Showing posts with label Toots Thielemans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toots Thielemans. Show all posts

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Dianne Reeves - The Grand Encounter

Styles: Vocal Jazz 
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Old Country
(3:23)  2. Cherokee
(8:12)  3. Besame Mucho
(3:46)  4. Let Me Love You
(4:54)  5. Tenderly
(6:06)  6. After Hours
(3:27)  7. Ha!
(5:24)  8. Some Other Spring
(5:08)  9. Side By Side
(4:59) 10. I'm Okay

This CD could have been titled Finally! Dianne Reeves has long had the potential to be the top female jazz singer, but so many of her previous recordings were erratic as she skipped back and forth between idioms without committing herself. However, after years of flirting with jazz and being seemingly undecided whether she would rather be a pop star, she at last came out with a full jazz album in 1996, and it is a gem. The supporting cast on the ten selections (which feature different personnel on each cut) is remarkable and everyone gets a chance to play: trumpeters Clark Terry and Harry "Sweets" Edison, altoists Phil Woods and Bobby Watson, tenorman James Moody, trombonist Al Grey, harmonica great Toots Thielemans (on "Besame Mucho"), pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Herlin Riley.

In addition, Joe Williams shares the vocal spotlight on "Let Me Love You" and a touching version of "Tenderly," Germaine Bazzle sings along with Reeves on "Side by Side," and a rendition of Charlie Ventura's "Ha!" has a vocal group consisting of Reeves, Bazzle, Terry, Moody, and the young Kimberley Longstreth. Other highlights include Nat Adderley's "Old Country," "Some Other Spring," and "Cherokee." Despite the heavy "competition," the leader emerges as the star of the set due to her beautiful voice and highly expressive singing. This highly recommended CD is the Dianne Reeves release to get. By Scott Yanow
https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-grand-encounter-mw0000081516

Personnel: Vocals – Dianne Reeves, Germaine Bazzle, Joe Williams , Kimberley Longstreth; Vocals, Tenor Saxophone – James Moody; Vocals, Trumpet – Clark Terry ; Alto Saxophone – Bobby Watson , Phil Woods; Bass – Rodney Whitaker; Drums – Herlin Riley; Harmonica – Toots Thielemans; Piano – Kenny Barron; Trombone – Al Grey ; Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison

The Grand Encounter

Friday, May 17, 2024

Joe Lovano - Flights of Fancy: Trio Fascination Edition Two

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2001
Time: 67:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 155,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:22) 1. Flights of Fancy
(3:31) 2. On April (I'll Remember April)
(4:36) 3. Amsterdam
(4:26) 4. Blue Mist
(4:01) 5. Off and Runnin'
(6:26) 6. Infant Eyes
(6:35) 7. 206
(8:00) 8. Bougainvillea
(4:52) 9. Windom Street
(4:42) 10. Hot Shot
(3:56) 11. Aisha
(3:09) 12. Amber
(5:46) 13. On Giant Steps
(1:26) 14. Flights of Fancy (Reprise)

The first edition of Joe Lovano's Trio Fascination featured Dave Holland on bass and Elvin Jones on drums. Following the album's release in 1998, however, Lovano's live shows featured the less famous but equally muscular bass/drum team of Cameron Brown and Idris Muhammad. On Trio Fascination, Vol. 2, the Lovano/Brown/Muhammad unit is only one of four trio configurations that the saxophonist employs. Taking the trio concept beyond the traditional confines of horn, bass, and drums, Lovano takes a left turn and colors this album with continually changing instrumentation.

Trio one is Lovano, Brown, and Muhammad. Trio two features the leader with Billy Drewes on soprano saxophone and alto flute and Joey Baron on drums; trio three with Toots Thielemans on harmonica and Kenny Werner on piano; and trio four with Dave Douglas on trumpet and Mark Dresser on bass. (The trios change unpredictably from track to track, sort of like a CD player in shuffle mode.) Varying the instrumentation even further, Lovano, like on volume one, switches from among his arsenal of horns: tenor, straight alto, soprano, and C-melody saxes, as well alto and bass clarinets.

On "206," he modifies trio four by playing drums behind Douglas and Dresser, and on "Blue Mist" he begins with gongs to supplement Muhammad's percussion textures. In two instances, the trios change during the very course of the tune. "Bougainvillea" (by Lovano's wife, vocalist Judi Silvano) starts with trio one and in the last two or so minutes segues to an impressionistic ending featuring trio three. "On Giant Steps," based on the groundbreaking Coltrane chord changes, proceeds in the opposite direction: Trio three solos freely and simultaneously, then passes the baton to trio one, which launches into a swing tempo far slower than is usual for the tune, but no less burning.

One of Lovano's first high-profile projects was an unorthodox trio with guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Paul Motian. The saxophonist's association with Drewes and Baron dates back to the early '70s. So Lovano's "trio fascination" has deep roots, and the music on this record is a cumulative and probably near-exhaustive survey of his abilities within the form. One only need contrast "Hot Shot" or "Flights of Fancy" or the obscure McCoy Tyner ballad "Aisha" (all trio one) with modernist, offbeat abstractions like "Amber" and "Amsterdam" by trio four, or "Off and Runnin'" by trio two, to get an idea of Lovano's artistic range. Fans looking for more of the hard-driving, free-spirited swing of the first Trio Fascination record will find it here in smaller doses. And those who got their first taste of Lovano with 2000's neo-bop nonet record 52nd Street Themes ought to be prepared for something very different. By David R.Adler
https://www.allmusic.com/album/flights-of-fancy-trio-fascination-edition-2-mw0000105325

Personnel: Joe Lovano- tenor saxophone, straight alto saxophone, alto clarinet, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, C-melody saxophone, gongs, drums, percussion; Billy Drewes- soprano saxophone, alto flute, percussion; Dave Douglas- trumpet; Toots Thielemans- harmonica; Kenny Werner- piano; Mark Dresser, Cameron Brown- bass; Idris Muhammad, Joey Baron- drums.

Flights of Fancy: Trio Fascination Edition Two

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Oscar Peterson - Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (4-Disc Set)

Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Louis Bellson, Ray brown, Benny Carter, Martin Drew, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Duke Ellington, Jon Faddis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stephane Grappelli, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Hayes, Johnny Hodges, Barney Kessel, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Joe Pass, Mickey Roker, Clark Terry, Toots Thieleman, Ed Thigpen, David Young, and more.

Oscar Peterson's recordings on the Pablo label span the years from the '50s to the '70s and have long needed this type of lavish anthology. Over the course of four discs, you get to hear five tunes by the classic trio matching the peerless pianist with guitarist Herb Ellis and bassist Ray Brown. But the best of that particular band – arguably Peterson's finest – resides largely on the Verve label, so the Pablo years find Peterson interacting with a number of stars with whom he shared studio or concert stage time on an occasional, sometimes casual basis. The supporting cast on the Pablo years is dazzling, and the results are rarely less than deeply satisfying. Peterson sounds delightfully restrained during a charming piano duet with Count Basie, deliciously witty with growling trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, and nearly intimidated by the virtuosity of Stephane Grappelli, but then again, "Nuages" is the tune this box showcases, and the violinist had a few decades after Django's death to stake his claim to that number.

Half of the 46 tracks here are live, and live recordings always bring out the flashy entertainer in Peterson. Yet even for those critics like myself who find Peterson more focused and inspired in the studio, there are ecstatic rewards in the live offerings here. A 1967 concert with the Ellington band finds Peterson navigating a strangely compelling blues line through a show-stopping "Take the A Train" that succeeds in spite of obvious showboating. Another live bit of Ellingtonia that succeeds, a medley of Perdido and Caravan at dizzying speed, comes from a 1986 Los Angeles concert where Peterson's telepathic empathy with guitarist Joe Pass equals in sheer majesty his interaction of the '50s with Herb Ellis.

There are a handful of regrettable clinkers: a misguided vocal that sounds like Nat King Cole recorded at the ocean floor, a quizzical number on clavichord, surely not Peterson's ideal instrument (as he was quick to recognize), and an overripe orchestrated tribute to the late Princess Di that resembles in sap content Ellington's tribute to the Queen. These gaffes aside, this is a sterling, well-programmed set certain to please fans of our forever-young, and arguably, greatest living pianist. ~Norman Weinstein

Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:13
Size: 169.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[4:48] 1. That Old Black Magic
[5:00] 2. Tenderly
[3:22] 3. How High The Moon
[4:40] 4. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:40] 5. You Are Too Beautiful
[4:47] 6. Smedley
[5:08] 7. Someday My Prince Will Come
[6:03] 8. Daytrain
[3:33] 9. Moonglow
[4:36] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown
[6:23] 11. C Jam Blues
[6:37] 12. Wes' Tune
[8:42] 13. Okie Blues
[6:50] 14. You Can Depend On Me

Album:Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:59
Size: 169.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[8:40] 1. You Are My Sunshine
[6:58] 2. Caravan
[7:09] 3. Stella By Starlight
[4:43] 4. Little Jazz
[5:28] 5. Soft Winds
[6:30] 6. Mean To Me
[7:52] 7. Oh, Lady Be Good
[4:20] 8. On A Slow Boat To China
[4:26] 9. Summertime
[7:18] 10. Blues For Birks
[4:54] 11. How Long Has This Been Going On
[5:34] 12. Hogtown Blues

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 1) (Disc 2)

Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:01
Size: 174.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003

[ 5:22] 1. Blues Etude
[ 3:37] 2. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
[ 7:18] 3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[ 6:44] 4. Just In Time
[ 4:46] 5. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
[ 6:23] 6. Goodbye
[ 6:25] 7. Falling In Love With Love
[ 7:13] 8. Nigerian Marketplace
[ 6:28] 9. Sometimes I'm Happy
[13:14] 10. Perdido
[ 8:27] 11. Cool Walk


Album: Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 4)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:47
Size: 166.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[ 5:27] 1. Take The 'a' Train
[12:57] 2. Ballad Medley 5400 North
[ 6:14] 3. Exactly Like You
[11:17] 4. Au Privave
[10:50] 5. If I Were A Bell
[ 8:05] 6. Nuages
[ 3:46] 7. Some Of These Days
[ 4:58] 8. Lady Di's Waltz
[ 9:09] 9. Stuffy

Dimensions: A Compendium Of The Pablo Years (Disc 3)(Disc 4)

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Toots Thielemans - Brasil Project Vol. 2

Styles: Harmonica Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:37
Size: 143,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:30)  1. Ce
(3:36)  2. Choro Bandido
(3:19)  3. Retrato em Branco e Preto
(3:34)  4. Obsession
(3:08)  5. Travessia
(4:25)  6. Flora
(5:17)  7. Unconditional Love
(2:59)  8. Papel Maché
(3:36)  9. O Futebol
(3:48) 10. Linda
(3:22) 11. Samba de Uma Nota Só
(5:21) 12. Oceano
(3:36) 13. Samba de Orfeu

Guitarist, harmonica player, and whistler Toots Thielemans' followup to the critically acclaimed Brasil Project doesn't stray far from its predecessor's path. There are 13 nice Afro-Latin selections with Thielemans backing such top Brazilian vocalists as Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso, and Dori Caymmi, among others, and guitarists Oscar Castro-Nieves and Lee Ritenour assisting Thielemans with delicate shadings and accompaniment.By Ron Wynn
http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-brasil-project-vol-2-mw0000098552

Personnel includes: Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Edu Lobo, Milton Nascimento (vocals); John Clark (French horn, hornette); Eliane Elias (piano);  Mike Lang, Dave Grusin (keyboards); Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals); Joao Bosco, Djavan, Dori Caymmi (guitar, vocals); Lee Ritenour, Oscar Castro-Neves, Luis Bonfa (guitar); Eugene Friesen (cello); Brian Bromberg, Marc Johnson, Jamil Joanes (bass); Steve Schaeffer, Teo Lima (drums); Cassio Duarte, Bira Hawal, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

Brasil Project Vol. 2

Friday, June 30, 2023

Toots Thielemans - The Brasil Project

Styles: Guitar And Harmonica Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:51
Size: 128,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Começar de Novo
(4:23)  2. Obi
(3:00)  3. Felicia And Bianca
(4:10)  4. O Cantador
(2:57)  5. Joanna Francesa
(4:26)  6. Coisa Feita
(3:18)  7. Preciso Aprender a Ser Só
(5:41)  8. Fruta Boa
(4:29)  9. Coração Vagabundo
(3:29) 10. Manhã de Carnaval
(3:39) 11. Casa Fortes
(2:35) 12. Moments
(9:41) 13. Blusette

This popular set matches the brilliant harmonica player Toots Thielemans with such top Brazilian performers as Ivan Lins, Djavan, Oscar Castro-Neves, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo Silveira, João Bosco, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Luiz Bonfá, Edu Lobo and Eliane Elias, in addition to bassist Brian Bromberg, keyboardist Michael Lang, trumpeter Mark Isham and Dave Grusin. Thielemans is often in a supportive role behind the many soothing Brazilian singers and performers. The atmospheric date surprisingly does not have any Antonio Carlos Jobim songs, instead emphasizing lesser-known tunes (other than Toots' greatest hit "Bluesette"). Easily recommended to fans of Brazilian pop and jazz, this CD was soon followed by a second (and equally rewarding) set featuring many of the same performers. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-brasil-project-mw0000081385

Personnel: Toots Thielemans (harmonica, guitar, whistle); Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque (vocals); Djavan, Joao Bosco, Dori Cayammi, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Edu Lobo, Luis Bonfa (guitar, vocals); Lee Ritenour, Oscar Castro-Neves, Ricardo Silveira (guitar); Mark Isham (trumpet); Dave Grusin, Eliane Elias (piano); Gilson Peranzzetta, Mike Lang (keyboards); Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals); Brian Bromberg, Jamil Joanes, Nico Assumpcao, Marc Johnson (bass); Teo Lima (drums); Cassio Duarte, Bira Hawai, Jose Roberto, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

The Brasil Project

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Toots Thielemans - Sophisticated Lady

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:33
Size: 118,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:24) 1. I Just Called to Say I Love You
(3:27) 2. Serenade to Astrid
(4:52) 3. Pela Luz Dos Olhos Teus
(4:47) 4. Sophisticated Lady
(4:59) 5. Out of Nowhere
(3:53) 6. Who Can Sail Without
(3:29) 7. Imagine
(3:56) 8. Denise
(4:08) 9. Old Time Waltz
(4:55) 10. Luz Do Sol
(3:33) 11. Bibbi
(3:05) 12. Nocturne

Toots Thielemans virtually introduced the chromatic harmonica as a jazz instrument. In fact, beginning in the mid-'50s, he never had a close competitor. Thielemans simply played the harmonica with the dexterity of a saxophonist and even successfully traded off with the likes of Oscar Peterson.

Thielemans' first instrument was the accordion, which he started when he was three. Although he started playing the harmonica when he was 17, Thielemans' original reputation was made as a guitarist who was influenced by Django Reinhardt. Very much open to bop, Thielemans played in American GI clubs in Europe, visited the U.S. for the first time in 1947, and shared the bandstand with Charlie Parker at the Paris Jazz Festival of 1949. He toured Europe as a guitarist with the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1950, and the following year moved to the U.S. During 1953-1959, Toots was a member of the George Shearing Quintet (mostly as a guitarist) and freelanced for the remainder of his lengthy career in music.

He first recorded his big hit, "Bluesette" (which featured his expert whistling and guitar) in 1961, and was subsequently in great demand (particularly for his harmonica and his whistling) on pop records (including many dates with Quincy Jones) and as a jazz soloist. Toots' two-volume Brasil Project was popular in the 1990s and found him smoothly interacting on harmonica with top Brazilian musicians. Heard on numerous movie soundtracks (including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Midnight Cowboy) and also on the opening theme of television's Sesame Street, Thielemans received Jazz Master honors from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2009. He died in Belgium in August 2016 at the age of 94.~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/artist/toots-thielemans-mn0000159791/

Sophisticated Lady

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Abraça Jobim

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:11
Size: 173,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:54) 1. Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando)
(5:16) 2. This Love That I've Found (So Tinha de Ser com Voce)
(3:50) 3. The Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema)
(3:56) 4. Somewhere in the Hills (Favela)
(3:48) 5. Photograph (Fotografia)
(5:21) 6. Wave
(4:06) 7. Triste
(5:39) 8. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
(2:44) 9. Water to Drink (Agua de Beber)
(2:50) 10. Bonita
(3:42) 11. Off Key (Desafinado)
(5:12) 12. He's a Carioca (Ele e Carioca)
(6:36) 13. Dindi
(2:59) 14. How Insensitive (Insensatez)
(3:52) 15. One Note Samba (Samba de Uma Nota So)
(2:17) 16. A Felicidade
(7:59) 17. Useless Landscape (Inutil Paisagem)

For years, "The Girl fom Ipanema" was a staple in Ella Fitzgerald's songbook, so it's something of a wonder that it was not until 1981 that Ella Abraça Jobim, Fitzgerald's double-album immersion in Antonio Carlos Jobim's back catalog, appeared. Ella's first single-composer release since 1964's tribute to Jerome Kern, Ella Abraça Jobim is, more than anything, final proof of the unassuming Brazilian's place in jazz history alongside the great composers. Sadly Jobim's mellow bossa nova, drenched in the Brazilian concept of saudade, or agreeable melancholy, doesn't necessarily gel with Fitzgerald's swing-based and energetic vocal style.

Fitzgerald and her small group take songs like "Agua de Beber (Water to Drink)" at just slightly too speedy a tempo, rushing a bit where they should be gamboling. Fitzgerald is in very good voice compared to some other recordings from her later years, though, sadly, she's clearly not at her peak. Norman Granz's production is typically excellent, however, and the arrangements are refreshingly free of the typical late-'70s/early-'80s post-fusion clichés. Neither Fitzgerald nor Jobim's finest, then, but not without merit.~ Stewart Masonhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/ella-abra%C3%A7a-jobim-sings-the-antonio-carlos-jobim-songbook-mw0000195476

Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald - Vocals; Clark Terry - Trumpet; Zoot Sims - Tenor Saxophone; Toots Thielemans - Harmonica; Henry Trotter - Keyboards; Mike Lang - Keyboards; Clarence McDonald - Keyboards; Joe Pass - Electric guitar (soloist); Oscar Castro-Neves - Acoustic guitar (soloist); Paul Jackson, Jr. - Rhythm guitar; Mitch Holder - Rhythm guitar; Roland Bautista - Rhythm guitar; Abraham Laboriel - Double Bass; Alex Acuña - Drums; Paulinho da Costa - Percussion

Ella Abraca Jobim

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Toots Thielemans - Compact Jazz

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:55
Size: 135,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:42)  1. A Volta
(4:19)  2. Dirty Old Man
(4:45)  3. Bluesette
(3:30)  4. I Do It For Your Love
(4:02)  5. Big Bossa
(3:33)  6. Lullaby
(8:00)  7. Tenor Madness
(3:43)  8. Bye Bye Blackbird
(3:36)  9. Old Friend
(6:43) 10. Quarte's fever
(8:03) 11. Footprints
(3:52) 12. Sultry Seranade

Toots Thielemans virtually introduced the chromatic harmonica as a jazz instrument. In fact, beginning in the mid-'50s, he never had a close competitor. Thielemans simply played the harmonica with the dexterity of a saxophonist and even successfully traded off with the likes of Oscar Petersom.  Thielemans' first instrument was the accordion, which he started when he was three. Although he started playing the harmonica when he was 17, Thielemans' original reputation was made as a guitarist who was influenced by Django Reinhardt.

Very much open to bop, Thielemans played in American GI clubs in Europe, visited the U.S. for the first time in 1947, and shared the bandstand with Charlie Parker at the Paris Jazz Festival of 1949. He toured Europe as a guitarist with the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1950, and the following year moved to the U.S. During 1953-1959, Toots was a member of the George Shearing Quintet (mostly as a guitarist) and freelanced for the remainder of his lengthy career in music.   He first recorded his big hit, "Bluesette" (which featured his expert whistling and guitar) in 1961, and was subsequently in great demand (particularly for his harmonica and his whistling) on pop records (including many dates with Quincy Jones) and as a jazz soloist. Toots' two-volume Brasil Project was popular in the 1990s and found him smoothly interacting on harmonica with top Brazilian musicians. Heard on numerous movie soundtracks (including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Midnight Cowboy) and also on the opening theme of television's Sesame Street, Thielemans received Jazz Master honors from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2009. He died in Belgium in August 2016 at the age of 94.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/toots-thielemans-mn0000159791/biography

Compact Jazz

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Toots Thielemans - European Quartet Live

Styles: Harmonica Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:24
Size: 130,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:27) 1. I Loves You, Porgy
(5:39) 2. Summertime
(6:58) 3. Começar de Novo
(5:47) 4. The Days of Wine and Roses
(3:16) 5. Circle of Smile (Theme From: Baantjer)
(3:07) 6. Round Midnight
(5:55) 7. Les Feuilles Mortes
(4:27) 8. Theme from Midnight Cowboy
(6:01) 9. On Green Dolphin Street
(3:55) 10. Ne Me Quitte Pas
(4:40) 11. Bluesette
(3:05) 12. For My Lady

Jean "Toots" Thielemans' musical education started early he had already started to play the accordion at the age of three. But it was his skill on the harmonica that brought him international fame, and it's that skill which is to the fore on European Quartet Live, featuring a set of well-known tunes taken from concerts in 2006, '07 and '08. It's the second Thielemans live album to be released in 2010 after The Live Takes, Volume 1 (In + Out Records), which was recorded in the '90s and with a different lineup of musicians, but it also includes versions of the first three tracks to be found on European Quartet Live. Thielemans was in his mid-80s when performing these concerts, but the precision and tone of his playing could well be that of a much younger musician. This is an album which has a comforting familiarity: a relaxed set that could have been recorded in a small club or even at a private party for friends, rather than in a series of concert halls. The European Quartet's other members give Thielemans sympathetic backing, the result, at least in part, of their long musical association. Drummer Hans van Oosterhout is particularly notable, providing subtle and inventive rhythms that are always interesting but never intrusive.

For the most part, these tunes are familiar, and the band's arrangements are mainstream beautifully played, but with no surprises. The songs are ideal for Thieleman's warm and romantic style, but his playing is especially suited to fellow-Belgian Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas," and Joseph Kosma and Jacques Prevert's Great American Songbook standard, "Les Feuilles Mortes," also known as "Autumn Leaves," in which the harmonicist closes with a bar or two of the French anthem, "La Marseillaise." The quartet's version of John Barry's theme to the film soundtrack of Midnight Cowboy (1969) on which Thielemans also played features a fine double-bass solo from Hein Van de Geyn, while on Thielemans' "Bluesette," the harmonicist adopts an accordion-like tone.

Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight" and George Gershwin's "Summertime" are also treated imaginatively by the quartet. "Summertime" gets an upbeat, swinging arrangement, its opening bearing more than a passing resemblance to Miles Davis' "All Blues," with both Thielemans and pianist Karel Boehlee delivering positive solos. Thielemans performs "Round Midnight" unaccompanied, and it's an inspired take on this classic tune, showcasing the harmonicist's continued ability to play with empathy and emotion. The venues at which European Quartet Live was recorded are not identified, but their audiences all give the band an enthusiastic welcome, as if they are greeting old friends. In return, Thielemans and his band mates deliver what the audiences expect: classic tunes, played with warmth and enthusiasm.~ Bruce Lindsay https://www.allaboutjazz.com/european-quartet-live-toots-thielemans-challenge-records-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Toots Thielemens: harmonica; Karel Boehlee: piano, synthesizer; Hein Van de Geyn: double-bass; Hans van Oosterhout: drums.

European Quartet Live

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Shirley Horn - Jazz 'Round Midnight

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:39
Size: 143,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:44)  1. A Time For Love
(4:39)  2. Someone To Light Up My Life
(3:40)  3. Beautiful Love
(4:45)  4. Fever
(4:24)  5. Loving You
(4:02)  6. How Long Has This Been Going On
(6:10)  7. Quietly There
(2:47)  8. Baby, Baby All The Time
(3:00)  9. You Don't Know Me
(4:40) 10. I Wanna Be Loved
(2:57) 11. Peel Me a Grape
(3:26) 12. How Am I To Know?
(3:21) 13. So I Love You
(7:57) 14. Meaning Of The Blues

Jazz 'Round Midnight is an enjoyable budget-priced sampler of 14 songs from Shirley Horn's stint at Verve. While this collection is hardly definitive, it is quite enjoyable, sporting an appealingly low-key, seductive atmosphere and several dynamite performances, including versions of "A Time for Love," "Fever," "Loving You," "How Long Has This Been Going On?," "I Wanna Be Loved," "So I Love You" and "The Meaning of the Blues."~Stephen Thomas Erlewine http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-round-midnight-shirley-horn-mw0000031881

Personnel: Shirley Horn (vocals, piano); Wynton Marsalis (vocals, trumpet); Johnny Mandel, Roy Hargrove, Toots Thielemans (vocals); Jim Walker (flute); George Mesterhazy (piano); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Steve Williams (drums); Alex Acuña (percussion).

Jazz 'Round Midnight

Friday, March 5, 2021

Dannie Richmond - 'In' Jazz for the Culture Set

Styles: Soul-Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:28
Size: 70,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:10) 1. High Camp
(2:14) 2. Sweet Little Sixteen
(3:05) 3. Freedom Ride
(3:56) 4. The Spider
(2:40) 5. Blowin' In The Wind
(4:24) 6. Pfoonick
(4:52) 7. The Berkeley Underground
(3:55) 8. Mister Nashville
(2:09) 9. John Kennedy Memory Waltz

As anyone who collects jazz records will very likely tell you, the rare ones are typically hard earned and usually accompanied by a story or two. Such is the case with the uncommon and definitely curious solo album that drummer Dannie Richmond cut for Impulse back in 1965. With shades of Any Warhol to be had via the Campbell’s soup cans on the cover, this oddity first caught my attention many years ago when shopping with one of my fellow collecting buddies. Housed in a five-car garage, a retired attorney by the name of Dan Link (that’s Mr. Jazz to those who knew him best, including drummer Kenny Washington) ran a record business that used to be a frequent stopping spot that always guaranteed pleasures and a quick fix. Foolishly I had passed by the album the first time out and even more rashly, described it to my buddy the next time out, who managed to find the proverbial needle in the haystack among thousands of boxes. Even several years later, I could not pry the album from his hands, despite the fact that my buddy claimed to not think much of it, playing it only one or two times.

Let’s now cut to the chase and lay out the details for one of the few albums the drummer ever recorded under his own name. The “in crowd” that Richmond assembles here includes pianist Jaki Byard and bassist Cecil McBee, with the guitars of Toots Thielemans and Jimmy Raney on various other cuts, not to mention some added Latin percussion on a trio of tracks. There’s definitely a quirky sound to these short cuts which owes as much to the tenor of the times as to the contributions of Byard, heard in rollicking stride fashion on of all things, Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind”. Jimmy Raney’s “Freedom Ride” is one of the best cuts, its propulsive groove firmly established by Richmond and also featuring one of the few drum solos to be found on the record. Also worth mentioning are two Gary McFarland gems, namely “High Camp” and “Pfoofnick.” And let’s not forget the country twang that comes with Thieleman’s “Mister Nashville,” the idea being that pretty much anything goes when it come to this “in” jazz for the culture set. In the end, nothing all that dramatic will be found between the covers, but it’s a definite treat to hear some overlooked solo work from Byard, not to mention Thielemans’ guitar picking which has largely been overshadowed by his individualistic ways with the harmonica. But then, there’s a ‘60s vibe to the entire package, Campbell’s soup cans and all, which continues to endear itself to me every once in awhile when I get the turntable spinning. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/dannie-richmond-in-jazz-for-the-culture-set-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Dannie Richmond – drums; Toots Thielemans – harmonica, guitar; Jaki Byard – piano; Jimmy Raney – guitar; Cecil McBee– bass; Willie Bobo, Victor Pantoja – percussion

'In'Jazz for the Culture Set

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Toots Thielemans - For My Lady

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:18
Size: 134,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:31) 1. For My Lady
(5:33) 2. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(4:15) 3. Blues In The Closet
(8:08) 4. Someone To Watch Over Me
(4:42) 5. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(4:59) 6. The More I See You
(4:02) 7. The Mooche
(4:41) 8. Close Your Eyes
(3:34) 9. Blue And Sentimental
(5:38) 10. Corcovado
(4:52) 11. Willow Weep For Me
(3:18) 12. Once In A While

The emphasis is on ballads for harmonica player Toots Thielemans' outing with the Shirley Horn Trio. Horn, in addition to contributing some tastefully supportive piano and occasional solos, takes a vocal on "Someone to Watch Over Me." Toots sounds quite relaxed performing 11 standards (only "Blues in the Closet" generates much heat) plus his original "For My Lady" with such comfortable backing. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/for-my-lady-mw0000269257

Personnel: Drums – Steve Williams (5); Electric Bass – Charles Ables; Harmonica, Guitar, Whistle – Toots Thielemans; Piano – Shirley Horn; Vocals – Shirley Horn (tracks: 4)

For My Lady

Friday, July 17, 2020

George Shearing Quintet - Latin Lace

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:50
Size: 72,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:31)  1. The Story Of Love
(2:45)  2. Serenata
(2:05)  3. Tu, Mi Delirio
(2:50)  4. Cali Mambo
(2:52)  5. Rondo
(2:45)  6. To The Ends Of The Earth
(2:42)  7. The Moon Was Yellow
(2:33)  8. Wonder Struck
(2:09)  9. Sand In My Shoes
(2:59) 10. Mambo Caribe
(1:51) 11. It's Not For Me To Say
(2:42) 12. Mambo #2

The second of pianist George Shearing's full-length Latin albums once again finds his quintet (with vibraphonist Emil Richards, guitarist Toots Thielemans, bassist Al McKibbon and drummer Percy Brice) being joined by the exciting congas of Armando Peraza. Most of the easy-listening melodies are from south of the border, but even the ones that aren't (such as "The Story of Love," "The Moon Was Yellow" and "It's Not for Me to Say") are given a Latinized treatment. This is nice (if rather safe) music but the LP is long out of print.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/latin-lace-mw0000891823

Personnel:  George Shearing – piano; Toots Thielemans – guitar; Al McKibbon – double bass; Armando Peraza – congas; Emil Richards – vibraphone; Percy Brice – drums; Dave Cavanaugh – producer

Latin Lace

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Christian McBride - Sci-Fi

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:45
Size: 165,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:49)  1. Aja
(6:20)  2. Uhuru's Moment Returned
(7:59)  3. Xerxes
(7:30)  4. Lullaby For A Ladybug
(6:52)  5. Science Fiction
(6:43)  6. Walking On The Moon
(7:13)  7. Havona
(6:11)  8. I Guess I'll Have To Forget
(6:44)  9. Butterfly Dreams
(8:05) 10. Via Mwandishi
(1:14) 11. The Sci-Fi Outro

Undeniably a great technician and one of the best jazz bassists of his generation, Christian McBride is so much in demand that he might safely be considered a Paul Chambers for the new millennium. But like many talented men who find themselves viable artists in the role of sidemen, McBride has been inconsistent in his efforts as the person in charge. Sci-Fi, his fourth set for Verve as a leader, is still meandering in spots but has a creative edge to it that finds McBride earning points in the resourcefulness category.The most captivating moments here come with McBride's reworking of such pop tunes as Steely Dan's "Aja" and Sting's "Walking on the Moon," the former taking pieces of the original form for its light swing and the latter possessing a brooding and languorous quality complete with James Carter's moody bass clarinet. A salute to bass masters Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke makes for more highlights, with Pastorius" "Havona" turning into a heady romp, while Clarke's beautiful waltz "Butterfly Dreams" comes on with an impressive bit of bowed work from McBride.Mixing electric and acoustic elements, guitarist David Gilmore figures prominently into the mix. The other special guests are far less integral to the success of the whole, yet Hancock tears it up on "Xerxes." McBride's own writing is not as strong as his arranging, yet the overall mood hangs together and the presentation is somewhat in the vein of a modern update on early '70s fusion (the track "Via Mwandishi" should give the astute reader a signpost in the general direction). So even though the theme may lead a bit on the side of kitsch, Sci-Fi packs a visceral punch that's worth a listen. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sci-fi-christian-mcbride-verve-music-group-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Christian McBride- electric and acoustic bass; keyboards; Ron Blake- tenor and soprano saxophone; James Carter- bass clarinet (tracks 6 & 10 only); Shedrick Mitchell- piano and Fender Rhodes; Herbie Hancock- piano (track 3 & 4 only); Dianne Reeves- vocals (track 4 only); Toots Thielemans- harmonica (track 8 only); David Gilmore- guitars (tracks 1,5,6,and 10); Rodney Green- drums

Sci-Fi

Monday, October 21, 2019

Philip Catherine - End Of August

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:02
Size: 88,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. Petit Nicolas
(5:09)  2. Grand Nicolas
(9:26)  3. Janet
(6:17)  4. September Start
(4:57)  5. Goodbye
(2:53)  6. Birth Of August
(3:14)  7. End Of August
(0:50)  8. Presque

An immensely gifted Belgian guitarist, Philip Catherine is a highly regarded performer known for his harmonically nuanced, deeply lyrical playing and crisply rounded fretboard touch. Born in London in 1942 to an English mother and Belgian father, Catherine moved to Brussels with his family at a young age. As a teenager, he became interested in the guitar, influenced at the time by French singer/songwriter and poet George Brassens. By age 14 he was taking lessons, and learning the basic elements of jazz improvisation when he discovered Django Reinhardt. He quickly absorbed the jazz legend's distinctive style, and eventually picked up other influences, including Belgian guitarist René Thomas. He also immersed himself in albums by such luminaries as Art Blakey, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, and others. Catherine began playing gigs while in his teens, working in a trio with American Hammond B-3 specialist Lou Bennett and drummer Oliver Jackson. There were also stints with Belgian saxophonist Jack Sels and Philadelphia-born/Brussels-based drummer Edgar Bateman. In 1970, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty asked him to join his band and, inspired by contemporaries like John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell, Catherine stayed with Ponty for a year, dedicating himself to the progressive fusion sound. Also during this period, he attended formal music classes at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

After returning to Belgium, Catherine found himself in high demand and developed a bevy of connections, including playing with Klaus Weiss, Les McCann, Karin Krog, Dexter Gordon, and others. As a solo artist, he made his debut with 1971's Stream, a funky, inventive mix of acoustic and electric jazz. He followed up in 1975 with Guitars and September Man, both also highly inventive, fusion-influenced albums. Sessions with Herb Geller, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and Charles Mingus followed, as did a duo tour with guitarist Coryell. Also during the '70s, he paired with close associate saxophonist Charlie Mariano for a handful of sessions, and rounded out the decade with his own Nairam, which also featured Mariano, along with trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg and others. During the '80s, Catherine's profile continued to rise as he released several more well-regarded efforts, including Babel, End of August, and Trio with guitarist Christian Escoude and violinist Didier Lockwood. There also were dates with Aldo Romano, Stéphane Grappelli, and Kenny Drew. Also in the '80s, he gained attention for his work with legendary West Coast trumpeter/vocalist Chet Baker, touring and appearing on such albums as 1983's Mr. B and 1985's Strollin'. Although his 1986 album, Transparence, layered keyboards into his atmospheric sound, his work with Baker pointed toward a more acoustic-leaning aesthetic. It was a sound he further embraced on 1990's I Remember You. 

Dedicated to Baker (who died in 1989), the album also featured trumpeter/flügelhornist Tom Harrell. Throughout the '90s, Catherine released a steady stream of albums for smaller jazz labels like Enja, Criss Cross, and Dreyfus, including albums like Moods, Vol. 1, Spanish Nights, and 1999's Guitar Groove. In 2001, he returned with Blue Prince, which found him balancing his love of acoustic jazz and electric fusion. Joining him were trumpeter Bert Joris, bassist Hein van de Geyn, and drummer Hans Van Oosterhout. Joris was also on board for 2002's Summer Night. The orchestral album Meeting Colours followed three years later. The more intimate Guitars Two appeared in 2008. He then joined bassist van de Geyn, pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, and drummer Joe La Barbera for the 2010 live album Concert in Capbreton. A year later, he delivered the trio date Plays Cole Porter, followed by 2013's warmly sophisticated Côté Jardin. The duo album New Folks with bassist Martin Wind followed a year later. He then joined the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie for 2015's The String Project: Live in Brussels. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/artist/philip-catherine-mn0000287463/biography

Featuring: Philip Catherine (guitar), Trilok Gurtu (percussions), Charlie Mariano (saxophone), Toots Thielemans (harmonica), Nicolas Fiszman (bass) & electric

End Of August

Monday, July 15, 2019

Earl Klugh - Midnight In San Juan

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:31
Size: 95,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:52)  1. Midnight in San Juan
(4:00)  2. Every Moment with You
(6:06)  3. Kissin' on the Beach
(4:33)  4. She Never Said Why
(4:41)  5. Mobimientos Del Alma (Rhythms of the Soul)
(3:44)  6. Jamaican Winds
(5:27)  7. Theme for a Rainy Day
(7:06)  8. Take You There

The majority of Earl Klugh's albums have been throwaways not because he's choosing pop-flavored jazz and jazzy instrumental pop over straight-ahead jazz, but because of their total lack of substance and musical integrity. One of his more listenable commercial efforts, Midnight in San Juan finds the guitarist placing an unusually heavy emphasis on Latin and Caribbean elements. The CD is decent more often than not, and listeners are reminded of the fact that commercial pop-jazz can be tasteful or not so tasteful. 

Some of the more worthwhile tunes include the Brazilian-flavored "Kissin' on the Beach," and the salsa-influenced "Mobimientos del Alma," the haunting "She Never Said Why" and the Joe Sample-ish title tune. Harmonica player Toots Thielemans has a melodic cameo on the pensive "Theme for a Rainy Day," and pianist Eliane Elias is in good form on the vibrant "Take You There." Meanwhile, Klugh tosses good taste to the wind on "Every Moment with You," a glaring example of the type of insipid, toothless schlock he so often stoops to playing. This is far from an essential purchase, but overall, it was certainly superior to most of his other commercial albums. ~ Alex Henderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/midnight-in-san-juan-mw0000674962

Personnel: Earl Klugh – guitar, keyboards; Toots Thielemans – harmonica; Ron Carter – bass; Chuck Loeb – guitar; Paul McGill – guitar; Jose Oribe – guitar; Oscar Hernández – bass; Lucio Hopper – bass; Abraham Laboriel, Sr. – bass; Eliane Elias – piano; Ruben Rodriquez – piano; Sammy Figueroa – percussion; Paulinho Da Costa – percussion; Ralph Irizarry – percussion; Barnaby Finch – keyboards; Ronnie Foster – keyboards; Mark Nilan – keyboards; Richard Tee – electric piano; Robby Ameen – drums; Harvey Mason Sr. – drums; Buddy Williams – drums

Midnight In San Juan

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Urbie Green - The Fox

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:44
Size: 89,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:15)  1. Another Star
(2:58)  2. Goodbye
(4:56)  3. Mertensia
(3:59)  4. You Don't Know What Love Is
(6:35)  5. Manteca
(7:26)  6. Foxglove Suite
(5:32)  7. Please Send Me Someone to Love

Smooth and silky jazz funk from trombonist Urbie Green a record that's much more in a mainstream R&B fusion mode than his earlier work yet also arranged by David Matthews in a soulful style that still keeps things pretty real on the best cuts! The group's a good one for the mellow groove of the material – and includes Mike Mainieri on keyboards, Eric Gale on guitar, Jeremy Steig on flute, and Toots Thielemans laying down a bit of harmonica all kicking back in classic 70s CTI styles. Titles include the nice modal groover "Mertensia", plus "Manteca", "Foxglove Suite", "Another Star", and "Goodbye".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/51056/Urbie-Green:Fox

Personnel:  Urbie Green - trombone; Joe Farrell - flute, soprano saxophone; Jeremy Steig - flute; Fred Gripper - electric piano; Barry Miles - piano, keyboards; Mike Abene - piano; Eric Gale - guitar; Anthony Jackson - electric bass; George Mraz - bass; Jimmy Madison, Andy Newmark - drums; Mike Mainieri - vibraphone; Toots Thielemans - harmonica, whistle; Sue Evans, Nicky Marrero - percussion; David Matthews - arranger, footsteps

The Fox

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Toots Thielemans - Giants Of Jazz

Styles: Harmonica Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:12
Size: 185,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:18)  1. Isn't It Romantic
(7:17)  2. East Of The Sun
(2:30)  3. Don't Blame Me
(2:47)  4. Scotch On The Rocks
(2:14)  5. Cocktails For Two
(2:26)  6. I Let Song Go Out Of My Heart
(3:01)  7. Sophisticated Lady
(4:39)  8. Don't Be That Way
(3:14)  9. Stars Fell On Alabama
(4:33) 10. Strutting With Some Barbecue
(4:30) 11. Imagination
(3:49) 12. 18th Century Ballroom
(7:05) 13. Soul Station
(4:56) 14. Fundamental Frequensy
(4:43) 15. On The Alamo
(4:33) 16. Diga Diga Doo
(2:03) 17. Skylark
(4:27) 18. Sonny Boy

Toots Thielemans virtually introduced the chromatic harmonica as a jazz instrument. In fact, beginning in the mid-'50s, he never had a close competitor. Thielemans simply played the harmonica with the dexterity of a saxophonist and even successfully traded off with the likes of Oscar Peterson. Thielemans' first instrument was the accordion, which he started when he was three. Although he started playing the harmonica when he was 17, Thielemans' original reputation was made as a guitarist who was influenced by Django Reinhardt. Very much open to bop, Thielemans played in American GI clubs in Europe, visited the U.S. for the first time in 1947, and shared the bandstand with Charlie Parker at the Paris Jazz Festival of 1949. He toured Europe as a guitarist with the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1950, and the following year moved to the U.S. During 1953-1959, Toots was a member of the George Shearing Quintet (mostly as a guitarist) and freelanced for the remainder of his lengthy career in music. He first recorded his big hit, "Bluesette" (which featured his expert whistling and guitar) in 1961, and was subsequently in great demand (particularly for his harmonica and his whistling) on pop records (including many dates with Quincy Jones) and as a jazz soloist. 

Toots' two-volume Brasil Project was popular in the 1990s and found him smoothly interacting on harmonica with top Brazilian musicians. Heard on numerous movie soundtracks (including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Midnight Cowboy) and also on the opening theme of television's Sesame Street, Thielemans received Jazz Master honors from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2009. He died in Belgium in August 2016 at the age of 94.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/toots-thielemans-mn0000159791/biography

Giants Of Jazz

Friday, June 29, 2018

Quincy Jones - Mellow Madness

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:11
Size: 101.2 MB
Styles: Jazz/Funk/Soul
Year: 1975
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. Is It Love That We're Missin'
[2:55] 2. Paranoid
[3:27] 3. Mellow Madness
[6:12] 4. Beautiful Black Girl
[4:16] 5. Listen (What It Is)
[3:28] 6. Just A Little Taste Of Me
[5:25] 7. My Cherie Amour
[3:02] 8. Tryin' To Find Out About You
[4:29] 9. Cry Baby
[7:00] 10. Bluesette

Backing Vocals – Carolyn Willis, Jesse Kirkland, Jim Gilstrap, Joe Greene, Leon Ware, Myrna Matthews, Paulette McWilliams, Quincy Jones, Tom Bahler; Bass – Louis Johnson; Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald; Drums – Harvey Mason; Featuring [Introducing] – Brothers Johnson, Paulette McWilliams; Guitar – George Johnson, Wah Wah Watson, Toots Thielemans; Keyboards – Dave Grusin, Don Grusin, Jerry Peters, Quincy Jones; Saxophone – Ernie Krivda, Jerome Richardson, Sahib Shihab; Trombone – Frank Rosolino, George Bohanon; Trumpet – Bill Lamb, Chuck Findley, Quincy Jones, Tom Bahler. Recorded at The Record Plant, Los Angeles, Westlake Audio, Los Angeles.

Released not long after Quincy Jones was operated upon for life-threatening brain aneurysms, the music community was glad to have this album around (you can almost sense Q's own relief as he holds his forehead on the cover). Basically, though, it continues the polished, percolating soul direction that Q initiated with Body Heat, alienating purists but entertaining R&B audiences that rushed to buy it. The album is given its commercial edge by two new Jones discoveries, George Johnson (guitar, vocals) and Louis Johnson (bass), who would leap to fame the following year on their own as the Brothers Johnson. One attraction for jazz listeners is Toots Thielemans' "Bluesette," in which the Belgian virtuoso does a nice guitar/whistle cameo and Frank Rosolino blows some fine trombone, but the track is not helped by the overdubbed soul voices. ~Richard S. Ginnell

Mellow Madness mc
Mellow Madness zippy

Monday, April 16, 2018

Various - Cafe Amsterdam: Latin Jazz Night

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:46
Size: 159.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[3:15] 1. Cris Monen Jazz & Blues Band - One Note Samba
[3:02] 2. Ricardo Insunza - Favela
[2:46] 3. Ronald Douglas - I Concentrate On You
[5:39] 4. Perfume De Salsa - Dame Un Traguito
[4:36] 5. Ingram Washington - Witchcraft
[3:50] 6. Joop Thonhäuser - Manha De Carnaval
[4:08] 7. Hot Club De Frank - Melodie Au Crepusule
[3:09] 8. Toots Thielemans - Flow
[2:56] 9. Sue Moreno - I Remember You
[2:38] 10. Sebastian Lightfoot - Soul Bossa Nova
[5:24] 11. Jazz Connection - Pau The Arara
[2:34] 12. Dirk Jan Vennik - Funky Wine
[3:48] 13. Deborah J. Carter - Sabado
[5:48] 14. Ratko Zjaca - Soul House
[3:47] 15. Alice In Dixieland - Bed & Breakfast In B
[5:25] 16. Benjamin Herman - All The Things
[2:44] 17. Ricardo Insunza - Saudade Fez Um Samba
[4:07] 18. Marjorie Barnes - No More Blues

The legendary Jelly Roll Morton was noted for saying that Jazz had to contain “The Spanish Tinge,” indicated that Afro-Latin elements have been in Jazz from the music’s inception.

As the century progressed, however, we started to see a more overt fusion of Jazz with Afro-Cuban musical traditions, especially with BeBop innovators like Dizzy Gillespie. By today, we have a distinct style of music, called Latin Jazz, that we consider a crucial and influential vein in this musical tradition.

Cafe Amsterdam: Latin Jazz Night mc
Cafe Amsterdam: Latin Jazz Night zippy