Atsuko Hashimoto - Time After Time

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:25
Size: 145.2 MB
Styles: Organ jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[6:06] 1. Time After Time
[4:23] 2. Just One Of Those Things
[6:03] 3. I've Never Been In Love Before
[6:15] 4. Max
[6:28] 5. Estate
[5:56] 6. The End Of A Love Affair
[7:01] 7. Shiny Stockings
[7:03] 8. Love For Sale
[5:29] 9. Please Send Me Someone To Love
[4:20] 10. Little Suede Shoes
[4:16] 11. Summertime

Atsuko Hashimoto (organ); Yutaka Hashimoto (guitar); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

When Atsuko Hashimoto was brought to Southern California by Jeff Hamilton, the legendary drummer who fell in love with her music when he jammed with her in Osaka, Japan, she wowed and captured the heart of the discriminating audience. With her successful performances at the Monterrey Jazz Festival (2007) and the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival (2008), her fan base in the US is rapidly increasing.

Her latest release from Japan, Time After Time, was recorded in 2006 and 2007 when she was touring Los Angeles with Jeff Hamilton and Yutaka Hashimoto, her husband and talented guitarist. What is most obvious from the start is the sympathetic, locked-in rhythmic feel between Atsuko and Hamilton. Together they create a wonderful groove and swing feel that surround you like a comfortable blanket.

The three musicians complement each other perfectly, providing well-timed comments and often finishing one another's musical sentences. Atsuko shows her comprehensive approach to jazz organ and complete mastery of the instrument. Hamilton showcases his masterful drumming, utilizing his sticks, brushes and hands to the fullest extent.

Time After Time

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Cal Tjader - Sweeter Than Sweetness: Summer Passion

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:50
Size: 171.3 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:26] 1. On Green Dolphin Street
[3:02] 2. Paunetto's Point
[2:48] 3. Misty
[2:56] 4. Speak Low
[6:53] 5. Summertime
[4:55] 6. Noonie's Groove
[4:08] 7. Triste
[2:42] 8. Mambo In Miami
[2:25] 9. Ben-Hur
[4:39] 10. Half And Half
[5:26] 11. Stompin' At The Savoy
[2:35] 12. Davito
[6:52] 13. Weep
[4:34] 14. This Can't Be Love
[2:31] 15. Ecstacy
[4:24] 16. Two Hundred Twenty Two Time
[3:52] 17. Fred's Ahead
[4:34] 18. Stablemates

Twofer: Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 from "In A Latin Bag". Tracks 5, 6, 11,13,14, 16, 17, 18 from "Saturday Night/Sunday Night At The Blackhawk, San Francisco".

Cal Tjader (July 16, 1925–May 5, 1982) was an American Latin jazz musician. Unlike other American jazz musicians who experimented with the music from Cuba, the Caribbean, and Latin America, he never abandoned it, performing it until his death.

Tjader (pronounced “chay-der”) primarily played the vibraphone. He was also accomplished on the drums, bongos, congas, timpani, and the piano. He worked with numerous musicians from several cultures. He is often linked to the development of Latin rock and acid jazz. Although fusing jazz with Latin music is often categorized as “Latin jazz” (or, earlier, “Afro-Cuban jazz”), Tjader’s output swung freely between both styles.

Sweeter Than Sweetness: Summer Passion

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Eugenie Jones - Black Lace Blue Tears

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:17
Size: 120,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:06)  1. A Good Day
(4:38)  2. Can You Dance?
(5:01)  3. Take 5
(6:02)  4. All the King's Men
(3:45)  5. So Hard to Find
(4:24)  6. Black Lace Blue Tears
(4:41)  7. Perfect
(4:51)  8. I Want One
(4:42)  9. In a Shot of Tequila or Two
(5:10) 10. My Funny Valentine
(3:52) 11. Sat'day Night Blues

Seattle-based vocalist/composer/arranger Eugenie Jones didn't start out as such. A business and marketing major in college, Jones graduated and went on to be a business owner, consultant and all-around marketing roustabout. But life is never so simple and after her mother's death, Jones decided that it was time to pursue music as a vocation. On her debut Black Lace Blue Tears Jones flexes all of her creative muscles assembling nine originals and interpreting two standards, all at a high level. Jones taps the talent pool of the Seattle area for her support, snaring pianist Bill Anschell, bassist Clipper Anderson, drummer Mark Ivester and guitarist Michael Powers (all ubiquitous at Origin Arts). How she avoided the gravitational pull of the label is a modern marvel. That said, Jones proves she can compose in any vocal idiom infused with jazz, as shown on the Bacharach/David-tinged "A Good Day" or the Stevie Wonder-inspired "Can You Dance." "All The Kings Men" possesses an "Angel Eyes" quality, minor key and smoky, while the title cut reflects Linda Ronstadt. Clipper Anderson's deft bass seamlessly transforms the traditional jazz orientation into a crossover mode where nothing is lost in the translation.

Jones' interpretation of Paul Desmond's "Take Five" uses the lyrics written by Dave and Iola Brubeck. She removes the odd meter element, smoothing the piece with a warm and liquid delivery. "My Funny Valentine" holds up well to her interpretation, surely the trillionth performance of such. Jones is both daring and naive to cover the time honored ballad, but capably pulls it off because of her sheer and fearless talent. It is difficult to hear Black Lace Blue Tears as a debut recording because of its refinement. It should be interesting to see how Jones develops from here. ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/black-lace-blue-tears-eugenie-jones-self-produced-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: Eugenie Jones: vocals; Bill Anschell: piano; Clipper Anderson: bass; Mark Ivester: drums; Michael Powers: guitar.

Black Lace Blue Tears

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Kenny Burrell - Moon And Sand

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:33
Size: 90,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:26)  1. Moon and Sand
(6:33)  2. My Ship
(4:19)  3. For Once in My Life
(2:57)  4. U.M.M.G.
(4:10)  5. Blue Bossa
(7:55)  6. Stolen Moments
(3:49)  7. Love for Sale
(3:21)  8. Lost in the Stars

This is a surprising release from Kenny Burrell, for the veteran guitarist plays half of the selections on acoustic guitar and does a very effective job giving a bossa nova rhythm (a la Laurindo Almeida and Charlie Byrd) to some of the tunes. The CD reissue, which also features bassist John Heard, drummer Roy McCurdy and percussionist Kenneth Nash, is mostly laidback, although the renditions of Billy Strayhorn's "U.M.M.G." and "Stolen Moments" swing. Best are the more lyrical pieces (such as "My Ship" and an unaccompanied "Lost In the Stars"), which allow Burrell to show off his pretty tone. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/moon-and-sand-mw0000611944

Personnel: Kenny Burrell (guitar); John Heard (bass); Ron McCurdy (drums); Kenneth Nash (percussion).

Moon And Sand

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Al Di Meola - Elysium

Styles: Guitar Jazz,  Fusion
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:54
Size: 151,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:49)  1. Adour
(5:06)  2. Cascade
(4:11)  3. Babylon
(6:04)  4. Purple and Gold
(4:37)  5. Esmeralda
(4:23)  6. Elysium
(5:17)  7. Amanjena
(4:44)  8. Sierra
(1:26)  9. Etcetera in E-major (Intro)
(5:18) 10. Etcetera in E-minor
(3:35) 11. Tangier
(6:32) 12. Stephanie
(3:15) 13. Monsters
(4:30) 14. La Lluvia

On Elysium Al Di Meola is playing both electric and acoustic guitar, in the style that is uniquely Al Di Meola's. Elysium features many new originals from one of the world's greatest guitarists. He came from the 'Land Of The Midnight Sun', sparkled on the jazz-rock stage as an 'Elegant Gypsy', came up trumps in the 'Casino' with all the right chords and melodies, and his 'Splendido Hotel' was the number one address for fusion fans around the globe. He finally achieved immortality together with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia on 'Friday Night In San Francisco'. For guitar lovers, the name Al Di Meola carries the same guarantee of quality that Ferrari does for sports car enthusiasts or Chateau Mouton-Rothschild for wine connoisseurs.

Al Di Meola was born in New Jersey in 1954 to an Italian-American family, and from his early days as a rising star in Chick Corea's legendary fusion combo Return To Forever right up to the present day, he has continually managed to refine his qualities: breathtakingly fast picking, skilful percussion effects the like of which had never been heard before, the effortlessness with which he can instantly switch from muscular axe-man rock to spinning gentle, romantic webs of melody. In the nineties, inspired by his love of the acoustic sounds of Latin America and the works of nuevo tango pioneer Astor Piazzolla, he made some delightful chamber music recordings with his group World Sinfonia. On more recent albums such as 'Consequence Of Chaos' (2006) and 'Pursuit Of Radical Rhapsody' (2011), all these penchants, influences and musical movements have fused into an unmistakeable sound: jazz rock meets world jazz. It's a stylistic aerobatics display, circling up to dizzying heights reminiscent of the boisterous solos Al used to play in his youth.

'Elysium' is the climax of this process so far. The artist has arrived where he always wanted to be. He himself thinks of Elysium as a 'place of perfect happiness'. A paradise where acoustic and electric components, triumphant rock and finely entwined jazz, delicate and pumping rhythms, guitars and keyboards, wide panoramas of rock and diaphanous carpets of sound come together in harmony. In this magical Elysium, everyone complements each other. Al Di Meola has brought together a five piece band with no bass. While he plays all the guitar parts himself, both acoustic and electric, including unbelievably fast and elegant riffs and effervescent rocking chords, three keyboard players and pianists provide shades of colour. This trio includes new recruit Philippe Saisse, who also contributes the composition 'La Lluvia'. The others have shared musical accomplishments with their band leader going back decades. Barry Miles has known Al since the seventies. Mario Parmisano can be heard on recordings such as 'Orange And Blue' (1994) and 'Flesh On Flesh' (2002). Two new rhythm players have now joined the team: percussionist Rhani Krija and drummer Peter Kaszas. Both of them are wide awake and always right up with the beat. The gates to paradise for guitar aficionados are open to everyone with 'Elysium'. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Elysium-Al-Di-Meola/dp/B00P1YBEN2

Personnel: Al Di Meola (guitar); Mario Parmisano, Philippe Saisse, Barry Miles (keyboards); Péter Kaszás (drums); Rhani Krija (percussion).

Elysium

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Modern Jazz Quartet - Modern Jazz Quartet

Styles: Jazz, Bop, Cool
Year: 1952
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:55
Size: 82,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(3:38)  2. Love Me Pretty Baby
(2:57)  3. Autumn Breeze
(3:08)  4. Milt Meets Sid
(3:15)  5. Moving Nicely
(2:56)  6. D. & E.
(2:31)  7. Heart And Soul
(3:01)  8. True Blues
(2:48)  9. Bluesology
(2:34) 10. Yesterdays
(2:58) 11. Round About Midnight
(2:34) 12. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

This album is certain to be placed in the MJQ section of any shop that carries it. In reality though, only four of the cuts here feature the permanent, stand-alone, 1952-vintage Modern Jazz Quartet; the other eight having been done in the summer and fall of 1951, when they were still known as the Milt Jackson Quartet, with Jackson providing all of the original material. The differences are so subtle as to be indistinguishable Milt Jackson and John Lewis are on every cut, while Al Johns subs for Kenny Clarke on drums, and Ray Brown precedes Percy Heath on four of the tracks. Clarke's drumming is more impressive in its quiet way, but Ray Brown's bass work is simpler and more forceful. The sound is fair, with some hints of distortion that's been repaired, on this otherwise nicely done reissue. [The 2003 reissue on Savoy Jazz changed the title of the original album to Beginnings and added two bonus tracks: a 1949 version of "Bluesology" by Milt Jackson, and a large group featuring Billy Mitchell on sax and Roy Haynes on drums, and a 1954 version of "Blues Mood" by Kenny Clarke with Milt Jackson and Percy Heath.] ~ Bruce Eder  http://www.allmusic.com/album/modern-jazz-quartet-1952-mw0001964305

Personnel:  Bass – Percy Heath;  Drums – Kenny Clarke;  Piano – John Lewis (2);  Vibraphone [Vibra-harp] – Milt Jackson

Modern Jazz Quartet

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Trelawny Rose - Shed A Little Light

Size: 105,4 MB
Time: 45:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Alone Together (3:54)
02. One Shot (3:58)
03. Skylark (3:55)
04. California (5:47)
05. Like A River (4:55)
06. Sometimes I Feel (4:59)
07. Those Clouds Are Heavy, You Dig (3:28)
08. Wish You Were Here (4:31)
09. Shed A Little Light (4:37)
10. Let It Be So (5:08)

Los Angeles based vocalist and recording artist, Trelawny Rose, is a Master Associate of celebrity vocal coach Roger Love (Maroon 5, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer), and is also a vocal coach for NBC's smash hit The Voice. Trelawny is known for her strong ability to help Artists overcome technical and emotional barriers to create breakthrough vocal performances. Whether it's creating on-the-fly vocal arrangements, helping artists express themselves confidently, or correcting vocal technique, Trelawny excels at bringing out each Artist's best vocal performance on stage and in the studio.

Trelawny Rose is the kind of pure talent that's instantly accessible, classic and timeless. Her smooth delivery across a wide range of styles makes her one of the standout voices of a generation. --Josh Haygood, MTV

Shed A Little Light

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Charlie Dennard - 5 O'Clock Charlie

Size: 133,7 MB
Time: 57:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Funky Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Grant's Pants (6:06)
02. Booby Trap (5:09)
03. Back In The Day (5:50)
04. Let's Go (6:14)
05. 5 O'clock Blues (4:47)
06. French Lick (6:05)
07. Hunch (7:00)
08. Blues By Five (5:46)
09. Carrot Cake (6:47)
10. Suicide Is Painless (Theme From Mash) (3:38)

Personnel:
Charlie Dennard – Hammond Organ, Rhodes
Todd Duke – Guitar
Doug Belote – Drums
Geoff Clapp – Drums


On this recording, Dennard showcases seven original compositions and three cover tunes that capture the simple, organic quality of musicians playing together in the moment. In the late 1990’s, Charlie had a standing gig at New Orleans’ famous Funky Butt with his band, then called 5 O’Clock Charlie. This recording marks a return to those roots, just as Charlie has returned to New Orleans after touring the world. This recording is groove-based, funky and fun.

Charlie Dennard (aka 5 O’Clock Charlie) : keyboards,vocoder,programming :
A protegé of Ellis Marsalis, Charlie has performed with a virtual Who’s Who in New Orleans, including being a founding member of New World Funk Ensemble, Quintology, Moore and More (with Stanton Moore of Galactic) and band-member/sideman for Michael Ray (from the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool and the Gang), G Love and Special Sauce, Charlie Hunter, and Theresa Andersson to name a few. Charlie has also had the honor of accompanying former Beatle Paul McCartney. In 1996 Charlie produced his first CD of all original music featuring his own band, 5 O’Clock Charlie, entitled “The Lookout”.This record was followed by his solo ambient electronica release "Atmospheric Images", which served as a springboard for reviving the idea of a live electronica band. As a sideman, Charlie has also recorded alongside many greats such as Charles Neville, the Birmingham Metropolitan Orchestra, Steve Masakowski, and Robert Moore.

5 O'Clock Charlie

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Tash Lorayne - Light That Lives

Size: 123,5 MB
Time: 53:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Blues/Soul/Folk Vocals
Art: Front

01. Love At 2AM (4:42)
02. Serendipity (5:37)
03. My Pain For You (4:56)
04. Lover's Cry (4:46)
05. Love Me (4:34)
06. Kurlina (4:31)
07. Long Way Down To The Bottom (5:20)
08. Stop Runnin' (4:41)
09. Next To Me (4:16)
10. Tell Me Father (4:32)
11. Light That Lives (5:19)

In 2001 Tash began her career singing background vocals for then up and coming reggae artist Ammoye. They've opened for Beenie Man, Gyptian, Beres Hammond, Etana, Morgan Heritage, Maxi Priest and countless others.

In 2005 Tash went on the road as one of Divine Brown's backing Vocalists. They opened a 10 city tour for Bryan Adams in addition to singing live on Canada AM, CTV Playlist and the 2006 broadcast of the Juno Awards. When Jacksoul was added to the summer tour, Tash had the opportunity to lend vocals to their show as well.

She is currently collaborating with Stephen Weiman, an accomplished Singer/Songwriter, on her debut album which effortlessly blends Blues, Jazz, Soul and Folk.

Light That Lives

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Wycliffe Gordon - Somebody New

Size: 170,3 MB
Time: 73:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Big Band, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Herkie Jerkie ( 5:57)
02. I Got Rhythm ( 3:32)
03. What You Dealin' With ( 5:58)
04. Somebody New ( 4:11)
05. That Old Feeling ( 5:05)
06. If ( 3:29)
07. Wishing Well (10:02)
08. Pops For President ( 3:13)
09. Mood Indigo ( 5:18)
10. This Rhythm On My Mind ( 6:34)
11. Basin Street Blues ( 7:27)
12. Hello Pops ( 6:02)
13. Grease Bucket ( 6:29)

Recorded last fall with the DiMartino-Osland Jazz Orchestra (DOJO) in Lexington, KY, this CD features original compositions and arrangements by Wycliffe. The CD highlights Wycliffe on trombone, trumpet, tuba and vocals and features trumpeter Vince DiMartino and saxophonist Miles Osland.

Wycliffe Gordon, Renowned Musician, Composer, Conductor, Arranger

Awards:
Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Choice Award Best Trombone 2014, 2013 and 2012
Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Choice “Rising Star Award” Tuba 2014
Jazz Journalists Association Award/Trombonist of the Year – 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2002, 2001
Jazz Journalists Association Critics’ Choice Award for Best Trombone – 2000
Former member of Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
Featured guest artist on Billy Taylor’s “Jazz at the Kennedy Center” Series
Performance experience includes work with Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Joe Henderson, Eric Reed, Randy Sandke and Branford Marsalis, plus many top players from the swing and traditional jazz world
Compositions performed by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon and Friends, the Brass Band of Battle Creek and numerous other ensembles, and performed in programs throughout the U.S. and abroad

Somebody New

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Jazmin Ghent - Boss

Size: 101,4 MB
Time: 37:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Compared To What (4:12)
02. Maybe Someday (4:41)
03. Ghentle (4:00)
04. Boss (3:26)
05. Memories Of You (4:42)
06. Sriracha (4:24)
07. Trust In You (4:29)
08. Eyo (3:10)
09. Jazzy Jazz (3:55)

When I first experienced this young lady’s considerable prowess on tenor sax, I was aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2014 (which I covered here on the Jazmine Ghentsite, leaving the review posted for about a year). I predicted then that we’d hear more from this saxtress who won the SJC 2014 amateur artist contest. I believe she then went by the pseudonym Jazmin J, offering a most convincing and stirring arrangement of the classic “Summertime.” After just a little over a year later, she has reemerged, this time as Jazmin Ghent, with her debut release Boss.

The album is a tasteful, well-produced one where she has penned all but two tracks and easily convinces listeners that her freshness and clean, solid style are just what we jazzers are looking for in the effort to regularly breath happy, new life into this genre we so love.

Introducing herself with robust confidence, Ghent offers a sassy interpretation on the classic “Compared to What” followed by “Maybe Someday,” a tender, rather romantic, light dance of melody that only a true jazz artist can deliver. She then proceeds to make certain that she marks some of C-jazz’s smoothly soulful turf as Ghent turf by sauntering in with the very expressive “Ghentle.”

The title track is as “phat” and funky as you could ever want, delivered with boldness, a touch of rawness, and plenty of oomph, and tracks like “Eyo” and “Jazzy Jazz” should signal that we are in for a long, satisfying run with Ghent.

I am so pleased that this new saxtress struts onto the C-jazz scene even faster than I’d imagined and comes fully prepared and equipped with classy artistry, great skill, and a full feel for what Ghent jazz will offer. Wonderful inaugural journey. – Ronald Jackson

Boss

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JoAnn Funk & Jeff Brueske - Jazz In The Lobby Bar

Size: 129,5 MB
Time: 55:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Very Thought Of You (4:00)
02. Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing (3:08)
03. Tea For Two (5:28)
04. You Asked Me To (3:53)
05. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (4:46)
06. I Get A Kick Out Of You (3:37)
07. Somewhere Over The Rainbow (4:15)
08. Joy Spring (3:13)
09. Someone To Watch Over Me (Feat. Pete Whitman) (6:19)
10. I'm Glad There Is You (Feat. Nathan Norman) (4:30)
11. Our Love Is Here To Stay (4:32)
12. You Fascinate Me So (Feat. Nathan Norman) (4:26)
13. Moon River (3:05)

Bassist Jeff and I have been performing Jazz in The Lobby Bar at The Saint Paul Hotel, in St Paul, Minnesota, for seven years. The gig feels to me like playing at the Algonquin in New York. Our audience is very astute and we are always challenged to learn and play at a high level. It's a rare and incredible opportunity to perform all the music I love to do, which ranges from Dave Frishberg, Gershwin and Nat King Cole to Waylon Jennings and Madeline Peyroux. Jeff Brueske is an amazing bassist - creative and always swinging. I love these tunes and I love arranging them so the spirit of them comes through.

The Cd is beautifully recorded. I have gotten great feedback on it ("I LOVE the CD!!!"), in addition to the great reviews below. I'm a Blossom Dearie, Diana Krall, Eva Cassidy, anyone who sings well … fan. As a pianist I love Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, Mose Allison, Dr John, Glenn Gould, … there is so much to listen to it's hard to list. One gets to be a compilation of all the styles you have heard and the life you have lived. I have my own style - people do tell me that.

Reviews:
She’s an accomplished pianist and a chameleonic vocalist. She can offer several different voices on the same song. She’s partial to a girlish coquette (the Marilyn Monroe evoking “Someone to Watch Over Me”) and a breathy balladeer (the country tinged “Anything You Ask”). .. she’s at her best with her more sophisticated vocals on “You Fascinate Me So”. ... Minneapolis Star Tribune Jon Bream 5/15/2015

Jazz in the Lobby Bar should engage audiences for years to come-- whether listening on personal audio equipment or in the comfy live setting of the Saint Paul Hotel, which just might be the best-kept jazz secret in the country. Although surely a recording, and talent, at this level can't hide for long. Nor should it. JazzPolice, Andrea Cantar 5/13/2015

.... Just when you think you never want to hear another version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” along comes jazz singer and pianist JoAnn Funk with one so idiomatic and enchanting that it seems like a brand-new song. Her voice, her arrangements, and her timing are sui generis, and she has the ideal musical partner in bassist Jeff Brueske. The CD is named for the place they have performed most Fridays and Saturdays for the past seven years, the elegant lobby of the Saint Paul Hotel ... MinnPost Pamela Espeland 5/15/2015

JoAnn Funk is perhaps our answer to Diana Krall-- a first class pianist who happens to also have a first-class voice which she uses to cover a wide range of material, from the classics of the Great American Songbook to Brazilian, contemporary blues, pop and even country writers -- George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Blossom Dearie, Peggy Lee, Waylon Jennings, Leonard Cohen. JoAnn defies comparison-- she has hints of many but the sum is uniquely JoAnn. Bassist Jeff Brueske is an ideal foil ... Twin Cities Jazz Festival Highlights 5/15/2015

Jazz In The Lobby Bar

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The Beach Boys - Summer Love Songs

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:10
Size: 119.4 MB
Styles: Rock
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Don't Worry Baby
[2:32] 2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
[2:30] 3. Wouldn't It Be Nice
[2:51] 4. God Only Knows
[2:25] 5. Surfer Girl
[2:43] 6. California Girls
[2:48] 7. Please Let Me Wonder
[2:00] 8. In The Parkin' Lot
[2:25] 9. Your Summer Dream
[2:41] 10. Kiss Me, Baby
[2:40] 11. Hushabye
[2:32] 12. I'm So Young
[2:17] 13. Good To My Baby
[2:59] 14. Fallin' In Love
[2:53] 15. Time To Get Alone
[2:36] 16. Our Sweet Love
[2:44] 17. Help Me, Rhonda
[2:19] 18. Keep An Eye On Summer
[2:55] 19. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
[2:22] 20. Girls On The Beach

2009 collection from the harmony-laden California music legends. Summer Love Songs is a collection of 20 timeless Beach Boys love songs featuring six new stereo mixes and a rare Dennis Wilson track: 'Fallin' In Love', written and recorded by Dennis Wilson during the Beach Boys' Sunflower album sessions in 1970. There is minimal track cross-over with the two latest Beach Boys compilations, Sounds of Summer and The Warmth of the Sun. Features 'Don't Worry Baby' (new stereo mix), 'God Only Knows', 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love' (new stereo mix) and many more.

Summer Love Songs

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Mel Martin - Mel Martin Plays Benny Carter

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:57
Size: 137.3 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[4:22] 1. A Kiss From You
[9:32] 2. Hello
[6:06] 3. Zanzibar
[6:59] 4. When Lights Are Low
[6:48] 5. Summer Serenade
[5:34] 6. Souvenir
[7:18] 7. Another Time, Another Place
[5:34] 8. Wonderland
[7:39] 9. Only Trust Your Heart

Mel Martin - tenor & soprano saxophones; Benny Carter - alto saxophone; Kenny Barron - piano; Roger Kellaway - piano; Rufus Reid - bass; Victor Lewis - drums; Jeff Chambers - bass; and Harold Jones - drums.

A mellow recording of Benny Carter's great compositions featuring two all star rhythm sections and an appearance by Benny Carter himself on three tracks recorded live at Yoshi's Nitespot. The remaining tracks were done in Rudy Van Gelder's famous studio featuring the great Kenny Barron on piano. This was Mel Martin's first solo recording project.

Mel Martin Plays Benny Carter

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Anna Sise - Detour Ahead

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:54
Size: 116.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[6:28] 1. Detour Ahead
[3:30] 2. I Think It's Gonna Rain Today
[5:20] 3. A Certain Sadness
[4:15] 4. St. James Infirmary
[4:00] 5. This Room Is Missing You
[3:36] 6. Closer To You
[5:30] 7. Don't Explain
[3:37] 8. Falling In Love Again
[3:45] 9. Fine And Mellow
[5:13] 10. Good Morning Heartache
[5:35] 11. Why Don't You Lie

Today I would like to talk about Anna Sise! She is a Swedish jazz singer and actress. Me and Anna produced her new album ”Detour Ahead” between 2014-2015. For me, it was a new experience working with jazz. But I like a lot! We sort of, had in the family, since my brother-in-law was Putte Wickman, the world leading jazz clarinet player. And good music will always be good music!

When I mixed Anna´s album I wanted to gain some modern qualities along side with the old traditions of jazz. Anna is elegant in every aspect. So for this reason I wanted the sound to be somewhat expensive! I may have exaggerated the depth of the acoustic bass, still I like it. ~Tomas Bodin

Detour Ahead

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John Scofield - That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays The Music Of Ray Charles

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:50
Size: 148.4 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Post bop
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:28] 1. Busted
[6:17] 2. What'd I Say
[3:44] 3. Sticks And Stones
[4:27] 4. I Don't Need No Doctor
[1:32] 5. Cryin' Time
[4:46] 6. I Can't Stop Loving You
[5:27] 7. Hit The Road Jack
[5:49] 8. Talkin' 'bout You I Got A Woman
[5:04] 9. Unchain My Heart (Part 1)
[3:28] 10. Let's Go Get Stoned
[4:55] 11. Night Time Is The Right Time
[4:57] 12. You Don't Know Me
[2:34] 13. Georgia On My Mind
[5:15] 14. Unchain My Heart (Part 2)

With John Scofield, a big part of the fun is never knowing what the guitarist will do from one album to the next. He might provide an album that is abstract and cerebral, or he might come up with something funky and groove-oriented; That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles is a perfect example of the latter. Featuring well-known guest vocalists who include Dr. John, Mavis Staples (as in the Staple Sisters), Aaron Neville and John Mayer, this tribute to the late Ray Charles is definitely one of Scofield's more commercial projects -- which isn't to say that he shouldn't be proud of the album. Commercialism isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as it is tastefully done, and That's What I Say is a tasteful effort that finds Scofield fluctuating between instrumental soul-jazz and vocal-oriented soul. Produced by drummer Steve Jordan, this 65-minute CD isn't for jazz snobs, but rather, those who hold jazz and R&B in equally high regard -- and people who fit that description will appreciate Scofield's instrumental soul-jazz workouts on "Hit the Road, Jack," "Busted" and "Unchain My Heart," but will be equally receptive to the straight-up R&B singing of Neville on "You Don't Know Me" and Staples on Don Gibson's "I Can't Stop Loving You" (one of the many country songs that received an R&B makeover from Charles). The disc's only disappointing track is an instrumental version of Buck Owens' "Cryin' Time." Scofield uses the Bakersfield sound honky tonk classic as a brief interlude to "I Can't Stop Loving You," but "Cryin' Time" deserved more of his time than a minute and a half -- and it's regrettable that Scofield doesn't stretch out on the Owens gem. But overall, That's What I Say is a creative success for Scofield and the R&B and jazz artists who join him. ~Alex Henderson

That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays The Music Of Ray Charles

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Hank Mobley - Soul Station

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:05
Size: 84.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1960/1999
Art: Front

[5:37] 1. Remember
[6:21] 2. This I Dig Of You
[6:05] 3. Dig Dis
[4:51] 4. Split Feelin's
[9:03] 5. Soul Station
[5:06] 6. If I Should Lose You

Often overlooked, perhaps because he wasn't a great innovator in jazz but merely a stellar performer, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley was at the peak of his powers on Soul Station. Recorded with a superstar quartet including Art Blakey on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano, it was the first album since Mobley's 1955 debut to feature him as a leader without any other accompanying horns. The clean, uncomplicated sound that resulted from that grouping helps make it the best among his albums and a peak moment during a particularly strong period in his career. Mobley has no problem running the show here, and he does it without being flashy or burying the strong work of his sidemen. The solidness of his technique means that he can handle material that is occasionally rhythmically intricate, while still maintaining the kind of easy roundness and warmth displayed by the best players of the swing era. Two carefully chosen standards, "Remember" and "If I Should Lose You," help to reinforce that impression by casting an eye back to the classic jazz era. They bookend four Mobley originals that, in contrast, reflect the best of small-group composition with their lightness and tight dynamics. Overall, this is a stellar set from one of the more underrated musicians of the bop era. ~Stacia Proefrock

Soul Station

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Elisabeth Kontomanou - Waitin' For Spring

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:09
Size: 132,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:42)  1. Sunny
(6:07)  2. Waitin' for Spring
(5:20)  3. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues
(5:42)  4. The Good Life
(4:03)  5. Fever
(5:23)  6. Duke Ellington Sound of Love
(7:18)  7. Ayanna Left New Orleans and Went to Mexico
(4:03)  8. The Bird in Me
(3:34)  9. I'll Never Be the Same
(4:14) 10. Will Love Stay in My Heart
(4:39) 11. We'll Be Together Again

Of Greek and African origin and born in France, Elisabeth Kontomanou has worked with musicians on both the European and American scenes Leon Parker, Michel Legrand, Mike Stern, Alain Jean-Marie and Toots Thielemans to name a few. She first gained recognition at the "Concours de La Defense," which enabled her to play at jazz festivals, then was nominated for a Django D'Or following her album Embrace. Kontomanou played at world-renowned venues the Blue Note, the Knitting Factory and the Supper Club. She does not limit herself to purely musical endeavours, branching out to both musical cinema (Masque de Lune by Michel Legrand, 1988) and musical comedy (Rag Time, 2003). ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Waitin-Spring-Elisabeth-Kontomanou/dp/B000BU9ABE

It is not too late to go on the album of Elisabeth Kontomanou , released in late 2005, to say all the good we think. Still any haloed rightly, of its 2006 Jazz Victory "for Waiting For Spring , the singer is first offered a nice cast. But not just any! Because it succeeds in catalyzing around it a real band at the service of music where jazz and blues mix. The album is very well balanced between the themes sometimes "popular", the singer reappropriates sumptuously ("Sunny", "Fever" and "The Good Life") or somewhat forgotten standards ("Duke Ellington Sounds Of Love "of Mingus or "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues" by Arlen and Koehler ). But it also contains original compositions such as "The Bird In Me" masterfully interpreted in duet with Laurent Coq (who wrote the music) or "Waiting For Spring" and "New Orleans Ayanna Left And Went To Mexico", which give to hear dazzling chorus Sam Newsome soprano.

A rhythmic, Donald Kontomanou especially Daryl Hall are, from beginning to end, spotlessly accuracy and depth. John Scofield , meanwhile, does not the numbers: it invests falls, moved, recovery always the group (of "Sunny" especially). But of course, last but not least , Elisabeth Kontomanou is the real star of this disc. She offers her voice sometimes sweet and sensual, sometimes brilliant, but always with a depth and a rare intimacy. How not to be moved to tears listening to "The Good Life" (but yes, but yes ...) and especially "The Bird In Me"? Waiting For Spring is an album by any exceptional item, a sincerity and a Master that demands admiration and we can listen to the envi. Translate by google  http://www.citizenjazz.com/Elisabeth-Kontomanou.html

Personnel:  Elisabeth Kontomanou (voc), Laurent Coq (p), Daryl Hall (b), Donald Kontomanou (d), Sam Newsome (ss), John Scofield (g)

Waitin' For Spring

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Soren Moller Trio - Let There Be Love

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:49
Size: 144,0 MB
Art: Front

(9:32)  1. Let There Be Love
(6:52)  2. All Good Things Comes to He Who Waits
(6:47)  3. Everything Happens to Me
(7:15)  4. Drumistic
(8:24)  5. The Nearness of You
(8:40)  6. The Awakening
(7:16)  7. Easy to Love
(7:59)  8. Søren's Hit Tune

33-year old pianist/composer Soren Moller was raised in a small town in Denmark. He began playing piano at the age of 8, learning both classical and jazz piano from local public school teachers in the community. At the age of 16 Soren Moller was making a living as a piano teacher as well as an accompanist and had started taking lessons in jazz piano from some of Denmark most well known pianists. At 19 he was admitted to the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark. After graduation Soren Moller continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Here he studied with piano great Kenny Barron as well as Garry Dial and Fred Hersch as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient.After moving to New York in 2002 Soren Moller quickly earned a reputation as a formidable piano talent. As a leader he was accepted to host an ensemble of the most distinguished musicians from the Manhattan School of Music to a performance at the Carnegie Hall as part of the Carnegie Hall Workshop for Jazz Ensembles.Together with trombone player Chris Washburne and saxophonist Ole Mathisen, Soren Moller has founded the NYNDK Jazz Collective. An ensemble consisting of established musicians from the Scandinavian and the New York jazz scene. The NYNDK Jazz Collective has toured extensively in Scandinavia and performed at Jazz At Lincoln Center.

New York Times Nate Chinen has recognized the NYNDK Jazz Collective as a “pointedly cosmopolitan post-bop collective”. As a composer Soren Moller has contributed with compositions for his own ensembles including the Soren Moller Trio and the Soren Moller & Dick Oatts Duo as well as the newly released CD A Tribute To Trane, featuring famous drummer Antonio Sanchez. In 2007 Soren Moller premiered his big band suite Three Speeches at The Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen and has since worked as a big band composer and soloist with various big bands.Soren Moller has also performed and/or recorded with a number of today’s most re-known musicians, including Antonio Sanchez, Dick Oatts, Mark Turner, Jason Marsalis, Cameron Brown, Ari Honig, John Benitez, Tony Moreno, Scott Neumann, Anders Bergcrantz, Barak Mori, Obed Calvaire, and Francois Moutin among others. Soren Moller has toured in Countries such as: England, Germany, Norway, Italy, Holland, South Africa, USA and Denmark.

~ Bio  https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11862388/Website%20Pressroom/bio.pdf

Let There Be Love

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Pete Candoli - From The Top

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:40
Size: 70,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:25)  1. Frankie & Johnny
(4:06)  2. Nature Boy
(3:43)  3. Drumette
(3:31)  4. Fascinating Rhythm (From Lady Be Good)
(3:57)  5. Sometimes I'm Happy From Hit the Deck
(6:51)  6. Summertime (From Porgy And Bess)
(4:04)  7. Moped

The elder of the trumpet-playing Candoli brothers, Pete initially made the greater impact of the two in Woody Herman's First Herd at the tail end of the swing era. A powerful, flamboyant soloist, his big moment came toward the end of "Apple Honey," where he would appear in a Superman costume and cut loose scorching, dissonant flurries of high notes. Pete started with the Sonny Dunham band in his 17th year (1940-1941) and passed through the bands of Will Bradley, Benny Goodman, Ray McKinley, Tommy Dorsey, Freddie Slack, and Charlie Barnet before settling into the Herman band from 1944 to 1946. He worked for Tex Beneke (1947-1949) and Jerry Gray (1950-1951) before moving to Los Angeles, where he became immersed in studio work with side trips into the Les Brown (1952) and Stan Kenton (1954-1956) bands. From 1957 to 1962, he co-led a group with Conte and later fronted his own band, while recording on his own for Columbia, Warner Bros., Kapp, and Somerset. He has been married to singers Betty Hutton and Edie Adams; with the latter, he formed a nightclub act in 1972 in which he sang, danced, led the orchestra, and played. He would continue to perform with Conte off and on into the 1990s. Although Pete's profile had been low and his trumpet technique slipped in later years, he could still burn in a swing-grounded manner in the '90s. Bio ~ Richard S.Ginell  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/pete-candoli-mn0000263395/biography

From The Top

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