The Harry Allen And Joe Cohn Quartet - Hey, Look Me Over

Styles: Saxophone And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:30
Size: 138,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:30)  1. With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair
(6:07)  2. Take Four
(6:10)  3. It's Been a Long, Long Time
(6:19)  4. Hey, Look Me Over
(5:29)  5. Seven Come Eleven
(6:23)  6. I'll Only Miss Her When I Think of Her
(6:08)  7. Travisimo
(6:32)  8. Get Out
(3:18)  9. Pick Yourself Up
(7:30) 10. Danielle

The Harry Allen-Joe Cohn Quartet was recently nominated for the best small ensemble of the year by the Jazz Journalist Association for its 2006 Jazz Awards. Hey, Look Me Over offers several convincing reasons why. Playing a selection of jazz standards favoring the harmonious marriage of the tenor and guitar, Allen and Cohn fashion ten tracks of brisk and mellow music with a good dose of swing. Their quartet, featuring bassist Joel Forbes and drummer Chuck Riggs, performs regularly on the New York jazz scene. Influenced by legendary saxophonist Stan Getz, Allen chose a staple of Getz's repertoire for the opener in "With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair" to demonstrate his talents on tenor. The band opens up in swinging style with the Sammy Cahn tune "It's Been A Long, Long Time," featuring respectable solos by the leaders. The title track, a showcase piece for the band, finds Cohn taking center stage with a romp on guitar, followed by Forbes on bass and finishing with a high-pitched tenor statement by Allen.


The group turns soft and mellow on the Cahn/Van Heusen ballad "I'll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her," with a deliciously soft and sleepy melody. Allen and Cohn use the familiar "Pick Yourself Up" to play off each other, going back and forth on this short and fun track. One of three compositions by Al Cohn (Joe Cohn's dad), and perhaps the best on this album, is "Danielle," played like a soft samba. Riggs uses the brushes, Allen does his best Getz interpretation, and Cohn strums the guitar like Charlie Byrd on this beautiful and memorable closer. Hey, Look Me Over is a truly pleasant set of colorful and tasteful charts performed with grace and elegance. Allen and Cohn form the nucleus of a formidable, first-rate combo with a distinct style of its own. Take a hint from the title and look this one over... you may like what you hear. ~ Edward Blanco  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/hey-look-me-over-harry-allen-arbors-records-review-by-edward-blanco.php

Personnel: Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Joe Cohn: guitar; Joel Forbes: bass; Chuck Riggs: drums.

Hey, Look Me Over

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Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights - Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights

Styles: Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:32
Size: 169,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:03)  1. Rapaz De Bem
( 4:47)  2. Já Era
( 7:11)  3. Ilusão À Toa
(11:13)  4. Só Por Amor
( 5:06)  5. Curta Metragem
( 6:57)  6. Nós
( 5:33)  7. Triste
( 7:16)  8. Sonia Braga
( 7:59)  9. Tristeza De Nós Dois
( 4:14) 10. Chorinho Carioca
( 7:07) 11. São Conrado

Jazz pianist Kenny Barron celebrates the music of Brazil on his 2013 studio album, Kenny Barron & the Brazilian Knights. Here, Barron performs a variety of songs from the late Johnny Alf, as well as composer/harmonica player Maurício Einhorn, who also joins Barron on the album. Also joining Barron are such luminaries as trumpeter Claudio Roditi, saxophonist Idriss Boudrioua, drummer Rafael Barata, guitarist Lula Galvão, bassist Sérgio Barrozo, and keyboardist Alberto Chimelli. This is highly engaging Brazilian jazz. ~ Matt Collar  http://www.allmusic.com/album/kenny-barron-the-brazilian-knights-mw0002541118

Personnel: Kenny Barron (piano); Lula Galvao (acoustic guitar); Maurício Einhorn (harmonica); Idriss Boudrioua (alto saxophone); Claudio Roditi (flugelhorn); Rafael Barata (drums); Sérgio Barrozo.

Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights

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David Benoit & Jane Monheit - 2 In Love

Styles: Piano And Vocal Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:09
Size: 90,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. Barcelona Nights
(4:28)  2. This Dance
(5:14)  3. Too In Love
(2:55)  4. Dragonfly
(3:27)  5. Love Will Light The Way
(3:15)  6. Love In Hyde Park
(3:45)  7. The Songs We Sang
(4:52)  8. Fly Away
(3:59)  9. Something's Gotta Give
(3:42) 10. Love Theme From Candide / Send In The Clowns

David Benoit’s 2 In Love, featuring singer/songwriter Jane Monheit is on the crest of a new style in which his Grammy-nominated pianism and sonic instrumentals are now paired with Jane’s vocal prowess. Their new sound, heightened and shaped as a new form of musical expression, validates the fact that few contemporary jazz musicians have achieved as much notoriety or had such an impact as David Benoit. The 61-year old Benoit is revered as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz and this pairing with 37-year old Jane Monheit serves as a splendid cross-generational effort that is sure to appeal to their fans around the world. This is David Benoit’s first release with a vocalist and he couldn’t have chosen a better one than the Grammy Award-nominated cool-toned Jane Monheit. Together they present a rich and comprehensive performance of ten songs culled from a variety of styles including ballads, mid-tempo, neo-classical, Latin, Pop and Broadway. They are supported by an alternating rhythm section which features drummer Jamey Tate, Clayton Cameron, percussionist Lauren Kosty, guitarist Pat Kelley and bassists David Hughes and John Clayton. Guest string players Michelle Suh on violin and cellist Cathy Biagini add their impressive accompaniment to several songs including “Dragonfly,” a waltz, “Something’s Got To Give,” from the play of the same name written by Benoit with long-time collaborator Mark Winkler and “The Songs We Sang.”

Along with Jane Monheit, three lyricists Mark Winkler, Lorraine Feather and Spencer Day illuminated Benoit’s musical concepts with fresh lyrics that heighten his exemplary abilities to understand and accompany singers. Lorraine Feather’s lyrics to “Barcelona Nights” were inspired by Benoit’s travels to Spain. Jane sings this song with vigor and passion as the band members provide the imagery, textures and imaginary hi-res clips of a night in Barcelona. The song unites a number of important currents in Latin music particularly the groove and infectious rhythms with elements of American contemporary jazz. Benoit is prolific across a plethora of styles and genres and on his heartfelt piano solo piano performance of “Love Theme From Candide"/”Send In The Clowns” he conveys his remarkable talents on songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. His art of instrumental storytelling is superb and his choice of repertoire makes this recording worth several listens. Fans of David Benoit and Jane Monheit will consider their 2 In Love collaboration as having met the standards set by such vocalist/pianist pairings as pop vocalist Diana Ross and pianist Lionel Richie or jazz vocalist Dee Daniels and pianist Cyrus Chestnut’s performances together. 

Jane’s incredible four-octave range, phrasing, and melodic/rhythmic exploration of David’s new adult contemporary music works well together and brings both of their careers into a broader cultural context. In addition to the wonderful arrangements, all of the musicians excel in conceiving a sound that you are sure to enjoy. ~ Paula Edelstein  http://www.axs.com/david-benoit-pairs-with-jane-monheit-on-new-recording-titled-2-in-love-51190

2 In Love

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Claude 'Fiddler' Williams - My Silent Love Album

Styles: Violin And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:41
Size: 130,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:51)  1. C Jam Blues
(3:31)  2. Fiddler's Dream
(3:05)  3. Sweet Georgia Brown
(4:20)  4. That Certain Someone
(6:56)  5. Canadian Sunset
(2:55)  6. From 4 to 6
(4:43)  7. All Of Me
(5:43)  8. Blue Moon
(4:31)  9. Exactly Like You
(5:06) 10. My Silent Love
(4:01) 11. For Basie
(5:05) 12. You Are My Desire
(3:47) 13. Exactly Like You

Decades after playing with Andy Kirk, Nat King Cole and Count Basie, this fantastic guitarist/fiddler started touring and recording again in the '70s. This Black & Blue LP from that decade features his takes on C Jam Blues; All of Me; Blue Moon; Exactly Like You , and more! ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/My-Silent-Love-Claude-Williams/dp/B000025025

Personnel: Claude "Fiddler" Williams (guitar, violin); Jay McShann, André Persiani (piano); Gus Johnson (drums)

My Silent Love Album

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Conrad Herwig - Heart Of Darkness

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:40
Size: 136,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:10)  1. Heart of Darkness
(7:53)  2. Secret Sharer
(6:24)  3. Inner Sincerity
(5:31)  4. Silent Tears
(8:31)  5. The Instigator
(7:52)  6. Watch Your Steps
(8:04)  7. The Lamp Is Low
(7:10)  8. Tilt

On trombonist Conrad Herwig's Criss Cross debut, he has put together a group consisting of tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, pianist Bill Charlap, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Billy Drummond to perform seven Herwig originals and one standard, "The Lamp Is Low." Herwig, a veteran of the bands of Toshiko Akiyoshi, Eddie Palmieri, and Joe Henderson, among others, is known for his impressive technique and imagination, which he displays through this recording, and proves himself a writer of challenging compositions. Also, the addition of Harris' vibes to the group gives the compositions a unique sound. 

Highlights include the multi-tempo title track; "Inner Sincerity," a medium fast tune with a Latin-ish feel; "The Instigator," a medium blues; and "Tilt," the session's up-tempo burner. This is a welcome addition to the Herwig discography. ~ Greg Turner  http://www.allmusic.com/album/heart-of-darkness-mw0000044261

Personnel: Conrad Herwig (trombone); Walt Weiskopf (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bill Charlap (piano); Stefon Harris (vibraphone); Billy Drummond (drums).

Heart Of Darkness

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June Christy - Something Cool

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:35

Size: 154.7 MB

Styles: Traditional pop, Vocal jazz

Year: 2001

Art: Front

[4:16] 1. Something Cool

[1:54] 2. It Could Happen To You

[3:55] 3. Lonely House

[1:28] 4. This Time The Dream's On Me

[4:47] 5. The Night We Called It A Day

[3:12] 6. Midnight Sun

[2:17] 7. I'll Take Romance

[3:55] 8. A Stranger Called The Blues

[2:07] 9. I Should Care

[2:11] 10. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise

[2:39] 11. I'm Thrilled

[4:57] 12. Something Cool

[2:00] 13. It Could Happen To You

[4:03] 14. Lonely House

[1:35] 15. This Time The Dream's On Me

[4:53] 16. The Night We Called It A Day

[3:30] 17. Midnight Sun

[2:18] 18. I'll Take Romance

[4:18] 19. A Stranger Called The Blues

[2:09] 20. I Should Care

[2:12] 21. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise

[2:48] 22. I'm Thrilled

June Christy's Something Cool, originally released as a 10" LP in 1954, single-handedly inaugurated the cool jazz vocal movement. Christy had been a star vocalist with the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the late '40s, enjoying major hits with "Tampico" and "Shoo Fly Pie & Apple Pan Dowdy." Soon after she left the band, she began working with key Kenton arranger Pete Rugolo and a slew of top West Coast studio musicians (including her husband, tenor saxophonist Bob Cooper) on her first solo album for Capitol Records. The result was Something Cool, which is both a winning showcase for Christy's wistful style and a landmark of cool jazz modernism. From the start, Christy established herself as an artist who strove for the very best in song selection, arrangements, and notably intelligent interpretation. There were perhaps other vocalists with greater vocal equipment, but few could match June Christy's artistic integrity. The celebrated title track is the soliloquy of a female barfly of a certain age, reminiscing (and fantasizing) about better days to a fellow male patron who just might buy her another drink. It immediately became Christy's signature performance, and remained so throughout her career. Other highlights include a swinging "It Could Happen to You," "Midnight Sun," and an ambitious arrangement of Kurt Weill's "Lonely House." ~Richard Mortifoglio

Something Cool

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Boz Scaggs - A Fool To Care

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:02
Size: 119.1 MB
Styles: Soul-jazz vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:57] 1. Rich Woman
[2:04] 2. I'm A Fool To Care
[6:13] 3. Hell To Pay
[3:39] 4. Small Town Talk
[6:23] 5. Last Tango On 16th Street
[4:11] 6. There's A Storm A' Comin'
[3:35] 7. I'm So Proud
[5:40] 8. I Want To See You
[3:33] 9. High Blood Pressure
[4:16] 10. Full Of Fire
[5:07] 11. Love Don't Love Nobody
[4:19] 12. Whispering Pines

A Fool to Care may not have a concept as linear as some of Boz Scaggs' other recent albums (2013's Southern-fried Memphis, the jazz standards on 2003's But Beautiful and 2008's Speak Low), but it sure does tell a story. These 12 songs map out a concise history of American soul, with a heavy dose of New Orleans strut — including the title track (a hit for Fats Domino) and Huey "Piano" Smith's "High Blood Pressure" — and a dollop of Chicago sweetness (the Impressions' gorgeous "I'm So Proud").

Backed throughout by a stellar group of studio aces — guitarist Ray Parker Jr., bassist Willie Weeks and drummer Steve Jordan, who also produced the album — Scaggs' well-worn, textured voice deftly navigates this range of styles. His lone composition on A Fool to Care, the sly blues "Hell to Pay" ("Between the bank boys and the lawyers/I don't know where it ends"), is a sparkling duet with Bonnie Raitt, featuring her signature slide-guitar mastery. Versions of Al Green's "Full of Fire" and the Spinners' "Love Don't Love Nobody" even recall the slinky, disco-fied grit of Scaggs' 1976 smash, Silk Degrees. The wild card, though, is the album's final track, an aching duet with Lucinda Williams on the Band's "Whispering Pines." So what if it's not an R&B song? The emotion conveyed proves that, in the end, soul is where you find it. ~Alan Light

A Fool To Care

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Rocky Gresset - Rocky Gresset

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:54
Size: 114.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:47] 2. Blue Skies
[4:38] 3. My Foolish Heart
[3:25] 4. Jingles
[4:35] 5. Dream Of You
[4:29] 6. Looking Up
[3:32] 7. Just One Of Those Things
[4:20] 8. Ballade Pour Rose
[6:09] 9. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[2:45] 10. Darn That Dream
[4:02] 11. Webster
[4:09] 12. Time On My Hands
[1:08] 13. Pour Toi

Rocky Gresset

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Renée Yoxon & René Gely - Let's Call It A Day

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:45
Size: 97,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:08)  1. The Look Of Love
(4:37)  2. Willow Weep For Me
(3:42)  3. Never Let Me Go
(3:01)  4. Let's Call It A Day
(2:54)  5. Candy
(3:25)  6. Lovers' Lullaby
(3:50)  7. Centerpiece
(3:58)  8. The Masquerade Is Over
(3:06)  9. Par Ce Beau Jour De Printemps
(5:14) 10. Don't Explain
(3:47) 11. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

About Let's Call it a Day: As Yoxon's debut album, this work showcases her clear and unembellished lyrical delivery, poignant song choice, and emotionally charged performance. Using a wide variety of guitars, Yoxon & Gely create atmospheric, folk-influenced interpretations of jazz standards.

Artists' Bios: Young vocalist Renee Yoxon is quickly becoming one of the most in demand jazz singers in the Ottawa region thanks to her grace, captivating presence and beautiful voice. Introduced to jazz music in high school, her tastes and vocal repertoire range from bebop to contemporary favourites. After graduating from high school Renee studied voice with Tena Palmer while completing a degree in physics with minors in math and music from Carleton University. Recently, Renee has participated in the National Arts Centre's Manhattan on the Rideau masterclasses led by Theo Bleckmann and Peter Eldridge. 

Distinguished by more poise and assurance than most young women her age, Renee delivers unique interpretations of jazz standards. Hear her every Monday night at Bar 56 in Ottawa's Byward Market. Rene Gely has pursued his musical passions in San Francisco, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Paris. A Parisian for 12 years, he studied with the French world music guitarist Pierre Bensusan and the acclaimed American expatriate, soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. Rene has recorded with Toronto jazz musicians such as Perry White and George Koller, as well as with the Irish singer Mary Reidy. While in San Francisco in 2003, Rene started his world beat trio Pulse Mondiale. He later relocated to the Ottawa area where he is originally from. Here he has formed a new edition of Pulse Mondiale, as well as new collaborations with the city's best musicians. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reneeyoxonrenegely

Personnel: Renée Yuxon (vocals); René Gely (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, nylon-string guitar, piano).

Let's Call It A Day

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Bob DeAngelis - Cheek To Cheek

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:55
Size: 144,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:49)  1. Cheek to Cheek
(3:30)  2. Puttin' On the Ritz
(4:03)  3. Blue Moon
(4:49)  4. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:22)  5. Ca, C'est L'amour
(4:06)  6. Makin' Whoopee
(3:53)  7. I Wanna Be Loved By You
(4:08)  8. Jeepers Creepers
(4:21)  9. The Lady Is A Tramp
(4:28) 10. The Best Is Yet To Come
(4:16) 11. Blue Skies
(3:36) 12. Swinging On a Star
(4:44) 13. That Old Black Magic
(3:32) 14. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend
(4:12) 15. Some Enchanted Evening

One of Canada’s most accomplished bandleaders and instrumentalists, Bob DeAngelis has entertained for numerous heads of state including Canadian Prime Ministers, American Presidents and several members of the British Royal Family. A master of the clarinet, Saxophone and other Woodwinds, Bob’s varied career includes appearances at numerous jazz festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. He was the featured soloist in the hit musical Fosse where he recreated Benny Goodman’s performance of Sing, Sing, Sing at Carnegie Hall. The 2004 launch of his symphonic tribute to Benny Goodman’s musical legacy introduced Bob’s phenomenal clarinet playing to an entirely new audience. As that program continues to fill halls and garner rave reviews, Bob is totally jazzed to be collaborating once again with renowned arranger/trumpeter, Juno and Grammy recipient, John MacLeod for their new holiday pops program, And the Angels Swing.

Among Bob’s many career highlights are his Toronto performance with the “Champagne Symphony” pops orchestra” at Roy Thomson Hall, & his extended run as Bandleader at the Imperial Room in Toronto’s venerable Royal York Hotel as well as and receiving a Juno Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2004. In demand as a soloist, Bob has been honored to work with many wonderful artists including Anne Murray, Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Appleyard, the Spitfire Band, Rosemary Clooney, Jackie Richardson, John McDermott, Brian Barlow and Joe Sealy. Equally at home in the studio, Bob’s discography includes Anne Murray’s 2004 release I’ll be Seeing You, top 40’s pop diva Esthero’s 2006 chart topper Wikked Lil Grrrls as well as Brian Barlow’s 2007 release of “One Hot Summer Night”. He is the arranger and featured performer on numerous CD’s on the Avalon/Solitudes label including In a Sentimental Mood ...What a Wonderful World… Italian Love Songs and Beyond the Sea. Newly recorded “Champagne Memories” features Bob with full symphony orchestra is set for release in the summer of 2007. 

Bob has two solo releases 2004 “Jive for Joni” which features a combination of traditional jazz and swing favorites & his first solo album, Runnin’ Wild which was produced in 1986 and digitally re-mastered & re-released in 2006. Bob’s soundtrack recordings range from a Steven Spielberg film to HBO and CBC documentaries and biographies. Bob’s exquisite sound is heard on countless jingles for radio and TV. ~ Bio  http://www.bobdeangelis.com/pops/bobdeangelis.html

Cheek To Cheek

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Karrin Allyson - In Blue

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:43
Size: 153,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Moanin'
(3:57)  2. Everybody's Cryin' Mercy
(4:35)  3. Long As You're Living
(7:35)  4. The Meaning Of The Blues
(4:31)  5. My Bluebird
(5:40)  6. Hum Drum Blues
(5:41)  7. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(5:02)  8. West Coast Blues
(4:13)  9. Evil Gal Blues
(6:03) 10. Blue Motel Room
(4:11) 11. Bye Bye Country Boy
(4:20) 12. Love Me Like A Man
(4:49) 13. Angel Eyes

Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “Consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Well, maybe, but it also implies conforming to high standards and dependability. In Blue is Karrin Allyson’s eighth Concord album and every one of those eight is a topflight jazz vocal album. The “In Blue” concept is a perfect idea for Allyson because her attractive husky voice is tailor made for the blues, and her Kansas City roots are evident in every syllable that she sings. It should also be noted that the blues are, of course, stories of loss and regret and Allyson’s conversational phrasing and appreciation for the meaning of words are amongst her many singing talents. In this era of the singer-songwriter, it is almost obligatory to compose one’s own material (unfortunately, these so-called “originals” are often not very good). But, unlike so many contemporary singers, Allyson never writes her own material. She may write very well, but she seemingly accepts that the gift of composing is a separate skill set from the gift of performing. 

However, Allyson has an impeccable ear for a good song and has successfully pulled material from both the pop and jazz world and it all works in her jazz and blues context. Mose Allison, Bobby Timmons, Oscar Brown, Wes Montgomery, Blossom Dearie are represented, as well as the noted Matt Dennis and the Gershwins, who contributed the only two standards with whiskers, “Angel Eyes” and “How Long Has This Been Going On,” respectively. The other selections are songs popularized by living artists such as Bonnie Raitt (“Everybody’s Crying Mercy” and “Love Me Like a Man”), Joni Mitchell (“Blue Motel Room”) as well as the previously mentioned Allison, Brown and Montgomery. Karrin Allyson declares that these individuals are “all heroes of mine and huge talents.”

The recently deceased Matt Dennis would have loved Allyson’s achingly beautiful and elegant rendition of his classic “Angel Eyes,” perfectly weighted this side of sentimentality. That great arrangement is by her longtime collaborator, guitarist Danny Embry. One thing that you notice about the best jazz singers (and Allyson is certainly one) is that they invariably choose the right tempo and melodic embellishments. For example, listen to her grooving on the Bobby Timmons classic, “Moanin’” or her voluptuous huskiness on Bobby Troup’s slow-beat ballad “The Meaning of the Blues.” Allyson is blessed with a sly sense of humor (and sassiness) and her albums are equally inventive and entertaining. This playful quality, for example, can be found on Leonard Feather’s “Evil Gal Blues,” (which he wrote for Dinah Washington). Playful and sexy also describe Allyson’s approach to Oscar Brown’s classic “Hum Drum Blues” and the romping, stomping “Love Me Like a Man.” Allyson is also a most gifted singer of ballads and a perfect example is her rendition of “How Long Has This Been Going On.” Ira Gershwin, who was known as unyielding regarding the accuracy of his lyrics, would have loved her reading of his classic lines. 

As always Allyson has an all-star band supporting her, including her good buddy Danny Embry, pianist Mulgrew Miller, drummer Lewis Nash, every drummer’s favorite bassist, Peter Washington and saxophonist Steve Wilson. There is not sufficient space to give this great band proper kudos. Let’s just say “absolutely Rolls Royce.” Allyson strikes gold again. The baker’s dozen songs are exquisitely crafted and perfectly delivered this is peerless jazz singing and a perfect vehicle for her evocations of love fulfilled and unfulfilled. Highly recommended. ~ Roger Crane  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-blue-karrin-allyson-concord-music-group-review-by-roger-crane.php

Personnel: Karrin Allyson (vocals); Steve Wilson (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Mulgrew Miller (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Danny Embrey (guitar); Peter Washington (bass); Lewis Nash (drums).

In Blue

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Claude Tissendier Sextet - The John Kirby Style

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:51
Size: 143,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:02)  1. Beethoven Riffs On
(3:36)  2. Little Brown Jug
(2:23)  3. Charlie's Prelude
(3:04)  4. Royal Garden Blues
(2:38)  5. Peanut Vendor Boogie
(3:18)  6. Humoresque
(4:58)  7. I May Be Wrong
(3:04)  8. William's Tune
(4:03)  9. Bounce of the Sugar Plum Fairy
(4:16) 10. Effervescent Blues
(3:30) 11. Le cabaret de l'ane
(3:57) 12. Close Shave
(3:19) 13. Minute Waltz
(4:38) 14. B-Flat Special
(2:26) 15. Sur le fil
(2:45) 16. Il pleut dans ma chambre
(2:32) 17. Le soleil et la lune
(3:13) 18. Fleur bleue

Born France. While studying classical clarinet and alto saxophone at Toulouse Conservatory, Tissendier began playing jazz. His interests followed a chronological path, starting with New Orleans music, passing through the mainstream into bop. In 1977 he joined the big band led by Claude Bolling and also worked with Gerard Badini and others. In the early 80s he taught at the Paris School of Jazz and in 1983 formed a sextet especially to recreate the music of John Kirby. In demand for club and festival dates, the band won many awards for both live performances and records. In 1987 Tissendier formed Saxomania, a seven-piece band featuring two alto saxophones, two tenors and three rhythm. 

Once again he won honours and gained invaluable experience and exposure accompanying visiting American jazzmen including Benny Carter, Buddy Tate, Jimmy Witherspoon and Spike Robinson, with some of whom he also recorded. Tissendier’s alto playing is striking for its intensity and driving swing and the high musical standards displayed by the Saxomania band ably demonstrate that his is a major talent. ~ Bio  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/claude-tissendier-quintet-mn0000391438/biography

The John Kirby Style

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Larry Willis - This Time The Dream's On Me

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:43
Size: 141,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:49)  1. This Time The Dream's On Me
(7:27)  2. Sanctuary
(6:17)  3. True Love
(7:21)  4. Lazy Afternoon
(4:47)  5. A Single Petal of a Rose
(5:27)  6. Blues for Marco
(7:07)  7. It Could Happen to You
(3:11)  8. Lotus Blossom
(5:14)  9. Silly Blues
(8:59) 10. My Ship

Larry Willis mixes standards, jazz classics, and potent originals on this solo piano release. The sessions have a late-night, ruminative flavor, starting with a loping take of "This Time the Dream's On Me." His shimmering rendition of "Lazy Afternoon" opens with a spacious improvised introduction, while he makes great use of space in his interpretation of this ballad. The Ellington-Strayhorn songbook is represented by the former's whispering "The Single Petal of a Rose" and the latter's haunting "Lotus Blossom," both played with restraint, as these timeless pieces require few embellishments. 

The pianist's originals are just as impressive. "Sanctuary" was written for a project that included strings, though his moving solo piano arrangement is no less moving, suggesting an idyllic, isolated beach hideaway on a clear summer afternoon. "Blues for Marco," named for his co-producer, has a whimsical air, while "Silly Blues" starts like a ballad but quickly shifts to a laid-back, closing-hour blues. Recorded over two days on a top-notch Fazioli grand piano, this solo piano CD is easily among Larry Willis' best recordings. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/this-time-the-dreams-on-me-mw0002352103

Personnel: Larry Willis (piano); Billy Fazioli (piano).

This Time The Dream's On Me

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Harry Allen - The Harry Allen Quartet

Size: 160,9 MB
Time: 69:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2003
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Ev'rything I've Got (6:34)
02. I've Heard That Song Before (6:31)
03. The Note (4:27)
04. Idaho (5:48)
05. It Never Entered My Mind (4:57)
06. Paper Doll (6:22)
07. Doodle Oodie (5:04)
08. Chuck's Lament (5:08)
09. Autumn Nochturne (5:15)
10. You'n Me (7:07)
11. The Best Is Yet To Come (6:13)
12. Mr. George (5:30)

Gene Lees writes, "Stan Getz was once asked his idea of the perfect tenor saxophone soloist. His answer was, 'My technique, Al Cohn's ideas, and Zoot's time.' The fulfillment of that ideal may well be embodied in thirty-year-old Harry Allen."

Swing Bros. recording artist Harry Allen has over thirty recordings to his name. Three of Harry's CDs have won Gold Disc Awards from Japan's Swing Journal Magazine, and his CD Tenors Anyone? won both the Gold Disc Award and the New Star Award. His recordings have made the top ten list for favorite new releases in Swing Journal Magazine's reader's poll and Jazz Journal International's critic's poll for 1997, and Eu Nao Quero Dancar (I Won't Dance), the third Gold Disc Award winner, was voted second for album of the year for 1998 by Swing Journal Magazine’s reader’s poll. The Harry Allen - Joe Cohn Quartet won the New York Nightlife Award for Outstanding Jazz Combo Performance of 2006 and was nominated for Best Jazz Combo by the Jazz Journalists Association for the same year.

Harry has performed at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, frequently touring the United States, Europe and Asia. He has performed with Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Hank Jones, Frank Wess, Flip Phillips, Scott Hamilton, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Gus Johnson, Jeff Hamilton, Terry Gibbs, Warren Vache, and has recorded with Tony Bennett, Johnny Mandel, Ray Brown, Tommy Flanagan, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Kenny Barron, Dave McKenna, Dori Caymmi, Larry Goldings, George Mraz, Jake Hanna, and Al Foster, among others.

Harry is featured on many of John Pizzarelli's recordings including the soundtrack and an on-screen cameo in the feature film The Out of Towners starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. He has also done a series of commercials for ESPN starring Robert Goulet.

Harry was born in Washington D.C. in 1966, and was raised in Los Angeles, CA and Burrillville, RI. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1988 from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and currently resides in New York City.

The Harry Allen Quartet

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The Pasadena Roof Orchestra - A Talking Picture + Night Out

Size: 169,8 MB
Time: 72:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Big Band, Swing, Vocals
Art: Front

01. If I Had A Talking Picture Of You (3:06)
02. 42nd Street (2:35)
03. Pennies From Heaven (3:11)
04. Panama Rag (3:35)
05. I Like A Little Girl Like That (3:10)
06. On Her Doorstep (2:09)
07. You're Driving Me Crazy (3:20)
08. Back In Your Own Backyard (2:57)
09. It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time (2:43)
10. Broken Record (2:56)
11. Please (3:24)
12. Looney Tunes (3:24)
13. Young & Healthy (2:30)
14. I've Found A New Baby (2:44)
15. Mean To Me (2:58)
16. There's A Rainbow 'round My Shoulder (3:08)
17. You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile (2:21)
18. Am Sonntag Will Mein Susser Mit Mir Segeln Gehn (4:03)
19. Going Hollywood/Hoorah Hollywood (2:46)
20. Isn't This A Lovely Day (2:56)
21. Puttin' On The Ritz (2:44)
22. Keep Young & Beautiful (2:43)
23. Little Orphan Annie (3:08)
24. Yes Sir, That's My Baby (3:27)

Two original albums by the Pasadena Roof Orchestra on one set, 'A Talking Picture' and 'Night Out', both of which were already recognised as inspirational works when they appeared in the late 1970s. Originating from the vinyl era, neither album has been issued on CD until now.

Founded in 1969, the The Pasadena Roof Orchestra has remained a permanent fixture on the music scene since then. They perform their own music - the kind of music America was dancing to from the 1920s to the 1940s, the original 'popular music'. The old standards are still popular to this day and the timeless quality of swing is something that has not eluded superstars like Robbie Williams or Michael Bublé.

What the musical director Duncan Galloway says: "Here are some classic Pasadena Roof Orchestra tracks which we have managed to secure from the archives. They are taken from early recordings, and include several tracks that have been 'resting' in the Orchestras library. It is slightly impractical for the current line-up to travel with over 2000 arrangements, so many of these tunes have not been played live for quite a while."

A Talking Picture + Night Out

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Tina May & Enrico Pieranunzi - Home Is Where The Heart Is

Size: 104,6 MB
Time: 40:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Took Your Hand In Mine (Fellini's Waltz) (4:05)
02. Don't Forget The Poet, Please (4:19)
03. A Nameless Gate (4:57)
04. The Night Bird (5:02)
05. With Every Smile Of Yours (O! Le Feu Dans Les Yeux) (2:43)
06. Within The Hush Of Night (Within The House Of Night) (4:42)
07. Day Dream (7:05)
08. Home Is Where The Heart Is (Distance From Departure) (5:29)

Personnel:
Tina May - Vocals
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Tony Coe - Saxophone

Tina's long association with '33' continues with this long awaited collaboration between Tina and one of Europe's greatest pianists, the incomparable Enrico Pieranunzi.
The album features several well-known Pieranunzi compositions that are given lyrics by Tina – including to Chet Baker's original solo on Pieranunzi's 'Night Bird', that the pianist recorded with Baker in the 1970's.
On two numbers, 'Night Bird' and Ellington's 'Day Dream', the Duo are joined by the wonderful Tony Coe on soprano saxophone.
"'Home Is Where The Heart Is' plays with the concept of mother tongue…..it ventures out into new territory and experience. So precise is the writing and so intuitive the performance that every song finds its way home, in the deepest way." Brian Morton

Home Is Where The Heart Is

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Paul Kogut - Know It, I Wrote It!

Size: 148,2 MB
Time: 63:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Know It I Wrote It! (6:38)
02. Jay Walk (5:39)
03. Small Doses (4:46)
04. Especially When It Rains (5:08)
05. Stella By Starlight (6:56)
06. Ballad (7:37)
07. Fat Cat (7:42)
08. Now You've Done It (5:43)
09. In Your Own Sweet Way (8:11)
10. Can't Buy Me Love (5:14)

Cadence Magazine says the music of Paul Kogut "might just be the prescription needed." A recent addition to the Chicago scene, guitarist Paul Kogut has appeared extensively in New York City and Boston. Paul has worked with artists Charles Earland, J.R. Monterose, and Clark Terry; current Chicago appearances put him in the company of Kelly Sill, Steve Million and Tim Davis. In addition he has led his own trio at numerous venues, including Manhattan’s renowned 55 Bar, the Zinc Bar, and the Jazz in the Valley festival. He holds a Master’s Degree from Manhattan School of Music and has served on the jazz faculty of Hamilton College.

Speaking of Paul, John Abercrombie says, “His musical approach to guitar playing, and his compositional skills, are first rate,” and Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers calls Paul “a great guitar player.” James Keepnews describes his current Blujazz release, “Know It? I Wrote It!” as “a memorable first date, one that will appeal to the taciturn jazzbo and the festival twirler alike.”

Know It, I Wrote It!

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Jocelyn B. Smith - My Way (Anniversary Edition)

Size: 176,3 MB
Time: 75:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. My Way (2:03)
02. If I Never Sing Another Song (6:38)
03. Matla A Ka Ho Nna (The Power Is In Me) (3:28)
04. Heut & Hier (Remix) (3:28)
05. Ein Stuck Vom Himmel (4:52)
06. Somalia Song (5:09)
07. Jo-Jo (5:34)
08. Aioniou Theou (Remix) (5:46)
09. How Much I Love You (5:22)
10. Adagio - Praise Jah (7:20)
11. When I Need You (6:32)
12. Sometimes (5:32)
13. The Look Of Love (4:42)
14. What Are We Doing Here (5:16)
15. Things We Can't Fix (3:55)

Jocelyn B. Smith was born 1960 in New York. Music was always an intense companion in her life. When she was 5 years old, Jocelyn started classical piano lessons, which she then pursued, with a lot of discipline, for another twelve years. Jocelyn only discovered later, when she was 11 years old, that her voice was a further form of musical expression. As a child, Jocelyn was not yet aware that music would be her profession. Though she could not imagine working as a doctor, Jocelyn was certain that she wanted to help people. Therefore, she found her own path, with the help of her musical talent.With her album “My Way” released 2015 Jocelyn is celebrating her 30th anniversary: 30 years in Germany and more than 3000 concerts.

My Way

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Milt Jackson - Jazz 'n' Samba

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:11
Size: 76.0 MB
Styles: Hard bop
Year: 1964/2006
Art: Front

[5:41] 1. Blues For Juanita
[2:40] 2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
[4:45] 3. Big George
[3:43] 4. Gingerbread Boy
[2:11] 5. Jazz 'n' Samba
[3:06] 6. The Oo-Oo Bossa Nova
[4:36] 7. I Love You
[3:24] 8. Kiss And Run
[3:00] 9. Jazz Bossa Nova

This is an odd LP. The first session is a conventional one with vibraphonist Milt Jackson, tenor-saxophonist Jimmy Heath, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Richard Davis and drummer Connie Kay performing Heath's recent "Gingerbread Boy," Duke Ellington's "I Got It Bad" and a pair of Jackson originals. The flip side substitutes two guitars for Flanagan's piano and uses bossa nova rhythms in hopes of getting a hit. Milt does play well on "I Love You" and Lillian Clark's vocal on "Jazz 'N' Samba" is fine but "The Oo-Oo Bossa Noova" is strictly for those listeners who are nostalgic for Car 54, Where Are You. ~Scott Yanow

Jazz 'n' Samba

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Tom Harrell - Labyrinth

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:36
Size: 150.2 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[4:19] 1. Samba Mate
[5:54] 2. Marimba Song
[9:16] 3. Cheetah
[8:16] 4. Blue In One
[7:26] 5. Hot Licks On The Sidewalk
[7:59] 6. Majesty
[3:09] 7. Sun Cycle
[6:47] 8. Darn That Dream
[8:00] 9. Bear That In Mind
[4:25] 10. Labyrinth

Tom Harrell has been gradually gaining recognition as one of the most consistently creative brassmen in jazz. Although his soft tone can sometimes be a little reminiscent of Chet Baker, Harrell's technique is on a higher level and he is a more advanced player. Harrell is heard in fine form throughout this CD which is split between appearances with his impressive quintet and with a nonet/tentet. The trumpeter, who contributed nine of the ten selections, is quite generous in allocating solo space and in keeping his improvisations relatively brief and to the point. The selections display variety within the hard bop/post bop idiom, ranging from rhythmic pieces such as "Marimba Song" and "Samba Mate" to the tongue twister "Cheetah" and several numbers which make the augmented group sound like a big band.

Of the sidemen, tenor saxophonist Don Braden and pianist Kenny Werner have several good spots, Gary Smulyan's deep-toned baritone (the personnel listing mistakenly has him down as playing bass clarinet) is a highlight of "Blue in One" and Rob Botti's oboe is an important voice on "Majesty." Harrell, who plays both piano and overdubbed flugelhorn on a solo interpretation of "Darn That Dream," continues to grow as an original improviser. ~Scott Yanow

Labyrinth

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