Nashville Jazz Orchestra - It Ain't Necessarily So

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:49
Size: 123.2 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[ 7:40] 1. Cuban Overture
[ 6:58] 2. But Not For Me
[ 5:40] 3. My Man's Gone Now
[10:35] 4. Prelude #2
[ 6:50] 5. It Ain't Necessarily So
[ 6:29] 6. Someone To Watch Over Me
[ 4:14] 7. Summertime
[ 5:20] 8. How Long Has This Been Going On

With so many tribute bands and albums cluttering the rock scene these days, it’s a breath of fresh air to be able to write about a jazz tribute album, and a killin’ one at that. The Nashville Jazz Orchestra’s new recording It Ain’t Necessarily So features fresh takes on Gershwin classics, all of them arranged by local musicians. Three of the tracks feature terrific vocal work by Christina Watson, including a particularly slinky rendition of “How Long Has This Been Going On.” Instrumental highlights include Jamey Simmons’ arrangement of “But Not for Me,” featuring some delicious moments of counterpoint and dissonance that resolve in unexpected ways; Bernie Walker’s take on “Summertime,” which shakes the dust off the typically languid chestnut by upping the tempo considerably and throwing in some big-band brashness; Ryan Middagh’s dramatic interpretation of the expansive “Cuban Overture”; and NJO leader Jim Williamson’s interpretation of the title track, the perfect score for the latest film noir revival. But don’t take my word for it — jazz trumpet legend Randy Brecker gave the album a big thumbs-up, calling it “absolutely world class,” which in the world of jazz is about as legit as it gets. ~Jack Silverman

It Ain't Necessarily So

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Dena Derose - Travelin' Light - Live in Antwerp, Belgium

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:10
Size: 144,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Nice 'n Easy
(4:23)  2. 'S Wonderful
(4:11)  3. Two Different Worlds
(5:29)  4. East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)
(7:03)  5. Portrait in Black and White
(2:53)  6. Why Did I Chose You?
(3:17)  7. How Little We Know
(3:57)  8. Travelin' Light
(6:24)  9. Blue in Green
(4:26) 10. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:21) 11. I Never Told You
(6:59) 12. Twilight World
(6:15) 13. We Will Meet Again

DeRose made an auspicious entry into the jazz market with her 1998 debut, Introducing Dena DeRose (Sharp Nine). Since that time, the pianist/vocalist has split her recordings between Sharp Nine and MAXJAZZ, where she has recorded several critically acknowledged discs including her two-volume trio live set recorded at New York City's Jazz Standard Volume 1 (2007) and Volume 2 (2008).

True to the title, DeRose travels light to Antwerp to record a baker's dozen of standards, just her and her piano. DeRose performs with complete confidence in her acutely fine talent for arrangement. DeRose propels "Nice N' Easy" with a firm, walking left hand while caressing the piano through "Two Different Worlds." Her wordless vocals on "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)" and "I'm Old Fashioned" and near whispered delivery of the title piece juxtapose well with her relaxed, conversational singing on "S'Wonderful" and "Why Did I Choose You?"

DeRose steps out of the box for an overtly impressionistic reading of Miles Davis's "Blue in Green" (lyrics by Meredith d'Ambrosio). Her piano introduction is lengthy, fully establishing a dream sequence before she sings the brief lyrics. It is a satisfying nap on a rainy day.  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=43750#.Um2D8BAueZc

Personnel: Dena DeRose: piano, vocals.

Travelin' Light - Live in Antwerp, Belgium

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Eric Reed - Here

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:02
Size: 132,9 MB
Art: Front + Back

( 7:42)  1. Stablemates
( 2:03)  2. Kokomo
( 4:44)  3. I C H.N. (For Herbie Nichols)
( 1:28)  4. Hymn
( 4:31)  5. Why?
( 5:19)  6. 26-2
( 4:22)  7. Wish (For My Father)
( 5:01)  8. It's Easy To Remember
( 5:27)  9. I Got Nothin'
( 4:23) 10. Is That??
(12:58) 11. Ornate

Pianist Eric Reed is one of the most articulate and intelligent ambassadors of jazz performing today. His 21st Century recordings Happiness, From My Heart, Mercy and Grace, E-Bop, and Merry Magic show Reed fully formed and creatively fluid. Add to these thoughts bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Willie Jones III, and the jazz listenership receives the grace of perfectly conceived and delivered jazz piano trio music.

Tasteful, thoughtful and cognizant, Eric Reed is a complete musical package with a graceful style and an encyclopedic mind (which never dominates the pianist's performance). On Here, Reed joins Whitaker and Jones to produce one of the finest trio performances of the year. These three musical personalities collide and assimilate into a swing earthquake.

While Eric Reed is ever the leader, in no way does he smother his superb rhythm section. Quite to the contrary, Jones emerges as drummer of great power, springing from the mold of Philly Joe Jones and Tony Williams. His contributions are best heard on "Kokomo and Coltrane's "26-2, where the drumming abounds with challenging cross-rhythms and deft cymbal work. Whitaker's bass work in highlighted in several solos, but none more appealing than the opening of the Reed original "Wish (For My Father).

As for the leader, Eric Reed is grace personified. His style betrays a light, informed touch, particularly on ballads. Lacking the iconoclastic approach of Marcus Robert, Reed forges new ground in his playing while remaining between the lines of good taste, successfully emphasizing harmony and melody. 

His ballads, like "Wish or "Easy to Remember, show an easy-swinging, plush and exact approach. I can only hope to hear more of this music ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=21561#.Um5n8hAueZc

Personnel: Eric Reed: piano; Rodney Whitaker: double bass; Willie Jones III: drums.

Here

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Chick Corea & Hiromi Uehara - Duet (CD1) And (CD2)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 114:27
Size: 262,0 MB
Art: Front

( 9:15)  1. Very Early
( 7:38)  2. How Insensitive
( 9:02)  3. Deja Vu
( 6:47)  4. Fool On The Hill
( 7:51)  5. Humpty Dumpty
( 8:45)  6. Bolivar Blues
( 7:46)  7. Windows
(14:59)  8. Old Castle
( 8:51)  9. Summertime
( 8:13) 10. Place To Be
(13:02) 11. Do Mo (Children's Song #12)
(12:11) 12. Concierto De Aranjuez (Spain)

At least one of the participants here, pianist Chick Corea, is an old hand at great duets. He has performed and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Ralph Towner, and Gary Burton. Here, his partner is the Japanese pianist Hiromi, and the sparks quietly fly and flare throughout. Corea has long been one of jazz’s most lyrical pianists, and his influence is obvious on the younger Hiromi. Her style, however, is a bit punchier, and more rhythmic--this makes for fine contrast between the two. On this double-disc live opus, the pair offset each other beautifully, engaging in give-and-take on originals (by each) and choice covers (the Beatles’ “Fool On The Hill”).  http://www.allmusic.com/album/duet-mw0000805866

Duet (CD1) And (CD2)

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Al Goodah - Let's Do It (In The Name Of Love) EP

Size: 69,7 MB
Time: 30:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Label: Maxanter Records
Art: Front

01. Heavenly (Diamonds Of Heaven) (3:00)
02. I Love You (4:45)
03. Keep Up The Fun (4:26)
04. Let's Do It (3:58)
05. Love Me Or Leave Me (4:22)
06. In Vain (4:17)
07. This Is How I Feel (5:17)

The new Album "Let's Do It" of jazz & world music vocalist Al Goodah, is definitely worth to buy. The album is a combination of original songs and jazz standards, produced and released under the supervision of Maxanter Records. The collaboration between the artist and Al Goodah and Maxanter records began in October 2011 and was soon translated into a musical endeavor, the making of a jazz album for a wider audience. For this, Marius Beets (double bass) and Rolf Delfos (saxophone) approached for making the arrangements. The result is impressive, beautiful arrangements were carried out very professionally and attractively by Marcel Serierse - drums, Martijn van Itersen - guitar, Cees Trappenburg - Trumpet, Peter Broekhuizen - tenor & baritone saxophone, Alexander Beets - saxophone solos, not to mention Marius Beets - contra bass and Rolf Delfos - alto & soprano saxophone. This combination of musicians and the warm voice of the very experienced singer Al Goodah, resulted in a high quality jazz album from Holland. The original songs were written and composed by Al Goodah itself. The release of the album took place on Sunday, May 13th at Rabobank Amersfoort Jazz Festival 2012. In the period from September / October this year Al Goodah officially start the promotional tour for the album "Let's Do It".

Let's Do It

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Lizzie Thomas - More Than You Know / Easy To Love

Album: More Than You Know
Size: 90,5 MB
Time: 39:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Label: Lizzie Thomas
Art: Front

01. All Or Nothing At All (4:56)
02. You Better Go Now (3:45)
03. Cry Me A River (6:05)
04. You Call It Madness (4:45)
05. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (3:43)
06. More Than You Know (4:21)
07. Sugar (3:21)
08. I'm A Fool To Want You (3:50)
09. Baby Baby All The Time (4:26)

Known for authentic phrasing and playful interpretation, Lizzie Thomas elegantly delivers the new American songbook standards on her debut release More Than You Know. Currently living in New York, she mesmerizes her audience with a repertoire and wardrobe, both deeply rooted in the 1920-1940’s.
Her delivery of a lyric is felt from the heart and her sweet sophistication will charm you into wanting more.

Lizzie shares,”Ella makes me smile, Billie keeps me honest and Nat keeps me grounded.”

More Than You Know

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Album: Easy To Love
Size: 123,1 MB
Time: 53:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Label: Lizzie Thomas
Art: Front

01. You Do Something To Me (4:30)
02. Close Your Eyes (5:38)
03. One Note Samba (4:27)
04. I've Got You Under My Skin (5:51)
05. I Only Have Eyes For You (4:38)
06. Easy To Love (6:48)
07. Just The Way You Look Tonight (4:28)
08. You Stepped Out Of A Dream (4:56)
09. Shadow Of Your Smile (7:19)
10. Our Love Is Here To Stay (4:27)

Lizzie's second album "Easy To Love" interlaces the sweet charm of a southern belle with the deep complexity of the New York experience. A masterful ensemble that includes Xavier Davis on piano, Ron Affif on guitar, and many other notables such as Frank Lacy on trombone. "Lizzie is one of those songstresses that you "get" immediately. She has that vocal nuance, unique stylistic approach and quite frankly a fantastic voice." Thomas flows on such classics as "One Note Samba" "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Our Love is Here To Stay."

It always seems that there has to be a story for us to recognize the talented, and here we have both. The story of Miss Thomas hailing from the Nashville music scene mixed with the depth of a New York Jazz experience. And what do you get from this downtown mixology? Musicians that are playing at the top of their game and Lizzie bringing them to a level that even amazes them.

About Lizzie Thomas:
Lizzie Thomas started studying classical piano at the age of 8, clarinet at 10, and at age 13 discovered her voice. She continued to perform in musicals and shows, which led her to study jazz vocals at Belmont University, in Nashville TN, with Sandra Dudley.

After she was graduated with a BA in vocal jazz performance, she experimented with indie alternative bands as a keyboardist and songwriter. But her passion remained in jazz. She moved to New York, the jazz capital of the world.

Her delivery of a lyric is felt from the heart and her sweet sophistication will charm you into wanting more.

"I can't imagine my music without Ella, Billie, Nat, and of course, Frank.

Easy To Love

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Allan Vache & Friends - Ballads, Burners & Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:17
Size: 167.8 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:36] 1. The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
[7:40] 2. It Could Happen To You
[5:31] 3. Some Of These Days
[6:44] 4. I'm Glad There Is You
[6:45] 5. The Yellow Dog Blues
[5:49] 6. Lazy Mood
[8:04] 7. Besame Mucho
[5:18] 8. It's All Right With Me
[5:49] 9. Prof's Blues
[4:08] 10. A Minor Majority
[6:22] 11. Danny Boy
[5:25] 12. Our Day Will Come

Allan Vaché has made his name as a clarinetist in the traditional New Orleans style, and if you look at the instrumentation here you'll probably expect more of the same: he leads a traditional front line consisting of clarinet, cornet (Ed Polcer), and trombone (the great Dan Barrett), and the program opens with a joyfully straight-ahead rendition of that Dixieland chestnut "The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me." But then things get a bit twisted: a piano-and-clarinet duet setting on "I'm Glad There Is You," a shuffling R&B arrangement of W.C. Handy's "Yellow Dog Blues," a stately rendition of "Besame Mucho," and even a sprightly swing version of the 1960s pop hit "Our Day Will Come." Vaché's playing is sweet and limpid throughout; his solos are never needlessly complicated, but they're also never simplistic. The sumptuous recording quality is also worth noting. Fans of traditional jazz aren't necessarily known for adventurousness, but they should make it a point to check this one out -- this wonderful album shows that it really is possible to respect tradition and break the rules at the same time. ~ Rick Anderson

Live Recording Recorded at Lone Pine Studios, Clearwater, Florida on April 28-29, 2003.

Allan Vache (vocals, clarinet); Ed Polcer (vocals, trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Vannessa Vache (clarinet); Mark Shane (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Ballads, Burners & Blues

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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

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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

Boogie In My Heart

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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

Going There

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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

Swings Cole Porter

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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   

A Song Of Love's Color

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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

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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).                

Tangence

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