Thursday, October 6, 2016

The Ventures - 2 albums: Twist With The Ventures / The Ventures' Twist Party Vol. 2

Like many Ventures albums, these records are quite uneven, filled with competent covers of familiar rock and pop hits of the era. Everything is given the familiar, reverb-heavy Ventures treatment, but some choices don't work nearly as well as others and the twist theme wears thin by the end of each record. In other words, it's a set that's primarily of interest to collectors and hardcore fans.~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Album: Twist With The Ventures
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 25:02
Size: 57.3 MB
Styles: Instrumental rock
Year: 1961/1995
Art: Front

[1:53] 1. Driving Guitars (Ventures' Twist)
[1:41] 2. The Twist
[2:24] 3. Road Runner
[2:29] 4. Gringo
[2:18] 5. Moon Dawg
[2:17] 6. Guitar Twist
[1:45] 7. Opus Twist
[2:01] 8. Movin' & Groovin'
[2:05] 9. Sunny River
[2:12] 10. Let's Twist Again
[1:35] 11. Shanghied
[2:15] 12. Bumble Bee Twist (The Wasp)

Twist With The Ventures

Album: The Ventures' Twist Party Vol 2
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 24:56
Size: 57.1 MB
Styles: Instrumental rock
Year: 1962/1995
Art: Front

[1:45] 1. My Bonnie Lies
[2:14] 2. Twisted
[2:17] 3. The Twomp
[2:06] 4. Besame Mucho
[1:49] 5. Blue Tail Fly
[1:57] 6. Swanee River Twist
[1:52] 7. Instant Guitars
[2:16] 8. Dark Eyes Twist
[2:13] 9. Counterpoint
[2:02] 10. Kicking Around
[2:18] 11. Bluebird
[2:02] 12. Red Wing Twist

The Ventures' Twist Party Vol 2

Zoot Sims - Suddenly It's Spring

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:46
Size: 100.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1983/1992
Art: Front

[4:18] 1. Brahms...I Think
[7:09] 2. I Can't Get Started
[4:13] 3. Macguffie's Blues
[6:12] 4. In The Middle Of A Kiss
[5:27] 5. So Long
[4:57] 6. Never Let Me Go
[5:38] 7. Suddenly It's Spring
[5:49] 8. Emaline

Bass – George Mraz; Drums – Akira Tana; Piano – Jimmy Rowles; Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims. Recorded May 26, 1983, at the RCA Studios, New York City

This CD reissue of one of tenor-saxophonist Zoot Sims's final recordings adds a version of "Emaline" to the original program. Pianist Jimmy Rowles often co-stars on the date (with bassist George Mraz and drummer Akira Tana offering solid support). The lyrical repertoire emphasizes ballads and pretty melodies with the highpoints including such offbeat material as Woody Guthrie's "So Long," Sims's "Brahms...I Think," "In the Middle of a Kiss" and the more familiar "Never Let Me Go" and "Suddenly It's Spring." The melodic performances are quite warm, romantic and enjoyable, fine examples of subtle creativity. ~Scott Yanow

Suddenly It's Spring

Kenny Wheeler - Dream Sequence

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:33
Size: 152,4 MB
Art: Front

(13:45)  1. Unti
( 6:29)  2. Drum Sequence
( 5:11)  3. Dream Sequence
( 9:35)  4. Cousin Mary
( 7:06)  5. Nonetheless
( 7:46)  6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
( 4:52)  7. Hearken
(11:47)  8. Kind Folks

The latest edition to trumpeter/flugelhornist Kenny Wheeler's discography commences with variable pulses and emphatic horn charts on "Unti." But while this production launches with an up-tempo groove, the majority of this set simply corresponds to the wistful implications set forth by the album title. 

Recorded during several visits to London's Gateway Studio spanning 1995 to 2003, Wheeler performs solely on flugelhorn, along with a core sextet separating into duo, trio, and quintet consortiums. Simply stated, the great flugelhornist is a weaver of dreams! Featuring alto saxophonists Ray Warleigh, Stan Sulzmann, guitarist John Parricelli and others, the group delves into ethereally executed blues motifs and airy dreamscapes. Warleigh's misty flute work and Parricelli's mid-toned electric guitar voicings on "Nonetheless" propose a vibe that might suggest a trouble-free world. The dreaminess continues with a sublime quartet rendition of Billy Strayhorn's ballad "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing." Here, Wheeler's yearning lines bespeak a sense of solitude, marked by wraithlike overtones. Wheeler and his musical associates project a dirge-like momentum on "Kind Folks." However, they equalize the rhythmic aspects via positive intimations by quietly soaring skyward. In sum, the musicians project a velvety soundscape supplanted by warmly stated choruses and keenly articulated soloing spots. (Highly recommended...) ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/dream-sequence-kenny-wheeler-psi-review-by-glenn-astarita.php

Personnel: Ray Warleigh, alto saxophone & flute; Stan Sulzmann, tenor saxophone; Tony Levin, drums; Kenny Wheeler, flugelhorn; John Parricelli, guitar; Chris Laurence

Dream Sequence

Julie London - For the Night People

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:46
Size: 78,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:27)  1. Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey
(4:00)  2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
(2:30)  3. Saturday Night (Is The Loneliest Night In The Week)
(3:18)  4. God Bless The Child
(3:32)  5. Am I Blue
(2:28)  6. Dream
(3:15)  7. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:13)  8. When The Sun Comes Out
(3:22)  9. Can't Get Out Of This Mood
(2:51) 10. I Hadn't Anyone Till You
(2:44) 11. I'll Never Smile Again

After 1959's excellent Julie...at Home, a small-group West Coast session cut in her own living room, Julie London's albums became increasingly orchestral and less jazzy during the first half of the '60s. While many of these albums are excellent (particularly Around Midnight), most weren't up to her best recordings from the 1950s. Then, in 1965 something changed, and stripped-down jazz backings reappeared on her albums until her notorious final disc went soft rock with a vengeance in 1969. For this album, the West Coast arranger and bass player Don Bagley combines an excellent jazz trio with subtle string charts that never swamp the intimate feeling of the disc. London came to fame by recording stripped-down sessions with just guitar and bass, so it makes sense that on For the Night People, an unidentified jazz guitarist gets to solo throughout the album. A typically low-key and melancholy session, standout tracks include a languid reading of the usually manic "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" and two songs made famous by Frank Sinatra "Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night in the Week)" and "I'll Never Smile Again." This album is a must-have for Julie London fans and thankfully she worked with Bagley again on the more upbeat but no-less-languid Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast, which keeps the guitar heard here, but after the title track replaces the strings with a jazz organ and horn. ~ Nick Dedina http://www.allmusic.com/album/for-the-night-people-mw0000848778

For the Night People

Ralph Sutton Trio - Home Again

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:25
Size: 149,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:07)  1. St. Louis Blues
(5:57)  2. Mean To Me
(4:54)  3. Crazy Rhythm
(4:32)  4. Fine And Dandy
(3:34)  5. I Want A Little Girl
(4:10)  6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(4:23)  7. Farewell Blues
(3:31)  8. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
(6:42)  9. Georgia On My Mind
(5:40) 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
(3:52) 11. S'posin'
(3:32) 12. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
(5:15) 13. Basin Street Blues
(3:10) 14. Honky Tonk Train

This CD may very well contain the final recordings by Ralph Sutton, who died just over a year after these concerts in St. Louis, which included a rare opportunity to record with his sister, Barbara Sutton Curtis. Eight of the numbers feature the twin pianists, fueled by bassist Keter Betts and drummer Frank Capp. Appropriately enough, a hard-driving "St. Louis Blues" is the potent introduction. The quartet also glides through a lightly swinging "On the Sunny Side of the Street," a very playful "Ain't Misbehavin'" (complete with the all too often omitted verse), and a take-no-prisoners up-tempo romp through Meade Lux Lewis' boogie-woogie classic "Honky Tonk Train." 

Barbara, who is nowhere near as well known as her famous brother, is clearly no slouch at the piano; her features include a poignant "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" and a well-crafted solo take of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'." Ralph glides effortlessly through "Fine and Dandy," "Farewell Blues," and "S'posin." Fans of stride piano and classic jazz will definitely want to snap up this thoroughly delightful live CD. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/home-again-mw0000658296

Personnel: Ralph Sutton (piano); Barbara Sutton-Curtis (piano); Frank Capp (drums).

Home Again

Dickie Wells & Rex Stewart - Chatter Jazz

Styles: Trombone And Cornet Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:25
Size: 72,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:34)  1. Little Sir Echo
(2:13)  2. Together
(2:23)  3. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
(2:17)  4. Gimme A Little Kiss, Will Ya, Huh?
(3:07)  5. Show Me The Way To Go Home
(2:28)  6. Frankie And Johnny
(2:53)  7. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love)
(3:12)  8. I May Be Wrong ( But I Think You're Wonderful)
(2:06)  9. Thou Swell
(2:45) 10. Side By Side
(2:52) 11. Ain't We Got Fun ?
(2:30) 12. Jeepers Creepers

These 1959 sessions paired two potent soloists, trumpeter Rex Stewart (an alum of Duke Ellington's band) and trombonist Dickie Wells (a veteran of Count Basie's orchestra). Backed by pianist John Bunch, bassist Leonard Gaskin, and drummer Charlie Masterpaolo, the two horn players exchange ideas through a series of "conversations" utilizing various mutes, never going for very long without giving time to the other. These friendly studio dates are somewhat low-key but consistently swinging; the only drawback is that the tracks are rather brief, with only two of the 12 songs exceeding three minutes. Highlights include their humorous exchanges in "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Show Me the Way to Go Home" (featuring some fine stride piano by Bunch). This long unavailable RCA Victor LP is extremely hard to find. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/chatter-jazz-mw0000901126

Personnel:  Bass – Leonard Gaskin;  Cornet – Rex Stewart;  Drums – Charlie Masterpaolo;  Piano – John Bunch;  Trombone – Dickie Wells

Chatter Jazz

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Joey DeFrancesco - Ballads And Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:32
Size: 140.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Soul jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[6:13] 1. Get It All
[6:15] 2. These Are Soulful Days
[6:33] 3. Take The Coltrane
[6:36] 4. You Don't Know What Love Is
[5:34] 5. Jammin' In The Basement
[7:40] 6. Home On The Range
[7:23] 7. Ceora
[5:17] 8. Basin Street Blues
[4:02] 9. Mama Don't Allow No
[5:52] 10. That's All

Don't be fooled by the title. While Ballads and Blues may sound like a mellow batch of tunes to listen to while strolling in the park, the ever-soulful Joey DeFrancesco has something else in mind. The album takes off with "Get It All," a groovy piece of funk complete with Paul Bollenback's zesty guitar and Byron Landham's balanced backbeat. A steady, rocking groove also defines pieces like "Take the Coltrane" and "Jammin' in the Basement." The latter cut, in particular, emanates a good vibe, perhaps due to the presence of brother John DeFrancesco on guitar and Papa John DeFrancesco on a second B-3. Other guests include Pat Martino and saxophonist Gary Bartz on two tracks each. At least two pieces, "Home on the Range" and "Mama Don't Allow No," suggest that DeFrancesco has been hanging out with genre-bending guitarist Bill Frisell. And while soul-jazz renditions of folk songs may sound like a strange mix, every cut flows together in a lovely mesh of organ, guitar, and drums. DeFrancesco ends the album in a flourish by adding his smooth, rich vocals to "That's All." While his fans probably will not wait for a recommendation to pick up Ballads and Blues, everyone else will find the album a good introduction to organ music for the new millennium. ~Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.

Ballads And Blues

Gal Costa - Plural

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:45
Size: 104.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 1990
Art: Front

[2:46] 1. Salvador Não Inerte Ladeira Do Pelô
[3:36] 2. A Verdadeira Baiana
[4:14] 3. Begin The Beguine
[3:01] 4. Fon-Fon
[4:15] 5. Eu Acredito
[4:11] 6. Holofotes
[3:34] 7. Cabelo
[5:03] 8. Brilho De Beleza
[3:44] 9. Alguém Me Disse
[3:01] 10. Nua Idéia (Leila Xii)
[3:31] 11. Zanzando
[4:43] 12. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

Held in very high regard in Brazilian music circles, Gal Costa has been impressively consistent over the years. And the charismatic singer was in excellent form when she greeted the 1990s with Plural. Though Costa isn't a jazz singer per se, she uses jazz influence to her advantage on caressing versions of the standards "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" and "Begin the Beguine" (which was a major hit for Artie Shaw during the swing era). Costa sings mostly in Portuguese, but switches to English for those standards. While they favor the type of relaxed introspection one expects from bossa nova, Costa is much more exuberant and upbeat on the reggae-influenced "Cabelo," the Caribbean-minded "Zanzando," and the percussive "Salvador Nao Inerte" (a fine example of the Bahian school of Brazilian pop). Plural demonstrates that the dedicated following she commands is well deserved. ~Alex Henderson

Plural

Pat Boone - The Best Of Pat Boone

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:41
Size: 68.0 MB
Styles: Vocal pop
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[2:23] 1. Ain't That A Shame
[2:58] 2. I'll Be Home
[2:36] 3. I Almost Lost My Mind
[2:54] 4. Friendly Persuasion
[2:17] 5. Don't Forbid Me
[2:11] 6. Love Letters In The Sand
[2:39] 7. April Love
[2:05] 8. A Wonderful Time Up There
[2:33] 9. It's Too Soon To Know
[1:53] 10. Sugar Moon
[2:35] 11. Moody River
[2:31] 12. Speedy Gonzales

Pat's huge hits for Dot Records, all of them Top 10 and six #1s: Love Letters in the Sand; I Almost Lost My Mind; April Love; Ain't That a Shame; Don't Forbid Me; Moody River; Speedy Gonzales; Sugar Moon , and more.

The Best Of Pat Boone

Jimmy Bruno, Joe Beck - Polarity

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:33
Size: 134.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[4:31] 1. How Long Has This Been Going On
[4:29] 2. Lazy Afternoon
[4:05] 3. Polarity
[4:08] 4. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[5:09] 5. Eleanor Rigby
[5:55] 6. Estate
[3:43] 7. Summertime
[4:16] 8. Tenderly
[4:45] 9. Carioca Blue
[4:03] 10. Emily
[4:12] 11. I Don't Stand A Gost Of A Chance With You
[4:10] 12. Cherokee
[5:00] 13. Poem For #15

Veteran guitarists Joe Beck and Jimmy Bruno work well together and share an appreciation of beautiful sound as applied to jazz's mainstream. Most of the feature work is from Bruno, 46, who plays a seven-string guitar. Beck, 54, plays an instrument of his own creation. His alto guitar is tuned down a fifth and offers the artist a means for providing both bass line and accompaniment. Tone quality remains of paramount importance throughout the duo session.

"Summertime" moves at a lively tempo and becomes a fast-fingered clinic for Bruno's dexterous hands. Unfortunately, the flying fingers and urgent mood have eroded the piece's sentimental spirit. While his interpretation is unique, the standard "Summertime" carries its own set of familiar elements. The duo's arrangement takes some getting used to. Similarly, "Emily" loses much of its familiar lingering lyricism as the duo takes it up-tempo with a bouncing rhythm.

Beck has created harmonic bossa arrangements for most of the album's selections. They're lively and serve to demonstrate Bruno's superb technique. "Cherokee," accustomed to this kind of blazing-fast tempo, appears here as an up-tempo waltz. It's quite appropriate, and both guitarists seem quite comfortable with the situation. Joe Beck has one solo feature, "Tenderly." On it, he caresses the lyrical melody with slow, well-thought-out chords that preserve the ballad's original meaning. His one solo interlude, also chorded, appears during the romantic "Estate'" with a fresh improvised twist on a lovely tune.

Limiting the selections to under five minutes in the context of blazing-fast Jimmy Bruno guitar epithets, Polarity brings the listener variety and good, clean guitar adventures. ~Jim Santella

Polarity

Lee Morgan Quintet - Take Twelve

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:16
Size: 111,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:52)  1. Raggedy Ann
(5:00)  2. A Waltz For Fran
(8:31)  3. Lee-Sure Time
(7:50)  4. Little Spain
(4:59)  5. Take Twelve
(7:30)  6. Second's Best (take 5)
(7:30)  7. Second's Best (take 1)

Take Twelve was trumpeter Lee Morgan's only recording during an off-period that lasted from mid-1961 to late 1963. Morgan (who sounds in fine form) leads a quintet with tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Louis Hayes through four of his originals, Jordan's "Little Spain," and the title cut, an Elmo Hope composition. The superior material uplifts the set from being a mere "blowing" date but it generally has the spontaneity of a jam session. It's one of Lee Morgan's lesser-known dates. Originally released in 1962, Take Twelve was reissued on CD in 2006, and includes an alternate take of "Second's Best." ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/take-twelve-mw0000203606

Personnel: Lee Morgan (trumpet); Clifford Jordan (tenor saxophone); Barry Harris (piano); Louis Hayes (drums).

Take Twelve

Paul Desmond - Skylark

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1973
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:51
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:10)  1. Take Ten
(9:42)  2. Romance De Amor
(4:51)  3. Was A Sunny Day
(6:44)  4. Music For A While
(5:20)  5. Skylark
(3:59)  6. Indian Summer
(5:55)  7. Music For A While (alt tk)
(5:38)  8. Skylark (alt tk)
(5:27)  9. Indian Summer (alt tk)

Moving over to the CTI label with Creed Taylor, Paul Desmond injects a bit of the 1970s into his sound, obtaining agreeable if not totally simpatico results. Here, the cool altoist is teamed with the progressive-slanted drumming of Jack DeJohnette (who might have been too busy a drummer for his taste), and Bob James' electric and acoustic pianos, with Ron Carter as the bass anchor, Gene Bertoncini on rhythm guitar, and, most interestingly, another individualist, Gabor Szabo, on solo electric guitar. For the first and only time, even taking into account the most inspired moments of Jim Hall, Desmond is not the most interesting soloist on his own record, for it is Szabo who most consistently draws you in with his mesmerizing incantations over vamps from the rhythm section. 

For those who missed it the first time, Desmond remakes "Take Ten" without the Middle Eastern elements "Romance de Amor" is eventually dominated by Szabo, and the inclusion of "Was a Sunny Day" proves that Desmond's involvement with the music of Paul Simon in 1970 was not a passing infatuation. Don Sebesky is credited with the "arrangements" but his orchestrating hand is not felt except for a single solo cello (George Ricci) in an adaptation of Purcell ("Music for a While"). It's a cautious change of pace for Desmond, although the fiercer context into which he was placed doesn't really fire his imagination. ~ Richard S.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/album/skylark-mw0000651923

Personnel: Paul Desmond (alto saxophone); Gabor Szabo, Gene Bertoncini (guitar); George Ricci (cello); Hilary James , Bob James (piano, electric piano); Jack DeJohnette (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Skylark

Paul Brown - One Way Back

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:49
Size: 91,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:44)  1. Put It Where You Want It
(4:00)  2. Sexy Thang (feat. Darren Rahn)
(3:52)  3. Hush
(3:48)  4. Piccadilly Circus (feat. Chris Standring)
(3:52)  5. River Walk (feat. Marc Antoine)
(4:08)  6. Well Alright (feat. Don Bryant)
(4:29)  7. Take Flight (feat. Peter White)
(3:24)  8. One Way Back
(3:49)  9. Rear View Mirror (feat. Chuck Loeb)
(4:39) 10. Heaven

On his latest Woodward Avenue set One Way Back, two time Grammy winning guitarist Paul Brown keeps the deep funk and cool urban vibe flowing while tapping deeper than ever before into his lifelong blues influences. While extending his long history of collaborations with the genre's top saxophonists with "Sexy Thang" featuring Darren Rahn, the collection's musical core is a series of dynamic collaborations with top genre guitarists Chris Standring, Peter White, Marc Antoine and Chuck Loeb. Highlights include a the lead single, a bold and fiery re-imagining of The Crusaders' soul-jazz classic "Put It Where You Want It," and a powerhouse Memphis soul-influenced tune "Well Alright" featuring vocalist (and former Hi Records songwriter) Don Bryant. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/One-Way-Back-Paul-Brown/dp/B01JRJC4C6

One Way Back

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Clifford Jordan Sextet - Half Note

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:22
Size: 113.0 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[8:42] 1. Holy Land
[5:39] 2. Glass Bead Games
[9:58] 3. St. Thomas
[8:59] 4. Rhythm-A-Ning
[9:18] 5. Midnight Waltz
[6:43] 6. The Highest Mountain

Tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan was long an underrated player with a sound of his own and a style that hinted at the avant-garde while being well grounded in hard bop. On this live set (recorded at New York's Half Note), Jordan explores high-quality material (including "Holy Land," "St. Thomas," "Rhythm-A-Ning" and his "The Highest Mountain") with pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. An excellent example of Jordan's music. ~Scott Yanow

Half Note

Joanna Rimmer - Dedicated To... Just Me!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:24
Size: 156.6 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:18] 1. I'm Gonna Lock My Heart And Throw Away The Key
[5:02] 2. I'm Confessin'
[4:34] 3. Caravan
[5:08] 4. I Concentrate On You
[4:17] 5. Dancing In The Dark
[5:19] 6. More Than You Know
[3:20] 7. I Wish I Was Back In My Baby's Arms
[7:53] 8. Midnight Sun
[2:59] 9. Pick Yourself Up
[4:14] 10. Pannonica
[3:27] 11. All Of You
[4:25] 12. In A Twilight Zone (Instrumentally Known As Monk's Mood)
[6:10] 13. Over The Moon
[5:17] 14. Nature Boy
[2:55] 15. Just You, Just Me

Joanna was born and grew up in Southport, England. At 6 she began studying Ballroom Dancing seriously, competing all around the ballroom dancing circuit every Sunday with her dance partner. In 1980 they took 5th place in The World Juvenile Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in London. At 7 Joanna found an old Anita O’Day record at home, and remembers falling immediately in love with “old-fashioned “music. This passion for Jazz in all it’s many forms would remain with her, as would a growing passion of anything from yesteryear, hence today her beloved collection of original antique clothing of the 20’s to the 70’s which she uses when singing.

Soon after leaving school Joanna began working as a fashion model and for the following 10 years modelled all over the world with the “Elite Agency” doing shows, editorials etc. After the modelling ended she began singing and in 1999 won a talent competition in England. From the year 2000 Joanna began singing full-time and became the vocalist of “The Red Cat Zazou Band” from Sanremo. Besides doing many gigs around Italy with “The Red Cat” she recorded with them 12 signature tunes in 2001 for the popular T.V. cabaret show,”Zelig” on Italia Uno. Since then she has also had the pleasure in working with some rather well known jazz musicians such as; Riccardo Zegna, Charlie Mariano, Stefano Bollani, Paolo Fresu, Pietro Tonolo, Andrea Pozza, Andrea Dulbecco, Walter Paoli, among many. Joanna has worked various times for Pepi Morgia including the,”Pigro Music Festival 2001”.She has collaborated at numerous Jazz Festivals around Italy and England and in the past year has partnered Bruno Lauzi and also sang at a book review of Giuseppe Conte at Teatro Carlo Felice. At the end of 2002 Joanna appeared singing with her own group on the programme, “La Poesia Incontra La Musica” on Rai Uno.
Joanna sings on a regular basis with, “The Red Cat Zazou Band” performing jazz of the 20’s and 30’s, and of course with her own band made up of Riccardo Zegna, Aldo Zunino and Alfred Kramer and Anrea Dulbecco performing mainstream jazz standards plus original pieces. As far as inspiration goes Joanna is inspired by most of the best singers and musicians of the jazz world from the 1920’s to the 50’s, especially those of Afro-American race.

Dedicated To... Just Me!

Les Baxter His Orchestra & Chorus - Voices In Rhythm

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:44
Size: 54.3 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[1:43] 1. Wake The Town And Tell The People
[1:58] 2. Pennies From Heaven
[1:58] 3. It's Only A Paper Moon
[2:14] 4. These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You
[1:43] 5. I May Be Wrong But I Think You're Wonderful
[1:58] 6. Walkin' My Baby Back Home
[2:07] 7. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
[1:47] 8. September In The Rain
[2:21] 9. I'll Be Seeing You
[1:48] 10. I Never Knew
[1:40] 11. Once In A While
[2:20] 12. Linger A While

Voices in Rhythm is not the reissue to begin an appreciation of composer, pianist, and bandleader Les Baxter. His unique and sometimes bizarre approach to easy listening music is absent on this session, originally recorded for Reprise Records in 1962. This straight reissue features 12 tracks, mainly standards, including "September in the Rain," "Pennies From Heaven," and "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)." Those expecting anything like the exploratory Space Escapade or Ritual of the Savage should stick with Baxter's Capitol recordings. ~ Al Campbell

Voices In Rhythm

Butch Miles Sextet - Miles And Miles Of Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:51
Size: 137.0 MB
Styles: Swing, Cool jazz
Year: 1978/2015
Art: Front

[6:58] 1. Cherokee
[5:45] 2. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[6:01] 3. Take The 'a' Train
[5:28] 4. The King
[5:05] 5. Sweet Lorraine
[7:10] 6. For The Boss
[4:32] 7. Broadway
[4:29] 8. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (Alt Take)
[6:08] 9. Take The 'A' Train (Alt Take)
[4:28] 10. Broadway (Alt. Take)
[3:41] 11. I Surrender, Dear (Previously Unreleased)

Bass – Milt Hinton; Drums – Butch Miles; Flugelhorn – Marky Markowitz; Piano – John Bunch; Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Scott Hamilton. Recorded at Mastertone Recording Studios Inc., New York, Fall 1977.

Drummer Butch Miles' recording debut as a leader was his first of five Famous Door releases. Miles leads an all-star mainstream sextet also including both Scott Hamilton (during his brief pre-Concord days) and Al Cohn on tenors, flugelhornist Marky Markowitz, pianist John Bunch, and bassist Milt Hinton. Equally influenced by Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, Miles gets in a few good spots, but mostly lets his top-notch sidemen blow. With the exception of the spontaneous "For the Boss," the repertoire is comprised of material from the swing era, including "Cherokee," "The King" (originally a feature for Illinois Jacquet with Count Basie's Orchestra in the mid-40s) and "Broadway." An excellent set with a jam session feel, this LP from the defunct Famous Door label will be difficult to find. ~Scott Yanow

Miles And Miles Of Swing

Annie Ross & Pony Poindexter - With The Berlin All-Stars

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:34
Size: 99.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2004/2016
Art: Front

[ 4:36] 1. Saturday Night Fishfry
[11:40] 2. All Blues
[ 4:54] 3. Home Cookin'
[ 6:23] 4. Jumpin' At The Woodside
[ 3:39] 5. Moody's Mood For Love
[ 4:01] 6. Goin' To Chicago
[ 8:18] 7. Twisted

Annie Ross & Pony Poindexter With The Berlin All Stars Feat. Carmell Jones And Leo Wright, Recorded At The Tenth German Jazz Festival In Frankfurt.

With The Berlin All-Stars

Four Tops - 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1964-1972 (3-Disc Set)

2013 three CD collection from the iconic Motown quartet. For the first time ever, on the occasion of the group's 50th anniversary with Motown Records, every single from the Four Tops classic period is now in one package. This set contains each A- and B- side, from their first hit to the moment they left the storied label, as well as collector's bonus tracks. Featured among the set's 78 tracks are the group's 16 #1 Pop and R&B hits, from 'Baby I Need Your Loving' to '(It's The Way) Nature Planned It,' and the smashes in-between. Recognizing the group's undying popularity in England, the collection also includes 14 singles issued only in the U.K., from duets with the Supremes to the U.K. Top Three hit 'Simple Game' that featured backing by the Moody Blues. Four Tops: 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1964-1972 is accompanied by a booklet filled with detailed information about each single, reproductions of spectacular-looking picture sleeves from around the world, and classic and rare photos of the world's most beloved male vocal groups.

Album: 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1964-1972 (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:32
Size: 177.5 MB
Styles: Soul-R&B-Pop vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:43] 1. Baby I Need Your Loving
[2:31] 2. Call On Me
[2:52] 3. Without The One You Love (Life's Not Worthwhile)
[2:53] 4. Love Has Gone
[3:01] 5. Ask The Lonely
[2:27] 6. Where Did You Go
[2:42] 7. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
[2:42] 8. Sad Souvenirs
[2:44] 9. I Can't Help Myself
[2:45] 10. It's The Same Old Song
[2:24] 11. Your Love Is Amazing
[2:43] 12. It's The Same Old Song
[2:51] 13. Something About You
[2:21] 14. Darling, I Hum Our Song
[2:43] 15. Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)
[3:06] 16. Just As Long As You Need Me
[2:44] 17. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
[2:16] 18. I Like Everything About You
[2:58] 19. Reach Out, I'll Be There
[3:13] 20. Until You Love Someone
[2:35] 21. Standing In The Shadows Of Love
[2:37] 22. Since You've Been Gone
[2:59] 23. Bernadette
[3:01] 24. I Got A Feeling
[2:34] 25. 7-Rooms Of Gloom
[2:34] 26. I'll Turn To Stone
[2:51] 27. You Keep Running Away
[3:29] 28. If You Don't Want My Love


Album: 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1964-1972 (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:49
Size: 178.2 MB
Styles: Soul-R&B-Pop vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. Walk Away Renee
[2:29] 2. Your Love Is Wonderful
[2:51] 3. If I Were A Carpenter
[2:33] 4. Wonderful Baby
[2:59] 5. Yesterday's Dreams
[2:47] 6. For Once In My Life
[3:05] 7. I'm In A Different World
[3:06] 8. Remember When
[2:32] 9. What Is A Man
[2:57] 10. Don't Bring Back Memories
[2:35] 11. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me
[2:35] 12. The Key
[2:49] 13. It's All In The Game
[2:26] 14. Love (Is The Answer)
[3:12] 15. Still Water (Love)
[2:42] 16. Still Water (Peace)
[3:13] 17. River Deep, Mountain High
[3:04] 18. Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music
[3:05] 19. Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)
[3:09] 20. I Wish I Were Your Mirror
[2:48] 21. You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart
[3:16] 22. I'm Glad About It
[2:28] 23. You Gotta Have Love In Your Heart
[3:23] 24. In These Changing Times
[3:07] 25. Right Before My Eyes
[2:33] 26. McArthur Park Part 1 (Mono)
[3:06] 27. McArthur Park Part 2 (Mono)


Album: 50th Anniversary: The Singles Collection 1964-1972 (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:08
Size: 172.0 MB
Styles: Soul-R&B-Pop vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:57] 1. A Simple Game Single Version (Mono)
[3:15] 2. L.A. (My Town) Single Version (Mono)
[3:35] 3. I Can't Quit Your Love Single Version (Mono)
[2:55] 4. Happy Is A Bumpy Road Single Version Stereo
[3:58] 5. Nature Planned It Single Version
[2:43] 6. I'll Never Change Single Version
[2:38] 7. Mame
[4:04] 8. Do What You Gotta Do
[3:19] 9. Can' Seem To Get You Out Of My Mind Single Version
[2:53] 10. Without The One You Love Uk Single Mix
[3:30] 11. Without The One You Love
[3:00] 12. You Stole My Love Single Version (Mono)
[4:08] 13. It's Got O Be A Miracle Single Version (Mono)
[3:17] 14. Let's Make Love Now
[2:39] 15. Walk With Me, Talk With Me Darling
[2:04] 16. Love Feels Like Fire Single Version (Mono)
[4:41] 17. Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)
[4:30] 18. Where Would I Be Without You, Baby
[3:18] 19. So Deep Within You
[3:12] 20. I Am Your Man Single Version
[2:40] 21. I Can't Help Myself (Italian Version)
[3:00] 22. Gira, Gira (Italian Version)
[2:42] 23. Walk Away Renee (Italian Version)


Kenny Wheeler - All the More

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:03
Size: 144,9 MB
Art: Front

( 6:31)  1. Phrase One
( 6:00)  2. All the More
(10:14)  3. Mark Time
( 6:53)  4. Introduction to No Particular Song
( 9:36)  5. The Imminent Immigrant
( 6:04)  6. Nonetheless
( 8:24)  7. Kind of Bill
( 9:17)  8. Summer Night

Kenny Wheeler's gorgeous trumpet anchors these tracks, but also attracting attention here is the understated beauty and subtle adventurousness of John Taylor's piano. With that kind of combination in his playing, Taylor is a perfect match for Wheeler, who has straddled a few divides in his time. Much of this disc features the ethereal ECM-ish music Wheeler has made his trademark, but some of it harks back to Wheeler's earlier days as a pillar of the English "free music" scene along with John Stevens, Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, and another refugee from the edge, bassist Dave Holland. On "All the More" Wheeler plays with fire and resorts here and there to some of the expanded techniques that those musicians were and are searching for. Here, of course, such effects are thoroughly integrated into the fabric of conventional jazz form, so that they do not jar but add an emotional fire to the musiTo hear Wheeler's immense sound in full glory, don't miss "Summer Night," where it is washed in the ebbs and flows of Joe LaBarbera's drums but still comes through sharply, clearly, beautifully. ~ Robert Spencer ttps://www.allaboutjazz.com/all-the-more-kenny-wheeler-soul-note-review-by-robert-spencer.php

Personnel: Kenny Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn); John Taylor (piano); Furio Di Castri (bass); Joe La Barbera (drums).

All the More