Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt - We'll Be Together Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:41
Size: 93.1 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Soul Jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1961/1992
Art: Front

[4:19] 1. Red Sails In The Sunset
[4:15] 2. But Not For Me
[4:35] 3. A Pair Of Red Pants
[4:31] 4. We'll Be Together Again
[3:17] 5. A Mess
[3:54] 6. New Blues Up And Down
[5:10] 7. My Foolish Heart
[2:35] 8. Water Jug
[4:08] 9. Autumn Leaves
[3:53] 10. Time On My Hands

The title of this exciting meeting between the tenors of Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt was rather poignant, because this recording was released in the late '60s, when Ammons was serving a long jail sentence for possession of heroin, and it appeared that he and Stitt might never meet up again. Backed by pianist John Houston, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer George Brown, Ammons and Stitt (who had co-led a regular group a decade before) proved once again to be a perfect team, jamming on a variety of standards, blues, and ballads while also revisiting "New Blues Up and Down." The two tenors always brought out the best in each other, and luckily, they would get back together in the early '70s. This is high-quality bebop. ~Scott Yanow

We'll Be Together Again

Amy Banks - When The Sun Comes Out

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:48
Size: 107.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[4:05] 1. How High The Moon
[4:42] 2. Poetry Man
[3:40] 3. Devil May Care
[4:58] 4. When The Sun Comes Out
[7:21] 5. I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes)
[5:26] 6. It Keeps You Runnin'
[2:37] 7. Foul Play
[3:48] 8. Ruined For The Rest
[6:24] 9. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be )
[3:43] 10. Skylark

Amy's third album is her first foray into recording her jazz favorites. Classic standards coupled with pop hits from the 70s make this album a fresh offering for the vocal jazz listener.

Amy Banks has spent two decades performing as a professional singer, actress, and television personality. Originally from Minnesota, she has appeared on stage and screen all over the world, but calls Lancaster, Pennsylvania home after relocating there to perform at the American Music Theatre. Since then, she has self-published and produced four music CDs, of which her third CD, When the Sun Comes Out, reached Chartbound status at JazzWeek. Her fourth offering, In Love, has garnered serious attention. Amy made her television hosting debut as a host-commentator on the reality TV shows "Design Invasion" (FOX) and "Bad Baths USA" (HGTV).

Amy's performing career began while living in Atlanta, Georgia where she first appeared in productions with the top stage companies including The Alliance Theater, Jomandi Productions and The Horizon Theater. For nearly a decade she performed cabaret-style shows with Robert Ray and through working with him, further honed her singing skills before moving to Orlando, Florida to work for Walt Disney World Company at the brand new Animal Kingdom theme park. She played both female roles in The Festival of the Lion King singing favorites from the Lion King movie including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life”. While in Florida she began a year-long engagement singing jazz three nights a week with the Ed Connelly Trio at The Grosvenor Resort.

When The Sun Comes Out

Eva Cassidy - The Best Of Eva Cassidy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:03
Size: 178.7 MB
Styles: Adult alternative
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. You Take My Breath Away
[2:43] 2. Kathy’s Song
[3:42] 3. Songbird
[4:17] 4. What A Wonderful World
[4:00] 5. Wade In The Water
[3:23] 6. Ain’t No Sunshine
[3:55] 7. Time After Time
[4:40] 8. Autumn Leaves
[3:14] 9. I Can Only Be Me
[4:40] 10. Fields Of Gold
[3:10] 11. It Doesn’t Matter Anymore
[4:33] 12. Imagine
[4:57] 13. Over The Rainbow
[4:46] 14. True Colors
[3:39] 15. Danny Boy
[3:21] 16. People Get Ready
[2:49] 17. Anniversary Song
[4:01] 18. Early Morning Rain
[3:58] 19. I Know You By Heart
[3:41] 20. Tall Trees In Georgia

On the 17th of September 1996 a young woman, accompanied by a few dozen family and friends, attended her own tribute concert in a small club in the Washington, DC area. Transcending the effects of chemotherapy and morphine in that moment, the singer abandoned her walker and was helped onto the stage for what would be her final performance, What a Wonderful World. A few weeks later Eva Cassidy passed away, having been diagnosed with melanoma months earlier. Refusing to bend her music to the industry s conventions and expectations, Eva was known only within the DC area during her lifetime. She left behind one live album, a duet album, and various studio demos and live recordings. In these intervening 16 years, Eva's music has proven timeless and universal. Crossing all boundaries-musical, cultural, geographical-her voice survived and is finding new listeners every day in every corner of the earth. Released on the eve of what would have been her 50th birthday these twenty performances document Eva Cassidy's musical legacy for the ages.

The Best Of Eva Cassidy

Various - Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:33
Size: 131.8 MB
Styles: Soundtrack
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. K.D. Lang - Skylark
[3:38] 2. Joe Williams - Too Marvelous For Words
[5:06] 3. Paula Cole - Autumn Leaves
[4:07] 4. Rosemary Clooney - Fools Rush In [where Angles Fear To Tread]
[5:07] 5. Brad Mehldau - Dream
[4:44] 6. Cassandra Wilson - Days Of Wine And Roses
[3:28] 7. Kevin Spacey - That Old Black Magic
[4:28] 8. Alison Eastwood - Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:33] 9. Clint Eastwood - Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
[3:42] 10. Alison Krauss - This Time The Dream's On Me
[4:46] 11. Kevin Mahogany - Laura
[3:56] 12. Diana Krall - Midnight Sun
[4:57] 13. Joshua Redman - I'm An Old Cowhand [from The Rio Grande]
[2:09] 14. Tony Bennett - I Wanna Be Around

This Clint Eastwood vanity-project was one of the biggest box office disappointments of 1997, despite a masterful performance by Kevin Spacey, Eastwood's typically subtle direction and, to these ears anyway, one of the most satisfying collections of songs gathered in service of a film in many a year. It didn't hurt that they were all penned by the late, great Johnny Mercer (a native of Savannah, GA, the film's locale and most crucial, underrated element) and with the exception of Tony Bennett's "I Wanna Be Around" and Sinatra's classic "Summer Wind," were rendered by an all-star team of jazz players (Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Kevin Eubanks, Christian McBride among them) and an impressive line-up of vocalists including k.d. lang, Paula Cole, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Cassandra Wilson, Alison Krauss, Diana Krall, and Kevin Mahogany. Eastwood has long been a jazz devotee and, in recent years, eager proselytizer; this album plays like a love letter to one of his most beloved musicians and composers. --Jerry McCulley

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

The Hot Club Of San Francisco - Postcards From Gypsyland

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:30
Size: 124.8 MB
Styles: Swing, Gypsy jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[5:52] 1. Not So Fast
[3:41] 2. Spivy
[4:08] 3. La Gitane
[4:07] 4. Waltz Una Nota
[6:21] 5. Alle Presse Con Una Verde Milonga
[4:02] 6. Lover's Leap
[3:59] 7. Il Camino
[4:33] 8. Jonesin'
[4:30] 9. Theme From Gypsyland (Nuages)
[3:07] 10. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunt
[3:04] 11. Song Of India
[4:20] 12. Melodie Au Crepscule
[2:41] 13. Manoir De Mes Reves

Unlike some of the gypsy jazz groups that are around today and very much dedicated to the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, the Hot Club of San Francisco have added quite a few new originals and offbeat material to their repertoire. The quintet/sextet, which differs from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France in its use of two violins on five of the 13 selections, plays tangos, waltzes, and some more modern tunes in addition to Django swing tunes. Guitarist Paul Mehling and violinist Evan Price are the main soloists, but all of the musicians are quite talented. Whether it be the heated "Lover's Leap," the haunting "Alle Prese Son una Verde Milonga," a vocalized version of "Nuages" (renamed "Theme from Gypsyland"), or "Song of India," this CD is a consistent delight that is full of surprising moments and fresh material. ~Scott Yanow

Postcards From Gypsyland

George Shearing - Satin Brass

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:45
Size: 75,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:32)  1. Deep Night
(2:45)  2. Stairway To The Stars
(2:59)  3. You Look Like Someone
(2:17)  4. Night Flight
(3:06)  5. In The Blue Of Evening
(2:06)  6. I Could Write A Book
(2:55)  7. Sleepy Manhattan
(2:46)  8. If I Had You
(2:40)  9. Just Plain Bill
(2:51) 10. First Floor Please
(2:56) 11. Chelsea Bridge
(2:47) 12. A Ship Without A Sail

The George Shearing Quintet (comprised of piano, vibes, guitar, bass and drums) is joined by four trumpets, four trombones, two French horns and a tuba for a dozen easy-listening performances on this Capitol LP. The pianist/leader arranged the majority of the selections which include a few standards and several obscurities. Although the instrumentation might lead one to believe that this LP will contain shouting performances, actually the playing is often quite mellow and restrained with the Quintet very much in the lead throughout. Nice music but not too essential. https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/satin-brass/id512709153

Jaimee Paul - Bonded: A Tribute To The Music of James Bond

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:42
Size: 118,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:08)  1. Skyfall
(4:25)  2. Live and Let Die
(4:21)  3. Tomorrow Never Dies
(2:59)  4. You Only Live Twice
(3:52)  5. James Bond Theme ( feat. Jack Jezzro)
(3:37)  6. Nobody Does It Better
(3:50)  7. Diamonds Are Forever
(3:37)  8. Goldeneye
(4:36)  9. From Russia with Love
(4:57) 10. For Your Eyes Only
(4:12) 11. A View to a Kill
(3:44) 12. Goldfinger
(3:17) 13. Moonraker

The James Bond movie franchise is celebrating 50 years of exciting entertainment and one key aspect of the Bond movies are the unforgettable theme songs. Shirley Bassey, Carly Simon, Tina Turner, Madonna, Adele - the biggest names in music have graced these timeless compositions with their voices over the last half century. Multiple Grammy Award winning producer, keyboardist and arranger, Michael Omartian, has joined forces with producer and award winning, jazz guitarist, Jack Jezzro, to bring new life and a fresh approach to these iconic songs. Powerhouse jazz vocalist, Jaimee Paul, shows her range both stylistically and technically, as she impressively steps into the shoes of the vocal luminaries of the original recordings with stunning results. Bonded is Jaimee Paul's 4th recording on the Green Hill Music label and certainly her crowning achievement thus far in her young career. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Bonded-Tribute-Music-James-Bond/dp/B00AO7HNQ8

Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis & Shirley Scott - Jaws

Styles: Hard Bop, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 37:01
Size: 59,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
(4:46)  2. I'll Never Be the Same
(4:22)  3. You Stepped Out of a Dream
(4:28)  4. Old Devil Moon
(4:20)  5. Too Close for Comfort
(4:34)  6. Body and Soul
(4:12)  7. But Not for Me
(4:53)  8. Tangerine

Tenorman Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and organist Shirley Scott co-led a popular combo during 1956-60, recording many albums and helping to popularize the idiom. This particular CD finds the quartet (with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill) interpreting eight swing standards, alternating ballads with romps. It's a fine all-around showcase for the accessible group. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jaws-mw0000263203

Personnel: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor saxophone); Shirley Scott (organ); Arthur Edgehill (drums).

Jaws

Pete Alderton - Living on Love

Styles: Vocal, Pop/Rock
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:01
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

(0:35)  1. It Seems Strange... (Intro)
(3:36)  2. (She Said That) Evil Was Her Name
(5:11)  3. Song For David (alternative version)
(3:12)  4. Have The Roses Gone Dry
(3:55)  5. I‘m Sad
(3:10)  6. Living on Love
(3:50)  7. Jesus In A Bottle
(0:46)  8. A Fool For Her Body (Skit)
(3:11)  9. Witching Hour
(3:12) 10. Give Me All Your Love
(1:05) 11. I Still Remember... (Skit)
(3:48) 12. A Taste Of The Blues
(3:36) 13. Baby I Love You
(3:59) 14. The Loved
(5:41) 15. Evil Was Her Name (Full edit)
(1:02) 16. Passing Ships
(1:02) 17. The End Of The Day (Outro)

I’ve got to admit, I hadn’t heard of Pete Alderton to the day I held the CD ‘Living On Love’ in my hands. It would have been easy to search for information, I could have listened to the recorded interview attached to the press kit, but I elected to listen first. To listen, undisturbed from any information, which might influence me. The only thing I knew was that these songs were based on the Blues. That alone enhanced my curiosity because I grew up on the Blues. And, as many of you may know, once you love, understand, play, and feel the Blues it remains a constant in your live, it’s just there, even when you don’t listen to it for many years. Which, of course, you won’t do. Anyway, I was in for a surprise. Expecting rough and to-the-core rhythms, garnished with screaming, virtously performed guitar solos and elaborate piano/organ excursions along with powerful, energetic voices, steaming drums and steady rocking, powerful baselines all of which I really love Pete Alderton and his crew came to me from a very different angle. 

‘Living on Love’ transports the Blues into another age, from its roots planted long ago right into our present days. Consequently, what we call the Blues has to be partly regarded in another way after this CD. This is no longer just a musical structure, which the instruments can use in order to go on excursions bound into these very limitations. Pete Alderton focuses much more on the words, the ever actual themes of  the Blues, like lost loves, loneliness, sadness and the boobytraps of feelings human life is constantly subjected to. This consequently comes in a different musical dress. Most of the songs are balladesque and adhere to Pete’s remarkable voice dark, deep, at times rough, at times even sentimental, but always in perfect context to the theme of the song. This voice is never stressed, it’s never going to the physical limits of its ability. There is quietness in it, coming from a man who is true to the word he sings. This creates an almost overwhelming honesty, an honesty felt by the listener as real truth and authenticity, and that is exactly what it is. As an almost perfect background the accompanying music plays on that same tune. No need to scream, no need to force issues, no need of lamenting and exposing technical stunts although I love those, too. 

The music here observes the strict rule of underlining the words and the voice, in a quiet and unselvish way, yet shining in its depth and perfect artistry. Passion is celebrated in a way that goes back to the very essentials and the roots of honesty, at the same time creating an atmosphere of peaceful acknowledgment of the words sung. Yes, here you can understand and clearly listen, at the same time being subjected to your own experiences and your feelings deep down inside, all of those getting hit straight on. Bullseye. I have to tip my hat to Pete Alderton, not only for his remarkable voice and his masterful lyrics, but also for his dedication to music. Also, I have to mention Carsten Mentzel, who co-wrote many songs, as well as Dagobert Böhm, Siggi Zufacher and Michel Roggenland for their great contributions. I know, I didn’t mention a song in particular. That was my very intent, cause there is no need to. All I wanted to achieve was to make you curious enough to listen to this CD. It’s definitely worth it.  By Fred Wheeler  http://www.tokafi.com/news/cd-feature-pete-alderton-living-on-love/

Personnel: Pete Alderton (vocals); Carsten Mentzel (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, bass guitar, percussion, programming, background vocals); Dagobert Böhm (acoustic guitar); Siggi Zufacher (bass instrument); Michel Roggenland (drums).

Monday, February 23, 2015

Jackie McLean - Strange Blues/Presenting Jackie McLean

Size: 179,3 MB
Time: 77:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1957/1955/2011
Styles: Jazz: Saxophone Jazz, Hard bop
Art: Front

Strange Blues:
01. Strange Blues ( 7:31)
02. Millie's Pad (11:15)
03. What's New ( 6:35)
04. Disciples Love Affair ( 6:48)
05. Not So Strange Blues ( 4:49)

Presenting Jackie McLean:
06. It's You Or No One ( 6:50)
07. Blue Doll ( 7:00)
08. Little Melonae ( 6:27)
09. The Way You Look Tonight ( 6:30)
10. Mood Malody ( 6:53)
11. Lover Man ( 6:37)

Strange Blues:
The last of the Jackie McLean Prestige sessions, this CD reissue has material from two different sets, but fortunately, the music is on a higher level than one might expect of "leftovers." "Strange Blues" is from a marathon quartet set that McLean had with pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Arthur Phipps and drummer Art Taylor as is a rendition of "What's New" that is an alternate version to the one included on Makin' the Changes. In addition, "Disciples Love Affair" and "Millie's Pad" match McLean with the tuba of Ray Draper (who contributed both songs), trumpeter Webster Young, pianist John Meyers, bassist Bill Salter and drummer Larry Ritchie, while the incomplete "Not So Strange Blues" is all McLean on an explosive blues with the rhythm section. A generally strong set chiefly recommended to Jackie McLean completists. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Presenting Jackie McLean:
Originally issued in 1955, this is Jackie McLean's debut date as a leader. The band includes Donald Byrd on trumpet (himself a young lion at the time), pianist Mal Waldron, Doug Watkins on bass, and drummer Ronnie Tucker. A standard late bebop and early hard bop date (but then again, hard bop was still fresh and new at the time, and McLean was at the forefront of it), the album is most notable for its two McLean originals: "Little Melonae" and the beautiful blues "Blue Doll." Mal Waldron's "Mood Malady" closes the set with a wonderful showcase of his own use of extended harmonic reaches inside a conventional hard bop tune. ~Review by Thom Jurek

Strange Blues/Presenting Jackie McLean

The Golden Gate Quartet - Live: 70 Years Around The World

Size: 168,8 MB
Time: 72:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2005
Styles: Blues, Gospel, Soul
Art: Front

01. I Soon Will Be Done (2:49)
02. Swing Low (3:52)
03. Run On (3:12)
04. Child Of God (4:56)
05. Down By The Riverside (2:19)
06. Only Believe (4:27)
07. Cheer The Weary Traveler (2:55)
08. Gospel Train (2:34)
09. Hammering (3:34)
10. Hush Hush (4:57)
11. Higher Ground (3:24)
12. Sit Down Servant (3:54)
13. Joshua Fit The Battle (2:43)
14. My Pay (8:22)
15. Go Down Moses (3:48)
16. Religion (3:51)
17. Don't Pray (4:56)
18. Banana Boat Song (6:02)

Pioneer Virginia gospel/pop quartet of the '30s and '40s. Calling their innovative approach to sacred hymns "jubilee" singing, the Golden Gate Quartet, propelled by Willie Johnson and William Langford, enjoyed massive acceptance far outside the church. Their smooth Mills Brothers-influenced harmonies made the Gates naturals for pop crossover success, and they began recording for Victor in 1937. National radio broadcasts and an appearance on John Hammond's 1938 "Spirituals to Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall made them coast-to-coast favorites. By 1941 the Gates were recording for Columbia minus Langford, and movie appearances were frequent: Star Spangled Rhythm, Hollywood Canteen, and Hit Parade of 1943, to name a few. Some experiments with R&B material didn't pan out during the late '40s, and Johnson defected to the Jubilaires in 1948. The group emigrated to France in 1959; led by veteran bass singer Orlando Wilson, the Golden Gate Quartet's vocal blend is as powerful as ever. ~by Bill Dahl

Live: 70 Years Around The World

June Bisantz - It's Always You: June Bisantz Sings Chet Baker Vol. 2

Size: 98,9 MB
Time: 40:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Get Along Without You Very Well (2:39)
02. It's Always You (4:07)
03. Forgetful (2:25)
04. Everything Depends On You (3:17)
05. My Ideal (4:20)
06. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye (4:29)
07. So Che Ti Perdero (4:00)
08. You're Mine You (2:59)
09. I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance (4:36)
10. Born To Be Blue (4:11)
11. The Night We Called It A Day (2:13)
12. Spring Is Here (0:58)

Singer and visual artist June Bisantz has co-written and produced several collections of vocal jazz including "Let's Fall in Love", a CD based on the work of legendary jazz musician Chet Baker. Her new release “It’s Always You”, a second Baker-inspired CD, features both familiar and obscure Chet Baker songs that span the course of his fascinating career. Bisantz sets a 1960’s jazz club mood with these tunes about love and longing, delivered in a voice that is “Cool and still full of emotion - just like Chet Baker” Hans-Bernd Kittlaus Jazz Podium Magazine, Germany.

Bisantz has performed and recorded with distinguished jazz musicians including Steve Swallow, Bob Moses, Paul Brown, Will Lee, Lou Soloff, Jerry Neiwood and Mike Stern. Reviews and articles about her work include People Magazine, USA Today, Downbeat Magazine, Jazziz Magazine, New York Newsday, the Boston Herald, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, Connecticut Magazine and the New York Native.

She currently records and performs with Russian-born jazz/classical pianist and arranger Alex Nakhimovsky; guitarist and composer Norman Johnson; and master trumpeter Gabor Viragh.

It's Always You

Mart'nalia - Mart'nalia Em Samba! Ao Vivo

Size: 179,4 MB
Time: 76:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Brazilian Rhythms, Samba
Art: Front

01. Peço A Deus ( 2:27)
02. Mas Quem Disse Que Eu Te Esqueço/Acreditar/Sorriso Negro ( 5:02)
03. Coraçao Em Desalinho ( 3:05)
04. Casa Um Da Vila ( 2:04)
05. Volta Por Cima/Saudosa Maloca ( 1:51)
06. Maracangalha ( 1:23)
07. Chiclete Com Banana (Feat. Emicida) ( 3:07)
08. Quero Ver Quarta-Feira (Feat. Emicida) ( 4:35)
09. Quem Te Viu, Quem Te Ve ( 3:14)
10. Pra Que Chorar ( 2:36)
11. Feitiço Da Vila ( 2:41)
12. Saigon ( 2:48)
13. Um Dia Desses (Feat. Dandara Ventapane) ( 3:04)
14. Carol Ou Clarisse ( 3:15)
15. Aviao ( 3:25)
16. Samba A Dois ( 3:17)
17. Beija, Me Beija ( 3:14)
18. Casa De Bamba/Segure Tudo (Feat. Martinho Da Vila) ( 5:16)
19. Nhem Nhem Nhem/Madalena Do Jucu (Feat. Martinho Da Vila) (10:12)
20. Chega ( 3:23)
21. Sinto Lhe Dizer ( 3:44)
22. Tem Juizo, Mas Nao Usa (Feat. Pedro Luis) ( 2:31)

Daughter of sambista Martinho da Vila and singer Analia Mendonca (her name is a blend of parents' names), the singer was born in Vila Isabel, North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Since childhood she was surrounded by music.

She began her professional career at age 16, doing backing vocals for her father beside her sister, Analimar. In the mid 1990s, she began making presentations on the circuit of bars, nightclubs and theaters in Rio de Janeiro, which culminated in the release of her album My Man, facing the samba. Since 1994, she joined the group Batacotô, who launched the Semba Ancestors. The artist was also the band's percussionist Ivan Lins.

Mart'nália had the privilege of becoming sponsored big names of Brazilian popular music thanks to her father. Caetano Veloso was the artistic director of her foot hard on my Samba, as well as composing the title track, and Maria Bethânia produced Menino do Rio From these two albums, Mart'nália began to attract greater media attention and have an agenda shows more established throughout the country, paving the way for international tours through Europe and Africa.

Mart'nalia Em Samba!

VA - Jazz Organ

Size: 244,1 MB
Time: 104:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Shirley Scott - Ain't Misbehavin' (3:30)
02. Jimmy Smith - The Sermon (7:39)
03. Jack McDuff - Loose Foot (5:04)
04. Bill Doggett - Mudcat (2:32)
05. Larry Young - Back Up (Remastered) (8:36)
06. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Seesaw (Remastered) (5:50)
07. Jimmy McGriff - Sho' Nuff (3:53)
08. Jimmy Smith - Fungii Mama (Remastered) (4:50)
09. Lou Donaldson - Caravan (5:20)
10. Jack McDuff - Butter (For Yo' Popcorn) (4:04)
11. Bill Doggett - Oo-Da (3:48)
12. Larry Young - Paris Eyes (Remastered) (6:37)
13. Jimmy McGriff - Swingin' The Blues (Remastered) (3:44)
14. Shirley Scott - Blue Bongo (3:01)
15. Pat Metheny - Dr. Slate (7:37)
16. Jimmy Smith - Motorin' Along (Remastered) (5:07)
17. Jack McDuff - Down Home Style (5:02)
18. Jimmy McGriff - M.G. Blues (4:55)
19. Grant Green - Luny Tune (7:39)
20. Shirley Scott - Ciao, Ciao (5:51)

Pepi Lemer, co-founder of the legendary jazz/fusion group ‘Turning Point’ is now launching her new cd and band ‘Back2front’. Pepi’s inspiration to find a repertoire of songs that could embrace her passion for latin rhythms, improvisation and intricate jazz patterns which could enable her to use her vocalese style of singing was the great American jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, and when he gave her permission to write lyrics to some of his compositions, her band was formed using his and other world composers songs.

She has created a driving, exciting percussive mix of jazz/latin fusion music using her remarkable vocal range and unique vocalese style.

She is using some of Britain’s finest jazz musicians for her new band and cd, these are: Peter Lemer (piano), Chris Lawrence (bass), Paul Robinson (drums), Gary Hammond (percussion), Richard Edwards (trombone), Derek Nash (sax), Pepi Lemer (vocals).

Jazz Organ

Pepi Lemer - Back2Front

Size: 132,4 MB
Time: 56:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Returning (Third Wind Minuano) (5:00)
02. Brazilian Dorian Dream (4:39)
03. Come With Me (Minuano) (5:53)
04. Just Kidding (5:53)
05. Golden Seal (6:18)
06. The Flame (Hadouk) (4:31)
07. Mambo Influenciado (5:01)
08. Lumbriga (1:27)
09. The Gathering Sky (7:12)
10. Childhood (In Her Family) (2:31)
11. One Night (Para Ti) (3:40)
12. Without You (You) (4:33)

Pepi Lemer, co-founder of the legendary jazz/fusion group ‘Turning Point’ is now launching her new cd and band ‘Back2front’. Pepi’s inspiration to find a repertoire of songs that could embrace her passion for latin rhythms, improvisation and intricate jazz patterns which could enable her to use her vocalese style of singing was the great American jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, and when he gave her permission to write lyrics to some of his compositions, her band was formed using his and other world composers songs.

She has created a driving, exciting percussive mix of jazz/latin fusion music using her remarkable vocal range and unique vocalese style.

She is using some of Britain’s finest jazz musicians for her new band and cd, these are: Peter Lemer (piano), Chris Lawrence (bass), Paul Robinson (drums), Gary Hammond (percussion), Richard Edwards (trombone), Derek Nash (sax), Pepi Lemer (vocals).

Back2Front

Lou Donaldson - The Natural Sound

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:49
Size: 111.7 MB
Styles: Soul jazz, Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1962/2003
Art: Front

[ 9:04] 1. Funky Mama
[ 5:10] 2. Love Walked In
[ 5:35] 3. Spaceman Twist
[10:11] 4. Sow Belly Blues
[ 5:32] 5. That's All
[ 5:23] 6. Nice 'n Greasy
[ 7:50] 7. People Will Say We're In Love

The Natural Soul finds Lou Donaldson delving deeply into soul-jazz, recording a set of funky, greasy instrumentals with only a few references to hard bop. Donaldson occasionally sounds a little awkward with the relaxed groove of The Natural Soul, as does trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, but the trio of guitarist Grant Green, organist John Patton, and drummer Ben Dixon keep things cooking. Green and Patton's solos often burn and are always invigorating, and Lou frequently matches their heights. The original compositions -- which form the bulk of the album -- aren't much more than blues and soul vamps, but they provide an excellent foundation for the combo to work hot grooves. And, in the end, that's what The Natural Soul is about -- groove. It maintains the high standards Donaldson established with his first soul-jazz foray, Here 'Tis, and remains one of his best records in that genre. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The Natural Sound

Shannon Whitworth & Barrett Smith - Bring It On Home

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:40
Size: 102.3 MB
Styles: Vocal, Alternative folk, Jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:33] 1. Bring It On Home To Me
[3:20] 2. Moonglow
[3:34] 3. You Can Close Your Eyes
[4:07] 4. Duncan
[2:58] 5. I Get Ideas (When We Are Dancing)
[3:24] 6. Louise
[2:51] 7. Sway
[3:45] 8. Bird On The Wire
[4:26] 9. Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
[3:44] 10. Green Grass
[4:56] 11. I'll Be Your Lover, Too
[3:58] 12. You Are My Sunshine

Like musical genre, the release of music has become progressively atomized in the past 25 years. Long gone is the ritual ministry of going to a record store to buy an album. Albums, those often painstakingly conceived collections of songs, are gasping their Chain-Stokes last breath at the hands of a generation used to downloading the newest single mp3 recorded in someone's basement using an iPad, the result posted on YouTube. No liner notes, no story, only an effete bunch of too-hip- for-their-own-good writers blogging that this is the new "thing" using the internet as the new word-of-mouth (read that propaganda machine) to decrease the signal-to-noise ratio to just noise.

But, there remains signs of life in the LP, the "album-length" media of the moment. Jazz and classical music may be the only thing between the album and oblivion. That and a good idea. Singers Shannon Whitworth and Barrett Smith, beneath the guise of the Shannon Whitworth Band, did some opening dates for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, revealing a beautifully tranquil and entertaining set of originals and covers readily appealing to those of a certain age (the late Baby Boom). The two touted a new recording they had just made, one devoted to their favorite songs. Now, that is a concept for an album and its title is Bring It On Home.

The single best description of the music Whitworth and Smith make is warm honey infused with opium: both pure and wholesome, while being a bit, how should we say, bohemian. At first blush, this music resembles that of Canada's Cowboy Junkies of the late 1980s, but without the dead seriousness. Relaxed and confident, Whitworth and Smith work their way across an almost 100-year landscape of music that is the crowning achievement of the song writer's craft. They so so with quiet percussion and carefully chosen accompaniment that makes this perfect listening music: appealing to both nostalgia and the appreciation of fine music making.

This disc opens with a spirited reading of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me." Whitworth and Barrett have a certain empathy that works on several different levels. They harmonize well together, behind Barrett's "Mr. Postman" Fender Telecaster guitar playing, never too many notes only those necessary, well presented. Okay, that song was circa 1962. The pair jumps back 30 years to the Depression era popular song written by Irving Mills and Eddie DeLange. The song is perfection, until the pair jump ahead 40 years and perform James Taylor's "You Can Close Your Eyes" like it was their own with cellist Melissa Hyman providing that perfect American continuo undercurrent.

From James Taylor to Paul Simon and that composer's introspective "Duncan" from Paul Simon (Columbia Records, 1972). Barrett sings lead and Whitworth provides harmony vocals and a banjo, buoyed by Hyman's cello and Nicky Sander's violin, deriving from this American song all of its Americana. The recording's emotional center is found in the 1927 tango written by Argentinian Julio Cesar Sanders, "I Get Ideas (When We Are Dancing)." Whitworth pours the honey (yes, that same honey) on slow while strumming her ukulele and purring her way through the sexiest lyrics allowable in the Jazz Age.

The disc's apex is the humid and sensual "Corcovado (Quiet Nights)." Whitworth and Barrett divide the vocal duties, with Barrett singing Portuguese and tenor saxophonist Jacob Rodriguez reminding us why Stan Getz was so important. Bring It On Home is that hidden diamond that may be the best recording to cross this desk all year. ~C. Michael Bailey

Shannon Whitworth: vocals, guitar, ukelele; Barrett Smith: vocals, guitar; Mike Ashworth: bass, organ; Jeff Site: drums; Michael Libramento: guitars, piano; Justin Ray: trumpet; Melissa Hyman: cello; Nicky Sanders: violin; Jacob Rodriguez: tenor saxophone; Nate Leath: violin.

Bring It On Home

Miles Davis - Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums (2-Disc Set)

The 2014 double-disc anthology Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums compiles tracks jazz trumpeter Miles Davis recorded for Blue Note Records during the '50s. These are recordings made after Davis left Prestige, but not including the 1949-1950 sessions later released as the classic 1957 album Birth of the Cool. Here, instead, we get recordings that were initially released as 10" LPs titled Young Man with a Horn, Miles Davis, Vol. 2, and Miles Davis, Vol. 3. Also included are all of the alternate takes that accompanied the original releases. Backing Davis on these sessions is a veritable who's who of future jazz hall of famers, including drummer Art Blakey, pianist Horace Silver, saxophonist Jackie McLean, and others.

These recordings were made during a comparatively fallow period in Davis' career, just as he was emerging from his initial bout with heroin addiction. Here, cuts like the sanguine "Yesterdays" and the poignant "It Never Entered My Mind" reveal a darker, if no less melodic, version of the trumpeter who had previously paid his dues, chasing the shadow of Dizzy Gillespie in Charlie Parker's quintet. In fact, Davis tackles several Gillespie-associated compositions here, including "Woody 'N You" and "Ray's Idea," delivering them in his own understated, if no less bravura, style. This is the beginning of Davis the minimalist, eschewing flowery asides for straightforward, unadorned melodic line readings and improvisations played in a vibrato-free eighth-note style. In that sense, these cuts prefigure the more aggressive hard bop and harmonically challenging post-bop of the '60s; styles that Davis later helped to innovate with his "first great quintet." Ultimately, the tracks on Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums point the way toward Davis' landmark Columbia albums that transformed him from one of the best jazz trumpeters on the N.Y.C. scene into an international superstar. ~Matt Collar

Album: Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:12
Size: 98.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 2014

[4:10] 1. Dear Old Stockholm
[3:01] 2. Chance It
[3:42] 3. Yesterdays
[3:11] 4. Donna
[3:22] 5. Would'n You
[4:38] 6. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:15] 7. Kelo
[3:20] 8. Enigma
[3:41] 9. Ray's Idea
[3:48] 10. Tempus Fugit
[3:31] 11. C.T.A
[3:27] 12. I Waited For You

Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums (Disc 1)

Album: Take Off: The Completeblue Note Albums (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:26
Size: 122.3 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:37] 1. Take Off
[4:01] 2. Lazy Susan
[4:29] 3. The Leap
[5:21] 4. Well You Needn't
[4:41] 5. Weirdo
[4:01] 6. It Never Entered My Mind
[2:52] 7. Chance It (Alternate Take)
[3:08] 8. Donna (Alternate Take)
[3:21] 9. Woody'n You (Alternate Take)
[3:26] 10. Kelo (Alternate Take)
[3:24] 11. Enigma (Alternate Take)
[3:48] 12. Ray's Idea (Alternate Take)
[3:55] 13. Tempus Fugit (Alternate Take)
[3:15] 14. C.T.A. (Alternate Take)

Take Off: The Completeblue Note Albums (Disc 2)

Roberto Menescal - Eu E Cris (with Cris Delanno)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:21
Size: 94.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:08] 1. 's Wonderful
[3:42] 2. Retrato Em Branco E Preto
[4:05] 3. Eu E A Musica-Tá Oquei
[4:08] 4. Outra Vez
[3:58] 5. Roxanne
[3:17] 6. Sabe Você
[3:51] 7. Estate
[4:35] 8. Abraço Vazio
[4:11] 9. Body And Soul
[2:09] 10. Saudade Fez Um Samba
[5:11] 11. Corazon Partio

“EU E CRIS” estreou em novembro de 2003, no Rio de Janeiro, com o patrocínio da Unimed-Rio com enorme sucesso de público e mídia. Desde então, Menescal e Cris vêm encantando a platéia de todo o Brasil e o mundo.

O repertório de Eu e Cris inclui bossa-nova, rock, blues, pop e jazz, destacando “Eu e a Música (TÁOQUEI)” que Roberto Menescal e Aldir Blanc compuseram há dez anos, especialmente para Cris Delanno no primeiro show solo da cantora. Canções de Tom Jobim, Carlinhos Lyra, Chico Buarque, Isolda, Vinícius de Moraes se misturam às de Sting, George Gershwin, Alejandro Sanz, Bruno Martino.

Eu E Cris

Jess Abrams - Cat Stevens Reconstructed

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:14
Size: 83.0 MB
Styles: Contemporary folk-jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:17] 1. Father And Son
[5:39] 2. Wild World
[3:26] 3. Sitting
[5:41] 4. How Can I Tell You
[4:50] 5. Where Do The Children Play
[4:49] 6. Popstar
[4:37] 7. If I Laugh
[2:52] 8. The Wind

Wild World, Father and Son, How Can I Tell You, The Wind and more… The works of Cat Stevens reinterpreted by New York vocalist Jess Abrams. 'Abrams finds her own meaning in each lyric and makes it her own' (Jazz UK). 'Invites you in and makes you feel so good you won't want to leave… A stone delight' (Jazzwise Magazine). Jess, accompanied by piano and bass, will surprise and enchant you with unique interpretations of the songs of one of the most beloved songwriters of the 1970s. Join us, it's a wild world…

Cat Stevens Reconstructed