Diane Marino - Just Groovin'

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:31
Size: 189,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:49)  1. Baby I'm Yours
(4:56)  2. So Much In Love
(5:09)  3. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
(3:48)  4. Groovin'
(4:26)  5. Anyone Who Had A Heart
(3:57)  6. Baby It's You
(4:13)  7. The Warmth Of The Sun
(4:56)  8. Walking In The Rain
(4:19)  9. Dedicated To The One I Love
(4:14) 10. Hello Stranger
(4:21) 11. Yes I'm Ready
(3:17) 12. Never My Love

Different people remember the 1960s in different ways. Jazz-pop singer Diane Marino treats them as a source of love songs on Just Groovin. Marino boasts some '60s influences in her singing, which owes a little to Dinah Washington in its deliberation and a little to Shirley Bassey in its manner, although Marino's style is essentially buoyant and happy; she practically sounds pleased with herself much of the time. That's not a bad feel to get into '60s love songs, but the problem with the album lies in the arrangements, also by Marino. Simply put, nearly every one is the same, with a piano-based jazz accompaniment leading to a similar-sounding horn solo. The soloists are estimable, with people like Kirk Whalum and Houston Person. But after awhile the approach becomes predictable. Thus, when the pattern is broken, the songs stand out. In particular, the duet with Felix Cavaliere (who sang the original) on "Groovin'" is welcome, along with Cavaliere's Hammond B-3 organ solo. And Anthony LaMarchina's cello on "Never My Love" pleases if only because it isn't another horn. The use of the horn soloists couldn't be more deliberate they even get credited on each song on the back cover. But the '60s, whatever one may think of them, was a time of experimentation and many different, even clashing styles. The '60s were never dull, but sometimes this album is. ~ William Ruhlmann   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/just-groovin-mw0000794252

Personnel: Diane Marino (vocals, piano, keyboards); Felix Cavaliere (vocals, Hammond b-3 organ); Andy Reiss, Dave Powelson (guitar); David Davidson , David Angell (violin, strings); Monisa Angell (viola, strings); Anthony LaMarchina (cello, strings); Cole Burgess (saxophone, alto saxophone); Doug Moffet, Sam Levine , Mitch Reilly (saxophone); Kirk Whalum (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Mark Douthit (alto saxophone); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Rod McGaha, Scott Ducaj, Joe Gross (trumpet); Chris Dunn, Wycliffe Gordon, Bill Huber (trombone); Pat Coil (Hammond b-3 organ); Jeff Steinberg (keyboards); Frank Marino (bass instrument); Chris Brown (drums); Dann Sherrill (percussion).

Just Groovin'

---

The New York Allstars - Count Basie Remembered Vol.1 And Vol.2

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:34
Size: 139,2 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:06)  1. Swingin' Back
(3:42)  2. Down For Double
(4:26)  3. Softly With Feeling
(5:32)  4. Shoe Shine Boy
(6:53)  5. Shining Stockings
(6:11)  6. I Want A Little Girl
(5:07)  7. Lester Leaps In
(8:09)  8. How Long Blues
(7:34)  9. 9:20 Special
(7:50) 10. One O'Clock Jump

Count Basie's small group dates of the 1940s are saluted on this delightful set from a strong octet comprised of leader/trumpeter Randy Sandke, trombonist Dan Barrett, Brian Oglivie (on clarinet, alto and tenor), Basie alumnus Billy Mitchell on tenor, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, bassist Bob Haggart and drummer Joe Ascione. It is particularly rewarding to hear the veteran Mitchell in this setting. The arrangements (by Sandke and Harry Tibbs) fit the music well, and the live concert is enthusiastically received. Among the ten tunes swung are "Down for Double," "Shoe Shine Boy," "Lester Leaps In" and, of course, "One O'Clock Jump." ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-count-basie-remembered-vol-1-mw0000059918

Personnel: Mark Shane (vocals, piano); James Chirillo (guitar); Brian Ogilvie (clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Billy Mitchell (tenor saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Joe Ascione (drums).

Count Basie Remembered Vol.1

---

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:42
Size: 116,5 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:56)  1. Swingin' The Blues
(3:35)  2. Moten Swing
(5:05)  3. Blue And Sentimental
(2:45)  4. April In Paris
(5:16)  5. Li'l Darlin'
(3:50)  6. Big Noise From Winnetka
(8:32)  7. Broadway
(6:17)  8. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
(9:22)  9. The King

Randy Sandke's second volume of a concert salute to Count Basie is equal to the earlier CD. Sandke has long been underrated as a soloist, but he more than proves himself. These performances, utilizing both new charts by bandmembers as well as tried and true scores, have the feeling of Basie-type head arrangements, flowing easily yet swinging hard. Yet none of the music comes across as a museum-piece re-creation; rather, the selections featured here are updated treatments of favorites. Joining him are trombonist Dan Barrett, multi-reed player Brian Ogilvie, tenor saxophonist (and Basie alum) Billy Mitchell, pianist Mark Shane, guitarist James Chirillo, drummer Joe Ascione, and the legendary bassist and composer Bob Haggart. 

Mitchell arranged the lush chart of "Blue and Sentimental" and Sandke shines in "April in Paris," while omitting the traditional (if trite) quote of "Pop Goes the Weasel." The one non-Basie-related track is Haggart's fun-filled duet with Ascione of "Big Noise from Winnetka," which dates from his days as a member of Bob Crosby's Bobcats. All in all, this is a very enjoyable tribute.  ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/count-basie-remembered-vol-2-mw0000606594

Personnel: Randy Sandke (trumpet); James Chirillo (guitar); Billy Mitchell , Brian Ogilvie (tenor saxophone); Dan Barrett (trombone); Mark Shane (piano); Joe Ascione (drums).

Count Basie Remembered Vol. 2

---

Chet Baker - In New York

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:29
Size: 119,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:58)  1. Fair Weather
(7:56)  2. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
(9:47)  3. Hotel 49
(5:52)  4. Solar
(7:33)  5. Blue Thoughts
(6:52)  6. When Lights Are Low
(6:27)  7. Soft Winds (bonus track)

Chet Baker's West Coast cool comes to the Big Apple on Chet Baker in New York. The project would be Baker's first  in a four album deal  with the Big Apple-based Riverside Records. The bicoastal artist incorporates his decidedly undernourished sound and laid-back phrasing into the styling of Al Haig (piano), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The results are uniformly brilliant as Baker's cool-toned solos fly and bop with authority around the equally impressive supporting soloists. Conversely, the same cohesive unity continues on the introspective numbers that are more akin to Baker's California cool. Undoubtedly one of the charms of this collection is the distinct choice of material. Running the gamut from the relaxed and soothing "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and equally serene "Blue Thoughts" at one end of the spectrum to the percolating and driving intensity of "Hotel 49" on the other. 

This track features each quintet member taking extended solos corralling together at the head and again at the coda for some intense bop interaction. Especially ferocious is Philly Joe Jones, who could easily be mistaken for Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, or even Gene Krupa with his cacophonous solo that never strays from the beat or loses its sense of swing. Perhaps the best meshing of styles can be heard on the Miles Davis composition "Solar." This "best-of" candidate refers to both Chambers' and Jones' concurrent involvement with Davis. The churning backbeat likewise propels the melody and ultimately the performers into reaching beyond their individual expertise and into an area of mutual brilliance. Chet Baker in New York is a highly recommended entry into Baker's catalog. It should also be noted that these same sides were issued in 1967 as Polka Dots and Moonbeams on the Jazzland label.

Personnel: Chet Baker (trumpet); Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone); Al Haig (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums).

In New York

---

Bobby Hutcherson - Somewhere In The Night

Size: 160,4 MB
Time: 69:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ, Straight-Ahead, Mainstream
Art: Front

01. Teddy ( 9:04)
02. Little B's Poem ( 8:06)
03. Skj ( 8:25)
04. Take The Coltrane ( 9:05)
05. Wise One (11:21)
06. Somewhere In The Night ( 8:31)
07. My Foolish Heart ( 8:34)
08. S'wonderful ( 6:22)

Personnel: Bobby Hutcherson: vibraphone; Joey DeFrancesco: Hammond B-3 organ; Peter Bernstein: guitar; Byron Landham: drums.

Bobby Hutcherson was in his seventies at the time of this live set at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in the fall of 2009, still very much at the top of his game. His band with organist Joey DeFrancesco, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Byron Landham is a bit unusual, in that there have been relatively few vibes-organ quartets in jazz record dates. But the talented veteran reveals its possibilities, beginning with a romp through his furious bop vehicle "Teddy" that showcases intense solos by the leader and the organists. Next is Hutcherson's well-known jazz standard "Little B's Poem," a breezy jazz waltz written for his young son at the dawn of his career. DeFrancesco outdoes himself with his percolating solo that comes at the listener in waves. The quartet sizzles in its burning rendition of Milt Jackson's tasty blues "SKJ," leading into a hard-charging take of Duke Ellington's blues "Take the Coltrane." There are also several standards, including an infectious "Somewhere in the Night" that puts the spotlight on Bernstein, Hutcherson's lyrical playing in the delicate take of "My Foolish Heart," and an engaging, energetic version of the Gershwins' "'S Wonderful" that leaves the audience wanting more. ~Review by Ken Dryden

Somewhere In The Night

---

Dana Greene - Songs My Father Sang

Size: 66,3 MB
Time: 28:21
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Sittin' On Top Of The World (2:51)
02. Oh, What A Beautiful Morning (3:20)
03. Without A Song (4:01)
04. Once Upon A Time (4:05)
05. The Nearness Of You (3:46)
06. My Little Girl (2:00)
07. In The Still Of The Night (4:27)
08. Old Man River (3:47)

On the new album Songs My Father Sang, a tribute album to her father, singer-pianist Dana Greene comes full circle and returns home to the musical roots of her childhood.

“My Dad was a band singer in the fifties at the famed Grossinger’s Hotel in the Catskill Mountains of NYC. So much of our time was spent together at the piano. I’d play as he wailed on tunes from The Great American Songbook. It was then that this music became a part of me - a part of my musical journey. I felt compelled to record these songs, some of his most beloved and favorite, because not only are they some of the most beautiful songs ever written -- but when I sing them I can feel him, I can hear him, I can see his smile. He loved to hear me sing these songs. So with the joy of him in my heart, I feel honored to bring these Songs My Father Sang to you, with new life, love, and inspiration.”

Songs My Father Sang

---

Von Freeman - Have No Fear

Size: 64,1 MB
Time: 45:38
File: MP3 @ VBR ~194K/s
Released: 1975
Styles: Jazz: Post-Bop
Art: Front & Back (Vinyl)

01. Mr Lucky (11:47)
02. Swinging The Blues ( 9:51)
03. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (11:32)
04. Have No Fear, Soul Is Here (12:27)

One of the best studio albums ever from the legendary Von Freeman – and a date that really captures some of the careful essence of his live performances in Chicago! Unlike the previous Atlantic album, which tried to fit Von into a more expected bag, this easygoing Nessa session really lets him open up and take off – blowing tunes that are straight ahead, but always with that offbeat style that turns the songs inside out – making them rich exploratory fields for inventive and creative solos! The group fits Von's longtime credo of never upstaging the leader – which gives his tenor lots of room to blow – and players include John Young on piano , David Shipp on bass, and the great Wilbur Campbell on drums. Titles include a great version of Mancini's "Mr Lucky", plus "Swinging The Blues", "Polka Dots And Moonbeams", and "Have No Fear Soul Is Here".

Have No Fear

---

Mary Ann McCall - Easy Living

Size: 82,4 MB
Time: 35:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1956/2001
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Shake Down The Stars (2:25)
02. You Can Depend On Me (2:58)
03. Easy Living (2:54)
04. Mean To Me (2:42)
05. In My Solitude (3:20)
06. I Thought About You (3:14)
07. Deep Purple (3:43)
08. Deed I Do (3:07)
09. It's You Or No One (3:35)
10. It's Been So Long (2:06)
11. Something I Dreamed Last Night (Bonus Track) (2:42)
12. It Must Be True (Bonus Track) (2:12)

Mary Ann McCall's lone Regent session captures the singer at her most potent. Created in collaboration with arranger Ernie Wilkins and a superlative backing band including Zoot Sims, Seldon Powell, and Kenny Clarke, Easy Living is painted in both bright pastels and haunting grays, capturing the romantic spectrum in toto. McCall is the rare singer who tackles upbeat love songs and melancholy ballads with equal aplomb. Her dusky voice communicates a strength and intelligence that lend gravitas and spark to even the slightest, most familiar lyrics. ~Review by Jason Ankeny

Easy Living

---

Kitty Margolis - Left coast life

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:19
Size: 129,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. I want to be happy
(6:03)  2. It's you
(6:04)  3. You just might get it
(5:59)  4. Money
(3:27)  5. Lonely at the top
(4:59)  6. Spring will be a little late this year
(5:24)  7. Devil may care
(4:13)  8. Without a song
(4:08)  9. Heart's desire
(5:45) 10. The best is yet to come
(6:24) 11. Take it with me

If the major purposes or at least some of them of a jazz singer are to inject a fresh breath into standards and to make sense of newer material, then San Francisco singer Kitty Margolis sits at the top of the class for achieving these noble goals. The West Coast vocalist is well known for her insightful interpretations of standard and pop material, a reputation she solidly established with her previous three releases for her Mad-Kat label. This latest entry does nothing to diminish her perfect track record nor her reputation. Whether it be the Dorough/Kirk "Devil May Care" or her own "You just Might Get It", with Eric Crystal's surging sax in close support, Margolis energizes with some upbeat romping that will leave the listener gasping. 

On the flip side of the coin, her seductive way with a ballad is in full force on such cuts as Dave Frishberg's "Heart's Desire" where she gets help from Rick Kuhns' accordion. She gives Nancy Marano's version of this tune a real run for the money. Her emotional range from deep huskiness to bright, eager cute is used to good do on "The Best Is Yet to Come" where not only the song, but also Paul Nagel's piano, get a vigorous workout. Margolis unique phrasing comes into play on "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year", where her purposeful use of the pause gives this tune an unusual but engaging cadence. Jamie Sieber's cello adds to the richness of the cut. Left Coast Life is a major jazz vocal release and is thoroughly recommended. ~ Dave Nathan   

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/left-coast-life-mad-kat-review-by-dave-nathan.php#.U2FMGVeS-PM

Personnel: Kitty Margolis - Vocal; Paul Nagel, Jay Wagner - Piano; John Schiflett, Scott Steed - Bass; Jason Lewis - Drums; Eric Crystal - Saxophones; Mike Spiro - Percussion; Steve Erquiaga, Joyce Cooling - Guitar; John Burr - Organ; Rich Kuhns - Accordion; Jamie Sieber - Cello

Left coast life

---

Club des Belugas - Swop

Styles:  Soul, Nu Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:53
Size: 163,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:16)  1. What Is Jazz
(3:28)  2. It's A Beautiful Day
(4:19)  3. Frankie
(4:29)  4. Peace With Come With Sleep
(4:43)  5. Some Like It Hot
(4:07)  6. Puttin' On The Ritz (Club Des Belugas Remix)
(4:26)  7. She Said No
(3:42)  8. Cats' N Boys
(6:28)  9. Wearing Out My Shoes
(4:24) 10. Second Sight
(4:08) 11. Take Three
(4:28) 12. It Don't Mean A Thing
(4:06) 13. The Road Is Lonesome
(4:23) 14. A Men's Scene
(4:40) 15. What Is Jazz (Tape Five Remix)
(3:40) 16. Cats' N Girls (Cats' N Boys Re-Sing)

Club des Belugas is one of the leading lounge & nujazz projects in Germany, perhaps in Europe. They combine Contemporary European Lounge & Nujazz Styles with Brazilian Beats and American Black Soul of the fifties, sixties and seventies, using their unique creativity and intensity.  Main members are Maxim Illion & Kitty the Bill, with such exquisite guest vocalists as the Californian Jazz Lady Brenda Boykin, Swedish singer anna.luca, London based Jazz singer Iain Mackenzie, Anne Schnell from Germany (Jojo Effect), Ferank Manseed from Newcastle/UK, Ester Rada from Israel, Jen Kearney from Boston, Dean Bowman from New York, the German trumpet players Reiner Winterschladen (Nighthawks) and Thomas Siffling. Club des Belugas started their career in 2002 with their first album "Caviar at 3 a.m." In 2003 they released their 2nd album "Minority Tunes", which included the German Club Charts no.1 hits "hiphip chinchin" and "Gadda Rio". In 2006 Club des Belugas enriched the world of music with a real masterpiece called "apricoo soul". The 12" vinyl "Wildcats gotta move" reached German Club Charts #3 and stayed in the Top Ten for 8 weeks (march & april 2006). 

The Album included Club des Belugas' Remix of Dean Martin's "Mambo Italiano" and was the first worldwide legal remix of any Dean Martin track, authorized by Capitol/EMI and the Dean Martin Family themselves !!! The album "SWOP" is the most sold album ever at www.shirokko.de  Club des Belugas tracks have been licensed for compilations more than 940 times. They have also been licensed for advertisements and TV commercials from companies like: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda Jazz, Lexus (Toyota), Ford Mondeo, Smart, KIA motors, Whiskas, Nivea, Samsung, Campari, Martini, Strenesse, The German National Soccerteam, Kaufhof, Burlington, Unilever, Telekom Germany, Telekom South Korea, IGEDO... http://www.chinchin-records.com/index.php?id=40.

Personnel:  Vocals – Anna.Luca (tracks: 2, 4, 8, 11, 13), Brenda Boykin (tracks: 5, 7, 10, 12), Dean Bowman (tracks: 1, 15), Fred Astaire (tracks: 6), Iain Mackenzie (tracks: 3, 9, 16) ;  Trombone – Jan-Philipp Walter (tracks: 15), Philipp Schug (tracks: 7) ; Trumpet – Reiner Winterschladen , Guitar – Detlef Höller;  Brass [Big Band], Horns, Saxophone – Greg Adams;  Drums – Dirk Sengotta (tracks: 13), Mickey Neher (tracks: 2, 7)

Swop

---

Junior Cook Feat. Blue Mitchell - Junior's Cookin'

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:15
Size: 91,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:18)  1. Myzar
(5:48)  2. Turbo Village
(6:16)  3. Easy Living
(3:57)  4. Blue Farouq
(5:27)  5. Sweet Cakes
(3:57)  6. Field Day
(6:29)  7. Pleasure Bent

This first solo release from tenor sax player Junior Cook came at the midpoint of his six-year tenure with the Horace Silver Band. It's a relaxed affair, paced a couple of notches below the intensity of a typical Silver date. Still, with Cook's front-line partner in the Silver group trumpeter Blue Mitchell on board, along with Silver's rhythm section, the 1961 session has a definite affinity with the hard bop style of the more famous parent group. There are also links to the cool tones of Miles Davis' early-'50s Blue Note releases and to the transitional work of the mid-'50s Max Roach-Clifford Brown Band. If the overall approach is subdued, this generally works to the music's benefit by bringing out the finer points of Cook's and Mitchell's' playing. 

Both players emphasize tone, phrasing, and an ability to sail their choruses elegantly along the current of the rhythm section. The writing here is not particularly distinctive, but what it lacks in originality, the players make up for with their audible pleasure in working through the familiar changes. The result, while not essential listening, is a satisfying and honest set that provides an appealing portrait of both Cook and Mitchell, two central, although not seminal, figures in the development of hard bop. ~ Jim Todd  http://www.allmusic.com/album/juniors-cookin-mw0000048941

Personnel: Junior Cook (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Blue Mitchell (trumpet); Dolo Coker, Ronnie Mathews (piano); Roy Brooks (drums).

Junior's Cookin'

---

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra - Such Sweet Thunder

Styles: Big Band, Swing
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:56
Size: 176,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:22)  1. Such Sweet Thunder (Cleo)
(3:00)  2. Sonnet For Caesar
(1:23)  3. Sonnet To Hank Cinq
(3:40)  4. Lady Mac
(2:22)  5. Sonnet In Search Of A Moor
(3:05)  6. The Telecasters
(3:09)  7. Up And Down, Up And Down (I Will Lead Them Up And Down) (Puck)
(2:23)  8. Sonnet For Sister Kate
(4:00)  9. The Star-Crossed Lovers (aka Pretty Girl)
(3:26) 10. Madness In Great Ones (Hamlet)
(4:19) 11. Half The Fun (aka Lately)
(1:49) 12. Circle Of Fourths
(4:16) 13. The Star-Crossed Lovers (aka Pretty Girl) Stereo LP Master
(1:49) 14. Circle Of Fourths Stereo LP Master
(2:58) 15. Suburban Beauty Master Take
(2:35) 16. A Flat Minor Preferred Take
(2:45) 17. Cafe Au Lait Preferred Take
(4:12) 18. Half The Fun (aka Lately) Alternate Take
(2:59) 19. Suburban Beauty Alternate Take
(3:52) 20. A Flat Minor Outtakes
(6:22) 21. Cafe Au Lait Outtakes (Mono)
(8:54) 22. Pretty Girl (aka The Star-Crossed Lovers) First Recording
(0:06) 23. Pause Track

The 1999 reissue of this album marks a total reconstruction and rethinking of the original LP, and such a complete break from the original album that its story could fill a book. Such Sweet Thunder was originally announced as a stereo and mono release, but only showed up in mono thanks to the technical problems inherent in early stereo in creating a concert-like ambience in which the performance seemed continuous. The reissue presents the original album as it was intended, using alternate takes from the original sessions, plus the stereo masters of the takes used on the original album, all rounded out with a mono outtake or two. 

The music itself counts among Ellington's most well-realized "concept projects," all inspired by Shakespeare's work and filled with memorable melodies and ample opportunities for solos by Cat Anderson, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, and Quentin Jackson. The Ellington-Strayhorn compositions treat their soloists like actors doing scenes and, in effect, playing parts, even quoting lines after a fashion Clark Terry "plays" Puck in "Up and Down, Up and Down (I Will Lead Them Up and Down)," and Johnny Hodges turns in one of the most sensuous performances of his career for "Half the Fun," from Antony and Cleopatra. These moments more than justify the cost of the CD, and the bonus tracks, many of which are different takes and others are simply material that came from the same sessions, more than double the length of the original LP. The extended notes by Phil Schaap deserve some kind of award for detail and clarity. ~ Bruce Eder   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/such-sweet-thunder-mw0000237420

Personnel: Duke Ellington (piano); Russell Procope (alto saxophone, clarinet); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone); Harry Carney (baritone saxophone); "Cat" Anderson, Ray Nance, Clark Terry, Willie Cook (trumpet); John Sanders, Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson (trombone); Jimmy Woode (bass); Sam Woodyard

Such Sweet Thunder

---

Dannah Garay - From You... To You: Remembering Nat King Cole

Size: 131,4 MB
Time: 56:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Very Thought Of You (5:00)
02. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (2:47)
03. Day In Day Out (2:53)
04. Stardust (3:30)
05. I'm Thru With Love (3:05)
06. How Does It Feel (4:20)
07. Makin' Whoopee (3:56)
08. Smile (4:32)
09. That Ain't Right (3:35)
10. When I Fall In Love (5:30)
11. Almost Like Being In Love (2:31)
12. I Love You For Sentimental Reasons (4:47)
13. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You (2:56)
14. Straighten Up And Fly Right (2:17)
15. Just One Of Those Things (2:48)
16. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You (1:46)

Dannah Garay (born January 12, 1984) is a Mexican Jazz singer. She began to feel curious about music, especially Jazz, at a young age. Her father used to play the guitar for her and this greatly influenced her musical development.

Dannah won a scholarship from the Jazz Fest Foundation and was a part of the Foundation’s representative ensemble for a year. Dannah has performed in the U.S., Latinamerica and in acclaimed Jazz festivals all over Mexico. She also performed at the inaugural concerts of the Global Jazz Institute at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

She received her fist award for the album “Forever and Ever Bossa and Jazz” after it sold 15 thousand copies during the first months of its release in Mexico. Her latest album, “From you… to you”: A tribute to Nat “King” Cole, made the list of the top ten best-selling Jazz albums of the most important music stores in Mexico.

Her strongest musical influences are Nat “King” Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hartman, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Frank Sinatra, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, as well as classical music and other genres.

Dannah Garay presents her album “From you… to you”: A tribute to Nat “King” Cole, who has been a deep source of inspiration even before she began her musical career. For this recording, Dannah worked with international musicians such as Gabriel Hernández, an acclaimed Cuban pianist, who is the music arranger and musical director of this project. Gabriel has shared the stage with great artists such as Roy Hargrove and Chucho Valdéz and he is currently a member of the Afro-Cuban All-Stars; Ken Basman, virtuoso guitar player from Canada; Tyler Mitchell, double bass player who has performed with renown Jazz artists such as Shirley Horn, Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis; and Juan Alejandro Sáenz one of the youngest and most acclaimed Mexican drummers who won the Steve Gadd Award from the Berklee College of Music in 2012.

From You... To You 

---

Rick Allen - B3 King Of New Orleans

Size: 109,6 MB
Time: 47:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Tailbone (5:37)
02. The River (7:47)
03. Grooving Home (4:34)
04. Blues After Hours (4:02)
05. Manhattan Standard Time (3:37)
06. New Orleans Nocturne (5:16)
07. Viva Selena (4:58)
08. Louisiana Soul Fry (5:26)
09. Angola Prison, Louisiana (6:07)

Throughout his career, sideman Rick Allen has played Hammond B3 organ with rock and blues legends. While still in high school, he was hired by Leon Russell’s guitarist Don Preston to play teen dances in East L.A. before moving up the ranks by playing the music he loved. Whether in the studio with Sonny Boy Williamson or Dr. John, in a Detroit lounge with Howlin' Wolf, or on cross-country tours with The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Loggins and Messina, Rod Stewart and Boz Skaggs, culminating in a gig at Madison Square Garden and his first visit to NYC, Rick has played every kind of venue and traveled many roads.

While still in his teens, Rick backed up The Coasters, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, The Penguins of “Earth Angel” fame, and Jimmy Clanton. A few years later, he played sessions for major label rock and blues artists in Los Angeles and New Orleans: Etta James, Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, Ernie K-Doe (Mr. “Mother-In-Law”), Freddy Fender, King Floyd, Allen Toussaint and The Dukes of Dixieland on their Grammy-nominated album, Gloryland.

B3 King Of New Orleans

---

Gloria Cooper - Dedicated To You

Size: 150,4 MB
Time: 64:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. All My Love, Especially For You (5:20)
02. Just A Little Boy (7:12)
03. Garden In The Sand (5:48)
04. Two Reflect As One (5:08)
05. Dedicated To You (5:18)
06. Seabreeze (6:12)
07. Something Unusual (4:35)
08. You Never Leave My Mind (5:50)
09. Reveling In The Beat (4:23)
10. Big Brown Eyes (4:24)
11. Without You (4:45)
12. Come Rain Or Come Shine (5:55)

A fairly straight singer with a warm but cool voice, Gloria Cooper at times hints at Maxine Sullivan and Shirley Horn. The program on Dedicated to You is filled with superior obscurities taken from Don Sickler's Second Floor Music publications Sing Jazz and Sing More Jazz. Many of the songs, written by jazz musicians, received their recording debut (particularly as vocals) on this set, including numbers by John Oddo, Hank Mobley, Jon Burr, Renee Rosnes, and the late James Williams. Cooper does a fine job of adding warmth to the lyrics, also playing piano in the backup group, which on some numbers is a full sextet featuring excellent trumpet solos from Sickler. Dedicated to You, which only includes two standards among the dozen songs, shows that some fine new originals were written by jazz musicians in recent times, even if most remain unknown to the general public. Singers in need of fresh material are particularly recommended to explore this outing. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Dedicated To You

---

Scott Chapman - Scott Chapman Swing: Cover Album

Size: 212,3 MB
Time: 91:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Swing, Big Band
Art: Front

01. Luck Be A Lady (5:16)
02. Ain't That A Kick In The Head (2:26)
03. Let There Be Love (2:42)
04. Put Your Head On My Shoulder (4:22)
05. Me And My Shadow (2:57)
06. Kissing A Fool (4:23)
07. Hey There (2:44)
08. Manhattan (3:26)
09. Volare (3:02)
10. Mack The Knife (3:12)
11. And I Love Her (3:10)
12. One For My Baby (One More For The Road) (3:53)
13. Cry Me A River (4:14)
14. Smile (2:52)
15. Fly Me To The Moon (3:13)
16. That's Amore (2:45)
17. Mr. Bojangles (3:14)
18. Me And Mrs. Jones (4:22)
19. Unforgettable (3:40)
20. Always On My Mind (4:24)
21. Bessame Mucho (4:09)
22. Can't Help Falling In Love With You (3:44)
23. Birth Of The Blues (3:30)
24. Song For You (4:38)
25. My Way (4:37)

Scott’s new cover album ‘Swing’ is a treat for all you romantics as it features Scott’s cover versions of the great american song book classics as well as a collection of swing/jazz songs. The album features songs from the late greats such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, as well as modern day swing and jazz enthusiasts such as Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jr.

Scott is from the North West of England. He studies music, writes and produces his own material and has built up an extensive repertoire of original songs and covers . Scott’s passion is music and is known for his loyal support of several charities.

He is known as a versatile artist who enjoys singing songs from all types of genres such as Swing, Pop, R & B, and Musicals. At the age of 19 Scott performed on ITV1 ‘The Alan Titchmarsh Show’.

Scott has performed at a variety of venues from corporate events, stately homes, restaurants, museums, racecourses and at Premiership Football Clubs. He has performed on several occasions for ‘The Prince’s Trust’ at the fabulous St Georges Hall in Liverpool.

Scott can perform many of the greatest classic numbers of all time, made familiar by The Rat Pack/ Bublé. Scott is guaranteed to impress anyone who likes this genre of music. He is able to cater for mixed audiences and this is the main reason why Scott is often asked to return, to sing and perform at many events and functions. He can judge the mood of the audience and adapt his sets accordingly.

Scott Chapman Swing

---

Mary Lofstrom - Ginger Comes To Stay

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:16
Size: 104,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. Palm Springs Jump
(4:44)  2. Sugar In My Bowl
(3:34)  3. I Don't Know Enough About You
(4:54)  4. Ginger
(2:31)  5. I'll Do Dot
(4:00)  6. So Nice
(4:35)  7. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
(5:13)  8. Minnesota's Lament
(3:40)  9. You Hit The Spot
(4:10) 10. My Baby Just Cares For Me
(3:16) 11. Your Good Girl Is Gonna Go Bad

Mary Lofstrom brings a glimmer of old-fashioned silken artistry to songs that are ripe for this moment. A unique flavor is brought to the jazz world through Mary Lofstrom's songwriting and song choices. Seated at once smack dab in the middle of traditional jazz, yet tugging at its fringes with her openly lesbian lyrics and modifications, Lofstrom makes her listener's feel at ease with her clear, emotive style. These eleven songs could easily accompany the listener to daylight, come along for a lazy drive, take a turn in the garden of the soul, or leave one in the dark with martini in hand. Ms. Lofstrom is buoyed and nudged by her collaboration with Dawn Clement and Laura Welland. Sometimes relaxed and affable Mary sinks easily into a vibrant trio groove of 'what's next' with her lyrical, boisterous solos. Dawn Clememt is stunning in her cultivation and growth of ripe song soil and perfect in her harvest of ideas for the three original songs presented. Laura Welland's melodic and impeccably wise bass create a vibrant backdrop for frolic, folly and adoration.   http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lofstrom

Ginger Comes To Stay

---

Ben Sidran - Too Hot To Touch (Enivre D'Amour)

Styles: Jazz, Vocal, Smooth Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:04
Size: 92,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:42)  1. Shine a light on me
(4:58)  2. Enivre d'amour
(4:12)  3. Everything happens to me
(4:04)  4. Freedom jazz dance
(3:14)  5. On the sunny side of the street
(4:51)  6. Critics
(0:04)  7. Pepper
(5:23)  8. Too hot to touch
(4:45)  9. Longing for Bahia
(3:47) 10. I wanna be a Bebopper

Pianist Ben Sidran grew up in Racine, WI. In the early '60s, he played with Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs in a band called the Ardells at the University of Wisconsin. After Miller moved to San Francisco and secured a recording contract, he called on old friend Sidran to join him in the Steve Miller Band following the departure of original keyboardist Jim Peterman. Sidran contributed on the keys and as songwriter on several Miller albums beginning with Brave New World in 1969, co-writing the classic "Space Cowboy" and three other tunes on that LP. He also authored "Steve Miller's Midnight Tango" on Number 5 and collaborated with Miller on several other tunes through the years. He produced his friend's under appreciated release, Recall the Beginning...A Journey From Eden in 1972. Sidran received a Ph.D. in philosophy/musicology, writing his doctoral thesis on African-American culture and music in the United States. 

The thesis was published to positive critical response in 1971 as Black Talk. Since 1972, he has released a number of solo albums in a cool, easy swinging style similar to Mose Allison. His early albums relied on acoustic instruments and lyrical references to his musical heroes. Later releases used electronic instruments and tasty synthesizers for an interesting sound best presented on albums like 1985's On the Cool Side and Cool Paradise from 1990. Through the years, Ben Sidran and Steve Miller have remained close friends, popping up from time to time on one another's recordings or live performances. In 1988, Sidran co-produced one of Miller's most interesting latter-day recordings, Born 2B Blue, a collection of jazz standards dressed up in the same cool, low-key arrangements Sidran employs on his own albums. Sidran has produced recordings for Mose Allison, Diana Ross, and others, and collaborated with Van Morrison and Georgie Fame on the tribute album The Songs of Mose Allison: Tell Me Something in 1996. In addition to making music himself, Sidran has hosted programs on VH1 and continues to write about the music he loves.  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ben-sidran/id3564964#fullText

Personnel: Ben Sidran (vocals, piano, keyboards); John de la Silva, Paul Peterson (guitar); Bob Malach (flute, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Ricky Peterson (piano, synthesizer); Billy Peterson (electric bass); Gordon Knudtson (drums); Lucia Newell (background vocals).

Too Hot To Touch (Enivre D'Amour)

---

Scott Hamilton and Danny Moss - Mainstream Giants of Jazz 2007

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:55
Size: 176,6 MB
Art: Front + Back

(5:55)  1. Fine & Dandy
(8:57)  2. Poimciana
(5:24)  3. Like Someone In Love
(5:32)  4. A Smo-o-o-o-oth One
(4:03)  5. It Could Happen To You
(3:40)  6. Star Dust
(6:38)  7. It's You Or No One
(6:21)  8. Sugar
(7:06)  9. My Shining Hour
(7:56) 10. It's All Right With Me
(6:41) 11. On The Alamo
(8:37) 12. St. Louis Blues

Saxophonist Danny Moss's final Edinburgh Jazz Festival gig before his death last year saw him paired with a fellow tenor titan, American Scott Hamilton. This CD, recorded a month after their Edinburgh summit, is characterised by the same magic: these two players were perfectly matched  both have a bluesy, forthright style  and their duets here are electric. There's excellent accompaniment from a rhythm section that includes Dave Cliff (guitar) and John Pearce (piano).   http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/music/album-review-scott-hamilton-and-danny-moss-1-1353713

Mainstream Giants of Jazz 2007

---

Eddie Henderson - For All We Know

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:41
Size: 121,0 MB
Art: Front

(9:00)  1. Jitterbug Waltz
(5:34)  2. Be Cool
(8:03)  3. For All We Know
(4:54)  4. Sand Storm
(9:52)  5. By Myself
(5:23)  6. Cantaloupe Island
(3:58)  7. Missing Miles
(5:53)  8. Popo

After initially pursuing jazz fusion early in his career, Eddie Henderson has been focused on bop. This 2009 session features the trumpeter/flügelhornist with guitarist John Scofield, bassist Doug Weiss, and drummer Billy Drummond. Henderson explores several timeless compositions, conjuring a bit of Miles Davis as he plays muted trumpet in a lively workout of "Jitterbug Waltz," switching to flügelhorn for a richly textured interpretation of "For All We Know" and an extra funky setting of "Cantaloupe Island," while taking the standard "By Myself" into new territory with an abstract treatment. Henderson is back on muted trumpet for Al Foster's bittersweet ballad tribute "Missing Miles," with Scofield's soft guitar providing the perfect backdrop. The trumpeter's compositions, which include the tense bop vehicle "Sand Storm" and the playful "Popo," are matched by his wife Natsuko's infectious "Be Cool," the latter a splendid feature for the rhythm section. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/for-all-we-know-mw0002078790

For All We Know

---

James Witherite - Modern Organ Trio

Size: 95,7 MB
Time: 41:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Indiana (6:22)
02. The Ducks Of Boston (8:00)
03. Murray Avenue Blues (8:20)
04. Manny's On Roosevelt (4:51)
05. Santa Fe (7:35)
06. All The Things The Barrelmaker's Daughter Never Could Even Dream Of Sight-Singing (6:05)

Fresh off the heels of his big band album "+17", James sets down his flugelhorn in favour of a Nord C2 organ, and he turns in this organ trio effort with the help of guitarist Ken Karsh (on loan from Alanna Records) and drummer Shaun Chesley. After fresh takes on standard "Indiana" and Karsh's 1977 tune "The Ducks of Boston", the trio tackles four of James's new originals, ranging from the bluesy to the sadistically difficult. Pittsburgh-based saxophonist (and James's former composition teacher at Duquesne University) Mike Tomaro pops in for a couple solos, as well.

Modern Organ Trio

---