Sherri Roberts - Lovely Days (With Bliss Rodriguez)

Size: 142,6 MB
Time: 61:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. It's A Lovely Day Today - Isn't It A Lovely Day (5:50)
02. What'll I Do (4:35)
03. Nice And Easy (4:33)
04. Soon It's Gonna Rain (6:30)
05. Heart And Soul (3:53)
06. We Kiss In A Shadow - I Have Dreamed (5:55)
07. Our Love Rolls On (5:23)
08. I'm All Smiles (4:51)
09. Come Dance With Me (5:27)
10. Like A Lover (5:36)
11. Moon River (4:37)
12. Hit The Road To Dreamland (4:05)

Every recording by San Francisco vocalist Sherri Roberts features an intuitive mind-meld with a master instrumentalist and a smartly curated array of neglected songs. Lovely Days, her fourth recording as a leader, highlights both aspects of her artistry. Showcasing brilliant Bay Area pianist Bliss Rodriguez, it's an intimate celebration of the American Songbook's infrequently turned backpages.

Lovely Days

---

Randy Lyght - A Return To Romance

Size: 79,3 MB
Time: 33:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Best Is Yet To Come (2:32)
02. It Had To Be You (2:32)
03. I've Got You Under My Skin (3:45)
04. Witchcraft (2:50)
05. Nature Boy (4:16)
06. All In Fun (3:44)
07. Steppin' Out With My Baby (2:23)
08. The Best Man (2:43)
09. La Vie En Rose (3:24)
10. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (5:29)

Randy brings new life to a selection of best-loved romantic jazz music by Gershwin, Hammerstein, Porter, Kern and more. These legendary composers are no longer around but the music they wrote lives on. They would be pleased to know that some of their best known songs are being performed with care and style by the impressive rich and warm voice of Randy Lyght.

A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Randy Lyght has been a fixture in the Canadian music industry for decades.

During his career, Randy lead his own bands such as Mixed Breed and Black Lightning alongside other great bands featuring Rick Lazar and Paul Shaffer, and completed a multi-country tour with The World Renowned Platters in the mid-1970s. His talent and innate musicality was enriched under the direction of legendary performers such as Jackie Richardson, Tony Gaines, and Jason Mack.

Throughout the 1980's, Randy performed in numerous prestigious live venues under the representation of Paul Mascioli, owner of Prestige Entertainment Agency in Victoria, British Columbia. He also recorded a single cover of "Feel Like Making Love," produced by Hermann Fruhm at Mushroom Studios, and received radio airplay across the country.

Randy has also worked with producer Brian Griffiths at Little Mountain Sound, recording radio jingles for clients such as The Louisville Times, as well as a commissioned tribute song for the University of British Columbia.

Now based in Kitchener, Ontario, Randy continues to pursue his passion for music. Having recorded and released two albums throughout 2011 and 2012 ("Just In Time and "Happy Holiday", under the musical direction of award winning producer J. Richard Hutt).

A Return To Romance

---

Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 44:08
Size: 101.1 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. O Tannenbaum
[2:21] 2. What Child Is This
[3:08] 3. My Little Drum
[3:02] 4. Linus And Lucy
[6:02] 5. Christmas Time Is Here (Inst)
[2:42] 6. Christmas Time Is Here
[2:22] 7. Skating
[1:51] 8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
[3:24] 9. Christmas Is Coming
[1:02] 10. Für Elise
[3:14] 11. The Christmas Song
[5:25] 12. Greensleeves
[2:25] 13. Great Pumpkin Waltz
[1:58] 14. Thanksgiving Theme

Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz called on pianist extraordinaire Vince Guaraldi and his trio to compose and perform music that would reflect the humor, charm, and innocence of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang for their 1965 Christmas TV special. It was a perfect match: Guaraldi strings together elegant, enticing arrangements that reflect the spirit and mood of Schulz's work and introduce contemporary jazz to youngsters with grace, charm, and creativity. "What Child Is This" touches on cool jazz's richly textured percussive nuances, while "The Christmas Song" reflects Christmas' relaxing, mellow moments. The renowned "Linus and Lucy" gives the Peanuts characters a fresh, energetic feel with its tantalizing meter changes, brilliant percussion, and dashing, humorous piano lines. "Christmastime Is Here," perhaps the album's most endearing and eloquent moment, is six minutes of soft, lullaby-like melodic and percussive flavors. This collection of soul-soothing melodies would not be complete without the romantic gem "Skating," which blends musical references to falling snowflakes with the dashing feel of swing. Finally, the uplifting, emotionally stirring swing tune "Christmas Is Coming" really brings the listener into the joyous light of the Christmas spirit. Fred Marshall's alluring walking basslines and drummer Jerry Granelli's hauntingly beautiful brush work give most of the album a warm foundation, while Monty Budwig and Colin Bailey shine through with eminent dexterity on bass and drums on "Greensleeves." As for Guaraldi, his penetrating improvisational phrases paint pictures of the first winter snowfall, myriad glistening trees, and powdery white landscapes. With its blend of contemporary jazz and lyrical mannerisms, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season. ~Shawn M. Haney

A Charlie Brown Christmas

---

Deborah Winters - Live In Session

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 62:30
Size: 143.1 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Just Say Goodbye
[4:26] 2. Matters Of The Heart
[4:22] 3. Out Of The Blue
[5:08] 4. Always Comes Back To You
[5:36] 5. In A Sentimental Mood
[4:19] 6. Forever Loving You
[4:41] 7. Unfair
[5:08] 8. Who Am I
[6:17] 9. You Send Me
[2:49] 10. Lullabye Of Love
[4:54] 11. Venice
[9:36] 12. Fields Of Gold

Vocalist/guitarist Deborah Winters is a vibrant performer who combines the elegance and sophistication of her extensive Jazz background with total command of a wide variety of popular music styles. With an emotionally captivating vocal quality and exquisite songwriting skills, her music is both spellbinding and uplifting.

The new release of deborah winters "live in session" is her debut recording featuring original material. While it has been a labor of love to bring this recording to fruition, Deborah's audience will be rewarded with elegantly sculpted arrangements and heartfelt lyrics that express a full range of emotions and spaces… from heart-stopping romantic songs to pieces that bring the funk head-on. The vitality, versatility and dynamic range of her voice shine through in a way that is uniquely her own.

Supporting Deborah in this project is a team of world-class musicians, producers and engineers who contribute significantly to the impact of this momentous recording. Producing a live recording is an extraordinary challenge, but Deborah and her collaborators have successfully captured the unique intimacy and energy of a stellar performance.

Live In Session

---

Robert Mosci - Boardwalk And Brownstone

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:18
Size: 122.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[2:58] 1. Are You There (With Another Guy)
[4:47] 2. Kathleen
[3:53] 3. Unchain My Heart
[3:56] 4. New York City
[6:07] 5. The Circle Game
[3:14] 6. Smoke Smoke Smoke (That Cigarette)
[3:21] 7. For No One
[4:46] 8. A Day In The Life Of A Fool
[3:42] 9. Make My Way (Back To You)
[3:57] 10. The Girl From New York City
[3:39] 11. The Twelfth Of Never
[4:24] 12. I Wish You Love
[4:26] 13. Dear Prudence

New York City based singer/pianist Robert Mosci's 5th release on Zographia Records is called Boardwalk & Brownstone. It includes 11 songs, 3 new Mosci originals and 8 classic pop tunes. The CD features the smooth singing pianist at his vocal best, blending elements of pop, r&b, folk-rock, and jazz. Special guest AAA charting Ingrid Michaelson, and superb backing by an all-star group of NYC musicians (including Erik Lawrence - Levon Helm Band), round out the package.

The Mosci originals are complemented by a tasty array of tunes, including material by Bachrach & David, Ray Charles, Lennon & McCartney and Joni Mitchell. The performances are embellished throughout with fine solos by the varied accompanists.

Boardwalk And Brownstone

---

Dana Lauren - It's You Or No One

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:32
Size: 104,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:51)  1. That Old Black Magic
(4:49)  2. Isn't This a Lovely Day
(4:09)  3. There's a Small Hotel
(2:45)  4. Give Me The Simple Life
(5:11)  5. Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful
(4:46)  6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(4:44)  7. It's You Or No One
(4:31)  8. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
(4:36)  9. I Had The Craziest Dream
(4:05) 10. Mr. Paganni

At the age of 21, vocalist Dana Lauren has a command of her instrument that many professional singers twice her age would envy. Lauren has a voice that's one part Roberta Gambarini and one part Diana Krall, with a dash of soul thrown in to spice things up, and she puts it good use on this ten song program. Her debut album Stairway To The Stars (Dana Lauren, 2008) produced by and featuring trumpeter Arturo Sandoval covered oft-performed standards like "How High The Moon," "Devil May Care" and "Corcovado" but the follow-up digs a little deeper into the catalogs of Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers and the like. A few heavily covered favorites, like "That Old Black Magic" and "On The Sunny Side Of The Street," make an appearance but they're given facelifts that keep them from coming across as stale.

Pianist Manuel Valera arranged several tunes and, along with guitarist Will Graefe, provides wonderful harmonic support for Lauren's vocal endeavors. Tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm is in a sense Lauren's singing partner and his cheery, jubilant saxophone dances around her voice and/or solos on the majority of these songs. Valera's arrangement of "That Old Black Magic" moves from a half-time Latin feel to a double time swing feel. Frahm's solo is framed, for the most part, over the Latin feel and Valera moves well over the swing pulse. Lauren scats over the outro as drummer Jake Goldblas solos over Valera's vamping piano riff. Graefe gently delineates his arpeggiated guitar chords underneath Lauren's voice as "Isn't This A Lovely Day" gets underway. Her delivery of the lyrics sounds genuine as can be and she demonstrates rhythmic assurance and attaches just the right amount of ornamental attributes to her delivery. Sunny optimism carries over into "There's A Small Hotel" and Valera's chiming piano riff works perfectly here.

The centerpiece of the album is Lauren's arrangement for "On The Sunny Side Of The Street." This lighthearted pas de deux for bass and voice is sheer magic, with Lauren's voice moving over guest bassist Christian McBride. McBride has some bounce to his step and the pair begin as separate entities but wind up in a more comfortably interactive state by the end of the performance. A little more reverb seems to be present on the title track, as Valera provides some romantic supper-club piano behind Lauren's voice at the outset. When upbeat swing becomes the order of the day, the whole band is there to make all the hits and provide superb accompaniment. Bassist Luques Curtis steps out for a solo on "I Had The Craziest Dream," performed with a comfortable mid-tempo swing feel, and Lauren delivers another A+ performance here. The vocal maneuvers on It's You Or No One make it easy to see why Sandoval and McBride were so taken with the enchanting talents of Dana Lauren. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=36498#.Uq8KqbRc_vs

Personnel: Dana Lauren: vocals; Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone; Manuel Valera: piano; Will Graefe: guitar; Luques Curtis: bass (1-5, 7-10); Jake Goldblas: drums; Christian McBride (6).

It's You Or No One

---

Gene Ess (feat. Nicki Parrott) - A Thousand Summers

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:11
Size: 164,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:21)  1. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(6:18)  2. One Day I'll Fly Away
(8:21)  3. So in Love
(8:29)  4. The Old Country
(7:58)  5. Charade
(7:30)  6. East of the Sun
(7:29)  7. Looking Back (Reflections)
(7:40)  8. All or Nothing at All
(7:01)  9. Goodbye
(2:58) 10. I Will Wait for You

The album “A Thousand Summers” from guitarist Gene Ess is a collection of timeless beautiful songs from the jazz canon. Having concentrated on original compositions and instrumental music in his last 3 albums, this new album gives a peak into Gene’s roots of coming up with the jazz standards.

The music is arranged carefully in such a way as not to destroy the essence of the songs but still allow the musicianship of the ensemble to cut through. In another words, the musical integrity was not compromised in order to present popular jazz material. In order to accomplish this musical goal, bassist Thomson Kneeland was recruited to arrange half of the material to add another musical perspective to the presentation. If you listen carefully, it is uncanny how Gene and Thomson’s sense of music is very much on the same page and yet each brings a different shade of color to the music.

Much of the songs on this album are about love and the accompanying yearning, joy, and pain it can give to all of us. Music being a universal language is perfect to express the human feelings of love which is certainly understood by all humankind of every creed, race, and religion. Matter of fact, love transcends any artificial border that we may put amongst ourselves and is one of the true gifts of being human and makes life on earth perhaps even bearable. To love is to be human and the music on this album is full of musicians who truly love playing this music for the listening audience.

Nicki Parrott is the featured vocalist on this album. Nicki is a renowned vocalist and bassist and have worked in the late Les Paul’s trio here in NYC. The trio now continues as the “Tribute to Les Paul Trio” and plays ever Monday at the famed Iridium Jazz Club. Nicki brings her superior sense of melody and has a great ear for this music. Her singing is succinct, vulnerable, and understated yet undeniably beautiful and true. She’s the perfect messenger for the melody and lyrics for these arrangements of the songs and for Gene Ess.

The band led by Gene Ess includes Gene Jackson on drums, James Weidman on piano, and Thomson Kneeland on the bass. Gene Ess and Gene Jackson have worked together since 1995 and share a great camaraderie musically. Gene Jackson seems to know exactly where Gene Ess wants to go on the solos in an effortless manner. James Weidman contributes musical comping throughout and acts as the harmonic glue for the music. Thomson Kneeland keeps the music swinging throughout with his virtuosic bass playing and his solos are very deep. With a team of musicians of this high level and empathy, Gene Ess plays some of his most musical solos to date. All of his solos are very lyrical and adds positively to the music and gets into the organic aspect of the music.

Cindy McLeod of Jazz Review says "Gene Ess has firmly cemented his place as a major jazz artist of the new millennium. His post-bop work is delivered with adventurous spirit and intense ethos, offering a powerful, unique voice to the idiom. A guitarist of virtuosic proportions, Ess plays fluid chromatic lines that float and weave through the harmony. His performance is simply stated, yet reveals stunning technical fluency, the signature of all true greats. There's a delicious sense of tension/release with his performance riding over the rhythm section, Ess is a master of the art of creating dynamic interplay. Supple, sanguine, and superb are the three words that kept popping into my head as I listened, this recording knocked my socks off and will be in my CD player on a regular basis for many years to come." http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/geneess4

A Thousand Summers

---

Magnolia Jazzband - A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening

Styles: New Orleans Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:55
Size: 127,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:39)  1. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
(4:31)  2. Canal Street Blues
(4:10)  3. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
(4:26)  4. Float Me Down The River
(5:05)  5. Roses Of Picardy
(4:58)  6. Yellow Dog Blues
(4:19)  7. I'm Through With Love
(3:25)  8. C'est Magnifique
(3:19)  9. Without You For An Inspiration
(4:56) 10. I Love You
(4:11) 11. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered
(5:51) 12. Move The Body Over

The Magnolia Jazz Band has been one of the top New Orleans-style groups in Norway since its birth in 1972. The reason for the combo's success is obvious when listening to this CD, for the septet excels at a variety of tempos, grooves, and idioms within the New Orleans style. The opening "When My Dreamboat Comes Home" sounds like a New Orleans marching band, while some of the other songs swing more conventionally. Among the high points are "Roses of Picardy," "C'est Magnifique," "I Love You," and "Move the Body Over." The excellent musicianship, strong solos, and particularly the joyous group spirit make this a trad band well worth hearing. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-lovely-way-to-spend-an-evening-mw0000222851

This highly respected Norwegian jazz band presents a new studio session, playing their authentic New Orleans-style jazz. Here they play songs by Cole Porter ("I Love You"), W.C. Handy ("Yellow Dog Blues"), Rogers & Hart ("Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered Features New Orleans style jazz by this Norwegian artist.

Personnel: Arild Holm (banjo); Georg Reiss (clarinet, saxophone); Anders Bjornstad (trumpet); Gunnar Gotaas (trombone); Hakon Gjesvik (piano); Torstein Ellingsen (drums).

Recording information: Quilles Recording Studio (05/28/2001-05/30/2001).

A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening

---

Jenny MacDonald - Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman

Size: 136,0 MB
Time: 58:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Blues Vocals, Jazzy Blues, Folk-Blues, Retro
Art: Front

01. Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman (4:09)
02. Dancing With Me (4:33)
03. A Hundred Reasons (3:36)
04. Dreaming Of Something Beautiful (4:06)
05. Speechless (4:00)
06. Wishin' (3:51)
07. (Send Me) My Love (2:59)
08. City Life (4:25)
09. Song For Alicia (4:43)
10. Harder To Breathe (3:17)
11. Peace & Quiet (3:53)
12. So Carelessly (3:23)
13. Beautiful Things (3:28)
14. Antique Shop (4:28)
15. Long Lost Love (3:36)

Jenny MacDonald from Nova Scotia, is making her mark as a charismatic, audacious and prolific songwriter and performer-skilled beyond her years. To date she has performed alongside high-profile musicians such as Gordie Sampson, Steve MacDougall, The Hupman Brothers, Ian Sherwood and Carleton Stone. She released her new album entitled, Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman in 2011 to rave reviews and all songs were written by Jenny.

Jenny was nominated for 2 Nova Scotia music awards, including 2011 Blues Album of the Year and 2011 Digital artist of the year for her sophomore release entitled, Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman. The CD is a mixture of blues and 20's-inspired swing as well as rock and roots, all grouped into one album.

Musicians who provided the music on Jenny's CD were: Greg Melchin, Brendan Melchin, Ryan Hupman, Caleb Miles, Scott Hupman, Rob Crowell, Ian Sherwood, Ariana Nasr and Matt Myer.

MacDonald delivers a whole-hearted performance wherever she performs and drives her way through the blues, stomping her way through dirty rock songs and swings through the jazz tunes or resting peacefully in a touching love song.

A great listening CD says Atlantic Seabreeze, and gives this album high ratings on its rating list.

Bye, Bye, Mr. Bluesman

---

Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:32
Size: 118.0 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 1960/2002
Art: Front

[2:22] 1. Jingle Bells
[2:17] 2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
[2:55] 3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
[3:31] 4. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
[2:55] 5. Sleigh Ride
[2:59] 6. The Christmas Song
[3:14] 7. Good Morning Blues
[2:42] 8. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
[2:15] 9. Winter Wonderland
[2:51] 10. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
[2:11] 11. Frosty The Snowman
[3:00] 12. White Christmas
[2:45] 13. The Secret Of Christmas
[3:34] 14. Medley We Three Kings Of Orient Are O Little Town Of Bethlehem
[2:17] 15. Christmas Island
[3:40] 16. The Christmas Song
[3:44] 17. White Christmas
[2:11] 18. Frosty The Snowman

It'd be hard to imagine a happier wish than the one this jazz vocal legend offers her listeners on this urbane-yet-homey collection of holiday favorites. The First Lady of Song recorded these tunes in 1960, at the peak of her interpretive powers. As such, she puts her singular stamp on everything from a sultry vamp like "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" to the sweet and cozy "The Christmas Song." Even potentially shopworn standards like "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" sound fresher when they're coming from Ella Fitzgerald. ~David Sprague

Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas

---

John McLaughlin - Belo Horizonte

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:03
Size: 84.8 MB
Styles: Fusion, Guitar jazz
Year: 1981/2013
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. Belo Horizonte
[5:54] 2. La Baleine
[1:09] 3. Very Early (Homage to Bill Evans)
[6:23] 4. One Melody
[5:58] 5. Stardust On Your Sleeve
[3:23] 6. Waltz For Katia
[5:41] 7. Zimfir
[4:09] 8. Manitas D'Oro

Recorded in 1981, this is a diverse and somewhat obscure John McLaughlin outing recorded in France, mostly with French musicians. Classical pianist Katia Labèque makes appearances on acoustic piano and synthesizer; there is a thoughtful version of "Very Early" recorded in tribute to Bill Evans, and a collaboration with flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía, "Manitas d'Oro." In general, McLaughlin is in fine shape on this worthwhile set, both on acoustic and electric guitars, occasionally showing some fire. ~Scott Yanow

Belo Horizonte

---

Mike Arroyo Jazz Organ Trio - Full Circle

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:33
Size: 92.9 MB
Styles: Organ jazz, Gospel
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:39] 1. His Eyes Is On The Sparrow
[7:01] 2. Doxology
[4:39] 3. Full Circle
[3:56] 4. I Belong To Jesus
[4:28] 5. The Old Rugged Cross
[2:59] 6. Holy, Holy, Holy
[4:22] 7. I Surrender All
[4:17] 8. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
[5:09] 9. In The Garden

Jazz Guitarist, composer and arranger Mike Arroyo is from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He was 8 years old when his parents bought him his first guitar. At 15, he started music lessons at the Lino Padro Rivera high school in his home town of Vega Baja. Mike would carry a guitar along with his shcool books. Mike's twin brother was also in school with him, and like his brother he carried a five-doubled-string instrument called "Cuatro". Mike and his twin brother's deep love for music was evidently inspired by his parents Elvy and Rev.Antonio Arroyo who passed away as Mike states, "Straight To Heaven". They not only sowed into their sons lives this deep love for music, but to strongly love the true Creator of music, God.

Mike has studied at both the Conservatory of Music,and at the Interamerican University of P.R. In addition, he has studied guitar with guitarist-teachers Georgina Olmo, Dr.Jorge Pastrana, Tony Marrero, Fernando Mattina, Jody Fisher and Charlie Banacos. Mike Arroyo is considered a pioneer in the sacred music scene in Puerto Rico. In 2001, Mike recorded his first musical production "Straight To Heaven", using the jazz genre as a venue to praise, and exalt God. He is credited of being the first Christian-jazz guitarist to organize a "Christian Jazz Night Concert" with the participation of Puerto Rican pianist Luis Marin and trumpet player Jochi Rodriguez. He uses the the jazz genre to praise the Lord and deliver Peace, Love and Joy to those who listen to him at churches, clubs, hotels and other venues.

Full Circle

---

Hank Mobley - Soul Station

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:07
Size: 85.0 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1960/2013
Art: Front

[5:37] 1. Remember
[6:21] 2. This I Dig Of You
[6:05] 3. Dig Dis
[4:52] 4. Split Feelin's
[9:03] 5. Soul Station
[5:06] 6. If I Should Lose You

Often overlooked, perhaps because he wasn't a great innovator in jazz but merely a stellar performer, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley was at the peak of his powers on Soul Station. Recorded with a superstar quartet including Art Blakey on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano, it was the first album since Mobley's 1955 debut to feature him as a leader without any other accompanying horns.

The clean, uncomplicated sound that resulted from that grouping helps make it the best among his albums and a peak moment during a particularly strong period in his career. Mobley has no problem running the show here, and he does it without being flashy or burying the strong work of his sidemen. The solidness of his technique means that he can handle material that is occasionally rhythmically intricate, while still maintaining the kind of easy roundness and warmth displayed by the best players of the swing era. Two carefully chosen standards, "Remember" and "If I Should Lose You," help to reinforce that impression by casting an eye back to the classic jazz era. They bookend four Mobley originals that, in contrast, reflect the best of small-group composition with their lightness and tight dynamics. Overall, this is a stellar set from one of the more underrated musicians of the bop era. ~Stacia Proefrock

Soul Station

---

Johnny Frigo, Bucky & John Pizzarelli - Live From Studio A

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 54:57
Size: 125.8 MB
Styles: Standards, Swing
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[ 3:00] 1. Pick Yourself Up And Start All Over Again
[ 6:43] 2. Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me
[ 4:16] 3. Detour Ahead
[ 3:18] 4. Just Friends
[ 2:29] 5. Estrellita
[ 4:01] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[ 4:58] 7. Early Autumn
[ 3:15] 8. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[ 5:12] 9. In A Sentimental Mood
[ 4:03] 10. The Song Is You
[ 4:02] 11. I'm Through With Love
[ 2:32] 12. Summer Me, Winter Me
[ 3:15] 13. Tangerine
[ 3:47] 14. I'll Never Be The Same

At the age of 71, Johnny Frigo finally had his debut as a leader on record, with the exception of an obscure effort in 1957. Although he had spent much of his career as a studio bassist, Frigo successfully switched full-time to his first love, the violin, and was immediately considered one of the top swing-based violinists. Joined by both Bucky and John Pizzarelli on guitars, either Ron Carter or Michael Moore on bass, and drummer Butch Miles, Frigo is in wonderful form on 14 standards, including "Pick Yourself Up," "Detour Ahead" (which he had co-written while with the Soft Winds in the late '40s), "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "The Song Is You." This recommended CD launched the Chesky label. ~Scott Yanow

Live From Studio A

---

Eden Atwood - Waves - The Bossa Nova Session

Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:05
Size: 139,8 MB
Art: Front + Back

(6:59)  1. He's A Carioca
(5:04)  2. O Pato
(5:42)  3. Meditation
(6:40)  4. Girl From Ipanema
(6:06)  5. Once Upon A Summertime
(3:51)  6. Don't You Know
(6:19)  7. Waves (Caminos Cruzados)
(4:10)  8. Fool On The Hill
(5:29)  9. How Deep Is Ocean
(6:09) 10. Brazil
(4:32) 11. It's A Quiet Thing

After a six-year span since making her final recording for Concord, singer Eden Atwood's triumphant return to the studio exudes a confidence that some writers think was lacking in her earlier work. With first-rate arrangements by pianist Bill Cunliffe and a supporting cast including alto saxophonist and flutist Pete Christlieb, guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist Darek Oles, drummer Joe LaBarbera, and percussionist Scott Breadman, Atwood delves into memorable tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim ("Meditation," "The Girl From Ipanema," and "He's a Carioca") as well as bossa nova treatments of Duke Ellington's overlooked gem "Don't You Know I Care?," Irving Berlin's "How Deep Is the Ocean?," and the Beatles' "The Fool on the Hill" with equal success. 

Her playful side comes through in the delightful "O Pato," while she doesn't overdo her emotions when interpreting a bittersweet ballad such as Michel Legrand's "Once Upon a Summertime." She also wrote lyrics for Jobim's mellow ballad "Carminos Cruzados." This long overdue comeback release by one of the promising young jazz singers to emerge during the 1990s is warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/waves-the-bossa-nova-sessions-mw0000223462

Waves The Bossa Nova Session

---

Michelle Nicolle - The Crying Game

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:07
Size: 117,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:24)  1. To Sir With Love
(4:25)  2. The Days of Wine and Roses
(5:00)  3. The Crying Game
(4:54)  4. Something Good
(2:36)  5. A Spoonful of Sugar
(3:59)  6. Somewhere My Love
(4:01)  7. Everybody's Talking
(5:27)  8. Smile
(3:30)  9. Perfect
(4:53) 10. Hernando's Hideaway
(4:03) 11. Pure Imagination
(4:52) 12. Don't You Forget About Me

Mo Award (2001 and 2003), National Jazz Award (1998) winner and A.R.I.A Finalist (2001) Michelle Nicolle is a jazz musician whose chosen instrument is Voice. Michelle started her musical career at the age of eight- studying the violin in South Australia's Barossa Valley. Now basing herself in Melbourne, she is rapidly becoming known as one of Australia's finest jazz singers. “..an exceptional singer.. who deserves attention as an original and inspiring Jazz artist.” Cadence Magazine (USA), June 2003

“Michelle Nicolle stands above any other jazz singer in the country.” ***** Dec.

2003 “Australian jazz singing doesn't come any better than this.” Feb. 2003 The Weekend Australian

“Oh yeah. She's really cool!” Kurt Elling, Fremantle Voice News Jan, 2002

Michelle Nicolle Quartet has released four successful CDs: Misterioso (Newmarket Music) 1998, After the Rain (ABC/Universal) keep your heart right (Newmarket 2002) - all receiving great support from music critics and audiences.

The most recent, specially commissioned album for ABC Jazz (Universal) The Crying Game, is an eclectic collection of favourite songs from films including Midnight Cowboy, Sound of Music and Trainspotting - just released November 2, 2003

..”razor-sharp phrasing, limber timing and ear-pinning technique.Nicolle's knack for uncovering surprises jars our imagination. Like the best artists, she reveals what we thought we knew in a clearer light. A 2003 highlight.” The Age Dec., 2003

“Michelle Nicolle has a rare flair for jazz singing..lively ingenuity in her phrasing, interpretation, improvising and in her exploitation of her considerable range.” Sydney Morning Herald, May, 2002

“Thoroughly entertaining the vocal pyrotechnics were breathtaking.” Evening Post, New Zealand, Oct, 2001 (Wellington International Jazz Festival.)

National Tour: In August 2003, with the assistance of Playing Australia, the Michelle Nicolle Quartet toured to all corners of Australia - 17 gigs in 20 days! They perform regularly at Melbourne's Bennett's Lane, Big House and Dizzy's Jazz Bar. Michelle also performs with The Moovin' & Groovin' Orchestra, and makes regular national TV appearances on Bert Newton's Good Morning Australia, After Midnight and ABC's The Pulse.  

http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/musician.php?id=1520#.Uqx4N7Qufkc

MNQuartet is: Geoff Hughes (guitar), Howard Cairns (double bass) & Ronny Ferella (drums). Performances include: Wangaratta International, New Caledonia, Melbourne International, Glenelg, Queensland Biennale, Wellington International, Fremantle, Kuala Lumpur.

The Crying Game

---

Club des Belugas - The ChinChin Sessions

Styles: Soul, Nu Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:16
Size: 119,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Small Steps
(6:00)  2. This Little Life of Mine
(4:28)  3. Anticipation
(5:43)  4. One Hand Clapping
(4:07)  5. Whistle Blowing
(4:40)  6. Trip to Saint-Tropez
(4:40)  7. Pain Is Temporary (Swing Mix)
(4:22)  8. Affair in Cascais
(3:45)  9. Not Just Friends
(4:22) 10. Eljala
(4:08) 11. Get Shafted

Thomas Siffling was one of the first German trumpet players who used electronic devices for extending his sound on the trumpet. For many years, he belongs to the pioneers of electronic influence in jazz. He is known as one of the most important representatives of the "young" German jazz scene and has made himself a name by numerous guest performances in Germany and foreign countries, i.e. Russia, India, Sri Lanka, Canada and numerous European states. He sees himself as a border crosser between various genres and connects in his music jazz forms with pop music and electronic elements without denying his musical roots at any point. He changes between natural sounds and specific sound enlargements by the electronics on trumpet and flugelhorn in order to create for the listener a wonderful diverse sound experience. 

In 2005 he was awarded with the Jazz prize Baden Wrttemberg. Club des Belugas is one of the leading Nujazz bands in Europe, perhaps in the world. They combine contemporary European Lounge & Nujazz Styles with Brazilian Beats, Swing and American Black Soul of the fifties, sixties and seventies using their unique creativity and intensity. Club des Belugas & Thomas Siffling met the first time in 2010, when both performed at the Jazz Festival Mannheim (Germany). Their first cooperation was the recording of the track "Ocean Cruise", which was released on the latest Club des Belugas album "Forward" (2012). After this successful "joint venture" they decided to record an complete album together, which will be released on ChinChin Records. The Hungarian singer Veronika Harcsa appears on this album a special guest, performing on 3 tracks. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-chinchin-sessions/1140871

The ChinChin Sessions

---

Dienne Manouche - Gypsy Bop

Styles: Gypsy Swing
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:35
Size: 104,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. A Night In Tunisia
(2:14)  2. Hungaria
(5:40)  3. Tears
(2:37)  4. Donna Lee
(4:10)  5. Mondello Beach
(2:31)  6. Django's Waltz
(3:46)  7. When Day is Done
(2:15)  8. Yardbird Suite
(6:00)  9. (Knocking on) Django's Door
(2:28) 10. Moose the Mooche
(4:02) 11. J'Attendrai
(6:19) 12. Nuages

Dario Napoli in his project DIENNE MANOUCHE, debuts with his first solo CD "GYPSY BOP", in collaboration with bassist Maurizio Bozzi. The recording is inspired by the legacy of French-Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and bebop legend Charlie Parker. Dario Napoli's intent was to fuse the romantic nostalgia of the gypsy jazz tradition along with the effervescence of bebop jazz from the 50s. The album also contains two compositions of Dario Napoli himself.   

http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/product.php?productid=25243

Gypsy Bop

---

Jacqui Naylor - Smashed For The Holidays

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 46:26
Size: 106.3 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
[4:26] 2. Santa Baby
[3:21] 3. Celebrate Early And Often
[3:36] 4. Happy X'Mas (War Is Over)
[4:36] 5. What Child Is This
[3:01] 6. Thank You Baby
[3:52] 7. We Three Kings
[2:28] 8. The Christmas Song
[3:42] 9. Winter
[4:06] 10. Father Christmas
[3:09] 11. Silver Bells
[3:41] 12. Christmas Ain't What It Used To Be
[3:18] 13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

With one foot in vocal jazz and the other in the world of singer/songwriters, folk-rock and adult alternative, Jacqui Naylor has never been easy to categorize -- and Smashed for the Holidays doesn't make her any easier to pin down. Not that it needs to; the fact that Naylor is so original and so hard to pigeonhole is a definite plus, and her risk-taking nature remains very much in evidence on this 2007 release. The title, Smashed for the Holidays is a clever double-entendre; those unfamiliar with her background will see that title and think of inebriation during the holiday season, but Naylor's fans will also think of what she calls "acoustic smashing" (her way of combining elements of different songs). However, this unorthodox Christmas album isn't always acoustic-oriented; parts of it are very amplified, including "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" (which combines that Christmas standard with the melody of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama"). Elsewhere, Naylor blends the lyrics of Christmas standards with Led Zeppelin melodies, employing "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" on "What Child Is This" and "D'yer Mak'er" on "Santa Baby" as well as "When the Levee Breaks" on "We Three Kings." Some parts of Smashed for the Holidays definitely rock (perhaps those parts could be called "electric smashing"), but the intimate, acoustic-oriented approach that Naylor is known for is very much in evidence on the Kinks' "Father Christmas" and jazz-minded performances of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and Mel Tormé's "The Christmas Song." And whether a performance is more rock-minded or more jazz-minded, Naylor's stubbornly individualistic personality always comes through on Smashed for the Holidays -- which may very well go down in history as the most adventurous Christmas album of 2007.

Smashed For The Holidays

---

Graham Dechter - Right On Time

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 59:46
Size: 136.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[6:36] 1. Low Down
[6:03] 2. Wave
[6:15] 3. The Nearness Of You
[6:36] 4. I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues
[5:12] 5. Broadway
[7:26] 6. Right On Time [db Tune]
[4:21] 7. Squatty Roo
[4:08] 8. With Every Breath I Take
[5:53] 9. Lined With A Groove
[7:12] 10. In A Mellow Tone

Guitarist Graham Dechter's debut album as a leader could hardly be more charming or enjoyable. He does several things just right: for one thing, he presents a program that demonstrates impeccable taste, nicely combining familiar standards ("In a Mellow Tone," "The Nearness of You") with more obscure fare (Ray Brown's "Lined with a Groove," a nearly-forgotten Johnny Hodges bop number called "Squatty Roo"). For another, he quietly demonstrates his confidence by including a very fine pianist in the quartet -- a move that many guitarists' egos would prevent. And for another, he keeps his tempos moderate and his solos lyrical and self-possessed -- a sure sign of that rarest of commodities, a virtuosic young guitarist with nothing to prove. None of this is to say that his playing isn't expert or adventurous: he tackles headlong "Squatty Roo" with almost offhand grace and skill, and his playing on a strutting arrangement of "Nothing But the Blues" bespeaks complete self-assurance as well as impressive musical invention.

There are a few moments when you wish he would cut loose just a bit, especially on a rather pedestrian rendition of "I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues" (on which his solo sounds more like a string of pro forma blues clichés than an original statement), but for the most part, his understatement works beautifully. His solidly swinging take on the Thad Jones composition "Low Down," and his contrastingly gentle interpretation of the Jobim standard "Waves," stand together as bookended examples of both his skill and his taste. ~Rick Anderson

Right On Time   

---