Friday, November 1, 2013

Cathy Hayes & The Barney Kessel Orchestra - It's All Right With Me

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:04
Size: 94.0 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, Swing, Big band
Year: 1959/2010
Art: Front

[3:13] 1. And The Angels Sing
[4:32] 2. Blue Moods
[4:01] 3. You Smell So Good
[3:30] 4. Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe
[3:30] 5. Wonder Why
[1:51] 6. Tangerine
[2:17] 7. If I Were A Bell
[2:57] 8. Last Night When We Were Young
[4:20] 9. Down In The Depths
[4:13] 10. You Don't Know What Love Is
[4:29] 11. My Old Flame
[2:05] 12. You And The Night And The Music

Cathy Hayes is another one of those lesser-known artists whose work finds its way to the Fresh Sound reissue catalog. A native of Milwaukee, Hayes had been performing as a professional for seven years before getting the chance to cut this, her only album, recorded at three separate sessions in Hollywood in 1959 and issued on the HiFi label. Straight out of the cool school, Hayes' sound falls somewhere between Jeri Southern and June Christy. She matches excellent diction and phrasing with a strong rapport for lyrics, and is equally comfortable with upbeat and slow ballads. Her pleasant voice, backed by stellar West Coast musicians led by Barney Kessel, makes this album eminently listenable. Kessel and the other big guns are not asked to solo much. Rather, they are content with providing an agreeable instrumental framework and backdrop for Hayes' unstrained voice, delivering relaxed arrangements of singable tunes. In short, this album is pretty much Hayes' show. "If I Were a Bell" and "And the Angels Sing" (done with a big band) are terrific examples of Hayes' ability to swing. But it's on the rarely heard Nikolaus Brodszky/Sammy Cahn composition "Wonder Why" where Hayes really shows off her solid swinging skills. The ballads "Last Night When We Were Young" and "You Don't Know What Love Is" are given a tantalizing treatment by Hayes. "Down in the Depths" is done with a Latin beat, with Conte Candoli's trumpet and Kessel's guitar making strong showings. Kessel and Hayes team up for a soulful rendition of "You Don't Know What Love Is," which is one of the highlights of the session, while Larry Bunker's vibes and Kessel's guitar support Hayes' very relaxed reading of "My Old Flame." During her brief recording career, Hayes broke no records as a jazz singer. Nonetheless, given the delivery and interpretation of the material on this album, it's regrettable that she disappeared from jazz so early in her promising career. ~Dave Nathan

It's All Right With Me

Christian Bleiming & Leah Kline - Boogie In My Heart

Styles: Pop/Rock
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:01
Size: 121,4 MB
Art: Front + Back

(2:30)  1. Boogie For Meade
(4:04)  2. C. C. Rider
(3:31)  3. Blue Bungalow Bounce
(2:43)  4. The Swinging Shepherd Blues
(2:31)  5. C.B.'s Bounce
(3:30)  6. I'm A Woman
(2:08)  7. You Came A Long Way From St. Louis
(3:01)  8. Zorro Special
(3:09)  9. You Ain't Had The Blues
(5:36) 10. Since I Fell For You
(2:33) 11. New Year's Boogie
(3:19) 12. Keep It To Ya'self
(2:37) 13. Beer Bottle Blues
(2:40) 14. Oh, Lady Be Good
(2:54) 15. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water
(6:08) 16. God Bless The Child

The new CD is here, now my production number 7 For the first time we present a native of Los Angeles singer Léah Kline in a phonogram - some of you have certainly already experienced live, accompanied by Christian Bleiming boogie trio. A review of my new CD. Christian Bleiming - Boogie In My Heart (Acoustic Music / Rough Trade) Alone for the fact that pianist Christian Bleiming content with boogie woogieconcerned, is worth a special mention. But Boogie Woogie is in this country an almost forgotten branch of the Rockn'n'Roll, jazz in the broadest sense. then when the music like that on the 16 tracks of Bleimings now seventh CD yet so entertaining and comes across as warm here's the thing already long on the credit side. 

Weightless, a title for the next swing, also supported by Léah Kline on vocals. Amandus reason (guitar), Erkan Özdemir (bass) and Peter Samland and Henk Punter (both drums) agree just falling with a. , the self-proclaimed "King of Westphalia Boogie" from Münster recorded the album earlier this year in Osnabrück locals Luther house. Another reason the atmospherically dense, very fluid and lightweight . Bleimings to like acting Groove "Boogie In My Heart" is as entertaining and amusing as its title - Boogie Woogie uncomplicated and direct Art is what I call entertainment. A comprehensive booklet with photos and detailed liner notes by Gerd Wieben there on top of that. "Boogie In My Heart" is one of a dying genre of music. ~Translate by google  
http://www.bleiming.homepage.t-online.de/aktuelles.html

Laura Caviani - Going There

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:02
Size: 107,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:14)  1. Going There
(4:27)  2. In The Interim
(3:08)  3. This Is My Song
(4:32)  4. Tobacco Blues
(4:53)  5. Paper Cranes
(4:45)  6. Watching The Game
(4:15)  7. Between The Lines
(6:06)  8. The Guilded Cage
(3:49)  9. In His Hands
(4:48) 10. Cascadia

Laura Caviani is one of the Twin Cities most in-demand pianists, and with good reason. Her musical acumen and versatility make her an easy choice whether the setting is small group, big band, full orchestra or solo. Going There (Caviani Music 2005) is the new CD from Caviani, and it finds her in the setting where her talent shines brightest. Backed by Bob Bowman on bass and Todd Strait on drums, Caviani leads this jazz trio through nine original compositions and one rare cover, displaying a soulful and sympathetic style that is distinctly her own. Whether it is the contemplative title track, the hard swinging shuffle of "Watching the Game," the shimmering and meditative "Paper Cranes," or the bluesy boogie woogie of the CD's sole vocal track "Between the Lines," this trio presents a program that explores a wide range of musical personalities.

Going There is Laura Caviani's fifth release as a leader over her 15+ year career. The Minneapolis Star Tribune hailed her debut recording Dreamlife as "in a word, outstanding." Her second release, As One, was touted as "stunningly fresh" by JazzTimes magazine. Caviani's holiday album, Angels We Haven't Heard, was considered that "season's finest new jazz CD of holiday music" by the St. Paul Pioneer Press. In Your Own Sweet Way (2001) was described in the Minneapolis Star Tribune as a CD "poised right where the salon meets the saloon, with as much spunk as serenity." As a "sideman," Caviani's long list of credits includes tours and recordings with Grammy nominated vocalist Karrin Allyson. Caviani appeared on three Allyson releases on Concord Records during the 1990s, which began the relationship with Bob Bowman and Todd Strait

Caviani joined Allyson on the 2004 and 2005 Concord Jazz Festival tours, where she also accompanied Oleta Adams, Diane Schuur and hot new talent Sara Gazarek. Other jazz luminaries with whom Caviani has performed include Toots Thielemans, Stan Getz, Bob Mintzer and Dave Liebman. In the Twin Cities, Caviani has appeared on many recordings, including: Where's When?, featuring Pete Whitman's X-tet, which received a 4 star review from Downbeat magazine, and Lucia Newell's Steeped in Strayhorn. ~ Editorial Reviews  
http://www.amazon.com/Going-There-Laura-Caviani/dp/B000E3LF52             

"...(they bring) a simmering, shimmering glow to each track, the interactions... falling somewhere between telepathy and mutual admiration." ~ Andrea Canter Contributing Editor, www.jazzpolice.com

"...very personal and soulful... I love this CD and know you will too." ~ Karrin Allyson Concord Recording Artist,liner notes to Going There

"Together and they are very much so they give us piano trio jazz of the highest order." ~ Bob Protzman contributor to Down Beat and host of “Everything Jazz

(This) album did not disappoint! She is very, very good, as a instrumentalist, composer and singer. ~ Peter Kuller Jazz Presenter 101.5fm www.radio.adelaide.edu.au

John Barrowman - Swings Cole Porter

Styles: Stage & Screen
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:45
Size: 97,9 MB
Art: Front

(1:57)  1. Just One Of Those Things
(2:59)  2. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(3:31)  3. In The Still Of The Night
(2:04)  4. I Happen To Like New York
(3:16)  5. Anything Goes
(3:35)  6. After You, Who?
(2:19)  7. Ca, C'est l'Amour
(3:00)  8. Don't Fence Me In
(2:38)  9. Miss Otis Regrets
(4:19) 10. Do I Love You?
(3:21) 11. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:16) 12. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
(2:04) 13. It's All Right With Me
(3:20) 14. Easy To Love (from the 2003 Recording "Anything Goes")


John Barrowman delivers a solid collection of Cole Porter standards on the heels of his on-screen role opposite Kevin Kline in the Porter biopic De-Lovely. Barrowman, who has appeared on Broadway and in London, played Jack, the actor who had to be coached through the "impossible" song, "Night and Day." That song is absent here (it was on the movie soundtrack), but there are 14 other songs, including the gorgeous "In the Still of the Night," the piano-accompanied "Miss Otis Regrets," and the swinging "Ca, C'est l'Amour." John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter is nothing ground-breaking, just a well-sung set of great tunes backed by tasteful arrangements throughout.
~ David Horiuchi - Editorial Reviews  
http://www.amazon.com/Swings-Cole-Porter-John-Barrowman/dp/B0002YLDN2

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Kresten Osgood - Hammond Rens (2-disc set)

Kresten Osgood? A no-name for you? Don't worry, even most Danes haven't heard about this fantastic local drummer. Even maestro drummer Ed Thigpen, who lives in Copenhagen, has called him a "genius drummer". It's known in the jazz community that Osgood adores the "No. 1 jazz furniture", the Hammond B-3 organ, to use his own words, so why not make a double CD with an organ trio on your own label. And Osgood even goes for gold medal - and calls Dr. Lonnie Smith for organ duty on this great live CD - "Hammond Rens" (English - Hammond Refine), recorded at The Copenhagen Jazz House in 2002. This CD capture some of the most free wheelin' jazz organ trio's I've heard in many years and there seems to be no end to the musical styles that the Doctor can cover with great imagination, technique and power play. The trio is completed with the tenor saxophonist Mikael Blake which is a real surprise given his roots from the more free jazz oriented community and not to forget Anders Provis on some tracks with playing "the fine art of Ghost percussion" (!?!). What can you expect from this CD? According to Smith's opening statement on track 1, you can expect music from the HEART. Funk, blues, free, ballads, boogaloo, swing; you get it all through great combo interpretation on tunes by Lucky Thompson, Curtis Mayfield, Roland Kirk, Slide Hampton and Osgood himself (showing promising compositional skills). This is not background music - turn up the volume and when the laser beam hits "Collins", and you're warned about what to expect for the next 11 tunes being like in the middle of the audience close to Smiths heavy organ bass lines, imaginative block chord comping and soulful melody lines support by Osgoods inventive drumming. Highlights after highlights are served by these gentlemen on this quality live recording, only the cd cover would have deserved better overall design. Altogether 160 minutes of soul, sweat and (no) tears worth every cent. Highly recommended!!

Kresten Osgood (drums); Michael Blake (saxophone); Lonnie Liston Smith (Hammond b-3 organ).

Album: Hammond Rens (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 76:57
Size: 176.1 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Soul-jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[11:37] 1. Collins
[12:14] 2. The World Awakes
[ 7:39] 3. The Makings Of You
[23:52] 4. Three For Dizzy
[20:33] 5. London Pride
[ 0:59] 6. Rahsaan Take A Break From The Choir Of Angels To Jam A Little

Hammond Rens (Discs 1&2 combined) Yara's link
Hammond Rens (Disc 1)

Album: Hammond Rens (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 78:46
Size: 180.3 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Soul-jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[13:57] 1. I'm Black
[16:18] 2. Chop Suey
[10:14] 3. The Beat-Up Blues
[16:52] 4. Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)
[21:22] 5. Like Lonnie

Hammond Rens (Discs 1&2 combined) Yara's link
Hammond Rens (Disc 2)

Jay Leonhart - Life Out On The Road

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:59
Size: 114.4 MB
Styles: Post bop
Year: 1990/2007
Art: Front

[4:09] 1. The Lion
[4:52] 2. God Fearing Boy
[4:47] 3. On The Road
[4:15] 4. Society Music
[3:48] 5. Me And Lenny
[3:23] 6. Rain
[4:03] 7. Bellson, Louis
[3:18] 8. Dodgers
[4:48] 9. Misunderstood
[4:13] 10. Iguanas And Lizards
[4:09] 11. Sympathizin' Fool
[4:08] 12. Change My Occupation

Jay Leonhart found himself sitting next to Leonard Bernstein in first class on TWA as they both flew to Los Angeles. After the shock and awe wore off (Jay's, not Lenny's) the two engaged in a wonderful cross country conversation that covered every possible topic. A few months later Jay wrote "Me and Lenny" which has since become known by jazz fans worldwide. Tony Bennett has even told Jay that "Me and Lenny" is Jay's "San Francisco" and that he should perform it everywhere he goes.

When Jay appeared on David Letterman, Paul Schaeffer wanted to know more of the juicy Lenny details, hoping for an Inquirer scoop. But Jay simply referred him to the song. Such a classy guy.

Jay Leonhart has played the bass violin since he was thirteen years old and played for most of the music icons of the 20th century, and is now working on those of the 21st century. He has been recognized in countless jazz polls and has received numerous recording industry awards. He has performed with a large number of famous pop groups, and jazz singers, from Judy Garland to Mel Torme. Steely Dan to Sting, Maureen McGovern to Michael Feinstein, James Taylor to Carly Simon. And many inbetween.

Life Out On The Road

Davina & The Vagabonds - Black Cloud

Size: 100,4 MB
Time: 43:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: New Orleans Jazz/Blues Jazz, Ragtime
Label: Roustabout Records
Art: Front

01. Vagabond Stomp (Intro) (1:39)
02. Black Cloud (2:22)
03. Disappears (2:56)
04. Start Running (2:43)
05. Sugar Moon (4:02)
06. Pushpin (3:40)
07. Lipstick And Chrome (3:41)
08. River (4:56)
09. Pocket (3:20)
10. Let's Bring It Back (4:23)
11. Bee Sting (2:21)
12. Crosseyed (3:25)
13. Carry Him With You (3:20)
14. Vagabond Stomp (Outro) (0:56)

Davina & the Vagabonds play a blend of horn-driven retro blues and jazz – the kind of music that was blasting out of New Orleans in the 20’s & 30’s. Yet, the band has a couple of things that set them apart from their fellow revivalists. For one, they’ve got an utterly amazing vocalist in leader Davina Sowers, who’s able to rasp like Billie Holiday, soar like Dinah Washington, bellow like Sarah Vaughan and get goofy like Ethel Merman, yet manage to still sound completely unique. She’s one of those rare singers that make you smile when you hear her.

But, the truly singular element that this band possesses that should eventually rocket them to notoriety is the songs. Most roots artists, especially those who take a very traditional approach like this (piano, bass, drums, trombone, & trumpet), tend to stick to classic songs by other people. Yet, every track on Black Cloud was composed by Sowers. Because the horns are likely the first thing you notice, it may take awhile for her lyrics to set in, yet she’s capable of tremendous imagery. Take for instance the ukulele-led “Bee Sting,” with the lines “I’m sick of makin’ / the same old bread / the kind you eat / and you’re still not fed.” Many of the tracks, like “Black Cloud” and “Pushpin,” have the sis-boom-bah of classic Vaudeville, while others, like “Disappears” and “Pocket” are surprisingly melodic and poppy. In fact, if you stripped away the arrangements of those two songs, you might end up with something akin to say Ben Folds.

The Vagabonds band are a tight bunch, with the brash horns and upright bass (which is particularly good on the aforementioned “Bee Sting”). The production isn’t flashy, but that’s exactly what it needs. There is no attempt to turn this into something other than what it is – roots music played with reckless abandon. The album also works because it’s full of so many emotions, from the ass-kickin’ attitude of “Start Runnin’” to the pleading of “Lipstick and Chrome,” to the teary “River.” Another highlight is “Carry Him With You,” a gospel-inspired piece that makes an excellent closer. While their style of music certainly can’t be called mainstream, Davina & the Vagabonds, with their great songs and performances, have the makings of something bigger. – Tony Peters

Black Cloud

Faith Amour - Bright Eyes

Size: 116,8 MB
Time: 50:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Accentuate The Positive (2:05)
02. Habanera (4:43)
03. Mr. Ego (3:37)
04. Take It (3:31)
05. Ou Es-Tu (4:17)
06. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (4:45)
07. Nao Importa (4:26)
08. Buru Buru (5:09)
09. Sweet Georgia Brown (5:18)
10. Bright Eyes (5:46)
11. Un Canadien Errant (7:06)

Nominated for 4 New Mexico Music Awards, and Winner of award for Best Vocal Performance, Santa Fe, New Mexico – based Canadian vocalist Faith Amour is often called "the voice of an angel". Here’s a dynamic musician that blends her love of straight-ahead jazz with the vibrant rhythms of her South-American/Caribbean heritage and uplifting heartsongs from around the world. Drawing inspiration from her early classical training, she is highly in demand as a jazz singer, choral composer and conductor, having worked alongside industry innovators across North America. This is the debut album of a public school music teacher turned jazz chanteuse - featuring John Rangel on piano, Mark Clark on drums and Justin Bransford on bass.

Bright Eyes

Gerry Beaudoin Trio (Feat Harry Allen) - The Return

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:17
Size: 128.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. The Return
[7:33] 2. Jackie's Serenade
[5:01] 3. So Long Ebony
[7:02] 4. God Bless The Child
[5:44] 5. Wave
[5:02] 6. I Often Thought You'd Never Leave Me
[5:30] 7. Hamilton Honeymoon
[4:45] 8. Mother's Day Waltz
[5:06] 9. RSG
[6:14] 10. Joanne Hears The Blues

An exquisite collection of songs and performances in the tradition of the hey day of classic jazz recordings from labels such as Bluenote and Impulse. Jackie's Serenade and I Often Thought You'd Never Leave Me will become "new standards."

Boston jazz artist Gerry Beaudoin has distinguished himself in many ways the past several decades. He has been a mainstay in jazz clubs of Boston and New York City. Beaudoin is also well respected as a teacher, which is one of the most admirable parts of his career. He is making sure that a new generation of jazz guitarists understands the roots of where we are today. Explaining and demonstrating the form and complexity of playing through advanced chord changes is a true gift, and one that needs to be shared freely.

The Return comes after a slight break from performance over the past few years due to unforeseen health complications. The liner notes to this CD discuss how much Beaudoin missed performing for a while, and also a new found appreciation of getting back to it recently.

The group on this recording includes Jesse Williams (bass), Les Harris Jr. (drums) and Harry Allen (tenor saxophone). This is the rhythm section that Beaudoin returned to action with, and Allen adds a wonderful touch as an additional voice. Most of the tunes on The Return are originals penned during his six month convalescence. The title track is a medium Latin tune with a catchy melody and chord structure. Allen and Beaudoin double the melody and complement each other perfectly. “Jackie’s Serenade” gives Allen the perfect vehicle for his breathy expressive tone. It is also nice to hear excellent brush work by Harris and a sustained, rich bass line by Williams.

The Return

Bill Henderson - Live At The Vic: Beautiful Memory

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:07
Size: 117.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:00] 1. All The Things You Are
[4:06] 2. Never Make Your Move
[5:48] 3. You Are My Sunshine
[4:01] 4. Royal Garden Blues
[7:04] 5. Sleepin Bee
[2:26] 6. The Moon Was Yellow
[4:13] 7. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
[3:48] 8. The Song Is You
[8:17] 9. Old Black Magic
[4:09] 10. Never Kiss And Run
[4:10] 11. Living Without You
[0:00] 12. Tulip Or Turnip

How can a guy who has been heralded as the definitive hard-bop vocalist, whose wide-ranging résumé includes stellar work alongside the likes of Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson and Charlie Haden (that’s Henderson alternating tracks with Shirley Horn on Haden’s The Art of the Song from 1999), who fully deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as such contemporaries as Ernie Andrews, Oscar Brown Jr. and Johnny Hartman, remain so incredibly underappreciated?

So far off the radar is Bill Henderson that even ardent jazz-vocal fans are often surprised to discover he’s still around. Well, around and active he is—remarkably, at age 82, sounding every bit as robust as he did throughout his vibrant stint from 1958-61 as the sole jazz artist on the Vee-Jay label, and on his bestselling eponymous ’63 Verve album with Peterson’s trio—as demonstrated throughout this live date, captured at the Vic in Santa Monica in March 2007.

Fans of Henderson’s early-career sessions will recognize that the aptly titled Beautiful Memory represents a stroll down memory lane. Yet while the songs may be largely the same (augmented by such eclectic additions as B.B. King’s “Never Make Your Move” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”), the arrangements are fresh and innovative and Henderson’s reinterpretations are estimably inventive. There may be frost in his beard, but there remains a blazing fire in his belly and an irresistibly energetic hipsterism that rivals fellow octogenarian Jon Hendricks. ~Christoher Loudon/Jazz Times

Live At The Vic: Beautiful Memory

Gabriele Tranchina - A Song Of Love's Color

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:31
Size: 124,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Chante Comme Si Tu Devais Mourir Demain
(4:57)  2. A Song Of Love's Color
(3:57)  3. Samba De Uma Nota Só
(5:56)  4. Today
(5:23)  5. Sing A Song Of Children
(4:23)  6. Inútil Paisagem
(5:00)  7. Asato Maa (Sat Chit Ananda)
(5:04)  8. Duérmete Niño Bonito
(4:28)  9. Voz
(3:54) 10. Solamente Pasión
(6:17) 11. Siehst Du Mich

Gabriele Tranchina proves herself to be a versatile vocalist on her second CD. Accompanied by a first-rate band including her husband, Joe Vincent Tranchina, on piano, bassist Santi Debriano, and drummer Bobby Sanabria, the expressive alto sings in six different languages, while moving fluidly through many styles. The opener, "Chante Comme Si Tu Devais Mourir Demain," is a driving samba with French lyrics. She tackles Antonio Carlos Jobim's "One Note Samba" with equal skill in a breezy setting, along with an emotional interpretation of the late composer's "Inútil Paisagem." The pianist contributed several originals, including the haunting ballad "Siehst du Mich," featuring his spouse singing a German poem set to music; "Voz," a delightful scat vehicle for her in an Afro-Cuban setting; and the warm "Sing a Song of Children." Few vocalists have the capability to cover so much territory in the space of a single CD, so Gabriele Tranchina is clearly a talent deserving of wider recognition.  ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-song-of-loves-color-mw0001967132   

Mary Stallings - Manhattan Moods

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:40
Size: 148,0 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:19)  1. This Can't Be Love
(5:20)  2. Sweet and Lovely
(6:11)  3. I Have a Feeling
(5:39)  4. How High the Moon
(4:41)  5. Lullaby of the Leaves
(5:06)  6. I Wish I Knew
(4:51)  7. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
(6:37)  8. You Go to My Head
(6:06)  9. He Was Too Good to Me
(6:02) 10. Willow Weep for Me
(5:21) 11. I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You
(4:23) 12. I Love You Madly

A product of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene, Mary Stallings recorded in New York for the first time when she entered a Manhattan studio for her third Concord release, Manhattan Moods. Contrary to what some provincial, myopic jazz critics implied, Stallings didn't have to record in the Big Apple to prove her legitimacy -- she would have been a great singer even if she'd never set foot outside of northern California. But Stallings' visit to New York was a good thing, for her talented East Coast support includes pianist Monty Alexander and producer Allen Farnham (who is a fine pianist himself, though he doesn't play on this CD). Farnham was known for his work with Mel Tormé and Susannah McCorkle, and when it came to working with singers in the 1990s, you couldn't ask for a more insightful producer. Farnham's input was obviously a major asset for Stallings, who really pours her heart into such chestnuts as "You Go to My Head," "I Wish I Knew," and "Lullaby of the Leaves." Perhaps the album's most surprising track is "How High the Moon," which was done at maximum speed by countless beboppers, but becomes a haunting ballad in Stallings' hands. With Stallings having put her singing career on the back burner for so many years, it was great to see her building an impressive catalog at Concord. ~  Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/manhattan-moods-mw0000020308

Manhattan Moods

J.J.Johnson - Tangence

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:08
Size: 134,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

(2:53)  1. People Time
(5:58)  2. The Meaning Of The Blues
(2:27)  3. For Dancers Only
(5:53)  4. Dinner For One, Please, James
(6:31)  5. Two's Company
(5:28)  6. Lament
(4:23)  7. Opus De Focus
(4:31)  8. The Very Thought Of You
(4:50)  9. Amazing Grace
(4:43) 10. Malagueña
(5:21) 11. The End Of A Love Affair
(4:04) 12. Malaga Moon

Trombonist J.J. Johnson is joined by a string orchestra arranged by Robert Farnon for most of the performances on this CD. Farnon's sweeping scores can sometimes come closer to movie music and muzak than jazz but the high quality of the songs and a few surprising departures make this CD recommended. Wynton Marsalis has three guest appearances (including a spirited unaccompanied duet with Johnson on the old Jimmy Lunceford hit "For Dancers Only"), Johnson takes his blues "Opus De Focus" as a duet with bassist Chris Laurence and the trombonist is in particularly fine form on such numbers as "The Meaning of the Blues," "Dinner for One, Please, James," "The Very Thought of You" and his own "Lament."~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/tangence-mw0000126212

Personnel includes: J.J. Johnson (trombone); Robert Farnon (arranger); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Chris Laurence (bass). Producers: John Snyder, Jean-Philippe Allard. Personnel: J.J. Johnson (trombone); Louis Stewart (guitar); Hugh Webb (harp); Colin Sheen (violin, trombone); Derek Collier, David Randall, Joan Edwards, Geoffrey Grey, Maurice Brett, Rachel Cohen, Homi Kanga, Gillian Cohen, Levine Andrade (violin); Johnny Graham, George Turnland, Michael Ponder (viola); Norman Jones, Caroline Dale, Anthony Pleeth (cello); Dennis Walton, Peter Hughes, Ray Swinfield, Tommy Whittle, Roy Willox (woodwinds); Nigel Carter, Derek Healey, Kenny Baker , Wynton Marsalis, Simon Gardner (trumpet); John Pignegny, Nick Busch, Richard Watkins (French horn); Bill Geldard, Gordon Campbell, Don Lusher (trombone); Laurie Holloway (piano, keyboards); Terry Jenkins (drums); Eric Allen (percussion).                

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Kevin Coelho - Turn It Up

Size: 145,7 MB
Time: 63:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Soul, Jazz Fusion, Hammond B3 Organ
Label: Chicken Coup
Art: Front

01. Root Down (5:08)
02. Soft And Wet (5:45)
03. Come Together (6:36)
04. The World Is A Ghetto (7:37)
05. Zig Zag (6:17)
06. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (7:26)
07. Shadows (4:52)
08. Georgia On My Mind (7:48)
09. The World Is A Ghetto (Radio Edit) (5:39)
10. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (Radio Edit) (6:16)

Kevin Coelho welcomes you to the land of rhythm and groove with Turn It Up!

If you watch Idol, X-Factor or The Voice then you have heard this a million times, know who you are as an artist! Kevin Coelho is eighteen years old and is more aware of his artistic direction than most players twice his age. There have been several new artists under 21 that have made a splash of late but I will go out on a limb and say, Kevin Coelho will be mentioned in the same breath with artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Mike LeDonne by the time he turns forty.

While under the watchful eye of another organ great in Tony Monaco, the sound of Turn It Up seems to embrace a contemporary retro riff on the legendary Charles Earland. The tunes may raise an eyebrow but as I have learned the hard way, don't judge to quickly! From the Beatles, "Come Together" to "Soft and Wet" from Prince we have Coelho doing a focus riff on himself and digging deep for a soulful and soul filled groove that has not been heard since Joey DeFrancesco burst onto the scene and roughly the same age. The original jam "Zig Zag" is pure flavor and possibly one of the finest tunes here. Reinforcing this groove-a-licious release we have guitarist Derek DiCenzo and drummer Reggie Jackson and they are indeed the glue that makes this a true collaborative effort. A harmonious assault on the soul, a beat you hear with your feet.

What makes Turn It Up work so amazingly well is this is far more than the predictable retro riff on old school B3 trios from the early 60's, this is new school funk laid down by a rising star in modern jazz. The first album, Funkengruven was really good but this is great. Coelho is a skillful improviser with a precise lyrical direction and is the harmonic gift that keeps on giving. Perfect? Darn close. Going hypercritical and splitting hairs is not how I roll. Age is nothing but a number...here it is 5. ~Brent Black

Turn It Up

Ginger Blu Collective - Live (Discs 1&2)

Many local and International audiences have experienced the unique jazz style and awesome sound of Perth Jazz Singer Marnie Kent. Her mix of jazz originalsand standards with a funky edge and her love of latin grooves make for an eclectic cross section of styles. With her roots firmly in Jazz, it is easy to recognize her love of pop, blues, r'n'b and latin rhythms. Her sound is warm and rich, her style exciting and dynamic. Her experience, confidence and dynamic stage presence make her an enticing performer. An experienced bandleader, Marnie has been groomed by the best. Working alongside Perth's world class musicians has moulded her unique style and seen her grow into one of Perth's finest Jazz Vocalists.

Known for her collaborations with Grant Windsor and Freddie Grigson she has become well known for her knack of putting together the best line-ups in town. Her latest combo "Ginger Blu Collective" is a truly awesome band. Featuring Musicians Chris Foster, Ben Vanderwal, Chris Tarr, Pete Jeavons, Simon Jeans, Carl Mackey, Jeremy Trezona and Warren Harvey After the release of the first album, 'Live' former Musical Director Grant Windsor relocated to London.... Local and International Jazz Piano legend Don Gomes is now the featured pianist in the band. Don brings a new and fresh sound to the Ginger Blu Collective with his inimitable Jazz Piano style.

Marnie was educated at Perth Modern School studying classical and jazz saxophone for 5 years and went on to study jazz voice at the WA Conservatorium of Music. During her study at The Conservatorium she participated in workshops with international jazz singers Sheila Jordan and Carmen Lundy and studied with local jazz musicians Helen Matthews, Freddie Grigson and Ray Walker. Marnie then relocated to Melbourne to start her first band. For the past 12 years Marnie has played in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and to international audiences in Singapore, China and Japan. She has performed at the Kiama Jazz festival (NSW), Wangaratta International Jazz Festival (VIC), Sanctuary Cove Festival of Jazz (QLD), River Festival (QLD) and Fremantle International Jazz Festival (WA). Marnie Kent is developing an impressive fan base and ever increasing profile. Her recent Live recording at the Leederville Hotel and former residency at the 'Belgian Beer Cafe' have provided great exposure for this upcoming artist.

Album: Live (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:54
Size: 132.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2005

[5:34] 1. Bette Davis Eyes
[9:41] 2. Storm - Wami
[6:32] 3. Love Is Here To Stay
[7:15] 4. Comes Love
[6:12] 5. Skylark
[5:01] 6. Who Will The Next Fool Be
[8:36] 7. Old Devil Moon
[8:59] 8. Nardis

Live (Disc 1)

Album: Live (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 23:23
Size: 53.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:59] 1. Let's Move
[4:58] 2. Romance In The Dark
[5:05] 3. Fortune Smiles
[6:20] 4. Caged Bird Sings

Live (Disc 2)

Jack McDuff - Crash! (Featuring Kenny Burrell)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 76:21
Size: 174.8 MB
Styles: Organ jazz
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[ 6:33] 1. Something Slick
[ 7:34] 2. How High The Moon
[ 4:58] 3. Shaky
[ 7:27] 4. Love Walked In
[ 6:21] 5. Smut
[ 5:22] 6. It's a Wonderful World
[10:49] 7. Our Miss Brooks
[ 3:22] 8. Grease Monkey
[ 4:28] 9. The Breeze and I 2
[ 6:39] 10. Call It Stormy Monday
[ 8:01] 11. Nica's Dream
[ 4:41] 12. We'll Be Together Again

Organist Jack McDuff has long had a powerful style and the two former LPs that are combined on this single CD offer some strong examples of his accessible playing. In both cases McDuff is joined by guitarist Kenny Burrell (in fact one of the two sets was originally under Burrell's name), drummer Joe Dukes and occasionally Ray Barretto on congas. In addition Harold Vick is on tenor for most selections and Eric Dixon guests on tenor and flute during three songs. Highlights include a driving "How High the Moon," "Love Walked In" and a pair of original blues: "Smut" and "Our Miss Brooks." McDuff and Burrell work together quite well. This 76-minute CD is easily recommended to fans of the jazz organ. ~ Scott Yanow

Jack McDuff (organ); Harold Vick, Kenny Burrell (guitar); Eric Dixon (flute, tenor saxophone); Joe Dukes (drums); Ray Barretto (congas).

Recording information: Englewood Cliffs, NJ (01/08/1963/02/26/1963).


Leon Redbone - Double Time

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:43
Size: 79.5 MB
Styles: Jazz-Folk-Rock vocals
Year: 1976/1990
Art: Front

[3:07] 1. Diddy Wah Diddy
[2:12] 2. Nobody's Sweetheart
[3:12] 3. Shine On Harvest Moon
[4:16] 4. Crazy Blues
[1:44] 5. Mississippi Delta Blues
[3:41] 6. Mr. Jelly Roll Baker
[3:08] 7. My Melancholy Baby
[2:33] 8. The Sheik Of Araby
[3:10] 9. Mississippi River Blues
[4:17] 10. Winin' Boy Blues
[3:17] 11. If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven

One of Leon Redbone's best early outings, 1977's DOUBLE TIME finds the mustachioed, fedora-wearing enigma further refining the old-timey aesthetic of his debut. Joel Dorn's crystal-clear production aside, this album could have been created almost 50 years earlier, with Redbone's deep, scratchy voice and lively acoustic guitar-playing readymade for a Louisiana juke joint. The set opens with the sauntering "Diddy Wa Diddie," a horn-laden Dixieland number that would remain a staple in Redbone's repertoire for decades to come. The eccentric singer also offers up two Jimmie Rodgers tunes--the celebratory "Mississippi Delta Blues" and its skid row cousin, "Mississippi River Blues." Other highlights of DOUBLE TIME include Redbone's own amiable "Crazy Blues," which fits seamlessly alongside the vintage material, and "Sheik of Araby," performed with wacky, nonsensical verve in classic "hot jazz" style. Since, oddly enough, there are no Redbone compilations available, this charming album serves as one of the finest introductions to his anachronistic sound.

Double Time

Eden Atwood - Like Someone In Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:37
Size: 125,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:04)  1. Someone To Watch Over Me
(5:37)  2. My One And Only Love
(3:33)  3. Like Someone In Love
(6:05)  4. All My Tomorrows
(5:15)  5. Make Someone Happy
(3:27)  6. My Romance
(5:43)  7. I Wish You Love
(4:20)  8. So Nice (Summer Samba)
(3:02)  9. Alfie
(2:55) 10. I'll Be Seeing You
(4:12) 11. Easy Street
(5:18) 12. Here's To Life

Eden Atwood has a voice that is many things - seductive, plaintive, sensitive, gifted with perfect intonation and phrasing, and entertaining. Her vocal style shows the influence of many jazz singers including Jimmy Scott, Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday.

From 1993 to 1997, Eden released a series of well-received albums from Concord. Then, from 2002 and 2004, she recorded two beloved albums for the audiophile label Groove Note (their XRCD editions are available here at Eastwind Import). In 2007 she had a tumor removed from her vocal cords but came back strong with a slightly huskier voice. Now, with a series of new recordings for the Japanese SSJ Records, she has ascended once again onto the third phase of her career.

Like Someone In Love is a great follow-up to her 2009 release, Turn Me Loose. Recorded in three sessions in 2009 and 2010, this is a collection of standards. In addition to David Morgenroth, Chris Colangelo and Joe LaBarbera who recorded with her on the previous album, she has Kendall Kay on drums and Azar Lawrence on tenor sax on several tracks. 

Another incredible vocal album. Recommended!   http://www.eastwindimport.com/product-info.asp?ProductID=1666

Personnel: Eden Atwood (vocal); David Morgenroth (piano); Chris Colangelo (bass); Joe La Barbera (drums); Kendall Kay (drums); Azar Lawrence (tenor sax)

Recorded March and June 2009 and June 2010 at Umbrella Media, Chattsworth, California.

Like Someone In Love

Renee Rosnes - Ancestors

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:47
Size: 139,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:15)  1. Upa, Neguinho
(6:31)  2. Sounds Around the House
(8:28)  3. Intuition
(8:54)  4. Ache of the Absences
(9:40)  5. Ancestors
(7:33)  6. Life Wish
(5:51)  7. Gift
(7:31)  8. Chasing Spirits


Renee Rosnes, who left her native Canada to settle in New York and play with Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis and her own groups, is an excellent pianist inspired by early Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. She heads a top New York sextet on this CD that includes the potentially great trumpeter Nicholas Payton (here showing a strong Freddie Hubbard influence), bassist Peter Washington, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Don Alias. However the musician who makes the biggest impression on the date is Chris Potter, mostly on tenor but also contributing some effective soprano, bass clarinet and alto flute. Potter, who by the mid-'90s already had his own sound on each of his instruments, gained his earliest recognition playing with Red Rodney's quintet in the 1980s but has since developed into a major postbop stylist with an explorative and colorful style. It is for his playing on these selections (five of which are challenging Rosnes originals) that Ancestors is chiefly recommended.  ~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/ancestors-mw0000185664      

Jeff Barone - Open Up

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 156,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:51)  1. Duban's Groove
(6:35)  2. New Samba
(5:56)  3. If You Go Away
(6:39)  4. Open Up
(7:01)  5. Jenna's Song
(4:08)  6. Falling In Love With Love
(6:09)  7. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:54)  8. I Hear Music
(3:43)  9. My Funny Valentine
(6:02) 10. Toys
(6:08) 11. Quiet Now
(7:17) 12. Falling In Love With Love (Alternate Take)

With ample chops and a firm grasp on tradition, New York-based jazz guitarist Jeff Barone proves a capable leader, bringing fresh ideas to the straight-ahead realm. Open Up showcases the Syracuse native's relaxed approach on a hard-swinging set of standards and originals.

Barone displays strong compositional skills on the up-tempo modal opener "Duban's Groove," the Brazilian flavored "New Samba," the funky title track and the lovely ballad "Jenna's Song," one of two duets with guest guitarist Jack Wilkins. The guitarist has a penchant for writing catchy melodic phrases and solo-friendly harmonic progressions.

A stand-out moment on the disc is Barone's solo guitar interpretation of the Rodgers and Hart staple "My Funny Valentine." The free-flowing arrangement is reminiscent of how the late Joe Pass would exhaust the instrument's possibilities while maintaining a swinging directive. The second duet with Wilkins, Danny Zeitlin's "Quiet Now," is a wonderful representation of communicative skills between two like-minded associates.

Trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and alto saxophonist Mike Dubaniewicz contribute inventive, flowing lines throughout. Dubaniewicz bebop prowess on "I Hear Music" and Magnarelli's fiery display on Herbie Hancock's "Toys" are disc highlights. Organist Ron Oswanski (Maynard Ferguson, Blood, Sweat & Tears) holds down the groove with strong bass lines and greasy voicings. Drummer Rudy Petschauer keeps the pace flowing with rock-solid time. All in all, Open Up is a strong release with inspired performances, worthy of repeated listening. ~ John Barron   
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=31234#.Um_cRBAueZd

Personnel: Jeff Barone: guitar; Joe Magnarelli: trumpet; Ron Oswanski: B-3 organ; Mike Dubaniewicz: alto saxophone; Rudy Petschauer; Jack Wilkins: guitar (5, 11).