Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo - Melody Magic

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:11
Size: 94,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:34)  1. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 (arr. F. Vignola)
(3:29)  2. Carmen (arr. F. Vignola): Carmen, Act I: Habanera: L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (arr. F. Vignola)
(4:52)  3. Scheherazade, Op. 35 (arr. F. Vignola)
(3:55)  4. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 (arr. F. Vignola): Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning Mood (arr. F. Vignola)
(4:24)  5. If I Fell - Here, There and Everywhere (arr. T. Emmanuel)
(4:58)  6. Dust in the Wind (arr. F. Vignola)
(2:17)  7. Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (arr. F. Vignola): Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004: I. Allemande (arr. F. Vignola)
(3:37)  8. Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, MWV O14 (arr. F. Vignola): Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64, MWV O14: I. Allegro molto appassionato (arr. F. Vignola)
(4:28)  9. Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a (arr. F. Vignola): Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a: I. Scene (arr. F. Vignola)
(5:33) 10. Eye of the Tiger (arr. F. Vignola)

In the same adventurous spirit as Polkastra's "I Do" The Wedding Album (Ancalagon, 2013), a spirit that transcends genre, style, and even musical phyla, guitarists Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo, using the vehicle of the Hot Club gypsy swing jazz to transform a recital ranging from Beethoven and Bizet to The Beatles and Sting. Vignola provides the lion's share of arrangements, save for the Beatles' medley of "If I Fell" and "Here, There and Everywhere," which was arranged by guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. Instrumentation is de rigueur acoustic and spare, employing bass, accordion, and/or violin in turn.

The music is mostly classical, with a true Hot Club reading of Beethoven's "5th Symphony" opening the disc. The pair plays the allegro con brio straight until the interior, whereSpanish and Gypsy influences bleed in, as well as late-romantic sonorities insinuating their way into the performance, making it easy to imagine this music being played in a small café of Paris' Left Bank in the present day. Bizet's "Carmen Habanera" is dispatched with all its hot-blooded passion, again with a parlor feel about it. Pianist Uri Caine's Wagner e Venezia (Winter & Winter, 1997) and The Sidewalks of New York: Tin Pan Alley (Winter & Winter, 2000) possess this same quality of employing the instruments on hand to perform classical music in a parlor-like environment. The method provides the performer(s) an acute challenge to produce compelling music with instruments not necessarily associated with that music. Like Caine, Vignola rises to this challenge, transforming The Police's "Walking on The Moon" into a neo-reggae acoustic duet. Melody Magic is "hinge music" music that incorporates elements not normally associated with it. Recordings like this can go horribly wrong, as evidenced by cut-out bins full of such fare. Vignola and Raniolo, however, dispatch their ranging material with intelligence and care, producing a very satisfying set.~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=43823#.Ulx2vhDFrkc

Personnel: Frank Vignola: guitar; Vinny Raniolo: guitar; Mark Egan: bass (1, 2, 4, 8, 9); Julien Labro: accordion (3, 6, 10, 11); Zack Brock: violin (3, 6, 10, 11); Cassie Holden: double bass (3, 10, 11); Mat Wigdon: double bass (6).

Melody Magic

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Dakota Staton - Crazy He Calls Me

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 31:47
Size: 72.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1958/2009
Art: Front

[3:23] 1. Crazy He Calls Me
[2:01] 2. Idaho
[3:26] 3. Invitation
[2:32] 4. Can't Live Without Him Anymore
[2:21] 5. I Never Dreamt
[2:39] 6. The Party's Over
[3:30] 7. Angel Eyes
[2:09] 8. No Moon At All
[2:32] 9. What Do You Know About Love
[2:45] 10. Morning, Noon Or Night
[2:17] 11. How Does It Feel
[2:08] 12. How High The Moon

Possessing a sprawling voice, Dakota Staton marked her Capitol heyday with sets taking in everything from torch ballads and Shearing-soft swing to bluesy sides and novelty numbers. At times, though, she could overdo things a bit, awkwardly shifting from belting intensity to coy whispers within a single bar and giving it all a little too much of an interpretive spin. This is a minor quibble, though, because what's really memorable about this and other late-'50s and early-'60s Capitol releases of hers is that Staton delivers top-quality interpretations with a dazzling and usually well-gauged array of vocal nuances. In this regard, Staton's debut, The Late, Late Show, is deservedly considered her best; but the equally impressive Crazy He Calls Me should not be missed. Featuring singular takes on the title track, "How Does It Feel?," and "The Party's Over" -- not to mention a fine and varied selection of charts by Nelson Riddle, Sid Feller, and Howard Biggs -- the album figures in with many other classic jazz vocals dates of the era. ~Stephen Cook

Crazy He Calls Me

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Various - Swingin' The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:56
Size: 114.3 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:20] 1. Swingin' The Blues
[3:13] 2. Moten Swing
[5:08] 3. Blue And Sentimental
[3:49] 4. April In Paris
[5:14] 5. Lil' Darlin'
[3:36] 6. Big Noise From Winnetka
[8:09] 7. Broadway
[6:01] 8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[9:22] 9. The King

Randy Sandke's second volume of a concert salute to Count Basie is equal to the earlier CD. Sandke has long been underrated as a soloist, but he more than proves himself. These performances, utilizing both new charts by bandmembers as well as tried and true scores, have the feeling of Basie-type head arrangements, flowing easily yet swinging hard. Yet none of the music comes across as a museum-piece re-creation; rather, the selections featured here are updated treatments of favorites. Joining him are trombonist Dan Barrett, multi-reed player Brian Ogilvie, tenor saxophonist (and Basie alum) Billy Mitchell, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, drummer Joe Ascione, and the legendary bassist and composer Bob Haggart. Mitchell arranged the lush chart of "Blue and Sentimental" and Sandke shines in "April in Paris," while omitting the traditional (if trite) quote of "Pop Goes the Weasel." The one non-Basie-related track is Haggart's fun-filled duet with Ascione of "Big Noise from Winnetka," which dates from his days as a member of Bob Crosby's Bobcats. All in all, this is a very enjoyable tribute. ~ Ken Dryden

Features Randy Sandke, Dan Barrett, Brian Ogilvie, Billy Mitchell, Mark Shane, James Chirillo, Bob Haggart & Joe Ascione.

Swingin' The Blues

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Brian Charette - Borderline

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:52
Size: 141.6 MB
Styles: Organ jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Windows
[3:35] 2. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:55] 3. Body And Soul
[2:25] 4. Tico Tico
[3:33] 5. Sara Smile
[4:44] 6. Borderline
[3:27] 7. C-Jam Blues
[5:03] 8. Up And Away
[4:58] 9. Corcovado
[4:29] 10. Georgia
[3:16] 11. Donna Lee
[3:38] 12. The Girl From Ipanema
[3:48] 13. You Only Live Twice
[2:20] 14. I Got Rhythm
[3:58] 15. Spooky
[3:47] 16. Embraceable You

An hour-long recital on solo Hammond B3 organ might be a hard sell in certain circles, but Brian Charette makes a strong case for the viability of the venture on Borderline, his fourth disc for the Danish Steeplechase imprint. Charette’s last album for the label was equally ambitious, focusing on creative homespun charts for a horn-heavy sextet. He’s still touring with that particular configuration, which makes this opportunity to hear him absent any colleagues a welcome revelation. None of the tunes are originals, but Charette’s choices range pretty widely from jazz and bossa ringers like “Body and Soul” and “Girl from Ipanema” to chin-scratching surprises like Hall & Oates’s “Sara Smile”, the Madonna-associated title tune and the John Barry Bond theme “You Only Live Twice.” Such latter selections probably sound suspect on the page, but Charette isn’t averse to embracing the kitschier pop tributaries of his instrument’s lineage. A playful and fairly straight shot through “Tico Tico” and the aforementioned “Ipanema” veer knowingly into the purview of lounge organ maestro Walter Wanderly. “Borderline” starts off in Norman Lear sitcom soundtrack territory and builds to an almost gospel-like grandeur through lush legato swells and a pulpit-worthy reverence for melody. It’s an odd interpretation, but one that strangely works.

Selecting Chick Corea’s tricky “Windows” as the disc opener clearly establishes Charette’s credentials on the jazz chops score and some of the most engaging aspects of his playing involve his nimble pedal work (abetted by an adroit left hand) in threading juicy bass lines through his varied investigations. A warm, at moments almost glowing, sustain also aids in the creation of an enveloping and inviting sound. Charette even breezes through “I Got Rhythm,” that hoariest of bop heirlooms, as if to offer a cheeky assurance to any scowling purists as to his willingness to play all bases. Other dusty relics like Ellington’s “C Jam Blues” and Bird’s “Dona Lee” receive infusions of quirky energy through Charette’s manipulations. The walking bass lines on both tracks are massive and consuming, particularly on a decent pair of ear goggles (which really is the optimal listening set-up for the entire disc). The slippery progressions Charette spools out on top are good and greasy, bringing to mind the rapid-fire peregrinations of organ god Jimmy Smith at his most dexterous. “Corcovado” is an unexpected delight, too, but for different reasons; Charette digs deep into a muzak-friendly Jobim melody and actually manages to assemble an admirable amount of genuine improvisatory excitement from the effort.

There’s an admitted adjustment period likely necessary in acclimatizing to Charette’s intentions and execution, but once the ears align to his frequency, the program is never less than an entertaining trip. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also an effective reminder that in the right creative hands even the most dubious material still has a decent shot at coaxing skeptics. ~ Derek Taylor

Borderline

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Stevie Holland - Before Love Has Gone

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:54
Size: 93,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Carioca
(5:03)  2. Before Love Has Gone
(3:32)  3. Where Or When
(5:17)  4. Lazy Afternoon
(4:06)  5. The Music In Me That Plays
(3:53)  6. Make Our Garden Grow
(2:43)  7. Daybreak
(4:07)  8. How Deep Is The Ocean
(3:22)  9. Riverboat Gambler
(5:08) 10. Here's To Your Illusions

Vocalist Stevie Holland is gifted with a rich, expressive alto, clear diction, and an ability to bring out something fresh in familiar songs. Buoyed by a strong rhythm section consisting of pianist Martin Bejerano, bassist Edward Perez, and drummer Willie Jones III, Holland catches the nuances of the sensual "Carioca" without falling into a tired routine as do many lounge singers, often backed solely by Perez. She restores the oft-omitted verse to Rodgers & Hart's "Where or When," then savors its romantic lyrics in an updated treatment of this decades-old standard. Tenor saxophonist Ole Mathisen is added for her lush, deliberate treatment of "Lazy Afternoon," though Holland's powerful duet with Bejerano of "How Deep Is the Ocean" is easily the high point of her CD. 

Guitarist Paul Bollenback joins the rhythm section for her swinging interpretation of Ferde Grofé's "Daybreak" (with the guitarist opening his solo with a bit of Grofé's well-known "On the Trail"). She also collaborates with composer Gary William Friedman on two strong originals. Her midtempo bossa nova "The Music in Me That Plays" is an upbeat affair, with Bollenback playing acoustic guitar. Mathiesen returns for Holland's melancholy ballad "Before Love Has Gone," with the singer delivering her longing lyrics in a heartfelt manner. Carly Simon's "Riverboat Gambler" seems an unlikely choice for a jazz vocalist, but Holland takes on the challenge and makes it work. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/before-love-has-gone-mw0000788982

Before Love Has Gone

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Andrea Bocelli - Love In Portofino (Live)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:48
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:23)  1. Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs (feat. Caroline Campbell) [Live]
(4:09)  2. Perfidia (Live)
(3:31)  3. Tristeza (Live In Italy / 2013)
(4:08)  4. Bésame Mucho (Live)
(3:32)  5. Love In Portofino (Live In Italy / 2013)
(4:14)  6. Anema e core (Live In Italy / 2013)
(3:18)  7. Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs (feat. Jennifer Lopez)
(3:36)  8. Me Faltas (Mi manchi)
(4:47)  9. Las Hojas Muertas (Les feuilles mortes)
(4:07) 10. Nuestro Encuentro (Sentado a 'Beira do Caminho)

This brand new CD/DVD compilation highlights Andrea's breathtaking performance in Portofino, Italy on August 11, 2012 and includes the already quintessential songs from Bocelli's January 2013 release Passione. See and hear as Andrea delivers a performance of a lifetime from the beautiful surroundings of the Pizzetta in Portofino. Playing to an intimate crowd at sunset the legendary tenor sings the most famous love songs in the world accompanied by 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster and a 40 piece orchestra. This is an unmissable feast of emotion, gorgeous settings and unforgettable songs. ~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Portofino-DVD-Andrea-Bocelli/dp/B00EPFEY44

Love In Portofino (Live)

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Hot Club Of Detroit - It's About That Time

Styles: Gypsy Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:38
Size: 130,1 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:26)  1. On the Steps
(3:04)  2. Nostalgia In Times Square
(3:26)  3. Noto Swing
(4:17)  4. "Tristesse" E Major Etude
(4:48)  5. Equilibrium
(4:32)  6. Restless Twilights
(5:30)  7. For Stéphane
(4:27)  8. Papillon
(4:16)  9. Duke and Dukie
(4:11) 10. Heavy Artillerie / It's About That Time
(5:33) 11. Patio Swing
(3:36) 12. Sacré Bleu
(4:26) 13. Sweet Chorus

While the Hot Club of Detroit has been influenced by the gypsy jazz of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France with Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, this quintet is a bit different in its makeup, with guitarist Evan Perri, accordionist Julien Labro, multi-reed player Carl Cafagna, rhythm guitarist Paul Brady, and bassist Andrew Kratzat. Earlier CDs focused primarily on works either written or performed by Reinhardt and Grappelli, though this time around, their musical scope is thrown wide open. Reinhardt's "Heavy Artillerie," which blends intricate bop on electric guitar with its swing roots, is combined in medley with the late fusion keyboardist Joe Zawinul's funky "It's About That Time." Kratzat introduces the snappy, swinging rendition of Charles Mingus' "Nostalgia in Times Square," highlighted by Perri's intricate acoustic guitar and Cafagna's testifying tenor sax, signifying a jazz revival  no tent required. Classical music has been previously explored by the band, and theirs is a majestic arrangement of Frédéric Chopin's "Tristesse E Major Etude" Labro's elegant bandoneón, and Perri's intimate guitar, with Cafagna adding a bittersweet clarinet at its close. 

The furious bop vehicle "On the Steps" is based on the chord changes to Pat Martino's "On the Stairs," featuring Perri's pulsing electric guitar and Cafagna's robust tenor over the percolating gypsy rhythm section, with Labro adding a compelling solo on accordion. The band also contributed several fine originals. Perri penned the relaxing "Patio Swing," suggesting a lazy summer day, along with the surging "For Stéphane" in honor of guitarist Stéphane Wrembel (a young Frenchman whose diverse interests include gypsy jazz, among many forms of music). "Papillion" is a charming ballad co-written by Labro and Kratzat, with a nostalgic, bittersweet air, while Cafagna's "Restless Twilights" proves to be a catchy bossa nova. Hot Club of Detroit's interest in continuing to expand their musical horizons makes each new release a highly anticipated event. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/its-about-that-time-mw0001973593

It's About That Time

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The Allyn Robinson Project - Dreams Realized, My Life In Music

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 156,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:44)  1. Amelia
(5:02)  2. Bread Puddin'
(6:08)  3. Can It Be Done
(8:13)  4. Esplanade And Havana Vieja
(5:55)  5. The Interloper
(4:16)  6. Somebody's Been Cuttin' In On My Groove
(6:32)  7. Concentrate
(8:04)  8. Now He Thinks!
(5:34)  9. Manteca
(5:48) 10. Circles
(6:59) 11. The Final View

Dreams Realized, My Life In Music is a celebration of Allyn’s rich musical history and a stirring tribute to Jaco Pastorius, Charles Brent and Wayne Cochran. With a burning 16-piece R&B big band, Allyn takes the listener on a musical journey across the threshold where jazz intersects with soul, funk and rhythm & blues.

Allyn brought together some of New Orleans finest musicians to record an incredible mix of original tunes by bassist and musical director Chuck Archard, as well as some exciting new arrangements of classics by Jaco Pastorius, Willie Tee, The Gaturs, Dizzy Gillespie and Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders.  http://www.allynrobinson.com/music.htm

Dreams Realized, My Life In Music

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Mandy Harvey - Smile

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:37
Size: 129.6 MB
Styles: Easy listening
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[2:55] 1. Almost Like Being In Love
[3:45] 2. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:06] 3. Smile
[4:30] 4. At Last
[3:52] 5. Bye Bye Blackbird
[1:45] 6. You Make Me Feel So Young
[4:10] 7. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
[3:54] 8. Everybody Loves Somebody
[2:49] 9. I've Got You Under My Skin
[3:24] 10. I'm Through With Love
[4:15] 11. When I Fall In Love
[2:32] 12. Them There Eyes
[5:31] 13. I'll Be Seeing You
[1:57] 14. Taking A Chance On Love
[4:33] 15. What A Wonderful World
[3:31] 16. That's All

Hope is never lost; it is something you have to hold onto to stay strong. And it is something that we have a duty to show and give to others. It “keeps life moving” and pulls us out of any dark situation. Continue to hope and make your dreams a reality. -Mandy

Sometimes you know…you just know! The instrumentation is tight and crisp. The songs are classic and timeless. The vocals are rich and captivating. And you know why a simple CD can comfort, entertain and inspire. It just makes you smile.

“Smile” is a collection of Jazz standards featuring vocalist Mandy Harvey. Give a listen and you’ll find yourself settling into an experience resembling a conversation for a close friend: familiar, yet enriching. This CD is also an expression of hope. Nearly three years ago, Mandy experienced an unexpected and profound hearing loss. Though legally deaf, she continues to sing. You will hear the music of her heart…and it will make you smile.

Mandy lives in Denver and is a frequent performer at Dazzle Jazz. Her love for music and singing has been years in the making. She was selected as the top female vocalist of her high school and entered the Music Education program at Colorado State University. During her freshman year she lost her hearing and left the university. While her dream of becoming a music teacher has died, the music is still alive and well within her.

Though her hearing loss is profound (110 decibels in each ear) her timing, pitch and passion are perfect. With support from friends, family and her faith, Mandy continues to find joy in the music. Smile!

Smile

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Christian Howes - Southern Exposure

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 66:55

Size: 153.2 MB

Styles: Flamenco, Latin jazz

Year: 2013

Art: Front

[7:39] 1. Ta Boa, Santa [are You Ok, My Dear]

[6:52] 2. Aparecida

[8:18] 3. Oblivion

[6:04] 4. Cubano Chant

[7:09] 5. Sanfona [concertina]

[5:46] 6. Cancion De Amor [love Song]

[4:55] 7. Heavy Tango

[6:19] 8. Choro Das Aguas [the Water's Cry]

[4:46] 9. Tango Doblado [bent Tango]

[3:48] 10. Spleen

[5:12] 11. Gracias Por Ilustrarnos [thank You For Teaching Us]

Violinist Christian Howes moves away from the soulful blues and funky jazz of his 2010 album, Out of the Blue, and delves deep into flamenco and Latin rhythms on 2013's Southern Exposure. Featuring accordionist Richard Galliano, as well as pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Lewis Nash, Southern Exposure is fluid, passionate set of songs that showcase both Howes' and Galliano's affinity toward mixing swinging jazz with Argentinian tango, languid ballads, and a few more progressive and adventurous cuts, like their take on Ray Bryant's fiery "Cubano Chant." Besides his and Galliano's stellar original compositions, Howes also includes songs by Astor Piazzolla and Paco de Lucía. ~ Matt Collar

Christian Howes (violin); Richard Galliano (accordion); Josh Nelson (piano); Lewis Nash (drums).

Southern Exposure

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Connie Evingson & the Hot Club of Sweden - Stockholm Sweetnin'

Styles: Gypsy Jazz, Hot Club, Vocal
Label: Minnehaha Music
Released: 2006
File: mp3 @320K/s
Size: 146,7 MB
Time: 64:04
Art: full

1. Stockholm Sweetnin' - 4:24
2. It's Alright with Me - 4:23
3. Lover Man - 5:10
4. Comes Love - 4:02
5. Swingin' the Blues - 3:44
6. Besame Mucho - 6:36
7. If I had You - 4:37
8. Windmills of your Mind - 4:01
9. I Can't Give you ANything but Love - 2:55
10. In a Sentimental Mood - 4:24
11. Throw it Away - 3:55
12. Out of Nowhere - 3:26
13. Si Tu Savais - 5:16
14. After You've Gone - 3:10
15. Autumn in Kokkola - 3:55

Personnel:
Connie Evingson - vocals

The Hot Club of Sweden
Gustav Lundgren - guitars
Andreas Öberg - guitars
Hampus Lundgren - bass

special guests
Fredrik Lindborg - tenor saxophone
Marc Anderson - percussion
Tony Baluff - clarinet
Dan Chouinard - accordion
Jay Epstein - drums
Joan Griffith - Spanish guitar intro on Besame Mucho

Notes: With only email for introductions and planning, Connie and The Hot Club of Sweden met at Real Music Studios in Stockholm in January, 2006 and recorded 15 tunes in 2 1/2 days. "The recording process was magic," she said later. "It's the most enjoyable time I've ever had in the studio." And the result, Stockholm Sweetnin,' is both stunning and uniquely Connie. Hot Club of Sweden guitarists Gustav Lundgren and Andreas Öberg and bassist Hampus Lundgren form the core rhythm section, with brilliant solo turns by each player. Guest artists from both sides of the Atlantic add their unique voices on saxophone, clarinet, accordion and percussion, but the most distinctive voice belongs to Connie, as vocalist, arranger, and lyricist (on Öberg's "Autumn in Kokkola").

Vocalist Connie Evingson is known for taking divergent musical paths. Her eclectic catalog of recordings for Minnehaha Music covers such varied themes as Peggy Lee, the Beatles, jazz elders, and most recently "hot club" music a la Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli (Gypsy in My Soul, '04). But rather than taking another divergent turn, Connie's continuing love affair with gypsy jazz and a chance meeting with a young hot club group from Sweden inspired her to delve deeper into the Django style before moving in another direction. "I had already planned my next project (a collection of Dave Frishberg tunes, with Frishberg at the piano)," says Evingson, "but when I heard The Hot Club of Sweden, I realized I wasn't done exploring the gypsy jazz genre."

Read more

Stockholm Sweetnin'

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Dee Daniels - Let's Talk Business

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:47
Size: 104,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. Let's Talk Business
(4:26)  2. The Right Time
(5:00)  3. I Got This Bridge I Want You To Buy
(6:28)  4. Let Me Love You Tonight
(3:07)  5. Walking On A Tightrope
(3:32)  6. Battle Hymn Of The Republic
(5:05)  7. Please Send Me Someone To Love
(2:47)  8. Baby What You Want Me To Do
(4:37)  9. The Night Life
(3:23) 10. I Set Myself Free
(3:06) 11. Inchworm

A passionate blues singer who is greatly influenced by jazz as well as gospel, Dee Daniels doesn't hesitate to wail and let it rip on Let's Talk Business. This rewarding CD finds Daniels enjoying the solid jazz backing of pianist Larry Fuller and the leaders of the Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra , Jeff Clayton (sax), brother John Clayton (bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums)  and their sense of spontaneity is a definite asset on everything from Lou Herman's familiar "The Right Time" and Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone To Love" to Daniels' own "Let Me Love You Tonight." One of the album's most enjoyable surprises is Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me To Do" while Reed had a laidback, relaxed vocal style, the big-voiced, emotional Daniels digs into the song in a very aggressive way. This obscure, little-known release is definitely worth trying to find.~Alex Henderson 

http://www.allmusic.com/album/lets-talk-business-mw0000270616

Let's Talk Business

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Linda Lavin - Possibilities

Styles: Vocal, Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:52
Size: 97,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. It Might As Well Be Spring
(1:55)  2. Hey, Look Me Over
(3:07)  3. There's A Small Hotel
(5:56)  4. In Love Again
(4:18)  5. Corcovado (Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars)
(2:43)  6. 'Deed I Do
(3:26)  7. It Amazes Me
(2:50)  8. You've Got Possibilities
(3:26)  9. Rhode Island Is Famous For You
(3:41) 10. The Song Remembers When
(2:18) 11. Walk Between Raindrops
(3:33) 12. Two For The Road

It’s only her first CD, but it’s safe to say that the kid’s a comer. Veteran actress Linda Lavin, whose long career includes extensive musical theater credits, has just released her debut recording, Possibilities (Ghostlight Records). The performer, best known for her starring role in the long-running hit television series Alice and currently on a career role with successive acclaimed stage appearances in the off-Broadway production of Other Desert Cities, the Washington, D.C. production of Follies, and the recent hit play The Lyons sparkles in this collection of pop and Broadway standards.

Featuring musical direction, arrangements and piano by cabaret/theater stalwart Billy Stritch (he also contributes vocals to “Corcovado”), the disc includes such classics as “It Might as Well Be Spring,” “It Amazes Me,” “In Love Again,” “There’s a Small Hotel,” and “Two for the Road.” Although Lavin’s voice is not the most powerful of instruments, her supple phrasing and sweet way with a lyric are consistently delightful.

The disc includes liner notes by director Hal Prince, with whom Lavin first worked a mere half century ago on the musical A Family Affair.(http://scheckonthearts.com/blog6.php/2011/12/21/review-linda-lavin-s-cd-ligpossibilitiesl-ig).

Possibilities

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Rani Arbo - Big Old Life

Styles: Country
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:52
Size: 108,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. Joy Comes Back
(3:42)  2. Big Old Life
(2:35)  3. Red Haired Boy
(4:22)  4. Roses
(3:46)  5. What’s That
(4:48)  6. Thief
(4:25)  7. Heart With No Companion
(3:31)  8. Oil In My Vessel
(4:28)  9. Farewell, Angelina
(4:31) 10. Mother Of Our Dreams
(3:08) 11. Hole In Heaven
(3:37) 12. Shine On

Big Old Life is an album bursting with fun and exuberance, the quartet known as Daisy Mayhem balancing a tight sound with spirit that translates perfectly through stereo headphones. "Joy Comes Back," a song composed by Sean Staples of the band the Resophonics (a group with Paul Kochanski of the Swinging Steaks to give the reader a point of reference) opens this terrific blend of old and new sounds with something that can only be described as gospel music played at a hootenanny. Deb Pasternak, Polly Fiveash, Rose Sinclair and Indra Rios-Moore all add to the backing vocals, which make it sound like a big old party, as much as a big old life. And speaking of the title track, Loretta Lynn would be proud of this Arbo original, Anand Nayak's smart guitar playing halfway to Hawaii, the hootenanny morphing into a luau. 

The traditional "Red Haired Boy," with lyrics by Rani Arbo, is an interesting role reversal while the cover of "Thief" gives the music a 180, bluesy and deep, an eloquent change of pace from the incessant up-tempo "mayhem." Leonard Cohen's "Heart with No Companion" has Andrew Kinsey's banjo front and center with Arbo's fiddle falling in and rounding out the mood. Bob Dylan's "Farewell, Angelina" has an interesting production by the band and Chris Rival, harmonica from Ben Ross and the fiddle-gone-wild giving Zimmerman something different to think about. The cardboard fold-out cover is chock-full of pictures like the band is auditioning for a Beatles or Herman's Hermits film, photos with smiles that reflect the very polished and exciting work within. In the '80s and '90s Boston had a regional act called Country Bumpkin which had the buzz and were a favorite for quite some time. Daisy Mayhem fill that void nicely while front woman Rani Arbo proves she could be the Kitty Wells of the new millennium by delivering this heartfelt disc which is very deserving of your time and ear. ~ Joe Viglione  http://www.allmusic.com/album/big-old-life-mw0000576404

Big Old Life

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Robin Nolan Trio - Mediterranean Blues

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:31
Size: 145,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:42)  1. Mediterranean Blues
(3:52)  2. Friar Park
(8:03)  3. Song For Carolyn
(6:24)  4. And Then There Were Three
(5:43)  5. Luna Tango
(6:23)  6. Bar Del Pi
(5:26)  7. From The Banks Of The Odra
(7:10)  8. Bolero Blue
(4:45)  9. El Puente
(6:23) 10. Trouble In Paradise
(5:35) 11. Where Do We Go From Here

Every now and then a performer achieves success in the music business without the ‘benefit’ of a major record company. The Robin Nolan Trio is one such story. Drawing their initial style and repertoire from the Django Reinhardt-inspired “gypsy jazz” movement, the group’s genesis dates to 1991 when Nolan, a student at London’s famed Guildhall School of Music, met bassist Paul Meader. With the addition of Anthony Williams on rhythm guitar, they formed a trio dedicated to performing the music of Reinhardt. Beginning with cafés and small jazz clubs in the early ‘90s they’ve managed to work their way toward international renown. They’ve also played at several of the most prestigious international jazz festivals, including the Montreal, Barcelona, North Sea and Django Reinhardt jazz festivals, making their U.S. debut at the Tropical Heat Wave Festival in Tampa, Florida. (They’ve even made into the silver screen: two of the songs included here, “And Then There Were Three” and “From The Banks Of The Odra,” were featured in the Joan Chen film Autumn In New York, starring Richard Gere and Wynona Ryder.)

The Trio also released six self-produced CDs between 1994 and this year, selling them at gigs and through the Internet. The record companies aware of the group’s popularity and A & R men came sniffing around, but their silver-tongued appeals fell on skeptical ears: “It is a very weird business after all, full of very weird people. To begin with most of these people can't play an instrument and their respect for you is based on how much cash you might or might not make them,” according to Nolan. “This gets a little confusing for everybody involved when they start telling you what is good and what is not good for your music, based on the latest marketing figures . . .”

Fortunately, not all record companies are driven by the bottom line. One notable exception is Refined Records, a small in San Francisco-based jazz label “dedicated to furthering the art of acoustic performance,” according to the label’s press release. When Refined Records head J. Robert Roy heard the Robin Nolan Trio playing on Amsterdam’s famous Leidseplein, in 1995 he knew that they would be perfect for his new label.

Mediterranean Blues serves as an excellent introduction to both the label’s philosophy and the music of RNT. Though they began as an acoustic trio in the “gypsy jazz” tradition mentioned above, The Robin Nolan Trio isn’t content to merely recreate Django-style swing. Song titles like “Luna Tango,” “Bolero Blue,” “Bar Del Pi” and “El Puente” indicate the strong Latin influences, and Latin percussion and dance rhythms are prominently featured in the group’s music. Bassist Paul Meader, who provides tasteful accompaniment and well-conceived contrapuntal solos, ably supports Nolan’s skillful and imaginative playing. 

Both are given plenty of room to stretch out on the eight-minute “Song For Carolyn” and the Beatlesque “Friar Park,” composed in honor of George Harrison. (Harrison was an early champion of RNT and often books the trio to entertain in his home.) For those of us with a taste for jazz that still has le joie de vivre, this is an album for you, full of romance and refinement.  Good jazz ain’t dead, it’s where you find it.~ Derek Brown    

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=8168#.UmKtHBAuf-I

Personnel: Robin Nolan-solo guitar, Paul Meader-bass, Kevin Nolan-rhythm guitar, Jan P. Brouwer-rhythm guitar, Nema Lopes-percussion

Mediterranean Blues

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Brian Auger, Pete York & Chris Farlowe - Olympic Rock & Blues Circus

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:14
Size: 94.4 MB
Styles: R&B, Blues vocals
Year: 1988/2007
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. New Orleans Street March
[3:48] 2. I Never Loved A Girl
[5:25] 3. Motorboat
[5:08] 4. The Devil Rides The Speed Boat
[5:22] 5. Crocodile Or I Don't Think I Can Keep My Mouth Open For That Long
[4:28] 6. Everything's Wrong
[5:09] 7. Fast & Loose
[3:52] 8. Another Song
[2:53] 9. Wade In The Water

British rhythm and blues in its purest form. Drummer Pete York, keyboardist Brian Auger and Chris Farlowe, the darkest voice this side of the Atlantic plus brass instruments - all in a hot session.

All tracks recorded at Tonstudio Bauer Ludwigsburg, December 22, 1981.

Bass – Steve Richardson; Brass [Section] – Masters Of Desaster; Drums – Charly Eichert, Pete York; Guitar – John Marshall; Organ – Brian Auger; Piano – Brian Auger; Tenor Saxophone – James Campagnola; Trombone – Andrew Pet; Trumpet – Jeff Reynolds; Vocals – Chris Farlowe.

Olympic Rock & Blues Circus

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Ana Salvagni - Alma Cabocla

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 54:24
Size: 124.6 MB
Styles: Brazilian folk-jazz vocals
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:09] 1. Bia Ta Ta
[3:14] 2. Dedo Mindinho
[3:13] 3. Sussuarana
[3:44] 4. Voce
[3:41] 5. Côcos
[2:55] 6. Lavaderinha
[3:25] 7. Leilao
[3:38] 8. Guacyra
[3:15] 9. Engenho Novo
[5:35] 10. Favela
[3:34] 11. Casa De Caboclo
[3:06] 12. "Eu Vi..."
[3:50] 13. Era Aquilo Se
[2:21] 14. Moleque Namorador
[3:54] 15. Caboclo Bom
[1:42] 16. Acalanto

I sing here a bit of the beautiful work of Hermeto Hekel Tavares (1896-1969), especially the compositions of the late 1920s and early 30s, language predominantly popular, unlike its erudite later stage. I knew about 70 songs from his repertoire through sheet music and old recordings. Between the choice of repertoire and the recording of the CD, it was a long way, but being next to all the wonderful artists who came along with me was also good. With the satisfaction of those who made ??a great discovery, I share with you this treasure - poetry, simplicity, inspiration. May the music of Hekel Tavares keep you warm and touch you deep inside your “mestizo” souls. ~Ana Salvagni

16 songs composed between 1927 & 1940 by Hekel Tavares (1896-1969) from Alagoas State. Popular repertoire with strong references to Slaves music. With Renato Braz Nailor Proveta Paulo Braga Fil¢ Machado & Toninho Ferragutti.

Alma Cabocla

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Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie & Miles Davis - Riff Raff

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:00
Size: 93.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Trumpet jazz, Bop
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[2:41] 1. Scrapple From The Apple
[3:04] 2. Riff Raff
[2:56] 3. Ornithology
[3:19] 4. Don't Blame Me
[2:56] 5. Cool Blues
[3:02] 6. Bebop
[3:00] 7. How high the moon
[2:53] 8. Slow boat to China
[2:55] 9. Relaxin' At Camarillo
[2:26] 10. Big foot
[2:26] 11. The Gypsy
[2:35] 12. Carvin' The Bird
[2:59] 13. Bird Feathers
[3:41] 14. Barbados

There are few jazz artists who pack the emotional and sensual punch of Miles Davis. He learned his craft from Charlie and Dizzy, then moved on to be one of the founders of the “cool jazz” movement that removed much of the excess of Bebop while retaining its willingness to expand the medium beyond the traditional. As his career advanced, Miles frequently confused jazz zealots by wandering outside of the genre for inspiration. His rock-jazz fusion work popularized in Bitches Brew caused as much consternation in the jazz world as Bob Dylan’s electrically-charged performance at the Newport Folk Festival did in the folk world. ~altrockchick

Riff Raff

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Randy Brecker - Randy In Brasil

Styles: Latin, World
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:15
Size: 124,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. Pedro Brasil
(2:17)  2. Ile Aye
(6:03)  3. Guaruja
(4:22)  4. Me Leve
(5:29)  5. Malasia
(5:11)  6. Sambop
(3:30)  7. Oriente
(3:49)  8. Maca
(4:26)  9. Olhos Puxados
(5:14) 10. Rebento
(4:20) 11. Fazendo Hora
(5:02) 12. Aiaiai

Perhaps unfairly overshadowed by his brother, the late saxophonist Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker has, nevertheless been one of the most significant trumpeters of the past forty years. While his small discography as a leader contains as many misses as it does hits, he's brought a unique voice to countless sessions, working with everyone from Horace Silver, Steve Khan and John Scofield to Steely Dan, Parliament and Frank Zappa, not to mention redefining the concept of fusion as co-leader of Brecker Brothers. Brecker's tone a curious combination of warmth and bite and a harmonic approach that, like Scofield, manages to tread the fine line between the in and the out, all the while possessing a keenly constructed melodic sense, makes him immediately recognizable in any context. Recorded in Brazil with a large cast of talented players, Randy in Brasil is Brecker at his most accessible, with style and substance on equal footing.

The lack of a core group often results in a generic sound that looks to the leader for definition, and Brecker's voice clearly gives Randy in Brasil its primary focus. Still, the participation of keyboardist/producer/arranger Ruria Duprat and guitarist Ricardo Silveira on all tracks lends the session a cohesion most "cast of thousands" projects lack. The material is largely culled from popular Brazilian writes including Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Ivan Lins and Joao Bosco, though Brecker's two contributions the breezy ballad "Guaruja" and up-tempo, samba-esque yet characteristically funkified "Sambop" fit seamlessly into the program.

The Brecker Brothers often dabbled with broader cultural styles, and Brecker is no stranger to Brazilian music having guested with Flora Purim, Joao Donato and Hector Martignon. Most remarkable about Randy in Brasil is perhaps how he places a firm stamp on the music, with a sometimes pervasive Brecker Brothers vibe despite the lack of a rhythm section on most tracks. Duprat's appreciation for Brecker's distinct horn voicings makes Lins' funky, synth bass-driven "Aiaiai" feel, in fact, as if it were drawn straight from The Brecker Brothers' songbook.

Equally, Brecker adapts effortlessly to the cadence of Brazilian rhythmic forms like bossa nova and samba. There's no denying the Brazilian groove of Gil's bright "Ile Aye," the contemporary vibe of Djavan's "Me Leve" or the light, airy feel of Bosco's "Olhos Puxados." Throughout, Brecker solos with attention to the tune's melodic and percussive essence navigating his own winding changes on "Sambop" as he constructs a solo of narrative perfection that demonstrates his full range, and displaying equal focus but greater lyrical simplicity on "Olhos Puxados."

As a leader, Brecker's albums have sometimes lacked a clear focus or, in the case of Hanging in the City (ESC, 2001), a misplaced one with his vocal alter-ego Randroid. With its lush sound, beautiful song choices and ideal mesh of Brazilian culture and Brecker's singular voice, Randy in Brasil stands as one of his finest if not the finest albums in his long and varied career. ~ John Kelman   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30960#.UmCEVhAuf-J

Personnel: Randy Brecker: trumpets; Paulo Calazans: acoustic piano (1, 5, 8), keyboards (8); Ruria Duprat: keyboards (1-3, 5-8, 10-12), acoustic piano (4, 9), Fender Rhodes (12), clavinet (12), voice (2); Ricardo Silveira: acoustic guitar (1, 3, 5-11), electric guitar (1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12); Sizao Machado: acoustic bass (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10), electric bass (2, 8, 12); Teco Cardoso: soprano saxophone (1, 4, 9, 12); alto saxophone (2, 4, 12), tenor saxophone (2, 6, 12), baritone saxophone (2, 6), saxophone (3), G-flute (5), flute (8); Da Lua: percussion (1-3, 11, 12), timba (1); Andre Mehmari: acoustic piano (3, 6, 7); Robertinho Silva: drums (4, 6, 8); Joao Parahyba: percussion (4, 6, 8-10), timba (6, 8-10); Paolo Calazans: acoustic piano (5, 8), keyboards (8); Caito Marcondes: percussion (5, 7); Gilson Peranzetta: acoustic piano (11); Rogerio: acoustic bass (11); Edu Ribeiro: drums (12); Rubinho Ribeiro: voice (6).

Randy In Brasil

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Lisa Bell - It's All About Love

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:38
Size: 120,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:54)  1. It's All About Love
(4:50)  2. When I Wish
(4:32)  3. Don't Wait Forever
(4:31)  4. She's Not Right For You
(4:42)  5. Ain't Divorce Grand
(4:06)  6. Along the Beaches
(4:00)  7. Here I Am
(4:10)  8. Mary Had a Little Plan
(4:04)  9. You'll Find Me
(4:50) 10. Faraway Friends
(3:43) 11. When You Look For Love
(4:11) 12. Burning Desire

Lisa Bell, who has a warm and attractive voice, performs music that is jazzy but crosses into other musical genres at times, a bit like Norah Jones, whom she recalls on the title cut of It's All About Love. A superior singer/songwriter, Bell wrote or co-wrote eight of the 12 selections on It's All About Love, all of which have to do with love of some sort. Based in Colorado, Bell mostly uses top local players including pianist John Armstrong, who co-wrote much of the material. Whether called jazzy pop or pop-oriented jazz, this set shows that Bell is a fine writer and a singer well worth hearing. Some of the tunes, including the title cut, "Ain't Divorce Grand," and "When You Look for Love," deserve to be covered by other singers. ~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/its-all-about-love-mw0000344136

It's All About Love

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