Stefanie Schlesinger - What Love Is

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Label: Enja
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:59
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:02)  1. Why Shouldn't You Cry
(6:34)  2. I Wish
(3:55)  3. Baiao Kathrin
(4:14)  4. Luz Do Sol
(5:30)  5. Cry Me A River
(4:15)  6. Watch You Sleepin'
(5:29)  7. Sing Me Softly Of The Blues
(4:44)  8. Estate
(3:16)  9. You Don't Know What Love Is
(2:42) 10. Laudate
(5:14) 11. Send In The Clowns

Stefanie Schlesinger received her first piano lessons at age 9 and started studying classical singing at age 12. In 2002 she took her finals at the Music Academy Augsburg/Nuremberg as a "diploma singer" after also getting lessons in acting, playing the piano and elocution. Stefanie not only appeared in musical and opera productions but also premiered solo works of contemporary classical music. Further experiences include classical choir singing, gospel workshops with Ronnell Bey and jazz ensemble singing with Holli Ross. For quite a while now, 25-year-old Schlesinger has been feeling at home as a jazz vocalist. Thanks to her technical skills and unusual sensibility for melodies and lyrics, she offers a special magic of her own. Again and again, her fragile and melancholy art of ballad singing has been moving audiences to tears.

Because of her thoroughly trained voice and her love for subtle details Stefanie is able to master even difficult and rare songs con bravura and create emotional images of beauty full of warm and tender colors. For her international debut CD "What Love Is" Stefanie Schlesinger chose a mixture of exquisite standard songs and Brazilian moods. She comes up with her own lyrics for Carla Bley's "Sing Me Softly Of The Blues" and also shows her "classical side" on "Laudate" accompanied by the vibraphone and a string quartet. The musicians involved are select individual players who - in changing line-ups - react with empathy to this young singer's distinctive nuances. The outstanding American-European rhythm trio of Bob Degen, Isla Eckinger and Jarrod Cagwin has already proven its worth on the last recordings by Dusko Goykovich ("In My Dreams", ENJ-9408 2) and Charlie Mariano ("Deep In A Dream", ENJ-9423 2). The full band is completed by Brazilian guitar player Pedro Tagliani and - of course - the sophisticated vibes and marimba player Wolfgang Lackerschmid who also brought in some of his very refined and emotional compositions like "Why Shouldn't You Cry", "I Wish", "Baiao Kathrin", "Watch You Sleepin'" and "Laudate".

(http://www.enjarecords.com/cd.php?nr=ENJ-9434).

What Love Is

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The Ben Webster Quintet - Soulville

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 48:44

Size: 111.6 MB

Label: Verve

Styles: Saxophone jazz

Year: 1957/2003

Art: Front

[8:02] 1. Soulville

[7:13] 2. Late Date

[4:15] 3. Time On My Hands

[8:25] 4. Lover, Come Back To Me

[4:40] 5. Where Are You

[4:29] 6. Makin' Whoopee

[3:30] 7. Ill Wind

[2:55] 8. Who

[3:05] 9. Boogie-Woogie

[2:05] 10. Roses Of Picardy

On this 1957 date, Webster is teamed up with the great Oscar Peterson Quartet. Supporting Webster on each track, this music lays "in the pocket" (as musicians would say) quite well. Much of this is due to drummer Stan Levey's buoyant swing. Webster himself is heard on two simple blues numbers of his own penning including the title track and "Late Date." Other songs include the standards "Lover Come Back To Me," "Where Are You," and "Makin' Whoopee." Perhaps the most riveting tune on SOULVILLE, however, is the beautiful ballad "Time on My Hands." Indeed, Webster is one of the most brilliant instrumental balladeers jazz has ever produced. No one can get that airy (even sultry) tone quite like Webster. Finally, as an intriguing bonus, we hear Webster perform three tunes in duet with Levey. Intriguingly, Webster plays piano on these tracks! Using an antiquated stride/boogie woogie style, Webster shows that his talent reaches beyond the saxophone.

Recorded in Hollywood, California on October 15, 1957.

Ben Webster (tenor saxophone, piano); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Stan Levey (drums).

Soulville

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Judy Butterfield - How Long Has This Been Going On

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:24
Size: 129.1 MB
Label: Valley Entertainment
Styles: Easy Listening, Cabaret
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. What Is This Thing Called Love Love
[2:53] 2. Boom Boom
[3:41] 3. All I Want
[3:54] 4. Teach Me Tonight
[4:01] 5. A Sleepin' Bee
[2:37] 6. I Got Rhythm
[4:35] 7. All The Things You Are/How Long Has This Been Going On
[2:42] 8. Stuff Like That There
[3:38] 9. It Ain't Me Babe
[4:38] 10. Learnin' The Blues
[3:59] 11. If I Fell
[5:29] 12. Long Ago And Far Away
[4:40] 13. Please Send Me Someone To Love
[5:21] 14. Once In A Blue Moon/All The Things You Are

The San Francisco Chronicle hails eighteen year old Judy Butterfield as a young entertainer "on her way toward the rainbow" reminiscent of "a mix of Elizabeth Taylor and Scarlett O'Hara." A protégé of "Queen of Cabaret" Andrea Marcovicci, she made her New York debut at the age of fourteen at the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention. Her signature show Judy Sings Judy: Songs of a Young Garland is directed by acclaimed Cabaret Director Clifford Bell and premiered at the famed Empire Plush Room in April 2005. Judy's first CD, Judy Sings Judy: Live at the Empire Plush Room was released by Fynsworth Alley (www.fynsworthalley.com) in September of 2005.

She has performed at the famous Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, at The Gardenia, in San Francisco's tribute to Stephen Sondheim and with the Hillfest Orchestra in Peabody Massachusetts. Judy will be a freshman at Barnard College in New York this fall. She has appeared in The American Conservatory Theater's production of Shed a Little Light: The Music of James Taylor, and in A.C.T.'s A Christmas Carol. She was nominated for a 2006 MAC Award for New York Female Debut Performance, and received the Julie Wilson Award at the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention Opening Night Gala in New York City

How Long Has This Been Going On

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Big Band Jazz Terrassa & Judy Niemack - What's Goin' On

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 61:42

Size: 141.3 MB

Label: Temps

Styles: Big Band, Vocal jazz

Year: 2007

Art: Front

[6:03] 1. New York Stories

[5:25] 2. Some Other Time

[3:57] 3. Them There Eyes

[4:55] 4. Fever

[4:35] 5. Love For Sale

[4:21] 6. One More Time

[4:51] 7. Night In Tunisia

[5:11] 8. The Man I Love

[4:49] 9. What's Going On

[3:35] 10. I Wish You Love

[6:59] 11. Angel Eyes

[6:56] 12. Cherokee

"New York Stories" was originally an instrumental by Jeanfrancois Prins. He asked me to write a lyric about the Big Apple, where we met. When the Spanish "Jazz Terrassa Big Band" proposed recording a CD with me, I suggested working with Peter Herbolzheimer, with whom I often perform in Germany. In this song, we celebrate the excitement arriving in New York City, which for jazz musicians is the musical center of the world.

What's Goin' On?

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Debbie Cunningham - The Rest of Your Life

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Label: Indie
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:20
Size: 101,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:17)  1. My Funny Valentine
(3:34)  2. I Thought About You
(4:09)  3. How Much I Love You
(3:18)  4. When I Look In Your Eyes
(3:46)  5. Overjoyed
(4:39)  6. The Way He Makes Me Feel
(3:11)  7. What's New
(3:32)  8. Just In Time
(4:41)  9. The Nearness of You
(3:13) 10. (Our) Love Is Here To Stay
(4:54) 11. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life

What a glorious sound Debbie makes on this album. “The Rest of Your Life” is a collection of timeless jazz classics souped up by Mrs. Cunningham and her talented friends. What I love about this album is her vocal fearlessness. She’s not afraid to open her mouth and place the notes exactly where she wants them. There are a hundreds of “My Funny Valentine” renditions floating around and her sassy version is rather refreshing. Kudos to John Swana, on trumpet. 

The playfullness of the lyrics is echoed in her sensuous, playful delivery. You can tell she had fun with it. Each of the 11 tracks on this album are an absolute elegant treat. “The Way He Makes Me Feel” made me picture myself in a sepia toned reality where everything is sophisticated. This is a very professional, romantical and sophisticated effort. Debbie’s voice has a firm command of human emotion. Anyone that knows me knows that I take my Stevie Wonder very very seriously. I couldn’t wait to get to “Overjoyed” just to see if she might have messed my boy’s classic up. NOPE. She nailed it. Her backing instrumentalists ( Piano: Barry Sames; Drums: Wilby Fletcher) should be given props here as well for their remarkable musicianship.~Mut Asheru ( Unsigned - The Magazine Dec 2, 2008).

“Some singers’ entire careers are spent searching for that delicate, delicious connection with their listeners when a song becomes an intimate statement one is compelled to hear. Debbie Cunningham grabbed it right from the start on her CD, ‘The Rest of Your Life’. Such sensitive delivery, her choice of songs, the arrangements and accompanists belie the fact this is her debut disc. WOW!”~Greg Lee – (WMOT-FM, Jazz-89 Nashville Apr 13, 2007)

“Soulful,sultry,smooth”, “delicate,delicious”, “elegant and sophisticated”, lyrical and intimate”, “Romantic”, “soothing”, “powerful and engaging”, “an exquisite taste of jazz, “Eloquent”, “Totally ear friendly”, “Soothing – yet never sleepy”~What FANS ARE SAYING…… (Apr 21, 2007).(http://debbiecunninghamjazz.com/reviews/).

The Rest of Your Life

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Red & the Red Hots - Gettin' Around

Styles: Swing
Label: Red Young Productions
Released: 2002
File: mp3 @320K/s
Size: 112,2 MB
Time: 48:57
Art: front

1. Mister Boogie to you - 3:17
2. Moppin' N Boppin' - 3:10
3. Boo Wah Boo Wah - 3:08
4. Steppin' Out Tonight - 4:36
5. Keep on Swingin' - 3:59
6. At Last - 3:42
7. Gettin' Around - 4:59
8. The Temporary Blues - 5:52
9. Duke - 4:08
10. Horse's Mouth - 4:58
11. No Moon at all - 2:57
12. Come Rain Or Shine - 4:06

Personnel:
Jeff Driskill - Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)
Keith Fiddmont - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Randy Landas - Bass
Steve Lucky - Piano, Vocals
Red Young - Piano, Hammond B-3 organ, Vocals

Notes: A swinging bunch of songs by the master of the new swing crowd from the boogie man. Once again accompanied by his backing band the Red Hots, singer/keyboardist/pianist/Hammond B-3 organist Red Young swings hard on Gettin' Around, a mixture of original tunes and classics from the golden age of jump blues and swing. It's similar to the group Young often gigs with, swing-revival mainstays the Royal Crown Revue, and it achieves its good-time goals with enthusiasm and energy. ~ Steve Huey

Gettin' Around

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Nicki Parrott - The Last Time I Saw Paris

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 62:37
Size: 143.4 MB
Label: Venus
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:01] 1. Under Paris Skies
[4:09] 2. The Windmills Of Your Mind
[5:15] 3. Chanson De Maxence
[4:51] 4. Nuages
[3:42] 5. C'est Si Bon
[4:39] 6. I Will Wait For You
[3:53] 7. Hymne L'amour
[3:22] 8. L'ame Des Poetes
[4:06] 9. The Last Time I Saw Paris
[3:56] 10. The River Seine
[4:55] 11. La Mer
[4:11] 12. La Vie En Rose
[5:03] 13. If You Go Away
[6:29] 14. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?

Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki started her musical training at age four with the piano, followed by the flute, soon after. Nicki switched to double bass at the age of 15.

After graduating high school she moved to Sydney to study jazz at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music where she began to play with Australian musicians such as Mike Nock, Dale Barlow, Paul Grabowsky, Bernie McGann, and Ten Part Invention. She also toured Australia with Russian musicians Daniel Kramer and Alexander Fischer and American trumpeters Bobby Shew and Chuck Findley. She continued her studies with various bassists including visiting artists Ray Brown and John Clayton.

Nicki was the recipient of two awards, a scholarship to Pan Pacific Music Camps at the age of 16, and first place in the 1992 Jazz Action Society’s Annual Song Competition for her composition “Come and Get It”, which is the opening track of Nicki and her sister Lisa’s debut CD, “Awabakal Suite”. She was also nominated for the annual Australian Young Achievers Award by the Arts Council of Australia who granted her the funds to come to New York to study with Rufus Reid. Nicki came to New York in May 1994. In June 2000, Nicki began performing on Monday nights at the Iridium Jazz Club with the legendary guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney, Slash, Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel. Since then she has performed with such notable musicians as Michel Legrand, Joe Wilder, Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Jose Feliciano, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Harry Allen, Warren Vache, Marlena Shaw, David Krakauer, Ken Peplowski, Ann Hampton Callaway, Bill Mays, Scott Hamilton, Lillian Boutte, Larry Carlton and Houston Person, to name a few.

Nicki is joined by John Di Martino (piano), Gil Goldstein (accordion), Jacob Fisher (guitar) and Tim Horner (drums).

The Last Time I Saw Paris

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Jimmy McGriff - Countdown

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 33:45
Size: 77.3 MB
Label: Milestone
Styles: Soul-jazz-funk
Year: 1983/1991
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. I'm Walking
[5:15] 2. Bholly
[4:07] 3. Down For The Count
[4:08] 4. Blow Your Horn
[4:59] 5. Since I Fell For You
[8:14] 6. Shiny Stockings

Jimmy McGriff's Milestone debut, which has been reissued on CD, features the soulful organist heading a group of lesser-known players -- including three horns and the fine guitarist Melvin Sparks -- and doing his best to emulate the sound of a big band. The material ("I'm Walkin'," a couple of Frank Foster numbers including "Shiny Stockings," Benny Green's "Blow Your Horn," "Since I Fell for You" and a McGriff original) is strong and inspires the musicians to play funky, grease-filled solos. Few surprises occur, but the music is quite enjoyable and easily recommended to fans of this genre. ~Scott Yanow

Countdown

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Freddy Cole - Rio De Janeiro Blue

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:41
Size: 122.3 MB
Label: Telarc
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[4:31] 1. Rio De Janeiro Blue
[5:09] 2. I Concentrate On You
[4:15] 3. Delirio
[5:00] 4. Invitation
[5:23] 5. Words Can't Describe
[3:30] 6. Wild Is Love
[5:50] 7. Yellow Days
[3:04] 8. Sem Voce
[4:28] 9. Something Happens To Me
[5:03] 10. There, I've Said It Again
[6:23] 11. To Say Goodbye

Freddy Cole's second Telarc release features him in a variety of jazz and Latin settings, with a stellar cast of musicians -- most notably pianist/arranger Arturo O'Farrill. Cole plays very capable piano on five of the 11 tracks and arranges six of them. Gravel-voiced and relentlessly laid-back, the younger brother of Nat "King" Cole is true to form on this romantic collection of songs, most of which aren't too well known, with the exception of "Invitation" and "I Concentrate on You." The nicest surprise comes on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Sem Voce," which Cole sings in the original Portuguese; Joe Beck plays the changes on alto guitar and solos beautifully on acoustic. Cole's regular band, with guitarist Jerry Byrd, bassist Herman Burney, and drummer Curtis Boyd, splits the program with a larger Latin ensemble that includes the likes of O'Farrill, "Papo" Vazquez on trombone, Lou Marini on sax and flute, and Steve Berrios on drums and Latin percussion. Even though Cole's voice is not "pretty" in a conventional sense, this definitely works as turn-the-lights-down-low music. O'Farrill's choice of Fender Rhodes electric piano on the first and last tracks is an inspired touch. ~ David R. Adler

Recorded at Sear Sound Studios, New York, New York from September 19-21, 2000. Includes liner notes by Bob Blumenthal.

Freddy Cole (vocals, piano); Joe Beck (guitar, acoustic guitar); Lou Marini (flute, tenor saxophone); Michael Mossman (trumpet, flugelhorn); Angel Vazquez (trombone); Rubén Rodríguez (electric bass); Steve Berrios (drums, congas, shaker, surdo, bells); Curtis Boyd (drums).

Rio De Janeiro Blue

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Joey DeFrancesco - Finger Poppin': Celebrating the Music of Horace Silver

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:59
Size: 139.6 MB
Label: Doodlin
Styles: Urban jazz, Soul jazz, Post bop
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[ 8:25] 1. Strollin'
[ 4:41] 2. Swingin' the Samba
[ 5:59] 3. The Jody Grind
[ 6:04] 4. Finger Poppin'
[ 7:14] 5. Let's Get to the Nitty Gritty
[11:13] 6. African Queen
[ 8:30] 7. Filthy McNasty
[ 4:12] 8. Peace
[ 4:36] 9. Swingin' the Samba (alternate take)

As Joey DeFrancesco has switched from the standard Hammond B-3 to the Diversi clone organ, you'd hardly notice how the subtle differences in each instrument affect his playing style. However, this recording reflects a rich, warm feeling manifested not only in his approach, but via the music he is playing--a celebration of songs written by Horace Silver. Tom Harrell (former bandmate of Silver) and Tim Warfield (tenor sax only) were recruited to keep the embers glowing, while longtime DeFrancesco drummer Byron Landham also utilizes the utmost of restraint and taste. This is not the fiery Horace Silver sound stoked by drummer Roy Brooks, but a respectful tribute to Silver's bands, with several well-chosen old favorites and two discernible off the beaten path selections.

DeFrancesco's secondary role in the background is telling on classic tracks like "Strollin'," with its naturally easygoing mood supporting Warfield's deliberate, overly careful phrasings, or the sly, slow groove of "The Jody Grind." The rest of the recording compares well with Silver's original takes, as "Swingin' the Samba" sports a popping beat approaching Mexicali swapping with Brazilian, the shuffle blues "Let's Get to the Nitty Gritty" has no problems or pressure, and "Peace" -- the ultimate ballad -- is lovingly caressed by Harrell's flügelhorn. At over 11 minutes in length, "The African Queen" is as compelling as the original in its up-and-down dynamics. An ever popular piece, "Filthy McNasty" is a fairly simple tune, but done with more fire than the others via great communion between Warfield and Harrell. It's a good recording nonetheless, and one DeFrancesco fans will enjoy.

As Joey DeFrancesco has switched from the standard Hammond B-3 to the Diversi clone organ, you'd hardly notice how the subtle differences in each instrument affect his playing style. However, this recording reflects a very rich, warm feeling manifested not only in his approach, but via the music he is playing -- a celebration of songs written by Horace Silver. Tom Harrell (former bandmate of Silver, exclusively on the flügelhorn) and Tim Warfield (tenor sax only) were recruited to keep the embers glowing but not flaming on, while longtime DeFrancesco drummer Byron Landham also utilizes the utmost of restraint and taste. Similarly imprecise is the rushed version of the title track, a bit too fast in hard bop fashion. The rest of the recording compares well with Silver's original takes, as "Swingin' the Samba" sports a popping beat approaching Mexicali swapping with Brazilian, the shuffle blues "Let's Get to the Nitty Gritty" has no problems or pressure, and "Peace". ~Pete Fallico, Jim Merod.

Finger Poppin': Celebrating the Music of Horace Silver

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Nina Simone - 'Nuff Said

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 33:36
Size: 80.5 MB
Label: RCA
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1968/2004
Art: Front

[2:28] 1. In the Morning
[3:26] 2. Sunday In Savannah
[2:48] 3. Backlash Blues
[2:52] 4. Please Read Me
[3:09] 5. Gin House Blues
[5:56] 6. Why (The King Of Love Is Dead)
[2:35] 7. Peace Of Mind
[2:07] 8. Ain't Got No/I Got Life
[3:28] 9. I Loves You Porgy
[1:44] 10. Take My Hand Precious Lord
[2:58] 11. Do What You Gotta Do

The record 'Nuff Said! was recorded live the day after Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Nina Simone's performance is a unique testament of that era combining an excellent performance with genuine emotions. Her voice delivers the songs with dignity, achieving a quality I haven't heard on any of her other live recording since. Nearly forty years onwards it proves the outstanding qualities of this often misunderstood lady. ~Robert Jan Voster

'Nuff Said

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Eddie Lang, Carl Kress, Dick McDonough - Pioneers Of Jazz Guitar

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 70:17
Size: 166.5 MB
Label: Challenge
Styles: Early jazz, Guitar jazz, Swing
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[2:55] 1. Eddie's Twister
[3:08] 2. April Kisses
[3:07] 3. Prelude In C Sharp Minor Op 3
[3:03] 4. A Little Love, A Little Kiss
[2:49] 5. Melody Man's Dream
[3:03] 6. Perfect
[2:49] 7. Rainbow Dreams
[2:46] 8. Add A Little Wiggle
[2:52] 9. Jeanine I Dream Of Lilac Time
[3:02] 10. I'll Never Be The Same
[3:03] 11. Church Street Sobbin' Blues
[3:11] 12. There'll Be Some Changes Made
[3:02] 13. Pickin' My Way (Guitar Mania, Part 1)
[3:00] 14. Feeling My Way (Guitar Mania, Part 2)
[3:08] 15. Danzon
[3:00] 16. Stage Fright
[2:13] 17. Chicken-A-La-Swing
[2:25] 18. Heat Wave
[2:48] 19. Afterthoughts - Part 1 (In Three Movements)
[3:02] 20. Afterthoughts - Parts 2 & 3 (In Three Movements)
[2:34] 21. Peg Leg Shuffle
[2:43] 22. Helena
[3:18] 23. Love Song
[3:03] 24. Sutton Mutton

This 1998 CD has a great deal of timeless music. Guitar features were very rare in jazz prior to Django Reinhardt, and particularly before the guitar became amplified in the late '30s. This essential reissue has all of Eddie Lang's guitar features (leaving out only a few numbers in which he led a bigger group), the two Lang/Carl Kress duets, the Kress/Dick McDonough duets, and all of Kress' unaccompanied solos. The Lang numbers (mostly duets with Arthur Schutt, Frank Signorelli, or Rube Bloom offering quiet support on piano) were unprecedented in jazz at the time. Highlights include "Add a Little Wiggle," "I'll Never Be the Same," and "There'll Be Some Changes Made." Actually, the most memorable moments on this CD are the two Lang/Kress collaborations, classics from 1932 called "Pickin' My Way" and "Feelin' My Way." Lang's single-note lines work perfectly with Kress' advanced chords, and it is surprising that no arranger has transcribed these wonderful performances and orchestrated them for a larger group. Highly recommended, and proof that the jazz guitar did not begin with Charlie Christian. ~Scott Yanow

Pioneers Of Jazz Guitar

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Lisa Kirchner - In The Shadow Of A Crow

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Label: Albany Music Distribution
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:50
Size: 135,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. The Very Thought Of You
(4:32)  2. When The Dream Is Over
(3:28)  3. Baby Take A Chance With Me
(3:11)  4. Parapluis De Cherbourg
(3:55)  5. More Than You Know
(3:25)  6. Blue By The River
(3:09)  7. Shut Down The Moon
(4:10)  8. Que Reste-t-il?
(3:48)  9. I Don't Believe In Romance
(3:39) 10. Monday Morning
(3:55) 11. In The Shadow Of A Crow
(3:56) 12. Don't Misunderstand
(4:29) 13. Manhattan Under The Paris Moon
(2:53) 14. Please Be Kind
(3:03) 15. La Javanaise
(3:02) 16. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

"In the Shadow of a Crow" featuring vocalist Lisa Kirchner and her marvelous musicians is a collection of standards and original songs that I can highly recommend. It's a musical revelation to hear what Lisa does with her voice. A sound imbued with sophistication, beauty, and style so rare to hear from any singer these days. I look forward to the next effort from this multitalented lady who has brought her wonderful artistry to theatre, Broadway, radio, and television." ~Ron Della Chiesa WGBH Radio Boston/ WPLM Radio Plymouth

“Three French titles and excellently interpreted by Lisa Kirchner…the delicate attention of a connaisseuse, who has chosen the crème de la crème of musicians… Not one error in taste, musicians who swing : this singer has a lot of talent” ~Michel Bedin/Jazz Hot

"We've really enjoyed sharing cuts from IN THE SHADOW OF A CROW with our listeners. All in all…I give the album two thumbs up” ~Eric Cohen/WAER Radio

“Loved your CD- especially-You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To and The Very Thought Of You. Still playing so keep ‘em coming. ~on Wolff/I Love Jazz

“You have a very unique, recognizable voice, and your backup musicians sound wonderful. I look forward to your new cd next year.” ~David May WHFC-FM

“LISA KIRCHNER offers a beautiful interpretation of “Please Be Kind”, written by Cahn and Chaplin.”~Bruno Pollacci/Anima Jazz(http://www.lisakirchner.com/reviews.html).

In The Shadow Of A Crow

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Tim Warfield - A Cool Blue

Styles: Saxophone Jazz

Label: criss cross

Year: 1994

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 69:50

Size: 160,1 MB

Art: Front

( 6:54)  1. Titi Boom I

(10:03)  2. Summertime

( 8:23)  3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

(11:39)  4. Dedicated To You

( 7:28)  5. Night Train

( 5:58)  6. A Cool Blue

( 5:38)  7. Titi Boom II

( 6:47)  8. Waltz For The Ordinary

( 6:57)  9. Mr.Jin

Performing with frequent collaborators Terell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, Tarus Mateen, and (Clarence Penn), Tim Warfield's debut as a leader is a fine mixture of original compositions, standards, and jazz classics. Although all of the nine selections on A Cool Blue are strong, two of the standouts are "Titi Boom I" and "Titi Boom II"; "I" is an uptempo blues, while "II" is slower but just as energetic, with a collective improvisation over a four-note bass vamp. 

Other highlights include a straight-ahead reading of "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," a special arrangement of "Night Train," the beautiful title track, and the hard hitting "Mr Jin," introduced by a powerful Penn drum solo. One of the original Tough Young Tenors and an original member of the short-lived Jazz Futures, Warfield shows the potential to become one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists in jazz.~Greg Turner(http://www.allmusic.com/album/cool-blue-mw0000646952).

Personnel: Tim Warfield (tenor saxophone); Terell Stafford (trumpet); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Clarence Penn (drums).

Recording information: RPM Studios, New York, NY (12/27/1994).

A Cool Blue

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Terri Clark - Roots and Wings

Styles: Country
Label: Baretrack
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:39
Size: 89,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Wrecking Ball
(3:55)  2. Breakin' Up Thing
(3:44)  3. The One
(3:49)  4. Northern Girl
(4:04)  5. Beautiful and Broken
(3:45)  6. Lonesome's Last Call
(4:27)  7. The Good Was Great
(4:16)  8. Smile (featuring Alison Krauss)
(2:45)  9. We're Here for a Good Time
(4:19) 10. Flowers In Snow

There are many things to celebrate on Roots & Wings, Terri Clark's second self-released, self-produced offering on BareTrack Records. No longer distributed by Capitol, Clark's really going it alone here, partnering instead with the great independent distributor The Orchard. This set not only proves but underscores in bold that 2009's excellent Long Way Home was no fluke: Clark knows her own strengths better than any Nashville producer. She has assembled a stellar class of pickers, and wrote or co-wrote all but one cut. The sound is contemporary country but, as the title implies, there's a traditional bent here as well. Roots & Wings is simultaneously searing and personal, ebullient and defiant. Four of the finer songs on this set were co-written with ex-Sugarland member Kristen Hall, among them the stellar, folkish "Flowers in Snow,” the more commercial but nonetheless hard roots track “Beautiful and Broken,” and the radio-ready “Breakin’ Up Thing.” Even when pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, as on “We’re Here for a Good Time” with its solidly retro pop feel, she delivers full bore and soars above the hooky chorus. 

Clark can sing and write honky tonk with the best of them and displays it on the hard country of "Lonesome's Last Call," a barroom weeper par excellence. Alison Krauss' voice and fiddle appear on the midtempo ballad "Smile," dedicated to the memory of Clark's mother Linda, who passed away recently after battling cancer. The closer, "Flowers in Snow," is the only cover here, a Celtic-flavored country ballad fueled by mandolins and pedal steel. Clark's throaty contralto digs deep into the grain of the heartbreak in the lyric. Roots & Wings has plenty to offer country fans. Hopefully radio will pick up on the album since there's more than enough to interest them here, because Roots & Wings is Clark's tightest, most focused recording to date.~Thom Jurek(http://www.allmusic.com/album/roots-wings-mw0002181099).

Personnel: Terri Clark (background vocals); Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin); B. James Lowry (acoustic guitar); Jason Barry, Kenny Greenberg, Brent Mason (electric guitar); Dan Dugmore, Russ Paul (steel guitar); Andrea Zonn, Stuart Duncan (fiddle, strings); Tony Harrell (accordion, piano); Steve Nathan (keyboards); Lyle Molzan, Shannon Forrest (drums); Jeneé Fleenor, John Wesley Ryles, Kristen Hall, Alison Krauss, Sonya Isaacs, Wes Hightower (background vocals).

Recording information: Barrytones Studios, Toronto, ON; The Metal Building, Nolensville, TN; Vibe 56, Nashville, TN.

Roots and Wings

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Diana Krall - The Look Of Love

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Label: Umvd Labels
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:35
Size: 116,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. S'Wonderful
(4:56)  2. Love Letters
(3:56)  3. I Remember You
(5:03)  4. Cry Me a River
(6:40)  5. Besame Mucho
(5:42)  6. The Night We Called it a Day
(5:48)  7. Dancing In The Dark
(3:45)  8. I Get Along Without You Very Well
(4:42)  9. The Look of Love
(5:31) 10. Maybe You'll Be There

Diana Krall has a good voice and plays decent piano, but this somewhat ridiculously packaged Verve CD seems like an obvious attempt to turn her into a pop icon, and sex symbol to boot. The bland arrangements by Claus Ogerman (who conducts the London Symphony Orchestra or the Los Angeles Session Orchestra on each track) border on easy listening, while Krall and her various supporting musicians, including John Pisano, Russell Malone, Christian McBride, and Peter Erskine (among others), clearly seem stifled by their respective roles. There are plenty of strong compositions here, including standards like "I Remember You," "The Night We Called It a Day," and "I Get Along Without You Very Well," but the unimaginative and often syrupy charts take their toll on the performances. 

What is even sillier is the label's insistence on attempting to photograph the artist in various sultry poses, which she evidently wants to discourage by refusing to provide much of a smile (the rumor is that she's not happy with this part of the business at all). If you are looking for unchallenging background music, this will fit the bill, but jazz fans are advised to check out Krall's earlier releases instead.~Ken Dryden(http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-look-of-love-mw0000012124).

The Look Of Love

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Jeff Golub With Brian Auger - Train Keeps A Rolling

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 47:33
Size: 108.9 MB
Label: EOne Music
Styles: Pop-Jazz, Guitar jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. The Cat
[4:19] 2. Isola Natale
[3:39] 3. Train Keeps A Rolling
[5:11] 4. I Love The Life I Live
[4:42] 5. Pusherman
[3:52] 6. How Long
[3:31] 7. J&B
[4:41] 8. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend
[4:01] 9. Shepherds Bush Market
[4:32] 10. Whenever You're Ready
[5:43] 11. Walking On The Moon

That guitarist Jeff Golub was able to record Train Keeps a Rolling at all is something of a miracle. In 2011, the optic nerves in the guitarist's eyes mysteriously and inexplicably collapsed, leaving him blind and in need of a guard dog. In September of 2012, while trying to catch the subway in New York, Golub fell onto the tracks as a train was approaching. He was clipped and dragged for a distance, but amazingly, other than cuts and bruises, he was unhurt. This makes the occasion of his 12th studio offering a special one. To mark it, his longtime co-producer Bud Harner suggested that he collaborate with one of his personal heroes, British keyboard giant Brian Auger. They enlisted drummer Steve Ferrone from Auger's Oblivion Express and bassist Derek Frank, who had also worked with the keyboardist. Various tracks are augmented by guests, including a four-piece horn section, percussionist Luis Conte, and vocalists Christopher Cross, Ambrosia's David Pack, and Alex Ligertwood (former Oblivion Express and Santana frontman). The program opens with a bright, funky reading of Lalo Schifrin's "The Cat" that accents the intuitive interplay between the B-3 and Golub's guitar playing. There are three Auger compositions too, including a new reading of the slinky jazz-rock nugget "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend" with Ligertwood reprising his Oblivion Express vocal role. More outstanding are the punchy, horn-drenched funk of "Shepherds Bush Market," which Auger wrote specifically for the date, and the previously unissued "Isola Natale," with its jazzy Latin groove. Pop rears its head in a sophisticated read of Paul Carrack's "How Long," beautifully sung by Cross, and ramped up soul-jazz appears in an instrumental take on Curtis Mayfield's iconic "Pusherman," with a terrific horn chart and a monster B-3 solo. Golub shines throughout, but particularly on the ironically dubbed title track, which commences as a frenetic tropical salsa before giving way to steamy, Latin-fused jazz-rock. The only weak spots here are in the workmanlike version of the Police's "Walking on the Moon" and the Mose Allison-influenced read of Willie Dixon's "I Love the Life I Live"; both could have been left off without consequence. By and large, however, Train Keeps a Rolling is proof positive that you can't keep a great musician down; it is inspired, kinetic, and chock-full of fine playing and arranging. ~ Thom Jurek

Recording information: Lafx, North Hollywood, CA; Pack's Place, Mission Viejo, CA; The Maid's Room, New York, NY; The Red Room. Austin, TX. Editor: Mark Casselman.

Jeff Golub (guitar); Brian Auger (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Dave Woodford (flute, baritone saxophone); Mindi Abair (alto saxophone); Steve Madaio (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Steve Ferrone (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Train Keeps A Rolling

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Blossom Dearie - My Gentleman Friend

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 30:35
Size: 70.0 MB
Label: Verve
Styles: Vocal jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 1959/2003
Art: Front

[3:39] 1. Little Jazz Bird
[3:46] 2. Gentleman Friend
[3:06] 3. It's Too Good To Talk About Now
[3:06] 4. Chez Moi
[3:29] 5. You Fascinate Me So
[2:33] 6. You've Got Something I Want
[2:07] 7. Boum
[0:00] 8. L' Étang
[2:48] 9. Hello Love
[5:57] 10. Someone To Watch Over Me

Another in the superior series of LPs Blossom Dearie recorded for Verve in the late '50s, MY GENTLEMAN FRIEND finds the cabaret-jazz maven joined by guitarist Kenny Burrell and her husband at the time, Belgian saxophonist-flutist Bobby Jaspar, who accompanies Blossom on just a few French-language tunes--"Chez Moi," the swinging "Boum," and a lovely impressionist ballad called "L'Etang," all of which she manages with aplomb.

Dearie always chose her repertoire carefully so there are almost no typical standards here. Still she excels on Cy Coleman's "You Fascinate Me So," with its deft, witty lyrics by the great Carolyn Leigh. Closing the set is her plaintive version of the Gershwin's "Someone To Watch Over Me." The singer's self-accompanying piano work is excellent throughout.

Recorded at Nola Studios, New York, New York on May 21 & 22, 1959. Originally released on Verve (2125).

Blossom Dearie (vocals, piano); Bobby Jaspar (flute); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Ed Thigpen (drums).

My Gentleman Friend

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Tom Scott - Reed My Lips

Album: Reed My Lips
Styles: Crossover jazz, Fusion
Released: 1993
Label: GRP
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:50
Size: 93.5 MB
Art: Front Cover

1. Upbeat 90's [4:26]
2. Sarah, Sarah [5:22]
3. Reed My Lips [5:42]
4. Jungle Wave [5:22]
5. Hollywood Walk [4:44]
6. Every Day And Every Minute [4:40]
7. Walk A Mile [4:08]
8. G.B.U. [4:16]
9. Saxappella [2:11]

While most musicians wind up pigeonholed into very strict stylistic trappings throughout their career, Tom Scott has f ound challenges and success playing all formats of jazz on his solo projects and as leader of the GRP All Star Big Band (in the early 90s). It was fun following his muse in the middle of the decade, as he ventured back to his straightahead roots on 1992's Born Again, then was back to the funk on this rousing jam session.

Working with old and new friends like Grover Washington, Jr., Paul Jackson, Jr., Dave Witham, David Paich, Luis Conte, Eric Gale and Robben Ford, Scollection explodes from the get-go on the perfectly titled "Upbeat 90's," a spirited bundle of energy which combines Scott's funky tenor bravura with a modern hip-hop groove and Gale's bouncy electric guitar. The saxman plays a passionate accompaniment and interlude behind the smooth vocals of singer/guitarist Jerry Lopez on a seductive cover of Jonathan Butler's sweet "Sarah Sarah," then gives the title track--a soaring duet between Scott and Washington's duelling tenor and soprano saxes--a brassy blues and bouncy hip-hop attitude. "Every Day and Every Minute" is possibly the most unique track Scott has ever done. It's a hypnotic moodswing of spacey animation featuring mantra like breathy vocals, Witham's vibes like melody and the saxman achieving mystery with the sounds of the bass flute. ~Jonathan Widran

Reed My Lips

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Paul McCartney - Ram (Special Edition) [double album]

At the beginning of his solo career, McCartney took the term rather literally, recording virtually alone, playing and singing nearly all the parts himself. Nowhere is that approach more effective than on RAM, arguably his finest solo recording. Admittedly, he had a little help from guitarist Hugh McCracken and a couple of others here and there, but for the most part, this is Paul's show. Instead of succumbing to self-indulgence, though, he used this forum to focus his artistic energies, thus turning out some of the best songs of his post-Beatles career. The opening "Too Many People" is an appealingly melodic rocker that combines the two sides of McCartney--melodious popster and unabashed rocker--to unprecedented effect. He gets bluesy on "3 Legs," homespun-acoustic on "Heart of the Country," and appealingly jocular on the radio hit "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey," whose whimsy recalls his best light-hearted Beatles efforts. What he maintains throughout all this is his vision, never getting sidetracked into loopy experimentalism or sentimental mush. RAM is McCartney at the peak of his considerable powers, spontaneous-sounding but still expertly crafted.

Album: Ram (Special Edition) [Disc 1]
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:05
Size: 98.7 MB
Label: Hear Music
Styles: Rock
Year: 1971/2012

[4:09] 1. Too Many People
[2:47] 2. Three Legs
[2:29] 3. Ram On
[2:13] 4. Dear Boy
[4:55] 5. Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey
[3:52] 6. Smile Away
[2:22] 7. Heart of the Country
[5:24] 8. Monkberry Moon Delight
[3:21] 9. Eat at Home
[6:05] 10. Long Haired Lady
[0:55] 11. Ram On 2
[4:28] 12. Back Seat of My Car

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Album: Ram (Special Edition) (disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 32:56
Size: 75.4 MB
Label: Hear Music
Styles: Rock
Year: 1971/2012
Art: Front

[3:41] 1. Another Day
[4:33] 2. Oh Woman, Oh Why
[2:07] 3. Little Woman Love
[4:07] 4. A Love for You [John Kelly Mix]
[3:48] 5. Hey Diddle [Dixon Van Winkle Mix]
[2:34] 6. Great Cock and Seagull Race [Dixon Van Winkle Mix]
[8:43] 7. Rode All Night
[3:19] 8. Sunshine Sometime [Earliest Mix]

this 2-disc set in one link.
Ram (Special Edition) [discs 1 & 2]

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