David Benoit - Standards

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:36
Size: 118,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:10)  1. Brothers Go To Mothers
(3:58)  2. Cute
(6:00)  3. Django
(4:09)  4. Blue Rondo Á La Turk
(4:38)  5. Some Other Time
(4:56)  6. Cakewalk
(6:01)  7. Stardust
(4:03)  8. Straight No Chaser
(5:13)  9. I Loves You Porgy
(7:24) 10. Waltz For Debby

Recorded in a simple trio format with bassist Brian Bromberg and drummer Gregg Bissonette, Standards is about as close as smooth jazz pianist David Benoit has come to the classic post-bop West Coast sound that's always been one of his primary inspirations. Benoit is simply not an adventurous soul as either a bandleader or a pianist, and so Standards consists mostly of familiar songs (John Lewis' "Django," Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser," Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby," Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo à la Turk") given safe, pretty performances that never come close to re-invention. It's simply not in Benoit's nature to take risks, but to a listener on the pianist's mellow wavelength, these performances are both technically excellent and completely heartfelt. The choice of a couple obscurities by Henry Mancini and Neal Hefti adds an idiosyncratic personal touch as well. Bold and audacious it may not be, but Standards is a low-key delight. ~ Stewart Mason   http://www.allmusic.com/album/standards-mw0000419968.

Personnel: David Benoit (piano); Brian Bromberg (bass instrument); Gregg Bissonette (drums).

Standards

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The Gene Harris All Star Big Band - Tribute To Count Basie

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 46:10
Size: 105.7 MB
Styles: Big Band
Year: 1987
Art: Front

[3:55] 1. Captain Bill
[7:35] 2. Night Mist Blues
[4:16] 3. Swingin' The Blues
[4:28] 4. When Did You Leave Heaven
[4:51] 5. Blues For Pepper
[4:32] 6. Blue And Sentimental
[4:30] 7. Riled Up
[6:58] 8. The Masquerade Is Over
[5:01] 9. Dejection Blues

A big-band date that slightly predated pianist Gene Harris' association with the Philip Morris Superband, this CD is ostensibly a tribute to the recently deceased Count Basie, but surprisingly, only two of the eight songs ("Swingin' the Blues" and "Blue and Sentimental") were played by Basie, although one original ("Captain Bill") was written in homage of the bandleader. Harris' 16-piece orchestra does bring back the spirit of Basie's band in spots, with a lightly but steadily swinging rhythm section and such soloists as trumpeters Conte Candoli and Jon Faddis and tenors Plas Johnson and Bob Cooper. But in reality, Harris dominates the solo spotlight, and the music (which includes a memorable version of "When Did You Leave Heaven") is a bit predictable. ~Scott Yanow

Tribute To Count Basie

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Adam Schroeder - Let's

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:49
Size: 139.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[6:38] 1. Hello Bright Sunflower
[5:36] 2. In The Middle Of A Kiss
[6:25] 3. Just Clap Your Hands
[5:38] 4. You & I
[6:52] 5. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
[5:10] 6. A Hawkeye, A Hoosier, & Two Cali Cats
[1:42] 7. Contemplation (Intro)
[7:02] 8. Patient Endurance, Steady Hope
[5:24] 9. Let's
[6:37] 10. Southside Samba
[3:40] 11. The Smulyan Spectacles

Somewhere between Pepper Adams and Gary Smulyan is that harmonic happy place where you will find one of the finest bari players hanging out, Adam Schroeder. Does anyone remember melody? Adam Schroeder and a band that includes bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and rising star in guitarist Anthony Wilson ride the groove of a melodic swing and an improvisational mother load of lyrical fun. Jazz was made for dancing and if your top tapping receptors don't seem to be engaged about :30 seconds in then perhaps you are waiting on your autopsy report.

Schroeder is a brilliant technician but most importantly he has the artistic soul of a giant that allows free reign of lyrical intent. The bands chemistry and innate ability to occasionally play follow the leader is deceptively subtle. Make no mistake, this formidable 4tet is a collective that gives no quarter and asks for none in return. This is why we play and enjoy music. The funky Schroeder original "Just Clap Your Hands" speaks for itself. Musicians are notorious for their sense of humor and sometimes they are even funny. The Schroeder smoker "A Hawkeye, A Hoosier, & Two Cali Cats" borders on infectious with an old school swing you just don't hear enough of anymore.

While the fun is off the charts, this is serious business. The music runs the show including stellar covers of "Southside Samba" and a dangerous but delightful reharm of the Stevie Wonder tune "You & I." There are a great many baritone saxophone players working the scene today, problem is there are not that many players that stick with you. Adam Schroeder is an artist that will stay with you long after the final tune. One of the finests instrumentalists I have heard this year and Let's will definitely be on my year end best of 2014!

Let's 

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Ed Thigpen Rhythm Features - The Element of Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:29
Size: 145.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[6:41] 1. Sweet Mama
[5:41] 2. ETP
[7:26] 3. Hello Joe
[4:32] 4. Emperor Jones
[8:10] 5. Lonnie's Lament
[7:09] 6. Chelsea Bridge
[7:38] 7. Impressionistic
[6:27] 8. Like Blues
[9:40] 9. Street Freak

Ed Thigpen started the group Rhythm Features in 1998 and the second recording by the band adds a special guest, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano. With each member of the quartet contributing originals, along with a pair of tried-and-true jazz compositions by earlier greats, everything worked very well on this 2001 concert at the Copenhagen Jazzhouse. Thigpen's strutting "Sweet Mama" contrasts with his "ETP," a piece which combines bop with a West Indian flavor in its theme, featuring a burning solo by Lovano. The tenor saxophonist penned the lovely ballad "Emperor Jones" and "Impressionistic," the latter featuring a rare performance by Lovano on bass clarinet, accompanied by Thigpen's sensitive percussion. Bassist Jesper Bodilsen's "Hello Joe" is an easygoing hard bop vehicle, while the racehorse tempo of pianist Carsten Dahl's "Street Freak" clearly energizes the band. The brisk treatment of John Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament" features Lovano's most soulful playing of the evening, while the mellow interpretation of "Chelsea Bridge" initially shows the influence of the late great Ben Webster, though Lovano's approach to this landmark ballad is very much his own. This very satisfying concert is warmly recommended. ~Ken Dryden

The Element of Swing

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Judy Wexler - Under A Painted Sky

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:08
Size: 137,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Wonderful Wonderful
(4:38)  2. And How I Hoped For Your Love
(4:19)  3. An Occasional Man
(3:59)  4. Don't Wait Too Long
(5:41)  5. The great City
(7:48)  6. Avec Le Temps
(4:00)  7. A Little Tear
(4:58)  8. Last Time for Love
(4:45)  9. Café
(3:43) 10. Whisper Not
(5:05) 11. Till There Was You
(5:30) 12. Sack Full of Dreams

Few singers would dare dive into music associated with Johnny Mathis, Carmen McRae, Abbey Lincoln and the 1962 film, The Music Man, on the same album; even fewer would be able to pull it off as vocalist Judy Wexler does on Under A Painted Sky. Wexler possesses a voice for the ages, and puts it to good use on a dozen delicious numbers that cover myriad moods and spotlight the stellar instrumentalists in her band. Wexler's prior releases Easy On The Heart (Rhombus, 2005) and Dreams And Shadows (Jazzed Media, 2008)  were elevated by classy arrangements and pianistic underpinnings from pianist Alan Pasqua, and this partnership continues to bear fruit on this project. Pasqua paints pictures of a sunny nature ("Wonderful Wonderful"), crafts spine-tingling settings ("Avec Le Temps") and directs swinging scenes that delight in every way ("The Great City" and "Whisper Not"), leaving Wexler free to fully explore the possibilities that reside within each one of these gems. Wexler's vocals are ebullient and enthusiastic on "Wonderful Wonderful," as the album gets underway, but she isn't all sunshine and splendor. 

She deals in flirty and sensual singing on "An Occasional Man," delivers enthralling vocals of a haunting nature with "Avec Le Temps," touches on the ups-and-downs in the game of love during "And How I Hoped For Your Love," and utters a wise warning about getting sucked into the quicksand of New York's social scene with "The Great City." While Wexler needs no help selling any of these songs, the instrumentalists add volumes to each piece, as they mirror the moods that are established through the arrangements and vocals. Tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer adds some grit to "The Great City," Bob Sheppard's soprano saxophone swoops and soars with a fine balance between grace and gusto on "Till There Was You," and Walt Fowler 's flugelhorn emphasizes the dream-like state of "Café." Pasqua and guitarist Larry Koonse blend well, whether dealing with Brazilian- laced music ("And How I Hoped For Your Love") or songs of peace and hope ("Sack Full Of Dreams"), and the bass and drums team of Darek Oles and Steve Hass has a terrific hookup in virtually every stylistic setting. While both of Wexler's previous albums were outstanding displays of her vocal talent, Under A Painted Sky is her best yet the third time truly is the charm. ~ Dan Bilawsky   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/under-a-painted-sky-judy-wexler-jazzed-media-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php#.U6d6e7G4OSo
 

Personnel: Judy Wexler: vocals; Alan Pasqua: piano; Darek Oles: bass; Steve Hass: drums; Larry Koonse: guitar; Bob Mintzer: tenor saxophone; Bob Sheppard: soprano saxophone; Walt Fowler: trumper, flugelhorn; Alex Acuna: percussion.

Under a Painted Sky

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Chie Imaizumi - A Time Of New Beginnings

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:54
Size: 144,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. My Heartfelt Gratitude
(7:20)  2. Information Overload
(7:23)  3. Fear Of The Unknown
(8:39)  4. A Time Of New Beginnings
(6:57)  5. Run For Your Life
(5:49)  6. Today
(7:39)  7. Sharing The Freedom
(8:38)  8. Many Happy Days Ahead
(6:18)  9. Fun & Stupid Song

Composer and arranger Chie Imaizumi's second album, A Time Of New Beginnings, is filled with star players from the jazz world. It's a beautifully crafted, beautifully played album, with a warm and familiar feel to its nine tunes that, at times, creates a real sense of nostalgia. Imaizumi began her musical career in her homeland of Japan, joined Berklee College of Music as a student in 2001 and released her first album, Unfailing Kindness (Capri Records), in 2007. A Time Of New Beginnings is a concept album; and while the narrative strand isn't obvious, this doesn't detract from the quality of the individual tunes.

The band is tremendous a hand-picked collection of great players who not only produce some terrific ensemble performances but who are also, without exception, capable of top quality solos. Randy Brecker guests on "Information Overload," producing a fine trumpet solo that fits the mood of the piece precisely. "My Hearfelt Gratitude" is the album's most overtly nostalgic tune. From pianist Tamir Hendelman's bright and delicate opening notes, the composition conjures images of characters in a cozy TV drama, driving along a sun-drenched coastal highway an episode of Columbo or Murder, She Wrote, perhaps. This sense of time and place is shared, to some extent, by the lovely "Today" and the joyous "Fun & Stupid Song." "Run for Your Life" sounds like the overture to a lighthearted Broadway musical. Guitarist Mike Abbott drives the tune along with some deft chordal play, and the horn section is a delight  trumpeters Greg Gisbert and Terell Stafford trade increasingly energetic solos and, after a powerful solo from drummer Jeff Hamilton, the horn section returns to end the tune with a rhythmic chorus that seems to demand the presence of a high-kicking dance troupe. "Sharing the Freedom" was commissioned by the US Air Force Academy's Falconaires, and performed at the 2008 Monterey Jazz Festival. 

Alto saxophonist Steve Wilson's solo is vibrant and emotive, whole bassist John Clayton's brief solo creates a funky groove, but much of the arrangement lacks bite and, at times, comes close to blandness. Clayton's arco solo on "Fear of the Unknown" is a sad but beautiful performance, matched perfectly by Hendelman. By contrast, "Fun & Stupid Song" is a lively, smile-inducing tune that mixes rhythms and tempos, featuring a great solo from Scott Robinson, who moves seamlessly from sopranino to tenor sax. A sense of familiarity and nostalgia pervades many of the tunes on A Time Of New Beginnings, but the album doesn't sound outdated or old-fashioned. Imaizumi's arrangements, and the musicians' enthusiasm and talent, ensure that the music is fresh, upbeat and, ultimately, optimistic. ~ Bruce Lindsay   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-time-of-new-beginnings-chie-imaizumi-capri-records-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php#.U6i7BrG4OSo
 

Personnel: Chie Imaizumi: conductor, arranger; Greg Gisbert: trumpet, flugelhorn; Terrell Stafford: trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Wilson: alto sax, tenor sax, flute; Scott Robinson: tenor sax, soprano sax, sopranino sax, clarinet, flute; Steve Davis: trombone; Gary Smulyan: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Mike Abbott: guitar; Tamir Hendelman: piano; John Clayton: bass; Jeff Hamilton: drums; Randy Brecker: trumpet (2); Paul Romaine: drums (2, 7, 9).

A Time Of New Beginnings

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Ahmad Jamal - I Remember Duke, Hoagy And Strayhorn

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:56
Size: 142,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:30)  1. My Flower
(5:04)  2. I Got It Bad
(9:17)  3. In A Sentimental Mood
(5:54)  4. Ruby
(4:42)  5. Don't You Know I Care
(4:19)  6. Prelude To A Kiss
(5:51)  7. Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me
(4:37)  8. Chelsea Bridge
(4:26)  9. I Remember Hoagy
(4:34) 10. Skylark
(4:32) 11. Never Let Me Go
(6:06) 12. Goodbye

Ahmad Jamal, in paying tribute to Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Hoagy Carmichael, performs nearly every selection on this CD at a very slow tempo. Or at least his sidemen do, since the pianist often plays double-time lines, witty quotes from other songs, and occasional violent outbursts. In general, the music is quite thoughtful and subtle, with plenty of surprising ideas and unusual turns. Carmichael gets stiffed a bit (just two songs counting the "Stardust"-inspired "I Remember Hoagy") and a couple of numbers are departures from the theme (including "My Flower," "Never Let Me Go," and "Goodbye"), but most of the melodies come from the Ellington/Strayhorn songbook. Throughout, Ahmad Jamal (with the assistance of bassist Ephriam Wolfolk and drummer Arti Dixson) shows that he can sound relaxed, alert, and swinging at the slowest of paces, making this a set deserving (and perhaps needing) several listens to appreciate fully. ~ Scott Yanow   http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-remember-duke-hoagy-strayhorn-mw0000174431.

Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); Ephriam Wolfolk (bass); Arti Dixon (drums).

I Remember Duke, Hoagy And Strayhorn

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Chu Berry & Lucky Thompson - Giants Of The Tenor Sax

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:19
Size: 99,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. Body And Soul
(2:14)  2. Sittin' In
(3:56)  3. Stardust
(2:32)  4. Forty Six West Fifty Two
(3:57)  5. On The Sunny Side Of The Street No. 2
(3:15)  6. My Gal Is Gone
(2:51)  7. Rockin' At Ryans
(2:45)  8. Blowing Up A Breeze
(4:00)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:00) 10. Monday At Minton's
(4:16) 11. Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You
(3:15) 12. You'd Be Frantic Too
(3:16) 13. Blues Jumped A Rabbit

This Commodore material reissued as an LP culls out tracks from sessions headed by others, but which feature tenor saxophonists Chu Berry and Lucky Thompson. The Chu Berry cuts come from separate Roy Eldridge and Hot Lips Page sets. Hot Lips Page also led the group, which included the Lucky Thompson tracks heard here. Berry was killed at the age of 31 in a car accident. Although he spent most of his performing career in someone else's sax section, there's no telling what heights he might have reached if he lived longer. His version of "Body and Soul" on this album was recorded 11 months to the day prior to Coleman Hawkins', the man usually given the credit for "setting the saxophone free." Yet Berry was as improvisational as Hawkins would later be. In fact, Hawkins probably heard the Berry recording and used its ideas a year later. 

Hawkins was 35 when he recorded his famous rendition; Berry was just 28 when he cut his interpretation, which was never accorded the same magnitude of acknowledgment. This track also features some hot trumpet by Eldridge. Berry also shows his incredible technique on "Stardust." Thompson has four cuts to Berry's nine, but he makes the most of his time. His big, fat tenor sound dominates the four tracks he's on, all tunes by Page. He went on to lead many of his groups, making a name for himself on the center of the jazz universe, 52nd Street in N.Y.C., before moving to Europe where he achieved even greater success. Unfortunately, his later life was marred by mental problems. This fine album has been transferred to CD and is a testimonial to two top tenor saxophone players whose respective careers were shortened by different types of calamitous circumstances. ~ Dave Nathan   http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-giants-of-the-tenor-sax-mw0000201234.

Personnel : Chu Berry, Lucky Thompson (Saxophone); Roy Eldridge, Hot Lips Page (trumpet); Clyde Hart (piano); Sid Catlett (drums).

Giants Of The Tenor Sax

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Cynthia Sayer - Forward Moves (Feat. Kenny Davern & Vince Giordano)

Size: 118,9 MB
Time: 50:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Traditional Jazz Combo
Art: Front

01. Kiss Me Sweet (4:05)
02. Moonlight On The Ganges (3:06)
03. My Honey's Lovin' Arms (4:49)
04. Melancholy (4:23)
05. Douce Ambiance (4:04)
06. Blues In My Heart (5:07)
07. Kansas City Kitty (4:10)
08. Cryin' For The Carolines (5:08)
09. Forward Moves (4:16)
10. Crazy Man Blues (3:26)
11. Them There Eyes (3:46)
12. Is You Is, Or Is You Aint (Ma' Baby) (4:03)

This charming, joyous recording by stellar swing banjoist Cynthia Sayer was released in 1992. Back by popular demand, FORWARD MOVES showcases Sayer’s superb playing, vocal and arranging talents, as well as her illustrious side musicians:

Kenny Davern on clarinet
Peter Ecklund on cornet
Vince Giordano on bass saxophone
Greg Cohen on string bass

This CD was remastered by multi-award-winning engineer Alan Silverman of Arf! Digital

FORWARD MOVES is fresh and vibrant as when it was first released, thanks to Cynthia’s usual unique approach to early jazz styles.

Cynthia Sayer is regarded a one of the top 4-string banjoists in the world today. A member of Woody Allen’s jazz band for over 10 years, Cynthia’s solo career has taken her well beyond these New Orleans roots to become an acclaimed bandleader and guest artist. She has a unique and expansive approach to
the instrument which is all her own, and she is also a respected vocalist. Her eclectic repertoire ranges from swing and hot jazz to tango, western, classical, and more. Cynthia has worked with a variety of leading jazz and popular artists such as Dick Hyman, Wynton Marsalis, Marian McPartland, Bill Cosby, Warren Vaché, Les Paul, Wycliffe Gordon, Marvin Hamlisch, Bucky Pizzarelli, Scott Robinson, and many others. She has also played with some top bluegrass/roots/country artists,
including Tony Trischka, Bill Keith, Odetta, Eric Weissberg, Mike Marshall, and John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band).

Cynthia's extensive career includes performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, playing the White House, appearing with The New York Philharmonic, feature film and TV soundtracks, TV commercials, radio jingles, and numerous national TV and radio show appearances in the USA and
abroad. She plays at many music festivals in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Cynthia has accumulated numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Banjo Hall of Fame. Her most recent CD release, “Attractions,” which includes legendary jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, received two 2009 award nominations. She is also a subject of a PBS documentary about the banjo, expected to be aired in 2011. Cynthia endorses Ome banjos and GHS Strings.

Forward Moves

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Fernando Rusconi Hammond Organ Trio - Lost In Time

Size: 105,0 MB
Time: 45:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Bajo Una Supersticion (5:01)
02. Joven Y Verde (5:16)
03. Lost In Time (5:45)
04. Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues Are (3:25)
05. El Grosso (5:41)
06. Donde Estas (6:05)
07. Voy Hacia Vos (7:10)
08. No Me Extranes Tanto (3:57)
09. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (2:50)

The album Lost in time is a great gift of sound level international, as it could have been done anywhere in the United States, but no. this is Argentina, and its title reflects this idea to propose a music that knows no age or place time; it is alive and moves ...
Rusconi, is who does not know the name of Hammond in Argentina for the last few years; is the largest collector of these instruments, and a leading interpreter, knower of all its bells and possibilities.
This fourth and final album presented to complete the combo of this interesting instrumentalist and prolific composer, has just been published . And it appears as directly with the label jazz & funk. But the music does not stop with that. More danceable night if wants ; with a lot of groove . In this case the accompanying trio format: Timothy Cid in battery coming from the rock, and played with the band The Balls, Axel Krygier, and swing groups .
Same school for guitarist Ryan Anderson, born in USA ( ... )

If you drooling with things like Medeski Martin & Wood, why not give the right keyboardist Rusconi, guitarist and drummer Ryan Anderson Timothy Cid? This album is a journey hung sometimes flasher and energy at times before, but always attractive, especially with the opening of " Under a superstition," the power of " The grosso " pulse and soul of "I to you. " Elegant and refined, with the right amount of virtuosity and blood drive, one of those records that conquer the heart almost immediately ( ... )

Lost In Time

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Lisa Casalino - I'm Old Fashioned

Size: 98,7 MB
Time: 42:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. No Denying (3:08)
02. I'm Old Fashioned (4:12)
03. Lie To Me In French (4:17)
04. Optimistic (2:55)
05. I'll Never (6:46)
06. Call Waiting (2:42)
07. Is That On The Menu (3:31)
08. P.S. I Love You (6:15)
09. Charade (5:30)
10. Honeysuckle Rose (2:49)

Originally from Long Island, New York, and a graduate of the Crane School of Music, the dulcet sounds of Lisa Casalino's voice have been serenading Tampa Bay for nearly two decades. It was music education that brought Lisa down to Tampa from New York as she was hired to be the Choral Music Director for a brand new high school. Miss Casalino opened that school and taught for eight years before she decided to become a full time musician. With beauty, charisma, stage presence and talent, Lisa is the darling "Songbird" of Tampa and one of the most highly sought after Jazz Vocalists performing over 224 times in 2013 alone. Lisa's versatility to sing in many genres makes her the perfect match for any atmosphere, however it's her Jazz and Standards repertoire that have people coming back to see her time and again. Whether performing at jazz festivals, major charity events, or countless hotspots around the city, Lisa is the "it" girl and has all the characteristics of what a national and international singing sensation is!

Lisa Casalino's second album "I'm Old Fashioned" will be released May 2014. This record consists of six original tunes co-written by Lisa Casalino and international jazz guitarist Nate Najar along with four jazz standards we all know and love. Miss Casalino's melodies are reminiscent of Gershwin and her lyrics of Cole Porter. Witty, fun and diverse in styles, this record is one you will listen to over and over again. Lisa's debut CD "Introducing Lisa Casalino" has had worldwide appeal on Jazz Stations, Satellite TV and Radio. It was a great springboard for multiple television performances on Daytime Tampa, Studio 10 Tampa and 6 in the Mix Miami. Three original tunes written, nine favorite standards with unique arrangements and top-notch jazz musicians recording at Nola Studios in NYC were a winning combination.

I'm Old Fashioned

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Tom Ferris - Time Clock

Size: 102,0 MB
Time: 43:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Guitar
Art: Front

01. Time Clock (5:12)
02. Sign Of The Times (3:49)
03. Bluesmobile (5:09)
04. You Can Too (4:34)
05. Gattonsville (4:24)
06. Jamies Tune (4:13)
07. Road Runner (5:15)
08. Vittoria (4:52)
09. Scaffolding (4:01)
10. Wisteria (2:22)

Growing up in the 60sTom studied classical guitar from the age of eight. ”How lucky was I that we lived so close to a teacher who taught me the value of being able to read music, it was a springboard that has over the years opened so many musical doors for me.”

Even as a young guitarist he found himself working with musicians and entertainers both local and from abroad who had been stars of the industry for years. Artistes like Vera Lynn, Matt Monroe, Max Bygreaves, Cilla Back, Jackie Trent and Tony Hatch, the list goes on. There was even a season with The Australian Ballet Company performing in Michael Kamens “Caravan” ( a ballet based on the music of Duke Ellington).

Session work was also coming his way with calls to work on albums, jingles television and movie scores. Tom was the original guitar player and regular on Australias long serving soap opera “Home and Away”. He recalls, ”every Thursday the musicians including colleague and longtime friend Leon Gaer would arrive at the studio for an 8:30 am start and we’d manage to lay down a weeks worth of underscore in just three hours, the pressure was on and overdubs were frowned upon. We did that for three years straight”.

Television work as house guitarist includes Network Nines Midday Show, Network Tens Starsearch and appearances on many other productions.

Motion Picture soundtracks have also played a big part in Toms career and most recently he has worked with composers David Hirschfelder on the movie “Australia”, and with Basil Hogios on “Romulus My Father”, both internationally acclaimed.

A few years ago he decided it was time to devote more time to his own music and the result is three very diverse albums, “Waxhead”, “Declassified”(with Leon Gaer) and his latest “The Red Room” (with Stefan Nowak).

Time Clock

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Valerie Gillespie - Lush Life

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 72:44
Size: 166.5 MB
Styles: Straight ahead jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[6:20] 1. Beautiful Love
[4:37] 2. Dearly Beloved
[7:42] 3. Honeysuckle Rose
[5:43] 4. Lush Life
[7:00] 5. Tanga
[8:00] 6. Maiden Voyage
[4:35] 7. Almost Like Being In Love
[5:01] 8. Don't Explain
[6:18] 9. Caravan
[6:29] 10. It's Alright With Me
[5:39] 11. Jane's Song
[5:12] 12. You're Everything

Valerie Gillespie was born in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, where at the ripe old age of eight she picked up a saxophone for the first time. She was paid for her first professional gig at the age of fourteen and has been playing ever since, though not strictly on stage. Valerie paid her dues in the university classrooms just like the rest of us, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh with a major in Classical Saxophone Not content to stop there, she went on to get her Masters Degree in Jazz Saxophone from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Being a well-rounded player is something that is very important to Valerie. She might be seen one night playing classical pieces with the Florida Orchestra, the next evening playing with a jazz band in the park, then on Sunday morning you will usually find her playing in church.

Valerie's newest CD is entitled "Lush Life", and it spans a wide variety of straight ahead jazz, from the beautiful title track, "Lush Life" which is a Billy Strayhorn ballad, to the high-energy samba of Dizzy Gillespie titled "Tanga". From the traditional jazz tunes "Honeysuckle Rose", and Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain", to the more contemporary works of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" and Chick Corea's "You're Everything", this CD will take you on an historical jazz journey you won't soon forget.

Lush Life

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Chuck Hedges - Just For Fun

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 69:59
Size: 160.2 MB
Styles: Dixieland
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. Night And Day
[4:16] 2. Old Folks
[3:38] 3. On A Slow Boat To China
[3:54] 4. Black Butterfly
[4:19] 5. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[4:24] 6. Come Sunday
[4:55] 7. Deep Purple
[6:25] 8. Poor Butterfly
[2:35] 9. On The Street Where You Live
[4:06] 10. Soon
[6:27] 11. Nina Never Knew
[5:21] 12. One Note Samba
[5:12] 13. If You Could See Me Now
[5:56] 14. Dinah
[3:19] 15. Just For Fun

Chuck Hedges was never someone to turn to for innovation; his swing recordings of the 1990s and 2000s sound like they could have been recorded in the 1940s. But the clarinetist can usually be counted on for quality, and Just for Fun is no exception. This CD is, for the most part, state-of-the-art small group swing which is ironic when you consider that it was recorded in 2000 (55 years after the swing era ended). Few surprises occur; Hedges excels by sticking with what he does best, and that means playing favorites like "Dinah" and "Deep Purple" very much the way that Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and their colleagues would have played them in the 1930s or 1940s. Hedges (who is joined by pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Paul Keller, and drummer Ed Metz, Jr.) isn't oblivious to bop  his version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "One Note Samba," for example, is more bop than swing but as a rule, Just for Fun is faithful to the Goodman/Shaw school of swing clarinet playing. One could complain about the fact that Just for Fun offers so few surprises when it comes the choice of material. The two Duke Ellington gems that Hedges' quartet embraces on this album ("Come Sunday" and "Black Butterfly") have been recorded extensively, and while no one is suggesting that he should give up standards altogether, it would have been nice to hear the clarinetist interpret some of the Duke's lesser-known work  there are a wealth of great Ellington pieces from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s that didn't become standards and often go ignored. Regardless, Just for Fun is excellent. Hedges may not be the most adventurous jazzman in the world, but when it comes to playing swing with a lot of heart and warmth, he's unbeatable. ~Alex Henderson

Just For Fun

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Royal Dutch Jazz Band - Fine 'n Dandy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:42
Size: 141.3 MB
Styles: Traditional jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[5:53] 1. Bugle Boy March
[4:31] 2. The Gypsy
[6:03] 3. Chinatown My Chinatown
[4:22] 4. Delia's Gone
[4:51] 5. Fidgety Feet
[4:00] 6. Mood Indigo
[3:33] 7. Ole Miss
[4:27] 8. Heartaches
[4:21] 9. Blues My Naughty Sweety
[5:14] 10. Some Of These Days
[2:54] 11. You're Driving Me Crazy
[4:03] 12. Limehouse Blues
[4:01] 13. Royal Garden Blues
[3:24] 14. Hey Look Me Over

Hans Hooijmans - clarinet; Peter van de Geijn - cornet, vocals; Henk van Muijen - trombone, vocals; Robert Veen - Baritone sax; Hans Bos - banjo; Peter Krynen - double bass; Arnold van Gelder - drums.

Fine 'n Dandy

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Solitaire Miles - Melancholy Lullaby

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:44
Size: 132,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:54)  1. The Night Wind
(3:37)  2. How Little We Know
(5:17)  3. Tenderly
(2:21)  4. Stars Fell On Alabama
(5:49)  5. Darn That Dream
(5:32)  6. I Found A New Baby
(4:13)  7. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(3:40)  8. Baby What Else Can I Do?
(4:45)  9. Nuages
(3:49) 10. Softy As In A Morning Sunrise
(3:02) 11. September In A Rain
(3:42) 12. Melancholy Lullaby
(4:07) 13. Out Of Nowhere
(3:45) 14. Me And The Moon
(1:04) 15. Blue Skies

“The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night or something said long ago.” ~ Louis Armstrong

I’ve spent most of my life listening to old swing and early jazz so this album is a compilation of popular American standards and also some lesser known songs that I’ve cherished over many years. Each selection is a discovery that I made along my musical journey, and some are abandoned melodies that I felt needed to be resurrected and restored. The project began in 2005 with countless happy hours spent hunting through stacks of ancient sheet music in the “Old Pop’s” collection at Chicago’s Harold Washington Library. It was a challenge to find some of these disregarded tunes like “Baby What Else Can I do” or “Say it with a Kiss” because they had only been recorded and released back in the 1930’s and 40’s, but the music librarians enjoyed the challenge and never failed to find any song that I asked for. After holding two public fundraisers to help pay for this project, I was able to record around 35 songs over several sessions with different groups of musicians in Chicago between 2008-11. Many of those songs appeared on my most recent album “Born to Be Blue, so these two albums are like sisters, similar in composition and tone, and I have tried to keep a common theme running between them. 

In 2011, I began recording the vocals using a vintage AEA Ribbon microphone, which gave my singing an old fashioned sound that I thought was more appropriate for this type of material. Legendary singers like Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee all recorded on Ribbons, and I hope I was able to capture a smooth and smoky feeling similar to early jazz and swing styling. Very old tunes like “The Night Wind” which hasn’t been recorded since vocalist Helen Ward laid it out with Benny Goodman in 1935, and “Melancholy Lullaby” which was recorded by Peggy Lee early on in her career, are complimented by the Ribbon’s dark, velvety sound, giving a more authentic feeling to these erstwhile songs. People ask me why I like to record older or more uncommon tunes and I’m not sure. Maybe it’s the antiquated lyrics or that they’re not performed very often, but I hope that I’ve been able to breathe some life back into these overlooked moments of the past. I think of myself as a music historian as well as a performer and so I’m very pleased to present a new recording from the late swing violinist Johnny Frigo and his accompanist and long time friend Joe Vito. 

Taken from my first recording session in 1996, this version of “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” was never released because of technical problems. It was difficult to edit tape in those days, but with modern digital processing, my engineers were able to get the sound from the old tape to match the clarity of my new digital recordings, allowing us to present a new song from these late, beloved players. I am so happy to be able to revive this unreleased gem and include it with these other tunes. This project is a mixture of material from several sessions recorded in three different studios over the course of 16 years, but the glue that holds it all together is the fine playing by the talented musicians involved and our passion for the material. I hope you enjoy this musical excursion as much as I enjoyed living it.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/solitairemiles2

Melancholy Lullaby

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Bill Allred - The New York Sessions

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:25
Size: 152,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Lullaby Of Broadway
(4:04)  2. Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)
(3:16)  3. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
(3:13)  4. Day By Day
(6:59)  5. Davenport Blues
(3:24)  6. I Want To Be A Sideman
(6:38)  7. Red Top
(5:38)  8. Always
(7:11)  9. This Can't Be Love
(5:12) 10. Angel Eyes
(5:16) 11. Muskrat Ramble
(4:22) 12. Ida! Sweet As Apple Cider
(5:39) 13. Sweet Sue - Just You

Bill Allred is an accomplished veteran trombonist who spent a good part of his career working at Disney World and serving as entertainment director at Rosie O'Grady's, though he has crossed paths with many jazz greats on live dates and record dates. These 2009 sessions feature him with some of his favorite New York-based musicians, several of whom are in constant demand, like guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Nicki Parrott, and cornetist Warren Vaché. Pianist Jeff Phillips, drummer Ed Metz, and Bill's son John Allred (who is also a fine trombonist) round out the excellent personnel. While many of the songs are decades-old warhorses, each is approached with a fresh look. The snappy interplay is a highlight of the brisk reading of George Gershwin's "Liza," while the Latin hook added to "Angel Eyes" and Allred's whimsical muted horn add a nice touch. The two Allreds shine in the bop setting of "Lullaby of Broadway" and the Dixieland favorite, "Ida! Sweet as Apple Cider." The leader shares the vocals with Parrott in Dave Frishberg's humorous "I Want to Be a Sideman." This is an all-around enjoyable disc that will please fans of mainstream jazz. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-new-york-sessions-mw0002026206.

Personnel: Bill Allred (vocals, trombone); Nicki Parrott (vocals); Howard Alden (guitar, banjo); Warren Vaché (cornet); Jeff Phillips (piano, Hammond b-3 organ); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

The New York Sessions

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Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Someday My Prince Will Come

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:00
Size: 101,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Wheel Of Fortune
(5:20)  2. So What?
(5:36)  3. Someday My Prince Will Come
(5:39)  4. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:46)  5. The Wind Machine
(6:10)  6. Fly Me To The Moon
(5:11)  7. On the Sunny Side Of The Street
(6:18)  8. A Song For You

The Manhattan Jazz Quintet have been an on-again, off-again collective of New York City-based musicians who primarily record for the Japanese market. Co-founding members David Matthews (piano and arranger) and trumpeter Lew Soloff are still on hand, though the remainder of the group on this occasion consists of tenor saxophonist Andy Snitzer, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Victor Lewis. Matthews' driving post-bop composition "Wheel of Fortune" provides an excellent introduction, though his scoring of "So What" is somewhat disappointing, as it doesn't make good use of Lewis' immense talent with its lazy funk backbeat. "Someday My Prince Will Come" opens with laconic opening statements by Snitzer and Soloff (the latter on muted horn), though it quickly transforms into a breezy waltz setting. 

One can feel the energy of a big band in the brisk arrangement of Sammy Nestico's "The Wind Machine," featuring Snitzer to good effect. The old warhorse "On the Sunny Side of the Street" also benefits from Matthews' scoring, transforming it into a hard bop cooker. Even pop artist Leon Russell's often syrupy "A Song for You" sounds good in the hands of The Manhattan Jazz Quintet. If there is a downside to this CD, it is the stingy 46 minutes of music, which seems rather brief in the 21st century for a jazz release. ~ Ken Dryden   http://www.allmusic.com/album/someday-my-prince-will-come-mw0000485807.

Personnel: Lew Soloff – Trumpet; Andy Snitzer - Tenor Saxophone; David Mathews – Piano; Charnett Moffett – Bass; Victor Lewis - Drums

Someday My Prince Will Come

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Cyrus Chestnut Trio - Moonlight Sonata

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:02
Size: 133,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:05)  1. Solfeggietto
(5:47)  2. Swan Lake
(7:20)  3. Prelude In E Minor
(5:26)  4. Siciliano
(4:50)  5. Moonlight Sonata
(5:33)  6. Love's Dream
(6:44)  7. Romance-From-Masquerade
(7:11)  8. Kinderszenen
(5:31)  9. Hungarian Dance No.5
(4:29) 10. Moonlight Sonata - Reprise

Cyrus Chestnut first studied piano with his father at the age of five, with official lessons beginning two years later. By the age of nine, he was enrolled in the prep program at the Peabody Institute. He graduated from Berklee with a degree in jazz composition and arranging. Chestnut took his time, working with a number of top-notch musicians (Jon Hendricks, Betty Carter, Terence Blanchard, and Donald Harrison) before finally recording his first solo CD at the age of 30. Chestnut enjoys mixing styles and resists being typecast in any one niche, though his gospel sound is apparent on a number of his recordings. 

His initial dates as a leader were recorded for the Japanese label Alfa (reissued on Evidence), and he became an Atlantic artist in 1994. A self-titled LP followed in 1998 with Tribute to Duke Ellington following a year later. In subsequent years, Chestnut remained busy, releasing Charlie Brown Christmas in 2000, the all-original Soul Food in 2001, You Are My Sunshine in 2003, Genuine Chestnut in 2006, and Cyrus Plays Elvis in 2007. The following year, he released Black Nile on Japan's M&I label.  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/cyrus-chestnut-trio/id395862446#fullText.

Personnel: Cyrus Chestnut – Piano; Dezron Douglas – Bass; Neal Smith - Drums

Moonlight Sonata

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Ron Hockett - Finally Ron

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:40
Size: 168.6 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:42] 1. Too Close For Comfort
[4:24] 2. Nuages
[4:38] 3. Hindustan
[5:57] 4. My Ideal
[4:13] 5. Everybody Loves My Baby
[5:06] 6. Blues For Jack
[4:32] 7. Just One Of Those Things
[4:23] 8. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[4:44] 9. Memories Of You
[4:37] 10. If Dreams Come True
[5:00] 11. Gone With The Wind
[5:33] 12. Reverie
[5:54] 13. Beale Street Blues
[5:32] 14. Undecided
[5:17] 15. Strange Blues

Clarinetist Ron Hockett's debut recording as a leader comes later in life at age 60, after hanging out in the Chicago scene studying with Benny Bailey, going to Princeton University, returning to Chi-Town, working in the Washington, D.C. jazz scene and the U.S. Marine Jazz Band for three decades, and enjoying considerable time with the trad band of Jim Cullum. The clear influence of Benny Goodman's smooth and sweet swing sound is noticeable from the start, but you can hear the influence of his hero Peanuts Hucko, Bob Wilber, and even Stan Getz in the lyrical quality Hockett exudes. He's put together an excellent backup band, with the brilliant guitarist James Chirillo and pianist John Sheridan as his main foils. Bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Jake Hanna are veterans who know all too well the values of the swing rhythm and the tunes that brought it to prominence. You'd be hard pressed to find a better group anywhere that can play standards as well, or support Hockett's sleek and mellow style the way they do. His original "Blues for Jack," the immortal "Beale Street Blues," and Wingy Manone's "Strange Blues" are more about feeling than technical skills, while "Gone with the Wind," "If Dreams Come True," and the stop-start "Too Close for Comfort" display and define the flawless and consistent fluid dynamics the band employs. At their hottest, the group is playful and utterly swinging on the no-frills take of "Hindustan," the slightly extrapolated "Just One of Those Things," and the cute near bopper "Undecided." Chirillo is a marvelous man to have in the starting five, as his witty, clean, and charming guitar riffs fit perfectly with Hockett and Sheridan during "Undecided." He plays off the two, trading phrases for "Nuages," or jumps in rhythmic cohesion à la Freddie Green for "Reverie," the Bob Wilber tune where Hockett switches to soprano sax. Another piece, "My Ideal," has Hockett's soprano in a bossa nova groove, a twist for this type of group, and reflective of the influence of Getz. Admittedly this is a jam session with not much writing or arranging involved, but a document of a thoroughly professional band having fun in support of an old friend finally given an opportunity to show his wares. If you like the clarinet work of other lesser knowns like Kim Cusak, Chuck Hedges, or the truly great Kenny Davern, you'll easily enjoy this long overdue effort from a wonderful lifetime sideman finally making the first team. ~Michael G. Nastos

Finally Ron

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