Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Hank Mobley - Reach Out!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:40
Size: 86.2 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1968/2005
Art: Front

[6:44] 1. Reach Out (I'll Be There)
[5:49] 2. Up, Over, And Out
[5:15] 3. Lookin' East
[7:23] 4. Goin' Out Of My Head
[5:28] 5. Good Pickin's
[6:59] 6. Beverly

Reach Out was one of the few times Hank Mobley left behind driving, aggressive hard bop, choosing to concentrate on lightly grooving bop and soul-jazz instead. Essentially, the session resulted in the most commercially oriented record he made, complete with two pop covers ("Reach Out (I'll Be There)," "Goin' Out of My Head") and a laidback, swinging vibe. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but the band -- an impressive lineup of Woody Shaw (trumpet, flugelhorn), George Benson (guitar), Lamont Johnson (piano), Bob Cranshaw (bass) and Billy Higgins (drums) -- sounds constrained by the material and their desire to make the music appeal to a wide audience. Things rarely are worse than on "Reach Out," where the group not only fails to lay down a groove, but they often sound on the verge of falling apart, especially during Higgins' poorly timed breaks. They recover shortly afterward, but no one sounds particularly enthusiastic, including Mobley. In fact, Mobley's presence on the record feels strangely minimal. Only during "Good Pickin's" -- a laidback bop original that's easily the best thing here -- does he come alive, weaving a spell with long, liquid lines, but its subtle grace just illustrates the problems with this curiously bland record. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Reach Out!

Bill Bell - Just Swing Baby

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:31
Size: 163.7 MB
Styles: Traditional jazz combo, Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[6:05] 1. Cotton Tail
[5:25] 2. Strollin'
[7:42] 3. Charisma
[4:37] 4. What Is This Thing Called Love
[5:04] 5. If You Could See Me Now
[4:06] 6. Wierd Blues
[7:43] 7. Laura
[5:12] 8. Theme From Black Orpheus
[9:33] 9. Isfahan
[4:55] 10. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:12] 11. Tribute To Fallen Comrades
[7:52] 12. Why Wait

Bill Bell, jazz pianist, composer, arranger has earned the title "Jazz Professor" for completing over 30 years of successful University and College jazz teaching. Recently retired from teaching, Mr. Bell still holds adjunct professor positions in jazz at both Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. He was also the chairman of the music department at the College of Alameda from 1991 to 2001. Hundreds of his students occupy prominent positions in both the jazz and pop industries. Most notable are trumpeter, Jon Faddis; pianist, Benny Green; drummer, Will Kennedy; and pianist, Michael Wolfe.

Bill Bell's performance career as a pianist is equally distinguished. He has toured as musical director and piano accompanist for legendary jazz singer Carmen McRae. He has also worked with Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Anita Oday, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls and the Supremes. His credits also include work with instrumentalists Milt Jackson, Kenny Burrell, Louie Bellson, Benny Carter, and Clark Terry. Bill Bell is also the featured pianist on the Art Farmer CD "Live at Stanford".

Just Swing Baby

John Pizzarelli - Our Love Is Here To Stay

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:53
Size: 105.1 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, Guitar jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[2:46] 1. Dream
[5:07] 2. Love Is Here To Stay
[4:49] 3. Avalon
[4:28] 4. Honey Pie
[2:57] 5. Day I Found You (The Pollywog Song)
[3:30] 6. (I've Got A Gal In) Kalamazoo
[4:03] 7. Have Another One, Not Me
[4:32] 8. Little Girl
[3:00] 9. Nina Never Knew
[3:21] 10. Rhythm Is Our Business
[2:59] 11. It's Sunday
[4:14] 12. Say Hey Kid

John Pizzarelli's singing has improved through the years, he has become a particularly strong guitarist (very adept at fast tempos), and his likable personality has remained as constant as his love for swing-era tunes. Joined by a swinging big band arranged by Don Sebesky in the style of Count Basie, Pizzarelli and his trio (with pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli) play enthusiastically on a set of swingers and ballads. Although the slower material is fine, it is the romps (particularly "Avalon," "Little Girl," "Rhythm Is Our Business" and the instrumental "Say Hey Kid") that are most memorable. An enjoyable outing. ~Scott Yanow

Our Love Is Here To Stay

Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack - The Hits Of

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:59
Size: 91,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:13)  1. Cow-Cow Boogie
(2:52)  2. The House of Blue Lights
(3:02)  3. Riffette
(2:22)  4. Get Off It and Go
(2:39)  5. I Love You, Yes I Do
(3:03)  6. Mr Five By Five
(1:57)  7. Oakie Boogie
(3:02)  8. The Blacksmith Blues
(2:53)  9. Big Foot Pete
(3:01) 10. Strange Cargo
(2:51) 11. 40 Cups of Coffee
(2:30) 12. Down the Road a Piece
(2:59) 13. Buzz Me
(2:31) 14. Rock 'N' Roll Wedding

One of the most talented and overlooked vocalists of the '40s, Ella Mae Morse blended jazz, country, pop, and R&B; at times she came remarkably close to what would be known as rock & roll. When she wasn't yet 14, Morse had her first taste of the big time, when Jimmy Dorsey's band came to Dallas for a stay at the Adolphus Hotel and she called for an audition. Unbeknownst to her, the band needed a new female vocalist. Believing that Morse was indeed 19, as she and her mother claimed, Dorsey hired her. When he received a letter from the school board declaring that he was responsible for The Morse's care, Dorsey fired her. Morse joined former Dorsey pianist Freddie Slack's band in 1942; she was only 17 when they cut "Cow Cow Boogie," which became Capitol Records' first gold single. 

The following year, Morse began recording solo. Although her recordings were consistently solid and sold fairly well (frequently charting better on the Black charts than on the pop charts), Morse never obtained a huge following. She retired from recording in 1957, and died of respiratory failure on October 16, 1999. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ella-mae-morse/id73169047#fullText

The Hits Of

Bobby Hutcherson - Enjoy The View

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:36
Size: 100,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:51)  1. Delia
(5:04)  2. Don Is
(7:02)  3. Hey Harold
(6:44)  4. Little Flower
(5:41)  5. Montara
(5:09)  6. Teddy
(8:02)  7. You

Bobby Hutcherson's 2014 album, Enjoy the View, finds the vibraphonist joining forces with saxophonist David Sanborn, organist/trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco, and drummer Billy Hart on a set of swinging, funky, and adventurous songs. This is Hutcherson's first album of studio material since 2009's Coltrane-inspired Wise One, and follows his 2012 live album, Somewhere in the Night, which also featured DeFrancesco. In a similar vein to Sanborn's more straight-ahead acoustic collaboration with keyboardist Bob James, 2013's Quartette Humaine, Enjoy the View eschews Hutcherson's more contemporary leanings for a visceral hard bop- and soul-jazz-influenced sound. 

Here we get a bevy of inspired original compositions, including the moody opening cut, "Delia," the impressionistic and driving modal soul of "Hey Harold," and the swinging, funky "Teddy." Ultimately, Enjoy the View is an album of expansive, highly engaging music that harks back to the best of Hutcherson's '60s and '70s work. ~ Matt Collar  http://www.allmusic.com/album/enjoy-the-view-mw0002605950

Personnel: David Sanborn (saxophone); Joey DeFrancesco (trumpet, organ); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone).

Enjoy The View

James Morrison & Marian Petrescu - A Fine Bromance

Styles: Trumpet And Piano Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:59
Size: 183,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. My Romance
(9:54)  2. On The Trail
(6:55)  3. The Man I Love
(7:22)  4. Gentle Rain
(9:59)  5. In A Mellow Tone
(4:57)  6. A Fine Romance
(8:11)  7. If You Never Come To Me
(9:32)  8. Body And Soul
(5:30)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(6:06) 10. What Is This Thing Called Love

A natural musician able to play many instruments in numerous styles, James Morrison has made a strong impression every time he has played in the United States. Born into a musical family, Morrison began on the cornet when he was seven and was soon also playing trombone, tuba, and euphonium. Within a few years, he was also playing alto sax and leading a Dixieland band. He worked steadily as a teenager and at the age of 18 joined Don Burrows' quintet, touring Australia and the Far East. In 1987, he visited the U.S. as a member of Red Rodney's group and was soon a popular fixture on the European jazz festival circuit. Two years later, a pair of his albums (Postcards From Down Under and Swiss Encounter) were released on Atlantic at the same time in the U.S., and he toured with Gene Harris' Philip Morris Superband as a trombonist. 

To show off his versatility, on his 1991 album Snappy Doo (which also includes a rhythm section), Morrison overdubbed himself on four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, and piano. In addition to playing music (he has the ability to trade fours with himself on trumpet and trombone), James Morrison does stunt flying, climbs mountains, and drives a racing car. ~ Scott Yanow  https://itunes.apple.com/nz/artist/james-morrison/id263793377#fullText

A Fine Bromance

Harry Connick Jr. - That Would Be Me

Styles: Vocal, Pop&Rock
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:51
Size: 92,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:33)  1. (I Like It When You) Smile
(3:47)  2. (I Do) Like We Do
(4:24)  3. Tryin' to Matter
(3:34)  4. Songwriter
(3:06)  5. Do You Really Need Her
(3:57)  6. You Don't Need a Man
(3:37)  7. You Have No Idea
(3:30)  8. Where Prisoners Drown
(3:08)  9. (I Think I) Love You a Little Bit
(3:55) 10. Every Time I Fall In Love
(3:16) 11. Right Where It Hurts

That Would Be Me is something of an ironic title for this 2015 album, considering how it's a relatively radical overhaul of Harry Connick, Jr.'s sound. Squalls of New Orleans horns can be felt (if not always heard); there are hints of R&B and gospel; his piano is seductive enough to flirt with the louche and, as always, Connick has a way with a ballad, easing into the slower tempos without ever seeming lazy. In this respect, That Would Be Me is recognizably a Harry Connick, Jr. record. Thing is, there's the production an unapologetically brash pop blast, orchestrated separately by Butch Walker and Eg White. Both producers have recorded with P!nk, and Walker, like Connick, has a background in music reality TV Walker got there before Connick, working on the legendary 2006 series Rock Star: Supernova but White's modern pop is a better touchstone for Connick's album than Walker's rock. 

Connick largely skirts the tastefulness of Adele and Will Young, however, allowing himself to indulge in both cheerfully robust rockers ("[I Like It When You] Smile") and cornball soft rock ("Songwriter"). Sometimes the slick textures and electric pianos evoke the golden age of Yacht Rock, but Connick is up to something clever, letting the rhythms hit with the force (if not the precise style) of hip-hop-infused R&B, and glossing the whole proceedings in a crisp, reflective sheen so it winds up reinforcing either his sly pop classicism or modern wit, depending on the listener's point of view. This savvy swing is the key to the success of That Would Be Me, because Connick winds up expanding his horizons without selling out his musical aesthetic. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine  http://www.allmusic.com/album/that-would-be-me-mw0002882706

That Would Be Me

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Dee Dee Bridgewater - Midnight Sun

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:41
Size: 129.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[7:23] 1. Midnight Sun
[5:51] 2. Angel Eyes
[4:56] 3. My Ship
[4:58] 4. Que Reste-T-Il De Nos Amours (I Wish You Love)
[5:21] 5. Lonely Woman
[4:18] 6. Speak Low
[4:09] 7. I'm A Fool To Want You/I Fall In Love Too Easily
[5:04] 8. L' Hymne à L'amour
[3:42] 9. The Island
[5:11] 10. Good Morning Heartache
[5:42] 11. Here I'll Stay

Midnight Sun, issued by Decca/Emarcy, is a ballads collection of jazz and pop standards assembled from Dee Dee Bridgewater's recordings for Verve and other UMG-associated labels dating back to 1993's Keeping Tradition, and moving through 2010's Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee. For those who've followed Bridgewater's career by collecting her albums over the last 18 years, there is only one track here you likely don't already own, a gorgeous version of the Edith Piaf standard "L'hymne a L'amour (J'ai Deux Amours)," previously only issued in Japan as a bonus track on the album of the same name. It's a gorgeous duet with guitarist Luis Winsberg sung in both French and English. Other highlights here include the title track from 1997's Dear Ella album (written by Johnny Mercer), her fine version of the Earl Brent and Matt Dennis nugget "Angel Eyes" from Keeping Tradition, "Lonely Woman," from Love & Peace: A Tribute to Horace Silver, and Kurt Weill's and Jay Lerner's "Here I'll Stay" from This Is New, released in 2002. As an album, these tracks -- all beautifully remastered -- hold together very well despite the variety of instrumental settings, and Bridgewater imbues them all with her consummate phrasing and intimacy. ~Thom Jurek

Midnight Sun

Yehudi Menuhin, Stéphane Grappelli - Jealousy & Other Great Standards

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:10
Size: 149.2 MB
Styles: Continental jazz/Classical
Year: 1988
Art: Front

[3:04] 1. Jealousy
[3:38] 2. Tea For Two
[2:52] 3. Limehouse Blues
[3:16] 4. These Foolish Things
[4:06] 5. The Continental
[5:07] 6. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
[3:02] 7. Sweet Sue, Just You
[4:46] 8. Skylark
[4:27] 9. Laura
[2:35] 10. Sweet Georgia Brown
[4:08] 11. I'll Remember April
[3:33] 12. April In Paris
[5:05] 13. The Things We Did Last Summer
[3:35] 14. September In The Rain
[4:38] 15. Autumn Leaves
[4:16] 16. Autumn In New York
[2:55] 17. Button Up Your Overcoat

Grappelli was a master of collaboration and the pure joy and explosive exuberance of that shines through in this wonderful collaboration with Menuhin on some old favorites. The great become even greater when their spirits merge in music. Get it while you still can if it is not already in your collection. ~ Lindsay N. Bowker

Jealousy & Other Great Standards

Art Hodes - The Authentic Art Hodes Rhythm Section

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:47
Size: 114.0 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues, Dixieland
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:45] 1. Maybe Not At All (Not On The First Night Baby)
[4:55] 2. Wasted Life Blues
[3:53] 3. Big Butter And Egg Man
[5:32] 4. Jelly Roll Blues
[4:11] 5. There'll Be Some Changes Made
[6:53] 6. Back Water Blues
[3:42] 7. You Rascal You (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead)
[6:10] 8. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
[3:54] 9. What A Friend We Have In Jesus!
[6:48] 10. Silent Night

The title of this Parkwood set is a bit ironic, since pianist Art Hodes is the entire rhythm section. Hodes performs a pair of duets ("Jelly Roll Blues" and "When It's Sleepy Time Down South") with the great trumpeter Doc Cheatham, and joins Doc in accompanying singer Carrie Smith. The feeling throughout is of 1920s classic blues recordings, helped out by Smith's ability to emulate another Smith, Bessie. Among the more memorable vocal selections are "Big Butter and Egg Man," "There'll Be Some Changes Made" and "Backwater Blues." ~Scott Yanow

The Authentic Art Hodes Rhythm Section

Huey Lewis & The News - Greatest Hits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:42
Size: 180.2 MB
Styles: Album oriented rock
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:03] 1. The Heart Of Rock And Roll
[3:30] 2. I Want A New Drug
[3:53] 3. The Power Of Love
[3:28] 4. Jacob's Ladder
[4:24] 5. Stuck With You
[3:37] 6. Doing It All For My Baby
[3:50] 7. If This Is It
[3:26] 8. Do You Believe In Love
[4:09] 9. Heart And Soul
[4:17] 10. Back In Time
[4:05] 11. Perfect World
[3:50] 12. I Know What I Like
[4:25] 13. Trouble In Paradise
[3:00] 14. It's Alright
[3:31] 15. Cruisin'
[3:42] 16. Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do
[4:40] 17. Small World, Pt. 1
[2:51] 18. But It's Alright
[3:59] 19. Hip To Be Square
[3:15] 20. Couple Days Off
[2:37] 21. Workin' For A Livin'

Hollywood, California - April 17, 2006 - The central images from a Huey Lewis and the News music video are indelible -- singing heads sprouted from the sand, Lewis' head held in a sink of ice water, and Lewis' trademark baby blues. Capitol / EMI Music Catalog Marketing is proud to announce the May 23 release of Huey Lewis And The News: Greatest Hits and a limited edition CD/DVD package, Greatest Hits & Videos. The 21-track CD includes 20 Top 20 hits, among them 17 Top 10s and six #1 singles spanning the Grammy-winning band's career, from their first Top 10 single, 1982's "Do You Believe In Love" to 2000's #1 smash duet "Cruisin'." Greatest Hits & Videos pairs the CD with a DVD collecting nine of Huey Lewis and the News' biggest and best-remembered music video moments and a concert performance clip from 1982. All ten video cuts make their DVD debut, and both packages contain liner notes essays penned by Huey Lewis, comedian/TV host Jimmy Kimmel and writer Paul Liberatore.

Greatest Hits

Ida Landsberg - Acoustic Bossa Nova

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:32
Size: 99,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(2:39)  2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
(3:01)  3. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
(2:37)  4. Venus
(3:50)  5. The Look Of Love
(3:19)  6. It's Too Late
(3:36)  7. Walk On The Wild Side
(3:42)  8. Sunny
(4:36)  9. Maniac
(3:13) 10. Jammin'
(3:49) 11. Fragile
(3:44) 12. You Are Not Alone

Despite the fact that bossa nova is often composed and played on a guitar the number of acoustic bossa nova albums produced presently, as in the past, are surprisingly relatively small in number. It is possibly due to this fact, that singer Ida Landsberg could release her album titled “Acoustic Bossa Nova,” without the worry of ambiguity. Safe to say there is no ambiguity from a musical aspect either; Ida Landsberg sounds like no one else on this record. As the acoustic nature of the album provides it with a theme already, the song selection was allowed to be a varied one. Several popular songs from artists of all times and genres were covered, though there does seem to be a focus on nostalgic songs from the pre 90’s era. Different moods are also explored throughout the album.

Simone Salvatore’s skillful playing ensures that the absence of other musical instruments is not missed. His virtuoso moments are impressive and well adopted to the specific songs. As well, he provides enough variety to ensure that the background never gets repetitive. Ida sounds comfortable on each track and has the controlled subtlety needed to sing bossa nova. These qualities ensure that the album is a pleasant one and Ida’s modest charisma makes the experience more memorable This quality is brought out on several occasion such as when Ida tones down the 80’s cult classic anthem “Maniac”. Whereas the original was a pulsating song that became synonymous with aerobic work outs, this version is what would be played after the exercise. The aggressive examinations are replaced with a softer approach but not one lacking in energy. She manages to be colorful in expression while always sounding in control and the same can be said about a number of songs on the album.

Ida Landerg’s choice to make an album from an unusual combination of songs is one that pays off. Most of the tracks on the album have rarely, if ever, been done in the bossa nova style and the decision to make the whole album an acoustic one is just as unique as it is effective. ~ http://bnovamusic.com/acoustic-bossa-nova/

Acoustic Bossa Nova

Sonny Rollins - Freedom Suite

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:41
Size: 119,0 MB
Art: Front

(19:35)  1. The Freedom Suite
( 4:40)  2. Someday I'll Find You
( 2:58)  3. Will You Still Be Mine?
( 5:01)  4. Till There Was You (Take 4)
( 4:16)  5. Shadow Waltz
( 4:20)  6. Till There Was You (Take 1)
( 4:59)  7. Till There Was You (Take 3)
( 5:48)  8. There Will Never Be Another You

From 1955-59, it appeared that Sonny Rollins could do no wrong. One needs only to listen to the 1-2-3 punch of Saxophone Colossus, Live At The Village Vanguard or Way Out West for confirmation. Most jazz fans know these albums backwards and forwards. One of the albums from this period that's only slightly less revered than the aforementioned triumvirate is Freedom Suite, Rollins' last recording for Riverside. Recorded as a trio (the best way to hear Rollins) with long-time collaborators Oscar Pettiford on bass and Max Roach on drums, this recording was one where Rollins was pushing at the boundaries. The title track is a side-long, five-part suite with themes that allow Rollins and his cohorts room to roam; It is surprising this piece (or at least some of its movements) hasn't become a jazz standard. The melody of the middle ballad section is stunning and the high velocity final movement could make any accomplished improviser sound good.

The second side of the original issue was a romp through four Broadway showtunes/standards that always provided fertile ground for Rollins. Although this recording has been in print on CD steadily since its reissue on OJC, here it is given a 24-bit dusting off as part of "The Keepnews Collection" reissue series. There is an additional third take of "Til There Was You" that's exclusive to this release and a Pettiford/ Roach duet on "There Will Never Be Another You" that was recorded while waiting for Rollins to show up at the studio. There's also an essay by producer Orrin Keepnews that details the vibe of the session apparently Rollins was very, very nervous throughout which is barely detectable from the results. Though these features aren't enough to warrant an upgrade, Freedom Suite is a recording no jazz fan's home should be without. ~ Robert Iannapollo  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/freedom-suite-sonny-rollins-concord-music-group-review-by-robert-iannapollo.php
 
Personnel: Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone (except for There Will Never Be Another You); Oscar Pettiford: bass; Max Roach: drums.

Freedom Suite

Houston Person - Something Personal

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:20
Size: 145,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:40)  1. The Second Time Around
(5:01)  2. Crazy He Calls Me
(5:11)  3. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
(7:43)  4. The Way We Were
(7:03)  5. Guilty
(6:00)  6. Change Partners
(5:51)  7. Teardrops from My Eyes
(4:50)  8. Something Personal
(4:00)  9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(9:55) 10. I Remember Clifford

Houston Person still remembers the day in 1950 that changed his life. He was a typical 16-year-old in his hometown of Florence, SC. He sang in the high-school choir and glee club, but he was mostly interested in football and basketball. Then, Christmas morning, his parents gave him a surprise gift: a tenor saxophone. Several decades, hundreds of albums, and thousands of concerts later, his life and career remain centered around the tenor sax. When it comes to soul-jazz, Person has been at the top of the genre for more years than he may care to admit. Through all the different styles coursing through those decades  from hard bop, through fusion, to avant-garde Person has been steadfast in his dedication. All of Houston Person's trademarks are present on his newest recording. With the phenomenal vibes of Steve Nelson and the top-flight rhythm section ably led by pianist John di Martino Houston & Co. caress the ballads with lush melodicism and swing heartily through the up-tempo numbers. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Something-Personal-Houston-Person/dp/B0157THUHO

Personnel:  Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone;  Steve Nelson – Vibes;  John di Martino – Piano;  James Chirillo – Guitar;  Ray Drummond – Bass;  Lewis Nash - Drums

Something Personal

Jerry Bergonzi - Rigamaroll

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:37
Size: 143,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:59)  1. Awake
(6:34)  2. An Internal Affair
(9:56)  3. Rise Up
(6:06)  4. A Hankering
(5:29)  5. Tidlig
(9:04)  6. Rigamaroll
(8:49)  7. Do It to Do It
(8:37)  8. Lunar Aspects

For someone who’s always been reluctant to tout his skills as a composer, Boston-based saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi certainly knows how to write to his strengths.Hard-charging, riff-based tunes prove that time and again here, providing bracing impetus for a veteran reedman known for his harmonic acumen, commanding improvisations and aggressive attack. In fact, after listening to just a few compelling performances from Rigamaroll the aptly titled “Awake” will do for starters fellow saxophonists shouldn’t be surprised if they suddenly find themselves feeling a bit winded, and awestruck.

If the title track makes one thing clear, it’s that Bergonzi thrives in the company of musicians of a similar caliber and postbop inclination. The frontline he forges with trumpeter Phil Grenadier is formidable in its power and fluidity, and the contributions made by pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Dave Santoro and drummer Andrea Michelutti further elevate the level of play. The title cut is also a prime example of how Barth’s atmospheric chromaticism adds color and texture to arrangements that prominently feature restive horns and rhythmic prodding. Bassist Santoro also shines, both as a mood-setting soloist check out the resonating prelude he fashions for “Rise Up” and as a member of a rhythm section fully capable of complementing the frontline’s fire and finesse. One suspects that Bergonzi himself was surprised and delighted by how his writing inspired the kind of chemistry captured here. The album closes out with the otherworldly “Lunar Aspects,” a ballad that haunts long after the music fades away. 
~ Mike Joyce  http://jazztimes.com/articles/162839-rigamaroll-jerry-bergonzi

Personnel: Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Phil Grenadier (trumpet); Bruce Barth (piano); Andrea Michelutti (drums).

Rigamaroll

Monday, November 16, 2015

Jeanne MacDonald - Company

Size: 105,6 MB
Time: 45:03
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2000
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Cabaret
Art: Front

01. There's A Terrific Band And A Real Nice Crowd (3:40)
02. Both Sides Now (3:37)
03. Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home (3:40)
04. Hard Hearted Hannah (3:48)
05. Let's Take The Long Way Home - Let's Take A Walk Around The Block (2:13)
06. Let Me Sing And I'm Happy (3:38)
07. Amanda Sang (4:01)
08. Lazy Afternoon (5:07)
09. Miss Celie's Blues (Sister) (3:09)
10. Tell Me On A Sunday (4:15)
11. Company (4:10)
12. The Water Is Wide (3:40)

A critically acclaimed performer of both standards and contemporary music, Jeanne MacDonald's talent has garnered multiple awards for her work in cabaret. In January she received the 2004 Nightlife Award for Cabaret Female Vocalist at New York City's Town Hall, followed by the 2004 MAC Award (Manhattan Assoc. of Cabarets & Clubs) for Female Vocalist in May. This performer has also earned a BACK STAGE Bistro Award and the prestigious MAC Hanson Award. In 1999, MacDonald was named one of the Ten Best Female Solo Acts in cabaret by InTheater Magazine and she has been a Cabaret Hotline Online Critics Choice for Female Vocalist.

Originally from Freeport (Long Island) NY, Jeanne MacDonald began her cabaret career at the Bradstan Country Hotel in White Lake, NY in 1991. She continues to perform there each year in their distinguished Inn Cabaret Series in The Nancy LaMott Room, which has been host to such talents as the late Nancy LaMott, Karen Mason, Ann Hampton Callaway, Karen Akers, the legendary Margaret Whiting and the incomparable Julie Wilson.

Some of the other rooms in which MacDonald has appeared are the renowned Oak Room at New York's Algonquin Hotel, the FireBird Cafe, Danny's Skylight Room and the former Eighty Eight's. Jeanne has performed in the Mabel Mercer Foundation's Annual Cabaret Convention at Town Hall and in The Amazing Singing Voice: A Celebration in Song to benefit the Schein Voice & Laryngeal Center at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Other appearances include the Manhattan Plaza Aids Project Benefit with Audra McDonald and Robert Cuccioli, MAC/ASCAP Songwriters' Showcases, Ruby Rims' Annual Teddy Cares Benefits, and the Holiday Cabaret Benefit for Hale House.

In 1997 Jeanne participated in the Eugene O'Neill Cabaret Symposium and was invited the following year to perform in their Master Teachers? Evening. MacDonald has performed at such venues as the Turning Stone Casino and Resort Hotel in Oneida, NY, Eighty Eight?s Cafe Society in Hollywood, FL, the Hotel Syracuse, and the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY.

As a recording artist, Jeanne?s debut CD Company, produced and arranged by her longtime musical director Rick Jensen, was nominated for a MAC Award for Recording of the Year. Lesley Alexander of WRTN-FM/WVOX-AM had this to say about the recording: The long awaited release of Jeanne MacDonald's first CD entitled Company (no, not Sondheim but a wonderful Rickie Lee Jones song) is a blend of nostalgia and newly mined material including the title track which shows off MacDonald's pure and mellifluous vocals. It's the sweetest, warmest voice. So easy on the ears.

Company

Gooch & His Big Band - Start Of Something Big...

Size: 121,5 MB
Time: 51:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Big Band, Swing, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Here's To The Band (3:51)
02. All Or Nothing At All (2:22)
03. Emily (4:14)
04. All My Tomorrows (4:56)
05. Bourbon Street Parade (2:54)
06. Don't Worry About Me (2:50)
07. Sugar Blues (4:02)
08. How Deep Is The Ocean (4:04)
09. I Like Your Style (2:08)
10. I Wanna Be Around (3:19)
11. Sometimes I'm Happy (3:16)
12. Big Foot Jimmie (3:30)
13. Take The 'A' Train (3:04)
14. What Kind Of Fool Am I (4:52)
15. This Could Be The Start Of Something Big (2:18)

Vocalist/trumpet player returns with his second big band recording -- a swinging rollick through the great American Songbook peppered with a few originals. Crisp vocals, seductive horn features, and a smoking big band set the mood for this timeless CD!

We put our heart and soul into making this a spectacular CD of classic vocal numbers and big band jazz. I hope you will have as much fun listening to it as we did making it!

Return to a time when Big Bands roamed the Earth... Discover what "Original Pop Music" sounded like. Lyrics that speak of the beauty of love gained and the heartache of love lost. Veteran Las Vegas Entertainer, Michael "Gooch" Gurciullo, brings his swinging big band sound to the forefront with a his latest release, "Start of Something Big."

“Mike's vocals, the band and the fabulous arrangements are reminiscent of the Las Vegas era of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.” —Ron Forman WKRB, New York

“This is a celebratory session of big band jazz.” —D. Oscar Groomes O's Place Jazz Magazine

"...Mike Gurciullo is not only a swinger, but it’s a winner! Not only is Mike a great musician, but a fabulous singer, too. He knows how to handle a great song...with panache!" —Jim Stone Big Band Swing

Start Of Something Big...

Andrew Gouche - We Don't Need No Bass

Size: 104,9 MB
Time: 44:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz, Soul, Funk Rock
Art: Front

01. We Don't Need No Bass (1:23)
02. Eleanor Rigby (4:04)
03. The Vamp (1:50)
04. Sundays (5:03)
05. Jump Start (3:53)
06. Secret Place (Feat. Fred Hammond) (4:53)
07. Way Back When (4:50)
08. Geronimo (5:05)
09. No Ways Tired (5:48)
10. Mtd4Lyfe (4:26)
11. Early In The Morning (3:20)

Grammy Award winning producer Andrew Gouché has completed his long-anticipated debut album, We Don’t Need No Bass. With over 30 years of experience as the bassist for many R&B and Gospel legends as Prince and the New Power Generation, Gladys Knight, Andraé Crouch, The Winans, and musical director for Chaka Khan, his project speaks to his Gospel roots but showcases a broader musical gift blending Jazz and R&B into a soulful variety of songs. Although a self-proclaimed church musician, Gouché shows the world with this album that he is much more, as We Don’t Need No Bass reaches out to music lovers of all ages and genres.

A world-renowned bassist, musical director, producer and composer, he is best known for his creatively original bass lines and a unique sound that bass players around the world have sought to emulate. His distinctive sound is the core of the Andrew Gouché signature line of bass guitars. Having graced the cover of Bass Player Magazine and industry interviews over the years, he has been tagged as a Gospel legend.

Coming from a musical family, the Los Angeles native started out singing in the church choir where his grandfather was the pastor and his mother the lead singer. At eight years old he took up the trumpet, which he played for 7 years, until he discovered the bass guitar at age 15. Then it was clear, Andrew had “truly found what he was meant to do in life.” He continued to hone his skills while playing with Rev. James Cleveland in the late 70’s on numerous live and studio recordings. International tour bookings with Andraé Crouch, The Winans and The Hawkins Family soon followed. His standout performances ushered in a new rhythm to Gospel songbooks.

A true pioneer, he has made an indelible mark on the history of Gospel music with the addition of bass guitar when there was none in church. Today, bass guitar is a must-have in churches across America. He has paved the way and inspired today’s generation of Gospel and R&B bassists.

His successful experiences in the Gospel industry eventually opened the door for his first R&B gig with Cheryl Lynn. This quickly led to a regular call for recording sessions across all genres including, but not inclusive to, Prince, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Julio Iglesias, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Earth, Wind & Fire, Aretha Franklin, Y’anna, Hidden Beach Unwrapped Series, Jimmy Reid, LA Jazz Syndicate, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, Judith Hill, Kirk Franklin, Donna Summer, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, Dianne Warren and Heather Headley. His career has also led him to play on some of the largest world stages in television and film as, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Martha Stewart Show, MTV Awards, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Saturday Night Live, Soul Train, The Grammy Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, The Rosie O’ Donnell Show, Pat Sajak Show, The Keenan Show, Arsenio Hall Show, Command Performance at the White House with Gladys Knight, Sinbad Soul Music Festival, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Morning Show, Diana Ross’ TV Special, Amen, Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Five Heartbeats, Leap Of Faith, The Lion King and The Color Purple, and Musical Director for 10 yrs of The Mc Donalds Gospelfest.

His professionalism, exceptional musical ear and creativity naturally evolved into music production. He found success in this arena as a contributing producer on the Mary Mary debut album Thankful when he was awarded his first Grammy® and later as a 2008 GMA Dove® Award nominee for Traditional Gospel Album, after producing numerous records for the Gospel Music Workshop of America and many other individual artists.

We Don't Need No Bass

Mystefy - Me

Size: 109,0 MB
Time: 46:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. We Are Through (3:04)
02. Big Secret (4:27)
03. Wait For Me (3:22)
04. Art By Heart (3:42)
05. Learn Just To Be (4:43)
06. Magic Moments (3:27)
07. Sisters In Spirit (3:41)
08. I Close My Eyes (4:23)
09. Creatures (3:12)
10. Healing Hands (3:47)
11. It's A Beautiful Day (4:55)
12. East Of The Sun (4:02)

This German born Canadian resident is a true storyteller. After the highly acclaimed debut CD ‘Spark Within’, Mystéfy continues her musical journey with ‘Me’: Unvarnished and intimate are the songs she wrote for her new album. This doesn’t imply all tunes on ‘Me’ are autobiographical – but everything Mystéfy composes and sings about relates to her, and reflects impressions and experiences Mystéfy has shared and lived through. Stories happening in her world, mostly true, sometimes altered, exaggerated or told in a witty fashion.
Mystéfy is highly intuitive and sensitive to her surroundings and easily picks up vibes – this is why her lyrics are intense, her songs are touching yet put listeners at ease. Mystéfy embraces what we humans are made of: She is close to our emotions.
Also, Mystéfy is a practitioner – and this reflects on her life and music. She is your nice-neighbor-next-door kind of artist, no diva, no jazz singer who goes out to revamp the same old songs. Alas, she sang jazz standards, on many stages, and has a repertoire of over a hundred of them. But it wasn’t enough. With her classically trained voice and a range of over 3 octaves, she prefers to charm listeners with self-penned songs. Also, she loves to entertain. Her secret – the artist names says it all: Mystéfy is a mystic by soul. An emigrant and hence a natural at being home in different worlds, she is a spiritual being, a singer/songwriter, and a passionate painter. No surprise then that she has access to a greater artistry palette than many others. Mystéfy also loves horseback riding, her garden and feels at home anywhere near water – be it an ocean or a mere creek. The zodiac sign of this visionary mermaid? Almost needless to say: Piscean – the fishes!

Me

VA - The Deep Sleep Jazz Project Vol. 1: Relaxing Jazz For Peaceful Nights

Size: 180,7 MB
Time: 77:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01 Wolfgang Dauner - A Long Night (5:30)
02 Sergio Coppotelli - My Favourite And Romantic Waltz (2:14)
03 The Dennis Wilson Quartet - Misty (3:34)
04 Chucho Valdes - Pasadas Las 12 (6:33)
05 Simone Morbidelli - Dancing Into The Light (Piano Forte) (2:51)
06 Carlos Diernhammer - Autumn Melody (3:07)
07 The Alan Clare Duo - Moonlight In Vermont (2:34)
08 Attila Zoller - Knochta (3:00)
09 Enrico Pieranunzi - Aurora (3:27)
10 Hans Koller - Ruth (3:34)
11 Albert Mangelsdorff Quintet - Theme From Vietnam (0:56)
12 Stefano Sabatini - Intro L'arcobaleno (7:31)
13 Enrico Intra - Raquel (3:29)
14 Sergio Coppotelli - Autumn Leaves (4:12)
15 Fabrizio Savino - I Told You So (4:23)
16 The Johnny Scott Sextet - Saturday Kind Of Blues (3:55)
17 Giovanni Tommaso - Notturno Per Olivia (3:19)
18 Andrea Beneventano - When Sunny Gets Blue (5:05)
19 Stefano Ordini - Themeless (4:38)
20 Marian McPartland - I've Got A Crush On You From 'Strike Up The Band' (3:14)

The Deep Sleep Jazz Project Vol. 1