Randy Travis - Influence Vol. 1 : The Man I Am

Styles: Country
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:36
Size: 101,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:24)  1. Someday We'll Look Back
(3:22)  2. Big Butter And Egg Man
(3:27)  3. What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana
(2:53)  4. Ever Changing Woman
(3:46)  5. Pennies From Heaven
(2:41)  6. Thanks A Lot
(3:28)  7. Trouble In Mind
(3:08)  8. My Mary
(3:08)  9. Saginaw, Michigan
(3:19) 10. I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall
(3:37) 11. You Asked Me To
(2:38) 12. Why Baby Why
(3:40) 13. Tonight I'm Playing Possum With Joe Nichols

Multi-Platinum and seven-time Grammy winning icon Randy Travis presents his 21st studio album on Warner Bros. Records titled Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am. Travis and his music has been a major influence to other country artists throughout his celebrated career thus far. In his 2013 album, Travis looks back at some of the songs and artists that were instrumental in crafting his musical career, including Merle Haggard, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell, among others. After releasing his 25th Anniversary Celebration album and going back through his repertoire of collaborations with artists including Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Josh Turner, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, Travis reflected on the icons and their music that have inspired him over the years.

"When I think of my musical heroes of yesteryear, or the younger stars of this year, I am reminded that it is true we learn from the ones ahead of us, and teach the ones that follow. They are the reason I chose to make this album, " says Randy Travis. ~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Vol-The-Man-Am/dp/B00EBDXRKW

Influence Vol. 1 The Man I Am

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Bobby Broom - Song and Dance

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:29
Size: 149,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:54)  1. Can't Buy Me Love
(6:23)  2. Where Is The Love?
(5:43)  3. Little Rascals Theme (Good Old Days)
(6:43)  4. Coming Home
(5:10)  5. Blues For Modern Man
(6:19)  6. Superstar
(8:33)  7. Smile
(7:33)  8. Wichita Lineman
(5:45)  9. You And The Night And The Music
(6:19) 10. Waiting And Waiting

Bobby Broom had recently turned 44 when he recorded Song and Dance in February and March 2005. In youth-obsessed markets like hip-hop, teen pop, or dance-pop, any artist who is 44 and successful probably became established 20 or 25 years earlier. But jazz is a different ball game. In jazz, age is a plus; it means more years developing your skills, improving your chops, and discovering who you are as an artist. Jazz is full of people who had more to say at 44 than they did at 24, and Broom has a lot to say on Song and Dance. This trio date finds the guitarist (who is joined by bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins) bringing his improvisational skills to a variety of material, which ranges from the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" to Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" to "Where Is the Love?" (a major hit for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in the early '70s). But whatever the song whether he is playing original compositions or tackling "Good Old Days (The Little Rascals Theme)"  Broom always keeps things personal and maintains the perspective of a jazz instrumentalist. 

Another highlight of this 65-minute disc is Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman," which was a number one country hit for Glen Campbell in 1968; Broom has no problem taking "Wichita Lineman" out of country-pop and making the tune a vehicle for post-bop improvisation. And why shouldn't Broom find the jazz potential in songs that were recorded by the Beatles, Flack, or Campbell? Contrary to what some of the more dogmatic individuals in the jazz world would have listeners believe, worthwhile popular music did not end with Tin Pan Alley. Broom, of course, realizes that, and his open-mindedness is a definite advantage on this memorable CD. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/song-and-dance-mw0000485911

Song and Dance

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Johnny Varro (Feat. Ken Peplowski) - Two Legends Of Jazz

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 74:36
Size: 173.4 MB
Styles: Piano, Clarinet jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:18] 1. My Baby Just Cares For Me
[4:23] 2. The Touch Of Your Lips
[6:09] 3. Menina Flor
[4:12] 4. After I Say I'm Sorry (What Can I Say?)
[5:34] 5. It's Easy To Remember
[4:40] 6. A Smo O O Oth One
[4:51] 7. Bluesette
[3:00] 8. You're A Sweetheart
[6:21] 9. Secret Love
[5:13] 10. Out Of Nowhere
[3:58] 11. Love Locked Out
[5:54] 12. I Love You
[5:43] 13. Someday, You'll Be Sorry
[5:06] 14. Blues On 57th Street
[5:07] 15. The Way You Look Tonight

Veteran pianist Johnny Varro and clarinetist Ken Peplowski are certainly two veterans of vintage early-period jazz, and join together in complete agreement as to how it should be correctly played on this set of swinging music that showcases an unconventional twist. This is not strictly a quartet date, also featuring legends in their own right like bassist Frank Tate and drummer Joe Ascione. One and/or the other rhythm mate drops out on several selections, providing an always interesting component of pacing, from duet and trio to the full quartet. Peplowski in particular is as brilliant a clarinetist as there is in modern times, his unwavering tone and wealth of ideas shining through on every delicious track. Of course, the group collectively plays famous standard American popular songs the whole world knows and recognizes. It's not an energetic set, more laid-back and cool, but there's no reservation in playing this music faithfully, with the jazz tradition firmly in mind. The CD starts with two excellent trio tracks minus bass. "My Baby Just Cares for Me" was popularized by Nina Simone, and here is where Peplowski displays his total command of this uncomplicated melody, Varro dipping into stride on his solo, while "The Touch of Your Lips" seems almost too easy in the hands of these swing masters. Tate joins in for an unusual choice, Luiz Bonfá's quintessential but lesser known bossa nova "Menina Flor," while an interesting treatment of the quickened "Out of Nowhere" is the most energized and animated tune of the date, keeping the players and listeners on their toes. "Bluesette" is a tricky one, but the band interprets this most lyrical tune very well; Tate's strummed bass buoys the hardest swinger, "Secret Love"; the group dives headfirst into the wonderful Cole Porter hot jazz classic "I Love You" with full fervor; and improvisation is key during "Blues on 57th Street," a tune -- made up on the spot -- named after the street where the studio is located in New York City. A low-key piano/clarinet duo on "It's Easy to Remember" and Varro's solo version of "You're a Sweetheart" displays his love of stride piano, and the influence of his main man, Teddy Wilson. Varro stated that this session was "fun, comfortable, satisfying" and you'll wholeheartedly agree that it is from start to finish, a solid effort from four masters of classic mainstream jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, NY (11/08/2007/11/09/2007).

Personnel: Johnny Varro (piano); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Frank Tate (bass guitar); Joe Ascione (drums).

Two Legends Of Jazz

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Tok Tok Tok - Love Again

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:21
Size: 122.2 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[ 3:26] 1. Winterwonderland
[ 3:48] 2. Look Of Love
[ 3:12] 3. Eleonor Rigby
[ 3:38] 4. Satisfaction
[ 4:21] 5. Love Again
[ 4:36] 6. Walk On The Wild Side
[ 5:34] 7. Wade In The Water
[ 3:10] 8. O Tannenbaum
[ 3:50] 9. Waters Of March
[ 0:55] 10. Bebeep
[11:34] 11. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
[ 5:11] 12. Have A Talk With God

Before founding “Tok Tok Tok”, Tokunbo Akinro and Morten Klein, the creative and organizing heart of the band, worked together in various other projects. Their musical search for melodic beauty associated with groove and soul led them to find their completing parts in each other. Like on “Ruby soul” from 2002, they continue to concentrate on the song qualities of their acoustic soul compositions.

Recording information: Vagnsson Studios (06/2000). Personnel: Takunbo Akinro (vocals); Frank Fielder (double bass).

Love Again

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Arlington Jones - Groove

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:47
Size: 150.6 MB
Styles: Funk, Piano jazz, Cool jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[8:37] 1. Groove
[3:35] 2. Keep It Fresh
[3:20] 3. Pookah Rooter
[0:38] 4. Groove Interlude
[7:32] 5. Rhythm Within Me
[2:43] 6. Dili G Is Mpp
[2:46] 7. Dili G Is Mpp (Fast Take)
[4:36] 8. Let The Choir Sing Interlude
[4:26] 9. Prince Of Peace
[4:35] 10. Angels Lullaby
[4:29] 11. Can It Be
[1:00] 12. Walkin' And Groovin' Interlude
[5:24] 13. The Comforter
[2:09] 14. The Prayer
[3:40] 15. His Way
[5:03] 16. Because He Lives
[1:05] 17. Groove Benediction

With an exclusive style of his own, Arlington Jones creates a work of art every time he touches the piano. He designs a musical canvas with strokes of creativity and beauty. Arlington has the gift to take listeners of all ages on an unforgettable journey because of his high-spirited, unpredictable melodies and arrangements! Not only is he pleasing to listen to but also exhilarating to watch! Right through each note, Arlington exudes energy from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet!

Over the years, Arlington has distinguished himself as a successful independent artist, pianist, composer, and producer under his label, Zamaria Records. His latest album release is Groove. He has released five other recordings: Because He Lives (single), Vintage Christmas, Move The Heart, Arlington Jones Solo Sessions: Peace That Passes All Understanding, and The Author And The Source. His storybook tunes balance a gumbo mixture of jazz, funk, Latin, and swing from a Christian perspective. Arlington has written four music publications: At Play (four piano duets), Grace and Serenity (solo piano), Jazz Expressions (three solo piano compositions), and THE WAY I HEAR ITTM Jazz Piano Techniques. He has also branded his own concert series and jazz piano master class called THE WAY I HEAR ITTM.

Arlington's main jazz music influences are Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington. He has shared the stage with a colorful list of legendary artists including Red Holloway, David "Fathead" Newman, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, and Chaka Khan. He was the keyboard player for jazz bassist and former NBA player Wayman Tisdale from 2001 to 2009. He served as the music director and keyboardist for South African guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler from 2008 to 2010.

Groove

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Stacey Kent - Candid Moments

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:11
Size: 161,6 MB
Scans: Front

(4:12)  1. What the World Needs Now Is Love (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(2:38)  2. Hushabye Mountain (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(4:22)  3. You've Got a Friend (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(3:28)  4. Too Darn Hot (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(3:59)  5. Isn't This a Lovely Day? (feat. Simon Thorpe & Steve Brown)
(3:28)  6. The Best Is yet to Come (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(4:43)  7. I've Got a Crush on You (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(3:43)  8. The Boy Next Door (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(5:24)  9. Close Your Eyes (feat. Andrew de Jong Cleyndert & Steve Brown)
(5:35) 10. Dreamsville (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(5:03) 11. They Can't Take That Away from Me (feat. Simon Thorpe & Steve Brown)
(6:36) 12. East of the Sun (feat. Dave Green & Jeff Hamilton)
(4:03) 13. Under a Blanket of Blue (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(2:27) 14. You Are There (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(4:43) 15. Say It Isn't So (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(5:38) 16. Little Girl Blue (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)

This is the first in Candid's new HQ (High Quality) presentations. Sixteen of Stacey's finest Candid tracks have been specially re-mastered in Japan by Evosound. The results are truly astounding. You can hear Stacey as you never heard her before performing her best known Candid successes ranging from Say It Isn't So to I've Got a Crush On You and from Close Your Eyes to Dreamsville. A must have for all Stacey Kent devotees. With Jim Tomlinson, Colin Oxley, David Newton, Dave Green, Jeff Hamilton. http://www.amazon.com/Candid-Moments-Edition-Stacey-Kent/dp/B00EAZYPHU

Candid Moments

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Linda Eder - Other Side Of Me

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:18
Size: 119,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Pieces
(3:35)  2. If You Believe
(4:53)  3. Lifted
(4:09)  4. If I Could
(4:07)  5. Back To Life
(4:25)  6. Other Side Of Me
(4:16)  7. Waiting For The Fall
(4:14)  8. Prayer For Love
(4:18)  9. Both Sides Now
(4:56) 10. They Are The Roses
(4:26) 11. Ghost
(4:18) 12. Make Today Beautiful

The utter brilliance of the renowned vocal great's first official foray into rock-edged country music should shutter for good the adage that an artist must stick to a single genre to be marketable and successful. Over the years, the world got so used to her glowing interpretations of Broadway standards--and her keen ability to carry on the grand traditions of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand--that any deviation might have been seen as risky or crazy. But the truth is, as the singer puts it, "This isn't so much a departure as it is me getting back to who I really am." The colorful mix of material (from the rousing, gospel-influenced "Back to Life" by superstar pop songwriter Kara DioGuardi to Eder's own explosive, very personal blues-rocker "Waiting for the Fall") and loose and high-spirited arrangements reflect the kind of music that moved her as a child, when she first started playing the guitar and writing songs. 

Musically, she and producer Billy Jay Stein back up with great integrity and passion her assertion that stepping into the ballgown and singing standards is like playing a role, while this rootsy music is more natural for her. Although the album was released by the great jazz label Verve, songs like the uptempo country jam "Pieces," the jangling "Prayer for Love," and the largely acoustic ballad "If You Believe (The Way I Do)" would find a joyful home on mainstream country radio. Beyond the rootsier songs, Eder engages in some magical cover versions of the heart-tugging parent to child classic "If I Could," Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" (done with equal parts wistfulness and dreamy atmosphere) and, more graceful yet, the Indigo Girls' folk-pop gem "Ghost." While Eder will always be welcome performing with fellow Broadway aficionados Michael Feinstein and Marvin Hamlisch, this stellar journey of the heart should find her making reservations to take the stage at the CMA Festival in Nashville any year now. 

This is a side of the singer that should stick around for a long time.~Jonathan Widran  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-other-side-of-me-mw0000798282

Other Side Of Me

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Harry Allen - I Can See Forever

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:49
Size: 132,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Wave
(5:40)  2. So Many Stars
(4:54)  3. The Telephone Song
(4:57)  4. O Grande Amor
(4:04)  5. I Can See Forever
(4:30)  6. Manha Do Carnaval (Orfeu Negro)
(5:54)  7. Ela E Carioca
(4:52)  8. A Time For Love
(4:54)  9. Be Careful, It's My Heart
(5:08) 10. A Felicidade
(5:49) 11. And I Love Her
(2:48) 12. The Summer Knows

"Stan Getz was once asked his idea of the perfect tenor saxophone soloist. His answer was, `My technique, Al Cohn's ideas and Zoot's time.' The fulfillment of that ideal may well be embodied in thirty-year-old Harry Allen." -Gene Lees

Harry Allen operates in a different tradition than the post-bop avant-garde which has dominated much of the jazz scene since the 60's. While quick to acknowledge the influence of John Coltrane, he draws instead on the tonal concepts associated with the likes of Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Ben Webster and Stan Getz. Harry has become one of the most exciting and talented members of a younger generation of players seeking to return a lost sense of swing to the jazz world. The important thing in music says Harry "is beauty in tone, and a swinging feel." "There is a special power in the ability to work within the realms of swing and still create something entirely interesting and new." Allen's own style is true to his words. He has recorded upwards of twenty CDs and performed at Jazz festivals and clubs worldwide. In addition he has worked with some of the finest musicians in jazz including Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Rosemary Clooney, Scott Hamilton, Kenny Burrell, Johnny Mandel and Flip Phillips. Most recently Harry played opposite Tony Bennett and Sheryl Crow on Bennett's Playin' With My Friends, a collection of duets just released on Columbia Records.. Harry Allen has always known that he was going to be a musician. Born in Washington D.C. on October 12 1966, Harry grew up in Los Angeles and later Rhode Island, where from an early age he was exposed to the music that would become his great passion. His father, Maurice, had been a drummer during the big band era, and Harry grew up listening to his jazz records, sometimes playing along on a toy saxophone. A more personal influence came in the form of his father's friends, Johnny "Here's That Rainy Day" Burke, and Paul Gonslaves, the great tenor saxophonist from Duke Ellington's orchestra.

When Harry was seven years old, a traveling accordion salesman came to the door offering lessons to Allen's older sister. Although little Harry was beside himself with excitement at the chance to learn an instrument, the teacher thought he was too young and didn't want to take him on as a student. Harry's father however, sensing how excited his son was, made the salesman promise to teach both children and for the first time Harry was allowed to learn music. By the time he was 11 he started playing the clarinet at his father's advice and the next year switched, this time for good, to the saxophone.

In 1998, Harry was graduated with honors from Rutgers University with a degree in music. There he studied under a faculty which included piano legend Kenny Barron. It was Barron in fact who hired the twenty year old Harry for the saxophonist's first recording date. At Rutgers Harry first made contact with John Pizzarelli, who along with father Bucky has become one of his biggest supporters. Bucky Pizzarelli gave Harry his first professional gig in New York City substituting for the great Zoot Sims. The guitarist also introduced Harry to the legendary Benny Goodman with whom he later played.

Harry and John Pizzarelli have played together on Pizzarelli's After Hours and Harry's Harry Allen Meets the John Pizzarelli Trio, Allen's first disc as a leader on the BMG label. The record was released through BMG/Japan and marked the beginning of Allen's long tenure with the label and producer Ikuyoshi Hirakawa.

Harry Allen's newest recording is the Brazilian tinged “I Can See Forever”. Joined by an all-star band featuring guitarists Guilherme Monteiro and Jay Berliner, drummer Grady Tate and the legendary Ron Carter on bass, Harry applies his sultry lyricism to the songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa and Dori Caymmi. Elsewhere, Harry adds a Latin flavor to Irving Berlin's "Careful It's My Heart" and the Beatles' "And I Love Her." The result is an invigorating collection fueled by Allen's breathy tone and unfailing sense of style and swing. http://www.lentriola.com/allen.htm

I Can See Forever

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Alex Sipiagin - Overlooking Moments

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:21
Size: 140,5 MB
Art: Front + Back

(8:01)  1. Expectation
(8:44)  2. Cho Tofu
(7:41)  3. Chronicle
(5:37)  4. Mississipi Waltz
(9:19)  5. Flash
(6:28)  6. Once...
(7:50)  7. First Step
(7:39)  8. Savoir

A very prolific member of the Criss Cross family, trumpeter Alex Sipiagin has logged in nine releases as a leader for the label over the span of 12 years. He is also a vital member of the all-star collective Opus Five, that group's most recent effort being the critically acclaimed Pentasonic.

For his tenth session at the helm, Sipiagin has delivered his most freewheeling recital to date. An integral member of the trumpeter's inner circle since his 2000 debut, Steppin' Zone, the always exciting Chris Potter fills out the front line on saxophones.

And for the first time, Sipiagin has opted for an ensemble sans piano or guitar. With frequent collaborators Scott Colley on bass and Eric Harland on drums, the results over eight original compositions are as fresh and contemporary as they come. http://www.crisscrossjazz.com/album/1354.html

Overlooking Moments

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Sam Bevan - The Fine Line

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:25
Size: 115.4 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:13] 1. Zap Monk
[6:09] 2. Walking Stick
[3:41] 3. Shapeshifter
[6:45] 4. Attack Of The Mudbugs
[6:52] 5. Bayou Melodie
[3:27] 6. Ennui
[0:56] 7. Merman (Interlude)
[4:58] 8. Slap In The Face
[6:25] 9. Swashbucket
[4:53] 10. Disgruntled Patriot

Bay Area bassist Sam Bevan's debut CD, "The Fine Line" features his original compositions that strive to strike a balance between strong simple melodies, sophisticated jazz harmonies, polyrhytmic textures and the energetic drive of rock music. At the heart of the music is the raw energy of a guitar trio that vacillates between open floating textures and syncopated grooves. At the forefont is the atypical trombone lead that paints with wide greasy strokes while softly complimenting the music with haunting melodies.

Articulate, focused and highly musical, Bevan's sense of melody and rhythmic thrust showcase his talent. Tight arrangements and well conceived writing goes to show that Bevan is a multi-dimensional artist with much to offer. ~Randy McElligot

The Fine Line

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Chita Rivera - Chita! And Now I Sing!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:56
Size: 151.0 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:33] 1. Ten Cents A Dance
[3:11] 2. The Lady's In Love With You
[3:19] 3. Love, Look Away
[2:35] 4. An Occasional Man
[3:33] 5. Moanin' Low
[2:11] 6. Get Me To The Church On Time
[3:08] 7. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[3:24] 8. In Other Words
[2:41] 9. Small Fry
[2:51] 10. Old Devil Moon
[3:28] 11. Something I Dreamed Last Night
[2:28] 12. Let's Put Out The Lights And Go To Sleep
[2:05] 13. I Hear Music
[2:49] 14. You're Mine You
[2:43] 15. Hit The Road To Dreamland
[2:31] 16. The Nearness Of You
[1:57] 17. Easy To Remember
[2:19] 18. There Is Nothing To Say But Goodbye
[2:40] 19. Moon River
[2:15] 20. Isn't It Romantic
[2:49] 21. Falling In Love Again
[4:21] 22. It's Always You
[2:55] 23. Lonesome Road

Digitally remastered two-fer containing a pair of albums from the Tony Award winning actress and performer: Chita! (1962) and And Now I Sing! (1963). Presented in glorious stereo sound, these remastered recordings make their debut on CD. Both albums present an eclectic mix of showtunes and standards alongside more obscure material handpicked for the sessions. `Chita!' was recorded in London in October 1961 when Rivera was wowing audiences in the West End production of `Bye Bye Birdie'. The album features lavish orchestrations by renowned arranger Alyn Ainsworth while `And Now I Sing!' is a more intimate collection, recorded in New York with Latin producer and arranger Joe Cain. These early 1960s albums clearly demonstrate that Chita Rivera is as versatile a performer in the recording studio as on the Broadway and London stage.

Chita! And Now I Sing!

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Big John Patton - Got A Good Thing Goin'

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 36:36
Size: 83.8 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Organ jazz, Guitar jazz
Year: 1966/2003
Art: Front

[8:14] 1. The Yodel
[7:47] 2. Soul Woman
[6:43] 3. Ain't That Peculiar
[7:44] 4. The Shake
[6:06] 5. Amanda

Grant Green always brought out the best in Big John Patton. Almost any record that featured the guitarist and organist was dominated by their scintillating interplay, and it always sounded like they were trying to top each other's blistering, funky solos. Patton and Green rarely sounded better than they did on Got a Good Thing Goin', a 1966 session that functioned as a showcase for the pair's dynamic interaction and exciting, invigorating solos. In particular, the duo's mastery is evident because there are no horns to stand in the way -- only drummer Hugh Walker and conga player Richard Landrum provide support, leaving plenty of room for Green and Patton to run wild. All five numbers -- two originals by Patton and Green, two pop covers ("Ain't That Peculiar," "Shake"), and Duke Pearson's "Amanda" -- are simple blues and soul-jazz songs that provide ample space for the guitarist and organist to stretch out. And they do stretch out -- as a pair, they have never sounded so fiery or intoxicating. Fans of hard bop may find the songs a little too simple, but hot, up-tempo soul-jazz rarely comes any better than it does on Got a Good Thing Goin'. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on April 29, 1966.

John Patton (organ); Grant Green (guitar); Richard Landrum (conga); Hugh Walker (drums).

Got A Good Thing Goin'

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Annie Kozuch - Mostly Jobim

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:50
Size: 86.6 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova, Brazilian jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:34] 1. Waters Of March (Aguas De Marco)
[4:24] 2. Wave
[3:43] 3. A Felicidade
[3:36] 4. Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar (I Know I'll Love You So)
[2:56] 5. So Nice
[3:12] 6. Desafinado
[3:47] 7. Someone To Light Up My Life
[3:46] 8. Girl From Ipanema
[4:59] 9. How Insensitive (Insensatez)
[3:48] 10. Agua De Beber

"I believe I learned my songs from the birds of the Brazilian rain forest". ~Antonio Carlos Jobim. Antonio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida Jobim (1927-1994), known as Tom Jobim, was responsible for writing dozens of unforgettable bossa nova songs that made their way to the US in the early 60s. I was a teenager lying on my bedroom floor in Mexico City, when I first heard of this composer through his collaboration with Joao Gilberto. Although I didn't appreciate or understand it at the time, his soft music and lyric spoke directly to my heart.

Little did I know, years later, living in New York City, I would be collaborating with some of the best musicians a girl could ask for. After performing MOSTLY JOBIM live at Feinstein's at the Lowes Regency, musical director, Frank Ponzio (piano) and I, brought in Vito Lesczak (drums) and Saadi Zain (bass) to collaborate and set some arrangements as we explored his music further. We were fortunate to have Cecilia Tenconi (saxophone and flute) and Sean Harkness (guitar) lend their wonderful musicianship and sensitivity to the material and to our delight, Edson 'Cafe' Aparecido da Silva completed the sound we were seeking with some authentic Brazilian percussion and color.

I am humbled and honored to have worked with such incredible musicians and hope ACJobim is smiling. Thank you for the gift of your music. Your music lives on! ~A.Kozuch

Mostly Jobim

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Steve Hooks & Too Cold - 66 Minutes Of Joy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 64:12
Size: 147.0 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:59] 1. Blue Wine
[5:52] 2. Cajun Railway
[4:12] 3. Sean
[5:50] 4. Coming Around Again
[5:39] 5. Horn Cases
[5:37] 6. La Banda Loca
[5:36] 7. Berrus
[5:49] 8. Brazilian Love Song
[5:10] 9. Don't Give Up
[4:45] 10. A Song For Angela
[5:16] 11. Kattin' Around
[5:20] 12. Lost Love

At age 5, Steve started piano lessons. At age 9, he started clarinet lessons and played in the school band thereafter. Switched to saxophone in 1962 and played baritone sax in the school big band. Won many awards at the Wisconsin State Music Competition. In 1964, was chosen for the All-West Tennessee Band and the Tennessee State Chorus. After graduation (1964), he went to Memphis State University with a music scholarship but soon dropped out to play professionally full time. From 1964 to 1966,he performed and recorded in the Memphis area during the glory days of the Memphis soul music scene. In 1969, started developing the technique of playing the alto and tenor saxes simultaneously, and has become well known in Germany for this.

Some of the jazz people he has played with along the way in America include Al Aarons, Slyde Hyde, Jimmy Smith, Paul Humphreys, Ray Drummond, "Buddy" Jones, Billy Childs, Ernie Andrews, Johnny Hammond Smith, Moses Armstrong (nephew of Louis), Gary Willis, The Platters, The Drifters, The Ink Spots, Gabor Szabo, Raoul De Souza, John Patitucci, Rita Graham, and others. Some of the jazz people he has played with in Europe include Charly Antolini, Alador Pege, Tony Lakatos, Max Greger Jr., Krzysztof Scieranski, David Gazarov, and others.

66 Minutes Of Joy

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Caroll Vanwelden - Don't Explain

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:58
Size: 132,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:01)  1. All or Nothing At All
(5:28)  2. Don't Explain
(7:02)  3. Black Coffee
(3:21)  4. Frim Fram Sauce
(4:08)  5. God Bless the Child
(3:54)  6. C'est Si Bon
(3:13)  7. Baby, It's Cold Outside
(3:00)  8. Lush Life
(3:13)  9. Perdido
(3:45) 10. The Surrey With the Fringe On Top
(2:49) 11. Strange Fruit
(3:30) 12. No Moon at All
(4:51) 13. Speak Low
(4:37) 14. You Don't Know What Love Is

After a lot of succes with her previous album 'Cheek to Cheek' (with standards of the thirties), Caroll Vanwelden is back with a new album 'Don't Explain'.
With 3 top musicians - Thomas Stabenow on double bass, Daniel Prandl on the piano and Bernhard Sperrfechter on guitar-, vocalist Caroll Vanwelden succeeded in recreating that lovely 1940’s sound with just the right retro touch. Her warm and touching voice, together with a very minimalistic set-up, gives you a very fresh and inspiring album that guides you through all the atmospheres of the 40's. Caroll was really made to bring that good old jazzy style as jazz has always been her first love and this compilation of her all-time favourite standards of the 40's resulted in a fantastic album! ‘Don't Explain' is a jazz album that brings back cherished and emotional memories of that great decade. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/carollvanwelden2

Don't Explain

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The Hot Club Of Cowtown - What Makes Bob Holler

Styles: Gypsy Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:07
Size: 94,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. She's Killing Me
(2:56)  2. It's All Your Fault
(2:29)  3. Time Changes Everything
(3:43)  4. Maiden's Prayer (Album)
(3:14)  5. Oklahoma Hills
(2:33)  6. Big Ball In Cowtown (Album)
(3:53)  7. Keeper Of My Heart
(1:53)  8. Smith's Reel
(2:35)  9. The Devil Ain't Lazy
(3:05) 10. Along the Navajo Trail
(3:32) 11. Faded Love
(2:33) 12. What's the Matter With The Mill
(2:47) 13. Osage Stomp
(3:04) 14. Stay A Little Longer

It's hard to imagine why it's taken the Hot Club of Cowtown so long to record a tribute album to Bob Wills. Their Django-meets-Wills style makes the idea a natural, and when they've covered Wills in the past  either tunes he wrote or tunes associated with the Texas Playboys  they've always brought a modern sensibility to the tunes that makes them sound brand new. As a trio, they have to be resourceful to get the kind of full sound Wills got with his ensemble, but they're up to the task. When this album was released in the U.K. in November of 2010, it jumped into the Top Ten and stayed there for weeks. "Big Balls in Cowtown" is a good example of the trio's method. Elana James lays out three impressive fiddle solos and Whit Smith's nimble guitar captures the essence of Eldon Shamblin's Django-esque lines, but finds his own way of making the strings sing. The band rewrites the lyrics using verses from other cowboy tunes, and a few of their own which are in keeping with their suggestive renaming of the song. Smith and James duet on "Time Changes Everything" then Smith drops a solo that brings to mind the electric mandolin work of Tiny Moore. Smith's guitar solo takes "Oklahoma Hills" to Paris, then drops a quote from "Dixie" into his run. James is just as inventive and slips a bit of "The Hawaiian War Chant" into her solo. Bass man Jake Erwin shines on "Stay a Little Longer," his double-time slap bass solo closes the set on a high note. ~ J.Poet  http://www.allmusic.com/album/what-makes-bob-holler-mw0002059420

What Makes Bob Holler

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Deborah Latz - Fig Tree

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:29
Size: 177,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:41)  1. Blue Skies
(3:55)  2. Hi-Fly
(6:43)  3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:20)  4. É Luxo Só
(5:48)  5. I'm Having A Good Time
(4:49)  6. You Are
(5:06)  7. Fevgo
(6:10)  8. S'Wonderful
(5:13)  9. Fig Tree
(2:55) 10. Embraceable You
(5:20) 11. Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars)
(5:31) 12. I'll Wind
(7:34) 13. She Was
(7:19) 14. Moon River

West Coast/East Coast vocalist Deborah Latz has release two well- received CDs to date: 2004's Toward Love and 2008's Lifeline (both on June Moon Productions). Coming from a stage background, Latz has no problem instilling drama into her interpretations and does so without sounding like she is trying too hard, a pitfall of many of her contemporaries. Latz has a probing and brilliant alto voice that can achieve several ends at the same time. She can readily conquer the sharp edges of progressively arranged standards like the opening "Blue Skies" while sustaining an always challenging, ultra-slow tempo as on the wholly transformed Cole Porter, "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To." Latz's approach to the standard material is fiercely unique and comparable only to the Tierney Sutton Band's recent recordings, American Road (BFM, 2011) and Desire (Telarc, 2008).

"Blue Skies" is given a nervous, urban instrumental treatment, with Latz stretching the phrasing dramatically to the point where the phrasing threatens to lose momentum. But there is no loss, the power velocity is rock steady. Guitarist John Hart provides a jagged edge in his solo, as well as his obligato behind Latz. Jon Davis' piano adds a taste of the islands bolstered by Willard Dyson's deft drumming. "You'd Be So Nice..." is completely reimagined as a Shirley Horn blues slow-drag, introduced with piano and arco bass before establishing its reharmonized direction. Davis channels Gene Harris' blues sensibility in his solo.

In "I'm Having A Good Time," Latz finds her Billie Holiday muse, bolstered by Hart's tasty blues guitar and Davis' two-fisted piano playing. "Embraceable You" and "Corcovado" make an interesting internal diptych, the former experimental and bracing (Latz and bassist Parker duet) and the latter sleek and smooth, as breezy as it should be, again featuring Hart's handy guitar work. The closing "Moon River" is somber and slightly dissonant and easily the slowest tempo on the record. Singing slow is one of the most challenging things for a singer to do. Latz with there with the best of them: Horn and Rebecca Parris.

Latz's original compositions are provocative. "You Are" features Peter Apfelbaum tenor saxophone sparing with Latz to a draw, giving equal attention to both voices in this unusual duet. Edgy and unsettled "You Are" only anticipates the equally challenging "She was." Latz is not a devoted genre-breaker, opting to color within the lines, just sometimes she moves those lines. ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=44411#.UldTgBBsidk

Personnel: Deborah Latz: vocals; Jon Davis: piano; John Hart: acoustic and electric guitars; Ray Parker: bass; Willard Dyson: drums, percussion; Peter Apfelbaum: tenor and soprano saxophones, flute, percussion; Abdoulaye: voice (13).

Fig Tree

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Ramsey Lewis - Between The Keys

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:39
Size: 118,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:30)  1. Sun Goddess 2000
(5:50)  2. Cold And Windy
(3:50)  3. I'll Always Be About You
(4:31)  4. Secret Place
(4:01)  5. Between The Keys
(5:12)  6. Les Fleur
(5:44)  7. Just A Little Lovin'
(6:08)  8. Hearts Of Fire
(4:09)  9. All Around The World
(4:41) 10. I'll Always Be About You (Remix)

Although Ramsey Lewis gained his initial fame as a jazz pianist, many of his records (including this one) are really more in the R&B field. The soul vocals, acid jazz rhythms and tinkling piano result in superior background music and there are some good moments (such as Grover Washington, Jr.'s soprano on "Sun Goddess 2000") but Ramsey Lewis is capable of much better. A strictly commercial effort that succeeds more as dance music than as creative jazz. ~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/between-the-keys-mw0000183620

Between The Keys

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The Vipers - A Time To Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 30:40
Size: 70.2 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:20] 1. Sunny
[6:33] 2. Just Squeeze Me
[2:13] 3. Sway
[3:25] 4. Makin' Whoopee
[2:14] 5. Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps
[4:01] 6. Don't Know Why
[4:21] 7. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
[3:30] 8. Besame Mucho

The Vipers are run by the dynamic husband and wife team of Josh and Adrienne Hindmarsh. Their diverse talents create a unique musical sound in New Zealand's music industry and their numerous projects have become a fixture to the Wellington city scene. Since their inception a decade ago the band has maintained a busy schedule of gigs in Wellington and throughout New Zealand.

Fronting the The Vipers is sultry singer Adrienne Hindmarsh, whose vocals are often compared to Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy. Her repertoire includes popular jazz standards, bossanovas and more popular tunes including hits by Burt Bacharach and Norah Jones. Adrienne Hindmarsh also brings to The Vipers her unique skill on the Hammond B3 organ, where her skill on the footpedal bass and use of dynamic chords make sure the classic sound of the Hammond B3 lives again. Founding member and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh contributes his unique driving chords and spirited improvisations in the spirit of George Benson and Wes Montgomery and his playing never fails to give the bands performance the upbeat swinging edge they have become known for. To complete the bands lineup The Vipers use a rotating roster of special guest artists on the drums. For larger performances The Vipers add a horn section, augmenting their sound to include the trumpet, saxophone and trombone. Josh Hindmarsh's swinging arrangements create a contemporary take on retro ballroom swing, funky latin, and 60's classic motown soul. .

A Time To Swing

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The Mark Edwards Swing Gospel Jazz Orchestra - S/T

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:32
Size: 115.7 MB
Styles: Big Band, Christian
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:12] 1. The Battle Hymn Of The Republic
[4:50] 2. Wade In The Water
[5:46] 3. Hymn To Freedom
[3:40] 4. Put Your Hand In The Hand Of The Man From Galilee
[3:38] 5. How I Got Over
[3:46] 6. I'll Wait And Pray
[6:08] 7. Amazing Grace
[5:19] 8. You Are Mighty
[2:43] 9. The Preacher
[3:04] 10. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
[1:06] 11. Home Into Your Arms
[6:13] 12. Hiow Great Is Our God

A much respected jazz musician, session pianist and record producer (whose story Cross Rhythms published a while back), Edwards offers here an outstanding album packed with top quality musicianship which conveys passion, tenderness, joy, emotion and conviction. There are moments on this album, such as during the full band sound of "Hymn To Freedom" and the powerful reworking of "Amazing Grace", when if you close your eyes you could be forgiven for thinking you are following a New Orleans jazz funeral procession. The authentic feel of this album is founded on classic sound of jazz from the deep south, whilst drawing influences from the wider world of jazz music, for instance in "I'll Wait And Pray" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" there is an improvised piano-based feel that you might expect to get in a smoky nightclub or jazz bar. Whatever your preference, from the opening piano and muted trumpet of "Battle Hymn Of The Republic" to the uplifting cover of Chris Tomlin's "How Great Is Our God" this is an album to savour. Over the years the Christian record companies have delivered their share of "jazz praise" duds. This, emphatically, isn't one of them. ~Alastair McCollum

Performances that are rich, and full of feeling, tenderness and power set this CD apart from so many instrumental albums. Each arrangement is lovingly crafted, and rooted in praise. The difference is tangible; a listening experience that will move you into a sense of the Father. Mark takes a number of well-known worship tunes and offers fresh arrangements and expressive performances, backed by a host of top musicians. Simply stunning!

The Mark Edwards Swing Gospel Jazz Orchestra

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