Chris Catena Big Band Experience - The Swing Factor

Size: 85,1 MB
Time: 36:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Swing Jazz, Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. This Cat's On A Hot Thin Roof (2:21)
02. Steppin' Out With My Baby (Feat. Katiuscia) (2:10)
03. Black Hole Sun (Feat. Destination Mars) (4:33)
04. You And I (4:13)
05. The Lady Is A Tramp (Feat. Katiuscia) (3:21)
06. Dirty Boogie (3:18)
07. Eye Of The Tiger (4:02)
08. Kissing A Fool (Feat. Katiuscia) (4:47)
09. New Year's Day (Feat. Destination Mars & Susan Greene) (4:53)
10. Hot For Teacher (Feat. Destination Mars) (2:40)

With this album the Italian rock singer, Chris Catena wants to expand his musical horizons by offering a collection of covers of pop / rock and classical rearranged in Swing, in the best British tradition.
In this crazy experiment, as defined by the same artist from Rome, the rocker relies on the participation of some major musicians such as Steve greet Francesco Santalucia, Katie, Susan Greene, Fernando Petry, Paul Alexander Maurens, Lance Allen, Claudio Ferrarini, the Destination Mars, JP, Alessandro Cataldi, Max Spurrier, Baby Gun, the Are U Experienced Orchestra.
The album is produced by the same Chris Catena and was mixed at the Rough Machine Industry studios in Rome by Fabrizio Frezza and mastered by Gregg Calbi in NY.

The Swing Factor

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Leonieke Scheuble - Debut

Size: 114,5 MB
Time: 49:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Soul-Jazz
Art: Front

01. Moanin' (4:02)
02. I Want Jesus To Walk With Me (5:48)
03. Ain't No Sunshine (3:20)
04. Sunny (3:25)
05. Blue Monk (2:40)
06. Angel Eyes (4:33)
07. Au Privave (3:03)
08. Slow Freight (2:16)
09. Cry Me A River (4:49)
10. Morning (3:20)
11. Cold Duck Time (3:04)
12. Summertime (6:29)
13. I'm So Glad (2:10)

2013 International Women in Jazz "Youth in Action" award winner, Leonieke Scheuble:

Leonieke (phonetically pronounced “lay-o-nee-ka”) started to play piano after being inspired by Ray Charles through the 2004 biographical film, “Ray”.
At the age of 7, she began studies with Jazz pianist, Steve Ash.

As her love of Jazz, Soul and Gospel motivate her to develop her musical skills, Leonieke has been afforded some wonderful opportunities at a very young age.

Among them, would be winning the 2013 International Women in Jazz “Youth in Action” Award -eligible to female jazz musicians under 18 years of age presented in performance at St. Peter’s Church in Manhattan (The Jazz Church).

A two-time featured artist at The Watchung Arts Center, Leonieke was also featured at the 2012 FusionFest, and has performed in Jazz Vespers along with Steve Turre, Tim Ries and Bill Crow.
She is often invited to sit in at various New York City Jazz Clubs.

In July of 2012, Dr. Lonnie Smith met Leonieke and watched a youtube of her performing on piano. After learning that she had an interest in jazz organ, he arranged for a Hammond organ to be delivered to her as a gift. Earlier that year, Bob Belden, (former A&R Blue Note records) introduced her to Herbie Hancock and has since become a mentor, guiding her mainly through recordings. Radio station WBGO Jazz 88.3FM featured Leonieke in interview along with trombonist Coleman Hughes in an hour long special entitled, “The Future of Jazz (10/2/13).

On October 13 2013, she recorded her debut CD engineered by Trustees Award Grammy winner, Rudy Van Gelder, widely recognized as one of the most important engineers in music history. She returned to his studio again on November 17th and was joined by Jazz drumming legend, Jimmy Cobb.

Leonieke aspires to continually grow musically, composing more of her own music.

This recording, entitled "debut", features Leonieke on both the Hammond B-3 organ and a Steinway concert grand piano. She is joined by Tim Givens on double bass and her sister Natasha Scheuble on vocals. Jimmy Cobb and her dad, Nick Scheuble share the drum responsibiliies. It is recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and his assistant Maureen Sickler and is produced by the gifted composer/pianist Cecilia Coleman.

Debut

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Prudence Johnson - 'S Gershwin

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 42:27
Size: 98.8 MB
Label: Sleeper
Styles: Vocal jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[4:29] 1. They Can't Take That Away from Me
[3:11] 2. They All Laughed
[4:23] 3. How Long Has This Been Going On?
[3:44] 4. Love Walked In
[5:05] 5. But Not for Me
[2:38] 6. My Man's Gone Now
[3:13] 7. I Loves You Porgy
[3:50] 8. It Ain't Necessarily So
[2:47] 9. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
[3:20] 10. Nice Work If You Can Get It
[3:16] 11. Bidin' My Time
[2:25] 12. Love Is Here To Stay

Sometimes it all comes together-the perfect intersection of performer and material. This is one of those junctures: the elegance of George Gershwin's music; a spare, refined interpretation by Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard.

Prudence has sung Gershwin material from time to time, but it wasn't until she heard pianist Chouinard tackle the repertoire-his singular phrasing and ability to evoke the spirit of an era-that she realized she was hooked. On the other hand, Dan took Gershwin's music to heart when he was barely into his teens, after a piano teacher with good taste and high hopes assigned "Rhapsody in Blue."

Now Johnson and Chouinard give Gershwin fitting tribute with an exquisite new recording project-- 'S Gershwin--to be released on the Sleeper label. With a no-frills attitude and an unadorned grace that's absolutely seductive, Prudence and Dan offer up favorites-complete with their seldom-heard verses-from one of the most extraordinary composers of the 20th century. The list includes "Love Walked In," "How Long Has This Been Going On," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "They All Laughed" and "Love is Here to Stay." And their take on selections such as "My Man's Gone Now" and "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'" approaches Porgy and Bess from an entirely fresh angle.

'S wonderful, 's marvelous, 'S Gershwin.

'S Gershwin

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Marvin Gaye - Number 1's

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:23
Size: 129.1 MB
Styles: Soul
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:58] 1. Let's Get It On
[4:09] 2. Got To Give It Up
[3:56] 3. Sexual Healing
[3:51] 4. What's Going On
[2:12] 5. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (with Tammi Terrell)
[2:53] 6. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
[2:57] 7. Ain't That Peculiar
[3:12] 8. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
[3:53] 9. I Want You
[3:12] 10. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
[5:25] 11. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
[2:47] 12. You're All I Need To Get By (with Tammi Terrell)
[2:44] 13. I'll Be Doggone
[2:04] 14. Pride And Joy
[3:02] 15. Your Precious Love
[2:19] 16. If I Could Build My Whole World Around You (with Tammi Terrell)
[3:41] 17. That's The Way Love Is

Marvin Gaye's Number 1's, like the other Number 1's discs issued by Universal Music Distribution during early 2007, is an attractive package that would nonetheless have trouble surviving a minor spill or even a swift breeze. The disc sits in biodegradable foam, which is protected by a wraparound cardboard sleeve. In fact, the packaging might be lighter than the disc itself. At any rate, there's nothing to complain about when it comes to the contents of the disc: 13 number one hits, released between 1965 and 1982 (credit Universal for licensing "Sexual Healing" from Sony BMG), along with three bonus cuts that stalled at number two. Of course, Gaye's catalog goes fathoms deeper than the chart-toppers, but this makes a fine introduction. ~Andy Kellman

Number 1's

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Andrei Kondakov & The Brazil All Stars - Songs For My Father

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:14
Size: 121.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[0:57] 1. Intro
[5:44] 2. Music Is Here
[6:16] 3. So Near
[5:22] 4. Sambassa
[1:10] 5. Little Tarantella
[5:22] 6. Small Talk
[5:17] 7. Love Like Breathing
[1:03] 8. We Are The Singers
[7:18] 9. Sun And Rain Together
[1:04] 10. Flageolets
[5:44] 11. Something About Love
[6:35] 12. Song For Michael
[1:14] 13. Outro

Andrei Kondadov's original compositions with strong an All-Star Brazilian line-up and influence. ~Dr. Tough

ANDREI KONDAKOV (keyboards, vocal); SERGIO BRANDAO (bass guitar, vocal); CLAUDIO RODITI (trumpet 3,6,9,11); PAULO BRAGA (drums 3,6,9,11); "CAFE" DA SILVA (percussion, vocal); CELSO ALBERTI (drums 2,4,7,8,11); PAUL BOLLENBACK (guitar 3,6,9,11).

Songs For My Father

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Laura Taylor - Have Mercer On Me

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:43
Size: 132,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. When The World Was Young
(3:14)  2. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
(4:18)  3. Skylark
(2:51)  4. The Glow Worm
(4:45)  5. Come Rain or Come Shine
(8:03)  6. Midnight Sun
(2:32)  7. Accentuate the Positive
(3:29)  8. I'm Old Fashioned
(6:31)  9. Laura
(2:15) 10. That Old Black Magic
(4:54) 11. Out of This World
(4:38) 12. Early Autumn
(3:56) 13. Moon River

Critical acclaim and national radio airplay have been given to Laura’s five jazz CDs: Have Mercer on Me, features pianist and Ben Vereen conductor David Loeb, bassists Bob Sachs and Derek Jones, pianist Bob Rozario, drummer Michael Mecham, guitar great Joe Lano and percussionist Lenny Lopez.   My Funny Valentine…a tribute to Chet Baker, features jazz legends Eddie Gomez, Steve Kuhn and Louis Nash.  Mountain Greenery features jazz greats Jack Sheldon, Pete and Conte Condoli Red Holloway and guitarist Joe Lano; Cry Me a River, a tribute to the late Julie London, features Joe Lano and Tom Warrington, and Songs of the Winter Season, also featuring Joe Lano and Tom Warrington.

While continuing to live in Las Vegas, Laura does many special events and concerts. A highlight of 2012 was Laura’s October 25th performance at The Smith Center For the Performing Arts Cabaret Jazz Theater. Titled “Something’s Coming”, this debut performance at the Smith Center had a full house that gave Laura two standing ovations. Laura will be returning to the Smith Center on April 24, 2014, doing a program titled “It Might As Well Be Spring”(see web site announcements for details).  2011 and 2012 saw Laura doing three appearances at Michael Feinstein’s beautiful club in New York… “Feinstein’s”. Michael gave Laura a warm welcome by enthusiastically attending one of those performances.

Most recently Laura did her second annual appearance as part of the legendary Joe William’s Scholarship Concert. In addition to Laura, the incredible UNLV Jazz Band 1 led by David Loeb and Nathan Tanoye backed performers such as Ben Vereen, Marlena Shaw, and The Cunninghams, and several others.  All performers donated their performances to help raise money for these very talented students and this great program! Laura has also appeared with these great jazz students as the featured soloist in The Duke Ellington Sacred Concert, a challenging, beautiful work which also featured the wonderful Las Vegas Master Singers.... More  http://laurataylor.com/about/

Have Mercer On Me

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Caroline Daly - Jazz On The Rock

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 97,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:54)  1. I Still Australia Home
(3:09)  2. Route 66
(3:32)  3. Fever
(3:25)  4. Baubles, Bangles & Beads
(5:23)  5. Peel Me A Grape
(2:11)  6. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me
(5:09)  7. Time After Time
(4:26)  8. This Masquerade
(4:53)  9. Our Love is Here To Stay
(3:05) 10. Alright Ok You Win
(3:58) 11. Blues Walk

Long ago as a little girl lying in the orange grove on my family's ranch,I would dream of dancing on far away stages...My four big brothers would tease me as I sang into my imaginary microphone. Little did I know that one day I would be singing jazz to audiences all around the world and performing with such incredibly talented musicians. I salute my loyal musicians who were willing to take risks and have fun at the same time. A standout was Tedd Firth known as the "wonderkid " on the New York jazz and cabaret scene. As an accompanist , he seemed to know where I was going before I did! I considered it appropriate to finish up with the band playing our usual rousing finale "Blues Walk" In this album, I am unafraid to be myself and this feeling I think is reflected in my songs. Many years ago my "sisters and brothers" at the United Jazz Associates Agency" in Brooklyn took this Aussie chick under their wings and pointed her in the right direction with love. 

They set me up with Brooklyns finest jazz musicians including Ed Stout (piano) Harold Ousley (sax) Abdus Sabor (percussion and congas) Rudy Lawless (drums) Bob Cunningham (bass) and linked me with international stars such as Stanley Banks, a world so remote and exciting to a singer far from home. Check out on in "Blues Walk" the incredible technical brilliance of Rick Germanson (piano) Gerald Hayes (alto sax -) Eric Lemon (bass) Kenyatta Beasley (trumpet) Bennet Harris ups the energy on blues harp in "Route 66" and "Alright ok you win!" Hear Caroline and Steve Kaiser ( bass and vocals) having fun harmonising in "Our Love is Here to Stay"  Clifford Brown Jr.  (KCSM Jazz Radio) says "Caroline swings and has a great rapport with her audience" NOW LET THIS AUSSIE DIVA TAKE CENTER STAGE!!  

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7164219&style=music&fulldesc=T

Jazz On The Rock

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B.J. Jansen - Ronin

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:07
Size: 124,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Ronin
(5:05)  2. Rose for Noriko
(8:44)  3. Best Fiend
(6:06)  4. The Cost
(6:04)  5. Blues for C.P.
(5:22)  6. Manhattan Trane'in
(7:16)  7. Brother Sid
(5:09)  8. Diamonds for Lil
(4:16)  9. The Code

His first new release in nearly two years, B.J. Jansen returns with a new quartet album RONIN. RONIN hits the streets March 4th, 2014 and features; Mamiko Watanabe on piano, Mike Boone on bass, Amanda Ruzza on bass, Chris Beck on drums and Dorota Piotrowska on drums.

During the feudal period in Japan (1185-1868), a Ronin was a samurai (knight) with no lord or master. A samurai could become masterless from the death or political fall of his master, or simply by the loss of his master's favor. Ronin amassed during periods of long peace when their warrior training was not needed. Some Lords released samurai for strictly financial reasons during these periods. By law a Samurai was forbidden to have a job, so many fell into poverty and lives of crime to feed themselves and their families. Others, simply disgraced committed suicide.

" The plight of the Ronin draws many similarities to what I have observed with those of us who adopt the way, or follow a life of the study of the art and craft of instrumental improvised music. Live performance and revenue streams have become increasingly scarce as society and technology have changed. However, like the Ronin, we artists persist as warriors and keepers of the flame, devoting our lives to the propagation of the Music. We have become drifters, outsiders, masterless and seeking the truth of who we are as artists and people.

RONIN was conceived with the inspiration and perspective of the ancient masterless samurai. I have reflected on my own trials, tribulations and triumphs along the path I have chosen. From reflections and life events I was inspired to write this collection of original compositions. I sincerely hope that you will join me on my journey along the path. " - B.J. Jansen  

http://www.jazzcorner.com/news/display.php?news=4279

Ronin

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Topsy Chapman & Magnolia Jazzband - Fine and Mellow

Styles: New Orleans Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:36
Size: 159,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:57)  1. Fine And Mellow
(6:44)  2. You Can't Tell The Difference After Dark
(7:52)  3. My Man
(6:33)  4. Let The Great Big World Keep On Turning
(5:47)  5. When I come to the end of my journey
(5:48)  6. Yesterdays
(9:37)  7. Close to you
(7:06)  8. My sin was lovin' you
(6:50)  9. The same old love
(5:17) 10. Please, don't talk about me when I'm gone

The delightful musical One Mo'Time introduced singer Topsy Chapman to admiring audiences around the world. The production, which is set in 1920s New Orleans, reached cult status in its run at the old Toulouse Theater in the French Quarter in the 1980s before being exported to New York and then to Europe. Much of the local cast traveled with the play and thus Chapman, long-considered a living treasure in New Orleans, received some well-deserved exposure before a larger audience. Chapman, who grew up not far from New Orleans in Kentwood, LA, was raised in the gospel music tradition. That gospel-tinged fervor is evident in her voice today, as she sings with some of the top musicians in the city of New Orleans. She still makes appearances at some of the popular gospel brunch venues around the city, but she mostly lends her elegant style to groups such as the Magnolia Brass Band, the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and the Lars Edegran Orchestra.

She gigs with the best of the best at venues in the Crescent City at popular clubs such as Donna's, Snug Harbor, and the Palm Court, as well as at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and the Satchmo Summerfest. Chapman's affinity for the music of Armstrong is captured on her 2001 CD My One and Only Love. Recorded as Topsy Chapman and the Pros, the record does feature some real pros, such as Lucien Barbarin, Don Suhor, and Duke Heitger. The singer is joined on vocals by her two daughters, Yolanda "Peb" Windsay and Jolynda "Kike" Phillips. Among the selections are Armstrong's "Someday You'll Be Sorry" and "I Still Get Jealous." Another excellent release is Jazz in New Orleans: The Nineties. Working with Brian Carrick and his New Orleans Heritage Band, Chapman has made an uplifting record of gospel tunes such as "In the Sweet By and By" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Her work with the Magnolia Jazz Band can be heard on their 1994 eponymous release, featuring jazz standards and popular tunes. The vocalist also appears on Cubanismo!'s 2000 CD Mardi Gras Mambo-Cubanismo! in New Orleans. Chapman really fits in the groove, especially on her danzon-style duet with John Boutté, "It Do Me Good." In 2002, Chapman was nominated for Best Female Jazz Vocalist in the prestigious Best of New Orleans Awards given by Gambit magazine. With several records out there, personal appearances, and glowing reviews in journals from Ebony to the New York Times, her star is shining brighter than ever. Bio ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/topsy-chapman-mn0000792037/biography

Fine and Mellow

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Danny Moss - Danny Moss Meets Buddha's Gamblers: A Swingin' Affair

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:04
Size: 144.4 MB
Styles: Swing, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[4:50] 1. Just You, Just Me
[6:35] 2. Moten Swing
[5:30] 3. D.M. Blues
[6:12] 4. Moppin' And Boppin'
[4:14] 5. A Smooth One
[6:39] 6. The Jeep Is Jumpin'
[4:17] 7. Georgia On My Mind
[4:47] 8. Crazy Rhythm
[6:59] 9. Swingin' The Blues
[4:49] 10. Sweet And Lovely
[8:07] 11. The King

A superior swing-based tenor saxophonist, Danny Moss is heard here on one of his finest sessions. He is joined by Buddha's Gamblers, an exciting German septet. Together they explore some of the most viable devices of the swing era, including heated and riff-filled renditions of "Just You, Just Me," "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Crazy Rhythm," and "The King." Moss and the band clearly inspired each other, and there are plenty of stirring performances throughout this highly recommended German import. ~Scott Yanow

Danny Moss Meets Buddha's Gamblers: A Swingin' Affair

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Janet Macklin - Floating On The Silence

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:33
Size: 138.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[2:33] 1. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
[5:11] 2. Girl From Ipanema
[5:20] 3. Someday My Prince Will Come
[3:18] 4. Exactly Like You
[4:53] 5. Corcovado
[4:56] 6. Lullaby Of Birdland
[6:24] 7. Dindi
[4:02] 8. Louisiana Fairytale
[4:48] 9. It's Only A Paper Moon
[7:30] 10. Willow Weep For Me
[4:58] 11. Summertime
[4:51] 12. Desafinado
[1:43] 13. Dream A Little Dream For Me

A native of Long Island, Janet began performing in the early 1980s in New York City's Greenwich Village. After moving to Wisconsin in 1985, she became established as a solo vocalist and guitarist, with much of her repertoire gleaned from the Tin Pan Alley era.

In 1998 The Janet Macklin Quartet was formed. The jazz quartet has performed at many state festivals, including Green Bay's Bayfest and Art Street, Appleton's Art in the Park, The Ripon and Neenah Jazz Festivals, The Fond du Lac Art Center Jazz Concert Series, The Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival in West Bend, Milwaukee's Bastille Days, Summerfest, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Park Square Concert Series, and A la Carte at the Zoo, as well as Madison's Isthmus Jazz Festival and Art Fair on the Square. The band's club dates include regular appearances throughout the state, including numerous venues in Madison and Milwaukee. Numerous art museums have used Janet for openings and special events. Janet is a 2001 WAMI nominee for best female vocalist. (Wisconsin Area Music Industry)

The Janet Macklin Quartet consists of Janet on guitar and vocals, and various combinations of the finest jazz drummers, saxophonists, and upright bass players in Wisconsin and places beyond. Piano is the newest introduction to the group, forming a truly fine jazz quintet. The band explores the jazz music of the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, and features works of the following artists, composers and lyricists: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Django Reinhart, the Gershwins, Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Dorothy Fields & Jimmy McHugh, Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Benny Goodman and Chick Webb, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Gus Kahn. The group regularly performs a number of original compositions as well. Janet still performs as a solo artist, as well as working with a duo, trio, quartet, and quintet.

Floating On The Silence

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Dontae Winslow - Ballads

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:24
Size: 122.2 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[ 1:12] 1. Amazing Grace
[ 5:16] 2. In A Sentimental Mood
[ 3:20] 3. Elaine
[ 8:43] 4. Death Of A Young Man Blackman
[ 5:00] 5. Blue Moon
[ 4:49] 6. Fall
[ 5:17] 7. When I Fall In Love
[ 7:12] 8. Body And Soul
[10:25] 9. Divine Order
[ 2:07] 10. Somwhere Over The Rainbow

Dontae Winslow is one of music's "rising stars" and educators. He grew up in the tough neighborhood of Coppin Heights, on West North Avenue, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was trained in music at the formidable Baltimore School for the Arts high school. While there Dontae starred in 2 regional commercials, and one public service announcement for AIDS awareness. In three years, he attained a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Classical Music Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of the John's Hopkins University. From that esteemed institution, he also received his Master's degree in European Classical Music Performance two years later.

As a full-time college student Dontae toured the world with the Gary Thomas Quintet. The group Overkill utilized Dontae's contributions as a rap artist, writer, and trumpeter. He has performed throughout North America and Europe (Spain, Italy, Germany, France, etc.). Dontae has toured with multi-platinum R&B artist D'Angelo, and gospel phenomenon Natalie Wilson and the S.O.P. Chorale. He has performed at the Montreaux Jazz Festival (1995), the Montreal Jazz Festival (1997), the Brecon Jazz Festival (1998), and the Marciac Jazz Festival (1998). In 1997 Dontae was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition and a finalist in the Marvin Hamlisch "Search for a Star" competition. Opening for such masters as Maya Angelou, Ashford and Simpson, and Wayne Shorter has elevated Dontae to the forefront of young innovators in music. He has performed with master Clark Terry, Roy Hargrove, The Roots, Wynton Marsalis, Milt Jackson, Maysa of Incognito, Freddie Hubbard, Stevie Wonder, Larry Willis, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Dontae has performed as a lead trumpeter in such broadway musicals as "Dinah Was" and "Ain't Misbehavin'". He programmed MPC drums on the new Roy Hargrove release "RH Factor", and produced,mixed, recorded, and arranged the music from "The Real Thing", new soul CD, by MaShica Winslow. He has released over 8 hip-hop and jazz titles on his own independent label, Ransom Entertainment.

Having a strong devotion to helping children led to Dontae's latest recording entitled "Change a Life...Change the World". The CD features his students from the Gilmor-Edison Elementary Choir, and his wife, MaShica Winslow on vocals. The CD is offered free to kids so that they will be inspired to attend college. In 2002, Dontae Winslow was the Grand Prize winner of the John Lennon Songwriting contest in the Children's Music category. Dontae's song entitled "I Love School" was selected out of 24,000 entries. His winnings from the contest include an EMI music publishing contract and $5,000 in Yamaha Studio Equipment. Dontae believes that, despite your circumstances, with God and a good education you can achieve your dreams.

Ballads

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Patricia Vonne - Firebird

Released: 2007
Size: 88,9 MB
Time: 38:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Folk-Rock, Latin
Art: Full

01. Missing Women [2:57]
02. Hot Rod Heart [3:14]
03. Battle Scars [4:36]
04. Torera [4:06]
05. Jett Rink [3:05]
06. The Dogs Dance  [3:47]
07. La Huerta De San Vicente [4:00]
08. Dutch Cigarette  [2:52]
09. Karolina  [3:38]
10. Will We Ever Be [2:57]
11. Mujeres Desaparecidas (Bonus Track) [2:56]

Latin Roots Rocker and Troubadour Patricia Vonne releases "Firebird"
Patricia Vonne's remarkable third release "Firebird" is the payoff for seven years of hard work and cements the bilingual songstress's ability to deliver a perfect balance of Tex-Mex and roots-rock with strength, purpose and femininity. Vonne's excellent songwriting has a flare for romance, drama and fantasy, even while chronicling the ups and downs of everyday life.
"Firebird" opens with the haunting "Missing Women" a tribute to the hundreds of women murdered in Juarez, Mexico. Vonne made several trips to Juarez doing research for the song and shooting a video. She had the opportunity to meet many of the mothers of the victims' and has become very close to the project and in hopes of bringing more awareness to the campaign she has donated the song as a free download on the Amnesty International's website.The CD features a Spanish version of the same song, "Mujeres Desaparecidas" as a bonus track.Vonne's long time musical partner, Robert LaRoche former Virgin Recording artist 'The Sighs' , co-wrote five of the ten tunes and his stellar guitar work is the perfect accompaniment for Vonne's sultry vocals. They duet on the beautiful "Battle Scars".On "Firebird" Vonne works with an all star cast of musicians including Rick Del Castillo, Michael Hardwick, Steven Medina Hufsteter, Tito Larriva, David Perales, Michael Ramos, Joe Reyes, Scott Garber, Dony Wynn, Elizabeth Rodriguez, and Carl Thiel.Every song on "Firebird" carries a great personal story from Vonne. She co-wrote with her childhood musical hero, Johnny Reno on "Hot Rod Heart," and was so inspired by visiting the home of late Spanish poet, Federico Garcia Lorca in Granada, Spain that she wrote "La Huerta de San Vincente" about the experience. "Dutch Cigarette" chronicles the non-stop travel from 13 European tours that has elevated Vonne to playing huge festivals overseas, while the sweet "Karolina" is a tribute to the children in hospitals in NYC that Vonne would visit and sing to while a "musician on call"."Firebird" is a follow up to 2004's "Guitars and Castanets" and Vonne's self titled debut in 2002 and is a her best work yet and a fine addition to her ever growing musical legacy.

Firebird

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Rebecca Zapen & Gary Starling Group - Zapstar

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:29
Size: 149,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:32)  1. On the Street Where You Live
(5:43)  2. Like Someone in Love
(6:21)  3. It Might as Well Be Spring
(6:57)  4. How Deep Is the Ocean
(4:31)  5. It Ain't Necessarily So
(6:54)  6. Things We Said Today
(7:01)  7. Nuages
(3:50)  8. Bernie's Tune
(5:48)  9. I Only Have Eyes for You
(5:17) 10. When You Wish Upon a Star
(7:30) 11. I Thought About You

Rebecca Zapen is a violinist/vocalist whose singing is reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto and Chet Baker, and whose violin playing draws upon the traditions of jazz violin greats Stephane Grappelli and Regina Carter. She is a magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the School of Music of Florida State University, and also holds a degree in biology. She has performed throughout the United States, and in destinations abroad including the UK, France, and Switzerland, gracing concert stages, intimate jazz clubs, and big band dance halls. She has released several albums: ZAPSTAR and HUMMINGBIRD, which are comprised of bossa novas, ballads, standards, and Rebecca’s original compositions (in Hummingbird), and JAPANESE BATHHOUSE, featuring all original songs by Ms. Zapen and showcasing her diversity as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. To learn more about Rebecca, visit her online at www.zapen.com.

Gary Starling: Synonymous with jazz on the First Coast, Artist in Residence and professor of guitar at Jacksonville University, Gary Starling has inspired and broadened the horizons of hundreds of aspiring musicians and has played with performers such as Bob Hope, Diahann Carroll, Rita Moreno and Skitch Henderson. The Gary Starling Group has made multiple appearances at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Gary has appeared with the Jacksonville Symphony Pops Orchestra and with jazz artists Eddie Harris, Nat Adderley, Joshua Breakstone, Carla White, Jim Snidero, Ben Tucker, and more. To learn more about Gary, visit him online at www.garystarling.com.

Chelsea Chason (bass) is a graduate of the jazz studies program at University of North Florida. She has studied under Blue Note recording artists Kevin Bales and Ricky Ravelo. She has appeared with Benny Green, Marcus Printup, Cyrus Chestnut, The Heath Brothers, and Doug Wamble. She has performed with the Gary Starling Group since 1999. Chelsea is also the founder of the Awkward Pause Ensemble and a mainstay of the North Florida local music scene. Peter Miles is an exceptional performer whose sought-after versatility keeps him busy all over the world. His current touring finds him with the Doug Wamble Quartet on the Marsalis Music label. Peter plays Sabian cymbals exclusively.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rzgsg

Personnel:  Rebecca Zapen - violin and vocals;  Gary Starling – guitar;  Chelsea Chason - double bass;  Peter Miles - drums

Zapstar

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Solitaire Miles - Solitaire Miles

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:05
Size: 108,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Comes Love
(3:19)  2. Autumn Leaves
(2:24)  3. I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl
(4:02)  4. I Wished on the Moon
(5:01)  5. Lush Life
(4:18)  6. I Don't Know Enough About You
(5:35)  7. Blowtop Blues
(2:56)  8. Softly as in a Morning Sunrise
(5:52)  9. You Go to My Head
(5:03) 10. You Let Me Down
(3:52) 11. A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Chicago jazz vocalist Solitaire Miles captivates the seasoned jazz veteran with mesmeric tone, conversational phrasing, and a sinuous sense of swing. Her unaffected delivery never draws attention to itself, allowing the lyrics to shine through. She presents each song in a sincere manner, intimating a supple delivery so the patois of each arrangement has a lasting effect on the listener. Her timing and style impressed Chautauqua Symphony Bassist Harry Jacobson enough to label her as "Billie Holiday with sunshine and air".

Her debut album includes some of Chicago's best performers, arranged by the great jazz violinst Johnny Frigo and incomparable pianist Willie Pickens, the recording reflects the laid back, forthright swing that is signature of the Chicago sound. Also featured is Chicago Sax Maestro Von Freeman, who keeps the music genuine and sassy. There is also a cameo from trumpeter Brad Goode and three live tracks recorded in New York with pianist Don Rebic.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/solitairemiles

Personnel: Solitaire Miles vocals ; Johnny Frigo violin; Von Freeman sax;  Willie Pickens piano;  Brad Goode trumpet ; Don Rebic piano;  Bruce Johnstone sax/clarinet ; John Whitfield bass;  Mike Raynor drums

Solitaire Miles

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Sally Night - Ballads For You

Size: 166,8 MB
Time: 71:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. More Than You Know (3:55)
02. It Amazes Me (4:50)
03. Everything I've Got Belongs To You (4:59)
04. In Love In Vain (4:02)
05. Fascinating Star (4:31)
06. Everything Happens To Me (4:47)
07. Good Morning Heartache (5:05)
08. I Hadn't Anyone Till You (4:12)
09. London By Night Is A Wonderful Sight (5:17)
10. Close To You-The Shadow Of Your Smile-It's Impossible (7:23)
11. Prelude To A Kiss (4:50)
12. Round Midnight (5:54)
13. Blame It On My Youth (3:22)
14. Speak Low (4:10)
15. Yes I Do (4:03)

Sally Night-Vocals , Jon Davis-Piano, Dezron Douglas-Double Bass, Steve Williams-Drums

”Sally Night is a great new Singer, Songwriter & Performer with a beautiful full voice”- Billboard Live Club, Tokyo, Japan

Since her recent arrival in New York & USA Sally Night has recorded 2 new albums for Venus Records, made an opening performance at the 1st Miami- Nice Jazz Festival in Miami, Florida, made several appearances at Birdland Jazz Club NYC, performed in Tokyo at the Billboard Live Club for AXN TV and has been invited to sing as a guest singer with Jazz legends Cedar Walton, Buster Williams, Bucky Pizzarelli & performed and recorded with a polithera of other Internationally acclaimed musicians.

“Sally Night is a Sassy swing vocalist with excellent technique and a powerful voice” - TIME OUT, London

“An effervescent live performer with echoes of Ella and Sarah, innately gifted vocalist Sally Night swings like a true diva”- JAZZ CLUB SOHO, Pizza Express, London

“Ms. Night is that rare new singer who backs up the chutzpah, talent and confidence needed to succeed in the jazz scene in New York & America. It didn’t take me long to start programming Ms. Night’s music on Real Jazz, Sirius XM and I think the jazz scene is better for it. Believe me there aren’t enough good singers around” -MARK RUFFIN, Real Jazz, SIRIUS XM, North America & Canada

Ballads For You

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Zizi Possi - Tudo Se Transformou

Size: 88,3 MB
Time: 37:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Brazilian Jazz, MPB, Brazilion Traditions
Art: Front

01. Filho De Santa Maria (2:54)
02. Disparada (3:58)
03. Contrato De Separaçao (3:09)
04. Explode Coraçao (3:03)
05. Tudo Se Transformou (2:52)
06. Morena Dos Olhos D'agua (3:11)
07. Cacos De Amor (3:28)
08. Meu Mundo E Nada Mais (3:26)
09. No Vento (3:15)
10. Porta Estandarte (4:57)
11. Sem Voce (3:32)

Zizi Possi opened different paths during her career. She had her first hit with an MPB tune ("Pedaço de Mim" by Chico Buarque) and then with a series of pop ballads during the '80s; but finally in the '90s, she found her way with a repertory of classics of Brazilian music in highly polished acoustic renditions. There are variations apply, as in Per Amore, which is completely devoted to Italian romantic songs (sung in the original idiom).

Singing alone since she was a child, Possi started to take piano classes at five. At 20, she abandoned the strong composition program at the State University of Bahia and started working as an actress in a musical when she discovered herself as a singer. In 1978, she left for Rio, where she was invited by Roberto Menescal to record (at the time he was Polygram's A&R) her first album (Flor do Mal). Possi' first hit was the title track of the second album, Pedaço de Mim (Chico Buarque), from Buarque's musical A Ópera do Malandro, in which she participated that same year. In the '80s, Possi expanded her pop repertory at the expenses of MPB, having success with "Asa Morena" (Zé Caradípia, 1982). Other hits of that decade were "Perigo" (Nico Resende/Paulinho Lima, 1986), "A Paz" (Gilberto Gil/João Donato, 1987); "É A Vida Que Diz" (Marina), and "O Amor Vem Pra Cada Um" (a version for "Love Comes to Everyone" by George Harrison). The LP Estrebucha Baby (1989) represented a different, almost experimental phase, being the first time that "Meu Erro" (Herbert Vianna) was recorded not as rock or pop (as it was written), but as a densely interpreted song, which worked as an endorsement for a genre that was being incorporated into MPB under mixed feelings.

In 1990, the show Sobre Todas As Coisas (piano/voice/percussion) represented the finding of an internal coherence after taking different paths. Rewarded by the success enjoyed during the tour, she accepted Marcos Suzano's suggestion of incorporating Lui Coimbra's cello, recording the album Sobre Todas As Coisas (1991). The esthetics of an acoustic sound and the classics of Brazilian music were paid even further tribute on Valsa Brasileira (1993) and on her subsequent albums. Valsa Brasileira had two hits, "Bom Dia" (Swami Jr./ Paulo Freire) and "Lamento" (Pixinguinha).

Tudo Se Transformou

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Spike Wilner - Portraits

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:54
Size: 150.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[6:03] 1. Wonderful! Wonderful!
[8:01] 2. For The Girl
[6:30] 3. Forever Young
[8:26] 4. Three To Go
[4:33] 5. A Tale Thrice Told
[6:13] 6. In The Still Of The Night
[7:39] 7. The Dennis Jeter (Bug) Waltz
[4:19] 8. Everything I Have Is Yours
[6:07] 9. A Stitch In Time
[7:57] 10. Slow Blues

Michael “Spike” Wilner was born in New York City and started playing piano at an early age. He was inspired by a television program about the life of Scott Joplin to learn to play Ragtime Music. He perused this art form throughout high school and performed Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” at the St. Louis Ragtime Festival. Although it was an informal appearance it, nonetheless, profoundly affected him and drove him to peruse a career in music. In his high school jazz program he met pianist Peter Martin who introduced him and inspired him to learn more modern jazz.

Wilner decided to enter into the New School For Social Research’s Jazz and Contemporary Music department, which was then in it’s first year. Headed by the late saxophonist Arnie Lawrence, this was an experimental forum where young jazz musicians were introduced to masters and left on their own to interact and play together. In this fertile musical environment Wilner met and became friends with many of today’s leading jazz musicians. Students at that time included: Peter Bernstein, Jesse Davis, Larry Goldings, Brad Mehldau, Roy Hargrove, Sam Yahel, Joe Strasser and many others. It was there that Wilner had the good fortune to become the student of the late pianist Walter Davis Jr. as well as the late great Jaki Byard. At this same time Wilner became involved at the Jazz Cultural Theater under the direction a Barry Harris and spent several years studying there.

It was also at this time that Wilner began to work professionally on the New York City jazz scene. He began to play gigs in the various clubs and throughout the years has held down many steady engagements in well-known clubs. Wilner was a house pianist at the legendary, now defunct, Village Gate as well as other long-gone clubs such as Visiones, The Angry Squire and The Village Corner. In 1995, Wilner became involved with the jazz club Smalls under the direction of owner Mitch Borden. At Smalls, Wilner has developed his music and his career.

Portraits

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Alexis Cole - I Carry Your Heart: Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 60:28

Size: 138.4 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz

Year: 2012

Art: Front

[ 7:47] 1. In Love With Night

[ 3:38] 2. I Carry Your Heart

[ 5:52] 3. Now In Our Lives

[ 7:53] 4. Urban Dreams

[10:54] 5. Julian

[ 7:41] 6. Civilization And Its Discontents

[ 8:07] 7. Lovers Of That Time

[ 8:32] 8. I Carry Your Heart (Reprise) [duo Vers]

I Carry Your Heart; Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams is a stunning piece of work. The lyrics, pure poetry; the music, cerebral and swinging. This creation is even more amazing when seen as part of a five-volume production covering all of baritone sax legend Pepper Adams' work. Producer Gary Carner got the idea for a digital box set, Joy Road: The Complete Works of Pepper Adams (Volumes 1-5), to be put out on Motéma Music. Subsequent to Cole's vocal CD was Joy Road Sampler (Motéma, 2012), which contains highlights from all four volumes. All discs will be available at a later date.

Carner became interested in the project in the mid-eighties. "Now," he says, "after 28 years of research, it has become a crusade...to maintain the historical record of his [Pepper's] life and work" Also a meticulously researched Pepper Adams' Joy Road: An Annotated Discography (2012), has been published by Scarecrow Press.

Adams' compositions are sung by the highly rated Cole. The New York-based vocalist was recommended by saxophonist Eric Alexander, who had recorded with her on a Fred Hersch album. For this first ever pairing of his music with words, Carner got poet/lyricist Barry Wallenstein, his friend and mentor at City College of New York (CCNY). Rearranging Adams' seven ballads to various speeds and styles, and pairing them with Wallenstein's richly literary lyrics, was the task. Cole comes up a winner here with her straightforward interpretations, honoring the integrity of the poetry and always swinging. The band also deserves special mention, especially the two tenor sax performers, Alexander and Pat La Barbera. Whether soloing or blending their sound, they excel in mostly long takes.

I Carry Your Heart: Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams

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Taylor Eigsti - Lucky To Be Me

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:47
Size: 134.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:11] 1. Giant Steps
[5:07] 2. Get Your Hopes Up
[3:11] 3. Love For Sale
[5:28] 4. I've Seen It All
[4:29] 5. Argument
[4:29] 6. True Colors
[5:34] 7. Woke Up This Morning
[5:32] 8. Promenade
[6:52] 9. Adventure One
[4:49] 10. Darn That Dream
[4:52] 11. Freedom Jazz Dance
[3:07] 12. Lucky To Be Me

It must indeed be a lucky thing to be Taylor Eigsti, a 21-year-old pianist who has already been performing for over a decade. After a handful of independent discs comes his Concord debut, Lucky to Be Me, a collection of originals, standards and unexpected interpretations featuring bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash and guitarist Julian Lage.

From the very top, his reharmonized arrangement of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" bears all the indications of a mature talent with an adventurous spirit. The cohesiveness of the assembled musicians is instantly apparent as they blow through the "new" changes with frenetic grace. Eigsti also contributes three originals. "Get Your Hopes Up" is a breezy up-tempo tune with a strong Latin inflection and an alternating two chord major/minor vamp that allows the pianist to stretch out. "Argument" is aptly titled and fitfully executed with bassist James Genus and drummer Billy Kilson. Although the hyperactive syncopation and licks-per-minute rate is fairly high, the Fender Rhodes solo offers a nice contrast to the otherwise difficult ensemble workout. The lightness of his touch certainly counterbalances the gravity of his phrasing throughout the disc, and his third composition, "Adventure One," takes his technical abilities to expressive heights. McBride's bass solo is a highlight.

Both rhythm sections on this album sound relaxed and comfortable, and the addition of guitarist Julian Lage offers a pleasing extension of Eigsti's natural affinity for strong melody. The choice of material and tight arrangements make me look forward to future releases by this young talent. Although not an earth-shattering opus, Lucky to Be Me is nonetheless a worthy endeavor that should attract listeners who are curious about a new voice in jazz with something original to say. We'll keep listening. ~Ken Kase

Taylor Eigsti: piano; Christian McBride, James Genus: bass; Lewis Nash, Billy Kilson: drums; Julian Lage: guitar; Greg Adams: trumpet; Eric Marienthal: alto saxophone; Adam Schroeder: baritone sax; Garrett Smith: trombone; Brian Swartz: trumpet; Ben Wendel: tenor sax.

Lucky To Be Me

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