Lillian Boutté, Thomas L'Etienne - A Fine Romance

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:20
Size: 106.1 MB
Styles: Blues/Jazz/Soul vocals
Year: 1987/2016
Art: Front

[3:44] 1. A Fine Romance
[5:31] 2. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
[4:21] 3. Secret Love
[5:10] 4. Stars Fell On Alabama
[4:28] 5. Blue Skies
[4:50] 6. It's Only A Paper Moon
[4:35] 7. The Gypsy
[3:47] 8. Sugar
[5:29] 9. Fine And Mellow
[4:20] 10. Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean

A versatile singer based in New Orleans, Lillian Boutte is capable of singing both New Orleans Dixieland standards and New Orleans R&B, swing-era tunes, and contemporary originals. She sang as a child (winning a vocal contest when she was 11), performed with her college's gospel choir, and then in 1973, was hired by Allen Toussaint as a backup singer for the many projects recorded in his studio. Boutte appeared as an actress and singer in the musical One Mo' Time during 1979-1984, recorded a gospel album with the Olympia Brass Band in 1980, and in 1982, made her first jazz album. Boutte has spent time alternating between living and performing in Europe and New Orleans, and she has been closely associated with reed player Thomas L'Etienne who usually leads her backup groups. Through the years, Lillian Boutte has recorded for many labels (mostly in Europe) including Herman, Feel the Jazz, High Society, Turning Point, Timeless, Southland, Storyville, GHB, Calligraph (with Humphrey Lyttelton), Blues Beacon, and Dinosaur Entertainment. ~ bio by Scott Yanow

A Fine Romance

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Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:57
Size: 93.8 MB
Styles: Soul
Year: 1971/2003
Art: Front

[3:53] 1. What's Going On
[2:43] 2. What's Happening Brother
[3:50] 3. Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)
[4:03] 4. Save The Children
[1:41] 5. God Is Love
[3:16] 6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
[7:33] 7. Right On
[3:07] 8. Wholy Holy
[5:33] 9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
[2:50] 10. God Os Love (Single Vers.)
[2:21] 11. Sad Tomorrows (Single Vers.)

By the time 1970 rolled around, Marvin Gaye had grown tired of his singing career. Although he was a major star, having huge hits, he felt disenfranchised from the business. The death of his close friend and singer partner Tammi Terrill had thrown him into serious state of depression and anger. He became serious about football and tried out with the Detroit Lions and he also had a hand at boxing. He, of course, never made the cut with these activities. His brother Frankie had recently come back from Vietnam and the stories that he related Marvin, helped spur him out of his funk and into the recording studio. He turned those feelings of detachment, melancholy and anger into one of the landmark albums in musical history. Gone were the days of Mr. Gaye singing about love and happiness, What's Going On explored the situation and status of the black man in society as well as the problems facing the world as a whole. The title track opens the album and he ponders the question of what is going on in the world today. It was not just about the brothers dying in and mothers crying about the Vietnam War, but about the wars of everyday life in Urban America. The next five songs flow in and out of one another forming a musical suite. In "What's Happening Brother" he questions why the inner city is decaying while "Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)" is about Mr. Gaye's drug use. "Save The Children" asks for us to get together and make the world a better places for our kids and he provides a possible solution by looking to higher powers in "God Is Love". "Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)" is his take on the polluting of the world. "Right On" is a what one might call psychedelic funk and "Wholy Holy" is a sermon from the son of a preacher. The album closes back where it started with "Inner City Blues (Make Me Holler)" where Mr. Gaye rails against the problems of the ghettos. What's Going On was deemed so non-commercial by Motown, that they refused to release it and it sat in the can for almost a year. Mr. Gaye threatened to leave the label and they relented and finally released it in 1971. The album became a huge hit and Marvin Gaye was hailed for his ground-breaking work. The album is more than just music, it is a honest and open look at the ills of society. The album opened up many people's eyes and made them think about alot things they wouldn't have normally paid attention to. Unfortunately, most people didn't pay attention as most of the problems the album addresses are sadly still relevant today. ~P. Magnum

What's Going On

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Various - The Colors Of Latin Jazz: Corcovado

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:40
Size: 143.5 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova, Latin jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[6:46] 1. Karrin Allyson - Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
[6:41] 2. Manfredo Fest - Tristeza De Nos Dois (Sad For Both Of Us)
[5:16] 3. Marcos Silva - So Far Away
[3:35] 4. Tania Maria - Triste
[3:31] 5. Charlie Byrd - How Insensitive
[5:07] 6. Manfredo Fest - Ela E Carioca (She's A Child Of Rio)
[4:28] 7. Susannah McCorkle - Caminhos Cruzados
[5:00] 8. Hendrik Meurkens - A Summer In San Francisco
[4:26] 9. Karrin Allyson - Coração Vagabundo
[5:28] 10. Trio Da Paz - Vera Cruz
[5:04] 11. Tania Maria - Comecar De Novo (To Begin Again)
[7:14] 12. Charlie Byrd - Corcovado

Not many artists have immersed themselves in quite the cultural combination that Concord Special Products has assembled for the Colors of Latin Jazz series. This six-CD series captures the sweet, hot, happy, and rhythmic joys of Latin jazz. Colors of Latin Jazz: Corcovado! is the perfect culmination for the initial offerings of this splendid and exciting series. The perfect nightcap is the sweet voice of Karrin Allyson originally heard on Daydream and here on "Corcovado." She's as soft as the tear of a raindrop. Her serene essence is heard again in Portuguese singing Caetano Veloso's "Coracao Vagabundo," a soft bossa nova originally issued on From Paris to Rio. Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta, and Duduka Da Fonseca join Trio Da Paz on the five-minute reprise of "Vera Cruz" featured from Brasil From the Inside. By the time you hear "Summer in San Francisco" by Hendrik Muerkens or Manfredo Fest and Susannah McCorkle emanating their resonant beauty on a pair of Antonio Carlos Jobim classics, you will have enjoyed the fluid, relentless pull of great bossa novas that have evolved into modern day Latin jazz classics for the 21st century aficionados and keepers of the Latin jazz flame. Tania Maria's sweet edge on "Triste" and "Comegar de Novo" prove why you have to blame it on the bossa nova, since she leaves you with such a pleasant feeling that expands with each listen. The great Charlie Byrd strums a beautiful "How Insensitive" originally issued on his The Bossa Nova Years. The clarinet solo of Ken Peplowski is a glowing example of the beauty and adaptability of the instrument in a Latin jazz ensemble. Charlie Byrd also closes the set with a reprise of "Corcovado," playing with the quiet, cool restraint that he is known for. Colors of Latin Jazz: Corcovado! is not only beautiful for the sheer range of the bossa novas it includes, but it is the spring amidst the rocks and a tree with its first leaves bearing The Colors of Latin Jazz. A generous gift from some of the finest artists performing Latin jazz. ~Paula Edelstein

The Colors Of Latin Jazz: Corcovado

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Mark Soskin - Overjoyed

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:52
Size: 132,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:28)  1. Awakening
(5:09)  2. Postcards
(5:43)  3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(5:23)  4. Song for Lea
(4:39)  5. Rhythm-A-Ning
(6:04)  6. Overjoyed
(7:11)  7. Con Alma
(3:52)  8. Home Movie
(7:15)  9. It Never Entered My Mind
(5:05) 10. Old Devil Moon

A longtime sideman, most notably with Sonny Rollins, Mark Soskin has only had rare opportunities to lead his own sessions. He began taking piano lessons when he was seven. Although he later considered Cedar Walton to be his most important influence, Soskin actually spent his teenage years playing often with R&B bands. He studied classical music at Colorado State University in 1971 but transferred to the Berklee School of Music the following year. In 1975, he moved to San Francisco where he worked with Azteca, Joe Henderson, Bill Summers, Pete Escovedo, and Billy Cobham, touring with the CBS All-Stars, a group that also included Cobham, Tom Scott, Steve Khan, and Alphonso Johnson. During 1978-'90 and occasionally afterwards, Soskin was a member of Sonny Rollins' band, recording many sets with the great tenor. Since then he has remained active in the San Francisco Bay area. Soskin has recorded several dates as a leader, including Rhythm Vision for Prestige (1979), and Solo Piano for Vartan Jazz (1996). ~ Scott  Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mark-soskin-mn0000844918/biography

Personnel:  Mark Soskin-piano, electric piano;  Lincoln Goines-acoustic and electric basses;  John Riley-drums;  Chuck Loeb-guitar

Overjoyed

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Shannon Butcher - How Sweet It Is

Styles:  Vocal
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:36
Size: 90,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:15)  1. Fire and Rain
(3:37)  2. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
(3:24)  3. No Moon At All
(2:48)  4. Fly Like an Eagle
(4:17)  5. How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved By You)
(3:13)  6. How Comes the Rain Again
(3:26)  7. Here Comes the Sun
(3:27)  8. I Think It's Going to Rain Today
(4:29)  9. Message in a Bottle
(3:20) 10. Take On Me
(2:15) 11. Mother Nature's Son

Shannon Butcher (vocalist) is a Toronto based vocalist, composer, and bandleader. Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Butcher began singing at the age of six. Influenced by her record collection, Butcher began studying jazz at Cawthra Park Arts High School, inspired in part by a school visit by Diana Krall. Butcher pursued classical music studies at the University of Toronto. She also took vocal lessons with Jo-Anne Bentley, Elaine Overholt and Micah Barnes, as well as piano lessons from Frank Falco. In the late 1990s, she formed Swing Rosie, an Andrews Sisters-styled trio formed with Kira Callahan and Chantelle Wilson. Butcher has released a number of recordings under her own name. Her debut album, Words We Both Could Say, was released in 2008. It features an eclectic selection of cover tunes from a variety of composers including Henry Mancini, Tears for Fears, and Jimmy Webb. Her 2010 album, Little Hearts, included tunes by Burt Bacharach, Bryan Adams, Irving Berlin, as well as a number of original compositions. In 2011, Shannon released a duo recording with bassist Ross MacIntyre entitled How Sweet It Is. This recording includes songs composed by James Taylor, Steve Miller, Sting, Annie Lennox, and the Beatles.Butcher’s released Butcher Sings Baker in October 2013. It features Shannon singing songs from the Chet Baker songbook with a quintet featuring Rebecca Hennessey, trumpet; Mark Kieswetter, piano; Ross MacInture, bass; and Maxwell Roach, drums. http://www.canadianjazzarchive.org/en/musicians/shannon-butcher.html

How Sweet It Is

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Harold Danko - Prestigious: A Tribute to Eric Dolphy

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 69:33
Size: 111,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:08)  1. Les
( 4:01)  2. 17 West
( 9:15)  3. Gw
( 9:35)  4. 245
( 5:20)  5. Far Cry/Out There
( 8:41)  6. Serene
( 7:32)  7. Miss Ann
( 7:37)  8. The Prophet
(10:19)  9. Number Eight (Potsa Lotsa)

This ambitious quintet session led by pianist and arranger Harold Danko covers ten compositions by the late Eric Dolphy, whose works have only been recorded on a sporadic basis since his death in 1964 and rarely, if ever, make up an entire release (Jerome Harris' Hidden in Plain View came close). The rhythm section includes bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jeff Hirshfield, with tenor saxophonist Rich Perry and trumpeter Dave Ballou. Perry has the greatest challenge on the date, as he has to come across as effectively as the composer while utilizing only one instrument versus Dolphy's alto sax, flute, and formidable bass clarinet. Fortunately, the object of the CD is to explore new paths through these pieces rather than attempt re-creations of the original recordings by Dolphy (which would be rather pointless since all of Dolphy's Prestige sessions are readily available). The opener, "Les," captures the excitement of Dolphy's version, with the leader darting in and out on piano as Perry and Ballou interweave contrasting lines. Since "17 West" was from a pianoless date, Danko chooses to strum the piano strings throughout the piece, creating an interesting effect behind Ballou's muted horn and Perry's dancing tenor. "G.W." stays much closer to the original, but the group handles its tricky unorthodox line with nary a misfire. "Serene," one of Dolphy's prettiest ballads (which is actually a disguised blues), becomes more spacious and subtle with Danko's change of its meter. "Miss Ann" is almost unrecognizable during its introduction, as the theme is considerably fragmented before Perry and Ballou begin playing snippets of it and quickly bring it into shape. Danko's excellent liner notes add to the value of this worthy tribute to Eric Dolphy, the composer. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/prestigious-a-tribute-to-eric-dolphy-mw0001892240

Personnel: Harold Danko (piano); Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Dave Ballou (trumpet); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Prestigious: A Tribute to Eric Dolphy

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Joe Venuti & Earl Hines - Hot Sonatas

Styles: Violin And Piano Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:50
Size: 157,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:16)  1. Hot Sonatas
(5:38)  2. She's Funny That Way
(4:19)  3. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
(3:07)  4. Rosetta
(7:34)  5. Blues In Thirds
(4:58)  6. C Jam Blues
(4:02)  7. Easy To Love
(2:12)  8. Fascinating Rhythm
(3:13)  9. East Of The Sun
(3:18) 10. Love For Sale
(6:01) 11. You Can Depend On Me
(4:21) 12. Easy To Love
(2:40) 13. Fascinating Rhythm
(2:54) 14. East Of The Sun
(3:23) 15. Love For Sale
(4:45) 16. C Jam Blues

This is an unusual and frequently exciting album of duets between the two great veterans Joe Venuti and Earl Hines; despite both being active for over a half-century, they had never played together before. The interplay between the violinist and the pianist is consistently unpredictable and they communicate quite well on these swing standards (three of which were composed by Hines long ago). This unique encounter deserves to be reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-sonatas-mw0000048447

Personnel: Joe Venuti (violin); Earl Hines (piano).

Hot Sonatas

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Boney James - The Beat

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 96,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
(4:07)  2. Sunset Boulevard
(3:37)  3. Missing You
(4:03)  4. Batcuada (The Beat)
(3:48)  5. Maker Of Love
(4:28)  6. Mari's Song
(4:00)  7. Powerhouse
(4:03)  8. The Midas (This Is Why)
(4:04)  9. Acalento (Lullaby)
(4:57) 10. You Can Count On Me

In the crowded field of 50,000 smooth jazz saxophones, only a handful are blessed with a distinctive sound of their own and if Boney James isn't first in his class he should be high on the list. James can play with both raw power and gentle, soulful restraint. There's more restraint than power on The Beat, the 14th album by the New York-born saxophonist, but James has always opted for underplaying a bit than roof-raising soloing. James' background in soul music playing keyboards and sax for Morris Day, the Isley Brothers, and Bobby Caldwell has weighed heavily in his fondness for R'n'B and hip-hop, but The Beat drops a few hints of his love of Latin rhythms as well best evidenced in a laconic version of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry About A Thing" and on the boppish "Batucada (The Beat)" where James works out with his frequent collaborator, trumpeter Rick Braun. Though they won't remind anyone of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the James and Braun pairings tend to bring out the most purely "jazz" moments in each other.

It wouldn't be a Boney James record without a few guest vocalists dropping by and The Beat is no exception with three; "Missing You" featuring guitarist Jarius Mozee and Abi Mancha's nicely understated whisper, "Maker of Love" gives Raheem DeVaughn an opportunity to give praise to an attractive lady's attributes, and Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart gives the gents equal time on "The Midas (This Is Why)."  If you aren't already a member of Team Boney, The Beat may not be the release to get you to sign up. For the faithful who helped propel the album to the top of the charts James remains a formidable force in contemporary jazz, standing at the top and giving his competition an even steeper hill to climb. ~ Jeff Winbush https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-beat-boney-james-concord-music-group-review-by-jeff-winbush.php
 

Personnel: Boney James: soprano, tenor and alto saxophone, flute, keyboards; Brandon Coleman: keyboards (1, 2); Vinnie Colaiuta: drums (1, 9, 10); Lenny Castro: percussion (1-4, 6-10); Rob Bacon: guitar (2, 4, 7, 10); Dewayne “Smitty” Smith: bass (2, 10); Omari Williams: drums (2, 4, 7); Jarius Mozee: guitar, keyboards, programming (3); Abi Mancha: vocals (3); Tim Carmon: keyboards, keyboard bass (4, 6, 8); Alex Al: bass (4, 6, 7, 9); Rick Braun: trumpet (4); Raheem DeVaughn: vocals (5); Phil Davis: keyboards, programming (5); Mark Stephens: keyboards (7, 9); Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart: vocals (8)

The Beat

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Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson - The Original Cleanhead

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 96.5 MB
Styles: West Coast blues, R&B
Year: 1970/2014
Art: Front

[2:32] 1. Cleanhead Blues
[6:22] 2. Pass Out
[2:34] 3. Alimony Blues
[3:50] 4. Cleanhead Is Back
[3:18] 5. Juice Head Baby
[3:19] 6. Old Maid Boogie
[6:56] 7. One O'clock Humph
[2:50] 8. I Needs To Be Be'd Wid
[4:08] 9. Cleanhead Blues
[3:23] 10. I Had A Dream
[2:53] 11. Person To Person

Bass – Arthur Wright; Drums – Earl Palmer; Guitar – David Cohen, Joe Pass; Piano, Organ – Artie Butler; Tenor Saxophone – Plas Johnson; Vocals, Alto Saxophone – Eddie "Cleanhead" VInson.

By the mid-60s Eddie Vinson was fondly remembered and semi-retired. He had blazed a trail through the early days of post-War black music as one of the pioneers who pushed the last days of swing into the first days of rhythm and blues. In an exhilarating period in the mid to late 40s he went from being the featured vocalist in the Cootie Williams Big Band to fronting his own group. If you listen to his recordings from that time, you can hear the music developing in front of your ears. ‘Red Blues’, his first hit, sounds very much like a swing record. ‘Somebody’s Got To Go’, his final chart-topper with Williams from two years later, is a blues. Jump forward a couple of years, to his records with smaller groups for Mercury and King, the music has become rhythm and blues.

In the 50s, as the hits dropped off, Vinson made a dignified retreat to his hometown of Houston,Texas, emerging only occasionally to make a new record or perform a short tour. He became more revered in doing so. His time with Williams, and the calibre of the sidemen in his own band, meant he was remembered not just for his blues voice, but also his bop-influenced alto saxophone playing. He was properly placed in people’s minds as a retired star, rather than a has-been.

Bob Thiele had made a record with Vinson in 1967 for ABC’s Bluesway label. When Thiele launched his BluesTime imprint a couple of years later, he tempted Vinson out toLos Angelesto record again. Unlike other albums for BluesTime, there was no attempt to modernise his music. “The Original Cleanhead” was unadulterated swinging R&B, the missing link between Louis Jordan and rock’n’roll, featuring versions of several of his old classics, a new tune and some instrumentals to show off the players’ chops. Along with his performance at the 1971 Montreux Festival, the album reintroduced Vinson to the touring circuit, which he continued to play until his death in 1988. ~Dean Rudland

The Original Cleanhead

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Julie London - London By Night

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:13
Size: 71.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1958/2012
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Well, Sir
[2:23] 2. That's For Me
[2:08] 3. Mad About The Boy
[2:16] 4. In The Middle Of A Kiss
[2:39] 5. Just The Way I Am
[3:48] 6. My Man's Gone Now
[2:32] 7. Something I Dreamed Last Night
[2:50] 8. Pousse Cafe
[2:21] 9. Nobody's Heart
[2:28] 10. The Exciting Life
[2:25] 11. That Old Feeling
[2:12] 12. Cloudy Morning

1958's London By Night is a typically high-class, high quality Julie London album. The standards and original tunes on the disc are strung together in such a way that they form a narrative of a lovelorn woman finding true love, getting dumped, and wandering around sadly until finding romantic redemption in the final song. London specialized in downbeat numbers and even the positive love songs are languid and moody, so they jibe well with the wrist-slashers that make up the majority of the album. Many of London's albums feature a song or two by her husband, Bobby Troup. London By Night is no exception and it features two Troup originals: the opening track, "Well, Sir," and "Just the Way I Am," which closes with the emotionally naked line "What a fool I was to dream that someday you could love me just the way I am." It's to London's credit that she could deliver lines like this so convincingly when she was famous for her beauty. It also shows how 1950s audiences were dealing with the same issues of self-worth and esteem that modern ones are grappling with, and why classic albums such as London By Night still have a place in music collections. London By Night has been reissued on CD in Japan and in Britain as a budget-priced two-for-one, paired with the equally fine About the Blues. ~Nick Dedina

London By Night

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Ricardo Baldacci, Martin Pizzarelli, Konrad Paszkudzki, Bucky Pizzarelli - Brothers In Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:25
Size: 138.3 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
[3:29] 2. Sometimes I'm Happy
[4:38] 3. In A Mellow Tone
[3:38] 4. Embraceable You
[2:48] 5. L.O.V.E
[3:53] 6. Little Girl
[2:46] 7. Darn That Dream
[3:02] 8. Coquette
[4:01] 9. When I Take My Sugar To Tea
[3:21] 10. Take The A Train
[3:11] 11. Frankie Manning Will Smile On Us
[5:00] 12. Supimpa! (Brothers' Blues)
[4:13] 13. Say You Will Be Mine Forever
[2:34] 14. Walkin' My Baby Back Home
[3:13] 15. Call The Police
[3:54] 16. Route 66
[1:55] 17. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Ricardo Baldacci, Brothers in Swing is the second career album of the singer/guitarist, and to this day the first national record with jazz guitarist and legend, American Bucky Pizzarelli. The collaborative project also includes bassist Martin Pizzarelli, who christened the CD, and Australian pianist Konrad Paszkudzki. Baldacci is one of the few representatives of Swing Jazz in Brazil and a longtime admirer of the Pizzarelli family. In May of 2014, he was invited to play at a festival in Manhattan by Lenny White and met Bucky Pizzarelli, one of the patriarchs of jazz guitar. On the occasion, he met the sound engineer Bill Moss and commented on the utopian possibility of recording an album with his idols. In January 2015, Ricardo wrote to Bill asking if there would be a chance to realize that project they had spoken about. The answer came in two weeks, with the already scheduled recording dates. Ricardo Baldacci made a brief selection of songs, wrote some arrangements and went to New York 15 days later.

Recorded in two sessions at the Samurai Hotel Studios in Queens, NY, Brothers in Swing takes place in a mood of spontaneity and camaraderie and has the swing as a trademark. It is a great tribute from Baldacci to the music of the Pizzarelli family, which repays the same proportion to the Brazilian artist. Once again, like his previous CD, Baldacci chose to preserve, in most bands, the sound of the trio without drums (bass-acoustic, piano, guitar / vocals) that alternates between arrangements of guitar duos and Voice, piano and voice, as well as solo guitar numbers. The CD features in 17 tracks, a series of classical compositions, as well as two original works by Ricardo Baldacci and one in partnership with Martin Pizzarelli and Konrad Paszkudzi. In the repertoire, there is a wide variety: swing, ballads and novelty songs - songs such as In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington), Embraceable You (Gershwin) and Route 66 (Bobby Troup), among other standards. They some unknown as the little recorded Call The Police (Nat King Cole). Brothers in Swing is a tribute to the joy and sonority typical of the Swing Jazz, an album full of thrilling inspirational performances and a full plate for lovers of the Great American Songbook.

Brothers In Swing

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Various - Fifty #1 Hits Of The 50s (2-Disc Set)

We've done #1 hits collections of the `20s, `30s and `40s, so how could we not take on the `50s?! Each of these was a certified chart-topper: 'Be My Love' Mario Lanza; 'My Heart Cries for You'; 'Singing the Blues'; 'Heartaches by the Number' Guy Mitchell; 'Come On-A My House'; 'Half as Much'; 'Hey There'; 'This Ole House' Rosemary Clooney; 'Sweet Violets' Dinah Shore; 'Cry' Johnnie Ray; 'Slow Poke' Pee Wee King; 'Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes'; 'No Other Love'; 'Wanted'; 'Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)'; 'Catch a Falling Star' Perry Como; plus hits from Sammy Kaye, Phil Harris, Doris Day, Eddie Fisher, Percy Faith, Ames Brothers, Joan Weber, Perez Prado, Roy Hamilton, Mitch Miller, Kay Starr, Marty Robbins, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Horton, Della Reese and many more.

Album: Fifty #1 Hits Of The 50s (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:51
Size: 166.8 MB
Styles: Pop, Easy Listening
Year: 2006

[2:52] 1. Perry Como - Hoop-Dee-Doo
[2:58] 2. Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys - Slow Poke
[2:39] 3. Doris Day - A Guy Is A Guy
[2:48] 4. Percy Faith & His Orchestra - Delicado
[2:45] 5. Rosemary Clooney - Half As Much
[2:54] 6. Eddie Fisher - Wish You Were Here
[2:29] 7. Jimmy Boyd - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
[2:39] 8. Perry Como - Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
[3:17] 9. Felicia Sanders - Where Is Your Heart (From Moulin Rouge )
[3:04] 10. Eddie Fisher - I'm Walking Behind You
[3:13] 11. Perry Como - No Other Love
[3:20] 12. Sammy Kaye With vocals by Tony Alamo - Harbor Lights
[2:52] 13. The Ames Brothers - You, You, You
[2:43] 14. June Valli - Crying In The Chapel
[3:04] 15. Eddie Fisher - Oh! My Pa-Pa (O Mein Papa)
[3:37] 16. Doris Day - Secret Love
[3:04] 17. Perry Como - Wanted
[2:58] 18. Rosemary Clooney - Hey There
[2:19] 19. Phil Harris and His Orchestra - The Thing
[2:45] 20. Guy Mitchell - My Heart Cries For You
[3:04] 21. Perry Como - If
[3:27] 22. Mario Lanza - Be My Love (From The Toast Of New Orleans)
[1:59] 23. Rosemary Clooney - Come On-A My House
[2:47] 24. Dinah Shore - Sweet Violets
[3:02] 25. Johnnie Ray - Cry

Fifty #1 Hits Of The 50s (Disc 1)

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Album: Fifty #1 Hits Of The 50s (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:15
Size: 151.7 MB
Styles: Pop, Easy Listening
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[2:21] 1. Rosemary Clooney - This Ole House
[2:56] 2. Mickey & Sylvia - Love Is Strange
[2:28] 3. Marty Robbins - A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)
[3:01] 4. Johnny Mathis - Chances Are
[2:44] 5. The Silhouettes - Get A Job
[2:27] 6. Perry Como - Catch A Falling Star
[2:28] 7. Don Gibson - Oh, Lonesome Me
[2:19] 8. Pérez Prado Y Su Orquesta - Patricia
[2:01] 9. Dave 'Baby' Cortez - The Happy Organ
[2:25] 10. Wilbert Harrison - Kansas City
[2:30] 11. Johnny Horton - The Battle Of New Orleans
[2:28] 12. Eddie Fisher - I Need You Now
[2:26] 13. Stonewall Jackson - Waterloo
[2:51] 14. The Browns - The Three Bells
[2:19] 15. Santo & Johnny - Sleepwalk
[2:30] 16. Della Reese - Don't You Know
[2:37] 17. Guy Mitchell - Heartaches By The Number
[4:19] 18. Marty Robbins - El Paso
[2:22] 19. Joan Weber - Let Me Go Lover
[2:58] 20. Pérez Prado Y Su Orquesta - Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White
[2:56] 21. Roy Hamilton - Unchained Melody
[2:58] 22. Mitch Miller & The Gang & Orchestra - The Yellow Rose Of Texas
[2:55] 23. Kay Starr - Rock And Roll Waltz
[2:20] 24. Perry Como - Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)
[2:24] 25. Guy Mitchell - Singing The Blues

Fifty #1 Hits Of The 50s (Disc 2)

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Mette Juul - Coming In From The Dark

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:45
Size: 123.1 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:19] 1. The Way You Close The Door
[7:13] 2. Coming In From The Dark
[2:39] 3. Old Devil Moon
[4:13] 4. Comes Love
[5:15] 5. Embraceable You
[3:41] 6. Valsen Er Min
[3:15] 7. What Is This Thing Called Love
[5:08] 8. Estate
[5:11] 9. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
[3:53] 10. Little Devil Blue
[4:11] 11. How Many Hours Must I Travel Alone
[3:42] 12. I Wish You Love

Mette Juul (vokal, guitar); Alex Riel (trommer); Heine Hansen (piano); Jesper Lundgaard (bas); Palle Mikkelborg (trompet); Poul Halberg (guitar).

Mette Juul is one of the finest jazz vocalists on the nordic jazz-scene. Her voice is warm and clear, and she interprets both her own songs, as well as songs written by great songwriters like Kenny Wheeler, Joni Mitchell, Monk and Cole Porter with nerve and personality. Mette Juul blasted her way into the hearts of many jazz critics back in 2010 with her debut album, “Coming In From The Dark”, with the legendary rhythm champion Alex Riel and his trio. Distinguished musicians such as trumpeter, Palle Mikkelborg, and guitarist, Poul Halberg, furthermore supported the young singer on her debut.

Coming In From The Dark

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Dizzy Gillespie - Something Old, Something New

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:01
Size: 98.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1963/1998
Art: Front

[6:17] 1. Be-Bop
[3:07] 2. Good Bait
[6:22] 3. I Can't Get Started/'round Midnight
[6:12] 4. Dizzy Atmosphere
[4:18] 5. November Afternoon
[3:04] 6. This Lovely Feeling
[4:32] 7. The Day After
[6:10] 8. The Cup Bearers
[2:55] 9. Early Morning Blues

Dizzy Gillespie (tpt) with James Moody (fl, as, ts ); Kenny Barron (p); Chris White (b ); Rudy Collins (d). Recorded April 1963 in New York City.

Reissued on CD in 1998, this was one of Dizzy Gillespie's finest sessions of the 1960s. His quintet (which includes James Moody on tenor, flute and alto, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Chris White and drummer Rudy Collins) sounds quite inspired. The "Something Old" portion of the set is the main reason to acquire it, since it consists of rapid versions of "Bebop" and "Dizzy Atmosphere," a memorable rendition of "Good Bait" and a definitive medley of "I Can't Get Started" and "'Round Midnight." The "New" part of the release consists of four then-recent pieces (three by Tom McIntosh), best known of which is "Cup Bearers." The CD reissue adds a brief "Early Mornin' Blues" to the program. Highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Something Old, Something New

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The Ray Brown Trio With Ralph Moore - Moore Makes 4

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop 
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:55
Size: 133,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:48)  1. SOS
(6:44)  2. Bye Bye Blackbird
(5:16)  3. Stars Fell on Alabama
(4:31)  4. Ralphs Boogie
(3:35)  5. Quasimodo
(6:02)  6. Like Someone in Love
(7:47)  7. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
(4:48)  8. Squatty Roo
(6:18)  9. Everything I Love
(5:35) 10. My Romance
(2:27) 11. The Champ

The members of the Ray Brown Trio (the bassist-leader, pianist Gene Harris and drummer Jeff Hamilton) all grew to love the playing of tenor-saxophonist Ralph Moore when the four were traveling as members of Gene Harris' big band. On this Ray Brown CD, the veteran bassist virtually turned over the entire session to Moore. The quartet performs a variety of veteran standards (including some from the bop era such as Charlie Parker's "Quasimodo" and Dizzy Gillespie's "The Champ") plus Wes Montgomery's "SOS" and Brown's "Ralph's Boogie." Ralph Moore rises to the occasion and shows that, even though his sound is inspired by John Coltrane, he was fully capable of playing tunes from the swing and bop era; Moore sounds delighted to have the Ray Brown Trio as his backup group. This is a fine collaboration that works quite well. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/moore-makes-4-mw0000269884

Personnel: Ray Brown (acoustic bass); Ralph Moore (tenor saxophone); Gene Harris (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Moore Makes 4

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Cybill Shepherd - Mad About The Boy

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:52
Size: 80,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Triste
(3:33)  2. I Can't Get Started
(2:15)  3. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
(3:51)  4. This Masquerade
(3:24)  5. Mad About The Boy
(3:04)  6. I'm Old Fashioned
(4:41)  7. It Never Entered My Mind
(3:00)  8. Speak Low
(3:07)  9. I'm Falling In Love Again
(4:13) 10. Do It Again

In contrast to most actor/actresses-turned-vocalists, there's nothing to joke about on this album no Golden Throats candidates, except maybe the title track. For starters, Shepherd has a solid jazz ensemble backing her up, led by Stan Getz and arranged by Oscar Neves, and gives us a very enjoyable jazz-flavored record. She takes the Fred Astaire approach to singing, not denying that she has a limited range but working carefully within that range and even using those limitations to her advantage. Getz's solos perfectly complement Shepherd's voice, and she stretches out ravishingly on "This Masquerade," "I'm Old Fashioned" is a sexy torch number in her hands, without a trace of campiness, "Speak Low" soars subtly and elegantly, and the opening number, Ginastera's "Triste," is a sophisticated piece of concert music and a triumph for her as well. Peculiarly enough, the title track doesn't hold up as well as the rest, the weakness in her voice coming through at various points in its length, and is the only second-rate number here, although it is fun. Frank Rosolino (trombone), Terry Trotter (piano), and Monty Budwig (upright bass) make up the rest of the core of the band. ~ Bruce Eder http://www.allmusic.com/album/mad-about-the-boy-mw0000227663

Personnel:  Vocals, Producer – Cybill Shepherd;  Acoustic Bass – Monty Budwig;  Arranged By, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Oscar Neves;  Bass [Fender] – Octavio Bailly;  Drums – Claudio Slon, Joe Baron;  Flute – Andreas Kostelas, Arthur Smith (3), Mike Altschul, Richard Spencer;  Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa;  Piano – Terry Trotter;  Producer – Frank Marshall;  Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz;  Trombone – Frank Rosolino. 

Mad About The Boy

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Peter Zak - Down East

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:35
Size: 140,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. Is That So ?
(3:56)  2. Who Cares
(5:41)  3. Sector 7 1 FS
(4:46)  4. Gallops Gallop
(5:10)  5. I Didn't Know About You
(4:31)  6. Tiny Capers
(8:03)  7. Dreamsville
(5:32)  8. Invisible
(6:16)  9. Love Thy Neighbor
(5:33) 10. He Said / She Said
(5:51) 11. Down East

Pianist Peter Zak and his superb trio went into the studio to swing on Down East, and swing they did. Opening with Duke Pearson's "Is That So?," Zak displays a light touch and a sparkle and shine not unlike that of Red Garland or Oscar Peterson, with ubiquitous bassist Peter Washington and drummer Rodney Green locking the rhythm into a tight foundational groove for Zak's bright ebullience. On a set of well-chosen standards mixed with lesser-known gems, and with the bass and drums more in a supportive than interactive mode, Zak's beautiful way with a melody comes to the forefront. George Gershwin's "Who Cares" showcases the trio's ability to let a ballad unfold via Zak's exquisitely refined touch, and the leader's up-tempo original, "Sector 7," has a prickly, modern feeling. Given the Pearson and Gershwin opening salvo, a very traditional, mainstream outing in the mode of pianist Bill Evans could be expected, but song choice heads toward the unexpected with Thelonious Monk's "Gallop's Gallop." It is not one of the legendary pianist's better-known tunes it didn't appear on a Monk album until the release of the 1964-recorded Live at the It Club (Sony Music, 1982). Zak smooths out some of the edges and refreshes the harmony while maintaining the humor and the characteristic Monk quirkiness of the tune. Zak has been describes as a bebop and beyond stylist. He delivers straight bebop with a reverent take on trumpeter Clifford Brown's bouncy "Tiny Capers," giving bassist Washington a chance to step out for a melodious solo. The trio goes "beyond" on Henry Mancini's "Dreamsville," perhaps the loveliest eight minutes of the set, leading into the frenetically high octane "Invisible," from the songbook of alto saxophonist/free jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman. The set then moves into a couple of Zak originals: the gorgeous, smooth-flowing bossa nova, "He Said/She Said," then closes out with engaging and light-stepping title cut, for a perfect ending to rising star Peter Zak's top notch trio effort. ~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/down-east-peter-zak-steeplechase-records-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php
 

Personnel: Peter Zak: piano; Peter Washington: bass; Rodney Green: drums.

Down East

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Gene Ammons - Got My Own

Styles: Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1973

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 37:06

Size: 85,9 MB

Art: Front

(5:23)  1. Lady Sings The Blues

(4:02)  2. God Bless The Child

(3:34)  3. Strange Fruit

(4:56)  4. Fine And Mellow

(5:59)  5. Play Me

(5:29)  6. Ben

(7:40)  7. Tin Shack Out Back

A more laidback set than usual from Ammons' early 70s stretch on Prestige but a record that nicely gets back to that big-toned tenor sound he used often on ballads from earlier years! The combo mixes both electric piano and organ the former from Hank Jones, the latter from Ernie Hayes and drums are mostly by Idris Muhammad, but in a style that's a bit more roundly open and soul-based than some of his funkier jams. But there's still a nice groove to many numbers a gentler one, with a sly undercurrent of soul  even on a few that feature fuller strings arranged by Ed Bogas. Titles include "God Bless The Child", "Strange Fruit", "Fine & Mellow", "Lady Sings The Blues", "Play Me", "Tin Shack Out Back", and "Ben". (Cover & labels have initials in marker. Cover has a cut corner.) © 1996-2017, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/29632

Personnel:  Saxophone – Gene Ammons;  Bass – Ron Carter;  Drums – Billy Cobham , Idris Muhammad , Mickey Roker; Electric Piano – Hank Jones , Sonny Philips;  Guitar – Joe Beck , Maynard Parker.

Got My Own

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Gary Bias - 2 B Free

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:33
Size: 143,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:22)  1. The Rump
(5:07)  2. Never Let Go
(4:27)  3. Easy
(6:03)  4. 2 B Free
(6:05)  5. Make It Right
(5:18)  6. Lady
(5:01)  7. Where's The Love
(4:25)  8. Damage
(5:02)  9. Quiet Passion
(5:33) 10. If The Mood Is Right
(4:42) 11. Precious Love
(5:23) 12. The Rump

Grammy award winning sax guru Gary Bias serenades oh so sweetly on his debut CD, 2 b free, on his own Thunderbop Records. His seemless blend of smooth jazz shimmers with melodies that glide over us, magicaly transporting us over serene horizons. After years of lending his soothing serenades to artists like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston, this veteran sax man is stepping to the forefront, with a solo sound that simply stated, sends shivers down the spine. A native of South Central Los Angeles, Bias began playing the saxophone at the age of eleven. Early on, his musical peers included Gerald Albright, (they met in the seventh grade), along with Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler and trumpeter Ray Brown, all high school pals. while pursuing his music degree at California state University, Los Angeles, Bias was hired to tour with the Quincy Jones Orchestra. After college he joined the famous Latin jazz artist, Willie Bobo, and then went on tour with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was only 23 at the time. A highlight in Bias' career occurred when he co-authored the song "Sweet Love" with Anita Baker in 1985. The tune garnered him a Grammy Award for R&B song of the year. 

By 1987, there was no stopping him as he joined the legendary Earth, Wind and Fire band! Bias has since toured with James Ingram, Randy Crawford and Whitney Houston, to name a few, and is currently back on the road with EWF. With 2 b free, Bias showcases the skills that have made him one of the industry's most sought after wind players.The CD's opening track, "The Rump" is warm and inviting. As Bias chants hypnotically over a seductive sax groove, "When a jazzman plays his horn, All his troubles go away," we feel oursmelt away as well. 2 b free, the title track, picks up the pace with a brezzyflow while his cover of D'Angelo's "Lady" rings with quiet familiarity. On "Damage", Bias croons again, as his voice and instrument combined make for real musical therapy. Gary's "Quiet Passion" is just that, while his "Precious Love" is a titillating jazz ballad. 2 b free is a wonderful escape to a place where there is no stress. The serenade is soulful, sweet and sincere. When this jazzman plays his horn, it is our troubles that go away. Gary Bias' wish is for us all "2 b free." His music show us the way.

Personnel : Gary Bias (saxophone).

2 B Free

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Steve Lacy - Soprano Sax

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:38
Size: 77.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1958/1995
Art: Front

[4:24] 1. Day Dream
[6:45] 2. Alone Together
[5:24] 3. Work
[4:06] 4. Rockin' In Rhythm
[4:32] 5. Little Girl Your Daddy Is Calling You
[8:25] 6. Easy To Love

Bass – Buell Neidlinger; Drums – Dennis Charles; Piano – Wynton Kelly; Soprano Saxophone – Steve Lacy. Recorded in Hackensack, NJ; November 1, 1957.

This was the first of three recordings soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy made for Prestige and this 11/1/57 session was his first as a leader...There was a controlled tension to this date, like everybody's trying to play, carefully, to a common goal. It's almost as if someone were present to make sure everybody stayed within obvious perimeters. ~Bob Rusch

Soprano Sax

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