Shakatak - Invitations (Expanded)

Size: 150,6 MB
Time: 64:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1982/2017
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Jazz Funk
Art: Front

01. Invitations (Extended Mix) (6:05)
02. Lose Myself (5:18)
03. Lonely Afternoon (4:34)
04. Steppin' Out (4:44)
05. Stranger (5:23)
06. Usual Situation (5:03)
07. Sol Fuego (4:36)
08. In Shadows (2:02)
09. Invitations (Radio Mix) (3:36)
10. Stranger (Edited Version) (4:39)
11. Lose Myself (Remix) (5:04)
12. Invitations (Disco Mix) (4:16)
13. Lonely Afternoon (Remix) (4:29)
14. Invitations (Radio Remix) (4:49)

British jazz-funk combo Shakatak formed in London in 1980. Originally comprising keyboardists Bill Sharpe and Nigel Wright, guitarist Keith Winter, bassist Steve Underwood, and drummer Roger Odell, the group quickly scored an underground hit with its debut single "Steppin'," cracking the British Top 50 the following year with the singles "Livin' in the UK" and "Brazilian Dawn." Their debut LP, Drivin' Hard, was also well-received, and with the 1982 follow-up Nightbirds, Shakatak (which replaced Underwood with bassist George Anderson) scored their first Top 20 hit in "Easier Said Than Done"; the disc's title track also rocketed into the Top Ten.

Nightbirds also introduced singer Jill Saward, who emerged as Shakatak's lead vocalist with the band's fifth album, 1984's Down on the Street, which notched the hit "Watching You"; 1985's Live preceded the release of the group's next studio effort, Day by Day. A series of largely instrumental albums including Into the Blue, Golden Wings, Da Makani, and Niteflite were then issued exclusively in Japan, where Shakatak enjoyed immense popularity; in the meanwhile, 1988's Manic and Cool was released internationally, highlighted by the singles "Mr. Manic and Sister Cool" and "Something Special." After 1992's Open Your Eyes topped Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, the band supported 1993's Street Level with a tour of South Africa, while the following year's Full Circle expanded into hip-hop beats. In 1997, Shakatak -- by then consisting of Sharpe, Odell, Saward, and Anderson -- resurfaced with Let the Piano Play, followed by both Let the Music Play and Magic in 1999, and Under Your Spell in 2002.

Invitations

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Danish Radio Big Band, The - Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band

Size: 119,9 MB
Time: 51:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Rock
Art: Front

01. Elvin Suite Pt. 1 (9:16)
02. Elvin Suite Pt. 2 (5:53)
03. (Satis) Faction (6:10)
04. I Should Care (8:00)
05. You Can't Always Get What You Want (7:10)
06. Paint It Black (7:43)
07. Molasses (7:36)

A film director once said that you can't make a great film with a weak script. The same goes for bands of any kind be it jazz or rock or any kind. You can't have a great band without a great drummer. A band can get by with an average bassist or guitarist, but not with an average drummer. It's the heartbeat of any band. One of the things that has made the band Rolling Stones what they are is drummer Charlie Watts and his exceptional and unusual drumming skills. For more than 50 years, Watts has been the propulsive engine that has driven this juggernaut. Few other drummers were as integral to the development of rock and roll music by creating rollicking grooves that were executed with an unhurried elan. Watts is a player you can listen to for his sound alone as he balances the smooth and the jagged with great ease. Contemporary musicians don't come much more graceful in sound or execution than that.

Apart from his long stint as the drummer of one of the most successful and certainly the longest running rock and roll band in the world, it's not a secret Watts's true love has always been jazz and that he has always had a deep appreciation and admiration for this music which hasn't been that much exploited by the press. During the '50s and '60s, Watts fell in love with jazz music through 78 rpm vinyls and the music of musicians like saxophonists Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Gerry Mulligan, trumpeter Miles Davis, to name but a few as well as the drummers they employed. Since then, he has been a passionate jazz aficionado whose knowledge about this music sits between the reverential and encyclopedic. During his sojourn with a marketing agency, he even penned an illustrated book about Charlie Parker as a tribute to him and has been collecting old drum sets used by drumming legends. During the day he would work at the agency and during the night he would play local gigs. And as many of his generation, he has learnt his trade both by listening to record and by observing jazz drummers in the London's London's jazz circles.

As a result, his drumming style has always been unorthodox and original. When he joined the Rolling Stones he used his jazz chops in order to invent his style of playing rock and blues rock that the Stones became known for and is the reason why he is so revered these days. When the Stones played in New York for the first time during their first American tour, he went to Birdland to see performances by his bassist Charles Mingus and saxophonist Sonny Rollins, and the latter would play years later with the Stones on a song named "Waiting on a Friend."

So it wasn't until the '80s and the '90s that Watts began fronting his own jazz bands whenever the demanding tours and work with the Stones would let him. Since then he has formed a number of jazz, boogie-woogie and big band outfits, including Rocket 88, the Charlie Watts Quintet and the Charlie Watts Tentet. Probably that is best portrayed in the thriller movie "Blue Ice" with actor Michael Caine playing a jazz club owner and Watts' band was the house jazz combo that brilliantly rocked the house. Charlie Watts meets the Danish Radio Big Band was instigated in 2009 by English trumpeter Gerard Presencer, who is also a member of the band. The Band had four days of rehearsals and then had a performance at the then newly opened Danish Radio Concert Hall in Copenhagen. All but two of the pieces here are rewrites of earlier, previously recorded selections either with the Rolling Stones or a selection of suits from his duet record with another drumming legend Jim Keltner. But to make a big band work has really very little to do with "star power" and has really everything to do with hard work. If it is played too conservative then everything will sound predictable and everyone will get bored. For a start, this record doesn't break any new ground. The emphasis is more on moods, harmonies and at moments the arrangements do nod at Gil Evans' or Mingus' styled approaches.

The date opens with two parts of "Elvin Suites" which as an original tune from the project with Kelter is a single composition. The original is an African styled piece with African harmonic voices meshed with piano flashes and cymbals. All of that is beautifully arranged here with dry hissing of Watts' brushes that drives the first part. It is indeed difficult to discern between what's arranged and what is spontaneous. The band's rapport is impressive and everything it plays sounds right. The second part emphasizes the drums and there are polyrhythmic runs that drive this piece with saxophonist Uffe Markussen taking the lead and soon the band steps on the gas and ups the game loud.

The Rolling Stones classics are beautifully rearranged and reharmonized. Nothing in these arrangements would hint at the original songs but a solo instrument would take a lead and directly reference the original melody. Even though named as "Faction" as soon as one hears the melody on the flugelhorn it becomes clear that this is "Satisfaction." Watt's subtle and non-flashy rhythm playing is utterly flawless and galvanizes the band. The same goes for the other two Stones classics "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Paint it Black." By no means is this a tribute of faithful recreations of these songs. The arranger shows a daring flair for reimagining these songs. Each of them is rethought and remodeled in order to come out with a vibrant new music. With its imaginative blend of melodies and grooves and colorful textures and timbres, these songs are a launchpad for the big band and its soloists to shine.

"I Should Care" is one of the hidden gems in this collection. There is a certain easiness and flow in this composition, but no blandness at all. The various soloists are stimulating and attentive conversationalists, always listening and often picking up on each other's quips. The album closes on a high note with a beautiful stomp "Molasses." Everything here is filled with movement. It's rich and sticky in rhythm and harmony and is exciting and boiling with energy.

This project feels good in the body and soul. The collaborative energy of this band is exhilarating and a joy to listen. More of this, please. ~by Nenad Georgievski

Personnel: Charlie Watts: drums; Per Gade: guitar,Anders Gustafsson: trumpet; Vincent Nilsson: trombone; David Green: acoustic bass; Peter Jensen: trombone; Steen Rasmussen: fender rhodes, piano; Uffe Markussen: tenor sax; Gerard Presencer: flugelhorn; Lars Møller: tenor sax; Steen Nikolaj Hansen: trombone; Nicolai Schultz: flute

Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band

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Megan Lee - Meet Me

Size: 72,2 MB
Time: 30:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Medicine Man (4:14)
02. All These Men (2:40)
03. Why Don't You Do Right (2:28)
04. Meet Me (3:55)
05. You Took Your Time (3:45)
06. Up All Night (4:11)
07. Since You've Been Gone (2:42)
08. Brown Eyes Blue (2:47)
09. At Last (3:50)

Megan Lee is an acclaimed and much loved singer, known throughout Cheshire and the North West as a skilled, versatile interpreter of songs by artists ranging from Peggy Lee and Etta James to Adele.
Now she is set to release her debut album and forge a new exciting path in her evolving career.

For the making of this she has collaborated with noted producer/multi-instrumentalist Nigel Stonier (who has worked with Clare Teal, Thea Gilmore, and The Waterboys among many others) and Duncan Thompson (of Sandi Thom collaboration fame) to create an exciting body of original material which embraces all the Jazz stylings Megan is known and loved for, while throwing in some contemporary pop shapes for good measure.

The 9 track album ranges from moody to sultry to punch-the-air uplifting.

Megan's ever engaging, airy, light soprano imbues all the songs with her unique stamp, soaring, swooping and taking you on a journey of many emotions.
"Meet Me" is set to establish Megan Lee as not just a singer, but also a songwriter, to be reckoned with.
As well as Stonier's contributions, the album features legendary drummer Paul Burgess (who plays with 10cc, Elkie Brooks, and Joan Armatrading)

Meet Me

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The Jelly Roll Jazz Band - Indoors At Last

Size: 86,0 MB
Time: 36:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. I Wan'na Be Like You (4:21)
02. Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home (3:53)
03. Sweet Sue, Just You (3:43)
04. My Sweetie Went Away (4:19)
05. After You've Gone (3:22)
06. Under The Sea (2:21)
07. Hiding Under The Bubble Wrap With You (3:23)
08. Les Oignons (2:22)
09. Sweet Georgia Brown (4:12)
10. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (4:33)

The Jelly Roll Jazz Band was originally formed in 2010 by Laurence Marshall, and first performed as a quartet of clarinet, tenor saxophone, banjo and tuba. According to Laurence,

Since those early days the band has developed considerably, and today it usually takes the form of a trio, with clarinet, banjo (or guitar) and double bass (or sousaphone). The band draws its musicians from a pool of around seven regular members depending on who is available, and this fluidity creates a constant stream of fresh inspiration and ideas.

One of the band’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Much of the music is improvised around a core melody and chord progression, and therefore it is very easy to change or add instruments depending on the occasion and which players are free.

The musicians all originate from Scarborough, and the band still performs regularly in this area. However many of the members now live further afield, and they are available for bookings across the country. Recent performances have taken them as far afield as London, Darlington and Warwick.

Repertoire and Influences:
The style of music they play is traditional (‘Dixieland’) jazz, and they have a repertoire of around 100 songs so are able to play for hours without repeating themselves. Furthermore, they are capable of playing for hours without repeating themselves. They cover a range of standards from the 1900s to the 1930s, including such favourites as ‘Down By the Riverside’, ‘When the Saints’ and ‘The Sheik of Araby’. Their repertoire also features more recent hits like ‘The Bare Necessities’ and ‘Moon River’, and they have even branched out into ‘90s pop with versions of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘…Baby One More Time’. Always keen to broaden their horizons, the band have recently begun writing original material, and they are currently working on a trad. jazz version of Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’.

Their influences include jazz greats such as Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton and Chris Barber. The eccentric humour of The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band plays a big part in their performance style as well, often lending a slightly surreal edge to proceedings.

Indoors At Last

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The Drawtones - Down The Line (Feat. Derek Nash)

Size: 105,9 MB
Time: 45:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Funk, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Charlie Chan (3:33)
02. Little Sunflower (5:45)
03. Down The Line (3:57)
04. Return Of The Nightfly (3:58)
05. Tobacco Road (4:09)
06. Lonely Days (5:01)
07. One Hundred Ways (5:04)
08. The Sermon (3:36)
09. Comin' Home Baby (4:50)
10. Voodoo Rex (5:09)

Personnel:
Rod Pooley - Hammond Organ
Derek Nash - Saxophone
Andy Williams - Guitar
Simon Brewin - Bass
Jessica Dann - Drums

"Down the Line" The Drawtones debut album featuring special guest Jools Holland saxophonist Derek Nash, who also recorded and produced the album superbly at his Bexley, London studio.
10 fabulous tracks, 4 Originals and 6 great jazz and funk organ classics.

Down The Line

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Beverley Beirne - Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun

Size: 104,5 MB
Time: 44:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Come On Feel The Noise (3:26)
02. Prince Charming (2:39)
03. Bette Davis Eyes (4:09)
04. Ghost Town (3:26)
05. Deeply Dippy (3:10)
06. When Smokey Sings (6:57)
07. Cruel Summer (3:02)
08. Pop Muzik (4:48)
09. Too Shy (2:35)
10. Hot In The City (2:55)
11. Waiting For A Man Like You (4:53)
12. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (2:27)

Beverley Beirne is an experienced and respected voice on the UK jazz scene. She is a self-confessed lover of experimentation and has always been drawn to reinterpreting songs from other genres. Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun is the culmination of her interests and abilities, with its confident reimagining of cult classics. The record rollicks, lilts and swings 12 pop songs into jazz territory. The choices may appear daring at first sight, with tracks ranging from Cindy Lauper to Adam & The Ants, but Beverly’s intelligent composition and bravado carries these songs effortlessly. Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun has been co-composed by Sam Watts and features bassist Flo Moore, percussionist Ben Brown, saxophonist and flautist Rob Hughes with guitarists Romero Lubambo and Dean Brown. This energetic group gives the album real depth and sophistication.

This album may be fun-centric but it takes its work seriously, with ingenious instrumentation and composition. Each track brings obvious inventiveness and thoughtfulness. The opening track, Come on Feel the Noize, bridges the gap between pop and jazz beautifully, with classic jazz techniques giving the well-known lyrics a new depth of meaning. Similarly, Beverley’s version of Bette Davis Eyes is an example of this album’s potential. Bette Davis Eyes includes an exceptional saxophone solo by Rob Hughes, restructuring the song and adding new textural layers. Bassist Flo Moore shines throughout Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun, her driving rhythms and tight pizzicato giving these pop tunes integrity in their new found genre. Too Shy is another ambitious composition, with Beverly effortlessly mastering the fast paced tempo. The effect of these interpretations on the song’s lyrics is worth noting. The change of tempo and tone sheds a different light to well-known but often skimmed over lyrics. For example, in Deeply Dippy, as Beverly sings, ‘deeply mad, mad for the fun we had’, this phrase is given a refreshed sensuality and soul which was never there in the original by Right Said Fred.

Beverley Beirne’s honeyed voice appears powerful and impeccably crafted throughout Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun. Her skilful use of scat, such as in Ghost Town, complements the compositions well. Hers is a classic jazz voice, richest in her lower range. Her stylistic capabilities are well flaunted through the record. While her technical abilities are evident, it is her manner which gives Beirne’s voice real strength in this record – she sings with passion and vitality.

Each track on Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun is impeccably mastered, fresh and bursting with energy. Pop Muzik with its swinging melody, scat and excellent saxophone solos, is a highlight on the record. The paraphrased title track, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, does the original justice – bringing real groove to this sing-along classic. The album holds together well as a whole, telling the story of this musically diverse decade in history. High-quality production and an exceptionally talented band make Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun a great listen.

Beverley’s zeal is obvious in this new project. She set out to create something original and fun, goals obviously accomplished in Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun. The perfect balance of boisterous and restrained, this record hits the ground running. Whether you’re an '80s pop tragic, a jazz die-hard or a bit of both, this record is unmissable. ~Brianna McClean

Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun

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Sarah Eyden & Denis King - Love Is In The Room

Size: 101,7 MB
Time: 43:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Here And Now (2:25)
02. The Joke's On Me (2:36)
03. By The Way (2:57)
04. That's The Crazy Part (3:14)
05. Who Would Have Dreamed (3:19)
06. Something You Learn To Live With (2:58)
07. Love Is In The Room (3:25)
08. I'm Nobody's April Fool (2:25)
09. How About (3:17)
10. Never Feel The Same Again (3:26)
11. The World Was Changed This Morning (3:43)
12. The Lady's Still Around (3:08)
13. Two Of A Kind (3:04)
14. Love Is In The Room (French Version) (3:19)

Denis King & Sarah Eyden have come together to create a brand new project ‘Love Is In The Room’. It is a collection of original songs taken from an archive of material written by Denis from his bottom drawer and the world of Television and Theatre.

Denis King:
Denis’ musical career began aged 6 as a banjolele-playing singer at children’s matinees and at 13, with his two older brothers, he had formed one of the most successful pop groups of the 50s and 60s, THE KING BROTHERS – Britain’s first ever Boy Band and the youngest Variety act ever to play the London Palladium.

His career has encompassed every aspect of show business - singing, performing, producing and composing and the artists he has worked alongside read like a who’s who of British and American stage and screen: Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Howard Keel, Sammy Cahn, Albert Finney, Dame Edna Everage, Maureen Lipman, Elaine Stritch, Julia McKenzie, Dudley Moore, Jimi Hendrix, Ronnie Corbett, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland - many of whom feature in his popular memoir Key Changes.

He studied orchestration at the Guildhall School of Music in London, got his break in television writing the theme for THE ADVENTURES OF BLACK BEAUTY, (Ivor Novello Award) and to date has composed the music for over 200 television series.

He has collaborated with theatre legends – Alan Ayckbourn among them – to co-write over 25 stage musicals including PRIVATES ON PARADE (Ivor Novello Award for Best Musical), WORZEL GUMMIDGE, A SAINT SHE AIN’T and the musical version of STEPPING OUT, all for the West End.

Of working with Sarah Eyden he says: “I am so enjoying collaborating with the fantastic Sarah Eyden. Her instinctive musicality coupled with her amazing vocal range makes working together even more a joy. And she swings! (In the nicest possible way.) Can it be better for a composer?”

Sarah Eyden:
Sarah is a well-known concert and recording artist who has sung on over 200 Hollywood movie soundtracks including LORD OF THE RINGS, SHREK II and most recently JURASSIC WORLD which is set to be this summer’s Blockbuster! As a former member of the internationally renowned a cappella group THE SWINGLE SINGERS, she performed at Carnegie Hall, New York, La Scala, Milan and countless halls and theatres worldwide with some of the world’s greatest Orchestras and Conductors.

She has performed music by Steve Reich, John Adams and Luciano Berio at some of the world’s most prestigious venues including The Barbican, Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Royal Festival Hall and The Royal Albert Hall, Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, The Lincoln Centre, The Brooklyn Opera House, New York and Carnegie Hall.
Of working with Denis King she says: “I am thrilled to be working with the composer Denis King. He is steeped in the world of jazz and theatre, and has a knack of creating such wonderful timeless melodies that would work in any setting. And the fact he is a singer and understands how it feels to sing them, makes the whole process so relaxing and enjoyable. We have had a great time working out new ways to present his work and he generously gave me huge amounts of input. He’s also one of the funniest men I know!”

Love Is In The Room

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Jane McDonald - Live At The London Palladium

Size: 175,6 MB
Time: 75:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Pop Rock
Art: Front

01. The Hand That Leads Me (2:58)
02. It's Getting Better (3:16)
03. Give Me Time (3:18)
04. Burt Bacharach Medley (Walk On By - Do You Know The Way To San Jose - Say A Little Prayer - There's Always Something There To Remind Me) (9:15)
05. Even Now (4:24)
06. You Don't Know Me (4:31)
07. Help Me Make It Through The Night (4:16)
08. One Night Only (4:14)
09. And I Am Telling You (4:04)
10. Doctor's Orders (2:57)
11. O Mio Babbino Caro (2:37)
12. There's Not A Day Goes By (5:07)
13. Maybe This Time (3:29)
14. Motown Northern Soul Medley (Out On The Floor - Love Machine - Love Is Like A Heatwave) (6:30)
15. You're My World (3:39)
16. One Voice (3:21)
17. Disco Medley (Disco Inferno Burn Baby Burn - Giving Up Giving In - Voulez Vous - Dance Yourself Dizzy) (7:35)

Recorded live at the world famous London Palladium during her sell-out national concert tour, this sensational release (both on DVD and CD/DVD) proves once again why Jane McDonald is regarded as one of Britain's most popular and best loved entertainers. With her powerhouse vocals, amusing anecdotes and infectious, self-deprecating humour Jane, together with her fabulous 15 piece orchestra and backing singers, takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotion, bringing laughter and tears from an adoring and packed London Palladium audience, including Jane's specially invited celebrity friends.
A combination of her own compositions and covers of some of the most popular songs over the last few decades, from Burt Bacharach to ABBA, Ray Charles to Motown, huge ballads to funky disco, Live At the London Palladium provides first class entertainment. An inspired choice of songs and wonderful musical arrangements gives Jane the perfect platform to show just how talented and versatile she is.

Live At The London Palladium

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Jane McDonald - Jane

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 52:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Pop
Art: Front

01. Doctor's Orders (2:43)
02. Time For Love (4:19)
03. Song For You (3:25)
04. Mas Que Nada (2:43)
05. If I Knew Then (4:19)
06. How Do You Keep The Music Playing (4:50)
07. Sweet Talker (3:17)
08. If You Love Me (2:58)
09. Nine Times Out Of Ten (3:56)
10. Even Now (4:04)
11. You Do It All For Me (3:33)
12. The Hungry Years (4:05)
13. Not A Day Goes By (4:45)
14. One Voice (3:20)

Having been propelled to fame by a now long-forgotten TV reality show, The Cruise, Jane McDonald was in danger of being swallowed up by a plethora of new young singers, fresh out of talent shows. She had always been slightly different than these bright new young things, however, as her style was more akin to a cabaret lounge, or indeed a cruise ship, than a polished TV studio. And her choice of songs had always been paramount -- as definitely shown to be the case on her seventh album, Jane, released in the autumn of 2008. There was a maturity that had been lacking on several of her previous albums and indeed, McDonald's voice had improved from her early days in the recording studio at the beginning of the century. Five of the 14 songs were not even cover versions, but co-written by McDonald and Lisa Harman. The album opened with a very faithful reproduction of the Sunny Leslie hit from 1974, "Doctor's Orders," even including the phone call in the middle of the song, and continued with two slow piano-led jazzy ballads, "Time for Love" and "Song for You." What may have seemed a strange choice, the Brazilian samba rhythmic "Mas Que Nada," worked very well, and then the songs varied from uptempo 1960s-style numbers "Nine Times Out of Ten" and "Sweet Talker" to ballads "How Do You Keep the Music Playing" and "Not a Day Goes By." There were a couple of Barry Manilow covers, "Even Now" and "One Voice," and one of the highlights of the album was her version of Neil Sedaka's "The Hungry Years." One of Jane McDonald's better albums. ~by Sharon Mawer

Jane

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Simon Mulligan - American Songbook

Size: 143,9 MB
Time: 61:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (2:43)
02. All Of Me (2:41)
03. Georgia On My Mind (5:06)
04. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (4:20)
05. Misty (5:40)
06. Lazy River (3:43)
07. Desafinado (5:53)
08. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (3:10)
09. Two Sleepy People (2:42)
10. Stardust (6:32)
11. It Had To Be You (2:27)
12. I Should Care (6:41)
13. As Time Goes By (4:20)
14. One For My Baby (5:29)

British pianist Simon Mulligan has been described by The Times of London as ‘the most abundantly gifted of pianists’, by Yehudi Menuhin as ‘one of the finest pianists I have ever had the pleasure of performing with’ and by Herbie Hancock as ‘phenomenal’. Following his début with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon has performed and recorded with the BBC Symphony, Detroit Symphony (under Slatkin), English Symphony Orchestra (Boughton), Warsaw Sinfonia (Menuhin), Hong Kong Philharmonic (Atherton), Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Royal National Scottish Orchestra (Serebrier) to name a few.

Simon made his first compact disc under the direction of Yehudi Menuhin, which led to a seven-year collaboration and friendship, culminating in what was to be Lord Menuhin's final concert in Düsseldorf. Since then, recording highlights include Piano for Sony Classical, featuring his own arrangements, compositions, and adaptations for piano and orchestra. Simon has also made compact discs for Universal, Decca, Nimbus and Naxos. His recording The Piano Music of Alexis Weissenberg for Nimbus, includes spontaneous improvisations recorded in the presence of the composer.

As a chamber musician, Simon collaborates with many notable artists. Simon was just nineteen when he began worldwide tours with ‘cellist Lynn Harrell. He soon began recital tours with violinist Joshua Bell, performing at every major international venue as well as a live broadcasts for Lincoln Center and the Grammy Awards. Simon has performed for President Barack Obama, Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, and has collaborated with Dame Shirley Bassey, Branford Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Van Morrison, and Sting.

Alongside an extensive solo repertoire and almost sixty concertos, Simon’s focus on contemporary music has led to first performances of works by Hans Werner Henze, James MacMillan, Paul Moravec, Tobias Picker, Mark Anthony Turnage and Alexis Weissenberg. Simon’s passion for improvisation has featured in numerous publications including Downbeat, JazzTimes, International Pianist, and Gramophone. He enjoyed a close friendship with film composer Michael Kamen, and is soloist on Kamen’s album The New Moon in the Old Moon’s Arms (for Decca), with the BBC Symphony conducted by Leonard Slatkin. He also collaborated with Kamen and is featured on the soundtrack to the HBO television series Band of Brothers, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. As a jazz pianist, he gives concerts with his London quartet and New York trio.

Last season saw a Beethoven album release on Arkiv, performances at Colombia’s Mozart Festival and concerto appearances with Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Simon is a Steinway Artist and has recorded over forty hours of music for the Steinway Spirio, a new high-resolution playback piano.

A Music Scholar of St Paul’s School in London, Simon began his studies with Andrew Pledge, before winning a scholarship to study with Alexander Kelly at the Royal Academy of Music and Jacques Rouvier in Paris. He also studied Beethoven at the personal invitation of Alfred Brendel. Simon won a further scholarship to the International Piano Academy at Italy’s Lake Como where he began his studies under Alexis Weissenberg. Simon is one of the youngest recipients to be awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music for his musical achievements. He additionally counts among his mentors Charles Rosen and Murray Perahia.

American Songbook

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Peter Horsfall - Nighthawks

Size: 100,3 MB
Time: 38:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Nighthawks (4:27)
02. Then I Saw You (3:29)
03. Interlude, Pt. 1 (1:45)
04. Secretly (5:24)
05. Paradise (5:13)
06. Interlude, Pt. 2 (1:01)
07. Sunset And The Mockingbird (4:56)
08. Couldn't Stop Lovin' You (5:11)
09. Interlude, Pt. 3 (0:49)
10. This Is Goodbye (5:55)

The amazingly bittersweet voice of Peter Horsfall is front and centre in this tingling and focused collection of late night laments and atmosphere.

Horsfall is part of the swinging Kansas Smittys collective, lurking in their Hackney basement bar and emerging to present modern day takes on the swinging styles of vintage jazz. On their two CDs so far Horsfall has mainly featured as an accomplished trumpet soloist with occasional forays into song which revealed his voice to be spookily smooth, high and handsome. For this collection he chooses to set his horn aside completely and perform a set of mostly original songs with an unmistakeably small-hours vibe – Horsfall explicitly refers to Edward Hopper’s famous painting Nighthawks as an inspiration.

The opening title track Nighthawks starts with Horsfall’s voice an immediate and commanding presence – straight in and strong. We are immediately enfolded in a film noir aesthetic which carries through the 10 tracks, sparse backings and plaintive alto saxophone from Giacomo Smith. The band are all Kansas Smittys regulars who instantly gel with the vibe – Joe Webb gives sensitive support on piano and steps forward for solos on tracks like Then I Saw You where he takes a double-time bouncing feel to add variety.

Horsfall’s original songs which form the heart of the album all show a great appreciation for the nuances and harmonies of classic jazz. Similarly to Kansas Smittys, he manages to produce original work which is both highly compelling in itself as well as clearly drawing on, but not merely copying, the jazz traditions. Secretly moves around with confident modulations, while Couldn’t Stop Lovin’ You has controlled blues swagger, emphasised by the appearance of female backing vocals and taut 6/8 drumming from Pedro Segundo.

The album features two non-original tracks: piano legend Barry Harris’ Paradise provides delicious fodder for Horsfall and the band, while Duke Ellington’s Sunset & The Mockingbird is presented with a new lyric. That these tunes sit so easily within the overall album is a great tribute to Horsfall’s compositional skills. The closing track, fittingly entitled This Is Goodbye, makes room for a welcome double bass solo from Ferg Ireland. The album provides variety in three instrumental interludes, where the rhythm section trio gently introduce a new line or riff which floats past for a moment before the next song starts.

The revelation in this collection, though, is Horsfall’s voice and song writing. For this young man to produce and carry this stream of desolation, regret and contemplation is remarkable. He surely has a career as a singer with a wide appeal if he wishes to pursue it. Move over Curtis Stigers? ~by Mark McKergow

Nighthawks

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Rachel Tucker - On The Road

Size: 161,6 MB
Time: 68:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals, West End
Art: Front

01. Miss. Otis Regrets (She's Unable To Lunch Today) (2:38)
02. The Candy Man (3:20)
03. Waving Through A Window (4:00)
04. When She Loved Me (2:57)
05. Where Is Love (3:34)
06. Another Life (4:56)
07. You Matter To Me (4:00)
08. I Can't Make You Love Me (4:15)
09. The Man That Got Away (4:52)
10. She Moved Through The Fair (3:22)
11. Hand In Hand (3:16)
12. I'm Falling (3:34)
13. I Can Cook Too (2:42)
14. That's Life (3:33)
15. She Used To Be Mine (4:19)
16. No Good Deed (4:05)
17. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (4:53)
18. Castle On The Hill (4:33)

With phenomenal West End and Broadway credits, Rachel Tucker is a star most commonly known for her tremendous performance as Elphaba both in London and New York. Teaming up with Kris Rawlinson from Parallel Productions, Rachel has taken her new album On The Road on tour.

Only popping up as a live music venue in the last few months, Pizza Express Live in Brindley Place is a fantastic space where you can enjoy food, drink and incredible music. Upstairs a large room is set up with a stage surrounded by tables, where you are encouraged to have a bite to eat before the show begins and enjoy a few drinks whilst basking in all the musical theatre glory Rachel Tucker has to offer.

Rachel herself not only has a sensational voice but a phenomenal stage presence. She brings character and charisma to the stage as she talks about her life and her experience in the musical theatre industry.

Highlights included Rachel’s beautiful performance of Dear Evan Hansen’s Waving Through A Window, Disney’s When She Loved Me, and a jazzed up performance of Oliver’s Where Is Love. Rachel took us right back to her childhood, recalling her childhood memories of singing with her dad at the age of just nine.

Interacting with the audience members, Rachel really knows how to work the crowd and consuming every person in the room. Alongside some Broadway and West End classics, Rachel delved into some older and more unknown numbers that were refreshing to hear. I was particularly impressed with her performance of If You Ever See Me Talking To a Sailor from The Last Ship which made me keen to listen to the rest of the numbers from the production. ~Amy

Showcasing her outstanding versatility, Rachel impressed with the breadth of her material. With slow emotional ballads such as Waitress’ She Used To Be Mine, to an amazing rendition of Tina Turner classics – I wondered, is there anything she can’t do? She throws herself into each number with every inch of her body, whether it is rolling her jumpsuit up to whack out her Tina Turner moves or really immersing herself in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago’s Roxie, Rachel pulls out all of the stops and it’s obvious she doesn’t need the huge production values of a musical to entirely become a character.

Finishing of course with the iconic Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked, Rachel Tucker gave her absolute all to this production. Her stellar vocals are strong, and whilst other ex-Elphabas tend to stick to a more stripped back version of the song, Rachel stuck to her powerful rendition of the song.

With an encore of Ed Sheeran’s Castle on a Hill, she had everybody up singing and dancing. It truly was a night to remember. With it being the last night on the UK tour, Rachel now heads over to perform in New York. I hope to see her return to the UK for another spectacular night again soon.

On The Road

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Georgie Fame, Lena Ericsson, Lasse Samuelson - Georgie, Lena, Lasse

Size: 104,3 MB
Time: 42:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1986/2010
Styles: Jazz/Pop
Art: Front

01. My Second Home (5:13)
02. O Georgia Moon (3:36)
03. Runaway (2:45)
04. My Ship (3:35)
05. Let The Rest Of The World Go By (2:59)
06. Yes Indeed (3:00)
07. Soon And Very Soon (3:38)
08. Come Sunday (4:03)
09. Georgia On My Mind (3:49)
10. Amazing Grace (3:12)
11. Sweet Perfection (3:07)
12. Stormy Weather (3:35)

Personnel:
Vocals – Georgie Fame, Lena Ericsson
Piano – Georgie Fame
Drums – Egil Johansen, Ola Brunkert
Flugelhorn – Lars Samuelson

Georgie Fame's swinging, surprisingly credible blend of jazz and American R&B earned him a substantial following in his native U.K., where he scored three number one singles during the '60s. Fame played piano and organ in addition to singing, and was influenced by the likes of Mose Allison, Booker T. & the MG's, and Louis Jordan. Early in his career, he also peppered his repertoire with Jamaican ska and bluebeat tunes, helping to popularize that genre in England; during his later years, he was one of the few jazz singers of any stripe to take an interest in the vanishing art of vocalese, and earned much general respect from jazz critics on both sides of the Atlantic. ~by Steve Huey

Georgie, Lena, Lasse

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Gary Williams - At The Movies

Size: 116,0 MB
Time: 49:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Spooky (2:44)
02. Almost In Love (3:38)
03. Both Sides Now (3:21)
04. Ev'rybody Wants To Be A Cat (3:16)
05. Puppet On A String (3:31)
06. He's A Tramp (3:07)
07. How Deep Is Your Love (3:13)
08. The Bare Necessities (3:09)
09. I Need Somebody To Lean On (3:21)
10. Baby Mine (4:22)
11. When She Loved Me (2:48)
12. (They Long To Be) Close To You (3:35)
13. Isn't This A Lovely Day (3:19)
14. Home Is Where The Heart Is (3:12)
15. Pocket Full Of Rainbows (2:39)

His style is somewhere between Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra, but with his own inimitable twist. I am no big fan of Sinatra as I always feel that he isn’t really trying (especially in later recordings) as if he thought ‘It’s me Sinatra, they’ll buy it no matter what!’

Okay, so having deflected the rotten vegetables thrown at me from Sinatra fans, let me say that I would listen to Williams any day of the week.

He has such a beautiful voice – just like black velvet and, although the style is not completely to my liking (jazz-orientated) there is something about his voice that is completely mesmerising.

All the tracks on this new album are completely laid-back and are ideal for sitting in front of the fire sipping a nice long G&T.

It would be a bit unfair of me to pick out any track as being better than the others, but I have tell you that I have played ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ about a dozen times since receiving the tracks to review and it just gets better and better on each listen.

Tracks are all from films (as the title of the album suggests) and they include: ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘Puppet On a String’, ‘He’s a Tramp’, ‘The Bare Necessities’, ‘Baby Mine’, ‘Isn’t This a Lovely Day’, ‘Pocketful of Rainbows’, and others.

Williams has a huge following worldwide and I am sure this album will increase that number by quite a few. Well worth a listen and to add to your collection. ~Nick Wakeham

At The Movies

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Nazneen Rahman - Answers No Questions

Size: 100,6 MB
Time: 37:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Label: Nazneen Rahman
Art: Front

01. Everything Must Change (3:53)
02. Crazy Kind Of Life (4:04)
03. Love Is A Losing Game (3:11)
04. Not So Invincible (5:32)
05. We Gave Up Our Rights (4:03)
06. Keep It Close (3:36)
07. Fly Little Bird (5:13)
08. Smile (4:43)
09. Answers No Questions (3:19)

London based singer-songwriter and internationally renowned scientist Nazneen Rahman is releasing her new album Answers No Questions next month. Ahead of its debut, she has shared the album's lead single, ‘Everything Must Change’, with Hot Press.

Nazneen Rahman is a world-leader in the field of Cancer Genetics, having recently been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours for her services to Medical Sciences. Alongside this successful career in the sciences, Nazneen Rahman has passion for songwriting.

Hailed as somewhat of a role model by the media already, Nazneen was featured in BBC Woman’s Hour "Power List of Game Changers 2014", The Evening Standard’s list of London’s 1000 Most Influential People and, with many radio,TV and interview appearances, Nazneen Rahman has seen her fair share of the spotlight. Now, after the success of her first album, Can’t Clip My Wings, Nazneen Rahman is set to release her follow-up, Answers No Questions.

‘Everything Must Change’, the leading single from that album, channels the jazz and trip-hop influences of her youth, as Nazneen sings empowering words of acceptance and resolution, of pasts lost but futures gained.

Answers No Questions

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The Firebirds - High Fidelity

Size: 102,9 MB
Time: 43:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Rock & Roll
Art: Front

01. Cathy's Clown (2:39)
02. Dream Lover (2:29)
03. Girl Of My Best Friend (3:32)
04. Loves Made A Fool Of You (2:09)
05. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart (2:53)
06. Good Timin' (2:18)
07. I Wonder Why (3:06)
08. Poor Little Fool (2:35)
09. Walk Don't Run (2:15)
10. Put Your Head On My Shoulder (3:52)
11. Rhythm Of The Rain (2:34)
12. Poor Jenny (2:11)
13. Runaway (2:33)
14. Somebody Nobody Wants (2:54)
15. Queen Of The Hop (2:44)
16. Travelin' Man (2:21)

Teenage Rock'n' Roll tribute by the Firebirds from England to artists like Paul Anka, the Everly Brothers, Bobby Darin, the Cascades, Ricky Nelson and many more!

Recognised as one of Europe's top Rock n Roll bands The Firebirds are Jim Plummer, Dan Plummer and Jason Bryant three first class musicians/vocalists able to cover the complete spectrum of music from the 1950s and 1960s, Commercial, Rockabilly, Harmonised Doo Wop, Instrumentals, Ballads, and self-penned number's.

The band have undertaken extensive tours both at home and abroad, playing regularly at Holiday venues, Military Establishments, etc. Following their sell-out tour of Denmark, The Firebirds were invited to top the bill at the Messan Music Festival in the former capital of Yugoslavia and have since entertained passenger's on four Mediterranean Cruises.

To date, the band have released three singles and twelve albums. The last five recorded in their own studio and on their own label 'Rockville Records' include a Rock'n'Roll Special with Linda Gail Lewis the sister of 'The Killer' Jerry Lee, and two Doo Wop albums - the second featuring guest vocalist Den Hegarty of 'Darts' fame. All our merchandise and albums are available worldwide as well on digital platforms such as iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

In 2000 the band made their first trip to the USA playing venues in Memphis and Las Vegas, and in 2002 were honoured to be invited back to play at the Carl Perkins Civic Centre in Jackson, Tennessee. This huge event marked 50 years of the Sun record label and the 25th anniversary of the death of Elvis.

The Firebirds have played the Paris Music Festival and Corporate functions in Switzerland, Italy and Denmark. At home, the Corporate events, amongst others, saw the band entertaining guests for the Priory Group, the David Lloyd Leisure Company and the Royal College of GP's Annual Ball.

High Fidelity

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Ray Gelato & The Enforcers - Energy!

Size: 105,3 MB
Time: 44:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz, Swing, Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Barnyard Boogie (2:37)
02. I've Been Around The Block (2:16)
03. Medley That's My Home - Moonglow (4:25)
04. Dark Eyes (4:26)
05. Jack You're Dead (2:58)
06. The Gal Of My Pal (3:35)
07. Corn On The Cobb (3:07)
08. Teach Me Tonight (4:32)
09. Don't Toy With Me Baby (3:01)
10. The Best Things In Life Are Free (4:33)
11. Isfahan (4:24)
12. Medley Should I - You Rascal You (4:39)

Personnel:
Ray Gelato - Vocals, Tenor Sax
Danny Marsden - Trumpet
Andy Rogers - Trombone
Olly Wilby - Tenor & Alto sax
Gunther Kurmayr- Piano
Manuel Alvarez- Double Bass
Ed Richardson - Drums

Ray numbers amongst his fans such great artists as Van Morrison, Paul McCartney and Brian Adams. For good reason. Every concert, club date or event that Ray performs at transforms one back in time, to an era of music where musicians were not afraid to communicate and entertain.

Ray Gelato's brand new band, The Enforcers, encompasses all of the elements that Rays world wide fans love about him but in a compact, small combo format. The idea being to present a complete repertoire of new songs, old favourites and Ray’s critically acclaimed original tunes.

It's all here from Gelato's big toned, passionate tenor sax to his highly distinctive jazzy, Swingin' vocals. His driving rhythm section understands how to swing, rock and create excitement. The Enforcers make a huge sound for a small combo. All presented with a tough contemporary edge and the explosive energy that Ray is famous for. This is Swing and R&B music not stuck in the past but very much for now.

"He plays what he means and he means what he plays"- Jools Holland

Energy!

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The Pete Allen Jazz Band - Happy Jazz

Size: 160,9 MB
Time: 68:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Big Chief (2:56)
02. Carry Me Back To Ol Virginny (5:55)
03. Black And Blue (6:03)
04. Mabel's Dream (3:38)
05. Just A Couple Of Dudes (3:22)
06. Dans Les Rue D'antibes (6:07)
07. Up A Lazy River (6:48)
08. Eccentric (2:45)
09. The Original Tuxedo Rag (3:52)
10. I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight (3:46)
11. Movin' On Again (2:53)
12. Dardanella (3:04)
13. Ory's Creole Trombone (4:20)
14. Seagull Strut (3:22)
15. Solitude (4:56)
16. At The Jazz Band Ball (4:58)

Pete Allen is regarded as one of Europe's most talented and exciting masters of the clarinet. In 1976 he joined Rod Mason and two years later formed his own professional band. He brought together a musical style and stage presence that has created an enthusiastic following from both the traditional jazz fans and those who simply enjoy happy music and songs for both listening and dancing.

As a boy, Pete grew up with jazz. He studied the music of all the old time music greats, especially Ed Hall and Sidney Bechet two great legends of American jazz clarinet and soprano saxophone, although Pete has never tried to copy their style but has developed his own quite unique, exciting sound.

Over the years Pete has appeared on many television and radio shows, both with his own band and as a solo artiste. He has topped the bill in those magical homes of jazz, St. Louis, Sacramento and of course, New Orleans, where he was awarded an Honorary Citizenship for his services to jazz music. In the mid eighties he was chosen to lead the Worldwide All Stars at the jazz Jubilee in Sacramento. More recently, Pete has been selected to play for the European Top Eight Jazz Band in Germany, on a number of occasions, and the Philips International All Stars in Holland and also fronts the London Paris All Stars and his own chosen European Swing Band. In 2013 Pete continues to lead his own band and appears as a guest soloist or with his own solo music show and now plays a number of shows with Jazz Pianist Dave Browning and the World Class Banjoist Sean Moyses. Throughout his career Pete appeared as featured soloist alongside these American Jazz Greats:- 'Peanuts' Hucko, Bud Freeman, Bob Wilbur, Marty Grosz, Billy Butterfield, Barrett Deems and Jack Lesberg and played a number of times with the late British Jazz Trumpet star Kenny Ball.
For over five years he also found time to present his own jazz programme for BBC Radio. For all 'live' performances Pete thrills audiences around the World with his own style of jazz clarinet combined with a slick fast moving entertaining show of light hearted humour and happy foot-tapping jazz songs. He is a personality in British Music who is eager to please an audience whatever the situation either leading his band, as a guest soloist or with his unique solo music show.

Happy Jazz

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Bill Evans & Scottish National Jazz Orchestra - Beauty & The Beast

Size: 121,6 MB
Time: 52:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Part 1 (6:15)
02. Part 2 (9:24)
03. Part 3 (9:34)
04. Part 4 (8:12)
05. Part 5 (3:39)
06. Part 6 (5:28)
07. Part 7 (9:41)

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, SNJO, under the leadership of saxophonist Tommy Smith, has proven itself to be one of the premier large ensemble outfits out there. They have released a series of uniformly excellent recording, beginning with 2002's Miles Ahead, featuring Ingrid Jensen, a remake of the Miles Davis/Gil Evans gem; an expansive take on Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue; a big tip of the hat to Duke Ellington with In the Spirit Of Duke, all of these on Spartacus Records; and a celebration of Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen's artistry on Celebration (ECM Records, 2011).

The year 2017 brings from SNJO Beauty And The Beast, a high-energy suite that Tommy Smith wrote for saxophonist Dave Liebman, a man whose musical approach veers into the beastial side of sound, and also embraces an idiosyncratic, off-kilter beauty.

But it's not Liebman here; it's saxophonist Bill Evans, the early 1980s Miles Davis sideman who played on We Want Miles (1981); The Man With The Horn (1982); Star People (1983); and Decoy (1984), all on Columbia Records.

Listening to Evans on his Davis contributions won't prepare you for this experience. Immersed in an the oceanic, impassioned majesty of the SNJO at its most fearsome, the saxophonist rips and roars on tenor, screams and wails on soprano, and also settles into moments of (almost) tender reverie. The ensemble creates a dense sound. Credit the inclusion of Andy McCreel's tuba, and electric bassist Kevin Glasgow's beefy grooves, drummer Alyn Cosker's muscular percussion. On the beauty/beast scale, the beast here is the more dominant. "Part 7" of this seven part suite, with Evans on soprano, leans to the "beauty side," but it's a assertive beauty, featuring an arrangement of comparatively restrained grandeur.

Beauty and the Beast was recorded live, with all the strengths that mode offers—the vim and vigor, the freshness and vitality—and none of the potential weakness. And Bill Evans is on top of his game, inspired, no doubt, by this top notch orchestra blowing in its "take no prisoners" fashion. ~by Dan McClenaghan

Personnel: Bill Evans: tenor and soprano saxophone; Martin Kershaw: alto sax; Paul Towndrow: alto sax; Tommy Smith: tenor sax; Konrad Wiszniewski: tenor sax; Bill Fleming: baritone sax; Ryan Quigley: trumpet; Ewan Mains: trumpet; Lorne Cowieson: trumpet; Tom MacNiven: trumpet; Chris Greive: trombone; Kevin Garrity: trombone; Michael Owers: trombone; Lorna McDonald: trombone; Andy McCreel: tuba; Steve Hamilton: piano; Kevin Glasgow: electric bass; Alyn Cosker: drums.

Beauty & The Beast

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George Anderson - Body And Soul (Deluxe Edition)

Size: 167,8 MB
Time: 71:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Smooth Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk
Art: Front

01. Intro (0:14)
02. G Funk (5:54)
03. Joys Of Life (3:21)
04. Don't Waste My Time (3:56)
05. Interlude, Pt. 1 (0:16)
06. Miller Time (4:02)
07. Beautiful (5:06)
08. Miracle (4:00)
09. Interlude, Pt. 2 (0:12)
10. Festival De La Vida (4:51)
11. All Or Nothing (3:32)
12. Promised Land (3:16)
13. It's Our World (5:37)
14. Cape Town 2017 (4:42)
15. Can't Hide Love (5:05)
16. G Funk (Funk Party Mix) (3:24)
17. G Funk (Funk Party Extended Mix) (3:58)
18. G Funk (Old School DJ Extended Mix) (6:18)
19. G Funk (Old School DJ Radio Mix) (3:50)

Celebrated British bassist GEORGE ANDERSON leads an unusual dual musical life. He is, of course, best known for his work with smooth jazz icons Shakatak. He's a key member of the band – on the road and in the studio. George was also instrumental in co-writing many of Shakatak's best tunes ....most famously 'Day by Day' featuring Grammy award winner Al Jarreau. George was responsible too for co-writing the song 'Perfect Smile' which was a smooth-jazz radio play hit in the US for Shakatak in the 90's.

George, though, also fronts his own band and under his own name he's released three solo albums... 'Positivity', 'Expressions' and 'George Anderson Band... From Cape Town To London'. On that latter, our man was brave enough to tackle George Duke's 'Brazilian Love Affair' and Luther Vandross' 'Never Too Much' while his own 'Back In the Day' (from 'Expressions' and featuring vocals from Debby Bracknell) won George loadsa friends in the modern soul community.

Mr Anderson is now all set to release a fourth solo set... 'Body and Soul'. The lead single pairs a smooth but tough in places 'Don't Waste' with a grittier 'Gfunk'. The title of that kinda says it all! Both feature a feisty femme vocal (Mary Pearce) and blistering bass lines. Both auger well for the long player!

Body And Soul

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