Lyle Lovett - Smile: Songs From The Movies

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 44:37
Size: 102.2 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[3:11] 1. Blue Skies - From The Motion Picture With Honors
[3:09] 2. Straighten Up And Fly Right - From The Motion Picture Dear God
[4:57] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You - From The Motion Picture Kissing Jessica Stein
[3:38] 4. Smile - From The Motion Picture Hope Floats
[4:42] 5. Moritat (Mack The Knife) - From The Motion Picture Quiz Show
[2:52] 6. Summer Wind - From The Motion Picture Love Of The Game
[3:59] 7. What I'd Say - From The Motion Picture Where The Heart Is
[3:48] 8. Till It Shines - From The Motion Picture Munford
[2:38] 9. You've Got A Friend In Me - From The Motion Picture Toy Story
[3:13] 10. Walking Tall - From The Motion Picture Stuart Little
[4:58] 11. Pass Me Not O' Gentle Savior - From The Motion Picture Leap Of Faith
[3:27] 12. I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord - From The Motion Picture The Apostle

Since The Road to Ensenada in 1996, Lyle Lovett has released a collection of covers in 1998, a live album in 1999, a predominately instrumental soundtrack in 2000, and now, in 2003, Smile, a collection of songs he recorded for movie soundtracks between 1992 and 2002. None of these were on his official albums and none of them are originals (meaning that it's been nearly seven years since he's released a collection of new songs; this may or may not be a sign of writer's block). Most are covers of pop standards, with a couple of R&B and gospel standards thrown in for good measure (the one contemporary tune is "You've Got a Friend in Me," the Randy Newman duet from Toy Story). All are given perfectly tasteful, perfectly pleasant Large Band-styled arrangements; they're very faithful to the songs yet are styled to Lovett's idiosyncratic delivery. Overall, it's a nice listen and it's nice for collectors to get these all tunes in one place, but it's not essential and it's hard not to wish that Lovett would just finally do an album of new material already. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Smile: Songs From The Movies

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Gypsy Jazz Caravan - Gypsy Jazz Caravan III

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:24
Size: 133.7 MB
Styles: Swing, Gypsy jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. I Love Paris
[3:43] 2. This Ain't No Hot Club
[3:44] 3. La Vie En Rose
[3:49] 4. Bossa Morticia
[2:53] 5. Djangology
[3:43] 6. Fool's Tango
[4:22] 7. Crazy
[3:07] 8. Le Musette De L'arrogance
[4:12] 9. Cheap Needs
[4:42] 10. Gypsy Apparition
[4:22] 11. Beyond The Sea (La Mer)
[3:05] 12. Take 5
[3:45] 13. Life Of The Party
[3:57] 14. Nuages
[2:15] 15. Giant Steps
[3:06] 16. Tragic Beauty

Despite the band name, these guys are no Gypsy Jazz purists. Sure there are a couple of wonderful Django Reinhardt gems, but this CD also includes tunes by John Coltrane as well as Willie Nelson; there is Edith Piaf as well as Paul Desmond. To top things off, there are a bunch of new originals including a tango and calypso. What holds the whole thing together is a respect for melody, and some healthy virtuosity.

The players, in the band are each musical veterans, each having played this kind of jazz for more than thirty years. Violinist Rob Thomas is a violin and improvisation instuctor at Berklee School of Music as well as being a busy performer; guitarist Marc Daine performs, teaches and runs jazz workshops in NYC. Bassist Mike Weatherly also performs with most of NYC's trad jazz groups including renowned jazz banjoist Cynthia Sayer. Rhythm guitarist Glenn Tosto has played with, and has recently co-authored a jazz guitar instruction method with noted guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola.

Gypsy Jazz Caravan III

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Shea Breaux Wells - A Blind Date

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:57
Size: 129,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:32)  1. Baltimore Oriole
(6:20)  2. Dark Matters
(4:55)  3. Song To The Siren
(4:27)  4. Corcovado
(4:37)  5. Night In Tunisia
(5:43)  6. Blue Skies
(7:23)  7. Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford
(2:54)  8. Bye Bye Blackbird
(5:49)  9. All Blues
(7:12) 10. Caravan

There is a noticeable shift in the room when Shea begins to sing. Whether it is her rich voice, her compelling presence or her obvious devotion to the music, it is crystal clear that you are in for something special. Shea's love of jazz was born many years ago, while listening to her father's albums - Chris Conner, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and many others. She also became deeply enamored of the Motown sound - particularly the harmony groups. While in school, Shea studied music, and sang in an a capella septet, as well as appearing in musicals, such as “Guys and Dolls” and “Godspell”. Her love of music continued through college where she sang in an alternative rock band. After they split, she began singing jazz in nightclubs around Los Angeles. She joined the Little Big Band, singing swing hits and harmonizing with two other singers, fleshing out a ten piece band. Shea was also involved in studio vocal work - singing on commercial specs, trance and trip hop projects, as well as children's albums. These varying influences of rock, jazz, swing, and more coalesced into a versatile quality in Shea's voice, presentation and also her songwriting skills. 

Shea relocated to the Bay Area to record an EP of original songs with Grammy Award winning producer, Michael Rosen. These songs went on to be featured on MTV's Road Rules creating a soft spot in Shea's heart for the beloved royalty check! With a move up to Sonoma County, Shea has found a fantastic musical community. After appearing in the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, she came to know its Artistic Director, Jessica Felix. Jessica's deep reach into the varying echelons of jazz musicians, both locally and nationally, have led Shea into some wonderful musical relationships. With Jessica's introduction to pianist Noam Lemish, Shea was inspired to her 2006 release, 'Piece of the Light”, a full-length album of mostly original songs, with a few cover versions thrown into the mix. Titled, “Piece of the Light' this album featured the legendary Robben Ford on guitar, as well as excellent jazz musicians such as Noam Lemish, David Ewell, Bill Ortiz and Alex Aspinall. “Piece of the Light” was arranged by Shea and co-produced with Oz Fritz, known for his work on Tom Waits' Grammy Award winning “Mule Variations”. The Healdsburg Jazz Festival again exerted its influence with Jessica Felix's orchestration of another kind. How's about a jazz recording with some internationally renowned musicians who would be in town for their performance at the Festival? 

Now, with the release of Shea's new album, appropriately titled, “A Blind Date”, her embrace of the traditional jazz genre is true. Featuring the mighty work of George Cables on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, Billy Hart on drums, Craig Handy on sax and flute, and David Weiss on trumpet, “A Blind Date” is a raw, diverse romp through standards and then some. Shea contributed an original piece called, “Dark Matters” which lends a haunting, middle-eastern feel to the album. Produced by David Weiss and engineered by Oz Fritz, “A Blind Date” is packed to the gills with electrifying performance from all the musicians. A true jazz lover's gem, this work goes beyond that of the typical jazz singer. Working with such fine musicians has whetted Shea's appetite for even deeper musical exploration. “To jazz or not to jazz, there is no question!” ~  Louis Armstrong    http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/musician.php?id=1969#.U2ae9iiS-PM

Personnel: Shea Breaux Wells (vocals); Craig Handy (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); David Weiss (trumpet); George Cables (piano); Billy Hart (drums).

A Blind Date

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Mark O' Connor Hot Swing Trio - In Full Swing

Styles: Dixieland/New Orleans/Swing
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:16
Size: 133,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. In Full Swing
(5:13)  2. Honeysuckle Rose (with Wyton Marsalis & Jane Monheit)
(5:20)  3. Tiger Rag  (with Wyton Marsalis)
(6:56)  4. Misty  (with Jane Monheit)
(5:49)  5. Stephane And Django
(3:46)  6. Fascinating Rhythm  (with Jane Monheit)
(6:08)  7. 3 For All
(5:55)  8. As Time Goes By (with Wyton Marsalis & Jane Monheit)
(7:22)  9. Limehouse Blues
(6:47) 10. One Beautiful Evening

Mark O'Connor is hotter than hot these days. The onetime country fiddler's best-selling, Grammy winning classical albums have made him that rarest of things: a crossover artist whose genre-hopping is less about marketing than serious creative expression and boundless musical ambition. In Full Swing, O'Connor's new tribute to fellow violin virtuoso Stephane Grappelli - the man he calls his mentor - is something of a time-out in O'Connor's assault on the classical world. Regardless, it's an entirely engaging tour de force. O'Connor is one of those musicians whose skill, artistry and sheer talent - plus his obvious joy in music-making - make you sit back and smile. His affinity for Grappelli is tangible as he and his "swing trio" (with guitarist Frank Vignola and bassist Jon Burr), along with guests Wynton Marsalis and Jane Monheit, tear through a set of Swing-era standards and in-the-tradition originals. 

O'Connor and Marsalis make an interesting pairing, both for their wide-ranging musical knowledge and their ties to the classical realm, as well as their palpable (and, in Marsalis's case, often exasperating) ambition. Marsalis appears to relish his sideman role here, turning in some of his most relaxed playing in years and giving O'Connor a run for his money on the high-speed "Tiger Rag" and "Honeysuckle Rose". The unfortunately over-hyped Monheit - really more of a cabaret performer than jazz singer - is a bit out of her depth in this company, especially on the up-tempo numbers; she's more effective on a smoky rendering of the Casablanca chestnut, "As Time Goes By". Guitarist Vignola, on the other hand, more than holds his own in the potentially daunting role of playing Django to O'Connor's Grappelli. ~ Joel Roberts   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-full-swing-sony-legacy-music-review-by-joel-roberts.php#.U2krRShvCPM

Personnel: Mark O'Connor (violin); Jane Monheit (vocals); Frank Vignola (guitar); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Jon Burr (bass).

In Full Swing

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Martial Solal - Longitude

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:36
Size: 105,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Slightly Bluesy
(4:01)  2. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:55)  3. Longitude
(3:16)  4. Bizarre, Vous Avez Dit?
(5:16)  5. Tea For Two
(4:49)  6. Solaltitude
(5:06)  7. Short Cuts
(3:29)  8. The Last Time I Saw Paris
(5:28)  9. Monostome
(4:35) 10. Navigation

Oftentimes the best free players are those with a firm footing in the jazz tradition. Few have demonstrated as uncanny an ability to straddle the line between form and freedom as Martial Solal, a European pianist who has eluded his due credit in North America. Like the slightly younger Paul Bley, Solal has an ability to take the most well-worn standard and transform it into something new; oftentimes nearly unrecognizable but always engaging and playful. Solal may lean hard to the left but, like Bley, his wry sense of humor pervades most everything he does. Longitude is far from a standards album seven of the disc's ten tracks are belong to Solal. 

When he does tackle a chestnut like "The Last Time I Saw Paris," the pianist manages in no small part thanks to the telepathic and sometimes downright unearthly rhythm team of twin brothers François (bass) and Louis (drums) Moutin to make it elastic, with unexpected but somehow inevitable twists and turns. There's no denying the sense of swing that largely simmers underneath but occasionally surfaces briefly and more directly, but even when the Moutins are pushing a pulse, Solal seems curiously distanced and locked into it at the same time. And the brothers' natural empathy exploited to equal effect on Moutin Reunion Quartet recordings like Sharp Turns (Blujazz, 2007) results in a trio of uncommon chemistry. Rarely breaking the five minute mark and often running less than four, Solal's writing is a combination of frightening complexity and open-ended spontaneity. Navigating the bumpy road of "Monostome" may be as much a challenge to hear as it is to play, but its "time, no changes" center, with the Moutin brothers swinging hard and fast, is a marvel of solo construction, as Solal blends fleet-fingered runs and occasional harmonized passages that act like punctuation marks between segments. 

Elsewhere, on "Navigation," the time appears more flexible, though when the trio comes together for a visceral groove, it's clear there's more going on compositionally than meets the eye. The Moutins may be a generation or two younger than Solal, but they're no less versed in the tradition, with François quoting Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" during his solo on the opening "Slightly Bluesy." With another death-defying theme to get through before opening up, Solal's solo is a unique confluence that's as free-flowing as it gets but remains somehow linked to the mainstream, if only by the thinnest of threads. And it's a mistake, really, to consider any feature for François Moutin a solo, as the interplay with his brother makes it more of a duet. Solal may be approaching 81, but he plays with a freshness and vitality that's hard to resist. Longitude is an album filled with everything that makes the improvisational nature of jazz great, but with a complete lack of gravitas all the more infectious, despite its many inherent demands. ~ John Kelman   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/longitude-martial-solal-cam-jazz-review-by-john-kelman.php#.U2lKQihvCPM
 

Personnel: Martial Solal: piano; François Moutin: bass; Louis Moutin: drums.

Longitude

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Mal Waldron - Soul Eyes

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:02
Size: 132,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:39)  1. Judy
(7:20)  2. Soul Eyes
(5:00)  3. Fire Waltz
(6:55)  4. Spaces
(5:46)  5. Straight Ahead
(5:00)  6. From Darkness To Light
(6:24)  7. God Bless The Child
(3:46)  8. Dee´s Dilemma
(9:35)  9. The Git Go
(3:32) 10. No More Tears

This album was recorded last summer when Waldron and his friends were invited to celebrate his birthday at Jazz Middelheim in Antwerp, Belgium, the bi-annual festival of Brtn Public Radio. His regular US bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Andrew Cyrille came over from New York. Jeanne Lee was only a short trainride away, in The Hague, Holland, where she teaches. Joe Henderson was flown in from San Francisco. Abbey Lincoln, who had performed with her own band the night before, stayed over to make an impromptu appearance.[...] complete cover and booklet scansThe same week they all went into the studio near Antwerp for what is Waldron's first album under his new RCA Victor recording contract. (Steve Coleman, a special favorite of Waldron's among a younger generation of players, later recorded his tracks in New York.) (Extract from sleeve notes by Bob Leurentop, November 1997.)

The Players: Mal Waldron – piano; Andrew Cyrille – drums; Reggie Workman - bass

* Steve Coleman - alto saxophone (on 'Judy' and 'Soul Eyes')
* Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone (on 'The Git Go')
* Jeanne Lee - vocals (on 'Soul Eyes,' 'Fire Waltz,' and 'No More Tears')
* Abbey Lincoln - vocals (on 'Straight Ahead' and 'God Bless The Child')

Recorded August 15-17, 1997 at The Groove, Schelle (Antwerp) - Belgium. Recorded by Guido Maes. Additional recordings (Judy and Soul Eyes) by Steve Coleman, October 10, 1997 at Systems Two Recording Studios, New York USA.

Soul Eyes

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Julia Boman - My Favourite Things

Size: 119,9 MB
Time: 51:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Jazz: Vocals
Art: Front

01. Angel Eyes (6:52)
02. My Favourite Things (4:40)
03. Ty So Mnoj (You Are With Me) (5:41)
04. Every Now And Then (5:00)
05. Another Star (5:41)
06. Tumescent (5:22)
07. Indian Summer Russian Spring (6:47)
08. Part-Time Lover (5:38)
09. Letnij Bljuz (Summer Blue) (6:04)

Julia Boman is a singer/songwriter from Estonia, currently based in France. She has won several prizes in music competitions in Estonia, among which the second prize in the national TV competition “Kaks Takti Ette 2003? performing her own composition « Share the Moon ».

In 2004 she released a CD of original music called « VAGABOND », for which she was nominated for Tartu Culture Awards 2004. The CD features a number of recognised Estonian jazz musicians Sven Kullerkupp, Tanel Ruben, and Raul Vaigla. She performed in various festivals and clubs, as well as on TV and radio.

Since 2006, Julia has been living in France, studying vocal jazz and improvised music at Conservatoire de Strasbourg. She has formed a quintet with Rick Hannah, (guitar, USA), Erwin Siffer (piano, France), Anne List (double bass, France) and Raphael Sonnetag (drums, France) performing original music and arrangements of jazz standards. In 2010, Julia Boman Band has been selected to the finals of the vocal jazz competition Crest Jazz Vocal.

CD de Julia Boman Mars 2011 In 2011, Julia Boman released her second album called « MY FAVOURITE THINGS ». The album offers an intimate interpretation of selected jazz standards (« Angel Eyes », « My Favourite Things », « Indian Summer ») and the singer’s own compositions in English and Russian (« Ty so mnoj », « Every Now and Then » and « Letnij Bljuz »).

In 2011, together with a piano player, Jean-Baptiste Aubert, Julia formed a duo « Akt » performing poetry and improvised music.

My Favourite Things

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Leon Redbone - Flying By

Size: 82,7 MB
Time: 34:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Vaudevillian, Ragtime, Jazz, Blues
Art: Front

01. Just You And I (2:16)
02. Baby Won't You Please Come Home (2:32)
03. Wanna Go Back Again Blues (3:25)
04. Main Street (2:35)
05. Get Out Get Under The Moon (3:19)
06. Police Dog Blues (2:26)
07. I'll See You In My Dreams (2:50)
08. Where Shall I Be (2:28)
09. When The Lights Are Soft And Low (3:05)
10. Mr. Jelly Lord (4:06)
11. Save Your Sorrow (3:21)
12. But Where Are You (2:20)

With the release of FLYING BY, the enigmatic Leon Redbone releases his first full album in over a decade.

The standard bearer of pre-World War II ragtime, jazz and blues sounds, the neo-Vaudville crooner serves up a blend of a dozen carefully picked nuggets including the traditional: "Police Dog blues," "I'll See You In My Dreams," and "Baby Won't You Please Come Home." Redbone brings the rarely heard Irving Berlin number "Where are You?" into the present shining a light on this rare gem.

With support from Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks and accompanist Paul Asaro, Leon Redbone reemerges with perhaps his most traditional album since his debut ON THE TRACK, from the era when he was lighting up Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and leading popular music fans to the music of a bygone era.

FLYING BY was produced by longtime producer Beryl Handler.

Flying By

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Gnaposs - Gnaposs Groove

Size: 95,6 MB
Time: 41:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz, Funk, Blues, Fusion
Art: Front

01. Dislocado's Groove (4:33)
02. Heartbreacker Groove (3:46)
03. Philadelphia Cheese (3:30)
04. Lumbago's Groove (3:46)
05. Vacileta's Groove (3:46)
06. Yiiihaaa...Ha!!! (2:55)
07. Canonigo's Groove (6:08)
08. Ilektronika Groove (4:48)
09. Last Minute Groove (2:52)
10. Good Mood Blues (5:05)

Members: David Muñoz Gnaposs guitar and vocals, Jordi Franco Franky bass, Arecio Smith keyboards, Pere Foved drums.

Gnaposs is one of the longest running funk and groove bands in the country. Founded in Los Angeles (California) at the beginning of the millennium, the group’s credentials are provided by their fourteen-year career. Led by David Muñoz, every time they visit the Jamboree their concerts become a real celebration. This time there is even more reason for this because they are including new tracks from their latest album in their live performance.

Gnaposs Groove

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Hope Gatling - A Story Of A Girl

Size: 98,4 MB
Time: 42:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary, Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Story Of A Girl (2:33)
02. It's You (3:06)
03. A Song For You (6:03)
04. Walk On (4:19)
05. Beautiful Girl (5:18)
06. In The Mirror (Feat. Tanya R. Liverman & Winston Byrd) (3:42)
07. Never Let Me Fall (5:30)
08. Always (2:44)
09. Great Is Your Love (4:42)
10. Walk On (Feat. Shai Boogie) (4:19)

"A Story of A Girl" is a neo-soul album with a refreshing jazz-inspired sound. Special features on this album include music by Martin Blockson, Winston Byrd, David Sampson, Edward James, and special performances byTanya Liverman and Shai Boogie.

Hope D. Gatling, a native of Hampton, VA was born in 1982. She graduated from Heritage High school and continued her education, earning a Bachelors Degree in Music Media from Norfolk State University.

Some of Hope's accomplishments come from her favorite memories including her first song she wrote in high school for their reflections contest, entitled, "Attached." She won first place and best original composition.

Hope never wanted to sing as a young girl. She was very shy and no one knew she had talent, except for her chorus teacher, Ms. Simmons, who took her to Norfolk State to audition for a scholarship. Hope received a partial vocal scholarship. Hope then auditioned for the Spartan Choral and was accepted.

Since she was discovered for her talent, Hope opened up for Lee Williams, sang background vocals on a mini tour for Choklate Moore, and sang background vocals for Edward James.

Hope is also known for singing jazz standards for banquets, weddings, and numerous events in Hampton Roads. As she embarks upon her own project release, Hope's message is to reach deep within her soul and inspire others, especially the youth through her gifts.

A Story Of A Girl

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Mary Lofstrom - My Secret Joy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:06
Size: 100.4 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[5:40] 1. No Stranger To You
[4:51] 2. She Rarely Wants Me
[4:01] 3. I Wish I Had A Motorcycle
[6:42] 4. I'm Your Debutante
[5:25] 5. I Can't Believe It's Happening Again/Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider
[3:51] 6. Sunday Driver
[4:43] 7. Slave To You
[4:12] 8. Headed Down Again My Love
[3:37] 9. Big Barn Feel

Mary Lofstrom makes her songwriting debut in the jazz genre. These nine songs borrow from the jazz and blues tradition but add flavors of irony, humor and heartbreak. Lofstrom's fun with lyrics is evident in the popular 'I Wish I Had a Motorcycle' and 'Sunday Driver'.

It is unusual to have such wit and storytelling present in the genre of vocal jazz and Lofstrom's contribution is refreshing and original. Many fans put 'My Secret Joy' in their favorite CD listening rotation.

My Secret Joy

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Toots Thielemans - Toots Thielemans Plays Bluesette & Other Hits

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 41:47
Size: 95.7 MB
Styles: Harmonica jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Bluesette
[3:03] 2. I Loves You Porgy
[3:06] 3. You're Driving Me Crazy
[2:28] 4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody
[3:04] 5. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[3:17] 6. Stranger In Paradise
[2:39] 7. Isn't It Romantic?
[2:25] 8. Long Ago And Far Away
[2:39] 9. Penthouse Serenade
[2:29] 10. Love Walked In
[5:16] 11. Isn't It Romantic? 2
[2:36] 12. Homesick That's All
[2:31] 13. This Is Always
[3:17] 14. Stairway To The Stars

Toots Thielemans is an extraordinary musician, famous for his hit composition “Bluesette” and his work with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Michael Franks, Edith Piaf, Miles Davis, Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman and Charlie Parker, to name but a few. His inimitable harmonica sound has been heard by millions on several soundtracks, such as “Midnight Cowboy”, “Turkish Delight”, “French Kiss”, and the TV series “Sesame Street”.

Toots Thielemans Plays Bluesette & Other Hits

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Hendrik Meurkens & Gabriel Espinosa - Celebrando (Feat. Anat Cohen, Antonio Sanchez)

Styles: Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:20
Size: 126,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. La Esperanza
(4:51)  2. Slow Breeze
(3:04)  3. Frenzelosa (Choro No. 2)
(6:13)  4. Odessa in April
(4:52)  5. Pa Rio
(6:33)  6. Out of Reach
(5:17)  7. La Puerta
(4:26)  8. She Lives in Brazil
(4:58)  9. Maya Roots
(5:48) 10. Mountain Drive
(3:13) 11. Celebrando

Harmonica master Hendrik Meurkens and bass virtuoso Gabriel Espinosa collaborate for a tribute of Brazilian jazz on Celebrando, which means "celebrating" in both Portuguese and Spanish. It's an appropriate title for this album, as it celebrates the distinctiveness of the genre and the influence it has had on musicians, audiences and the development of world music. It also pays a special salute to the many stellar musicians appearing on the album, all of whom have devoted a portion of their careers exploring the music. Completing the theme of the session, the recording also serves to celebrate the 100th album from Jochen Becker's New York-based label, Zoho Music. The international significance of this project cannot be overlooked, considering that the German-born Meurkens joins the Mexican-born Espinosa on this special album, also featuring Israeli-born saxophonist/clarinetist Anat Cohen and Mexican-born drummer Antonio Sanchez as special guests. Rounding out the personnel are three Americans, a Russian pianist (Misha Tsiganov) and the only Brazilian-born player of the crew, drummer Mauricio Zottarelli. What they share in common is an affinity for Brazilian jazz and a willingness to lend their collective voices to this celebration. Alison Wedding is an enchanting scat singer who opens the set with the light Espinosa bossa, "La Esperanza," supported by Tsiganov's tender Fender Rhodes phrasings and Meurkens' brisk harmonica lines. The delightful "Slow Breeze" mirrors the starter but at a slower tempo, once again featuring Wedding's scatting vocals, Tsiganov on piano and trumpeter Jim Seeley. 

Cohen lends her clarinet to the choro-styled "Frenzelosa (Choro No. 2)" as she also does on "Pa Rio" and the earthly "Maya Roots," a three-part harmony mixing the voice, clarinet and harmonica. Cohen's only performance on tenor comes with Tsiganov's "Out Of Reach," where she tears off one solid solo after another. Meurkens' "Odessa In April," a reprise from previous recordings, is clearly one of the melodic gems of the disc featuring more vocal scatting over Seeley's gorgeous flugelhorn and tasteful harmonica. The bassist delivers a humbling vocal performance on the beautiful "La Puerta," singing Luis Demetrio's lyrics in Spanish to Meurkens harmonica accompaniment. The pianist showcases his mettle on his other contribution of the album, "She Lives In Brazil" a romping up-tempo samba where his quick right hand delivery is superb. Seeley on the muted horn and Wedding's well-placed scatting along with Meurkens' furious harmonica performance, are the other highlights of this piece. The album begins to wind down with "Mountain Drive," one of Meurkens most popular tunes first performed on Amazon River (Blue Toucan Records, 2004), and closes with Espinosa's festive title trackpenned, oddly enough, for 2012, the year of the Mayans. Nevertheless, while the music of Celebrando reveals no obvious clues to the celebrant nature of the recording, Meurkens and Espinosa provide many resounding reasons to celebrate the wonderful world of Brazilian jazz. ~ Edward Blanco   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/celebrando-zoho-music-review-by-edward-blanco.php#.U2QysleS-PM

Personnel: Hendrik Meurkens: harmonica; Gabriel Espinosa: bass, vocals (5-9, 11); Anat Cohen: clarinet (3, 5, 9), tenor saxophone (6); Jim Seeley: trumpet, flugelhorn; Alison Wedding: vocals; Molly Blythe: background vocals; Misha Tsiganov: piano, Fender Rhodes; Antonio Sanchez: drums; Mauricio Zottarelli: drums (1, 4, 8, 10, 11), percussion.

Celebrando

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The Manhattan Transfer - The Chick Corea Songbook

Styles:  Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:37
Size: 128,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:15)  1. Free Samba
(3:11)  2. Spain. Prelude
(6:37)  3. Spain (I Can Recall)
(5:16)  4. One Step Closer
(1:16)  5. Children's Song #15
(6:52)  6. 500 Miles High
(4:21)  7. Another Roadside Attraction
(3:55)  8. Time's Lie
(2:32)  9. La Chanson Du Bebe
(1:46) 10. Ragtime In Pixiland
(6:15) 11. The Story Of Anna & Armando
(8:16) 12. Free Samba

It would be challenging for any ensemble to reinterpret the music of Chick Corea, but adding a larger vocal component did not deter the Manhattan Transfer in their attempt. Where the group picked some famous material, new pieces, and a few obscurities, this is not a comprehensive look at Corea's book. What the ensemble does offer is a wide-ranging view of Corea's more Latin-oriented themes, a few of the keyboardist's true cherry songs, and an expansion of where Corea's music might go if enhanced by a choir. Since Flora Purim and Gayle Moran are the only significant singers to grace Corea's music over the decades, their soaring presence has to be addressed, not to mention that the Transfer's vaunted, richly harmonic acumen is clearly present and accounted for. With assistance from keyboardist and music director Yaron Gershovsky and many guest instrumentalists (including Christian McBride, Edsel Gomez, John Benítez, and Vince Cherico), the group brings these tunes to life in a new reality. As might naturally be expected, Al Jarreau's lyrics to "Spain" show up, albeit three times in an adaptation of "I Can Recall" in a funky, plodding beat much slower than the original; the new composition, a five-minute "Free Samba" in choral carnival style with some counterpoint, English prose, and Corea alongside Airto joining in; and an inflated, extended version that allows everyone to fully stretch out. 

Pianist/arranger Fred Hersch appears on the excellent "Time's Lie" with Tim Hauser taking center stage on Neville Potter's lyric, while the kiddish "Children's Song #1" has lyrics by Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne in layers of counterpoint. "Children's Song #15" is much more spare, with Lou Marini's flute and Joe Passaro's marimba shading a one-minute wordless vocal. Then there's the most well-revered "500 Miles High," as rich angelic voices reach for the heavens in wordless refrains holding tension and a modicum of energy, again quite unlike the initial famous version done by Return to Forever with Purim. In a minimalist 6/8 metered mode, "Another Roadside Attraction" is warmer and percussion-driven, while Hauser again steps away from the others for his wordsmithing during "One Step Closer," a swinger with finger snaps and the whistling of Hi-Lo's veteran Don Shelton. A take on "Armando's Rhumba" retitled "The Story of Anna & Armando" for Corea's parents has Siegel's delightful lead extravagantly expressing gratitude. As ambitious as this project is, with Corea's full blessing and endorsement, it falls short of being essential. Nonetheless, it is pleasing from start to finish, quaint and charming in its own way. ~ Michael G.Nastos   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-chick-corea-songbook-mw0000826997

Recording information: Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ; Broken Wave Studios, Glendale, CA; Conway Studios, Hollywood, CA; Moonpeople Studios, Northridge, CA.

Personnel: Yaron Gershovsky (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, programming); John Benítez (vocals, electric bass); Janis Siegel (vocals); Don Shelton (whistling); Ramón Stagnaro (acoustic guitar); Lou Marini (flute, alto flute); Steve Tavaglione (soprano saxophone, EWI); Ronnie Cuber (baritone saxophone); Robert Rodriguez , Mike Panella (trumpet); Conrad Herwig (trombone); Fred Hersch, Edsel Gomez (piano); Scott Kinsey (keyboards); Bais Haus (synthesizer, drum programming); Joe Passaro (marimba); Gary Wicks (acoustic bass, electric bass, fretless bass); Christian McBride, John Herbert (acoustic bass); Jimmy Earl (electric bass); Gary Novak, Steve Hass, Vince Cherico, Billy Drummond (drums); Luis Quintero (congas, timbales, percussion); Airto, Alex Acuña (percussion); Scott Gilmore, Janet Vrudney, Jack Bryant (hand bells).

The Chick Corea Songbook

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Helen Sung - Going Express

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 56:25
Size: 106,4 MB
Art: Front

(8:16)  1. Going Express
(4:18)  2. Bitter
(6:02)  3. Love For Sale
(7:44)  4. Hope Springs Eternally
(7:27)  5. In Walked Bud
(7:55)  6. Eronel
(8:47)  7. Bittersweet
(5:53)  8. Lotus Blossum

Whether an artist is performing in a play or playing music, doing so live onstage is one of the most challenging acts. Every nuance is captured by an eager audience and, in the case of Going Express, a sensitive sound engineer. There is no room for error; every slip can be fatal. Pianist Helen Sung makes short work of these concerns, however, navigating the music in spritely fashion and with the delicate touch of slender fingers like feathers on the weighted keyboard. Going Express is a dramatic turnout, and features a fine ensemble that includes bassist Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Eric Harland and saxophonist Seamus Blake. So spectacular are the musicians' responses to the music that there are surprises at every turn: Plaxico with his masterful, groaning arco playing when least expected, Harland with his delicate brushes and rumbling mallets that suddenly turn the heat on from a cool break in the music, and the wail of Blake's soprano saxophone every so often, to inform short memories of his astounding manipulation of the reed in his mouthpiece. However, it is ultimately Sung who takes the breath away with her prodigious talent as an instrumentalist, interpreter of music and composer in her own right. The Texas-born, globetrotting Sung has deep roots in fields of the dreamy idioms of classical and jazz. She can sound a blue note with such elemental sadness that her art seems to spring from her very soul. 

Hers is a decidedly feminine voice, given to softness as well as a breathless excitement when she discovers something that wows her. Her feelings spring forth for all to feel and hear, as she lets fly with a generous ebullience that also puts warmth and childlike wonder in her playing. Sung experiences music in her heart and informs musicians and audiences of this with pulsations and fibrillations that are so real that sighs, gasps and breaths must be held or else emotions will be overwhelmed with utter splendor. Her phrases are short and sometimes she repeats them with dampers on. She plays these as if she were taking a breath, sighing, or jabbering excitedly. Yet she can sustain longer lines too, with leonine grace, stretching and relaxing just as if she were informing the lines with an interminable exhalation. Sung says that "Going Express" is typical of her character a racy sense of wanting to swallow the moment whole. However she can also be pensive as her thoughts unfold on "Hope Springs Eternally." Her interpretations of Thelonious Monk's "In Walked Bud" and "Eronel" are spectacular. Sung never tries to play Monk as Monk, but draws the emotions out of the music, making it her own, before she again pirouettes through it. On this album, however, her finest moments could well be in the manner in which she plays Meshell Ndegeocello's marvelous chart, "Bitter," which is so filled with pathos that its drama makes Sung's music something to die for every time she plays. ~ Raul D’Gama Rose   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/going-express-helen-sung-sunnyside-records-review-by-raul-dgama-rose.php#.U2XJR1eS-PM
 

Personnel: Helen Sung: piano; Seamus Blake: tenor and soprano saxophones; Lonnie Plaxico: bass; Eric Harland: drums.

Going Express

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Chet Baker & Stan Getz - West Coast Live Disc 1 And Disc 2

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:15 (Disc 1)
Size: 155,6 MB (Disc 1)
Time: 57:39 (Disc 2)
Size: 132,8 MB (Disc 2)
Art: Front

Disc 1

(3:01)  1. My Funny Valentine
(5:08)  2. Strike Up The Band
(6:20)  3. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:50)  4. Yardbird Suite
(4:25)  5. Yesterdays
(4:10)  6. Winter Wonderland
(5:29)  7. Come Out Wherever
(4:36)  8. Move
(3:43)  9. What's New
(5:44) 10. Half Nelson
(3:57) 11. Little Willie Leaps
(6:07) 12. Soft Shoe
(9:40) 13. Whispering

West Coast Live - Disk 1

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Disc 2

( 3:41)  1. Bernie's Tune
( 5:35)  2. All The Things You Are
( 4:19)  3. Winter Wonderland
( 5:26)  4. Gone With The wind
(17:44)  5. All The Things You Are
(12:08)  6. Darn That Dream
( 8:42)  7. Crazy Rhythm

One of the most infamously acrimonious musical unions transpired between two of the leading purveyors of West Coast cool jazz: Chet Baker (trumpet) and Stan Getz (tenor sax). Their paths crossed only a handful of times and West Coast Live captures two of their earliest encounters in Los Angeles at the Haig on June 12, 1953, and the Tiffany Club on August 17, 1953. These recordings have been issued in Europe and Japan ad infinitum in varying degrees of quality, completeness, and often sporting erroneous data. However, enthusiasts should note that West Coast Live is the only release derived from producer/engineer Dick Bock's own master reels. For two men who purportedly would rather not be in the same room at the same time, Baker and Getz are able to create some legitimately brilliant improvisation. For the Haig set, Getz had been brought in to co-lead a quartet with Baker for an incarcerated Gerry Mulligan. Musically the results vacillate. There are moments of sheer inspiration, such as the musical cat and mouse demonstrated on "Strike up the Band" or the straight-ahead driving-bop lines the two bandy on "Yardbird Suite," which includes tasty solos from Carson Smith (bass) and Larry Bunker (drums). There are likewise the brass entanglements that plague "The Way You Look Tonight" as well as the opening of "Winter Wonderland," which suffers from the "too many cooks" syndrome. The second and shorter set is taken from a recording session held during the afternoon hence the lack of an audience response after each number at the Tiffany Club. Baker's quartet at the time featured Russ Freeman (piano) and Shelly Manne (drums), as well as Carson Smith (bass), who reprised his role at the heart of this quintet. All three tracks contain very little in the way of interaction between Baker and Getz, featuring more of the support trio than the two co-leads. ~ Lindsay Planer   

http://www.allmusic.com/album/west-coast-live-mw0000099636

Personnel: Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet); Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Russ Freeman (piano); Carson Smith (bass); Larry Bunker, Shelly Manne (drums).

West Coast Live - Disk 2

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Patsy Cline - The Divine Ms. Cline: Patsy's Finest Vocals In New Musical Settings

Size: 158,9 MB
Time: 67:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Country, Pop Rock
Art: Front

01. Why Can't He Be You (Alternate Version) (3:27)
02. Have You Ever Been Lonely (Alternate Version) (2:11)
03. Half As Much (Alternate Version) (2:27)
04. San Antonio Rose (Alternate Version) (2:32)
05. Crazy (Alternate Version) (2:42)
06. I Fall To Pieces (Alternate Version) (2:48)
07. True Love (Alternate Version) (2:06)
08. I Love You So Much It Hurts Me (Alternate Version) (2:13)
09. You Belong To Me (Alternate Version) (3:02)
10. Leavin' On Your Mind (Alternate Version) (3:14)
11. Tennessee Waltz (Alternate Version) (2:07)
12. The Wayward Wind (Alternate Version) (2:49)
13. A Poor Man's Roses (Or A Rich Man's Gold) (Alternate Version) (2:35)
14. South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way) (Alternate Version) (3:16)
15. So Wrong (Alternate Version) (3:03)
16. Heartaches (Alternate Version) (2:41)
17. Seven Lonely Days (Alternate Version) (2:10)
18. Foolin' Around (Alternate Version) (2:09)
19. I'm Blue Again (Alternate Version) (1:58)
20. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Alternate Version) (2:48)
21. Strange (Live) (2:35)
22. She's Got You (Live) (2:48)
23. Imagine That (Live) (2:35)
24. Shoes (Live) (2:30)
25. Lovesick Blues (Live) (1:56)
26. Life's Railway To Heaven (Live) (2:20)

Her name was Virginia Patterson Hensley, but most people know her as Patsy Cline. She had a reputation for being somewhat bawdy but very kind-hearted. Fifty years ago today she died in a plane crash. Some folks were lucky enough to hear her pure, one-of-a-kind voice in a live performance. But now new fans can experience a Patsy concert, and old fans can reminisce, thanks to Producer Larry Jordan and H&H Music’s new CD.

She helped define country music and was a pioneer. Unfortunately some of her vocals were covered with instrumentals and background voices. The new CD strips away the distractions and lets Patsy be, well, Patsy. Even the CD title, “The Divine Ms. Cline” says it all. The CD is divine, and more.

Masters of Patsy’s greatest hits were stripped down to the bare essentials. The vocals were given 24-bit digital remastering. New instrumentals were added using local players and singers. The result is clean, clear, and no less than amazing.

The CD features “Why Can’t He Be You,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “The Wayward Wind,” and, of course, “Crazy.” There is also an added treat of six “Live in Concert” tunes. You would swear you were in a smoky bar, candles on the table, dark except a spotlight on the stage where “The Cline” (as she called herself) was swaying onstage, lost in music.

Patsy had a strong connection to the Nashville area. She had a home was in Goodlettsville, just north of Nashville. The plane crashed in Camden. Of course, she recorded in Music City. She graced the stage of the Grand ‘Ol Opry when you had to be invited and it was not a rental venue. The CD echoes that old “real country” sound, before people’s voices were overdubbed and relied on electronics. Her “Tennessee Waltz” will either make you tear up or get chills.

There are 26 cuts on this special CD. There are liner notes including quotes from people who knew Cline personally. “I won’t live past thirty,” she told people. With “The Divine Ms. Cline” in your collection, she does live on … in song.

Perhaps the most poignant moment on the CD is the last song. Patsy signs off after performing a heartfelt, live “Life’s A Railway to Heaven.” You can see her smile as she says, “This is Patsy Cline saying bye-bye, and God bless you.”

If you miss Patsy, do not miss the CD “The Divine Ms. Cline”.

The Divine Ms. Cline

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Mike Cottone - Just Remember

Size: 118,7 MB
Time: 51:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Jazz: Straight-Ahead/Mainstream
Art: Front

01. Just Remember (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (4:30)
02. Selah (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Kris Bowers, Paul Sikivie & Ulysses Owens) (6:05)
03. Old Blue (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Kris Bowers, Paul Sikivie & Ulysses Owens) (6:09)
04. Slow Down (Feat. Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (6:27)
05. Gyroscope (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (4:16)
06. Sloppin' (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Kris Bowers, Paul Sikivie & Ulysses Owens) (4:29)
07. I'm Sure (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Kris Bowers, Paul Sikivie & Ulysses Owens) (5:26)
08. When Sunny Gets Blue (Feat. Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (5:11)
09. Dear John (Feat. Jeremy Viner, Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (4:53)
10. Stardust (Feat. Jared Schonig, Kris Bowers & Paul Sikivie) (3:29)

Just Remember is a highly personalized collection of songs that Mike Cottone wanted to be a reflection of his journey thus far and to pay tribute to a pivotal figure in his decision to become a musician. Produced by Grammy-award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens (known for his work with Kurt Elling & Christian McBride) and Marc Iacona, co-­producer of the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the project became a reality.

In his own words Cottone explains the concept behind his inspiring offering. “Having made it this far in my career, the one message that has resonated with me from my high school days is to never forget where I came from. My high school band director, Daniel McMurray, made it very clear that being humble, modest, and keeping your ego in check make success a reality. I even remember where I was sitting when he shared this knowledge. Dan passed away just before Christmas of my senior year in high school, so my limited time with him proved to be priceless. Without him I probably wouldn’t have pursued a career as a musician. Shortly after his passing, I met Marc Iacona who continued to motivate and reinforce the importance of remembering those who helped me to get where I am. This album is a tribute to Dan and to everyone who has helped me to get to this point-­-­-­hence the title, Just Remember.”

Cottone further describes; “compared to the amount of time I spend playing, I don’t spend nearly as much time composing, so having this project in the back of my mind for the past couple years helped me face my demons and get some material on the page. The advice McMurray gave me in high school helped me break through this wall and focus my compositions. I centered my attention on my favorite records and ended up with a collection of compositions that reflect these influences.

Even though I had enough material to put the album together after this process, my producer, Ulysses Owens, urged me to write one more tune with my concept in mind. After a few long sessions at my piano, the title track, “Just Remember,” emerged. The best part of this whole process was putting together a dream band of my best musician friends, recording the tune with the ink fresh on the page and getting a solid title track. The spirit of the tune reflects how thankful I am to be doing what I’m doing!”

Just Remember

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Will Porter - Happy!

Size: 109,3 MB
Time: 47:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Blues Jazz
Art: Front

01. I Thought You Were The Right One (5:23)
02. Don't Pass Me By (Radio Edit) (3:55)
03. San Francisco Bay (2:58)
04. The Blues Aren't The Songs We Sing (4:18)
05. Easy Street (4:09)
06. Sweet Maybe (3:55)
07. Monongahela (I Remember) (4:05)
08. Im Gonna Sit Right Down (And Write Myself A Letter) (2:37)
09. Like A Circle (Around The Sun) (5:31)
10. Adios (4:58)
11. Don't Pass Me By (Complete Version) (5:21)

It's rare that a group of Grammy honorees will come together for the debut recording of a new artist, but that's the case for Happy, by critically-acclaimed performer Will Porter. Produced and arranged by the legendary Wardell Quezergue in New Orleans, this CD features multi-Grammy winner Billy Preston (who appears prominently on the newly mixed/released stripped down version of The Beatles' "Let it Be"). Also on board are New Orleans iconic guitarist Leo Nocentelli, honored by the Grammies for his work with The Meters, and Atlantic/Stax Soul Queen Barbara Lewis, (two-time Grammy nominee), in her first studio work in decades. Quezergue brought together New Orleans top rhythm section, led by famed drummer Bunch Johnson, and 14 strings from The Louisiana Philharmonic! Mic Gillette (of Tower of Power horns) led a "Best of the Bay Area" Horn section on Wardell's charts. The icing on the cake is the final mastering by the only engineer to win a Grammy for mastering (for the "Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack), Gavin Lurrsen.

Wardell Quezergue, though you may not recognize his name (Kuh-zair), is named by historians as "The Architect of the New Orleans Sound", and by Allan Toussaint as "The Creole Beethoven". Also an award winning classical composer and conductor, he is responsible for Dr. John's Grammy-winning "Going Back to New Orleans", the WC Handy-winning Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, and dozens of hits, including Barefootin, Mr Big Stuff, Iko Iko, Groove Me, Misty Blue, and many more. His work with Aaron Neville (Orchid in the Storm) has just been re-released. He has worked with Pop and Soul acts from Paul Simon to Stevie Wonder, blues artists including BB King and Etta James, and every major New Orleans act. His time-line as arranger, producer or songwriter runs from Professor Longhair to Mariah Carey.

Happy!

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Lorenzo Minguzzi New Organ Trio - Another Spring

Size: 155,4 MB
Time: 66:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ, Guitar
Art: Front

01. 24 (6:14)
02. Amigdala (5:00)
03. Another Spring (7:52)
04. You And The Night And The Music (4:38)
05. L'aeroplanino Di Carta (5:48)
06. I Talk To The Wind (5:17)
07. Sweet Daisy (7:48)
08. Silver Serenade (5:22)
09. Sometime Ago (6:41)
10. What's The Next Step (5:14)
11. Just The Way You Are (5:00)
12. Eyes And Sky (1:49)

Bruno Erminero - Hammond Organ
Paolo Franciscone - Drums
Lorenzo Minguzzi - Guitar
Federico Conti - Synth, Hammond

Il chitarrista torinese Lorenzo Minguzzi affida l'apertura di questo sesto album da leader al brano di sua composizione intitolato "24", pezzo che mostra con immediatezza ed efficacia il buon affiatamento con Franciscone, che lo accompagna sfiorando appena i piatti, ed il dialogo originale con l'organo Hammond di Erminero, che tanto caratterizza questo trio e al quale viene lasciato ampio spazio nell'assolo: è proprio lui a dare il via, ripetendo due accordi, mentre Minguzzi entra con dolcezza proponendo un paio di motivi che verranno abbandonati, solo per essere ripresi più tardi.

"Amigdala" parte molto più spedito ed il chitarrista suona note gravi, mentre la batteria si fa sentire con maggior decisione. Dopo l'assolo dinamico di Erminero, Franciscone "disturba" gli arpeggi di Minguzzi colpendo con impeto inaspettato sui piatti per poi prendersi il suo spazio in un assolo ipnotico. Si cambia spesso tema, è musica originale e intrigante. "Another spring" che da il titolo all'album, è una composizione romantica e sognante che ricorda in più momenti Pat Metheny, ma è l'hammond di Erminero ad introdursi di tanto in tanto nel discorso, modernizzando il messaggio trasmesso dal trio. Ci sono momenti di "risveglio" dall'atmosfera onirica dovuti ai colpi sui tamburi e negli ultimi due minuti il pezzo si anima un po' per chiudere con l'eco di due accordi intonati da tastiere e chitarra. "You and the night and the music" di Howard Dietz e Arthur Schwartz è suonata con calore, ha un diverso imprinting. "L'aeroplanino di carta" invece è un brano pensieroso che gioca sulla suspense: sembra sempre stia per accadere qualcosa che poi non avviene. Minguzzi crea melodie a tratti maliziose e sensuali.

"I talk to the wind" si apre quasi sussurrando per poi alzare solo di poco il volume ed introdurre un assolo delle tastiere. L'ultima parte è la più bella: la chitarra di Minguzzi comunica sentimento con un'intensità ed una delicatezza incredibili. Si continua con "Sweet daisy" che scansa la malinconia e porta un tocco di vivacità e ritmo, con un ritornello di quelli che entrano in testa; mentre con "Silver serenade" si passa ad un mood latino suonato in grande relax. "Sometime ago" sembra il racconto di una fiaba o di una storia d'amore: Erminero è più controllato e solo nell'ultima parte Minguzzi suona con maggior energia mentre il ticchettio delle bacchette di Franciscone si fa soave. In "What's the next step?" la batteria parte inaspettatamente rapida e decisa e gli altri due non tardano ad unirsi alla realizzazione di un brano carico che trascina col suo fiume di note fino a concludere con una batteria scatenata e Erminero che ripete ossessivo gli stessi due accordi.

"Just the way you are" è un gioiellino, arrangiato in una versione di una dolcezza estrema ed avvolgente. Ciascuno dei musicisti sembra assorto nella contemplazione della bellezza del brano stesso; Franciscone spazzola sui piatti ed Erminero crea motivi fantasiosi senza risultare indiscreto.

Si chiude con "Eyes & sky" che vede protagonista Lorenzo Minguzzi in duo con Federico Conti alle tastiere sintetizzate che creano un'atmosfera "aliena", regalando una perla in più ad un album già prezioso.

Another Spring

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