Brent Ellis - Summertime

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:49
Size: 123.2 MB
Styles: Smooth jazz, Guitar jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[5:00] 1. Sunland
[4:53] 2. Summertime
[5:16] 3. Amazon Funk
[3:57] 4. So Glad It's You
[4:42] 5. Sweet Love
[4:26] 6. Black Orpheus
[5:06] 7. Since I Found You
[3:34] 8. The Days Of Wine And Roses
[3:35] 9. Movin' On
[4:36] 10. I'll Follow You
[4:12] 11. Our Treasure
[4:28] 12. Coming Home Baby

Smooth Jazz Fusion featuring the musicians of the Brent Ellis Group, soulful vocals by Melissa Albertson on Summertime and Sweet Love, as well as other guest musicians. The album includes easy listening Jazz, Smooth Jazz, as well as a few harder hitting Jazz Fusion tunes. Six original tunes plus six cover tunes.

Robin Ellis provides the bass grooves, and Lloyd Bates contributes his inspiring keyboards to the album. When you listen to Brent's guitar playing you can tell his heart and soul is behind each note as he pays tribute to his favourite guitar players, Wes Montgomery, Lenny Breau, and Lee Ritenour. Brent Ellis has been into Jazz guitar since he was 12. Since his years at W.W.U. as a Jazz major, he has been refining his skills both as a guitarist and a recording engineer at LS Records. So go ahead, have a listen to Brent's CD and enjoy your 'Summertime'.

Summertime

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Ted Curson - Blue Piccolo

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:31
Size: 152.3 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1976/2000
Art: Front

[ 9:38] 1. All The Things You Are
[12:29] 2. Blue Piccolo
[ 7:07] 3. Playhouse March
[ 7:46] 4. Ted's Tempo
[ 9:30] 5. Round Midnight
[ 8:07] 6. Song Of The Lonely
[ 5:31] 7. Open The Door
[ 6:21] 8. Gary G

Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Pocket] – Ted Curson; Piano – Jim McNeely; Bass – Cecil McBee; Drums – Steve McCall.

Ted Curson, a trumpet player of renowned ability and taste, is well showcased in this excellent mid seventies session produced by the renowned Masahiko Yuh. His aptly chosen companions Jim McNeely, Cecil McBee and Steve McCall all contribute strongly to the collection of Curson originals and standards. Curson will always be remembered for his close association with Charles Mingus, Eric Dolphy and Dannie Richmond. Ted also spent time with Max Roach and co-led a band with saxophonist Bill Barron which during one of Cursons frequent excursions to Europe, recorded his moving piece Tears for Dolphy in Paris. Ted's versaltility is evident throughout, not more so than on the extended version of Blue Piccolo, where he utilises the seldom heard 'pocket trumpet'.

Blue Piccolo

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Duke Jordan - Duke's Delight

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 60:14
Size: 110,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:55)  1. Truth
(5:36)  2. In My Solitude
(9:46)  3. Sultry Eve
(6:07)  4. Undecided Lady
(9:13)  5. Tall Grass
(7:25)  6. Duke's Delight
(6:32)  7. Undecided Lady Take 1
(7:36)  8. Duke's Delight Take 4

Duke's Delight is a classy recording from a pianist of renown. While the tape was rolling Duke Jordan's playing was inspired, and the band stayed right with him throughout this session, which includes five Jordan compositions and Duke Ellington's "In My Solitude." Playing piano in a sax and trumpet format is a setting long familiar to Jordon, and his clear, melodic lines rise above a tight band that is consistently up for the challenge. Charlie Rouse on tenor plays a straight forward bluesy sax, much different from his Thelonious Monk days, and Richard Williams on trumpet provides his precise, sometimes fiery, commentary. Bassist Sam Jones and drummer Al Foster round out a rhythm section that's honed and vigorous. This quintet can cook. 

Jordan is primarily remembered for his stellar work in the magnificent Charlie Parker Quintet the famous band that was graced with the presence of the young Miles Davis and the master drummer Max Roach. This was back in the late 1940's when Jordan was a key figure, often providing fine introductions, as well as riveting solos and intricate accompaniment to some of Parker's finest work. Jordan's solos have always been known for their clarity of construction and thoughtful swing. With Parker there was also a lyrical sweetness to his tone that meshed well with the dissonance of the edgier bebop compositions. His sophisticated mastery of the music ensured that he would continue to be an in-demand pianist. After recording with Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, and a long line-up of other name players, Jordan moved to Denmark in 1978 and developed a productive relationship with SteepleChase Records until his death in 2006.

Duke's Delight is often considered one of Jordan's best SteepleChase recordings. The playing is up front and open, the band having the talent and rapport to sustain such honesty; while Jordan's compositions present solid material to work and develop. Jordan's compositions and arrangements have a similar clarity of construction as his solo work and there's a no-nonsense, sophisticated air about his conceptions that set the tone for this marvelous session. ~ Mike Neely  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dukes-delight-duke-jordan-steeplechase-records-review-by-mike-neely.php

Personnel: Duke Jordan: piano; Richard Williams: trumpet; Charlie Rouse: tenor saxophone; Sam Jones: bass; Al Foster: drums.

Duke's Delight

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Beady Belle - Songs From A Decade: The Best Of Beady Belle

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 148:42
Size: 341,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:20)  1. Saved
(3:47)  2. So Far So Good
(4:52)  3. Diamond in the Rough
(4:57)  4. My Name On The World
(3:43)  5. Lose & Win (Radio Edit)
(6:14)  6. Irony
(4:18)  7. Self-fulfilling
(3:53)  8. Runaway mind
(4:03)  9. Skin Deep
(5:19) 10. Moderation
(5:12) 11. Ghosts
(6:03) 12. Big balloon
(5:05) 13. A Touch Of Paradise
(4:45) 14. Shadow
(4:38) 15. Apron Strings
(3:35) 16. Intermission Music
(4:21) 17. April fool
(3:18) 18. Closer
(5:22) 19. When My Anger Starts To Cry
(3:52) 20. Turn back time
(4:55) 21. Half-truth
(4:48) 22. Closer (Live at Parkteateret)
(8:36) 23. Shadow (Live at Parkteateret)
(7:00) 24. Skin Deep (Live at Parkteateret)
(6:13) 25. Come Home (Live at Parkteateret)
(5:15) 26. Half-truth (Live at Parkteateret)
(7:11) 27. Never Mind (Live at Parkteateret)
(6:56) 28. My Name On The World (Live at Parkteateret)
(4:57) 29. Every Moment (Live at Parkteateret)

Featuring the vocal talents of Beate S. Lech, Norwegian group Beady Belle make jazz, acid jazz, and downbeat-influenced electronic pop. Formed in Oslo in 1999 by former university music students Lech and bassist/programmer Marius Reksjø, the band also includes drummer Erik Holm. What originally began as Lech's solo debut for Jazzland Records eventually morphed into Beady Belle's 2001 debut album, Home, after Lech and Reksjø began collaborating on Lech's songs. Two years later the band released its sophomore album with Cewbeagappic. In 2005, Beady Belle dropped their third studio effort, Closer. Belvedere followed in 2008.  https://itunes.apple.com/gm/artist/beady-belle/id14398709#fullText

Songs From A Decade: The Best Of Beady Belle Part I

Songs From A Decade: The Best Of Beady Belle Part II

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Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs: The Minnie Riperton Anthology

Styles: Vocal, R&B
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:39
Size: 154,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:45)  1. I Am the Black Gold of the Sun
(3:27)  2. Reasons
(3:52)  3. Every Time He Comes Around
(3:46)  4. Young, Willing and Able
(4:41)  5. Inside My Love
(4:25)  6. Memory Lane
(3:39)  7. Love Hurts
(4:05)  8. Here We Go
(4:32)  9. You Take My Breath Away
(7:57) 10. Strange Affair
(4:11) 11. Take a Little Trip
(3:59) 12. I'm a Woman
(3:46) 13. Lovin' You
(3:16) 14. Les Fleurs
(5:10) 15. Light My Fire

There are numerous collections out there, perhaps a dozen that cover the late and highly influential Minnie Riperton's career. The very best one out there is the double-disc set on the Right Stuff label called Petals: The Minnie Riperton Collection. This one on Stateside is easy to confuse given its similar title especially since they were released only ten months apart. But the two are not remotely similar in quality. Petals may cost more, but it's worth it: It is a standard bearer and covers Minnie Riperton's entire career with great sound and solid liner notes as well as reliable discographical information. It is also assembled with a great sense of aesthetics in terms of its sequencing. Fleurs is nothing more than a slapdash effort; its poor presentation and sound are designed to make a quick buck and nothing more. If the only cut you want is "Lovin' You," do yourself a big favor and score a legal download from digital retailers. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/les-fleurs-the-minnie-riperton-anthology-mw0000738892

Les Fleurs: The Minnie Riperton Anthology

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Tisziji Munoz - Presence Of Joy (Samboga-Kaya)

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:51
Size: 162,3 MB
Art: Front

(10:30)  1. Happy Sadness
(18:55)  2. Presence Of Joy
( 4:21)  3. Peace On Earth I
( 8:38)  4. Jewel Of Enchantment
(16:20)  5. The Blue Pearl Of Tantra
(12:06)  6. Peace On Earth II

"It’s great playing with Tisziji because he is right in the middle of the music. Tisziji goes right to the center of the music bringing everybody with him. He seizes the right moment. He won’t play unless it’s right." ~ Dave Liebman.

"Tisziji’s music creates a good feeling. I never really get a chance to play like this. This kind of music is not played very much. It’s great that Tisziji is putting it out there like this. He is giving people a chance to hear music which they seldom get a chance to hear. Check this out." ~ Rashied Ali 

"Playing with Tisziji Muñoz on Presence of Joy was like jumping out of a plane without a parachute, or like flying the trapeze without a net. This music sounds different every time you listen to it." ~ Don Pate

"Tisziji's music is more directed towards the inner senses and the deepest feelings. His music is unhampered by technical things, you know, chords, time, structure, whatever. This is direct expression. I am always regenerated, refreshed, replenished and inspired by playing his music. I rarely get a chance to play this way. This music energizes me. I rarely get the chance to play with so much freedom." ~ Bernie Senensky   http://www.heartfiresound.com/joy.html

Personnel:  Tisziji Muñoz: Guitar and Bells;  Dave Liebman: Tenor/Soprano Sax;  Bernie Senensky: Piano;  Cecil McBee: Bass;  Don Pate: Bass;  Rashied Ali: Drums

Presence Of Joy (Samboga-Kaya)

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Patricia O'Callaghan - Matador: The Songs Of Leonard Cohen

Size: 133,5 MB
Time: 57:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz/Folk
Art: Front

01. The Gypsy’s Wife (4:14)
02. The Window (5:21)
03. Dance Me To The End Of Love (Feat. Mike Ross) (4:12)
04. Who By Fire (3:11)
05. Alexandra Leaving (Feat. Sienna Dahlen) (4:58)
06. Everybody Knows (3:58)
07. Suzanne (4:24)
08. If It Be Your Will (Feat. Maryem Tollar) (3:37)
09. Anthem (Feat. Sienna Dahlen) (4:26)
10. The Smokey Life (Feat. Steven Page) (6:10)
11. Joan Of Arc (5:51)
12. I’m Your Man (3:08)
13. Hallelujah (3:56)

Often described as the most promising cabaret artist of her generation, Canadian soprano Patricia O'Callaghan's back catalog is littered with cover versions of her homeland's most famous troubadour, Leonard Cohen, but named after the Toronto tavern he regularly used to frequent, Matador is the first time she's dedicated a whole album to his hugely influential body of work. Featuring material from 1967's The Songs of Leonard Cohen ("Suzanne") right up to 2001's Ten New Songs ("Alexandra Leaving"), its 13 tracks prove she certainly knows her stuff, but her elegant delivery and tasteful arrangements should also help appease those who argue his celebrated output should remain untouched. Indeed, although two of Cohen's forays into synth territory, "Everybody Knows" and "I'm Your Man," are transformed into a rousing slice of theatrical blues and a seductive lounge-pop number respectively, O'Callaghan largely opts for subtle changes rather than radical reworkings, whether it's pushing the lilting strings to the forefront on "The Window," whipping up a singalong finale on "Dance Me to the End of Love," or opening the somber breakup song of "The Gypsy's Wife" with some trip-hop-tinged beats. Elsewhere, she's joined by an array of guest vocalists including Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page on the shuffling jazz of "The Smokey Life," Arabic singer Maryem Tollar on the understated melancholy of "If It Be Your Will," and Toronto musician Sienna Dahlen on the poignant folk of "Anthem," while the much-covered "Hallelujah" and "Joan of Arc" (two of four songs that have appeared on her previous releases) see her showcase the operatic leanings that defined her early career. A graceful and respectful homage to a true musical icon, Matador: The Songs of Leonard Cohen cements O'Callaghan's position as one of his most accomplished interpreters. ~by Jon O'Brien

Matador

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Roy Budd - In The Groove

Size: 111,5 MB
Time: 47:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. The Cat (1:53)
02. Watermelon Man (2:47)
03. Billy Joe (2:26)
04. On Broadwat (2:24)
05. Sunshine Superman (2:39)
06. Go John Go (5:12)
07. Unfair To Scarborough (2:53)
08. High Helled Sneakers (4:11)
09. Call Me (4:24)
10. Norwegian Wood (3:43)
11. Couldn't Make A Fool (2:23)
12. Uptight (3:13)
13. Sonny (3:15)
14. Detroit City (6:03)

Roy Frederick Budd (14 March 1947, Mitcham, Surrey – 7 August 1993, London) was a British jazz musician and film composer.

Although some biographies say Budd started playing aged four, he was two and a half years old when he started picking out tunes on the piano the morning after a Christmas party (verified by Roy's brother). When he was six, two German professors visited him in South Norwood, and after various tests, found that he had perfect pitch. That year, he made his public concert debut at the London Coliseum.

At eight years old he already had a vast musical repertoire. He was featured on the Caroll Levis show on radio when he was only ten. He even sang some Jerry Lee Lewis songs when he was eleven years old with his brother Peter and brother's friend Geoffrey at the Sutton Granada under the name "The Blue Devils." (verified by Roy's brother). He formed the "Roy Budd Trio" with bassist Peter McGirk and drummer Trevor Tomkins before leaving school and embarking on a career as a jazz pianist. Later Roy reformed the trio with Jeff Cline (Bass) and Chris Karan (drums). Jeff Cline was replaced by Pete Morgan, and that trio existed until his death.

His first recording was the eponymous album "Pick Yourself Up" in early 1965 with Pete McGurk on bass with the orchestra and Dave Holland on bass with the trio and Chris Karan on drums and Tony Hatch, Johnny Harris and Roy Budd as arrangers. Other solo albums include "Live at Newport" "Roy Budd" "Everything Is Coming Up Roses" and "Have a Jazzy Christmas".

His first film score was for the American western Soldier Blue in 1970, but most of his film work was on British productions. His best known score is probably for the 1971 Michael Caine film Get Carter, which marked the first notable use of his hallmark method of using the film's sound effects (in this case, Caine's train journey from London to Newcastle) to complement the music. He later worked on a number of films for the producer Euan Lloyd, including Paper Tiger, The Wild Geese, The Sea Wolves and Who Dares Wins. Another his work was Kidnapped 1971 soundtrack.

His last work was a new symphonic score for the 1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera. The score was over 80 minutes long.

In 1972, as his career was peaking, he married actress/singer and divorcée Caterina Valente; they divorced just seven years later.

He died at age 47 in 1993, due to a brain haemorrhage.

In The Groove

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Beat Kaestli - Live In Europe

Size: 129,4 MB
Time: 55:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Day In, Day Out (Live) (5:26)
02. Conflicted (Live) (5:32)
03. Missing/Here Comes The Rain Again (Live) (6:12)
04. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Live) (10:30)
05. That's All (Live) (4:53)
06. Why Should I Pretend (Live) (5:17)
07. The Choice You Make/Choix De Vie (Live) (6:12)
08. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (Live) (5:23)
09. Body And Soul (Live) (6:19)

In my humble estimation, there are two ballad singers (living) without peer: Rebecca Parris and Beat Kaestli. The latter has had a string of recent recordings that are as innovative as they are entertaining, including: Happy, Sad And Satisfied (B&B Productions, 2005), Invitation (Chesky Records, 2010), and Collage (B&B Productions, 2014).

Kaestli sneaks a live recording in on us: Live in Europe where he performs with a trio lead by pianist Walter Fischbacher (musical and life partner of vocalist Elizabeth Lohninger, both close associates of Kaestli's). Kaestli's European repertoire is plentiful in his trademark ballad singing with the addition of the contemporary pop of the Eurythmics' "Here Comes the Rain Again," which melds sonically in medley with "Missing" both folded into a seamless samba. Central to this performance is a scintillating "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," which is introduced gently with an angular Petr Dvorsky bass solo. A ballad typically tethered to tempo harmonically, Kaestli and Fischbacher liberate the melody giving it free-floating flight. The tempo almost too slow is nevertheless perfect for the exposition. The performances exists as evidence of Kaestli's command of the genre. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Beat Kaestli: voice; Walter Fischbacher: piano; Petr Dvorsky: bass; Andreas Winter: drums.

Live In Europe

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Brian Andres & The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel - This Could Be That

Size: 133,1 MB
Time: 57:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Afro-Cuban Jazz, Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Amyable (5:12)
02. Esto Puede Ser Eso (6:05)
03. Limite (6:33)
04. Les Cailloux (4:07)
05. Got A Match (3:29)
06. My One And Only Love (7:00)
07. Bacalaitos (5:13)
08. Roasted To Perfection (5:51)
09. Banderas Rojas (3:54)
10. Relativity (5:05)
11. Algo Nuevecito (4:40)

The San Francisco Bay Area has been a historic hotbed for Latin Jazz artists. From Cal Tjader to Armando Peraza, John Santos to Wayne Wallace. The Latin jazz tradition has thrived in the Bay Area. It is from this tradition that The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel arrives. Lead by drummer Brian Andres, the group was formed to contribute its own mark to that storied history. Featuring Grammy Award winning musicians as well as esteemed music educators, the ACJC never fails to perform its music at the highest level. The repertoire consists of original compositions as well as exciting original arrangements of classics from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the United States. He group is equally capable of performing a dance or concert repertoire, as well as educational presentations such as lectures, workshops or instruction focused on the musical instrumentation, composition and arranging or cultural significance and history of the music they perform.

The ACJC has two CD’s. Released in 2007, the first recording, Drummer’s Speak, hailed the arrival of the group. Featuring 9 songs that were composed by well known Jazz drummers and percussionists, each tune was given an original arrangement by members of the group. In 2013, the ACJC released its second recording, San Francisco. Focusing on the composing, arranging and performing talent of the SF Bay Area Latin Jazz scene, the recording debuted on the CMJ Jazz Top 40 at number 39. Eventually climbing to number 23, it was met with critical acclaim while staying on the CDBaby Best Selling list for 4 months.

The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel's third recording, This Could be That, it's a continuation of the hard hitting, modern Latin Jazz sound they've become known for, and features special guests Alex Acuna, Venissa Santi, John Santos, Louie Romero, Michael Spiro, Calixto Oviedo, Jesus Florido and Brian's father, Mike Andres.

This Could Be That

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Carlos Vega - Bird's Ticket

Size: 178,9 MB
Time: 77:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. A Confluence In Chi-Town (8:57)
02. Bird's Ticket (7:06)
03. Taurus On The Run (10:08)
04. Taurus And Virgo (7:23)
05. Dragon Rose ( 6:39)
06. Chicago Eight (6:41)
07. Elements (6:39)
08. The Wizard (8:54)
09. In Other Words (7:54)
10. Reflecting Pools (6:41)

Saxophonist Carlos Vega's band crackles. The sound of "A Confluence in Chi-Town," the opener on his Bird's Ticket recording, has an on-the-edge urgency in its distinctive approach to the standard jazz quintet format—bass/drums/keyboard rhythm section and a trumpet and a saxophone—a line up like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie used.

Vega, a veteran of trumpter/band leader Doc Severinsen's band, sets up, with that high octane opener, an expectation for high level interaction, brash solo slots for himself on tenor, Victor Garcia on trumpet, and keyboardist, Stu Mindeman, backed by modern and often Latin tinged rhythmic drive. He and the band don't disappoint. They sound like Latin renegades on the title tune, swaggering just a bit outside the law, horn solos burning; and "Taurus and Virgo" sounds like a Wayne Shorter-penned out-take to the ground breaking Miles Davis outing, Filles de Kilimanjaro (Columbia Records, 1968), with Mindeman shifting, deftly, from acoustic piano to Fender rhodes.

This particular quintet configuration is one of the most common and enduring, making it hard for a band to carve out its own space. Vega and his cohorts do just this via the leader's distinctive and modernistic compositions—it's an all Vega originals set—crafty arrangements, spirited group interplay that sometimes bumps into contentious-sounding territory (they are reacting to each other, with gusto), and ear-grabbing freshness and spontaneity in their respective soloing. And a group can't do much more than that, on this January release that opens the New Year with a modern jazz blast. ~By Dan Mcclenaghan

Personnel: Carlos Vega: saxophone; Victor Garcia: trumpet; Stu Mindeman: piano, rhodes; Xavier Breaker: drums; Juan Pastor: cajon (4).

Bird's Ticket

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Lisa Yves - Solo On The Road

Size: 102,1 MB
Time: 35:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Leaving Town Today (3:27)
02. Autumn In New York (3:28)
03. Two Dollars And Ninety Five Cents (2:20)
04. Snowfall (3:14)
05. You Haunt Me (4:50)
06. The Last Time I Saw Ronnie (4:12)
07. Come Back (2:56)
08. San Francisco Blues (3:52)
09. I've Just Got To Sing (3:08)
10. Ronnie Revisited (4:22)

FOR 30 YEARS, Lisa Yves has performed and recorded standards and originals, winning over audiences of all ages. Born and raised in New York, Lisa studied at New York University and graduated with a degree in Vocal Jazz Performance. She also studied voice with McClosky Institute of Voice professor and voice therapist, Lin Wallin Schuller.

A versatile musician, Lisa teaches voice and piano, performs with other musicians, produces her own albums and writes her own songs. Lisa’s original recordings have been licensed to Sony, BMG and Universal. Lisa currently appears in three original productions that pay tribute to divas of the stage on Broadway and Vegas and the Divas of Pop and Jazz. She is also a founding member of the all-female rock band, HRT. In addition to performing, Lisa’s talents extend to teaching through her unique educational program, Jazz for Kids. Lisa has appeared on the Today Show, Canadian reality TV show, Rocker Moms, and has performed with major recording artist, Harry Connick Jr. and Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart.

Solo On The Road

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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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