpeter Randy Sandke heads a strong group of American and European swing/mainstream players on a set of ten songs associated with vibraphonist/bandleader Lionel Hampton. Sandke, trombonist Roy Williams, and Antti Sarpila (on clarinet and saxophones) make for a solid front line, while vibraphonist Lars Erstrand sometimes comes close to duplicating the sound of Hampton. The octet romps through such songs as "Air Mail Special," "Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop," "Avalon," and of course an extended "Flying Home," along with some other swing standards and ballads. The music is as fun and infectious as one would expect, with Sandke in particular in fine form. ~Scott Yanow

Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop: The New York Allstars Play Lionel Hampton

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Randy Sandke and the Metatonal Big Band - The Subway Ballet

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:13
Size: 141,2 MB
Art: Front

(1:18) 1. The Subway Ballet: Watch the Closing Doors
(5:35) 2. The Subway Ballet: Dance of the Downtown Punks
(1:07) 3. The Subway Ballet: Electriglide
(4:27) 4. The Subway Ballet: Dance of the Wall Street Brokers
(1:34) 5. The Subway Ballet: Steel Wheels
(4:33) 6. The Subway Ballet: Dance of the Hassidic Diamond Merchants
(1:13) 7. The Subway Ballet: Making Tracks
(4:20) 8. The Subway Ballet: The Blind Beggar Encounters the Korean
(1:01) 9. The Subway Ballet: Momentum
(4:38) 10. The Subway Ballet: Dance of the Midtown Career Women
(0:43) 11. The Subway Ballet: Straphanging
(4:39) 12. The Subway Ballet: Pas de Deux
(1:14) 13. The Subway Ballet: Express Stop
(9:14) 14. The Subway Ballet: 125th Street
(4:36) 15. Music from 1988: Red Hook Blues
(3:13) 16. Music from 1988: Happy Birthday Berlin
(5:10) 17. Music from 1988: How Did It Get So Late
(2:27) 18. Music from 1988: Realization

Trumpeter Randy Sandke, considered a mainstream jazz stylist, reveals another side on this release, compiled from two sessions recorded about fifteen years apart. The Subway Ballet is a wild suite scored for big band (substituting vibes and xylophone for piano) that utilizes a metatonal harmonic approach, frequently sounding like snippets of music written for a suspense movie. Key centers are often fleeting, though most of the charts seem tightly scored. Sandke's compositions fit his individual titles perfectly; it is easy to conjure characters to match them as the music unfolds. Sandke's setting for the piece is in the early '80s, when New York City was viewed as a dangerous place. "Watch the Closing Doors and "Dance of the Downtown Punks are very ominous, followed by the breezy, playful "Electricglide, showcasing trombonist Wycliffe Gordon to good effect, who sounds like he would have enjoyed playing with Spike Jones. Sandke pulls all stops in the hilarious "Dance of the Hassidic Diamond Merchants, which blends traditional Jewish themes with David Krakauer's deliciously loopy clarinet solo. "Making Tracks, featuring alto saxophonist Ted Nash, is suggestive of Eric Dolphy's late work. Although no one has yet choreographed Sandke's intriguing ballet for dancers, it would be a challenging, worthwhile venture.

The last four selections are grouped as "Music From 1988, described by Sandke as unreleased music that never found a home. The highlight, the gritty "Red Hook Blues, finds Jim McNeely making a rare appearance on organ. The eerie "How Did It Get So Late is a modern classical effort intermingling scored and improvised sections. Less interesting are "Happy Birthday Berlin, an ear-jarring techno track that seems out of place and "Realization, with the flavor of a generic rock soundtrack to an '80s action flick. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-subway-ballet-randy-sandke-evening-star-records-review-by-ken-dryden.php

Personnel: Chuck Wilson: alto sax, flute, piccolo; Ted Nash: alto sax, flute; Scott Robinson: tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet; John Allred: trombone; Joe Barati: bass trombone; Steven Bernstein: trumpet, slide trumpet; Erik Charlston: percussion, xylophone, vibraphone; Mike Christianson; trombone; Greg Cohen: bass; Jim Czak: voices; Glenn Drewes: trumpet; John Goldsby: bass; Wycliffe Gordon: trombone; John Riley: drums; John Hayward: drum machine; David Krakauer: clarinet; Jim McNeely: organ, piano; Bob Millikan: trumpet; Gerry Neiwood: flute, alto sax; Randy Sandke: trumpet, flugelhorn, electric guitar, keyboards, piccolo trumpet; Jack Stuckey: bass clarinet, baritone sax; Kenny Washington: drums; Walt Weiskopf: clarinet, tenor sax; Scott Wilson: clarinet, flute, soprano sax, tenor sax.

The Subway Ballet

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Harry Allen, Randy Sandke - Turnstile: Music of the Trumpet Kings with the RIAS Big Band

Styles: Saxophone And Trumpet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:14
Size: 136,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:13) 1. I Love Louis
(5:21) 2. Cloudy
(4:22) 3. Echoes of Harlem
(3:28) 4. Little Jazz Boogie
(4:31) 5. I Can't Get Started
(3:43) 6. Melancholy Rhapsody
(2:31) 7. Randy's Rolls Royce
(5:28) 8. Shaw'Nuff
(6:12) 9. All Blues
(3:08) 10. Turnstile
(6:17) 11. Relaxin' At Clifford's
(4:07) 12. The Moontrane
(4:47) 13. Birdlike

Most of the recordings put out by the German Nagel Heyer label are pre-bop, ranging from Dixieland to mainstream. This outing stretches the boundaries a little, for trumpeter Randy Sandke (who is joined by tenor saxophonist Harry Allen and a big band led by Jiggs Whigham) pays tribute to a variety of great trumpeters ranging from Louis Armstrong to Woody Shaw ("The Moontrane") and Freddie Hubbard ("Bird Like"). Sandke contributed a pair of originals, arranged all 13 pieces, and helped bring a forgotten (and only partly composed) Bix Beiderbecke composition ("Cloudy") to life. In addition to those mentioned, Sandke pays tribute to Cootie Williams, Roy Eldridge, Bunny Berigan, Harry James, Buck Clayton, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Clifford Brown. He hints at their styles without actually copying them, and has a flexible enough approach to sound comfortable in all of the idioms. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-music-of-the-trumpet-kings-mw0000732284

Personnel: Randy Sandke - (trumpet), Harry Allen - (tenor sax) with the RIAS Big Band Berlin led by Jiggs Whigham

Turnstile: Music of the Trumpet Kings with the RIAS Big Band

Monday, October 19, 2015

Harry Allen - A Night at Birdland Vol. 1 And Vol. 2

Styles: Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1994

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 77:20

Size: 177,5 MB

Art: Front

( 9:10) 1. My Heart Stood Still

(10:53) 2. On a Slow Boat to China

( 7:49) 3. Tickle Toe

( 7:37) 4. You Took Advantage of Me

( 7:46) 5. Stardust

( 7:39) 6. Sometimes I'm Happy

(10:04) 7. How Deep Is the Ocean

( 5:14) 8. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

(11:05) 9. The Man I Love

A glance at this CD's cover might cause collectors to have a double take for it looks similar to the original A Night at Birdland album by Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers from the mid-'50s. The Birdland in this case is a jazz club in Hamburg, Germany and the music is not hard bop but hard-driving swing. The excellent young tenor Harry Allen is heard leading a quintet that also includes trumpeter Randy Sandke, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and (in one of his final sessions) drummer Oliver Jackson. Allen has an attractive and passionate tone and is heard in excellent form throughout the nine standards; he and Sandke make for a very effective team. A rewarding release (as is the second volume) from the German Nagel-Heyer label. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-night-at-birdland-vol-1-mw0002026229

Harry Allen Quartet: Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Brian Dee (piano); Len Skeat (bass); Oliver Jackson (drums)

A Night at Birdland Vol. 1

Styles: Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1995

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 78:23

Size: 180,0 MB

Art: Front

(6:24) 1. Isn't This a Lovely Day

(8:04) 2. From This Moment On

(6:26) 3. My Foolish Heart

(8:48) 4. The Song Is You

(8:42) 5. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me

(5:46) 6. Sweet Lorraine

(6:55) 7. All Good Chillun Got Rhythm

(5:48) 8. Stardust

(7:29) 9. Now Is The Time

(6:06) 10. Sophisticated Lady

(7:49) 11. Lover Come Back to Me

Harry Allen leads a fine quintet on the second of two volumes recorded over a pair of nights in 1993 at Hamburg's Birdland nightclub. The tenor saxophonist was quite familiar with bandmates trumpeter Randy Sandke and drummer Oliver Jackson, having worked with them extensively on recordings and in all-star lineups assembled by George Wein. The band is rounded out by two veterans of the British jazz scene, pianist Brian Dee and bassist Len Skeat. Obviously, the familiarity keeps the group from sounding like a pickup effort with little or no rehearsal. Allen's melodic solos are steeped in the tradition of Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster, especially in rich ballads like "My Foolish Heart" and the deliberate "Sweet Lorraine." For a little bit of variety from the swing era, the quintet offers a stimulating bop number and the early jazz chestnut "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me." ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-night-at-birdland-vol-2-mw0002026235

Personnel: Harry Allen – Tenor Sax; Randy Sandke – Trumpet; Brian Dee – Piano; Len Skeat – Bass; Oliver Jackson – Drums.

A Night At Birdland Vol 2

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Dick Hyman and Randy Sandke - Now And Again

Styles: Piano And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:01
Size: 161,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:04) 1. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
(7:48) 2. I Thought About You
(6:20) 3. I Want To Be Happy
(2:48) 4. Weatherbird
(4:33) 5. Out of Nowhere
(4:04) 6. Thinking About Bix
(5:59) 7. Slow River
(4:35) 8. Joy Spring
(3:35) 9. Wild Man Blues
(4:43) 10. Dancing in the Dark
(4:23) 11. The Wizard
(2:50) 12. Two As One
(3:43) 13. Bronco Busters
(4:30) 14. Lucky To Be Me
(3:59) 15. Makin' Whoopee

The pairing of Dick Hyman's inventive keyboard with the golden tones of Randy Sandke's mellifluous trumpet make for a set permeated with admiration for Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. Hyman, who long ago studied with Teddy Wilson, has been prolifically dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz repertory. Among his many outstanding recordings are classic outings with Ruby Braff and Maxine Sullivan. Here the duo recalls, through mostly classic '20s and '30s tunes, the vibrant spirits of Pops and Bix without being merely imitative. Hyman's own "Thinking About Bix has fragments of "I'm Coming Virginia and "In A Mist thrown in for good measure and allows Sandke to toot joyously with barrelhouse backing from Hyman. Beiderbecke's "Out of Nowhere opens with a few gently tinkling bars from Hyman reminiscent of a toy piano. Gradually, the tempo picks up, with Hyman discreetly punctuating Sandke's full-bodied trumpet. These guys sure know the value of taking their time.

As a composer, Sandke is represented on the set by "The Wizard, which is dedicated to Hyman, and "Two As One, which begins with a lengthy melodic piano solo introduction. When Sandke joins in, the piece transforms into a wordlessly expressive dialogue between old friends. And what a difference it makes when two hoary old chestnuts like "I Want to Be Happy and "Makin' Whoopee are reconsidered by these musicians.

They manage to discern previously unnoted darker, after-hours elements in these tunes. Whether they're having a blast with Gershwin's "Bronco Busters (from Girl Crazy) or lending a pensive consideration to Bernstein's "Lucky to Be Me (from On the Town), the opening tune's title is an accurate statement about this happy Hyman-Sandke connection: "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To. ~ Andrew Velez http://www.allaboutjazz.com/now-and-again-dick-hyman-arbors-records-review-by-andrew-velez.php

Personnel: Dick Hyman: piano; Randy Sandke: trumpet.

Now And Again

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Randy Sandke and the Buck Clayton Legacy - All The Cats Join In

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:36
Size: 179.9 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1994/2007
Art: Front

[6:46] 1. All The Cats Join In
[4:54] 2. Come Again
[6:07] 3. Buckin' The Blues
[7:14] 4. Lester Leaps In
[3:22] 5. Fiesta In Blue
[5:17] 6. Toot Sweet
[7:47] 7. Christopher Columbus
[4:34] 8. Blue And Sentimental
[6:22] 9. Professor Jazz
[7:02] 10. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[6:15] 11. Robbins Nest
[4:53] 12. Top Brass
[7:59] 13. Lean Baby

Randy Sandke - trumpet; Harry Allen - tenor sax; Danny Moss - tenor sax; Antti Sarpila - clarinet, saxes; Jerry Tilitz - trombone; Brian Dee - piano; Len Skeat - bass; Oliver Jackson - drums. Recorded on November 17 and 18, 1993 at Birdland Studio, Hamburg.

Since his emergence in the mid-'80s, Randy Sandke has been one of the top swing-oriented trumpeters in jazz. His older brother Jordan (himself a fine trumpeter) introduced Randy to the many styles of jazz. In 1968 he formed a rock band with Michael Brecker that featured a horn section and they played at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. However, Sandke had to turn down the opportunity to join Janis Joplin's band due to a hernia in his throat. Although an operation corrected the problem, Sandke's loss of confidence resulted in him deciding to take up the guitar and he worked in New York as a guitarist for the next decade. Finally, he was persuaded to take up the trumpet again and Sandke spent five years with Vince Giordano's Nighthawks, worked regularly with Bob Wilber, and he was a part of Benny Goodman's last band during 1985-1986. Since that time Sandke has worked and recorded with Buck Clayton, Michael Brecker, the Newport All-Stars, Jon Hendricks, Ralph Sutton, Kenny Davern, Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Mel Tormé, and Joe Williams among many others, touring Europe over 20 times. In addition, he has recorded several impressive albums as a leader for Jazzology and Concord. ~bio by Scott Yanow

All The Cats Join In

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

James Chirillo - Sultry Serenade

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:15
Size: 163.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. When Lights Are Low
[4:45] 2. I Love You, Samantha
[6:03] 3. Sultry Serenade
[6:42] 4. Counterpoise #2 For Electric Guitar And Trumpet
[5:24] 5. If I Only Had A Brain
[6:49] 6. Move
[4:47] 7. Elend
[7:07] 8. Can't We Be Friends
[3:04] 9. Bourbon Street Parade
[5:33] 10. Lush Life
[4:49] 11. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
[5:05] 12. Fancifree
[5:06] 13. Blues For Valerie

James Chirillo debuts as a leader with a superb guitar jazz disc. As soon as I would like to compare Mr. Chirillo to, say, a Joe Pass, a Herb Ellis, or a Charlie Byrd, I would just as soon say he was a Teddy Wilson on guitar. Urbane, that is how I would describe James Chirillo. He is more Oscar Peterson than Art Tatum and more Gene Harris than either. Chops to spare, Chirillo wastes no notes. He is precise, like Basie and Miles. His recital here, with various sized groups is an exercise in elegant restraint. No death defying arpeggios, only clear, clean playing.

There are the usual standards. "When The Lights Are Low" and "Lush Life" are well played standard fare. "If I Only Had a Brain", to my knowledge only covered by Tuck Andress, is grandly executed here. It is definitely not the standards that are most interesting here. It is the classical pieces. One is a tone poem composed by John "Israel" Carisi shortly before his death. "Counterpoise" is a moody duet for trumpet and guitar with Carisi himself providing the trumpet. "Elend", a tome by the 20thCentury Zemlinski, adds more to the reputation of these classical capabilities. Otherwise, this is a grand mainstream fare. Randy Sandke, a N-H regular, is on hand, adding his regular brand of panache and aplomb. As for Chirillo, he is superb, a talent awaiting the appropriate recognition. ~C. Michael Bailey

James Chirillo: Guitar; Alan Simon: Piano; Greg Cohen: Bass; Dave Ratajczak: Drums, Percussion; Randy Sandke: Trumpet; Scott Robinson: Tenor Saxophone, Bass Saxophone; Vera Mara: Vocals; John Carisi: Trumpet.

Sultry Serenade

Friday, October 2, 2015

Randy Sandke, Harry Allen, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Washington, Kenny Washington - Cliffhanger

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:13
Size: 165.3 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. Let's Face The Music And Dance
[7:37] 2. Nobody Else But Me
[5:01] 3. What's New
[5:38] 4. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[4:36] 5. One For Mulgrew
[8:25] 6. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[4:17] 7. Cliffhanger
[7:04] 8. One Fine Day In May
[6:28] 9. I Concentrate On You
[7:36] 10. Willow Weep For Me
[7:01] 11. No Moon At All
[4:38] 12. Limehouse Blues

Randy Sandke is a spectacular trumpeter, one who is most associated with small-group swing but is actually a forward-looking improviser capable of playing in more modern idioms too. On this set he is teamed with the Stan Getz-inspired tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington. Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon makes his lone appearance on the quirky title cut. Other than the three Sandke originals ("Cliffhanger," "One for Mulgrew," and the jazz waltz "One Fine Day in May"), the repertoire consists of swing standards. Sandke and Allen work particularly well together while Miller (who normally sounds closer to McCoy Tyner) proves to be quite adaptable in this setting. Sandke, who has a warm tone, a wide range, and the ability to play the adventurous ideas he thinks of, is in top form throughout. Highlights include "Let's Face the Music and Dance," a passionate rendition of "What's New," "I Fall in Love Too Easily," and "Limehouse Blues." Every Sandke recording is well worth hearing, with Cliffhanger offering a strong example of his musical talents. ~Scott Yanow

Cliffhanger

Monday, September 14, 2015

Daryl Sherman - Look What I Found

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:19
Size: 146,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:18) 1. Cheek To Cheek
(4:50) 2. Lazy In Love
(2:58) 3. Music Makes Me
(2:43) 4. Any Old Time
(2:41) 5. Simple As That
(5:57) 6. There's A Lull In My Life
(4:32) 7. Knock Me A Kiss
(2:55) 8. Many A New Day
(3:28) 9. Look What I Found
(4:15) 10. This Will Make You Laugh
(2:30) 11. Something Brazilian
(6:24) 12. I Was Wrong
(3:02) 13. Why Do I Love You
(5:04) 14. This Is New
(4:12) 15. I Never Knew (That Roses Grew)
(3:21) 16. Things Are Looking Up

Daryl Sherman's relaxed and straightforward approach to singing, paying attention to the meaning of the lyrics but always swinging, is quite winning. Whether being lyrical on "Any Old Time" or saucy on "Knock Me a Kiss," Sherman is in delightful form throughout this set, and she contributes two fine originals, "Simple as That" and the humorous (if sad) "Something Brazilian." A major asset to the CD are the arrangements of Dan Barrett, which utilize his trombone, trumpeter Randy Sandke, four reeds (Jerry Dodgion, Ken Peplowski, Scott Robinson and Chuck Wilson) and a fine rhythm section (guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist John Bunch, bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Klaus Suonsaari) quite colorfully.

The reeds all double and sometimes triple (Scott Robinson's bass clarinet is quite atmospheric), and a variety of instrumentation is used: "Any Old Time" is taken as a Sherman duet with Pizzarelli, "Many a New Day" finds the singer accompanied only by bassist Maleson, "Things Are Looking Up" (one of a few numbers on which Daryl herself plays piano) is taken solo, and she forms an appealing duo with Barrett on "Why Do I Love You."

All of the horn players have their spots and, most importantly, Daryl Sherman is perfectly suited for the material. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1116654&style=music&fulldesc=T

Personnel: Daryl Sherman (vocals, piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Chuck Wilson (flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Scott Robinson (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barnett (trombone, piano); John Bunch (piano); Klaus Suonsaari (drums, percussion).

Look What I Found

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Johnny Varro Swing 7 - Afterglow

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:33
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:27) 1. It's a Wonderful World
(4:25) 2. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
(2:58) 3. Ida! Sweet As Apple Cider
(4:24) 4. Truckin'
(4:00) 5. Afterglow
(4:06) 6. In The Still Of The Night
(6:02) 7. Moten Swing
(4:24) 8. Pom Pom
(5:37) 9. Change Partners
(2:51) 10. Humoresque
(3:21) 11. One For Todd
(3:50) 12. Cross Your Heart
(3:28) 13. Front And Center
(4:36) 14. The Chase
(4:56) 15. Brandy N' Beer

Pianist Johnny Varro came closer that anyone in the '90s to play in the flawless swing style of Teddy Wilson. Varro's occasional combos (the one on this CD is called the "Swing 7") are very much in the idiom of late '30s prebop music. Varro, tenor saxophonist Tommy Newsom, Ken Peplowski (on clarinet and his rarely heard alto), trombonist Dan Barrett, trumpeter Randy Sandke, bassist Frank Tate and drummer Joe Ascione perform a variety of '30s and '40s material plus Varro's "Afterglow" and "One for Todd." Although some of the arrangements are reminiscent of John Kirby's Sextet (particularly "Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider," "Humoresque" and Charlie Shavers' "Front and Center"), other groups hinted at are Duke Ellington's small combos, Count Basie and the Dave Pell Octet. The 15 performances include quite a few gems and this is a highly enjoyable example of latter-day small-group swing. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/afterglow-mw0000047267

Personnel: Johnny Varro (piano); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, alto saxophone); Tommy Newsom (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Joe Ascione (drums).

Afterglow