Jimmy Bruno - Solo

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:46
Size: 120.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:47] 1. Have You Met Miss Jones
[4:42] 2. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[2:42] 3. Joy Spring
[3:48] 4. Satin Doll
[5:08] 5. Darn That Dream
[2:36] 6. Just Friends
[6:43] 7. Misty
[4:44] 8. I'm In The Mood For Love
[4:21] 9. The Toffelmire Band
[4:25] 10. Benny's Tune
[3:52] 11. Stella By Starlight
[3:59] 12. Night And Day
[1:52] 13. Giant Steps

A lot of musicians first learn their craft through the various method books produced by Mel Bay Publications. And so it is within reason to expect outstanding technique on the recordings recorded by Mel Bay Records.

Solo , guitarist Jimmy Bruno's first album for the fledgling label, doesn't disappoint on that score. It's a fiercely swung set of standards and originals featuring walking bass lines, sweep-picked arpeggios, and whole tone scales imaginatively deployed on solo guitar. There's even a rendition of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." Bruno not only improvises melodically and soulfully over the tune's labyrinthine chord progression, he also does it while playing at light speed. ~Alex K. Fong

Solo

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Lynne Fiddmont - Lady

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:33
Size: 106.6 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals, R&B
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:19] 1. All The Way
[4:51] 2. Fine And Mellow / He's So Fine
[5:28] 3. I Cover The Waterfront
[3:41] 4. Good Morning Heartache
[3:25] 5. God Bless The Child
[5:25] 6. Lady
[4:43] 7. Night And Day / I Think Of You
[4:31] 8. Lover Man
[3:39] 9. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
[5:28] 10. Do Nothing 'til You Hear Me / Wayman's Groove

So, I picked up a two Billie Holiday albums. The first was a compilation that included songs Holiday made famous. That compilation included the two above listed songs, as well as tunes like "God Bless The Child," "Them There Eyes" and "Ain't Nobody's Business." I went out and bought Lady in Satin about two weeks later. Holiday recorded that album, on which she performed with a full orchestra, in 1958. The record came out a year before Holiday died, and the ravages of decades of substance abuse and the mistreatment at the hands of the era's racism were apparent. While Holiday was diminished vocally (meaning she probably wouldn't have made it very far on American Idol), she still knew how to sing. That means Holiday used her instrument to make an emotional connection with her listener, she still had excellent phrasing and she could still tell a story. Don't believe me? Just listen to her angst-filled rendition of "You Don't Know What Love Is."

So it's not surprising that vocalists continue returning to the Billie Holiday catalog more than 50 years after her death. Dee Dee Bridgewater released a tribute album in which the songs are arranged in the straight ahead jazz style that is her forte. On Lady, Lynne Fiddmont's homage to Lady Day, the St. Louis native goes in a different direction. Lady has more of an R&B/jazz/world music fusion feel. That was a good idea. Look, no singer can ever take a song like "Good Morning Heartache" away from Holiday. However, Fiddmont's decision to give the tune a Latin feel that brings to mind some of Stevie Wonder's work in the early 1970s, moves this album away from the kind of rote, by-the-book translation that often makes Holiday covers sound stale. Fiddmont makes a conscious effort to give us something different. She employs an up-tempo calypso/jazz beat on "God Bless the Child," and infuses "Fine and Mellow," with a neo-soul groove. Meanwhile, "I Cover the Waterfront," combines that late 1960s Burt Bacharach sound with an ending that includes a "On the Dock of the Bay" style whistle.

If you know anything about Fiddmont's history, you know that she has a special connection to Holiday's music, having played Holiday in the musical Dark Legends in Blood. Fiddmont's love for the material is clear, yet, she manages to avoid making these tunes into museum pieces. Holiday was a free spirit who was often limited by the time in which she lived. However, nobody could fence in her music, and on Lady Fiddmont honors Holiday by loosing the fetters. That's a fitting tribute to jazz royalty. Recommended. ~Howard Dukes

Lady

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Matt Dennis, Ferdinand Von Plettenberg, Albert Reifert Trio - Do It Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:58
Size: 125.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:25] 1. Let's Face The Music And Dance
[3:06] 2. Am I Blue
[3:01] 3. Don't Say No To My Love
[4:48] 4. East Of The Sun
[4:23] 5. There Will Never Be Another You
[4:46] 6. The End Of A Love Affair
[2:23] 7. The Best Thing For You
[3:37] 8. Where Did Everyone Go
[5:17] 9. Angel Eyes
[4:12] 10. Do It Again
[3:08] 11. Once In A While
[2:55] 12. I Keep Going Back To Joe's
[2:05] 13. The Song Is Ended
[3:57] 14. No, I Don't Want Her
[3:48] 15. When I Look In Your Eyes

Do It Again

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Chris Daniels & The Kings - Stealin' The Covers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:52
Size: 143.9 MB
Styles: Funk, Blues, Jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:30] 1. Roll Over Beethoven
[2:21] 2. Choo Choo Ch'boogie
[4:48] 3. Just Kissed My Baby
[3:04] 4. 634-5789
[4:03] 5. The Heart Of Saturday Night
[4:19] 6. Congo Square
[4:35] 7. Crossfire
[4:34] 8. In The Night
[2:48] 9. In My Life
[4:40] 10. Who's Makin Love
[5:40] 11. Riding With The King
[5:00] 12. Soul Mine
[2:58] 13. Crosstown Traffic
[4:29] 14. Killing Floor
[3:09] 15. Sing, Sing, Sing
[2:47] 16. Cool Yule

Chris Daniels, rhythm guitar, vocals; Colin "Bones" Jones, lead guitar; Chris Stongle, drums, vocals; Kevin "Bro" Lege, bass, vocals; Dean LeDoux, keys, vocals; Darryl "Doody" Abrahamson, trumpet, vocals; Jim Waddell, alto, tenor sax, flute, vocals.

Chris Daniels & the Kings played their first show on March 14, 1984. Chris has toured Europe 16 times and played in the States from South Carolina to Seattle, New York City to LA. The seven piece rockin\' band, called "funky-blues" by the Europeans, is an all out "horn band" celebrating their 24th year making great R&B, funk, "jump blues" and rock n roll.

Starting in 1991 the band made a name for themselves touring Europe: playing for the Queen of Holland at the 50 Year VE Day Celebration and at Holland's famous Parkpop Rock Festival for 450,000. They have headlined festivals from Mediterranean to the North Sea. They have had number one records on Holland’s number one rock show, “Countdown Café” and had front page success with cover articles in De Telegraph and De Standard in Amsterdam and Brussels and amazing reviews in Billboard, LA Times and Downbeat.

There all new "party till you drop" record of hits "Stealin' The Covers features a remarkable list of "special guests" including Sonny Landreth, Sam Bush, Bill Payne, Mollie O\'Brien, Hazel Miler, Ritchie Furay, Tony Furtado, Steve Riley, Sam Broussard plus many many more.

Stealin' The Covers

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Alexia Gardner - A Little Closer: Live At the Birds Eye Jazz Club

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:31
Size: 125,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:11)  1. Everything Must Change
(2:48)  2. There'll Never Be Another You
(5:54)  3. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(4:15)  4. At Last
(3:25)  5. Jump In
(5:23)  6. Illusions
(5:48)  7. Turn Your Lights Down Low
(5:22)  8. Stormy Weather
(4:57)  9. My Favorite Things
(6:45) 10. Black Coffee
(5:39) 11. A Little Closer

'When listening to vocalist, Alexia Gardner, you are reminded of that era when a jazz singer was just that, someone in that tradition who would take a song and tell its story musically, respecting the integrity of its original melody, yet using nuanced phrasing that would be uniquely individual. For those 'jazz aficionados' or even those who are just lovers of good music. I would strongly suggest that you treat yourself to hearing one of the true practioners of this great artform, jazz! Truly a world citizen via Jamaica, England, Asia and Europe, and a world class jazz singer,Ms. Alexia Gardner!" Phil Morrison 20(Bassist/Composer/Songwriter)

With over a decade of tours and concerts in South East Asia Alexia Gardner has recently moved to New York City. She is ready to share her soft, mellow and distinctive voice with her audience here as well as continuing to perform globally. Her Live recordings in Hongkong, Shanghai and Switzerland showcase her rapport with the audience and her command of the stage.  This British Singer with Jamaican Roots began her career touring the British Cabaret Circuit in England and Wales. She toured with her gifted sister Paula Gardner as a sophisticated, accapella duo and got much acclaim for their wonderfully harmonic voices. Alexia soon began a solo career that took her across the Mediterranean on luxury Cruise Liners as well as the luxury hotel groups in Asia. Part of her addictiveness stems from her Jamaican parentage where she is able to incorporate everything from Standard Jazz Classics, Latin grooves, a touch of Reggae vibes, soft Bossa Nova styles to gentle, familiar ballads.

Alexia has three live albums and one studio recording available for your enjoyment. 'The Rest Of Your Life ' recorded in 2001 at the `Jazz Club` in Hongkong and the suitably entitled ` Jammin ' Alexia Gardner Live In Shanghai` This second album was released in January 2006 and one of the reviews were:  'This is one of the strongest jazz Vocal CDs I've heard in a long time. Alexia Gardner comes across in the tradition of Sarah, Ella and Nancy but with her own uniqueness. A wonderful singer with a wonderful rhythm section! (Phil Morrison, bassist, composer, lyricist August 2006)

Her third album is 'Chasing Hope, Alexia Gardner and the offbeat Trio'. This beautiful album recorded in Switzerland with the fabulous trio that she toured and performed with since her return to Europe after years in Asia. This was recorded in the summer of 2009. A wonderful album with special guests and striking original tunes. Finally, the fourth album is once again recorded in front of a Live Audience. It is called ' A Little Closer, Alexia Gardner Live At The Birds Eye Jazz Club'. This is a unique recording of guitar, double bass and voice. This was released late September 2011 and once again demonstrates Alexia's diverse and ever appealing artistry. https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/AlexiaGardner

Personnel:  Vocals - Alexia Gardner;  Guitar - Beat Baumli;  Bass - Lorenz Beyeler;  Arrangements - Beat Baumli

A Little Closer: Live At the Birds Eye Jazz Club

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George Cables Trio - I Mean You

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:40
Size: 150,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:48)  1. Woofin And Tweetin
(9:02)  2. Who Can I Turn To?
(5:20)  3. I Mean You
(8:11)  4. For Heaven's Sake
(7:33)  5. Blackfoot
(6:54)  6. But He Knows
(8:19)  7. All Of Nothing At All
(4:58)  8. Lush Life
(7:29)  9. Double Or Nothing

For this straight-ahead set, pianist George Cables is joined by bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Cables is heard throughout in top form, reviving Gene Ammons' obscure but appealing "Woofin' and Tweetin'," digging into Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You," recalling Bill Evans on "Who Can I Turn To," and contributing three originals. Cables has long been underrated and he has been heard in a variety of settings through the years. This is one of his best boppish dates. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/i-mean-you-mw0000722746

Personnel:  George Cables (piano);  Jay Anderson (bass);  Adam Nussbaum (drums)

I Mean You

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Coleman Hawkins - The Hawk Returns

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:55
Size: 86,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. Goin' Down Home
(3:07)  2. I'll Follow My Secret Heart
(3:12)  3. On My Way
(3:01)  4. I'll Tell You Later
(3:15)  5. What A Difference A Day Made
(2:56)  6. Last Stop
(3:11)  7. Should I
(2:57)  8. Flight Eleven
(3:01)  9. Modern Fantasy
(3:01) 10. Confessin'
(3:28) 11. September Song
(2:57) 12. You Can't Take That Away From Me

This CD features Hawkins on a dozen selections (all around three minutes long) performing with an odd group (organ, piano, bass, drums and sometimes a vocal group). Despite the potentially commercial backing, he really digs into the tunes and creates some magic. Pity that this CD only lasts around 36 minutes.~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-hawk-returns-mw0000100215

Personnel : Coleman Hawkins (tenor saxophone); Boddy Smith (drums).

The Hawk Returns

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Lolo Gervais - Lolo Gervais

Size: 102 MB
Time: 21:01
File: FLAC
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Billie Jean (4:24)
02. Get Lucky (2:37)
03. Black Velvet (2:56)
04. Happy (2:58)
05. Careless Whisper (2:47)
06. Footloose (2:53)
07. Sister Moon (2:23)

Stirring up a mix of classic modern pop, rock and soul tunes into a fun Neo Vintage party soundtrack— vocalist Lorraine Gervais belts out over the backdrop of a mean ragtime/boogaloo/stride piano, standup bass, horn riffs, gypsy guitar & slammin drumbeats — creating a great party wherever they end up.

Lolo Gervais takes tunes of one style and then recreates them into roaring 20's, swinging 30's, New Orleans funky boogaloo style, swanky 50's & 60's, classic early Motown & beyond. Everything is fair game as they bend musical genres into whole new grooves that are hot to hear and fun to play.

Think Paula Abdul meets Louis Armstrong, or Daft Punk, Michael Jackson and Sting running headlong into a funky 1920's swing, Kenny Loggins grooving over an old New Orleans style beat, or Pharrel Williams, the Clash, and Train gettin all jazzed up into 50's swank with a touch of old school Jackson 5 or African Highlife grooves laid over the top. A great rhythm ride down a twisted musical buffet line.

We Lolo Gervais

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Jon Dalton Trio - Warm Ghosts (In A) Cold World

Size: 152,0 MB
Time: 65:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2009
Styles: Jazz: Guitar Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Groove Merchant (5:26)
02. Mocha Trouble (7:47)
03. So What! (4:12)
04. T4Joey (9:24)
05. Earthmover (2:46)
06. But Beautiful (8:30)
07. The More I See You (3:11)
08. Chisler's Blues (4:01)
09. The Eclipse (8:06)
10. Plastered (6:42)
11. Loverman (5:05)

In 2006 Jon Dalton took a trip from his California base back to his old home turf in the United Kingdom. While there Jon heard that Hammond organ maestro John-Paul Gard was looking for a particular kind of guitar player to work with on a series of gigs. Even though the pair had lived within a few miles of each other, this was the first time they got to work on a new project.

To complete the trio they auditioned several drummers, often in a live performance setting. Andy Roger was the only player who could demonstrate the rare combination of style, taste and a talent for sheer groove that the music required and his addition was the final piece of the puzzle that would form the basis for this unique CD.

Between gigs the trio hit the studio in several sessions to make a literal “record” of the music they were bringing to live audiences. The album was recorded virtually live-to-mike in the tradition of all great jazz recordings.

Swing and in many cases “burning” swing forms the rhythmic basis of this outing but, while many listeners have likened the trio’s sound to the great jazz-beat Hammond trios of the late 50s and early 60s, the three also work through tight Latin grooves and experimental jazz explorations in a refreshing and contemporary way.

Beyond the individual talents of the musicians it is their almost telepathic empathy that elevates this music to an extraordinary place.

The music comprises a mix of classic jazz standards and new pieces composed especially for the trio. You may be reminded of the approach of jazz masters such as George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Brother Jack McDuff and even contemporary greats like Pat Martino and Joey DeFrancesco but the trio are not mere copyists, their music breathes its own air.

Warm Ghosts (in a) Cold World brings together echoes of the past and glimpses to the future that is at once an homage to the greats and a message to a new generation.

Warm Ghosts (In A) Cold World

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Jazz Sisters - Jazz Sisters

Size: 98,5 MB
Time: 33:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Swing
Art: Front

01. I Got Rhythm (2:40)
02. Sentimental Journey (3:16)
03. Rum And Coca-Cola (3:48)
04. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (5:10)
05. Swing, Brother, Swing (2:33)
06. Alright, Okay, You Win (3:56)
07. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (3:30)
08. Get Happy (2:29)
09. It's Only A Paper Moon (3:20)
10. Sing, Sing, Sing (2:25)

Jazz Sisters is a fantastic vocal duo that transports us to the wonderful world of swing and jazz of the 50's. The two great divas Yoio Cuesta and Susana Ruiz combine their talents to offer an unprecedented vocal jazz show.

With more than 20 years of experience of their voices, this duo is confirmed as one of the highest quality musical proposals of the national jazz scene.

They are accompanied by three great musicians who are affectionately called "Freaking Brothers" and with whom they blend perfectly: Gonzalo Maestre on drums, Francisco López "Loque" on bass and Jacob Sureda on piano.

Jazz Sisters

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David Arch - Coming Home

Size: 177,1 MB
Time: 76:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Hello ( 6:05)
02. More Air ( 5:53)
03. What I Was Trying To Say ( 5:10)
04. Roll The Dice ( 4:42)
05. Three Amigos ( 4:42)
06. Time To Remember ( 3:49)
07. Coming Home ( 5:38)
08. Migration ( 3:33)
09. Un Dia Duro ( 4:50)
10. Desire ( 3:09)
11. Pandora’s Box ( 3:02)
12. Naturally ( 5:39)
13. The Question ( 4:33)
14. Top Table ( 4:55)
15. Salmagundi (10:20)

Dave (or David) is a British pianist, conductor, arranger and composer. His work covers a broad spectrum of the music business, from albums, films and commercials, through to television and live work. He grew up near Henley on Thames and attended Chiltern Edge School and King James College before graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

He is probably best known as the Musical Director for BBC Television’sStrictly Come Dancing, a role he took over in 2006 after working on the spin offStrictly Dance Fever, and it’s vocal equivalent, Just the Two of Us. He is shortly to embark on his 11th series of the hit show and in 2014, he and the rest of the production team were recipients of a collective special BAFTA Craft award. This year (2016) the programme won the BAFTA award for the Best Entertainment Programme.

Coming Home

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David Murray Cuban Ensemble - Plays Nat King Cole

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:02
Size: 171.8 MB
Styles: Latin jazz rhythms
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[9:18] 1. El Bodeguero
[6:05] 2. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás
[8:27] 3. Tres Palabras
[7:10] 4. Piel Canela
[8:03] 5. No Me Platiques
[6:40] 6. Black Nat
[6:42] 7. Cachito
[6:22] 8. A Media Luz
[7:48] 9. Aqui Se Habla En Amor
[4:35] 10. El Choclo
[3:47] 11. Quizás, Quizás, Quizás [radio Edit]

David Murray: conductor, arranger, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Daniel Melingo: vocals (2, 8, 10,11); Juanjo Mosalini: bandoneón (11); Roman Filiu Oreilly: alto saxophone; Ariel briguez Ruiz: tenor saxophone; Mario Felix Hernandez Morrejon: trumpet; Franck Mayea Pedroza: trumpet; Denis Cuni Rodriguez; trombone; Abraham Mansfarroll Rodriguez: congas; Reiner Elizarde ruano: bass; Jose "Pepe" Rivero: bass. Sinfonieta of Sines: Jose Avelino Castro Pinto: artistic coordinator; Rui Guimaraes: violin; Joana Cipriano: violin; Joao Andrade: violin; Joana Dias: violin; Maria Jose Laginha: violin; Joao Gaspar: viola; Goncalo Ruivo: viola; Tiago Vila: cello; Catarina Anacleto: cello; Rita Ramos: cello; Samuel Santos: cello.

Latin music has culturally been intended for dancing and romancing. Any Latin singer or orchestra worth a cover charge has known this, and David Murray the innovative saxophonist absorbing the role of conductor/arranger on Plays Nat King Cole En Español, demonstrates this concept perfectly. In taking on a project that updates the recordings Nat "King" Cole did in Spanish and Portuguese in 1958 and 1962, Murray maintains the genuine savor of the original compositions, while broadening them to assimilate contemporary improvisation. The crowded dance floors during the golden age of the mambo and cha cha in such legendary clubs as Havana, Cuba's Tropicana or New York City's Palladium come instantly to mind with the opening "El Bodeguero," and that's just the beginning.

The repertoire is perfectly poised from up-tempo numbers to simmering ballads, which are required for the legitimate ethnic experience. Daniel Melingo, a raspy voiced Argentine, is the vocalist on the traditional bolero "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás," and the tangos "A Media Luz" and "El Choclo." Melingo delivers with a sincerity the amorous predicaments demand. "Tres Palabras," an instrumental bolero, is given a bluesy intro by trumpeter Mario Felix Hernandez Morejon, setting up the saxophones which follow. The enduring Puerto Rican standard "Piel Canela," Mexico's "Cachito," and the song written specifically for Cole, "Aqui Se Habla En Amor," are perfect showcases for Murray to display his virtuosity and domination of this complex genre. Kudos all around for the musicianship of the selected soloists, obviously inspired by Murray, who clearly leads by example.

Murray handpicked his Cuban musicians, which he recorded with in Argentina, and recorded the Sinfonieta of Sines in Portugal, for the string orchestrations, thus emulating the vintage Latin big bands of yesteryear compounded with the lush string arranging of the crooner era. Plays Nat King Cole En Español, is wonderful music intended for dancing and romancing. ~James Nadal

Plays Nat King Cole

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Jeanette Lindstrom Quintet - Another Country

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:13
Size: 156.2 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[7:24] 1. Greenwillow Never Will I Marry
[5:41] 2. Another Country
[5:39] 3. All The World's Stage
[6:15] 4. It Don't Come Easy
[1:46] 5. Cold
[3:53] 6. The Answer
[4:18] 7. Meeting
[5:09] 8. Street Scene Lonely House
[5:03] 9. Wives And Lovers
[8:01] 10. White Lady In The Window
[8:36] 11. Competition
[6:21] 12. One Touch Of Venus Speak Low

Double Bass – Dan Berglund; Drums, Percussion – Magnus Öström; Piano – Torbjörn Gulz; Saxophone – Örjan Hultén; Vocals, Producer – Jeanette Lindström.

Jeanette Lindstrom's promising debut album was titled Another Country because instead of being recorded in her native Sweden, it was done in Copenhagen with Danish players. But most of the time, this risk-taking CD sounds like it could have been recorded in New York or Chicago. Though slight traces of a Scandinavian accent come through on occasion, Lindstrom often sounds like she could be African-American. The jazz singers she brings to mind include Abbey Lincoln and Dianne Reeves, and Lindstrom's phrasing also gives the impression she has much spent time listening to a lot of 1970s and 1980s R&B. But while comparisons are well and good, Lindstrom never sounds like she's actually emulating anyone. Whether the impressionistic post-bop singer is interpreting the lyrics to "Speak Low," "Never Will I Marry" and "Wives and Loves" or scatting on her wordless "Competition," Another Country is clearly the work of someone who had developed a recognizable style of her own. ~Alex Henderson

Another Country

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Buddy Knox - The Best Of Buddy Knox

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:30
Size: 74.4 MB
Styles: Rock n roll, Rockabilly
Year: 1990/2005
Art: Front

[2:15] 1. Party Doll
[2:24] 2. Rock Your Little Baby To Sleep
[2:19] 3. Teasable, Pleasable You
[2:02] 4. Storm Clouds
[2:19] 5. Somebody Touched Me
[2:00] 6. That's Why I Cry
[2:23] 7. Hula Love
[2:12] 8. Devil Woman
[2:05] 9. I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself
[1:48] 10. Cause I'm In Love
[1:50] 11. Swingin' Daddy
[2:05] 12. C'mon Baby
[2:10] 13. All For You
[2:36] 14. The Girl With The Golden Hair
[1:58] 15. Whenever I'm Lonely

Rhino's The Best of Buddy Knox is a definitive compilation featuring all of the hits the light rockabilly cat ever had, including "Party Doll," "Rock Your Little Baby to Sleep," "Hula Love," "Swingin' Daddy," "Somebody Touched Me," "Teasable, Pleasable You," "That's Why I Cry," and "I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself." ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The Best Of Buddy Knox

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Martin Sasse Trio - European Standard Time

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:05
Size: 142.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:56] 1. Mode Forbode
[5:24] 2. Quand Laura … Me Tend Ses Bras
[4:54] 3. More Than Ever
[6:14] 4. Ballad Pour Pipette
[5:17] 5. King Kombo
[8:21] 6. I've Got Another Rhythm
[8:59] 7. Sergio
[4:54] 8. Close Encounters
[6:03] 9. Metronome
[6:59] 10. Here Comes The Sun

Martin Sasse Trio: Martin Sasse (piano), John Goldsby (bass), Hendrik Smock (drums). rec. 7 June 2009, live at Telos Akademia, Mechernich-Floisdorf.

This live gig from the Martin Sasse Trio was recorded in June 2009 and the conceit is that the programme is all-European. In his notes Sasse modestly avoids mentioning that one of the tracks is his own Metronome, but other Euro composers include such well known names as English saxophonist Iain Bellamy and the French guitarist Serge Lazarevitch, amongst others. The nationality of each composer is proudly noted in the booklet, so fans of such things can ponder the implications of such a line-up.

The Sasse trio is an articulate, tight knit group, and its bop stylings are well deployed in this set. It's as good in the straight ahead Bellamy Mode forbode as it is in Lazarevitch's warmly lyrical chanson, Quand Laura me tend ses bras, with its echoes of Keith Jarrett in My Back Pages mode. Roman Schwaller, the Swiss saxophonist, contributes Ballad pour Pipette which, once again, calls for a degree of introspection and phrasal warmth, both of which are duly provided, not least in the reflective bass solo from John Goldsby, the American who sneaks in via German residence to contribute Sergio - complete with a long solo for himself, a vibrant Latino feel, and suitably eclectic drum breaks.

King Kombo is an appealingly swinging theme from the pen of Belgian trumpeter Bert Joris. The angular I've got another rhythm was written by another trumpeter, this time Denmark's Alan Botschinsky and it includes an opportunity for drummer Hendrik Smock to parade his wares, and so too the leader via a propulsively swinging solo, and Goldsby's arco solo. Not everything really sticks in the mind; Paul Heller's Close Encounters isn't much of an encounter at all, but Sasse's own piece is a fine example of his creativity, with possibly a hint or two of Horace Silver.

This live set was well recorded and well appreciated by the audience. It's one for trio lovers interested in unusual repertoire.

European Standard Time

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Laura Nyro - Playlist: The Very Best Of Laura Nyro

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:19
Size: 128.9 MB
Styles: Soft rock, AM Pop
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:38] 1. And When I Die
[2:43] 2. Stoney End
[2:26] 3. Flim Flam Man
[2:44] 4. Lu
[3:47] 5. Stoned Soul Picnic
[3:12] 6. Capt. St. Lucifer
[7:04] 7. Christmas In My Soul
[2:54] 8. Jimmy Mack
[3:49] 9. Coffee Morning
[4:11] 10. Child In A Universe
[3:31] 11. To A Child
[3:51] 12. Broken Rainbow
[5:02] 13. American Dove
[8:20] 14. Medley: Timer; O-O-Oh Child; Up On The Roof

Playlist: The Very Best of Laura Nyro gathers 14 tracks recorded during the singer/songwriter's tenure with Columbia. Included are the original versions of "And When I Die," "Stoney End," and "Flim Flam Man [aka Hands Off the Man]." While this budget-priced compilation should please most casual listeners, it does leave off "Eli's Coming," one of her essential songs. ~Al Campbell

Playlist: The Very Best Of Laura Nyro

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J.R. Monterose & Tommy Flanagan - A Little Pleasure

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:20
Size: 106,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:10)  1. Never Let Me Go
(5:43)  2. Pain and Suffering...and a Little Pleasure
(5:30)  3. Con Alma
(5:04)  4. Central Park West
(3:12)  5. Vinnie's Pad
(9:07)  6. Theme for Ernie
(7:30)  7. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
(2:58)  8. Twelve Tone Tune

A Little Pleasure is a reunion of sorts for pianist Tommy Flanagan and saxophonist J.R. Monterose, who first recorded together on a stellar 1959 quartet date titled The Message. Here, the pair tackles six fairly obscure repertoire pieces and two of the saxophonist’s originals. It's also Monterose’s first appearance on soprano sax; he’s mostly known as a formidable tenorman. It’s a tense recording in some ways Flanagan’s light touch and pastoral outlines, while loose, are somewhat about-faced from Monterose’s bullish, hard-edged approach, such as on their rendition of “Theme for Ernie.” Yet it’s a tension that creates great jazz; when the pair hits a unison volley, it’s thrilling. The most basic lyricism comes when Monterose switches to soprano, as he does on the title track and “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” with the pianist’s lush chords outlining a reedy quaver. The pairing of these two often-unheralded masters is a fine one. With little of Monterose’s output in print, A Little Pleasure is certainly well worth investigating. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-little-pleasure/id400721259

Personnel: J.R. Monterose (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan (piano).

A Little Pleasure

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Simone Kopmajer - Romance

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:20
Size: 123,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:41)  1. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
(4:02)  2. A Blossom Fell
(4:11)  3. We Kiss In A Shadow
(5:30)  4. Calling You
(5:47)  5. Whatever Happens
(5:48)  6. Exactly Like You
(5:28)  7. Someone To Light Up My Life
(5:40)  8. A Time For Love
(5:21)  9. Where Or When
(4:54) 10. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
(2:57) 11. Whatever Happens (Reprise)

Romance is the debut CD by Austrian singing wunderkind and Mark Murphy protege Simone Kopmajer, who sings with a maturity that belies her age of 23. Two things that immediately struck this listener were Kopmajer's good taste and her acute ear. By acute ear, I mean her sensitivity to what is going on around her musically, for Simone Kopmajer is not just a singer, she is a musician who just happens to sing.  She starts off her album with "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," a song that in most incarnations is presented as sheer schlock. But Kopmajer keeps things understated and never gets ahead of the rhythm section. This is a singer who understands that the best way to swing is to lay back of the beat a little. This rhythmic patience is seen in all of her performances on the album and is illustrative of a very gifted and mature musician. She has definitely taken to heart the lessons taught by her mentor, Mark Murphy. Pianist's John di Martino's arrangements are ideally suited to Kopmajer's vocal talents. I especially like his arrangement of "Exactly Like You," which features a bass line taken from Miles Davis' "All Blue." Of course, it only makes sense to feature the bass prominently when you have at hand the services of the incomparable George Mraz. Di Martino's scoring expertise is likewise featured in "The Way You Look Tonight," which gets a Latin makeover with an impressionistic chordal intro. Tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander was another ideal choice for this album. His musical sensibilities perfectly match Kopmajer's. His solos on "We Kiss in a Shadow" and "Where or When" are nothing short of magnificent. Kopmajer also knows her way very well around Brazilian music. She gives an excellent interpretation to Jobim's "Someone to Light Up My Life" ("Se Todos Fossem Iguais a Voce") and the bossa nova arrangement of "A Blossom Fell." And given her flawless and unaccented English, it wouldn't be too surprising if someday she does the same with the original Portuguese lyrics. Simone Kopmajer is a first-rate talent and a gifted musician, and her singing is a real joy to behold. Judging from this album, we're going to be hearing a lot from her in the future.~ William Grim https://www.allaboutjazz.com/romance-simone-kopmajer-zoho-music-review-by-william-grim.php

Personnel: Simone Kopmajer, vocals; John di Martino, piano and all arrangements; George Mraz, bass; Tim Horner, drums; Eric Alexander, tenor sax

Romance

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Dave Stryker Organ Trio - One For Reedus

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:25
Size: 136,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. Pure Imagination
(7:44)  2. Burn For ERN
(7:11)  3. One For Reedus
(7:18)  4. Alone Again (Naturally)
(8:24)  5. For All We Know
(6:31)  6. Zoltan
(8:43)  7. Make Someone Happy
(6:58)  8. Nefertiti

Dave Stryker had a working group with drummer Tony Reedus, though he is not present as he died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism two weeks prior to the session. Steve Williams is an excellent replacement, while the third member of the trio is the in-demand young organist Jared Gold. Stryker chose a diverse playlist, including a breezy midtempo bop setting of "Pure Imagination" (penned for the soundtrack to the film Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) and Gilbert O'Sullivan's seemingly unpromising "Alone Again (Naturally)," which the guitarist tackles very deliberately in an understated fashion, revealing the possibilities within its melody (though thankfully without having to hear its weak lyrics). Williams' brushwork introduces the perky arrangement of "Make Someone Happy" (a favorite of the late pianist Bill Evans), while Stryker's choosing to alternate between two time signatures adds a unique touch to his interpretation of "For All We Know." The guitarist appreciates modern jazz compositions as well, delivering an exotic treatment of Woody Shaw's "Zoltan" and Wayne Shorter's catchy "Nefertiti." Stryker salutes his late drummer with "One for Reedus," a soulful affair with a solid groove.~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/one-for-reedus-mw0001961316

Personnel: Dave Stryker (guitar); Jared Gold (Hammond b-3 organ).

One For Reedus

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Bob Mintzer All L.A. Band - All L.A. Band

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:12
Size: 143,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:51)  1. El Caborojeno
(5:25)  2. Havin' Some Fun
(4:29)  3. Home Basie
(5:09)  4. Ellis Island (feat. Adam Schroeder & Michael Stever)
(6:08)  5. Original People
(7:15)  6. New Rochelle (feat. Russ Ferrante)
(4:44)  7. Runferyerlife (feat. Bob McChesney)
(8:36)  8. Latin Dance
(5:23)  9. Slo Funk (feat. Bob Sheppard)
(9:07) 10. Tribute (feat. Russ Ferrante & Michael Stever)

Even though saxophonist Bob Mintzer's name rests alone atop the marquee, the All L.A. Band is actually a mutual collaboration with acclaimed drummer Peter Erskine, one of Mintzer's colleagues in the Jazz Studies department at the University of Southern California. Besides occupying the drum chair, Erskine produced the album, while Mintzer composed and arranged its ten handsome themes. Among the musical styles closest to Mintzer's heart are Afro-Cuban and funk, and there is plenty of both on All L.A. Big Band (whose members all live and work in the L.A. area). Mintzer has chosen the cream of the crop for this enterprise with predictable results. A trumpet section can hardly go wrong with Wayne Bergeron calling the shots, nor can a trombone section supervised by Bob McChesney. Interestingly, Mintzer has chosen to use only three saxophones: alto Bob Sheppard, baritone Adam Schroeder and himself on tenor. As for the rhythm section, pianist Russell Ferrante, guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Edwin Livingston and percussionist Aaron Serfaty are deftly navigated through every shoal by the ever-vigilant Erskine.

Mintzer's Afro-Cuban penchant is represented by the sunny opener, "El Caborojeno," as well as "Ellis Island" and "Latin Dance," funk by the aptly named "Slo Funk" (written some forty years ago for the Buddy Rich band), "Home Basie" and "New Rochelle" (composed for Mintzer's smaller group, the Yellowjackets). "Havin' Some Fun" is a laid-back riff in the Basie style, "Original People" a reggae / swing amalgam, "Runferyerlife" (previously heard on Mintzer's album Old School: New Lessons) an old-fashioned take-no-prisoners barn-burner (enfolding one of Mintzer's best solos and a rapid-fire outburst by McChesney). The album closes with the easy-moving "Tribute," an homage to trumpeter Thad Jones and the many other superb musicians who cut their jazz teeth the Basie band. Although soloists aren't named, that's beside the point, as no one can deny that's Mintzer on tenor, Sheppard on alto, Schroeder on baritone, McChesney on trombone or Ferrante on piano and together they account for every ad lib aside from a couple by the trumpets, and who is answerable for them is anyone's guess. What is paramount is that the All L.A. Band is splendid, and that Mintzer and Erskine have designed a consistently impressive album that should gladden the heart of anyone who is a champion of contemporary big bands. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/all-la-band-bob-mintzer-fuzzy-music-review-by-jack-bowers.php
 

Personnel: Bob Mintzer: leader, tenor saxophone; Wayne Bergeron: trumpet; James Blackwell: trumpet; John Thomas: trumpet; Chad Willis: trumpet; Michael Stever: trumpet; Bob Shepard, Adam Schroeder: saxophones; Bob McChesney: trombone; Erik Hughes: trombone; Julianne Gralle: trombone; Craig Gosnell: bass trombone; Russ Ferrante: piano; Larry Koonse: guitar; Edwin Livingston: bass; Peter Erskine: drums; Aaron Serfaty: percussion.

All L.A. Band

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