David Kikoski - Kayemode

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 2017

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:31

Size: 138,9 MB

Art: Front

(7:28)  1. Au Privave

(7:45)  2. Binge Watching

(8:36)  3. Morning Glory

(6:33)  4. H & H

(6:34)  5. Switching Roles

(6:13)  6. Mirror Mirror

(5:45)  7. Trinkle Tinkle

(7:41)  8. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

(3:54)  9. Blues for Gerry

Since his first appearance on record (Randy Brecker's album In the Idiom), pianist David Kikoski has demonstrated an infinite capacity to swing, a rare sensitivity as a ballad interpreter and genuine harmonic savvy as a composer. He delivers once again on all counts on Kayemode. Kikoski says:  "I'm very proud and lucky to have 2 new collaborators in my trio. I met Justin Faulkner on a Monday night at "the Jazz Standard" where I play with the Charles Mingus Big Band and was very impressed. Soon after we really hooked up on a gig with Branford Marsalis and I remember thinking I would love to try and use him on my own project. We had a ball hanging at my house and shedding and listening to music.  Joe Martin was someone we both agreed on to be the perfect bassist for the session. I recently heard him at "Mezzrow" with Spike Wilner and was blown away. His use of harmony and counterpoint is more advanced than most bass players I've known. I knew he could get inside of my concept.  We are using 1st or 2nd takes with no fixing or editing, because I wanted the freshness and honesty to be there".

Personnel:  David Kikoski (piano); Joe Martin (bass);  Justin Faulkner (drums)

Kayemode

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Di Anne Price - Refreshed

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:40
Size: 136.6 MB
Styles: Jazz/Blues vocals & piano
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. Pig Meat
[3:18] 2. To Hell With Love
[4:40] 3. Hallelujah, I Love Him So
[5:11] 4. Fever
[3:46] 5. I Love Being Here With You
[4:20] 6. You Won't Let Me Go
[4:39] 7. I Want To Be Seduced
[3:30] 8. Sugar In My Bowl
[2:23] 9. Keep Sittin' On It
[4:59] 10. I Need Your Love So Bad
[2:45] 11. Alone On My Own
[4:46] 12. Makin' Whoopee
[4:45] 13. Wild Women Don't Have The Blues
[4:17] 14. Livin' Alone
[3:12] 15. One Mo' Bottle Of Beer

Memphis blues and jazz artist Di Anne Price died of liver cancer, March 13, 2013. She was easily one of the fabled music city’s most beloved performers. Her superb albums Barrel House Queen, Sugar in My Bowl, Love Come and Go, Blue Artistry, The Best Price, 88 Steps to the Blues, Taking the Blues in Stride, and Deja Blu, all showcase her smoky vocals, barrelhouse piano, and her fascination with a variety of blues and jazz styles from 1920s throwback to more contemporary arrangements.

As a little girl, Price would wake up in the middle of the night wanting to play the piano. She’d get dressed, put on gloves if it was cold, wake her mom, and the two would play and sing until morning. The first songs Price ever learned were blues, and the husky-voiced storyteller never stopped singing them. Price, always credited her mom, and called her fans her babies, never lost her enthusiasm. She told John Taylor of Blues on Stage that the first thing she did in the morning was touch her piano to make sure it was still there. The second thing she did was sit down and practice.

Price told The Memphis Flyer she was happiest when working. “You know, when I’m in a smoke-filled bar, and can smell the Jack Daniels all around, and I’m singing something that’s right just for the moment, that’s working just for that moment, and people are really listening, that’s everything I need.”

Refreshed 

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Various - Blue Note Plays Ray Charles

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:58
Size: 107.5 MB
Styles: Jazz/Blues/Soul/R&B
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:12] 1. Lou Rawls - That's Where It's At
[4:32] 2. Jimmy McGriff - I Got A Woman
[4:34] 3. Stanley Turrentine - What Would I Do Without You
[6:28] 4. Grant Green - This Little Girl Of Mine
[2:48] 5. Jimmy Smith - Ain't That Love
[7:16] 6. Freddy Roach - (Night Time Is) The Right Time
[2:58] 7. Joe Williams - Hallelujah I Love Her So
[3:32] 8. The Three Sounds - Drown In My Own Tears
[2:56] 9. Lou Rawls - Hide Nor Hair
[3:23] 10. Grant Green - I Can't Stop Loving You
[5:14] 11. Jimmy Smith - I'm Movin' On

Blue Note Plays Ray Charles contains 11 previously released performances by jazz artists associated with the label who dip into the songbook of "Brother Ray." These are enjoyable re-creations courtesy of several Hammond B-3 masters, including Jimmy McGriff's "I Got a Woman," Freddie Roach's "Night Time Is the Right Time," and Jimmy Smith's "I'm Movin' On." Also of note is guitarist Grant Green's lyrical take on "I Can't Stop Loving You," with pianist Herbie Hancock's light, late-night blues touch influenced by The Genius After Hours. On past Blue Note Plays releases, the time line of music has tended to cross several decades, making for an erratic and jarring listening experience. Fortunately, there is a consistency on Blue Note Plays Ray Charles, as nine of the tracks were recorded in the '60s with the exception of two by Lou Rawls: "That's Where It's At," with Charles on vocals, from 1989 and "Hide nor Hair" from 1992. This budget-priced release is recommended to all fans of Ray Charles, whether they are jazz fans or not. ~Al Campbell

Blue Note Plays Ray Charles

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Leon Redbone - Up A Lazy River

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:53
Size: 79.9 MB
Styles: Pop/Rock/Jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Play Gypsy Play
[2:37] 2. At The Chocolate Bon Bon Ball
[3:01] 3. Lazy River
[3:01] 4. When Dixie Stars Are Playing Peek-A-Boo
[2:47] 5. Mr. Jelly Roll Baker
[2:34] 6. Gotta Shake That Thing
[2:08] 7. You're A Heartbreaker
[2:49] 8. Bittersweet Waltz
[3:12] 9. Goodbye Charlie Blues
[3:40] 10. That Old Familiar Blues
[2:57] 11. A Dreamer's Holiday
[2:55] 12. I'm Going Home

Idiosyncratic singer/songwriter Leon Redbone spent the 1990s building upon his sizable cult following with more uncanny arrangements of vintage pop and jazz tunes, while simultaneously unveiling a few of his own compositions. Sporting an unmistakable and remarkably limber baritone, Redbone continues his fusion of Americana with some distinct and flavorful overtones that would not sound out of place in the Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli-led Quintet of the Hot Club of France. This is evident right out of the box on Redbone's "Play Gypsy Play," as guitarist Frank Vignola and violinist Stan Kurtis provide a hearty Hot Club vibe. An almost palpable sense of mystery shrouds the somnolent "At the Chocolate Bon Bon Ball," incorporating Alfredo Pedernera on the Argentinean bandoneón -- a native instrument with a tonality close to that of its' European descendant, the concertina. Pedernera weaves hypnotically beneath the march-like cadence, unifying the otherwise disparate sonic elements. The easygoing languid cover of Hoagy Carmichael's "Lazy River" can easily be considered a seminal entry in Redbone's repertoire, with just enough energy to gently move the song along. Special guest Dr. John tickles the ivories further accenting the sumptuous melody. "When Dixie Stars Are Playing Peek-a-Boo" is an obscure side dating to the early 20th century. Asleep at the Wheel's Cindy Cashdollar picks a down-home dobro, modernizing the rural blues amalgam and definitely hearkening to the original. Similarly, Redbone's interpretation of "Mr. Jelly Roll Baker" has one foot in the past while leaping toward a rollicking renewal of the Beale Street blues from whence the selection was derived. Again, Cashdollar is heard here, twanging beneath a full-bodied lead vocal and some buoyant sax interjections from multi-instrumentalist Vince Giordano, who also plays piano, drums and bass on the track. His sax spills over on to the humor-laden take-off/put-on rendering of Papa Charlie Jackson's bawdy blues "Gotta Shake That Thing." Other standouts on Up a Lazy River (1992) include the Redbone co-penned "That Old Familiar Blues" and "Bittersweet Waltz" -- both boasting additional contributions from Dr. John -- although the latter shouldn't be mistaken for the Noël Coward song of the same name. ~Lindsay Planer

Up A Lazy River

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Charlie Barnet - Cherokee Revisited

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:07
Size: 181.1 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[7:03] 1. Cherokee
[3:54] 2. Serenade To May
[3:23] 3. Moten Swing
[2:15] 4. Pompton Turnpike
[2:53] 5. Eastside, Westside
[3:16] 6. Charleston Alley
[3:20] 7. Skyline
[3:34] 8. Blue Juice
[4:02] 9. Southern Fried
[3:36] 10. Smiles
[2:56] 11. Swing & Sweat
[2:49] 12. Stardust
[3:21] 13. Take The A Train
[2:41] 14. Goodbye
[3:19] 15. Early Autumn
[3:25] 16. Flying Home
[3:16] 17. I Can't Get Started
[3:53] 18. Begin The Beguine
[2:53] 19. Darn That Dream
[2:58] 20. Midnight Sun
[2:43] 21. One O'clock Jump
[4:18] 22. Harlem Nocturne
[3:09] 23. Track 23

Charlie Barnet was unusual in several ways. One of the few jazzmen to be born a millionaire, Barnet was a bit of a playboy throughout his life, ending up with a countless number of ex-wives and anecdotes. He was one of the few white big band leaders of the swing era to openly embrace the music of Duke Ellington (he also greatly admired Count Basie). Barnet was a pioneer in leading integrated bands (as early as 1935). And, although chiefly a tenor saxophonist (where he developed an original sound out of the style of Coleman Hawkins), Barnet was an effective emulator of Johnny Hodges on alto in addition to being virtually the only soprano player (other than Sidney Bechet) in the 1930s and '40s.

And yet Charlie Barnet was only significant in jazz for about a decade (1939-1949). Although his family wanted him to be a lawyer, he was a professional musician by the time he was 16 and ironically in his career made more money than he would have in business. Barnet arrived in New York in 1932 and started leading bands on records the following year, but his career was quite erratic until 1939. Many of Barnet's early records are worthy but some are quite commercial as he attempted to find a niche. Best is a sideman appearance on a 1934 Red Norvo date that also includes Artie Shaw and Teddy Wilson.

In 1939, with the hit recording of "Cherokee" and a very successful run at the Famous Door in New York, Charlie Barnet soon became a household name. In addition to the fine trumpeter Bobby Burnet (who soloed on many of Barnet's Bluebird records), such sidemen as guitarist Bus Etri; drummer Cliff Leeman; singers Lena Horne, Francis Wayne, and Kay Starr; pianist Dodo Marmarosa; clarinetist Buddy DeFranco; guitarist Barney Kessel; and even trumpeter Roy Eldridge spent time with Barnet's bands. Although at the height of his popularity during 1939-1942 (when his orchestra could often play a close imitation of Ellington's), Barnet's recordings for Decca during 1942-1946 were also of great interest with "Skyliner" being a best-seller.

By 1947 Barnet was starting to look toward bop. Clark Terry was his star trumpeter that year, and in 1949 his screaming trumpet section included Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, Rolf Ericson, and Ray Wetzel. Barnet, however, soon lost interest and near the end of 1949 he broke up his band. Semi-retired throughout the remainder of his life, Charlie Barnet occasionally led swing-oriented big bands during short tours and appearances, making his last recording in 1966. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Cherokee Revisited

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Kalya - The Best Is Yet To Come

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:30
Size: 88.2 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[2:17] 1. I'm Beginning To See The Light
[2:15] 2. Call Me Irresponsible
[2:25] 3. The Best Is Yet To Come
[4:28] 4. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[4:23] 5. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby
[5:02] 6. At Last
[2:48] 7. Isn't It Romantic
[3:17] 8. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
[2:33] 9. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
[3:09] 10. But Not For Me
[3:35] 11. On A Slow Boat To China
[2:10] 12. Anything Goes

SHERATON CADWELL presents one of Canada's most promising vocal artists, 13-year old KALYA, in her second album ... a compilation of more of her personal favourites. All tracks recorded live between November 2006 and March 2008 with the Philips Westin Orchestra, Casablanca Orchestra, Toronto Starlight Orchestra) and the Wyndham Regency Orchestra.

Net proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to international agencies such as UNICEF, World Vision, Oxfam, CARE, Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross through the Global Poverty Relief Foundation (www.gprf.net) to help alleviate poverty in less developed communities outside Canada.

NOTE: The link has been deleted. Those who wish to contribute to the charitable causes benefiting from the sale of this CD, please buy the CD at cdbaby.com.

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Les McCann - Talkin' Verve

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:06
Size: 142.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Soul/jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[ 3:38] 1. Watermelon Man
[ 6:10] 2. Beaux J Poo Boo
[ 3:38] 3. The Great City
[ 2:55] 4. Guantanamera
[10:02] 5. Sunny
[ 2:42] 6. Green, Green Rocky Road
[ 2:44] 7. Little Freak
[ 2:57] 8. Red Top
[ 2:34] 9. Compared To What
[ 5:30] 10. My Friends
[ 2:51] 11. Sad Little Girl
[ 3:49] 12. La Brea
[ 2:57] 13. Goin' Out Of My Head
[ 2:47] 14. Boo-Go-Loo
[ 6:46] 15. Colonel Rykken's Southern Fried Chicken

Talkin' Verve collects 16 of the funkiest tracks Les McCann recorded for Verve. Of course, funky can be a relative term -- McCann was the coolest pianist this side of Horace Silver, and his laid-back style may not sit well with the hipsters who are this disc's intended audience. If they keep in mind that the pianist never led a small organ combo, they'll be pleased by this swinging soul-jazz and its warm, friendly atmosphere. Some of the songs are a little slight, but even those are given appealing, coolly funky arrangements that are quite engaging, and that's what makes this a welcome sampler. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Talkin' Verve

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Bob Mover - In The True Tradition

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:06
Size: 107,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:25)  1. Night Dance Of Little People
(5:17)  2. I Waited For You
(8:51)  3. Poinciana
(6:10)  4. Blues For Bobby Ward
(6:25)  5. Something To Live For
(7:57)  6. Evidence

Altoist Bob Mover, who originally sounded quite a bit like Lee Konitz, fully displays his individuality on this passionate trio set. Accompanied by bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Bobby Ward, Mover is free to be as explorative as he likes on the high-quality material which includes two originals, a pair of ballads, "Poinciana," and Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." This is one of Mover's finest recordings to date. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/in-the-true-tradition-mw0000882339

Personnel: Bob Mover (alto saxophone), Rufus Reid (bass), Bobby Ward (drums).

In The True Tradition

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Althea Rene - In the Flow

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:39
Size: 113,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:43)  1. La' Solstice
(3:58)  2. Sunday Cruise
(3:46)  3. Used to Love You
(4:46)  4. Flutations
(4:27)  5. Free
(5:07)  6. FM 1960
(5:06)  7. Snoochi Pooch
(4:46)  8. In the Flow
(4:51)  9. H-Town-Step
(6:02) 10. Song for Wilhemania

One of America's best kept secrets is secret no more. Having single handedly built a huge following throughout the Contemporary Jazz community over the last 10 years, this young lady has been in high demand on the concert scene and hasaccomplished all with little support from radio and doing it without label
machinery. Taking the next career step and signing her first major label deal, Althea Rene is poised to take her music to the masses and her Trippin N Rhythm debut 'In The Flow' marks a seismic shift not only in her career but in taking the flute back to its accepted place as a dominant genre instrument not seen since the days of Tim Weisberg and Herbie Mann.

Mix the mastery of Herbie Mann and add the sexiness and moves of Beyonce and you get this dynamic performer who delivers on every level, chops mixed with sex appeal. On 'In The Flow' Rene enlists the help of Grammy award winning producer Michael B, who has worked with A-List artists George Benson, Cindy Bradley and Marion Meadows, to name a few, to assemble a portrait of this multi-dimensional artist, painted with a broad brush. Not afraid to paint outside the lines Rene shows her mastery of the flute, blowing when the moment is called for yet showing great restraint as she floats in and around the melodies, showing passion and fire reminiscent of Al DiMeloa on tracks like LA Solstice and then chilling things down with sides like Sunday Cruise . Standouts include fresh takes on the John Legend classic 'Used To Love You' and 'Free' from Denise Williams. With support from label mates Cindy Bradley and Randy Scott , 'In The Flow' marks the re-emergence of the flute to its deserved place in what has become a sax heavy genre. The time has come, the moment is now and Althea Rene will soon place her star alongside the genre's greatest. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Althea-Rene/dp/B00C3MKBGQ

Personnel: Althea Rene (flute); Mike Broening (keyboards, programming).

In the Flow

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David Liebman Quintet - If They Only Knew

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:25
Size: 102,4 MB
Art: Front

(8:48)  1. If They Only Knew
(8:28)  2. Capistrano
(5:36)  3. Moontide
(7:14)  4. Reunion
(5:07)  5. Autumn In New York
(9:09)  6. Move On Some

Originally put out by Timeless, only to be issued in the U.S. on Impulse! eight years after the session, the phrase "if they only knew" at one time was conceived as a riposte to Liebman's critics. But you won't hear any querulous complaints from this corner, for this is a thoughtful, often burning quintet session carooming off the bumpers of post-bop, jazz-rock, and the avant-garde. Liebman is mostly heard on brittle, sometimes volatile tenor throughout the record, even turning in some fancy bop licks on "Autumn in New York." The relaxed, darting electric touch comes from John Scofield, whose asymmetrical guitar you can spot a country mile away, and he contributes the most attractive tune on the session, "Capistrano." Trumpeter Terumasa Hino mixes it up pretty well on many of the tracks in his Freddie Hubbard-derived manner; Ron McClure makes his presence known up front at all times on acoustic bass; Adam Nussbaum is just fine on drums, and the whole thing comes to a furious finish that leaves you wanting more. ~ Richard S.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/album/if-they-only-knew-mw0000198136

Personnel: David Liebman (soprano & tenor saxophones); Terumasa Hino (trumpet); John Scofield (guitar); Ron McClure (bass); Adam Nussbaum (drums).

If They Only Knew

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Somi - Red Soil In My Eyes

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:11
Size: 142,5 MB
Art: Front

( 3:56)  1. Ingele
( 5:02)  2. My Mother's Daughter
( 3:46)  3. Day By Day
( 5:56)  4. Circles
( 7:25)  5. Red Soil In My Eyes
( 4:15)  6. African Lady
( 5:53)  7. Quietly
( 5:43)  8. Losing You
( 5:12)  9. Mbabazi
(14:58) 10. Natural

She was born in Illinois and did most of her growing up in America, but the singer who calls herself Somi that's short for L. Kabasomi Kakoma is the daughter of Rwandan and Ugandan parents, also spent time living in Africa and, due in no small part to the extremes of that experience, has created a seamless merger of cultures, sounds and emotions with this richly textured recording. Red Soil in My Eyes is all elegance and awe, and attempting to reduce Somi's pan-globalism and command of her artistic environment to a single genre or purpose would be a fruitless endeavor. She skates easily between worlds, touching on both smooth and raucous neo-soul, nuanced jazz expression and more than a dollop of East African tradition until something else all together emerges. She sings of nature and of love, life, freedom and faith without forcing distinctions between them. And one gets the impression that she arrives at that juncture effortlessly: many layers unfold throughout these multilingual, genre-busting, continually revealing songs, but the voice itself, wherever it may head, never lets go of its grip. 

"Ingele," the Swahili-sung opening track (a finalist in the world music category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest), introduces the subtle, sultry side of Somi via a quasi-bossa nova rhythm that ultimately transforms into a platform through which her multi-octave voice dips and flies in several directions. "African Lady," on the other hand, is all rhythm, Fela style (the chorus is based on his "Lady"), delivering a strong anti-domestic violence message sung mainly in English along with its feast of percussion. Somi commands a sizable, virtuosic band throughout much of the album, but ends it on a quiet and poignant note: the hidden bonus track "Remembrance," which she dedicates to the survivors of the Rwandan genocide of 1994. On it, Somi's voice takes on otherworldly characteristics as it rides pure waves of sound, hauntingly reverent, intense and utterly captivating. ~ Jeff Tamarkin http://www.allmusic.com/album/red-soil-in-my-eyes-mw0000583545

Personnel: Somi (Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals), Hervé Samb, Lionel Loueke (guitar); Conrad Harris, Pauline Kim (violin); Dave Eggar (cello); David Lee Jones (saxophone); Jeremy Pelt (trumpet); Toru Dodo (piano); Thierry Arpino (drums); Daniel Moreno (percussion); Rhian Ayanna, Chanda Rule (background vocals).

Red Soil In My Eyes

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Maceo Parker - Southern Exposure

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:20
Size: 126.7 MB
Styles: R&B, Soul, Jazz
Year: 1993/2006
Art: Front

[6:43] 1. Blues For Shorty Bill
[6:28] 2. Keep On Marching
[6:28] 3. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
[5:15] 4. Every Saturday Night
[6:08] 5. The Way You Look Tonight
[6:57] 6. Splashin
[4:53] 7. Walking Home Together
[6:36] 8. Sister Sanctified
[5:47] 9. Fun In The Sun

Maceo Parker, best-known for his R&B recordings with and without James Brown, plays strictly jazz on his Novus CD and he is in peak form. Parker's alto sounds close to Hank Crawford at times but with a phrasing of his own. On this well-rounded and consistently memorable release, Parker sticks mostly to funky blues but is also impressive on a boppish version of "The Way You Look Tonight." He splits his time between fronting an organ combo, leading a reunion with fellow Brown alumni trombonist Fred Wesley and tenor-saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, and on two songs he is joined by the enthuisastic Rebirth Brass Band. Parker only takes one vocal so the emphasis throughout is on his soulful alto, making this among his most rewarding jazz recordings. ~Scott Yanow

Southern Exposure

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Amos Garrett - Amosbehavin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:21
Size: 92.4 MB
Styles: Country/Jazz/Blues guitar
Year: 1982/1993
Art: Front

[3:51] 1. I Can't Quit You
[3:38] 2. Baton Rouge
[4:32] 3. Some Cats Know
[2:18] 4. Stella Ain't Got No Brains
[4:08] 5. New Orleans
[3:29] 6. Little Sister
[4:45] 7. Ha Ha In The Daytime
[4:42] 8. Cardiac Arrest
[4:22] 9. Love Song Of The Nile
[4:33] 10. Imojochu

Detroit native Amos Garrett began working as a professional guitarist north of the border in Toronto. There he played with the Dirty Shames, a folk jug band, before moving on to the country-rock-oriented Great Speckled Bird at the invitation of Ian and Sylvia Tyson. Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis" featured his guitar playing, as did Anne Murray's "Snowbird." Other artists who utilized his talent include Stevie Wonder, Emmylou Harris, Jesse Winchester, and Paul Butterfield. His studio work led him to California, and he continued to record with other artists. Later, with the Eh Team backing him, Garrett also put out his own recordings, more than half a dozen, on Stony Plain Records. In 1989, his album The Return of the Formerly Brothers, garnered a Juno Award. The release also featured Gene Taylor (formerly of Downchild, the Blasters, and later the Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Doug Sahm of the Texas Tornados. Garrett and the Eh Team continue to play night spots in Canada; he resided in Alberta. He toured Japan in 1990 with stops in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. The concerts there found their way onto a live album in 2001. Garrett released Acoustic Album in 2004, which featured his instrument in a meld of swing, country, blues, and American Songbook standards, while he continued to tour. In 2004, he employed a full band and released one of his finest offerings in Get Way Back: A Tribute to Percy Mayfield, which featured unique yet respectful interpretations of 11 of the blues songwriter’s tunes. Garrett toured the album at festivals across three continents. With most of his time spent touring, Garrett didn’t release another album for five years. When he did, it was a concert recording entitled Jazzblues with his trio -- guitarist Keith Smith and string bassist Greg Carroll. The album also featured guest vocal performances from Roberta Donnay and John Hyde. It was followed two years later by Guitar Heroes and another live date that featured him co-billed with axe slingers James Burton, Albert Lee, and David Wilcox. ~ Linda Seida

Amosbehavin'

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Stacey Kent - Hushabye Mountain

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:22
Size: 92.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. Too Darn Hot
[3:24] 2. All I Do Is Dream Of You
[4:40] 3. Say It Isn't So
[2:33] 4. Hushabye Mountain
[4:50] 5. Thou Swell
[4:36] 6. It Might As Well Be Spring
[2:53] 7. My Heart Stood Still
[4:32] 8. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[3:58] 9. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[5:24] 10. Close Your Eyes

The award winning ex-pat American who splits her time between London and Colorado has become the definitive voice for a genre. By placing the art of her singing in perfect balance with the genius of the writers whose songs she performs, Stacey has placed herself at the forefront of a small group of singers who have caught the attention of mainstream media and to whom listeners are flocking in their millions. Miss Kent has an innate understanding of how to capture the essence of a song. Her interpretation is delicate and crisp, lacking any superfluous parts. With every note Stacey elegantly bequeaths both purpose and direction, as exmplified in her soothingly intimate singing on Hushabye Mountain.

Hushabye Mountain

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Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco - Play Steve Allen

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:51
Size: 127.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Mainstream jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[3:07] 1. I Used To Think That I Was Crazy
[3:44] 2. Sleepy Old Moon
[5:05] 3. Until I Left Chicago (I Never Had The Blues)
[4:07] 4. Mister Moon
[4:35] 5. Lazy Days
[4:33] 6. Playing The Field
[4:54] 7. Alabama Baby
[6:11] 8. One Little Thing
[3:43] 9. South Dakota
[4:22] 10. Easy For You
[3:27] 11. Clarinet Lick
[3:25] 12. Nights In Madrid
[4:31] 13. In The Mornin' When The Sun Comes Up

Swing-to-boppers Gibbs (vibes) and DeFranco (clarinet) love playing unison melodies, and the sonorities of those two instruments coming together provides the springboard for this swinging music. It's all based on the witty compositions of Steve Allen, songs the general public have rarely heard. The combination fits all of the participants to a T.

This is mainstream jazz at its current best, but unless you're a hard core fan (or Steve Allen himself, ) you'd be hard pressed to say you know this material intimately. There are some familiar sounds, "Until I Left Chicago (I Never Had The Blues)" is similar to Louis Jordan's "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby," while "Alabama Baby" strikes a pose akin to "Comin' Home Baby." Up numbers "I Used To Think That I Was Crazy," "Mr. Moon," "Playing The Field" and "In The Morning When The Sun Comes Up" are nods to Benny Goodman and Charlie Parker for their classic head melodies. Ballads and blues are sprinkled in, the ethereal "Night In Madrid" is quite different from the rest of the program, and one wonders how Allen got the inspiration for the hard boppin' "Seven Come Eleven" variation "South Dakota."

All in all this is a delightful CD, a great idea laced with extraordinary playing from these masters. Gibbs and DeFranco have never beeen in better form, and having worked together for many years shows. No slight to Tom Ranier, who is an excellent jazz player when called upon, check out his extended piuonao intro on "One Little Thing." It just seems that using old Steverino at the 88's would have put the perfect cherry on top of this rich chocolate sundae, displaying his marvelous playing as well as his writing, of which this CD only scratches the surface. ~Michael G. Nastos

Play Steve Allen

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Judy Argo - True Love Ways

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:27
Size: 117.8 MB
Styles: Easy Listening, Standards
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. Everything I've Got Belongs To You
[5:53] 2. My Foolish Heart
[3:53] 3. All The Things You Are
[5:29] 4. How Deep Is The Ocean
[2:44] 5. I'll Be There
[3:00] 6. Never My Love
[3:04] 7. Never Let Me Know
[5:22] 8. Goody Goody
[4:04] 9. Everything I Love
[3:50] 10. How About Me
[1:50] 11. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:19] 12. Unless It's You
[2:48] 13. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
[3:12] 14. True Love Ways

Backed by an all-star ensemble, Judy Argo delivers a solid program of upbeat and ballad standards promised by the album's title. Even the violins and cellos are among the first-call string players in New York. First class all the way. Taking full advantage of this outstanding talent, Argo shows her chops to the fullest. "All the Things You Are" is an intimate musical conversation between her and the Marvin Stamm trumpet. Toots Thielemans provides a lovely intro and coda for "My Foolish Heart." The late Gerry Mulligan's baritone bounces along on an up-tempo version of the Rodgers & Hart "Everything I've Got Belongs to You" from their Broadway musical Jupiter. Houston Person's blues-drenched tenor waxes melodically on "How Deep Is the Ocean." Strings provide a silky background for "I'll Be There." Grady Tate vocalizes with Judy on a blues-styled "Goody-Goody," with Stamm, Ray Brown, and Houston Person making significant contributions. "Ev'rything I Love" is done with a Latin beat with Joe Beck's guitar leading the way; Mike Renzi and Thielemans also stretch out on this cut. Mike Renzi's piano, one of the more undervalued except among other musicians, provides both dynamic and subtle accompaniment on all cuts. He is also the musical director for the session and did most of the arranging. The remainder of the program is as equally interesting and entertaining. Argo's voice and delivery hints of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Doris Day. Quite a combination. Nothing works better than a good singer backed by solid musicians. ~Dave Nathan

True Lovce Ways

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Three More Sounds - The Happiness Of Pursuit

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:54
Size: 112.0 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[5:59] 1. Searchin
[5:29] 2. Autumn Serenade
[5:59] 3. Boomph
[7:13] 4. It Don't Mean A Thing
[8:11] 5. When Your Lover Has Gone
[3:28] 6. Too Much Jelly Roll
[6:18] 7. Little Miss Laurie
[6:12] 8. Blue Daniel

Bill Heid (piano) Henry Franklin (bass) Carl Burnett (drums).

Jazz bassist Henry Franklin was born in 1940, the son of West Coast jazz trumpeter Sammy Franklin. Henry Franklin began his own career while he was still in high school, playing with his contemporary, Roy Ayers, in the latter's Latin jazz quintet. This experience put Franklin on the path to his work with Latin jazz bandleader and percussionist Willie Bobo. His work with Bobo in New York also led to Franklin's playing with Archie Shepp. Franklin later played with Hugh Masekela, appearing on the latter's number one single, "Grazing in the Grass." In the decades since, Franklin -- often referred to as "the Skipper" -- has played and recorded with Gene Harris & the Three Sounds, Freddie Hubbard, Bobbi Humphrey, Hampton Hawes, et al., as well as releasing a brace of albums by his own band right into the 21st century. ~Bruce Eder

Bill Heid (born August 11, 1948) is an American soul jazz and hard bop jazz pianist and organist, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, probably better known for his work with musicians such as Koko Taylor, Henry Johnson and Fenton Robinson, amongst others.

Carl Burnett is an American jazz musician, funk-guitarist, songwriter, and producer. Though a guitarist, he is credited as the drummer and co-writer of the hit song "The Night Begins To Shine" by B.E.R. (Telepictures). The group's name, 'B.E.R.' is derived from the last names of its members (Carl Burnett, Frank "Franklin" Enea, William J. Regan).

The Happiness Of Pursuit

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Horace Parlan - Us Three

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:47
Size: 94,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. Us Three
(4:50)  2. I Want To Be Loved
(6:26)  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(5:52)  4. Wadin'
(7:09)  5. The Lady Is A Tramp
(7:06)  6. Walkin'
(4:48)  7. Return Engagement

On this recording made in 1960 during his tenure with Lou Donaldson, pianist Horace Parlan is situated nicely alongside bassist George Tucker and drummer Al Harewood. The trio had its own gig on Sundays at Minton's in Harlem, and had established a repertoire and reputation for being able to lay down both hard bop and soul-jazz stylings with equal verve. (And yeah, that jazz/hip-hop group from the 1990s was named after this disc.) The proceedings here are straight-ahead with some cool soul-jazz touches. Parlan's "Wadin'" moves the off-minor key of "Wade in the Water" and funkifies the rhythm, paraphrasing and improvising as the rhythm section struts it out. On the title track, there is a gorgeous lilt in his playing that corresponds to a behind-the-beat walk by Tucker that makes Harewood slip and shimmy constantly on the cymbals with his brushes. There and on "I Want to Be Loved" as well as "Return Engagement" (another Parlan original), something else starts to creep into his playing: the spacy, spare feel of Ahmad Jamal, who Parlan cited as a contemporary influence. The economy of touch, which stands in stark contrast to the hard bop he played with Donaldson and the energetic music he played with Mingus, is in some ways more complex harmonically, and more emotionally satisfying. This is a fine effort from an underappreciated trio. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/us-three-mw0000024465

Personnel: Horace Parlan (piano); George Tucker (bass); Al Harewood (drums).

Us Three

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Ellen Lebowitz - Smokin' Aloud

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:38
Size: 116,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Hello It's Me
(4:47)  2. Consider Me Gone
(6:00)  3. Waltz For Debby
(3:59)  4. The Look Of Love
(4:36)  5. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(5:50)  6. The Fool On The Hill
(4:11)  7. I Saw The Light
(4:31)  8. But Beautiful
(4:24)  9. Nine
(3:00) 10. It's Alright With Me
(5:17) 11. I'm Glad There Is You

A rich and powerfully emotional voice sings gorgeous jazz standards and pop classics from Sting and Todd Rundgren to Bill Evans and Cole Porter, backed by the talents of 12 amazing musicians. 

Words From Producer, Erik Unsworth: It is an unfortunate fact that people who create their livelihoods as professional musicians rarely get to work on the music that matters to them. Due to the inherent difficulties of financial survival in this day and age, most of us get caught up in the hustle and fail to keep in mind the reasons why we entered into this life in the first place. For me, this CD represents an escape from the norm. It is the result of a summer dedicated to making a unique recording, and doing it for the pure enjoyment of the process of capturing musical creativity and interaction. From the early decision-making stages, through the arranging and recording of the great tunes that were picked and all the way to the last mix-down sessions, the motivation was always the same. To make a CD that would matter to us. My summer of 2003 will always be fondly remembered, because we took the time to do it the way that it should be done.  The vast majority of the music heard here was created and recorded in the basement of Ellen and Tom's residence, using a MacIntosh G4 computer and ProTools software. Thanks to the unique layout of the house and the musical instruments found within, piano, bass and drums were able to be recorded simultaneously, while being isolated in separate rooms. Horn parts and other overdubs were also recorded using this set-up. Primary vocal parts were recorded on analog tape and the whole thing mixed at Target Recording Studio in Elkton, MD. https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ellen2

Smokin' Aloud

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Bill O'Connell's Chicago Skyliners Big Band - That Toddlin' Town

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:21
Size: 154,0 MB
Art: Front

(0:19)  1. The Apocalypse
(4:20)  2. Tanga
(6:27)  3. Tad Boppin'
(5:23)  4. Where Is Love
(3:40)  5. Vertigo
(4:38)  6. Cabeza de Carne
(4:59)  7. Madelyn's Song
(3:04)  8. Chicago
(4:00)  9. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
(2:35) 10. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:45) 11. Celebracion
(5:07) 12. Rachael
(5:11) 13. Dexterity
(5:38) 14. Play It Again, Sammy
(3:52) 15. Walk In The Park
(2:20) 16. Dimensions In Blue

DownBeat magazine includes in its annual polls a category called TDWR (“talent deserving wider recognition”). Big bands are excluded, of course but if they weren’t, a wonderful candidate for the honor would be drummer Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Big Band which is nearing the end of its first decade in near–obscurity but deserves much better. The band’s fifth recording (and second on Blue Birdland) encompasses more than 65 minutes of solid, straight–ahead big–band swinging that finds the Skyliners in a buoyant frame of mind from Dizzy Gillespie’s lissome “Tanga” (introduced by O’Connell’s 20–second drum passage, “The Apocalypse”) through the closing numbers, “Walk in the Park” and “Dimensions in Blue,” by one of O’Connell’s favorite composer/arrangers, Sammy Nestico. Among the many other highlights: Mike Tomaro’s bluesy “Tad Boppin’” (with splendid solos by trumpeter Jim Peterson, baritone Chip Gdalman and pianist Ron Mills); Kirk Garrison’s marvelous trumpet work on Lionel Bart’s “Where Is Love“ (so moving it brought tears to my eyes); the fiery ensemble passages that enfold Bill Horn’s dancing alto on Doug Beach’s “Vertigo”; two striking originals by Matt Harris, “Cabeza de Carne” (Meat Head) and “Madelyn’s Song” (which features another fine pianist, Bobby Schiff); Nestico’s Latin burner, “Celebracion” (with Tito Carrillo on trumpet and one of my favorite lead altos, Bob Frankich, soloing on tenor); Peterson’s shimmering trumpet on Nestico’s lovely ballad, “Rachael”; the swinging sax solis and stratospheric trumpet exchanges on Bird’s “Dexterity”; and Rick Hirsch’s Basie–like salute to Nestico, “Play It Again, Sammy” (with tasteful solos by Shiff and trumpeter Terry Connell). There are three vocals, by Byron Woods (“Chicago”), Sherrilynn Riley (“Fly Me to the Moon”) and Woods and Riley together (“How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”). Whether your knowledge of big bands is rudimentary, respectable or encyclopedic, the Chicago Skyliners will expand your awareness while giving your ears ample nourishment. ~ Jack Bowers  http://chicagoskylinersbigband.com/ubrev.html

Personnel: Bob Frankich, Bill Horn, Ken Partyka, Mike Bazan, Brian Sjoertinga, Kent Lawson, Chip Gdalman, Rick Hirsch, reeds; Russ Phillips, Dave Gross, Mark Corey, Edwin Williams, Dave Gross, trombones; Gross, bass trombone; Brad Payne, Kirk Garrison, Terry Connell, Tito Carrillo, Jim Peterson, Jared Brame, trumpets; Bobby Schiff, Ron Mills, piano; Dave Ivaz, guitar; Steve Hashimoto, John Elmquist, bass; Dave Rush, percussion; Rush, Bill O’Connell, drums; Sherrilynn Riley, Byron Woods, vocals.

That Toddlin' Town

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