Scott Hamilton - Tenorshoes

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:59
Size: 96,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. I Should Care
(4:34)  2. Falling In Love With Love
(6:35)  3. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(5:23)  4. The Nearness Of You
(4:46)  5. How High The Moon
(5:34)  6. Our Delight
(6:06)  7. My Foolish Heart
(4:11)  8. O.K.

Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton (who can be overly relaxed and comfortable at times) often sounds at his most heated when playing with pianist Dave McKenna, and all of their collaborations are easily recommended. This Hamilton-McKenna effort with bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Jeff Hamilton mostly emphasizes ballads (although sometimes at medium tempos), plus a cooking version of "How High the Moon" and Hamilton's original "O.K." A typically swinging and consistent Scott Hamilton record which has been reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/tenorshoes-mw0000654981

Personnel: Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Dave McKenna (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Tenorshoes

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Francesca Esmé - Three Days That Come Too Slow

Size: 113,4 MB
Time: 49:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. Adult Things (7:04)
02. Be Cool (4:11)
03. Clap Hands (4:26)
04. Company (5:39)
05. Equinox (6:32)
06. He's A Tramp (4:28)
07. I'm Your Man (4:38)
08. It Never Entered My Mind (6:27)
09. People Make The World Go Round (5:37)

A gifted young jazz singer whose classically trained voice evokes the tradition of great singers of the 1950’s. On the cutting edge of vocal style, Francesca Esmé is one of the most promising figures on the national vocal jazz spectrum. In the great tradition of June Christy and Peggy Lee, Francesca is making her mark on the national stage as a singer of taste and distinction, with a bit of Southern grit thrown in the mix.

Born Francesca Esmé Johnson into music, her father (bassist Marc Johnson) played in Bill Evans' last trio as well as with Stan Getz, John Abercrombie, Eliane Elias, and many others. Francesca’s first words were, literally, "Bill Evans". Her mother (Stephanie Jutt) is a classical flutist and founder of the Wisconsin-based chamber music festival Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society. Francesca grew up absorbing the music that would sculpt her future.

Developing her musical talent at an early age, she studied piano and played cello as a young child. In middle school, she began singing in the Madison Children's Choir in Wisconsin. Right away she knew the stage was her home. She was encouraged to take voice lessons and began classical training when she reached high school. After receiving a significant scholarship and entering the legendary Jazz Studies program at the University of North Texas (Norah Jones, Marc Johnson), she was able to perform with the Downbeat Award-winning Jazz Singers ensemble. She also sang with many of the university's big bands, including an appearance at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in Los Angeles.

After graduating and back in Madison, she has sung regularly with an assortment of jazz musicians, gave a series of jazz workshops in area high schools, and has been heard performing at Restaurant Magnus, Café Montmartre, Samba, Brasserie V, Monroe St. Bistro, and the Concourse. Before moving to Chicago in August 2009 she performed at Madison’s Jazz at 5 on the Capitol Square.

Occasionally fronting Texas band Snarky Puppy on their tour stops, or singing with Chicago's Tom Waits tribute band, Big Time, Francesca shows what she does best, pop music in a jazz idiom. Take the time to listen to Johnson’s own spin on the work of Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, and great Motown classics and you’ll be able to see for yourself, she has a musical sense all her own.

Three Days That Come Too Slow

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Chuck Israels - Second Wind: A Tribute To The Music Of Bill Evans

Size: 131,9 MB
Time: 56:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Orchestral Jazz
Art: Front

01. Show-Type Tune (Feat. David Evans) (5:34)
02. Detour Ahead (Feat. John Nastos) (6:07)
03. Five (Feat. Chris Brown) (6:07)
04. Spring Is Here (Feat. Dan Gaynor) (5:18)
05. Waltz For Debby (Feat. Jessica Israels) (5:35)
06. Margot's Mood (Feat. John Moak) (5:25)
07. Some Other Time (Feat. Margot Hanson) (5:10)
08. Minor Tributary (5:58)
09. Who Can I Turn To (Feat. Robert Crowell) (6:18)
10. Israel (Feat. Paul Mazzio) (5:14)

Passion and humor, excitement and romantic tenderness, energy and relaxation, forward moving propulsion and thoughtful contemplation, dramatic variations in dynamics, organized ensembles and spontaneous solo passages….these are the elements we seek to provide in balanced proportion and organized form in order to communicate effectively in the language of jazz.

This band has been formed in order to maintain and build on the tradition of the best American music - a tradition exemplified by the masterpieces of Armstrong, Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, The Modern Jazz Quartet, Gil Evans and Bill Evans, among others. Bill Evans has made the most profound impression on Chuck Israels' musical life. The principles that make Bill’s music function as it does are expanded and amplified into a repertoire for this orchestra.

Chuck Israels is a composer/arranger/bassist who has worked with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, J.J. Johnson, John Coltrane, Bud Powell and many others. He is best known for his work with the Bill Evans Trio from 1961 through 1966 and for his pioneering accomplishments in Jazz Repertory as Director of the National Jazz Ensemble from 1973 to 1981.

Among Chuck's many recordings as a bassist, some outstanding ones include: Coltrane Time, with John Coltrane; My Point of View, with Herbie Hancock; Getz au Go-Go, with Stan Getz; and many recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, including The Town Hall Concert; The Second Trio; Trio '65; Live at the Trident; Time Remembered; and Live at Shelley's Manne Hole.

Second Wind

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Larry Young - Some Thorny Blues

Size: 107,7 MB
Time: 46:45
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ, Blues Jazz
Art: Front

01. Wee Dot (7:07)
02. Falling In Love With Love (5:03)
03. Exercise For Chihuahuas (7:37)
04. Testifying (9:55)
05. When I Grow Too Old To Dream (5:18)
06. Flamingo (5:22)
07. Some Thorny Blues (6:20)

If Jimmy Smith was "the Charlie Parker of the organ," Larry Young was its John Coltrane. One of the great innovators of the mid- to late '60s, Young fashioned a distinctive modal approach to the Hammond B-3 at a time when Smith's earthy, blues-drenched soul-jazz style was the instrument's dominant voice. Initially, Young was very much a Smith admirer himself. After playing with various R&B bands in the 1950s and being featured as a sideman with tenor saxman Jimmy Forrest in 1960, Young debuted as a leader that year with Testifying, which, like his subsequent soul-jazz efforts for Prestige, Young Blues (1960), and Groove Street, (1962), left no doubt that Smith was his primary inspiration. But when Young went to Blue Note in 1964, he was well on his way to becoming a major innovator. Coltrane's post-bop influence asserted itself more and more in Young's playing and composing, and his work grew much more cerebral and exploratory. Unity, recorded in 1965, remains his best-known album. Quick to embrace fusion, Young played with Miles Davis in 1969, John McLaughlin in 1970, and Tony Williams' groundbreaking Lifetime in the early '70s. Unfortunately, his work turned uneven and erratic as the '70s progressed. Young was only 38 when, in 1978, he checked into the hospital suffering from stomach pains, and died from untreated pneumonia. The Hammond hero's work for Blue Note (as both a leader and a sideman) was united for Mosaic's limited-edition six-CD box set The Complete Blue Note Recordings ~Biography by Alex Henderson

Some Thorny Blues

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Kat Gang - The Kat Gang Jazz Band / Dream Your Troubles Away

Album: The Kat Gang Jazz Band
Size: 93,9 MB
Time: 40:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. If I Loved You (5:10)
02. When I Fall In Love (6:11)
03. Blame It On My Youth (5:09)
04. Old Devil Moon (5:28)
05. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (5:13)
06. Honeysuckle Rose (3:26)
07. Peace (6:08)
08. They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful (3:31)

Kat has a soul steeped in jazz. Born in Boston, she began her music theory training as a teenager at Berklee and then fell in love with the energy of New York City and went on to gain her BFA from NYU. She escaped the Bush administration by seeking asylum in the UK and studying music at the Royal Academy in London. Kat lived and worked singing jazz all over England for seven years. She has performed twice at the GRAMMY Awards with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, traded fours with Bobby McFerrin at the Blue Note Jazz Festival, and currently is back in New York with a residency at the Plaza Hotel with her quartet. Kat continues to explore the depth of jazz fusion and improvisation with her versatile, extraordinary ear and voice.

Her entire life, Kat has been soul-searching and exploring the world with her ear tuned to music in the air. She has traveled and worked widely – Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, North America and the Atlantic – and continues to seek influences and audiences abroad.

As an actress, Kat is compelling and authentic, visually engaging and emotionally sensitive. With the professional conservatory training received at Tisch’s unique network of studios, she brings depth to characters from Sondheim to Chekov to Rogers and Hart. Kat has a profound understanding of theatrical studies ranging from avant-garde to Broadway; from classical texts to modern American drama.
Kat’s voice, a four octave instrument, comes from a place deep within that touches love, loneliness, longing, and wonder. Revealing the superb vocal finesse and agility for which she is known, Kat can sound vulnerable, omnipotent, saucy, or madly in love. Listen for the intensity in her whispers, the power behind her belts, and her playfulness with words and melodies. Fall in love with her incomparable voice, her vivacious spirit, and her exceptional music.

The Kat Gang Jazz Band

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Album: Dream Your Troubles Away
Size: 141,7 MB
Time: 60:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (4:26)
02. I Don't Know Enough About You (5:23)
03. Say It Isn't So (4:50)
04. Nobody Else But Me (4:06)
05. In My Solitude (7:10)
06. Baby, Baby All The Time (3:46)
07. Down With Love (2:48)
08. Hard Hearted Hannah (5:05)
09. Some Of These Day (4:53)
10. I Didn't Know About You (5:29)
11. I Wish I Were In Love Again (3:05)
12. Bye Bye Blackbird (4:00)
13. More Than You Know (5:39)

Could a jazz singer have a cooler name than Kat Gang? It is doubtful. Kat Gang is not only a singer, though. She is also a noted actor also, an embarrassment of talent riches. But Kat is short for Katherine and Gang is short of absolutely nothing when considering her refined vocals and keen take on the less- travelled streets of the Great American Songbook. Dream Your Troubles Away is Gang's second full-length album after 2013's Kat Gang (Self Produced) and features an elegant throwback to a simpler and more erudite brand of singing and songwriting. Gang alines her stars with a septet of keepers of the flame that includes guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, saxophonist Harry Allen and trumpeter Warren Vache. Gang obviously has fun with Bobby Troupe's 'Baby, Baby All The Time' which features the walking bass of Jay Leonhart and piquant blues voicings of pianist Mike Renzi. Sexy and confident, Gang sings playfully and with purpose. 'I Didn't Know About You' boasts the same charms, while 'Bye Bye Blackbird' is refreshed by Gang's coquettish approach. This quiet and incredibly refined recording demonstrates the riches of a great voice coupled with exceptional material. --All About Jazz

No fair! The Wednesday night attraction at New York's Plaza Hotel is one of the country's best kept secrets---and she shouldn't be. This lightly swinging jazz baby knows how to put the oldies across just by being there in service of the song. Forget that her session is an excuse for us to hear Pizzarelli, Renzi, Leonhart, Allen, Vache and others turning it out in fine style once again, this is a cooker from top to bottom by a gaggle of national treasures that we better see turning up on stage at the Kennedy Center sooner than later. A classic jazz thrush album from start to finish, this is what easy sophistication is all about. A stone cold winner and hats off to all involved. --Chris Spector - Midwest Record

Renowned jazz critic Will Friedwald writes that: ...band, is in fact, just about the most stellar that it's possible to put together in the 21st century.

New York City based and Very Accomplished singer, Kat Gang, evokes some amazing grooves while performing thirteen classic jazz tunes. Jazz masters Warren Vache, John Allred, Harry Allen, Mike Renzi and Bucky Pizzarelli perform musical magic around Kat's original vocals. Classic material, stellar musicians and a vibrant singer in the spotlight make a super-jazzy CD.

An up-and-coming star among the current, talented waive of contemporary singer/songwriters, Kat Gang delivers her unique brand of jazz- influenced music with a flair that constantly has her ever- increasing audience calling for more. From her unique take on traditional jazz standards to her soulful interpretations of the music of Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and even the Arctic Monkeys, this Boston-born vocalist has long been winning diverse audience appreciation in theatres, jazz clubs, restaurants and reviews.

One of Kat s greatest gifts as a singer is her musical versatility; she draws on years of experience from across a broad range of specialties, enhancing her current project with innovation and expertise. Whether singing madrigals, the great American songbook, jazz or pop, Kat distinguishes each song with her vibrant voice and huge heart. Trained in music theory and composition at Berklee College of Music, and a BFA from NYU, she has eight years of professional singing experience in London and New York City, where she is famed for spreading her passionate jazz spirit. Kat has a unique vocal style that has been described as a musical breath of fresh air; Jazz aficionados proclaim her skills at improvisation.

Dream Your Troubles Away

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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'

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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