Marty Ehrlich - A Trumpet in the Morning

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:05
Size: 172,5 MB
Art: Front

( 3:28)  1. Prelude: Agbekor Translations
(23:20)  2. A Trumpet in the Morning
(11:06)  3. Blues for Peace
(20:21)  4. Rundowns and Turnbacks
(14:01)  5. M Variations (Melody for Madeleine)
( 2:47)  6. Postlude: Agbekor Translations

"The scope of Marty Ehrlich's extraordinary output has now grown exponentially with this stunning recording of exceptional orchestral writing." ~The New York City Jazz Record

This is the most ambitious recording I have done to date as a composer. These compositions, written over a twenty-year period, receive wonderful performances from these A-list musicians, many of whom I have worked with for thirty years and more. Each piece approaches the jazz orchestra in different ways. The music on this recording presents the fullest range yet of my creative passions. ~   Marty Ehrlich

This is the first program devoted entirely to the orchestral music of Marty Ehrlich. It displays the characteristics that have marked his success as an instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader: strong melodic invention and a keen ear for instrumental color, creative curiosity embracing disciplines beyond music, extreme sensitivity to those with whom he collaborates, formal inventiveness that enhances rather than obscures expressive intent, and an unblinking yet ultimately affirmative insistence on connecting his music with realities both historic and contemporary.

While Ehrlich had written earlier pieces for larger ensembles including the New York Composers Orchestra, his most ambitious documented opus prior to the present collection was The Long View (2000). The various movements of that work were scored for between two and fourteen musicians. Here, in contrast, the canvas remains large, though again it is mutable. Most of the 24 musicians involved have extensive histories with Ehrlich, who emphasizes that such personnel choices as the use of two rhythm sections were made "to enlist their individual approaches in giving the recording an even wider palette." He also says that the recording realizes "an inner compulsion to reveal the relationships among the pieces, the majority of which were written in the past decade and are long-form and multi-sectional. They share an intention, and are really my own music." 

~ Editorial Reviews  (Amazon.com)

A Trumpet in the Morning

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Bobby Forrester - Organic Chemistry (With Bubba Brooks, William Ash, Tootsie Bean)

Size: 157,9 MB
Time: 68:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Hammond B3 Jazz
Art: Front

01. Centerpiece (10:36)
02. Undecided (10:25)
03. Blue And Sentimental ( 7:46)
04. Smooth Sailing ( 9:59)
05. (Back Home Again In) Indiana ( 9:56)
06. Mood Indigo ( 9:12)
07. Out Of Nowhere (10:28)

Bobby Forrester was just out of his teens when R&B legend Ruth Brown discovered him playing Hammond organ in a Harlem nightclub and hired him to lead her band -- he remained with her for over 25 years. In 2001, the Hammond was making a comeback in N.Y.C. and Forrester was at the forefront of the scene. He hosted a regular Sunday gig at the world famous Smalls nightclub, and this CD was recorded on a particularly heated night at the club. On tenor sax was the great Bubba Brooks, who had spent many years in Bill "Honky Tonk" Doggett's band. The music swung hard, the ballads seethed with tenderness. Liner notes by multi-Grammy award winner Phil Schaap. Produced by ex-Mink DeVille guitarist and W.C. Handy-nominated producer Louis X. Erlanger.

Organic Chemistry

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Keli Vale - Whose Life Is This

Size: 108,0 MB
Time: 46:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (2:52)
02. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me (3:51)
03. Jordu (Life Is A Groove) (5:03)
04. The Day After (4:16)
05. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl (3:03)
06. Twisted (2:38)
07. In A Mellow Tone (3:43)
08. Pov Waltz (2:50)
09. Jazzman (4:10)
10. Don't Look At Me That Way (2:10)
11. Lush Life (3:49)
12. Whose Life Is This (6:11)
13. Pure Imagination (1:40)

This record is an organic representation of true jazz talent. No bells and whistles or tips and tricks - just real musicianship, heart, and feel. If you're a jazz/blues lover, you'll not be disappointed!

"An eclectic mix of soulful, heart-touching, lively tunes both old and new spanning genres & generations, sung by an inspirational, world-class talent ... Traces of Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and Maire Brennan can be a heard in this artist's vocal offerings."

"Keli's voice is soothing and reassuring with a bit o' playfulness mixed in."

“Keli is an extraordinary vocalist with a simply stunning voice! You will be overwhelmed by the power and softness of her voice; soothing classic sounds & warm jazz that will make an evening special!”
The Blue Horse

“Keli is making her presence known. Her vocal style has a distinct soulful feel, more than a rock edge, which makes her ideal for Sunday jazz brunch [yet] she can still deliver a hard-hitting Janis Joplin.”
Cristy Earnshaw - Spark Magazine / "Under the Covers"

Whose Life Is This

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Firm Roots - Firm Roots (Live)

Released: 2012
Size: 157,0 MB
Time: 68:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Funky Jazz Organ Trio
Art: Big Front

1. Walking With A New Step (Live) [10:57]
2. Simone (Live) [ 6:58]
3. Cold Duck Time (Live) [ 8:33]
4. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (Live) [ 5:57]
5. Quiet Thoroughfare (Live) [ 5:53]
6. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Live) [11:01]
7. I Thought About You (Live) [ 6:09]
8. Valdez In The Country (Live) [ 6:07]
9. Can't Hide Love (Live) [ 6:46]

For their self titled live release, Firm Roots invites the listener to become a member of the audience and experience a “Live” set performed at the historic Blues Alley, in Washington D.C. The difference in doing a live recording than a studio release is that you are trying capture a moment as opposed to creating one. With “Firm Roots (Live),” the trio does not disappoint. Every song on this album shows a mastery of groove, solo development, and attention to arrangement. You can feel the raw intensity in these extended songs executed to perfection.
Porecki’s original song “Walking With a New Step,” eases the listener in with a New Orleans style second line drum beat, that sets the course for the night. Porecki shows right out of the gate, why he is known for his deep, strong groove; as he pads, stabs, and drops the pedal on the organ. Collins enters on the tenor saxophone with a combination of old school swing, and squared off even eighth notes; that are highlighted by scoops, key slaps, overtones, bebop runs, and squealing altissimo. Prince finishes out the solos with a masterful display of polyrhythms, while still keeping the second-line drum groove. You can hear the approval of the audience in the background.
With the Frank Foster standard “Simone,” the trio changes gears to an uptempo jazz waltz to show off some bebop chops. This track sounds like Joey DeFrancesco, meets Stanley Turrentine, meets Jack DeJohnette.
For “Cold Duck Time,” the trio lays down some deep pocket syncopated funk. Collins approaches the melody with strong articulation, reed pops, and overtones; Porecki puts on a master class of solo development, filled with tension and release; and Prince unloads a dump truck full of chops to close out the solos.
“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” is served up with a full coating of chicken grease. Porecki slowly winds the tune up on the funky clav with accented pitch bends. The band comes in with a groove that lands on beat two and the upbeat of four. The 11:01 extended version of this tune allows all three members of Firm Roots to dive deep into this Joe Zawinul classic.The trio slows things down a bit with the old jazz standard “I Thought About You.” On this tune, Brad Collins delivers a soulful vocal rendition, filled with dynamics, emotion, and space; as Porecki lays down a foundation of full organ pads.
“Firm Roots (Live)” manages to capture the intensity and spontaneity of a live show, while still maintaining the control and attention to detail that is needed for a CD release. If you like funky jazz performed by a top notch organ trio, then you will want to add “Firm Roots (Live)” to the top of your play list.(~~Scott Paddock)

Line-Up:
Brad Collins (tenor saxophone & vocals)
Benjie Porecki (keyboards & organ)
Mark Prince (drums)

Firm Roots: Live

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Lenny Breau & Brad Terry - The Complete Living Room Tapes (2-disc set)

Originally released as "The Living Room Tapes - Volume 1" & "The Living Room Tapes - Volume 2", this two CD set brings together, for the first time, both volumes of "The Living Room Tapes" in one package, in addition to over 30 minutes of previously unreleased material. All tracks have been digitally re-mastered. The total playing time of both CD's combined is almost two and a half hours long.

This two CD set contains 23 songs including 4 previously unreleased bonus tracks. The music contained on this two disc set is some of the best Lenny Breau ever recorded. This is a rare opportunity to hear Lenny play music by Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and many well known Jazz Standards. Lenny also performs many solo pieces in addition to the duo material with clarinetist Brad Terry. Two of the bonus tracks reveal the humorous side of Lenny's personality and are sure to put a smile on your face. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Recorded in 1978.

Lenny Breau (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Brad Terry (whistling, clarinet).

Album: The Complete Living Room Tapes (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 70:34
Size: 161.5 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2003

[9:03] 1. Blues For Carole
[7:42] 2. How High The Moon
[5:04] 3. You Needed Me
[3:19] 4. The Claw
[7:46] 5. Secret Love
[6:21] 6. Sweet Georgia Brown
[5:31] 7. My Foolish Heart
[5:07] 8. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[3:51] 9. Send In The Clowns
[2:32] 10. Nine Pound Hammer
[1:28] 11. Cannonball Rag
[5:12] 12. Flamenco
[7:32] 13. It Could Happen To You

The Complete Living Room Tapes (Disc 1)

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Album: The Complete Living Room Tapes (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 72:12
Size: 165.3 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[ 6:07] 1. Visions
[ 5:40] 2. Remembering The Rain
[ 7:25] 3. Autumn Leaves
[ 6:06] 4. Indiana
[ 7:11] 5. Stella By Starlight
[ 8:14] 6. Emily
[ 8:53] 7. My Funny Valentine
[17:58] 8. Autumn Leaves (Previously Unreleased)
[ 1:28] 9. Johnny Cash Sings Jazz
[ 3:07] 10. Lenny's Radio

The Complete Living Room Tapes (Disc 2)

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Eurythmics - Ultimate Collection

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 79:02
Size: 180.9 MB
Styles: Rock
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. I've Got A Life
[3:42] 2. Love Is A Stranger
[3:35] 3. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
[3:44] 4. Who's That Girl
[3:48] 5. Right By Your Side
[4:49] 6. Here Comes The Rain Again
[4:24] 7. Would I Lie To You
[4:40] 8. There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
[4:53] 9. Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
[3:44] 10. It's Alright (Baby's Coming Back)
[4:13] 11. When Tomorrow Comes
[4:12] 12. Thorn In My Side
[4:34] 13. The Miracle Of Love
[3:46] 14. Missionary Man
[3:51] 15. You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart
[4:22] 16. I Need A Man
[4:25] 17. I Saved The World Today
[4:19] 18. 17 Again
[3:48] 19. Was It Just Another Love Affair

Besting 1991's GREATEST HITS with a longer track list and the inclusion of two new recordings, the Eurythmics' ULTIMATE COLLECTION is a definitive exhibition of the band's best songs. The Eurythmics were always a singles band, and a set such as this--with indelible hypnotic/robotic grooves like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) alongside the synth-pop melancholia of "Here Comes the Rain Again" and raucous neo-soul like "Would I Lie to You?"--helps one appreciate how much great work the duo produced. By the late '80s and into the '90s, the Eurythmics sound favored sweeping balladry and smooth, loungy productions (the closer of the set, "Was It Just Another Love Affair?," is a case in point). There is a fair sampling of that material, but ULTIMATE sticks primarily to the band's mid-'80s peak, showcasing their finest songs, the superb producing and arranging of Dave Stewart, and the exceptional vocals of Annie Lennox.

Ultimate Collection

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Fay Claassen & WDR Big Band - Sing!

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:11
Size: 149,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:31)  1. Tight
(5:45)  2. Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby
(6:37)  3. Throw It Away
(5:35)  4. A Felicidade
(4:32)  5. You Turn Me On
(3:13)  6. Cover Me
(5:27)  7. Be Cool
(4:27)  8. Umhome
(6:04)  9. A Good Man Is Hard to Find
(5:25) 10. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
(6:49) 11. Tea for Two
(6:41) 12. Everything Must Change

The sixth CD for Dutch jazz vocalist Fay Claassen teams her with vaunted arranger Michael Abene and the vaunted WDR Big Band-Cologne. They do a collection of standards, covers of pop tunes, Brazilian music, straight-ahead jazz, and ballads. What is remarkable for this team is the way Abene's charts work in consistent counterpoint with Claassen's lyrics, as if they are deep in close-up conversation. But even more than the give and take of vocalist vis-à-vis the instrumental component, Claassen's singing is outstanding in subtle, less demonstrative ways. 

When she interprets Betty Carter's famous tune "Tight" with a slight Billie Holiday tinge or a light bossa take of Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away," she changes the music while making it her own, sans excess. It's that distinction with a difference but not over the top that brands Claassen a class act. She's also stretching beyond just covering jazz standards, interpreting songs by such diverse writers as Louis Jordan, Miriam Makeba, Joni Mitchell, and Björk. Perhaps still obscure worldwide, Fay Claassen remains one of the very best singers in Europe, influenced by music on American shores. ~ Michael G.Nastos   http://www.allmusic.com/album/sing!-mw0002028526

Sing!

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Barbara Dennerlein - Take Off

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:42
Size: 157,3 MB
Art: Front

( 4:28)  1. Victory Blues
(10:05)  2. Take Off
( 6:29)  3. Fast Food
(10:04)  4. Fata Morgana
( 5:45)  5. Hot House
( 8:17)  6. Purple
( 4:01)  7. Fly Away
( 3:54)  8. Bo Peep
( 9:06)  9. Green Paradise
( 6:29) 10. Give It Up

German organist Barbara Dennerlein gained a lot of attention when she signed with Verve in the mid-'90s. This set shows that her sound is very different from the usual dominant influence on her instrument, Jimmy Smith. Much of the music is quite funky, with Dennerlein demonstrating that she can riff as passionately as anyone and come up with continually fresh ideas over fairly simple structures. There is more variety than expected on the program, including a straightforward version of the bebop standard "Hot House" and some moody ballads. Dennerlein is joined by a particularly strong supporting cast that includes trumpeter Roy Hargrove, trombonist Ray Anderson, Mike Sim on saxes, and guitarist Mitch Watkins. This is an excellent effort that is easily recommended to jazz/funk collectors. ~Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/take-off!-mw0000179647

Take Off

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Bob Brookmeyer & Ted Rosenthal - One Night in Vermont

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:55
Size: 145,2 MB
Art: Front

(10:40)  1. Night and Day
( 8:35)  2. Embraceable You
( 7:49)  3. Yesterdays
( 9:37)  4. Darn That Dream
( 8:35)  5. How Deep Is the Ocean
( 8:07)  6. What's New
( 9:29)  7. All the Things You Are

Two people. That’s all you need to create a stunning album complete with all of jazz’s beloved nuances, all the explosive vitality of a live performance and all those stirring moments that remind you why you need it in your life. One Night In Vermont, pianist Ted Rosenthal and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer’s new live album, contains all of these, but it also captures a historic evening the first time the pair played together as a duo. August 28th, 2001 at Wilmington, Vermont’s Memorial Hall Center for the Arts must have been a very special evening for all in attendance, for each of the seven standards on this disc buzz with brilliant beauty. Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin... they’re all here. Rosenthal and Brookmeyer, distinguished composers and arrangers themselves, take classic melodies from these revered songwriters, and enliven them with glistening contrapuntal streams, gracious improvisations, and playful duels. They bring a strong orchestral wisdom to the duo setting, expanding their capacity for expression and utilizing the absence of a rhythm section to their advantage. 

The pairing of trombone and piano provides for a tasteful contrast. In “Night And Day,” the two complement each other with opposing textures. Brookmeyer’s trombone takes on a rough tone as Rosenthal’s piano shimmers. During “Embraceable You,” Rosenthal comps tactfully over Brookmeyer’s solo, emphasizing each phrase with sharp, conspiratorial chords. Rosenthal’s own solo is ferociously rousing the kind that provokes a heightened pulse, and quickened breath. During his “Yesterdays” solo, it’s pure pleasure when Rosenthal loosens his grip and tumbles into the warbling melody that is so essentially of the Fred and Ginger era. Rosenthal and Brookmeyer play emphatically together. As one slows down, enraptured in the moment, the other takes the lead, propelling the team forward, but of course not stealing the spotlight. Both toy with rhythms like expert clowns juggling a collection of objects of varying shape and weight. Inciting nostalgia as with “Darn That Dream,” or compassion with “All The Things You Are,” this music simultaneously relaxes and invigorates. Listen and soak in the tub. Listen and button your cuff links for a swinging night out. Either way, listen. ~ Celeste Sunderland   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=13739#.UovGtuJc_vs

Personnel: Ted Rosenthal (piano), Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone)

One Night in Vermont

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Kevin Dozier - Love-Wise

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:11
Size: 103,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:10)  1. People Will Say We're In Love
(2:24)  2. Beyond Compare
(3:00)  3. Love-Wise
(4:06)  4. On A Slow Boat To China
(3:07)  5. Soon It's Gonna Rain
(3:04)  6. Love Changes Everything
(3:29)  7. What's At The End Of The Rainbow
(3:43)  8. On My Way To You
(4:25)  9. Call Me Irresponsible
(3:45) 10. Remember / Always
(3:56) 11. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(3:56) 12. Over The Rainbow
(2:59) 13. Beforre We Say Goodbye

"One of the top 10 Vocal Albums of 2009!"~ Broadway.com

"Top 50 Albums of the Year!"~ WHLI Radio

Kevin Dozier's "Love-Wise" is a lovely, lovely, love-filled listen. Projecting a gentle soul, even a butterfly-fragile one, and with a rhapsodically romantic spirit, his voice is an exceptionally pretty one, and very musical...Kevin projects thoughtful intelligence as he and Marlowe set and sustain a mood, knowing the value of a pause. This album is worth the pause in any day to relish the honeyed and wise Love-Wise." ~ Rob Lester, Talkin' Broadway   http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevindozier

Love-Wise

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Robert Walter & His Bumpin Beats - In A Holiday Groove

Size: 76,8 MB
Time: 33:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Acid Jazz
Art: Front

01. Santa Baby (3:26)
02. Silver Bells (3:44)
03. Winter Wonderland (3:47)
04. Jingle Bells (2:43)
05. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (3:52)
06. The Christmas Song (2:32)
07. The Dreidel Song (2:02)
08. Jingle Bell Rock (2:54)
09. Little Drummer Boy (4:36)
10. Silent Night (3:35)

Tis the season - and we've spiked your eggnog with a handful of vintage Hammond organ, some crunchy beats, and a spicy dash of our secret stash. Keyboard wizard Robert Walter is your saucy chef, and he's stirring up a family affair with multidenominational flair! So pour yourself an extra-generous portion, put on your dancing shoes, and do the camel walk into the new year! Combine one of our generation's grooviest keyboard players with the Fog City taste for strong grooves and round sounds, and you've got Robert Walter and His Bumpin' Beats. A little nostalgia, a touch of slapstick, and a whole lotta soul...a few cocktails later, and it's a holiday groove!

In A Holiday Groove

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Kate Targan - From The Light

Size: 87,3 MB
Time: 37:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Pop
Art: Front

01. La Despedida (3:16)
02. Almeria's Wind (4:07)
03. From The Light (3:56)
04. The Plane Song (3:32)
05. Nos (Feat. Xoan Curiel) (3:44)
06. Lonely (4:34)
07. Bilbao (4:20)
08. My Time (2:55)
09. Roberta Blue (4:09)
10. Paving The Way (2:49)

Every song on Kate Targan’s debut album, From the Light, is eminently listenable. Effortlessly striding across diverse styles and produced in a way that feels simultaneously meticulous and authentic, there isn’t an awkward or unbalanced song here. Yet for all that, it challenges audiences in ways that most music this accessible won’t. It is gentle enough to put on in the background, but it asks to be listened to. Its songs stand on their own, but they want to be heard as a whole album, a whole journey.

The album starts with the track "La Despedida", a wistful bluegrass departure reminiscent of Alison Krauss. With a voice combining a vulnerable airiness and fray with a studied jazz suppleness, Targan sings a goodbye to someone she still loves. Gentle guitar fingerpicking, sweet and simple piano lines and tasteful touches of steel guitar accompany the singer through a bittersweet parting. By the second track, however, she will be on the other side of the world, in the Spanish bossa nova number "Almeria’s Wind".

The thing holding the two tracks together is Targan’s voice. Somehow, her style can find a home anywhere, whether in a country reverie like "La Despedida" or a nocturnal, jazz romance like "Almeria’s Wind". Otherwise, the tracks are different enough to sound like they could be from two different albums the first time you hear them. The steel guitar is traded for a horn, the rhythmic fingerpicking for expressive chords, and the night mystery, filled out with the subtle sizzle of cymbals and the moody echo of vibraphone. Even the perspective has shifted, with the singer now the one holding on to a lover who must part.

The first switch between styles is a bit surprising on first listen, but becomes eminently gratifying as the logic of the album unfolds. Throughout From the Light, Targan switches back and forth between styles, traveling with the listener through the sunny days and luminous nights of a journey. Songs like "Nós" and "Bilbao" develop a moody jazz seduction, alternating with the warm, nostalgic sunlight of country tunes like "La Despedida" and "My Time".

The title track anchors the themes of the album. It begins with the words: “Take a walk with me through the moss-grown trees, where the dew-kissed trees cover sight. There, you’ll start to see morning’s golden beams shine down your reflection from the light.” This trip is not just about adventure and romance, but about healing. Alternating between leaving and returning, between longing and passion, the singer seeks to lead you to a place of wholeness, a mystical moment where the things you seek in the world find their double within you.

The penultimate track, "Roberta Blue", brings things full circle. With the lines: “Oh Roberta Blue, I wanna sing with you, you had a voice and a dream, and no one knew, and now you’ve got lifetimes of dreams to pursue,” Targan seems to be sending an absent loved one on her own journey, as the singer’s own travels draw to a close. A slow, aching ballad with gospel-inflected vocals underscored by flourishes of organ, the song feels like a religious tune, celebrating her friend’s strength and goodness, and rejoining in the journeys we all make through life.

The last song, "Paving the Way" is a gentle lullaby of return. With a piano line sounding sometimes like a music box and, other times, rolling like the strings of an orchestral harp, Targan celebrates a tender return to a loved one. “Let’s blink our lashes like butterflies, and even though I’m shy, I won’t go away,” she sings, turning down the lights in a homecoming with the same necessity, the same tenderness as the departure.

There are many levels on which to enjoy this album. You can listen to individual songs and enjoy them as well-crafted tunes. You can play the album through and passively move through the shifting styles and perspectives in a pleasant idyll. But if you really listen to it, you might get something deeper out of it: a celebration of the partings and reunions, the romances and reconciliations we all make, and a joy in the way we can take all these things with us through life. ~Review by David Lessem

From The Light

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Hot Club Sandwich - Enjoy Yourself Or Get Out

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 38:50
Size: 88.9 MB
Styles: Gypsy swing
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:33] 1. New Friends
[2:23] 2. Sittin' Rockin' On Sunday
[3:10] 3. Enjoy Yourselfor Get Out
[3:11] 4. That's What I Thought You Said
[2:37] 5. Morning Train
[4:22] 6. Can't Stand The Heat
[2:48] 7. Wake Up Baby
[3:23] 8. Feet Back On The Ground
[4:29] 9. Middle Class White Boy Blues
[2:16] 10. Laid Back Lizzie
[3:37] 11. Livin' It Up
[2:55] 12. Marcelo

While the name of the combo and the bio both suggest jazz standards of the 30s and 40s a la Django Reinhardt, this recording bears little resemblance to any of its Paris (almost) namesake. There is the Grappelli-like violin style of Nik Brown and some lovely jazz guitar from Andrew London, but Terry Crayford's piano and smooth vocals along with the wit and vocal edge of London's songs take this album into a very different terrain. In fact Andrew London's Middle Class White Boy Blues sort of sums it up. It's great! Polished performances all round, plenty of variety and a sense that they're not taking it all too seriously. Yes, it's jazz but not for the purists, it's way too accessible!

Enjoy Yourself Or Get Out

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Willie 'The Lion' Smith & His Cubs - S/T

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 68:49
Size: 157.6 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[3:00] 1. There's Gonna Be The Devil To Pay
[2:34] 2. Streamline Gal
[2:48] 3. What Can I Do With A Foolish Little Girl Like You
[2:47] 4. What Can I Do With A Foolish Little Girl Like You (Diff Take)
[2:40] 5. Harlem Joys
[2:41] 6. Echo Of Spring (Diff Take)
[2:39] 7. Echo Of Spring (Diff Unissued Take)
[2:53] 8. Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me)
[2:53] 9. Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me) (Diff Unissued Take)
[2:51] 10. Swing, Brother, Swing
[2:51] 11. Swing, Brother, Swing (Diff Unissued Take)
[2:31] 12. Sittin' At The Table (Opposie You) (Diff Unissued Take)
[2:58] 13. The Swampland (Is Calling Me)
[2:55] 14. More Than That
[3:08] 15. I'm All Out Of Breath
[3:08] 16. I Can See You All Over The Place
[2:50] 17. Get Acquainted With Yourself
[2:30] 18. Knock Wood
[2:52] 19. Peace Brother Peace
[3:22] 20. The Old Stamping Ground
[3:23] 21. Blues, Why Don't You Leave Me Alone
[2:37] 22. I've Got To Think It Over
[3:02] 23. Achin' Hearted Blues
[2:44] 24. Honeymoonin' On A Dime

Willie "The Lion" Smith, Luckey Roberts, and James P. Johnson were Fats Waller's mentors and musical role models. While Roberts made far too few recordings in general and Johnson didn't lead full-blown studio swing sessions until the late 1930s, Waller & His Rhythm practically defined the genre of small group swing beginning in 1934. Willie "The Lion" Smith made his first recordings as a leader during the years 1935-1937 with a little group identified on the Decca label as His Cubs. The approach was somewhat similar to Waller's, and the Cubs do handle a Waller cover in the form of "There's Gonna Be the Devil to Pay," as well as a Waller original, "I Can See You all Over the Place," better known as "Squeeze Me." The Lion's uplifting "Echoes of Spring" appears in two alternate versions. All of his master takes have been reissued in chronological sequence by the Classics label, and crop up haphazardly on various other samplers. Timeless provides an uncommonly close look at one of the great, underestimated small swing bands of the '30s, represented here in three distinct lineups. A unit drawn from the Clarence Williams orchestra includes cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Cecil Scott, and washboard handler Willie Williams, with vocals by Clarence Williams himself. The next edition of the Lion's Cubs included bassist John Kirby and several players who would later perform in his famous sextet. These were trumpeter Frankie Newton, clarinetist Buster Bailey, alto saxophonist Pete Brown, and drummer O'Neil Spencer, who frequently doubled as a vocalist. An additional trumpeter in this particular group was King Oliver's nephew Dave Nelson. The third "Cubs" lineup in this set featured musicians whose names are not quite so familiar even to most followers of swing from this time period. Tenor saxophonist Robert Carroll worked in the orchestras of Benny Carter, Don Redman, and Teddy Hill. Guitarist Jimmy McLin mainly recorded with Billie Holiday and Teddy Hill. Altogether, this is an excellent collection of vintage small group swing. Its catchiest selections include "Get Acquainted with Yourself," "Knock Wood," and "Honeymoonin' on a Dime." For enduring examples of the Lion's music interpreted by other swing bands, seek out Sidney Bechet's recording of "You're the Limit" and the Teddy Hill Orchestra's attractive adaptation of "Passionette," which features pianist Sam Allen. ~ arwulf arwulf

Recording information: New York, NY (04/23/1935-09/15/1937).

Willie "The Lion" Smith (vocals, piano); O'Neill Spencer (vocals, drums); Jimmy McLin (guitar); Cecil Scott (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Buster Bailey (clarinet); Pete Brown (alto saxophone); Robert Carroll (tenor saxophone); Frankie Newton, Dave Nelson (trumpet); Ed Allen (cornet); Eric Henry (drums); Willie Williams (washboard).

Willie 'The Lion' Smith & His Cubs

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Chris Connor - Sings Lullabys For Lovers

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 20:46
Size: 47.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Torch songs
Year: 1954/2013
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. Lush Life
[2:52] 2. Out Of This World
[2:33] 3. A Cottage For Sale
[2:30] 4. How Long Has This Been Going On?
[2:31] 5. Goodbye
[2:25] 6. Stella By Starlight
[2:17] 7. Gone With The Wind
[2:41] 8. He's Coming Home

Along with the 10" LP SINGS LULLABYS OF BIRDLAND, the similar format SINGS LULLABYS FOR LOVERS marked Chris Connors debut on Bethlehem Records in 1954. Recorded just a week apart in August of that year, LOVERS features completely different personnel than the Ellis Larkins-accompanised BIRDLAND. Here Connor is joined by bassist Vinnie Burke's quintet, which includes accordion and clarinet, and the session has an altogether more swinging, jauntier feel. Needless to say, Connor is in excellent voice at the start of her solo career as she tackles jazz standards like "Out Of This World," "Lush Life," and "Stella by Starlight." The accordion-clarinet combination adds a novel, reedy texture to the proceedings as well.~Richard Mortifoglio

Band: Joe Cinderella (guitar); Ron Odrich (flute, clarinet); Don Burns (accordion); Art Mardigan (drums).

Sings Lullabys For Lovers

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George St. Kitts - A Lot Of Livin' To Do

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:18
Size: 92.3 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[2:34] 1. A Lot Of Livin' To Do
[2:35] 2. Love Me Or Leave Me
[3:22] 3. Birth Of The Blues
[3:10] 4. That Old Black Magic
[2:54] 5. Too Close For Comfort
[4:57] 6. Mr. Bojangles
[3:13] 7. Out Of This World
[3:14] 8. If It's The Last Thing I Do
[2:51] 9. What Kind Of Fool Am I
[2:53] 10. Let There Be Love
[2:43] 11. Can't We Be Friends
[2:38] 12. Bye Bye Blackbird
[3:07] 13. The Lady Is A Tramp

Over the last 30 years, George St. Kitts dazzled audiences in Canada and around the world with his versatile mix of talents as an entertainer, singer, songwriter, actor, musical show producer and choreographer. Originally from the South American country of Guyana, St Kitts began singing and performing professionally soon after immigrating to Canada at age 15. His love of "the music he grew up with", Jazz Standards, Rhythm and Blues, Motown, Reggae, Calypso, Tower of Power and The Top 40 has led to an impressive background performing with the likes of GUIDO BASSO, RENA GAYLE and with a wide variety of bands such as ODYSSEY, The PROOF, REFLECTIONS, and NEW RHYTHM. Kitts started "The George St. Kitts Band" in the 80's. George headlined at well-known Toronto hotspots:The El Macambo, Bluenote, PWDs, & The Bamboo.

In 1989, St. Kitts recorded a single, "Ready 4 U". In 1992, under his own label GQ Records, In 1993 St. Kitts cut his first album called "SLAM" with its signature song 'All I Need."." All I Need" was nominated 'Best R & B Recording' at the Juno Awards. His second album "NEVER STOP" received a second Juno award nomination in 1996. In 2000, St. Kitts reputation as a diverse talent landed him an understudy role as Banzai the Hyena in the award winning hit musical THE LION KING and a three and half year run at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre. Kitts turned down the offer of their European tour to focus on his own dreams - to launch a full time business of his own creating show event productions.

During the past six years, George and his company St. Kitts Music Inc. has been entertaining & producing blockbuster entertainment shows such as The Sounds of Motown and The Motown Boyz, as well as customizing specialty productions for galas, corporate events, casinos, charity fundraisers, specialty parties, and weddings. ('Chicago Theme', Rat Pack Theme, Lion King Themes, South African Folk Songs, Hebrew Celebration Songs, Bocelli, Supper Club Crooning and whatever is a 'buzz' in the old and new sounds/songs) Diversity and huge repertoire are important factors to great entertainment. Kitts Music Inc. now has three more bands - MIDNITE STARR, THE SOUND MACHINE and THE SOUNDS OF MOTOWN with a repertoire of hundreds of the greatest in musical favorites. Meanwhile, George St Kitts's singular talents continues to be in demand for by theatrical and music productions, most recently playing Sammy Davis Jr. in the 2005 production THE RAT PACK at the Canon Theatre.

A Lot Of Livin' To Do

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Anita Wardell - The Road

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:26
Size: 122,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:01)  1. Travels / The Road
(6:43)  2. You're My Thrill
(6:15)  3. Without a Song
(6:37)  4. With Every Breath I Take
(5:09)  5. Frevo Em Maceio
(6:15)  6. Surrey with the Fringe on Top
(5:55)  7. Superwoman
(6:03)  8. Mirrors
(5:25)  9. Você e Eu

Anita Wardell, the Australia-raised vocalist who appeared on the UK scene in the 1990s, makes albums that deploy familiar vocal-jazz methods and plenty of well-travelled standard songs, but also demonstrate a real care for her art. This set finds her accompanied by a sophisticated quintet led by her regular pianist Robin Aspland, on a repertoire mixing standards such as You're My Thrill and Without a Song with material by Pat Metheny, Bobby Hutcherson, Hermeto Pascoal and Stevie Wonder. Wardell's own lyrics are confidingly delivered over the country-song sway of Metheny's and Lyle Mays' Travels/The Road, and You're My Thrill stretches and swoops between an eerily distracted hover and straight jazz time. Pascoal's Frevo Em Maceio is a vehicle for Wardell's boppish agility, skipping flutelike over the mercurial melody, and she quietly caresses the meanings out of Stevie Wonder's Superwoman with an expertise that never betrays a hint of artifice. An unobtrusively classy vocal album. ~ John Fordham  http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/22/anita-wardell-the-road-review

The Road

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Vivian Male - Our Day Will Come

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:55
Size: 105,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:42)  1. For the Love of You
(3:51)  2. Our Day Will Come
(4:09)  3. When I'm Gone
(4:47)  4. Walk On By
(4:17)  5. I'm So Proud
(4:01)  6. We've Got It
(5:23)  7. The Look of Love
(4:37)  8. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
(5:00)  9. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
(4:03) 10. Lovin' You

Sometimes the most endearing quality of the music that we love is its sheer timelessness. In this respect one need look no further than the sumptuous new collection from vocalist Vivian Male that features some of the finest soul songs ever written. Replete with tunes that are as familiar as they are delightful ‘Our Day Will Come’ is an understated gem and a must for all lovers of romantic soul.

A native Bostonian, Vivian Male is a jazz and R & B vocalist, entrepreneur and president of Vivian Male Productions. She has produced and performed concerts for educational scholarships at Berklee College of Music where she is a member of the Board of Trustees. Vivian is also a founder member of the Museum of African American History’s Legacy Society and was recently inducted into Boston’s ‘Steppin Out’ Hall of Fame.‘Our Day Will Come’ is Vivian’s first solo CD and, with a selection of such memorable tracks sung by a vocalist at the very top of her game, highlights can only be a matter of personal preference. Nevertheless, from the opening ‘For The Love Of You’ to Male’s closing rendition of Minnie Riperton’s exquisite ‘Lovin’ You’, there is not a weak link to be found. Male steps only briefly outside of ‘soulsville’ for a smooth version of ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’ where her sensuous R & B tones takes the song to places Neil Sedaka never could and similarly her rendition of the Bacharach  David composition ‘Walk On By’ entirely checks all the right boxes. 

A terrific mid tempo vibe and an injection of sax from Bobby Tynes fit Smokey Robinson’s ‘When I’m Gone’ to perfection whilst the album’s only original tune is the tender but melodic ‘We’ve Got It’. Composed for Male by Jacqueline Rossi and Skip Smith it evokes music from that magical era of Philadelphia yet when Male turns to two songs with which the great Isaac Hayes enjoyed success the results are totally stunning. She injects ‘Our Day Will Come’ with a jazzily soulful swagger and her atmospheric take on ‘The Look Of Love’ is truly something to savour.

Male’s easy grooving rendition of the wonderful ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ finds her in a silky duet with the excellent Ray Greene and when the two of them combine for Curtis Mayfield’s ‘I’m So Proud’ they deliver what arguably is the albums best track. This spectacular cut came originally from the Impressions 1964 recording ‘Never Ending Impressions’ yet here Male and Greene make it sound brand new. http://smoothjazztherapy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/05/vivian-male-our-day-will-come.html

Our Day Will Come

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Nicki Leighton-Thomas - Forbidden Games

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:29
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:42)  1. Forbidden Games
(3:50)  2. Scars
(4:26)  3. Living In Overdrive
(2:10)  4. Music Reaches Places
(4:24)  5. Waiter The Check
(3:29)  6. Only Why No More
(4:05)  7. Every Now And Then
(2:44)  8. I'm Not Taking Any Chances
(4:08)  9. Tomorrow Never Came
(3:52) 10. In A New York Minute
(2:08) 11. Love's Eyes
(4:15) 12. Down
(4:11) 13. Nicki's Dilemma

'Forbidden Games' is Nicki's debut album and features many of the musicians she has appeared with on the London jazz scene. The album is a collection of songs written by Fran Landesman and Simon Wallace, who began writing together in 1994 and have been working with Nikki since 1996.  

http://www.candidrecords.com/product_info.php?products_id=114

Forbidden Games

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Eddie Henderson - A Tribute To Lee Morgan

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:06
Size: 135,3 MB
Art: Front + Back

( 6:30)  1. The Lion & The Wolff
( 4:46)  2. Sidewinder
( 6:55)  3. Ceora
( 5:16)  4. Speedball
( 8:23)  5. You Don't Know What Love Is
( 4:20)  6. Koko's Waltz
( 5:46)  7. Yama
( 5:08)  8. Ca-Lee-So
(11:59)  9. Search For The New Land

Unlike many of the other recent tribute albums, this program of the music of the late trumpeter Lee Morgan casts his compositions in familiar surroundings not all that different from the original recordings. Trumpeter Eddie Henderson, who was influenced by Morgan but found his own voice, is a good choice for the lead role and his muted outing on the one non-Morgan piece, "You Don't Know What Love Is," is a strong feature. Tenorman Joe Lovano, who can sound like Joe Henderson at times and hints at the passion of Coltrane on the date's most advanced piece "Search for the New Land," has a strong personality of his own and matches well with Eddie Henderson. 

The solid rhythm section (pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Higgins) is a major asset while Grover Washington, Jr., makes a pair of guest appearances on soprano and shows once again that he can play swinging soulful jazz; pity that he never seems to play tenor in this type of setting. The eight Lee Morgan songs heard on this recommended CD are interpreted in the same basic hard bop style that the trumpeter spent most of his career playing, an idiom that serves as the modern jazz mainstream of today. Highlights include "Sidewinder," "Ceora," "Speedball" (which has some heated tradeoffs by the horns) and the infectious "Ca-Lee-So." ~Scott Yanow  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-tribute-to-lee-morgan-mw0000173109

A Tribute To Lee Morgan

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