Adam Smale - Out Of The Blue

Size: 135,4 MB
Time: 58:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Guitar
Art: Full

01. New Start (5:27)
02. Blues To Yous (5:32)
03. Yes And No 2 (7:32)
04. Jazzenco (8:23)
05. Night Drive (6:02)
06. She Knows Me (7:15)
07. Autumn Confirmation (5:27)
08. Nyc Love Affair (6:00)
09. Original Sin (6:27)

Canadian seven-string guitar dynamo, Adam Smale makes his U.S. album debut with the March 4 release of Out of the Blue. Working with Tri-Fi, an established trio featuring pianist Mathew Fries, bassist Phil Palombi, and drummer Keith Hall, he plows through a nine-tune set consisting of eight original compositions and a reworking of a Wayne Shorter piece, “Yes and No.” He opens and closes the album with two tunes—“New Start” and “Original Sin”—played in trio format. In between, the quartet romps.

They do some sweet up-tempo work on “Autumn Confirmation,” a witty conflation of Bird’s “Confirmation” and the changes to the classic “Autumn Leaves,” and “NYC Love Affair,” a love song to the guitarist’s new home. “She Knows Me” is a gorgeous ballad played with touching lyricism, while “Jazzenco” adds an exotic note with its nod to flamenco.

Smale and company have put together a musically vibrant program from first note to last. Out of the Blue is an album with a kick.

Out Of The Blue

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Bronkenstein Connection - Bronkomania

Size: 131,9 MB
Time: 56:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Hammond Organ Jazz
Art: Front

01. Chicoree (4:55)
02. The Chirve (4:53)
03. It's All About Mcgriff (5:09)
04. Winter In Servoz (4:38)
05. Sunset Park (6:22)
06. Linguini (5:06)
07. Ghettoblaster (6:28)
08. Bronken Blues (9:02)
09. Marco Fogg (5:15)
10. A Liverpudlian Lion (4:48)

Bronkenstein Connection is a half French, half Swedish Funk/Jazz/Blues band based in Nice and Chamonix, France.
The Organ player Erik Brinkman and the guitar player Linus Olsson, representing the Swedish part of the group met up in 2008 via "Myspace" and started a trio with the drummer Max Miguel. In 2009 the saxophone player Benjamin Boutant also joined the group, to then become the quartet it still is today. Bronkenstein Connection recorded their first Album "Bronken Groove" in November 2010 in Valbonne, France. This new release "Bronkomania" Is the second album with the group.

Since their start in 2008 Bronkenstein Connection have played at numerous venues and festivals in France and Monaco. For example Cosmo Jazz Festival, Chamonix, La Note Bleue Jazz Festival - 2010, 2011, 2012, Monaco an much more. The sound of the group reminds for ex. of the Organ Combo recordings with "Jimmy McGriff" and of "Jimmy Smith" from the 70s. However, there's also similarities in their sound to more modern groups, such as "Soulive" and "John Scoefield" for example.

Bronkomania

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Simone Kopmajer - Emotion

Size: 134,6 MB
Time: 57:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Vocal Jazz/Pop
Art: Front

01. Valentine (2:59)
02. Emotion (3:45)
03. Go (3:54)
04. Sleepwalk (3:20)
05. Change The World (3:51)
06. Hello (4:14)
07. I Can't Tell You Why (4:11)
08. You're Still The One (4:07)
09. Words (3:51)
10. Rollin In The Deep (4:32)
11. Can't Help Falling In Love (4:46)
12. Lately (5:35)
13. You Raise Me Up (3:27)
14. Stairway To Heaven (5:16)

A cool-toned Austrian jazz vocalist, Simone Kopmajer sings in flawless English. She had classical piano lessons starting at the age of eight and at 12 began playing saxophone. She performed in a youth big band and sang regularly in her father's band as a teenager. At 17 she studied with Sheila Jordan, who encouraged her. Kopmajer also studied with Mark Murphy, Jay Clayton, and Michele Hendricks. Since earning a Masters from the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, Austria, Kopmajer has toured the Netherlands twice with the Euro Big Band, appeared at European jazz festivals, and recorded three CDs: Moonlight Serenade (for the Japanese Venus label), her best-known set Romance (for Zoho), and her privately released Taking a Chance on Love. Each CD emphasizes her own fresh versions of standards.

Emotion

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Esperanza Spalding - Junjo

Styles: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:07
Size: 112,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:56)  1. The Peacocks
(5:06)  2. Loro
(5:51)  3. Humpty Dumpty
(7:51)  4. Mompouana
(3:39)  5. Perazuán
(5:13)  6. Junjo
(4:55)  7. Cantora De Yala
(6:59)  8. Two Bad
(1:32)  9. Perazela

Esperanza Spalding's debut drives jazz's modern mainstream with a hip-sounding classic piano trio. Her emotional, wordless vocals and conversational bass playing offer a delightful celebration of music as folk art. Spalding's bass playing gets noticed while she interprets traditional jazz favorites as well as fresh new originals. Spalding, who was born in 1984, is younger than most jazz all-stars. And yet the fierce power of her trio proves that these musicians have all paid their dues many times over. The leader, a Portland, Oregon native, graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and now teaches there. Like many of us, she was turned on to jazz by Kind of Blue. Her pianist and drummer on this date, Aruán Ortiz and Francisco Mela, are from Cuba. She's chosen two of the best for her opening salvo in the competitive world of music. 

Of her chances, she says, "If your music is meant to be out there, and you stick to it and put everything you have into that, rather than making sure that someone is taking a nice picture of you, it will work. I think she's on her way to certain success. You can't argue with good taste. Unlike vocalese, Spalding uses a soft, wordless pattern that allows one vowel sound to flow into the next. It's not unlike the Portuguese sounds that often drive a bossa nova. She does sing one song with lyrics on Junjo, however, only to emphasize this point even stronger. "Cantora de Yala, sung in Spanish with nothing more than bass accompaniment, flows naturally with a poignant charm. The trio's interpretation of Chick Corea's Humpty Dumpty offers the best look at Spalding's bass playing. She likes to move with a comfortable rhythmic drive that never fades. Her concept remains lyrical from start to finish; she creates a focus for her energy and ensures that it follows a path toward beauty. Fresh voices such as this one on the modern jazz scene prove that good taste will always win over greedy ambition. ~ Jim Santella   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22613#.Ux9hB4VZhhk 
 

Personnel: Esperanza Spalding (vocals, acoustic bass); Aruán Ortiz (piano); Francisco Mela (drums).

Junjo

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Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie - Diz 'n Bird at Carnegie Hall

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1947
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:13
Size: 169,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:11)  1. A Night in Tunisia
(4:05)  2. Dizzy Atmosphere
(5:16)  3. Groovin' High
(5:39)  4. Confirmation
(4:17)  5. Koko
(5:13)  6. Cool Breeze
(2:42)  7. Relaxin' at Camarillo
(5:20)  8. One Bass Hit
(3:59)  9. Nearness
(5:11) 10. Salt Peanuts
(7:15) 11. Cubano-Be, Cubano-Bop
(5:02) 12. Hot House
(3:17) 13. Toccata for Trumpet
(7:38) 14. Oop-Pop-A-Da
(3:02) 15. Things to Come

For those of us born too late to have experienced it ourselves, and for everybody else who missed it as it actually happened, Diz’N’Bird At Carnegie Hall documents an awesome concert performance by a partnership whose influence on the history of jazz is inescapable and profound, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Diz’N’Bird At Carnegie Hall provides fifteen selections from a Carnegie Hall performance by Dizzy Gillespie  with Joe Harris on drums, bassist Al McKibbon and pianist John Lewis (developing during this period into the eventual "Third Stream" musical master and leader of The Modern Jazz Quartet) as the rhythm section  with an orchestra and special guests Parker and Ella Fitzgerald, which took place September 29 1947. 

Parker and Gillespie square off in the quintet format for the first five tracks, then Parker drops out and Gillespie and crew are joined by an orchestra whose members include tenor James Moody, Milt Jackson (Lewis’ partner in the MJQ) on vibes, and Gillespie’s frequent foil when in a Latin mood, percussion player Chano Pozo. (Though not one of the six Gillespie and orchestra performances with Fitzgerald survive on this release). Suffice it to say that the five quintet numbers captured here present both Parker and Gillespie at or near the peak of their creative powers. After the Parker  Gillespie Quintet concluded a 1946 engagement in California, Gillespie returned home to New York City while Parker "took a rest" in a California hospital. Strengthened if not straightened out, Parker later returned to New York and by the summer of ’47 was leading bands at the Three Deuces, while at the same time Gillespie led his own bands at the Downbeat club right next door.  Diz’N’Bird At Carnegie Hall captures their first joint performance together since their California split. 

Their passionate and graceful playing on this program of "A Night In Tunisia," "Dizzy Atmosphere," "Groovin’ High," "Confirmation" and "Koko" helped establish the standard for the hard-driving, blue yet red-hot gestation of be-bop. During this period, Parker and Gillespie also helped "lift the bar" for improvisational standards for jazz musicians, viewed by many as the first such substantial shift since Louis Armstrong. Tunes with Gillespie and orchestra include such popular and be-bop standards as "Salt Peanuts," the solo vehicles "One Bass Hit" (for McKibbon) and "Cubano-Be, Cubano-Bop" (an absolute tour-de-force for Pozo), "Hot House" and a scatback vocal bit of comic relief, "Oop-Pop-A-Da." Such great songs played by great musicians would be enough, but there’s one more thing the arrangements, which include the work of some of the finest jazz musicians and music theorists ever, such as Lewis, ("Toccata For Trumpet"), George Russell (Parker’s "Relaxin’ At Camarillo" and "Cubano-Be, Cubano-Bop"), Tadd Dameron (his originals "Hot House" and "Nearness," and the blues "Cool Breeze," which he co-wrote with Gillespie and Billy Eckstine), and Gil Fuller (his originals "Things To Come" and "One Bass Hit," which he co-wrote with Gillespie and bassist Ray Brown). Diz ‘N’ Bird at Carnegie Hall completely leaves the listener with the sense that you have just walked among the jazz giants. ~ Chris M.Slawecki   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=2320#.UyE814VZhhk

Personnel: Charlie Parker (alto saxophone); Dizzy Gillespie (vocals, trumpet); Kenny "Pancho" Hagood (vocals); John Brown, Howard Johnson (alto saxophone); James Moody, Joe Gayles (tenor saxophone); Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); Elmon Wright, Mathew McKay, Dave Burns, Ray Orr (trumpets); Taswell Baird, Williams Shepard (trombone); Milt Jackson (vibraphone); Al McKibbon (bass); John Lewis (piano); Joe Harris (drums); Lorenzo Salan (bongos); Chano Pozo (congas).

Diz 'n Bird at Carnegie Hall

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Malene Mortensen - Malene Live In Paris

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:14
Size: 107,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:54)  1. Take Five
(5:18)  2. Blur
(4:55)  3. Date With a Dream
(5:59)  4. Temptation
(5:03)  5. All I Want
(4:11)  6. Morning Sun
(3:50)  7. Desperado
(6:24)  8. Mystery Man
(4:35)  9. We'll Be Together Again

Malene Winter Mortensen (born May 23, 1982) is a Danish singer. She made her entrance into the Danish music scene in 2001, during the first season of "Stjerne for en aften", the Danish edition of Star for a Night. She made it to the finals, with her rendition of Moloko's "Sing it back". The following year, she entered the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, the Danish national pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Although her song "Vis mig hvem du er" performed strongly in the national final, receiving top marks from all televoting regions, it was a full-scale failure at the Eurovision Song Contest 2002, in its English version, "Tell me who you are". Her song received a mere seven points, placing her last amongst the 24 participating countries. The unforeseen Eurovision outcome was a blow to her previous achievements, but it did not make her give up her musical career. In 2003 she released her debut album called "Paradise". This album, revolving around modern jazz, was supported by three of Denmark's best known jazz musicians: Niels Lan Doky (piano), Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass) and Alex Riel (drums).   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malene_Mortensen

Malene Live In Paris

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Tom Kubis Big Band - Slightly Off The Ground

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:53
Size: 138,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:24)  1. Purple Porpoise Parkway
(7:25)  2. Exactly Like This
(4:36)  3. Play It Again, Sam
(4:41)  4. Who Can I Turn To
(3:24)  5. Slightly Off The Ground
(5:26)  6. Which Craft?
(3:40)  7. Ain't It Wonderful
(6:06)  8. Teach Me Tonight
(6:26)  9. Samba Dees Godda Do It
(4:28) 10. When You're Smiling
(4:47) 11. Imagine What A Change Will Do
(4:24) 12. Alexander's Big Time Band

Tom Kubis' first recording as a leader is quite impressive. His arranging chops were already in their prime, his big band uses similar personnel to the one in existence more than a dozen years later, and he makes several standards (along with a few originals) sound fresh and lively. Jack Sheldon helps out on "Play It Again Sam" (during which he quickly sums up the entire plot of Casablanca), "Who Can I Turn To," "Which Craft?," and "Alexander's Big Time Band," while trombonist Bill Watrous takes warm and heated solos on "Slightly Off the Ground" and a relaxed "When You're Smiling." The band swings hard, Kubis sounds fine on tenor and soprano, and the ensemble has a recognizable identity. For Tom Kubis, this was an impressive start to a productive career.~ Scott Yanow 

http://www.allmusic.com/album/slightly-off-the-ground-mw0000273008

Slightly Off The Ground

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Grover Washington Jr. - Then And Now

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:18
Size: 129,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:26)  1. Blues For D.P.
(5:41)  2. Just Enough
(7:00)  3. French Connections
(7:55)  4. Something Borrowed, Something Blue
(6:09)  5. Lullaby For Shana Bly
(7:22)  6. Stolen Moments
(7:00)  7. In A Sentimental Mood
(6:40)  8. Stella By Starlight

This is one of Grover Washington, Jr.'s occasional strays away from R&B-oriented jazz to play in a more straightahead setting. Switching between soprano, alto and tenor, Grover is accompanied by either Tommy Flanagan or Herbie Hancock on piano during five of the eight selections and he performs such numbers as Ron Carter's "Blues for D.P.," "Stolen Moments" and "Stella by Starlight" with swing and taste. Tenor-saxophonist Igor Butman also helps out on three songs. Worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/then-and-now-mw0000200750.

Personnel Grover Washington, Jr. - soprano, alto, & tenor saxophones; Gerald Veasley - 5-string electric bass; Darryl Washington – drums; James Sid Simmons – piano; Miguel Fuentes – percussion; Richard Lee Steacker - guitar

Then And Now

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Kenny Werner - Beauty Secrets

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:13
Size: 165,5 MB
Art: Front

( 6:56)  1. With A Song In My Heart
( 4:34)  2. Scufflin'
( 7:47)  3. Beauty Secrets
( 4:09)  4. Jackson Five
( 5:15)  5. A Walk In The Park
( 8:08)  6. Bumper Jumper
( 1:35)  7. Inner Region
( 4:38)  8. Goblins
( 6:09)  9. Little Appetites
( 5:05) 10. Send In The Clowns
( 5:27) 11. You Mame Me Sing
(12:23) 12. Music From The Space

Throughout much of Beauty Secrets, Kenny Werner is at his best. Accompanied by Drew Gress on bass and Billy Hart on drums, the pianist glides and romps through the first four selections, including the tightly constructed "Scufflin’" and the rhythmic brainteaser "Jackson Five." Then, preceding and following the staggeringly complex "Bumper Jumper" (a feature for tenorist Tony Malaby and four other up-and-coming jazzers) are two brief, graceful duets with tenor sax star Joe Lovano. Violinist Mark Feldman next appears for the angular, eerie "Goblins." 

And "Little Appetites," a tune with strong echoes of Herbie Nichols, brings back the trio that started the record. The many sonic shifts and personnel changes up to this point are held together by Werner’s unique compositional style and sterling piano work. But when Werner brings in Betty Buckley for a piano/vocal rendition of "Send In the Clowns," he pushes the envelope a bit too far. Buckley has done beautiful work with Werner elsewhere (check out the duo’s Heart to Heart on KO Records), but here she seems out of place, and the song falls flat. Werner then derails the record entirely with two ill-advised experiments, the syrupy "You Make Me Sing" and the ponderous "Music From the Space." 

Of course, when it comes to making music, there’s much to be said for taking risks. But these flights of fancy mar what would have otherwise been a great album. ~ David Adler   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=5486#.Ux32D4VZhhk

Personnel: Kenny Werner (vocals, piano, synthesizer); Betty Buckley (vocals); Joe Lovano, Tony Malaby (tenor saxophone); Dave Ballou (trumpet); Mark Feldman, Todd Reynolds, Heidi Stubner, Victor Schultz (violin); Mary Wooten (cello); Drew Gress, Johannes Weidenmuller (bass); Billy Hart, Ari Hoenig (drums).

Beauty Secrets

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Janice Anderson - The Sweetest Sounds

Size: 130,7 MB
Time: 56:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (4:01)
02. Falling In Love With Love (3:41)
03. The Sweetest Sounds (4:32)
04. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top (3:33)
05. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (5:20)
06. The Sounds Around The House (4:30)
07. I Hear Music (2:58)
08. Emily (3:46)
09. When I Fall In Love (3:52)
10. Ev'rything I Love (3:15)
11. Where Is Love (4:14)
12. Whistle While You Work (2:50)
13. Old Devil Moon (3:46)
14. A Time For Love (5:51)

Think Ella rafting down a dizzy scat riff, Doris Day crooning praises for the joy of the everyday, Astrud Gilberto whispering crooked tones through the wet Brazilian summer and you’ll have a sense of Janice Anderson, the singer. Like most musicians, the muse was with Janice since childhood, a time which she spent singing, dancing and hoarding rare recordings of the greats when others were listening to the latest, now forgotten, pop offerings of the minute.

A dedicated artist, she is in turn dedicated to the art of others which led her to found Jazz Vespers in Santa Monica in 2003, now a lauded event in the L.A. jazz scene. Through Jazz Vespers, Anderson has hosted such notables as: Alan Broadbent, Alan Pasqua, Bill Cunliffe, Larry Goldings, John Campbell, Sam Most, Denise Donatelli, Barbara Morrison, John Proulx, Kendall Kay, Dan Barrett, Christian Jacob, Sara Leib, Kathleen Grace, Larry Koonse, Darek Oles, Anthony Wilson, Bob Sheppard, Janis Mann . . . as well as fostering young and lesser known talents.

In 2012 she founded the first bi-annual Santa Monica Jubilee Jazz Festival featuring: The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, Bill Cunliffe with Imaginacion, The Christian Jacob Trio, The Susie Hansen Latin Band and the Mark Tortorici Swing Band.

Anderson has performed with such jazz notables as pianist/composer Clare Fischer, Saxophonist Bob Sheppard, Pianist John Campbell, pianist Chris Dawson, Guitarist Larry Koonse, Guitarist Anthony Wilson, drummer Joe LeBarbera, bassist Putter Smith. . . and has performed in venues as diverse asthe Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Beach, The World Ship, the Pasadena Playhouse, the Pasadena Playboy Jazz Festival, the legendary Hermosa Beach Lighthouse. She lends her voice to the fundraising efforts of KCRW and other charities.

Janice has also studied with notable vocalists and vocal coaches, such as Cathy Segal Garcia and Tierney Sutton.

"The Sweetest Sounds" Album features: Janice Anderson - Vocals, Daniel May - Piano, Benjamin May - Bass, Gary Gibbons - Drums. It was recorded at Band Aid Studio, Long Beach, CA

The Sweetest Sounds

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Steve Brown Quartet - Live At The Carriage House Cafe

Size: 173,4 MB
Time: 74:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Waitin' For Walter (7:49)
02. Bossa Barbara (6:37)
03. The Next Step (6:47)
04. It's Nice To Be With You (8:51)
05. Del Sasser (Feat. Paul Merrill) (9:58)
06. Ithaca (4:17)
07. The Lick (6:01)
08. Mack The Knife (7:36)
09. Pablo (8:44)
10. Deep (8:06)

This CD was recorded on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at The Carriage House Cafe in Ithaca, New York, as part of a series of jazz concerts called "Jazz Spaces - Ithaca," organized by Paul Merrill in collaboration with Cornell University. The theme for the evening's concert was "Friends and Family" because with the exception of two of the tunes, all of the other music was either written by myself for members of my family and for good friends, or they were original pieces written by musician friends of mine.

The Steve Brown Quartet’s upcoming performance on October 4 at the Carriage House Café couldn’t have been better chosen as the second event for JazzSpacesIthaca, given the project’s goal of building community and energizing public spaces.

Brown recently retired after forty years as director and founder of jazz studies at Ithaca College. As an educator, Brown has played mentor to generations of local musicians, including Paul Merrill, Gussman Director of Cornell Jazz Ensembles, who will join the quartet on the trumpet for a few songs.

Brown’s credentials as a performer are equally strong. He has played with such greats as Jimmy Smith, Paquito D'Rivera, Chuck Mangione, Phil Woods, and Ray Charles. As a member of Chuck Israels' National Jazz Ensemble, Brown toured the United States and Europe many times.

In addition to Brown on the guitar, the Steve Brown Quartet includes Chris Persad, trumpet and flugelhorn, whose style was described by Lucid Culture as “glissando-drenched, bluesy.” Dino Losito, called “an inspired bopster” by John Gilbert in California Jazz Coast, will play the organ. Danny D’Imperio, whom Jack Bowers of All About Jazz praised as “first-class all the way,” will be on the drums.

Live At The Carriage House Cafe

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Rosie - Rosie & The Bees

Size: 116,0 MB
Time: 49:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Vocals: Jazz/Pop/Rock
Art: Front

01. The Sun (3:12)
02. Sunshine Soldier (4:51)
03. You (4:16)
04. Jasmine (5:34)
05. I'll Sail My Ship (5:41)
06. Let There Be Love (5:05)
07. Mama Song (4:24)
08. Bubble (Feat. Victor Martinez Parada) (4:18)
09. In The Scheme Of Things (6:13)
10. Music (4:07)
11. Birdshite (Bonus Track) (1:52)

Vocal jazz but with more than a dash of rock must be one of the hardest niche markets to break into. So it is with Rosie and the Bees, whose eponymously titled debut album makes a very brave stab at the scene. This Australian trio, Rosie—of which more later—Banel Martinez on guitar and Byron Mark on keyboards and percussion are augmented by other musicians on this recording, but the main focus is on Rosie herself, a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist, although here she restricts her extra-vocal talents to bass guitar, double bass and sitar.

The album is replete with some instant ear-grabbers. Examples of this immediacy are to be found on the breezy "The Sun," the unequivocally beautiful "Jasmine" and "Sail My Ship" the deceptively restrained opening of which gives way to a somewhat meatier outing, in which Henshaw undertakes some elegant sitar (as also found on "Sunshine Soldier") along with a bass track and ubiquitous vocal duties. But "Mama Song" is a real clincher with perfectly gauged jazz sensibility, Henshaw's voice here channelling Joni Mitchell at her Mingusian best. Her vocals are excellent and more often than not, the tracks feature Henshaw expertly multi-tracking her own backing vocals. Her voice is a cross between Macy Gray and Amy Winehouse, but with its own distinctively recognisable timbre.

On tracks like the fascinatingly haunting "You," her true potential becomes much more obvious. This is also true of the slow burning "In the Scheme," which encapsulates some of the most overtly jazzy arrangements, with Hammond-esque organ and interspersed with relatively complex time signatures. Other notable tracks include the memorable "Let There Be Love" and, especially, the quirky "Bubble," a showcase for Victor Martinez Parada's sumptuous acoustic guitar playing.

The comparatively bland "Ode to Music" segues intriguingly into the bonus track, a laid back tour de force, curiously titled "Birdshite," with Henshaw accompanying herself on bass guitar and exemplifying just how good a musician she is. This is an extremely good first foray by a singer with a bright future.

Personnel: Rosie Henshaw: vocals, bass, sitar; Banel Martinez: guitar: Dauno Martinez: bass; Buddy Siolo: drums; Fenix Martinez: synthesizers; Byron Mark: piano; Maharshi Raval: tabla; Victor Martinez Parada: guitar; Steve Marin: drums

Rosie & The Bees

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Craig Eugene Campbell - Gringo Fingers

Size: 109,2 MB
Time: 46:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Rock
Art: Front

01. Scatterbrain (4:49)
02. Kelly's Waltz (5:06)
03. Muffin Man (4:56)
04. Night Owl (4:00)
05. Over Easy (5:18)
06. Above The Clouds (3:57)
07. On The Tightrope (4:27)
08. Desert Dance (5:14)
09. Man On A Mission (4:56)
10. What Ever Happened (4:01)

Any info will be welcome.

Gringo Fingers

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Diana Krall - The Very Best Of

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:34
Size: 173,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. 'S Wonderful
(5:49)  2. Peel Me A Grape
(3:01)  3. Pick Yourself Up
(5:00)  4. Frim Fram Sauce
(6:46)  5. You Go To My Head
(4:18)  6. Let's Fall In Love
(4:41)  7. The Look Of Love
(5:46)  8. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)
(6:08)  9. I've Got You Under My Skin
(4:32) 10. All Or Nothing At All
(4:16) 11. Only The Lonely
(5:17) 12. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(4:06) 13. The Heart Of Saturday Night
(5:38) 14. Little Girl Blue
(5:43) 15. Fly Me To The Moon

The Very Best of Diana Krall collects a nice cross-section of tracks the pianist/vocalist recorded beginning with her 1996 breakthrough album, All for You, and moving through to her 2006 effort From This Moment On. These are largely urbane and stylish recordings that range from her intimate and swinging trio work with guitarist Russell Malone and bassist Christian McBride to her lush orchestral and big-band numbers. While this is primarily a compilation for fans of the sophisticated, jazz standards-oriented Krall, Verve does earn some kudos for including at least one cut from her deeply personal and subsequently not as popular effort The Girl in the Other Room. Also featured are cuts from her stellar 2002 concert album Live in Paris. If you're a fan of straight-ahead jazz with a heavy dash of romance and haven't checked out Krall's work, The Very Best is superb place to start. ~ Matt Collar   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-very-best-of-diana-krall-mw0000482876

Personnel: Diana Krall (piano); Dori Caymmi , Anthony Wilson , Romero Lubambo, Russell Malone (guitar); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Christian McBride, John Clayton, Paul Keller, Ben Wolfe (bass guitar); Jeff Hamilton , Lewis Nash , Peter Erskine (drums); Luis Conte (percussion); Claus Ogerman, Los Angeles Session Orchestra, Eddie Karam, Johnny Mandel, London Symphony Orchestra.

The Very Best Of

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Gabriela Anders - Last Tango In Rio

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:28
Size: 93,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. You Go To My Head
(5:32)  2. Abracadabra
(3:23)  3. Love Is Here To Stay
(4:27)  4. God Bless The Child
(4:33)  5. Embrace Me
(4:06)  6. The Buenos Aires Mix
(3:18)  7. Body And Soul
(2:47)  8. All Your Love
(4:51)  9. Meant To Be
(3:32) 10. Til The End Of Time

Brazil and Argentina are rivals in soccer and basketball. And the people speak different languages: Portuguese and Spanish. However, there's one remarkable young singer who defies cross-border feuds. Gabriela Anders was born in Argentina, has embraced the music of Brazil and resides in the United States. Her multi-nationalism is reflected in her music. This is brought to light with Last Tango in Rio , the long-awaited North American follow-up to Wanting.  Born into a family of musicians, Anders listened closely to her father, jazz saxophonist Jorge Anders, who appears on the new album. She also studied classical guitar and piano in her native Buenos Aires. "There were so many influences when I was growing up, and I wanted to do something with them all," Anders says. "My father's concerts and studio work certainly affected me, as did the music of Brazil; it's harmonically rich and so interesting melodically." 

After high school, Anders decided to continue her musical studies in New York and, after a short while, she began doing studio and club work. Her rising prominence on those scenes led to two recording projects with top producer Sergio George. Through him, she had the opportunity to sing for Grover Washington Jr., Marc Anthony and Celia Cruz. She's also recorded or performed with Rick Braun, George Duke and Eric Benet. Anders was part of the highly acclaimed Casino Lights '99 , a two-disc set recorded during the Montreux Jazz Festival, and she continues a journey of musical excellence and introspection with Eclectica , a collection of Brazilian, R&B and jazz-influenced songs, and Latina , an all-Spanish adventure. On Last Tango in Rio , Anders offers original material, some jazz standards and a tribute to her native city. "Abracadabra," the second track, is a definitive example. Anders mixes a bossa nova rhythm with a European flavor and jazz seasonings for a song equally suited for sitting back and listening, or getting up and dancing. 

She follows that with a modern interpretation of "Our Love Is Here to Stay," a good song that's even better when the performer adopts it as if it were her own. That's a treatment Anders gives to the other standards as well, offering an upbeat, percussive rendering of "God Bless the Child," helped along by sharp bass lines by John Benitez, percussion and drum play by Portinho, and Gabriel Rivano on the bandoneon, a typical Argentine instrument. Still, with all the excellent musicianship, it's Anders' voice that makes this record. The listener may easily be swept away, feeling a personal connection with the singer as she croons here and scats there. Anders is as enchanting as she is multicultural. And just when you get used to her softer side, she brings on the funk with "The Buenos Aires Mix," a saucy, sassy, nocturnal beat. Last Tango in Rio is a long overdue presentation from one of contemporary jazz's most enchanting voices. 

~ Woodrow Wilkins   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=15647#.Ux39M4VZhhk
 

Personnel: Gabriela Anders, keyboards and all vocals; Donald Edwards, drums; Wayne Krantz, guitars; John Benitez, bass; H. Martignon, keyboards; Olga Terlitsky, viola; Tito Castro and Gabriel Rivano, bandoneon; Jorge Alfano, Andean flute and charango; Jorge Anders, saxophone; Portinho, drums and percussion; Romero Lubambo, guitar

Last Tango In Rio

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One For All - What's Going On?

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:41
Size: 132,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:45)  1. What's Going On?
(5:23)  2. How Sweet It Is
(8:07)  3. Let's Stay Together
(6:53)  4. Reasons
(5:51)  5. Golden Lady
(6:24)  6. For The Love Of You
(5:32)  7. Stop! In The Name Of Love
(4:59)  8. Moon Blue
(7:46)  9. Betcha By Golly, Wow

One for All is an ongoing all-star band that regularly meets for record dates, though almost all members of the sextet lead individual groups of their own. The focus of this session is soul music, though not in the context one would expect to hear it. Trumpeter Jim Rotondi's recasting of Marvin Gaye's protest song "What's Going On?" transforms the piece from a rather repetitious, irritating anthem into a brilliant post-bop vehicle, with sizzling solos and terrific ensembles. Tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander utilizes a similar method in his recasting of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" with equal success. Pianist David Hazeltine contributed several arrangements, including a snappy Latin-flavored setting of Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady" and a soulful yet upbeat chart of "Betcha by Golly, Wow," the latter a hit for a number of different artists. Trombonist Steve Davis adds a Latin flavor to his pulsing take of "Stop! In the Name of Love," a huge hit for the Supremes. Even jazz fans who aren't particularly connoisseurs of soul music will find much to like in this enjoyable CD. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/whats-going-on-mw0001673280

Personnel: Eric Alexander, tenor saxophone; Jim Rotondi, trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Davis, trombone; David Hazeltine, piano; Peter Washington, bass; Joe Farnsworth, drums.

What's Going On?

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Bruce Barth - Three Things of Beauty

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:51
Size: 141,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:23)  1. My Man's Gone Now
(5:25)  2. Final Push
(8:39)  3. Wise Charlie's Blues
(6:09)  4. The Rushing Hour
(8:15)  5. Three Things of Beauty
(7:07)  6. Night Shadows
(6:09)  7. Big Nick
(5:39)  8. Wondering Why
(3:26)  9. Be Blued
(3:33) 10. The Song is You

Pianist Bruce Barth's considerable chops and abilities as a composer/arranger have long drawn the attention of fellow jazz musicians, along with in-the-know critics and fans. The seasoned bandleader excels in this 2012 session, for the most part leading a quartet with vibraphonist Steve Nelson (who is among the top players of his generation), plus bassist Ben Street and drummer Dana Hall. Right out of the pocket, Barth signals a change in direction, with his turbulent arrangement of George Gershwin's "My Man's Gone Now," incorporating both Latin and Brazilian elements into his powerful performance. John Coltrane's "Big Nick" is a bit of an obscurity, penned in honor of saxophonist Big Nick Nicholas and premiered on his small-group meeting with Duke Ellington. 

This jaunty rendition proves even more amusing than the composer's recording, giving plenty of space for Nelson to deliver his bluesy solo. Barth and Nelson tackle the standard "The Song Is You" as a duet, though they briskly work around its chord changes, only revealing its melody at the conclusion. Barth's originals prove to be just as potent. "Three Things of Beauty" is a multifaceted work, initially a shimmering ballad, then transforming into a hip groove with an exotic air before returning to a subdued, mysterious conclusion. "Wise Charlie's Blues" has a late-night air, blending the perfect mix of humor and delicious bop. "Be Blued" is a complex, infectious blues that fuels some of the best improvising of the record date. This is another welcome addition to Bruce Barth's valuable discography. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/three-things-of-beauty-mw0002362094

Personnel: Bruce Barth (piano); Steve Nelson (vibraphone).

Three Things of Beauty

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Jean Laughlin - Miracle Of Life / I'm Glad There Is You

Album: Miracle Of Life
Size: 95,0 MB
Time: 40:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. What's Wrong With Being Lazy (4:34)
02. Blue (3:37)
03. Fly Away With Me (3:40)
04. Brave (4:18)
05. Smile (3:03)
06. One Person At A Time (3:21)
07. I'm Movin' On (4:09)
08. Here And Now (3:25)
09. I Don't Know You (3:53)
10. A Work In Progress (3:29)
11. Miracle Of Life (3:09)

Jean Laughlin, who started singing music from an early age, discovered her skill as a songwriter in the 1990s. Miracle Of Life is her sixth recording as a leader and features her in prime form, both as a vocalist and as a composer.

If this were a different time period, say the late 1950s, Jean Laughlin would be a cinch to be signed to the Capitol label, both as a recording artist and as a staff writer. But since the music world is much different today, she is an independent artist who should be much more widely heard. Miracle Of Life finds her singing 11 of her originals, and several deserve to become standards.

Ms. Laughlin’s lyrics are often philosophical and filled with worthy messages. Her melodies, which can work in both jazz and cabaret settings, are often memorable. And her voice is quite expressive, whether on swingers or ballads. Her confident delivery and wide range allow her to easily make interval jumps and her voice is so clear and attractive that one never has difficulty understanding the words that she sings.

Miracle Of Life, which features the singer in several different settings with a rhythm section led by pianist Frank Caruso, up to seven horns (with tenor-saxophonist Mark Colby and trombonist Tom Garling taking solos), and a string section on six of the songs, is full of variety. The opener, “What’s Wrong With Being Lazy,” which is about the joy of relaxing, is a highpoint but every selection is worth hearing. Other highlights include the pretty ballad “Blue,” the upbeat “Fly Away With Me” (which has the singer overdubbing in spots to form two harmonized voices), “Brave” (a ballad worthy of Barbra Streisand), the celebratory “Smile,” “Here And Now” (about the importance of letting go of the past and making every moment count) and the swinging “”Work In Progress.” Throughout the set, the inventive arrangements of Jim Martin are a major plus.

Fans of high-quality singers, swinging numbers and heartfelt ballads will definitely want to discover Jean Laughlin and will certainly find Miracle Of Life to be quite enjoyable.

Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Swing, Jazz On Record 1917-76 and Jazz On Film

Miracle Of Life

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Album: I'm Glad There Is You
Size: 91,0 MB
Time: 38:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1992
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Want Affection (3:33)
02. Skylark (3:34)
03. Soon It's Gonna Rain (4:03)
04. Angel Eyes (3:58)
05. Lover Man (3:26)
06. Come Rain Or Come Shine (4:35)
07. The More I See You (4:22)
08. When Sunny Gets Blue (3:58)
09. I'm Glad There Is You (4:42)
10. Make The Man Love Me (2:40)

Released in 1992, this is the first album I recorded after having taken a long break to raise my children. While recording this, I discovered that I needed to say more than what was offered to me in the standards I so loved. I wrote my first song, "I Want Affection," for this album. After that I decided to write all of my songs and have done so for the 4 (and a 5th in the works) I have recorded since.
I tried to interpret some of these standards a little differently from what I had been brought up with--just for fun !

I'm Glad There Is You

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The Tom Kubis Big Band - Live And Unleashed

Size: 179,3 MB
Time: 77:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Big Band
Art: Front

01. No Smoking In The Boy's Room (Live) (8:02)
02. I'm Gonna Tell (Live) (4:19)
03. Theme In Search Of A Spy Movie (Live) (5:59)
04. Purple Porpoise Parkway (Live) (4:39)
05. No 3 Ways About It (Live) (3:57)
06. Pearl For Merle (Live) (8:27)
07. Snappy Yet Snippy (Live) (7:33)
08. Please No Saxting! (Live) (5:54)
09. No Shortage Of Coolness (Live) (6:15)
10. Well Alright Ok You Win! (Live) (3:56)
11. One More (Live) (5:58)
12. Mario Bros. (Live) (4:57)
13. Streetcorner Symphony (Live) (4:36)
14. Police Squad (Live) (2:26)

Tom was recognized in the middle 60's as an outstanding saxophone and flute player. He performed on saxophone with such jazz greats as Frank Rosolino, Bill Watrous, Arturo Sandoval, Jack Sheldon, Pete Christlieb and Louis Bellson.

After studying 20th century composition at Long Beach State, Tom’s interests turned towards jazz composition and arranging. In addition to motion picture and television assignments, the sought after composer/arranger has worked with many outstanding jazz artists and celebrities including long time commissions with Steve Allen (seven years) and Helen Reddy (five years). Among his television credits are arranging and conducting the CBS Jackie Gleason 30 year Reunion Special and The Bob Newhart 20 Year Anniversary show.

Tom's musical arrangements and those of Bob Florence, Roger Newman and Alan Broadbent were featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in Portraits of Jazz. This presentation was penned by famed composer Cy Coleman and Academy Award winners, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, with whom Tom has worked for many years. In 1993, Tom conducted his arrangements with Jack Sheldon at Carnegie Hall in New York, also his Big Band performed his arrangements for two nights at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

Tom Kubis's musical arrangements define the contemporary big band sound and have been performed at virtually every major jazz festival in the world including the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Montreaux Jazz Festival and theBerkeley Jazz Festival to name a few. His charts have been played in just about any place or city that has a big band. There are literally hundreds of CDs available where Tom's arrangements can be heard from college to professional bands.

Tom’s playing, arranging and sequencing skills have taken him all over the world for concerts and clinics. As the Los Angeles Times puts it, "His charts are crisp and swinging are finely crafted with superbly linked written passages that flow with tremendous urgency and drive".

Live And Unleashed

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Chester E. Smith - Switched-on Swing

Size: 176,3 MB
Time: 76:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Switched-on Swing (5:41)
02. Tangerine (4:32)
03. The Best Is yet to Come (3:50)
04. Laura (5:00)
05. Frim Fram Sauce (4:10)
06. Celestial Ryder (5:50)
07. Imagination (4:09)
08. Wives and Lovers (4:35)
09. These Foolish Things Remind Me of You (5:47)
10. Blue Sexy Eyes (3:59)
11. A Foggy Day (5:56)
12. Night and Day (6:08)
13. Route 66 (5:06)
14. Take the 'A' Train (6:11)
15. Spiderman Theme (5:03)

Chester E. Smith is a respected musician, talented performer and exciting addition to today’s jazz scene, particularly in the bay area where he now makes his home. Early in his career known as “Jazz Machine,” Chester opened for the Larry Coryell Show in Philadelphia to a full house of adoring fans.

He was technical consultant to electronic organ manufacturers, and the late jazz organist Jimmy Smith (no relative). He designed his own touring/recording organ called the FOX Special. His talents include both arranging and composing. Many of his performances feature his own compositions, which are strongly influenced by the music of Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner and Jimmy Smith.

Switched-on Swing

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