Lola Haag - Heartbeats

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:14
Size: 118,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. I Love Being Here with You
(3:54)  2. Put Your Head on My Shoulder
(2:51)  3. Every Breath You Take
(4:47)  4. These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)
(3:29)  5. Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
(3:35)  6. But Not for Me
(4:28)  7. Have I Told You Lately?
(3:29)  8. I Just Found out About Love
(2:53)  9. Summer Samba (So Nice)
(4:05) 10. My Funny Valentine
(3:19) 11. Tainted Love
(2:40) 12. If I Had You
(4:22) 13. Lately
(3:20) 14. The Nearness of You

Lightly Swinging Songs by this popular West Coast Jazz Singer. A nice mix of some chestnuts along with some more contemporary material. Great songs by Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Sting, matched with songs by The Gershwins, Rodgers & Hart and Peggy Lee. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lolahaag15

Heartbeats

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Michael Dease - Decisions

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:49
Size: 123,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:45)  1. Grove's Groove
(5:03)  2. Jason's Gonna Get Ya
(4:31)  3. Trayvon
(5:47)  4. Gorgeous Gwen
(5:59)  5. Decisions
(6:31)  6. Right Place Wrong Time
(4:58)  7. Everything Must Change
(4:12)  8. Three and One
(5:50)  9. You're My Everything
(6:10) 10. The Big D

When it comes to decision-making, not everything is black and white or right and wrong. On occasion there are multiple paths that can be seen as the correct choice, and trombonist Michael Dease truly understands that. Dease came to a significant fork in life's road when he found himself in a position to decide whether to remain a first-call New York-based player or move to Michigan. He ultimately chose the latter option and it hasn't hurt him one bit, as his career as an educator at Michigan State University has blossomed and he still makes his presence felt on record and in the jazz community at large. But in truth, either choice probably would've worked out just fine for Dease, as some life decisions can potentially offer multiple outcomes that all prove to be positive in the long run.  That experience can be seen as a parallel to making this album. Dease could've gone in multiple directions here, as there was no prescribed track. In the end, he put together a small group, paved a path that's basically straight down the middle, and split the program between originals and covers, showcasing the lyrical qualities in his playing in various settings. Those happen to have been excellent choices, though the same thing probably could've been said had he gone in any number of other directions. Such is jazz, the art of album-making, and life in general.

Dease kicks off this program with three numbers that basically sum up what he's about: his penchant for swinging scenarios comes through on trombonist Steve Davis' Jazz Messengers-worthy "Grove's Groove," his appreciation for earthier sounds is apparent on the funky "Jason's Gonna Get Ya," and his ability to put his heart into the music surfaces during "Trayvon." Everything that follows can somehow be tied back to those three preferences or properties, but it's not just Dease who's working those lines. The other musicians take cues from Dease, amplifying his personality in the process. Drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and bassist Rodney Whitaker deliver swing foundations in various shapes, forms, and gears; pianist Glenn Zaleski covers a wide range of emotions in his work, delivering bluesy banter, Ellington-esque swaths of color, comforting chordal gestures, and guidepost comping; and saxophonist Tim Green adds another layer of complexity to the mix when he appears, giving his two cents as a soloist, bringing greater energy to the music, and joining forces with Dease to add weight to the heads. There's a good deal of stability and uniformity in the direction(s) that Dease takes, but said consistency never has a negative impact on the way this album is received. While certain rhythmic and stylistic traits are endemic to many of his songs, Dease doesn't compose or arrange from a mold. Each song speaks with a different voice and nary a bad decision can be observed here. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/decisions-michael-dease-posi-tone-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 

Personnel: Michael Dease: trombone; Tim Green: saxophone; Glenn Zaleski: piano; Rodney Whitaker: bass; Ulysses Owens Jr.: drums.

Decisions

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Ulysses Owens Jr. - Onward & Upward

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:27
Size: 134,8 MB
Art: Front

(1:00)  1. Onward & Upward Intro
(4:33)  2. People Make the World Go Round
(6:49)  3. Just 25 Miles To Anywhere
(6:25)  4. SST
(5:25)  5. Exodus
(4:33)  6. Samba Jam
(8:09)  7. Fee Fi Fo Fum
(6:30)  8. The Gift Of Forgiveness
(5:38)  9. For Nelson
(6:22) 10. Human Nature
(2:57) 11. Drum Postlude

There’s such a sense of ease to Ulysses Owens’ third album as a leader, you know the 31-year-old drummer has strongly benefited from his work as a sideman with such high-profile artists as Christian McBride, Kurt Elling and Mulgrew Miller. A collection of relaxed-in-the-groove numbers including three pop-soul covers, Onward and Upward invests heavily in airy melodies even as Owens asserts himself rhythmically. Produced by Owens, the album provides optimum conditions for a topnotch cast to shine. The soloists include trumpeter Jason Palmer, in sprightly form on Wayne Shorter’s “Fee Fi Fo Fum,” guitarist Gilad Hekselman, bringing an unexpected cutting edge to the Phyllis Hyman tune “Just 25 Miles to Anywhere,” and clarinetist Anat Cohen, bridging styles with bassist Reuben Rogers and Owens on the trio improvisation “Samba Jam.” Cohen also is featured on tenor saxophone, teaming with trombonist Michael Dease to glowing effect on “For Nelson” (a tribute to vibraphonist Steve by Dease and Owens). And then there’s the protean young pianist Christian Sands, Owens’ running partner in the McBride bands, who ranges from freewheeling dazzlement on “SST” to elegantly contained playing on Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature,” a contemporary trio arrangement featuring bassist Matthew Rybicki that has real lyrical weight. The album also features a stealthy jazzification of the Stylistics’ “People Make the World Go Round,” featuring vocalist Charles Turner. Smoothly asse. ~ Lloyd Sachs  http://jazztimes.com/articles/129498-onward-and-upward-ulysses-owens-jr

Personnel: Ulysses Owens Jr.: Drums, Percussion & Vocals;  Anat Cohen: Tenor Saxophone & Clarinet;  Jason Palmer: Trumpet;  Michael Dease: Trombone;  Gilad Hekselman: Guitar;  Christian Sands; Piano;  Reuben Rogers: Bass;  Charles Turner: Vocals (2);  Adam Rongo: Alto Saxophone (9);  Benny Benack: Trumpet (8) & Vocals / Percussion (1);  Matthew Rybicki: Bass (8, 9, 10).

Onward & Upward

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Steve Brookstein - Forgotten Man

Size: 101,2 MB
Time: 41:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: R&B, Soul
Art: Front

01. People Make The World Go Round (5:21)
02. California Dreamin' (3:03)
03. Sadie (3:52)
04. The Dark End Of The Street (3:23)
05. When You Comin' Home (3:20)
06. Rainy Night In Georgia (5:34)
07. Good Man Down (3:55)
08. If This World Were Mine (Feat. Eileen Hunter) (4:05)
09. I Wish It Would Rain (2:52)
10. Hey Girl (5:55)

Forgotten Man is a the third studio album by Steve Brookstein. Inspired by the great soul singers of the past such as Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross, this album also recalls some of the lesser known artists. Included is a beautiful rendition of Hey Girl originally recorded by Freddie Scott and Dark End Of The Street a minor hit for James Carr in 1967. Featured artists on the album are Paul Jones on harmonica and a duet with jazz singer and wife Eileen Hunter. A thoughtful album that was financed by his fans through crowd funding.

The original winner of The X Factor in 2004 with a record six million votes in one night, Steve Brookstein went on to score a number one album and single with his debut releases. Born in South London in 1968, Brookstein's musical ambitions only surfaced at the relatively late age of 20. He became a regular fixture at various clubs, singing soul classics by Luther Vandross, Al Green, and George Benson as well as performing demos for industry writer Alan Glass. In 1996, he signed to MCA Records. However, despite his first single, a reworking of Teddy Pendergrass' "Only You," being Judge Jules Radio One Record Of The Week, the closure of MCA meant the single never got released. Steve gave up on his singing career to focus on writing and producing. He signed two artists to major deals with Columbia in New York and Virgin in London and securing a publishing deal for himself with EMI New York. Unfortunately neither artist released an album. Following these setbacks, Steve moved back to London to perform again and was spotted in a bar where he was asked to support Dionne Warwick, which he did in 2004. Soon after he entered The X Factor and with huge public support he went on to win. The subsequent deal with Sony BMG saw his debut single, a cover version of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds," reach number one in the charts. However, in August 2005, just 12 weeks after his debut album Heart & Soul went to number one, a fall out with Simon Cowell saw Brookstein leaving the label. In 2006, he independently released his second album, 40,000 Things and then worked with his wife, Eileen Hunter on her debut album which he signed to Jazz FM. Forgotten Man is his first album in 7 years and was funded by fans.

Forgotten Man

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Kenny Wright Experience - Jazz Expressions

Size: 162,2 MB
Time: 69:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Jazz Fusion
Art: Front

01. Through The Mist (7:28)
02. All The Things You Are (5:30)
03. Five Or Six (5:05)
04. Satisfy My Love (4:08)
05. Motion Is The Only Constant (4:03)
06. The Line Up (8:17)
07. Angela (2:41)
08. Dolphin Dance (7:32)
09. Lula (3:28)
10. Krystal (5:08)
11. Blue Tuesday (5:32)
12. Oakk Studio Jam (5:02)
13. The Waterbearer Revisited (5:48)

Innovative bass player Kenny Wright, a native of Baltimore Md, hails from a challenging inner city background that prepared him well to play the blues. That inner city experience molded a musician capable of feeling every note that he plays and compels the listener to feel it too. He plays a completely original style of bass guitar that he calls ' flamenco bass '. This style employs low tone chords that add a distinctive flair to the harmony that is a rather new and refreshing addition to the jazz sound.
Another strong suite of Kenny's is his flare for composition. Having composed most of the music for his six Cd releases since the late eighty's. The songs are full of beautiful melody, warm harmony and tasty rhythm.
The strength of Kenny Wright the bassist and Kenny Wright the composer combine perfectly to bring forth the exciting and powerful sound of 'The Kenny Wright Experience'. Superior compositions performed by Kenny and his excellent crew of musicians that include Charles Etzel on piano, Roderick Johnson on drums, Kevin Porter on guitar and Hassan Sabree on saxophones.
When the show is over and folks leave the concert you can be sure that they are talking about Kenny Wright Experience and feeling that they have indeed had a profound musical experience.

Jazz Expressions

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Chantal Chamberland - Autobiography

Size: 127,8 MB
Time: 54:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Feeling Good (4:05)
02. Thinking Out Loud (4:29)
03. La Mer (3:48)
04. How Deep Is Your Love (3:53)
05. Hit The Road Jack (4:11)
06. Besame Mucho (4:32)
07. Time After Time (4:06)
08. Je L'aime A Mourir (3:27)
09. Fever (4:52)
10. You're My Hero (5:15)
11. At Seventeen (5:24)
12. Les Champs-Elysees (2:46)
13. Crazy (3:27)

The Hamilton Music Award winner Chantal Chamberland releases her ‘Best of’ compilation album, Autobiography. Her trademark smoky, sultry jazz vocal is perfectly expressed in a wonderful diversity of genres, moving from sultry and soulful to bluesy and brassy with graceful ease.

Her previous success with Soirée, hitting #1 on the HMV Hong Kong Jazz Charts cements her role as one of the nest female interpreters of jazz today. The Best of compilation has all of Chantal’s nest tracks in one, featuring tracks La Mer, Besame Mucho, Hit The Road Jack, Fever, You Are My Hero and more. Together with an all-new recording, Chantal’s take on Ed Sheeran’s heart-warming hit, Thinking Out Loud, performed with touch of tender affection and charm.

Autobiography

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Larry Waller - Told Ya

Size: 107,1 MB
Time: 46:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Pecan Grove (4:59)
02. Carly (4:09)
03. Bugleboy (4:23)
04. Europa (4:58)
05. Told Ya (4:03)
06. Wells Blvd (5:06)
07. Kississippi (4:18)
08. Still Crying (4:54)
09. Hotter Than Fish Grease (4:24)
10. Wells Blvd. (Instrumental) (4:44)

After working more than twenty years in Las Vegas with the last year as the house band at the Sahara Hotel and Casino, Larry Waller, the band’s leader, saxophonist, keyboardist and vocalist, moved to Reno where he founded a new band in 2001 named Hindsight Band. Larry has worked with and opened for an impressive list of many well-known artists such as Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, Gregory Hines, James Ingram, Joe Williams, The Ojays, Sheena Easton and the Doobie Brothers. In fact, Larry and his partner Larry Sampson were selected among the many talented performers in Las Vegas to be the entertainment for Jesse Jackson’s 50th birthday celebration in Washington D.C. Additionally, in 2004, the Hindsight Band was selected to perform for presidential candidate John Kerry’s visit to the Reno Lawlor Event Center.

Told Ya

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Alison Jiear - Inspirational

Size: 106,8 MB
Time: 46:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Pop, Gospel, Cabaret
Art: Front

01. You'll Never Walk Alone (2:58)
02. Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone (4:36)
03. I Can Only Imagine (4:06)
04. Bridge Over Troubled Water (5:56)
05. I'll Keep You Safe (4:12)
06. One God (3:55)
07. Remember Me (4:17)
08. To Where You Are (4:08)
09. How Great Thou Art (5:54)
10. Both Sides Now (5:53)

Alison Jiear (born 6 May 1965) is a popular cabaret artist and musical theatre performer on the London cabaret circuit. Jiear was trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Australia.

Her musical theatre credits include Shoes, On The Town, Hot Mikado, Jerry Springer: The Opera and Grease.

Jiear was one of The Fabulous Singlettes, an Australian girl trio specialising in Motown girl group covers. They appeared at London's Piccadilly Theatre in 1988.

Her West End musical theatre credits include Shoes at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, On the Town at the English National Opera & Theater Du Chatelet, Paris, Hot Mikado, Jerry Springer: The Opera at the Royal National Theatre and Sydney Opera House and Grease. She was also featured in the motion picture Being Julia.

Jiear was nominated for the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Jerry Springer: The Opera, in which she played the character of Shawntel, a woman who dreams of becoming a pole dancer. Though never paid for the project, a remixed version of her rendition of "I Just Wanna Dance" from the musical became a popular dance track in nightclubs in the U.S., Europe and Australia.

In 2005, she also starred in a humorous Burger King commercial in the UK that pastiched Meat Loaf's music videos. In March 2009, Jiear duetted with Tina Arena at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras party in the 3am show singing "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)". She opened the party with her dance club hit "I Just Wanna Dance".

In May 2015 Jiear appeared on Britain's Got Talent singing You'll Never Walk Alone. She received a yes from all 4 judges, and was picked as one of 45 acts to advance to the semi-finals. She performed in the second semi-final on 26 May, but came 8th in the public vote, therefore not advancing to the final.

Following her appearance on Britain's Got Talent she was cast in George Stiles & Anthony Drewe's family musical The 3 Little Pigs. Opening at the Palace Theatre, London in Summer 2015.

Inspirational

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Bobby Darin - That's All

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:16
Size: 78.5 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1959/2007
Art: Front

[3:01] 1. Mack The Knife
[2:52] 2. Beyond The Sea
[2:35] 3. Through A Long And Sleepless Night
[2:30] 4. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
[3:27] 5. She Needs Me
[3:18] 6. It Ain't Necessarily So
[2:19] 7. I'll Remember April
[2:59] 8. That's The Way Love Is
[3:06] 9. Was There A Call For Me
[2:39] 10. Some Of These Days
[3:25] 11. Where Is The One
[2:00] 12. That's All

That's All, Bobby Darin's second LP, is his most important record. Darin's reputation as a teen idol was established in 1958 and 1959 with the Top Ten hits "Splish Splash," "Dream Lover," and "Queen of the Hop." Later in 1959, That's All broadened his appeal and secured his immortality. The LP begins with Darin's trademark song, Threepenny Opera's "Mack the Knife" which was number one for an impressive nine weeks. That's All won Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Best New Singer. In his first attempt to select more mature material, Darin chose songs like Ira and George Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" from Porgy and Bess and the Hammerstein song "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise." That's All is an album of pop standards but also includes the Top Ten hit "Beyond the Sea." Much is made of Frank Sinatra's band leader Billy May, but Richard Wess shines on Darin's early LPs. His orchestration in "I'll Remember April" is a brassy and swinging success. That's All might not be a new fan's first Darin purchase. However, it is an important release in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's career. This LP proves that not every rocker suffers the "sophomore slump." [That's All was on the Billboard charts for 52 weeks and peaked at number seven.] ~JT Griffith

That's All

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Wild Bill Davison - Lady Of The Evening

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:08
Size: 140.0 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 1986
Art: Front

[2:48] 1. Lady Of The Evening
[3:36] 2. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
[4:41] 3. Lover, Come Back To Me
[4:12] 4. New Orleans
[4:57] 5. Thou Swell
[6:02] 6. But Beautiful
[4:45] 7. I Can't Get Started
[4:00] 8. If I Had You
[4:40] 9. Coquette
[5:25] 10. Duet
[2:56] 11. Black And Blue
[3:49] 12. Old Cape Cod
[4:54] 13. Memories Of You
[4:17] 14. I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan

The emphasis on this ballad-oriented set (which was originally released on the Fat Cat's Jazz label) is on cornetist Wild Bill Davison's melodic variations. His highly expressive playing during a quintet outing with pianist John Eaton, rhythm guitarist Steve Jordan, bassist Jack Lesberg and drummer Cliff Leeman is full of emotion, with each note and growl standing out; "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" is about the only stomp. "Duet" is a leftover track from a 1968 album with trombonist Herb Gardner and clarinetist Tommy Gwaltney. ~Scott Yanow

Lady Of The Evening

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Louisa Bey - Turning Me Jazz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:55
Size: 102.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:45] 1. Everything Is Broken
[4:55] 2. Utopian Morning
[3:24] 3. Your Smile
[4:38] 4. Pieces Of A Man
[4:55] 5. Turning Me Jazz
[4:33] 6. Wings
[2:22] 7. Parler D'amour
[4:41] 8. Pillow
[1:51] 9. Gracious Lights
[4:18] 10. Gracious Freedom
[4:27] 11. Saturday Sun

Louisa Bey - vocals; Olivier Louvel - guitar; Alexandre Saada - piano, keyboards; Glles Coquard - el-bass; Giorgi MakXavier Desandre-Navarre - drums; Herve Meschinet - flute.

The course of this artist is eclectic: Adding the talents of author, composer and jazz singer, Louisa Bey (chosen name as a tribute to Abbey Lincoln) has learnt classic piano, been graduated european law high level master, got the experiment of account manager in a design communication agency, then decided to begin a music and singing school in 2002. October 2002 : an important encounter : Frederic Charbaut, music director of the festival Jazz in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, France, scheduled her and presented her the music director of festival Tanjazz in Tanger where she sang with pianist Nico Morelli who encouraged her to write. Being scheduled again in Tanger, she arrived with a trio lead by pianist Alexandre Saada. A first album began to take form and has been released in January 2006 : Blue Thoughts. Some concerts in clubs, as the Sunside, Sept Lézards, Archipel, Café Universel, and festivals as Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Jazz à Vienne, a good welcome by journalists and schedules in radios.

The idea of a second jazz album more folk/pop rock where the guitar would be at the center began with the help of guitarist Olivier Louvel. A new team (Alexandre Saada remaining), a new sound with 70ies flute, Rhodes, Wurlitzer and electric bass : Turning Me Jazz was born, with wonderful arrangement and art direction work by Olivier Louvel. The references of this new album are more like Gil Scoot Heron, Nick Drake, Herbie Mann, Joni Mitchell. But still the Louisa Bey composing touch!

Turning Me Jazz

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Jacqui Dankworth - Back To You

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:53
Size: 122,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. The Secret Of Life
(3:43)  2. Underline Our Love
(2:52)  3. Every Time It Rains
(4:23)  4. Rushing On
(4:18)  5. One Friend
(4:38)  6. Change Your Mind
(4:51)  7. (Walking) Back To You
(6:17)  8. I Was Brought To My Senses
(3:33)  9. Prayer For Peace
(6:26) 10. Beppo
(4:11) 11. Please Answer
(3:42) 12. Galileo

"Widely regarded as one of the finest singers of her generation, Jacqui Dankworth presents her new album 'Back To You', a stunning collection of originals and selections from her favourite songwriters including James Taylor, Randy Newman and Sting. Already established as one the country's leading jazz vocalists  her voice has been described as 'remarkable' by The Times  Jacqui's new album showcases her unique versatility and effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres, drawing on folk, soul and blues, as well as her acute sensibility as a songwriter and lyricist."

Jacqui Dankworth's first album in five years sees the singer exploring her singer-songwriter role at an even deeper level. A brace of entirely self-penned songs, ‘Change Your Mind' and `Please Answer', show yet again what a fine tunesmith Dankworth is in her own right. ~ Jazzwise, September 2009  http://www.amazon.co.uk/BACK-TO-YOU-Jacqui-Dankworth/dp/B002LCOQ8W

Back To You

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Laurindo Almeida - A Man and a Woman

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Latin Jazz
Year: 1967
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:05
Size: 73,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. A Man and a Woman
(3:05)  2. Call Me
(2:25)  3. Michelle
(2:23)  4. 'Cause I Love Her
(2:41)  5. Bluesette
(3:28)  6. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:48)  7. Secret Love
(3:49)  8. Distant Shores
(2:53)  9. Soft Mood
(2:49) 10. Goin' Out of My Head
(2:13) 11. Mas Que Nada

Laurindo Almeida (September 2, 1917 – July 26, 1995) was a Brazilian virtuoso guitarist and composer who made many recordings of enduring impact in classical, jazz and Latin genres. He is widely credited, with fellow artist Bud Shank, for creating the fusion of Latin and jazz which came to be known as the “Jazz Samba.” 

Almeida was the first artist to receive Grammy Awards for both classical and jazz performances. His discography encompasses more than a hundred recordings over five decades.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurindo_Almeida

A Man and a Woman

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Dr. Lonnie Smith - Evolution

Styles: Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream

Year: 2016

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 63:21

Size: 146,0 MB

Art: Front

(14:04)  1. Play It Back

( 8:20)  2. Afrodesia

( 5:51)  3. For Heavens Sake

( 6:43)  4. Straight No Chaser

( 7:18)  5. Talk About This

(11:09)  6. My Favorite Things

( 9:53)  7. African Suite

Artist repatriation seems to be something of a theme in the Don Was era of Blue Note Records. In 2013 there was the return of saxophonist Wayne Shorter, a jazz giant who delivered many of his landmark '60s albums on this storied imprint. Then, in 2015, Charles Lloyd left ECM for Blue Note, a label that had previously held one Lloyd album in its portfolio. Now, as 2016 arrives, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith returns to the fold. Evolution is Smith's first album for Blue Note in forty-five years, and it's a real humdinger. Everything we've come to expect from him, included the unexpected, is here. The album is populated with raunchy riffs, greasy grooves, soulful sermons, tidal organ shifts, moody statements, hard-hitting solos, and punchy interjections, all of which help to enliven throwback songs, standards, and new pieces alike. This is past, present, and future Smith rolled into one.

The album kicks off with "Play It Back," a funky number from Smith's Live At Club Mozambique (Blue Note, recorded 1970/released 1995). Double drumming from the likes of Johnathan Blake and Joe Dyson underscores the music, setting a foundation for soloist after soloist to build upon; Robert Glasper, making his lone guest appearance on the album, hits it out of the park when he steps to the plate; the horns sound hot, whether riffing together or taking to the spotlight as individuals; and the good doctor does what he does best. Smith follows that up by inviting Joe Lovano into the picture to reprise his role on "Afrodesia." Lovano originally recorded the song with Smith some forty years ago, working his magic with his tenor. Here he turns to his G mezzo soprano saxophone, delivering the goods on this grounded groove number. Then, for good measure, Lovano brings out his main ax on "For Heaven's Sake," a balladic mood painting that stands as gentle contrast to the majority of the material on the playlist.

The remaining four tracks are split evenly between new originals and standards. That first category includes "Talk About This," a funky number with a hard-hitting solo from trumpeter Maurice Brown, and "African Suite," which stands apart thanks to John Ellis' flute work and some Afrocentric accents and underpinnings. The standards "Straight No Chaser" and "My Favorite Things," both delivered by the trio of Smith, Blake, and guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg prove to be fiery and forward-thinking. The former is a take-no-prisoners performance that's set aflame by the spark of life. And the latter? It's a piece that's full of surprises. It emerges from uncertainty, departs into the shadows, and emits power and potency from its core. It takes tremendous creativity to pull a rabbit out of the hat on such a well worn piece, and this trio has that and then some. Dr. Lonnie Smith left Blue Note as a young man, but he returns as a sagacious elder. The wisdom he's gained in the intervening years is parceled out in his every gesture, flourish, and note. Evolution is but a single album, yet it speaks to a lifetime of music making from one of our most treasured organists. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/evolution-dr-lonnie-smith-blue-note-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php?width=1024

Personnel: Dr. Lonnie Smith: Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards (6, 7); Robert Glasper: piano (1); Joe Lovano: G mezzo soprano saxophone (2), tenor saxophone (3); Johnathan Blake: drums; Joe Dyson: drums (1-3, 5, 7); Jonathan Kreisberg: guitar; Keyon Harrold: trumpet (1); Maurice Brown: trumpet (2, 3, 5); John Ellis: tenor saxophone (1, 2, 5), bass clarinet: (3), flute (7);

Evolution

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Peter Horvath - Absolute Reality

Size: 128,4 MB
Time: 55:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Absolute Reality (5:11)
02. Carla (6:55)
03. Escape From Oakland (6:04)
04. Nassau Nights (5:15)
05. Waltz For Ella (4:59)
06. Fake Out (5:03)
07. Miss You (5:12)
08. Sardegna (5:16)
09. Foreign Matter (6:02)
10. Braden's Song (5:39)

Hungarian-born pianist and keyboardist Peter Horvath performs with the who­is­who of jazz such as Victor Bailey, Lenny White, Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Marcus Miller, and many more. While he is a in demand recording musician on numerous albums his solo career has only seen two albums yet. His debut album Foreign Matter (1995) and his sophomore album Absolute Reality.

Peter has assembled for the recordings of his new album a great amount of luminaries Victor Bailey, Marc Van Wageningen and Larry Kimpel (bass), Ricky Lawson and Lenny White (drums), Dean Brown and Ray Orbiedo (guitar), Norbert Stachel (sax), Randy Brecker (trumpet) among many others.

Peter Horvath has composed all tracks, some in collaboration with Norbert Stachel. The album shows up with Absolute Reality. A funky horn arrangement in the style of Tower of Power or East Bay Soul is the launching platform for Peters' rocket like journey over the keys of his grand piano.

Carla comes smoothly like silk with Horvath's intimate Rhodes piano and Bob Mintzer on tenor saxophone. Escape From Oakland is without any doubt a tour de par force. All musicians perform with great speed without neglecting melody, arrangement and improvising.

On Nassau Nights Peter reveals his affinity for smooth jazz and the influence of Fourplay on his work. Elegant performance on Rhodes piano, a harmonic horn arrangement and Kenny Washington on vocals are clear pluses. Waltz For Ella fosters in the contemporary jazz realm, while Latin rhythm elements and Marc Van Wageningen on bass give this fast paced piece some pepper. The tune is dedicated to his daughter Ella Nicole Horvath.

When Victor Bailey on bass, Ricky Lawson on drums, Ray Obiedo on guitar meet Peter Horvath on Rhodes then Fake Out gets a big dose of funk. Norbert Stachel on various brass and flute delivers a fine garnish. Miss You walks the line between jazz and melody, a musical journey with a deep expression of sadness and missing, dedicated to his mom, Matrai Zsuzsa, a great Hungarian singer.

Sardegna is an ode to the Italian island. Elegant Rhodes improvisation and a brass arrangement in the style of EWF are the highlight of this tune.

Foreign Matter dives into the bebop roots and when Peter begins to improvise, it can get a fast and wild ride. Final tune is a solo piano piece entitled Braden's Song and dedicated to his son Braden Michael Horvath.

With Absolute Reality Peter Horvath has put his whole personality and passion into this work. An eclectic album of the deserving wider recognition category.

Absolute Reality

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Nicolas Bearde - Invitation

Size: 105,9 MB
Time: 45:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Come Back To Me (3:50)
02. Dindi (5:58)
03. My One And Only Love (3:43)
04. Nature Boy (6:19)
05. Invitation (5:47)
06. Lush Life (4:12)
07. I Want To Talk About You (4:52)
08. Maiden Voyage (6:38)
09. Save Your Love For Me (4:36)

Bay-area vocalist Nicolas Bearde belongs to an exclusive club: male jazz singers. I suspect, being scientifically minded, that submissions from male jazz singers make up approximately 10% of the music I receive for review. While in may be impolitic to discuss, it remains a fact. Not only are there few male jazz singers, there a fewer good male jazz singers...and that number continues to dwindle. Gratefully, Bearde has emerged follow the release of four previous recordings on his own Right Groove Records, as a unique voice bearing unique influences. Within Bearde's "buttery baritone" are equal parts Lou Rawls and Johnny Hartman with a trace of Nat King Cole. Bearde's deft management of these influences result in his seamless tone and delivery coupled with an acute harmonic sense.

Invitation is produced by the familiar name of Nat Adderley, Jr. who doubles as pianist on the lion's share of pieces. Bearde's support here, by three separate bands, all employ a jazz piano rhythm section supplemented with a woodwind. This lends a welcome consistency to a disc that could have otherwise suffered from a sonic disjointedness. Bearde is a exceptional balladeer as evidenced on "Come Back to Me," a decidedly non-Bossa "Dindi," and a ravishing "Lush Life." Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring joins Bearde on three cuts, most notable, a bright "Nature Boy," that summons Nat King Cole's restless spirit. Bearde offers an interesting alternative to singers like Kurt Elling and Gregory Porter in that he is more of a traditionalist who has the chops to do more demanding things but wisely chooses to redouble his creative investment in singing his songs better than more technically provocative. ~By C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Nicolas Bearde: vocals; Nat Adderley Jr.: piano (1-6, 9); Vincent Herring: alto saxophone (1, 4, 5); Kenny Davis: bass(2-4, 9); Rocky Bryant: drums; (2-4, 9); Belden Bullock: bass (1, 5); Vincent Ector: drums (1, 5); John R. Burr: piano (7); Anton Schwartz: tenor saxophone (7); John Witala: bass (7); Akira Tana: drums (7); Peter Horvath: piano (8); Gary Brown: bass (8); Leon Joyce Jr.: drums (8); Peter Michael Excovedo: percussion (8).

Invitation

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Billy Cobham - Glass Menagerie (Live)

Size: 176,7 MB
Time: 76:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Rock
Art: Front

01. AC DC (Live) ( 9:28)
02. Flight Time (Live) (10:44)
03. Vanessa (Live) ( 7:41)
04. Crosswinds (Live) (10:35)
05. All Hallows Eve (Live) (11:14)
06. Total Eclipse (Live) ( 9:37)
07. Wrapped In A Cloud (Live) ( 7:04)
08. Brooze (Live) ( 9:52)

Personnel:
Billy Cobham, drums
Mike Stern, guitar
Michal Urbaniak, lyricon & violin
Gil Goldstein, piano
Tim Landers, bass

Billy Cobham performs live in Riazzino, Switzerland in 1981.

Celebrated as one of jazz fusion's best percussionist, Billy Cobham rose to prominence during the late 1960s with Miles Davis as a drummer known for his power and precision.

Born in Panama he grew up in New York where he gradated from High School of Music and Art in 1962.

After three years of Military service ending in 1968, he played for a year with Horace Silver and also worked at the time with Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, and Shirley Scott.

Billy Cobham toured extensively during the early '70s after appearing on John McLaughlin's album "My Goal's Beyond" and in 1971 Cobham and McLaughlin formed the "Mahavishnu Orchestra."

He went on to record a number of solo albums to great acclaim including "Crosswinds" and "Total Eclipse" both in 1974 and moved to Switzerland later in the decade.

In 1980 Cobham was a member of the "Jack Bruce & Friends" band before forming "Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie" the following year.

Glass Menagerie

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Laura Ellis - Broken, Lovely

Size: 106,5 MB
Time: 45:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. He Needs Me (3:28)
02. Bring Me To Life (4:33)
03. If You Want Me (4:11)
04. Fire And Ice (2:58)
05. Guilty (4:26)
06. Is It A Crime (4:11)
07. Almost Lover (3:49)
08. Not This Time (3:07)
09. What's New (3:21)
10. The Great Pretender (3:49)
11. The Heart Won't Lie (3:30)
12. Bathwater (3:56)

Laura sings of loves lost, found and impossible. The album features a wide range of styles and eras... From traditional jazz standards like, "What's New?" to unique stylings of modern songs like "Fire and Ice" (Pat Benatar), "Bring Me To Life" (Evanescence) and "Bathwater" (No Doubt). It is her most personal and creative project to date. With beautiful arranging by John Rodby and lush instrumental performances by some of the best musicians in the business, these songs are bound to be a make their way to your favorites playlist.

Laura Ellis was born and raised in the great jazz town of Kansas City and now calls Los Angeles her home. Her broadcast credits include History Channel’s Route 66 and Modern Marvels documentaries, Make Me Laugh, the HBO Carnivale series, a commercial appearance with Della Reese, and ABC’s Modern Family.

Protégé of Alan Paul from the Grammy-award winning vocal ensemble, The Manhattan Transfer, Laura Ellis has performed for concert, festival, and cabaret audiences across the country. Her specialty is America’s favorite music, from decades past to the present. In a four-year, critically acclaimed, run of The Vintage Voice, she sang the songs of America’s Greatest Generation. On tour with The Wonderelles, she and her co-stars channeled the music and moods of the famous “girl groups.” She currently tours the nation as the star of several retro-music productions. Femme Fatale: Music, Movies, and Mayhem brings film noir, its seedy characters, and memorable music to life and to the stage. Cinema Sweethearts offers songs of the American “girl next door” starlets. Full-cast production, Kit and the Kats – Remember when? celebrates the days of teen idols and first romance, petticoats and pompadours, with music, dance, and cool retro film clips from the late 50’s and early 60’s. Cinema Christmas offers a musical throw-back to the holiday cheer of past decades.

In concert and cabaret venues, Laura Ellis'velvety voice transports the listener back to the time when one note could change the whole mood of a song. Accompanied by master pianist, John Rodby, and ensemble, Ms. Ellis brings nuanced song-styling to the sultry and sassy songs of the past, as well as a new jazz sound to melodies of more recent vintage. She has performed her blend of jazz and nostalgia at the renowned Jazz Alley in Seattle and other concert and jazz venues on the West Coast; upcoming cabaret performances include Feinstein's in San Francisco, the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, CA, and other venues.

An ardent fan of classic noir movies of the 40's and 50's and their music, Ms. Ellis has been delighted to perform for the famed Noir City Film Festival at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Her noir vocals are featured, as she sings the character of Kat, on the video game Contrast, released in 2013 by Compulsion Games and down-loaded nearly 2 million times.

Laura Ellis has recorded two CD’s. Contemporary vocal jazz album, Here Lies Love, was produced by Alan Paul. Her 2011 release, Femme Fatale, features the classic songs from the dangerous dames of film noir. Her 2015 release, Broken Lovely, with musical direction by John Rodby, features Laura Ellis at her creative best, singing songs of the heart – broken, mending, and free.

Broken, Lovely

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Barbara Dickson - Nothing's Gonna Change My World

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:19
Size: 99.2 MB
Styles: Pop-jazz vocals
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[2:26] 1. If I Needed Somone
[2:50] 2. I Will
[4:50] 3. Rain
[2:57] 4. Here, There And Everywhere
[3:28] 5. Every Little Thing
[3:04] 6. Eleanor Rigby
[3:35] 7. Things We Said Today
[3:46] 8. I'll Be Back
[3:03] 9. P.S. I Love You
[3:48] 10. The Fool On The Hill
[6:10] 11. Across The Universe
[3:18] 12. Goodnight

A widely respected and richly experienced entertainer, Barbara Dickson marks 40 years as a professional musician with the release of Nothing's Gonna Change My World. Produced by Chris Hughes, widely known for his work with Tears For Fears, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and countless others, the album includes both well-known and less-celebrated material from the Beatles catalogue, as well as a guest appearance by Midge Ure on "I'll Be Back".

Nothing's Gonna Change My World

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Echoes Of Swing - Harlem Joys

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:57
Size: 139.6 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[4:20] 1. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
[3:04] 2. Mamacita
[4:16] 3. Anita
[3:17] 4. Dawn On The Desert
[3:16] 5. Yacht Club Swing
[3:24] 6. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
[3:11] 7. I Would Do Anything For You
[3:08] 8. I'm Yours
[3:33] 9. Harlem Joys
[2:57] 10. Moring Air
[4:42] 11. Persian Rug
[3:18] 12. This Year's Kisses
[4:51] 13. Central Avenue Blues
[4:23] 14. Time On My Hands
[2:42] 15. Jazz Battle
[3:10] 16. Let's Fall In Love
[3:17] 17. Scram!

Recorded on June 27 - 29 and on September 28, 2000. Chris Hopkins - Alto; Bernd Lhotzky - Piano; Oliver Mewes - Drums; Colin Dawson - Trumpet.

Ohne jede museale Nostalgie schöpfen die vier Musiker beherzt aus dem riesigen Fundus des swingenden Jazz von Bix bis Bop, von Getz bis Gershwin, dabei immer auf der Suche nach dem Verborgenen, dem Exquisiten. Das 'Great American Songbook' und die meisterlichen Aufnahmen vorväterlicher Helden bilden klumpenfreien Humus für die Kreativität der Combo, die sich in verblüffenden Arrangements, virtuosen Solobeiträgen und ausdrucksstarken Eigenkompositionen niederschlägt.

Harlem Joys

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