Carin Lundin - Songs That We All Recognize

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:57
Size: 107.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, Standards
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[4:00] 1. Ain't That Love
[6:04] 2. Jumbo Little Girl Blue
[3:15] 3. Swing Time Pick Yourself Up
[3:59] 4. Secret Love
[4:23] 5. Take Your Time Blues
[3:45] 6. Love Me Or Leave Me
[5:14] 7. I'll Be Around
[3:33] 8. Them There Eyes
[3:49] 9. Available
[5:07] 10. You Look Like Someone
[3:41] 11. Bells Are Ringing The Party's Over

The title promises musical comfort food, and that's what this album delivers. No more, no less. Songs That We All Recognize is a well-assembled album of mostly standards that takes no chances, offers no unexpected curves and avoids any disappointments for listeners seeking low-key acoustic straight-ahead jazz. Swedish vocalist Carin Lundin's third album is in the same league with discs such as Diana Krall's The Girl In The Other Room, although Lundin doesn't have quite the same velvet quality to her vocals or arrangements.

Lundin occupies the lower end of the midrange without much variance, sounding more professional than passionate, which is not necessarily a drawback for listeners who are into an even-handed approach. But her treatments can sound rather sterile compared to the original versions and other interpreted arrangements. Perhaps it shouldn't be surprising the most attention-getting songs turn out to be Lundin originals. "Take Your Time Blues" is plodding in pace, but strong in intensity as she and Lundgren both add a dash of audio color to their pitch, giving the sense a real conversation is occurring. "Available" is a dark ballad where Lundgren and bassist Mattias Welin knock a few dents in the passive listening experience with some low-end rumbles.

Songs That We All Recognize is solid enough, fulfilling its apparent intent, but the recording falls in a vast middle ground. Those familiar with similar albums will be hard-pressed to find enough uniqueness or artistry to make it worthy of adding to a collection. It's worth noting there are absolutely no Swedish qualities to this album, a disappointment for those used to Scandinavian jazz on the intellectual cutting edge, but perhaps a benefit to her fellow countrymen if they haven't had ample chance to hear standards stripped of modernistic accents. ~Mark Sabbatini

Carin Lundin: vocals; Jan Lundgren: piano; Mattias Welin: bass; Daniel Fredriksson: drums.

Songs That We All Recognize

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Ike Quebec - The Complete 45 Sessions (2-Disc Set)

During his comeback years (1959-62) after a decade mostly off the scene, tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec recorded frequently for Blue Note. He started off with a session aimed at the 45 jukebox market and, although he eventually made a few full-length albums for the label, Quebec cut four 45 dates over a two-and-a-half-year period. This double-disc set has all of the jukebox sessions. Most of the 26 selections clock in between four and seven minutes and have long melody statements in addition to concise and soulful solos. Quebec, who was in consistently prime form during his last period, is joined by groups featuring either Skeeter Best or Willie Jones on guitar and Edwin Swanston, Sir Charles Thompson, or Earl Van Dyke on organ. Fun, loose and highly enjoyable music. ~Scott Yanow

Album: The Complete 45 Sessions (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 66:52

Size: 153.1 MB

Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz

Year: 2005

[4:39] 1. A Light Reprieve

[6:17] 2. Buzzard Lope

[5:05] 3. Blue Monday

[4:34] 4. Zonky

[4:37] 5. Later For The Rock

[4:19] 6. Sweet And Lovely

[6:53] 7. Dear John

[5:05] 8. Blue Friday

[4:32] 9. Everything Happens To Me

[6:13] 10. Mardi Gras

[4:07] 11. What A Diff'rence A Day Makes

[4:12] 12. For All We Know

[6:13] 13. Ill Wind

The Complete 45 Sessions (Disc 1)

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Album: The Complete 45 Sessions (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 62:21

Size: 142.8 MB

Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz

Year: 2005

Art: Front

[6:03] 1. If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)

[5:34] 2. I've Got The World On A String

[5:12] 3. Me 'n' Mabe

[6:38] 4. Everything Happens To Me

[2:58] 5. All Of Me

[3:46] 6. Intermezzo

[3:45] 7. But Not For Me

[3:55] 8. All The Way

[5:59] 9. How Long Has This Been Going On

[3:56] 10. With A Song In My Heart

[5:09] 11. Imagination

[4:33] 12. What Is There To Say

[4:45] 13. There Is No Greater Love

The Complete 45 Sessions (Disc 2)

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Eric Divito - Breakin' The Ice

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:33
Size: 140.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:14] 1. Like Minded
[5:46] 2. Layin' It
[6:05] 3. Breaking The Ice
[7:39] 4. For Maria
[6:29] 5. From An Old Sketch
[3:30] 6. Time Remembered
[5:45] 7. Pass' Time
[6:51] 8. Tango
[5:53] 9. Shoot The Messenger
[7:16] 10. Her And Hymn

In the midst of a busy career as working musician and educator, New York guitarist/composer Eric DiVito has finally carved out the time to make his recording debut as a leader. "Breaking the Ice," a quartet date co-produced by DiVito with Portland pianist/arranger Ezra Weiss and veteran jazz producer/promoter Todd Barkan.

“One of the most totally unexpected and pleasant surprises of my last 30 years of jazz production has been the constant smile to be regularly experienced in Eric’s consistently uplifting compositions, arranging, and guitar playing,” says Barkan.

The 31-year-old Long Island native chose to feature his original compositions with trio or quartet comprised of tenor and soprano saxophonist Jake Saslow, a friend and colleague since high school days; acoustic bassist Corcoran Holt alternating with Motohito Fukushima on electric; and Israeli-born drummer Nadav Snir-Zelniker. DiVito’s solo performance of “Time Remembered,” the Bill Evans classic and the album’s only nonoriginal, is played classical-style on a nylon-string guitar.

Throughout, DiVito draws on his command of both jazz and classical guitar styles, as well as on his interests in jazz and pop composition, to create a wonderfully varied program—from the “dizzy, hectic feel” of the opener “Like Minded,” to the ballads “For Maria” (written for his wife of five years) and “Her and Hymn” (partially inspired by Joni Mitchell), to the gently swinging “Pass’ Time” (for Joe Pass, one of his heroes) and high-energy “Shoot the Messenger” (for Art Blakey).

Breakin' The Ice

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Daryl Sherman - Look What I Found

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:19
Size: 146,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:18)  1. Cheek To Cheek
(4:50)  2. Lazy In Love
(2:58)  3. Music Makes Me
(2:43)  4. Any Old Time
(2:41)  5. Simple As That
(5:57)  6. There's A Lull In My Life
(4:32)  7. Knock Me A Kiss
(2:55)  8. Many A New Day
(3:28)  9. Look What I Found
(4:15) 10. This Will Make You Laugh
(2:30) 11. Something Brazilian
(6:24) 12. I Was Wrong
(3:02) 13. Why Do I Love You
(5:04) 14. This Is New
(4:12) 15. I Never Knew (That Roses Grew)
(3:21) 16. Things Are Looking Up

Daryl Sherman's relaxed and straightforward approach to singing, paying attention to the meaning of the lyrics but always swinging, is quite winning. Whether being lyrical on "Any Old Time" or saucy on "Knock Me a Kiss," Sherman is in delightful form throughout this set, and she contributes two fine originals, "Simple as That" and the humorous (if sad) "Something Brazilian." A major asset to the CD are the arrangements of Dan Barrett, which utilize his trombone, trumpeter Randy Sandke, four reeds (Jerry Dodgion, Ken Peplowski, Scott Robinson and Chuck Wilson) and a fine rhythm section (guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist John Bunch, bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Klaus Suonsaari) quite colorfully. 

The reeds all double and sometimes triple (Scott Robinson's bass clarinet is quite atmospheric), and a variety of instrumentation is used: "Any Old Time" is taken as a Sherman duet with Pizzarelli, "Many a New Day" finds the singer accompanied only by bassist Maleson, "Things Are Looking Up" (one of a few numbers on which Daryl herself plays piano) is taken solo, and she forms an appealing duo with Barrett on "Why Do I Love You." 

All of the horn players have their spots and, most importantly, Daryl Sherman is perfectly suited for the material. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=1116654&style=music&fulldesc=T

Personnel: Daryl Sherman (vocals, piano); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Chuck Wilson (flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Scott Robinson (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Randy Sandke (trumpet); Dan Barnett (trombone, piano); John Bunch (piano); Klaus Suonsaari (drums, percussion).

Look What I Found

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Dick Hyman - Provocative Piano, Vols.I & II

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:23
Size: 173,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:15)  1. Cumana
(2:55)  2. Near You
(2:22)  3. Polonaise (in A-flat Major)
(3:17)  4. Autumn Leaves
(2:24)  5. Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1
(3:23)  6. Canadian Sunset
(3:33)  7. Warsaw Concerto
(3:05)  8. Sunrise Serenade
(3:06)  9. Miserlou
(3:20) 10. Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat
(3:01) 11. Nola
(3:21) 12. Autumn Nocturne
(3:49) 13. Voodoo Moon
(3:11) 14. Moonglow/Theme from 'Picnic'
(3:18) 15. Kitten on the Keys
(2:50) 16. Snowfall
(2:25) 17. The Sabre Dance
(4:18) 18. Deep Purple
(2:57) 19. Boogie Woogie
(2:50) 20. Soft Summer Breeze
(3:05) 21. Heart and Soul
(3:45) 22. Liebestraum
(3:29) 23. Theme from 'The Apartment'
(2:14) 24. Mack the Knife

A very versatile virtuoso, Dick Hyman once recorded an album on which he played "A Child Is Born" in the styles of 11 different pianists, from Scott Joplin to Cecil Taylor. Hyman can clearly play anything he wants to, and since the '70s, he has mostly concentrated on pre-bop swing and stride styles. Hyman worked with Red Norvo (1949-1950) and Benny Goodman (1950), and then spent much of the 1950s and '60s as a studio musician. He appears on the one known sound film of Charlie Parker (Hot House from 1952); recorded honky tonk under pseudonyms; played organ and early synthesizers in addition to piano; was Arthur Godfrey's music director (1959-1962); collaborated with Leonard Feather on some History of Jazz concerts (doubling on clarinet), and even performed rock and free jazz; but all of this was a prelude to his later work. In the 1970s, Hyman played with the New York Jazz Repertory Company, formed the Perfect Jazz Repertory Quintet (1976), and started writing soundtracks for Woody Allen films.

He has recorded frequently during the past several decades (sometimes in duets with Ruby Braff) for Concord, Music Masters, and Reference, among other labels, and ranks at the top of the classic jazz field. In 2013, Hyman teamed up with vocalist Heather Masse for a set of standards on the Red House label called Lock My Heart. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/dick-hyman-mn0000211424/biography

Provocative Piano, Vols.I & II

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Lorraine Desmarais - Couleurs De Lune

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:22
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Couleurs de lune
(5:15)  2. Forever Young
(5:22)  3. Rose
(5:37)  4. How Can You Miss a Fruit Salad?
(5:03)  5. Largo
(4:40)  6. Weekend à Toulouse
(3:54)  7. Alberto
(4:07)  8. Bolero
(3:54)  9. Tsai-Tsien!
(5:17) 10. Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)

Beyond the seas and the mountains, the moon shines brightly...All throughout the creative process surrounding this musical journey, the moon was my confidant. When it was romantic, it called forth my Latin influences. When it was full, its energy filled me with jazzy rays of light. Moon dust's peace and quiet also led my fingers to give birth to rather unprecedented harmonies. I cannot promise you the moon but... when you listen to this album filled with jazz and Latin ambiances, may this celestial body inspire you and fulfill your whimsical musical dreams. ~ Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/Couleurs-De-Lune-Lorraine-Desmarais/dp/B007ED6T6K

Personnel: Lorraine Desmarais (piano); Frédéric Alarie (double bass); Camil Bélisle (drums).

Couleurs De Lune

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Buddy Greco - Swing in the Key of Buddy Greco

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:02
Size: 184,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:37)  1. A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
(3:19)  2. She Loves Me
(2:46)  3. Lover Come Back To Me
(3:18)  4. The Lady Is A Tramp
(2:50)  5. Passing Pastels
(2:26)  6. Around The World
(2:49)  7. Sweet Georgia Brown
(3:45)  8. The More I See You
(2:59)  9. Body And Soul
(2:58) 10. So Danço Samba
(2:15) 11. Like Young
(5:56) 12. Nat Cole Medley
(4:19) 13. Jada
(3:27) 14. Our Love Is Here To Stay
(2:39) 15. Straighten Up And Fly Right
(3:19) 16. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
(3:43) 17. Roses Of Picardy
(6:15) 18. Misty
(1:42) 19. Ooh Look-A-There Ain't She Pretty
(3:01) 20. That's Life
(4:30) 21. MacArthur Park

Known by his colleagues as a "singer's singer" and a "musician's musician," Buddy Greco has sold more than one million records. He is well-known for releasing songs from every genre, from jazz to country to pop music. He has performed on stage, on film and on television. Born Armando Greco in Philadelphia, Buddy Greco began singing and playing the piano at the age of four. He used his talents performing on the radio. By the age of 16 Buddy Greco had more than a decade of musical experience behind him. He was playing in the nightclub Philadelphia's Club 13 when he was spotted by Benny Goodman. Bandleader Benny Goodman was impressed by Buddy Greco's talents and hired him as a pianist, a singer and an arranger. At the age of 16 Buddy Greco was traveling the world with one of the most popular big bands of the '30s, the Benny Goodman Band. He stayed with the band for four years.

At the ripe age of 20 Buddy Greco decided to pursue a solo professional music career. He began singing and performing in nightclubs and concerts. Some of his hit recordings include the popular favorites "Oh Look at Her, Ain't She Pretty," "The Lady Is A Tramp" and "Around the World." During his musical career he has made more than 65 albums including an album of he and the London Symphony Orchestra, in which he conducted and played. In the '60s Buddy Greco's music career had been very successful. He appeared with the popular '60s rock group the Beatles in a performance for Queen Elizabeth the second. It was also in the '60s when Buddy Greco seriously began a career in film and television. In 1967 he was a regular performer on the TV series Away We Go. This nationwide television program gave Buddy Greco enormous exposure as a talented singer and pianist. He followed this series with a part in the 1969 film, The Girl Who Knew Too Much. His talents have taken him to great heights recording more than 100 hit singles. During the '70s and '80s, Buddy Greco concentrated on recording and performing. His hits included jazz, country and pop music. Audiences are astounded at the many styles of Buddy Greco.

Even after more than four decades of performing, Buddy Greco still remains one of the most widely-known singers of his time. In the early 90s he toured with "The Salute to the Benny Goodman Band." The ensemble performed 72 shows, each garnering a standing ovation. He performed for two years at The Desert Inn Hotel in Las Vegas and in 1996 ended two world tours at Café Royale in London. With all his musical credits, Buddy Greco is an inductee of the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame and has entries in both the Encyclopedia of Great Musicians and the Encyclopedia of Great Jazz Singers and Musicians. Buddy Greco's musical abilities live on in his more than 60 albums and more than 100 hit singles. He writes and records scores for film and television.~ Kim Summers http://www.allmusic.com/artist/buddy-greco-mn0000638960/biography

Swing in the Key of Buddy Greco

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Eric Marienthal & Chuck Loeb - Bridges

Styles: Contemporary Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:28
Size: 127,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. Westward
(4:47)  2. Crossing
(5:40)  3. Puentes
(6:42)  4. Last Minute Blues
(3:28)  5. Daily Bread
(5:58)  6. Lucky Southern
(5:53)  7. Salamanca
(4:51)  8. Duality
(5:50)  9. Sun Rays
(6:11) 10. Noir

What happens when the guy manning the guitar seat in Fourplay meets up with the erstwhile sax guy for the Jeff Lorber Fusion? More than what you might expect. In fact, Eric Marienthal (the sax guy) and Chuck Loeb (the guitar guy) both defy and go beyond expectations on the surprisingly eclectic and entertaining Bridges. Marienthal re-teams with Loeb since his last solo album, It's Love (eOne, 2012) and this collaboration is one of the rare pairings where musicality takes precedence over throwing some "names" together and see if anything of interest happens (too often nothing does). These are two artists who are the quintessential "oh yeah, them too" names who get overlooked whenever lists are made of the best musicians on their respective instruments of choice. That's an oversight which Bridges will correct. Don't make the mistake of assuming this is more smooth jazz sludge or jazz fusion fuzziness. This is not that nor any other sub-category of jazz. It's only jazz and that's all it aspires to be.

Marienthal and Loeb lead a tight band with bassist John Patitucci, drummer Byron Landham and percussionist David Charles locking down the rhythm. Loeb takes a few laps around the Pat Metheny track on tunes like "Westward" while Marienthal takes an understated approach at times then alternates to fiery soloing that never stays into excess. That's always an assumed risk when musicians whose claim to fame is outside of straight-ahead jazz. They overplay which is frenzied or underplay which is dull. Neither of those missteps are made here as the formulas and fall backs are tossed out. There are no cover tunes (unless you count one byJim Hall licks while Marienthal seems to have a ball when he solos in for a landing as Patitucci and Landham hold the bottom down. Loeb last visited this territory with the criminally overlooked Plain n' Simple (Tweety Records, 2011) where he demonstrated how comfortable he is playing it straight, but for the ears of this listener, Marienthal's range of saxophone stylings were a revelation.

Loeb's "Daily Bread" sets the table for a paired-down duet between himself and Marienthal's loney soprano sax and it's lovely and meditative. The aforementioned Jarrett offering "Lucky Southern" opens with Patitucci bass followed by Marienthal, Loeb, Landham and Charles joining in on the fun. By the time the last notes of the bluesy "Noir" fade out there's a whole new appreciation of the versatility amply displayed by the band. When a musician goes above and beyond what is expected from them that is what the idiom is all about. Jazz is not about meeting expectations. It's about exceeding and transcending them and that's what makes this album both exciting and gratifying. Bridges finds Marienthal and Loeb nailing each and every one of those in a tour de force of finesse, artistry and simple old moxie. Highly recommended for both the devout fans of the duo as well as the skeptic with an open mind and responsive ear.~ Jeff Winbush http://www.allaboutjazz.com/bridges-eric-marienthal-shanachie-records-review-by-jeff-winbush.php

Personnel: Eric Marienthal: soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophone, flute, clarinet, sax key percussion;  Chuck Loeb: guitars, guitar cajon;  John Patitucci;  Byron Landham: drums;  David Charles: percussion

Bridges

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Tal Farlow - The Complete Verve Sessions (Discs 6 & 7 of 7)

Album: The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 6)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:50
Size: 137.0 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. Lean On Me
[4:51] 2. Wonder Why
[4:20] 3. Night And Day
[3:31] 4. Stella By Starlight
[4:48] 5. The More I See You
[4:21] 6. All The Things You Are
[4:11] 7. How Long Has This Been Going On
[3:36] 8. Topsy
[3:27] 9. 'deed I Do
[3:23] 10. We'll Be Together Again (Take 3)
[4:29] 11. We'll Be Together Again (Take 1)
[3:17] 12. We'll Be Together Again (Take 2)
[3:52] 13. The More I See You
[5:24] 14. 'deed I Do
[2:03] 15. We'll Be Together Again

The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 6)

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Album: The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 7)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:05
Size: 169.6 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:20] 1. A Foggy Day
[4:45] 2. The Man In My Life
[5:25] 3. Sweet Lorraine
[4:36] 4. Wess Side
[6:26] 5. Telefunky
[7:39] 6. Blue Funk
[5:12] 7. Saratoga
[6:47] 8. Blues In The Night
[4:54] 9. Hit The Road To Dreamland
[4:22] 10. For Every Man There's A Woman
[6:31] 11. As Long As I Live
[3:04] 12. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
[4:38] 13. Petticoat High
[3:09] 14. One Step-Two Step
[3:11] 15. Lessons In Love

The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 7)

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Glaucia Nahsser - Vambora

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:47
Size: 120.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz vocals
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[4:03] 1. Cento, Logo Existo
[4:28] 2. Malandra
[4:08] 3. Olhar De Prata (Libano)
[3:42] 4. Quebradeira
[3:44] 5. Pensando Em Voce
[3:55] 6. Vambora
[4:34] 7. Daquifra Frente
[3:37] 8. Roda
[4:12] 9. Le Le O
[4:22] 10. O Comeco Do Infinito
[3:52] 11. Quem Falou
[3:50] 12. Mais Uma Vez
[4:15] 13. Malandra

Vejam aqui a crítica de Kiko Ferreira, no Caderno de Cultura do Estado de Minas, sobre o novo CD de Glaucia Nasser, Vambora. A artista chegou com uma proposta diferente de pop popular brasileiro que tem sido reconhecida como "um caminho certo".

Vambora

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Gary Burton, Paul Bley - Right Time, Right Place

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:30
Size: 154.5 MB
Styles: Post bop, Vibraphone jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 1990
Art: Front

[9:08] 1. Ida Lupino
[5:59] 2. Isn't It Romantic
[6:56] 3. Laura's Dream
[5:12] 4. Carla
[9:19] 5. Olhos De Gato
[3:32] 6. Alcazar
[3:30] 7. Rightly So
[3:14] 8. Nothing To Declare
[8:44] 9. You Don't Know What Love Is
[5:28] 10. Eidertown
[6:24] 11. Turn Out The Stars

Although they have utilized the talents of some of the same musicians through the years (most notably Steve Swallow) and both recorded for ECM, vibraphonist Gary Burton and pianist Paul Bley had not recorded before this 1990 Copenhagen session. The combination generally works, with some of Burton's romanticism and melodic approach rubbing off on Bley during the date (the usually somber pianist actually sounds a little lighthearted during "Isn't It Romantic") while the vibist sometimes emulates Bley's emphasis on space. On their six duets, Burton and Bley do not take turns soloing per se as much as alternate being the lead voice. Their unaccompanied features (three apiece) are generally in the same introspective but exploratory mood, making this a quiet program of thought-provoking if occasionally sleepy music. ~Scott Yanow

Right Time, Right Place

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Temple Of Soul - Brothers In Arms

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:37
Size: 125.1 MB
Styles: R&B, Funk, Pop/Rock/Jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[ 4:50] 1. Anna
[ 4:27] 2. Seeking Further
[ 4:40] 3. Diamond Girl
[ 4:57] 4. Temple Of Soul
[ 6:32] 5. Ode To China
[ 4:34] 6. Sunshine In Your Smile
[ 3:48] 7. Purple Haze
[ 3:41] 8. Salty!
[ 4:11] 9. Love Me Tonight
[12:53] 10. Jazzy Outtake

Temple of Soul is a sort of American equivalent of Tackhead, featuring top session players stretching out in search of their own thang – or rather, James Brown's, Jimi Hendrix's and Herbie Hancock's thangs, judging by the jazz-funk indulgence that is Brothers in Arms.

There's no doubting the pedigrees of drummer (and producer of 56 No 1 hits) Narada Michael Walden, E Street Band saxist Clarence Clemons, former JBs bassist TM Stevens and Vernon Ice Black, veteran guitarist with Aretha, Whitney, Mariah and Stevie; but – as ever when musos get together – the results tend to sound like themes from American cop series.

The lack of a proper vocalist dulls the edge, with limp Barry White pastiches and Family Stone-style line-swapping failing to disguise their shortcomings. Black, who has played with Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding, essays a suitably heavy, FX-drenched "Purple Haze". The most interesting piece is "Ode to China", on which Clemons adopts a raspy tone akin to Gato Barbieri for a collaboration involving Chinese violin and harp; there are more sensitive cross-cultural experiments around, but in these surroundings it sounds positively alien. ~Andy Gill

Brothers In Arms

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Roy Haynes - When It Haynes It Roars

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:28
Size: 124.7 MB
Styles: Bop, Straight ahead jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[7:34] 1. Brown Skin Girl
[7:14] 2. Steps
[6:33] 3. Easy Living, Never Let Me Go
[6:47] 4. Summer Nights
[8:15] 5. Sippin' At Bells
[5:26] 6. Bye-Ya
[5:27] 7. I Thought About You
[7:09] 8. Anniversary Song

This is undoubtedly one of the best straightahead jazz records of the 1990s. It is a crowning achievement for drum legend Roy Haynes, who emerged as a bandleader relatively late in his career. Together with tenor saxophonist Craig Handy, pianist David Kikoski, and bassist Ed Howard, Haynes explores time-honored standards as well as bop and post-bop classics. The truly outstanding tracks are Chick Corea's awe-inspiring "Steps," Thelonious Monk's catchy "Bye Ya," the Miles Davis bop vehicle "Sippin' at Bells," and a greasy, in-the-pocket reading of "I Thought About You."

Bookending the album are two traditional tunes: "Brown Skin Girl," made famous by Harry Belafonte, and "Anniversary," a traditional melody associated with Al Jolson. Both tracks feature Kikoski on electric piano, an unexpected touch that makes for delicious icing on the cake. An unforgettable record. ~David R. Adler

When It Haynes It Roars

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Bud Shank - This Bud's For You

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1984
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:33
Size: 77,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. I'll Be Seeing You
(5:04)  2. Nica's Dream
(5:38)  3. Never Never Land
(3:30)  4. Space Maker
(5:28)  5. Visa
(4:44)  6. Cotton Blossom
(4:10)  7. Bouncing With Bud

Originally known as a cool-toned altoist and occasional flutist, Bud Shank's playing from this recording forward surprised many listeners. There was a forcefulness and a passion to his alto solos (he had given up the flute) that had not been heard that much from him previously. Assisted by pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Al Foster, Shank rips into five bop standards, his own "Cotton Blossom," and Walter Norris' "Space Maker" with plenty of intensity, stretching himself and inspiring his sidemen. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/this-buds-for-you-mw0000078385

Personnel:  Bud Shank - Alto saxophone;  Kenny Barron – Piano;  Ron Carter – Bass;  Al Foster - Drums

This Bud's For You

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Melinda Whitaker - The Touch Of Your Lips

Styles: Vocal Jazz

Year: 2005

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 49:46

Size: 114,4 MB

Art: Front

(2:54)  1. I'm Old Fashioned

(2:28)  2. The Touch of Your Lips

(4:33)  3. The Way You Look Tonight

(3:55)  4. Someone to Watch Over Me

(5:09)  5. Save Your Love for Me

(3:42)  6. As Long As I Live

(4:01)  7. What a Diff'rence a Day Makes

(3:18)  8. There Will Never Be Another You

(3:32)  9. I Remember Clifford

(4:38) 10. Besame Mucho

(3:40) 11. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

(3:09) 12. It Could Happen to You

(4:40) 13. We'll Be Together Again

“The first time I saw Melinda Whitaker I was knocked off my feet by the sheer warmth of her personality and presence. Anyone who has heard Melinda’s voice knows its smoky brilliance, the seductive, electrical charge that this wonderful performer can bring to a song.” ~ Dr. Peter Gouzouasis, Music Director, Jazz90/Wrti (1983-1988)

With a lush, rich voice that shifts effortlessly from smoke to silk, Melinda will captivate you from the very first song. ‘The Touch of Your Lips’ features fresh, joyful, swinging standards drawn from the classic American songbook. Inspired and infused by the magic of the spanish language during her sojourn in Costa Rica, Melinda’s lyrical ballads “Besame Mucho” and “What A Diff’rence A Day Makes” will transport you to a world of breezy palm trees and velvet warm nights.

Melinda is accompanied on this recording by a formidable Canadian trio featuring Miles Black on piano, Tommy Doran on drums, and Rick Kilburn on bass. Together, their musical chemistry is pure, smooth and magical. “The Touch of Your Lips” will resonate with you long after the last note has sounded. http://vancouverjazz.com/2005/02/melinda-whitaker.html

Personnel:  Melinda Whitaker – vocals;  Miles Black – piano;  Tommy Doran – drums;  Rick Kilburn – bass

The Touch Of Your Lips

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Houston Person - The Melody Lingers On

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:59
Size: 130,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:24)  1. My Funny Valentine
(4:42)  2. Gone Again
(4:31)  3. You're Nearer
(4:35)  4. Minton's
(6:00)  5. Bewitched
(7:21)  6. Only Trust Your Heart
(4:39)  7. They All Laughed
(5:47)  8. Try A Little Tenderness
(5:14)  9. The Song Is Ended
(7:43) 10. You Can't Lose With The Blues

Houston Person's 2014 effort, The Melody Lingers On, is a romantic, laid-back set of songs showcasing the septuagenarian saxophonist. A journeyman artist with a bent toward swinging soul-jazz, Person has developed into something of an American treasure over the past 30 years. Since the '90s, Person has released a steady stream of standards albums, heavy on lyrical and blues-based songs that perfectly exploit his distinctive, burnished tenor drawl. The Melody Lingers On is no exception, featuring a set of songs heavily weighted toward an intimate, afterglow vibe centered on the warm sound of Person's saxophone. Backing the South Carolina-born tenor man this time is an equally superb handful of artists, including vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist Lafayette Harris, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Lewis Nash. 

Included here are such standards as "My Funny Valentine," "Gone Again," "Bewitched," and "They All Laughed." Person also digs deep into the R&B end of his career with a slow, vibrant take on the Otis Redding classic "Try a Little Tenderness." At 79 years young, with The Melody Lingers On Person continues his reign as one of the titans of the lush jazz tenor sound.~ Matt Collar http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-melody-lingers-on-mw0002734295

Personnel: Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Lafayette Harris (piano); Steve Nelson (vibraphone); Lewis Nash (drums).

 

The Melody Lingers On

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Mary Cleere Haran, Richard Rodney Bennett - The Memory Of All That: Gershwin On Broadway & In Hollywood

Styles: Vocal, Cabaret
Year: 1999
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 49:42
Size: 91,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:39)  1. The Real American Folk Song
(2:55)  2. 'S Wonderful
(4:05)  3. Do It Again
(2:35)  4. Nashville Nightingale
(4:07)  5. The Man I Love
(2:16)  6. I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise
(2:00)  7. I'd Rather Charleston
(3:08)  8. Funny Face
(4:03)  9. Sweet & Low Down / Fidgety Feet / Fascinatin' Rhythm
(5:34) 10. Someone To Watch Over Me
(4:06) 11. Boy, What Love Has Done To Me
(2:15) 12. They All Laughed
(3:28) 13. Love Walked In
(3:35) 14. Who Cares?
(2:49) 15. Lady, Be Good / Somebody Loves Me

The Memory of All That: Gershwin on Broadways and in Hollywood showcases timeless Gershwin classics such as 'S Wonderful, Funny Face, Fascinatin'Rhythm, and Lady, Be Good, as well as rarely performed material from the rich Gershwin songbook. The result is pure Gershwin and it's Haran and Bennett at their best, from their saucy rendition of I'd Rather Charleston and the delightfully whimsical They All Laughed to the soulful yearning of The Man I Love and the ragtime-inspired The Real American Folk Song. This studio recording captures the magic of Mary Cleere Haran and Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's critically acclaimed Gershwin Centenary Celebration performance at New York's legendary Algonquin Hotel.

Mary Cleere Haran has built a well-deserved reputation as a top-notch interpreter of the classic American songbook, a minimalist stylist wonderfully in tune with her material. On this Gershwin collection, she and pianist Bennett balance classics ("The Man I Love", "Someone to Watch over Me") and obscure nuggets such as "Nashville Nightingale" and especially "I'd Rather Charleston," on which Haran wickedly mimicks Adele Astaire's no-nonsense nasal tones. While it's hard to single out any particular number, "Funny Face" might represent the singer at her best, her voice a silken thread delicately, lovingly wrapped around each word. Unfortunately the recording doesn't include Haran's funny, erudite between-songs patter, which those lucky enough to attend one of her shows delight in almost as much as in her flawless interpretations. ~ Elisabeth Vincentelli -  Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/The-Memory-All-That-Hollywood/dp/B00000JI71

Personnel: Mary Cleere Haran (vocals); Richard Rodney Bennett (vocals, piano); Linc Milliman (bass).

The Memory Of All That: Gershwin On Broadway...

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Cory Weeds Quartet - Big Weeds

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:30
Size: 154,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:35)  1. Darben the redd foxx
( 8:31)  2. Corrupted Mango
( 9:29)  3. For Fathead
( 6:29)  4. Blossoms In May
( 7:55)  5. It's Only a Paper Moon
( 9:07)  6. Simply Said
(10:41)  7. No Bull
( 7:39)  8. Modal Issue

Big Weeds could well herald the return of the big, bad saxophone. Its protagonist, Cory Weeds, blazes his masterful way through a monstrous set, alternating on tenor and alto. And in one fell swoop, Weeds joins the ranks of the instrument's great storytellers. On tenor he is as bold and dramatic as Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins. On the smaller and more sensuous alto, he is a younger version of (when he is racy) David "Fathead" Newman or, at times, as wry and ironic as Lee Konitz even puckish like Paul Desmond. And so, in acquitting himself with aplomb on tenor and alto, Weeds gives notice that he has a soulful understanding of both horns no mean achievement, by any saxophonist's standards.

Now here is another thing: Not only does Weeds play two horns so subtly different from each other unlike, say, tenor and soprano but he can make each horn bend to his will. So if he is playing a ballad, as he does so memorably on this record, or if he is roaring through a racy straight-ahead bop-ish tune, he simply 'becomes' the horn he is playing. His innate ability to inhabit the soul of a song is near perfect and this leads him to an exquisite sense of phrasing and pace. For instance Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, can almost be heard as Weeds 'sings' his way through "Blossoms in May," a tender chart dedicated to his wife. On "For Fathead," a more obvious tribute to Newman, he is shy and respectful as he dances around his homage; it's almost possible to see the saxophonist approach an idol with great diffidence.

That Weeds wrote both the above charts is a testament to his prowess as a songwriter as well. It is not, after all, about form, but more so about subtlety and nuance. And here Weeds is in great company as well. The mighty Mike LeDonne joins Weeds on Hammond B3, Peter Bernstein is added on guitar and Joe Farnsworth holds down the drum chair. Together this is a band that locks tight on James Moody's relatively little-known classic, "Darben the Redd Foxx." And their interpretation of "It's Only a Paper Moon" is wonderfully exhilarating. LeDonne, better known for his piano work for Benny Golson, is often spare yet wholesome on B3 especially on "Corrupted Mango," that oblique reference to the chord changes on Sonny Rollins' "St Thomas," while on "Simply Said," he opens up the organ in heartfelt wails and moans like no other B3 organist does not even the great Joey DeFrancesco. Farnsworth plays with wonderful taste and lyricism throughout.

It is hard to believe that this is Cory Weeds' first record as a leader. This is real old school 'saxophonism' at its very best by a saxophonist about whom much will be heard in the years to come. And it features music that will echo in a room long after the notes of the last bar fades. ~ Raul D’Gama Rose http://www.allaboutjazz.com/big-weeds-cory-weeds-cellar-live-review-by-raul-dgama-rose.php

Personnel: Cory Weeds: alto and tenor saxophone; Mike LeDonne: Hammond B3; Peter Bernstein: guitar; Joe Farnsworth: drums.

Big Weeds

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Benny Carter - In The Mood For Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:43
Size: 150.4 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, East Coast blues
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:47] 1. I'm In The Mood For Swing
[6:17] 2. Another Time, Another Place
[4:33] 3. The Courtship
[5:11] 4. Rock Me To Sleep
[5:25] 5. Janel
[5:45] 6. The Romp
[4:55] 7. Summer Serenade
[7:20] 8. Not So Blue
[6:38] 9. You, Only You
[6:06] 10. Blue Moonlight
[6:42] 11. South Side Samba

All 11 of the songs are somewhat obscure and therefore fresh Carter compositions ("Summer Serenade" is perhaps the best-known) and Dizzy Gillespie sits in with the group for three songs. But even with Gillespie, guitarist Howard Alden and pianist Roland Hanna, the solo star throughout is the ageless Benny Carter, who at the age of 80 still seemed to be improving. ~Scott Yanow

In The Mood For Swing

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Tal Farlow - The Complete Verve Sessions (Discs 4 & 5 of 7)

Album: The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 4)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 61:28

Size: 140.7 MB

Styles: Guitar jazz

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[4:41] 1. Taking A Chance On Love

[5:15] 2. Yardbird Suite

[5:39] 3. You Stepped Out Of A Dream

[5:42] 4. They Can't Take That Away From Me

[6:38] 5. Like Someone In Love

[6:36] 6. Meteor

[5:31] 7. I Love You

[5:19] 8. Gone With The Wind

[4:45] 9. Taking A Chance On Love

[4:48] 10. Yardbird Suite

[5:24] 11. Gone With The Wind

[1:06] 12. Taking A Chance On Love (Breakdown)

The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 4)

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Album: The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 5)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 46:35

Size: 106.6 MB

Styles: Guitar jazz

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[10:08] 1. Isn't It Romantic

[ 3:55] 2. There Is No Greater Love

[ 6:00] 3. How About You

[ 5:07] 4. Anything Goes

[ 5:51] 5. Yesterdays

[ 4:19] 6. You Don't Know What Love Is

[ 4:55] 7. Chuckles

[ 6:16] 8. Broadway

The Complete Verve Sessions (Disc 5)

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