Free Tenors - Fellowship

Size: 108,0 MB
Time: 46:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Neo-Bop
Art: Front

01. Cervene Jablcko (4:35)
02. Passion Dance (6:50)
03. Erzherzog Johann Jodler (5:26)
04. Fellowship (4:38)
05. Magic Transition (5:30)
06. What Am I Here For (5:38)
07. All The Things (5:53)
08. Kaleidoskop (5:04)
09. Hit Hat (2:26)

Personnel:
Harry Sokal – Saxophone (A)
Bernhard Wiesinger – Saxophone (A)
Ondr(ej Štverác(ek – Saxophone (CZ)
Tomáš Baroš – Bass (CZ)
Marián Ševc(ík – Drums (SK)

FreeTENORS takes you on a musical adventure with phenomenal musicians from three countries — Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia. Harry Sokal — the founder of the band — is one of Europe’s greatest saxophonists. With the idea of forming a band of three saxophones, Sokal began collaborating with Ondr(ej Štverác(ek and Bernhard Wiesinger, two young colleagues from the Czech and Austrian jazz scene.
This ensemble embodies musicians who are searching for a fresh, unconventional, unprecedented approach to the standard jazz form. After the opening of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Harry Sokal was one of the first in Austria to seek like-minded musicians in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. With Tomáš Baroš on double-bass and Marián Ševc(ík on drums, he found the best in their craft and musicianship. They create one of the most remarkable jazz rhythm sections, intensifying the freeTENORS’ colourful, thrilling sound and musical cohesiveness.
The virtuosity and musical skill of these world class musicians inspire their audience to reach greater heights of perceptive listening and to explore a deeper love of jazz.

Fellowship

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Neil Andersson - Malibu Manouche

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 47:34
Size: 108.9 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:57] 1. Malibu Manouche
[3:46] 2. Apache
[4:26] 3. Seaside Adventure
[3:24] 4. Surfer Girl
[4:36] 5. Swing 39
[3:25] 6. Telstar
[4:16] 7. Mulholland Bounce
[3:00] 8. Walk. Don't Run
[5:18] 9. Sombrio
[3:20] 10. Pipeline
[5:00] 11. Ozette
[3:00] 12. Maria Elena

Two guitars, bass, and drums - with guitarist Peter Pendras, bassist Chuck Deardorf, and Mark Ivester, drums.

Neil Andersson was born in Tacoma, WA and graduated from Wilson High School in1963. He received his Master of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a BFA in painting from the University of Washington, and a BA in Art from the University of Puget Sound.

Neil started playing guitar in high school and in 1964 joined the famous Northwest rock group the Wailers. As a guitarist, he has done session work and played in many groups - recording for United Artists, Janus Records, Etiquette Records, and Modern Hot Records. He is a member of the Northwest Music Hall of Fame. In 1993 he began a collaboration with Dudley Hill that led to the formation of the jazz group Pearl Django; Pearl Django subsequently recorded 10 CDs and maintains its own record label, Modern Hot Records. Neil also released a solo disc, C’est si bon, as well as two collaborations with fellow guitarist Peter Pendras: Malibu Manouche and As the Crow Flies. In 2010 Neil retired from Pearl Django to focus on art and other musical endeavors.

Paralleling his career in music is his work as a visual artist. He primarily paints landscapes in oils, both in the studio and plein air; his paintings have been featured in exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Indiana, and Illinois. Neil is represented by Jeffrey Moose Gallery in Seattle, and American Art Company in Tacoma. His artwork can be seen on his web site www.neilandersson.com.

In addition to his activities in music and art, he has taught art at Chief Leschi School, the University of Puget Sound, Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, and Highline Community College. He has served on the Tacoma Arts Commission and worked for MetroParks Tacoma in summer arts programs. In 2008 Neil was featured in KIRO TV’s In Color.

Malibu Manouche

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Letizia Gambi - Introducing Letizia Gambi

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:15
Size: 167.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:49] 1. Secret Tears (Una Furtiva Lagrima)
[4:34] 2. Appocundria
[5:26] 3. And I Think Of You (E Penso A Te)
[5:37] 4. Soli
[5:17] 5. You Are So Special (Tu Si' 'na Cosa Grande)
[4:32] 6. A Time
[4:55] 7. O Sole Mio
[4:20] 8. The Question Of U
[5:51] 9. Passione (With Interview)
[5:21] 10. Bachelorette
[5:29] 11. The Love Of Your Life
[3:58] 12. My Town (Carmela) (With Interview)
[7:06] 13. Munasterio 'e Santachiara In A Sentimental Mood
[4:52] 14. Yo Soy El Sur

"Introducing Letizia Gambi" is the synthesis of two apparently distant worlds blended in perfect harmony, creating an authentic sound that combines African American heritage with Mediterranean melodies. It is a "cultural fusion". Lenny and Letizia arranged some of the most popular songs of the Italian and Neapolitan repertoire, international covers, and they composed original tunes for the project. The refined sensibility of the Italian singer, together with the exceptional experience of the American artist, merged to give birth to a 21st Century Musical Approach, as the two artists like to define it. The album is sung in English, Italian, Neapolitan and Spanish. It’s Mediterranean passion spoken through Jazz.

Lenny presented the project idea to some legendary musicians and they accepted the challenge, which led to extraordinary contributions by Ron Carter, Chick Corea, Wallace Roney, Patrice Rushen, Gil Goldstein and Gato Barbieri. Their performances have significantly contributed to the success of the project.

"Introducing Letizia Gambi" is held together by a common unique style. From "Appocundria", a cover of the famous Italian Pino Daniele, enhanced by the piano performance of Chick Corea, to "The question of U,” their cover of a Prince tune, with a solo by Gato Barbieri. The famous "Tu sì 'na cosa grande" by Domenico Modugno becomes "You are so special" the first ever English version recorded and approved by the great composer's wife; a wonderful ballad featuring the great Wallace Roney. The album was recorded in NY and NJ, the only song recorded in Italy is "Secret Tears" an interpretation of the old Italian aria "Una Furtiva Lagrima" by Gaetano Donizetti from the Opera "L'elisir d'amore." Letizia wrote new English lyrics for this song and recorded it with some of the best musicians on the Italian music scene. Antonio Farao', Dario Rosciglione and Max Ionata.

Introducing Letizia Gambi

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Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz, Nicki Parrott - It's A Good Day

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:17
Size: 144.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Theme From 'Grumpy Old Men' End Title
[3:54] 2. Pick Yourself Up
[5:13] 3. Quintessence
[3:39] 4. Lavender Blue
[4:23] 5. This Is No Laughing Matter
[3:39] 6. It's A Good Day
[6:01] 7. Don't Love Me
[5:51] 8. Theme From 2nd Movement Of The Piano Sonata N. 8 Op. 13
[4:57] 9. Too Late Now
[7:24] 10. For You, For Me, Forevermore
[4:04] 11. Last Night When We Were Young
[4:37] 12. Invention
[4:45] 13. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Rossano Sportiello embodies an entire musical tradition with a glowing musical spirit that is far more than simply a collection of influences. This trio, Rossano Sportiello, Eddie Metz and Nicki Parrott, is a friendly supportive group; each voice is equal yet from the first notes a lovely synergy emerges. Sportiello set a wonderfully relaxed, unrushed tone giving this CD a joyous and uplifting sound. A great follow up to the trio´s previous recording "Live at The Jazz Corner" which was warmly received by critics and music lovers alike.

It's A Good Day

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Various - Bebop Deluxe (2-Disc Set)

The mid 1940's saw the emergence of Be-bop (or bop). The numbers of people drafted into armies to fight in World War two resulted in the breaking up of many of the large bands which had featured prominently during the era of Swing. Economic pressures also forced the closure of many of the dance halls which had been so popular in the previous decades. A huge void was left, to be filled by younger musicians such as Dizzie Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk who took a bold step away from the elaborate arrangements and popular music of the earlier big bands. The scene was left open for individual exploration. The result was a form of jazz that involved more complex melodies and some very fast tempos, which were criticised for being too fast for dancing.

This era is arguably the most significant in jazz history. Characterised by its reliance on chordal, rather than melodic improvisation, Be-bop gave rise to a new jazz elite, which often left previous swing musicians standing. An accomplished Swing musician was in no way guaranteed admittance into this new circle. At the time the movement was unpopular as the emphasis on artistic expression rather than convention, reduced its commercial viability.

Ironically, however, it is today regarded as the foundation of all subsequent styles and the radical musicians of the 1940's and 50's have now become the mainstream.

Album: Bebop Deluxe (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 55:50
Size: 127.8 MB
Styles: Bebop
Year: 2014

[2:20] 1. Bud Powell - Ornithology
[5:11] 2. Charlie Parker - A Night In Tunisia
[5:42] 3. Art Pepper - Yardbird Suite
[2:42] 4. Fats Navarro - The Chase
[3:04] 5. Thelonious Monk - Epistrophy
[7:45] 6. Max Roach Quintet - Tune-Up
[8:13] 7. Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Mosaic
[6:27] 8. Charles Mingus - Better Get Hit In Yo' Soul
[6:34] 9. Dexter Gordon - 'round Midnight
[7:48] 10. Sonny Stitt - Salt And Pepper

Bebop Deluxe (Disc 1)

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Album: Bebop Deluxe (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:14
Size: 140.2 MB
Styles: Bebop
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[5:43] 1. Sonny Rollins - Tune Up
[9:21] 2. J.J. Johnson - Neo
[9:52] 3. John Coltrane Quartet - Chasin' The Trane
[5:32] 4. Howard Mcghee - Double Talk
[6:09] 5. Kenny Dorham - K.D.'s Cab Ride
[3:07] 6. Benny Goodman Septet - Stealin' Apples
[5:29] 7. Lee Morgan - Speedbal
[2:40] 8. Cannonball Adderley - The Scene
[3:45] 9. Clifford Brown - Brownie Speaks
[9:33] 10. Kenny Burrell - Swingin'

Bebop Deluxe (Disc 2)

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Jennifer Hanson - Something Cool

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:02
Size: 115,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:08)  1. All Night Long
(4:00)  2. Where My Heart Belongs
(6:08)  3. Daydream
(2:36)  4. All the Way
(2:32)  5. Baby Plays Around
(3:54)  6. Never Let Me Go
(4:20)  7. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
(3:02)  8. I Fall in Love Too Easily
(3:24)  9. Walk On By
(3:08) 10. Moon River
(4:12) 11. Pretty Blue
(5:43) 12. Something Cool
(2:48) 13. So Long Mr. Lincoln

Country siren Jennifer Hanson was born in 1973 to a pair of working musicians in La Habra, CA, where she cultivated the knowledge and experience that would lead her to an inevitable career in music. Like idols Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, Hanson discovered Nashville at a young age, testing the waters during the early '90s before establishing a home there in 1995. She met husband/songwriter Mark Nesler in 1997, signed a publishing deal with Acuff Rose the year after, and by 2000 had inked a deal with Capitol. Her blend of pop/rock and glossy new country hit the airwaves in 2002 with the single "Beautiful Goodbye." She released her self-titled debut in February 2003. Although she wouldn't release an album for the next few years her songs were being performed by the likes of the Wreckers ("Leave the Pieces") and former American Idol contestant Bucky Covington ("Different World"). In 2007 she reappeared on the Nashville South label with the single "Joyride." Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/jennifer-hanson/id315738#fullText

Something Cool

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John Swana - On Target

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:28
Size: 154,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:18)  1. Through My Eyes
(8:15)  2. Mud Puppy
(8:30)  3. Sweet Sadness
(6:37)  4. On Target
(7:19)  5. View From Above
(6:20)  6. When Love Was You And Me
(7:35)  7. Jitterbug Waltz
(9:14)  8. Suspended Sentence
(6:16)  9. Philly Jazz

For On Target , Swana has assembled an unusal quartet, featuring guitarist Jesse Van Ruller, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Eric Harland. The references to Art Farmer's early '60s combo with Jim Hall are not to be denied and like Farmer, Swana is not only impressive in his ability to carry much of the solo load but also in the sagacious ways he voices the heads. Seven of the nine tracks come from the trumpeter's pen and each one taps a different stylistic mood. "Sweet Sadness" finds Swana at his lyrical best, while the expansive "Suspended Sentence" simmers quite well at medium tempo. Quite different from all his other Criss Cross sides, On Target further consolidates Swana's individuality. It's a quieter, gentler record with many treats in store. ~ C.Andrew Hovan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/john-swana-on-target-and-new-york-philly-junction-by-c-andrew-hovan.php#.VGrFuMmHmtg

Personnel: John Swana (trumpet), Jesse Van Ruller (guitar), John Patitucci (bass), Eric Harland (drums)

On Target

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John Tesh - Big Band

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:59
Size: 114,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:21)  1. Beyond The Sea
(3:17)  2. I’ve Got The World On A String
(3:29)  3. Give Me Forever (I Do)
(5:26)  4. Spanish Steps
(4:36)  5. It Had Better Be Tonight
(3:33)  6. Blue Skies
(4:29)  7. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:10)  8. Sway (Mucho Mambo)
(4:22)  9. Goodnight My Angel (Lullaby)
(3:10) 10. Summer Wind
(5:18) 11. L-O-V-E
(3:43) 12. Barcelona

Over the course of a staggering 50 recordings and numerous popular PBS specials spread over a quarter-century, John Tesh has struggled for critical acclaim but never failed to inspire masses of fans with his always-evolving musical muses. Launching with his Emmy-winning, synth-driven sports music, he conquered the emerging smooth jazz genre in the '90s with his saxophone series and later became a force in the CCM/Worship world with best-selling recordings that found inventive musical ways to share his deep faith. His colorful, exciting, and richly arranged and produced first venture into big band (after a Christmas album using the same dynamic) as a singer and large ensemble leader isn't as unusual a step as one might think at first. Long before he was an anchor at Entertainment Tonight and a popular recording artist and musician, he was a self-proclaimed "band geek" who played trumpet in school jazz and marching bands. 

While playing piano in a rock band, he studied with teachers from Juilliard and was even named to the New York State Symphonic Orchestra. Plus there are those fond childhood memories of his parents listening to Sinatra, Count Basie, and others. This background lends a little credibility, but ultimately an ambitious project like this can only thrive with powerful and rousing arrangements and he has two versatile jazz greats, Tim Landers and Tony Guerrero, to help him (for the most part) achieve magic here. Willie Murillo handles the sharp orchestrations and adds drama with his trumpet on the rousing, percussive closer, his original "Spanish Steps." Rather than remind himself of his trumpet background, Tesh wisely defers elsewhere to Guerrero's brilliance on the instrument for solo spots on two of the most freewheeling fun tracks, "It Had Better Be Tonight" and "The Way You Look Tonight." The classic selections include "The Summer Wind," "I've Got the World on a String," "Blue Skies," "In the Mood," "Sway," and "Beyond the Sea." 

He also refashions a few of his renowned originals, including "Barcelona" and "Give Me Forever," which lend themselves gracefully to this format. Tesh is more concerned about shining here as a pianist and his vocals, while not quite Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., or Michael Bublé, are likeable enough. This infectious debut album in the big-band arena was accompanied by a PBS event called "John Tesh Big Band Live!" With so much Great American Songbook material to choose from, and his desire to re-imagine his own material, it was a good bet that the ever-evolving musical world of Tesh would include similar ventures in the future. ~ Jonathan Widran  http://www.allmusic.com/album/big-band-mw0002349939

Big Band

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Peter Beets - New Groove

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:40
Size: 143,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:17)  1. You're My Everything
(7:34)  2. But Beautiful
(5:13)  3. Tricotism
(5:16)  4. I'm Old Fashioned
(5:43)  5. Blues For Giltay
(7:15)  6. In Your Own Sweet Way
(4:20)  7. They Say It's Wonderful
(6:13)  8. Nuages
(4:41)  9. Three Little Words
(6:30) 10. Easy Listening Blues
(5:32) 11. Parker 51

What zesty, light-stepping, buoyant sounds these are. There's some serious swinging happening on Dutch pianist Peter Beets' New Groove. Beets employs two different trios, one from New York, the other from his native Netherlands. Both trios utilize piano, guitar and bass, reminiscent of Ahmad Jamal's 1955 recordings with guitarist Ray Crawford and bassist Israel Crosby, available on Ahmad Jamal Trio (Definitive Records, 2006), or more swingingly on the work of Oscar Peterson, bassist Ray Brown and guitarists Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis. New Groove is Beets' fourth Criss Cross Records release, following New York Trio (2001), New York Trio Page 2 (2003) and New York Trio Page 3 (2005), all employing the standard piano, bass and drums format. 

The guitar/piano teaming enriches the harmonic element, and Beets and guitarists Joe Cohn and Martijn Van Iterson switch back and forth with Beets on soloing and comping, giving the music an organically vibrant feel. The set has an especially relaxed, off-the-cuff vibe, sounding loose and spontaneous within the mainstream framework. The set opens with Harry Warren's familiar gem, "You're My Everything," sounding especially crisp and lively, then slips into a gorgeous take on Kern and Mercer's "I'm Old Fashioned" before moving into a zingy Beets original, "Blues for Giltay."

Irving Berlin's "They Say It's Wonderful," has Beets sounding particularly like Oscar Peterson. And speaking of Peterson, the master gets another nod with Beets' take on Nat King Cole's "Easy Listening Blues," which Peterson recorded on his tribute album With Respect to Nat (Polygram Records, 1965). There's no new ground broken on New Groove, but Beets and his trios swing over the old ground with an engaging panache on an especially fine trio outing. ~ Dan McClenaghan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/new-groove-peter-beets-criss-cross-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php#.VGuKzcmHmtg
 

Personnel: Peter Beets: piano; Joe Cohn: guitar (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11); Reuben Rogers: bass (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11); Martijn Van Iterson: guitar (1, 5, 6, 9); Rudd Jacobs: bass (1,5,6,9).

New Groove

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Neal & Leandra - A Hundred Years From Now

Size: 99,2 MB
Time: 40:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Folk Pop
Art: Front

01. A Hundred Years From Now (2:59)
02. Hello, Goodbye (3:32)
03. Star Girls (5:03)
04. Nothing Left To Lose (3:41)
05. Boss Of God (3:22)
06. One (4:16)
07. It's You (2:32)
08. Learn How To Float (3:09)
09. Serenity (3:23)
10. The Joy That Is You (3:45)
11. I've Been Everywhere (4:38)

25 years ago we started a grand experiment as Neal & Leandra. We have been everywhere in the U.S. in that time, literally and figuratively. We have slept on the couches of strangers and in luxury hotels; played in coffee houses to a handful of disinterested people who did not know - or care - who we were, and in packed auditoriums for fans who knew every word of our songs. Sometimes in the same week. We have been headliners who audiences came to see, and openers who audiences wanted to chase offstage as soon as possible. Sometimes in the same week. We have received awards which we coveted to make us "legitimate" as singer/songwriters and performers; and we have been passed up for those same awards many times, leaving us wondering if we were frauds. We have watched some peers "make it big" - although "make it big" is certainly an oxymoron in folk music - and others, equally talented, never seem to get out of the shadows. We have felt like each of those at different times. We have poured our hearts out on paper and stage. We have been rewarded monetarily to the point where we could make our living for all these years, but mostly we have been rewarded in intangibles. The funny stories that have arisen from years on the road; the letters we have gotten from fans about how our music has had an impact in their daily lives; the unusual gift of working out our own lives in song; and a friendship that has survived intact after all these years.

25 years ago we started this grand experiment. A hundred years from now, all of this angst and striving and laughter and sadness and love and desire and letting go will mean something different. So, we're 25 years older than when we began, and we can see that it really does pass in the blink of an eye. It is strangely comforting to know this, as we head into whatever the next 25 years holds. Thanks for floating with us down this stretch of the river.

A Hundred Years From Now

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David Hazeltine - I Remember Cedar

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 52:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Simple Pleasure (5:34)
02. Martha's Prize (6:22)
03. Clockwise (4:45)
04. Dear Ruth (5:58)
05. Turquoise Twice (4:46)
06. Holy Land (5:28)
07. Cedar's Blues (6:28)
08. Fiesta Espanol (4:42)
09. Hindsight (4:50)
10. Over The Rainbow (3:49)

The late, much beloved pianist Cedar Walton was a major influence to generations of jazz musicians and especially pianists. None, however, was a greater student of his work - playing and composing - than David Hazeltine. Over the years Hazeltine not only studied, inhabited and incorporated Cedar into his own jazz conception but became a friend as well. This heartfelt tribute to the great man contains some of his finest compositions - Holy Land , Clockwise , and Turquoise Twice - performed by Hazeltine, Cedar's longtime bassist David Williams, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. A session highlight is Hazeltine's solo performance of Cedar's favorite solo piece, Over The Rainbow . The great master is no longer with us - long may his music live!

Personnel: David Hazeltine (piano); Joe Farnsworth (drums).

I Remember Cedar

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Rose Colella - Cocktail

Size: 126,2 MB
Time: 54:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. That's Love (3:21)
02. Flying Home (3:32)
03. Bali Ha'i (4:52)
04. Baby Doll (5:42)
05. I'll Be Easy To Find (6:05)
06. One Mint Julep (4:44)
07. Scotch & Soda (4:20)
08. Lonely View (3:55)
09. Mr. Paganini (4:07)
10. Would You Like To Take A Walk?/ I Get Ideas (2:54)
11. Let's Misbehave (2:16)
12. You, You, And Especially You (5:02)
13. Lonely View (Bonus Track) (3:35)

Personnel:
Rose Colella, vocals
Dan Effland, guitar
Dan Murphy, piano
Chris Madsen, sax
Joe Policastro, bass
Mikel Avery, drums
Andy Brown, guitar (Track 8)
Paul Marinaro, vocals (Track 10)

Standing tall and cool in front of a small combo, the Chicago vocalist Rose Colella plumbs the Great American Songbook for her repertory, from Irving Berlin and the Gershwins through Cole Porter and Frank Loesser. In this respect, she fits the mold of many modern jazz singers.

Cocktail

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Maysa - A Very Maysa Christmas

Size: 99,6 MB
Time: 42:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Soul/Jazz Vocals, Holiday
Label: Shanachie
Art: Front

01. Joy To The World (3:38)
02. Jingle Bells (3:44)
03. The First Noel (4:31)
04. The Night Before Christmas Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (3:22)
05. Silver Bells (Feat. Gerald Albright) (3:57)
06. This Christmas (Feat. Will Downing) (4:39)
07. It's The Holidays (4:03)
08. Christmas Time Is Here (4:33)
09. The Little Drummer Boy (5:03)
10. Pray For Peace (5:04)

The world is flooded with Christmas albums. Do we need another one with the same old Christmas hymns? When Maysa is the performing artist, definitely yes. On A Very Maysa Christmas (2014) she works together with the excellent producer and keyboardist Chris "Big Dog" Davis.

Further musicians on this albums are Ace Livingston (bass), Rhon Lawrence, Wayne Bruce and Randy Boland (guitar), Thomas Dyani Akuru and Jazz Leak Akuru (percussion), Dexter Pettyway (drums), Gerald Albright (sax) and a large number of singers.

The album starts with the popular Christmas hymn Joy To The World. After an excellent intro Maysa introduces to her impressive choral arrangement. She approaches the song with a jazzy treat and a faster pace. She also gives Jingle Bells a new direction in this style.

Maysa doesn't cling to the traditional interpretation, but bestows each song like The First Noel an own character. Despite all familiarity she entertains with brilliant innovation. To present The Night Before Christmas as a rap is forgivable in the light of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town as a scat song.

The cheerful Silver Bells features Gerald Albright on sax in a swinging mood. In 1970 Donny Hathaway released This Christmas, later often copied. Now Maysa duets with Will Downing to catch up in the circle of illustrious artists. It's The Holidays is Maysa's own composition, which she has composed, along with Davis. A Bossa Nova swing with a certain ease.

Christmas Time Is Here was composed by jazz pianist Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson added the lyrics. Both created the score for A Charlie Brown Christmas. Maysa and Rashann Langley make the song a memorable experience. Maysa gives The Little Drummer Boy a magic African flavor. Thomas Dyani Akuru and Jazz Leak Akuru, Maysa's son, create the irresistible drum groove on the Sabar. The album ends with Pray For Peace, a remarkable choral completion.

Maysa has done with A Very Maysa Christmas her fans an excellent Christmas gift. Besides peace and good health you could wish for nothing better.

A Very Maysa Christmas

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Sam Butera - The Saxy Sounds Of Sam Butera

Size: 129,9 MB
Time: 54:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz, Blues, Rock
Art: Front

01. All The Way (2:35)
02. Argie (2:40)
03. Closer To The Bone (3:50)
04. Come To The Cabaret (2:36)
05. For Once In My Life (2:18)
06. French Poodle (2:23)
07. Greenback Dollar (3:34)
08. Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody (3:33)
09. La Vie En Rose (2:25)
10. Love Is A Five-Letter Word (3:22)
11. Mari-Yootch (1:56)
12. My First, My Last (3:09)
13. Night Train (2:48)
14. Ol' Man Mose (3:37)
15. Rockaby Your Baby (2:04)
16. St. Louis Blues (2:33)
17. Too Young (2:06)
18. Up A Lazy River (2:41)
19. When You're Smiling (1:40)
20. You Rascal You (2:43)

Saxophonist Sam Butera (August 17, 1927 – June 3, 2009) is best known for the time he spent backing Louis Prima and Keely Smith. He started his career in New Orleans, but moved to Las Vegas in the early 50’s when Louis Prima called his brother desperately needing a band to back him at The Sahara’s Casbar Lounge. Leaving behind the Shim Sham club and New Orleans, he brought the rollicking New Orleans Rock n Roll sound to Las Vegas and stayed active in show biz throughout the ensuing decades. A dynamic and active septuagenarian, Butera continued to play regularly the clubs on the Vegas strip and occasional tour forays into the early millennium.

The Saxy Sounds Of Sam Butera

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Cecile Verny Quartet - Memory Lane (Live)

Size: 227,0 MB
Time: 98:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Wild Heart Of The Earth (Live) (7:42)
02. No ID (Live) (4:47)
03. I Would (Live) (7:19)
04. Amoureuse (Live) (5:15)
05. Car Desesperee (Live) (7:01)
06. On Another's Sorrow (Live) (5:40)
07. Humming (Live) (6:41)
08. As Soon As They Have All Aligned (Live) (7:13)
09. How Do I Love Thee (Live) (5:24)
10. One Smooth Ride (Live) (7:35)
11. I Am Broken (Live) (6:19)
12. Snow Falling (Live) (7:06)
13. The Bitter And The Sweet (Live) (6:32)
14. To Thomas Butts (Live) (5:22)
15. J‘aime L'Idee (Live) (7:57)

After 25 years of worldwide success, the Cécile Verny Quartet is topping of their career with a magnificent reflection. The four musicians presented their audience with a thrilling silver anniversary celebration on the stage of Jazzhaus Freiburg on a hot Whit Monday.

Their first CD release was in 1992 and in the following two decades the foursome, which also included pianist Andreas Erchinger and drummer Lars Binder, played their way to international esteem. The tour route led from Paris to Nairobi, from Antibes to Asmara, and from South Africa to Latvia. Eight CDs accompany the amazing career, they span from the Afro-colors (“Métisse”, 1999 and “Kekeli”, 2001) in which Verny reflects upon her heritage, through delicate Jazz poetry in French (“Amoureuse”, 2008), to the sophisticated, rocking soulful tones that characterize the last album “Fear & Faith” (2012). German record critics are enthusiastic about the qualities of the CVQ and their 2006 production, “The Bitter & The Sweet,” was awarded the Grand Prix by the Jury at the festival in Antibes. Numerous radio recordings characterize the varied work of the three men and their front lady. Today the Quartet can accredit themselves with 78 original compositions and 8 CDs.

Now, more than a decade after the, until now only DVD documentation from the Jazz festival at Antibes, can the splendid atmosphere of a live performance by CVQ – and a very special one at that – be relived not only in picture but also in sound. The selection of the repertoire is based on the idea from bassist Bernd Heitzler, to look back once again at different “places” in which the band has visited along their path in the past 25 years, a sort of “Memory Lane” in sounds. “In a relatively emotional and intuitive way, we were able to come up with a pool of titles that were firmly rooted in the present but also drew from our past,” explains the musician. Each piece represents for the band a place, which still today invites you to linger and discover. “It’s exciting for us to see how strongly some titles have changed along the way compared to earlier. Others, however, appear almost like Déjà Vu and still have striking actuality!”

All the way from the album “Kekeli”, “Memory Lane” leads the way back, during the live performance, that amazes with its stylistic diversity and sparks enthusiasm in its audience. From the opening with “Wild Heart Of The Earth” with its bluesy-swing, to the grand Scat insert by Verny and a distinctive solo from Heitzler, to the lovely Bossa inspired encore, “J’aime l’idée”, the audience experiences CVQ in top form. There is the rock shifting number “No ID” with Andreas Erchinger’s piano explosion, the great hymn-like soul ballad “How Do I Love Thee”, and the by far most dramatic and rhythmically refined farewell to love in the melodic flirt “Amoureuse”. Verny gives a taste of her entire vocal range in the deep, almost archaic blues carried William Blake narration “On Another’s Sorrow”, or as an intimate speech with Bernd Heitzler on the Bass Guitar, in a just as intensive prayer “Humming”.

Lars Binder leads the way with a tom tom thunderstorm in “As Soon As They Have All Aligned”, and then gives way to a melodic, overflowing electric bass solo and the casual, groovy “Smooth Ride”. In “I Am Broken”, Verny shows what kind of a fantastic, theatrical voices she can conjure up, and in the earthy, stomping “Snow Falling” she switches effortlessly from a rock singer to jazzy scat. “The Bitter & The Sweet” thrills as a melancholic review of the past, with shimmering insert of Fender Rhodes: “I’m walking down memory lane…”, the chorus of the song, which has thus given the live album its title: Bitter and sweet moments together form the complex overall picture of an amazing career, what is reaffirmed in the finale when "To Thomas Butts" even leads into the gospel terrain.

The "Memory Lane", which CVQ embarked on, on that memorable day of Pentecost, holds in every level great musicality, unbridled joy, deep soul and improvisational ingenuity. With this recording, Cécile Verny and her three confidantes, prove once again that they belong on the forefront of today’s European Jazz scene.

Memory Lane

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Phil Woods Quintet - Song For Sisyphus

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:43
Size: 79.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1978/2006
Art: Front

[5:27] 1. Song For Sisyphus
[4:02] 2. Last Night When We Were Young
[3:16] 3. Nuages
[4:52] 4. Change Partners
[5:36] 5. Monking Business
[4:44] 6. Summer Afternoon
[3:06] 7. When My Dreams Come True
[3:36] 8. Shaw Nuff

This recording features an early version of altoist Phil Woods' Quintet, the second of two albums that includes guitarist Harry Leahey. With pianist Mike Melillo, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin completing the group, the Woods band's sound and musical philosophy were very much in place. The great altoist performs a few boppish tunes, some group originals (two songs by Melillo) and a couple of ballads. Highlights of the lesser-known but worthy recording include "Nuages," "Change Partners" and a cooking version of "Shaw Nuff." ~Scott Yanow

Song For Sisyphus

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Susie Arioli - Christmas Dreaming

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 39:51

Size: 91.2 MB

Styles: Holiday

Year: 2010

Art: Front

[4:09] 1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

[2:52] 2. Winter Wonderland

[3:14] 3. Blue Christmas

[3:36] 4. Call Collect On Christmas

[3:33] 5. I'll Be Home For Christmas

[3:31] 6. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

[4:54] 7. When You Wish Upon A Star

[3:06] 8. La Peregrinacíon

[2:15] 9. Old Toy Trains

[2:57] 10. What Are You Doing On New Year's Eve

[3:25] 11. Christmas Dreaming

[2:15] 12. Ave Maria

Here it is the Jazzmas season and Susie Arioli's smoky message comes through with some classy Christmas tunes. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" features a lovely guitar solo by Jordan Officer that complements this touching chestnut to the max. Arioli treats this song like an old friend and that makes the listening even more enjoyable.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas" evokes memories galore and only emphasizes the idea that Susie Arioli is a true jazz vocalist and should stick to that genre. She lays it on the line with this song and had this writer mentally playing brushes in accompaniment and that doesn't happen often. Michael Jerome Browne personifies "hip" in his solo and backing and that lends itself superbly to the overall effect.

Susie Arioli is a jazz vocalist in the true sense of the word and should remain in that idiom. Her voice is naturally suited to that mode. I was impressed with the "sound" of Arioli and her treatment of these holiday songs. The tunes were well chosen and the rhythm section was magnificent. This album will transport you back to the time when Christmas was a time of spiritual awakening and emotional uplifting, (not to mention the dusky, sensual vocalizing of this fine artist). Listening to this recording makes Christmas be what it should be, a time of joy and reflection. ~John Gilbert

Christmas Dreaming  

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Jim Rotondi - Reverence

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 60:17

Size: 138.0 MB

Styles: Post bop, Trumpet jazz

Year: 2000

Art: Front

[ 6:31] 1. Skip's Blues

[ 7:31] 2. Reverence

[ 7:09] 3. Lenny's Lens

[ 7:25] 4. N.P.S

[ 8:15] 5. The Peacocks

[ 5:48] 6. Davis Cup

[ 6:23] 7. It's Too Late

[11:12] 8. Step Lightly

On his fourth Criss Cross release, trumpeter Jim Rotondi enlists alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo for his front line, sending his usual partner, Eric Alexander, on furlough. The alto/trumpet color has deep historical resonance, being the sound that introduced bebop to the world. Rotondi and DiRubbo, along with their bandmates Anthony Wonsey on piano, John Webber on bass, and Willie Jones III on drums, are steeped in this tradition, as well as the hard bop of later years. Their command of the music comes through strongly on covers of Cedar Walton's intricate bossa "N.P.S.," Jimmy Rowles' classic ballad "The Peacocks," Walter Davis, Jr.'s blistering rhythm changes tune "Davis Cup," and Joe Henderson's easygoing 16-bar blues "Step Lightly." Three band originals lead off the record, however, beginning with DiRubbo's fast "Skip's Blues" (with a truncated form) and continuing with Rotondi's 3/4 Latin title track and Wonsey's slightly gospel-tinged "Lenny's Lens." For good measure, Rotondi includes (and plays flügelhorn on) a bossa arrangement of Carole King's "It's Too Late." He dedicates the album to his father, who passed away roughly one month before the recording date. ~David R. Adler

Reverence

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Jan Preston - Plays The Music Of Winifred Atwell

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:34
Size: 91,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:47)  1. Black And White Rag
(1:33)  2. Tango In C Minor
(2:36)  3. Jan's Boogie
(2:49)  4. Baby Elephant Walk
(2:32)  5. Jubilee Rag
(2:59)  6. Big Ben Boogie
(3:02)  7. Winnie Played The Rag
(2:06)  8. Harry Lime Theme
(2:29)  9. Poor People Of Paris
(2:39) 10. Five Finger Boogie
(2:32) 11. Goodnight Irene
(2:49) 12. Alley Cat
(3:13) 13. In The Mood: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
(2:20) 14. 12th Street Rag
(3:00) 15. Play The Boogie Piano

Jan Preston "Queen of Boogie Woogie Piano" and Kiwi expat, is recognised as one of Australias Leading female blues/jazz artists. Jans unique ability lies not only in her exceptional talent as a piano player, singer and songwriter, but also as an Entertainer, and her Mastery of Boogie Woogie piano leaves audiences in raptures. Her show includes a superb rendition of Winifred Atwells Black and White Rag, along with some quick finger playing covers of Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Albert Ammons, and many other of the Jan Preston's earliest musical memories were of singalongs at the piano with one Aunt playing boogie/stride piano and another on violin. All the Prestons sang and played some instrument, even if it was only eggbeater or tea chest bass. Jan was born in the South Island of NZ, studied classical piano and singing from an early age, and always loved performing live. After completing a music degree, she joined the infamous Red Mole Theatre troup in Wellington, toured NZ with Spilt Enz, and was musical director for the legendary and enormously popular Red Mole Cabaret shows in Wellington.

At this time she was asked by Sam Neil (then a film director) to write music for a documentary he was making, and Jan has been composing for films ever since. In the late 1970's she moved briefly to New York where she heard many of the great r'nb piano players, came back to NZ and formed the rock/reggae band "Coup D'Etat" who's song "Doctor I Like Your Medicine" was a no 1 hit., and then moved on to Sydney where she has lived since1980. Jan is a fulltime composer, songwriter, and piano player. She has played many music festivals in Australia, NZ and Europe, composed and performed music for silent films, and continues to write film scores for NZ and Australian drama and documentary. Jan has won 3 Awards for Best Film Score, and 2 for Best Australian Female Blues Artist. http://www.australianbluesmusic.com.au/Artists/JanPreston.aspx

Plays The Music Of Winifred Atwell

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Jack Lee & Annekei - Letter

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:43
Size: 114,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. I Miss You More
(4:13)  2. Um Sonhador
(3:20)  3. Besame Mucho
(4:23)  4. Llorando
(4:54)  5. Letter
(4:38)  6. Lately
(3:44)  7. Paper Moon
(3:28)  8. Aguas de Marco
(3:34)  9. Felicidade
(4:38) 10. My Mystery
(5:15) 11. Fragile
(3:41) 12. How Deep is Your Love

Asian pressing of this 2008 collaboration between the great guitarist Jack Lee and the Danish singer Annekei. 12 tracks including 'I Miss You More', 'Paper Moon' and 'How Deep Is Your Love'. Universal. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Letter-Jack-Lee-Annekei/dp/B00167SWMO

Annekei grew up in a family of music. Her parents were both jazz musicians and her 4 brothers  just like herself - mastered their instruments at a very young age. She is an accomplished singer, pianist, guitarist, composer & songwriter. At 19 years old, Annekei moved from her home country, Denmark, to pursue her musical ambitions in New York City. Since her arrival, the young singer has been performing venues as varied as Joe's Pub, Pianos, The Metropolitan Cafe, Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, Bowery Poetry Club, Suite 16, The Cutting Room, Blue Note, The Bitter End and Fez under Time Cafe. In 2003 she made it to the finals of the amateur night competition on the TV show, "Showtime at The Apollo", performing her original song "Close Your Eyes". 

Two years later, her single "More Of Your Love" broke on the club scene in the UK. In 2006 she signed with a Japanese label and released her self-titled debut album in September the same year. The single "Brother" made it to #4 on the Japanese charts within 2 weeks of release, and rose to the #1 vocal album on Japanese iTunes and landed her the title: "Best New Foreign Artist" at the 2006 Ad Lib Awards. Her second solo album "Tsuki" dropped only 9 months after the debut, followed by the collaboration project "Letter" with Korean guitarist Jack Lee. In June this year Annekei released her 3rd solo album "Touch" produced by legendary guitarist Lee Ritenour, featuring a prolific group of musicians from Los Angeles. Since joining the Wonda Music team, Annekei has been working hard with Jerry Wonda in the rooms of Platinum Sound Recording Studios. Her unique voice coupled with her pop-jazz fusion sound is a great addition to the team. http://www.wondamusic.com/annekei

Letter

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