Sony Holland - On a San Francisco High

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:30
Size: 79,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:03)  1. On a San Francisco High
(3:23)  2. The Trouble Is
(3:07)  3. The Liberal Ladies of San Mateo
(3:22)  4. That's New
(2:24)  5. In Marin
(2:43)  6. Chestnut Street
(3:28)  7. To Better Days
(3:04)  8. Lovely to Be Lonely
(2:52)  9. Whirlwind Romance
(3:35) 10. My Man and I
(3:23) 11. Somewhere Near St. Louis

Although this listener has left his heart in San Francisco more than once or twice, Sony Holland's newest release On A San Francisco High certainly provides the romantic impetus to again return. Songs on her CD offer a virtual musical and poetic tour of the City by the Bay. There are also, among Holland's poetry and music, reflections upon various dimensions of personal relationships. All eleven songs recorded on On A San Francisco High are originals by Holland, a very refreshing departure in the jazz vocal/traditional pop vocal realm, where for a number of years now the focus of both newer and veteran singers has been on revisiting and remaking tunes from The Great American Songbook. Holland's instrument is very fluid, light and bell-like in its brightness, however she also retains a hint of sultriness in her sound and delivery that brings to mind the voice of Peggy Lee. The quintet backing Holland does so in a very effective manner. 

Although not featured regularly as soloists, this group of fine musicians very tastefully enhances Holland's sense of swing and style of delivery and at no time is overbearing or detracting from Holland's performance. Special note should be given to pianist Dennis Burnside who also wrote all of the arrangements of Holland's songs and multi-woodwind instrumentalist Jim Hoke whose very tasteful saxophone interplay among Holland's lyrics serve as appropriate musical commentary. A great example is Hoke's clarinet work and musical paraphrase at the end of "Somewhere Near St. Louis." All of the above aside, what primarily captured this listener's interest in Sony Holland's On A San Francisco High is her melodic writing and especially her lyrics. The CD opens with "On Chestnut Street," describing what might be typically seen while strolling down this San Francisco venue. "The Liberal Ladies of San Mateo" is an anthem to forty-something women who still know how to enjoy a youthful girlish approach to life and living. The song "In Marin" describes a place where "They say the grape is a vitamin" and "Being sober is a terrible sin." The culminating song in this vein is the title track "On A San Francisco High," where Holland describes San Francisco as " . . .no other city that can take my breath away." Holland's other songs deal with the excruciating ecstasy of a new lover, the depth of an ongoing relationship or reflection over a romance gone sour. 

"Lovely To Be Lonely" summarizes perfectly the idea of "It's lovely to be lonely missing you," and the almost giddy "Whirlwind Romance" captures the intoxicating excitement of a new-found lover. On the emotional downside are songs like "The Trouble Is" which details love for a man who is forever unfaithful, and "Somewhere Near St. Louis," where Holland laments she is " . . . still stuck in New York City singin' the old St. Louis Blues." Sony Holland's On A San Francisco High is a very enjoyable CD. Her lyrics are smart and descriptive and definitely will capture the listener's imagination. The musicianship and Holland's voice are also excellent. The only downside to the CD is that it is only forty-six minutes long, and this listener wanted more. On A San Francisco High would be a most welcome addition to anyone's CD collection, and certainly Sony Holland's next project will be eagerly awaited.

~ Craig W. Hurst http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14548#.UizVGj-wVw8

Personnel: Sony Holland (vocals), Dennis Burnside (piano), Charlie Chadwick (bass), Pat Burgeson (guitar), Jim Hoke (woodwinds), Harry Wilkinson (drums) .

On a San Francisco High

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Brandi Disterheft - Gratitude

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:48
Size: 118,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:46)  1. Blues for Nelson Mandela
(3:01)  2. Gratitude (for David Jahns)
(4:11)  3. Mizmahta
(5:53)  4. But Beautiful
(5:48)  5. Portrait of Duke
(8:17)  6. Kissing the Cheek of Providence
(4:49)  7. Le regarder la rencontrer encore (rendez-vous indésirable)
(6:48)  8. Open
(2:16)  9. The Man I Love
(2:53) 10. Compared To What

Canada has had its fair share of fine female jazz exports over the past few decades: piano-vocal crossover star Diana Krall; trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and her equally fabulous saxophone playing sister, Christine Jensen; and pianist Renee Rosnes have all made their mark below the 49th parallel. With the release of Gratitude, bassist Brandi Disterheft is poised to join their ranks.

The Vancouver-born bassist first garnered attention in Canada with her Juno Award-winning Debut (Superfran, 2007) and its well-titled followup, Second Side (Justin Time, 2009), but she's upped her game with Gratitude. Disterheft's move to New York City proved to be a game changer, as it put her in contact with some of jazz's finest practitioners who ably assist her in raising the bar on this originals-heavy affair.

Disterheft wisely uses her A-list accompanists in various groupings and settings, which helps to keep things interesting throughout. She deals a winning hand of blues in piano trio mode ("Blues For Nelson Mandela"), makes it into a foursome with the addition of Anne Drummond's spellbinding flute ("But Beautiful"), uses all of the harmonic horn colors at her disposal on a beautiful lament written to honor her cousin who lost his battle with cancer ("Gratitude"), and jettisons her support crew for an all- too-brief solo bass take on a Gershwin classic ("The Man I Love"). The full band, sans Drummond, has some fun with Disterheft's "Open," which would have fit in nicely in Art Blakey's playlist of the '60s, while the date's piece de resistance comes in the form of "Portrait Of Duke," a piano-bass-trumpet dialogue that finds Disterheft, trumpeter Sean Jones and drummer Gregory Hutchinson in high spirits.

Disterheft's skills as a bassist and composer are clear at every turn on this outing, but her vocal work can be a tougher sell. Her French language vocals on "Le Regarder La Recontrer Encore (Rendez-Vous Indesirable)" are superb, but her vocals on "But Beautiful" fall flat on the emotional spectrum. The funky "Compared To What" is musically and vocally solid, and focuses on the groove chemistry between Hutchinson and Disterheft, but proves to be a bit of a stylistic faux pas. Disterheft deftly works a variety of styles into a cohesive whole here, but socially conscious funk just doesn't fit in.

While the album might have been stronger with the removal of a vocal number or two, Disterheft doesn't disappoint on the majority of the material. She's a major talent who won't stay under the radar for very long. Gratitude features some outstanding music and it should be a boon to her career.~ Dan Bilawsky http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=43302 .

Personnel: Brandi Disterheft: acoustic bass, vocals; Vincent Herring: alto saxophone; Sean Jones: trumpet; Anne Drummond: alto flute, bass flute; Renee Rosnes: piano; Gregory Hutchinson: drums.

Gratitude

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Rebekka Bakken & Wolfgang Muthspiel - Beloved

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:21
Size: 92,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:44)  1. Beloved
(3:56)  2. Welcome Me
(6:29)  3. Overmåde
(4:59)  4. No Innocence
(2:51)  5. Later
(4:23)  6. Which One of Your Lovers
(3:11)  7. Goodbye
(4:02)  8. You
(5:42)  9. I Surrender All

Nordic folk-jazz chanteuse Rebekka Bakken was the most successful exponent of a new generation of Scandinavian jazz singers that also included Silje Nergaard, Sidsel Endresen, and Solveig Slettahjell. Born in Oslo in 1970, Bakken studied violin and piano as a child, and in 1995 relocated to New York City to pursue a professional music career. There she paired with Austrian-born guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel, and together they toured the local nightclub circuit as a duo. In time Bakken also befriended German pianist Julia Hülsmann, with whom she recorded the 2003 album Scattering Poems, a collection of jazz performances inspired by the poems of e.e. cummings. Upon completing the project Bakken returned to Europe, settling in Vienna and signing a solo deal with the Universum label. Her debut LP, The Art of How to Fall, followed by year's end, and in 2005 she resurfaced with her commercial breakthrough, Is That You? I Keep My Cool followed a year later. https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rebekka-bakken/id13077031#fullText

Beloved

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Stefano Bollani & Hamilton De Holanda - O Que Será

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:04
Size: 123,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Beatriz
(6:27)  2. Il barbone di Siviglia
(3:05)  3. Caprichos de Espanha
(6:51)  4. Guarda che luna
(6:18)  5. Luiza
(5:26)  6. O Que Será
(3:36)  7. Rosa
(8:53)  8. Canto de Ossanha
(4:35)  9. Oblivión
(5:24) 10. Apanhei-Te Cavaquinho

There's a relative paucity of piano and guitar duo recordings; Bill Evans and Jim Hall in the world of jazz, Horacio Salgán and the late Ubaldo de Lio in the world of tango, and Pamela and Robert Trent in the classical world are notable exceptions. When it comes to crossover, jazz pianist Michel Camilo and flamenco guitarist Tomatito's collaborations Spain (Verve, 2000) and Spain Again (Decca Music Group, 2006) set the bar high with their exhilarating blend of Afro-Caribbean, tango, jazz and flamenco flavors. To this short list, Italian pianist Stefano Bollani and Brazilian bandolim (10-string mandolin) player Hamilton de Holanda can be added, cum laude, for this quite scintillating live collaboration.

Bollani and de Holanda are kindred spirits; great virtuosos and prolific recording artists, both are open to experiment whether playing solo or with orchestral accompaniment. Bollani's eclecticism is well documented, but less known outside of Brazil is de Holanda, who has recorded/played with multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal, harpist Edmar Castaneda, banjo player Bela Fleck and accordionist Richard Galliano. Not surpsisingly then, the music here draws equally from jazz, tango and classical music as much as it does from Brazil's rich musical heritage.

Bollani has long had a love affair with Brazilian music, having previously recorded an entire album of Antonio Carlos Jobim's music, Falando do Amor (Venus Jazz, 2003). Carioca (EmArcy, 2008), the pianist's sweeping embrace of pre-Bossa choro and samba, revealed the depth of his feeling for Brazilian music through the ages. In de Holanda, Bollani has found a simpatico musical partner. O que será sees the duo interpret the music of more mainstream Brazilian composers but in truly exhilarating, and above all, heartfelt fashion.

The duo first played together in 2009, an experience that spurred them on to tour in Europe and Brazil two years later. This recording, taken from a concert at Jazz Middelheim in 2012 finds the pair in irresistible form, and it's clear from the opening exchanges of Chico Buraque/Edu Lobo's lovely "Beatriz' that they share a deep musical empathy. Whether caressing a ballad, going hammer and tongs in breathtaking unison, or plying flowing individual yet parallel paths, there's an evident symmetry at play.

On Bollani's up-tempo "Il Barbone de Seviglia," it's difficult to tell who's leading who, though this sense of freedom provides some of the music's most exciting moments. The tremendous intuition at play in the give-and-take, the passing back and forth of the melody and the dazzling alternating solos recall the strong empathy and musical trust that Bollani shared with pianist Chick Corea on Orvieto (ECM, 2011). Neither musician holds back when it comes time to cut loose, but for the most part, whether on de Holanda's flamenco flavored "Caprichos de Espanha" or bandoneon maestro Astor Piazzolla's slow tango "Oblivión," the musicians entwine like sure-footed dancers.

A sense of fun is always bubbling away with Bollani and his well known impersonation of singer/songwriter Paulo Conte gets a run out on "Guarda Che Luna," much to the crowd's delight. Bollani's clowning offers a momentary interlude to the delightfully flowing solo and unison lines that beguile and dazzle simultaneously. The lyricism inherent to both players is best appreciated on the slower numbers; Jobim's "Luiza" is given a minimal, quite intimate reading, with Bollani's intro evoking "Honeysuckle Rose." The duo's simple, unadorned treatment of Pixinguinha's beautiful tune "Rosa" holds the elegance of yesteryear and is a fine tribute to one of Brazil's great choro legends.

Bollani and de Holanda exchange scurrying lines during Baden Powell/Vinicius de Moraes' "Canto de Ossanha," with the pianist playing bebop Tom and Jerry to the bandolim player's Django Reinhardt; it's as thrilling as it is fun. The finale comes when the two slip into a percussive duet of carnivalesque release. Dancing, classically-influenced piano signals the intro to Ernesto Nazareth's delightfully playful "Apanhei te Cavaquinho," with Bollani and de Holanda alternating dizzyingly rapid lines. Then, tumbling in unison, with a cascade of notes flying in perfect tandem, one can almost sense the smiles on their and the audience members' faces at the sheer exhilaration and joy of the playing.

The chemistry between Bollani and de Holanda and the almost inexhaustible material at their disposal clamor for a follow-up. They could easily continue to release live albums of this caliber every couple of years, but a studio recording is also a tantalizing prospect. Perhaps the setting of four walls and minus an adoring public would induce the sort of nuance and intimacy only occasionally hinted at here. Regardless, O que será marks a high point in the discographies of both musicians.

~ Ian Patterson  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45234#.UjEoPj9vA1I

Personnel: Stefano Bollani: piano; Hamilton de Holanda: bandolim.

O Que Será

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Ella Jones - Be My Guest

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 85.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:31] 1. Everything
[3:32] 2. Nothing
[3:11] 3. Be My Guest
[4:41] 4. I Feel For You
[2:59] 5. You Say
[3:25] 6. Here I Am
[3:23] 7. Change Your Point Of View
[3:05] 8. Summer Candy
[3:38] 9. Going My Way
[3:09] 10. No More
[2:51] 11. Oh Boy

Ella Jones is a soulful piano vocalist and this album is an evocative mix of her songs. From the upbeat feel good Everything and Change your point of view through to romantic title track Be my guest, and mournful I feel for you, Ella covers the full range of emotions on this colourful debut album. For those of you who would like a mixture of Carole King, Laura Nyro and Adele, this album is for you!

Ella Jones-Lead vocal and piano, Zane Maertens-Double Bass, Andy Christo-Drums, Nina Provencal-Additional Vocals.

Be My Guest

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Marty Paich Quartet - Marty Paich Quartet Featuring Art Pepper

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 25:54

Size: 59.3 MB

Styles: West Coast jazz, Bop

Year: 1956/2011

Art: Front

[3:07] 1. What's Right For You

[3:19] 2. You And The Night And The Music

[2:21] 3. Sidewinder

[2:52] 4. Abstract Art

[2:18] 5. Over The Rainbow

[3:20] 6. All The Things You Are

[3:27] 7. Pitfall

[2:42] 8. Melancholie Madeline

[2:23] 9. Marty's Blues

Marty Paich was born in Oakland (Cal.) January 1925 and passed away in Santa Ynez (Cal.) on his ranch August 1995. He is one of those musicians that played an important role in modern music, especially the so-called West Coast Jazz, most as a composer, arranger, but also as a sideman and accompanist of great jazz musicians, who made their names, like Art Pepper. He became known for his numerous compositions and arrangements which helped to shape the West Coast sound.

Recorded August, 1956 at Radio Recorders. Engineer: Val Valentin. While not the leader on the date, this is clearly an Art Pepper record, his first after being released from Federal prison in 1956. This recording is a classic and a must for all Art Pepper fans.

Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper; Bass – Buddy Clark; Drums – Frank Capp; Piano – Marty Paich.

The Marty Paich Quartet featuring Art Pepper                

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The SoCal VoCals - Permit To Harmonize

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:29
Size: 120.1 MB
Styles: Vocal Harmonies, A Capella
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:45] 1. Good Luck
[3:07] 2. Set Fire To The Rain
[3:56] 3. Hold My Heart
[3:19] 4. Tightrope
[4:59] 5. Kings And Queens
[3:39] 6. Poison And Wine
[4:51] 7. Heart Of The Matter
[5:01] 8. Elena
[4:00] 9. Lady Marmalade
[4:04] 10. When We Are One
[3:13] 11. What The Water Gave Me
[4:18] 12. My Heart With You
[4:11] 13. Best Thing I Never Had

The SoCal VoCals are the premiere a cappella group from the University of Southern California. Since their creation back in 1996 the VoCals have been redefining a cappella in a way that can only be done in Los Angeles. The group is comprised solely by current USC students, and prides itself on singing music from any genre and by any artist. From Jazz to Rock; R&B to Pop, the VoCals create smooth West Coast-inspired sounds defined by the people singing them.

Over the past seventeen years, the VoCals have been increasing their exposure to a national level, bringing their brand of band (no instruments; just voices) to performances of all shapes and sizes. They have toured across the country, and competed in the 2008, 2010, and 2012 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, traveling to New York City to compete in the finals where they came out on top as the champions (all three times). The VoCals have been featured on The Today Show and in Newsweek magazine, have had current members and alumni represent the VoCals on all three seasons of NBC's The Sing-Off, and have shared the stage with stars like Josh Groban, Sara Bareilles, Queen Latifah, Jamie Lee Curtis, Colbie Caillat, and Ben Folds. The VoCals have sung in almost every imaginable scenario, from private parties and weddings to sold-out events at the Staples Center, the Walt Disney Music Hall, The Town Hall, and New York City's Lincoln Center. While they're stationed mainly in Southern California, the group has also taken their high-energy act on the road, traveling everywhere from The Northeast to Alaska.

Permit To Harmonize

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Kathy Sanborn - Sultry Night

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:13
Size: 89,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:40)  1. Sultry Night
(4:17)  2. That Cary Grant Smile
(4:23)  3. Angels Cry
(4:00)  4. Miss O'Day
(4:36)  5. Ordinary Man
(4:37)  6. Not Amused
(4:17)  7. The Boys Are Back
(5:03)  8. Butterscotch Sky
(3:16)  9. No More Storm

The glamour of yesterday returns to today’s jazz music with Sultry Night, the steamy new release by American jazz singer and composer Kathy Sanborn. Sanborn’s sizzling album has a film noir inspiration, where passion and sensuality rule the day. Sultry Night opens with the smoky and seductive title track, evocative of the age of film noir detectives Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe. The album continues with songs honoring movie icon Cary Grant and jazz vocal legend Anita O’Day, both performers reaching their heyday in the age of film noir, the 1940s and ‘50s. The album features both ballads and upbeat songs, performed in Sanborn’s inimitable smooth and sultry style. The singer composed all of the album‘s nine songs. In a reverential turn, Sanborn penned the song, “Angels Cry,” in honor of the children who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook school tragedy. 

According to JazzTimes: “Romance is always in the air as far as Kathy Sanborn is concerned, and her songs are reflections of those emotions which take flight when overpowered by love.” Sanborn adds, “Sultry Night reflects a world of steamy romance and unbridled sensuality - where love is always on one’s mind.” Based in northern California, the velvet-voiced jazz songstress and composer is of Nicaraguan descent. Bilingual and cosmopolitan, the exotic Sanborn combines sultry vocals with artistic originality. Spain’s NoSoloSmoothJazz.com says: “Kathy Sanborn is one of the most original vocalists in the American musical landscape.” Besides composing, arranging, and producing the Sultry Night album, Sanborn provides the vocal and piano artistry. Trumpeter Wayne Ricci complements the album with full-bodied, film noir performances. Sultry Night follows Sanborn’s critically acclaimed albums, Six Degrees of Cool and Blues for Breakfast. Both albums reached Amazon’s bestselling MP3 Vocal Jazz charts. The MP3 version of Sultry Night recently reached Amazon’s bestseller list for Vocal Jazz. http://news.allaboutjazz.com/news.php?id=105910#.Ui8T2z-wVw8

Sultry Night

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Diane Schuur - Talkin' 'Bout You

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:42
Size: 102,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:38)  1. Talkin' 'bout You
(3:53)  2. Funny (But I Sill Love You)
(4:53)  3. Louisiana Sunday Afternoon
(3:41)  4. For Your Love
(3:43)  5. Hearts Take Time
(4:54)  6. Somethin' Real
(4:04)  7. Hard Drivin' Mama Il
(3:29)  8. Nothing In The World (Can Make Me Love You More Than I Do)
(3:21)  9. Ain't That Love
(3:15) 10. Life Goes On
(4:44) 11. Cry Me A River

On her four previous albums, including the Grammy-winning torch song set “Timeless”, and the big band outing of “Diane Schuur & the Count Basie Orchestra”, Schuur went after a diverse set of musical forms. This time, on a set of bluesy and R&B styled tunes, she has finally begun to develop a finer touch. And though she reportedly had some initial problems handling this stylistic attempt at crossover success, Schuur finally used it to create some of her most confident, relaxed and expressive work.

As in past albums, Schuur wears her influences on her sleeve and here is most effective when she does. Ray Charles’ classic secular gospel sound provides the musical foundation for the LP; and three of his songs, including the lively, gospel-tinged title track and “Ain`t That Love” with the Edwin Hawkins Singers, provide some of the brightest moments.

“Deedles” does dither away some opportunities, and her musicians, while a solid bunch of session players such as Tom Scott, Will Lee, Mitchel Forman and Steve Gadd, too often sound like the ``Saturday Night Live`` Band leading into a commercial break. When all is said and done, though, “Talkin’” remains about the Schuur-est thing this popular young vocalist has yet delivered.~Chris Heim http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1988-11-27/entertainment/8802200257_1_diane-schuur-edwin-hawkins-singers-talkin

Talkin' 'Bout You

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Pink Martini - Get Happy

Styles:  Latin Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:15
Size: 117,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:37)  1. Ich dich liebe
(3:19)  2. Quiza´s, Quizas, Quizas
(2:12)  3. Zundokobushi
(4:11)  4. Je ne t'aime plus [Feat. Philippe Katerine]
(3:26)  5. Yo Te Quiero Siempre [Feat. Ari Shapiro]
(3:21)  6. I'm Waiting For You [Feat. Meow Meow]
(3:42)  7. Omide zendegani
(3:07)  8. Uskudar
(5:22)  9. Pana cand nu te iubeam
(4:48) 10. She Was Too Good To Me
(3:40) 11. Sway
(4:21) 12. Kitty Come Home [Feat. The Von Trapps & Rufus Wainwright]
(2:22) 13. Get Happy / Happy Days
(3:20) 14. What'll I Do?
(1:53) 15. Heliotrope Bouquet (Instrumental)
(2:48) 16. Smile

Pink Martini's long-awaited follow-up to their 2009 hit album Splendor in the Grass features their beloved vocalist China Forbes joined in the studio by her new co-lead singer Storm Large along with a cavalcade of guest star vocalists! Featuring the "little orchestra"'s trademark mix of pop songs from all corners of the globe, spanning the breadth of the 20th century, Get Happy's sunny disposition shines through its intricate and luxurious orchestral pop arrangements. Highlights of the album include the final recording of the legendary Phyllis Diller, a riveting appearance by the exquisite Rufus Wainwright, and a charming duet written and performed by China Forbes with underground French sensation Philippe Katerine. With sixteen tracks and a parade of fascinating guest stars, Get Happy is Pink Martini's broadest and most satisfying album to date. http://pink-martini-heinz-records.myshopify.com/products/get-happy-cd

Get Happy

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Thelonious Monk - Misterioso

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:14
Size: 161,5 MB
Art: Front

( 5:21)  1. Nutty
( 8:13)  2. Blues Five Spot
( 9:13)  3. Let's Cool One
(11:22)  4. In Walked Bud
( 2:08)  5. Just A Gigolo
(10:23)  6. Misterioso
( 6:16)  7. 'Round Midnight
(10:15)  8. Evidence

This is the second long-player to be taken from the same August 1958 Five Spot recordings that had yielded the similarly brilliant Thelonious in Action The quartet heard on these sets includes Monk (piano), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Roy Haynes (drums), and Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass). Their overwhelming and instinctual capacities directly contribute to the powerful swingin' and cohesive sound they could continually reinvent. While these are Monk's tunes, arrangements, and band, it is Griffin who consistently liberates the performances. During "Nutty," his flurry of activity  which adeptly incorporates several lines from "Surrey With the Fringe on Top" has a maniacal swing that is highlighted by some definitive counterplay from both Haynes and Monk. Additionally, the transition between Haynes and Monk is organic and seemingly psychic. "Blues Five Spot" a 12-bar blues homage to their current residence  features solos from each band member. Griffin and Monk again display the seemingly innate ability to instantly recalculate chord structures as well as transmute melodies. The show-stopping solo vamp from Griffin hurls the rhythm along while simultaneously dropping in quotes from other tunes such as the theme for the animated Popeye cinematic shorts. Malik's brief solo, like his band interaction, is underrated yet precisely executed. The title track is given an exploratory performance. While Griffin aptly seizes the reins to blow his bop onslaught, Haynes' natural and subdued agility perfectly supports the extended tenor solo, creating some unique passages. Ironically, the one Monk solo performance, "Just a Gigolo," is the only composition not by Monk. ~ Lindsay Planer  http://www.allmusic.com/album/misterioso-mw0000048402

Misterioso

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Little Miss Higgins & The Winnipeg Five - Bison Ranch Recording Sessions

Size: 90,5 MB
Time: 39:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Country Blues, Blues Folk, Old Time
Label: L.M.H. Music
Art: Front

1. Heavy Train (1:58)
2. Your House Tonight (4:13)
3. Keep A Song In Your Soul (2:51)
4. Chateau Poulet (3:24)
5. Barns You Used To Dance In (4:25)
6. Early Morning Thief (2:09)
7. Restless Heart (4:07)
8. Dead Cow Hill (3:57)
9. I Was At An Auction (3:23)
10. Moonlit Picnic (3:57)
11. Blue Moon Behind Me (4:38)

If you think Corb Lund is catchy, you might want to try Little Miss Higgins & The Winnipeg Five. I thoroughly enjoyed the authentic country blues sound of Bison Ranch Recording Sessions, the fifth album from Little Miss Higgins — also known as Jolene Higgins — who has been recording since 2005.

She is joined on this album by a five-piece band called the Winnipeg Five, who have released three previous albums as the F-Holes. The album was recorded live off the floor of the recording studio that they built in an old barn on the Renaissance Bison Ranch.

My favourite song is “I Was At An Auction” because it has a catchy, upbeat twang, and makes an auction sound like an intriguing place, even though there will be nothing but junk. “Your House Tonight” is another endearing song about getting to know a new love. “Chateau Poulet” had me using some of my poor French skills and while I couldn’t figure out the whole song — the lyrics switch between French and English — I could get the basics. If you don’t understand French at all, the blending of the instruments is still fun to listen to. “Dead Cow Hill” was another gem with a great use of banjo, trumpet and harmonies. I wonder if such a place exists.

Higgins wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, except “Keep A Song in Your Soul” which highlights her songwriting talent along with her clear singing and guitar playing — she always plays the baritone ukulele.
While I had never heard of her before I found this album, I’m looking forward to sharing this album and maybe even seeing her live. Review by Susan Anderson

Bison Ranch Recording Sessions

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Denise Jannah - A Heart Full Of Music

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 55:45

Size: 127.6 MB

Styles: Bebop, Vocal jazz

Year: 1993

Art: Front

[3:28] 1. This Could Be The Start Of Something

[4:37] 2. If The Music's Right..

[5:18] 3. Something In Blue

[5:22] 4. Detour Ahead

[3:27] 5. Just In Time

[3:29] 6. Autumn Nocturne

[5:30] 7. Angel Eyes

[3:42] 8. It's Only A Paper Moon

[4:59] 9. Strange Fruit/Wanaisa

[6:42] 10. More Love

[4:51] 11. Sunday Morn

[4:14] 12. Come Rain Or Come Shine

This native of Surinam (formerly Dutch Guyana) shows plenty of promise on her second CD for Timeless. Accompanied by an outstanding trio of Cyrus Chestnut, George Mraz and Billy Hart, with added percussion by Martin Verdonk and Lucas Van Merwijk, Jannah's bright lively vocal style sounds very fresh. She has a lot of fun with the uptempo chart of Steve Allen's "This Could Be the Start Of Something Big," while she's also adept at handling a slow ballad like "Detour Ahead" or a campy version of "Angel Eyes" that incorporates the theme from Mission: Impossible. Also of interest is "If The Music's Right" a samba that includes lyrics in Surinamese, Portugese and English, which Jannah carries off beautifully. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden

Denise Jannah (vocals), Rick Margitza (saxophone), Cyrus Chestnut (piano), George Mraz (bass), Billy Hart (drums), Martin Verdonk, Lucas Van Merwijk (percussion).

A Heart Full Of Music

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Little Big Beat - Walker's Walk

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:46
Size: 119.8 MB
Styles: Urban/R&B Soul
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. Walker's Walk
[6:39] 2. Iggy's Houbas
[5:49] 3. Coke & Stroke
[7:45] 4. Popotin
[5:04] 5. Ketrucacom
[2:59] 6. Ermutt
[3:55] 7. Poor Bob
[4:36] 8. Rocking My Dreamboat.
[3:37] 9. Be Worry
[7:07] 10. Twenty Three

Contemporary soul jazz, a tasty collection of funky grooves with outside approaches, and altered sounds.

Marc Liebeskind’s early training in music was at the Music Conservatory of Geneva, followed later by more advanced lessons at the Swiss Jazz School in Bern and finally more intense ‘one-on-ones’ in New York with such masters of contemporary guitar as John Scofield, John Abercrombie and Bill Frisell.

On returning to Switzerland in 1985, he put together the ‘Marc Liebeskind Quartet’. With this musical constellation, which was his namesake, Marc explored contrasts within less conventional musical forms whether they had a certain Brazilian character for instance or a über urban vibe. He was playing with topical themes and iconic idioms to produce a solid ‘Jazz’ sound that the quartet presented at scores of festivals in countries across Europe, Africa and Brazil. During these years he also collaborated via several projects in duos as well as with big bands to further his interest in teaching and workshopping music, notably with AMR. He sought also to teach himself, in doing so – the art of absorbing and assimilating sound.

Christophe Turchi: Saxophone; Marc Liebeskind: Guitar; Leo Tardin: Piano; Christophe Chambet: Bass; Christophe Calpini: Drums.

Walker's Walk

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Sheryl Crow - Feels Like Home

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:43
Size: 100.1 MB
Styles: Contemporary country
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:12] 1. Shotgun
[4:09] 2. Easy
[3:56] 3. Give It To Me
[3:50] 4. We Oughta Be Drinkin'
[3:23] 5. Callin' Me When I'm Lonely
[3:29] 6. Waterproof Mascara
[3:15] 7. Crazy Ain't Original
[3:32] 8. Nobody's Business
[4:03] 9. Homesick
[3:22] 10. Homecoming Queen
[3:17] 11. Best Of Times
[4:08] 12. Stay At Home Mother

Unlike, say, Bon Jovi, it is no great leap for Sheryl Crow to plunge into contemporary country on Feels Like Home. Tuesday Night Music Club, her 1993 debut, could've been called country-rock if it had been released in another era and she's never shied away from roots music, either giving it a crisp, classy spin or taking a full stylistic detour, as she did on 2010's 100 Miles from Memphis. In some ways, that soul excursion felt like a greater departure for Crow than this 2013 album, as beneath the down-home accouterments of aggressive Telecasters, self-consciously country lyrics, the affected down-home twang in her voice, and the occasional fiddle, Feels Like Home feels like standard-issue Crow, the kind of record that could've been delivered after The Globe Sessions. Indeed, the opener "Shotgun" feels like an inversion of C'Mon C'mon's opener "Steve McQueen," "We Oughta Be Drinkin'" is a slower kissing cousin of "All I Wanna Do," "Easy" rolls along lazily but co-opts some of the clever cultural nods of Sheryl Crow, while "Nobody's Business" and "Best of Times" are cheerful roots-pop tunes that'd feel welcome on any of her albums. Crow stumbles when she tries to get a little too country, either by ratcheting up Music City melodrama or writing relatable blue-collar vignettes so brimming with clichés they verge on the condescending. Of course, part of the appeal of Feels Like Home is its show biz panache, how Crow cheerfully adapts to her surroundings and gives the people what she believes they want. That her instincts are often right speaks to her skills. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recording information: Big Green Barn Studio; Blackbird Studios; Oceanway Studios.

Feels Like Home

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David Arkenstone - Caribbean Nights

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 45:12
Size: 103.5 MB
Styles: New Age, Easy Listening
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:38] 1. Sunset Cruise
[4:19] 2. Enchanted Night
[4:50] 3. Midnight Moon
[4:25] 4. Island Time
[4:27] 5. Jasmine Breeze
[4:38] 6. Under The Mango Tree
[4:19] 7. Moonlight Dance
[4:30] 8. Sandy Toes
[4:25] 9. Sunset Beach
[4:37] 10. Isla De La Fiesta

An instrumental, tropical escape. Composer: David Arkenstone. Personnel: David Arkenstone (guitar, marimba, percussion); Susan Craig Winsberg (flute, pennywhistle); Clinton Crawford (steel drum).

After coming to California from rural Chicago at age 10, David immersed himself in all the music he could find. Spending high school and college in various bands and performance groups, he then criss-crossed the country several times playing popular music. He finally settled down to concentrate on developing his own sound, and when computers and instruments could finally communicate to each other, David knew his time had come. He could now hear a good portion of what he could imagine.

"Technology has produced some wonderful tools for making music. The computer allows me to fully orchestrate my pieces and really fine tune them," said David. David's music has recently been described as Cinematic new age rock. "It is sometimes difficult to categorize my music and this is a term I can live with," David responded. "I enjoy bringing many different influences together in my music," he continues. World music, classical rock, and new age are some of the styles I draw from and enjoy weaving into an entertaining and adventurous whole. "I have always loved the sound of the orchestra. Now I believe I have refined a wonderful blend combining the best elements of the acoustic world, with the electronic world."

When not chained to his Apple Macintosh composing, David likes to play baseball, create 3-D art projects, and write screenplays.

Caribbean Nights

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Gloria Estefan - The Standards (Deluxe Edition)

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 82:28
Size: 188,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:21)  1. Good Morning Heartache
(4:02)  2. They Can't Take That Away from Me
(3:41)  3. What a Difference a Day Makes
(4:10)  4. I've Grown Accustomed to His Face
(3:35)  5. Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar
(4:50)  6. The Day You Say You Love Me
(3:58)  7. Embraceable You
(4:11)  8. What a Wonderful World
(4:26)  9. Call Me Irresponsible
(4:14) 10. How Long Has This Been Going On
(3:41) 11. Sonríe (feat. Laura Pausini)
(4:06) 12. The Way You Look Tonight
(3:58) 13. You Made Me Love You
(4:18) 14. For All We Know
(4:08) 15. Young at Heart
(3:41) 16. Smile
(4:52) 17. El Día Que Me Quieras
(3:41) 18. Sorridi (feat. Laura Pausini)
(3:35) 19. Yo Sé Te Voy a Amar
(4:51) 20. Natural Woman (feat. Carole King)

Global star Gloria Estefan has returned to her longtime label, Sony Music Entertainment, for a multi-album agreement that begins with the release of her upcoming English-language album, "The Standards," due out this Fall.

As its name implies, the album is a set of American standards, but the repertoire included has special significance to Estefan, beginning with "The Way You Look Tonight" and "Good Morning Heartache," which she performed at her very first "Tonight Show" appearance in 1985 with Miami Sound Machine.

Estefan spent 30 years in Sony, releasing albums in both English and Spanish, both as a soloist and with Miami Sound Machine. Then, in 2011, she took a hiatus and released "Miss Little Havana" via a worldwide distribution and marketing deal with Verve Forecast & Universal Music Group. In the U.S., the physical album was sold exclusively through Target. Now, Estefan has returned to Sony and will be worked through both its Latin and Masterworks arms.

"Gloria is one-of-a-kind in any language, in any genre," said Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment for the Latin Region, Spain and Portugal. "Masterworks is thrilled to be a marketing partner with Sony Latin and Gloria Estefan on this very special project," added Bogdan Roscic, President of Sony Classical and Sony Masterworks. "It represents another landmark in the career of an artist who continues to be a creative inspiration in all styles of popular music."  http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin-notas/1555881/gloria-estefan-returns-to-sony-will-release-standards-album-in

The Standards (Deluxe Edition)

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Jim Rotondi - Iron Man

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:40
Size: 138,9 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:36)  1. Iron Man
(7:52)  2. Chouchou
(7:05)  3. For My Nephews
(6:25)  4. Embraceable You
(7:21)  5. Digit
(8:56)  6. Repetition
(8:47)  7. Mr. Craignos
(8:33)  8. Power

Trumpeter Jim Rotondi has been a fixture on New York's hard bop scene for some time, and has recorded extensively as both a sideman and leader. But Iron Man is something of a departure for him; in addition to a front line consisting of Rotondi and saxophonist Jimmy Greene, his quintet includes a rhythm section consisting of bassist Doug Weiss, drummer Bill Stewart, and vibraphonist Steve Nelson. Having vibes without piano lends an unusual tonal color to the group, and if the result isn't a completely unqualified success, it does succeed more than it fails. Things get off to a slightly awkward start with the title track, a lovely Rotondi original that is marred by Nelson's blocky and rhythmically clumsy comping. But the whole group settles nicely into the slippery chord changes of "Chouchou" and the equally beautiful "For My Nephews." Rotondi's "Digit" is a bracing and harmonically complex hard bop workout that brings just the right note of energy at exactly the right point in the program; the group's rendition of "Repetition" is another beautiful high point. Throughout the album, Rotondi's soft-edged but beautifully burnished tone is a complete pleasure to hear. Recommended. ~Rick Anderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/iron-man-mw0000720109  

Iron Man          

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Halie Loren - Simply Love

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:41
Size: 118,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. For Sentimental Reasons
(5:02)  2. Cuando Bailamos
(3:24)  3. L-O-V-E
(3:11)  4. On the Sunny Side of the Street
(3:52)  5. I Feel the Earth Move
(4:47)  6. My Funny Valentine
(4:13)  7. I'Ve Got To See You Again
(3:29)  8. Le Premier Bonheur Du Jour
(3:46)  9. Moon River
(3:47) 10. Bare Feet
(3:19) 11. Happy Together
(4:17) 12. Dream a Little Dream of Me
(3:53) 13. Simply Love

The core element of vocal artistry is the ability to capture the essence of a song and interpret it in a way that is totally personal, highly compelling and intended to make the composer smile in agreement. The outstanding jazz vocalist Halie Loren does all of that, as her latest Justin Time Records release, Simply Love (available September 10), vividly demonstrates. It also provides a clear understanding as to why she's received so many critical accolades and worldwide popularity. At 28-years-old, the multi-lingual vocalist has performed at major festivals and in sold-out concert halls in North America, Asia and Europe. In July of 2012, Loren traveled to Palermo, Italy to perform as a featured soloist with the Orchestra Jazz Siciliana. She has recorded seven critically acclaimed albums garnering best song and best album awards, while consistently placing at the top of the jazz charts in Japan. Simply Love is her third release on Justin Time Records. "With Simply Love, I wanted to meet the mood of the season," the Eugene, Oregon-based songstress says. "What kind of soundtrack would I want to listen to in the warmer months?" There is an intimacy in her singing that makes the listeners feel that her message is only intended for their own ears, heart and soul. 

With a voice that is so warmly and deeply lyrical, and an ability to articulate lyrics that draws every iota of meaning out of each syllable, Loren accomplishes what every singer strives for - to make every song, regardless of who wrote it or performed it previously, entirely her own.  "Synergy is so essential to my music" Loren explains, "and this longevity has really helped us to achieve that over all these years. http://www.justin-time.com/albums.php?lang=en&pid=5871&aid=384&anid=8581

Simply Love

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Michiel Borstlap - North Sea Jazz Legendary Concerts

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:30
Size: 142,3 MB
Art: Front

( 8:48)  1. North Sea Beat
(10:49)  2. Mr. Gone
(12:39)  3. Ankara
( 5:21)  4. Joe's Will
( 7:24)  5. My Dear
( 9:16)  6. Volcano for Hire
( 7:10)  7. Of All People

Michiel Borstlap was born in the Netherlands into a family that loved and constantly listened to music. “At the age of four I heard a piano and fell in love,” he says. “After that I always dreamed about making a career in music. My mother loved Oscar Peterson, Chopin, and Gustav Mahler and my dad loved Thelonious Monk, Bach, Strawinsky and Jimi Hendrix. That was my musical education! I owe my parents big-time for their love of music, which they shared with me at such a young age. My dad is a contemporary composer, my mom a classical trained pianist and my sister plays both violin and piano. Michiel moved quickly from dreaming to reality, graduating with highest honours at Hilversum Conservatory in 1992 and earning Best Soloist honours at the European Contest the same year. Four years later came the Thelonious Monk Award and then a range of successful collaborations with legends like Herbie Hancock, Bill Bruford, Gino Vannelli, Wayne Shorter and others. Borstlap has released eight albums under his own name and has written numerous compositions for other groups. 

In fact, Borstlap is a natural at both composing and performing. When I ask which of these two is more important to him, his answer is simple: “To compose or to improvise is the same, except for the timeframe. Improvising happens in split seconds, composing lasts much longer. I could be happy with just a piano, but somehow I need a stage. On stage there is electricity. I ask Michiel to define music and he says, “Music is freedom, a most beautiful thing. I love freedom. It’s a unique feeling to go with your head full of music and improvise for an audience. In 2008 Michiel Borstlap composed also his first soundtrack for the Dutch movie ‘Tiramisu’. The score received a Golden Calf, the Grand Prize of Dutch Film Industry. In 2009 he won an Edison for his Monk album. Throughout the years he worked together with such great artists such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Bill Bruford, Janine Jansen, Gino Vannelli & Assala Nasri. Michiel Borstlap won the Europe Jazz Award 1992, the Thelonious Monk Award 1996, a Golden Calf (Dutch Grand Prize from Netherland Film Industry) and Edison Award 2008. The esteemed pianist played concerts around the world, 63 countries and counting, and his albums are available in Europe, North America and Japan, as well as digital platforms like iTunes and Spotify. In 2012 he signed an exclusive contract with BMG. He presents a weekly prime time radio show on Classic FM, starting may 2013. Since 2010 Michiel Borstlap plays solo concerts. His albums 'SOLO 2010' and 'Blue' created a new audience for one of the premier contemporary pianists of Europe.

~Bio http://www.michielborstlap.com/index.php/michiel.

Personnel : Michiel Borstlap – piano; Jimmy Haslip – bass; Hans Eykenaar – drums; Tom Beek – saxophone; Jesse van Ruller – guitar;  Ruud Breuls – trumpet;  Jerome Hol – guitar;  Leonardo Amuedo – guitar; Trijntje Oosterhuis - vocals

North Sea Jazz Legendary Concerts

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