Clark Terry - One On One

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:05
Size: 151.3 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[5:08] 1. L-O-V-E (Love) (Feat. Monty Alexander)
[4:30] 2. Just For A Thrill (Feat. Geri Allen)
[3:40] 3. Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) (Feat. Eric Lewis)
[4:06] 4. The Intimacy Of The Blues (Feat. Kenny Barron)
[3:21] 5. You Can Depend On Me (Feat. John Lewis)
[4:52] 6. Memories Of You (Feat. Roland Hanna)
[8:09] 7. Honeysuckle Rose (Feat. Benny Green)
[3:58] 8. Willow Grove (Feat. Barry Harris)
[5:33] 9. Solitude (Feat. Tommy Flanagan)
[4:06] 10. Blue Monk (Feat. Don Friedman)
[6:54] 11. Misty (With Billy Taylor)
[3:48] 12. Swingin' The Blues (Feat. Junior Mance)
[3:36] 13. Jungle Blues (Feat. Eric Reed)
[4:22] 14. Skylark (Feat. Marian Mcpartland)

Right in the middle of celebrating his 79th birthday, Clark Terry went into the studio for several days to record 14 duets with a different pianist on each track, with many of them being veterans of many record dates and/or concerts with him. Terry remains one of the most easily identifiable trumpeters and flügelhorn players in jazz, so much so that more than one critic has claimed the ability to identify him after just one note. Each track is dedicated to a great performer of the past, though no attempt is made to copy famous recordings, of course. Terry's brilliant flügelhorn swings mightily along with Monty Alexander on the surprising dedication to Nat King Cole of "L.O.V.E.," which was a hit for him after Cole had all but quit playing piano and enjoyed even greater success as a popular singer. The choice of Lil Hardin Armstrong's "Just for a Thrill" is also an interesting one, versus her better known "Struttin' With Some Barbecue"; Terry's fat tone on his big horn is well complemented by Geri Allen. Terry scats an imitation of brushes on cymbals to introduce "Swingin' the Blues" with Junior Mance before switching to muted trumpet. Old friend Marian McPartland works with Terry to produce a mesmerizing rendition of "Skylark." Also present are Sir Roland Hanna, Kenny Barron, John Lewis, Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Don Friedman, Billy Taylor, Benny Green, Eric Reed, and Eric Lewis. There is not one performance that rates less than excellent within this very highly recommended CD. ~Ken Dryden

One On One

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George Shearing & Stephane Grappelli - The reunion

Styles: Piano And Violin Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:46
Size: 98,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. I'm Coming Virginia
(4:48)  2. Time After Time
(3:57)  3. La Chanson de Rue
(4:06)  4. Too Marvelous for Words
(4:10)  5. It Don't Mean a Thing
(5:06)  6. Makin Whoopee
(4:20)  7. After You've Gone
(4:25)  8. Flamingo
(3:12)  9. Star Eyes
(5:37) 10. Folks Who Lives On the Hill

A wonderful duo release from '76 with pianist George Shearing collaborating with violinist Stephane Grappelli. Shearing's sessions are usually more introspective and light than upbeat and hot, but Grappelli's soaring, exuberant violin solos seem to put a charge into Shearing, who responds with some of his hottest playing in many years. 

~ Ron Wynn  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-reunion-mw0000649727

Personnel:  George Shearing  (piano);  Stephane Grappelli (violin);  Andrew Simpkins (bass);  Rusty Jones (drums).

The reunion

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Denise King - Now Ain't That Love

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:27
Size: 148,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:13)  1. Body and Soul
(3:57)  2. Like Someone in Love
(6:52)  3. The Lamp is Low
(7:04)  4. Don't Explain
(6:06)  5. 'Round Midnight
(6:01)  6. I'll Remember April
(8:31)  7. Medley: You Send Me, Since I Fell For You, Let Me Love You Tonight
(6:15)  8. Stolen Moments
(5:45)  9. Embraceable You
(5:00) 10. Cherokee
(3:14) 11. Lover Man
(2:25) 12. Rhythm-A-Ning

Influenced by Nancy Wilson, Marlena Shaw and Sarah Vaughan, Denise King is an expressive, big-voiced singer who combines jazz with elements of R&B, blues and gospel. King was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she was exposed to R&B as a child and discovered jazz at 12 thanks to an uncle who was an avid record collector. After graduating from high school, the Philadelphian entered the medical field and earned her living as a technician and a family-planning counselor. King was in her early 30s when she started doing club gigs around Philly, and eventually, she became a full-time singer. Though she's no stranger to standards, one of King's strong points has been her ability to provide jazz interpretations of rock and soul hits -- in fact, she has turned everything from Santana's "Evil Ways" to Ruby & the Romantics' "Our Day Will Come" into swinging acoustic jazz. King started recording in the 1990s, offering Live In Japan: I Remember You in 1993, Now Ain't That Love in 1996 and Simply Mellow in 1997. ~ Alex Henderson  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/denise-king/id136807150#fullText

Personnel:  Denise King – Vocals;  Orrin Evans – Piano;  Matt Parrish - Bass (1, 7-10 & 12);  Lee Smith - Bass (2-6, 11 & 12);  Greg McDonald – Drums;  Sam Reed - Tenor Sax

Now Ain't That Love

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Kermit Ruffins - World On A String

Styles: Vocal And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:23
Size: 95,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Monday Night In New Orleans
(3:22)  2. Honey Chile
(2:44)  3. I've Got The Wold On A String
(3:11)  4. Kermit's Second Line
(5:12)  5. Georgia On My Mind
(5:59)  6. Girl Of My Dreams
(3:43)  7. Rosetta
(2:24)  8. Happy Birthday
(2:46)  9. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(4:44) 10. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
(3:42) 11. The Glory Of Love

The music on this first solo effort from trumpeter Kermit Ruffins is so good-natured and joyous that one can mostly overlook its derivative nature. Ruffins clearly had a good time playing trumpet (and occasionally singing) on such numbers as "Monday Night In New Orleans," "Girl of My Dreams" and "When My Dreamboat Comes Home." Not everything works on the date: "Rosetta" is taken much too fast for the musicians; there are a few too many average vocals; Ruffins did not have that original a sound yet; and some of the performances are quite predictable. So, although pianist Ellis Marsalis, bassist Walter Payton and banjoist Danny Barker are in the band (along with some younger lesser-known players), this is only a slightly above average set of New Orleans jazz. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/world-on-a-string-mw0000113730

Personnel: Kermit Ruffins (vocals, trumpet); Doreen Ketchens (clarinet); Lucien Barbarin (trombone); Anthony Lacen (tuba); Ellis Marsalis (piano); Danny Barker (banjo); Walter Payton (bass); Shannon Powell (drums); James Andrews (background vocals).

World On A String

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Steve Davis - Update

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 58:56
Size: 108,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:58)  1. Marie Antoinette
(6:51)  2. Fenja
(5:03)  3. Bird Lives
(6:25)  4. Grove's Groove
(8:57)  5. The Maze
(5:09)  6. Daydream
(5:04)  7. Wildflower
(7:46)  8. Moment To Moment
(5:39)  9. Leanin' & Preenin'

By necessity, jazz trombonists tend to be inspired by music of the early jazz and swing eras, because the instrument lost favor around the time bop became ascendant and all young jazz fans wanted to become either Charlie Parker or Miles Davis. Massachusetts-born, New York-based trombonist Steve Davis bucks that trend, however: he's a post-bop player all the way, down to covering Jackie McLean's Parker tribute, "Bird Lives." (Guest trumpeter Roy Hargrove contributes an outstanding, fluid solo on this track as well.) Update is a small-combo date featuring Davis and Hargrove in front of a four-piece rhythm section, with a song selection featuring two by Wayne Shorter, a lovely rendition of Billy Strayhorn's underappreciated gem "Daydream," and a cool, Miles-like take on Ray Drummond's little-known composition "Leanin' and Preenin'" that shows off a killer walking bassline by Nat Reeves. Unexpected song choices, smart arrangements, and Davis' excellent, understated playing make Update one of Davis' strongest albums as a leader. ~ Stewart Mason  http://www.allmusic.com/album/update-mw0000428293

Personnel: Steve Davis (trombone); Nat Reeves (bass instrument); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Roy Hargrove (trumpet, flugelhorn); Anthony Wonsey (piano); Joe Farnsworth (drums).

Update

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Hampton Hawes - Be Mine

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:14
Size: 179.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[3:54] 1. So In Love
[4:54] 2. Embraceable You
[5:25] 3. Back Home Blues
[4:38] 4. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[9:19] 5. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away)
[5:41] 6. Love Is Just Around The Corner
[5:19] 7. Autumn In New York
[4:36] 8. Summertime
[4:13] 9. Body And Soul
[3:28] 10. Five Spot
[5:34] 11. Sweet Sue
[4:50] 12. Stella By Starlight
[5:19] 13. 'round Midnight
[6:13] 14. Hip
[4:46] 15. Easy Living

Hampton Hawes was one of the finest jazz pianists of the 1950s, a fixture on the Los Angeles scene who brought his own interpretations to the dominant Bud Powell style. In the mid- to late '40s, he played with Sonny Criss, Dexter Gordon, and Wardell Gray, among others on Central Avenue. He was with Howard McGhee's band (1950-1951), played with Shorty Rogers and the Lighthouse All-Stars, served in the Army (1952-1954), and then led trios in the L.A. area, recording many albums for Contemporary. Arrested for heroin possession in 1958, Hawes spent five years in prison until he was pardoned by President Kennedy. He led trios for the remainder of his life, using electric piano (which disturbed his longtime fans) for a period in the early to mid-'70s, but returned to acoustic piano before dying from a stroke in 1977. Hampton Hawes' memoirs, Raise Up Off Me (1974), are both frank and memorable, and most of his records (for Xanadu, Prestige, Savoy, Contemporary, Black Lion, and Freedom) are currently available. ~Scott Yanow

Be Mine

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Anita Ellis - Out In Front

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:52

Size: 139.3 MB

Styles: Traditional pop

Year: 2004

Art: Front

[2:24] 1. They Can't Take That Away From Me

[2:08] 2. More Than You Know

[1:43] 3. Put The Blame On Mame

[3:10] 4. The Mony Song

[2:56] 5. My Darling, My Darling

[2:51] 6. Girls Were Made To Take Care Of Boys

[2:16] 7. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons

[2:12] 8. Oh, But I Do!

[2:12] 9. I Don't Know Why

[2:34] 10. For You, For Me, For Evermore

[2:18] 11. The Whole World Is Singing My Song

[2:20] 12. A Sunday Kind Of Love

[2:29] 13. In Love In Vain

[2:11] 14. Atlanta, Ga

[2:39] 15. I'll Close My Eyes

[2:11] 16. Amado Mio

[2:31] 17. Come Rain Or Come Shine

[2:53] 18. I Can't Begin To Tell You

[2:42] 19. A Garden In The Rain

[2:59] 20. Someone To Watch Over Me

[2:36] 21. If I Were The Only Girl

[3:14] 22. Stardust

[2:48] 23. Somewhere In The Night

[2:22] 24. You Can't See The Sun When You're Cryin'

Anita Ellis achieved fame "ghost singing" for Rita Hayworth on the silver screen, but severe stage fright prevented her from becoming better known than she is. In the early '50s, years before her Epic and Elektra albums, she recorded transcriptions for the Standard Transcription service, two dozen of which are resurrected on Out in Front. The material consists mostly of standards and show tunes, along with remakes of the songs Ellis dubbed for Hayworth in the film Gilda. No information exists pertaining to the musicians and arrangers on these recordings, but the performances are exemplary of the near-perfection of Ellis' vocal technique, which garnered ecstatic critical accolades but produced no hit records. Ellis was a classic pop vocalist who came of age in the decade of rock & roll, and that, coupled with her discomfort as a stage performer, has made her more of a cult legend than a top-rank artist in the eyes of history, despite her prodigious talent. ~Greg Adams

Out In Front

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Lenny Lawrence - Strung Out

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 22:19
Size: 51.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[3:54] 1. Dance Of The City Tribe
[4:07] 2. Life
[4:00] 3. Voodoo De-Doo
[3:36] 4. Shasti
[2:53] 5. Carlos In Manhattan
[3:46] 6. Floating Around The Sun

Lenny Lawrence (Born Leonardo Di Lorenzo, Rome, Italy) is a composer, performer and producer. He graduated in guitar from the National Music Conservatory "Luca Marenzio" of Brescia (Northern Italy) under the guidance of Maestro Gianluigi Fia (a former pupil of Andres Segovia) and studied composition with Maestro Giancarlo Facchinetti, while at the same time attending Renaissance Music classes with lutist Massimo Lonardi.

Strung Out

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The New York Allstars - Stompin' At The Savoy: The New York Allstars Play Lionel Hampton Vol 2

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:11
Size: 130.9 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[9:04] 1. Seven Come Eleven
[5:48] 2. Stompin' At The Savoy
[5:48] 3. Hamp's Boogie Woogie
[5:28] 4. Stardust
[7:42] 5. How High The Moon
[6:47] 6. Pennies From Heaven
[9:48] 7. Air Mail Special
[6:43] 8. Avalon

The New York Allstars, under the leadership of trumpeter Randy Sandke, follow up an earlier tribute to Lionel Hampton with a second volume recorded during the same 1998 concert. Half of this swinging octet is made of Americans (guitarist James Chirillo, trombonist Roy Williams, and drummer Eddie Metz) while the rest are from Europe. No attempt is made to copy Hampton's famous recordings or drastically rearrange them -- it is simply good, loose, and inspired playing throughout, with no one musician hogging the spotlight. Sandke has long since earned his stripes as a soloist and bandleader, though he seems appreciated more in Europe. Clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Antti Sarpila and vibraphonist Lars Erstrand, on the other hand, deserve to be better known in the U.S., though their opportunities to perform in the land that gave birth to jazz are few. Pianist Thilo Wagner and bassist Dave Green help anchor the rhythm section. In addition to an easygoing "Stompin' at the Savoy" and a brisk "How High the Moon," alternate versions of "Air Mail Special" and "Avalon" (both of which are present on the first volume) are added, indicating that the two CDs are likely composites of two separate concerts from the same evening. This is another example of Nagel Heyer's efforts to keep swing alive without turning the music into a series of stuffy museum exhibits. ~Ken Dryden

Stompin' At The Savoy: The New York Allstars Play Lionel Hampton Vol 2

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Pier Angeli - Italia

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:21
Size: 78.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 1961/2010
Art: Front

[3:35] 1. Volare
[3:16] 2. Luna Rossa
[2:54] 3. Amore Baciami
[2:37] 4. Na Voce, Na Chitarra, E 'o Poco 'e Luna
[2:17] 5. Nu Quarto Ae Luna
[2:52] 6. Aenma E Core
[2:38] 7. Torero
[2:28] 8. Say You Will Not Forget Me
[3:29] 9. Souvenir D'italie
[2:54] 10. Return To Me
[2:38] 11. Aggio Perduto O Suonno
[2:38] 12. Arrivederci Rome

Pier Angeli (19 June 1932 – 10 September 1971) was an Italian-born television and film actress. Her American cinematographic debut was in the starring role of the 1951 film Teresa, for which she won a Golden Globe Award for Young Star of the Year - Actress. Twenty years later it was rumored she was chosen to play a part in The Godfather. Filming for The Godfather began on 24 March 1971, six months before her death. When she didn't get the part, she began working on the low-budget film Octaman. She had romantic relationships with actors Kirk Douglas and James Dean before going on to marry Vic Damone.

Italia

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Nat Adderley - Don't Look Back

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:34
Size: 111,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. Funny Funny
(9:32)  2. K. High
(4:54)  3. Just a Quickie
(7:00)  4. I Think I Got It
(6:30)  5. Home
(7:33)  6. Don't Look Back
(6:53)  7. Home [Take 1]

Nat Adderley's cornet (which in its early days was strongly influenced by Miles Davis) was always a complementary voice to his brother Cannonball in their popular quintet. His career ran parallel to his older brother for quite some time. Nat took up trumpet in 1946, switched to cornet in 1950, and spent time in the military, playing in an Army band during 1951-1953. After a period with Lionel Hampton (1954-1955), Nat made his recording debut in 1955, joined Cannonball's unsuccessful quintet of 1956-1957, and then spent periods with the groups of J.J. Johnson and Woody Herman before hooking up with Cannonball again in October 1959. This time the group became a major success and Nat remained in the quintet until Cannonball's death in 1975, contributing such originals as "Work Song," "Jive Samba," and "The Old Country" along with many exciting hard bop solos. 

Nat Adderley, who was at the peak of his powers in the early to mid-'60s and became adept at playing solos that dipped into the subtone register of his horn, led his own quintets after Cannonball's death; his most notable sidemen were altoists Sonny Fortune (in the early '80s) and Vincent Herring. Although his own playing declined somewhat Adderley's chops no longer had the endurance of his earlier days Nat continued recording worthwhile sessions in the years prior to his death on January 2, 2000. Many but not all of his recordings through the years are currently available (for such labels as Savoy, EmArcy, Riverside, Jazzland, Atlantic, Milestone, A&M, Capitol, Prestige, SteepleChase, Galaxy, Theresa, In & Out, Landmark, Evidence, Enja, Timeless, Jazz Challenge, and Chiaroscuro). ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nat-adderley-mn0000377060/biography

Personnel: Nat Adderley (trumpet, cornet); Ken McIntyre (flute, bass clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone); John Stubblefield (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Onaje Allan Gumbs (piano, electric piano, Clavinet); Ira Buddy Williams (drums); Victor See-Yuen (congas, percussion).

Don't Look Back

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Eydie Gorme & Trio Los Panchos - Amor

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:32
Size: 79,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:22)  1. Piel Canela
(2:50)  2. Y...
(2:48)  3. Nosotros
(2:42)  4. Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado
(2:56)  5. Di Que No Es Verdad
(2:30)  6. Historia De Un Amor
(2:52)  7. Sabor A Mi
(2:57)  8. Amor
(3:22)  9. Noche De Ronda
(2:42) 10. Caminito
(2:33) 11. Media Vuelta
(2:53) 12. La Ultima Noche

Although most of her career was conducted during the rock era, traditional pop singer Eydie Gorme carved out a place for herself in several areas of entertainment. For 20 years, from the mid-'50s to the mid-'70s, she consistently scored in the pop charts, with a parallel place in the Latin pop field from the 1960s on. She appeared on television and on the Broadway stage. And she was a major nightclub entertainer, headlining in Las Vegas showrooms and around the U.S. For most of her career, she worked both solo and in a duo with her husband, Steve Lawrence.

Gorme was born Edith Gormezano, the youngest of three children of Sephardic Jewish immigrant parents (her father was a tailor from Sicily, her mother was from Turkey), in the New York City borough of the Bronx on August 16, 1931. Spanish and English were spoken in her home, and she grew up fluent in both languages. She showed an interest in singing early and made her radio debut at the age of three. By the time she was in high school, she was singing with a band led by a friend named Ken Greengrass. After graduating from high school, she got a job as a Spanish interpreter with the Theatrical Supply Export Company and attended the City College of New York at night. Soon, however, she determined to try to become a professional singer, and Greengrass became her manager. In 1950, she was hired by bandleader Tommy Tucker and toured with his group for two months. 

She then spent a year with Tex Beneke's band before going solo. In 1952, she was signed to Coral Records, which released a series of singles, beginning with "That Night of Heaven." In September 1953, she became a regular on the late-night talk show Tonight!, hosted by Steve Allen, which at that time was only broadcast in New York. Already on the show was singer Steve Lawrence. On September 27, 1954, the program began broadcasting nationally on NBC. Around the same time, Lawrence and Gorme released their first single as a duo, "Make Yourself Comfortable"/"I've Gotta Crow," the latter from the Broadway musical Peter Pan. More.. William Ruhlmann  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eydie-gorme-mn0000128249/biography

Amor

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Slim Gaillard - Slim Gaillard Rides Again!

Styles: Vocal, Swing
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:37
Size: 93,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:25)  1. Oh, Lady Be Good
(2:24)  2. I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Cha
(4:36)  3. How High the Moon
(2:38)  4. Slim's Cee
(3:43)  5. One Minute of Flamenco for Thr
(2:16)  6. Chicken Rhythm
(2:52)  7. I Love You
(4:00)  8. Tall and Slim
(2:27)  9. My Blue Heaven
(2:11) 10. Thunderbird
(4:35) 11. Walking and Cooking Blues
(2:14) 12. Sukiyaki Cha Cha
(4:10) 13. Don't Blame Me

Slim Gaillard's career had stalled a bit by the time of this 1958 studio session for Dot, as his blend of comic jive vocals and jazz had likely worn a little thin. Unlike his earlier recording with bassist Slam Stewart (and later Bam Brown), Gaillard seems to pretty much abandon the mysterious hip language he referred to as "McVouty," though the emphasis is on his humorous vocals in most of the tracks with an unidentified bassist and drummer. One of the best songs is an instrumental, a blues called "Slim's Cee" featuring the leader on piano. 

Unfortunately, his routines aren't particularly amusing and haven't survived the test of time very well on either the several standards (including "Oh, Lady Be Good!" and "How High the Moon") or originals, which make up the rest of the disc; while he is adequate on piano and guitar, there's nothing included on this CD that would make this an essential purchase for anyone except the most ardent Slim Gaillard fan. It's not surprising to learn that Gaillard's opportunities to record were almost nonexistent for over a dozen years after this record was released. Like other titles in Verve's limited-edition reissue series, this title will be available only until September 2005. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/slim-gaillard-rides-again-mw0000226214

Personnel: Slim Gaillard (vocals, guitar, piano).

Slim Gaillard Rides Again!

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Eric Alexander - The Real Thing

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:58
Size: 123,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:24)  1. The Real Thing
(6:43)  2. Pure Pat
(6:44)  3. Summertime
(9:58)  4. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
(5:57)  5. Little Boat
(5:52)  6. For George and Trane
(6:17)  7. Sleep Warm
(6:00)  8. The Chief

More than one jazz critic has claimed that listening to tenor saxman Eric Alexander unfettered and at length, is one of the greatest treats in jazz. This imposing improviser is reunited here with his mentor, the veteran pianist Harold Mabern and joined by another hot favorite, the legendary and amazing guitarist Pat Martino on three of the eight tracks. Add in the still stunning engineering of Rudy Van Gelder and the swing engendered by bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth and you have a formula for excellence, if ever there was one. Martino and Alexander perform together often in a variety of venues and their collaborations have produced some of the most inspired playing on disc. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/The-Real-Thing-Eric-Alexander/dp/B010B796E2

Personnel: Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Harold Mabern (piano); Joe Farnsworth (drums);  Pat Martino (guitar); John Webber (bass).

The Real Thing

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Yvonne Walter - Close Enough

Size: 135,4 MB
Time: 58:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. North Sea Night (4:11)
02. You Can Let Me Go (3:39)
03. Quiet Now (4:05)
04. The Day You Left (2:49)
05. The Island (4:29)
06. Born To Be Blue (4:54)
07. Being Green (1:56)
08. Winchester In Appleblossom Time (4:48)
09. Sails (4:46)
10. People Will Try Again (3:51)
11. You Turned The Tables On Me (3:27)
12. Spring In Manhattan (3:48)
13. Inside A Silent Tear (3:41)
14. Close Enough For Love (7:38)

After singing jazz standards for more than two decades as Yvonne de Kok, she changed her artist name into Yvonne Walter (her mother’s name) and started to record her own compositions. On stage she merges jazz standards with her own songs and with today’s composers like Ivan Lins, Johnny Mandel and works of the hands of talented friends.
Yvonne Walter was born in Eindhoven, a town in the southern part of the Netherlands. She started studying piano at the age of seven and in her teens, she performed as a singer in high school bands. At that time she started to compose songs. Yvonne lives in Antwerp, Belgium.
Yvonne likes to work with different accompanists to keep the real jazz spirit high. Although she will not avoid arrangements, which are necessary for a larger band, she prefers the challenge of a fresh rendition in duo, trio or quartet in which her only demands are tempo, rhythm and key.

Close Enough

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Matt Hopper - First Love

Size: 111,6 MB
Time: 48:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Guitar Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Green Lady Low Down (3:15)
02. Song For Wes (4:53)
03. Heartbreak Hurts (4:07)
04. Set Your Fears Aside (7:08)
05. First Love (9:51)
06. Straight Chill'n' (4:57)
07. Darn That Dream (8:23)
08. My Ideal (5:34)

First Love is the debut release by Kansas City jazz guitarist and composer Matt Hopper.

Matt has studied and absorbed the rich history of jazz guitar and the blues drenched tradition of Kansas City jazz. Matt's playing and approach to composing, however, is original rather than derivative. His unique playing reflects the romantic, Spanish roots of the guitar. Matt has also explored the rich musical culture of Brazil with frequent trips playing and listening to music and just hanging out with new friends.

On First Love, Matt brings all of these influences to bear as he creates something new. The instrumentation is the traditional organ jazz trio format: guitar, hammond organ, and drums.

Drummer Kevin Frazee has worked with Matt for many years. Initially, they played music together with jazz organ master and musical mentor to many, Everette DeVan. Organist Ken Lovern has worked with both Kevin and Matt often, and their musical empathy and telepathy are present in both the arrangements and the numerous extended solos.

The material for this release developed over several years during weekly gigs at Kansas City's Green Lady Lounge. The release includes 6 original compositions and 2 new arrangements of jazz standards.

First Love

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Miriam Aida - Quatro Janelas

Size: 103,7 MB
Time: 44:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Samba, Brazilian Rhythms
Art: Front

01. Poeira De Estrelas (3:44)
02. Agbara (3:49)
03. Agora Sou Eu (3:53)
04. O Melro (4:15)
05. Starman (O Astronauta De Marmore) (3:47)
06. Semente (4:38)
07. Stiff Necked Fools (Pessoas Normais) (3:44)
08. No Ritmo Do Tambor (3:36)
09. Depois Do Fim (5:02)
10. Consolaçao (3:22)
11. Estampas De Solidao (4:43)

Miriam Aïda is releasing her new album ”Quatro Janelas” (Connective Records) in December and the album contains mostly original music, with lyrics by 4 brazilian lyricists: Etel Frota, Adriana Sydor, Alexandre Lemos and Thiagu Gentil.

The music of Miriam Aïda and her band, Mats Andersson on 7 string acoustic guitar, Ola Bothzén and Finn Björnulfson on percussion, is a lovely mix of samba from Rio, afro-Brazilian rhythms from candomblé and capoeira with influences of reggae, jazz and soul, and along with their own Swedish musical background, they create a unique vibe with a strong identity and sound.

Except the original songs, the album also includes versions of Bob Marley’s Stiff Necked Fools, David Bowie’s Starman and Baden Powell’s Consolacão – all with portuguese lyrics.

Quatro Janelas

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Jazz House Blues Band - Fusion: To The Core

Size: 100,9 MB
Time: 39:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Blues. Fusion
Art: Front

01. Bytown Be Bop (2:22)
02. Love That Thing (2:52)
03. Feed My Cat (2:58)
04. Dry Your Eyes (3:03)
05. Uptown Jungle Jive (2:54)
06. Love That Smile (2:28)
07. Gonna Get You (2:48)
08. Tight Squeeze (2:34)
09. Rocking With Roley (3:00)
10. Shoeless Monday (2:50)
11. Three Thirty Blues (2:44)
12. She Said Goodbye (2:40)
13. Blue City Nocturne (2:56)
14. Blues In The Night (2:46)

With all the advances in audio technology over the years, they still can't synthesize the sound of a wailing saxophone played by someone who has been around the block a few times. Live musicians playing traditional instruments bring an unparalleled and unique character to the music. On bass and keyboards is the amazing Jim Owens. On lead guitar is the fabulous Scott Hatton . Blowing hot tenor sax is Brian Asselin and Sam Cousineau. Vocals are done by Fiona Hammond and the Jazz house Blues Band singers. We know you'll enjoy the music.

Fusion: To The Core

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Ritsuko Iwayama - Dramatic Moments

Size: 129,2 MB
Time: 55:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square (5:50)
02. Puttin' On The Ritz (3:21)
03. Emmanuelle Song (6:09)
04. Fever (4:21)
05. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (4:26)
06. The April Fools (4:14)
07. But Not For Me (5:15)
08. Moon River (4:13)
09. The Long And Winding Road (3:45)
10. Love Is A Necessary Evil (3:32)
11. The Shadow Of Your Smile (4:37)
12. The Windmills Of Your Mind (5:41)

Born in Tokyo, Japan.
Ritsuko has grown up with classical music in childhood with her father who was an enthusiast of the music, especially Bach, and he occasionally listened to the Jazz band, Jacques Loussier Trio, playing Bach. That was her first experience of Jazz, although it had been a long time to get close into Jazz in the next place.

Ritsuko passed an audition of Toho movie company in her high school age and became an actress and the screen name was Mai Tachihara. While she performed a professional actress, she went on to a college and her major was acting. In the college, she learned Japanese new/old stage acting, Classical Japanese dance, shamisen, Japanese classical strings, and Japanese drum. After graduation, Ritsuko, Mai Tachihara, has been performing an actress on TV drama, movie, theater and commercial film up to the present date.

Ritsuko happened to visit the Jazz Club Daphne in Kamakura for the first time immediate before her 40th birthday with her mother who was a regular customer of the club. That was her second and big encounter with Jazz. After that she has been participating regularly in the sessions of Jazz vocalists of Daphne, which was held at the club monthly. She had learned how to sing Jazz songs and some of the people she met there gave her chances to sing on live stage at Jazz club. At first she enjoyed singing Jazz as a hobby, however, Ritsuko had been increasingly fascinated with Jazz and started to perform singing professionally while she was working as an actress.

In 2014, Ritsuko stayed in New York City to learn more about Jazz. She studied with Carol Fredette and Marianne Solivan about vocal training. And she attended workshops of Barry Harris, Marion Cowings and Bob Stroof and some jam sessions and she began to build a friendship with many Jazz musicians in NYC.

Ritsuko’s life has changed with Jazz. She started the career as a professional Jazz vocalist which even herself had not expected. Jazz makes her believe all the experiences in her life, whether good or not, are wonderful. Ritsuko has her mind on singing and acting wholeheartedly with her own experiences.

Currently, Ritsuko is performing regularly at the Jazz clubs in Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura.

Dramatic Moments

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Al Strong - Love Strong Vol. 1

Size: 139,3 MB
Time: 60:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz, Funky Blues
Art: Front

01. Getaway 9 (Feat. Jeremy Bean Clemons) (5:04)
02. The Itsy Bitsy Spider (Feat. Ira Wiggins & The Kidznotes Mozart Chorus) (5:28)
03. Lilly's Lullaby (Feat. Joey Calderazzo) (4:57)
04. Ci's Blues (7:01)
05. My Favorite Things (4:47)
06. Fond Of You (6:15)
07. Liquid (7:17)
08. Voyage (8:57)
09. Was (Feat. Devonne Harris) (5:02)
10. Blue Monk (Feat. James Saxmo Gates & Brian Miller) (5:22)

Raised in the city that created Go-Go music, Washington, DC, Strong undoubtedly carries an affinity for dance music of all disciplines. Many of his influences can be heard on his debut album Love-Strong, set to be released at the top of the year. Love-Strong is a "feel good" record for people who just like to feel good. This album traverses through various moods and colors of Strong's life experiences and is sure to capture the ear of unassuming listeners who may not usually listen to what is commonly called, jazz music. The listener who is well adept to improvisation and the blues will certainly be in for a treat as well, as they will find quite a few moments when the musicians on this album tell stories of struggle, triumph, mystery, and LOVE. This body of work has been several years in the making, as Strong balances his adjunct teaching responsibilities at North Carolina Central University, as well as festivals, shows, and summer jazz camps with his non-profit organization, The Art of Cool Project.
The goal for creating an album such as Love-Strong is to positively contribute to the body of work that already exist in the realm of music by so many other well-versed and well-traveled artists. These artists have paved the way for him and many others, believing in their musical connection with the creator and mankind. In addition to having the pleasure of performing for artists such as Branford Marsalis and Aretha Franklin, you can hear Al Strong's sound on a number of other projects available for distribution. These artists include Yazarah, Soul Understated featuring Mavis "Swan" Poole, and The Foreign Exchange.

Love Strong Vol. 1

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