Tara Hofman - Almost There

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:18
Size: 53,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. One Fine Day
(1:59)  2. Twisted
(4:29)  3. Cry Me A River
(3:03)  4. Is Your Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
(6:04)  5. Stormy Monday
(5:14)  6. Moondance/Summertime

Sophisticated jazz, blues and pop: Tara Hofmann delivers all with sultry soul ranging from a smoking "Stormy Monday" to a hip rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Twisted." Since 1997, Tara Hofmann has been entertaining jazz and blues audiences all over the DC Metro area. From concerts to coffeehouses, she has performed to acclaim in many venues including big bashes at the Ronald Reagan Building in DC, private parties on chartered cruises on the Chesapeake Bay and intimate restaurants in Northern Virginia such as Icehouse Café and Laporta’s. She sings blues from the depths of her soul and adds a twist to her arrangements of jazz classics and pop tunes.

Tara holds a BA in music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland,a MA in Education from George Mason University and teaches music for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Tara has been accompanied by some of the best musicians in the DC area, including Tom Lagana, Wade Beach, and Larry Brown and at any given performance her “friends” may vary.Her alto sound is thick and rich in her new CD, “Almost There”, a potpourri of songs that demonstrate Tara’s ability to sing steaming blues, jazz classics and pop tunes. The instrumentation varies from quintets to trios and the arrangements show her many musical colors. More ~ http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tarahofmann

Almost There

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Vito Di Modugno - East Side

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:31
Size: 148,3 MB
Art: Front

(8:47)  1. East Side Blue
(6:35)  2. Zoltan
(6:56)  3. Jury's Bite
(6:45)  4. Sidran
(7:13)  5. Sidran (Nardis)
(6:46)  6. Softly As In a Morning Sunrise
(4:21)  7. The Moontrane
(6:26)  8. Clemmy
(6:08)  9. Unity
(4:29  10. The Incredible Truth

To affect this record Vito Di Modugno added to his usual partners two musicians of international standing, particularly close to his aesthetic vision: Jerry Bergonzi and Fabio Morgera . Jerry Bergonzi is a tenor with a remarkable personality. His soloing builds models of Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter , but shows a well-defined approach, which shifts the discussion forward, resulting in a synthesis of avant-garde saxophonist tradition. And this statement is not an oxymoron. Fabio Morgera was labeled with a little 'of carelessness as a pure hardbopper. In fact his artistic career is quite similar to that of Roy Hargrove, for example. And 'passed from bop to funk with experience in a jazz border, showing curiosity and desire to get involved, while maintaining its specificity. What it does have a first-class technical, gained in the long stay in the US, which allows him to do what he wants with his instrument. 

Next to the two guests Massimo Manzi , the column of '"Organ combo", confirms drummer sensitive and attentive, with a great sense of rhythm and ability to "bite" the soloists always pushing them into situations never easy to master and inviting them to successive challenges to fight and win. Michele Carrabba , for its part, is saxophonist energetic, solid training that is not afraid of confrontation with the US colleague. Its use in the disc, however, is limited to only three tracks, where it says its also with soprano. Pietro Condorelli , winner of a top jazz as new talent, adds the exact phrasing, but a little 'anemic, its guitar to the overall sound of the group. Would not spoiled a greater focus, a different intensity in its administrative attention and language more "rocking" in short. Vito Di Modugno characterizes, for his part, with the stamp of his Hammond organ entire album, even if the spaces that reserve an electric piano very "fusion", do you recommend even more.

The CD features songs definitely appreciable, alternated with other less convincing. In some pieces the band leader, in fact, leaves too much scope to the initiative of the soloists, only to realize traces schematic, with a structure and a trend a bit 'stiff. In the best parts, however, there is more unpredictability in the arrangements, the voices of the various instruments alternate with a question and answer almost antagonistic, while "under" the rhythm machine travels at speed really considerable. And 'the case, for example, of " East Side blue"introduced the organ and then played on a chase between the three wind instruments aimed at the red-hot atmosphere of the song, which becomes more and more glowing with a few moments of relative rest. Here Fabio Morgera takes a solo decision, vehemently and "groove" really remarkable. Even " The incredible truth "is a funky rhythm contagious and conquest for the beauty of the solos, yet lyrical and flaming trumpet player, as well as author and fender warm floor more than ever Di Modugno.

In conclusion " East side "is overall a disk modern jazz played well by a staff that takes advantage of the presence of the two distinguished guests. In certain situations, however, Vito Di Modugno is content to hear them play, not organizing an increasingly appropriate to come out in all circumstances his role as leader and composer. When it does, when it does not rely primarily on the virtues of the soloists to carry on the conversation, but build structures more defined, the level of expression of the various songs grows considerably. Gianni Montano for Jazzitalia.  Translate by google  http://www.jazzitalia.net/recensioni/eastside.asp#.VI4OUnuaWmA

Personnel:  Pietro Condorelli – Guitar; Massimo Manzi – Drums; Michele Carrabba - Soprano Saxes & T.; Jerry Bergonzi - T. Sax; Fabio Morgera - Trumpet

East Side

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Tony Williams - Foreign Intrigue

Styles: Jazz, Fusion
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:14
Size: 99,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Foreign Intrigue
(6:53)  2. My Michelle
(6:06)  3. Life Of The Party
(6:43)  4. Takin' My Time
(5:06)  5. Clearways
(7:00)  6. Sister Cheryl
(5:58)  7. Arboretum

Tony Williams had never led a straightahead recording session before and is a little higher in the mix than drummers usually rate. But despite the fact that he almost drowns out Bobby Hutcherson's vibes at times, Williams's playing is consistently colorful and would hold one's interest even if he were under-recorded. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/foreign-intrigue-mw0000188845

Personnel: Tony Williams (drums); Donald Harrison (alto saxophone); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Ron Carter (bass).

Foreign Intrigue

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Various Artists - Quand Le Jazz Est La - Les Coups De Coeur De Stanley Pean

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:39
Size: 168,8 MB
Art:  Front

( 5:24)  1. Oliver Jones - Place Saint-Henri
( 5:53)  2. Lorraine Desmarais - Bossa del Niño
( 7:30)  3. Kyle Eastwood - I Beg Your Pardon
( 6:34)  4. Richard Galliano - New York Tango
( 3:52)  5. Carol Welsman - Remind Me
(11:51)  6. Palatino Quartet - Calabrian Nights
( 6:05)  7. Baptiste Trotignon - Not for Debby
( 7:01)  8. François Bourassa - Vequechieun
( 6:50)  9. Jean Vanasse - La Gueuse
( 7:46) 10. Christine Jensen - Capers Papers
( 4:47) 11. Sylvain Lelièvre - Pantalon Gris Et Veston Bleu

The favorites of Stanley Péan is a compilation of 11 pieces Jazz which are linked into a sort of extension of appointment radio When the Jazz is in the air Espace musique. Find the dazzling virtuosity of Oliver Jones on a classic of his friend and mentor Oscar Peterson ("Place St. Henri"); the spellbinding fantasy of Vanassextet Jean Vanasse ("the pig"); through the tropical languor distilled by Lorraine Desmarais ("Bossa del niño"). Translate by google  http://www.archambault.ca/artistes-varies-quand-le-jazz-est-la-les-coups-de-coeur-de-stanley-pean-ACH003470271-fr-pr

Quand Le Jazz Est La - Les Coups De Coeur De Stanley Pean

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Rebecca Kilgore & Dave Frishberg - The Starlit Hour

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:59
Size: 138,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:24)  1. I Hear Music
(2:42)  2. Glad to be Unhappy
(2:31)  3. Got a Date With An Angel
(2:36)  4. Not Mine
(2:14)  5. You Smell So Good
(3:22)  6. Você E Eu
(2:53)  7. The Starlit Hour
(3:48)  8. Song Of The Islands
(3:03)  9. Thief In The Night
(2:31) 10. I Hear The Music Now
(3:13) 11. Thanks For The Memory
(3:31) 12. It's The Talk Of The Town
(3:15) 13. Memphis in June
(2:53) 14. Ten Cents a Dance
(4:32) 15. Cry Me A River
(2:28) 16. I Go ForThat
(4:08) 17. Everthing Happens To Me
(4:13) 18. How Long, How Long Blues/ Song Of The Wanderer
(3:32) 19. Evenin'

There was something special about Rebecca Kilgore and Dave Frishberg's long-running engagement at the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Ore. Unfortunately, the gig ended in 1997. The good news is that one evening in February of that year, Alan Garren of the delightfully named Waltzing Bear Audio captured an hour of their collaboration. Garren's recording is up close and perfectly balanced. Musical, cheerful, literate and faultlessly in tune, Kilgore sang 17 songs. Frishberg was at the piano, not opening his mouth. Famous as a songwriter and singer, he is less well known these days as an accompanist and soloist. He is, however, a world-class pianist, favored in his salad days by Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Jimmy Rushing, Carmen McRae and Ben Webster. His work with Kilgore, including two solo features, is a firm reminder of that. From her enormous repertoire, Kilgore chose familiar songs like "Cry Me a River," 

"Everything Happens to Me" and "It's the Talk of the Town." She also presented wonderful obscurities, among them "Not Mine," "You Smell So Good," "Thief in the Night" and "The Starlit Hour." She is an optimist. In "Glad to Be Unhappy," she sounds glad, and means it. An accomplished musician who knows chords, Kilgore could no doubt scat. She chooses not to, rather like Mark Twain's gentleman who knows how to play the accordion but refrains from doing so. She creates variations on melodies, works wonders with lyrics and swings. She doesn't need to scat to be a jazz singer. 

~ Doug Ramsey  http://jazztimes.com/articles/12815-the-starlit-hour-rebecca-kilgore-dave-frishberg

Personnel: Dave Frishberg (piano); Rebecca Kilgore (vocals).

The Starlit Hour

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Tommy Banks, Al Muirhead, Campbell Ryga, George Koller, Blaine Wikjord - All The Stars Aren't In The Sky

Styles: Traditional Jazz Combo
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:22
Size: 180,0 MB
Art: Front

(10:23)  1. Things Aint What They Used To Be
( 9:01)  2. If I Should Lose You
( 7:40)  3. I Thought About You
( 9:03)  4. Waltz For Debbie
( 6:11)  5. For All We Know
( 7:11)  6. Out Of Nowhere
( 5:54)  7. Darn That Dream
(11:04)  8. The Way You Look Tonight
( 1:52)  9. Two For The Road
( 9:56) 10. Stars Fell On Alabama

In the fifteenth century it was common for scientists, and others to sit at the feet of Artists as they were the ones who had the answer to the cosmic riddle. In the middle 1950's it was the jazz guys of New York who had a straight pipe tapping into the mother lode of what it was all about. Making the leap from amateur to fully committed artist, a Studio separate from where we lived was important. Crucial to the overall strategic plan was being able to listen to the great jazz masters of the day who were the cutting edge of contemporaneous thought. The first item of furniture purchased for the Studio was a stereophonic LP record player. Being able to listen to what “it” was all about whilst engaged in the actual act of painting was vitally important. What a gifted time it all was! Late at night standing at the easel with loaded brush and fevered mind I listened to Art Tatum, Bud Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Charlie Parker, and so very many more. Playing tunes I was well familiar with such as “Stars Fell on Alabama”, “For all we know”, and “Moonlight in Vermont” they would weave intricate alternate lines contrapuntal to the musical passages written and in doing so prompt me to explore exciting alternate visual solutions.

They were the cutting edge of contemporaneous thought with intellectually challenging concepts. Their flights of fancy, and excursions into unexplored territory guided my brush, and informed my mind. My paintings of that time all owe a debt of great gratitude to those individuals, and the tunes of that day. Mounting this exhibition of works from that time I can think of no better way of celebrating them than to let the works hear the sort of sounds and music that were so instrumental in their creation so long ago. Playing those sorts of sounds, and that sort of music I can think of no finer artists than My good friend Al Muirhead, Campbell Ryga, the great Senator Tommy Banks , George Koller, and Blaine Wikjord to recreate those sounds. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tbcrgkbwam

All The Stars Aren't In The Sky

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Nathalie Loriers - Nympheas

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:27
Size: 115,8 MB
Art: Front

(9:35)  1. Désirs de Kiwis
(5:26)  2. Black Is Hard
(4:49)  3. Nat's Blues
(6:39)  4. Peace
(5:35)  5. Arica
(5:49)  6. Pleine lune
(6:02)  7. Nympheas
(6:27)  8. Nardis

Nathalie Loriers is a pianist of jazz Belgian born in Namur on 27 October 1966 and a native of Andenne. Trained in classical music, Nathalie Loriers quickly turned to jazz. Influenced by her professors Steve Houben and Charles Loos , barely 23 years old, the Belgian association of jazz critics elected him in 1989 "Best young talent in the country." The following year, she received the first prize for piano and jazz harmony at the Brussels Royal Conservatory of Music and the title of "Best Young Soloist" at the Brussels Jazz Rally. In 1999, she received an award DjangodOr and released the album Silent Spring. With his group, she won in 2000 the Eurodjango and price Bobby Jaspar awarded by the Academy of Jazz . 

Within a few years of career, Nathalie Loriers occurred over a dozen albums. She has worked with world-renowned musicians, including Toots Thielemans , Lee Konitz , Diederik Wissels and the singer David Linx , with whom she recorded Standards, released in 1997. Strongly influenced by his mentor Charles Loos, she released the album in 2002 titled Timbuktu. In 2004, she formed the duo crossed paths with the oud player Tunisian Yadh Elyes . Their repertoire is written by Nathalie Loriers and Yadh Elyes. The compositions are steeped in jazz and meditative oriental music. Since May 2005, the young Belgian-Jordanian oud player, Karim Baggili replaces Yadh Elyes within the group. Translate by google ~ http://translate.google.com.br/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathalie_Loriers&prev=search

Featuring : Nathalie Loriers (piano), Philippe Aerts (bass), Kurt Van Herck (saxophone), Mimi Verderame (drums)

Nympheas

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Carole Therrien - Oracle

Size: 129,0 MB
Time: 55:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Voyage De Reve (6:41)
02. Serenade In Blue (5:47)
03. Faux Printemps (6:17)
04. Maladie D'amour (Melodie D'amour) (1:46)
05. Effendi (Maitre) (6:02)
06. Triste (5:02)
07. Verte Verite (5:10)
08. Chanson De Septembre (5:45)
09. Opposition (4:51)
10. Airs D'ete (8:01)

Oracle is the first jazz release for Montréal native Carole Therrien, although not her first appearance on CD. In 1997, she participated in a recording with the group Alain Bédard/Auguste, and she has sung in the chorus on numerous recordings, including those of the Société de Musique Contemporaine du Québec, La Petite Bande de Montréal, the Cathedral Singers of Montréal Christ Church, and the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. A graduate of the University of Québec at Montréal with a B.A. in Classical Singing, she has been appearing in various clubs and hotels in Québec since 1994, singing jazz in duos, trios, and quartets. She received her first opportunity with Alain Bédard/Auguste, and bassist Bédard continues as her collaborator to this day. In 1999, with his help, Ms. Therrien founded Effendi Records.

This album combines eight originals – all but one co-written with band members, Christine Jensen, or McCoy Tyner (to whose “Effendi” Therrien has put words). The standards on the program include pieces by Warren and Gordon (“Serenade in Blue”); Salvador, Lanjean and Soime (“Maladie d’amour”); and Antonio Carlos Jobim (“Triste”). Therrien frequently uses her voice as an instrument, blending wordlessly into the musical ensemble with ease and skill (likely due to the fact that she has studied violin, piano, clarinet and bass clarinet). Her voice is clear, bright, vivacious, and lyrical, distinctively capturing the ambience of Québec’s capital. Instrumental soloists and rhythm section provide just the right touch, swinging and capable.

Ms. Therrien demonstrates her individual scatting abilities right out of the blocks. “Serenade in Blue” is taken a bit rapidly, with a rocking, singsong quality to the first chorus. “Faux printemps” casts a mysterious spell, as “Maladie d’amour” bubbles beautifully over guitar accompaniment. The album reaches its highest intensity with “Effendi,” Therrien using her voice both traditionally and instrumentally to exceptional effect. Alto, trumpet, and piano solos are noteworthy. Jobim’s poignant “Triste” is sung in both Portuguese and English; “Verte Vérité” is a crisp 6/8 romp and features a fine baritone solo; and “Song of September” is a harmonically rich, wistful, wordless ballad with a lovely flugelhorn solo.

The brisk, up-tempo “Opposition” features Therrien’s verse, scat, and delicious solos around the rhythm section; this tune in particular provides me with nostalgic visual images of Montréal. The title tune is a gentle Latin ballad. To bring it all home, Ms. Therrien has chosen a funky tune, with bluesy alto, tenor, trumpet, and vocal riffs over B3 organ. It succeeds masterfully in showing off her blues sensibilities, impeccable intonation and clarity throughout an impressive range.

Oracle

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Mitch Shiner & The BloomingTones Big Band - Fly!

Size: 150,6 MB
Time: 64:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Big Band
Art: Front

01. Dragon Express (5:39)
02. When You Wish Upon A Star (5:58)
03. Wrecking Ball Oggun (5:36)
04. Fly! (8:33)
05. An Evening Thought (6:46)
06. 6/20 Shuffle (5:29)
07. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head (6:15)
08. Malibu Jump (6:01)
09. Watchful Eyes (5:46)
10. Brother To Brother (8:09)

"Hoosier Jazz" isn't an actual sub-genre of music, but that geographical tag fits this album so well. Drummer/Percussionist Mitch Shiner, a graduate of Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, put together a Bloomington-based big band built around his IU chums, be they students, alums, local hotshots or professors. Then he simply fed them some killer arrangements and let them spread their wings.

Fly!, the maiden voyage of Mitch Shiner And The BloomingTones Big Band, is a tight set that sparkles with ingenuity. Twists, turns, high spirits, all-out power, parting of the musical seas, and gilded tones are all part of the package. The album is populated by Shiner originals, a pair of classics reborn ("When You Wish Upon A Star" and "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"), a Santeria-spiced take on a Miley Cyrus hit ("Wrecking Ball"), a dose of IU jazz chief David Baker's work ("An Evening Thought"), and an album-ending take on Gino Vannelli's "Brother To Brother." It's quite a diverse assortment, but Shiner ties it together beautifully.

The album opens with "Dragon Express," Shiner's driven ode to a favorite Bloomington Chinese food restaurant. He expertly steers the band from behind the kit on that one, but the follow-up track—a radically redressed "When You Wish Upon A Star"—finds him behind the vibes, running down intricate patterns in seven. Muted brass, soaring lines, a bubbly electric bass solo from Rob Walker, a shimmering vibes episode that leads to more energetic soloing, and a fine balance between exuberance and restraint all help to make this one an album highlight. The Cyrus tune comes next. Steady eighth notes set things in motion and a light touch informs the piece at first, but things get a little crazy down the road. The band is all fire and power as the melody of the chorus shines through, Michael Spiro chants away atop percussive rumbling, saxophonist Matt Roehrich gets a chance to stand front and center, and everybody has a grand old time.

If the album had nothing else to offer, those first three songs would've been enough. But plenty of other thrills follow. The uplifting title track, the jumping "6:20 Shuffle," the gently swaying "Watchful Eyes," and the warm, vibraphone-focused take on "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" are all first-rate. Shiner's peers do a fine job when they step up to the plate for solos, but they aren't the only game in town. Shiner's teachers/mentors also do their part. Spiro chants his heart out, trumpeter Pat Harbison shines on "Watchful Eyes," and trombonist Wayne Wallace, who released this recording on his Patois Records imprint, makes two appearances. Everybody truly bands together to help Shiner achieve his vision on the thoroughly enjoyable Fly!. ~Dan Bilawsky

Personnel: Amanda Gardier: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, alto flute, Adam Carrillo: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Matt Roehrich: tenor saxophone, alto flute, clarinet; Alex Young: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Steven Banks: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Jordan Ghain: trumpet, flugelhorn; Josiah Lamb: trumpet, flugelhorn; Joe Anderson: EVI (10); Lexie Signor: trumpet, flugelhorn; Pat Harbison: trumpet (5, 9); Dan Coffman: trombone; John Sorsen: trombone; Stewart Rhodes: trombone; Wayne Wallace: trombone (5, 9); Brennan Johns: bass trombone; Matt Johnson: tuba (5, 9); Eric Dumouchelle: French horn (7); Torrey D'Angelo: French horn (7); Matt MacDougall: guitar; Richard Baskin: vocals (3, 5, 10); Michael SPiro: vocals (3); Anna Butterss: bass (1, 6, 8); Rob Walker: bass (2, 3, 4, 7, 10); Jeremy Allen: bass (5, 9); John Weisiger: piano; Joe Galvin: bata (2), guiro (5); Kristin Olson: bata (2), congas (6, 8, 10), timbales (10), shakers (10); Mitch Shiner: congas (5), maracas (5), shekere (2), shakers (9, 10), triangle (9); Kristin Olson: vibraphone (1, 4, 6, 8); Mitch Shiner: vibraphone (2, 7, 9); Ben Lumsdaine: drums (9); Josh Roberts: drums (2, 7); Mitch Shiner: drums (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10).

Fly!

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Simone Gubbiotti - The Hammond Trio

Size: 122,4 MB
Time: 53:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Mind the Gap (5:04)
02. Ana Rita (5:28)
03. Simone Blues (7:55)
04. It Could Happen to You (5:08)
05. J. And J (5:47)
06. Lidia (6:19)
07. Beautiful Love (6:50)
08. E.N (5:00)
09. We Will Meet Again (5:28)

Performers:
Simone Gubbiotti, Guitar | Joe La Barbera Drums | Joe Bagg, Hammond

Simone Gubbiotti follows up his debut release on Dot Time Records with a new release titled “The Hammond Trio”. As you can guess the name says it all, a classic organ trio release featuring Joe Bagg on Hammond and Joe La Barbera on Drums. Recorded in 2008 this album has been re-mastered and released as a digital only release.

The Hammond Trio

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The Swingcats - The Story Of Swing

Size: 88,0 MB
Time: 37:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz, Vocals, Swing, Jumpin' Jive
Art: Front

01. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:05)
02. Sing Sing Sing (3:11)
03. Hello Dolly (2:53)
04. Just A Gigolo (3:29)
05. Memories Are Made Of This (2:20)
06. The Glory Of Love (2:54)
07. Got To Get You Into My Life (3:07)
08. Worksong (3:23)
09. Yeah Yeah (3:11)
10. Runaround Sue (3:26)
11. You’ve Got A Friend In Me (3:06)
12. Give A Little Love (3:03)

The Swing Cats are a live Swing band with a difference; their set list is made up of the more uptempo hits from the swing dance era of the 1940’s and 1950’s
Lead by charismatic front man Luke Thomas on lead vocals, the mildly eccentric Charco Bernard on piano, Steady Simon Mc Veigh on the double bass, Dennis Skully on Saxophone, Eoghan Cooke on Trumpet and Dave Ringo Keegan on the big bass drum.
While still immersed in the music of Luis Prima, The Ratpack, Luis Jordan and other such legends from the golden age of American big band swing music. The Swing Cats have drawn on these icons as their main influences but have put quite their own unique contemporary twist on this music which has given them a unique brand of high energy swing dance music that gets all ages on the dance floor from the beginning until the end of any occasion.

The Story Of Swing

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Geoff Aymar - The Trio Vol. 2

Size: 104,6 MB
Time: 45:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. But Not For Me (5:09)
02. Slinkin' (4:13)
03. Gone With The Wind (4:53)
04. You Don't Know What Love Is (6:17)
05. Lady Be Good (5:06)
06. Night And Day (5:33)
07. Marina Blues (4:36)
08. If I Had You (5:06)
09. Birk's Works (4:20)

Los Angeles based pianist, Geoff Aymar, has digitally released (for the first time) his first two trio CD’s recorded in the late 1990’s. The Trio--Volume One and Volume Two. The two volumes were recorded in one long session with bassist and legendary producer/engineer Malcolm Cecil and drummer Johnny Kirkwood (Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington, Plas Johnson). The trio worked together regularly at a hotel in Marina Del Rey when this was recorded which made them a cohesive and finely-tuned musical ensemble.

Geoff was a fixture for many years at the Marina Beach Hotel where he played five nights a week both solo and with small groups. As jazz critic Scott Yanow noted “Aymar plays on a much higher level than the usual hotel pianist.” The hotel gig was fertile ground for Geoff’s musical muse and allowed him to play with many of the finest jazz musicians in LA. Musicians such as: guitarists Frank Potenza and Larry Koonse; bassists Eugene Wright, Andy Simpkins, Al Mckibbon, Luther Hughes; Saxophonists Rob Kyle, Jeff Clayton, Ricky Woodard among many others.

These CD’s were recorded at 29th Street Studio in Torrance, California. The studio was owned by David Benoit and recorded on David’s personal Steinway from his home that happened to be in the studio at the time of the recording. The sound quality is extraordinary thanks to Malcolm who won a Grammy award for engineering Steve Wonder’s “Innervision”. Johnny’s playing is hard swinging and tightly wound around Malcolms growling bass notes that dance between Geoff’s bluesy and melodic improvisations.

Geoff went on to play many top venues in Los Angeles after these recordings while also pursuing a direction as a composer. His last CD “Can’t Stop Now” was his first disc of all original music and once again had Malcolm Cecil at the helm as producer..working his aural magic on the sessions. Can’t Stop Now features guitarist Larry Koonse, drummer Kendal Kay and bassist David May.

The Trio Vol. 2

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Ireedman & Ms. Monet - Talk To Somebody

Size: 101,8 MB
Time: 43:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Soul, R&B, funk
Art: Front

01. Strawberry Letter 23 (4:02)
02. Turn Around (4:28)
03. Where Ya Goin (3:51)
04. Funk-A-Fire (4:33)
05. Stay This Way (4:03)
06. Don't Burn The Bridge (4:43)
07. Whiskey Nights (4:31)
08. The Wells Run Dry (4:23)
09. Talk To Somebody (4:44)
10. Orange Sky (4:07)

This soulful pairing of world-class saxophonist, Joel C. Peskin, AKA iReedman and supremely talented vocalist, Ms. Monét, results in an exciting blend of jazz, funk, sax and sizzle on TALK TO SOMEBODY. A true protégé of woodwind legends, Peskin has navigated his career from the avant garde jazz scene of New York to touring and recording with iconic music stars including the Beach Boys, Canned Heat, Albert Collins, Frank Zappa, and Barbra Streisand, to the west coast and hundreds of TV and film sessions, collaborating with Merry Clayton on dance recordings, and is an original band member of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Ms. Monét is a performer’s performer… The California Bay Area native offers up pure vocal genius. From theater to stage, performing for Presidents (Obama and Clinton) and world-wide touring with Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Toto, Queen Latifah, Kenny Loggins and more! Together these two, known as iReedman & Ms. Monét are unstoppable… the Dynamic Duo of contemporary jazz leads off with a killer cover of “Strawberry Letter 23,” while the album also features originals that tightly fuse jazz, R&B and soul and include compelling instrumentals. ~SANDY SHORE

Talk To Somebody

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Luciano Magno - Estrada Do Tempo

Size: 108,9 MB
Time: 46:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Brazilian Jazz
Art: Front

01. De Olinda A Los Angeles (4:26)
02. Virado A Paulista (4:16)
03. Estrada Do Tempo (5:22)
04. Samba Boat (4:45)
05. Linda Alegria (5:01)
06. Samba Magno (3:27)
07. Maxixe (2:59)
08. Baiao Pra Luiz (4:14)
09. Cafune (4:44)
10. Fervilhando (3:12)
11. Dominguiando (3:33)

Luciano Magno (born in Paulo Afonso, Bahia) is a Brazilian guitarist, songwriter, singer, arranger and record producer.

Magno is a guitar virtuoso and one of the new names of the Brazilian instrumental music.

His music brings a remarkable representation to the Brazilian guitar, transiting with great fluency in the universe of frevo, samba, choro, bossa and baiao.

His musical career began in Recife in the 90's years and released his first instrumental album (Freedom) in 2000, by the record label Sony distribution Polydisc. The album that features names like Naná Vasconcelos, Dominguinhos and Heraldo do Monte, earned him several positive reviews and mentions in various magazines in the genre. Luciano Magno performed at the Montreux Festival in the same year, featuring the repertoire from the album Freedom, with a band that featured the participation of saxophonist Spok.

Estrada Do Tempo

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Frank Sinatra - London

Size: 101,5+180,4+138,1 MB
Time: 41:00+78:26+59:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Swing
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. The Very Thought Of You (3:29)
02. We'll Gather Lilacs In The Spring (3:10)
03. If I Had You (4:03)
04. Now Is The Hour (2:47)
05. The Gypsy (3:16)
06. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (3:50)
07. A Garden In The Rain (3:20)
08. London By Night (3:14)
09. We'll Meet Again (3:41)
10. I'll Follow My Secret Heart (3:14)
11. Roses Of Picardy (2:57)
12. Introduction (0:06)
13. Sinatra On A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (0:29)
14. Sinatra On The Gypsy (0:20)
15. Sinatra On We'll Meet Again (0:14)
16. Sinatra On A Garden In The Raint (0:22)
17. Sinatra On I'll Follow My Secret Heart (0:23)
18. Sinatra On The Very Thought Of You (0:35)
19. Sinatra On If I Had You (0:21)
20. Sinatra On We'll Gather Lilacs In The Spring (0:24)
21. Sinatra On Now Is The Hour (0:20)
22. Sinatra On London By Night (0:14)

CD 2:
01. The Very Thought Of You (Session Take) (13:47)
02. A Garden In The Rain (Session Take) ( 3:56)
03. London By Night (Session Take) (17:23)
04. The Gypsy (Session Take) (12:45)
05. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (Session Take) ( 8:42)
06. We'll Meet Again (Session Take) ( 7:23)
07. Medley: I've Got The World On A String/Day In, Day Out/London By Night (BBC Show Band Show 1953) (14:27)

CD 3:
01. Fly Me To The Moon (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:19)
02. The Lady Is A Tramp (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:57)
03. Come Rain Or Come Shine (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (3:45)
04. This Is All I Ask (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (3:53)
05. L.A. Is My Lady (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:57)
06. Pennies From Heaven (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:03)
07. Monologue (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:58)
08. Luck Be A Lady (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:42)
09. My Way (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:55)
10. Here's To The Band (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:35)
11. These Foolish Things (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (3:54)
12. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:01)
13. Don't Worry 'bout Me (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (3:36)
14. New York, New York (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:15)
15. Strangers In The Night (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (2:06)
16. Mack The Knife (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (4:40)
17. Bows You Are There (Live At Royal Albert Hall 1984) (1:40)

For several weeks during the spring of 1962, London's music scene buzzed with the rumor that Frank Sinatra was to record a new album there. Indeed, in June that year, the iconic star traveled to the U.K. to record Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain. Recorded over three consecutive nights at London's CTS Studios, Great Songs From Great Britain would be the only album Sinatra would ever record outside of the United States.

On November 25, Universal Music Enterprises & Frank Sinatra Enterprises will release Sinatra: LONDON, a deluxe 3-CD/DVD and digital audio collection presenting the remastered original studio album with a treasure trove of other London highlights from Sinatra's career. The expansive set's more than 50 previously unreleased recordings include session material from the album, a 1962 BBC 'Light Programme' radio special with introductions to each song by Sinatra himself, a 1953 live session for BBC Radio's 'The Show Band Show,' and a Royal Albert Hall concert from 1984.

London CD 1
London CD 2
London CD 3

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The Michaelmas Ensemble - Christmas Jazz

Size: 90,3 MB
Time: 38:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Holiday
Art: Front

01. The Christmas Song (5:41)
02. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (2:06)
03. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (5:31)
04. White Christmas (3:22)
05. Baby, It's Cold Outside (3:20)
06. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (3:10)
07. Santa Baby (3:21)
08. Winter Wonderland (2:51)
09. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (3:35)
10. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (5:55)

Sorry but no info available.

Christmas Jazz

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Melissa Stylianou - Sliding Down

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:00
Size: 117,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. Them There Eyes
(4:10)  2. L'Amitie
(6:37)  3. Sliding Down
(4:10)  4. Mary's In The Tub
(3:52)  5. Blackbird
(4:56)  6. That Ole Devil Called Love
(4:42)  7. Two Across
(5:56)  8. Three Little Girls
(3:41)  9. East Of The Sun
(4:44) 10. Lohengrin
(4:59) 11. All Of You

Melissa Stylianou has long established herself as one of the hottest singers in Canada. She took off from Toronto, soaring into the imagination of listeners, and with good reason: she interprets a song with articulate assurance and a fine sense of phrasing. Stylainou has paid her dues. She formed her first band, a trio, in 1997. Four years later she augmented the lineup, turning the group into a sextet. Her tours of Canada cemented her reputation, as well as her performances in Toronto, where she has played most often at the Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar. Stylianou's astute choice of tunes on this recording encompasses standards that would test the mettle of any singer, a Lennon/McCartney song and her own compositions. She pares her backup to a trio for the percolating "Them There Eyes. Her voice is peppy and sparkling as she dances into the percussion of Alan Hetherington. She captures the mood perfectly, wistfulness moving into fulfillment and joy. 

The mood is quieter on "All of You. Stylianou again imparts heartfelt depth, aided by an empathic trio with some tasteful electric guitar playing by Rob Piltch. "L'Amite is a standout track. It's in French, and Stylianou is right at home in the language, imbuing the song with a captivating allure. Kevin Breit adds to the dynamics on the tenor guitar. Any of the original compositions is worth dwelling on, but the story of a relationship on "Two Across has its own particular appeal. It's about love that beats and palpitates and resides in the heart, carrying its own special meaning. Stylianou now resides in New York. Hopefully, she will gain the wider recognition she deserves. If any proof is required, it comes up trumps on this recording. ~ Jerry D’Souza  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/sliding-down-melissa-stylianou-sleepin-bee-review-by-jerry-dsouza.php

Personnel: Melissa Stylianou: vocals; Kim Ratcliffe: acoustic guitar; Artie Roth: bass; Ted Warren: drums; Alan Hetherington: drums and percussion; Kevin Breit: mandolin, acoustic, tenor, electric slide and national steel guitars; Kevin Fox: cello; Jamie Reynolds: piano; Rob Piltch: electric guitar; Davide Direnzo: drums; Jon Maharaj: bass.

Sliding Down

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The Eric Ineke Jazzxpress - Blues, Ballads & Other Bright Moments

Styles: Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:34
Size: 134,4 MB
Art: Front

( 9:56)  1. Nightingale
( 7:15)  2. A Monk's Dream
( 8:12)  3. You Don't Know What Love Is
(11:52)  4. The Jamf's Are Coming
( 6:22)  5. Round Midnight
( 5:38)  6. A Portrait Of Jenny
( 9:15)  7. Jotosco

When Bob Hagen offered my band the opportunity to play in his JazzImpulse Concert Series for the 2008-2009 season, I was pleasantly surprised. The JazzXpress doesn’t often get the chance to perform on a theater circuit, which is usually reserved for music appealing to a wide audience. (We played on double bills with the wonderful singer and piano player Sanna van Vliet.) The audiences we played for were enthusiastic, and Marius, our bass player and engineer(!), suggested we tape a couple of concerts, allowing us to document the music on this CD.

After three studio albums, it was time for a live album where everybody could stretch out a bit more and respond to audience feedback.  Our tour repertoire was a mixture of standards, a few originals written by Johnny Griffin, one by Thelonious Monk and one by Marius Beets. Listening back to the tapes to make a selection for this CD, I was amazed how the band sounded live. The combination of the right spirit, talent, musicianship and swing from Rik Mol, Sjoerd Dijkhuizen, Rob van Bavel and Marius Beets makes me feel proud to be the leader of (and drummer in) this group. (from the linernotes of this CD by Eric Ineke).  http://www.challengerecords.com/products/1297165409/

Personnel: Eric Ineke (drums); Sjoerd Dijkhuizen (tenor saxophone); Rob van Bavel (piano).

Blues, Ballads & Other Bright Moments

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The Hot Sardines - The Hot Sardines

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:20
Size: 94,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:04)  1. Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen
(2:49)  2. Let’s Go
(4:03)  3. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance With You
(3:06)  4. Goin’ Crazy With The Blues
(4:05)  5. Wake Up In Paris
(2:46)  6. Zazou (Sweet Sue)
(3:39)  7. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(3:20)  8. Your Feet's Too Big
(3:51)  9. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:22) 10. Petite Fleur
(4:09) 11. What A Little Moonlight Can Do

Bandleader Evan Bibs Palazzo and lead singer Miz Elizabeth combine with the Sardine ensemble of powerhouse musicians and their very own tap dancer to play hot jazz as it was in the era when live music was king...with a little glamour, a little grit, and a lot of passion. Even while giving voice to the history-defining jazz of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the Hot Sardines vibrant performances bridge generations and captivate 21st century audiences. Forbes Magazine calls them One of the best jazz bands in NYC today. The Hot Sardines have a distinctive recipe for making musical magic: take a blustery brass lineup, layer it over a rhythm section led by a stride-piano virtuoso in the Fats Waller vein, and tie it all together with a one-of-the-boys front-woman who sings in both English and French with a voice from another era. The brainchild of Bibs and Miz Elizabeth, the Sardine sound fuses musical influences from New York, Paris, and New Orleans that were nurtured from the Prohibition era through the Great Depression, WWII and beyond. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/The-Hot-Sardines/dp/B00M856CNY

One of the best jazz bands in NYC today ~ Forbes Magazine

A sound and style that are distinctly their own ~ Vanity Fair

Unforgettably wild… consistently electrifying ~ Popmatters.com

Personnel: Elizabeth Bougerol (vocals, washboard, tambourine); Sam "Fez" Raderman (guitar, banjo); Nick Myers (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); Evan Palazzo (accordion, piano, background vocals); Jason Prover (trumpet); Joe McDonough (trombone); Evan Crane (sousaphone); Alex Raderman (drums, percussion).

The Hot Sardines

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The Great Jazz Trio - Someday My Prince Will Come

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:13
Size: 129,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:35)  1. Caravan
(4:47)  2. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(6:27)  3. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(5:19)  4. Moose The Mooche
(5:06)  5. A Child Is Born
(5:18)  6. Satin Doll
(4:43)  7. Someday My Prince Will Come
(6:51)  8. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(5:54)  9. Long Ago And Far Away
(5:08) 10. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

Founded in 1976 by Hank Jones, the Great Jazz Trio produced several recordings and changed bassists and drummers frequently. This album marks the final studio recording for brothers Hank and Elvin Jones together. Elvin, who is heard here in his prime, soloing frequently and coloring everything admirably, passed away in May at age 76. The trio interprets these chestnuts with authority. As Richard Davis reiterates "Moose the Mooche" with bowed bass, he applies his personal zeal to the formula. Both bass and drums solo frequently, giving this trio session its equilateral charm. When Hank Jones expounds upon "Satin Doll" or "Someday My Prince Will Come," it's not like anything you've heard before. His creativity continues to produce vibrant improvisations unlike the standard treatment. The pianist renews himself every time out. His lush harmony and delicate touch give the audience just enough. Spontaneous left hand chord adjustments provide unexpected surprises on "Satin Doll" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." 

The latter is performed a cappella. The Great Jazz Trio has given us the best of three worlds. Elvin Jones provides remarkable drum set action with a variety of textures. Richard Davis adds bowed and pizzicato thrills that respect these time-honored melodies. And Hank Jones continues to preach the gospel of bebop candidly, with an unforgettable charm. ~ Jim Santella  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/someday-my-prince-will-come-eighty-eights-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Hank Jones- piano; Richard Davis- bass; Elvin Jones- drums.

Someday My Prince Will Come

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