Various Artists - Motown 1960s Vols 1 & 2

Album: Motown 1960s Volume 1
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:53
Size: 75.3 MB
Styles: Soul, AM pop
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[2:36] 1. Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street
[2:34] 2. The Supremes - Baby Love
[2:47] 3. The Miracles - Shop Around
[2:42] 4. The Temptations - My Girl
[2:50] 5. Mary Wells - My Guy
[2:57] 6. Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
[2:43] 7. The Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
[3:02] 8. Junior Walker & The All-Stars - Shotgun
[2:26] 9. The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman
[2:35] 10. Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want)
[2:51] 11. The Contours - Do You Love Me
[2:46] 12. Gladys Knight & The Pips - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Motown 1960s Volume 1

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Album: Motown 1960s Volume 2
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:42
Size: 77.2 MB
Styles: Soul, AM pop
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[2:30] 1. The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud To Beg
[2:42] 2. Martha & The Vandellas - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
[2:44] 3. The Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Loving
[2:50] 4. Diana Ross - Stop! In The Name Of Love
[3:13] 5. Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
[2:45] 6. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - I Second That Emotion
[2:47] 7. Shorty Long - Function At The Junction
[3:17] 8. Edwin Starr - Twenty-Five Miles
[2:51] 9. The Isley Brothers - This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
[2:25] 10. Junior Walker & The All-Stars - What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)
[2:45] 11. The Miracles - Ooo Baby Baby
[2:47] 12. Tammi Terrell - You're All I Need To Get By

Motown 1960s Volume 2

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Elsie Bianchi Trio - The Sweetest Sound

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:27
Size: 104.0 MB
Styles: Swing, Modal
Year: 1965/2015
Art: Front

[3:11] 1. Teach Me Tonight
[4:02] 2. Fallin' In Love With Love
[3:06] 3. Little Bird
[3:51] 4. A Sleepin' Bee
[4:08] 5. The Shadows Of Paris
[3:33] 6. Fiddler On The Roof
[2:48] 7. The Sweetest Sound
[4:22] 8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[3:46] 9. Meditation
[3:50] 10. Why Did I Choose You
[3:38] 11. Little Blues
[5:07] 12. Guess Who I Saw Today

Bass – Siro Bianchi; Drums – Charly Antolini; Piano, Vocals – Elsie Bianchi.

Awarded as a pianist on the first "Amateur Jazz Festival" Zurich in 1953, Elsie Brunner also impressed the audience there on accordion. Her brothers played trumpet, saxophone and other instruments in the musical family, but above all, collected all American jazz records they could find. As early as 1946 Elsie and her siblings were invited to an international accordion competition in Paris, where they won first prizes. In those early days there were also jam sessions in Zurich, from which Elsie should constitute her first own formation.

On bass and Clarinet was Siro Bianchi, whom she later married and with whom she moved to the United States in 1958 - first as music professionals, then as farm owners. Today Elsie and Siro Bianchi-Brunner live in Royston, Georgia. For the first time in 1958 the two traveled to the U.S. and had engagements in Palm Springs and Sun Valley from spring to autumn, along with an American drummer. They were also working together with other American jazz musicians now: Elsa and Siro played with Bob Cooper and his Allstar Ensemble at a session in Hermosa Beach and were good friends of Hampton Hawes, Pete Jolly and Curtis Counce.

In 1977, Elsie and Siro participated in the "K-Swiss Sportshoe Factory" Atlanta, whose California headquarters were managed by Elsie`s two brothers. The trio worked at the Fleur De Lis until the tennis shoe factory was built. Then they withdrew from the music business. In 1987 K-Swiss was sold. They bought a first ranch in Marysville, Georgia. In 1995, they found their dream farm in Royston, where they live till today.

The Sweetest Sound

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Natalie Cole - I Love You So

Styles: Vocal, R&B
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:15
Size: 91,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:05)  1. I Love You So
(3:50)  2. You're So Good
(4:56)  3. It's Been You
(4:46)  4. Your Lonely Heart
(3:46)  5. The Winner
(4:05)  6. Oh, Daddy
(4:47)  7. Sorry
(4:18)  8. Stand By
(3:38)  9. Who Will Carry On

If, in 1979, anyone still had illusions about Natalie Cole being a hardcore soul purist, they were shattered by I Love You So. Although this is primarily an R&B effort, Cole laces her R&B with a big dose of pop. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, because most of the material is solid and enjoyable. Those who like Cole as gritty, funky soul shouter should appreciate "You're So Good," but she also gets into everything from sleek disco ("I Love You So") and a Fleetwood Mac cover ("Oh, Daddy") to a commercial R&B/adult contemporary blend ("Who Will Carry On"). Meanwhile, "Your Lonely Heart" (a Cole original that also appeared on her We're the Best of Friends album with Peabo Bryson) is the sort of pop-country ballad that wouldn't be out of place at a Dolly Parton or Reba McEntire session. I Love You So isn't among Cole's essential releases, but it's a satisfying effort that underscores her ability to successfully tackle a variety of musical styles. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-love-you-so-mw0000091145

Personnel: Natalie Cole (vocals); Chuck Bynum (electric guitar, background vocals); Richard Fortune, Norman Zeller, Phil Upchurch, Johnny McGhee (electric guitar); Robert O'Bryant, Oscar Brashear (trumpet); George Bohannon, Maurice Spears (trombone); Mark Davis , Linda Williams, Sonny Burke , Marvin Yancy (keyboards); Bobby Eaton, Jeff Eyrich, Keni Burke (electric bass); Alvin Taylor (drums); Sissy Peoples, Anita Anderson (background vocals).
 

R.I.P.
Born: February 6, 1950/ Died: December 31, 2015

I Love You So

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Gerry Mulligan & Ben Webster - Gerry Mulligan meets Ben Webster

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:48
Size: 178,9 MB
Art: Front

( 7:23)  1. Chelsea Bridge
( 5:47)  2. The Cat Walk
( 7:25)  3. Sunday
( 7:42)  4. Who's Got Rhythm
( 5:06)  5. Tell Me When
(10:04)  6. Go Home
( 6:57)  7. In A Mellow Tone (Previously Unreleased)
( 7:28)  8. What Is This Thing Called Love (Previously Unreleased)
( 5:41)  9. For Bessie (Previously Unreleased)
( 5:50) 10. Fajista (Previously Unreleased)
( 7:22) 11. Blues In B Flat (Previously Unreleased)

Make no mistake about it, the swing and bop start right here on this legendary 1959 session between baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and tenor man Ben Webster. Produced by Norman Granz as an early Verve album, this Mobile Fidelity 24-karat gold-disc reissue is sonically worth the extra bread as it feels like you're right in the control room every note of the way. The opening track, Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" is lush and emotional and truly sets the tone for this album. With Jimmy Rowles on piano (his intro on "Sunday" sounds like a ragtimer like Willie "The Lion" Smith just pushed him off the stool before the band came in), Mel Lewis on drums, and the always superb Leroy Vinnegar on bass present and accounted for, the rhythm section is superbly swinging with just the right amount of bop lines and chords in the mix to spice things up. 

The ghost of Duke Ellington hovers over every note on this record (Billy Strayhorn was one of his main arrangers) and that is a very good thing, indeed. There's a beautiful, understated quality to the music on this session that makes it the perfect relaxing around the house on a rainy day disc to pop in the player. File this one under cool, very smooth, and supple. ~ Cub Koda  http://www.allmusic.com/album/gerry-mulligan-meets-ben-webster-mw0000596081

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Leroy Vinnegar (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Gerry Mulligan meets Ben Webster

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Ray Gelato - The Full Flavour

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:48
Size: 141,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Basin Street Blues/Sleepy Time Down South
(3:09)  2. Undecided
(5:00)  3. Dark Eyes
(3:45)  4. Don't Let It Go to Your Head
(2:09)  5. Forget About Livin'
(3:02)  6. That's Amore
(4:17)  7. That's Life
(3:53)  8. Exactly Like You
(4:22)  9. Up a Lazy River
(2:49) 10. Orange Coloured Sky
(5:30) 11. Apple Honey
(4:54) 12. Under a Blanket of Blue
(2:39) 13. As Time Goes By
(5:52) 14. Since You Moved in with Me
(2:50) 15. Caterina
(3:10) 16. That Old Black Magic

Ray Gelato, a key member of the British jump band the Chevalier Brothers during 1982-1988, plays tenor sax solos in the tradition of Illinois Jacqwuet and Charlie Ventura, in addition to taking vocals. In the Ray Gelato Giants, the role model is clearly Louis Prima, although with touches of Frank Sinatra, heated swing, and bits of bebop. Their debut record, The Full Flavour, features a hot septet (with trumpeter Dave Priseman, trombonist Dave Keech, and Al Nichools on tenor and alto) playing some Prima (including "That Old Black Magic" and a medley of "Basin Street Blues" and "Sleepy Time Down South"), Charlie Ventura ("Dark Eyes"), Dean Martin, Nat "King" Cole, and heated swing ("Apple Honey"). There are also two fine vocals by Claire Martin and a rare up-tempo version of "As Time Goes By." One of the best retro-swing releases of the mid-'90s. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/full-flavour-mw0000036442

Personnel:  Ray Gelato - lead vocals, tenor saxophone;  Richard Busiakiewicz – piano;  Dave Keech – trombone;  Clark Kent - double bass;  Alan Nicholls - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone; John Piper – drums;  Dave Priseman – trumpet;  Claire Martin - vocals (#2,12)

The Full Flavour

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Don Byas - Autumn Leaves

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:08
Size: 169,9 MB
Art: Front

( 0:32)  1. Ronnie's intro
(14:03)  2. Autumn leaves
( 9:22)  3. I remember Clifford
(13:06)  4. Bag's groove
( 9:20)  5. All the things you are
(10:06)  6. Ladybird
( 7:21)  7. Moonlight in Vermont
(10:14)  8. Walkin'

One of the greatest of all tenor players, Don Byas' decision to move permanently to Europe in 1946 resulted in him being vastly underrated in jazz history books. His knowledge of chords rivalled Coleman Hawkins, and, due to their similarity in tones, Byas can be considered an extension of the elder tenor. He played with many top swing bands, including those of Lionel Hampton (1935), Buck Clayton (1936), Don Redman, Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk (1939-1940), and most importantly Count Basie (1941-1943). An advanced swing stylist, Byas' playing looked toward bop. 

He jammed at Minton's Playhouse in the early '40s, appeared on 52nd Street with Dizzy Gillespie, and performed a pair of stunning duets with bassist Slam Stewart at a 1944 Town Hall concert. After recording extensively during 1945-1946 (often as a leader), Byas went to Europe with Don Redman's band, and (with the exception of a 1970 appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival) never came back to the U.S. He lived in France, the Netherlands, and Denmark; often appeared at festivals; and worked steadily. 

Whenever American players were touring, they would ask for Byas, who had opportunities to perform with Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Jazz at the Philharmonic (including a recorded tenor battle with Hawkins and Stan Getz), Art Blakey, and (on a 1968 recording) Ben Webster. Byas also recorded often in the 1950s, but was largely forgotten in the U.S. by the time of his death. ~ Scott Yanow  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/don-byas/id269269#fullText

Personnel:  Don Byas - tenor saxophone;  Stan Tracey – piano;  Rick Laird – bass;  Tony Crombie - drums

Autumn Leaves

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Pearl Bailey - 16 Most Requested Songs

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 47:08

Size: 107.9 MB

Styles: R&B, Vocal, Traditional pop

Year: 1991

Art: Front

[3:18] 1. Legalize My Name

[3:17] 2. Tired

[2:09] 3. St. Louis Blues

[3:08] 4. It's A Woman's Prerogative

[2:56] 5. Baby, It's Cold Outside

[2:47] 6. Who

[2:15] 7. Don't Ever Leave Me

[2:52] 8. Saturday Night Fish Fry

[3:11] 9. Personality

[2:57] 10. Ain't She Sweet

[3:04] 11. Get It Off Your Mind

[3:12] 12. The Hucklebuck

[2:35] 13. They Didn't Believe Me

[3:02] 14. Frankie And Johnny

[3:16] 15. That's Good Enough For Me

[3:02] 16. Here You Come With Love

Some of the most productive years for the inimitable Pearl Bailey were those she spent recording for Columbia Records, between 1945 and 1950. Columbia paired the singer with other luminaries of the day, including Frank Sinatra. This album culls 16 of Bailey's best songs made during that magic time. The tunes are lovingly remastered to present the engaging vocalist at her very best. On this record, she is joined by colleagues she worked with regularly: singer/comedienne Moms Mabley and trumpeter/vocalist Oran "Hot Lips" Page. Also adding their gospel harmonies to the musical experience are the Charioteers. Together, they produced some of the best music in Bailey's long career. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is immediately evocative of the season as well as a bygone era. Arlen/Mercer tunes, such as "Legalize My Name" and "A Woman's Prerogative," have just the right degree of sophistication under Bailey's expert touch. Bailey and Mabley, surely two of the greatest female comedic singers of all time, team up on the delightful "Saturday Night Fish Fry." The songstress turns soulful on "Who?" and "Don't Ever Leave Me," accompanied by the Charioteers. Bailey and Page show why they were so popular on the classic "Ain't She Sweet?" Standards such as "St. Louis Blues" and "Here You Come With Love" bear witness to the sultry charm of the talented lady with the twinkle in her eye and to the hint of suggestion in her song. Whether remembering Pearl Bailey or discovering her for the first time, the listener cannot do better than this recording for its fidelity to the legacy of one of America's greatest singers. ~Rose of Sharon Witmer

16 Most Requested Songs

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Paul Desmond - Desmond Blue

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:41
Size: 138.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1962/2002
Art: Front

[3:49] 1. My Funny Valentine
[3:37] 2. Desmond Blue
[4:03] 3. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
[4:37] 4. I've Got You Under My Skin
[4:08] 5. Late Lament
[3:48] 6. I Should Care
[4:10] 7. Like Someone In Love
[3:48] 8. Ill Wind
[4:49] 9. Body And Soul
[2:00] 10. Advise And Consent
[5:41] 11. Autumn Leaves
[5:37] 12. Autumn Leaves
[3:37] 13. Autumn Leaves
[4:50] 14. Imagination
[2:01] 15. Advise And Consent

As intended, this album presents alto sax specialist Paul Desmond as never featured before, with the backing of a string orchestra. The record, filled with such beautiful jazz standards as "My Funny Valentine," "I've Got You Under My Skin," and "Body and Soul," is very rich in texture, yet subtle and mellow overall in mood. It's unyielding purpose: to soothe the souls of its listeners. Desmond's style and tone shine with an alluring quality, and the record is filled with melodies that don't fail to stimulate the sophisticated jazz listener. Desmond's melodies are eloquently detailed and charmingly spun in the midst of the string orchestra arranged and conducted by Bob Prince. The legendary Jim Hall is featured as guest guitarist, playing yet another scintillating role and using his classic comping style. Hall is perhaps the most highly respected of all jazz guitarists for his good taste and witty inventiveness. Desmond has always been most familiar to the jazz public for his sweeping scale passages and his seemingly effortless spontaneity during periods of improvisation, although here he is often featured in a more lyrical ballad style on such romantic tunes as "My Funny Valentine," "Late Lament," and "Then I'll Be Tired of You." This album is a highly innovative and meticulously crafted work, reflecting the ongoing success of both Desmond and Hall within the 1960s and the cool jazz period. Both of these musicians spent time working with Dave Brubeck and later lent themselves to many of Antonio Carlos Jobim's bossa nova projects. The arrangements are extraordinary throughout this collection, including the charming "Valentine," which begins with a fantastic Elizabethan flavor. The intro sets up the mood to carry Desmond into the first chorus, which then glides into a 20th century style. The tune "I Should Care" is "a shimmering debt to Ibert and one of the most imaginative blendings you will ever hear of strings, reeds, French horn and harp," according to the liner notes. The tone of the album: lush, reflective, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring. This work is quite a plus for any listener and especially those who consider themselves avid fans of Paul Desmond. ~Shawn Haney

The alto saxophonist had success away from the Dave Brubeck Quartet, as seen here on this collection of his most appealing recordings. Includes My Funny Valentine; Body and Soul ; and the previously unreleased Autumn Leaves; Imagination ; and Advise and Consent. Note: Voices in between the tracks is intentional and is a part of the recording.

Desmond Blue

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Harold Land - In The Land Of Jazz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 102.8 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1958/2009
Art: Front

[6:09] 1. Speak Low
[7:20] 2. Delirium
[4:21] 3. You Don't Know What Love Is
[5:04] 4. Nieta
[7:45] 5. Grooveyard
[6:23] 6. Lydia's Lament
[7:50] 7. Smack Up

Other than four titles from 1949, this CD reissue has tenor saxophonist Harold Land's first sessions as a leader. Teamed up on the West Coast with trumpeter Rolf Ericson, pianist Carl Perkins, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Frank Butler, Land shows that hard bop was very much alive in Los Angeles in the late '50s. His tone is cooler and softer than it would become later on, but it was already pretty distinctive. Land performs three of his swinging originals, the original version of Perkins' "Grooveyard" (which became a minor standard), an obscurity by Elmo Hope, and the standards "Speak Low" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." The reissue also adds "Promised Land" to the original program. Fine straight-ahead music. ~Scott Yanow

In The Land Of Jazz

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Jim Hall - It's Nice To Be With You: Jim Hall In Berlin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:08
Size: 85.0 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Guitar jazz
Year: 1975/2014
Art: Front

[4:55] 1. Up, Up And Away
[3:26] 2. My Funny Valentine
[4:23] 3. Young One (For Debra)
[4:40] 4. Blue Joe
[4:41] 5. It's Nice To Be With You
[5:48] 6. In A Sentimental Mood
[6:16] 7. Body And Soul
[2:56] 8. Romaine

Jim Hall recorded this trio session with expatriate bassist Jimmy Woode and one of Europe's top drummers, Daniel Humair, during a 1969 visit to Berlin. At first "Up, Up and Away," a Jimmy Webb composition that turned into a huge hit for the pop group the Fifth Dimension, might seem like an unlikely jazz vehicle, but it soars to new heights with the trio's inventive approach. Familiar standards include a snappy "My Funny Valentine" and an intensely lyrical "Body and Soul.' Producer Joachim Berendt's suggestion to Hall that he duet with himself via overdubbing resulted in "Young One, For Debra," a warm ballad tribute to Hall's daughter, and a breath taking rendition of "In a Sentimental Mood." He also revisits his "Romaine," utilizing a bossa nova setting (recorded previously with pianist Bill Evans on their classic duo date Undercurrent) and explores his wife's upbeat composition "It's Nice to Be with You" (a work that should have lyrics if it doesn't already). Only briefly available as a CD reissue of the earlier LP, this collectible release is well worth acquiring. ~Ken Dryden

It's Nice To Be With You: Jim Hall In Berlin

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Hampton Hawes - The Green Leaves Of Summer

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 1964

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 39:47

Size: 93,7 MB

Art: Front

(5:32)  1. Vierd Blues

(6:22)  2. The Green Leaves Of Summer

(3:55)  3. Ill Wind

(3:10)  4. St. Thomas

(5:36)  5. Secret Love

(5:24)  6. Blue Skies

(5:34)  7. The More I See You

(4:09)  8. G.K. Blues

Pianist Hampton Hawes' first recording after serving five years in prison finds Hawes evolving a bit from a Bud Powell-influenced bop pianist to one familiar with more modern trends in jazz. Reissued on CD, this trio date finds Hawes interacting closely with bassist Monk Montgomery and drummer Steve Ellington (making his recording debut). Hawes had lost nothing of his swinging style while in prison, as can be heard on such numbers as "Vierd Blues," "St. Thomas" and "Secret Love," and he was just starting to hint at moving beyond bop. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-green-leaves-of-summer-mw0000311393

Personnel: Hampton Hawes (piano); Monk Montgomery (bass); Steve Ellington (drums).

The Green Leaves Of Summer

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Thad Jones, Frank Wess, Teddy Charles, Mal Waldron, Doug Watkins, Elvin Jones - Olio

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:27
Size: 89,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:08)  1. Potpourri
(8:03)  2. Blues Without Woe
(6:28)  3. Touche
(7:02)  4. Dakar
(4:21)  5. Embraceable You
(6:23)  6. Hello Frisco

Trumpeter Thad Jones receives first billing on this all-star outing, but vibraphonist Teddy Charles, who contributed three of the six selections (two of the other songs are by pianist Mal Waldron, while the lone standard is "Embraceable You") was really the musical director. Jones, Charles, and Waldron are joined by Frank Wess (doubling on tenor and flute), bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Elvin Jones for a set of modern hard bop. Although this was not a regular group and there is not an obvious leader, the music is on a higher level than that of a routine jam session. The challenging material and the high quality playing of the young greats makes this fairly obscure modern mainstream set (reissued on CD in 1998) well worth exploring. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/olio-mw0000047957

Personnel:  Bass – Doug Watkins;  Drums – Elvin Jones;  Flute – Frank Wess;  Piano – Mal Waldron;  Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess;  Trumpet – Thad Jones;  Vibraphone – Teddy Charles

Olio

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Thelonious Monk - Underground

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1967
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:08
Size: 161,4 MB
Art: Front

( 3:13)  1. Thelonious (Take 1)
(10:30)  2. Ugly Beauty (Take 5)
( 6:48)  3. Raise Four***
( 5:48)  4. Boo Boo's Birthday (Take 11)
( 7:42)  5. Easy Street
(13:11)  6. Green Chimneys
( 6:36)  7. In Walked Bud
( 7:39)  8. Ugly Beauty (Take 4)
( 5:29)  9. Boo Boo's Birthday (Take 2)
( 3:07) 10. Thelonious (Take 3)

Underground was recorded in 1967, about 20 years into the career of this wholly distinctive and unorthodox pianist-composer. Whenever the understated saxophone talents of Charlie Rouse accompany Thelonious Monk, one is assured of an invigorating set of music and this collection is no exception. Supported by Larry Gales on bass and the inimitable Ben Riley on drums, Monk and Rouse elaborate on immortal compositions like "Ugly Beauty." 

On "In Walked Bud," the quartet is joined by vocalist Jon Hendricks. With jagged themes and unusual variations of meter and key, Underground showcases an aging Monk's still-brilliant eccentricity on the piano. A good bit looser than much of Monk's earlier work, he and Rouse infuse this date with their tag-team humor and unrelenting musical enthusiasm. ~ Mitch Myers Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Underground-Thelonious-Monk/dp/B0000AVHBO

Personnel: Thelonious Monk (piano); Jon Hendricks (vocals); Charlie Rouse (tenor saxophone); Larry Gales (bass); Ben Riley (drums).

Underground

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Ethel Ennis - If Women Ruled The World

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:35
Size: 136.4 MB
Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. Spider Web
[4:59] 2. If Women Ruled The World
[5:54] 3. God Bless The Child
[4:43] 4. You Gotta Be
[5:33] 5. For Free
[4:41] 6. Sometimes I Don't Wanna Go Home
[6:31] 7. Tell It Like It Is
[4:08] 8. So Far Away
[3:12] 9. When I Need You
[5:47] 10. Willow Weep For Me
[4:07] 11. Nick Of Time
[4:49] 12. Hey You

This is a historic release on two levels. It was one of the first recordings of new jazz for Savoy in a couple decades (unfortunately the label's venture into recording new music did not last long) and it was singer Ethel Ennis' first recording in quite some time. For this project, she interprets a dozen songs written by women, ranging from "God Bless the Child" and "Willow Weep for Me" to more recent songs by Joan Osborne, Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Carole King, and herself ("Hey You"). The performances range from swinging pieces to folk music with Ennis assisted by pianist Marc Copland, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, guitarist John Abercrombie, soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom, and a couple different rhythm sections. This is a fine effort, making one wish that Ethel Ennis would record much more often. ~Scott Yanow

If Women Ruled The World

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Don Byas - All The Things You Are

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:19
Size: 140.4 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1996/2012
Art: Front

[ 6:50] 1. All The Things You Are
[ 6:18] 2. Walkin'
[ 7:37] 3. Don't Blame Me
[ 8:07] 4. Lady Bird
[ 7:27] 5. There'll Never Be Another You
[ 7:13] 6. Billie's Bounce
[ 7:16] 7. Moonlight In Vermont
[10:28] 8. A Night In Tunisia

Despite his bebop associations, Byas always remained deeply rooted in the sounds of swing. He started out by emulating Coleman Hawkins, but Byas always cited Art Tatum as his greater influence: “I haven’t got any style, I just blow like Art”. ~Clyde Hart

All The Things You Are

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Bellevue Cadillac - The Best Of Bellevue Cadillac: 20 Years Of Swing!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:56
Size: 183.0 MB
Styles: Retro Swing
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. Black And White
[4:51] 2. Call Of The Wild
[4:15] 3. (Unknown) -3 Rules
[4:43] 4. One Girl 2 Pretty
[4:17] 5. Snake Charmer
[3:26] 6. Cruisin'
[4:02] 7. Guilty
[4:24] 8. Shoulda Woulda Coulda
[4:15] 9. Ships
[3:05] 10. Perfect Crime
[4:43] 11. Prozac
[3:53] 12. Must Be Love
[3:07] 13. Cuppa Joe
[5:21] 14. Havana Moon
[4:03] 15. Can't Win For Losin'
[4:31] 16. Hazel Eyes
[2:37] 17. Pay Pay Pay
[2:25] 18. Pull The Plug
[2:58] 19. Blow Wind Blow
[5:18] 20. Talkin' Jive (Who Knew)

Neo swing at it's best! 20 songs that swing from the kings of swing. wild and crazy drums, horns that come out blazing and LYRICS that are funny, topical,original and SMART! "put a bar in your car and drive yourself to drink" on the song prozac, just for starters. this is a PARTY CD! you'll swing, sway and tap your feet till the very end. The songs have been nominated on the grammy ballots 11 times! there are crime novel songs, caribbean songs, cuban, surf, dieselpunk, 20s jazz, new orleans whorehouse ballads with storylines that will tantalize. The horn arrangements are dazzling, the big bold upright bass is thumping and the hammond organ's deep throaty growl pulls you in with songs like PRZAC, PULL THE PLUG, and flatline 'em, CUPPA JOE, HAVANA MOON, PERFECT CRIME, SHIPS, and signature songs like, BLACK AND WHITE as well as CALL OF THE WILD. Nothing is held back, ALL the hits on one CD. Fasten your seat belt, turn up the volume and step on the gas...........ENJOY!

The Best Of Bellevue Cadillac: 20 Years Of Swing!

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Wynton Kelly - A Portrait Of Jenny

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 80:33
Size: 184.4 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[ 4:36] 1. Portrait Of Jennie
[ 2:45] 2. Escapade
[ 3:55] 3. Moving Up
[ 6:43] 4. Four On Six
[ 5:56] 5. Not A Tear
[ 7:08] 6. Speak Low
[ 2:50] 7. Studio Chatter And Count Off-It's All Right
[ 6:34] 8. Just Friends
[ 4:32] 9. On The Trail
[ 7:05] 10. I Remember Clifford
[10:10] 11. All The Things You Are
[ 3:09] 12. One For Joan
[ 9:00] 13. Stretchin' Out
[ 4:04] 14. Nadia
[ 1:59] 15. The Fall Of Love

A superb accompanist loved by Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly was also a distinctive soloist who decades later would be a strong influence on Benny Green. He grew up in Brooklyn and early on played in R&B bands led by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Hal Singer, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Kelly, who recorded 14 titles for Blue Note in a trio (1951), worked with Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lester Young during 1951-1952. After serving in the military, he made a strong impression with Washington (1955-1957), Charles Mingus (1956-1957), and the Dizzy Gillespie big band (1957), but he would be most famous for his stint with Miles Davis (1959-1963), recording such albums with Miles as Kind of Blue, At the Blackhawk, and Someday My Prince Will Come. When he left Davis, Kelly took the rest of the rhythm section (bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb) with him to form his trio. The group actually sounded at its best backing Wes Montgomery. Before his early death, Kelly recorded as a leader for Blue Note, Riverside, Vee-Jay, Verve, and Milestone. ~bio by Scott Yanow

A Portrait Of Jenny

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David "Fathead" Newman - Fire!: Live at the Village Vanguard

Styles: Flute And Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1989

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 68:09

Size: 156,3 MB

Art: Front

( 7:44)  1. Old Devil Moon

( 8:31)  2. Chenya

( 6:52)  3. Slippin' Down

( 7:32)  4. Wide Open Spaces

( 7:46)  5. Lonely Avenue

( 7:20)  6. Filthy McNasty

(12:43)  7. Blues for Ball

( 9:38)  8. Hard Times

For this excellent all-around date, David "Fathead" Newman and a fine rhythm section (pianist Kirk Lightsey, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist David Williams and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith) are joined by tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine on "Wide Open Spaces" (a tune that years earlier Newman had recorded with fellow tenor James Clay), altoist Hank Crawford on "Lonely Avenue" and both Turrentine and Crawford on two other songs. In addition, Newman takes "Filthy McNasty" as a flute feature and is showcased on the opening "Old Devil Moon." An enjoyable set of soulful, straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/fire!-live-at-the-village-vanguard-mw0000199458

Personnel:  David "Fathead" Newman (flute, tenor saxophone); Steve Nelson (vibraphone);  David Williams (double bass);  Hank Crawford (alto saxophone);  Stanley Turrentine (tenor saxophone); Kirk Lightsey (piano); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums).

Fire!: Live at the Village Vanguard

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Thelonious Monk - 'Round Midnight

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:43
Size: 164,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:09)  1. 'Round Midnight
(3:05)  2. Epistrophy
(3:20)  3. Misterioso
(3:02)  4. Nice Work If You Can Get It
(3:19)  5. April in Paris
(3:12)  6. Introspection
(2:53)  7. Humph
(3:06)  8. Ruby My Dear
(3:03)  9. Evonce
(3:07) 10. Monk's Mood
(3:00) 11. Thelonious
(2:57) 12. Well You Needn't
(3:00) 13. Off Minor
(2:41) 14. Who Knows?
(3:00) 15. Suburban Eyes
(2:56) 16. In Walked Bud
(2:49) 17. Flyin' Hawk
(2:41) 18. On the Bean
(8:58) 19. Charlie's Choice (Swing to Bop)
(8:16) 20. Stompin' at the Savoy

Thelonious Sphere Monk (October 10, 1917 – February 17, 1982) was an American jazz pianist and composer. Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire, including "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", "Straight, No Chaser" "Ruby, My Dear", "In Walked Bud", and "Well, You Needn't". Monk is the second-most recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington, which is particularly remarkable as Ellington composed more than 1,000 pieces, whereas Monk wrote about 70. His compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists, and are consistent with Monk's unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of silences and hesitations.He was renowned for his distinctive style in suits, hats, and sunglasses. He was also noted for an idiosyncratic habit observed at times during performances: while the other musicians in the band continued playing, he would stop, stand up from the keyboard, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano. Monk is one of five jazz musicians to have been featured on the cover of Time, after Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, and Duke Ellington, and before Wynton Marsalis. more... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelonious_Monk

'Round Midnight

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Bobby Timmons Trio - In Person

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:18
Size: 120,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:57)  1. Autumn Leaves
(6:24)  2. So Tired
(4:46)  3. Goodbye
(0:56)  4. Dat Dere (Theme)
(6:48)  5. They Didn't Believe Me
(4:31)  6. Dat Dere
(6:12)  7. Popsy
(8:14)  8. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(5:30)  9. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(0:56) 10. Dat Dere (Theme)

This enjoyable LP presents a relaxed, agreeable live date, but not one that generates sparks. Pianist Bobby Timmons, who made his name as a writer and invaluable part of the rhythm section in the Art Blakey and Cannonball Adderley bands of the late '50s and early '60s, is a different proposition in his role here as a leader. Although able and energetic, Timmons demonstrates little taste for adventure and, consequently, can sustain himself in the spotlight only intermittently. Still, with Timmons in the company of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Albert Heath, both in their early twenties at the time of this 1961 recording, there would seem to have been potential for great things something beyond the sum of the parts. As it is, Carter and Heath provide little more than reliable support relative to their superior skills.

Things may have sounded differently to the Village Vanguard audience, but on the LP Carter is uncharacteristically two-dimensional. His volume is about right, but the tone is rendered as an anonymous, mid-range pulsing. There is no sense of flesh, wood, and strings interacting with one another. Heath, predominantly using brushes, is also at about the right volume in the mix, but there are nuances missing and his snare is overemphasized. The players sound most together on the parts they've worked out, but the telepathy that distinguishes an excellent trio from an average one is missing in the group's improvisations. The result is a release that stops short of satisfying expectations. ~ Jim Todd  http://www.allmusic.com/album/in-person-mw0001956146

Personnel:  Bobby Timmons (piano);  Ron Carter (bass);  Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums).

In Person

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