George Masso Quintet - Trombone Artistry

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:32
Size: 191,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:43)  1. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
( 5:19)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 6:52)  3. More Than You Know
(10:11)  4. Blue Monk
( 7:09)  5. If I Were A Bell
( 8:53)  6. It All Depends On You
(10:08)  7. Just Friends
( 5:21)  8. I Thought Abought You
( 9:52)  9. On The Alamo
( 7:59) 10. Three Little Words

This German CD teams together trombonist George Masso, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. The trombone-clarinet frontline works together quite well, and overall, this is one of Masso's finest recordings. Mainstream fans should enjoy the live recording, which is highlighted by "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "More Than You Know," "It All Depends On You" and a burning rendition of "Three Little Words." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/trombone-artistry-mw0000601827

Personnel: George Masso (trombone); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Brian Dee (piano); Jake Hanna (drums).

Trombone Artistry

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Branford Marsalis - Contemporary Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:54
Size: 170,3 MB
Art: Front

( 6:49)  1. In The Crease
(10:19)  2. Requiem
(16:03)  3. Elysium
( 8:47)  4. Cheek To Cheek
( 8:23)  5. Tain Mutiny
( 6:03)  6. Ayanna
(17:26)  7. Countronious Rex

Although the penultimate release from Branford Marsalis was entitled Requiem, this outing for sure embodies a fitting tribute to Kenny Kirkland. The pianist died mid-recording of Branford’s last disc, shocking the young saxophonist and causing him to find a new rhythm section leader. Well actually Tain Watts is the center of any rhythm scene wherever he plays. Calderazzo fills the Kirkland role in a sort of meddling way. While and accomplished pianist on his own, Calderazzo doesn’t fit nicely into Branford’s jazz vision. His piano seems to agitate and disturb the tenor. Marsalis is a talented trio saxophonist, in that I mean he can carry the melody and his improvisation without the need of a piano, as evidenced on his recordings Trio Jeepy (1988), Bloomington (1991), and The Dark Keys (1996). Most of the tracks here work best when either Marsalis or Calderazzo listen to the other play in trio format. 

The highlight of the record is Marsalis’ remake of Irving Berlin’s “Cheek To Cheek.” Playing havoc with time signatures, Branford and Watts reshuffle the familiar to create the infinite in terms of permutations of the song. His reworking a song, be it an original or his own “Elysium” (originally on Requim ), is Branford’s strongest suit. After Marsalis opens “Cheek,” Calderazzo follows in the deconstruct mode, chasing the melody up and down the keyboards. While the songs are not just soloing devices, the solos here are significant. Watt’s opens “Tain Mutiny” with his patented thunder attack before Marsalis spits a horn line and the wrestling match continues. And, like the WWF, all the mayhem is choreographed. You just got to love Tain’s pulse over Branford’s best Coltrane blowing. The set closes with the Gospel tinged “Countronious Rex,” named for the drummer’s country roots. The Pittsburgh-born Watts (the Steeler’s country?, well maybe Terry Bradshaw) wrote the hand-clapping soul station blues it seems to act as an old fashion revival. Reminds me of Cannonball Adderley and his feel for a great song. ~ Mark Corroto https://www.allaboutjazz.com/contemporary-jazz-branford-marsalis-columbia-records-review-by-mark-corroto__13180.php

Personnel: Branford Marsalis (saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Eric Revis (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums).

Contemporary Jazz

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Paul Grabowsky - Tales of Time and Space

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:38
Size: 171,4 MB
Art: Front

(9:28)  1. Tailfin
(8:50)  2. Sideshow Sarabande
(5:13)  3. Silverland
(6:58)  4. Angel
(9:48)  5. Medium Rare
(8:29)  6. Wist
(6:52)  7. Reason and Rhyme
(6:49)  8. Updraft
(7:03)  9. Circle of Trust
(5:04) 10. Silverland

There is little question that for the public at large, pianist and bandleader Paul Grabowsky is the largest question mark when it comes to the personnel on this album. Holding company with Branford Marsalis, Joe lovano, Scott Tinkler, Ed Schuller, and Jeff "Tain" Watts is no small feat. And although the liner notes to Tales of Time and Space attempt to answer the question of who Grabowsky is, the just-under-fifty Australian pianist is more than a musician with wide ranging roots in jazz and film scoring, he's a consummate pianist and composer who warrants significant attention. Aside from those facts, the other welcome surprise here is that although Tales is a one-off recording with a ton of talent something that often results in a muddy or uninspired date this is a tight ensemble with purpose and drive. Everyone shines and has his particular moments, but first and foremost they serve Grabowsky's music and vision. Recorded in 2003, Tales of Time and Space has the elegance of a modern straight-ahead jazz recording that one might hear in performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center, but the music also has depth and fire that can sometimes be lacking in such establishments. Marsalis' command of the sometimes unwieldy soprano is inspired, continuing his impressive development of an individual voice on the instrument he has been cultivating more publicly of late. And while his quartet band mate Watts, the modern tenor giant Lovano, and the highly adaptive and imaginative bassist Schuller all turn in quality performances, Tinkler and his swaggering trumpet provide a particular voice that nearly eclipses them.

With a strong full sound and a background tying him with the leader, Tinkler more than holds his own on tracks like the opening "Tailfin, where he uses a plunger alongside Lovano and Marsalis, who states a theme that pulls in different directions of space and time following an opening drum solo that sets a locomotive pace. Grabowsky himself finally comes in following all this action underneath the band, and he almost immediately falls away when Tinkler races out front. Tinkler's articulation is crisp and never escapes him during his invigorating solo. He eventually pulls up his pace in time with the plaintive soprano that emerges behind him, eventually giving way to Grabowsky, who sounds somewhere between Kenny Barron's natural flow and Ran Blake's reductive use of space and sound. There is little question why everyone involved was excited after the inspired take of "Tailfin. And the majority of the album follows suit. The one misstep, however, is the inclusion of a remix of "Silverland (dedicated to the Australian rock trio Silverchair). While it is an interesting track unto itself, with Watts mixed way up front, its inclusion here seems out of place with the overall feel of the album. This quibble aside, Tales of Time and Space is an excellent recording for those who enjoy straight-ahead ensemble playing that straddles the mainstream jazz vernacular and a loose and outer-reaching feel. ~ Michael McCaw https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tales-of-time-and-space-paul-grabowsky-sanctuary-records-review-by-michael-mccaw.php
 

Personnel:  Paul Grabowsky: piano;  Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone; Branford Marsalis: soprano saxophone; Scott Tinkler: trumpet;  Ed Schuller: acoustic bass;  Jeff "Tain" Watts: drums.

Tales of Time and Space

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Kerry Ellis, Brian May - Acoustic By Candlelight

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:30
Size: 147.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. Born Free
[4:49] 2. I Loved A Butterfly
[3:45] 3. I Who Have Nothing
[4:21] 4. Dust In The Wind
[4:25] 5. The Kissing Me Song
[4:56] 6. Nothing Really Has Changed
[4:30] 7. Life Is Real
[3:43] 8. The Way We Were
[4:32] 9. Something
[4:37] 10. Love Of My Life
[3:25] 11. I'm Not That Girl
[4:31] 12. I Can't Be Your Friend
[3:44] 13. In The Bleak Midwinter
[3:46] 14. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
[6:04] 15. No One But You [only The Good Die Young]

Vocal and acoustic instruments - you've got to be good to get away with that! And you've got to be very good to produce a five-star album. Fortunately Kerry Ellis and Brian May are very good.

The CD takes a while to get going - after the first few songs I was convinced this was going to be a four-star review - but picks up quickly with highlights including The Kissing Me Song, Something, Love Of My Life, I'm Not That Girl, I Can't Be Your Friend, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and No One But You. Special mention has to go to Something, which has long been my favourite Beatles song. Kerry's voice sounds wonderful on this and Brian has done an excellent job of reproducing George Harrison's guitar sound. ~Mark Syder

Acoustic By Candlelight

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The Speakeasies' Swing Band - Land Of Plenty

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:54
Size: 105.1 MB
Styles: Retro Swing
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Sinner's Advice
[4:31] 2. My Baby Kicked Me Out
[4:49] 3. Love Theme From 'the Godfather'
[5:41] 4. S. Ballad
[2:34] 5. Cashor Check
[3:18] 6. Pera Vrechi
[4:15] 7. To Danio
[4:23] 8. Gypsy Curse
[5:28] 9. Please Love Me
[5:40] 10. Deal With The Devil

Acoustic Guitar – Giannis Ntalianis; Clarinet – Christos Papadopoulos; Double Bass – Panos Voulgarakis; Drums – Stergios Koias; Electric Guitar – Panos Karnoutsos; Piano, Accordion – Manolis Stamatiadis; Saxophone – James Wylie (tracks: 7,8,10); Trombone – Menelaos Karagiannis (tracks: 8,10); Trumpet – Christos Anastasiadis (tracks: 7,8,10); Violin – Thanos Anagnostopoulos (tracks: 3); Vocals – Caterina Sisinni. Recorded live at “Royal Alzheimer Hall” studio by Titos Kariotakis, Christos Harbilas & Orestis Patsinakidis.

Ten stories that will take you back to the Prohibition era where the speakeasies and swing music were the only means to get around everyday life problems.

Land Of Plenty

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Shorty Rogers & His Giants - The Swinging Mr. Rogers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:17
Size: 103.7 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, West Coast jazz
Year: 1955/2006
Art: Front

[5:42] 1. Isn't It Romantic
[4:38] 2. Trickley Didlier
[6:29] 3. Oh Play That Thing
[4:56] 4. Not Really The Blues
[7:53] 5. Martians Go Home
[6:10] 6. My Heart Stood Still
[3:53] 7. Michele's Meditation
[5:32] 8. That's What I'm Talkin' 'bout

This Lp has one of trumpeter Shorty Rogers' finest small group sessions of the 1950's; fortunately the music has been reissued by Mosaic on CD in a box set. Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre (on clarinet, tenor and baritone), pianist Pete Jolly, bassist Curtis Counce and drummer Shelly Manne are the epitome of cool on a well-rounded and consistently interesting set. Highlights including "Isn't It Romantic," "Trickleydidlier," "Not Really The Blues" and Rogers' "hit" "Martians Go Home." ~Scott Yanow

The Swinging Mr. Rogers

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Steve Turre - One4J

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:26
Size: 140,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:47)  1. Overdrive
(6:50)  2. Wee Dot
(4:52)  3. Lament
(5:07)  4. One 4 J
(4:58)  5. Mr. Johnson
(5:41)  6. Short Cake
(6:22)  7. Kelo
(5:21)  8. What Is This Thing Called Love?
(5:08)  9. El Camino Real
(5:50) 10. Enigma
(6:25) 11. Minor Blues

One4J is the second high profile multi-trombone release this season, after Spirit of the Horn (MCG Jazz, 2003) by Slide Hampton and The World of Trombones. That disc was an implicit hommage to the trombone master J.J. Johnson. This present disc is explicitly dedicated to the Imminent Mr. Johnson, who passed away February 4, 2001. Steve Turre digs deep into the Johnson songbook to pull out compositions by and songs associated with or inspired by Mr. Johnson. For his part, Turre successfully arranged these various trombone anthems for six talented and very different trombonists. He crafts "Overdrive" for himself and Robin Eubanks; "We Dot" for Andre Heyward; and Johnson's most famous composition, "Lament," for Joe Alessi and Steve Davis (with Douglas Purviance blowing the bass trombone). All are carried off with the grace and calm of low brass. Discs like this can be somewhat risky affairs, with their emphasis on a single instrument. An orchestra of trombones might sound as if it will come off as an orchestra of cellos. But in this case, the disc is not terribly trombone heavy. It provides a completely satisfying listening experience while highlighting those keen practitioners of the trombone. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/one4j-paying-homage-to-jj-johnson-steve-turre-telarc-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php?width=1920

Personnel: Steve Turre, Joe Alessi, Steve Davis, Robin Eubanks, Andre Hayward, Douglas Purviance -Trombones;   Stephen Scott,  Renee Rosnes-Piano;  Peter Washington-Bass;  Victor Lewis-Drums;  Abou M'Boup-Percussion.

One4J

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Chris Connor - Sweet And Swinging

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1978
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:10
Size: 87,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:21)  1. I Feel A Song Comin' On
(4:05)  2. Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home
(3:00)  3. Just In Time
(3:41)  4. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:38)  5. Out of This World
(5:40)  6. When Sunny Gets Blue
(1:51)  7. Things Are Swingin'
(3:37)  8. Where Flamingos Fly
(2:55)  9. I've Got You Under My Skin
(4:49) 10. I Wish You Love
(1:28) 11. The Sweetest Sounds

Not all that much was heard from Chris Connor after her last Atlantic record in 1962 until this date. Her recordings for FM, ABC-Paramount (quite commercial), Bainbridge and Japanese Sony in the interim were all quite obscure. But at the age of 50, she began to make a comeback and showed that her voice was still strong and her cool style intact. Accompanied by pianist Michael Abene, bassist Michael Moore, drummer Ronnie Bedford and Jerry Dodgion on alto and flute, Connor performs 11 diverse tunes, including remakes of a few earlier numbers. Highlights include "Out of This World," "Where Flamingos Fly" and "When Sunny Gets Blue." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-and-swinging-mw0000626664

Personnel: Chris Connor (vocals); Michael Abene (piano, keyboards); Ronnie Bedford (drums).

Sweet And Swinging

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Branford Marsalis - I Heard You Twice the First Time

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:48
Size: 161,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:06)  1. Brother Trying to Catch a Cab (On the East Side) Blues
(10:10)  2. B.B.'s Blues
( 9:21)  3. Rib Tip Johnson
( 6:48)  4. Mabel
( 6:32)  5. Sidney in da Haus
( 5:27)  6. Berta, Berta
( 7:16)  7. Stretto from the Ghetto
( 5:33)  8. Dance of the Hei Gui
( 6:23)  9. The Road You Choose
( 3:09) 10. Simi Valley Blues

Branford Marsalis plays the blues on this interesting if erratic CD. Among his many guests are B.B. King (although surprisingly, there is no interaction between Marsalis and King), John Lee Hooker, Russell Malone, Linda Hopkins (who comes across very well), Joe Louis Walker and brothers Wynton and Delfeayo Marsalis. Ranging from hints of field hollers and New Orleans to country blues, a vignette ("Brother Trying to Catch a Cab (On the East Side) Blues") and a few more conventional burnouts, this is an intriguing set that is worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-heard-you-twice-the-first-time-mw0000084782

Personnel:  Branford Marsalis (vocals, soprano, alto & tenor saxophones);  B.B. King, John Lee Hooker (vocals, guitar); Linda Hopkins, Thomas Hollis, Roscoe Carroll, Carl Gordon, Charles Dutton (vocals); Wessel Anderson (alto saxophone); Wynton Marsalis, Earl Gardner (trumpet); Defeayo Marsalis, David Sagher (trombone); Kenny Kirkland (piano); Russel Malone, Joe Louis Walker, T-Blade (guitar); Robert Hurst, Reginald Veal (bass); Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bernard Purdie, Herlin "Homey" Riley (drums).

I Heard You Twice the First Time

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Chick Webb - Strictly Jive

Styles: Jazz, Big Band, Swing
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:16
Size: 174,7 MB
Art: Front + Back

(2:53)  1. Down Home Rag
(2:32)  2. Facts and Figures
(2:21)  3. Go Harlem
(2:33)  4. Sing Me a Swing Song
(2:36)  5. Gee, But You're Swell
(3:05)  6. Rusty Hinge
(2:29)  7. Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie
(2:59)  8. That Naughty Waltz
(3:16)  9. Strictly Jive
(3:06) 10. Squeeze Me
(2:34) 11. If Dreams Come True
(3:11) 12. Harlem Congo
(4:18) 13. I Want to Be Happy
(2:29) 14. Midnite in a Madhouse
(3:06) 15. Azure
(3:00) 16. Spinnin' the Webb
(2:44) 17. Liza
(3:05) 18. Macpherson Is Rehearsin' (To Swing)
(2:45) 19. Ella
(2:49) 20. Who Ya Hunchin'
(2:58) 21. 'Tain't What You Do
(2:38) 22. In the Groove at the Grove
(2:45) 23. Lindyhopper's Delight
(2:52) 24. Take It from the Top
(3:12) 25. Jubilee Swing
(2:50) 26. Untitled

Strictly Jive is the Hep label's 25-track salute to Chick Webb, a formidable percussionist who led one of the toughest big bands of the 1930s. Strictly Jive concentrates upon the years 1935-1940, a period of time that represents the second half of the ten-year Webb dynasty. The Chick Webb orchestra was a jazz incubator from which emerged seasoned instrumentalists like Taft Jordan, Sandy Williams, Garvin Bushell, Hilton Jefferson, and Eddie Barefield, as well as future bandleaders John Kirby and Louis Jordan, and renowned composer and arranger Edgar Sampson. Saxophonist Wayman Carver, one of the few flutists in jazz during the 1930s, was a featured soloist with Chick Webb and may be heard piping away in front of the band on Wilbur Sweatman's "Down Home Rag." 

Most people who have heard of Webb associate him with his star vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, a dynamic woman who assumed leadership of the band after 30-year-old Chick Webb succumbed to spinal tuberculosis on June 16, 1939 in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. ~ arwulf arwulf  http://www.allmusic.com/album/strictly-jive-mw0000245698

Personnel: Chick Webb (drums); Louis Jordan (vocals, alto saxophone); Ella Fitzgerald (vocals); Chauncey Houghton, John Trueheart, Bobby Johnson (guitar); Wayman Carver (flute, tenor saxophone); Garvin Bushell (clarinet, alto saxophone); Pete Clarke, Eddie Barefield, Edgar Sampson, Hilton Jefferson (alto saxophone); Elmer "Skippy" Williams, Sam Simmons, Teddy McRae (tenor saxophone); Irving "Mouse" Randolph, Mario Bauzá, Taft Jordan, Dick Vance, Bobby Stark (trumpet); Nat Story, George Mathews, Sandy Williams , Claude Jones (trombone); Tommy Fulford, Don Kirkatrick (piano); Bill Beason (drums).

Strictly Jive

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Lester Young - The 'Kansas City Sessions'

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1997

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:17

Size: 154,6 MB

Art: Front

(3:02)  1. Way Down Yonder in New Orleans (take 2)

(3:00)  2. Way Down Yonder in New Orleans

(3:03)  3. Countless Blues

(3:01)  4. Countless Blues (take 2)

(3:00)  5. Them There Eyes (take 2)

(3:01)  6. Them There Eyes

(2:56)  7. I Want a Little Girl

(2:57)  8. I Want a Little Girl (take 2)

(2:59)  9. Pagin' the Devil

(2:58) 10. Pagin' the Devil (take 2)

(3:22) 11. Three Little Words (take 2)

(2:54) 12. Three Little Words

(3:20) 13. Jo Jo

(3:18) 14. I Got Rhythm (take 3)

(3:18) 15. I Got Rhythm (take 2)

(3:19) 16. I Got Rhythm

(2:53) 17. Four O'Clock Drag

(2:53) 18. Four O'Clock Drag (take 3)

(3:07) 19. Laughing at Life

(2:54) 20. Good Mornin' Blues

(3:06) 21. I Know That You Know

(2:47) 22. Love Me or Leave Me

This is a CD overflowing with classic performances. The great Lester Young is heard with the 1938 version of the Kansas City Six, a group also including trumpeter Buck Clayton (in prime form), Eddie Durham on electric guitar (where he preceded Charlie Christian) and trombone, the rhythm guitar of Freddie Green, bassist Walter Page, and drummer Jo Jones. The four selections (all of which are joined by an alternate take apiece) are most notable for Young's switching to clarinet on some of the pieces. His clarinet solo on "I Want a Little Girl" sounds eerily like Paul Desmond's alto of 15 years later. These classic cool jazz performances have delightful interplay between the two horns. The second part of the reissue features the 1944 Kansas City Six in which Young (sticking to tenor) and trumpeter Bill Coleman are joined by a three-piece rhythm section and trombonist Dickie Wells. Wells, who takes some very colorful and nearly riotous solos, rarely sounded better, and the four selections are highlighted by three equally rewarding versions of "I Got Rhythm" and two of "Three Little Words." The CD concludes with the four titles by 1938's Kansas City Five, which was essentially the early Kansas City Six without Young. Clayton is once again in top form, and Durham's guitar solos were among the first worthwhile examples of the electric guitar on record. This gem is highly recommended for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-kansas-city-sessions-mw0000087654

Personnel: Lester Young (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Freddie Green (vocals, guitar); Eddie Durham (electric guitar, trombone); Bill Coleman , Buck Clayton (trumpet); Dicky Wells (trombone); Joe Bushkin (piano); Jo Jones (drums).

The Kansas City Sessions

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The Gene Harris Quartet - A Little Piece Of Heaven

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:35
Size: 161.6 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 1993/2005
Art: Front

[ 6:33] 1. Blues In Baxter's Pad
[ 8:09] 2. Take The A Train
[ 4:30] 3. Blues For Ste. Chapelle
[ 6:49] 4. Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)
[ 5:58] 5. Pensativa
[ 6:56] 6. How Long Has This Been Going On
[ 6:25] 7. Scotch And Soda
[ 5:48] 8. My Little Suede Shoes
[10:30] 9. Old Dog Blues
[ 8:14] 10. Ode To Billie Joe
[ 0:36] 11. Sentimental Journey

Gene Harris was always predictably excellent, particularly during his final decade. This CD has his quartet of 1993 (with guitarist Ron Eschete, bassist Luther Hughes, and drummer Paul Humphrey) performing such tunes as a soulful "Take the 'A' Train," the sly "Ma (He's Making Eyes at Me)," "My Little Suede Shoes," and even "Ode to Billie Joe." Harris, who is heard playing a concert in his adopted state of Idaho, often sounds in exuberant form talking to his hometown crowd. His fans will have little difficulty enjoying this happy date. ~Scott Yanow

A Little Piece Of Heaven

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João Gilberto - The Warm World Of Joao Gilberto

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 78:15

Size: 179.2 MB

Styles: Bossa Nova

Year: 1963/2012

Art: Front

[2:02] 1. Chega De Saudade

[1:14] 2. Bim Bom 2

[2:16] 3. Hô-Bá-Lá-Lá

[1:58] 4. Desafinado

[2:05] 5. Brigas, Nunca Mais

[1:59] 6. Morena Boca De Ouro

[2:22] 7. Maria Ninguem

[1:20] 8. Lobo Lobo

[1:33] 9. Aos Pés Da (Santa) Cruz

[1:56] 10. É Luxo Só

[1:48] 11. Saudade Fez Um Samba

[2:05] 12. Rosa Morena

[2:33] 13. Manha De Carnaval

[3:06] 14. Batuques De Samba Bahia Pegou Licuri Varanda Boa

[1:47] 15. Só Em Teus Braços [only In Your Arms]

[1:44] 16. Se É Tarde Me Perdoa

[1:45] 17. Meditation (Meditação)

[1:57] 18. Corcovado

[1:48] 19. Discussão

[1:52] 20. Amor Cetinho

[1:37] 21. Um Abraço No Bonfá [a Hug For Bonfá]

[1:26] 22. Doralice

[1:38] 23. One Note Samba

[1:58] 24. O Pato

[1:50] 25. Outra Vez

[1:24] 26. Trévo De Quatro Fõlhas

[1:18] 27. Bolinha De Papel

[2:22] 28. Samba De Minha Terra

[2:17] 29. Saudade Da Bahia

[1:49] 30. Trenzinho (Trem De Ferro)

[1:52] 31. Presente De Natal

[2:30] 32. O Barquinho

[2:24] 33. Insensatez

[2:22] 34. O Amor Em Paz

[2:50] 35. Coisa Mais Linda

[2:30] 36. Você E Eu

[1:51] 37. A Primeira Vez

[2:14] 38. Este Seu Olhar

[2:36] 39. Este Seu Olhar

3 original albums + extra tracks in just 1 CD. The most comprehensive compilation of his first recordings, including 20-page booklet with original art work, album liner notes and all the lyrics, presented in a nice Digipack format. Without question, these are the songs who started the Bossa Nova craze worldwide. Tracks #1-12 from "Chega de Saudade" (12" LP), Brasil, Odeon 3073 (1959), USA issue "The Warm World of João Gilberto" Atlantic 8076 (1963). Tracks #13-14 from "João Gilberto" (7" EP, 33rpm), Brasil, Odeon 7BD-1034 (1959), (7" EP, 45rpm) - Brasil, Odeon BWB 1092 (1959). Tracks #15-26 from "O amor, o sorriso e a flor" (12" LP), Brasil, Odeon 3151 (1960), USA issue "Brazil's Brilliant João Gilberto" Capitol T-10280 (1962). Tracks #27-38 from "João Gilberto" (12" LP),Brasil, Odeon 3202 ,USA issue "The Boss of the Bossa Nova" Atlantic 8070 (1962). Track #39 Not issued in the original album

In summer 1958, João Gilberto -an unknown 28 year-old Brazilian guitarist and singer from Bahia- made his recording debut as a singer with two songs "Chega de Saudade" and "Bim Bom." With a new rhythmic feeling, batida, and rich harmonies he laid the basis of the modern Brazilian samba, now known as Bossa Nova. Underpinned by his insouciantly swinging guitar, Joãos seductive, vibratoless vocals caressed both ear and soul in a mesmerizing, highly addictive combination, refreshing and modern. Chega de Saudade was a hit, launching Gilbertos career and the bossa nova craze. Soon, singers and guitarists were trying to imitate him and composers were all on a Desafinado (the second Gilbertos hit) and Chega de Saudade kick. The longawaited renewal of the Brazilian samba was now a fact. Antonio Carlos Jobim said: Gilberto appeared as a light, as a big star in the firmament, in the heavens. He became a focus, because he was pulling the guitar in one way and singing the other way, which created a third thing that was profound. Yes, the guy who brought the Bossa Nova beat to the world was João Gilberto.

The Warm World Of João Gilberto

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Christina Gustafsson - The Law Of The Lady

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:36
Size: 115.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:54] 1. You Make It
[6:09] 2. Breathung, Air And Such
[4:01] 3. The Law Of The Lady
[5:42] 4. Close To Here
[5:54] 5. It Might As Well Be Spring
[4:41] 6. Love You Too, My Own Way Out
[5:40] 7. Sometimes
[4:35] 8. Hours Passing By
[5:27] 9. Love You Too
[3:28] 10. I Need Someone

Christina Gustafsson: vocals. Adam Forkelid, Daniel Karlsson: piano; Magnus Lindgren: flute; Erik Söderlind, Max Schultz: guitar; Johan Setterlind, Patrik Skogh: trumpet; Karin Hammar, Lisa Bodelius: trombone; Eva-Tea Lundberg: French horn; Fredrik Jonsson, Kristian Lind: bass; Calle Rasmusson: drums; Sebastian Notini: percussion.

This has nothing to do with the transition to democracy in Burma; instead, it's Swedish jazz singer Christina Gustafsson's third attempt at emerging from under the shadow cast by her much better-known sister, Rigmor. Sadly, it's unlikely to make much of a dent internationally. The principal fault lies in drummer Calle Rasmusson's production; there is far too much of it. Rasmusson has assembled some extremely talented musicians, including two gifted guitarists, Erik Söderlind and Max Schultz, award-winning flautist Magnus Lindgren and pianist Adam Forkelid. They provide some memorable moments, but nothing ever really gels as a whole, the music remaining "on the page," bereft of spontaneity and feeling. A pity, because Gustafsson has obviously made a big effort. She talks of pursuing a vision and wrote the music for eight of these ten songs, although, as on previous outings, the lyrics are credited to others—primarily, in this case, to Stefan Danielsson. Sometimes Danielsson has problems with his English. On "Close To Here," he makes a valiant but doomed bid to rhyme magic wand with wonderland, while "Love You Too" comes up with a somewhat baffling proposition: "You seem to be waking an ongoing dream to ease the pressure on your self-esteem." However, fair's fair; there are fewer linguistic faux pas than on Gustafsson's two previous albums.

"The Law Of The Lady" is quite interesting: a catchy love song in which the female protagonist starts out in pliable, even narcissistic mode, Gustaffson singing "I am the sweetest thing that you will ever know," before changing tack and coming on like a veritable dominatrix with "I'll lay down what you do, I'll lay down what you want." There is one golden oldie. This is Rodgers and Hammerstein's "It Might As Well Be Spring," from the 1945 movie State Fair. It's a regular part of Gustafsson's live act with her trio, but here the singer is upstaged by Lindgren's superb solo. Vocally, Gustafsson is at her best and most self-assured on guitarist Söderlind's "My Own Way Out," a meditation on the end of a love affair with excellent lyrics by Danielsson. Johan Setterlind's trumpet gives a lift to the '70s-ish "Hours Passing By," but no one can do much to save the closer, the nondescript, simpering ballad "I Need Someone," dominated by heavy-handed and wisely unaccredited piano. Here and there light gets through, providing a glimpse of what might have been. Perhaps more will emerge next time around. ~Chris Mosey

The Law Of The Lady

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Poco - The Very Best Of Poco

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:27
Size: 140.7 MB
Styles: Country rock, Soft rock
Year: 1975/1999
Art: Front

[ 3:19] 1. Pickin' Up The Pieces
[ 2:42] 2. My Kind Of Love
[ 3:19] 3. You Better Think Twice
[ 6:56] 4. Anyway Bye Bye
[ 3:15] 5. C'mon
[10:10] 6. Just In Case It Happens, Yes Indeed Grand Junction Consequently So Long
[ 5:43] 7. Kind Woman
[ 5:02] 8. Bad Weather
[ 3:35] 9. Just For Me And You
[ 3:49] 10. You Are The One
[ 3:52] 11. Good Feelin' To Know
[ 2:47] 12. Go And Say Goodbye
[ 3:41] 13. Faith In The Families
[ 3:11] 14. Whatever Happened To Your Smile

Originally a two-LP set, The Very Best of Poco was a decent compilation in its time, assembling the group's best-known songs from singles and album cuts in a straightforward order with no particular surprises. It was reissued with upgraded sound in 1999, and for the very casual fan with a budget to consider the latter is adequate, showing their evolution as a band from the first flourish of their birth -- as an offshoot of the Buffalo Springfield, with the same sort of vast potential displayed by the latter group (similarly unrealized by constant membership changes) -- into one of the premiere country-rock outfits of the 1970s. Anyone serious about a deep enjoyment of the group, however, will opt for the more extensive and revelatory The Forgotten Trail instead, which contains numerous outtakes and -- no pun -- forgotten tracks. ~Bruce Eder

The Very Best Of Poco

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Sarah Vaughan & Lester Young - One Night Stand: The Town Hall Concert 1947

Styles: Vocal and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:33
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:11)  1. Lester Leaps In
(5:22)  2. Just You, Just Me
(3:50)  3. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
(6:20)  4. Sunday
(3:47)  5. Don't Blame Me
(1:47)  6. My Kinda Love
(3:36)  7. I Cover The Waterfront
(3:55)  8. A Ghost Of A Chance
(4:53)  9. Lester's Bebop Boogie
(4:56) 10. These Foolish Things
(5:51) 11. Movin' With Lester
(3:33) 12. The Man I Love
(2:52) 13. Time After Time
(2:40) 14. Mean To Me
(4:06) 15. Body And Soul
(3:46) 16. I Cried For You

This 1997 CD has music from a previously unreleased Town Hall concert. The program is split between the Lester Young sextet and Sarah Vaughan with the two principals only coming together on the final song, "I Cried for You." The recording quality is listenable, if not flawless, and it features the two giants at interesting points in their careers. Tenor great Lester Young sounds excellent on his seven features, but his backup group is sometimes a bit shaky, particularly during uncertain moments on "Just You, Just Me" and "Sunday"; bassist Rodney Richardson does not mesh well with the eccentric pianist Sadik Hakim. The young Roy Haynes is fine, although some of his "bombs" are overrecorded, while trumpeter Shorty McConnell comes across as a second-rate Howard McGhee, sincere but streaky. But the reason to acquire this CD is Sarah Vaughan, who at age 23 was already a marvel; what a voice! Very influenced by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Vaughan mostly lays way behind the beat during her ballad-oriented performances, swirling between notes like a first altoist and often settling on very unlikely (and boppish) notes. She gives the impression that she could do anything with her voice, and some of her flights (particularly on "Don't Blame Me," "I Cover the Waterfront" and "Mean to Me") border on the miraculous. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/one-night-stand-the-town-hall-concert-1947-mw0000097698

Personnel: Sarah Vaughan (vocals); Lester Young (tenor saxophone); Shorty McConnell (trumpet); Sadik Hakim, Sammy Benskin (piano); Freddie Lacey (guitar); Rodney Richardson (bass); Roy Haynes (drums).

One Night Stand: The Town Hall Concert 1947

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Bobby Timmons - Working Out

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:58
Size: 178,9 MB
Art: Front

(9:05)  1. Lela
(7:57)  2. Trick Hips
(2:40)  3. People
(9:11)  4. Bags' Groove
(8:36)  5. This Is All I Ask
(5:45)  6. Cut Me Loose Charlie
(7:08)  7. Tom Thumb
(7:21)  8. Einbahnstrasse (One Way Street)
(6:31)  9. Damned If I Know
(7:07) 10. Tenaj
(6:33) 11. Little Waltz

This CD reissues the contents of two of pianist Bobby Timmons most advanced recordings of the 1960s. For an example of how the popular pianist had continued to evolve after his early funk hits, listen to his often-bitonal solo on "Bags' Groove" from 1964. That session features Timmons in a quartet with vibraphonist Johnny Lytle, bassist Keter Betts and drummer William "Peppy" Hinnant and is filled with subtle surprises. The second recording is even more interesting for Timmons is teamed with tenor-saxophonist Wayne Shorter, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jimmy Cobb in 1966. The immediately recognizable Shorter in particular plays very well (this version of his "Tom Thumb" is its earliest recording) and the very modern playing of Carter pushes Timmons to really stretch himself. Both of these generally overlooked sessions (even Shorter's best fans may not know about his collaboration with Timmons) were formerly rare and are quite adventurous, making this a highly recommended acquisition that falls somewhere between hard bop and the early avant-garde. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/workin-out-compilation-mw0000124323

Personnel: Bobby Timmons (piano); Johnny Lytle (vibraphone); Keter Betts (bass); William "Peppy" Hinnant (drums).

Working Out

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Count Basie And His Orchestra - Rock-a-Bye Basie [Live in '38 & '39]

Styles: Jazz, Big Band, Swing
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:40
Size: 177,1 MB
Art: Front

(0:59)  1. One O'Clock Jump (Opening Theme)
(3:00)  2. King Porter Stomp
(3:59)  3. Nagasaki
(4:06)  4. Indiana
(3:01)  5. Doggin' Around
(0:32)  6. One O'Clock Jump (Closing Theme)
(3:54)  7. Haven't Changed A Thing
(2:27)  8. Out The Window
(4:20)  9. Wo-Ta-Ta
(3:27) 10. Love Of My Life
(3:26) 11. John's Idea
(2:59) 12. Yeah Man!
(2:35) 13. Indiana
(3:10) 14. Jump For Me
(4:22) 15. Moten Swing
(3:35) 16. Rock-A-Bye Basie
(4:11) 17. Swingin' The Blues
(2:57) 18. Time Out
(2:09) 19. Roseland Shuffle
(3:01) 20. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
(3:30) 21. Clap Hands! Here Comes Charlie
(2:25) 22. Lousiana
(2:44) 23. Darktown Strutters Ball
(5:39) 24. One O'Clock Jump

These broadcasts (all but one selection from 1938-39) capture Count Basie's orchestra live from the Famous Door. This CD contains 24 performances, a few of which are incomplete or poorly recorded. However, the enthusiastic solos of Lester Young, fellow tenors Herschel Evans and Buddy Tate, trumpeters Buck Clayton and Harry "Sweets" Edison and Basie himself are fresh and creative, and the ensembles are consistently swinging. These are the best pre-World War II live recordings of the Count Basie Orchestra and well worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/rock-a-bye-basie-live-in-38-39-mw0000677896

Rock-a-Bye Basie [Live in '38 & '39]

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The Fred Hersch Trio - Sunday Night At The Vanguard

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:00
Size: 163,0 MB
Art: Front

( 7:29)  1. A Cockeyed Optimist
( 8:37)  2. Serpentine
( 5:14)  3. The Optimum Thing
( 5:11)  4. Calligram
( 6:13)  5. Blackwing Palomino
( 7:05)  6. For No One
( 7:20)  7. Everybody's Song But My Own
(10:14)  8. The Peacocks
( 7:06)  9. We See
( 3:26) 10. Solo Encore: Valentine

Reach up to the CD shelf and pull a handful of Fred Hersch CDS down. You'll find that the pianist has a good thing going with the Village Vanguard. Alive At The Vanguard (Palmetto Records, 2012) a stellar two CD set, and terrific solo set, Alone At the Vanguard (Palmetto Records, 2011), are Hersch's most recent recordings from the legendary venue; and now he and his trio offer up Sunday Night At the Vanguard. Hersch says this is his best trio album. Almost every artist says that about their latest that this one's the best. But he might be right. The vote here would have gone to a studio recording, Whirl (Palmetto Records, 2010), a marvelous in-the-zone effort with this same trio John Hebert on bass, Eric McPherson playing drums until Sunday Night At The Vanguard rolled around. The trio opens with Richard Rodgers' "A Cockeyed Optimist," which is not exactly a familiar tune, in spite of its authorship. But as an opener it works to perfection, with a silvery, raindrop intro that finds a quirky groove that paints an upbeat atmosphere, with a bright melody that sounds like a second cousin to "It Might As Well Be Spring."

"Serpentine," a Hersch original, is a wandering slither of a tune, unpredictable and spooky, lovely in its fluid, abstract way; "The Optimum Thing" sparkles; and "Blackwing Palomino," maybe the only jazz tune ever written for a pencil, has the feel of a new jazz standard. Hersch's output has been consistently excellent, but sometimes as on this special Sunday Night the stars align. The trio, from the opening notes of "The Cockeyed Optimist," is locked into and to a telepathic interplay zone playful and eloquent, elegant and assured. The Lennon and McCartney gem, "For No One," has the forlorn desperation of the song's lyrical content. The Beatles' version a masterpiece in its own right didn't take things to this dark of a place. Kenny Wheeler's "Everybody's Song But My Own" rolls in a restless, jittery mode. "The Peacocks," from the pen of Jimmy Rowles, is pensive, lonely. Hersch explores an almost unmatchable majesty of the tune, with a bit of dissonance, before he jumps into Thelonious Monk, with "We See," an irrepressible jewel, followed as an encore to the show the Fred Hersch-penned "Valentine," one of the more inward tunes in Hersch's songbook, counterpointing a mostly gregarious, effervescent set by one of the jazz world's top piano trios at the top of their game. ~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sunday-night-at-the-vanguard-fred-hersch-palmetto-records-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php
 

Personnel: Fred Hersch: piano; John Hebert: bass; Eric McPherson: drums.

Sunday Night At The Vanguard

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Chris Cheek - Saturday Songs

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:57
Size: 151,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. String Finger
(5:31)  2. Ginger Something
(4:52)  3. Eye Factory
(6:16)  4. Bucky's Blues
(6:50)  5. Either Way
(6:58)  6. Slow Ships
(3:59)  7. Saturday Songs
(4:58)  8. Alhambros
(5:37)  9. Forever Green
(4:40) 10. Strawberry Jam
(5:35) 11. While You Sleep
(5:22) 12. Windmill Hill

Sometimes, combining seriousness of intent and high musicianship with pure fun is just the thing one needs, and is exemplified by Saturday Songs from tenor saxophonist Chris Cheek. Cheek does not make a lot records as a leader (see Blues Cruise from 2006), but is on literally scores of albums as a sideman (see Paul Motian's Garden of Eden from 2006 and Chris Lightcap's Epicenter from 2015), or his own discography, which is not completely up to date. In any event, Saturday Songs shares quite a bit of the vibe of Lightcap's latest release. Here, as there we have a sterling band playing the leader's compositions and arrangements (with one exception, Tom Jobim's "Forever Green"), but with perhaps less of an inspirational connection among the tunes than Lightcap. The band is made up of guitarist Steve Cardenas (who played with Cheek on Garden of Eden, David Soler on pedal steel, Jorge Rossy on drums, vibes and marimba (perhaps best know from Brad Mehldau's trio) and Jaume Llombard on bass. Although this is Cheek's records, he allocates plenty of space for the others, and in fact, Soler almost steals the record.

While the tunes as a set do not overtly exhude "Americana," the ubiquitous presence of Soler's pedal steel does locate the record's overall feel within that genre (with the exception of "Saturday Song," which sounds decidedly exotic). On the other hand, "Alhambros" which references the Alhambra's architecture, does not sound either Indian or Islamic. The tracks are very easy to listen to, since the the details of construction and arrangement are so well woven into the texture, but are not "easy listening"; any number of them ought to get quite a bit of airplay. Each track has its own "personality" and the album contains a wide range of moods. Stand out tracks include "Bucky's Blues" which eventually becomes a coolly grooving jazzy blues, the nonchalant drive of "Ginger Something," the very pretty "While You Slept" with its long, unfolding melody, "Strawberry Jam"'s attractive higher energy and open improvisations and the slow and easy Jobim tune, "Forever Green." Picking these tunes out in no way is meant to diminish the others, since Saturday Songs will no doubt get played many times by anyone and everyone. ~ Budd Kopman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/saturday-songs-chris-cheek-sunnyside-records-review-by-budd-kopman.php

Personnel: Chris Cheek: tenor saxophone; Steve Cardenas: guitar; David Soler: pedal steel; Jaume Llombard: bass; Jorge Rossy: drums, vibes, marimba.

Saturday Songs

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