Noa Lur - Badakit

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:49
Size: 100,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:53)  1. Cry Me a River
(3:29)  2. The Lady Is a Tramp
(7:57)  3. I Remember
(5:56)  4. Un Poco Mas
(4:56)  5. Throw It Away
(6:05)  6. Angel Eyes
(3:23)  7. Nica's Dream
(1:21)  8. Bobira
(4:44)  9. Badakit

Noa Lur (Bilbao, Spain,1983) is a 29 year old singer who began at the age of 7 to study ballet. Seven years later she took up musical training at the Conservatory of Bilbao where she studied singing technic, music theory and piano with the renowned opera singer Maria Bravo. Apart from that, she also supported these lessons with voice control sessions provided by Dr. Susana Ruiz and she had her first experiences on stage working on young artists tv shows for ETB1 and ETB2. At the age of 19, Noa moved to Madrid with the intention of becoming a great jazz vocalist. During this period, she attended acting classes at "La Lavandería" performing school, modern dance classes at "UCM" University and also modern and jazz singing classes with different teachers. In addition, she got a degree of Audiovisual Communications at the Complutense University of Madrid. It is during these years that she forges her experience on the stage and grows as a jazz vocalist working with different jazz, blues and funk bands so that she became a regular in the scheduling of Madrid Clubs. When she was 24 years old, Noa spent two years working as musical theater principal actress-singer for DBN Productions and WEP Entertainment, touring Italy, Portugal, Greece, Africa, Turkey, Malta… During this period and with two daily performances, she played “Cabaret”, “All That Jazz”, “Queen”, “The Prince of Egypt”, "Moulin Rouge" and other great music with a fantastic group of singers, dancers, acrobats… 

Once she returned to Spain and having enriched and improved her skills as an artist, she resumed her jazz bands in Madrid and the Basque Country and combined this practice with studying a Master of Event and Leasure Management at the University of Deusto, fact that leaded her to work at Universal Music Spain. Thanks to her academic training and experience as an artist, she was quickly promoted to Jazz Marketing Manager. Noa became product manager of artists like Christian Scott, Jose James, Lizz Wright, Erykah Badu or Ella Fitzgerald having great success with her initiatives and campaigns. Furthermore she was designated part of the Jury of the XIV edition of the Spanish Music Awards organized by Fundación Autor. This exciting but hard work didn´t allow her to spend on stage as much time as she aimed so she decided to left the company to pursue her true passion: jazz singing..

Since then, Noa Lur has taken part at festivals in Madrid "Festival de Jazz de Madrid", "Festival Ellas Crean", "La noche en vivo", and at others in the Basque Country and Cantabria as "Santurtzi Jazz & Blues" , "Sanbar Blues Festival", "Festival Noches de Jazz" and international festivals as “Nomme Jazz” where she got finalistat best young jazz singer. She´s been always surrounded by great artists like: Reinier Elizarde "El Negrón", Luis Guerra, Luis Vega, Bobby Martinez, Levin Ocaña, Gustavo Gregorio, James Peñalver, Michael Olivera, Ruben Salvador, Javier Martinez, Jon Celestino and many others. Furthermore, Noa has worked as dubber and announcer making music spots for Spotify and also has recorded soundtracks for short movies as "Mala Suerte" directed by the famous spanish humorist Ángel Martín. As for latest projects we could highlight her participation in the recording of Gustavo Gregorio´s "La Película de Gregorio" along with musicians like Bobby Martinez, Jorge Vera, Federico Lechner and others, and her participation as chorus girl for other projects as the album "Respirar" by Guillermo Garmendia. Currently, Noa acts in jazz clubs and festivals with her "Noa Lur Quartet" composed by pianist Luis Guerra, bassist Reinier Elizarde "El Negrón" and drummer and percussionist Michael Olivera. Besides, she continues persistently to develop her singing skills at the music school “Taller de Músicos” of Madrid, where Romina Balestrino, argentinian prestigious vocal coach, teaches and supports her. Apart from that she also studies music theory and harmony with Patricia Colaço and piano with Sebastian Jumilla.

Noa Lur has recorded her first album at Infinity Studios in Madrid. This album is made up of personal voice and piano interpretations of some great standards and own compositions, accompanied by renowned national and international artists: Moisés Sánchez, Reinier Elizarde, Luis Guerra, Levin Ocaña, Luis Vega, Oreka TX and others. Though it´s a piano and voice album it also includes some special guests of other instruments, fact that brings a touch of different color to the whole work. https://beta.indabamusic.com/people/067290636?tab=overview

Badakit

---

Various Artists - Blue Note Trip 9: Heat Up/Simmer Down by DJ Maestro - CD 1 And CD 2

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:00 (CD1)
Size: 158,0 MB (CD1)
Time: 69:22 (CD2)
Size: 158,8 MB (CD2)
Front: Front

CD 1

(6:15)  1. Cannonball Adderley - Fun In The Church
(6:11)  2. Bobbi Humphrey - Uno Esta
(6:13)  3. Lonnie Smith - People Sure Act Funny (Rudy Van Gelder 24Bit Mastering) (2004 Digital Remaster)
(3:34)  4. Donald Byrd - (Fallin' Like) Dominoes
(5:21)  5. Grant Green - The Windjammer
(4:51)  6. Candido - Money Man
(5:01)  7. Bud Powell - Duid Deed
(2:48)  8. Ben Sidran - About Love
(2:18)  9. Patti Drew - Hard To Handle
(3:38) 10. Lou Donaldson - Say It Loud (I'm Black And I'm Proud)
(2:28) 11. Peggy Lee - (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
(6:00) 12. Gene Harris & The Three Sounds - African Sweets
(2:29) 13. Eddie Gale - The Rain
(2:00) 14. Ella Fitzgerald - Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)
(4:05) 15. Marc Moulin - Where Is It?
(4:01) 16. Horace Silver - Wipe Away The Evil
(1:37) 17. June Christy - It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

CD 2

(0:29)  1. Cannonball Adderley Sextet - A Few Words From Cannonball
(2:46)  2. Brisa Roché - Dans Le Vert De Ses Yeux
(4:02)  3. The Three Sounds - Black Sugar
(4:46)  4. Horace Silver - Strange Vibes
(3:30)  5. Raul Midón - Never Get Enough
(4:42)  6. Lou Blackburn - Song Of Delilah
(3:29)  7. Nancy Wilson - I'm In Love
(3:43)  8. Willie Bobo - Capers
(4:13)  9. Dianne Reeves - Sky Islands
(2:23) 10. Machito - Congo Mulence
(2:50) 11. Bobby Womack - California Dreamin'
(3:47) 12. Cassandra Wilson - VooDoo Reprise
(2:37) 13. Bobby McFerrin - Thinkin' About Your Body
(3:41) 14. 100% Pure Poison - Windy C
(4:04) 15. Donald Byrd - Witch Hunt
(3:36) 16. Carmen McRae - Can't Hide Love
(5:26) 17. Lou Rawls - Season Of The Witch
(2:32) 18. Amos Lee - Give It Up
(3:42) 19. Letta Mbulu - Pula Yetla
(2:55) 20. Lee Morgan - The Delightful Deggie (Big Band Version)

Like the other Blue Note Trip compilations mixed by Martijn Barkhuis, aka Maestro, Heat Up, Simmer Down emphasizes the Blue Note catalog but also draws from other labels in the EMI family, including Capitol and EMI-Manhattan. While the graphic design points toward the ‘60s, the selections span several decades. Most of the tracks are, of course, strong  the ‘60s and ‘70s picks in particular, from Bobbi Humphrey's Mizell production “Uno Esta” to Nancy Wilson's “I’m in Love” (sampled three decades after release by Erykah Badu's “Honey”). This plays out like another sampler, more like a grab bag than a cohesive listen  something that comes through with abrupt transitions and deeply contrasting tracks, as heard between Ben Sidran's “About Love” and Patti Drew's version of Otis Redding's “Hard to Handle,” two of the Capitol picks.~Andy Kellman  http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-note-trip-heat-up-simmer-down-mw0002178576

Blue Note Trip 9: Heat Up/Simmer Down by DJ Maestro cd1
Blue Note Trip 9: Heat Up/Simmer Down by DJ Maestro cd2

---

Madeleine Peyroux & William Galison - Got You on My Mind

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:51
Size: 96,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:34)  1. Back In Your Own Backyard
(3:17)  2. J'ai Duex Amours
(3:04)  3. Flambee Mantalbanese
(4:18)  4. Got You On My Mind
(3:41)  5. Jealous Guy
(3:04)  6. The Way You Look Tonight
(3:19)  7. Rag for Madi
(4:42)  8. Playin'
(5:09)  9. Shoulda Known
(4:05) 10. Heaven To Me
(4:32) 11. Heaven Help Us All

The trippy, cinematic journey that is William Galison and Madeleine Peyroux's new album, Got You On My Mind , opens with the bright, swinging glee of "Back In Your Own Backyard." It sways through the happily plaintive "J'ai Deux Amours," swaggers through a Charlie Chaplin-in-Technicolor "Rag For Madi," and continues on this diversely scenic escapade for eleven deeply touching tracks. Meanwhile, hallucinations of a passionate Josephine Baker sauntering past Montmartre cafés, a dust-kickin' John Lennon strolling through a corn field and lovers everywhere, aching with tumult, dancing with blissful indulgence flash through the mind.

Peyroux's husky, full-throated voice brings to mind one iconic, white gardenia-wearing lady. The way her inflection lilts up and quivers for a few suspended moments, like in "Heaven To Me" when she breaks the word "heaven" in two, make you think Billie Holiday must be standing behind her breathing through Peyroux's brown locks. Other times, she sings with a lovely, tarnished allure, cut with a hint of tartness like a Granny Smith apple, like on the samba-infused "The Way You Look Tonight."

In July, Peyroux sang and played guitar at the Blue Note with her band (keyboardist Adam Holzman, bassist Andy McKee, drumer Ben Perowski). Her ageless presence oscillated between youthful, adolescent exuberance, to the bittersweet melancholy of a woman who has known a broken heart quite intimately. She connected with her audience, locking eyes until you began to wonder if you were the one in the song who gave her those flowers.

Seven tracks on the album feature Galison's harmonica. At times mournful, at times wild, he always displays superb control over the tiny instrument, whether weaving through Peyroux's vocals in "Heaven To Me," rambling out a boogie-down solo in "J'ai Deux Amours," mingling with Brad Terry's clarinet in "Rag For Madi," or mixing with Shawn Pelton's drums, Tony Garnier's bass and Brian Mitchell's piano to create the fully heart wrenching universe of "Jealous Guy."

Galison also sings and plays guitar on the disc. He turns out a fierce electric solo on "Playin'" and chugs along on acoustic guitar or dobro during the standards. "Shoulda Known" shows up like a weird dream. He sings the tale of the frog and the scorpion in a gentle folk voice. Carly Simon even pays a visit.

There may be an odd combination of tone and atmosphere on Peyroux's long-awaited followup to her 1996 Dreamland , but who doesn't want to leap into the French carnival panache of Heinz Jeromim's accordion on "Flambee Montalbanese," then call out to providence in a desperate plea to save mankind as Galison and Peyroux duet along to Jean Baptoste Bocle's Hammond B3 in "Heaven Help Us All".~ Celeste Sunderland  

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14919#.UjHO1T9vA1I

Personnel: Tracks with Peyroux and Galison: Madeleine Peyroux: vocals and rhythm guitar; William Galison: harmonica, acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, vocals; James Wormworth: drums; Conrad Korsch: acoustic and electric bass; Jean Baptiste Bocle: B3 organ. Tracks with Galison: William Galison: guitars, harmonica, vocals; Shawn Pelton: drums, percussion; Tony Garnier: acoustic and electric bass; Brian Mitchell: piano, organ.

Got You on My Mind

---

Gary Burton & Friends - Six Pack

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:02
Size: 155,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. Anthem
(6:19)  2. Six Pack
(5:42)  3. Summertime
(6:15)  4. Jack's Theme
(4:30)  5. Lost Numbers
(6:11)  6. Double Guatemala
(6:06)  7. Asphodel
(3:57)  8. Redial
(6:53)  9. Invitation
(6:10) 10. My Funny Valentine
(5:44) 11. Something Special
(4:59) 12. Guitarre Picante

Gary Burton's peculiar connection and affinity for great guitarists is a proven historical fact, as he has been responsible for bringing such fantastic musicians to the world stage as Larry Coryell and Pat Metheny. On Six Pack, he joins with six different six-stringers for some decidedly varied modern jazz. Kurt Rosenwinkel makes like Metheny on the first track, the up-tempo Mitch Forman composition "Anthem." Any predictability to the song disappears in the presence of the rhythm section of Jack DeJohnette, Steve Swallow, and Mulgrew Miller. One doesn't generally think of the vibes as a blues instrument, and to be fair, it's really not, but Burton gives it the old college try on the title track, where his vibes intersect surprisingly well with Bob Berg's tenor sax and B.B. King's guitar. There is absolutely nothing weighty about this song at all, but it is fun and swinging nevertheless (who says jazz has to be serious all the time?). John Scofield also shows up on the track, and his distinctive tone and phrasing work perfectly in this setting. Other selections include such notables as Jim Hall, Ralph Towner, and Kevin Eubanks, and all of their contributions are solid in their own way. One sometimes wishes that this record was a little less GRP, with Larry Goldings' keyboards and Berg's sax being the most frequent offenders, but there are plenty of hot moments on Six Pack that make this record worth searching out, especially for fans of jazz guitar. Where else will listeners find all of these great players on a single record?~ Daniel Gioffre   http://www.allmusic.com/album/six-pack-mw0000088778           

Six Pack

---

Fernando Alvim - Os Fados E As Cançoes Do Alvim

Size: 127+144 MB
Time: 53:26+60:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Fado, World, Folk
Label: Universal
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Passaro Voz (feat. Ana Moura) (2:28)
02. Alguem Viu Por Ai A Margarida (feat. Camane) (2:37)
03. Meu Amor Vem Ver O Rio (feat. Carminho) (3:01)
04. Tatuagem De Rimas (feat. Ricardo Ribeiro) (3:15)
05. Cedo (feat. Cristina Branco) (3:30)
06. Para Ca, Para La (feat. Pedro Moutinho) (1:51)
07. Fado Do Sol Errado (feat. Ana Sofia Varela) (3:36)
08. Ha Dias Em Que Eu Fico Assim (feat. Rodrigo) (2:49)
09. Jardim Da Saudade (feat. Ana Moura) (2:25)
10. Sete Silabas De Chita (feat. Helder Moutinho) (4:37)
11. Tantos Fados, Tanta Vida (feat. Filipa Pais) (2:10)
12. Se Eu Disser Adeus (feat. Pedro Moutinho) (2:49)
13. Os Versos De Um Fado (feat. Gisela Joao) (2:13)
14. Se Ela Um Dia Voltar (feat. Camane) (2:47)
15. Meu Rio, Meu Fado (feat. Rodrigo) (2:23)
16. No Vao Da Minha Janela (feat. Helder Moutinho) (4:09)
17. Saudade, Alegria (feat. Vicente Camara) (3:23)
18. Fado Alvim (Dedicado A Fernando Alvim) (Feat. Carlos Do Carmo) (3:16)

CD 2:
01. Sabores Da Noite (Feat. Antonio Zambujo) (3:33)
02. Fim De Tarde A Sonhar (Feat. Cristina Branco) (4:18)
03. Impossivel Adeus (Feat. Vitorino) (2:38)
04. Um Olhar Lisboa (Feat. Filipa Pais) (4:39)
05. Luminoso (Feat. Marta Dias) (4:32)
06. Mim (Feat. Fafa De Belem) (3:16)
07. Tango De Los Celos (Feat Ricardo Ribeiro) (2:17)
08. Um Canto De Saudade (Feat. Rui Veloso) (3:52)
09. Marcha Dos Fadistas E Canto Do Pastor (Feat. Rao Kyao) (2:51)
10. O Tempo A Cantar (Feat. Marco Rodrigues) (3:14)
11. De Mim Para Mim (Feat. Amelia Muge) (3:00)
12. Balada Para Ines (Feat. Manuel Freire) (2:53)
13. A Guitarra Portuguesa Encontra O Jazz (3:19)
14. Os Beijos Que O Mar Nao Ve (Feat. Fafa De Belem) (3:34)
15. Pobre De Quem (Nao Tem Uma Ilusao) (Feat. Filipa Pais) (5:01)
16. Quadrinhas Submarinas (3:08)
17. Improviso Tropical (4:32)

Fernando Alvim is a name of importance in the history of Portuguese music. 25 years of partnership with Carlos Paredes dictate certainly an important part of his legacy. And it was this legacy that Fernando Alvim himself wanted to work. The Fates and the Songs of Alvin is more than a tribute album. It's an album of a life. It is the album that everyone wanted to attend.
Carlos do Carmo / Ana Moura / Cristina Branco / Camané / Rui Veloso / Vitorino / Marco Rodrigues / Carminho among many others.

On this album carved to honor Fernando Alvim, it turns out to be him paying honor to those who he most appreciates in the music world today.
It is a hard split between the fates of Fernando Alvim, composed exclusively for this album, sung by the most prestigious singers and poems by destinctive personalities.
The second disc is devoted to songs. At his other roots as jazz, bolero, tango, among other genres.

Os Fados E As Cançoes Do Alvim CD 1
Os Fados E As Cançoes Do Alvim CD 2

---

Scott Cossu - Jazz, Boogie & Deja Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:41
Size: 116.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Nutville
[5:04] 2. Sayonara Blues
[3:46] 3. Isotope
[6:10] 4. Moira
[5:13] 5. Old Man Mambo
[4:24] 6. Kansas Ditty
[0:36] 7. Straight No Chaser
[5:03] 8. Deja Blues
[4:39] 9. Nostalgia In Times Square
[4:24] 10. Jd's Boogie
[6:30] 11. Boogit Brother

Breaking out of his new age shell, pianist Scott Cossu ratchets up the groove dial with JAZZ, BOOGIE & DEJA BLUES. All three of these genres, as well as ethnic experimentation, has always peaked into Cossu's music over the years, but this release fixes the spotlight firmly on them. As such, the album features high octane covers of Jimmy Dorsey's swingin; "JD's Boogie" and the sunny jazz of the Thelonious Monk classic "Straight No Chaser." The exotic flavors of Latin jazz and Cuban music sway through Cossu's take on Billy Taylor's "Old Man Mambo" and the breezy vibes of Horace Silver's "Sayonara Blues" captivates. Cossu also provides a couple of his own works, which likewise sparkle with jazzy verve and a hint of latin flavor.

Recording information: Synergy Sound, Port Townsend, WA.

Scott Cossu (piano); Van Manakas (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jessica Blinn (violin); Ann Lindquist (flute, alto flute); Art Patience (harmonica); Steven Banks (drums); T.J. Morris (congas, percussion).

Jazz, Boogie & Deja Blues

---

Ana Caram - Rio After Dark

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:40
Size: 134.3 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz vocals, Bossa Nova
Year: 1989/2003
Art: Front

[3:58] 1. Rio After Dark
[4:04] 2. Alagoas
[3:37] 3. Meditation
[6:07] 4. Viola Fora De Moda (Outdated Viola)
[4:49] 5. Summer Days
[4:40] 6. La Cumbia
[4:05] 7. Anos Dourados
[3:11] 8. Renovacao (Renovation)
[4:21] 9. Rainbow
[2:16] 10. O Que Vier Eu Traco (Whatever It Is, I Can Handle It)
[2:56] 11. Sem Legenda
[3:18] 12. Forever
[4:22] 13. O Tempo E O Lugar (Time And Place)
[2:35] 14. Serrado (Savannah)
[4:15] 15. You've Got A Friend

In stylistic terms, large portions of Ana Caram's first U.S. album could easily have been recorded in 1962; it's as if time had stood perfectly still since "Desafinado" became a hit. Yet this is all for the good for this Antonio Carlos Jobim protegé, who can comfortably give material by the more contemporary writer Djavan, and even Carole King's "You've Got a Friend," the bossa nova treatment. Like most seductive Brazilian female singers, Caram is just a bit off-pitch and gets away with it. She also plays guitar skillfully in the Joao Gilberto rhythmic manner, and occasionally writes her own tunes ("Renovacao," "Rainbow") in an attractive classic bossa nova idiom. The revered Jobim sits in on piano and contributes a few vocal harmonies on two of his songs ("Meditation," "Anos Dourados"); the Chesky recording also diligently picks up his groaning. Paquito D'Rivera chirps on clarinet in the tongue-twisting "O Que Vier Eu Traco" and turns up on alto sax on Paulo Jobim's first-rate "La Cumbia," phrasing in the lilting Getz manner though he can't help but slip in a bop run or two. Steve Sacks plays low-key, moaning alto flute on several tracks, and Carlos Alberto de Oliveira and Café handle the delicate percussion. The production is typical low-key, spare-textured, painstakingly recorded Chesky fare -- and unreconstructed bossa nova fans need not hesitate. ~ Richard S. Ginell

Recorded at RCA Studio A, New York, New York on April 6-7 & 18, 1989.

Ana Caram (vocals, guitar); Paquito D'Rivera (saxophone, clarinet); Steve Sacks (alto flute, background vocals); Antonio Carlos Jobim, David Chesky (piano); Bill Washer (guitar); David Finck (bass); Carlos Alberto De Oliveria, Cafe (percussion); Beso Cerqueira, Steve Kaiser, Mary Kent (background vocals).

Rio After Dark

---

Carol Duboc - Smile

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 42:32
Size: 97.4 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:48] 1. Elephant
[3:43] 2. Smile
[4:00] 3. Unpredictable
[3:47] 4. Telepathy
[4:28] 5. Atmosphere
[5:09] 6. Parachute
[4:59] 7. Behind A Kiss
[4:45] 8. Gliding
[4:04] 9. Nobody Knows
[3:43] 10. Mythological

So, what happens when a sultry vocalist meets up with a master genius keyboardist? To some it may be referred to as a meeting of the minds and to others, a collaboration. However one might choose to view it, it did go down right here at SoCal’s world famous Baked Potato; a place where genius and sultry often collide….in a good way.

Vocalist, Carol Duboc and Jeff Lorber have teamed up like two mighty super hero’s bringing to the people of Universal City all the musical goods they’d been longing for. Together they have ridden in under the cover of darkness to ignite the embers that rests inside the hearts of jazz goers here on the west coast.

A crew of five: Grammy Nominee, Jeff Lorber on keys while Grammy award winning Yellow Jackets bassist, Jimmy Haslip once again laid it down with his sixth sense or six string. And then there is drummer, Tony Moore socking it to us with more than just your average four beat rhythm. Tony knows how to work all four limbs while keeping it all in his corner pocket. And the very humble, Adam Hawley. God must have eaten his Wheaties the morning he created this monster guitarist. Standing quietly behind Carol and to the right of Moore, Hawley single handidly transformed his listening audience to true born again believers. I’m sure somewhere in the UK, the spirit of Jimi Hendrix is “smiling.” ~SJT

Contemporary jazz vocalist Carol Duboc presents her sixth Gold Note Music recording, featuring performances by Grammy nominated keyboardist Jeff Lorber (who also co-wrote and co-produced the CD), Grammy award winning electric bassist Jimmy Haslip, Grammy nominated upright bassist Brian Bromberg, guitarist Michael Thompson, world-renowned flutist Hubert Laws and Grammy award winning drummer Vinnie Colaiuta.

Recording information: JHL Studios, Pacific Palisades, CA; Village Recorders, Los Angeles, CA.

Carol Duboc (vocals); Hubert Laws (flute); Jeff Lorber (keyboards, Moog synthesizer); Brian Bromberg (upright bass); Jimmy Haslip (electric bass); Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Smile

---

Diane Page - Easy Living

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:29
Size: 109,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. It Could Happen to You
(3:36)  2. Cheek to Cheek
(3:15)  3. Easy Living
(4:10)  4. But Not for Me
(6:48)  5. Early Autumn
(3:43)  6. East of the Sun
(3:58)  7. Ain't Misbehavin'
(4:27)  8. Long Ago and Far Away
(4:32)  9. Say It
(5:26) 10. Exactly Like You
(2:59) 11. Just in Time

Diana Page is a Seattle area jazz vocalist who’s musical career is beginning to blossom. “Diana has a clear voice, with elegant jazz phrasing and a gentle forward momentum. Her directness is pleasing and interesting. Somewhere between Blossom Dearie and Anita O'Day" ~Pony Boy Records

Diana’s life long adoration of music gives her depth beyond her years as she interprets age-old melodies with a new, yet respectful approach. Her introduction to music came through songs sung at church services and community theater events, and as her interest blossomed, she studied piano, voice, bass, and saxophone privately through the majority of her early years. While attending Inglemore High School in Bothell, WA, Diana participated in a 10 voice acapella jazz group through which she was recognized many times over for her display of outstanding musicianship at several regional and national jazz events. After high school, she continued her pursuit of music as a member of Bellevue College’s vocal jazz ensemble, Celebration. The professional relationships and musical aptitude developed during this time served as a springboard for Diana’s career, launching her into the Seattle jazz scene as a worthy contributor. 

Diana’s debut recording, “Easy Living” will be released this fall. Accompanying Diana is John Hansen on piano, Jon Hamar on upright bass, Matt Page on drums, Alexey Nicoleav on tenor saxophone and Chris Spencer on guitar. This straight ahead album has an energetic groove, where even the more reflective tempos leave you feeling good. Keep an eye out for this new recording, soon to be available on CD Baby and iTunes, as well as at some local record stores. Also, please be sure to visit Diana’s website (www.dianapagemusic.com) for performance dates and come out to see her sing live, “You won’t regret it!”~ Fan http://dianapagemusic.com/bio.cfm .

Easy Living

---

Denzal Sinclaire - My one and only love

Styles: Jazz Vocals
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:18
Size: 136,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Happier than the morning sun
(5:48)  2. Always on my mind
(5:34)  3. Smoke gets in your eyes
(4:33)  4. Follow you follow me
(4:54)  5. I can see clearly now
(5:14)  6. Here comes the honeyman
(6:12)  7. Stardust
(5:58)  8. Estate
(5:16)  9. For You, For Me, For Evermore
(6:31) 10. My One And Only Love
(3:53) 11. You're My Everything

Denzal Sinclaire is one of the finest jazz singers of his generation. His admirers include Diana Krall ("Denzal Sinclaire embodies the tradition of the great singers I love like Nat Cole, yet definitely has his own voice. He is one of my favorite singers...") and Dianne Reeves, as well as growing legions of jazz fans in his native Canada and abroad. From his early days as a canny interpreter of Nat ‘King’ Cole’s mentholated crooning, he’s grown into one of the most distinctive and individualistic singers anywhere. On his third Verve CD, "My One and Only Love," you can hear Sinclaire luxuriating in his own voice and the opulent accompaniments of his bandmates, an all-star mix of Sinclaire contemporaries from the New York and Vancouver jazz scenes. 

There is plenty of room for both the singer and his band to stretch out, because while it is entirely contemporary in its execution, in its conception this is a ballad album in the classic style.

"I think I’ve always been a ballads person," Sinclaire says. As a student at Montreal’s McGill University he used to sit in with visiting musicians including, memorably, the great saxophonist Clifford Jordan. As often as not, he’d forego the chance to swing for the fences with some flag-waving up-tempo number and stretch out, instead, on some simple old love song. Since he moved to Vancouver a decade ago, Sinclaire has diversified his portfolio considerably, of course. But here he’s back to ballads. "I think I’ve come full circle."~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.ca/One-Only-Love-Denzal-Sinclaire/dp/B000E0LM26.

My one and only love

---

Bucky Pizzarelli And The West Texas Tumbleweeds - Diggin' Up Bones

Styles: Western Swing
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:38
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. Right Or Wrong
(2:59)  2. Promised Land
(4:20)  3. Turkey In The Raw
(4:32)  4. Ain't Oklahoma Pretty
(3:23)  5. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
(3:47)  6. Jingle, Jangle, Jingle
(3:28)  7. Your Cheating Heart
(3:14)  8. Grain Of Salt
(4:19)  9. You're From Texas
(3:47) 10. Over Nevada
(4:36) 11. Ghost Riders In The Sky
(3:04) 12. Cowboy Lullaby
(3:29) 13. Tacos, Enchiladas And Beans
(2:56) 14. Diggin' Up Bones
(2:45) 15. Stage Fright
(3:22) 16. Act Naturally
(4:37) 17. Steeling Home

Country music and jazz have been married since Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys started what was a regional craze that became internationally recognized. While Hank Williams embraced the merging of cultures, and Asleep at the Wheel or Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown thrived in populist jazz or blues-derived hybrids, few have attempted to really blend the two styles in recent times. Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, his sons, guitarist John Pizzarelli and bassist Martin Pizzarelli, have wanted to do this kind of project for many years, and it has surfaced in this twangy, sophisticated tribute to the western cowboy from a stage show perspective. Help from jazzers like fiddler Aaron Weinstein or drummer Danny Coots, but especially Nashville's renowned pedal steel guitarist Tommy White, identify the music as nothing less than down-home pickin' and grinnin', straight-from-the-heart songs avowed jazz fans like Roy Clark and Buck Owens used to do. Saloon chanteuse Rebecca Kilgore plays up the femme fatale role to perfection, while the three Pizzarellis jump right into these purely rural, down-in-the-valley tunes. 

The majority of the tracks feature vocals, with the instrumental swing of the guitarists as rhythmic support. Andy Levas sings five of them in a deep-toned, tough-guy vocal, including the blue and downhearted "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," the classic Hank Williams lonesome cowboy anthem "Your Cheating Heart," the legendary two-note tale of intrigue "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and the all-time, lighthearted fave "Act Naturally." Cowboy Joe West sings the Chuck Berry rock & roll classic "Promised Land," accented by Weinstein's fiddle, and the shoulder-shrugging "Grain of Salt" in a rough-and-tumble voice. Yes, this is the same Joe West who is a 30-year veteran Major League Baseball umpire. Kilgore provides the distaff retort on songs like the twangy "Right or Wrong," the really corny and fluffy cowgirl show tune "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle," the Cindy Walker-penned lone star 2-step "You're from Texas," and the closer-to-jazz, funny Mel Tormé number "Tacos, Enchiladas & Beans." John Pizzarelli wrote three of these selections, including an instrumental turkey-in-the-straw update "Turkey in the Raw," an adaptation of Johnny Cash's road song "I've Been Everywhere" retitled "Ain't Oklahoma Pretty?," with the line modified from "Route 66," and the steady swinging "Steeling Home," with tongue-in-cheek baseball and White's slide-string instrument on his mind.

 The Carl Kress tune "Stage Fright" comes nearest to rural jazz, as the guitars and Weinstein's mandolin recall the dawgrass of David Grisman. For all of the delights this album possesses, purist jazz fans will have to think twice before purchasing it. However, country music fans will love it, and might see the bigger picture of mainstream jazz once they realize the connections have been there all along. ~Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/diggin-up-bones-mw0001786796

Thank You Flyingfinger!

Diggin' Up Bones

---

Bucky Pizzarelli & The West Texas Tumbleweeds - Back In The Saddle Again

Styles: Western Swing
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:54
Size: 144,8 MB
Art: Front + Back

(6:17)  1. Lone Star Swing
(4:30)  2. Hey, Porter
(2:10)  3. There's A Gold Mine In The Sky
(5:02)  4. Back In The Saddle Again
(9:13)  5. Folsom Prison Blues
(5:36)  6. Along The Navajo Trail
(3:07)  7. Drifting Along With The Tumbling Tumbleweeds
(5:56)  8. Red River Valley
(2:30)  9. Understand You Man
(4:20) 10. Cold Cold Heart
(4:44) 11. Heartaches By The Numbers
(6:12) 12. Hard Life Blues
(2:11) 13. Happy Trails

The success of Bucky Pizzarelli's earlier sessions blending jazz and country musicians interpreting country favorites prompted follow-up record dates with many of the same players taking part. The veteran guitarist brings sons John (guitar and vocals) and Martin (bass), vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, young violinist Aaron Weinstein, pianist Monty Alexander, and drummer Tony Tedesco, along with country artists Andy Levas (guitar and vocals) and pedal steel guitarist Tommy White. Like the earlier CD, "Buck" and the band do justice to these country standards, including both vocal and instrumental numbers. Levas' strong lead vocals on Johnny Cash hits like "Hey, Porter," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Understand Your Man" are obvious highlights, with the band providing terrific support. Kilgore has long sung both jazz and country, having recorded several CDs of her own with a country flavor; her warm, loping rendition of "Along the Navaho Trail," with tasty solos by the leader, Alexander, and Weinstein, is a highlight. The swinging rendition of "Red River Valley" showcases the leader on acoustic bass guitar, Weinstein, John Pizzarelli (on electric guitar), and Alexander. The surprising conclusion is a solo feature for Alexander, singing as he accompanies himself in a delightful, imaginative setting of "Happy Trails." Western swing is alive and well in the hands of Bucky Pizzarelli and friends.~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/back-in-the-saddle-again-arbors-country-series-vol-2-mw0002088730

Bucky Pizzarelli – rhythm guitar, bass; John Pizzarelli – Guitar, Vocals; Martin Pizzarelli – bass; Tony Tedesco – drums; Monty Alexander – piano, melodian, vocals; Tommy White – pedal steel guitar; Aaron Weinstein – violin; Rebecca Kilgore – guitar, vocals; Andy Levas – guitar, vocals.

Thank You Flyingfinger!

Back In The Saddle Again

---

Mel Collins & D. Ben-Jamin Big Band - A Little Jazz Now & Then

Size: 81,5 MB
Time: 35:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Contemporary/Vocal Jazz, Big Band
Label: Mel Collins & D. Ben-Jamin Big Band
Art: Front

01. The Song Is You (2:01)
02. Our Love Is Here To Stay (3:26)
03. A Tisket A Tasket (2:29)
04. Honeysuckle Rose (2:51)
05. At Last (5:14)
06. Rendezvous (4:24)
07. Better Than Anything (3:54)
08. Diggin' Me (3:17)
09. Good Man Blues (2:59)
10. Ordinary People (4:30)

Travel down the Jazz history road with Mel Collins & D. Ben-jamin Big Band as they take you on a journey from yesterday to today.
Begin with the swingin' days of Ella & Basie then to the classic 60s Blue Note period of Nancy Wilson and Etta James. Lastly, they drop you off at the smooth jazz grooves of today with renditions of current hits by John Legend's "Ordinary People" and Dave Wheat's "Better Than Anything."
The unique jazz vocals of Mel Collins, the dynamic arrangements of Duane Benjamin along with the great solo work of jazz artists Bennie Maupin, Bob Sheppard, Rickey Woodard, Clayton Cameron and Kevin Toney create a perfect tribute to the best eras of jazz. With something for every jazz lover, you will surely enjoy A LITTLE JAZZ NOW & THEN.

A Little Jazz Now & Then

---

Buddy Fite - Tasty

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 46:00
Size: 105.3 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 1987/2007
Art: Front

[5:00] 1. Princess
[2:25] 2. Here's That Rainy Day
[4:20] 3. Make It With You
[4:09] 4. I Can't Get Started
[2:53] 5. Tune Up
[4:15] 6. Barney's Tune
[4:20] 7. Sneakin' One
[2:29] 8. Angel Eyes
[3:35] 9. Willow Weep For Me
[4:50] 10. No Particular Blues
[4:18] 11. Moonlight In Vermont
[3:20] 12. A Day In The Life Of A Fool

Buddy Fite picked up the guitar as a child, listened to the hit records of the day by Les Paul. Figuring that if one man could play that fast, another could duplicate the feat. He learned to operate at the speed seemingly achieved on Paul's records, without realizing that parts of them had been recorded at half speed and later doubled up! Aside from the effortless fluidity with which he plays and the beautiful inner voicing we hear and conveys in his harmony-oriented interpretations, Buddy has the incredible ability to sound like a guitarist and a bass player simultaneously.

What must be stressed about the Fite phenomenon is not simply his technical master but the sensitive use to which he puts it. Other guitarist who have heard him, among them top studio professionals, have unanimously acclaimed Fite as an unpublicised hero. From Howard Roberts to Glen Cambpell, Barney Kessel, and Al Casey, Les Paul,they all acknowledge that his concept is unlike anything they had heard before. Some call it a piano-style guitar, and indeed there are moments when one is reminded, rhythmically, of Erroll Garner or technically of Art Tatum. ~Leonard Feather

Tasty

---

Various - The Great Big Band Singers

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 70:15
Size: 160.8 MB
Styles: Pop. Nostalgia, Vocal, Easy Listening
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:48] 1. Doris Day - Sentimntal Journey
[3:38] 2. Helen O'Connell - Just For A Thrill
[2:57] 3. Helen Ward - It's Been So Long
[3:21] 4. Helen Forrest - Between A Kiss And A Sigh
[3:10] 5. Bob Eberly - Fools Rush In
[1:54] 6. Eddy Howard - You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby
[2:23] 7. Nancy Norman - Candy
[3:31] 8. Lisa Morrow - Who's Sorry Now
[3:04] 9. Frank Sinatra - All Or Nothing At All
[2:36] 10. Nancy Norman - Saturday Night (Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week)
[3:01] 11. Helen Forrest - I've Heard That Song Before
[3:49] 12. June Christy - On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[2:46] 13. Dick Haymes - When You Wish Upon A Star
[3:02] 14. Eddy Howard - I've Got A Pocketful Of Dreams
[1:44] 15. Doris Day - Kiss To Remember
[2:46] 16. Bob Allen - Sweet And Lovely
[1:55] 17. Kay Starr - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
[2:32] 18. Frank Sinatra - My Love For You
[2:42] 19. June Christy - No Baby, Nobody But You
[2:32] 20. Dick Haymes - When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano
[2:29] 21. Anita O'Day - Tabby The Cat
[3:39] 22. Bob Eberly - The Nearness Of You
[2:10] 23. Bonnie Lou Williams - What Is This Thing Called Love
[2:51] 24. Billy Williams - It's Only A Paper Moon
[2:42] 25. Helen O'Connell - I'm Stepping Out With A Memory Tonight

This look back at the greatest "crooners" and "canaries" of the 1940s features the top vocalists of the period, when they began their careers performing with orchestras and dance bands. The most popular singers ultimately became stars on their own.

The Great Big Band Singers

---

Stacey Kent - The Changing Lights

Styles: Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:13
Size: 133,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:40)  1. This Happy Madness
(5:33)  2. The Summer We Crossed Europe In The Rain
(3:03)  3. One Note Samba [Samba De Uma Nota So]
(5:57)  4. Mais Uma Vez
(5:10)  5. Waiter, Oh Waiter
(3:09)  6. O Barquinho
(6:19)  7. The Changing Lights
(4:04)  8. How Insensitive
(4:26)  9. O Bêbado E A Equilibrista / Smile
(3:38) 10. Like A Lover
(4:09) 11. The Face I Love
(2:55) 12. A Tarde
(4:04) 13. Chanson Légère

Grammy-nominated singer, Stacey Kent, and Parlophone Label Group France (formerly EMI Music France) are pleased to announce the upcoming release of The Changing Lights, out on 17th September 2013. The Changing Lights brings centre stage Kent's love for Brazilian music.

The release of this new album is supported by a worldwide tour that includes such prestigious venues as Ronnie Scott's Club in London (30th sept â 4th Oct), Lâ Olympia in Paris (15th Nov) and Birdland in New York (3rd-8th Dec). The American singer's new album includes both original compositions and classic songs from the biggest names in Brazilian Music, including Tôm Jobim, Dori Caymmi, Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal, who performs on two of the album's tracks, including his own, O Barquinho.

Signed to Blue Note/EMI France now known as Parlophone Music France in 2007, Stacey Kent's EMI albums have sold more than half a million copies worldwide, including the Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling, Breakfast on the Morning Tram, Raconte-Moi and Dreamer in Concert.

This new album, produced and arranged by Jim Tomlinson, finds Stacey Kent visiting some of her favorite Bossa Nova songs, including This Happy Madness, One Note Samba, How Insensitive, alongside original songs composed by Jim Tomlinson, in collaboration with Kazuo Ishiguro (The Changing Lights, Waiter, Oh Waiter, The Summer We Crossed Europe In The Rain), the team that wrote The Ice Hotel and Breakfast On The Morning Tram. There are also collaborations with Portuguese poet Antonio Ladeira (Mais Uma Vez, A Tarde) and French lyricist Bernie Beaupãre,  the writer of Raconte-Moi and Venus Du Melo.

It is hard to categorise Stacey Kent. An American who speaks fluent French as well as Portuguese, Italian and German, she is able to transcend genre and national boundaries with an ease that few other artists can. Having recently recorded a live album in Rio De Janeiro with Marcos Valle, in celebration of his 50th year in music, Stacey's musical journey has brought her ever closer to Brazilian music. With The Changing Lights, Kent re-imagines her truly personal sound and style through the prism of Brazilian music.

Kent's new album, The Changing Lights is a milestone for her and the highlight of a 15-year recording career from a gifted jazz singer with not only an exquisite voice but also an unmatched talent for storytelling.  www.staceykent.com

The Changing Lights

---

Christian McBride - Out Here

Styles: Smooth Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:03
Size: 149,5 MB
Art: Front

(8:24)  1. Ham Hocks and Cabbage
(4:03)  2. Hallelujah Time
(8:26)  3. I Guess I'll Have to Forget
(6:42)  4. Easy Walker
(9:20)  5. My Favorite Things
(7:41)  6. East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)
(5:39)  7. Cherokee
(8:27)  8. I Have Dreamed
(6:18)  9. Who's Making Love

Christian McBride's second studio album in 2013, Out Here, finds the adept bassist leading his trio through a jaunty, exuberant set of straight-ahead acoustic jazz. The album follows on the heels of his equally as appealing quintet album, People Music. However, where that album found McBride delving into the knotty post-bop sound of artists like '60s Bobby Hutcherson, Out Here is more of a classic standards album in the vein of works by Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington. Joining McBride here is his working trio of pianist Christian Sands and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr., who was also featured on People Music. Both Sands and Owens are superb, technically adroit musicians who complement McBride's warm, generous bass playing at every turn on Out Here. What's great about McBride leading his own trio is that because he is fundamentally such a monster of a bassist, he can and does take the lead on any given song just as well, if not better, than many of his non-rhythm section instrument-playing brethren. That said, he certainly lets his bandmates shine in the spotlight throughout much of the album. In fact, as on the trio's take on "My Favorite Things," both Sands and McBride take turns interpreting the melody. Elsewhere, they delve into bluesy, gospel-influenced numbers with "Ham Hocks and Cabbage" and "Hallelujah Time," and jump headlong into a swinging rendition of "Cherokee." There are also some gorgeous ballads featured on the album, with McBride's Latin-tinged "I Guess I'll Have to Forget" standing out among them. McBride even summons the spirit of his more funk and soul-influenced albums with the trio's giddy album-closing take on the R&B classic "Who's Making Love."~Matt Collar  http://www.allmusic.com/album/out-here-mw0002549026

Out Here 

---

Keith Urban - Fuse (Deluxe Version)

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:06
Size: 132,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Somewhere In My Car
(3:59)  2. Even the Stars Fall 4 U
(4:16)  3. Cop Car
(3:03)  4. Shame
(3:52)  5. Good Thing
(3:11)  6. We Were Us
(3:29)  7. Love's Poster Child
(3:17)  8. She's My 11
(3:52)  9. Come Back To Me
(3:59) 10. Red Camaro
(3:25) 11. Little Bit of Everything
(3:05) 12. Raise 'Em Up
(3:53) 13. Heart Like Mine
(3:42) 14. Black Leather Jacket
(2:52) 15. Gonna B Good
(3:06) 16. Lucky Charm

The Fuse, Keith Urban's first album in three years, delivers a slicker, more sophisticated version of his solitary demo recording process as a radical sounding change in direction. Throughout, he melds drum machines, synths and samplers with his guitars, banjos, mandolins and voice. Urban's experience as a judge on American Idol also contributes to his song and production choices--he's heard enough commercial pop to know what works. If ever a contemporary country record was strategically created to crossover, this is it. Recorded in California and Nashville, Urban employed a slew of co-producers, songwriters, and co-writers. The set's clever first single, "Little Bit Of Everything" with its punchy handclaps, hip hop rhythms and pulsing synth, underscores his banjo and stinging guitar; his voice accents the hook and rings clear above it all. "Even The Stars Fall 4 U," is introduced by thrumming, brittle loops, enormous handclaps, a nasty guitar vamp, and a chorus shouting "Hey!" Though the banjo-drenched melody is subtler, the anthemic chorus explodes. The muted drum loop that fuels the shimmering "Cop Car," is layered in atmospherics worthy of Achtung Baby, but the melody is pure country. 

Miranda Lambert duets on what initially appears to be the purest country tune on the set, but that's a feint as well. The chorus is pure pop, with crisscrossing cut-time rhythms accenting the end of every line. The layered, mid tempo ballad, "Shame" was co-written and co-produced by the Norwegian hip hop/ R&B team Stargate, with synths hovering through the loop-saturated backdrop. Another ballad, "Come Back To Me," co-produced by Urban and Butch Walker, is deeply indebted to Daniel Lanois' warm-as-bathwater production style, with subdued sopnics, edgeless rhythms, rounded and heavily reverbed guitars and keys. Only his voice is crystalline. The hook is less pronounced but ever present, with a restrained dynamic slowly building to a climax. Contrast this with "Red Camaro," with its rattling banjo, bright, 90s-era drum loop, zig-zagging synths, a fiddle that sounds like an outtake from Dexy's Too-Rye-Aye, and a crisp meld of acoustic and electric guitars under Urban's multi-tracked (and perhaps pitch-enhanced) vocals. 

The numerous production dimensions here sometimes mask this set's almost uniformly good songs the muddied textures that overshadow "Raise 'Em Up"--an otherwise fine duet with Eric Church. The set finishes strong with the "Heart Like Mine," another galloping anthem whose rhythmic punch and cadence sound like they came from Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill." For all the piecemeal recording, technological obsession and sheer ambition on the Fuse, Urban manages to fashion it all into a (mostly) working whole and maintain his identity as a contemporary country artist, even as he reaches for the mainstram pop fences.~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/fuse-mr0003981270

Fuse (Deluxe Version)

---

Reuben Wilson - Organ Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:02
Size: 148.9 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Soul jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[7:45] 1. Blues For Mcduff
[6:45] 2. Please Send Me Someone To Love
[8:27] 3. Old Time Shuffle Blues
[8:05] 4. Back At The Chicken Shack
[8:09] 5. Honey Dripper
[8:58] 6. After Hours
[7:52] 7. Willow Weep For Me
[8:58] 8. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out

Reuben Wilson is joined by guitarist Grant Green, Jr., tenor saxophonist Melvin Butler, and drummer Bernard Purdie for this no-frills set of soul-jazz and blues classics. (Wilson, Purdie, and Green, Jr. worked together on Masters of Groove Meet Dr. No, also on the Jazzateria label. ) The four begin with a minor-key tribute to Jack McDuff ("Blues for McDuff"). A bit later they nod to another great jazz organist, Jimmy Smith, with a strutting "Back at the Chicken Shack." Other highlights include "Willow Weep for Me," "After Hours," and "Honey Dripper." Music like this is all about feel, and these musicians have plenty of it. But the preponderance of shuffle blues, it must be said, gets a tad monotonous. Even the closing track, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," a 16-bar tune with a fair amount of harmonic movement, somehow winds up as a straight 12-bar blues during the solos, making it sound too much like everything else. ~ David R. Adler

Live Recording Recorded at Fluid, New York, New York.

Grant Green, Jr. (guitar); Melvin Butler (tenor saxophone); Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (drums).

Organ Blues

---

Chris Connor - Sings Gentle Bossa Nova

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 32:35

Size: 74.6 MB

Styles: Bossa Nova, Easy Listening

Year: 1965/2011

Art: Front

[2:25] 1. Hard Days Night

[2:10] 2. Downtown

[3:04] 3. Taste Of Honey

[3:34] 4. Shadow Of Your Smile

[3:22] 5. Feeling Good

[1:52] 6. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)

[2:35] 7. Can't Get Over The Bossa Nova

[3:26] 8. Quiet Thing

[2:40] 9. Dear Heart

[2:10] 10. Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte

[2:32] 11. Baby The Rain Must Fall

[2:41] 12. Stranger On The Shore

Upon seeing the title Sings Gentle Bossa Nova, one might assume that this is an album of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá songs. Well, the title of this disc (which was originally released on LP by ABC/Paramount in 1965 and reissued on CD by Just a Memory/Justin Time in 2011) is technically accurate; a bossa nova beat is employed much of the time. But Connor doesn't inundate listeners with Brazilian songs on Bossa Nova, which isn't nearly as Astrud Gilberto-ish as one would expect from a vocalist who came out of jazz's cool school and could be described as the vocal equivalent of Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, or Paul Desmond. Actually, this album is a departure from the cool jazz that Connor was best known for. With Ken Greenglass (known for his work with Steve Allen and Eydie Gorme) serving as producer, and Pat Williams handling the arrangements, Bossa Nova is really an album of jazz-influenced easy listening pop rather than an album of straight-ahead jazz. But that isn't to say that it isn't enjoyable. Whether Connor is tackling Henry Mancini's "Dear Heart," the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night," Johnny Mandel's "The Shadow of Your Smile," or the Petula Clark hit "Downtown," Bossa Nova is a pleasant listen even though it falls short of the excellence that characterized so many of her straight-ahead cool jazz recordings of the '50s and '60s. As it turned out, Connor's flirtation with pop-oriented settings didn't last long; the easy listening albums she recorded for ABC/Paramount were designed to expose her to a larger audience, but they didn't sell. And so, Connor returned to straight-ahead cool jazz, which was obviously for the best, since that was what she was truly great at. But again, Bossa Nova is a decent effort even though it isn't among the essential albums that she recorded in the '60s. ~ Alex Henderson.

Audio Remasterer: Rudy Van Gelder.

Sings Gentle Bossa Nova  

---