James Moody - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 85.8 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1959/2004
Art: Front

[3:50] 1. Darben The Redd Foxx
[3:06] 2. Little Girl Blue
[6:27] 3. Out Of Nowhere
[5:56] 4. Daahoud
[4:01] 5. Yesterdays
[2:37] 6. Cookie
[3:17] 7. With Malice Towards None
[8:11] 8. R.B.Q

Johnny Coles - Trumpet; Clarence Johnston - Drums; Musa Kaleem - Sax (Baritone); Gene Kee - Piano; John Latham - Bass, Guitar (Bass); Tom McIntosh - Trombone; James Moody - , Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor).

James Moody's self-titled disc from 1959 is a solidly swinging date that finds Moody splitting his time between flute, alto, and tenor sax. His sextet is made up of mostly obscure players, though trumpeter Johnny Coles had a couple of records as a leader. The session was the first for Moody following his stay at Overbrook Hospital and he certainly sounds rejuvenated on uptempo tunes like "Daahoud," "Darben the Redd Foxx," and "Cookie." His work on flute is especially nice on the ballads "Little Girl Blue" and "Yesterdays." Best of all is "R.B.Q.," a funky blues workout that closes the record in style and features Moody on tenor blowing his soul out. This record is a fine example of what makes Moody so wonderful; his exuberance, thoughtfulness, and soul make him one of the greats. If you haven't discovered him yet, this is a good place to start. If you're already hip to the man, this is a vital addition to your collection. ~Tim Sedra

James Moody

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Charles Earland - Whip Appeal

Styles: Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:35
Size: 96,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:31)  1. Songbird
(8:43)  2. Whip Appeal
(7:08)  3. Burner's Desire
(3:47)  4. No Brain, No Pain
(7:21)  5. Eight After Ten
(8:05)  6. More Today Than Yesterday

A jazz version of Babyface's "Whip Appeal"? It's hard to believe, but then, Charles Earland has always had an impressive ability to recontextualize pop and R&B songs that seem the most unlikely vehicles for jazz improvisation. On this fine CD, which marked the end of his association with Muse Records, Earland transforms that urban contemporary number into hard-swingin' soul-jazz, successfully revisits the Spiral Starecase's "More Today Than Yesterday," and adds a lot of grit and spice to something not exactly known for those things: Kenny G's "Songbird." The latter does have a pretty melody, and it becomes quite soulful in the imaginative hands of Earland -- whose excellent support includes fellow Philadelphian Johnny Coles (flugelhorn) and longtime ally Houston Person (tenor sax). ~ Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/whip-appeal-mw0000645957

Personnel: Charles Earland (organ); Robert Block (guitar); Jeff Newell (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Johnny Coles (flugelhorn); Marvin Jones (drums); Lawrence Killian (percussion)

Whip Appeal

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The Vipers - Night & Day

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:26
Size: 104,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:27)  1. Night & Day
(4:10)  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:02)  3. There Is No Greater Love
(2:39)  4. The Girl From Ipanema
(3:06)  5. You Make Me Feel So Young
(2:20)  6. Deed I Do
(6:35)  7. September In The Rain
(4:17)  8. Corcovado
(4:48)  9. Pennies From Heaven
(3:50) 10. Caravan
(6:06) 11. In A Mellow Tone

Fronting the Vipers is sultry singer Adrienne Hindmarsh, who's vocals are often compared to Norah Jones and Eva Cassidy. Her repertoire includes popular jazz standards, bossanovas and more popular tunes including hits by Burt Bacharach and Norah Jones. Adrienne Hindmarsh also brings to The Vipers her unique skill on the Hammond B3 organ, where her skill on the foot pedal bass and use of dynamic chords make sure the classic sound of the Hammond B3 lives again.  Founding member and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh contributes his unique driving chords and spirited improvisations in the spirit of George Benson and Wes Montgomery and his playing never fails to give the bands performance the upbeat swinging edge they have become known for.  Both A Time To Swing and their latest CD Night & Day features the legendary Roger Sellers on drums. https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vipers2

Night & Day

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Steve Turre - Viewpoint

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 42:23
Size: 68,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:16)  1. Lament
(7:16)  2. In a Sentimental Mood
(6:18)  3. All Blues
(5:13)  4. Viewpoint
(6:53)  5. Mercury
(6:19)  6. Midnight Montuno
(4:04)  7. Who's kiddin'?

Steve Turre covers a lot of styles on his debut as a leader; from tributes to Kid Ory and Duke Ellington to bop, a bit of free form and Latin jazz. The trombonist proves that he is comfortable in all of those idioms, making this a rather impressive set. His supporting cast consists of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Peter Washington, drummer Idris Muhammad, occasionally cellist Akua Dixon, extra percussion and (on the dixielandish piece) clarinetist Haywood Henry, trumpeter Jon Faddis and the tuba of Bob Stewart. Everything works. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/viewpoint-mw0000914903

Personnel:  Steve Turre (Trombone);  Mulgrew Miller (Piano); Peter Washington (Bass);  Idris Muhammad (Drums);  Haywood Henry (Claninet);  Jon Faddis  (Trumpet);  Bob Stewart (Tuba).

Viewpoint

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Kevin Hays Trio - Ugly Beauty

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:38
Size: 138,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:00)  1. Shade Of Jade
(6:28)  2. Chelsea Bridge
(7:00)  3. The Well
(6:59)  4. Ugly Beauty
(5:50)  5. Pompeian
(7:57)  6. Detour Ahead
(6:32)  7. Big Nick
(6:14)  8. How The Mighty Fall
(6:34)  9. United

Kevin Hays was only 23 at the time of this recording and hadn't quite developed the hallmarks of his own style. Still, this is clearly the work of a prodigious talent. Joined by Larry Grenadier on bass and Jeff Williams on drums, the pianist tackles difficult music by post-bop greats Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane. He does beautiful work with the standard ballads "Chelsea Bridge" and "Detour Ahead," as well as the Monk classic "Ugly Beauty." Only one Hays original, "The Well," appears, along with "How the Mighty Fall," a bossa by the underrated tenor saxophonist and composer Patrick Zimmerli. Hays' superior grasp of harmony is quite evident; his improvising while extremely impressive is not as distinctive as it would become in subsequent years. The fact that this is one of only two trio albums in Hays' catalog (as of this writing) makes it all the more interesting. ~ David R. Adler http://www.allmusic.com/album/ugly-beauty-mw0000436048

Personnel:  Bass – Larry Grenadier;  Drums – Jeff Williams;  Piano – Kevin Hays

Ugly Beauty

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Steve Nelson - Sound-Effect

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:27
Size: 134,4 MB
Art: Front

(8:35)  1. One Thin Dime
(6:10)  2. Song For Tina
(7:22)  3. Desafinado
(6:05)  4. You And The Night And The Music
(6:40)  5. Night Mist Blues
(9:10)  6. Sound Essence
(7:33)  7. Up Jumped Spring
(6:48)  8. Arioso

Pittsburgh native Steve Nelson has made his way through the jazz ranks playing high profile gigs with artists as diverse as Grant Green and Dave Holland. Since the 1970s, the Rutgers University alum has been quietly carving out his place as one of the premier vibraphonists working in jazz today. On Sound-Effect Nelson, with the help of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, stands front-and-center, towering over the vibes with vigor, clarity and unbridled soul. Nelson contributes three compositions to the set. All are harmonically rich, melodically fervent and, best of all, unmistakably swinging. The opening "One Thin Dime is full of bluesy-type figures and rhythm section breaks. The familiar-sounding fare serves as the perfect medium-tempo, warm-up vehicle. By contrast, "Song for Tina, a cascading waltz with flowing lines and clustered chords, entices intense solos, fueled by Nash's limitless energy. Nelson's well-crafted ballad, "Sound Essence, lets the vibraphonist explore the full range of his instrument in a gentle, unhurried manner. The remainder of the disc is comprised of a lyrical waltz, "Arioso, from the late pianist James Williams, and four standards. Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Desafinado, Freddie Hubbard's "Up Jumped Spring and Ahmad Jamal's "Night Mist Blues give the disc a predictable, jam-session feel, elevated by exceptional performances and incomparable feel. The Dietz and Schwartz classic "You and the Night and the Music, a disc highlight, is taken as a no-nonsense chops-buster  It's hard to go wrong with a release like Sound-Effect. Nelson, Miller, Washington and Nash are at the top of their game, and play with unmatched passion and stamina. More original material would have been welcome, yet the result is a wonderful addition to the catalogue of a modern master. ~ John Barron https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sound-effect-steve-nelson-highnote-records-review-by-john-barron.php
 

Personnel: Steve Nelson: vibraphone; Mulgrew Miller: piano; Peter Washington; Lewis Nash: drums.

Sound-Effect

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Benny Golson Quartet - Free

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:58
Size: 86.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1962/2011
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. Sock Cha Cha
[7:16] 2. Mad About The Boy
[5:47] 3. Just By Myself
[4:30] 4. Shades Of Stein
[7:27] 5. My Romance
[5:55] 6. Just In Time

Bass – Ron Carter; Drums – Arthur Taylor; Piano – Tommy Flanagan; Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson. Recorded December 26, 1962 - Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

The "Free" in the title of this album is not the Ornette Coleman type of free, but merely Golson's feeling that on this recording he had the "freedom" to do what he wanted without anyone else calling the shots. That is still very much in the mainstream tradition of modern jazz - hard bop style. Golson is especially fond of the lower register of the tenor and has a rolling style not unlike thunderclouds, albeit small sized ones. SOCK CHA CHA is an interesting tune: 43 bars long played with a latin rhythm except for the bridge, which is 16 bars long and played in straight 4/4. JUST IN TIME and JUST BY MYSELF are taken up tempo and they swing very nicely. The real standout on this album to these ears is pianist Tommy Flanagan who plays beautifully with quiet assurance. Ron Carter (b) and Arthur Taylor (d) round out the personnel; Taylor's drumming is ever-present but not the least bit intrusive. One or two tracks are below the others (SHADES OF STEIN is one), but a very good CD nonetheless. ~Bomojazz

Free

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Nils Landgren - The Moon, The Stars And You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:58
Size: 125.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals. Trombone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[5:07] 1. Moonshadow
[3:25] 2. The Moon, The Stars And You
[3:31] 3. Oh You Crazy Moon
[3:54] 4. Joe's Moonblues
[4:48] 5. Angels Of Fortune
[4:28] 6. Moon River
[3:19] 7. Till There Was You
[4:25] 8. Stars In Your Eyes
[4:33] 9. Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends
[4:42] 10. The Moon's A Harsh Mistress
[5:23] 11. Holofotes
[7:18] 12. Lost In The Stars

Nils Landgren / trombone & vocals; Michael Wollny / piano; Lars Danielsson / bass; Rasmus Kihlberg / drums. Special Guests: Joe Sample / piano; João Bosco / guitar & vocals; Richard Galliano / accordion; Steve Gadd / drums; Caecilie Norby / vocals; NDR Bigband & Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.

An incredible new vocal jazz album by Swedish singer and trombonist Nils Landgren, accompanied by many greats such as Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, Joao Bosco, Richard Galliano, and Cæcilie Norby. Nils Landgren presents his third vocal jazz album after the very successful Sentimental Journey in 2005 and Ballads in 1999. Features well-known guests Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, Joao Bosco, Richard Galliano, and Caecilie Norby. Contains a broad repertoire, from the very intimate Moon River to a full symphony orchestra on Lost in the Stars and everything in between!

Nils Landgren is one of the world s great trombonists and enjoys both sophisticated chamber jazz and straight out party music, seemingly in equal measure. --Jazzitude

The Moon, The Stars And You

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Sherie Rene Scott - Men I've Had

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:41
Size: 122.9 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:13] 1. Squeeze Box
[3:40] 2. Let My Love Open The Door
[3:44] 3. Midnight Creeper
[4:51] 4. Honky Cat
[4:38] 5. I Think He's Hiding
[3:18] 6. Bargain
[4:26] 7. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
[3:39] 8. Falling In Love
[4:25] 9. Come Down In Time
[5:48] 10. This Life
[4:06] 11. Real Emotional Girl
[4:26] 12. Love Heals
[2:22] 13. He Gives Us All His Love

"When you've had some of the very best, you want to spread it around." So says singer Sherie Rene Scott (star of Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida," "The Who's Tommy," and "Rent") whose debut album "Sherie Rene... Men I've Had" features songs by Pete Townshend, Elton John and Randy Newman. "Men I've Had" gives Sherie the opportunity to pay tribute, in her own unforgettable way, to the "Men She's Had" (world famous composers she's worked with in her career as a Broadway pop music star).

Part feminist, part femme fatale, (think Ann-Margret with an edge) Sherie sings some of her favorite songs by Pete, Elton and Randy as well as never-before recorded songs by Jonathan Larson ("Rent") and Kander & Ebb ("Chicago," "Cabaret"). Each song brings new light to the familiar tunes. USA TODAY gives the album 3 stars, and raves "Scott is a powerhouse vocal talent!" and Liz Smith boasts "Sherie Rene Scott is bawdy and beautiful, bitchy and touching!"

Men I've Had

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Donovan - Donovan's Greatest Hits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:09
Size: 114.8 MB
Styles: Folk-rock, Psychedelic pop
Year: 1969/1999
Art: Front

[3:39] 1. Mellow Yellow
[2:42] 2. Colours
[3:18] 3. Hurdy Gurdy Man
[2:53] 4. Catch The Wind
[2:54] 5. Lalaina
[3:10] 6. Epistle To Dippy
[4:31] 7. Sunshine Superman
[2:35] 8. There Is A Mountain
[2:41] 9. Jennifer Juniper
[2:23] 10. Wear Your Love Like Heaven
[4:56] 11. Season Of The Witch
[4:58] 12. Atlantis
[3:11] 13. To Susan On The West Coast Waiting
[3:17] 14. Barabajagal
[2:54] 15. Riki Tiki Tavi

Epic's Greatest Hits may not be a perfect collection -- for instance, it contains re-recordings of his earliest folk songs, "Catch the Wind" and "Colours," not the originals -- but for many casual fans, that may not matter since the remaining nine songs offer an excellent summary of his hit singles. And, as these songs prove, Donovan and producer Mickie Most could craft irresistible folk-rock and psychedelic pop singles. Some of the sounds and sentiments may sound a little dated, but the productions and the songs -- "Sunshine Superman," "Jennifer Juniper," "Wear Your Love Like Heaven," "Season of the Witch," "Mellow Yellow," "Hurdy Gurdy Man," "Epistle to Dippy," "There Is a Mountain," "Lalena" -- have proven to be classics of the era, and this is the best place to get them all on one collection. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Donovan's Greatest Hits

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David Sanborn - Only Everything

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:40
Size: 104.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:41] 1. The Peeper
[8:00] 2. Only Everything (For Genevieve)
[5:01] 3. Hard Times
[3:05] 4. Let The Good Times Roll
[8:02] 5. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[6:03] 6. You've Changed
[3:56] 7. Hallelujah I Love Her So
[7:49] 8. Blues In The Night

Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn; Baritone Saxophone – Frank Basile; Drums – Steve Gadd; Organ – Joey DeFrancesco; Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach; Trombone – Mike Davis; Trumpet – Tony Kadleck.

Only Everything is alto saxophonist David Sanborn's second straight release paying homage to one of his greatest and earliest influences, Ray Charles. While some jazz purists may dismiss Sanborn as a slick TV personality and practitioner of smooth or pop jazz, he's always had firm roots in bluesy, R&B-based jazz, dating to his early days playing with the likes of Albert King and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. And along with his more commercially calculated recordings, he's released some excellent straight-ahead, even experimental albums over the years, notably 1991's out-of-left-field Another Hand (Elektra), which featured Sanborn in the company of Charlie Haden, Marc Ribot and Bill Frisell, among others.

On Only Everything, Sanborn is joined by a tight, small group featuring the hard-grooving organist Joey DeFrancesco and the well-traveled drum dynamo Steve Gadd. The addition of a four-member horn section—Bob Malach (tenor), Frank Basile (baritone), Tony Kadlock (trumpet) and Mike Davis (bass trombone)—on about half the tracks gives the album a 'little big band' vibe that evokes Charles' 1961 Atlantic classic Genius + Soul = Jazz. Like its predecessor, 2008's well-received Here and Gone (Verve), Only Everything highlights the contributions of Charles' star saxophonists Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman, both of whom passed away last year within days of each other. Sanborn pays tribute to his fellow saxmen here with a rousing take on Crawford's "The Peeper" and a moving treatment of Newman's signature tune, "Hard Times." Throughout, Sanborn's earthy, slightly tart alto and DeFrancesco's booming, soulful organ make a compelling pairing, with the often subdued Sanborn playing with unexpected fire and the flashy DeFrancesco showing some welcome restraint.

The album's two vocal guests have mixed results. Young pop-soul star Joss Stone has great chops, but tries too hard on "Let the Good Times Roll" while the always relaxed James Taylor fares better on a cool, low-key reading of "Hallelujah, I Love Her So." ~Joel Roberts

Only Everything    

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Clark Terry, SWR Big Band - Jazz Matinee

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:15
Size: 165.4 MB
Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[8:16] 1. The Zinger
[5:33] 2. Easy Does It
[4:15] 3. Come Sunday
[5:44] 4. A Penny For Your Thoughts
[4:42] 5. Jenny
[4:48] 6. C.T.'s Express
[5:39] 7. Big Bad Blues
[5:54] 8. Dues Blues
[5:53] 9. Tee Pee Time
[4:50] 10. Sheba
[7:41] 11. Cold Tater Stomp
[4:36] 12. Just Squeeze Me (But Please Don't Tease Me)
[4:17] 13. Mumbles Returns

Clark Terry, conductor, trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals; Thomas Vogel, Claus Reichstaller, Karl Farrent, Rudi Reindl, trumpet; Ernst Hutter, Marc Godfroid, Ian Cumming, Georg Maus, trombone; Bernd Rabe, Klaus Graf, alto sax; Peter Weninger, tenor, soprano sax; Andreas Maile, tenor sax; Rainer Heute, baritone sax; Klaus Wagenleiter, piano; Decebal Badila, bass.

The irrepressible Clark Terry was a spry seventy–seven years old when this “Jazz Matinee” was recorded three years ago in Stuttgart, Germany. To hear him — on trumpet, flugelhorn or singing — is to summon forth images of a much younger man, so infectious is his boundless energy and unfailing good humor. About the latter, drummer Louie Bellson once said: “There has to be something wrong with anybody who can’t get along with Clark Terry.” As to his playing, Miles Davis called him “one of the best trumpeters in the world, if not the very best,” an assessment seconded by Dizzy Gillespie, who observed that “[Terry’s] flexibility and versatility make him one of the greatest. He can swing, he knows how to bop, he can do whatever he wants with his horn.” What he wants to do on this colorful session with the world–class SWR Big Band is entertain the rapt audience with a series of typically resourceful solos, which he does with relative ease, and with his engaging vocals on “Just Squeeze Me” and the amusing “Mumbles Returns” (on which one would almost swear he’s speaking an actual “language” that hasn’t yet been codified). Never comfortable on the sidelines, Terry solos on every number and shoulders the entire load on “Squeeze Me,” Ellington’s “Come Sunday” and Dave Slonaker’s “C.T.’s Express.” Elsewhere, he’s aided and abetted by a number of the ensemble’s top–drawer improvisers — saxophonists Rainer Heute, Andy Maile, Peter Weniger, Klaus Graf and Bernd Rabe; trumpeters Claus Reichstaller and Karl Farrent; trombonists Ian Cumming and Marc Godfroid, pianist Klaus Wagenleiter and bassist Decebal Badila. To show the versatility alluded to by Gillespie, Terry places his flugel in one hand, muted trumpet in the other and plays “against” himself on the scampering “Tee Pee Time,” then goes into the trenches to engage in hand–to–horn combat with Graf, Farrent and Reichstaller on Alan Foust’s funky “Cold Tater Stomp.” The SWR Big Band, powered by its superb rhythm section (Wagenleiter, Badila and drummer Jörg Gebhardt), swings audaciously from first note to last on this generously timed (72:06) concert date. With so many of Jazz’s acknowledged giants having left us, we are indeed fortunate that Clark Terry is still here. Now 80, he was diagnosed recently with colon cancer, which is no laughing matter. We are certain that we echo the sentiments of everyone in the Jazz community in wishing one of the great masters of trumpet and humor a swift and complete recovery. ~Jack Bowers

Jazz Matinee

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Hilton Ruiz - Island Eyes

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:33
Size: 125,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:51)  1. Intrepid Fox
(4:35)  2. Island Eyes
(4:46)  3. The Girl's In Love
(5:06)  4. House Of Dreams
(6:02)  5. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
(4:52)  6. Stand By Me
(5:07)  7. Unit Seven
(4:17)  8. Body And Soul
(5:11)  9. Soul Eyes
(2:47) 10. Solar Orbit
(5:54) 11. Naturally

Jazz pianist Hilton Ruiz was a musician of uncommon versatility, shuttling seamlessly between the complex improvisations of the avant-garde and the relentless rhythms of Afro-Cuban music. Born in New York City on May 29, 1952, Ruiz was a child prodigy who performed at Carnegie Recital Hall at age eight. In addition to classical studies, he explored jazz under the tutelage of the legendary Mary Lou Williams, and at 14 made his recorded debut with the Latin soul outfit Ray Jay and the East Siders. His remarkable improvisational gifts nevertheless cemented Ruiz's decision to pursue a career in jazz, and while still in his teens he backed everyone from Freddie Hubbard to Joe Henderson. Ruiz vaulted to global renown in 1973 when he joined the famously eclectic saxophonist/flutist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, proving his mettle as a gifted interpreter of a repertoire spanning from the blues to the avant-garde via cult-classic LPs including The Case of the 3 Sided Dream in Audio Color and The Return of the 5000 Lb. Man. After a four-year tenure with Kirk, Ruiz toured Egypt and India with Clark Terry; upon his return to New York, he was a first-call sideman for acts including Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Chico Freeman, and also founded his own group, continuing a headlining career that began with the 1975 Steeplechase effort Piano Man. Over the span of acclaimed LPs including 1977's Steppin' Into Beauty, 1988's El Camino (The Road) and 1991's A Moment's Notice, Ruiz honed a Latin jazz fusion approach that resulted in collaborations with Tito Puente and Paquito d'Rivera; he also moonlighted in film, contributing to the soundtracks of Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors and Sam Mendes' Oscar-winning American Beauty, and with Richard Bradley authored 1987's three-volume Jazz and How to Play It. During a visit to New Orleans, where he was scheduled to work on a Hurricane Katrina benefit project, Ruiz suffered a fall in front of a French Quarter bar and slipped into a coma. He never regained consciousness, dying just a week after his 54th birthday on June 6, 2006. ~ Jason Ankeny http://www.allmusic.com/artist/hilton-ruiz-mn0000957132/biography

Personnel: Hilton Ruiz (piano, Hammond organ, keyboards); John Stubblefield (tenor saxophone); Jon Faddis (trumpet); Dave Valentin (flute); Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); John Benitez (acoustic & electric basses); Ignacio Berroa (drums); Tito Puente (timables, vibraphone); Milton Cardona, Richie Flores (congas, percussion).

Island Eyes

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George Colligan - Runaway

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 69:06
Size: 127,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. End of a Dinasty
(7:50)  2. The Righteous
(4:33)  3. When I Go
(5:42)  4. R U Things The All?
(8:36)  5. Be Gentle
(3:46)  6. Skeletons In The Closet
(5:55)  7. Forlorning
(6:31)  8. Ghostland
(5:50)  9. Waltz For All The Things We Meant To Do And Never Did
(5:41) 10. Innocent Youth
(8:35) 11. Runaway

George Colligan is no ordinary musician and offers convincing proof on his Sunnyside Records. On Runaway, this award-winning pianist and composer presents a dynamic program of eleven new and varied lyrical pieces ranging from straight-ahead to free improvisation and a touch of fusion. With a lengthy and impressive discography, this album comes off the heels of the highly acclaimed Blood Pressure (Ultimate, 2006) that featured Colligan with multiple rhythm sections. Here Colligan stick with his trio band mates of bassist Josh Ginsburg and drummer Enoch Jamal Strickland, augmenting the play with the addition of guitarist Tom Guarna and vocalist Kerry Politzer. Colligan is a multi-instrumentalist who actually began playing the drums, switched to piano and trained in classical trumpet. Here he is featured not only on the piano but also indulges on the Fender Rhodes, synthesizers and blows the horn on the light soothing ballad of "Innocent Youth," while Politzer fills in on piano. The trio kicks off the repertoire with the blistering "End Of A Dynasty," followed by "The Righteous," a high-energy piece of fusion featuring Colligan manning the Rhodes and synthesizer and Ginsburg on the electric bass. Politzer provides soft vocals on "When I Go," accompanied by Guarna's guitar lines, while Colligan remains on the Rhodes. One of the exceptional tunes on this disc is the pop-friendly ballad "Be Gentle" where, once again, Colligan performs on both the Rhodes and synthesizer in an absolutely beautiful number worth repeated spins. The pianist tosses in a little free improvisation with "Skeletons In The Closet," somewhat of a departure from the rest of the session, and turns classical with a warm and delicious performance provided on "Waltz For All The Things We Meant To Do And Never Did." The title track offers just a tinge of the Latin flavor but not enough to qualify it as a Latin jazz number, remaining true to a contemporary jazz style. George Colligan is a monster on the boards delivering stunning solos throughout which, combined with his creative new charts, ensure that Runaway will most likely be another runaway success for one of the most talented musicians on the jazz scene today. ~ Edward Blanco https://www.allaboutjazz.com/runaway-george-colligan-sunnyside-records-review-by-edward-blanco.php
 

Personnel: George Colliagan: piano, Fender Rhodes (2, 3, 5, 7), trumpet (10), synthesizers (2, 5, 7); Josh Ginsberg: acoustic bass, electric bass (2); Enoch Jamal Strickland: drums; Tom Guarna: guitars (2-6); Kerry Politzer: voice (3, 7), piano (10).

Runaway

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Darden Purcell - Easy Living

Size: 123,2 MB
Time: 52:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2009
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (5:14)
02. Comes Love (4:59)
03. Alice In Wonderland (5:55)
04. Love For Sale (4:46)
05. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (4:26)
06. Your Red Wagon (4:33)
07. Last Night When We Were Young (4:40)
08. Get Happy (3:41)
09. You Don't Know What Love Is (5:06)
10. Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead (3:35)
11. Easy Living (5:38)

Working backwards, I discovered DC-area jazz vocalist and educator Darden Purcell with her second recording, Where the Blue Begins (Armored Records, 2016). It was an impressive recital with the nominal theme of twilight winding through its repertoire. While less thematically focused, Easy Living remains a well programmed set of eleven standards, "My Funny Valentine" thankfully not among them.

Easy Living smacks of youthfully precocious invention, a collection of master musicians trying their individual talents out in creative ways. Vocalist Purcell possess an instrument finely tuned through study and performance. She is easily the most precise singer I have heard in sometime. Her delivery and sense of time are impressive and immediately evidenced of the opener, "What a Little Moonlight Can Do." Purcell displays some pretty impressive scat chops in the introduction before launching into a very precise delivery of the song. Clinically precise.

The "clinical" part of this precision softens, particularly in the soft ballads like "Alice in Wonderland" and a terrific reading of the Goffin-King classic, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." "Love for Sale" finds both Purcells relaxed and swinging. Singing with sardonic humor, Purcell reveals the same delicate shabby hopelessness present in Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and, in doing so perfectly capturing Cole Porter's intention for his 1930 The New Yorkers showstopper.

The satisfying surprises lay in a rollicking "Your Red Wagon," that finds pianist Chip Stephens and winds player Chip McNeill playing con brio supporting both Purcells to do the same. What? Another tired performance of the 1930 Arlen-Koehler chestnut, "Get Happy?" Not on your life. Just as he did on "The Nearness of You" from Where the Blue Begins, Shawn Purcell transforms what begins as a churchy reverent performance into a Ben Monder—Shawn Lane shootout that is delightful. Now, that's what I am talkin' about! Easy Living finds Darden Purcell doing some pre-event warm ups in anticipation of the classroom, concert stage, and Where the Blue Begins. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Darden Purcell: vocals; Chip McNeill: winds; Shawn Purcell: guitar; Chip Stephens: piano; Dennis Carroll: bass; Stockton Helbing: drums.

Easy Living

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Bobby Darin - Darin 1936-1973 (Expanded Edition)

Size: 168,4 MB
Time: 71:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1974/2017
Styles: Pop Rock
Art: Front

01. I Won't Last A Day Without You (3:55)
02. Wonderin' Where It's Gonna End (2:29)
03. Sail Away (3:35)
04. Another Song On My Mind (4:36)
05. Happy (Love Theme From Lady Sings The Blues) (5:33)
06. Blue Monday (2:21)
07. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (3:32)
08. The Letter (2:26)
09. If I Were A Carpenter (Live From The Desert Inn 1971) (3:24)
10. Moritat (Mack The Knife) (Live From The Desert Inn 1971) (3:27)
11. Happy (Love Theme From Lady Sings The Blues) (4:08)
12. Simple Song Of Freedom (Alternate Mix) (4:11)
13. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight (Alternate Mix) (3:32)
14. I Won't Last A Day Without You (Alternate Version) (3:42)
15. Wonderin' Where It's Gonna End (Alternate Version) (2:34)
16. Happy (Love Theme From Lady Sings The Blues Single Version) (6:03)
17. Blue Monday (Alternate Version) (2:33)
18. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Alternate Version) (3:38)
19. Melodie (2:48)
20. Someday We'll Be Together (2:59)

Motown released Darin 1936-1973 two months after the future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's death in December of 1973. The ten-track LP (and second on Motown) contains some rare Bobby Darin material. Because of its purpose (grieving), this is one of the few depressing Bobby Darin records, lacking the hopeful romance and joyful concepts that characterized his other releases. Darin 1936-1973 also takes on a haunting, biographical depth, beginning with the heartbreaking "I Won't Last a Day Without You." Its sentiment runs though the LP: "When there is no getting over that rainbow/when my smallest of dreams won't come true/I can take all the madness the world has to give/but I won't last a day without you." Darin 1936-1973 celebrates the artist's life and love of music, especially its ability to convey emotion and connect with a listener. Highlights include "Happy" (the love theme from Lady Sings the Blues), "The Letter," and Randy Newman's "Sail Away." The only Darin original is the folky "Another Song on My Mind." Darin 1936-1973 reflects some of Bobby Darin's most important influences: R&B (Fats Domino's "Blue Monday") and politics (Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"). Collectors should take note that the live versions of "Mack the Knife" and "If I Were a Carpenter" from the Desert Inn are different than those on the Live at the Desert Inn release. Overall, because the material here is largely non-hit covers, this is a record for the die-hard fans. While Darin 1936-1973 is the most somber Bobby Darin LP, it is also a fitting end to his career, focusing on the singer/songwriter he became late in his life.

Darin 1936-1973

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Dayna Stephens - Gratitude

Size: 120,1 MB
Time: 51:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Emilie (7:54)
02. In A Garden (6:06)
03. Amber Is Falling (8:14)
04. Woodside Waltz (5:45)
05. We Had A Sister (6:56)
06. The Timbre Of Gratitude (4:32)
07. Isfahan (2:50)
08. Don't Mean A Thing At All (3:31)
09. Clouds (5:47)

Of the many ways one could express Gratitude, I struggle forming adequate words. When expressing such an important emotion they never seem to quite capture the essence of whats really burning to be understood. The seemingly infinite possible mixtures of notes rhythms and textures given to us by musical expression, however, while still not 100% representative of my personal experienced Gratitude, shines a much brighter light on how humbled and lucky I am to be surrounded by so many angels of compassion and inspiration. It’s been a long night walking through dense forrest, but being surrounded by a sea of candles held by so many gracious people singing "the sun is on its way up” helped illuminate the path to a better place. For them and you I hope this music comes close to expressing how eternally grateful I am for the opportunity given to extend my journey of inspired existence.
One thing that unites every song on this record is they were all at one time or another ear worms that stuck around for a while, and often returned for lengthy stays. Another uniting factor is that they all have to my ear enchanting beautiful singable melodies, and give me a strong sense of sentiment. When we recorded these songs I was conflictingly full of hope peace and uncertainty. Hope that my years would be extended, peace that I was lucky to have made it that far with lots a great moments and experiences despite the circumstances, yet uncertainty because it wasn’t yet clear how the journey was going to continue. Now after so much warmth love peace and connection has been given to me by countless I am saturated with gratitude, perhaps completing a circle that started with those ingredients. ~Dayna Stephens

The 1st song Emilie was introduced to me by violinist/composer Olivier Manchon. He dedicates it to his sister Emilie and its got a nice simple melody that when combined with the plesantly unexpected harmony create a beautiful song to connect with.

In A Garden was written by Aaron Parks, and i’ve had the pleasure of playing this song with him on several occasions. It often paints scenes for me one would find in a fantasy movie. Some of the visuals in the Robin Williams movie What Dreams May Come come to mind.

Amber Is Falling (Red and Yellow) was written by vocalist/composer Michelle Amador, and has been on my favorites list since the mid two thousandzies when we played it in San Francisco in her group Michelle Amador and the True Believers.

Woodside Waltz refers to a city in Northern California called Woodside which has tons of great scenic views of the SF bay through tall redwood trees. While recording it we discovered the recording studio called the Club House Rhinebeck NY had a tack piano which was perfect for bringing out the essence of this gem written Julian Lage. We were all even willing to all tune down our instruments a dozen or so cents flat to match the turning of the piano which hadn’t been tuned in some time.

We Had A Sister is a hauntingly beautiful song by Pat Metheny that I heard as a young beginning saxophone student on Joshua Redman’s second release entitle “Wish”. It’s a song i’ve always wanted to play.

Gratitude

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Rebecca Hardiman - Honoring Ella

Size: 100,7 MB
Time: 36:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Tisket, A Tasket (2:15)
02. Manhattan (4:05)
03. Isn't It Romantic (3:07)
04. I Get A Kick Out Of You (2:36)
05. Honeysuckle Rose (3:55)
06. Someone To Watch Over Me (5:28)
07. Cheek To Cheek (4:33)
08. Stairway To The Stars (3:09)
09. How High The Moon (2:08)
10. You Turned The Tables On Me (4:46)

“Not since Billie Holiday & Ella Fitzgerald have I heard such a unique, in tune, magical, hypnotic, creative JAZZ performer.” Dan Sorkin- veteran radio personality Chicago WCFL, San Francisco KSFO

From the moment Rebecca Hardiman walks onto the stage - her tone, sense of style, dignified delivery and cheery disposition lights up the room. True lovers of jazz recognize that she is authentic and a welcome asset to world of vocal jazz. Rebecca owns the songs that she sings and brings her creative energy to every interpretation from ballads to highly technical be-bop improvisation. Her inventive scatting and stylization has earned her the reputation as one of the best jazz vocalists in the NW.

Rebecca’s sound can be described as a blend of the smooth styling of Ella Fitzgerald, with the clear melodic tone of Doris Day, mixed together with a jazz finesse reminiscent of an era when jazz vocalist were at their peak.
With over 25 years experience singing in vocal jazz groups, recording, and as a solist - she is comfortable with the old-school style of jazz.

Honoring Ella

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Cory Weeds & The Jeff Hamilton Trio - Dreamsville

Size: 143,2 MB
Time: 61:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Who Can I Turn To (7:24)
02. Lady Wants To Know (5:41)
03. How Do You Like Them Apples (3:09)
04. Blue Daniel (5:33)
05. Dreamsville (5:37)
06. Hammer's Tones (4:14)
07. Nothing To Lose (7:16)
08. Bennissimio (5:04)
09. Love Is A Now And Then Thing (5:55)
10. Robbin's Nest (6:18)
11. She Walks This Earth (5:13)

Featuring CORY WEEDS tenor saxophone, TAMIR HENDELMAN piano, CHRISTOPH LUTY bass, JEFF HAMILTON drums.

Tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds and the Jeff Hamilton Trio are at it again with a followup release to their critically acclaimed This Happy Madness recording. Dreamsville, a decidedly more melancholy recording features some lesser known gems such as Michael Franks' Lady Wants To Know, Henri Mancini's Nothing To Lose and a beautiful ballad by Anthony Newly called Love Is A Now And Then Thing.

Dreamsville

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Betty Buckley - Story Songs

Size: 154,1+100,2 MB
Time: 66:33+39:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. You've Got To Be Taught (5:18)
02. Cassandra (6:00)
03. High And Dry (5:56)
04. Chanson (5:32)
05. All Things In Time (4:08)
06. Old Flame (7:01)
07. Another Life (5:12)
08. Prayer In Open D (7:54)
09. September Song (6:39)
10. Don't Give Up (5:55)
11. Throw It Away (6:52)

CD 2:
01. How Long Has This Been Going (3:38)
02. Practical Arrangement (3:31)
03. Stephen Bruton Story (2:54)
04. Too Many Memories (4:06)
05. Bird On A Wire (4:34)
06. Howard Dasilva Story (5:33)
07. Both Sides Now (6:33)
08. Elaine Stritch Story (2:17)
09. I'm Still Here (6:04)

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend BETTY BUCKLEY co-starring in the recent smash hit M. Night Shayamalan film Split opposite James McAvoy will come to the New York area this season for four appearances, including for two concerts in March to preview her new album Story Songs from Palmetto Records, to be released on Friday, April 7. Buckley also will be teaching a five-day performance workshop mid-March in New York.

For her Story Songs concerts, Buckley will be joined by renowned multi-Grammy nominated jazz pianist Christian Jacob, her longtime Musical Director and arranger. A celebrated interpreter with an eclectic taste for music from all genres, Buckley will share a collection of songs that range from Radiohead to theater greats Stephen Schwartz and Jason Robert Brown. The evening will also include work by the next generation of exciting young theater composers, such as Joe Iconis. Split, which has been the #1 Movie in America for the six weeks since its January premiere, co-stars Buckley as McAvoy s psychologist, Dr. Fletcher. She was hailed as wonderful by The New York Times, stellar by Rolling Stone, mesmerizing by The Los Angeles Times, and excellent by London Express, in addition to other raves.

The two-disc live album Story Songs is based on the show of the same name that she debuted at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater this past September. The New York Times praised Story Songs as her stunning new show, arguably the strongest of her career. Ms. Buckley gave everything she sang the shape and depth of a personal confession. When she took the program to the Bay Area later in the fall, she was called a vocal wonder by the San Francisco Chronicle.
BETTY BUCKLEY, in an award-winning career that has encompassed TV, film, stage and concert work around the globe, is probably best known as one of theater s most respected and legendary leading ladies.
She won a Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, in Andrew Lloyd Webber s Cats. Buckley received her second Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a musical for her performance as Hesione in Triumph of Love, and an Olivier Award nomination for her critically-acclaimed interpretation of Norma Desmond in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber s Sunset Boulevard, which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway. She is a 2012 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee.

Story Songs CD 1
Story Songs CD 2

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