Danilo Rea Trio - Romantica

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:36
Size: 171,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:39)  1. Reginella
(4:39)  2. Munastero 'E Santa Chiara
(5:23)  3. Tu Si' 'Na Cosa Grande
(4:04)  4. Core 'Ngrato (Catari Catari)
(5:04)  5. Santa Lucia
(6:06)  6. Che Cosa C'e
(6:24)  7. Torna A Surriento
(4:24)  8. Parlami D'amore Mariu
(5:27)  9. Metti Una Sera A Cena
(5:58) 10. Resta Cu'mme
(4:08) 11. Un Giorno Dopo L'altro
(4:38) 12. Se Stasera Sono Qui
(4:56) 13. O' Surdato 'Nnammurato
(6:39) 14. Il Silenzio

One of Italy's leading jazz pianists, Danilo Rea received a solid musical training, obtaining his degree from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. Among the artists he has worked with on-stage and in the recording studios are Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Steve Grossman, Bob Berg, Michael Breker, Billy Cobam, Aldo Romano, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano and others. In the field of pop music his peerless credentials include Mina, Pino Daniele, Claudio Baglioni, Fiorella Mannoia and many others. He has worked with Giovanni Tommaso's quintet "Lingomania" (Top jazz 1987). He has given concerts in Italy ,France, England, US, India, Senegal and China. Together with percussionist Roberto Gatto he recorded Improvvisi (Gala Records). 

He is currently co-leader of the trio "Doctor 3"(with Enzo Pietropaoli and Fabrizio Sferra), one of the most highly-acclaimed groups in Italy. Under the "Via Veneto" label he has recorded the solo CD Lost in Europe which brings together the highlights of his year 2000 tour. He is also much sought-after as a performer in classical music settings. Noteworthy among these are Roberto De Simone's Requiem for PierPaolo Pasolini under the direction of Zoltan Pesko at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. At the Teatro Rossini in Pesaro, in-ensemble , he performed in "Rossini, mon amour" production for the "Rossini Opera Festival". 

He has also appeared with Roberto Gatto in the context of a jazz festival at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome. In recent years he has dedicated himself to teaching and master classes in jazz and improvisation techniques. http://www.mymusicbase.ru/PPB/ppb37/Bio_3743.htm

Personnel:  Danilo Rea (piano); Ares Tavolazzi (bass); Roberto Gatto (drums)

Romantica

---

Abbie Gardner - My Craziest Dream

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:09
Size: 112.5 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[2:33] 1. Happy Feet
[3:07] 2. It's Only A Paper Moon
[2:27] 3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[3:57] 4. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[3:44] 5. Them There Eyes
[4:15] 6. Cheek To Cheek
[3:12] 7. I Had The Craziest Dream
[2:40] 8. Your Mother's Son-In-Law
[3:03] 9. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[3:24] 10. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
[3:39] 11. Mean To Me
[3:04] 12. Tuxedo Junction
[3:40] 13. Ain't Misbehavin
[2:43] 14. Staten Island
[3:35] 15. Gunshots And Sirens

A young singer, Abbie Gardner has a pleasing voice and swings while sticking close to the vintage lyrics and melodies that she interprets. Clearly, her most important inspiration is her father, veteran swing pianist Herb Gardner, who also contributes background vocals on a few numbers. They perform 13 tunes that are mostly from the late 1920s and early '30s, assisted greatly by the fluent and creative playing of Dan Levinson on clarinet (where his sound is just a little reminiscent of Tony Parenti) and tenor. Some of the numbers are warhorses but a few others "("Happy Feet," "Under a Blanket of Blue" and "Your Mother's Son-in-Law" in particular) are not performed all that often. Clearly, father and daughter had a fun time performing this music. The final two numbers -- a tribute to Herb's home ("Staten Island") and the humorous "Gunshots and Sirens" -- feature Herb on a pair of good-time vocals. This CD is easy to enjoy and shows that Abbie Gardner is a singer with strong future potential. ~Scott Yanow

My Craziest Dream

---

Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine - It's About Time

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:48
Size: 169.0 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[6:21] 1. Perdido
[5:58] 2. American Gothic (Feat. Steve Steinberg)
[4:47] 3. Some Other Time (Feat. Janet Hammer)
[9:13] 4. The Salt Shaker (Feat. Dean Brown & Bernie Dresel)
[5:01] 5. Go 'way Moon (Feat. Bill Cantos, Janet Hammer & Nathan Fry)
[7:48] 6. Four On Six (Feat. Dean Brown)
[6:38] 7. Sally O (Feat. Eric Marienthal)
[4:52] 8. That Old Black Magic (Feat. Nathan Fry)
[3:44] 9. The Epitome Of The Ballad
[7:24] 10. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Feat. Gilbert Castellanos)
[5:05] 11. When The Sun Comes Out (Feat. Janet Hammer)
[6:52] 12. Glory, Glory (Feat. Wayne Bergeron)

So are there any first-rate big bands worth hearing in California outside of the Los Angeles area? So happy you asked. As a matter of fact, San Diego is solidly entrenched in that position thanks to the superb Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine which, coincidentally, has recorded a spectacular new album, It's About Time. Even though the Jazz Machine is now thirty-five years old, its various working parts remain untarnished, ensuring that no mishaps or glitches arise to impair a consistently bright and exhilarating studio session.

To further underwrite its success, Liss persuaded a number of prominent friends and colleagues to lend a hand. And lend a hand they do, from guitarist Dean Brown ("The Salt Shaker," "Four on Six") to pianist Bill Cantos (his own "Go 'Way Moon"), alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal ("Sally 'O'"), percussionist Bernie Dresel ("The Salt Shaker") and trumpeters Gilbert Castellanos ("Softly as in a Morning Sunrise") and Wayne Bergeron ("Glory, Glory"). Impressive as they are, however, the Jazz Machine readily keeps pace, unleashing some powerful weapons of its own. Tenor David Castel De Oro and trombonist David Murray are exemplary on Juan Tizol's venerable "Perdido," as are tenor Steve Steinberg (the late Bob Berg's "American Gothic"), pianist Steve Sibley ("Some Other Time"), flugel Ella Steinberg ("Go 'Way Moon," Ray Brown's "The Epitome of the Ballad"), alto Dick McGuane ("Glory, Glory") and drummer Charlie McGhee ("The Salt Shaker," "Four on Six").

Even with such outstanding personnel, there are times when a lack of engaging charts can sink an enterprise. Happily, that is not the case here, as every arrangement—including five by maestro-in-residence Chris Braymen—is sharp and seductive. The Army Blues' Alan Baylock scored Wes Montgomery's "Four on Six" (on which a guitar / sax section soli recreates Montgomery's original solo) and "Morning Sunrise," trombonist Tom Garling "When the Sun Comes Out," and Mike Crotty, former chief arranger for the USAF Airmen of Note, "American Gothic." Ray Brown wrote and arranged "Epitome of the Ballad" (whose handsome solos are by Steve Steinberg, Ella Steinberg and trumpeter Randy Aviles), the late Peter Herbolzheimer "Sally 'O.'" Rob Vuono Jr. arranged "That Old Black Magic," one of the album's four vocals (by Nathan Fry). Fry duets with Janet Hammer on "Go 'Way Moon," while Hammer has center stage to herself on "Some Other Time" and Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler's "When the Sun Comes Out." "Glory, Glory," co-written by Braymen and one of the album's four dedicatees, Maynard Ferguson, requires an especially strong lead trumpet. Enter Bergeron, one of the world's foremost section supervisors, who makes sure nothing lands short of exceptional.

San Diego, it's said, is a wonderful place to visit, an opinion that can only be enhanced by the presence there of a world-class ensemble such as the Big Band Jazz Machine. If the local Chamber of Commerce hasn't bought into that, It's About Time it did. ~Jack Bowers

Ira B. Liss: leader; Chris Braymen: composer, arranger; Randy Aviles: trumpet; Mark Nicholson: trumpet; Les Kepics: trumpet (1-4, 8, 9, 11); John Reynolds: trumpet (5-7, 10, 12); Ella Steinberg: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dick McGuane: alto, soprano sax, flute, piccolo (1, 2, 4-6, 10, 12); Glenn Richardson: alto sax, flute (3, 8, 9, 11); Tyler Richardson: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Steve Steinberg: tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Dave Castel De Oro: tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Ross Rizzo Jr.: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Gary Bucher: trombone; David Murray: trombone; David Barnard: trombone (5-7, 10, 12); Todd Jobin: trombone (3, 8, 9, 11); Jordan Morita: trombone (1, 2, 4); Tim Hall: bass trombone; Steve Sibley: piano; Lance Jeppesen: bass; Charlie “Stix” Mcghee: drums; Janet Hammer: vocals; Nathan Fry: vocals. Special Guest Artists – Wayne Bergeron: trumpet (12); Dean Brown: guitar (4, 6); Bill Cantos: piano (5); Gilbert Castellanos: trumpet (10); Bernie Dresel: percussion; Eric Marienthal: alto sax (7).

It's About Time

---

Charles McPherson - Come Play With Me

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:41
Size: 138.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995/2008
Art: Front

[4:41] 1. Get Happy
[9:15] 2. Lonely Little Chimes
[6:50] 3. Marionette
[7:16] 4. Pretty Girl Blues
[6:34] 5. Darn That Dream
[5:53] 6. Bloomdido
[7:12] 7. Jumping Jacks
[5:42] 8. Fun House
[7:13] 9. Blues for Camile

Charles McPherson, who will always be best known for his roots in Charlie Parker's style and his period with Charles Mingus, proves on this CD to still be in his musical prime decades later. Although he had rarely played with any of the sidemen heard on his Arabesque release before, the quartet presents a unified sound, as if they were a regularly working group. McPherson performs three veteran standards and six originals, with most of the latter being closely related to the blues; "Pretty Girl Blues" sounds like a mixture of a couple of Bird lines and "Fun House" is based on "Limehouse Blues," while the best of the new compositions is the hard bop boogaloo "Marionette." But no matter what the vehicle, McPherson is in top form throughout this fine date and he sounds clearly inspired by the presence of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Santi Debriano, and drummer Lewis Nash. ~Scott Yanow

Come Play With Me

---

Jessica Elbert - Anlage

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:09
Size: 111,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:40)  1. Dindi
(3:41)  2. A Little Tear
(3:14)  3. I Like You, You're Nice
(3:40)  4. I Thought About You
(3:56)  5. And the Angles Sing
(7:22)  6. Midnight Sun
(4:35)  7. Four
(3:37)  8. I Remember You
(5:19)  9. You are My Sunshine

An exciting new Vocal Jazz artist out of New York City, with beautiful phrasing paired with unbelievable vocal quality that breathes new life into old jazz favorites. Singing since the age of five, Jessica Elbert was raised in a family of singers, getting her start in church and school choirs. Jessica was fourteen when she began formal classical vocal training with Joan Kaplon in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has since studied with a variety of notable vocal teachers, including Lisa Campbell Albert in St. Louis, Missouri, Judy Niemack in Naperville, Illinois, and Ellen Shade and Phil Hall in New York City. 

During her college years, Jessica was the recipient of numerous vocal awards, including “Best Soloist” by the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) in 2001 and other nods from Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) as a runner up for the “Best Mixed Collegiate Song” for one of her solo works, and was also included on the Best of Collegiate A Cappella (BOCA) in 2002 for another of her solo works. Since graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 2002, Jessica has lived in New York City, pursuing her singing career. After exploring a number of musical genres during her early years in New York, a chance series of events led her to study with Peter Eldridge, a noted Jazz Musician and teacher. Jessica put away the arias, show tunes and pop, and has focused on the study of Jazz ever since.

Jessica is thrilled to release her debut album "Anlage", an exciting collection of songs with accompaniment by such notables as tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm. Anlage is a blend of popular standards (I Remember You, Midnight Sun) and Brazilian classics (Dindi, A Little Tear), all that showcase Jessica's remarkable talent and stunning ability so early into her career. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jessicaelbert

Anlage

---

Dave Brubeck - Jazz Impressions of Eurasia

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:51
Size: 91,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:23)  1. Nomad
(6:55)  2. Brandenburg Gate
(5:02)  3. The Golden Horn
(3:35)  4. Thank You (Dziekuje)
(6:59)  5. Marble Arch
(9:54)  6. Calcutta Blues

In 1958, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, one of the most popular jazz groups in the world, played 80 concerts in 14 countries during a three-month period. To salute the marathon road trip, the pianist/leader composed six songs for a new recording (which is now out on this CD). "Nomad" and "Brandenburg Gate" are the best-known originals but all of the other selections are equally enjoyable, featuring fine solos from Brubeck and altoist Paul Desmond. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-impressions-of-eurasia-mw0000073287

Personnel:  Dave Brubeck – piano; Paul Desmond - alto saxophone.

Jazz Impressions of Eurasia

---

David Benoit - Earthglow

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:21
Size: 113,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. Botswana Bossa Nova
(4:33)  2. Will's Chill
(4:08)  3. Unbelievable
(4:40)  4. Easy Day
(4:14)  5. Straightaway
(3:25)  6. New Creation
(4:25)  7. Earthglow
(4:06)  8. Sneaky As A Cat
(4:13)  9. Downtime
(4:35) 10. Brownie's Gone
(6:02) 11. Freedom At Midnight (The Schroeder Variations)

Having emerged at a time when many smooth jazz artists seemed to be in competition to sound alike, David Benoit has always been able to distinguish himself. The pianist has earned five Grammy nominations, and has successfully moved from orchestral to jazz to pop, sometimes mixing all three with other sounds. Those other sounds include Latin and Brazilian, which are woven into the tapestry of Earthglow. Accompanying Benoit is a varied supporting cast that includes trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa and flutist Tim Weisberg. "Unbelievable" begins with Brad Dutz's unaccompanied percussive sounds, joined by Braun's muted trumpet and Benoit's piano. David Hughes' electric bass sets the groove during the song's main theme. After a quiet passage, with piano complemented by some ethereal keyboards sounds, the funk comes out, with Hughes and drummer Jamey Tate paving the way. During another quiet passage, Braun breaks out the flugelhorn, accompanied only by piano. The song shifts back and forth between the groove and the placid. One of the strongest songs in the set is also the shortest, "New Creation."

With the percussion giving it a Latin vibe, Benoit enjoys a spirited jaunt, first on piano and then on Rhodes. He packs lot into a limited window. "Sneaky as a Cat" features Braun on muted trumpet and Weisberg. The melody has a prowling, inner-city vibe, while the background injects some bossa nova, which is an underlying rhythm on a few other tracks. Weisberg's middle solo is accompanied at first only by piano and tablas, but bass and drums join in later. Tate employs some varied textures on the cymbals. Earthglow is named for the album art, a photo of Earth supplied by NASA. It's Benoit's first recording of original music in four years. The album's one cover tune hardly deserves to be called that. It's a new arrangement of a Benoit classic, melded with Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," as if played by the character Schroeder from the Peanuts animated television series, of which Benoit has enjoyed a long association. The title of this anthem: "Freedom at Midnight (The Schroeder Variations)."~ Woodrow Wilkins  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/earthglow-david-benoit-heads-up-international-review-by-woodrow-wilkins.php
 

Personnel: David Benoit: piano, Rhodes, synthesizers, sequencer programming; David Hughes: acoustic and electric bass; Jamey Tate: drums; Brad Dutz: percussion; Rick Braun: trumpet and flugelhorn; Jeff Kashiwa: alto and tenor sax; Pat Kelly: electric and acoustic guitar; Tim Weisberg: flute, alto flute and bass flute; James Saez: electric guitar (3).

Earthglow

---

John La Barbera Big Band - Caravan

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:52
Size: 121.0 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:25] 1. Caravan
[5:00] 2. Voyage
[5:47] 3. Roman Notes
[9:36] 4. Atlantis
[5:27] 5. Forgotton But Not
[5:27] 6. Incompatible (Incompatibilidade De Gênios)
[4:52] 7. Accordin' To Gordon
[6:44] 8. Trinacria
[4:31] 9. Young Rabbits

John La Barbera's third Jazz Compass recording brings together the three La Barbera brothers – John, Pat and Joe – one of the "most formidable familial trios in jazz history." The CD features three original tracks by John La Barbera and covers ranging from "Caravan" to "Forgotten But Not" to "Incompatibilidade De Genios."

Pat La Barbera – Tenor & Soprano Sax; Brian Scanlon – Alto Sax, Flute; Rob Lockart – Tenor Sax, Flute; Bob Carr – Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet; Kim Richmond – Alto Sax; Clay Jenkins - Trumpet; Willie Murillo - Trumpet; Bob O'Donnell - Trumpet; Wayne Bergeron - Trumpet; Ryan Dragon- Trombone; Eric Hughes- Trombone; Les Benedict- Trombone; Ken Kugler – Bass Trombone; Bill Cunliffe - Keyboards; Aaron Serfaty - Percussion; Tom Warrington - Bass; Joe La Barbera - Drums.

Caravan

---

Susan Werner - Classics

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:33
Size: 81.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, Easy listening
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[0:31] 1. Prelude
[4:43] 2. A Hazy Shade Of Winter
[3:13] 3. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
[2:13] 4. The Wind
[4:20] 5. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
[2:19] 6. Lonely People
[3:36] 7. Turn Turn Turn
[3:40] 8. All In Love Is Fair
[3:10] 9. Maybe I'm Amazed
[4:32] 10. Waiting In Vain
[3:10] 11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

Over the course of her colorful career, singer songwriter Susan Werner has cultivated a reputation as a daring and innovative songwriter with a killer live show. She boldly endeavors to weave old with new to create altogether new genres of music when existing ones do not suit her muse, and she regularly keeps audiences guessing and laughing simultaneously. Most of her work infuses traditional music styles and methods with her unmistakable contemporary worldview, constantly challenging listeners to experience music from a fresh and unexpected perspective. Susan Werner's Classics asks no less of her distinguished audience or herself.

With Classics, Werner delivers entirely new string arrangements of mainstream popular songs by top songwriters from a ''classical'' pop era - the sixties and seventies. Drawing on her unique training as a classical vocalist (she has a master's degree in music history and voice performance), and the diverse talents of esteemed Boston Symphony and Pops players, Classics sets a mood that highlights elegance and sophistication previously overlooked in the first lives of songs like Paul Simon's A Hazy Shade of Winter, Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed and America's Lonely People.

Classics

---

Donald Harrison - Free To Be

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:26
Size: 152.1 MB
Styles: Saxohone jazz, Straight ahead jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[6:56] 1. Free To Be
[6:00] 2. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
[6:15] 3. Cissy Strut
[5:36] 4. Blue Rose
[5:08] 5. Again, Never
[3:50] 6. Duck's Steps
[5:52] 7. Indian Blues
[5:48] 8. Mr. Cool Breeze
[4:28] 9. Smooth Sailing
[6:28] 10. Slowvisor
[3:55] 11. Nouveau Swing (Reprise)
[6:05] 12. Feelin' Jazzy, Baby

On this engaging, 12-tune set, Donald Harrison amply demonstrates his stylistic range. Featuring a rich, buoyant alto sound (a fluent combination of Cannonball Adderley and Maceo Parker), he makes a striking '90s statement--everything from bebop to hip-hop is referenced (at times within the same piece), but the influences are creatively integrated, suggesting a continuity of jazz lineage, rather than a showy pastiche. Drawing from his stints with Art Blakey and Digable Planets, Harrison joins a flexible, loose-limbed swing with a solid groove to make the complex tunes flow effortlessly from his ensemble. From the fiery, Coltranesque salvos on "Indian Blues" to the smooth, George Benson-flavored "Mr. Cool Breeze," Harrison shows a command of both style and substance. This is strong contemporary jazz unafraid to reveal its heritage. ~Wally Shoup

Free To Be

---

Gia Notte - Shades

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:21
Size: 129,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:28)  1. Caravan
(4:17)  2. Speak Low
(4:26)  3. Close Your Eyes
(4:59)  4. My Funny Valentine
(4:11)  5. Since I Fell For You
(5:39)  6. The Look Of Love
(3:37)  7. Love Me Or Leave Me
(4:41)  8. Autumn Leaves
(3:57)  9. I Wish You Love
(3:57) 10. Lover Come Back To Me
(5:49) 11. It Don't Mean A Thing
(5:13) 12. What'll I Do

Margie "Gia" Notte's debut recording, Just You, Just Me & Friends Live at Cecil's, (GNote Records, 2009) was an exciting standards-based journey. Her follow-up, Shades, also finds her interpreting some well-worn songs but the delivery and the arrangements make this more than a run-of-the-mill recording. While the adrenaline-fueled excitement from her live recording is hard to match in a studio setting, she substitutes this quality with a more polished delivery. Each arrangement shows a different side of Notte and the nuances she adds to these songs prove her to be an artist that is constantly growing. "Caravan" opens the album with a sense of intrigue and excitement that comes through in the music. Don Braden, who worked with Notte on her first album, returns for this record and contributes some flute work to this track. 

After a performance of "Speak Low," Notte's delivery gains a little sass and spunk as she sings "Close Your Eyes" over a comfortable, mid-tempo swing feel. Freddie Hendrix takes the first solo and saxophonist Guy Notte makes his lone album appearance on this track. Pianist Brandon McCune works in a tasty rising chromatic pattern at one point during his solo. "My Funny Valentine" is taken at a brisk tempo but Notte creates some space and stretches things out at the start of phrases to give the piece some elasticity. Bassist Tom DiCarlo and pianist Jason Teborek play a rising-and-falling riff in the background and Braden delivers some soulful saxophone work. "Since I Fell For You" has a bluesy feel to it and McCune and Braden seem right at home in this atmosphere. 

Kahlil Kwame Bell provides some percussive seasoning, with subtle shakers and wind chimes coming in and out of the mix, on "The Look of Love." This track is equally soothing and seductive thanks to Braden's flute work and Notte's delicious delivery. "Autumn Leaves" is taken at an extremely slow pace and drummer Cecil Brooks III holds it together with his brushwork. Notte's voice sounds bright and optimistic on "I Wish You Love," while "Lover Come Back To Me" proves to be a high point on the album. Brooks provides some hip New Orleans grooves and Hendrix's trumpet work is fiery and fresh. "It Don't Mean A Thing" begins with a mystical vibe as the band creates a continuous drone-like presence. Notte delivers some deep, earthy vocals in a Cassandra Wilson-esque vein and, once things start to swing, there is a parade of solos with Brooks and DiCarlo finally getting some space to show their stuff. Notte finds a balance between despair and hope as she sings "What'll I Do" and Braden's flute matches her mood as the album draws to a close. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/shades-gia-notte-gnote-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 

Personnel: Gia Notte: vocals; Don Braden: tenor saxophone, soprano flute, alto flute; Jason Teborek: piano (2, 4, 6-10, 12); Brandon McCune: piano (1, 3, 5, 11); Tom DiCarlo: bass; Cecil Brooks III: drums; Freddie Hendrix: trumpet and flugelhorn; Guy Notte: alto saxophone (3); Kahlil Kwame Bell: percussion.

Shades

---

Scott Hamilton Scandinavian Five - Live at Nefertiti

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:31
Size: 136,5 MB
Art: Front

(10:12)  1. Move
( 6:46)  2. Tenderly
(10:05)  3. Dear Old Stockholm
(13:37)  4. Bye Bye Blackbird
( 7:07)  5. In A Sentimental Mood
(11:42)  6. Blue Capers

Jazz isn't always about breaking new ground in terms of sound and genre. It's just as important to preserve the music of the masters, and nobody carries the torch of tradition more elegantly than tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton. His heroes include Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young in short, the founding fathers of swing saxophone playing. Paradoxically, Hamilton was something of a rare bird when he first emerged on the scene back in the seventies because of his emphasis on pre-modern jazz in an age of high-tech fusion. However, Hamilton stuck to his trade and throughout the years, he has steadily released a stream of delightful records on the renowned Concord Records. The release of Live at Nefertiti finds the saxophonist dipping into unknown waters, though not in terms of genre, where he's still swinging as strong as ever, Rather, his new course is in the shape of a new Scandinavian group gathered by Danish drummer Kristian Leth. The Scandinavian Five features two Swedish aces, pianist Jan Lundgrenand guitarist Ulf Wakenius, with Leth and Danish bassist Jesper Bodilsen rounding out the group. 

They are a stellar team that brings shimmer and depth to the recording whose intimacy is further enhanced by the live setting of the Swedish club Nefertiti. Denzil De Costa Best's "Move" heats things up from the beginning with Hamilton's honking saxophone and a lightning-fast guitar solo from Wakenius, who impresses with his technical skills and melodic invention. But no matter how hard the group is able to swing, Hamilton is, in essence, a ballad-man. This is reflected on the epic renderings of "Dear Old Stockholm" and "Bye Bye Blackbird," which feature the gorgeously romantic harmonizing of Lundgren. Hamilton is not only a storyteller, he is also a listener. In fact, all the musicians in the group listen to each other with great empathy, as can be seen in the DVD that accompanies the CD, an opportunity to experience the full show in sparkling color and sound. The whole package is hard to beat when it comes to getting an introduction to an important traditionalist who still plays the sounds from the past as fresh as if they were the music of tomorrow. ~ Jakob Baekgaard  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-nefertiti-scott-hamilton-stunt-records-sundance-music-review-by-jakob-baekgaard.php
 

Personnel: Scott Hamilton: tenor saxophone; Ulf Wakenius: guitar; Jan Lundgren: piano; Jesper Bodilsen: bass; Kristian Leth: drums.

Live at Nefertiti

---

Eddie Higgins Trio - Dear Old Stockholm

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:29
Size: 171,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. Moonlight Becomes You
(5:16)  2. More than you know
(4:31)  3. Nardis
(4:57)  4. Over The Rainbow
(6:00)  5. Dear old stockholm
(5:17)  6. I Remember Clifford
(6:19)  7. You And Night And The Music
(5:30)  8. If You Could See Me Now
(4:48)  9. Again
(4:03) 10. We will be together again
(7:11) 11. Wichcraft
(5:22) 12. It Never Entered My Mind
(5:19) 13. Stella by starlight
(4:45) 14. Blame it on my youth

By the time this album was recorded in 2002, veteran pianist Eddie Higgins had become one of the most popular pianists in Japan, thanks in no small part to the independent label Venus Records. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, Venus asked its fans which songs they would like to hear the Eddie Higgins Trio perform in their new album. Higgins chose 12 songs out of the top 25 and added two of his own choosing. It might be interesting for you to learn what songs are preferred by Japanese jazz fans. With a lot of ballads, this is in most part a mellow, relaxing album. Supported by the deep, tuneful bass of Jay Leonhart and sensitive drums of Joe Ascione, Higgins plays these popular songs with elegance and restrained passion. His musical ideas are always flowing and harmonies beautiful. Highlights include "Nardis" where the trio picks up the tempo and intensity, "Dear Old Stockholm" (the No. 1 choice of fans) and "Witchcraft" (swinging Sinatra number, anyone?). Great songs, wonderfully played. And as always the case with Venus Records, great sound. http://www.elusivedisc.com/Eddie-Higgins-Trio-Dear-Old-Stockholm-SACD/productinfo/VENSA0011/

Musicians: Eddie Higgins, piano; Jay Leonhart, bass; Joe Ascione, drums

Dear Old Stockholm

---

Chester Thompson - Mixology

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:18
Size: 155,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:42)  1. Clockwise
(4:46)  2. The Moontrane
(5:23)  3. Medallion
(4:57)  4. Miracle
(5:08)  5. Mr. T
(6:52)  6. Sista Strut
(6:30)  7. Speak No Evil
(5:15)  8. A Subtle One
(8:18)  9. Sweet Sixteen
(6:29) 10. You Leave Me Breathless
(9:53) 11. Squib Cakes (live)

Earthy, energetic & exciting - The musical style of organist / keyboardist Chester Thompson will take you for a ride! "Medallion" & "Sista Strut" display infectious dance rhythms and patented bottom end prowess. "Miracle", featuring Tower Of Power bandmate Ron E. Beck, pulls the heartstrings & his interpretation of the classic "You Leave Me Breathless" shows that emotion reigns supreme in the contemporary world of Chester Thompson. With Howard Wiley on saxophone, Barry Finnerty & Chris Cain on guitar, Mike Clark & Brian Collier on drums, Joel Behrman on brass and Kenneth Nash on percussion. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Mixology-Chester-Thompson/dp/B009JI4I5W

Personnel :  Chester Thompson - Primary Artist, Hammond Organ; Chris Cain - Guitar, Vocals; Mike Clark - Drums; Kenneth Nash - Percussion; Brian Collier - Drums; Barry Finnerty - Guitar; Dr. Lonnie Smith - Hammond Organ; Ron E. Beck - Drums; Howard Wiley - Tenor Saxophone; Joel Behrman - Trombone, Trumpet

Mixology

---

Paul Kuhn Trio - Blame It On My Youth

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:12
Size: 110.4 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[2:58] 1. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[3:50] 2. Blame It On My Youth
[3:25] 3. On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
[5:09] 4. Blues Again
[3:33] 5. I've Got The World On A String
[2:59] 6. Lulu's Back In Town
[3:31] 7. The Very Thought Of You
[2:52] 8. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[5:05] 9. With A Song In My Heart
[3:04] 10. My Romance
[4:54] 11. Willow Weep For Me
[4:15] 12. But Not For Me
[2:31] 13. Broadway

Recorded in the SFB Studios in Berlin, this album by the Paul Kuhn Trio - Paul (piano, vocals), Paul G. Ulrich (bass) and Kurt Bong (drums) - features some of the great American popular songs which have made a lasting impression on Paul Kuhn in the course of a career spanning more than 50 years, songs such as Rodgers & Hart's 'My Romance', Gershwin's 'But Not For Me', Ray Noble's 'The Very Thought Of You' and Harold Arlen's 'I've Got The World On A String' performed with style and affection.

Blame It On My Youth

---

Veronica Nunn - Standard Delivery

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:41
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:47] 1. If I Had You
[3:26] 2. Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[3:36] 3. I Love You For Sentimental Reasons
[4:08] 4. A Foggy Day
[4:36] 5. I’ve Grown Accustomed To His Face
[4:16] 6. One Note Samba
[4:19] 7. I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
[5:53] 8. More Than You Know
[4:25] 9. Thou Swell
[1:47] 10. I Hadn't Anyone Til You
[4:37] 11. I’m Old Fashioned
[3:37] 12. Where Or When
[4:47] 13. That’s All
[3:20] 14. Honeysuckle Rose

"When you looked at an album cover in the old days," Veronica explains, "it told a story. The album cover and the title kind of prepped you for what you were about to experience, and I always felt that a jazz album isn't just the music that is played—it's the whole package. When you pull out that CD, it should be like a storybook. The cover and the album title kind of whet your appetite, and when you hear the songs, it takes you through an experience. It should all be an experience."

Like her previous release, American Lullaby (which focused on jazz interpretations of lullaby-like melodies), Standard Delivery is very thematic (its dominant theme being a jazz vocalist's relationship with time-honored standards). On Standard Delivery, Nunn puts her personal stamp on an abundance of classics from the Great American Songbook, including George Gershwin's "A Foggy Day," Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart's "Where or When," Dorothy Fields' "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and Jerome Kern's "I'm Old Fashioned." Not every melody on Standard Delivery originated in Manhattan's legendary Tin Pan Alley; the album moves into Brazilian territory on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "One Note Samba," and "Honeysuckle Rose" was composed by the great stride pianist/singer Fats Waller. But everything on Standard Delivery is a well known standard, and everything on the album receives Nunn's personal touch." I don't want an album to be just a bunch of tunes that I randomly threw together," Nunn notes. "That's why I put a lot of energy into having a theme and a continuity when I record an album."

The fact that Standard Delivery sounds both spontaneous and focused has to do with not only Nunn herself, but also, with the presence of her working trio, which consists of acoustic pianist Travis Shook (who is Nunn's husband and frequent musical collaborator and is known for his 1993 debut album on Columbia Records/Sony Music), upright bassist Jennifer Vincent and drummer/percussionist Jaz Sawyer. Nunn's cohesive and highly sympathetic trio, which also appeared on American Lullaby in 2000, has been backing her for 13 years—and their presence is a definite plus throughout Standard Delivery.

Standard Delivery

---

Derek Smith - Latin Expression

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:14
Size: 119.6 MB
Styles: Latin rhythms
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:21] 1. Mambo Inn
[6:19] 2. Poinciana
[5:18] 3. Mi Cancion
[4:45] 4. Alpinos
[4:41] 5. El Cumbanchero
[4:52] 6. Partido Alto
[3:00] 7. Son De La Loma
[3:37] 8. Besame Mama
[3:17] 9. So Danco Samba
[3:51] 10. Cubano Chant
[2:58] 11. Sempre Sim
[5:09] 12. Here We Go

The title of Derek Smith's Latin Expression falls somewhat short of the actual experience. It does not even begin to describe the utter joy that arises from the resonant, fluttering, dancing music that swathes the record. Perhaps "Latin Explosion" might have been more appropriate? Steel panist/vibraphonist Smith plunges, body and soul, into a veritable carnival of Afro-Caribbean sounds, acquitting himself with distinction.

To many it might have been a challenge to switch back and forth between pans and vibes and expect the same effect, but Smith has mastered the nuanced differences between the resonances of the two instruments. Accordingly, he employs a subtly different attack to gain an appropriate after-burn from phrase-ending notes on the pans, in order to make them hang. His sliding dynamics on the vibes create diaphanous echoes that follow notes sounded by furrier mallets, and the effect he achieves is wholly absorbing.

Nowhere is this more delightfully evident than on "El Cumbanchero." But the spirited kick in "Mambo Inn" comes a close second in the showcasing Smith's wizardry with the mallets. That is the first track on an album where the level of exuberance seems to rise song-after-song, peaking again on "Son de la Luna," Miguel Matamoros' classic son. Mongo Santamaria "Besame Mama" features a stellar turn by Smith on pans, with a wonderful, angular attack and rapid-fire runs that includes the higher register of the instrument. The song also grabs attention because of the empathetic relationship that Smith enjoys with pianist Jason Moen, who dazzles by mimicking a guitar on the keyboards, complete with strumming effects.

"So Danco Samba" retains its samba rhythm, thanks to fine work by bassist Aaron German and percussionists Colin Douglas and Mike Shannon. But surprisingly, the band turns it into a Caribbean feature as Smith rocks the pans. In the capable hands of this ensemble, Ray Bryant "Cubano Chant" is fashioned in a graceful vocal manner, also featuring Colin Douglas' exquisite percussion coloring. Jovino Santos Neto, who is fast gaining recognition for his extraordinary music, is represented by "Sempre Sim," which features a wonderful melody full of almost ghostly quarter tones in its harmony.

Derek Smith's own compositions—"Mi Cancion" and "Here We Go"—possess fine, strong melodies and auger well for the development of this hard-working musician, who will surely become a headline act in the realm of Afro-Caribbean music. ~RAUL D'GAMA ROSE

Derek Smith: steel pans, vibes; Aaron Germain: electric bass; Jason Moen; piano, keyboard; Colin Douglas: drums, congas, guiro; Mike Shannon: drums (8, 9, 11); Mark Rosenthal: cello, steel pans (4, 12).

Latin Expression

---

Ilse Huizinga - Easy To Idolize

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:03
Size: 135,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:07)  1. That's All
(2:08)  2. The Sound Of Music
(3:00)  3. I Only Have Eyes For You
(5:04)  4. Willow Weep For Me
(2:50)  5. The Thrill Is Gone
(2:48)  6. Skylark
(3:48)  7. Easy To Love
(2:37)  8. Someday My Prince Will Come
(3:58)  9. Time After Time
(2:21) 10. Isn't It Romantic
(4:11) 11. The Nearness Of You
(2:20) 12. I'm A Fool To Want You
(2:57) 13. When You Wish Upon A Star
(3:16) 14. All The Things You Are
(3:19) 15. Somewhere - Over The Rainbow
(3:38) 16. A Child Is Born
(1:53) 17. I Love You
(3:06) 18. The Man I Love
(1:33) 19. What'll I Do

Leading newspapers in the Netherlands describe Ilse Huizinga as one of the most distinguished of the new generation of Dutch jazz singers. From the very beginning of her career with the release of her first album Out Of A Dream (1997) to her most recent Easy To Idolize (2003), media and audiences have spoken highly of her. Numerous articles, interviews and appearances on radio and television followed and connected her to a diverse and broad audience. She performed in Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, France and England. An old piano drew Ilse to music and at the tender age of six she received her first piano lessons. She took up singing lessons as a teenager and discovered the music and albums of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Abbey Lincoln. Although her passion was aroused she decided against a career in music and enrollend in the University of Amsterdam to graduate in Public Administration. As a student however, she regularly took part in open mike nights at the famous jazz club Casablanca, in the heart of the Amsterdam Red Light District. Then and there she decided to follow her heart and become a professional jazz singer. 

Ilse went on to study at the Amsterdam Music Conservatory and performed in many venues in the Netherlands. On stage she met pianist/composer Erik van der Luijt, whom she married in 1998. Together they produce Ilse's four albums to date. Ilse and Erik have a daughter, Ellen, born in 2000. What others say: “A voice of which other singers only dream: full, clear and sensitive...” Nouveau “One of the most distinguished of the new generation of Dutch jazz singers. In the titlesong we get genuine coloratura, in This Can't Be Love she manages to fit entire octaves in a single syllable - great that the poignang lyrics meanwhile never suffer...” De Volkskrant “La Huizinga exhibits the hallmarks of a diva in the making. We are getting to know her better and better as one of the leading Dutch jazz singers...” http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/ilsehuizinga

Easy To Idolize

---

Eight To The Bar - Behind the Eight Ball

Styles: Swing, R&B
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:45
Size: 98,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. I'm Trumpin'
(3:55)  2. Party Life
(3:38)  3. Twistin' in the Wind
(3:21)  4. If My Mama Could See Me Now
(3:52)  5. All Talk No Action
(2:50)  6. I Want to Rock
(3:47)  7. Jump, Jive and Wail
(5:05)  8. Better Luck Next Time
(3:00)  9. Hold Tight
(3:57) 10. Them There Eyes
(3:10) 11. Ain't That Love
(1:54) 12. Nagasaki

A mix of mostly uptempo swing with lots of vocal harmonies and a few bluesy, more "West Coast" style tunes.

"Behind the Eight Ball" is our edgiest, most high energy swing CD! From the breathless pace of the opening, "I'm Trumpin'", to the final scat notes of the CDs closer, "Nagasaki", the CD is thrill packed with excitement. The band's classic "Twistin' in the Wind" tells the universal musicians' story of all the things that can go wrong at one gig, and guitarist Tommy Whalen's "Better Luck Next Time" adds his trademark blues influence to the disc. Lovers of Collin Tilton's tenor saxophone will appreciate the depth and breadth of his style, especially his soulful solo on Ray Charles' "Ain't That Love". If you're looking for swing that drives, this CD will satisfy you. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Eight-Ball-Bar/dp/B00000I7FL
 

Personnel: Tommy Whalen (vocals, guitar); Cynthia Lyon (vocals, piano, organ); P.J. Plenninger (vocals, drums); Zanny Gaudet (vocals, percussion); Michael Corsini (vocals); Collin Tilton (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone).

Behind the Eight Ball

---

Junko Onishi - Musical Moments

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:24
Size: 150,0 MB
Art: Front

( 5:29)  1. Hat And Beard
( 3:39)  2. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
( 7:21)  3. Back In The Days
( 6:17)  4. Bittersweet
( 5:34)  5. Ill Wind
( 8:11)  6. Musical Moments
( 4:37)  7. Something Sweet, Something Tender
( 4:36)  8. G. W.
( 3:15)  9. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(16:20) 10. So Long Eric, Mood Indigo, Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me

With the release of her 1993 Blue Note debut Cruisin', pianist Junko Onishi arrived as one of the most promising of Japan-born jazz musicians. Growing up in Tokyo, Onishi received classical piano lessons but became quite interested in jazz. She studied at Berklee and after three years moved to New York. Already a well-developed player, Onishi worked with Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, Kenny Garrett, and Mingus Dynasty before recording her debut as a leader. She considers her style to be based on Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman; her other recordings from the '90s include 1994's Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995's Piano Quintet Suite, and 1999's Fragile. After Fragile, Onishi took a break from releasing albums to focus on developing her music. She returned over ten years later with 2009's Musical Moments. She followed that up a year later with her 2010 Verve debut, Baroque, which featured several Onishi originals as well as interpretations of some 20th century classical pieces, including "The Three Penny Opera." Bio ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/junko-onishi-mn0000307945/biography

Personnel: Junko Onishi – Piano; Yosuke Inoue – Bass; Gene Jackson – Drums; Reginald Veal – Bass (#10); Herlin Riley – Drums (#10)

Musical Moments

---