Joe Cohn Feat. Peter Beets - Shared Contemplations

Styles: Guitar And Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:26
Size: 134,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:26)  1. Just One of Those Things
(6:04)  2. Danielle
(5:27)  3. You Turned the Tables on Me
(7:10)  4. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues
(5:25)  5. I Love You, Samantha
(6:52)  6. Blue Serge
(4:27)  7. Something for Lisa
(5:36)  8. Man With a Horn
(6:08)  9. 49th Street
(4:47) 10. Barbados

In his own sure and steady manner, Joe Cohn has developed into one of the more reliable and consistent modern mainstream jazz guitarists. His clean, single-line melodic approach is pleasing to the ear without being flashy or pyrotechnical. The key to Cohn, like his formidable father the late great saxophonist Al Cohn, is his innate sense of musicality bonded to solid technique and good, swinging common sense. For this effort, Cohn is heard in various small ensemble settings primarily featuring Dutchmen the excellent pianist Peter Beets, drummer Joost Van Schaik, and expatriate bassist J.J. Wiggins aka Hassan Shakur in a program of concisely rendered standards and two of his dad's originals. Cohn's allegiance to the concept of counterpoint, as implied in the title, is a strong suit towards interacting with his bandmates, made readily available to listeners who are paying close attention to this music. This set starts with two standards  "Just One of Those Things" and "You Turned The Tables on Me" with a different grouping featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer Willie Jones III. 

They are responsible for urging Cohn into the typical, single-line swing and no-frills jazz that signify his style. This ensemble also shows up for the ballad "Man with a Horn" with a soft, slightly tart cameo by young tenor saxophonist Dmitry Baevsky, and the soft bossa "Danielle" penned by papa Cohn. The rest of the material is played by the band with Beets, whose remarkable melodic sense grows with every passing year. His block chords during a samba version of Cole Porter's "I Love You Samantha" display the pure symmetry between him and the guitarist, and how well they play in unison for Bill Mobley's bright bopper "49th Street." The classic, long enduring Charlie Parker favorite "Barbados" is played quite well in its Latin frame, and the band cranks it up a notch for Al Cohn's original "Something for Lisa," as the guitarist plays more chords. "I Got a Right to Sing the Blues" also has Joe Cohn strumming more but still plucking, and shows his patient virtue during the beautiful Gary McFarland evergreen "Blue Serge," an oft neglected but heart warming, well-chosen selection. Where there's a certain variety in song selections, you hear much depth, thoughtfulness, and real purpose in the playing of this music. Where there's no groundbreaking or innovation, Joe Cohn has produced yet another solid, straight-ahead jazz album that should easily satisfy his fans and those who enjoy the contemplative, at ease side of life. ~ Michael G. Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/shared-contemplations-mw0000808575

Personnel: Joe Cohn (guitar); Peter Beets (piano); J.J. Wiggins, Peter Washington (bass guitar); Joost van Schaik, Willie Jones III (drums).

Shared Contemplations

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John Mcneil - I've Got The World On A String

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:23
Size: 131,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:41)  1. I remember you
(6:42)  2. Yours is my heart alone
(7:46)  3. I've got the world on a string
(6:22)  4. Never never land
(6:05)  5. Blue bossa
(8:12)  6. Si Si
(4:30)  7. My melancholy baby
(6:24)  8. O grande amor
(5:35)  9. A slow boat to China

John McNeil grew up in Yreka, CA. The little town off of I-5 wasn't exactly brimming with musical knowledge, but the tenacious McNeil still taught himself trumpet and learned to read music on his own. By his late teens the young trumpeter was playing in combos throughout Northern California; by the mid-'70s he was freelancing in New York City and gaining a reputation as an innovative, lyrical player. He performed with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra at the Village Vanguard, and led his own groups at various area clubs. By the latter part of the decade, McNeil had joined the Horace Silver Quartet and secured a solo contract with SteepleChase. The label issued a flurry of McNeil releases, including 1978's Embarkation and The Glass Room, Faun, and (with Tom Harrell) Look to the Sky in 1979.

In the 1980s, the trumpeter continued to work as both a sideman and leader. He appeared as a soloist with Gerry Mulligan's band, and formed the John McNeil Trio/Quartet for 1983's I've Got the World on a String. He toured internationally, and was recognized by the contemporary jazz community as a go-to writer, arranger, and producer. McNeil went on to issue a series of critically acclaimed albums, including the Kenny Burger collaborations Hip Deep (1996, Brownstone) and Brooklyn Ritual (1998, Synergy). Released in 2001, Fortuity featured a few pop-inspired numbers, like a Latin-flavored interpretation of the Beatles' "I Will." The Latin influence continued with 2003's This Way Out (Omnitone), which McNeil recorded in Barcelona with tenor saxophonist Gorka Benitez and bassist Giulia Valle. The record was breezy, bold, and curious, and proved that McNeil's hunger for music hadn't diminished an iota from those days learning trumpet in the fields of Yreka. Since then, McNeil has kept busy releasing Sleep Won't Come in 2004, East Coast Cool in 2006, and Rediscovery in 2008. Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/john-mcneil/id23880907#fullText

"An intriguing musician... His virtues are rare in jazz today...McNeil is in fine form throughout." ~ Chicago Tribune  http://mcneiljazz.com/discography

Personnel: John McNeil, trumpet - Jesper Lundgaard, bass - Aage Tanggaard, drums - Doug Raney, guitar

I've Got The World On A String

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Buddy & Ella Johnson - A Family Affair

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:40
Size: 116.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. One More Time
[2:40] 2. I Don’t Want Nobody Baby
[2:42] 3. Gotta Go Upside Your Head
[3:05] 4. A Pretty Girl Cadillac And Some Money
[2:35] 5. Someday
[2:49] 6. Aint'cha Got Me
[2:51] 7. Doot Doot Dow
[2:22] 8. Well Do It
[2:47] 9. Alright Okay You Win
[3:06] 10. Thats The Stuff You Gotta Watch
[3:02] 11. Mush Mouth
[2:36] 12. Any Day Now
[3:11] 13. That’s How I Feel About You
[3:06] 14. Hittin On Me
[2:26] 15. My Old Man
[3:03] 16. Aint But One
[2:48] 17. Its About To Break My Heart In Two
[2:31] 18. Crazy Bout A Saxophone

Ella Johnson made her mark as the vocalist with her brother Buddy Johnson's big band during the '40s and '50s, and that is the context where she really shines. Her later solo sides for Mercury are pale imitations of her work with the band. Although many of Ella's hits are uptempo (e.g., "I Don't Want Nobody"), it is on ballads and torchy blues that she really brings it together. In fact, her earliest work for Decca during the mid-'40s (much of which has not been reissued) is uncannily good. At her best, Ella sounds pouty, vulnerable, and very sexy. Like so much of her life, it was no affectation. The comparison to Billie Holiday is inevitable, but Ella was her own singer. Ella Johnson passed away February 16, 2004, in New York City. ~bio by Hank Davis

A Family Affair

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3 Na Bossa - Amanha Tudo Volta Ao Normal (Bridges)

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 45:49

Size: 104.9 MB

Styles: Brazilian jazz

Year: 2014

Art: Front

[3:07] 1. A Rita

[3:50] 2. Travessia

[3:52] 3. Verde

[2:56] 4. Ná Dá Mais Pra Segurar

[2:46] 5. De Frente Pro Crime

[3:16] 6. Quem Te Viu Quem Te Vê

[3:23] 7. Máscara Negra

[3:55] 8. Ronda

[2:32] 9. Eu Só Quero Um Xodó

[3:42] 10. João E Maria

[2:55] 11. Eu Quero É Botar Meu Bloco Na Rua

[3:42] 12. Você É Linda

[3:23] 13. Se Eu Quiser Falar Com Deus

[2:21] 14. Não Existe Pecado Ao Sul Do Equador

If there’s a Bossa Nova song that the 3 Na Bossa can’t play, it’s because it hasn’t been written yet. They are: the piano player Edmur Hebert, the bass player Eliane do Valle and the drummer Toninho Pinheiro. Edmur and Eliano began playing dances together in combos, and as soon they were old enough to go out at night they became a mobile attraction of São Paulo nightlife. Their extreme good taste and musicianship have helped promoting many São Paulo nightclubs, such as Santo Colomba, Plano’s Bar, Baiúca Jardins, The Place, Paddock, Piano Forte and, lately, L’Angolo, where they were joined by drummer Toninho Pinheiro. As for Toninho, he is Bossa Nova legend in São Paulo. Toninho began in the 60’s as the drummer of Manfredo Fest and Pedrinho Mattar trios. In 1965, with the pianist Cido Bianchi and the bassplayer Sabá, he created the Jongo Trio, that recorded a great instrumental album (Jongo Trio). In that same year, they shook the public of the Paramount Theatre while playing Elis Regina and Jair Rodrigues in the show Dois na Bossa, that has originated a famous record, where their names were not included. In 1966, Toninho and Sabá formed a new group with the pianist César Camargo Mariano: the Som Três. With the Som Três, where he stayed until 1970. Toninho played with Wilson Simonal in thousands of shows (including the ons in which Simonal conducted the public of the Maracananzinho stadium, in Rio) and in all the albums the singer recorded in the period. Toninho then became the drummer of the unforgattable Dick Farmey, with whom he worked for 17 years - until Dick died, in 1987. Since then, Toninho has been playing in São Paulo nightclubs and, ins 2000, he joined Edmur and Eliane, creating 3 na Bossa.

The guitar player and composer Roberto Menescal, producer of this series of five albums, needs no presentation.

Amanha Tudo Volta Ao Normal (Bridges)

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Lem Winchester - Will You Still Be Mine

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 75:31
Size: 172.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[ 7:31] 1. Mysticism
[ 4:11] 2. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
[10:03] 3. Down Fuzz
[ 7:00] 4. Will You Still Be Mine
[ 6:41] 5. The Dude
[ 4:01] 6. If I Were A Bell
[ 5:18] 7. Just Friends
[ 7:59] 8. Lem And Aid
[ 6:52] 9. Your Last Chance
[11:40] 10. Eddy's Dilemma
[ 4:11] 11. Friendly Persuasion

Lem Winchester had great potential as a vibraphonist but it was all cut short by a tragic accident. Influenced by Milt Jackson but developing a sound of his own, Winchester actually played tenor, baritone, and piano before choosing to stick exclusively to vibes. A police officer in Wilmington, Delaware, he made a big impression at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and was soon recording regularly with such major players as Oliver Nelson, Benny Golson, and Tommy Flanagan. Winchester resigned from the police force in 1960 to be a musician full-time, but then on January 13, 1961, he unsuccessfully demonstrated a trick with a revolver. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Will You Still Be Mine

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Champian Fulton With David Berger & The Sultans Of Swing - Champian

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:58
Size: 113,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. I Didn't Mean a Word I Said
(3:36)  2. He Ain't Got Rhythm
(3:46)  3. This Is Always
(2:48)  4. They Didn't Believe Me
(3:32)  5. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(3:18)  6. Get out of Town
(3:17)  7. Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
(2:53)  8. It's Crazy
(3:23)  9. The Gypsy
(4:26) 10. You Turned the Tables on Me
(3:30) 11. Too Close for Comfort
(4:01) 12. Romance in the Dark
(3:48) 13. Just One of Those Things
(1:34) 14. Never-The-Less

Born in 1985, Champian grew up in Norman Oklahoma with her parents, Stephen and Susan. Influenced at an early age by her father Stephen, a world reknowned Jazz trumpeter, Champian fell in love with Jazz. Surrounded by her father's musician friends, which included Clark Terry and Major Holley, Champian learned the language of the music firsthand. She began to study piano with her grandmother at age 5. As singing became more and more important, Champian began to play Jazz piano to accompany herself at home. Champian's family moved to LeMars Iowa in 1994; where Stephen Fulton became the director of the Clark Terry Institute for Jazz Studies. It was here that Champian formed her first band. The members of the “Little Jazz Quintet” were all under the age of 10, except for the trumpeter - the elder of the group - who was 12 years old.

The “Little Jazz Quintet” performed at many events in LeMars, including Clark Terry's 75th Birthday party. After a short move to New York, Champian and her family returned to Norman Oklahoma in 1998. Champian's full attention turned to Jazz at this time, and by 1999 Champian was performing with her new band all around the region. 1999 included appearances at the Kemah Boardwalk Jazz Festival, the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, and the Jazz in June Festival held in Norman Oklahoma. 2001 marked the beginning of Champian's stay at Maker's Cigar & Piano Bar in OKC. Maker's, and its owner Clinton Greehaw, were supportive of Champian while she grew musically as a professional performer. Makers made a wonderful musical home for Champian during these formative years. 

The Champian Fulton Trio would continue to perform at Maker's nearly every weekend through 2003, when Champian graduated from Norman North High School as valedictorian and made her move to NYC to attend SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory. In New York City since 2003, Champian has been able to become a part of the Jazz scene. Besides leading her own gigs Champian has been able to play with some world-class musicians such as Louis Hayes, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Wess, and Lou Donaldson. She has been a mainstay at Birdland, the Jazz Corner of the World, and you can catch her at a number of other venues in Manhattan. A perpetual student of Jazz piano and Jazz singing, Champian mentions Erroll Garner, Bud Powell, Sonny Clark, Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughn as some of her main influences. It is also a well kept secret, but Champian was an award winning Jazz soloist on her trumpet in high school with state honors. Champian was named as a finalist in the Kathleen B. Turner Jazz Piano Competition at the University of West Florida in spring 2006. That same year she graduated with honors from SUNY Purchase. Champian’s debut album “Champian” was released in 2007 and the new trio CD, “Sometimes I’m Happy” was released in September of 2008. She lives in New York City and continues to play the music she loves with her current trio featuring Neal Miner (bass) and Fukushi Tainaka (drums). Bio ~  http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/champianfulton

Personnel: Champian Fulton (vocals, piano); Jay Brandford (reeds); Brian 'Fletch' Pareschi, Michael Rodriguez (trumpet); Dennis Irwin (bass guitar); Matt Hong (vocals, reeds); Ryan Keberle (vocals, trombone); Carl Maraghi, Daniel Block, Mark Hynes (reeds); Irv Grossman, Bob Millikan (trumpet); Marshall Gilkes, Wayne Goodman (trombone); Isaac Ben Ayala (piano); Jimmy Madison (drums). Additional personnel: David Berger , The Sultans of Swing .

Champian

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Grant Stewart - Grant Stewart + 4

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:57
Size: 137,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:29)  1. You 'N' Me
(8:39)  2. Yesterdays
(6:42)  3. Cohn On The Cob
(5:57)  4. Limehouse Blues
(8:59)  5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
(8:27)  6. Sabia
(7:22)  7. Lonely Town
(6:20)  8. You Leave Me Breathless

Grant Stewart is a young Canadian tenor saxophonist with a big, burly sound and plenty of drive. On Grant Stewart + 4, he demonstrates his command of both his instrument and the hard bop idiom. He swings without pretense and his top-shelf sidemen move things along with considerable brio. Stewart's improvisations are marked by long, rolling lines and heated swing. He displays a cohesive sense of invention even at the fastest tempos, as on "Limehouse Blues," for example. And while Stewart is deeply indebted to Sonny Rollins, he's clearly looking for his own approach, making interesting and original note choices throughout. His flaring solo on "Lonely Town" is especially good. Guitarist Joe Cohn is also a big part of the success of this album, through sleek, clean solos and clever arrangements, which serve to lift these proceedings well above the usual blowing date. Cohn is highlighted on "Yesterdays," on which he interacts sensitively with Stewart, and where his arrangement adds a fresh dimension to the oft-played chestnut. 

Pianist Bill Charlap nearly steals the album. His improvising is absolutely fresh and distinctive, using space to advantage, varying phrase lengths, and overall providing a classic reminder that jazz is, after all, supposed to be the sound of surprise. In keeping with the sound of surprise, Grant Stewart + 4 successfully mines the tricky terrain of repertoire with rarely played songs, clever originals, and less conventional song treatments. "You Leave Me Breathless," for example, is played as an up-tempo romp, rather than a ballad. In fact, most of the program is played at fast and even faster tempos, and Stewart's cooking rhythm section nails it every time. Even at the fearsome speeds of "Limehouse Blues" and "You Leave Me Breathless," bassist Paul Gill and drummer Willie Jones III maintain solid, vibrant swing. Grant Stewart + 4 may not be innovative, but it is very, very good. ~ AAJ Staff  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/grant-stewart--4-grant-stewart-criss-cross-review-by-aaj-staff.php#.VGgmxcmHmtg

Personnel: Grant Stewart: tenor saxophone; Joe Cohn: guitar; Bill Charlap: piano; Paul Gill: bass; Willie Jones III: drums.

Grant Stewart + 4

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Dennis Chambers - Groove And More

Styles: Jazz Funk
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:19
Size: 125,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. Aircraft
(7:29)  2. Time to Time
(4:24)  3. Fall Out - Radio Edit
(4:41)  4. Past and Future
(0:47)  5. Drums Solo Pt 1
(4:56)  6. We Don't Know
(7:18)  7. Virtual Life
(6:40)  8. Fall Out
(4:50)  9. Practice What You Preaching
(6:30) 10. Running On Line
(1:14) 11. Drum Solo Pt 2

A drummer whose propulsive style and versatility have enabled him to play in combos or large groups, and work with fusion and hard bop bandleaders, Dennis Chambers has also released two sessions as a leader. He's also recorded and played with Bob Berg, Bill Evans (sax), Victor Bailey, Bob Belden, Kevin Eubanks and Mike Stern among others. All these musicians currently have sessions including Chambers available on CD.  Bio ~ Ron Wynn  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/dennis-chambers-mn0000816892/biography

Personnel: Dennis Chambers: drums; Scott Henderson: guitar solo on " Virtual life " & " Time to time ";  Brian Auger: Hammond organ solo on " Running on line " & " Aircraft "; Jeff Berlin: bass on " Practice what you preaching "; Patti Austin: vocals on " Practice what you preaching "; Stanley Jordan: guitar solo on " Past and future "; Gregg Kofi Brown: vocals on " Fall out "; Dora Nicolosi: vocals on " We don't know "; Lino Nicolosi: rhythm guitars, guitar solos, percussion programming; Rossana Nicolosi: bass; Pino Nicolosi: keyboards, Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes; Dora Nicolosi: backing vocals & scat on " Fall out " and & scat on " Aircraft "; Gregg Kofi Brown: backing vocals on " Fall out "; Melissa Aldana: tenor saxophone on " Fall out " , saxophone solo on "Aircraft " and soprano saxophone on " Running on line "; Bob Crystal: tenor saxophone & flute solo on " Fall out ", tenor saxophone on " Aircraft ."

Groove And More

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Jeff Gladstone - Hell Of A Girl

Styles: Rock And Swing
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:21
Size: 86,1 MB
Art: Front

(1:37)  1. In Vein (feat. Rachel Pomedli)
(2:23)  2. Lazy Susan (feat. Rebecca Hennessy & Shawn Nykwist)
(1:43)  3. One Little Accident Away
(4:04)  4. Lionhearted (feat. Sly Juhas, Tim Hamel, Neil MacIntosh & Sophia Perlman)
(3:41)  5. Good to You (feat. Terra Hazelton, Jay Danley, Sly Juhas, Sophia Perlman, Tim Hamel & Nathan Hiltz)
(3:49)  6. Hell of a Girl (feat. Jay Danley, Nathan Hiltz, Terra Hazelton, Sky Juhas & Sophia Perlman)
(5:44)  7. There May Be a Golden Distance (feat. Jay Danley)
(4:20)  8. Not Your Girlfriend (feat. Jay Danley & Drew Jurecka)
(3:38)  9. Two Birds (feat. Richard Whiteman)
(3:24) 10. My Big Mouth (feat. Nathan Hiltz, Neil MacIntosh & James Thomson)
(2:53) 11. Weatherman (feat. Drew Jurecka, Rebecca Hennessy & James Thomson)

Jeff Gladstone met Terra Hazelton at the Loose Moose Theatre Company in Calgary in 1995. They spent 5 years there, working and studying with Keith Johnstone, performing improv, creating kids shows, and developing a musical improv format called Jamprov. Since then, Hazelton has established herself as one of the top jazz singers in Canada, and Gladstone has built a career as an actor and improviser in Vancouver. Hazelton has made occasional forays into acting (Genie award nomination for FUBAR II) and Gladstone has continued to write music; over 250 original songs, including sound design and musical direction for theatre. Recently Gladstone wrote a song based on a poem by Robert Service, The Lure of Little Voices, which made it on Hazelton’s recent CD That’s All. As a thank-you, Hazelton offered to record a demo of Gladstone’s songs. Work began in 2012 in Hazelton’s apartment with just a microphone, a guitar and a rain storm.

Hazelton started inviting some of her friends and collaborators from her various bands. Musicians like Drew Jurecka, Sly Juhas, Nathan Hiltz, and the entire line-up from The Hogtown Syncopators, nearly all of which have won Juno awards. Hazelton invited each of them because of specific skills she thought would add to each track. In true Loose Moose fashion, the musicians were encouraged to improvise. The collaborative nature of Hell of a Girl continued, as Neil MacIntosh mixed the tracks adding additional percussion, and finally Jordon O’Connor (engineer behind That’s All) mastered the final recordings with Hazelton. Rehearsing Two Birds with Richard Whiteman “With Hell of a Girl, we feel we are on our way to creating a unique and vital example of theatrical songwriting, and that it may help two Canadian artists expand their practice and offer their talents in new ways to the music community, and its growing audience.”  http://jeffgladstone.ca/hell-of-a-girl/hell-of-a-girl-history/

Personnel: Jeff Gladstone: Upright Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals; Terra Hazelton: Vocals, Arrangements; Rachel Pomedli: Cello; Tim Hamel: Trumpet; Sly Juhas: Drums; Neil MacIntosh: Drums; Nathan Hiltz: Electric Guitar; Jay Danley: Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Vocals; Sophia Perlman: Vocals and BG Arrangements; Drew Jurecka: Violin, Clarinet; James Thomson: Electric Bass; Richard Whiteman: Baby Grand Piano, Upright Bass; Rebecca Hennessy: Accordion; Shawn Nykwist: Soprano Saxophone

Hell Of A Girl

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Nora McCarthy & Joshua Wolff - A Time For Love

Size: 158,7 MB
Time: 68:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Time For Love (9:11)
02. Better Than Anything (6:26)
03. Small Day Tomorrow (6:31)
04. I Like You You're Nice (4:05)
05. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (7:23)
06. It Isn't So Good It Couldn't Get Better (2:56)
07. Blue Gardenia (5:04)
08. I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (7:23)
09. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (7:30)
10. You Are There (7:00)
11. Lucky To Be Me (4:54)

A Time For Love, is comprised of music written by some of the most beloved contemporary composers and lyricists of Great American Music namely: Johnny Mandel, Tommy Wolf, Fran Landesman, Jules Styne, Sammy Cahn, Dave Frishberg, Leonard Bernstein, Bill Loughborough, David Wheat, Bob Russell, and Blossom Dearie. With timeless pieces such as, “A Time For Love,” “Small Day Tomorrow,” “Blue Gardenia,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” “You Are There ” and, “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry,” among others, the musical chemistry between McCarthy and Wolff is palpable and their near telepathic, spontaneous, and compelling performance is unforgettable.

The music on this CD was captured on May 28, 2010, at the internationally acclaimed jazz cabaret, The Metropolitan Room, NYC. It was a magical night of remembering, honoring, sharing , friendship, and love.

Nora McCarthy has thus far had a very productive and significant musical career. Recently listed in the "Best Jazz of 2012 for Female Singer and Top Vocal Jazz Album" categories by Arnoldo DeSouteiro, Journalist, Founder and CEO of JSR (Jazz Station Records), for her CD, In the Language of Dreams, she is known as a brilliant improviser. A poet and a songwriter in addition to being a highly original singer, she is an important force in the advanced New York jazz vocal scene since 1996 when she recorded her first of thus far six CD’s, red&blue. Nora's burnished alto voice is rich, subtle and laced with varying degrees of earthy blues and soulful phrasings that are rooted in the Jazz tradition.

From Seattle, Washington, Joshua Wolff was known for being a strong soloist and sensitive accompanist. His performances took him all over the United States and to Europe including several tours to Japan with legendary jazz singers Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. One of the first gigs Wolff performed in NYC was with the beautiful, talented singer Nora McCarthy on December 31, 1998. Wolff recalled “It was love at first sight and sound . . . I knew right away that she had something magical about her. It was more than her sense of intonation and time; she simply understood the music and was able to share it in a very personal way. This is a very rare quality in any musician. I knew at that moment, that this was the beginning of a very wonderful musical relationship.”

"....Joshua Wolff was more than a competent accompanist; he was a unique voice, an artist of the highest caliber, a musical architect who had incredible ears, a wonderfully percussive technique—excellent sense of timing, and tremendous emotional capacity. The journey we embarked upon this night was unpredictable and it would also be one of our last together. I will forever treasure the music and memory of this evening. This night we were not just a singer with piano accompaniment, No, we were two artists playing together, making music, telling our story, dancing our dance together, and on this night our music became immortal; Joshua Wolff passed away, May 19, 2013 of pancreatic cancer...." Nora McCarthy

This CD reminds that life is about embracing every moment, living to the fullest, squeezing every drop of delicious juice from it, taking chances, having no regrets, surrendering your all, touching hearts and leaving your mark with dignity and love.

A Time For Love

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Ferenc Nemeth & Attila Laszlo - Bridges Of Souls (Feat. Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante)

Size: 140,7 MB
Time: 60:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Label: Dreamers Collective Records
Art: Front

01. Bridge Of Souls (6:19)
02. Downhill (6:26)
03. The Untouchable Number (4:44)
04. It's Already That (6:23)
05. Sounds Of My Heart (5:37)
06. Dance (4:46)
07. Alone (Feat. Charlie Horvath) (4:50)
08. Magic City (6:40)
09. Little Heart (Feat. Lara Bello) (4:44)
10. Creep (6:06)
11. Missing You (3:36)

With a propensity for chord dynamics and ingenuity, Bridges of Souls features the versatility of drummer Ferenc Nemeth and guitarist Attila László. The pair's compositions establish a rhythm which keeps the music moving in a state of flux. Joining Nemeth and László are pianist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, both longtime members of the Yellowjackets.

Atmospheric and melodically pleasing, the title track is finely finessed, introducing audiences to the duo's terms of synchronicity as they create flowing phrases which build effortlessly, moving along a lithesome rhythm. "Downhill" is clad with bopping grooves and chord dynamics penned in the language of jazz improvisation as the reggae beats of "Alone" buffer the raw, gravelly vocals of Hungarian singer Charlie Horvath.

The nimble movements of Ferrante's keys in "Magic City" quilt a pattern of trickling notes as László's guitar chords loop around the sparkling droplets. Ferrante's cruising keys sustain a contemplative feel in "Little Heart" as the soft vocals of Spanish singer Lara Bello weld a reflective vibe making for a bluesy pop fusion. The duo's performance of Radiohead's pop hit "Creep" takes liberties by infusing a bluesy funk texture into the melody, and switches to a relaxing meditative mood in "Missing You," which is kindled by soft sonic glimmers and ethereal-sounding chords.

Ferenc Nemeth and Attila László expand the breadth of jazz fusion, blending pop music with shades of blues, funk, and improvisation. Bridges of Souls is a product of Nemeth's and László's personalities, asserting their proclivity for honing chord dynamics and ingenuity. Their music embraces the principles of jazz, creating compositions that have a sparse script and depend on the musicians' ingenuity to fill in spaces. ~By Susan Francesny

Musicians:
Ferenc Nemeth - drums, Attila László - guitar, Russell Ferrante - piano and keyboards, Jimmy Haslip - bass, Charlie Horvath - vocals on "Alone," Lara Bello on "Little Heart"

Bridges Of Souls

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Jeff Wyatt - My Christmas Guitar

Size: 86,0 MB
Time: 36:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Vocals, Holiday
Label: Cardboard Alley Music
Art: Front

01. Go Tell It On The Mountain (Instrumental) (4:04)
02. What Child Is This (3:34)
03. The First Noel (4:42)
04. Christmas Guitar Medley: Good King Wenceslas/Joy To The World/Jingle Bells/Silent Night (4:57)
05. Oh Holy Night (5:55)
06. Oh Christmas Tree (3:13)
07. Silent Night (4:18)
08. Auld Lang Syne (1:50)
09. Go Tell It On The Mountain (4:04)

My Christmas Guitar, Jeff’s November 2014 release, is a contemporary approach to traditional Christmas favorites, with an obvious emphasis on guitar as the featured instrument. Electric and acoustic, finger-style and slide; the guitar playing styles vary, but the BLUES influence is evident?

“My work has been described to me as an interesting mix of styles resembling that of artists like Ry Cooder, David Wilcox, Mark Knopfler, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Jeff Beck and others. Well,...I'm truly humbled at the mere thought of any such remote comparisons to these musical giants. Personally I just think I sound like me,... whatever that is,... however, all those personalities have certainly influenced my playing and writing.”

Jeff, originally from the Saskatchewan prairies (where he performed with the popular 70's prairie band EDEN), has been involved with the Canadian west coast music scene (writing, recording and performing live) since 1991, prior to his 24 year involvement with the Canadian prairie music scene.

My Christmas Guitar

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Harry Allen - For George, Cole And Duke

Size: 163,7 MB
Time: 70:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. Always True To You In My Fashion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:33)
02. In A Mellow Tone (Feat. Chuck Redd, Ehud Asherie & Nicki Parrott) (5:06)
03. Happy Reunion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:40)
04. Silk Stockings (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (7:12)
05. Purple Gazelle (Angelica) [Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero] (4:24)
06. How Long Has This Been Going On (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:30)
07. I Love You Samantha (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:07)
08. Shall We Dance (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:18)
09. By Strauss (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:58)
10. Love For Sale (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (6:01)
11. They All Laughed (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:51)
12. Who Cares (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:08)
13. Mood Indigo (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (3:11)

Mainstream jazz at it's very finest with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen and drummer/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, pianist Ehud Asherie and bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott with a touch of Latin fire on three tracks from "Little Johnny" Rivero.

Blue Heron Records LLC is proud to have produced, through the generous, unconditional support of many friends, this very first in a series of high quality recordings of America’s musical treaure, jazz. It is our intent to create and leave the planet a legacy, representative of the finest examples of jazz music available.

The guiding principle behind this endeavor is “Artistic Integrity First,” our label’s theme. When this concept is extended to the artists at a recording session, the music they make becomes magic! Such was the case in New York, March of 2014. The chemistry was absolutely incredible among players, engineer, artistic cordinator, and producers. The sessions were amazing. You will undoubtedly hear and feel the positive energy in this recording.

For George, Cole And Duke

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Joe Henderson - Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:48
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Post bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1992/2012
Art: Front

[5:58] 1. Isfahan
[6:30] 2. Johnny Come Lately
[7:19] 3. Blood Count
[5:49] 4. Rain Check
[4:31] 5. Lotus Blossom
[6:57] 6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
[7:12] 7. Take The A Train
[7:33] 8. Drawing Room Blues
[4:59] 9. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
[4:56] 10. Lush Life

With the release of this CD, the executives at Verve and their marketing staff proved that yes, indeed, jazz can sell. The veteran tenor Joe Henderson has had a distinctive sound and style of his own ever since he first entered the jazz major leagues yet he has spent long periods in relative obscurity before reaching his current status as a jazz superstar. As for the music on his "comeback" disc, it does deserve all of the hype. Henderson performs ten of Billy Strayhorn's most enduring compositions in a variety of settings ranging from a full quintet with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson to an unaccompanied solo exploration of "Lush Life." This memorable outing succeeded both artistically and commercially and is highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

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New York Voices - Let It Snow

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 115.5 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. Let It Snow
[4:58] 2. Christmas Time
[4:43] 3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
[1:35] 4. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
[3:21] 5. We Three Kings
[2:29] 6. Holiday For Strings
[2:34] 7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
[2:59] 8. Sleepers, Wake!
[5:21] 9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
[5:45] 10. The Merry Medley (Man With The Bag, I'd Like You For Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)
[6:38] 11. I Wonder As I Wander
[4:26] 12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
[2:01] 13. Silent Night

New York Voices has fashioned a Christmas album that honors beloved traditional and sacred classics as well as secular favorites, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. This highly anticipated recording features the highly acclaimed vocal quartet in a cappella, swinging big band, and lush studio orchestra settings, making this a must have for the holidays!

Peter Eldridge – Vocals; Lauren Kinhan – Vocals; Darmon Meader – Vocals, Soprano Sax; Kim Nazarian – Vocals.

Let It Snow

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Caribbean Jazz Project - Mosaic

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:30
Size: 133.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:59] 1. Nardis
[4:59] 2. St. Ogredol
[7:51] 3. Portraits Of Cuba
[5:40] 4. Afro Green
[8:47] 5. Wazo Dayzeel
[4:42] 6. Slow Dance
[4:38] 7. Spinnaker
[6:53] 8. Mambo De Luna (Para Cachao)
[7:58] 9. Dusk

Mosaic is the first studio album since 2003 by the Carribean Jazz Project, led by vibes/marimba specialist Dave Samuels. Drawing on a variety of Afro-Cuban, Venezuelan, Peruvian, Jamaican and other North American rhythms, this release features three different bands. On four tracks, Samuels leads a quintet with keyboardist Alain Mallet, bassist Boris Kozlov, drummer Dafnis Prieto and percussionist Roberto Quintero. Two other tracks feature violinist Christian Howes, and the remaining three selections find Samuels reunited with former CJP co-founders reedman Paquito D'Rivera and steel pan player Andy Narell.

Best known for his lengthy tenure with Spyro Gyra, Samuels' resume also lists stints with Gerry Mulligan and Frank Zappa. His mallet work, a key element in Spyro Gyra's sound, added a "tropical" feel and made the group's music more accessible in many ways. Jazz critics singled him out for praise, suggesting that if he were liberated from Spyro Gyra's somewhat formulaic "smooth jazz" recipe, something more creative might be forthcoming. However, after leaving the group, his solo recordings tended to be disappointing commercial offerings that fell into the soothing and vacuous world of airplay jazz—easy-listening, predictable music with light funk rhythms that are upbeat but instantly forgettable.

Samuels has an original voice on vibes—not an easy thing to accomplish—and he leaves his stamp on any project with which he's involved. This certainly applies to the CJP, which is, for all practical purposes, the Dave Samuels Project. This album's subtitle ("featuring Dave Samuels") is an understatement: he not only led the session, he produced the recording. Always a prolific songwriter, he penned four of the tunes on Mosaic, and the overall sound evokes the best and worst of Spyro Gyra: the brilliant musicianship and the highly polished—over-refined to some ears—production. Samuels seems aware of a general perception of his music as often more pleasant than challenging. Discussing his decision to record a live album (Here and Now, 2005), he noted that ..." in the studio is where you can get this kind of veneer/urethane coating ... that sometimes can disguise the intent and intensity of the music." Some critics viewed the CJP as a slightly threadworn outfit in need of new blood, and another Samuels comment suggests he knew it, too. "I realized that as the personnel started to change... things were re-invigorated," he said in a 2005 interview. "There was a rebirth of sorts...."

With Mosaic, however, Samuels and the CJP are back in the studio, and the urethane coating is all too evident. Indeed, the album's glossy sheen can make it difficult, for purists at least, to appreciate its good points. Certainly, there is no faulting the musicianship. Mallet, in particular, contributes strong solos, and Prieto adds an infusion of energy throughout. The arrangements are strong, notably a sophisticated reinterpretation of Miles Davis' "Nardis." But for better or worse (depending on one's taste), all the rough edges are smoothed and buffed, and despite the band's name and its tropical ambience, listeners looking for some real heat will probably be a bit disappointed. ~Victor Verney

Dave Samuels: vibraphone, marimba; Alain Mallet: piano, organ (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Boris Kozlov: acoustic bass (1,2,4,6-8); Dafnis Prieto: drums (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Roberto Quintero: percussion (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Christian Howes: violin (6, 7); Andy Narell: steel pans (3, 5, 9); Paquito D'Rivera: alto sax, clarinet (3, 5, 9); Alon Yavnai: piano (3, 5, 9); Oscar Stagnaro: electric bass (3, 5, 9); Mark Walker: drums (3, 5, 9); Pernell Saturnino: percussion (3, 5, 9).

Mosaic

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John Paiva - Cut The Sheet

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:08
Size: 78.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. One At A Time
[3:19] 2. B Kuz Ov U
[2:23] 3. My September Song
[3:20] 4. A Cool One
[3:32] 5. November
[2:59] 6. Looper
[2:21] 7. Cut The Sheet
[2:32] 8. Anything Funky For You
[3:56] 9. Before I Start To Cry
[2:09] 10. Expert
[2:57] 11. Phant
[1:28] 12. Not This Time

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island. Learned first chords at 14 on guitar from his father. Turned professional musician at 21 after military service. Worked the Boston music scene till 1970 playing with The Platters, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydel and Bostons "Everett and the Screamers (Skeemers)"... Joined hit group The Happenings, (Mammy, I Got Rhythm, See You In September), 1973 joined Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. John earned two platinum and three gold records. Moved to Germany in 1980 after touring Europe with Fats Domino. Has worked successfully in Europe since then with various artists and in the studio.

Cut The Sheet

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Bill Easley - Love Stories

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:03
Size: 142,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:41)  1. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:10)  2. Hey There
(5:27)  3. Love With a Proper Stranger
(5:47)  4. You Go To My Head
(4:29)  5. The End of a Love Affair
(4:13)  6. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:24)  7. My Foolish Heart
(5:23)  8. Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)
(4:36)  9. Don't You Know That I Care
(4:41) 10. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(4:05) 11. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
(5:18) 12. Falling In Love With Love
(3:45) 13. I'll Take Romance

Though the word “virtuoso” is almost as overused as “genius” when applied to musicians, Bill Easley’s abilities on multiple saxophones and clarinets, in styles extending from swing and hard bop to R&B and pop, have proven that designation accurate. But on his sixth session as a leader, Easley opts for a more conventional, thematically conservative menu, a 13-track date of show tunes and romantic standards. He also limits himself to tenor sax, and is the key soloist in a group that includes pianist Tommy James, bassist Hassan Shakur, drummer Willie Martinez and percussionist Chembo Corniel. Easley’s command and tone are impressive, his interpretations engaging. He’ll take chances on occasion, transforming “Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)” into a more urgent, energetic romp. He’s appropriately tender on such numbers as “Falling in Love With Love” and “Hey There,” but provides soul and passion during his treatments of “Don’t You Know That I Care” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” 

James proves a fine second soloist and accompanist, while Shakur’s bass is expertly recorded, bringing a deep, rich bottom presence to every arrangement. The decision to include a drummer and percussionist was also a smart one. The secondary textures that Corniel’s congas add to Martinez’s primary beats give Easley valuable additional support, and he operates nicely atop their foundations. ~ Ron Wynn  http://jazztimes.com/articles/27354-love-stories-bill-easley

Personnel: Bill Easley (tenor saxophone); Tommy James (piano); Willie Martinez (drums); Chembo Corniel (congas, percussion).

Love Stories

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Alex Pangman With Bucky Pizzarelli - Have A Little Fun

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:13
Size: 109,8 MB
Scans:

(2:17)  1. Some Of These Days
(2:23)  2. Are You Having Any Fun
(4:15)  3. The Fog Song
(3:36)  4. The Panic Is On
(3:01)  5. I’m Confessin’ That I Love You
(3:51)  6. If Felt So Good To Be So Bad
(3:07)  7. Just One More Chance
(4:11)  8. Shanghai Lil
(4:26)  9. Out Of Nowhere
(3:55) 10. Stardust
(3:24) 11. Melancholy Lullaby
(3:22) 12. Topsy Turvy
(2:48) 13. Undecided
(0:30) 14. Intro Some Of These Days

For years Alex Pangman has, alongside her slick Alleycats, been indulging her predilection for tunes that predate the 36-year-old Canadian chanteuse by at least four decades. But unlike the vast majority of contemporary vocalists whose approach to such material sounds patently artificial, Pangman is startlingly authentic in her interpretations. In other words, she’s not a poseur but a peer to Ruth Etting or the great Connee Boswell, with whom she shares an intense stylistic kinship. Two years ago, Pangman, fresh from double lung transplant surgery, shaped the sterling 33, focusing on standards that gained their first flush of popularity in 1933. 

For two-thirds of the tracks on Have a Little Fun she strays slightly from that date, inching back to 1926 for the Sophie Tucker showstopper “Some of These Days” and as far forward as 1939 for “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” Joining her band is 87-year-old Bucky Pizzarelli, who can claim more immediate familiarity with the vintage playlist yet performs with more vigor than most guitarists a third his age. Terrific as it is to hear them tiptoe through “I’m Confessin’,” slink through “Shanghai Lil” or cut loose on Fats Waller’s fevered “The Panic Is On,” the biggest delight is in discovering Pangman’s eerie ability to write new songs that seem genuinely sepia-tinted. The four included here are top-flight compositions, particularly her dreamily contemplative “The Fog Song” and sly, saucy “It Feels So Good to Be So Bad.” ~ Christopher Loudon  http://jazztimes.com/articles/87242-have-a-little-fun-alex-pangman-bucky-pizzarelli

Personnel: Alex Pangman: vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Drew Jurecka: violin (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Brigham Phillips: trumpet (4,6,8,12,13); Ross Woodbridge: clarinet and tenor sax (4,6,8,12,13); Laurie Bower: trombone (3); Peter Hill: piano (3,4,6,8,12,13); Jesse Barksdale: guitar (3,4,6,12,13); Chris Banks: bass (3,4,6,8,12,13); Glen Anderson: drums (3,4); Michael Herring: bass (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Chris Lamont: drums (6,8,12,13).

Have A Little Fun

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David Leonhardt - Jazz For Dancers

Styles: Straight ahead Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:45
Size: 121,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:12)  1. Blues In The Night
(3:28)  2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:27)  3. Jammin' Slow Blues
(3:33)  4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
(5:00)  5. Strike Up The Band
(5:15)  6. Cheek To Cheek
(3:58)  7. When I Fall In Love
(3:31)  8. That's All
(3:30)  9. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:35) 10. Georgia On My Mind
(4:30) 11. In A Mellow Tone
(4:22) 12. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(4:18) 13. Late Night Blues

If there is one word to describe the musical qualities of David Leonhardt, besides being talented, it's multicolored. This man is adept at all ways of presenting jazz music, running from small combo presentations of his own interesting compositions to Music Minus One-like training sessions for tap dancers, with the taps to be provided instead of an instrument. On this 2000 release, Leonhardt and his trio turn their attention to what they believe to be one of the original purposes of jazz music, dancing. Certainly that was true during the dark days of the Depression when people on the down and out could go to cheap halls and dance their woes away either in marathon dance contests or just for the fun of it. 

The music is designed to lure people to the dancefloor for three to five minutes of music that encourages tripping to the light fantastic in a civilized manner. There are tunes for slow, body-to-body dancing, such as "Cheek to Cheek," others calling for a little more individual expression such as a dancehall version of "Blues in the Night," as well as opportunities to show off Latin dancing skills with "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars." All of this fine music is provided by the trio in a relaxed, elegant, non-threatening manner with Leonhardt getting solid support from Bruce Cox on drums and Lee Hudson on bass. One does not to be a Fred Astaire or a Michael Jackson to get up and weave to these lovely classic standards flawlessly performed. If one doesn't have the wherewithal to purchase a lot of albums, but is interested in hearing as many of the different types of jazz as possible, turning to Leonhardt's comprehensive discography is a reasonable option. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-for-dancers-mw0000018769

Jazz For Dancers

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