Johnny O'Neal - On The Montreal Scene

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:22

Size: 138.2 MB

Styles: Piano jazz

Year: 1996

Art: Front

[9:49] 1. Let Me Off Uptown

[9:29] 2. Easy Walker

[6:16] 3. Why Try To Change Me Now

[5:31] 4. Happy Days Are Here Again

[5:19] 5. Just Loving You

[7:40] 6. Overjoyed

[6:12] 7. Come Sunday

[3:56] 8. While The Blood Is Running Warm

[6:07] 9. Homeboy Blues

Pianist Johnny O'Neal displays several sides to his musical personality on this CD. On some tunes, particularly the uptempo romps, he sounds very influenced by Oscar Peterson, yet he also has his own brand of soul, which comes to the forefront on the ballads. During two numbers ("While the Blood Is Running Warm" and, most logically, "Come Sunday"), O'Neal comes across as a top-notch gospel pianist. His forceful and sincere vocalizing on three songs is an acquired taste, but O'Neal is effective on the closing blues. The straight-ahead music, which sometimes co-stars guitarist Russell Malone, has several surprises, including what may be the only instrumental version ever of the Gene Krupa-Anita O'Day hit "Let Me Off Uptown," a somber "Happy Days Are Here Again," and a colorful interpretation of "Come Sunday." Well worth checking out. ~Scott Yanow

On The Montreal Scene

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Alyson Cambridge - Until Now

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 41:30

Size: 95.0 MB

Styles: Crossover jazz vocals

Year: 2016

Art: Front

[3:14] 1. Fever

[2:45] 2. Black Coffee

[3:37] 3. Night And Day

[2:15] 4. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

[3:08] 5. Bill

[2:10] 6. Just Another Rhumba

[4:47] 7. The Man I Love

[2:55] 8. Every Breath You Take

[2:03] 9. Too Darn Hot

[4:01] 10. I Had Myself A True Love

[3:56] 11. It Ain't Necessarily So

[2:52] 12. Can't Help Falling In Love

[3:40] 13. Save The Best For Last

American soprano Alyson Cambridge, hailed by critics as “radiant, vocally assured, dramatically subtle and compelling, and artistically imaginative” (Washington Post), noted for her “powerful, clear voice” (New York Times) and “revelatory, sensual, smoky readings” (Opera News) is one of the most diverse and compelling vocal artists on the scene today. Her rich, warm soprano, combined with her strikingly beautiful stage presence and affecting musical and dramatic interpretation, have brought her over a decade of successes on the world’s leading opera and concert stages, including The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna Konzerthaus, among others, as well as recent debuts in Paris, Warsaw, Beijing, and other musical capitals throughout Europe and Asia.

As part of Ms. Cambridge’s personal mission, and with a strong desire to give back and make an impact beyond the traditional confines of the theater, she lends her time and talent to charities and causes close to her heart, including Sing for Hope, The Humane Society, K9s for Warriors, Hope For Hearts Foundation and American Red Cross. And, as a former athlete and fitness enthusiast, with a penchant for fashion, Ms. Cambridge’s exotic looks (her father is Caribbean/African, her mother American/Scandinavian) have enabled her to enjoy collaborations with designers for her concert performances and off-stage appearances.

Until Now  

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Ray Gelato - Salutes The Great Entertainers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:50
Size: 111.8 MB
Styles: Swing, Easy Listening
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[2:42] 1. The Joint Is Jumping
[3:02] 2. A Little More To Love
[2:53] 3. I'm In The Mood For Love
[2:43] 4. The Jumpin' Jive
[4:12] 5. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[4:10] 6. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
[3:11] 7. Rags To Riches
[7:30] 8. Flyin' Home
[2:52] 9. Your Feet's Too Big
[3:44] 10. Is That Train Ever Comin'
[4:57] 11. Stardust
[1:57] 12. Night And Day
[2:58] 13. Don't You Go Away Mad
[1:52] 14. That's All

Ray Gelato was absorbing the influence of jazz giants long before he first picked up a tenor sax 30 years ago. In this foot-stamping, curtain-shaking, door-rattling tribute to them, the London-born son of a music-loving American airman storms out of the speakers with a predictably winning swagger.

Backed by longtime cohorts, The Giants, Gelato offers homage to a host of greats – Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and Louis Prima among them – to deliver a dozen standards with all the conviction of diehard fan and the delight of an assured musician whose default is to err on the side of showmanship. ~Michael Quinn

Salutes The Great Entertainers

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John Allred - In The Beginning

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:17
Size: 163.2 MB
Styles: Trombone jazz
Year: 1993/2006
Art: Front

[ 7:29] 1. I Got Your Letter
[ 7:09] 2. Autumn Leaves
[ 5:52] 3. Eveline
[ 5:27] 4. Stompin' At The Savoy
[ 5:14] 5. Koenig's Gig
[ 4:16] 6. Sweet Clifford
[ 9:31] 7. Jitterbug Waltz
[13:08] 8. Blues For The Rich
[ 6:41] 9. A Child Is Born
[ 6:26] 10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

This is an impressive first step in the career of trombonist John Allred. The son of trombonist Bill Allred, John has a similar style, based in traditional jazz and swing and sometimes hinting at more modern styles. Accompanied by pianist Johnny Varro, bassist David Stone, and drummer Ed Metz Jr., Allred stretches out on three originals (the blues-with-a-bridge "Blues for Rich" is most memorable) and such standards as "Autumn Leaves," Clifford Brown's "Sweet Clifford," and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." Betty O'Hara sits in on double-bell euphonium for "Stompin' at the Savoy." Fun and swinging music. ~Scott Yanow

In The Beginning

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Mel Tormé, The Marty Paich Orchestra - Mel Tormé Swings Shubert Alley

Styles: Vocal and Piano Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:15
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:04)  1. Too Close For Comfort
(3:13)  2. Once In Love With Amy
(3:35)  3. A Sleepin Bee
(2:55)  4. On The Street Where You Live
(3:06)  5. All I Need Is A Girl
(3:29)  6. Just In Time
(3:09)  7. Hello Young Lovers
(3:01)  8. Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(2:47)  9. Old Devil Moon
(3:22) 10. Whatever Lola Wants
(2:47) 11. Too Darn Hot
(3:42) 12. Lonely Town

Though the nominal concept for Mel Tormé's Swings Shubert Alley is Broadway standards, this last moment of pure Tormé brilliance moves much too fast and hard for the concept to be anything but pure swing. Of course it starts out with a bang with the punchy "Too Close for Comfort." Tormé sounds like he's racing the band to the finish of the song on this one (and a few others, like "Too Darn Hot" and "Surrey with the Fringe on Top"), on the latter he repeats the title over and over again with that exuberant voice. As with his other classic swing albums, Tormé does insert a few slower songs; here, "Once in Love with Amy," "A Sleepin' Bee" and "Old Devil Moon" are downtempo, with a smile. The overall mood, however, is unrestrained enthusiasm, and it makes for an excellent record. ~ John Bush  http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/swings-shubert-alley-mr0003746515

The Marty Paich Orchestra includes: Marty Paich (arranger, piano); Art Pepper (alto saxophone) Bill Perkins (tenor saxophone); Bill Hood (baritone saxophone); Al Porcino, Stu Williamson (trumpet); Vince DeRosa (French horn); Frank Rosolino (trombone); Ray Callender (tuba); Joe Mondragon (bass); Mel Lewis (drums).

Mel Tormé Swings Shubert Alley

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Anandi - Anandi

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:23
Size: 133,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:00)  1. Unchained Melody
(5:46)  2. Night & Day
(5:30)  3. Perennial
(3:20)  4. Old Devil Moon
(4:25)  5. Quiet Nights (Corcovado)
(3:56)  6. Til There Was You
(5:00)  7. All Because of You
(3:21)  8. Lover, Where Can You Be/ I Cried for You
(4:30)  9. My Funny Valentine
(4:22) 10. Tristeza
(4:49) 11. Wild Is the Wind
(3:50) 12. You're Blase
(3:28) 13. You're Everything

Singer/songwriter Anandi carved out a scene for herself in Portland, OR, after moving there from Boston, where she'd spent some time developing her sound. She recorded her songs with producer Brad Craig and released the albums independently. Drawing from such influences as Chrissie Hynde and Rickie Lee Jones, Anandi writes songs that have led to such comparisons as Aimee Mann and Joni Mitchell. Born in Los Angeles to a family of musicians, Anandi began writing songs at a young age and later went to study at a Tibetan Buddist retreat center in Northern Vermont at age 20. Eventually she moved to Boston, where her musical ambitions began to take center stage with the release of her debut album, Melody of Question. Anandi found Boston quite hospitable to singer/songwriters such as herself, particularly the media, who praised her work in particular. With the release of her second album, The Mirror, she found herself in Portland, where she continued to develop her career with many area performances. 

~ Jason Birchmeier  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/anandi-mn0000393720

Anandi

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Fred Hersch - Sarabande

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:32
Size: 118,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:36)  1. I Have Dreamed
(6:37)  2. Enfant
(7:20)  3. The Peacocks
(5:57)  4. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(5:45)  5. Sarabande
(5:33)  6. This Heart of Mine
(4:37)  7. Child's Song
(4:55)  8. Blue in Green
(5:07)  9. Cadences

Teamed up in a trio with bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Joey Baron, pianist Fred Hersch is heard on this date exploring the modern mainstream of jazz. His thoughtful and exploratory solos on such numbers as Ornette Coleman's "Enfant," Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks," "What Is This Thing Called Love," "Blue In Green" and three of his own originals (including the title cut) are full of subtle and generally swinging surprises. This CD is a fine example of Fred Hersch's playing. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/sarabande-mw0000199971

Personnel: Fred Hersch (piano); Charlie Haden (bass); Joey Baron (drums).

Sarabande

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Archie Shepp, Just In Time Quartet - Chooldy Chooldy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:30
Size: 136.2 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Progressive jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[9:05] 1. The Stars In Your Eyes
[6:33] 2. Deli Blues For Blakey
[5:33] 3. The Gypsy
[5:46] 4. Chooldy Chooldy
[4:16] 5. This Is Always
[9:39] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[5:03] 7. Tomorrow Will Be Another Day
[8:22] 8. Une Petite Surprise Pour Mam'selle
[5:10] 9. Tomorrow Will Be Another Day [live]

Archie Shepp will always be known as a fiery, stentorian saxophonist who helped starch the linen in John Coltrane's sheets of sound on Ascension, as well as for his unapologetically radical social politics via such classic albums as Fire Music and Attica Blues and plays like The Communist. But Chooldy Chooldy is a fine example of the less notorious, mellower Shepp (musically, at least) of the past quarter-century.

Shepp sings on more than half of these nine songs, including a florid rendition of “The Gypsy” — a favorite of Louis Armstrong's and a hit for Dinah Shore — that risks mockery for its glissando swoops and hyper-romantic fervor, yet unfolds like a bouquet of hothouse flowers. “This Is Always” (recorded by the Harry James Orchestra) and Shepp's own “Tomorrow Will Be Another Day” (reprised as a live instrumental at the end of the disc) are two other cocktail ballads from this erstwhile fire-breather. And the Shepp-penned title track is a funky blues-jazz shuffle in the vein of early Ray Charles. Those who pine for the skronk, shriek and moan of Sheep's tenor, check out his “The Stars in Your Eyes,” and a wonderfully woolly yet still faithful version of the classic “Stompin'at the Savoy.”

With the possible exception of pianist Massimo Farao, the other members of the Just In Time Quartet are merely adequate. But no matter. Rumors of Shepp's diminishment of saxophone tone and prowess are neatly rebutted, replaced by a clear picture of a 68-year old titan (Shepp's age when Chooldy Chooldy was originally released in 2005) doing exactly as he pleases. ~Britt Robson

Chooldy Chooldy

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Otmar Stüber - Guitar In My Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:45
Size: 93.3 MB
Styles: Pop/Jazz guitar
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. Echo From My Heart
[4:55] 2. Rainmaker
[4:04] 3. Strings Of Spain
[3:03] 4. Romantica
[3:15] 5. Walking Strings
[4:02] 6. Silverland
[2:33] 7. My Guitar Never Walked Alone
[3:18] 8. Christina
[3:16] 9. Sweet And Heavy
[8:12] 10. Fukushima

Als Otmar mit 12 Jahren seine erste Gitarre bekam, ahnte er noch nicht, dass SIE sein ganzes Leben beeinflussen wird. Schon mit 14 zupft er bei seiner ersten Band - den legendären JET STRINGS - die Sologitarre. Damals waren Stücke von den Shadows, Spotnicks und natürlich der Beat in all seinen Facetten angesagt. Mit 17 Jahren, 1963 wechselte er dann mit dieser Band ins Profilager, und sie machten sich einen glänzenden Namen in ganz Deutschland.

Guitar In My Soul

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Coletivo Samba Noir - Samba Noir

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:26
Size: 94.8 MB
Styles: Samba
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:38] 1. Chove La Fora
[3:28] 2. Imitacao
[4:27] 3. Meu Mondo E Hoje
[3:19] 4. Ninguem Me Ama
[4:15] 5. Tao So
[4:17] 6. Aves Dananhas
[4:16] 7. Risque
[3:09] 8. Pra Que Memtir
[4:41] 9. So Deixo Meu Coracao Na Mao De Quem Pode
[4:52] 10. Voita

It was between the two world wars that the cinema noir started to develop. Although a minimalistic film technique was used, the main characteristics of the movies were to be found in its sentiments. Melancholy, sadness, disappointment, pessimism,… And there’s the link with samba! There, too, lyrics often tell sad stories.

The Coletivo Samba Noir used this idea to create an own sound. The Coletivo was formed in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 around singer, actress, dancer, guitarist and composer Katia B, guitarist, arranger Luís Filipe de Lima, star percussionist Marcos Suzano and multi-instrumentalist Guilherme Gê. A perfect quartet to give new air to some of the great old samba classics. Luís Filipe de Lima plays the 7-string acoustic guitar on the CD. He stresses out the beauty of the samba in a nostalgic way. The, as always, flawless and soft voice of Katia Bronstein personifies the melancholy of the samba. Marcos Suzano knows as no one else how to lay down and break down the rhythm of the samba and Guilherme Gê is the one who guides the music into modern times (synth bass, samples, keyboards). It’s an unconventional way to perform the old sambas.

Samba Noir

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Duke Jordan - Flight To Jordan

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:51
Size: 109,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:31)  1. Flight To Jordan
(7:47)  2. Starbright
(4:59)  3. Squawkin'
(8:41)  4. Deacon Joe
(5:11)  5. Split Quick
(6:43)  6. Si Joya
(5:04)  7. Diamond Stud
(3:50)  8. I Should Care

Duke Jordan, who played regularly with the Charlie Parker Quintet in 1947, was long known as a superior bebop pianist whose style was touched by the genius of Bud Powell's innovations. This quintet album, also featuring trumpeter Dizzy Reece and the young tenor Stanley Turrentine, gave Jordan an opportunity to record six of his originals and, although none became as well-known as his "Jordu," the music has plenty of strong melodies and variety. This is one of Duke Jordan's better recordings and is quite enjoyable. [Some reissues include "Diamond Stud" and "I Should Care" as bonus tracks.] ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/flight-to-jordan-mw0000578211

Personnel:  Duke Jordan – piano;  Dizzy Reece – trumpet;  Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone;  Reggie Workman – bass;  Art Taylor - drums

Flight To Jordan

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Alexis Cole - Someday My Prince Will Come

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:18
Size: 122,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:14)  1. For Now For Always
(2:41)  2. Home Is Where The Heart Is
(4:00)  3. If I Never Knew You
(3:50)  4. La La Lu
(4:47)  5. Let Me Be Good To You
(5:17)  6. Love Me
(3:03)  7. Once Upon a Dream
(5:35)  8. Remember When
(4:30)  9. So This Is Love
(5:04) 10. Someday My Prince Will Come
(5:37) 11. Second Star To The Right
(4:37) 12. When You Wish Upon a Star

Music from Disney films and cartoons has often drifted into jazz thanks to its rich harmonies and evergreen quality, but it is not every day that a vocalist makes an entire CD with personal renditions of these popular tunes. Such is the case of Alexis Cole's Someday My Prince Will Come, which features a collection of Disney tunes reread into a jazz format. Cole cleverly did not choose songs that might be too obvious, focusing mostly on more obscure numbers such as the opener, the beautiful "For Now For Always" (from The Parent Trap) and "Once Upon A Dream" (from Cinderella). Some tunes lend themselves naturally to a jazz format such as "Let Me Be Good To You," a bluesy tune that is used to showcase pianist Fred Hersch and bassist Steve LaSpina, who both contribute fluent solos, while Cole sings with a '50s Ella Fitzgerald-like style. The Lady And The Tramp's "La La Lu" appears as a soft ballad enhanced by Don Braden's fluid flute solo.

Another highlight is "If I Never Knew You," the most recently composed tune on the disc, which originally appeared on the end credits for Pocahontas. Cole's voice is inspired, and Gregoire Maret contributes a Toots Thielemans like harmonic response to her singing that enhance the tune's beauty. Maret appears again on the title track, arguably the most memorable tune from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. His solo is followed by yet another great contribution from Hersch. 

La Spina and drummer Matt Wilson, who provides great backup, responding to the pianist's accents with gusto. Someday My Prince Will Come is a great reminder of the timelessness of these songs and also a testament to Cole's talent. The New York-born vocalist makes each song her own. The only sad note is the fact that the disc was recorded before the soundtrack to The Princess and The Frog had been released. But maybe that could be included in a second volume along with tunes from The Aristocats. ~ Ernest Barteldes  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/someday-my-prince-will-come-alexis-cole-venus-records-review-by-ernest-barteldes.php

Personnel: Alexis Cole: vocal;  Fred Hersch: piano;  Steve LaSpina: bass;  Matt Wilson: drums;  Gregoire Maret: harmonica;  Don Braden: tenor, soprano, flute.

My Prince Will Come

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Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra - Calling All Jitterbugs

Styles: Jazz, Swing, Big Band
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:37
Size: 96,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Streamliner
(3:43)  2. Mildred, Won't You Behave?
(3:01)  3. I'm Beginning To Like It
(3:09)  4. Sportsman's Mambo
(3:38)  5. Twelve Cylinders
(3:32)  6. I Dreamed About You
(3:03)  7. Bill's Bounce
(3:25)  8. The Guy I Met This Evening
(2:58)  9. Whisper Amor
(2:45) 10. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
(3:24) 11. Tonight I'm Goin' Out With You
(1:44) 12. We Tried To Reach For The Moon
(1:41) 13. Oh, Vicky!
(1:38) 14. My Baby Said She'd Marry Me

The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra, fifteen musicians and four singers strong, plays exciting swing music in the styles of the '30s, '40s, and '50s, with a twist: much of the band's repertoire has been written in the '90s and 2000 by leader Bill Elliott, a composer and arranger whose songs have been prominently featured in many feature films and TV shows, including the recent HBO film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and the current Disney Channel film Alley Cats Strike. Elliott began his career as a rock'n'roll piano player, touring and recording with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, and many others, before finding his calling as a swingmeister while writing and arranging songs for the 1989 film Dock Tracy. The Swing Orchestra, formed in 1993, was an outgrowth of Elliott's continuing success in writing original, vintage-sounding swing music for film, television, and commercials. He has assembled many of L.A.'s hottest musicians for his mission of recreating the authentic fire and style of big bands at their peak in the late '30s. The band also features Bill’s Luck Stars, a vocal quartet who sing in the close-harmony style of the Pied Pipers and the Modernaires, and glamorous lead singer Cassie Miller in featured solos as well. Playing a dominant role in southern California's current swing revival, Elliott's band is a favorite among the young jitterbug and Lindy Hop dancers whose vibrant new counterculture has been growing rapidly. Elliott's music is in the style of the great swing bands of the late '30s and early '40s - as hard-swinging as they come, with an emphasis on colorful arrangements, sophisticated and light-hearted lyrics, and danceability.

The BESO has repeatedly drawn crowds of over 1100 dancers at the Hollywood Palladium and the Satin Ballroom in Los Angeles. The band has appeared often at Merv Griffin's Coconut Club in Beverly Hills, and has played to large crowds at the Avalon Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island and at ballrooms in San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, OR. In July '99 the BESO made its first east coast appearances, headlining at Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing in Manhattan, the Mann Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and at swing dance events in Boston and Washington, DC. The band is also in demand for private and corporate events, and its resume includes Emmy Award balls, the Jonathan Club Centennial, America's Cup Ball, Junior Philharmonic Ball, and parties for most of the major Hollywood studios. The band's three CDs, Swing Fever, Calling All Jitterbugs!, and Swingin’ The Century, have made the band well-known at swing clubs and dances from Seattle to London, and also receive enthusiastic airplay on jazz and swing radio programs around the world. Elliott's arrangements and his band's recordings were featured both in the HBO film and the RCA soundtrack album for Introducing  Dorothy Dandridge, and on John Lithgow's Sony-Wonder CD Singing in The Bathtub. Elliott's association with Mr. Lithgow also resulted in the recent Carnegie Hall premiere of a fifteen-minute piece for symphony orchestra, The Remarkable Farkle McBride, composed by Elliott as a setting of Lithgow's children's story which was released as a book by Simon & Shuster in the fall of 2000.

Elliott's career as a bandleader complements his activities in film and television. He and the band recently recorded both the orchestral score and the big band music for the Disney Channel film Alley Cats Strike which began airing in March 2000, and he has used his band as the core of a large orchestra when arranging the songs for Disney's sequels to Aladdin, The Return Of Jafar and Aladdin And The King Of Thieves, which make use of his distinctive swing style. Four of Elliott's songs appeared in the Oliver Stone film NIXON, and eight of his songs are in the film Killer starring James Woods. Elliott's swing music also appears in the films Contact, Independence Day, Disney's remake of That Darn Cat, and the animated feature Cats Don’t Dance. Bill and the band appeared as themselves (in 1939!) in the Disney TV movie Tower Of Terror. Bill also used his band in composing music for episodes of the TV shows Ellen and Drew Carey. Besides playing the original music of its leader, the band performs authentic arrangements from the golden years of swing, including music by Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Bunny Berigan, Jimmie Lunceford, Chick Webb, and Duke Ellington. Such classics as "King Porter Stomp", "Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe", "Carioca", "Blues In The Night", and many others come to life with a suave polish and authentic style that no other contemporary band can match. The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra seems to have leaped out of a time machine, and performs with all the excitement, sophistication, and enthusiasm of the best bands of the first swing era.  http://www.swingorchestra.com/band.html

Personnel: Bill Elliot, Frederick Hodges (vocals, piano); Amy Weston, Jeff Gilbert, Frederick Hodges, Cassie Miller, John O'Campo, Michael Lescault, Royce Reynolds (vocals); Don Shelton, Jay Mason (alto saxophone); Roger Neumann, Bill Liston (tenor saxophone); Bob Reitmeier, Chuck Erdahl, Gene Burkert, Ray Herman, John Reilly, Lemoyne Taylor (saxophone); Don Clarke, Wayne Bergeron, Darrel Gardner, Brian Atkinson (trumpet); Andy Martin, Alex Iles, Bill Tole, Bruce Otto, John Grab, Charlie Morillas, Jim Boltinghouse (trombone); John Brand (tuba); Bobby Bruce (violin); Barry Zweig (guitar); Brad Roth (banjo); Dave Stone, Simeon Pillich (bass); Gordon Peeke, Ray Templin (drums).

Calling All Jitterbugs

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Sonny Greenwich & Ed Bickert - Days Gone By

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:44
Size: 179,3 MB
Art: Front

( 8:26)  1. With a Song in My Heart
( 3:58)  2. I Remember You
( 6:42)  3. Lily
(10:00)  4. Nica's Dream
( 8:57)  5. I'll Take Romance
( 7:46)  6. Oleo
( 8:25)  7. I Know Why
(12:26)  8. Gittar Blues

Canadian guitarist Sonny Greenwich has been on the jazz scene for a long time, but he isn't very well known outside of his native land due to the limited opportunities he's had to record for Americans labels. Bouts of ill health and periodical withdrawals from music have also proven to be a handicap. Greenwich had done quite a bit of recording in Canada prior to this 1979 session, including several albums with Don Thompson, the bassist on this occasion. This informal recording made at Thompson's studio features Greenwich predominately playing lead with seasoned guitarist Ed Bickert playing fills (though he also solos very effectively), as well as drummer Terry Clarke. 

Liner note writer John Norris explains that the occasional distortion comes from the lack of having anyone at the control board, but it isn't a major distraction. All of the music is quite enjoyable even if it wasn't necessarily recorded with the intention of releasing it, as it didn't come out until 2000. The set consists of a heavy dose of standards ("With a Song in My Heart," "I Remember You," and "I'll Take Romance") and classic jazz compositions (Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream" and Sonny Rollins' "Oleo"), all of which are inspired. The lush ballad "I Know Why" (by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon) is a song that ought to be a standard, but has been for the most part overlooked. Greenwich also contributed the lyrical ballad "Lily" and the lengthy finale, "Gittar Blues," was likely created on the spot by the two guitarists. This is one of many fine releases put out by Sackville, a Canadian label well worth exploring as a whole. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/days-gone-by-mw0000100323

Personnel: Sonny Greenwich, Ed Bickert (guitar); Don Thompson (bass); Terry Clarke (drums).

Days Gone By

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Ornette Coleman - The Best Of Ornette Coleman

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:45
Size: 93.3 MB
Styles: Avant Garde jazz
Year: 1970/2005
Art: Front

[ 5:57] 1. Una Muy Bonita
[ 4:51] 2. Embraceable You
[ 5:15] 3. Blues Connotation
[ 4:57] 4. Lonely Woman
[ 6:33] 5. Ramblin'
[13:09] 6. C. & D

Released as part of the Atlantic Jazz Anthology series in the early '70s, this hodgepodge of Ornette Coleman Quartet tracks were recorded for the label between 1959 and 1961. This short disc, originally released on LP, is now unnecessary, as Coleman's career has been well-documented and given the respect it deserves in the digital age. As a side note, it's interesting that out of four tracks, the compilers would include "Embraceable You," from the pen of George and Ira Gershwin, instead of an entire program of Coleman's compositions. ~Al Campbell

The Best Of Ornette Coleman

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Sarah King & The Smoke Rings - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:36
Size: 79.2 MB
Styles: Swing, Jazz vocals
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[4:08] 1. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[3:07] 2. Tea For Two
[3:01] 3. Jersey Bounce
[2:19] 4. I Won't Dance
[3:38] 5. Smoke Rings
[5:30] 6. Caravan
[3:52] 7. Some Other Spring
[3:32] 8. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[2:46] 9. I Don't Know Why
[2:38] 10. Lazy River

The Smoke Rings evoke the elegance and charm of the Swing Era. Anchored by the unique vocals of Sarah King, the group specializes in songs from The Great American Song Book. The rhythm section is comprised of Alex Levin (piano), Scott Ritchie (bass), and Ben Cliness (drums). Since its inception in 2010, The Smoke Rings have played to huge crowds at festivals in El Paso and Pennsylvania, and in more intimate settings at weddings and private parties across the country. For the past three years the band has been performing weekly at the iconic Top of The Standard -- aka "The Boom Boom Room" -- on the top floor of New York's storied and luxurious Standard Hotel. Furthermore, you might recognize Sarah from her role as Catherine Gray in the popular Off-Broadway production Sleep No More.

Sarah King & The Smoke Rings

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Eric Le Lann, Martial Solal - Portrait In Black And White

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:33
Size: 138.6 MB
Styles: Post bop
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[7:14] 1. The Man I Love
[6:41] 2. Portrait In Black And White
[8:48] 3. Round About Midnight
[7:36] 4. Well You Needn't
[7:35] 5. Body And Soul
[4:20] 6. Le Bleu D'hortense
[5:25] 7. Que Reste T-Il De Nos Amours
[7:38] 8. Invitation
[5:10] 9. What Is This Thing Called Love

Éric Le Lann(born 1957 in Brittany) is a French jazz trumpeter. He moved to Paris in 1977 where he had his professional debut and gained notice in 1980. He has worked with Aldo Romano, Henri Salvador, and others. He also did music for films including those of Bertrand Tavernier. In 2005 he and guitarist Jean-Marie Ecay did an album in tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~Wikipedia

One of the finest European jazz pianists of all time, Martial Solal (a unique stylist) has never received as much recognition in the U.S. as he deserves. Born in Algiers to French parents, Solal has been based in Paris since the late '40s. Although a modernist, he was flexible enough to record an album with Sidney Bechet in 1957 and make other records with Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, and Lucky Thompson. Solal has been primarily heard with his own trios through the years although he has recorded several notable albums with Lee Konitz. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Portrait In Black And White

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Various - We're Swingin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:48
Size: 102.6 MB
Styles: Retro Swing
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[4:44] 1. Bellevue Cadillac - Prozac
[4:37] 2. Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums - Jumptown
[3:08] 3. Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88's - Straight Eight
[3:44] 4. The Swingtips - Checkbook Daddy-O
[3:42] 5. Bill Elliott - Mildred, Won't You Behave
[2:34] 6. Speak Easy Spies - Hey Kat
[5:32] 7. Lee Press-On & The Nails - Big Pants Dance
[4:01] 8. The Acme Swing Co. - Warm It Up
[3:58] 9. Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers - What's The Matter With You
[2:08] 10. Louis Prima - Lip
[3:49] 11. New York Jimmy & The Jive Five - She Won't Dance
[2:47] 12. New Morty Show - Knockin' At Your Door

As they say within, 'Jump, joy and swing your blues away'. ~Stephem Cramer

We're Swingin'

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Bobby Solo - Greatest Hits (Re-Recordings)

Size: 100,8 MB
Time: 42:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Pop Rock
Label: Azzurra Music
Art: Front

01. Una Lacrima Sul Viso (Re-Recording) (3:20)
02. Non Ce Piu Nienta Da Fare (Re-Recording) (2:48)
03. Christina (Re-Recording) (2:28)
04. Siesta (Re-Recording) (2:58)
05. Zingara (Re-Recording) (2:18)
06. Se Piangi, Se Ridi (Re-Recording) (2:47)
07. Non Posso Perderti (Re-Recording) (3:28)
08. Domenica D'agosto (Re-Recording) (1:52)
09. La Casa Del Signore (Crying In The Chapel - Re-Recording) (2:39)
10. Gelosia (Re-Recording) (3:26)
11. San Francisco (Re-Recording) (3:13)
12. Una Granita Di Limone (If You Can Put It In A Bottle - Re-Recording) (2:35)
13. Quello Sbagliato (Re-Recording) (2:54)
14. Credi A Me (Re-Recording) (2:23)
15. Canta Ragazzina (Re-Recording) (3:25)

Italian 1960s teen idol Bobby Solo made his debut while recording his first two singles in 1963, "Ora Che Sei Gia Una Donna" and "Blue é Blue." The artist's breakthrough came in 1964 after participating in San Remo's Festival, where he sang "Una Lacrima Sul Viso," which became an important episode in the Italian pop music history. A year later, Bobby Solo came in first place at the same event with "Se Piangi, Se Ridi" and one more time in 1969 after singing Gianni Morandi's "Zingara," later recorded by Connie Francis. The singer/songwriter's self-titled debut album was followed by Il Secondo LP and La Vie En Rose. In 1978, the disco version of "Una Lacrima Sul Viso" put his name back on local and European charts. ~by Drago Bonacich

Greatest Hits

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Grover Washington Jr. - The Essential Grover Washington Jr.: The Columbia Years

Size: 174,2+172,6 MB
Time: 75:02+74:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Soul, Crossover Jazz
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Loran's Dance (Idris Muhammad) (10:32)
02. Strawberry Moon ( 4:21)
03. The Look Of Love ( 4:36)
04. Summer Nights ( 6:27)
05. Sacred Kind Of Love ( 5:37)
06. Time Out Of Mind ( 5:01)
07. Take Five (Take Another Five) ( 4:58)
08. Love Like This ( 4:49)
09. Next Exit ( 5:06)
10. Soulful Strut ( 4:14)
11. Poppin' ( 3:52)
12. The Christmas Song ( 4:28)
13. It's Too Late (Johnny 'Hammond' Smith) (10:55)

CD 2:
01. Work Song (Live) (Joey DeFrancesco) (9:21)
02. Every Day A Little Death (From A Little Night Music) (4:15)
03. Stolen Moments (7:20)
04. All My Tomorrow (6:14)
05. Lullaby For Shana Bly (6:08)
06. Ifrane (Randy Weston) (5:15)
07. Please Send Me Someone To Love (3:59)
08. My Man's Gone Now From 'Porgy & Bess' (5:33)
09. Flamingo - Instrumental (4:58)
10. Blues For D.P (8:25)
11. E Preciso Perdoar (One Must Forgive) (Instrumental) (8:53)
12. O Mio Babbino Caro From Gianni Schicchi (Instrumental) (3:58)

One of the most popular saxophonists of all time, Grover Washington, Jr. was long the pacesetter in his field. His roots were in R&B and soul-jazz organ combos, but he also fared very well on the infrequent occasions when he played straight-ahead jazz. A highly influential player, Washington pushed himself with the spontaneity and risk-taking of a masterful jazz musician.

Grover Washington, Jr.'s, father also played saxophone and was his first influence. The younger son started playing music when he was ten, and within two years was working in clubs. He picked up experience touring with the Four Clefs from 1959-1963 and freelancing during the next two years, before spending a couple years in the Army. He moved to Philadelphia in 1967, becoming closely identified with the city from then on, and worked with several organists, including Charles Earland and Johnny Hammond Smith, recording as a sideman for the Prestige label. His biggest break occurred in 1971, when Hank Crawford could not make it to a recording date for Creed Tasylor's Kudu label; Washington was picked as his replacement, and the result was Inner City Blues, a big seller. From then on he became a major name, particularly after recording 1975's Mister Magic and Feels So Good, and later 1980's Winelight; the latter included the Bill Withers hit "Just the Two of Us."

Although some of his recordings since then found him coasting a bit, Washington usually stretched himself in concert. He developed his own personal voices on soprano, tenor, alto, and even his infrequently-used baritone. Grover Washington Jr. recorded as a leader for Kudu, Motown, Elektra, and Columbia and made notable guest appearances on dozens of records ranging from pop to straightforward jazz. He died of a sudden heart attack on December 17, 1999 while taping an appearance on CBS television's The Saturday Early Show; Washington was 56. The posthumous Aria was issued early the following year. ~by Scott Yanow

The Essential Grover Washington Jr. CD 1
The Essential Grover Washington Jr. CD 2

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