Roberta Gambarini & Hank Jones - You Are There

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 64:33
Size: 147.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz/Piano jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[2:48] 1. You Are There
[5:06] 2. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
[2:30] 3. People Time
[4:57] 4. When Lights Are Low
[5:15] 5. Deep Purple
[6:05] 6. Reminiscing
[3:09] 7. Suppertime
[6:18] 8. Just Squeeze Me
[5:14] 9. Something To Live For
[6:09] 10. Stardust
[4:35] 11. Lush Life
[3:17] 12. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
[5:02] 13. Come Sunday
[4:00] 14. How Are Things In Glocca Morra

Roberta Gambarini is a breath of fresh air among female jazz vocalists. Gifted with superb clear diction, a warm engaging voice, and an uncanny ability to bring out the best in each song, Gambarini shines throughout this one-afternoon session, recorded without isolation booths, splicing, or overdubs. Her sole accompanist is the masterful pianist Hank Jones, a veteran who knows something about inspiring great vocalists with his inventive piano playing, having recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, and Helen Merrill during a career that began over six decades prior to this session. The duo chose a wide-ranging mix of standards, show tunes, and jazz compositions (both familiar and lesser-known), along with some forgotten chestnuts of yesteryear. It is not surprising to learn that Gambarini and Jones entered the studio without a rehearsal or any arrangements, yet completed most of the 14 songs in a single take. "Stardust" is one of the most recorded works of all time, yet Gambarini recognizes the nuances within it and takes her time exploring each chorus, while Jones' elegant backing and delicious solo are flawless. Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" is one of the most demanding jazz compositions, a melancholy ballad with an unusual structure that trips up many vocalists, but Gambarini takes her time with a deliberate interpretation that ranks with any previous vocal recording of it. Their magical rendition of the sentimental ballad "You Are There" (music by Johnny Mandel, lyrics by Dave Frishberg) seems like it would be a natural choice for a film soundtrack. "Deep Purple" may have fallen out of favor in modern jazz, but Gambarini and Jones reveal its timeless quality with a sparkling performance. She's in a playful mood in "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me." This exceptional vocal/piano duo recording is clearly one for the ages. ~Ken Dryden

You Are There

---

Jerry Weldon & Michael Karn - Head To Head

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:56
Size: 150.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[7:13] 1. Captain Morgan
[8:02] 2. Sweet And Lovely
[6:26] 3. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
[8:39] 4. Big D
[6:18] 5. Late Last Summer
[5:28] 6. All The Way
[6:48] 7. Ow!
[5:49] 8. Far East
[6:21] 9. If Ever I Woild Leave You
[4:48] 10. Koko

There's something magical about the idea of dueling tenor saxophones that has kept it a popular commodity for many years now. Historically, the first memorable pairing was that of Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray. Then, we had Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, and let's not forget that incendiary duo of Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis! Now you can add a modern day equivalent in the likes of tenor men Jerry Weldon and Michael Karn. While certainly not yet household names, both players have established reputations and bring something fresh to the mainstream tradition. Karn, a student of Joe Lovano's, has worked with a number of New York mainstays including organist Charles Earland, while Weldon studied at Rutgers and has recently been heard in Jack McDuff's combo.

Like the best duos, Weldon and Karn share enough differences in sound and approach to provide the contrast needed for an engaging listen. The former has a beefy sound that has a swagger akin to players of the swing era, while the latter possesses that high-register cry that marks such modern players as Lovano and Michael Brecker. The rhythm section that rounds out the group is made up of first-call players. Bruce Barth is one of the few pianists of his generation with that uncanny ability to play just the right thing that will get everyone going, be it a mainstream gig or the avant-garde. And by now it should be known that bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Drummond are two of the greatest jazz musicians of this or any era in jazz.

The festivities get underway with Weldon's "Captain Morgan", a catchy number that recalls the up tempo romps of Lockjaw and Griffin. Karn's "Big 'D'" has hints of "Gingerbread Boy" with its stop-time passages and it serves as a perfect springboard to some inspired solos. Aside from one other original apiece from Karn and Weldon, the program is filled out with a choice selection of well- arranged standards, including a solo ballad performance from each tenor man. A brisk "Ko-Ko" wraps up an undeniably swinging and pleasurable date that, like a comfortable and well-worn shirt, will surely become an old favorite. ~C. Andrew Hovan

Head To Head

---

Esther Haynes - Approch Note

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 97,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:46)  1. All My Life
(2:45)  2. Lover, Come Back To Me!
(3:42)  3. Dindi
(2:36)  4. I'm An Old Cowhand
(3:13)  5. The Nearness Of You
(2:16)  6. Just You, Just Me
(4:02)  7. Willow Weep For Me
(2:49)  8. Blue Moon
(4:02)  9. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
(1:56) 10. I Hear Music
(4:22) 11. Embraceable You
(3:16) 12. Like Someone In Love
(4:17) 13. Gentle Rain

On February 19, 2011, Esther received a WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Award) for Jazz Vocals by the Washington Area Music Association! This is her 11th WAMMIE award. On February 20th, 2011, Esther was awarded a WAMMIE for Jazz Vocals 2010 by the Washington Area Music Association! For a list of nominees and winners. Esther received a Wammie nomination for Jazz Vocals, 2010. She has been awarded 9 Wammies for Big Band/Swing and Jazz Vocals since 2003. Esther is currently working with the talented guitarist Keith Grimes, who recorded on Eva Cassidy's albums! Currently a 3rd CD with Keith Grimes is in progress, but donations are needed for its completion. February 28th, 2010, Esther received her 9th Wammie (Washington Area Music Award) for Jazz Vocals (2009). Esther had the opportunity to perform with Mark Wenner's Akousti-Kats in January of 2010. (Mark Wenner founded the Nighthawks, a DC-based touring blues band)

Older News:
o February 2009, Esther received 2 Wammies for Big Band/Swing Vocals and Jazz Vocals 2008.

o December, 2007, Esther received two Wammie nominations for Jazz Vocalist and Big Band Vocalist.

o October 2007, Esther was included in the 2007 "Who's Who in Jazz" Publication.

o February 18, 2007, Esther received her 6th Wammie(Washington Area Music Award), for Big Band/Swing Vocals (2006).

o February 2006, Esther received two Wammies for Big Band Vocals and Jazz Vocals(2005), bringing her to a total of 5 WAMMIES to date.

Esther Haynes has been working as a vocalist and guitarist around Washington, DC since around 1998. Since that time, she has worked with Hokum Jazz, the Tom Cunningham Orchestra (Yazzoo-Jazz Vocal Trio and Quintessence Vocal Quintet), Martini Red and a number duos and trios. She has worked with jazz guitarists Justin Lees, Phil Mathieu, and Rusty Bogart among others. Since 1998 she has received 5 WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Award) nominations for Jazz Vocals/traditional jazz, 3 for Big Band Vocals, 1 for Debut Recording (2001), and 1 for Traditional Jazz Duo/Group (Hokum Jazz). She won a WAMMIE for Big Band Vocalist (2003) and in February of 2005, Esther received two WAMMIES, 1 for Big Band Vocalist and 1 for Jazz Vocalist (2004).

In addition to her two CD projects (2001, 2004), she has been included on 3 Hungry for Music recordings, one bluegrass recording by fiddler Tad Marks, and a recording of southern American traditional music by Eddie McGee in 1998. These recordings received attention by local and online press. Highlights of her performing career include the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival and Baltimore Blues Festivals with Hokum Jazz, and opening for Rounder Recording Artist Madeleine Peyroux at the Iota in Arlington, VA. Her style is influenced by her Virginia roots, as well as her love of vintage jazz and swing vocalists of the 1920's and 1930's. Her first recording pays tribute to these vocalists; the second features jazz vocals accompanied by jazz guitar and acoustic bass.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/haynes2

Approch Note

---

Tok Tok Tok - Gershwin With Strings (feat. Ndr Pops Orchestra)

Styles: Big Band, Jazz Vocals
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:49
Size: 142,4 MB
Art: Front

(9:09)  1. Summertime
(3:52)  2. Fascinating Rhythm
(4:01)  3. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(6:20)  4. But Not For Me
(4:37)  5. Di' It Again
(5:25)  6. It Ain't Necessarily So
(5:28)  7. Nice Work If You Can Get It
(4:14)  8. They Can't Take That Away
(2:56)  9. Let's Call the Whole Thing
(2:49) 10. Somebody Loves Me
(6:25) 11. Love Is Here to Stay
(6:27) 12. Someone to Watch Over Me

After having won 5 awards, having sold more than 150.000 CDs, releasing ten studio albums, two live records, a live DVD and a best of album of the early years, Tok Tok Tok are saying farewell with the exclusive recording of a Gershwin tribute concert that Tok Tok Tok performed? In 2007 at the NDR Concert Hall Hannover with the prestigious NDR Pops Orchestra. An exclusive selection of George and Ira Gershwin s classics performed in the tradition of Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin with arrangements by Morten Klein and Enrique Ugarte orchestrated especially for grand orchestra, Gershwin with Strings includes hits such as Fascinating Rhythm , It Ain t Necessarily So and Let s Call the Whole Thing off .

After releasing ten studio albums, two live records, a live DVD and a best of album of the early years, Tok Tok Tok are saying farewell with the exclusive recording of a Gershwin tribute concert that Tok Tok Tok performed? In 2007 at the NDR Concert Hall Hannover with the prestigious NDR Pops Orchestra. An exclusive selection of George and Ira Gershwin s classics performed in the tradition of Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin with arrangements by Morten Klein and Enrique Ugarte orchestrated especially for grand orchestra, Gershwin with Strings includes hits such as Fascinating Rhythm , It Ain t Necessarily So and Let s Call the Whole Thing off .  The original concert titled The Gershwin Side of Tok Tok Tok featured a sultry soul version of Gershwin s Summertime , arranged by Morten Klein and orchestrated in Hollywood style.

The two band leaders elegantly robed, Tokunbo Akinro in a long, flowy chocolate coloured ball dress and Morten Klein in tail tuxedo, brought the full glamour of Fred Astaire s Hollywood to the enthusiastic audience of the sold out NDR Concert Hall. Vocalist Tokunbo Akinro and saxophonist Morten Klein are backed by their faithful crew Christian Flohr on bass, Jens Gebel on fender rhodes and Matthias Meusel on drums who have accompanied Tokunbo and Morten in the studio as well as on tour all around the world for many years. Mixed by Icelandic sound engineer Hrólfur Vagnsson, with whom Tok Tok Tok recorded the first six albums, Gershwin with Strings is due to be released September 2012 on BHM, Tok Tok Tok s home record label.  On 21st September, Tok Tok Tok will perform an exclusive release concert with the renowned Babelsberg Film Orchestra in Postdam. 

A big Goodbye Tour will follow thereafter, at which Tok Tok Tok will play a programme of highlights of the last 15 years as a farewell gift to their fans. Please also note the exceptional artist s numerous awards: Awards... German Jazz Award for "It Took So Long" (2003) ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Gershwin-With-Strings-Pops-Orchestra/dp/B008CVAK6S

Gershwin With Strings (feat. Ndr Pops Orchestra)

---

Lynne Arriale Trio - When You Listen

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:18
Size: 145,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:33)  1. How Deep is the Ocean
(5:27)  2. My Shining Hour
(5:52)  3. Waiting & Watching
(7:34)  4. Bess, You is My Woman Now
(5:12)  5. You And The Night And The Music
(5:51)  6. Slinky
(6:19)  7. Lonely Woman
(4:16)  8. Seven Steps To Heaven
(6:52)  9. When You Listen
(3:36) 10. I Love a Calypso
(6:41) 11. In the Wee Small Hours of the

Lynne Arriale's second recording is easily the equal of her first and finds the young pianist digging into seven standards and four of her originals. Her trio with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Steve Davis generally thinks as one, for the musicians react immediately to each other's ideas. Arriale's ability to caress ballads (best-heard on the closing and very sensitive "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning") is quite impressive, as is her skill at improvising on medium-tempo pieces. This exploration of modern mainstream jazz is an excellent outing. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/when-you-listen-mw0000175048

When You Listen

---

McCoy Tyner - Fly With The Wind

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:56
Size: 89,3 MB
Art: Front

( 8:28)  1. Fly With The Wind
(12:14)  2. Salvadore De Samba
( 5:33)  3. Beyond The Sun
( 6:55)  4. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
( 5:44)  5. Rolem

One of the most difficult aspects for producer Orrin Keepnews of recording pianist McCoy Tyner so frequently in the '70s was coming up with new ideas and settings for each record. Fly with the Wind gave Tyner a rare opportunity to write for strings. Joined by bassist Ron Carter, drummer Billy Cobham, flutist Hubert Laws, piccolo, oboe, harp, six violins, two violas and two cellos, Tyner performed four of his originals (including the title cut) plus the standard "You Stepped out of a Dream." This CD reissue has plenty of memorable moments and is a surprising but logical success; Tyner's orchestral piano blended with the strings very well. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/fly-with-the-wind-mw0000188866

Fly With The Wind

---

Frank Sinatra - A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 37:46

Size: 86.5 MB

Styles: Holiday

Year: 1957/2007

Art: Front

[1:59] 1. Jingle Bells

[3:26] 2. The Christmas Song

[2:15] 3. Mistletoe And Holly

[3:14] 4. I'll Be Home For Christmas

[3:01] 5. The Christmas Walz

[3:26] 6. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

[2:40] 7. The First Noel

[2:20] 8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

[2:04] 9. O Little Town Of Bethlehem

[2:31] 10. Adeste Fideles (O, Come All Ye Faithful)

[2:48] 11. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

[2:25] 12. Silent Night

[2:34] 13. White Christmas

[2:57] 14. The Christmas Waltz

It can be argued that Sinatra never sounded fully comfortable singing Christmas carols, and this record is no exception. While his other albums of the period are bursting with dash and sensitivity, this is a distant, even slightly lackadaisical performance. It's no dud on its own, but compared to the classic Christmas records of other artists, and especially to Sinatra's best work, it is unusually somber. Gordon Jenkins' adventurous arrangements are occasionally intrusive, but the album has touches of magic during "The Christmas Waltz" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." ~Jim Smith

A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra

---

Marty Grosz & His Swinging Fools - Ring Dem Bells

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 76:45

Size: 175.7 MB

Styles: Swing, New Orleans jazz, Guitar jazz

Year: 1995/2012

Art: Front

[8:05] 1. Rose Of The Rio Grande

[5:28] 2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home

[4:23] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You

[7:42] 4. Nobody's Sweetheart

[4:16] 5. I Must Have That Man!

[5:00] 6. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me

[5:53] 7. Old Man Blues

[6:04] 8. Ain't Cha Glad

[6:49] 9. My Daddy Rocks Me

[5:22] 10. Swing That Music

[5:25] 11. More Than You Know

[6:05] 12. She's Crying For Me

[6:05] 13. Ring Dem Bells

For this live concert from Hamburg, Germany, guitarist/vocalist Marty Grosz called his pickup sextet "the Swinging Fools." With trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and Scott Robinson on clarinet, soprano and baritone (who are assisted by pianist Martin Litton, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Chuck Riggs), Grosz had two contrasting soloists who blended together well and took chances within the Dixieland/swing genre. The leader contributes some excellent chordal acoustic guitar solos and a few humorous vocals. The highpoints of the date include "Rose of the Rio Grande," "Nobody's Sweetheart," "Old Man Blues," "Swing That Music" and "Ring Dem Bells." An excellent outing. ~Scott Yanow

Ring Dem Bells

---

Kathy Kosins - To The Ladies Of Cool

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:08
Size: 114.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Learnin' The Blues
[5:23] 2. Nightbird
[6:42] 3. Don't Wait Up For Me
[3:53] 4. All I Need Is You
[3:37] 5. Free And Easy
[4:28] 6. Hershey's Kisses
[3:38] 7. Lullaby In Rhythm
[6:42] 8. November Twilight
[3:58] 9. Kissing Bug
[6:20] 10. Where Are You

Kathy Kosins is the rare jazz vocalist who chooses to salute earlier singers by mostly picking less familiar songs they recorded while also putting her individual stamp on them. Pianist Tamir Hendelman, a brilliant accompanist on some of her earlier recordings, provided the arrangements, and the talented cast includes guitarist Graham Dechter, multi-reed player Steve Wilkerson, drummer Bob Leatherbarrow (who doubles on vibes), and trumpeter/flügelhornist Gilbert Castellanos. Kosins has a bit of an R&B flavor in her alto voice, crisp enunciation, and the ability to swing, as best demonstrated in the breezy take of "Nightbird" and the bluesy late-night flavor of "Don't Wait Up for Me," along with her shimmering setting of "November Twilight." Kosins' sassy, playful side is on display in Duke Ellington's World War II-era "Kissing Bug" and in the hip lyric she wrote for Johnny Mandel's tasty "Hershey Bar," renamed "Hershey's Kisses." One obscurity that she rescues from the archive of forgotten gems is the Henry Mancini/Bobby Troup composition "Free and Easy," showcasing Hendelman and Dechter in top form as well. ~ Ken Dryden

Recording information: Rising Jazz Stars Studios, Beverly Hills, CA (05/2011).

Kathy Kosins (vocals); Graham Dechter (guitar); Steve Wilkerson (woodwinds); Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet, flugelhorn); Tamir Hendelman (piano); Bob Leatherbarrow (vibraphone, drums).

To The Ladies Of Cool

---

Trio Da Paz & Joe Locke - Live At JazzBaltica

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:48
Size: 132.3 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[7:38] 1. Dona Maria
[4:45] 2. Copacabana
[8:34] 3. Pro Flavio
[6:50] 4. Sword Of Whispers
[9:25] 5. Bachao
[5:44] 6. Wave
[8:40] 7. All The Things You Are
[6:09] 8. Look To The Sky

The exciting Brazilian jazz group Trio da Paz -- guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta, and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca -- are joined by vibraphonist Joe Locke for this 2007 concert at JazzBaltica in Salzau, Germany. Lubambo's lyrical acoustic guitar makes him the logical heir to earlier Brazilian greats like Laurindo Almeida. Each of the bandmembers contributes enticing originals. The drummer's intense cooker "Dona Maria" showcases Locke in a furious solo, though the guitarist's percolating solo that follows is hardly anticlimactic. Matta's "Copacabana" is a relaxing bossa nova ballad, while Lubambo's driving "Bachiao" is the highlight of their set. Locke's soft ballad "Sword of Whispers" also blends in perfectly. One could hardly expect a Brazilian group to overlook the works of the masterful Antonio Carlos Jobim, and intimate renditions of "Wave" and "Look to the Sky," with Locke sitting out on both, are the Jobim numbers featured on Live at JazzBaltica. A follow-up recording to this enjoyable concert is clearly merited. ~ Ken Dryden

Recording information: Jazzbaltica, Salzau, Germany (07/01/2007).

Romero Lubambo (guitar); Joe Locke (vibraphone); Nilson Matta (bass instrument); Duduka Da Fonseca (drums).

Live At JazzBaltica

---

Blossom Dearie - The Pianist/Les Blue Stars

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 33:28
Size: 76.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, Vocal jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[2:42] 1. The Continental
[2:47] 2. The Boy Next Door
[2:31] 3. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[2:31] 4. Moonlight Saving Time (There Ought To Be A)
[2:53] 5. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[2:51] 6. April In Paris
[2:39] 7. Blue Moon
[3:19] 8. Down In The Depths
[2:46] 9. La Legende Du Pays Des Oiseaux
[3:01] 10. Lettre A Virginie
[2:40] 11. Toute Ma Joie
[2:43] 12. Embrasse Moi Bien

Two lesser-known sides of Blossom Dearie -- both recorded in Paris in the 50s! The first 8 tracks on the set are from a rare 10" session recorded in 1955 -- one that features Blossom only at the piano, not singing, but swinging in a solid trio format. Tracks on that session include "The Boy Next Door", "Down In The Depths Of The 90th Floor", "April In Paris", and "Blue Moon". The other 4 tracks on the set are from a 45rpm ep by Blossom's famous vocal group, The Blue Stars. The ensemble featured vocalese performances by young singers that included Christine Legrand, Jeanine De Waleyne, and Fats Sadi -- and was the virtual blueprint for later jazz vocal groups, like Les Double Six or The Swingle Singers. Titles from that group include "Toute Ma Joie", "Embrasse Moi Bien", and "Toute Ma Joie".

Sweet" can testify: it's the only album - if you exclude the 45rpm record on which she accompanies her husband Bobby Jaspar ("Jazz in Paris" N18) - where the singer doesn't relegate the pianist to the background, and it was in Paris that she had this opportunity. A friend of Gerry Mulligan, John Lewis and Gil Evans, Blossom Dearie had been amongst the regulars in the basement (situated behind a Chinese laundry) where the latter arranger was living, and remaking, jazz. With Miles Davis in particular. But it was in Greenwich Village, at the "Chantilly" to be precise, that Blossom sang and played the piano when she began as a professional musician, sometimes accompanying Tony Bennett. And in 1952 Nicole Barclay invited her to come and play in Paris.

It seemed, at the time, that there would be no salvation for jazz if it wasn't played on the Left Bank. Yet Blossom Dearie never belonged to the little world gravitating around the bell-tower of Saint-Germain-des-Pres: it was in the "Mars Club" - an extremely confidential place which, in the opinion of all "cellar rats", was wrongly located near the Champs-Elysees - that she met up with singer Bobby Short again, an old friend from Greenwich Village. Annie Ross came, and then Bob Dorough, who was accompanying Sugar Ray Robinson - he'd left the ring when tempted by the footlights. When the ex-boxer left the French capital, his pianist stayed on at the "Mars Club", working with Blossom on the confection of a few songs.

The terrain was a familiar one for someone who'd belonged not only to the "Blue Flames", a vocal group attached to Woody Herman's orchestra, but also to the "Blue Rays" (with Alvino Ray's band); familiar terrain, too, for the organiser of a vocal octet called the "Blue Stars". The paternity was Eddie Barclay's, and he'd reckoned that a group singing hit songs in French, with a zest of jazz and swing, had its chances... Quite an euphemism! The legend of the land of birds, adapted from George Shearing's Lullaby of Birdland with an arrangement by Michel Legrand, was a total triumph, including in the United States - half a million copies were sold! To skilfully complete the group's first 45rpm recording, there was Toute ma joie, another adaptation (of Nat King Cole's That's my girl), plus two French songs, Embrasse-moi bien and Lettre a Virginie, both written by Jean Constantin. Blossom had gathered four male vocalist-musicians - Sadi, the vibraphone-player, was the lead tenor; arranger & pianist Christian Chevallier was second tenor; trumpeter Roger Guerin was a baritone, and pianist & saxophonist Jean Mercadier sang bass - together with four female voices: Christiane Legrand (first soprano), Jeanine de Waleyne (second soprano), with Nadine Young and Blossom herself (contraltos). The performances of the "Blue Stars" can sometimes appear slightly dated, but Blossom Dearie, accompanied by Herman Garst and Bernard Planchenault, makes The boy next door, The surrey with the fringe on top and Cole Porter's Down in the depths of the 90th floor sound like they were recorded only yesterday. ~ Alain Tercinet

Recording information: Paris, France (11/1954-??/1955).

Blossom Dearie (vocals, piano); Roger Guerin (vocals, trumpet); Fats Sadi (vocals, vibraphone); Christian Chevalier, Christiane Legrand, Janine de Waleyne (vocals); Michel Legrand (piano); Bernard Planchenault (drums).

The Pianist/Les Blue Stars

---

Sabrina Furminger - Divalicious!

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 24:18
Size: 59,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:56)  1. Hey, Big Spender
(2:45)  2. There Are Worse Things I Could Do
(4:04)  3. Cry Me A River
(3:16)  4. Can't Help Lovin' That Man
(2:27)  5. Lovefool
(3:27)  6. These Boots Were Made For Walking
(3:02)  7. Sooner Or Later
(2:18)  8. Le Jazz Hot

Sabrina Furminger remembers her first taste of divadom like it was yesterday: six years-old, screeching Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls just wanna have fun' while strutting back and forth on top of the picnic table in her parents' backyard. Since then, she's played with jazz, musical theatre, opera, and pop songs in settings ranging from concert halls to castle ballrooms to coffee houses to karaoke stages in faraway lands.

Inspired to action by a pair of leopard print stilettos, she's finally laying it down, diva-style, marrying jazz standards, broadway tunes, and reimaginings of pop tunes with unique piano arrangements by Joseph Hirabayashi in a musical adventure that can only be described as Divalicious!  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sabrinaf

Divalicious!

---

Lonnie Liston Smith - Love Goddess

Styles: R&B
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:47
Size: 142,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:58)  1. Love Goddess
(5:04)  2. Obsession
(7:45)  3. Heaven
(4:47)  4. Giving You The Best That I Got
(6:29)  5. Star Flower
(3:23)  6. Monk's Mood
(3:58)  7. I'm Your Melody
(5:05)  8. Don't Write Checks That Your Body Can't Cash
(5:58)  9. Dance Floor
(3:57) 10. Blue In Green
(4:19) 11. Blue Bossa
(4:58) 12. A Child Is Born

At his best, Lonnie Liston Smith has been a wealth of imagination and creativity...Sometimes engaging...this erratic CD ranges from radio-oriented Muzak to strong post-bop jazz. Smith excels as an acoustic trio pianist on very lyrical and warm interpretations of Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa," Miles Davis' "Blue in Green" and Thad Jones' "A Child Is Born." Much of the CD, however, contains...pop/R&B/jazz that seems more concerned with commercial radio airplay, such as a note-for-note cover of Anita Baker's "Giving You the Best That I Got." For consistently excellent listening, a much wiser investment would be Astral Traveling, Expansions or the acoustic trio gem Make Someone Happy. ~ Alex Henderson   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-goddess-mw0000308730

Love Goddess

---

Giacomo Gates - Blue Skies

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:59
Size: 105,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:59)  1. Five Cooper Square
(4:51)  2. Lady Be Good/Disappointed
(3:58)  3. Meet Me Where They Play The Blues
(3:28)  4. What Price Love/Yardbird Suite
(3:59)  5. Waitin'
(3:43)  6. Four
(4:31)  7. Lucky So And So
(3:36)  8. Blue Skies/In Walked Bud
(4:22)  9. No, Not Much
(5:00) 10. It's The Talk Of The Town
(3:27) 11. Where Or When

Gates is the only singer on the scene to date who has embraced the vocalise style of Eddie Jefferson, putting lyrics to already established solos. That alone should earn him a Congressional Medal of Honor, for no one else is plying this tricky craft. As a singer, he has a full, deep, manly voice that is still in a maturation process, with slightly flatted tones. He can sing up a storm, rant on a bebop lick, or shape a ballad quite sweetly. Rhythm section help comes from pianist Harold Danko, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Akira Tana. There are several combo tunes, like Gates á la Jefferson's rendition of "Lady Be Good" and "Disappointed" put together, going from hopeful to crestfallen in one fell swoop of slow blues. "Blue Skies" follows "In Walked Bud," Jon Hendricks' lyric on the latter, and Gates handles it nicely. An easy swing and scat bridge defines "What Price Love?" informed by Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite" with Jefferson's lyric and Danko's dancing piano. Of the extrapolative numbers, Gates waxes beatnik poetic with his lyrics on "Five Cooper Square," aka Thelonious Monk's "Five Spot Blues," speaking of the history of bop to hard bop figures of the day, spurred on by saxophonist Jerome Richardson's all-inclusive runs. 

"Waitin'" is Matt Emerzian's music and Gates' words about "standing in the rain, waitin' for you," and his blues-drenched pain is easily felt. Another Hendricks lyric on "Four" is done to a T; Gates shines on this one. It begins with only he and Danko in rubato mode, then the band jumps in and swings hard. There's a Steve Allen classic "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues" with a pretty cool scat bridge, the love song "No, Not Much" where Gates mimics a trumpet, and a straight read of "It's the Talk of the Town," which shows the singer at his doleful, reticent, pleading best. This CD wreaks of potential; it's not perfect, but it's close enough for jazz. Surely Gates will work on his craft. He has all the tools to become a universally accepted singer. ~ Michael G.Nastos   http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-skies-mw0000179456

Personnel: Akira Tana  Drums ; Giacomo Gates  Vocals; Harold Danko  Piano ; Rufus Reid  Bass ; Jerome Richardson  Saxophone

Blue Skies

---

Passport - Hand Made

Styles: Jazz Funk, Fusion
Year: 1973
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:21
Size: 88,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:23)  1. Abracadabra
(5:38)  2. The Connexion
(4:21)  3. Yellow Dream
(2:42)  4. Proclamation
(9:30)  5. Hand Made
(4:08)  6. Puzzle
(4:37)  7. The Quiet Man

Passport is a company established in 1971 by jazz saxophonist Klaus Doldinger German band. Due to the great influence of the band is compared in its effect with the American group Weather Report. During the first album by the then unknown Udo Lindenberg played drums. Formed around him musicians exchanged Doldinger from time to time. In spring 2006 Doldinger occurred on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Wolfgang Schmid on bass guitar. Translate by google  http://cargocollective.com/passport/Passport-Hand-Made

Passport: Wolfgang Schmid (guitar, electric guitar, bass instrument, bass guitar); Klaus Doldinger (sopranino saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, electric piano, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer); Frank Roberts (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Curt Cress (drums, drum).

Hand Made

---

Sammy Davis Jr. - As Long As She Needs Me

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 33:40
Size: 77.1 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 1963/2005
Art: Front

[3:03] 1. As Long As She Needs Me
[3:19] 2. Climb Every Mountain
[2:33] 3. (Love Is) The Tender Trap
[3:17] 4. We Kiss In A Shadow
[2:35] 5. There Is Nothin' Like A Dame
[2:55] 6. A Second Chance [from Two For The Seesaw]
[3:14] 7. Out Of This World
[2:45] 8. Back In Your Own Back Yard
[2:46] 9. Bye Bye Blackbird
[2:24] 10. Falling In Love With Love
[2:26] 11. Step Out Of That Dream
[2:15] 12. There Was A Tavern In The Town

As Long As She Needs Me (1963) is a fruitful union between Sammy Davis, Jr. and arrangers Marty Paich and Morty Stevens. With the singer's inimitable sense of style and flair, Davis unleashes another dozen classic reworkings of pop standards and melodies from Broadway and the silver screen. Paich's scores incorporate two distinct backing ensembles, his own ten-piece Dek-tette of heavyweight studio musicians, as well as a larger orchestral aggregate. The title composition, taken from Lionel Bart's Oliver! (1962), is enhanced by a lush accompaniment, showcasing the strength and conviction of Davis' dramatic and emotive interpretation. The same holds for "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" which is lifted by a refined chorus (likewise heard on the revisitation of another Rodgers & Hammerstein tune, "We Kiss in a Shadow" from 1956's The King and I). Conversely, "There Is Nothing Like a Dame," "Falling in Love With Love," and "The Tender Trap" are given hard-hitting and thoroughly pulse-quickening readings, allowing the vocalist to let loose with his trademark passion and high energy. Interestingly, the swinging Stevens collaborations "The Tender Trap," "Back in Your Own Back Yard," and "Out of This World" are from Davis' incipient Reprise sessions some two years earlier. "Bye Bye Blackbird" would become one of Davis' most revered catalog entries thanks to this ultra-hip and finger-snappin' overhaul. He similarly breathes new life into the jazzy and upscale redux of "Song from Two for the Seesaw (A Second Chance)," crooning above Paich's scintillating backdrop. The platter concludes with the tale of Honey Brown on the grooving and rhythmically propulsive "There Was a Tavern in the Town." Although the song commences in a low-key and unassuming manner, it isn't long before Davis pounces, turning it into a suitably show-stopping affair. In 2004 Collectors' Choice Music issued As Long As She Needs Me on CD for the first time as part of their reassessment of Sammy Davis, Jr.'s work on Reprise Records. ~Lindsay Planer

As Long As She Needs Me

---

Pete Smyser - The Jerome Kern Concert Live

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:41
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. Look For The Silver Lining
[6:50] 2. Bill
[5:09] 3. Dearly Beloved
[5:53] 4. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
[4:02] 5. Can't Help Singing
[4:36] 6. Make Believe
[3:25] 7. Remind Me
[4:16] 8. Pick Yourself Up
[7:27] 9. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
[5:02] 10. A Fine Romance
[4:51] 11. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

So, here you have it! !a live concert recording, !a one shot deal with no second takes, ! and with only a single rehearsal.

As this concert approached, I felt fairly confident with my choices ! Kern's timeless songs, an amazing lineup of musicians who care so much and collaborate so well, an outstanding recording engineer in Jim McGee. Add to the recipe a receptive and enthusiastic audience and all the ingredients were in place for a wonderful concert experience. I hope that you enjoy listening to the music as much as we enjoyed performing it. ~ Pete Smyser

For generations, jazz musicians have turned to American Songbook Standards as a source of inspiration. During the early part of the 20th century, the musical compositions of Jerome Kern were crucial in pioneering this uniquely American style of songwriting for stage and screen. Kern (1885-1945) had a special talent for creating beautifully satisfying melodies and his innovative writing style had a profound influence upon other prominent American songwriters of the era.

Recording information: Foy Hall, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA (01/30/2011).

Pete Smyser (7-string guitar); Tom Lawton (piano); Madison Rast (upright bass); Dan Monaghan (drums).

The Jerome Kern Concert Live

---

Joanie Pallatto - It's Not Easy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 54:06
Size: 123.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[6:24] 1. Violets Are Blue
[5:31] 2. Until I Touch The Ground
[4:00] 3. It's Not Easy
[3:27] 4. Get To Heaven
[6:17] 5. 24 Years Today
[4:26] 6. Lonely Train
[5:17] 7. Happy Life
[9:42] 8. Tickle, Tickle
[5:05] 9. A Love That Never Dies
[3:53] 10. Remember Me

It's Not Easy is a very different Joanie Pallatto recording. Co-owner along with pianist Bradley Parker-Sparrow of the jazz-oriented Southport label, Pallatto has always had an open-eared approach to music. Her voice is warm, flexible, and inviting whether expressing joy or melancholy moods. On It's Not Easy, the music ranges from atmospheric pieces to intimate duets, from folkish music and the feel of reggae to adventurous jazz. All ten of the selections are originals by the singer and she is in the spotlight nearly all of the time. If you listen closely, her lyrics (unfortunately the words are not reproduced in the liner notes) display insight, some wit, and a quirky way at looking at contemporary life, with "It's Not Easy" talking about the difficulties of writing a sad song when one is happy. However, the melodies are much less interesting, often using repetitive structures and not always serving the lyrics that well. Joanie Pallatto cuts loose in a few spots and is always fun to hear (though the group improvisation on "Tickle, Tickle," at over nine and a half minutes, is five minutes too long), but her CD is a mixed success. Her words deserve better themes. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio, Chicago, IL (01/13/2004-??/??/2007).

Joanie Pallatto (vocals, violin, ocarina, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Johnny Devlin (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, accordion, background vocals); Alejo Poveda (vocals, congas, bongos, timbales, percussion); Fareed Haque (guitar, acoustic guitar); Howard Levy (harmonica, piano); Bradley Parker-Sparrow (piano, programming); Eldee Young (acoustic bass); Eric Hochberg, John E. Magnan (electric bass); Michael Raynor (drums).

It's Not Easy

---

Dion - Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings (1962-1965)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 54:34
Size: 124.9 MB
Styles: Rock
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[2:22] 1. Can't We Be Sweethearts
[2:48] 2. Little Girl Of Mine
[2:29] 3. Oh Happy Day
[2:46] 4. A Sunday Kind Of Love
[2:27] 5. Will Love Ever Come My Way
[2:31] 6. Gonna Make It Alone
[2:35] 7. Ruby Baby
[2:35] 8. This Little Girl
[2:57] 9. Film Flam
[2:53] 10. Donna The Prima Donna
[2:35] 11. Drip Drop
[2:45] 12. Troubled Mind
[2:22] 13. Sweet, Sweet Baby
[2:51] 14. Sweet Papa Di
[2:40] 15. Don't Start Me Talkin'
[2:29] 16. Spoonful
[3:32] 17. The Seventh Son
[3:16] 18. Kickin' Child
[2:54] 19. Two Ton Feather
[2:37] 20. Baby, I'm In The Mood For You

After many hit singles with the Belmonts, Dion went solo and became one of the first rock & roll stars signed to the Columbia label. Although he was only with the label for four years, Dion recorded some of his most adventurous music during this period. Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings chronicles this phase in his career, and is the best single-disc compilation of his mid-'60s work. The first singles released were similar in style to the Belmont's recordings ("Donna the Prima Donna") and demonstrated his continued love for doo wop as he covers older songs such as the Drifters' "Ruby Baby," which peaked at number two. While the first half of this album is strong, the second half is truly revelatory; it shows Dion, who had just been exposed to the music of Robert Johnson, infusing the bravado of his streetwise persona into the blues. The results don't always work (he doesn't have the deep, powerful voice required to sing Willie Dixon's "Spoonful"), but the results are magic when he hits the mark. The best example is his own "Two Ton Feather," a song that's not pure blues, but blues interpreted by a newly converted fan of the genre. In that respect, it's not surprising that his style is similar to Bob Dylan's. In fact, the highlight of the album, and perhaps Dion's best recording ever, is his previously unreleased version of Dylan's "Baby, I'm in the Mood for You" in which he brings out all the snarl and attitude of the tune. While these years are often considered a transition period for Dion, this compilation is essential in showcasing his songwriting talents and restless spirit. ~Vic Iyengar

Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings (1962-1965)

---

Diana Drew - Diana Who?

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:02
Size: 121,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:36)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:13)  2. Cheek To Cheek
(2:57)  3. What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life?
(2:55)  4. Lady Is A Tramp
(3:40)  5. Can't Help Loving That Man Of Mine
(2:57)  6. The Wave
(3:39)  7. My Foolish Heart
(2:35)  8. Something Stupid
(3:48)  9. Chocolate Kiss
(2:59) 10. A Kiss To Build A Dream On
(3:47) 11. Got A Date With Love
(4:00) 12. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(3:55) 13. Just The Way You Look Tonight
(3:03) 14. Don't Get Around Much Any More
(3:51) 15. At Last

Diana Drew first stepped out on stage singing and playing the guitar at age seven. She was trained vocally by her father, a professional opera singer with the New York City Centre Opera Co, gold medalist at Julliard School of Music and was on Broadway. At eleven years of age, three record companies were knocking on her door, but were declined in favour of a ‘normal’ childhood.

Diana Drew earned an honours degree (B.F.A.) in music at York University. She has sung professionally for many years at many venues including the Skydome, Maple Leaf Gardens, BMO Stadium, CNE, hotels, with special performances with the York Symphony Orchestra, for the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Argonauts, and the Toronto Blue Jays to name a few.
She has worked professionally on television, radio, video, film and musical theatre. Diana has formal training in voice, acting and five instruments. She has had the great privilege to sing for the likes of Oscar Peterson, Anne Murray, Russell Malone, Lorne Lofsky, Norman Amadio, Eric Traugott, and Eric Schultz to name a few jazz greats in the music industry.

One special thing that makes Diana unique is her story regarding her survival of two cancers, one of which was in her throat. Her doctor had told her in 2000 that she may never be able to sing again. With perseverance and patience, she miraculously relearned how to sing around her scars from the surgeries.Her voice is a testimony to determination, willpower and strength of spirit. Her vocals have been described as rich, smoky and full-bodied to intimate, sparkling and genuine. http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/DianaDrew 

Diana Who?

---