Christian McBride - A Family Affair

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:58
Size: 152,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:59)  1. I'm Coming Home
(4:40)  2. A Dream Of You
(6:42)  3. Family Affair
(6:59)  4. Theme From Our Fairy Tale
(5:42)  5. ... Or So You Thought
(6:42)  6. Summer Soft
(6:17)  7. Brown Funk (For Ray)
(9:29)  8. Open Sesame
(7:32)  9. Wayne's World
(4:51) 10. I'll Write A Song For You

At 26, bassist Christian McBride qualifies for the "young lion" tag. His visibility has been enhanced by appearances on Robert Altman's film Kansas City, Clint Eastwood's Eastwood After Hours, Diana Krall's Love Scenes, the compilation Upstairs at Melrose Place, John Pizzarelli's Dear Mr. Cole, and Joshua Redman's MoodSwing. Moreover, his experience with Randy Weston, Freddie Hubbard, T.S. Monk, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, and organist Jimmy Smith has demonstrated McBride's mainstream roots to the jazz-listening public. The bassist wrote half the selections on this album, including the lyrics to "A Dream of You" and "...Or So You Thought." Most tracks feature the quartet of tenor saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Charles Craig, bassist McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Like the music at a family get-together, McBride splits the session between R&B "fun music" and his straight-ahead acoustic ensemble. The leader begins Stevie Wonder's "Summer Soft" with the bowed acoustic bass but soon switches to the electric model and offers the pop tune with back beat and quiet repetition. Sly Stone's "Family Affair" places the acoustic quartet in the spotlight as the ensemble marches deliberately and takes turns at the solo mic. The toe-tapping music swings deliciously and is presented in a variety of different formats. Earth, Wind & Fire's "I'll Write a Song for You" is performed by the duo of Russell Malone on acoustic guitar and McBride on bowed bass. Together, they offer a lovely ballad with attention paid to the lyrical nature of the tune. Kool and the Gang's "Open Sesame" is performed as an arrangement that allows the dramatic intensity to leap out. Hutchinson and Craig, particularly, stretch out freely. McBride's composition "Wayne's World" follows with more drama. Together, these two tracks achieve what the leader intended when he put this session together: he's combined daring straight-ahead ideas with enjoyable and familiar R&B. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-family-affair-christian-mcbride-verve-music-group-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Christian McBride: acoustic bass, electric bass; Charles Craig: piano, electric piano, synth; Tim Warfield: tenor saxophone; Gregory Hutchinson: drums; Russell Malone: acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Munyungo Jackson: percussion; Vintage Keys: synths; Will Downing, Vesta: vocals.

A Family Affair

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Gerald Albright, Will Downing - Pleasures Of The Night

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:56
Size: 120,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Pleasures Of The Night
(7:19)  2. The Nearness Of You
(3:41)  3. Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart
(3:01)  4. Michelle
(4:45)  5. Like A Lover
(5:17)  6. The Look Of Love
(5:23)  7. Here's That Rainy Day
(5:41)  8. Back To The Roots
(7:01)  9. We'll Be Together Again
(4:03) 10. Girl Blue

Although saxophonist Gerald Albright gets co-billing on this CD and two of the ten selections are instrumentals, this is very much a Will Downing vocal set. The emphasis is on romantic ballads; in addition to some newer material, it includes some older songs like "The Nearness of You," the Beatles' "Michelle," "The Look of Love," and "We'll Be Together Again." Downing has long had a strong, warm, and deep voice, and this type of outing is perfect for him. 

The performances, although touched a little by jazz, are really a soulful blend of middle-of-the-road pop music. The co-leaders are joined by a variety of top rhythm section players, including pianists John Beasley, Bobby Lyle, Patrice Rushen, and Ronnie Foster. This CD serves as an excellent showcase for Will Downing's voice. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/pleasures-of-the-night-mw0000600709

Personnel:  Saxophone – Gerald Albright; Vocals – Will Downing; Acoustic Bass – Kenny Wild, Tony Dumas; Bass – Abraham Laboriel, Jimmy Haslip; Drums – Harvey Mason, John Robinson, Land Richards, Marvin Smith; Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.; Keyboards – Dave Delhomme, Ronnie Foster; Percussion – Luis Conte; Piano – Bobby Lyle, John Beasly, Patrice Rushen

Pleasures Of The Night

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Will Downing - The Promise

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:23
Size: 102,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. Take It To The Cross
(4:26)  2. Look At Yourself (In The Miirror)
(4:47)  3. I Hear A Voice
(3:58)  4. You Blessed My Life
(4:18)  5. He Will Be There
(4:40)  6. What Would I Do
(5:11)  7. God Is So Amazing
(4:10)  8. God Will Show You The Way
(3:47)  9. Shout (A Celebration Of Life)
(4:53) 10. Changed

2018 release, the first gospel album from Will Downing. The Promise is the crowning achievement of an amazing career, a lifelong dream fulfilled! Widely known as The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul, Will Downing is an icon in both the R&B and jazz worlds. Having sold more than four million albums in his brilliant 30-year career, Will is now poised to add the Gospel audience to his legions of dedicated fans. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Promise-WILL-DOWNING/dp/B07GVXDHPD

The Promise

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Bob Baldwin - Betcha By Golly Wow: The Songs Of Thom Bell

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:52
Size: 118.8 MB
Styles: Soul, Crossover jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:18] 1. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) (Feat. Russ Freeman)
[5:43] 2. The Rubberband Man (Feat. Paul Brown & Ragan Whiteside)
[5:06] 3. La La Means I Love You (Feat. Vivian Green)
[5:02] 4. Gonna Be Sweeter
[5:10] 5. Break Up To Make Up (Feat. Will Downing)
[4:49] 6. You're As Right As Rain (Feat. Paul Taylor)
[4:44] 7. I'll Be Around (Feat. Marion Meadows)
[3:02] 8. Bell & Creed
[6:42] 9. Betcha By Golly Wow (Feat. Toni Redd)
[6:13] 10. People Make The World Go Round (Feat. Marion Meadows)

Grammy nominee and a bona fide hero of New Urban Jazz, keyboardist and arranger Bob Baldwin makes his debut on Peak/eOne with an all-killer, no-filler collection of classic tunes penned by Philadelphia soul immortal Thom Bell. This set hits the sweet spot from the first track and doesn t miss for a single minute of the entire program.

An all-star cast puts the project over the top, a real whos who of contemporary jazz and smooth R&B.It includes: WILL DOWNING, VIVIAN GREEN, GERALD ALBRIGHT, MARION MEADOWS, PAUL TAYLOR, RUSS FREEMAN (of THE RIPPINGTONS), PAUL BROWN. To top it all off, the legend himself, Thom Bell, has written a brand new song especially for this tribute, Gonna Be Much Sweeter. And Bob Baldwin proves one more time that it doesn t get any sweeter than his brand of soul and jazz.

Betcha By Golly Wow: The Songs Of Thom Bell mc
Betcha By Golly Wow: The Songs Of Thom Bell zippy

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Will Downing - Soul Survivor

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:52
Size: 100,9 MB
Art: Front

(1:31)  1. Soul Survivior Theme
(5:02)  2. I Just Want to Say Thank You
(4:46)  3. I'm Feeling the Love (feat. Avery*Sunshine)
(4:44)  4. Since You Been Gone
(3:41)  5. Stop To Start (feat. Phil Perry)
(4:50)  6. Everything I Want in My Lady (feat. Maysa)
(4:36)  7. Our Time
(5:54)  8. Hurry Up This Way Again (feat. Najee)
(4:47)  9. When We Make Love
(3:57) 10. Tell Me About It

Will Downing, widely known as The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul, is an icon in both the R&B and jazz worlds. Having sold more than four million albums in his brilliant career, Will continues to tour nonstop to the delight of his devoted fans! Soul Survivor features special guests Avery Sunshine, Najee, Phil Perry, Maysa and others. Highlights include Will's inspired interpretations of such classics as Blue Magic's "Stop To Start," The Stylistics' "Hurry Up This Way Again," "Tell Me All About It," a hit for both Michael Franks and Natalie Cole, plus a host of great Will Downing originals. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Survivor-WILL-DOWNING/dp/B074D1PZCT

Soul Survivor

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Najee - Poetry In Motion

Styles: Saxophone Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:43
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. Stratosphere
(5:31)  2. Is It The Way Back
(4:24)  3. Let's Take It Back
(5:19)  4. Noche Romantica
(6:19)  5. We'll Be Missing You
(4:49)  6. Song For The Ladies
(4:33)  7. Don't Make Me Wait
(6:28)  8. Poetry In Motion
(4:45)  9. Running Away
(3:50) 10. Duolology

One of the best-selling instrumentalists of the late '80s to mid-'90s, Najee has been a consistent favorite in the quiet storm and smooth jazz markets. Often compared to Kenny G, George Howard, and Dave Koz, the New Yorker has been greatly influenced by Grover Washington, Jr.although he hasn't been nearly as adventurous. Heavily produced and quite formulaic, Najee's albums have tended to avoid improvisation and strive for commercial radio airplay above all else. Debuting in 1987 with Najee's Theme, Najee was an immediate hit in the new adult contemporary (NAC) market. Similar pop/urban jazz dates like 1988's Day by Day and 1990's Tokyo Blue did nothing to jeopardize his niche on smooth jazz radio. On-stage, Najee takes some risks and stretches out more.

Morning Tenderness was released in 1998, followed by Love Songs (2000), Embrace (2003), My Point of View (2005), True Spirit (with John Grant, Victor Williams, and Dennis Chambers in 2006), Rising Sun (2007), and Mind Over Matter (2009). In 2012, Najee released his 14th studio album, The Smooth Side of Soul, featuring the track "First Kiss," a collaboration with R&B vocalist Phil Perry. Najee returned in 2013 with The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey, which included the song "Shinjuku," a tribute to the late jazz keyboard legend George Duke. Two years later, he delivered his 16th studio effort, You, Me and Forever, which reached the Top Ten on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. In 2017, he returned with Poetry in Motion. ~ Alex Henderson https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/poetry-in-motion/id1266264056

This release includes guests:  Will Downing, Maysa, Incognito, Eric Roberson and Phil Perry, among others

Poetry In Motion

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Marion Meadows - In Deep

Styles: Saxophone Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:21
Size: 135,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:09)  1. Tales of a Gypsy
(4:10)  2. Thank You
(5:35)  3. Soul Food
(4:06)  4. Yeah Baby
(4:11)  5. Show Me, Show Me
(4:14)  6. Don't Wanna Know
(4:24)  7. South Chicago
(4:40)  8. Treasures
(4:02)  9. Flava
(5:17) 10. In Deep
(5:26) 11. Is That You
(4:03) 12. Slow Motion
(2:58) 13. Tales of a Gypsy Reprise

Marion Meadows' third Heads Up International release, In Deep, finds the sax player/songwriter/producer successfully infusing his distinctive sound with elements of hip-hop, neo-soul, and R&B. Along for the ride are Bob Baldwin, Will Downing (on the mid-tempo "Don't Wanna Know"), guitarist Ray Obiedo, Spyro Gyra guitarist Julio Fernandez, and emerging keyboardist/producer Michael Broening. The supple "Show Me, Show Me" is both sensuous and funky. Trumpeter Roy Hargrove doubles with Meadows on the slick, uptown "Soul Food." Other standouts are the smooth "Yeah Baby," the mellow "Treasures," "Is That You," "Slow Motion," and the dynamic title track. ~ Ed Hogan http://www.allmusic.com/album/in-deep-mw0000223257

Personnel:  Marion Meadows (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones); Julio Fernandez (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Blake Harris, Lindsay Finch, Valerie Scott, Will Downing (vocals); Michael Broening, Michael Beardon (keyboards, programming); Bob Baldwin (keyboards); Thano Sahnas, Rohn Lawrence, Ray Odiedo, Anthony Kinchion (guitar); Ron Jerkins (bass); John Roberts (drums); Dennis Johnson (programming).

In Deep

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Various - The Aretha Franklin Songbook

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:05
Size: 128.4 MB
Styles: Jazz/Soul/R&B
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:43] 1. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Think
[4:40] 2. George Benson - Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
[5:39] 3. Stanley Turrentine - Dr. Feelgood
[4:35] 4. Cassandra Wilson - Angel
[4:59] 5. B.B. King - Spirit In The Dark
[4:19] 6. Will Downing - Daydreaming
[7:45] 7. Jimmy Smith - After Hours
[3:46] 8. Grover Washington, Jr. - All The King's Horses
[2:27] 9. Dianne Schuur - Climbing Higher Mountains
[7:13] 10. Quincy Jones - Daydreaming/First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
[5:55] 11. Stanley Turrentine - Dr. Feelgood (Alt. Take)

She is both a 20th and 21st century musical and cultural icon known the world over simply by her first name: Aretha. The reigning and undisputed “Queen Of Soul” has created an amazing legacy that spans an incredible six decades, from her first recording as a teenage gospel star, to her current releases. Her many countless classics include “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain Of Fools,” “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)”; her own compositions “Think,” “Daydreaming” and “Call Me”; her definitive versions of “Respect” and “I Say A Little Prayer”; and global hits like “Freeway Of Love,” “Jump To It,” “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” her worldwide chart-topping duet with George Michael, and “A Rose Is Still A Rose.”

The recipient of the U.S.A.’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal Of Freedom, an eighteen (and counting) Grammy Award winner – the most recent of which was for Best Gospel Performance for “Never Gonna Break My Faith” with Mary J. Blige in 2008 – a Grammy Lifetime Achievement and Grammy Living Legend awardee, Aretha Franklin’s powerful, distinctive gospel-honed vocal style has influenced countless singers across multi-generations, justifiably earning her Rolling Stone magazine’s No. 1 placing on the list of “The Greatest Singers Of All Time.”

The Aretha Franklin Songbook

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Will Downing - Black Pearls

Styles: Vocal, Soul, R&B
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:22
Size: 117,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Everything I Miss at Home
(4:32)  2. Don't Ask My Neighbors
(5:01)  3. Your Smile
(4:38)  4. Get Here
(6:02)  5. Street Life
(4:35)  6. Everlasting Love
(5:10)  7. Black Butterly
(4:52)  8. Nights over Egypt
(7:10)  9. Meet Me on the Moon
(5:22) 10. Don't Let It Go to Your Head

The source material for the inspired, all-covers Black Pearls album was popularized strictly by women. It's an unsurprising concept, given that Will Downing made his 1987 solo debut with a version of Deniece Williams' "Free" and went on to cover classics by Rose Royce and Aretha Franklin. The singer's first album for the Shanachie label, this features updates of well-known songs, mostly ballads, that originated in the late '70s and the early '90s. The likes of Jean Carn's "Don't Let It Go to Your Head," Williams' "Black Butterfly," René & Angela's "Your Smile," and Brenda Russell's "Get Here" easily the biggest crossover hit among the selections are reinterpreted faithfully with Downing's typical richness and restraint. Phyllis Hyman's "Meet Me on the Moon" (1991), co-written by Gene McDaniels, is the deepest selection, but even that one is far from obscure, and it's evidently as close to Downing's heart as anything else. A characteristically polished recording produced by Downing, it involves discerning use of strings and horns, as well as help from some longtime associates. Wife Audrey Wheeler Downing on background vocals, Melvin Davis on bass, and Randy Bowland on guitar are all along for the trip. Kirk Whalum's flute augments "Nights Over Egypt," and Najee takes a saxophone solo on "Street Life." ~ Andy Kellmanhttp://www.allmusic.com/album/black-pearls-mw0002948892

Black Pearls

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