Kai Winding & J.J. Johnson - Nuf Said

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:37
Size: 160,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:24)  1. Out of This World
(2:58)  2. Thou Swell
(5:38)  3. Lover
(3:34)  4. Lope City
(2:59)  5. Stolen Bass
(5:08)  6. It's Alright with Me
(3:34)  7. Mad about the Boy
(4:09)  8. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
(4:02)  9. That's How I Feel about You
(3:25) 10. Gong Rock
(5:34) 11. It's Alright with Me (Alt. Take 15)
(5:42) 12. Lover (Alt. Take 13
(3:29) 13. Gong Rock (Alt. Take 1)
(3:47) 14. Lope City (Alt. Take 11)
(6:28) 15. It's Alright with Me (Alt. Take 11)
(2:30) 16. Out of This World (Alt. Take 8)
(4:07) 17. That's How I Feel about You (Alt. Take 7)

At times sounding indistinguishable soloing side by side, trombonists Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson gained unexpected fame from a series of collaborative efforts cut during the mid-'50s. Sandwiched between their initial Savoy outing and several Columbia releases (and a later reunion session for Impulse), 1955's Nuf Said features the soloists in a buoyant West Coast mood on several medium- to fast-tempo swingers. Winding and Johnson both turn in fluid, tonally rounded statements, while pianist Dick Katz, bassists Milt Hinton and Wendell Marshall, and drummer Al Harewood (using brushes most of the time) provide plush rhythmic support. In addition to impressively arranged covers like "Mad About the Boy" and "Out of This World," Johnson and Winding each contribute two attractive originals  Winding's "Gong Rock" gets special note not only for its then-exotic incorporation of gong sounds, but also for the title's evocation of a time-travel meeting between the trombonist and glam rocker T. Rex. 

Musical fantasy aside, this Bethlehem reissue by Avenue Jazz pads the original set with seven worthwhile alternate takes and tops things off with superb sound and helpful liner notes. And though some might find the music here a bit thin (a common criticism of the West Coast sound which, ironically, gets turned on its ear this time around since all the musicians involved are from the East Coast), the arrangements and playing are so engaging and of such high quality that categorization dilemmas disappear. A fine disc. ~ Stephen Cook  http://www.allmusic.com/album/nuf-said-mw0001881976

Personnel: Kai Winding, J.J. Johnson (trombone); Dick Katz (piano); Milt Hinton, Wendell Marshall (bass); Al Harewood (drums).

Nuf Said

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Nat Adderley - Work Song

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:07
Size: 90,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:15)  1. Work Song
(3:54)  2. Pretty Memory
(2:55)  3. I've Got A Crush On You
(5:01)  4. Mean To Me
(4:54)  5. Fallout
(4:28)  6. Sack Of Woe
(6:25)  7. My Heart Stood Still
(3:50)  8. Violets For Your Furs
(3:21)  9. Scrambled Eggs

Work Song is a near-classic by cornetist Nat Adderley. Adderley utilizes a cornet-cello-guitar front line with Sam Jones and Wes Montgomery, along with a top-notch rhythm section pianist including Bobby Timmons, Percy Heath, or Keter Betts on bass and drummer Louis Hayes. First up is a fine early performance of his greatest hit, "Work Song." He also helps introduce Cannonball Adderley's "Sack O' Woe." Four songs use a smaller group, with Timmons absent on "My Heart Stood Still," which finds Keter Betts on cello and Jones on bass; "Mean to Me" featuring Nat backed by Montgomery, Betts, and Hayes; and two ballads ("I've Got a Crush on You" and "Violets for Your Furs") interpreted by the Adderley-Montgomery-Jones trio. No matter the setting, Nat Adderley is heard throughout in peak form, playing quite lyrically. Highly recommended. 

~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/work-song-mw0000204076

Personnel: Nat Adderley (cornet); Wes Montgomery (guitar); Keter Betts, Sam Jones (cello, bass instrument); Bobby Timmons (piano); Percy Heath (bass instrument); Louis Hayes (drums).

Work Song

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Aaron Robinson - Ragtime

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:12
Size: 74,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. Maple Leaf Rag
(3:08)  2. Elite Syncopations
(3:06)  3. Carolina Shout
(1:49)  4. Cafe Society Rag
(2:48)  5. King Porter Stomp
(2:07)  6. Dizzy Fingers
(2:30)  7. 12th Street Rag
(1:13)  8. Crazy Rhythm
(3:31)  9. The New England Ragtime Suite: Granite Hall Rag
(5:07) 10. The New England Ragtime Suite: Bluet Rag
(3:48) 11. The New England Ragtime Suite: Artistic Rag

Aaron Robinson (b.1970) Award–winning American composer, conductor, and best-selling author. As conductor, Maestro Robinson has premiered several works for the concert stage including Scott Joplin’s opera "Treemonisha", Leonard Bernstein’s "Candide - The Concert Version", and also "Sondheim and Co. A Gala Celebration", honoring the music of Stephen Sondheim. In 2004, Mr. Robinson received critical acclaim for his work as conductor and musical arranger for Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity A Gospel Celebration. The creation of this phenomenal achievement was documented for public television and has now received worldwide acclaim, resulting in a best-selling Christmas Gospel Album. Mr. Robinson has lectured extensively on the history of American music, including Jazz and Ragtime, the music of George Gershwin, and American music, celebrating American Broadway and film composers. He has been notably called one of “America’s foremost proponents of Ragtime and early Jazz.”

Having performed On- and Off- Broadway, Mr. Robinson studied composition at the Boston Conservatory with American composer John Adams and Lawrence Thomas Bell, and film scoring at the Berklee School of Music with Maestro John Williams. In 2001 he was musical supervisor, conductor and arranger for the Broadway musical "Islands A New Musical" at the New Victory Theater on 42nd Street. Mr. Robinson has written for television, film and theater, and produced several musicals for the stage. Many of his classical works have been performed throughout the world, including "An American Requiem for Orchestra and Chorus". At Ragtime Festivals around the world, Mr. Robinson’s "New England Ragtime Suite" is performed with great acclaim. It recently was called one of the most “original works of ragtime written in its true form since the turn of the 20th Century”. Mr. Robinson created the musical tale “The Amazing Bone” with children author William Steig’s (creator of Shrek) book; the ballet fantasy "Peter and Wendy" from the play by J.M. Barrie, and the stage musical of Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

He has released several recordings including "They All Played Ragtime", along with the original cast recording of "Treemonisha - The Concert Version", Langston Hughes’ "Black Nativity", "Symphonic Dances  The Music of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein", "La Belle Epoque", and "Works for Harpsichord: Johann Sebastian Bach & George Frederick Handel". Returning to his native state of Maine in 2001, Mr. Robinson served as Director of Music for Music at Immanuel in Portland, Maine where he also resided as choirmaster and celebrated organist, vocal coach and staff/faculty accompanist for the University of Southern Maine, Celeste Player for the PSO, and lecturer for Merrill Auditorium’s Broadway Series. More recently, Mr. Robinson finished working on the film score for the upcoming documentary: “In the Shadows of Grey Gardens” His book “Does God Sing – a Musical Journey” was released worldwide in January 2013, and reached no. 5 on Barnes and Noble Bestsellers list. He also received an Emmy nomination for composing the Opening Theme to MPBN’s television series “Maine Arts!” Currently he is at work composing the score for the Musical-Opera "The Legend of Jim Cullen", which will have its premiere in July 2014 at Heartwood Theatre Company. Mr. Robinson lives in Mid-Coast Maine with his wife and son.  http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/AaronRobinson

Ragtime

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Susan Egan - Softly

Styles: Vocal, Musicals/Broadway
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:54
Size: 102,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Nocturnes
(3:53)  2. Think of Me
(4:03)  3. Embraceable You/'Til There Was You
(2:29)  4. Love to Me
(5:08)  5. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(3:09)  6. Anyone Can Whistle/Not While I'm Around
(3:17)  7. Make Believe
(2:37)  8. Lay Down Your Head
(4:01)  9. With You
(2:20) 10. A Quiet Thing
(5:21) 11. I Wish You Love

Susan Egan: Softly is the culmination of Egan’s more than twenty-five years as a celebrated vocalist in the entertainment industry. Teaming with classical pianist and composer, Stephen Cook, and acclaimed Cuban jazz flutist, Danilo Lozano (album producer), Susan brings the music of her beloved Broadway to a mainstream audience with an easy, elegant, acoustic sound. Variety has called Susan’s soprano “beguiling in the extreme” and the New York Post labels her “divine.” Now, in light delivery, accompanied by Los Angeles’ best musicians, you will hear why. Whether relaxing with a bottle of wine or lulling the baby to sleep, Softly sets the mood and delivers distinguished hits of the New York stage in a way you have never heard before. More...https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/susanegan1

Softly

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Bob Brookmeyer - Kansas City Sounds

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:16
Size: 179.2 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[ 7:59] 1. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[ 5:05] 2. A Blues (What's On Your Mind)
[ 6:51] 3. Blue And Sentimental
[ 8:39] 4. Doggin' Around
[ 3:32] 5. Trav'lin' Light
[10:10] 6. Moten Swing
[ 6:07] 7. Stretching Out
[ 5:26] 8. Now Will You Be Good
[ 6:14] 9. Pennies From Heaven
[ 4:37] 10. King Porter Stomp
[ 6:52] 11. Ain't Misbehavin'
[ 6:38] 12. Bee Kay

Bob Brookmeyer (vtb), Al Cohn (ts), Paul Quinichette (ts), Nat Pierce (p), Jim Hall (g), Addison Farmer (b), Osie Johnson (d), Clarence Big Miller (#2,5 vc), Zoot Sims (ts), Hank Jones (p), Freddie Green (g), Eddie Jones (b), Charlie Persip (d).

Bob Brookmeyer’s early environment was in the jazz bedrock of his native Kansas City. As a player, he has been one of the most expressive and emotional of all modern trombonists… His specialty being the one with valves rather than a slide. But despite his style not being limited to any school or attitude, he have always been very conscious of the foundations of jazz—with a heavy emphasis on the wonderful, rolling swing that was so much a part of the Basie organization.

His ideas evolved from his own experiences. “I’m not afraid of being called regressive,” he said. “Music can be like love and painting. Just because a song and spirit have been around for awhile doesn’t mean it’s diminished in value.” On these two great 1958 sessions, Brookmeyer and friends revisit some old, swinging Kansas City sounds along with pleasant new tunes. Over-all, there is a wonderful rhythm and feeling replete with good solos that make for very rewarding listening.

Kansas City Sounds

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Tinez Roots Club - Almost Nasty

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:17
Size: 96.8 MB
Styles: R&B, Soul, Jazz, Blues
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. Tinez Shuffle
[3:43] 2. She's So Fine
[3:07] 3. Frenzy
[4:00] 4. Walkin' And Talkin'
[4:20] 5. Weepin'
[4:19] 6. Slim Slam
[3:17] 7. High Five
[3:26] 8. Full Tilt Boogie
[3:40] 9. Sweet And 17
[4:16] 10. That's My Gal
[3:41] 11. Devil's Boogie

Imagine a feverish lounge with colorful interior and ditto clientele. Sticky dollar bills go from hand to hand. Strong-smelling liquor is served. In the cage in the corner lives a snake, but it hasn’t been seen for a couple of days. Nobody minds because time is absent and the mood is up. Welcome, you have made it to Tinez Roots Club.

For a couple of years now, Tinez Roots Club has been roaming the scene with their raw and high energy mix of greasy rhythm 'n blues, gravitatingly grooving soul, jazz licks and wild rock 'n roll. With two honking saxophones, a deliciously grooving Hammond organ and wild-beating drums, they make audiences shiver and rooms rumble.

Line-up: Martijn ‘Tinez’ van Toor – Tenorsax superhero with a razor sharp and heartwarming sound. Bandleader and composer of 100% of TRC’s repertoire. Also known for his work with a.o. 48 Special, CC Jerome, JW-Jones, Nick Curran, Ian Siegal. ‘Shouting’ Koen Schouten – Specialist of all that is low, deep and big. He and his baritonesax are known for their work with a.o. Caro Emerald, The Jig, Hans Dulfer and many rhythm ‘n blues bands. Wolfgang Roggenkamp – One of the few people in the world that tamed The Beast, i.e. the Hammond B3. Although it even lets him call it his baby, it still sounds wild under his hands. Also a great drummer. Worked with among many: Kai Strauss, Jimmy Glasmacher, Massada, Jan Akkerman. Henk Punter – One of the most intense and protrusive drummers in European rhythm ‘n blues. Makes the groove live like there’s no tomorrow. Known for his work with a.o. King Mo, Memo Gonzalez, T-99, Clemens van der Ven

Almost Nasty

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Diahann Carroll, The Andre Previn Trio - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:34
Size: 74.6 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, Soul-jazz
Year: 1960/2011
Art: Front

[3:09] 1. The Party's Over
[2:37] 2. Spring Is Here
[2:13] 3. But Not For Me
[3:24] 4. Glad To Be Unhappy
[2:32] 5. Change Of Heart
[2:15] 6. It's All Right With Me
[2:46] 7. I Should Care
[2:29] 8. Nobody's Heart
[2:42] 9. Why Can't You Behave
[3:33] 10. Where Are You
[2:48] 11. In Love In Vain
[2:00] 12. Gingerbread Joy

To few singers is given the great art of versatility. By far the majority can offer up only one style, one mood, one flavour. Diahann Carroll, as you'll see if you play any two songs in this album, is one of the chosen few. Her performances here could be likened to the life cycle of a rose - she is, at the time, as dewy and fresh as a bud; again she can be rich and hearty, like a rose at its moment of glory; and, finally, she is often blasé and world-weary, like a blossom which is over the hill. This range of talent is all the more amazing when you realize that Miss Carroll is still an extremely young woman. Perhaps it is because of this very youth that she can do so much with her voice; she hasn't yet had time for her musical approache to set into one inflexible mold. The difference, for example, between But Not For Me and Nobody's Heart is so great you might think two different girls were at the controls. Possibly, as the years go by, a definitive Diahann Carroll style will evolve. Let us hope not. It is refreshing to have a singer who alters her approach to suit the song, tailors her voice to the material. On this album you will find a gentle, innocent, childlike Diahann Carroll (as on Change Of Heart), who will make you think of a young girl in the first, awful throes of blighted puppy-love. And then there's a happy-go-lucky, steaming-with-life Diahann Carroll (as on But Not For Me), thoroughly enjoying herself and the lyrics she sings.

There's a sly, tongue-in-voice Diahann Carroll (as on I Should Care), doing vocal tricks consciously and revelling in their success. There's a ballad-singing Diahann Carroll (as on Nobody's Heart), showing her ability at phrasing and her fine voice quality and range. And ther are several degrees of blusey Diahann Carroll, from the tragic, pull-out-the-hanky flavour of In Love In Vain through the insinuating quality of Why Can't You Behave to the low-down, dirty blues touch she gives to The Party's Over. And there's a genuine torchy-style Diahann Carroll (as on Where Are You), which will conjure up visions of speakeasies and vamps. Andre Previn and his trio are in league with Miss Carroll in her plan to show her many sides on this album. Diahann says "I am trying my wings here, and would do it only with Previn at the piano." Previn can make a ballad sound even tenderer with his backgrounds; on two of them, he uses a celeste to good effect. He can make a blues seem bluer with his minor-key counterpoint. And his arrangements can make an up-tempo number, like It's All Right With Me, move with a driving rhythm; on this one there's a fine string bass introduction. But Previn, despite some piano choruses which will please his fans, sensibly keeps in the background here. This is really Diahann Carroll's album, and Previn merely does what a good accompanist should do - accompany. Of course, he accompanies as you'd expect a brilliant artist to accompany - there are flights of pianistic fancy here and there, brief samples of his inventive genius. But, basically, what we have here is Diahann Carroll, exploring many styles of singing. You'll hear voice quality ranging from smoky to sweet. You'll hear expressivness, ranging from sad catches in the throat to exuberant chortles.

Out of these varied songs, these many approaches, emerges one crystal-clear fact: Diahann Carroll has matured into one of todays more talented performers, and on this album she proves that she can turn a musical phrase and fashion a vocal interpretation with the best of them. ~Dick Kleiner

Diahann Carroll, The Andre Previn Trio

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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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