Thursday, December 3, 2015

Vincent Herring - Night and Day

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:29
Size: 143,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. Grind Hog's Day
(5:22)  2. Night and Day
(4:44)  3. The Adventures of Hyun Joo Lee
(6:23)  4. Walton
(7:22)  5. The Gypsy
(5:02)  6. Fly, Little Bird, Fly
(5:10)  7. Wabash
(7:08)  8. Theme for Jobim
(8:53)  9. There Is Something About You (I Don't Know)
(5:28) 10. Smoking Paul's Stash

The alto saxophonist Vincent Herring projects his sound in a strong, centered beam, and even his most intense moments suggest a controlled combustion. You could chalk that up to experience Mr. Herring, 50, has been playing seriously since his teens but it probably has as much to do with disposition. There’s footage of him with Horace Silver’s band in the 1980s, sounding like he does now, slashing but calm. So maybe it’s the suggestion of something held in reserve that has kept Mr. Herring from an A-list solo career. Or maybe it’s the idea that he has followed in the wake of Cannonball Adderley, an alto saxophone hall of famer whose style he can willfully evoke (not least in the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band). Whatever the case, Mr. Herring should have a higher profile, as he confirms with a smart new album, “Night and Day.”

As with Mr. Herring’s 2013 album “The Uptown Shuffle,” recorded live at Smoke Jazz Club and released on the Smoke Sessions label the music here puts a contemporary spin on hard-bop, with a rhythm team of Brandi Disterheft on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. But whereas that album featured a quartet, this one involves a quintet with the pianist Mike LeDonne and an excellent trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt, out front. Mr. Herring and Mr. Pelt have a crisp and jostling rapport, and in moments like a headlong dash through Donald Byrd’s “Fly, Little Bird, Fly,” each elevates the other’s game. The meat-and-potatoes repertory  some “I Got Rhythm” changes, some blues, the Cole Porter tune that lends the album its title doesn’t pose a limitation for them.

And when Mr. Herring tips his hat, as on an original, “The Adventures of Hyun Joo Lee,” named for one of his students and built over a chord sequence by John Coltrane, he sounds unburdened by expectations. Still, there’s no doubting his sincerity on “Theme for Jobim,” composed by a dearly missed former mentor, Cedar Walton or on “Walton,” a swinging homage by Mr. LeDonne, which elicits one of the album’s juiciest alto solos. 
~ Nate Chinen http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/arts/music/review-night-and-day-vincent-herrings-new-album.html?_r=0

Personnel: Vincent Herring (alto saxophone); Mike LeDonne (piano); Joe Farnsworth (drums); Jeremy Pelt: trumpet; Brandi Disterheft: bass

Night and Day

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Woody Shaw - United

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:15
Size: 92.2 MB
Styles: Post bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1981/2011
Art: Front

[5:17] 1. United
[5:26] 2. The Greene Street Caper
[9:37] 3. What Is This Thing Called Love
[7:01] 4. Pressing The Issue
[5:36] 5. Katrina Ballerina
[7:16] 6. Blues For Wood

Of Woody Shaw's five Columbia albums, United is the one that sounds most like a blowing session. The trumpeter and his regular band of the period (with trombonist Steve Turre, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Stafford James, and drummer Tony Reedus) welcome guest altoist Gary Bartz to two of the six selections. In addition to selections by Shaw, Miller, and Wayne Shorter, "What Is This Thing Called Love?" and "The Greene Street Caper" (the latter an "original" closely based on "On Green Dolphin Street") are performed on this fairly straight-ahead and accessible yet adventurous date. Worth searching for. ~Scott Yanow

United

The Lennon Sisters - Yesterday And Today

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:34
Size: 106.6 MB
Styles: Vocal pop
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[2:25] 1. Sentimental Journey
[2:50] 2. Anniversary Song
[2:21] 3. You Made Me Love You
[2:46] 4. Scarlet Ribbons
[2:51] 5. Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)
[2:18] 6. When I Fall In Love
[2:19] 7. There! I've Said It Again
[2:48] 8. Greensleeves
[2:33] 9. Now Is The Hour
[2:38] 10. Melody Of Love
[2:18] 11. This Is My Song
[2:26] 12. Fascination
[2:04] 13. Theme From A Summer Place
[2:37] 14. You Are So Beautiful
[2:19] 15. Can't Help Falling In Love
[2:59] 16. Scarborough Fair
[2:13] 17. Autumn Leaves
[3:41] 18. You'll Never Walk Alone

The sparkling vocal quartet which graced Lawrence Welk's weekly television music show from 1955 to 1967, the Lennon Sisters (Dianne, Janet, Peggy and Kathy) grew up in Venice, California, and earned a contract with Coral Records, thanks in large part to Welk. Their first hit, "Tonight You Belong to Me," reached number 15 in the 1956 charts, followed by the moderate success of "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)" almost five years later. After leaving Welk, the Lennon Sisters performed infrequently. ~bio by John Bush

Yesterday And Today

Freddie Hubbard - Almost Here

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:18
Size: 179.3 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, Hard bop
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[ 4:26] 1. Happy Times
[ 9:20] 2. Mohawk
[ 6:25] 3. Alone And I
[ 3:35] 4. Little Karin
[ 6:32] 5. Watermelon Man
[ 7:24] 6. Shutterbug
[ 5:30] 7. Three Bags Full
[10:02] 8. Summertime
[ 6:07] 9. I Want More
[ 5:10] 10. In Walked Horace
[ 9:17] 11. Dolphin Dance
[ 4:25] 12. Swing It

n the pantheon of jazz trumpeters, Freddie Hubbard stands as one of the boldest and most inventive artists of the bop, hard-bop and post-bop eras. Although influenced by titans like Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, Hubbard ultimately forged his own unique sound – a careful balance of bravado and subtlety that fueled more than fifty solo recordings and countless collaborations with some of the most prominent jazz artists of his era. Shortly after his death at the end of 2008, Down Beat called him “the most powerful and prolific trumpeter in jazz.” Embedded in his massive body of recorded work is a legacy that will continue to influence trumpeters and other jazz artists for generations to come.

He achieved his greatest popular success in the 1970s with a series of crossover albums on Atlantic and CTI Records. His early ‘70s jazz albums for CTI – Red Clay (1970), Straight Life (1970) and First Light (1971) – were particularly well received (First Light won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance). Later in the decade, he returned to the acoustic, hard-bop idiom with the V.S.O.P. quintet, which teamed him with members of the 1960s Miles Davis Quintet: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams and Ron Carter. Hubbard also stepped briefly into the pop arena when he played a solo on “Zanzibar,” a track from Billy Joel’s Grammy-winning 1978 album, 52nd Street.

As the ‘80s got under way, Hubbard was once again leading his own group, playing at concerts and festivals in the U.S. and Europe. He frequently collaborated with Joe Henderson, playing a repertory of hard-bop and modal-jazz pieces. Other associations throughout the decade included Monterey Jazz Festival dates with Bobby Hutcherson; studio projects with Woody Shaw and Benny Golson; and a live recording in Holland (Feel the Wind) with Blakey in 1988.

Almost Here

Don Lanphere & Pete Christlieb - Get Happy

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:06
Size: 152,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:47)  1. Indian Blues
(8:52)  2. Remember Why
(3:56)  3. Assurance
(6:13)  4. An Interrupted Walk
(5:21)  5. Old Folks
(6:18)  6. Dance Suite
(7:25)  7. After Letting Go
(5:45)  8. Free Indeed
(5:50)  9. Peace
(8:32) 10. Get Happy

Don Lanphere, a veteran tenor great from the bop era, and Pete Christlieb, the hard-driving tenor from Los Angeles, make for a very complementary and mutually inspiring team. Lanphere, who recorded with Fats Navarro and had an up-and-down career, returned to full-time activity in the early 1980s, and has been heard in prime form ever since; not only is he heard here on tenor, but also on soprano and a bit of alto. Christlieb, who was formerly underrecorded, made up for it with a series of rewarding appearances in the '90s. He played alto for the first time on records during the intriguing stop-start piece "An Interrupted Walk." The two masterful saxophonists are joined by Lanphere's regular rhythm section (pianist Marc Seales, bassist Doug Miller, and John Bishop). 

In addition, cornetist Jonathan Pugh sits in on his "Free Indeed," and there is a wordless vocal trio on "Assurance"; the laughter of one of Lanphere's students is expertly utilized on the closing "Get Happy." Plus, there is a bit of overdubbing by saxophonist Dewey Marler during ensembles for which it was felt that four horns would be more exciting than two. Although all but "Old Folks," Horace Silver's "Peace," and the title cut are originals by the musicians, the music is very much in the straight-ahead bebop tradition, often utilizing common chord changes or cooking blues. Christlieb is showcased on "Old Folks," and Lanphere has "Peace" as his feature. Otherwise, this joyous CD is most notable for the interplay and the sparks that fly between the co-leaders, who obviously have great respect for each other. Well worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/get-happy-mw0000211703

Personnel: Don Lanphere (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Roger Treece, Sandy Anderson (vocals); Pete Christlieb (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Marc Seales (piano); John Bishop (drums).

Get Happy

Lorez Alexandria - My One And Only Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:56
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:05)  1. Nature Boy
(6:03)  2. It Might As Well Be Spring
(2:50)  3. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:47)  4. But Beautiful
(4:47)  5. All Or Nothing At All
(3:53)  6. Ain't Misbehavin'
(4:56)  7. My One And Only Love
(4:58)  8. Dancing On The Ceiling
(2:37)  9. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
(4:55) 10. I'm Through With Love

A solid singer who is superior at interpreting lyrics, gives a soulful feeling to each song, and improvises with subtlety, Lorez Alexandria was a popular attraction for several decades. She sang gospel music with her family at churches starting in the mid-'40s and worked in Chicago nightclubs in the 1950s. With the release of several albums for King during 1957-1959, Alexandria became popular beyond her hometown, and by the early '60s she was living and working in Los Angeles. In addition to the King label, her earlier recording sessions were for Argo and Impulse, while her later albums were for Discovery and Muse. Despite a long period off records (only a few private recordings during the 1965-1976 period), Alexandria survived through the many changes in musical styles and could be heard in excellent form up until she retired in the mid-'90s. Not long after retiring, Alexandria suffered a stroke, and her health declined until her death in May 2001. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lorez-alexandria-mn0000282731/biography

My One And Only Love

The Al Di Meola Project - Kiss My Axe

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:24
Size: 153,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:22)  1. South Bound Traveler
(5:49)  2. The Embrace
(5:04)  3. Kiss My Axe
(7:40)  4. Morocco
(2:35)  5. Gigi's Playtime Rhyme (Interlude #1)
(8:20)  6. One Night Last June
(7:53)  7. Phantom
(2:32)  8. Erotic Interlude (Interlude #2)
(5:42)  9. Global safari
(2:00) 10. Interlude #3
(6:45) 11. Purple Orchids
(1:18) 12. The Prophet (Interlude #4)
(5:19) 13. Oriana (September 24, 1988)

Despite the aggression its title implies, Kiss My Axe is the work of a softer, more reflective Al di Meola, who had become greatly influenced by Pat Metheny's subtle lyricism, but still had a very recognizable and distinctive sound. Di Meola's new approach was perfectly summarized when, in 1991, he told Jazz Times he wanted to be "enchanted" by the music instead of dazzling listeners with his considerable chops. Di Meola still has fine technique, but avoids overwhelming us with it, and shows more restraint than before. One thing that remains is the guitarist's strong interest in world music this imaginative session liberally incorporates Latin influences (Brazilian, Spanish, Peruvian and Afro-Cuban) as well as Middle Eastern and African elements. In that Jazz Times interview, Di Meola explained that this CD's title resulted in part from his frustration over the fact that many labels and commercial radio stations were choosing bloodless "elevator muzak" over more adventurous fusion. Consistently rewarding, Axe makes it clear that Di Meola did the right thing by refusing to compromise. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/kiss-my-axe-mw0000270627

Personnel:  Al Di Meola – electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, percussion;  Barry Miles – piano and keyboards;  Anthony Jackson – electric six string contrabass guitar;  Rachel Z – synthesizers;  Gumbi Ortiz – congas, bata, percussion;  Omar Hakim – drums (tracks 3 & 9);  Richie Morales – drums (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7 & 11);  Tony Scherr – electric and acoustic basses;  Arto Tunçboyaciyan – bongos, percussion, voice.

Kiss My Axe

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Julie Newsome - Julie Newsome

Size: 122,7 MB
Time: 52:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2004
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Lullaby Of The Leaves (4:09)
02. Beyond The Sea (3:58)
03. Astrud (3:44)
04. Hush (4:01)
05. Alright, Ok, You Win (3:44)
06. I've Got A Crush On You (3:17)
07. I Never Meant To Hurt You (4:23)
08. You Took Advantage Of Me (3:04)
09. If You Love Me (Really Love Me) (4:11)
10. Promises (3:02)
11. You Belong To Me (3:12)
12. Please Send Me Someone To Love (4:13)
13. When He Shines (3:40)
14. Shenandoah (3:48)

Orchestra:
Conducted by Stu Goldberg

Rhythm Section:
Stu Goldberg: Piano, Keyboards, & Percussion
Jeff Faulkner: Bass
Mitch Holder: Mandolin, Electric & Acoustic Guitars,
Dave Renick: Drums

Featured Woodwind Soloist:
Dan Higgins: Flute, Alto & Tenor Saxes

Brass Section:
Rick Baptist: Trumpet
Dan Higgins: Tenor & Baritone Sax
Alan Kaplan: Tenor & Bass Trombone
Dan Higgins: Flute, Clarinet

Strings:
Conejo Strings

Julie has taken the time to develop her voice into an expressive instrument, weighted with the emotions of her lifetime.
She does justice to the lyrics that she interprets while adding subtle creativity. Recorded or live, whether joined by a quiet rhythm section or a full orchestra, she excels in each setting with her voice distinctive, rich and vibrant and articulation supreme.

Julie Newsome

Seth MacFarlane - No One Ever Tells You

Size: 151,9 MB
Time: 64:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. No One Ever Tells You (3:59)
02. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (4:13)
03. A Ship Without A Sail (4:15)
04. The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else) (3:22)
05. It's All Right With Me (5:25)
06. This Nearly Was Mine (3:24)
07. Make This A Slow Goodbye (3:23)
08. Don't Call It Love (3:29)
09. I'll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her (3:11)
10. These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) (3:22)
11. Before I Gaze At You Again (4:06)
12. Only The Lonely (4:47)
13. I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan (3:39)
14. I Wish I Didn't Love You So (3:38)
15. Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye (3:48)
16. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year (2:59)
17. Loss Of Love (3:24)

Grammy Award®-nominated singer, writer, actor, producer and director Seth MacFarlane has just released his third full-length album, No One Ever Tells You!

The seventeen tracks see the singer take on standards such as “The One I Love (Belongs To Someone Else)” and “I Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her,” as well the Rodgers and Hart classic “A Ship Without A Sail.” The record also includes some lesser-known but equally magnetic songs like “Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye” by Cole Porter and Henry Mancini’s “Don’t Call It Love”.

“There was a time during the mid-1950’s and early 1960’s when popular song was stretching its creative boundaries, and experimenting with more ambitious structures and tones.” says MacFarlane “During this period, a song set out to really tell a story: not just with the lyric and the vocal, but with the arrangements and orchestral interpretations. The songs on this record attempt to do just that.”

Once again, MacFarlane teams up with Grammy Award®-nominated producer, composer and arranger Joel McNeely for the project. Of the project, McNeely states “The instrumentation on this record is unusual. It is a very small string section, only a few brass and woodwinds. But we chose the musicians very carefully. These players have an understanding of the long lost style of playing from that era and their understanding of the required extra vibrato, copious dramatic slides and bends brings a stylistic realism to the orchestra almost impossible to achieve these days.”

Expanding his musical discography yet again, No One Ever Tells You follows up last year’s Holiday For Swing, which saw MacFarlane and McNeely tackle a bevy of holiday gems. His 2011 debut, Music Is Better Than Words, received Grammy Award nominations in the categories of “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.”

No One Ever Tells You

Paolo Amulfi - Fifty Five: Jazz & Blues Nuances

Size: 103,4 MB
Time: 44:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Jazz Blues
Art: Front

01. Dudadaduva (5:46)
02. Boom Boom (5:59)
03. Cool Stomp (5:16)
04. Put It Where You Want (4:22)
05. Passing In The Street (6:36)
06. Cold Duck Time (3:59)
07. Cissy Strut (5:02)
08. Late Night (3:48)
09. The Caress Of A Mother's Hand (3:39)

FIFTY FIVE was born from my old passion for smooth jazz dating back to the 80s, an album unusual comparated to what my style is, that is more inclined to blues rock. I really enjoyed it and, despite the stylistic diversity, I found myself perfectly at easy without stifling my expressive personality and style.

An incredibly talented guitarist, Paolo Amulfi has been, and still is, the grey eminence of the Italian music scene. He is a powerful musician who released albums, film soundtracks and performed live in many major Italian acts tours, including: Anna Oxa; Gianni Morandi; Marco Masini; Aleandro Baldi to name a few. He also performed with internationally acclaimed musicians, such as Mark Lambert; David Joyce; Trinie L. Massie; Gosia Andrzejewicz and many more.

Fifty Five: Jazz & Blues Nuances

Andrea Superstein - What Goes On

Size: 101,7 MB
Time: 38:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Want To Be Evil (3:20)
02. After You're Gone (4:05)
03. Just One Time (4:07)
04. Venus (4:22)
05. What Goes On (3:16)
06. Somewhere Only We Know (3:22)
07. I Love Paris (5:08)
08. I Lost My Baby (3:46)
09. My Baby Loves Me (2:26)
10. Karma Police (4:13)

Montreal-born Vancouver-based artist Andrea Superstein teams up with Juno-winning producer Les Cooper to create a quirky, arty, pop-jazz tour de force. Her 2015 release What Goes On, released on Vancouver's esteemed Cellar Live imprint is a collection of standards, originals and unique pop songs, marked by nods to jazz, trip hop and modern indie. Super, as she is known has the technique and skill to impress vocal jazz aficionados and the heart and soul to reel in music loves abound. Think Amy Winehouse meets Portishead meets Sarah Vaughan. With Mary Ancheta piano, Noah Walker guitar, Wynston Minckler bass, Niko Friesen drums.

What Goes On

Danilo Rea - Something In Our Way

Size: 159,5 MB
Time: 68:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Let It Be (4:23)
02. You Can't Always Get What You Want (5:34)
03. The Long And Winding Road (4:10)
04. Streets Of Love (4:28)
05. Here Comes The Sun (3:26)
06. Angie (4:13)
07. And I Love Her (3:26)
08. Jumpin' Jack Flash (4:46)
09. Yesterday (3:48)
10. Lady Jane (4:03)
11. You Never Give Me Your Money (4:18)
12. Wild Horses (4:51)
13. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (2:49)
14. Paint It Black (4:59)
15. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (5:09)
16. As Tears Go By (3:48)

Danilo Rea is an Italian jazz pianist. Born in Vicenza, Italy in 1957. He is a graduate of the Santa Cecilia music conservatory in Rome. He made his debut with Rome Trio (with Roberto Gatto and Enzo Pietropaoli) in 1975.

Rea has performed with, among others, Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Steve Grossman, Phil Woods, Art Farmer, Curtis Fuller and Kenny Wheeler. He is widely sought after in pop music, and has performed with Domenico Modugno, Pino Daniele, and Gianni Morandi. He participated as a solo artist in 1989 in "Requiem for Pierpaolo Pasolini" by Roberto De Simone at the Teatro San Carlo in Napoli. Starting from 1989, Mina's records have included Danilo Rea's backing keyboards.

His career began with the Italian ensemble Perigeo.

Something In Our Way

Nat King Cole - Home For Christmas

Size: 127,9 MB
Time: 52:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Cradle In Bethlehem (3:22)
02. A House With Love In It (2:16)
03. Adeste Fidelis - O Come All Ye Faithful (2:24)
04. Away In A Manger (1:57)
05. Buon Natale - Means (1:32)
06. Caroling Caroling (1:59)
07. Deck The Halls (1:05)
08. Frosty The Snowman (2:16)
09. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:24)
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1:45)
11. I Saw Three Ships (1:23)
12. Jingle Bells (2:12)
13. Joy To The World (1:21)
14. Mrs Santa Claus (2:05)
15. O Holy Night (2:53)
16. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (2:16)
17. O Tannenbaum (2:58)
18. Silent Night (2:06)
19. The Christmas Song (3:15)
20. The First Noel (1:55)
21. The Happiest Christmas Tree (1:49)
22. The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot (2:30)
23. The Little Christmas Tree (3:12)
24. There's A Train Out For Dreamland - Remastered (2:37)

Born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, Nat King Cole was an American musician who first came to prominence as a jazz pianist. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. In 1956, Cole became the first African-American performer to host a variety television series, and for many white families, he was the first black man welcomed into their living rooms each night. He has maintained worldwide popularity since his death in 1965.

Home For Christmas

Madeline Forster - Just You, Just Me

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:40
Size: 136.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:32] 1. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[2:25] 2. Just You, Just Me
[3:13] 3. Almost Like Being In Love
[6:08] 4. Stars Fell On Alabama
[4:19] 5. You Go To My Head
[4:06] 6. Desafinado
[4:45] 7. Willow Weep For Me
[4:13] 8. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:19] 9. Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps
[3:23] 10. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
[2:53] 11. East Of The Sun
[3:45] 12. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
[4:39] 13. No More Blues
[4:49] 14. It's All Right With Me
[3:04] 15. Let's Fall In Love

"Life seems to sashay with a little more splendor when a young lady like Madeline Forster opens up and sings. Her tone is beautifully fresh and sweet – we’re talking right out of the hive, here – and her phrasing is as casual as an afterthought. But Forster can make your sloe gin fizz, she will knock you out. You’re holding the proof right here. Go ahead, pop it in, take a sip.

The way Forster rides atop the subtle seduction of her band’s salacious swing or when she cozies up to the piano, makes these old tried “n” trues sound like lullabies for the waking hours. Familiar and classic, yes, but these songs didn’t write themselves after all, some one’s got to take the wheel. Forster makes room under her skin for these jazzy gems so she can in turn get under yours. And she does it with elegant reserve and sophisticated savvy. It’s enchanting and intoxicating. I’m reeling already. Join me, won’t you?" ~Frank deBlase

Just You, Just Me

Benny Golson - Take A Number From 1 To 10

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:08
Size: 85.0 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1961/2007
Art: Front

[1:35] 1. You're My Thrill
[4:10] 2. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
[2:48] 3. The Best Thing For You Is Me
[3:02] 4. Impromtune
[3:36] 5. Little Karin
[4:26] 6. Swing It
[4:47] 7. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[3:50] 8. Out Of This World
[5:16] 9. The Touch
[3:34] 10. Time

A gimmick record that transcends its novelty trappings, Take a Number from 1 to 10 begins with Benny Golson's solo rendition of the evergreen "You're My Thrill" and from there adds a new musician (among them Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, and Curtis Fuller) with each successive track, climaxing with the full ten-piece group's rendition of the Golson original "Time." While the progressive sonic expansion is fascinating to behold, the small-group settings are no less impressive for their intimacy and nuance. In fact, a gorgeous duet rendition of "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" pairing Golson with bassist Tommy Williams may be the most impressive performance here. ~Jason Ankeny

Take A Number From 1 To 10

Roland Kirk - Here Comes The Whistleman

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:23
Size: 81.0 MB
Styles: Haerd bop, Avant garde jazz
Year: 1967/2006
Art: Front

[5:49] 1. Roots
[4:04] 2. Here Comes The Whistleman
[5:54] 3. I Wished On The Moon
[4:29] 4. Making Love After Hours
[4:04] 5. Yesterdays
[6:12] 6. Aluminum Baby
[4:47] 7. Step Right Up

Here Comes the Whistleman showcases Rahsaan Roland Kirk in 1967 with a fine band, live in front of a host of invited guests at Atlantic Studios in New York. His band for the occasion is stellar: Jacki Byard or Lonnie Smith on piano, Major Holley on bass, Lonnie Smith on piano, and Charles Crosby on drums. This is the hard, jump blues and deep R&B Roland Kirk band, and from the git, on "Roots," they show why. Kirk comes screaming out of the gate following a double time I-IV-V progression, with Holley punching the accents along the bottom and Byard shoving the hard tight chords up against Kirk's three-horn lead. The extended harmony Kirk plays -- though the melody line is a bar walking honk -- is extreme, full of piss and vinegar. On the title track, along with the artist's requisite, and genuinely good, humor, Kirk breaks out the whistles on top of the horn for a blues stomp with Smith taking over the piano chores. Smith plays a two chord vamp, changing the accent before he beings to break it open into a blues with skittering fills and turnarounds while Kirk blows circularly for 12 and 14 bars at a time. Byard returns for a tender and stirring duet rendition of "I Wished on the Moon," with his own glorious rich lyricism. And here is where Kirk displays the true measure of his ability as a saxophonist. Turning the ballad inside out, every which way without overstating the notes. Here, Ben Webster meets Coleman Hawkins in pure lyric ecstasy. The set officially ends with the wailing flute and sax jam "Aluminum Baby," (both courtesy of the irrepressible Kirk) and the bizarre ride of "Step Right Up" where Kirk sings scat in a dialect that sounds like Pop-eye. Now that's where the LP version ended, but the Label M CD reissue tags on, without credits anywhere two absolutely essential scorchers with what seems to be Byard on piano and an over-the-top bass blowout from Holley. Kirk plays saxophones on both, being his own horn section. This makes an already satisfying date an essential one. Given these additions, this might arguably be the place to start for an interested but underexposed listener who wants to experience how dazzlingly original Kirk was. ~Thom Jurek

Here Comes The Whistleman

Ruby Braff / George Barnes Quartet - Salutes Rodgers And Hart

Styles: Trumpet And Guitar Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:11
Size: 74,0 MB
Art: Front

(1:59)  1. Mountain Greenery
(2:18)  2. Isn't It Romantic
(2:50)  3. The Blue Room
(4:24)  4. There's A Small Hotel
(3:04)  5. Thou Swell
(2:12)  6. I Wish I Were In Love Again
(3:58)  7. Lover
(4:26)  8. You Took Advantage Of Me
(2:44)  9. Spring Is Here
(3:11) 10. The Lady Is A Tramp


For the fourth of five recordings made by the classic Ruby Braff-George Barnes Quartet, ten songs by Rodgers and Hart are given melodic, swinging, creative treatment. Cornetist Braff and guitarist Barnes fed off of each other and worked very well together, while rhythm guitarist Wayne Wright and bassist Michael Moore always gave them impeccable support. Highlights of this enjoyable set include "Isn't It Romantic," "Blue Room," "You Took Advantage of Me" and "The Lady Is a Tramp."~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/plays-rodgers-hart-mw0000201108

Personnel: Ruby Braff (trumpet, cornet); George Barnes, Wayne Wright (guitar).

Salutes Rodgers And Hart

Jeanie Bryson - Some Cats Know: Jeanie Bryson Sings the Songs of Peggy Lee

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:44
Size: 135,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:30)  1. I Don't Know Enough About You
(3:02)  2. 'Deed I Do
(5:56)  3. Some Cats Know
(3:44)  4. Why Don't You Do Right?
(4:58)  5. You're My Thrill
(3:45)  6. Fever
(4:00)  7. I'm In Love Again
(3:03)  8. Close Your Eyes
(3:16)  9. Lover
(5:21) 10. You Let My Love Get Cold
(3:08) 11. I'm Gonna Go Fishin'
(4:41) 12. You're Blasé
(3:51) 13. That Sugar Baby O' Mine
(5:26) 14. Where In The World Are You?

This is a very logical tribute. Jeanie Bryson has a small but coolly sensual voice, just as Peggy Lee did during her prime. Bryson performs three songs on which Lee wrote the lyrics (including "I Don't Know Enough About You" and "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'"), ten other songs that have been associated with Lee (such as "Some Cats Know," "Why Don't You Do Right" and the inevitable "Fever"), and a number ("Where in the World Are You") penned by Jeanie's mother Connie Bryson. The singer is supported by an intriguing group that includes a four-piece rhythm section with guitarist John Chiodini and pianist Terry Trotter, tenor saxophonist Red Holloway, Paquito D'Rivera (sticking to clarinet), and trumpeter Ronnie Buttacavoli. This is one of Jeanie Bryson's best efforts and should please both her fans and those of Peggy Lee. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/some-cats-know-songs-of-peggy-lee-mw0000183310

Personnel: Jeanie Bryson (vocals); Red Holloway (tenor saxophone); Ronnie Buttacavoli (flugelhorn, trumpet); Paquito D'Rivera (clarinet); Terry Trotter (piano); John Chiodini (electric & acoustic guitars); Jim Hughart (bass); Harold Jones (drums); Mayra Casales (percussion).

Some Cats Know: Jeanie Bryson Sings the Songs of Peggy Lee

Clark Terry - Duke With A Difference

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:25
Size: 88,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. C Jam Blues
(3:00)  2. In a Sentimental Mood
(6:54)  3. Cotton Tail
(6:14)  4. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
(6:55)  5. Mood Indigo
(3:29)  6. Take the A Train
(5:11)  7. In a Mellow Tone
(3:35)  8. Come Sunday

For this CD reissue of a Riverside set, trumpeter Clark Terry and some of the top Ellington sidemen of the period (trombonist Britt Woodman, altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, Tyree Glenn on vibes, bassist Jimmy Woode, and drummer Sam Woodyard) perform eight songs associated with Duke, but with fresh arrangements. There is plenty of solo space for Terry, Gonsalves, and Hodges, and the arrangements by Terry and Mercer Ellington cast a new light on some of the warhorses; highlights include "C Jam Blues," "Cotton Tail," "Mood Indigo," and "Come Sunday." 
~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/duke-with-a-difference-mw0000315033

Personnel: Clark Terry (trumpet); Marian Bruce (vocals); Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Paul Gonsalves (tenor saxophone); Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson (trombone); Billy Strayhorn (piano); Tyree Glenn (vibraphone); Jimmy Woode (bass); Sam Woodyard (drums).

Duke With A Difference

Joan Chamorro, Marc Martín - Joan Chamorro Presenta Marc Martín

Styles: Vocal, Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:10
Size: 149,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:51)  1. Lazy River
(5:28)  2. Solitude
(4:58)  3. Virgili's Blues
(6:15)  4. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
(4:11)  5. Body And Soul
(4:48)  6. Insensatez
(7:19)  7. Alone Together
(3:44)  8. East Of The Sun
(5:03)  9. An Emotional Dance
(5:30) 10. The Sheik Of Araby
(4:06) 11. Close Your Eyes
(5:52) 12. Did You Call Her Today

This work is a walk in the Jazz classic themes from the 20s, like one of the Dixieland's era: The Sheik Of Araby, to 60's, with a beautiful portuguese bossanova composed by the great Jobim: Insensatez. 

All the work inspired by authentic legends as Stan Getz, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald... where you can listen songs in several groups with the participation of excellent musicians like Scott Robinson, Dick Oatts, Jon-Erik Kellso, Esteve Pi, Josep Traver, Toni Belenguer, Eva Fernández, Andrea Motis and Joan Chamorro, promoter of this project and with whom I am very grateful for making possible this work that you have in your hands, which I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. ~ Marc Martín  https://jazztojazz.bandcamp.com/album/joan-chamorro-presenta-marc-mart-n

Personnel:  Marc Martín - piano;  Joan Chamorro - contrabaix, saxo baríton;  Jon-Erik Kellso - trompeta;  Andrea Motis - saxo soprano, trompeta, veu;  Josep Traver - guitarra;  Esteve Pi - bateria; Scott Robinson - saxo tenor;  Dick Oatts - saxo soprano, saxo alt;  Toni Belenguer - trombó;  Eva Fernández - veu;  Alba Esteban - saxo alt;  Joan Martí - saxo tenor;  Marçal Perramon - saxo tenor;
Sant Andreu Jazz Band

Joan Chamorro Presenta Marc Martín