Frank Deruytter Quartet - Frank Deruytter Quartet

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 146,5 MB
Art: Front

( 5:52)  1. Bollerol
( 4:40)  2. Wolfken
( 9:09)  3. D.O.P.E.
( 8:35)  4. Proud Harry
(10:20)  5. The Gospel Collector
( 5:59)  6. She Hates Me
( 5:57)  7. Shwung Foo
(13:04)  8. Noenkele

Belgian Saxophonist Frank Deruytter is a multitalented musician. Admired by Jazz aficionados for his unique sound on the Tenor Sax, impeccable technique and unstoppable flow of new and refreshing musical ideas, he is also a gifted vocalist and Bass guitar player. Frank strongly believes in the marriage between Jazz & Funk and critics often compare his style to the way Michael Brecker played. Read more on his work and life in the following paragraphs.

Frank started playing the saxophone at the age of 12. Even at a young age, Frank was already considered one of the great talents on the Belgian music scene. And from a young age, Frank experienced a great deal of success on the road with various jazz, pop, rock, and funk ensembles. At the age of 18, Frank won the Knack Youth Jazz Trophy, which was presented to him personally by the legendary Toots Thielemans. Along his musical path, Frank met Carlo Mertens (trombone) and Nico Schepers (Trumpet), and after several productions and collaborations together, the trio decided to form a horns group. The Heavy Horns was born, the first real horns group in Belgium. Over the years, the Heavy Horns have played on countless national and international productions including CD, Television, and live performances. Frank also met and collaborated with Piet Goddaer (Ozark Henry). Together they composed the music for the CD Sunzoo Manley: To All Our Escapes. Frank plays tenor sax and clarinet, while Stephane Galland (aka Moon, Joe Zawinul syndicate) plays the drums.

In 2005, Frank was honored to be chosen as one of the select artists to perform for the Belgian Royal Family at the Belgium 175 Years celebration event in Brussels, Belgium. His unforgettable solo sax performance will forever remain a defining moment in Belgian music history. In 2012 Frank recorded his first acoustic solo CD, Frank Deruytter Quartet. Frank wrote and composed all the music. The CD includes Peter Erskine on Drums, Eric Legnini on piano, and Bart Denolf on Contrabass. Frank’s teaching credentials include teaching positions at the Music Academies of Kortrijk, Overijse, Tervuren, and Hoeilaart, as well as the Conservatorium of Ghent, and the Jazz Studio in Antwerp. At the request of Maarten Weyler, since 2006, Frank has been teaching saxophone and combo at the Summer Music Camp in Dworp. http://frankderuytter.com/about-the-artist-frank-deruytter/

Personnel:  Bass – Bart De Nolf;  Drums – Peter Erskine;  Piano – Eric Legnini;  Tenor Saxophone, Composed By – Frank Deruytter

Frank Deruytter Quartet

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Russell Malone - Love Looks Good On You

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:14
Size: 117,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:35)  1. Soul Leo
(6:55)  2. Love Looks Good On You
(5:50)  3. The Elder
(4:51)  4. Ellie's Love Theme
(5:54)  5. Your Zowie Face
(4:04)  6. Mirrors
(7:22)  7. Amsterdam After Dark
(3:07)  8. Life Ev'ry Voice and Sing
(5:33)  9. Suite Sioux

Russell Malone's 2015 effort, Love Looks Good on You, showcases more of the swinging, adroit jazz guitarist's sound. The album follows up his 2010 studio album, Triple Play, and marks his debut for the High Note label. Joining Malone here are pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Willie Jones III. ~ Matt Collar  http://www.allmusic.com/album/love-looks-good-on-you-mw0002809710

Personnel: Russell Malone (guitar); Rick Germanson (piano); Willie Jones III (drums).

Love Looks Good On You

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Esther Beckman - Only You

Size: 158,1 MB
Time: 68:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Teach Me Tonight (3:28)
02. Since You Stayed Here (2:42)
03. Let Me Try Again (4:20)
04. Times To Remember (4:43)
05. Laughter In The Rain (3:33)
06. I Just Can't Stop Loving You (3:47)
07. Whatever Happened To Our Love (4:08)
08. You Can't Buy My Love (2:52)
09. Don't Misunderstand (4:57)
10. If I Never Sing Another Song (3:45)
11. Tell Me (3:49)
12. The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing (2:29)
13. I Wish I Knew (4:06)
14. It Could Happen To You (2:44)
15. Don't Let Love Make A Fool Of You (3:11)
16. Is There A Tomorrow For You And Me (4:28)
17. How Can It Be (4:40)
18. Only You (4:15)

Esther Beckman is one of a kind. The rich, vibrant texture that resonates from her voice permits her to vocalize any genre of traditional, popularmusic and she demonstratesthis ability in standards like, "Teach Me Tonight," "Let Me Try Again," and new ballads like, "times To remember," and, "Whatever Happened To Our Love?" as well as in the other fourteen memorable songs embodied in this album. Esther has been singing professionally most of her adult life. In 2007 she made her New York City cabaret debut with a show entitled, "Looking Glass Reflections from Mancini," for which she won the prestigious Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award for best show of its kind that year. That same year she made her jazz debut at the famous Iridium Club in Manhattan. Esther, notwithstanding her gigs in the New York metropolitan area, has been flying under the national radar much too long.

Only You

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Maria Schneider Orchestra - The Thompson Fields

Size: 178,7 MB
Time: 77:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Big Band
Art: Front

01. Walking By Flashlight (5:01)
02. The Monarch And The Milkweed (12:07)
03. Arbiters Of Evolution (13:59)
04. The Thompson Fields (10:00)
05. Home (7:46)
06. Nimbus (9:29)
07. A Potter's Song (5:29)
08. Lembrança (13:30)

There's a wealth of information to be found inside the beautiful packaging that accompanies this release, but a brief Theodore Roosevelt quote may be the most telling piece of text to be found there. It reads: "There is nothing more practical in the end than the preservation of beauty, than the preservation of anything that appeals to the higher emotions in mankind." That really says it all about this artist and her work, for there is nobody more capable of harnessing emotions in music and projecting and preserving the beauty and power of the natural world in sound than Maria Schneider. She's demonstrated that time and again, and she does it once more on this awe-inspiring release.

The Thompson Fields arrives after a lengthy gestation: eight years after the last Maria Schneider Orchestra album the stunning Sky Blue (ArtistShare, 2007). But if it takes Schneider that long to give proper birth to this quality of recorded music, so be it. You can't rush perfection, and this music is as close as you can get to that lofty and unattainable goal. Across these eight tracks, the Maria Schneider Orchestra puts ornithological ideals into play ("Arbiters Of Evolution"), works with nebulous themes and foreboding thoughts ("Nimbus"), takes a trip into Brazilian territory ("Lembranca"), pays tribute to one of its own dearly departed members ("A Potter's Song"), and bottles the attractively complex lingering scents of nostalgia and sentimentality.

As always, the singular personalities in this band help to elevate the music. Gary Versace's accordion wistfully traces its way across vast landscapes; Frank Kimbrough's piano is elemental, conjuring thoughts of gentle winds and the morning dew; Scott Robinson turns the alto clarinet into a thing of elegance and beauty ("Walking By Flashlight"); Marshall Gilkes' trombone and Greg Gisbert's fluegelhorn each balance the weighty and the wondrous in their expressions, eventually crossing paths while cresting the waves of the orchestra ("The Monarch And The Milkweed"); and guitarist Lage Lund draws on light and energy, spinning them both back out in controlled fashion. Those are just a few of the notable names, roles, and deeds, but those descriptions, admittedly, fall short. No words can properly convey the wonders embedded in this music.

Maria Schneider is truly fearless in her expression of self, creating grand statements and musical reveries built from intimate memories, thoughts, and feelings. Her willingness to share these experiences, her unparalleled skills at molding them into music, and the talents of the musicians who populate her orchestra all contribute to the success that is The Thompson Fields. ~´ Dan Bilawsky

Personnel: Steve Wilson: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet, flute, alto flute; Dave Pietro: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet, flute, alto flute, bass flute, piccolo; Rich Perry: tenor saxophone; Donny McCaslin: tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Scott Robinson: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, alto clarinet, clarinet; Tony Kadleck: trumpet, fluegelhorn; Greg Gisbert: trumpet, fluegelhorn; Augie Haas: trumpet, fluegelhorn; Mike Rodriguez: trumpet, fluegelhorn; Keith O'Quinn,: trombone; Ryan Keberle: trombone; Marshall Gilkes: trombone; George Flynn: bass trombone; Gary Versace: accordion; Lage Lund: guitar; Frank Kimbrough: piano; Rogerio Boccato: percussion (8); Clarence Penn: drums; Jay Anderson: bass.

The Thompson Fields 

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Zosja - Around The Sun

Size: 106,6 MB
Time: 45:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Soul/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Paint The World (4:12)
02. Nature's Gift (5:18)
03. Song About The Sun (3:23)
04. Special Kind Of Love (4:37)
05. Lidlish (5:22)
06. Nadia (5:24)
07. Dreams (4:17)
08. Set Your Mind Free (4:38)
09. Jump Around (3:15)
10. King Without A Crown (5:20)

Zosja brings the listener a new swinging sound. In their music they travel trough different styles such as Jazz, Soul, Funk and African. Melody, groove and virtuosity is what they carry along on this travel. They create their arrangements making use of mystic Arabic sounds to bouncing and highly danceable grooves. The whole sounds energetic, sparkling and optimistic.

On the debut album ''Around the Sun'' most compositions are written by drummer Daniel van Dalen. Along with Pieter Althuis on bass and Lucas Meijers on guitar, lead singer Zosja surprises the audience with their cross-over Jazz sound. On this album special appearances are made by Edison-prize-winner Bart Wirtz on saxophone and jazz-violin player Julia Phillippens.

About Zosja:
Even though the band is named after their singer Zosja, who is known with the Dutch audience because of her participance on the first 'Idols' edition, the quartet is not found solely around the singer.
Within Zosja every band member is an equal and essential component of the music. The players listen well to each other and their is a mutual joy while performing.
They are all raised in a musical environment and they have musical blood running through their veins. They bundle their years of experience in the music scene together and have been performing a lot in the Dutch Jazz scene.

Around The Sun

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Johannes Zetterberg - Equanimity

Size: 140,8 MB
Time: 59:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Fusion
Art: Front

01. Seismic (6:54)
02. Wide Travels (4:48)
03. What About The Lonely Ones (7:28)
04. Anthony Of The Desert (4:02)
05. The Listening Moon (Lullaby For Alicia) (4:07)
06. Vocation (8:11)
07. ...Like Wildfire (5:18)
08. Equanimity (7:51)
09. The Hopes And Fears (3:22)
10. 500 Miles To Heaven (2:04)
11. Second Nature (5:48)

Johannes Zetterberg returns in full force with Equanimity, his first offering in four years. Featuring an almost entirely new cast of characters, this is a brand new collection of original material that draws from a large palette of influences, and is certain to appeal to fusion aficionados around the globe.

Lineup:
Johannes Zetterberg - Fretted/fretless bass & keyboards
Jonathan Lundberg - Drums
Andreas Ekstedt - Percussion
Joel Lyssarides - Acoustic piano & synth
Carl Mörner Ringström - Acoustic/electric guitar
Björn Arkö - Soprano/tenor saxophone & EWI
Jonne Bentlöv - Flugelhorn
Accent & Göran Edman - Vocals
The Tom Walsh Horns:
Tom Walsh, George Hogg & Reuben Fowler - Trumpets
Tommy Laurence - Tenor saxophone

Equanimity

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Blossom Dearie - Once Upon A Summertime

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 35:34

Size: 81.4 MB

Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz

Year: 1958/1992/2012

Art: Front

[3:19] 1. Tea For Two

[4:15] 2. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

[1:58] 3. Moonlight Saving Time

[4:15] 4. It Amazes Me

[3:04] 5. If I Were A Bell

[2:01] 6. We're Together

[2:37] 7. Teach Me Tonight

[2:42] 8. Once Upon A Summertime

[1:38] 9. Down With Love

[4:15] 10. Manhattan

[2:15] 11. Doop-Doo-De-Doop (A Doodlin' Song)

[3:09] 12. Love Is Here To Stay

Vocalist Blossom Dearie's Summetime is a low-key collection of chamber-jazz arranged for a small trio. Working with guitarist Mundell Lowe, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Ed Thigpen, Dearie sings the material with a gentle conviction; she may never sound passionate, but she never sounds like she doesn't care. The result is a pleasant record, that might never be a compelling listen, but it's never a bad one. ~Thom Owens

Once Upon A Summertime

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Charlie Byrd - The Guitar Artistry Of Charlie Byrd

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:51
Size: 105.0 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Brazilian jazz
Year: 1960/1997
Art: Front

[1:54] 1. Taking A Chance On Love
[2:50] 2. Moonlight In Vermont
[3:42] 3. Speak Low
[3:00] 4. Nuages
[2:17] 5. Everything I've Got (Belongs To You)
[2:41] 6. Makin' Whoopee
[3:21] 7. Django
[1:44] 8. Nice Work If You Can Get It
[5:26] 9. The House Of The Rising Sun
[3:47] 10. Ring Them Harmonics
[9:40] 11. Taboo
[5:24] 12. To Ginny

Before he toured South America and discovered bossa nova, guitarist Charlie Byrd already had his recognizable sound formed. A master on the acoustic guitar who was well trained in classical music, Byrd performed regularly in Washington D.C. from 1958-1960, recording for the tiny Offbeat label. This CD reissue of a set originally on Offbeat and then put out by Riverside features Byrd and his regular trio (with bassist Keter Betts and drummer Buddy Deppenschmidt) performing concise versions of eight jazz standards, including two songs under two minutes, and longer versions of three obscurities, plus "The House of the Rising Sun." The melodic music is pleasing (if not too substantial), predictable and reasonably enjoyable, with the highlights including "Moonlight in Vermont," "Nuages," "Django," and the lengthy "Taboo." ~Scott Yanow

The Guitar Artistry Of Charlie Byrd

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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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