Hope Levy - Menagerie

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:36
Size: 79.2 MB
Styles: Cabaret
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:07] 1. No Time For Love
[3:32] 2. Why Does A Dog Have More Rights Than I
[2:52] 3. My Blue Hawaii
[3:22] 4. Party At The Sneaker Store
[3:12] 5. Third Time Around
[2:48] 6. Gingie Boy
[3:22] 7. Blair Witch
[3:07] 8. Georgia O'Keeffe
[3:55] 9. Don't Explain
[2:35] 10. Where Did All The Phone Booths Go
[3:40] 11. 3rd Time Around

Hope Levy is a Los Angeles based Actress & Singer Songwriter. Hope Levy's debut CD, "Menagerie", is a compilation of material she has written including one cover of a Billie Holiday song. Hope's vocal stylings are deeply rooted in cabaret singing and her quirky catchy lyrics and music have similarities to that of Dory Previn, Blossom Deary, Jonathan Richman and Aimee Mann.

Menagerie

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BWB - Groovin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:38
Size: 138.8 MB
Styles: Crossover jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:45] 1. Groovin'
[4:47] 2. Brown Sugar
[5:44] 3. Ruby Baby
[5:42] 4. A Woman's Worth
[7:26] 5. Hip Hug Her
[6:43] 6. Mercy Mercy Mercy
[7:20] 7. Let's Do It Again
[4:50] 8. It's Your Thing
[7:27] 9. Povo
[5:48] 10. Up for the Down Stroke

This concept sounds like the set-up for a joke: What do you get when you cross three smooth-jazzers with topnotch straight-ahead players? Turns out Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, and Rick Braun have the last laugh and a damn good time. While they may be three of the most distinct stylists in smooth jazz, they had to turn up the pots to cook with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Keyboardist Ricky Peterson, maybe the funkiest organist in contemporary jazz outside of Larry Goldings, plays a producing role and is probably the MVP of BWB. The players aren't the only stars. The impeccable choice of 10 well-known cover tunes adds to an unapologetically fun record that allows B, W, and B to stretch out much more than they do on other recordings. Braun quotes Freddie Hubbard on "Povo," while Whalum explores Cannonball Adderley on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and Brown pays back Wes Montgomery throughout the proceedings. From the sexually charged "Let's Do It Again," featuring a purring Dee Dee Bridgewater and a scatting Brown, to the inspired arrangements of Alicia Keys's "A Woman's Worth" and D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar," there are no holes in any of these grooves. ~Mark Ruffin

Groovin'

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The Cy Coleman Trio - Comin' Home

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:21
Size: 78.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1963/2005
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. But Not For Me
[2:21] 2. Green Dolphin Street
[2:49] 3. Fly Me To The Moon
[2:55] 4. Time After Time
[2:45] 5. Blue Grass Groove
[2:59] 6. Robin Hood
[1:58] 7. Mean To Me
[2:31] 8. For Heaven's Sake
[2:50] 9. Comin' Home Baby
[2:20] 10. There Will Never Be Another You
[2:36] 11. I've Got Your Number
[3:17] 12. Sweet Georgia Brown
[2:01] 13. It's A Wonderful World

Well known today as a composer for the stage, Cy Coleman was once a jazz pianist of some distinction, although he was more a melodic interpreter than a dazzling improviser. This 1963 release is a trio date, with Coleman putting his spin on venerable songs like "Green Dolphin Street" and "There Will Never Be Another You," backed by bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Grady Tate. ~Ron Wynn

Comin' Home

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Steve Turre - The Bones of Art

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:16
Size: 156,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:28)  1. Slides's Ride
(4:21)  2. Blue & Brown
(9:42)  3. Settegast Strut
(5:50)  4. Bird Bones
(8:20)  5. Sunset
(7:07)  6. 4 & 9
(6:02)  7. Fuller Beauty
(6:07)  8. Shorter Bu
(6:46)  9. Julian's Blues
(7:29) 10. Daylight

Steve Turre has made a career out of creating and realizing projects that are firmly grounded in the jazz traditions, even when he's playing his conch shells. The Bones of Art may indeed be a first for jazz. Back in 1954, trombonists J.J. Johnson (Turre's greatest influence on the instrument) and Kai Winding recorded the first of five albums with a bone duo in the frontline. Here, Turre goes one better and features three in the frontline with no other horns. His companions are the last three trombonists to play in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers: Robin Eubanks (on three tracks) Frank Lacy, and Peter Washington (who lay out on one cut each). The rhythm section is comprised of drummer Willie Jones III, pianist Xavier Davis, and bassist Peter Washington. Turre wrote just over half of the tunes here, while his bandmates contributed the remainder. The program is mostly straight-ahead, deeply rooted in blues. Opener "Slide's Ride," with its breezy, yet knotty head and hard-grooving accents, is driving hard bop. Lacy's "Settegast Strut" features Davis' piano prominently; it's a joyful celebration of gospel, bop, and blues.

The use of mutes on the funky soul jazz of Turre's "4 & 9," is contrasted beautifully by Rhodes piano and guest Kenny Davis on electric bass. The are tight melodic turns in the bridge and interludes, but it's a stone groover. Eubanks' "Shorter Bu" is modern post-bop in the intro, but its swing quotient is indomitable as the head opens up. The shimmering, nocturnal blues balladry in "Fuller Beauty" melds everything from cool jazz to Miles' early expressions of modal music in its seductive melody and tapestry of sounds. Closer "Daylight," by Steve Davis, is hard-driving Latin jazz, where everyone solos Turre takes his on the shells, the only place on the set they appear and guest Pedro Martinez plays congas bongos and campana; everyone pushes double time to send this one off on a way-up note. The Bones of Art might have been stilted or even gimmicky by a lesser musician, but in Turre's imagination and discipline, it becomes a welcome extension of the tradition; it's a reminder that there is still so much from the past that can and should inform the future. Dynamite! ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-bones-of-art-mw0002556446

Personnel: Steve Turre (trombone); Xavier Davis (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Willie Jones III (drums).

The Bones of Art

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Rachel Holder & Dan Musselman - Save Your Love for Me

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:00
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. Save Your Love for Me
(3:36)  2. Deed I Do
(4:19)  3. Angel Eyes
(5:49)  4. Georgia
(3:19)  5. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
(3:36)  6. Baby, Baby All the Time
(4:06)  7. The More I See You
(4:25)  8. It's Alright With Me
(4:04)  9. But Not for Me
(5:34) 10. It Never Entered My Mind
(4:26) 11. Ain't Misbehavin'
(6:24) 12. Over the Rainbow

Rachel Holder and Dan Musselman’s new album, Save Your Love for Me, is one to remember. These two young musicians teamed up to create a stunning and creative album that is sure to delight any listener. Although they are fresh out of college, both Rachel and Dan are professional musicians in Minneapolis, performing as though they are twice their age. In addition to working with Dan, Rachel has worked with extremely well regarded musicians including: Clay Moore, Tanner Taylor, Michael Pilhofer, Gordy Knutson, Lori Dokken, Jay Young, Jay Epstein, Terry Burns, Greg Schutte, and Rick Carlson as well as groups such as Urban Stride, The Girls, The Jazz MN Big Band, The Clay Moore Trio, and the Frontera Jazz Quartet. Rachel is a first call vocalist in the Twin Cities and is quickly on her way up.

Dan certainly has an impressive resume as well. He studied with jazz legends Craig Taborn (pianist for Chris Potter) and Kenny Werner (author of Effortless Mastery) and has been a featured artist in Jazziz Magazine. In addition to appearing on many albums, he recently released his own solo album, Ruminations. Whether working with vocalists or instrumentalists, Dan adds just the right touch and energy to any musical situation. This album is a perfect representation two bright and on the rise stars in Minneapolis. Save Your Love For Me will immediately grab your attention as one of the best jazz recordings of 2009.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/holdermusselman

Save Your Love for Me

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Shelly Manne - 'The Three' & 'The Two'

Styles: Cool, Hard Bop
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:32
Size: 111,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:00)  1. Flip
(4:31)  2. Autumn in New York
(4:38)  3. Pas de trois
(5:10)  4. Three on a row
(3:20)  5. Steeplechase
(3:36)  6. Abstract no. 1
(4:04)  7. The sound effects Manne
(4:19)  8. Everything happens to me
(4:11)  9. Billie's bounce
(3:51) 10. With a song in my heart
(3:26) 11. A slight minority
(4:21) 12. Speak easy

These two sets for the Contemporary label (reissued on CD by the OJC label) are a couple of the more unusual sessions led by drummer Shelly Manne in the 1950s. "The Three" feature trumpeter Shorty Rogers; Jimmy Giuffre alternating on clarinet, tenor, and baritone; and Manne there is no piano or bass. Some of the six performances (particularly the four originals) are quite free, particularly the completely improvised "Abstract No. 1." Although these selections were not influential, they rank second in chronological order (behind Lennie Tristano's performances of 1949) among free jazz records. The remainder of this set is a duet between pianist Russ Freeman and Manne ("the Two"), and is also quite advanced in spots, although in general it is a more swinging session while still being unpredictable. Overall, a very interesting reissue. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-three-and-the-two-mw0000276488

Personnel: Shelly Manne (drums); Jimmy Giuffre (clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Shorty Rogers (trumpet); Russ Freeman (piano).

'The Three' and 'The Two'

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Sofia Pettersson - That's Amore

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:38
Size: 86,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Nobody
(3:56)  2. When About To Leave
(3:59)  3. That's Amore
(3:07)  4. Miss You
(3:55)  5. He's All Right
(2:45)  6. Music! Music! Music!
(4:11)  7. It's Happening
(4:15)  8. Fool On The Hill
(4:07)  9. When You're Smiling
(3:07) 10. Never Can Say Goodbye

Sofia Pettersson is a singer with an extra ordinary presence. Gifted with a natural frasing technique and lyric interpretation, she has created a very personal and intimate style.The critics rave about her and states , among many things, that ”her talent includes timing as well as rythm”, ”her voice has a beautiful sound and capacity” and that ”the singing connects with a natural, unaffected musical talent. Very appealing!”Further more Sofia  has a ”artistic attidude which shows that she’s both a composer and artist” and ”a salute is in order for both lyrics and music” - ”Prophone have robbed the big record companys on something special”. Sofia´s 6th and latest album "Det Liknar Ingenting" was released in April 2011. All lyrics are in Swedish and the music is written by Sofia and some music in composed by Petter Bergander, pianoplayer.The album has got beautiful reviews aswell as the last years live conserts. Sofia began singing jazz in 1987 and in 1998 her first album ”Oasis” was released. Jacob Karlzon, Johan Leijonhufvud, Jonas Holgersson and Mathias Hjorth were in her band. By then she lived in Malmö. She has done conserts in Sweden, France, Luxemburg, Great Britain and Belgium. In 1999, Sofia moved to Stockholm.

She has, since then, done conserts at jazz clubs and churches etc all over Sweden, in addition to that she has received many different scholarships for her work. In 2002 she released her 2nd album ”Slow Down” which got a very positive reception. In 2004, her 3rd album ”Thats’ Amore” came out, and was critically acclaimed as well. Apart from Sofia’s own songs , it included some well known classics from the 60’s and 70’s. Sofia’s 4th album ”Still Here” was released in 2004 and got the most attention of all of her previous albums. She wrote all the lyrics as well as music, and it was produced and arranged by Magnus Lindgren. ”Slow Down”, ”That’s Amore” and ”Still Here” have also been realesed in Europe and in Asia. Sofia’s 5th album "In Another World" was released on April 2008. Sofia has written all the lyrics as well as music, and produced it together with Per Erik Domargård. Her inspirations has been jazz and the singersongwriter tradition, and the whole album has a new sound compared to Sofia’s earlier albums.One new addition is acoustic and electrical guitars by Erik Söderlind. Petter Bergander plays organ and Fender Rhodes in addition to acoustic piano. Ola Bothzén plays as always percussion apart from the drums and Tobias Grenholm on  bass. 

~ Bio  http://www.sofiapettersson.com/site/index.html

That's Amore

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Ranee Lee - Deep Song: A Tribute To Billie Holiday (Bonus Songs)

Size: 138,4 MB
Time: 60:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1989/2012
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone (5:30)
02. When A Woman Loves A Man (4:08)
03. Crazy He Calls Me (5:43)
04. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (3:23)
05. God Bless The Child (4:06)
06. Somebody's On My Mind (2:40)
07. Easy Livin (4:15)
08. Strange Fruit (2:29)
09. Ain't Nobody's Business (3:20)
10. Them There Eyes (4:41)
11. Don't Explain (5:35)
12. Deep Song (4:04)
13. Fine And Mellow (5:00)
14. I'll Wind (4:59)

On this excellent CD, one of Ranee Lee's earliest recordings, the singer pays tribute to Billie Holiday with renditions of a dozen songs associated with Lady Day. The Canadian release features Lee joined by pianist Oliver Jones, guitarist Richard Ring, Richard Beaudet on reeds, veteran bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Archie Alleyne; the title cut also includes a string section. Lee manages to recapture Holiday's spirit without resorting to mimicry. This tasteful effort has among its highlights "When a Woman Loves a Man," "Crazy He Calls Me," "Easy Living," and "Them There Eyes." Recommended. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Deep Song

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John Petters Swing Band - Sing Sing Sing

Size: 113,6 MB
Time: 49:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Retro Swing, Big Band
Art: Front

01. Sing Sing Sing (3:53)
02. Special Delivery Stomp (3:21)
03. Blues At The Honky Tonk (4:43)
04. Seven Come Eleven (5:26)
05. Frim Fram Sauce (2:48)
06. Flyin' Home (4:11)
07. Vision On Gallery Theme (3:46)
08. One O' Clock Jump (4:00)
09. Magic Carpet (4:20)
10. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (3:45)
11. Blues En Mineur (4:18)
12. Airmail Special (4:36)

A stunningly good album of classic swing in the style of the 1930s & 40s. Feat. James Evans, David Blenkhorn, Charles Condy & Heather Birt.

John Petters has been a professional Jazz drummer for over 30 years. He has recorded with such American legends as Wild Bill Davison, Art Hodes, Kenny Davern, Yank Lawson & Al Casey. He appeared in concerts with Billy Butterfield and Slim Gaillard.
On the UK scene he recorded with Humphrey Lyttelton, George Chisholm OBE, Ken Colyer, Wally Fawkes, Alan Elsdon, Dick Charlesworth, Sammy Rimington & George Webb. He has worked with Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot, Kenny Ball, Georgie Fame, Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan.

John Petters organised and performed on the 'Legends of American Dixieland Tour' with Davison & Hodes.
His hit theatre shows include, This Joint Is Jumpin' - the Life & Music of Fats Waller, 'Swinging Down Memory Lane' with George Chisholm OBE, Maxine Daniels, Swing - a Centenary Tribute to Gene Krupa & Benny Goodman, Bing - The Road to Rhythm & Romance, 'S Wonderful, the Music of George Gershwin, with Val Wiseman, Ragtime Revisited with Martin Litton & James Evans, & Hoagy The Old Music Master.

An expert of jazz drumming technique, he has had many thousands of hits on his drum tuition videos about playing traditional jazz and the styles of Gene Krupa and Baby Dodds. He is director of several highly successful jazz residential festivals in the UK. He has written a number of articles on the history of jazz drumming.

Sing Sing Sing

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Scott Eckers - The Deep End

Size: 144,7 MB
Time: 62:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front

01. West Side Story Medley: Something's Coming/Tonight (3:31)
02. Optimistic Medley: Corner Of The Sky/Someday (4:26)
03. Yiddish Medley: Abi Gezunt/Tumbalalayke/Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen/Der Rebe Elimelekh (8:05)
04. Les Miserables Medley: Bring Him Home (The Prayer)/Do You Hear The People Sing (5:20)
05. This Is The Moment (3:47)
06. I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) (1:45)
07. All Of Me (3:35)
08. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 (3:21)
09. You Belong To Me (2:07)
10. To Where You Are (3:35)
11. South Pacific Medley: Younger Than Springtime/There Is Nothing Like A Dame/This Nearly Was Mine (5:46)
12. On The Street Where You Live (2:46)
13. Standards Medley: I've Got Rhythm/Lullaby Of Broadway (4:01)
14. Freylekhs In D-Bay Mir Bistu Sheyn/Sheyn Vi Di Levone - Di Grine Kuzine - Lebn Zol Kolumbus (3:15)
15. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime (3:44)
16. God Bless The U.S.A (2:51)

"A consummate performer!" raves Gloria Elliott, New York vocal critic, as she explains the style and sound of Scott Eckers, singer who easily transitions from Broadway to pops to jazz standards in his highly-acclaimed shows. Scott's trademark covers have taken him from classic Catskill hotels to the stage of Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Crowds cheer as Scott sustains high notes on power ballads or involves the audience in an uptempo dance. Having starred in many musicals, Scott is no stranger to the stage. He was recently featured in a new musical, Tess, which played at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and the New York Musical Theatre Festival in Manhattan. An unusual mastery of theYiddish language brings smiles to audiences across the Catskills and Florida.

The Deep End

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John Valeri - Now

Size: 120,2 MB
Time: 52:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Lost In Traffic (5:04)
02. Sketches (5:44)
03. Now (6:01)
04. Closer (4:37)
05. Desert Girl (4:09)
06. Until Then (5:10)
07. Time (7:15)
08. Edge Noel (4:45)
09. South Of Spain (5:05)
10. Why (4:25)

Living currently in Orlando, FL . Working with my original band and on a different musical projects, performing at leading jazz venues throughout the country and internationally. Recent release of two personal Cd's.

Freelance Musician:
Featured Guitarist
Two instrumental CD' releases entitled: “Time” and “Holding back”
Performed for national television audience on CBS “This Morning”, BET network,(Jones Beach, NYC), WOODSTOCK '99 Rock Festival, Apollo Theatre,(The Bitter End, NYC),(Sweet Basil jazz club ,NYC),(Trumpets Montclair, NJ),(Kavehaz ,NYC), Downtown Brooklyn Series Jazz Festival and the Annual International Jamaica Jazz Festival.
Orlando, Florida performances:
Universal Studios,The Plaza Theatre,The Abbey,Maitland Art Center,Orlando Film Festival,Jazz Young Gun Showcase,Orlando Museum of Art,Crealde School of Art,Blue Martini,Casa Feliz, Jazz Tastings and teaching at the Music Lab,Sam Ash and a Jazz Camp at Valencia Community College.
Toured Europe and Scandinavia as guitarist for TANGRA, a premiere Bulgarian Rock Band (1984-1989). Featured guitarist on two nationally released records in Bulgaria (1982-1985).

Now

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Kaylene Peoples - My Man

Size: 151,4 MB
Time: 65:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Take Five (4:42)
02. Mon Homme (Feat. Mark Hammond) (4:06)
03. Spain (Feat. Bunny Brunel) (6:47)
04. Nature Boy (6:43)
05. So Nice (Summer Samba) (3:16)
06. Time Traveler (Feat. Bobby Lyle) (5:58)
07. Stormy Weather (4:55)
08. Giant Steps (Feat. Hubert Laws, Bobby Lyle & Bunny Brunel) (5:58)
09. The Man I Love (5:02)
10. Blue Rondo A La Turk (5:00)
11. Smile (Souris) (4:22)
12. Tisket A Tasket (4:08)
13. My Man (4:29)

What do Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, and Ella Fitzgerald all have in common? Songs they made popular are making an appearance on MY MAN, the new CD by jazz singer and flutist Kaylene Peoples. Peoples has done it again by taking well-known classics and breathing new life into them. She gives them brand new, modern day arrangements, while still keeping the tradition of an acoustic jazz quintet. There’s nothing new about this set up except the fact that Peoples impresses you with her broad range of vocal styles and unparalleled flute chops. But MY MAN doesn’t just stop there; a special guest performance by three-time Grammy nominee flutist Hubert Laws, Grammy nominee fusion bassist Bunny Brunel, and multi-Platinum selling and Emmy nominee pianist Bobby Lyle share the spotlight on Kaylene’s unique arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” –a first-time recording together by the three legendary performers.

If you are a fan of Dave Valentin, Ian Anderson, or Herbie Mann, you’re going to love the flute on this album. Kaylene does a haunting rendition of “Nature Boy” as she plays a ritualistic solo instrumental opening, taking you back to native roots. The song is melancholy, just as Nat King Cole had intended it be when he did the first recording of the tune. “Nature Boy” is a classic that is one of the most recorded songs in history. It’s not easy to create new versions that can do it justice. Kaylene not only does it justice, but she enhances that beautiful melody (which has made this song famous) and takes us on a serious trip to the unknown with her unique version. Featured guitarist Mark Hammond does an answer/call with Kaylene’s flute in the instrumental section, creating a brilliant and sensitive moment. And it’s those types of moments that have become a trademark of MY MAN.

Care to be inspired? Check out “Spain,” featuring Bunny Brunel (who played with Chick Corea for almost ten years); Brunel plays a mind-blowing bass solo. More exciting tunes on MY MAN are “Take Five,” “Blue Rondo a la Turk,” and “Tisket a Tasket.” Bobby Lyle wrote a special song titled “Time Traveler,” especially for this album. It features Kaylene’s flute and crosses over to mainstream, while still being an acoustic creation. Kaylene does a tribute to Lena Horne with her version of “Stormy Weather.” She really shows her 5-octave vocal range on this tune. Smoldering vocals, lush, yet retro 50s-inspired string arrangements, and shredding guitar leads by Rich Mouser, makes this version of “Stormy Weather” the most unique yet.

KAYLENE PEOPLES MY MAN is a diverse musical novel. MY MAN promises to deliver that emotional satisfaction you crave as a listener. It promises to awaken your inner child, letting you escape from the day-to-day grind we all have to go through. MY MAN is thoughtful, exciting, inspiring, and addictive. From it’s beautiful versions of “Smile (Souris)” sung in English and French to the title track “My Man,” Kaylene Peoples incorporates her lush “live” string arrangements to bring these power ballads to life.

“MY MAN is all about inspirations and God-given talent. It’s delivering a performance that’s authentic and transparent; and doing it to your highest excitement. No fear. No reproach. No judgment! That is what I want to achieve with this album . . . an exposing experience that lets you peak into my world for 64 minutes, the duration of this CD. My wish is that you will be as inspired as I have been! I guess it’s no coincidence that on my first day of recording this album (over 3 years ago), I discovered Barbra Streisand was recording in the room next to mine. I took that as a sign that ‘my’ title MY MAN (a song made famous by Streisand) was meant to be!” –Kaylene Peoples (Quoted from the booklet inside the MY MAN CD).

Musicans who played on KAYLENE PEOPLES MY MAN: Mark Hammond, Del Atkins, Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, Hubert Laws; Milen Kirov, Kevin Flournoy, Vernell Brown, Jr., Ryo Okumoto, Rich Mouser; Leon Bisquera, Nathan Brenton, Eric Brenton, Oscar Seaton, Cory Mason, Brandino, and Tony Moore.

My Man

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Yuri Honing - Desire

Size: 102,2 MB
Time: 39:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Desire (4:38)
02. Messenger (4:30)
03. Renaissance (5:07)
04. Mina Daiski (5:29)
05. Lasciate Mi Morire (7:00)
06. Papillon (3:23)
07. Sad Song (6:31)
08. Route Du Paradis (2:57)

It's been three years since the Yuri Honing Quartet's True (Challenge Records, 2012), a sumptuous all-acoustic affair that was in stark contrast to the powerful, duel electric guitar-driven Wired Paradise. That particular group hasn't recorded since White Tiger (Jazz in Motion Records, 2010), though the retrospective compilation North Sea Jazz Legendary Concerts (Bob City, 2013) captured it and Honing in other settings at the famous Dutch festival between 1996-2012. In between Wired Paradise and his quartet releases Honing collaborated with musicologist/recorder player Erik Bosgraaf on Hotel Terminus (Brilliant Classics, 2013)—a fascinating blend of baroque, jazz-rock and ambient textures. Here Honing once again immerses himself in a dreamy acoustic reverie of smoldering passions -expressions of different feelings of desire.

The one change in line-up since True sees Icelander Gulli Gudmundsson replace Ruben Samama on double bass duties, but otherwise the music picks up where True left off. The spare architecture of Honing's music foregrounds melody over rhythm, with emotional impact outweighing individualism. Joost Lijbaart's fluttering brushes tattoo sets the tone on the title track, a faintly baroque-influenced ballad, where pianist Wolfert Brederode's minimalism accompanies Honing's softly yearning tenor lines. On an original rewiring of alt-rock band Blonde Redhead's "Messeneger" Honing glides mellifluously over pulsing bass and insistent brushes, but even at a greater rhythmic clip and with some intensity Honing's economy of notes guides the quartet's less-is-more approach.

Gudmundsson's bowed bass fuses as one with Honing's lulling tenor on "Renaissance," a plaintive, practically arrhythmic tune where the rotation of instruments effects textural shifts rather than a chain of solos. More paired back still is "Lasciate me Morire" [Let Me Die], inspired by Claudio Monteverdi's 16th century madrigal, and a reminder that death too is a not uncommon desire. Lijbaart and Gudmundsson sit out as saxophone and piano combine in melancholy meditation; Honing's drawn out notes paint a yeaning monologue but throughout Desire there's very little approaching a solo, just brief passing on of the melodic battons, like a slow-motion carousel.

Honing has always the knack of penning simple, haunting melodies and "Mina Daiski" is a case in point; from ruminative beginnings the quartet sound gradually swells, with the leader's tenor buoyed by more sharply defined rhythmic support. Likewise, the lyrical caress of "Papillion" seduces, with Lijbaart's deft use of shells, bells and cymbals providing subtly striking punctuation. Honing is faithful to the spirit of Carla Bley's "Sad Song" while leaving his own indelible stamp on a two-gear rendition that shifts from melancholy introspection to sultry groove at the flick of a switch. Undulating, mantra-like piano motifs form the canvas of Brederode's composition "Route du Paradis"; lyrical bass and Lijbaart's light percussive step add shading around Honing's brief, emotive exclamation.

Desire is an affair of the heart in more ways than one. The CD's inside cover contains a poem entitled "Our Heart" by Joost Zwagerman, inspired by that most vital organ. Zwagerman's rich trawl of adjectives includes intimate, bittersweet, vulnerable and intense—descriptions that equally sum up Honning's haunting, heartfelt music; music as delicate and as vital as the "fragile fist thumping and pumping" inside each of us. ~by Ian Patterson

Personnel: Yuri Honing: tenor saxophone; Wolfert Brederode: piano; Gulli Gudmundsson: double bass; Joost Lijbaart: drums, percussion.

Desire

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Wycliffe Gordon & Niki Haris - I'm Glad There Is You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:09
Size: 135.4 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[ 4:35] 1. Better Than Anything
[11:27] 2. You Took Advantage Of Me
[ 3:20] 3. Oops!!
[ 7:17] 4. I'm Glad There Is You
[ 3:22] 5. Honeysuckle Rose
[ 7:23] 6. Learnin' The Blues
[ 4:53] 7. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[ 5:50] 8. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[ 4:59] 9. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[ 5:57] 10. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Performing to a packed house on stage with many talented singers, one took the microphone and delivered a few moments in storytelling that stood out miles above the rest. Niki Haris. The stage presence, ability to captivate the audience from the first note and sustain throughout, all while delivering a most entertaining performance at that level was astounding!!! I thought "I have got to work with this vocalist!!!"

That didn't come easy. After many attempts to meet to discuss the possibilities to make this happen, the result is "I'm Glad There Is You." This is a testament to the types of songs that Niki and I love to do. Stories that never get old and are always in the present tense. Duke Ellington said that a man and woman is the world's greatest duet. It is indeed an honor to present this project, one of many to come with Niki and myself as a pledging to our love of art through relationships and great songwriting. ~ Wycliffe Gordon

I believe the title says it all... so, to the music, to Wycliffe, and all who listen, "I'm Glad There Is You" ~ Niki Haris

I'm Glad There Is You

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Norman Johnson - Get It While You Can

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:53
Size: 111.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:02] 1. Get It While You Can
[4:10] 2. Danza Dance
[5:14] 3. That's The Way Of The World
[3:57] 4. Killer Jane
[4:55] 5. Cloud 99
[4:19] 6. Got To Get You Into My Life
[4:37] 7. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
[4:21] 8. Saudale
[4:01] 9. Calle Verde
[4:56] 10. Pack It Up
[4:16] 11. Nagoya Nights

A fantastic collection of great songs from the 70's, and original compositions penned by Norman Johnson, Grayson Hugh, and Don Wallace. This collection of songs gives guitarist Norman Johnson the perfect background for his warm and melodic style of playing. Classics like That's The Way Of The World, Got To Get You Into My Life, and Until You Come Back To Me, take on a new life with Johnson's contemporary jazz treatment, all the time keeping true to the essence of the songs. You'll recognize them, but they will feel fresh. The title cut "Get It While You Can" is a perfect example of groove and fun. With a popping horn section, it is the statement feel for the cd. Danza Dance is a latin infused gem enhanced by Ali Ryerson on flute. Grayson Hugh's mysterious "Saudade" is a soundscape that wraps his superb vocals with Johnson's guitar. Killer Jane is a humorous takeoff on Benny Golson's Killer Joe. It features a swinging funky feel and Steve Davis on trombone. Johnson uses electric, nylon and steel string acoustic guitars, to create a wide variety of sound on this recording.

The list of musicians include, Grayson Hugh - piano and vocals, Ali Ryerson - flute, Steve Davis - trombone, Arti Dixson and Anthony Cusano - drums, Ken Fischer, Alex Nakhimovsky and Matt DeChamplain - piano, Don Wallace and Dave Stoltz - bass, Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng, Eric Galm, and Ed Fast - percussion, Chris Herbert - sax and flute, Ricky Alfonso - trumpet. This is instrumental music that will make you sing. Smooth, warm sounds, infectious beats, and great compositions. The title, Get It While You Can, says it all.

Get It While You Can

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Stephane Grappelli - Just One Of Those Things

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:29
Size: 104.1 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 1984
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. Cheek To Cheek
[2:33] 2. Are You In The Mood
[2:28] 3. Just One Of Those Things
[4:03] 4. There's A Small Hotel
[2:56] 5. Pent-Up House
[3:49] 6. I'll Remember April
[4:26] 7. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[3:18] 8. Stephane Grappelli-With Marc F
[2:48] 9. Blue Moon
[2:19] 10. Them There Eyes
[3:05] 11. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[3:40] 12. How High The Moon
[2:30] 13. Waltz Du Pass
[4:07] 14. My One And Only Love

Stephane Grappelli (violin), Marc Fosset (acoustic guitar), Martin Taylor (electric guitar), Patrice Caratini (bass), Allan Ganley (drums), Chris Karan (tabla). Recording information: Angel Studios, Islington, London, England (07/04/1973); Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (07/04/1973).

Just One Of Those Things

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Vanessa Rubin - Vanessa Rubin Sings

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:44
Size: 112,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:37)  1. Our Love is Here to Stay
(5:10)  2. It's Probably Me
(4:30)  3. Being Green
(4:22)  4. All For One
(4:45)  5. My Ship
(3:07)  6. Seven Days
(3:36)  7. Once Upon a Summertime
(4:12)  8. Close Enough For Love
(3:07)  9. Morning
(2:54) 10. Unless It's You
(5:27) 11. Black Coffee
(3:52) 12. His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Vanessa Rubin has a lovely voice, but rarely wanders much from the melody. Since many of the songs that she performs on this Novus CD have already been done definitively dozens of times by others (such as "Our Love Is Here to Stay," "My Ship," "Morning," and even "Being Green"), the value of the release is not as high as it should be. Rubin does contribute new lyrics to Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil" (renamed "All for One"), her singing is heartfelt on "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and Steve Turre's four appearances (on trombone and conch shells) are a major asset. But why revive "Black Coffee" (another song that has already been done perfectly) with its self-pitying attitude and dated references to cigarettes. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/vanessa-rubin-sings-mw0000179695

Personnel: Vanessa Rubin (vocals); Steve Turre (trombone, conch shells); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Michael Lang (piano); Oscar Castro-Neves (acoustic guitar); Kevin Eubanks, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Bob Hurst, Dave Carpenter (bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Alex Acuna (drums); Morgan Ames, Clydene Jackson, Darlene Koldenhoven, Jim Gilstrap (background vocals).

Vanessa Rubin Sings

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Richie Cole - Kush: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:14
Size: 131,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:34)  1. Be-Bop
(6:39)  2. You Go To My Head
(5:33)  3. Birk's Works
(5:17)  4. I Waited For You
(7:28)  5. Kush
(3:52)  6. Salt Peanuts
(5:25)  7. Con Alma
(5:57)  8. A Night In Tunisia
(2:44)  9. This Is The Way
(8:41) 10. Manteca

Altoist Richie Cole makes a full-fledged comeback on this fairly inspired release. He performs nine Dizzy Gillespie compositions (plus "You Go to My Head" which was actually co-written by Haven Gillespie) while joined by groups ranging from a two-guitar trio to a 13-piece band, all arranged in colorful fashion by Bob Belden. In addition to Cole, fellow altoist Paquito D'Rivera battles it out on "Kush" and plays some excellent clarinet on "Salt Peanuts" while trumpeter Jack Walrath has a few spots. other highlights include "Be-Bop," "Birk's Works," "A Night in Tunisia" and "Manteca." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/kush-the-music-of-dizzy-gillespie-mw0000177958

Personnel: Richie Cole (tenor saxophone); Paquito d'Rivera (alto saxophone, clarinet); Roger Ingram, Tony Kadleck, Alan Rubin, Jack Walrath (trumpet); John Clark (French horn); Sam Burtis (trombone); Douglas Purviance (bass trombone); Earl McIntyre (bass trombone, tuba); Kevin Hayes (piano); Vic Juris, Fareed Haque (guitar); Peter Washington (bass); Carl Allen (drums); Ray Mantilla (percussion).

Kush: The Music of Dizzy Gillespie

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Kat Edmonson - Way Down Low

Styles: Vocal, Folk
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:09
Size: 144,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:59)  1. Lucky
(3:22)  2. I Don't Know
(4:45)  3. What Else Can I Do?
(6:55)  4. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
(3:27)  5. This Was The One
(3:41)  6. Champagne
(7:15)  7. Whispering Grass
(4:46)  8. I'm Not In Love
(3:04)  9. Long Way Home
(4:49) 10. Nobody Knows That
(4:08) 11. Hopelessly Blue
(6:15) 12. I Don't Know (Reprise)
(4:17) 13. Bottom of Your Heart
(3:20) 14. 'S Wonderful

Branching away from standards on her second album Way Down Low, Austin-based jazz vocalist Kat Edmonson also expands her musical worldview, going beyond the sophisticated cabaret of her 2009 debut Take to the Sky and creating a breezy neo-tribute to the swinging '60s. That was the decade that produced Brian Wilson's "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times," one of the few covers on Way Down Low and a sentiment that applies to Edmonson but in a different way. Where the Beach Boy was pining for the days before rock & roll, Edmonson would certainly feel more comfortable in either the '60s or '50s, where bossa nova, swing, and pop mingled happily, as they do here. Certainly, these sounds give Way Down Low a distinctly retro vibe, but Edmonson isn't living in the past, she's pledging allegiance to a tradition, a tradition she finds flexible enough to refashion for modern times. 

And Kat Edmonson is a modern girl after all, she funded the production of Way Down Low via Kickstarter, a move that gave her artistic freedom and professional production, taking full advantage of those two elements. Way Down Low is rich and varied, as are Edmonson's girlish vocals, which never succumb to cloying sweetness or stereotypical scatting. She's nimble and creative within the boundaries of her chosen traditions, which is why Way Down Low feels simultaneously fresh and timeless. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine  http://www.allmusic.com/album/way-down-low-mw0002323772

Way Down Low

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Ramsey Lewis - Goin' Latin

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:21
Size: 86,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:03)  1. Hey Mrs. Jones
(3:09)  2. Summer Samba
(3:28)  3. 1, 2, 3
(2:59)  4. Free Again
(3:45)  5. Down By The Riverside
(4:22)  6. Blue Bongo
(3:19)  7. I'll Wait For You
(3:08)  8. Function At The Junction
(3:13)  9. Spanish Grease
(2:36) 10. Lara's Theme (Somewhere My Love)
(3:12) 11. Cast Your Fate To The Wind

In 1966, Ramsey Lewis changed up his winning live piano trio format at Cadet to include a big band. Produced by Esmond Edwards and conducted and arranged by Richard Evans, Wade in the Water was a surprise hit; it's title track reached number 19 on the pop chart (ahhhhh, the days of great AM radio when such a thing was possible). So Lewis had no need to rock the boat all that much on this follow-up, and used the same team for Goin' Latin. The boogaloo craze was taking over the East Coast at the time, and while Lewis was still rooted in Chicago, he got around on tour. Edwards and Evans brought Lewis' great trio (with Cleveland Eaton on bass and Maurice White on drums) again, and augmented the proceedings with horns, percussion, electric guitar, and even strings. The result is an album that is every bit as strong as its predecessor. Evans' arrangements and bottom-heavy soulful sound mix well with Lewis' indulgence in bossa nova, discotheque boogaloo, and Latin soul-lite on this set. The set's opener, "Hey Mrs. Jones," is a I-IV-V blues progression layered with wild bongos and congas in tight boogaloo fashion; there is also a small string section playing the changes and the horns playing the vamp. It's heavy, fat, and smokin', and sets the tone well.

Other notables on this set are Lewis' killer version of "Function at the Junction," with big brassy horns playing the intro filled by congas before the trio enters with its trademark funky soul-jazz where gospel, blues, and jazz all meet on the corner and clap their hands, and the not so subtle remake of another gospel tune (which didn't score on the charts), "Down by the Riverside." The latter number may not have a ton of imagination, but Evans gets miles out of it in his charts. It's fast, furious, and joyous in its groove and in its way superior to "Wade in the Water." As is typical of Lewis from the period, there are a couple of ballads as well, but they only partially work here. While the Latinized version of "Lara's Theme (Somewhere My Love)" works well, the syrupy bossa-esque "I'll Wait for You" falls flat. 

The album ends on two finely imaginative tracks. First is the taut Puerto Rican-Cubano jam "Spanish Grease," which takes Nuyorican boogaloo and rubs it up against clave, montuno, and blues with an absolutely killer horn chart. The last is a very unique reading of "Cast Your Fate to the Wind," which begins as a discotheque boogaloo, layers strings into the melody, and undercuts the rhythmic lines with an army of congas playing midtempo and Lewis prettying up the middle with his own trio. The horns accent the strings in the codas and then Lewis brings it home in the solo, grinding it into rich, greasy soul-jazz. Goin' Latin may have been a fad record, but in the 21st century it holds up well. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/goin-latin-mw0000534207

Personnel: Ramsey Lewis (piano); Maurice White (drums)

Goin' Latin

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