Bonnie Jensen - Lucky So & So

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:56
Size: 126,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:00)  1. All Of You
(4:28)  2. Garota De Ipanema
(4:25)  3. I'm Just A Lucky So & So
(4:54)  4. The Man I Love
(5:23)  5. Reality
(4:46)  6. Teach Me Tonight
(5:22)  7. A Foggy Day
(3:28)  8. No More Blues/Chega De Saudade
(4:24)  9. Waltz For Debby
(4:22) 10. Embraceable You
(5:43) 11. The Best Thing In Your Life
(3:35) 12. Time After Time

The La Brava label continues to bring many of Australia's finest jazz musicians to compact disc. Not missing a beat in this ambitious undertaking, the label has released a session that displays the vocal renderings of Bonnie Jensen. Maintaining the high standards set by the label with its previous releases, Jensen delivers a scintillating, expressive 55 minutes of music. Possessing a voice with excellent range, she distributes emotions tailored to the message she wants each song to convey to the listener, whether the tune be an original or standard -- the mark of a good jazz singer. Thus, "Waltz for Debby" is tender and a bit wistful. "Teach Me Tonight" imparts a sense of urgency as she staggers space between words and lines to make this oft-recorded song come across somewhat differently than one usually hears it. Her own "Reality" is more contemporary music and comes wrapped in a Brazilian beat. Jensen also recognizes the importance of imaginative arrangements to make sure that the proper combination of instrumentation is used to help her meet her performing objectives. On "No More Blues," Steve Brien's acoustic guitar is her sole accompaniment. Thus the album is peppered with astute use of fluttering flute, soprano sax that manages not to be whiny and off-pitch, and most of all, Michael Bartolomei's piano. His efforts are inventive and inspired, and consequently, he is rewarded with generous solo time. 

Even though Jensen's choice of songs is somewhat orthodox standards, originals, and contemporary pop material, pretty much standard fare these days -- she displays a vocal instrument power and clarity combined with a sense of intimacy that makes the session work. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/lucky-so-so-mw0000495138

Lucky So & So

---

Joey Baron - We'll Soon Find Out

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:10
Size: 124,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:09)  1. Slow Charleston
(7:49)  2. Closer Than You Think
(5:52)  3. Junior
(6:25)  4. Time To Cry
(5:43)  5. Wisely
(3:35)  6. Bit O' Water
(7:04)  7. M
(4:22)  8. Equaled
(7:05)  9. Contact

Perhaps the core, and highly noticeable component here, is that traditional groove oriented, R&B induced music, while in the hands of musicians who respectively possess a distinctive voice enables the tried and true to be elevated to a higher plane. With drummer Joey Baron’s second “Songline/Tone Field” release titled We’ll Soon Find Out, these characteristics provide the winning edge, in an often huge way!  The opener, a composition titled “ Slow Charleston”, is indicative of what looms ahead. Here, alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe’s searing vibrato and soul drenched lines surge onward while bassist Ron Carter and Baron implement slow fours with coy understatement amid a loose vibe. On “Junior”, Baron is a one-man percussion band as he employs complex Afro-Cuban rhythms in support of Blythe’s quite ferocity, linear themes and melodic interludes as guitarist Bill Frisell converges with funkified chords and unison lines. Whereas, “Widely” is a moving ballad of perhaps transcendental proportions as Frisell delves into some airy chord structures along with his now infamous injections of C&W style twang and poignant single note leads. Basically, We’ll Soon Find Out offers breezy passages, finger snapping rhythms, strong yet unobtrusive and quite thoughtful soloing in accordance with Baron’s conspicuous compositional pen. Yet within the hands of ordinary souls, the music and overall format might signify more of the norm; however, Baron, Frisell, Blythe and Carter shine forth with a candid demeanor while also providing a clinic of sorts - on the art of making good music that certainly strikes a memorable chord. ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/well-soon-find-out-joey-baron-songlines-recordings-review-by-glenn-astarita__4893.php
 

Personnel: Arthur Blythe: alto saxophone; Bill Frisell: guitars; Ron Carter: bass; Joey Baron: drums.

We'll Soon Find Out

---

Bill Frisell - Where In The World?

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Fusion
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:31
Size: 127,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. Unsung Heroes
(6:59)  2. Rob Roy
(7:01)  3. Spell
(6:00)  4. Child At Heart
(3:26)  5. Beautiful E.
(6:38)  6. Again
(2:36)  7. Smilin' Jones
(5:30)  8. Where in the World?
(5:02)  9. Worry Doll
(6:02) 10. Let Me In

Bill Frisell has long been recognized as possessing one of the most unique voices in jazz guitar. On Where in the World?, he is joined by his frequent compatriots Joey Baron and Kermit Driscoll, as well as cellist Hank Roberts, for ten compositions that catch Frisell right on the cusp of his earlier days and his later, more melody-driven, work. As expected, the supporting cast is excellent, with Joey Baron especially making notable contributions. His solo on "Child at Heart" is a perfect analog to the spirit of Frisell's music, pairing the completely expected with the completely unexpected. A pervading sense of melancholy and unrest runs through Where in the World?, creating tension even when the music is at its quietest. Some of this music is downright spooky. "Unsung Heroes," for example, opens with an ominous drum groove from Baron before introducing a wailing theme doubled by Roberts and Frisell over a twisted, almost bluesy, bass ostinato. This tendency to pair beautiful melodies with dense, introspective harmony works better on Where in the World? than anywhere else in Frisell's extremely strong catalog. As for the guitarist's own playing, it is as beautiful as always. He floats ethereal melodies seemingly with the same ease (and, more importantly, from the same coherent musical mindset) as he lets loose feedback-drenched wails. One of the high points of '90s jazz guitar, Where in the World? is essential for fans of modern jazz. ~ Daniel Gioffre http://www.allmusic.com/album/where-in-the-world-mw0000273736

Personnel: Bill Frisell (guitar, ukulele); Hank Roberts (fiddle, cello); Joey Baron (drums).

Where In The World?

---

Larry Coryell - Barefoot Boy

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1971
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:33
Size: 92,9 MB
Art: Front

(11:51)  1. Gypsy Queen
( 8:39)  2. The Great Escape
(20:03)  3. Call To The Higher Consciousness

Produced by Bob Thiele and recorded at Electric Lady studios with engineer Eddie Kramer, Barefoot Boy is one of Larry Coryell's finest recordings as a leader. "Gypsy Queen" was recorded prior to bassist Mervin Bronson's arrival at the studio, and features the percussion section locking into a groove over which Coryell lays down a riff and Steve Marcus cuts loose with a fiery soprano sax solo. When it's his turn to solo on this opening number, Coryell turns up the heat, sounding like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Sonny Sharrock. (Coryell played with Sharrock on Herbie Mann's Memphis Underground.) "The Great Escape" finds Coryell cooking over a bass and percussion groove, with Marcus on tenor sax. "Call to the Higher Consciousness" is a side-long 20-minute jam in which all the players take a ride, with Marcus once again cooking on the soprano sax. Roy Haynes is superb throughout, working in tandem with the percussionists to keep the music moving. This recording is a noteworthy example of the possibilities inherent in the early days of fusion, blending the electrifying energy of rock with the improvisational excitement of jazz. ~ Jim Newsom http://www.allmusic.com/album/barefoot-boy-mw0000117582

Personnel:   Guitar – Larry Coryell;  Bass – Mervin Bronson (tracks: 2, 3);  Congas [Conga] – Lawrence Killian;  Drums – Roy Haynes;  Percussion – Harry Wilkinson;  Piano – Mike Mandel (tracks: 3);  Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus (tracks: 1, 2);  Tenor Saxophone – Steve Marcus (tracks: 3)

Barefoot Boy

---

Bill Barron - West Side Story Bossa Nova

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1963
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:05
Size: 56,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:15)  1. Something's Coming
(3:31)  2. One Hand, One Heart
(4:00)  3. Gee, Officer Krupke
(3:57)  4. Cool
(2:22)  5. Maria
(3:23)  6. Tonight
(3:35)  7. America
(3:44)  8. I Feel Pretty
(3:20)  9. Jet Song
(3:53) 10. Somewhere

Bill Barron spent a good deal of his music career as a jazz educator, though he made many valuable recordings in the early '60s and also near the end of his life. Unfortunately, few of them have been reissued during the CD era, so the return of this long-out-of-print studio date (for the long-defunct Dauntless label) is very welcome. The tenor saxophonist's orchestra is actually only a septet, but it's a potent group who puts out a big sound. They include trumpeter Willie Thomas, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Henry Grimes, drummer Charlie Persip, percussionist Jose Soares, and pianist Steve Kuhn, with the leader's now famous younger brother, Kenny Barron, subbing for Kuhn on the opening track, "Something's Coming." Barron's arrangements are brief (all under four minutes each), but very enjoyable, with snappy takes of "Cool" and "America" as well as a brief "Maria," featuring Thomas and Barron swapping solos, and wrapping with an unusually upbeat treatment of the normally low-key ballad "Somewhere." This 1963 session was finally made available once again by Fresh Sound in 2002. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/west-side-story-bossa-nova-mw0000231101

Personnel: Bill Barron (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Kenny Burrell (electric guitar); Willie Thomas (trumpet); Kenny Barron, Steve Kuhn (piano).

West Side Story Bossa Nova

---

Mary Coughlan - The House Of Ill Repute

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:13
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:09)  1. The House Of Ill Repute
(3:33)  2. Sleep On It
(2:45)  3. Bad
(3:28)  4. Pornography
(3:15)  5. Love Is Extra
(4:11)  6. Mary Mary
(3:15)  7. Tootsies
(3:38)  8. In Your Darkened Room
(4:02)  9. Some Cats Know
(3:49) 10. Moon In A Taxi Cab
(4:47) 11. Antarctica
(4:35) 12. The Whore Of Babylon
(3:41) 13. Tango

Irish torch singer Mary Coughlan was born in Galway in 1956; after enduring a painful adolescence that included bouts with drugs and alcohol as well as a stay in a mental hospital, she relocated to London at the age of 19, living in a hippie squat. After several lean years of waitressing and sweeping streets, Coughlan returned to Ireland in 1974, where a chance encounter with Dutch musician Erik Visser helped point her towards a singing career; specializing in jazz and blues, she began slowly earning a reputation on the pub circuit, which resulted in a handful of television appearances. From there, she and Visser moved on to sold-out concert dates, and in 1985 Coughlan finally recorded her debut LP, Tired and Emotional, a major hit in her native land. A number of other records followed in the years to come, and she became a critical favorite throughout much of Europe; with 1997's After the Fall, Coughlan made her U.S. debut, soon earning a devoted following on American shores as well. Three years later, Coughlan issued the vibrant tribute album Sings Billie Holiday. Long Honeymoon appeared in spring 2001. ~ Jason Ankeny http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mary-coughlan-mn0000316250/biography

The House Of Ill Repute

---

Bruce Gertz - Third Eye

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1994
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 75:02
Size: 120,5 MB
Art: Front

(12:02)  1. Small Fortune
( 3:44)  2. Third Eye
( 7:33)  3. Alone Together
( 7:55)  4. Mixed Messages
( 5:14)  5. In Memory
( 6:47)  6. Deep Sea Vent
(16:06)  7. In Your Own Sweet Way
( 7:40)  8. Prime Suspect
( 7:58)  9. The News

Bassist Bruce Gertz's debut for the Italian RAM label is an interesting sampler of today's modern mainstream. The music is sometimes fairly straightahead and sometimes lightly funky while consistently featuring plenty of dynamic solos from Gertz's sidemen (tenor-saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, guitarist John Abercrombie, pianist Joey Calderazzo and drummer Adam Nussbaum) that, although tied to the tradition, are unpredictable and explorative. Abercrombie switches easily from rock-oriented sounds to a dryer tone reminiscent of his ECM dates. Bergonzi displays a tone influenced by Joe Henderson and John Coltrane, Calderazzo has his spots and Nussbaum is stimulating in support. The impressive Bruce Gertz (splitting his time between acoustic and electric bass) contributes seven of the nine selections, all but the standards "Alone Together" and "In Your Own Sweet Way." Gertz is showcased on "Third Eye" and "Prime Suspect" and has close interplay thorughout with Abercrombie, particularly on "Alone Together."

Overall this is a superior outing by a variety of fine players. As a bonus, Gertz's liner notes (in which he traces the evolution of the jazz bass from the late '50s up to the present) are quite informative. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/third-eye-mw0000627701

Personnel: Bruce Gertz (acoustic bass, electric bass); John Abercrombie (guitar); Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Adam Nussbaum (drums).

Third Eye

---

Bill Doggett - Wow!

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop 
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:10
Size: 78,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:36)  1. Wow!
(3:52)  2. Oo-Da
(8:06)  3. Ol' Mose Blues
(2:48)  4. Happy Soul Time
(2:42)  5. The Kicker
(2:36)  6. Mudcat
(3:12)  7. Ram-Bunk-Shush
(3:35)  8. Slow Talk
(4:39)  9. Fatso

This 1965 set by organist Bill Doggett's band is well-played and spirited but quite lightweight. The nine selections are mostly blues-oriented jams without any memorable melodies, stirring solos, or moments that lift the program above the routine. The rather brief results are pleasant and groovin' but rather predictable. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/wow%21-mw0000000416

Personnel: Bill Doggett (organ); Billy Butler (guitar); Andrew Ennis (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Edwin Starr (percussion).

Wow!

---

Matthew Shipp - Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 114,1 MB
Art: Front

(0:43)  1. Light Beam
(4:56)  2. Intro Z
(5:46)  3. Instinctive Touch
(1:32)  4. Pocket
(5:50)  5. Gamma Ray
(5:43)  6. Piece Within Piece
(4:07)  7. Tenderly
(7:00)  8. Monk's Nighmare
(4:39)  9. Blue in Orion
(5:14) 10. It
(3:58) 11. Fairplay

Pianist Matthew Shipp is prolific. Under his own name and in collaboration with with numerous other free-thinking jazzers saxophonist Ivo Perlman in the forefront of these CD releases seem to pour out of him. His best under his own name comes in the trio/duo/solo format. Piano Sutras (Thirsty Ear, 2013); The Conduct Of Jazz (Thirsty Ear, 2013); Piano Song (Thirsty Ear, 2017); and a duo set with drummer Bobby Kapp, Cactus, (Northern Spy Records, 2016) attest to his artistic focus and excellence. Cruise the internet for profiles of and interviews with Shipp and he comes off as a prickly personality, a man assured of his own talents and unsympathetic to pigeon-holers, pretentious critics and label prospectors mining for a bunch of words aimed at pinning down his music. His music just is. So here comes a bunch of words concerning Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich, a solo piano outing by Shipp. Shipp approaches the piano with a pugilistic mindset. Think of a boxer, throwing hard flurries at the speed bag, then shuffling over to deliver a series of thunderous body shots into the gut of the heavy bag. It's a sound full of vehemence that rises at times to a fury. It's an approach he continues with on Invisible Touch At Taktlos. The set is a continuous, forty-five plus minutes without a pause, until the applause at the end of tune number 11, "It," that leads into a four minute encore. This stream of consciousness style suits Shipp, as it did Cecil Taylor on Olim (Soul Note, 1987). But Shipp is more visceral than Taylor, with more of a feel for interludes of crisp lyricism. His sound is denser. Elaborate, even serpentine phrasings abound, punctuated by muscular chords and endlessly creative even beautiful tangents. "Monk's Nightmare" is a thunderstorm. "Instinctive Touch" wanders frenetically, spewing notes in rapid fire fashion. "Blue In Orion" injects a feeling of solemnity into the proceedings; "Gamma Ray" pulses, pretty and powerful. And in the middle of it all the standard "Tenderly" rises, sounding not all that tender, but rather ominous. Matthew Shipps seems like a guy musically a personally who walks through the world with a chip on his shoulder. On Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich the chip is still there, but it sounds as if he sat down at the piano one night with that big, flat, flagstone shard balanced perfectly, and all things life and art were well with his world. The result is one of Matthew Shipp's finest and most riveting recordings. ~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/invisible-touch-at-taktlos-zurich-matthew-shipp-hatology-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php
 

Personnel: Matthew Shipp: piano

Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich

---

Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme - We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits

Size: 155,7 MB
Time: 64:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1996
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front & Back

01. We Got Us (From We Got Us) (2:32)
02. Side By Side (From We Got Us) (2:33)
03. No Two People (From We Got Us) (2:03)
04. Darn It, Baby, That's Love (From We Got Us) (2:38)
05. Together Wherever We Go (From We Got Us) (2:08)
06. Flattery (From We Got Us) (3:22)
07. This Could Be The Start Of Something (From We Got Us) (2:26)
08. I Remember It Well (From We Got Us) (3:26)
09. Baby, It's Cold Outside (From We Got Us) (2:47)
10. Two Lost Souls (From We Got Us) (2:29)
11. Harmony (From We Got Us) (2:51)
12. Cheek To Cheek (From We Got Us) (2:58)
13. I've Heard That Song Before (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:43)
14. I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:38)
15. Green Eyes (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:43)
16. I Hear A Rhapsody (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:22)
17. And The Angels Sing (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:13)
18. Who Wouldn't Love You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:51)
19. Bel Mir Bist Du Schon (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:15)
20. Marie (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:37)
21. I Don't Want To Walk Without You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:28)
22. I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:14)
23. White Christmas (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:12)
24. Sentimental Journey (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:17)

Married couple and singing partners Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme launched their duo on records with two LPs released in 1960 by ABC-Paramount Records, We Got Us and Eydie and Steve Sing the Golden Hits; the albums are combined on this CD, albeit in reverse order of their initial appearance. We Got Us (tracks 13-23) finds Lawrence and Gorme hunting through then-recent film theme songs and among standards for some classic duets, and presenting their versions of them. Numbers like "Side by Side" are naturals, but anything requiring something in the way of characterization tends to be beyond vocalists who are most concerned with the sound of their voices, not the meaning of the lyrics. They do fine with "No Two People," a Frank Loesser composition from Hans Christian Andersen in which two lovers trip over themselves to express their sweet devotion. But the erotic undercurrent of Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is not something they choose to express, and there's no bite to "I Remember It Well" from Gigi, in which Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics are supposed to express a gentle joisting between the old lovers. Lawrence and Gorme are much better on the songs from Golden Hits (tracks 1-12), which, by the way, are not their golden hits. This album was not a best-of, it was the two singers (separately and together) reviving a bunch of songs from the swing era. They had a natural affinity for these songs, since they could concentrate on the rhythms and act like band singers. ~by William Ruhlmann

We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits 

---

Lou Bennett - Dansez Et Revez (Bonus Track Version)

Size: 181,5 MB
Time: 77:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Moins Que Rien (Misty) (6:42)
02. Les Enfants Du Piree (Never On Sunday) (2:26)
03. Tendrement (4:35)
04. Clementine (2:17)
05. Blues Valse (3:04)
06. Les Voiliers (3:32)
07. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (4:21)
08. Soleil De Minuit (3:14)
09. Verte Campagne (5:31)
10. Le Vrai Blues (2:56)
11. If You Were The Only Girl In The World (Bonus Track) (7:10)
12. Wonderful, Wonderful (Bonus Track) (5:40)
13. West Coast Blues (Bonus Track) (5:43)
14. No Smokin' (Bonus Track) (5:16)
15. Low Life (Bonus Track) (5:20)
16. Satin Doll (Bonus Track) (5:18)
17. What A Difference A Day Makes (Bonus Track) (4:39)

Personnel:
LOU BENNETT, organ.
ELEK BACSIK, guitar.
DANIEL HUMAIR, drums

Paris, France, Summer 1960.

This release contains Bennett’s second LP as a leader in its entirety: "Dansez et Rêvez avec le trio Lou Bennett" (RCA Victor 430.051). Presented here for the first time ever on CD, it also marks his first album in a trio format.

As a bonus, three tracks have been added showcasing Bennett in a quartet format along with celebrated Belgian guitarist René Thomas, and two more in a trio setting with Jimmy Gourley and Kenny Clarke taped live in Germany. Closing this set are two songs also appearing on CD for the first time ever, which present Bennett in a trio format with Jean-Marie Ingrand and Kenny Clarke. They were only previously issued in 1960 on a long out of print German EP.

Dansez Et Revez

---

Jennifer Salisbury & James Mustafa - Unspoken Rule

Size: 101,1 MB
Time: 41:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Mr. Fix-It (3:52)
02. You've Changed (5:13)
03. Baby I'm Sorry (3:15)
04. There Was A Time (5:14)
05. I Wish Your Kiss (4:24)
06. Washing Line (4:58)
07. My Middle Name Is Moderation (3:08)
08. Web Of Gold (5:21)
09. Red Red Robin (Feat. Harry M. Woods) (2:38)
10. Unspoken Rule (3:11)

Unspoken Rule is an 8 piece jazz band featuring Jennifer Salisbury (vox) and James Mustafa (trumpet).

Intrigue - Romance - Desire - Love - Heartbreak - Despair - Hope and everything, in fact, that makes life worth living.

This is the story of ‘Unspoken Rule’, a jazz project built around the endless ramifications of a love cycle experience, as narrated through Jennifer Salisbury’s songs.

An enchanting singer with a natural sense of swing, Jennifer Salisbury has made a name of herself among the jazz community with her breezy renditions of the american songbook.
When onstage, she channels the great voices of the ‘40s and ‘50s guiding her audience in a time-traveling roller-coaster of emotions, navigating the history of jazz. Her own songwriting is deeply influenced by the golden era of jazz; it’s almost impossible to tell apart the songs that she wrote herself, from the classic repertoire she draws from to tell the Unspoken Rule story; songs immortalized by Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Doris Day, Benny Goodman, in unexpected arrangements by James Mustafa, turning the project into a balancing act between the vintage and modern esthetics.

Led by the incandescent Jennifer Salisbury, the band comprises of a dream team of talented musicians, some of the best of the vibrant Melbourne Jazz community. James Mustafa, an inventive composer, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist, has been experimenting with jazz orchestration through the Melbourne Composers Big Band, his own James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra and his work with the Horns of Leroy and Backburners; Sam O’ Halloran is a fixture in the Melbourne Gypsy Swing Scene, after mastering the idiom in France; Trent Howard’s signature voice on the tenor sax has made him a favourite among the big band and swing bands; Aaron Rodriguez makes his baritone sax the gravitational point in any band that he plays in; Selene Messinis is a fiery pianist, constantly exploring a range of rhythmic patterns, from european minimalism to latin’; Hiroki Hoshino is one of the hardest-working and versatile double bassists in the community, having played with a vast array of greats, from Allan Browne and Tony Gould to Gerald Clayton and Enrico Rava; Tim Clifton has been playing drums since he was nine and since his graduation from the Monash University Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music he’s been performing alongside some of the most respected national and international jazz artists.

Line Up:
Hiroki Hoshino: Double Bass
James Mustafa: Trumpet and Arrangements
Aaron Rodrigues: Baritone Sax
Trent Howard: Tenor Sax
Drums: Tim Clifton
Vox: Jen Salisbury
Guitar: Samual O'halloran
Piano: Selene Messinis

"Jennifer's voice sparkles like antique diamonds, clear and true, and her original tunes sound like they're meant to take their place amongst the canon of jazz standards. Joining forces with wunderkind James Mustafa has elevated Jennifer's musicality to the upper echelon of modern jazz singers in this country" - Kimba Griffith

Unspoken Rule

---

Julian Vaughn - Hey, Lester!

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 52:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Hey Lester! (4:01)
02. Three Strikes (7:50)
03. He Bop (5:06)
04. Afro Blue, Afro Blues (3:59)
05. New Leans (5:22)
06. Equinox (7:30)
07. Night & Day (6:29)
08. Yes & No (8:36)
09. What's Up (3:51)

Personnel: Julian Vaughn (d), Albert Bover (p), Fredrik Carlquist (ts), Dennis 'El Huevo' Hernández (tp, flh), Barnabas Hangonyi (cello), Randy Greer, Danna Leese Roth (vcl), Fernando Tejero (keyb).

Hey Lester! Is a composition dedicated to Lester Bowie who was a great jazz trumpeter and married to the late great Fontella Bass whose big hit was Rescue Me. Lester was one of my biggest influencers and inspirations. A bit more about my original compositions: New Leans was inspired from the rebirth of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The concept of Afro Blues was an idea inspired combining the blues of Nat King Cole and John Coltrane together. What’s Up is a different piece I created alongside my girl Dana Leese Roth.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Julian is the only musician in his family. Growing up in a city synonymous with great music was his defining influence. He spent his childhood beating on anything he could find to resonate the music within, including his mother’s pots and pans, chairs and tables. At twelve years old Julian began his musical journey when his mom brought home his first drum-set and enrolled him at his local music school. At fifteen, he started to earn recognition playing in clubs with local musicians. At seventeen he received a call from a good friend, a fellow musician who was playing with Albert King, invited Julian to join them on tour as their drummer. The first time playing in a touring band, it was an unparalleled experience for a 17 year old boy from St Louis. A couple of years passed by playing to audiences all around the world until Julian got another call, this time from the legendary B.B. King who asked him to substitute and join them on a year long tour, another phenomenal experience.

Ironically the next call came from Ron Levy, the ex-piano player of B.B. King, who called Julian to join his band in Boston. Here he discovered the plethora of great conservatories and music teachers the city of Boston had to offer. Julian began his studies at the Berkley School of Music and studied alongside the great drummer Alan Dawson for 3 years. During that time he also met and collaborated with such esteemed musicians as Donald Harrison (saxophonist), Mike Stern (guitarist), Dave Kikoski (pianist), Jeff 'Tain' Watts (drummer), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drummer) and blues musicians Otis Rush and Johnny Copeland.

It is in Boston where he also made his first album recording with the late great Johnny Copeland 'The Copeland Special.' This recording went on to win in 1981 the coveted W.C. Handy’s Best Blues Album of the Year award.

After studying and playing in Boston for four years, Julian embarked on a new adventure and moved to New York to become a touring musician with Johnny Copeland. Whilst living in the Big Apple Julian also joined the Jimmy McGriff Band as well as playing stints with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Kenny Garrett, Joseph Bowie's group "Defunct Lester Bowie" and Arthur Blythe.

Hey, Lester!

---

Salvador Sobral - Excuse Me

Size: 106,7 MB
Time: 45:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Excuse Me (4:20)
02. Nada Que Esperar (4:39)
03. Change (3:12)
04. Nem Eu (3:12)
05. Autumn In New York (3:20)
06. Ready For Love Again (3:39)
07. Something Real (3:40)
08. Ay Amor (5:48)
09. Beach Prision (3:49)
10. I Might Just Stay Away (5:59)
11. After You’ve Gone (1:57)
12. Glow (1:57)

Salvador Sobral is a singer who manages to put across a unique musical sensibility and magnetism on stage. He will represent Portugal in Kyiv with the song Amar Pelos Dois (For The Both Of Us), penned by his sister Luisa.

Salvador Sobral studied Psychology, but his overwhelming passion for music took over and he has proved to be one of the great promises in the Portuguese and Spanish music scene. While he lived in the United States and in Barcelona, where he studied at the prestigious school Taller de Musics, he carried out several musical projects: he composed for himself but at the same time he created audacious performances inspired by Chet Baker, took in bossa-nova and lent his songs the sweet sonorities of Latin America.

His voice, always in the right place and over which he has full, flawless control, and the magnetism with which he wins people over when he’s on stage, have awarded him the best reviews from the specialised press, colleagues and, most importantly, from the ultimate judge; the public. Excuse Me (2016), his debut album, was a musical co-production of Júlio Resende, Leonardo Aldrey and Salvador himself.

Excuse Me

---

Lea Salonga - Blurred Lines

Size: 135,3 MB
Time: 58:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front

01. Manhattan (3:37)
02. My Foolish Heart (3:46)
03. Give It Up For The Band (0:44)
04. Blackbird - A Quiet Thing (5:02)
05. The Story Of My Life (4:22)
06. A Song For You - I Can't Make You Love Me (6:09)
07. Fast Car (2:48)
08. I Won't Mind (4:53)
09. Nice Work If You Can Get It (2:42)
10. Possibilities And Prospects (0:23)
11. All Of Me (5:44)
12. Blurred Lines (4:19)
13. Gratitude (1:15)
14. Greatest Hits Medley (7:07)
15. How Do You Keep The Music Playing - How Deep Is The Ocean (5:08)

Known across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.

Currently, Lea is a judge on the Philippines hit version of “The Voice.” Mitoy Yonting, a member of Team Lea, was named the first season winner. She is currently filming the third season of The Voice Kids.

Blurred Lines

---

Various - Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (3-Disc Set)

Sanctuary Records (Castle Music) are to be congratulated on the issue of this superb compilation. Produced during the 1950's when the world was new by Dennis Preston and issued at the time on the 'Nixa' label the recordings never achieved the commercial success the material deserved. A wealth of British Jazz musicians play with superb perfection not a note out of place and most important the music swings. In that is everything the music swings, rhythm sections support but never intrude, not an electronic thumping base line to endure from beginning to end. The proof (if any were needed) is the music is timeless more than 50 years since it was laid down it sounds completly fresh. Much credit to the unsung (or credited engineers) the record quality is pretty near perfect. Not the original vinyl issues for sure and 'best of compilations' have their critics I'm just glad to have the material made available again in any format. As the man said...it dont mean a thing if it aint got that swing. These musicians know how to swing. ~Keith Wise

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:15
Size: 165.4 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004

[6:52] 1. Melody Maker All Stars - Top Score
[3:51] 2. The Fawkes-Turner Sextet - Here Today
[3:21] 3. Tony Coe Quintet - Sans Humph
[4:19] 4. Don Rendell Jazz Sextet - Star Eyes
[4:27] 5. Fairweather - Red For Go
[4:42] 6. Joe Harriot Quartet - Everything Happens To Me
[3:19] 7. Dill Jones Trio - May-Zee
[3:50] 8. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Act One, Scene One
[3:08] 9. Jimmy Skidmore Jazz Group - Cocquette
[4:16] 10. Semple - I Cover The Waterfront
[3:34] 11. Sandy Brown's Jazz Band - Go Ghana
[2:53] 12. The Martin Slavin Septet - A Smo-O-Oth One
[4:15] 13. The Kenny Graham Afro-Cubists - Time's A-Wastin'
[4:14] 14. Kenny Baker's Dozen - I Must Have That Man
[6:07] 15. Melody Maker All Stars - Mood Indigo
[2:54] 16. Bertie King - Blue Lou
[3:19] 17. Kenny Baker's Dozen - Tea For Two
[2:46] 18. Dill Jones Trio - Carolina Shout

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 1)

---

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:34
Size: 177.6 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004

[ 5:15] 1. Kenny Baker - It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
[ 5:27] 2. The Kenny Graham Afro-Cubists - Tuxedo Junction
[ 3:11] 3. Don Rendell Jazz Sextet - Rush Job
[ 2:30] 4. Vic Ash Quintet - Softly, As In The Morning Sunrise
[ 4:25] 5. The Fawkes-Turner Sextet - Blue Turning Grey Over You
[ 2:40] 6. Joe Harriott Quartet - Just Friends
[ 5:32] 7. Fairweather - September In The Rain
[ 5:27] 8. Dick Heckstall-Smith Quintet - Russian Lullaby
[ 5:13] 9. The Jazz Today Unit - Blue Feeling
[ 3:42] 10. The Jazz Today Unit - Farewell Blues
[ 2:39] 11. Lennie Felix Trio - Sweet Lorraine
[ 2:00] 12. Ellefsen - Let Yourself Go
[ 3:54] 13. Jimmy Skidmore Jazz Group - You Took Advantage Of Me
[ 3:17] 14. Alan Ganley Quartet - I Feel A Song Coming On
[ 2:30] 15. Diz Disley Quintet - Minor Swing
[ 2:45] 16. Cleo Laine - Indian Summer
[10:26] 17. The Jazz Today Unit - Blues In Threes
[ 3:14] 18. Vic Ash Quartet - With The Wind And Rain In Your Hair
[ 3:17] 19. Sandy Brown Big Four - Sugar

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 2)

---

Album: Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:14
Size: 174.5 MB
Styles: Assorted
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:48] 1. Kenny Baker - Too Cool For The Blues
[4:26] 2. Bruce Turner - Oh Baby
[3:01] 3. Jones & Christie - Mean Dog Blues
[3:27] 4. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Cuban Fantasy
[3:29] 5. Kenny Baker's Dozen - Swallowin' The Blues
[2:50] 6. Kenny Baker - Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:05] 7. The Jazz Today Unit - Rockin' In Rhythm
[2:14] 8. Kenny Baker - I'll Get By
[3:06] 9. Kenny Baker's Half Dozen - Monkey Business
[2:08] 10. Kenny Baker's Group - Bongo Chant
[3:31] 11. Kenny Baker - I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem
[3:10] 12. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Sidewalks Of Cuba
[6:00] 13. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Time's A-Wastin'
[3:36] 14. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Love Me Or Leave Me
[5:25] 15. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - How's This
[9:05] 16. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Blues For John
[6:18] 17. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Symphony In Riffs
[4:35] 18. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Bugle Blues
[2:51] 19. The Kenny Baker Afro Cubists - Bakerloo Non-Stop

Too Hot: The Best Of Mainstream British Jazz (Disc 3)

---

Rickey Woodard - The Tokyo Express

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:39
Size: 145.7 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1992/2008
Art: Front

[ 6:38] 1. Recorda-Me
[ 5:49] 2. The Very Thought Of You
[ 7:39] 3. Just Friends
[ 8:55] 4. Sand Dance
[ 8:06] 5. Easy Living
[ 6:33] 6. Groovy Samba
[ 8:15] 7. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
[11:41] 8. The Tokyo Express

Alto Saxophone – Rickey Woodard; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Joe Chambers; Piano – James Williams (2); Tenor Saxophone – Rickey Woodard.

Rickey hails from Nashville and was born into a family of musicians and was taught the saxophone and piano by his father. With his sisters, brothers, cousins, uncles and anybody in the neighborhood who wanted to play or sing, they formed a family band in the roadhouses and clubs of Tennessee. His earlier gigs were in blues and R&B but leaning toward jazz. Influenced by the big explosive style of Gene Ammons, Coleman Hawkins and Hank Mobley and the intellectualism of John Coltrane, Rickey has developed a distinctive, soulful and seductive style. By his late twenties he was a permanent member of the Ray Charles Band and toured worldwide for seven years. He currently works with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Frank Capp's Juggernaut Big Band. Rickey is also a popular visitor to Europe and the UK - and the international jazz festival circuit. In addition to playing the tenor, Rickey also plays the alto and soprano saxophones, along with the clarinet, flute and guitar. Rickey has performed worldwide with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Ernestine Anderson, Benny Carter, and Horace Silver.

The Tokyo Express

---

Jerry Butler - The Best Of Jerry Butler

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:19
Size: 71.7 MB
Styles: R&B, AM Pop
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[2:35] 1. Only The Strong Survive
[2:20] 2. Moody Woman
[2:40] 3. I Dig You Baby
[2:55] 4. Never Give You Up
[2:35] 5. Mr. Dream Merchant
[2:37] 6. Lost
[2:41] 7. Hey, Western Union Man
[4:24] 8. Ain't Understanding Mellow
[3:25] 9. One Night Affair
[2:35] 10. What's The Use Of Breaking Up
[2:27] 11. A Brand New Me

The great Jerry Butler was blessed with two big hit periods in his career and this CD covers his late sixties comeback on the Mercury label. Originally the lead singer of The Impressions, a group founded with his friend Curtis Mayfield, Jerry was encouraged to follow a solo career, which he did on Chicago's legendary R&B label, Vee Jay Records. There he had numerous hits throughout the Early Sixties that included He Will Break Your Heart, Moon River and Let It Be Me (with labelmate Betty Everett). In the Mid Sixties he faded from the charts as the new sound of Motown took over the R&B charts and by 1966 Vee Jay declared bankruptcy amid numerous lawsuits and finally ceased to operate.

This might have looked like the end, but for Jerry it was a new beginning. Talented composer-producer and A&R man Jerry Ross knew how talented Jerry Butler was and signed him to Mercury Records. He wrote and produced Mr.Dream Merchant, with its big orchestral arrangement, for him and by late 1967 Jerry was back in the Top 40 for the first time since 1964. Jerry Ross had his friend and protege Kenny Gamble at Mercury and let him and his composing partner Leon Huff take over Jerry Butler's career and that's when it really took off.

Gamble and Huff were not only talented composers but also arrangers and they were creating a new sound that would reshape soul music in the years to come as the "Sound of Philadelphia" with artists like Billy Paul, The O'Jays, Joe Simon, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. They had already produced hits like Expressway To Your Heart (Soul Survivors) and Cowboys To Girls (Intruders) and with Jerry would develop their sound further and have their biggest hits yet. What's amazing is that most of the later Philly sound is already there: a good string section, strong bass line rhythm, forward twangy guitar and a female chorus. Jerry's voice was as warm and powerful as ever ("The Iceman" referred more to his demeanor than his voice) but instead of the smooth pop-styled voice of his early hits it was a little rougher. Together they put out a string of Top 20 hits that kept Jerry on the airwaves almost constantly in 1968 to 1969 and peaked with his number 4 hit, Only the Strong Survive, with its great spoken introduction. Never Gonna Give You Up is smooth and jazzy, while Hey Western Union Man and moody Woman still show a lot Motown influence in their rhythm and strings. A Brand New Me is given essentially the same arrangement as Gamble and Huff gave Dusty Springfield when she recorded it for them. The most forward sounding arrangement is on One Night Affair; after a trembling violin and voice opening it breaks into a full on early 70's urban sound closer to that of Curtis Mayfield or Isaac Hayes a few years later than anything going on in the late 60's.

If you like Jerry Butler this is an essential album to have, since it has all the highlights of his "The Iceman Cometh" years. Of course it doesn't include the early 60's Vee Jay recordings, but for those I'd recommend Rhino's "The Best of Jerry Butler," just a few titles down, which has all his great Vee Jay hits plus a few of the biggest Mercury hits. Some fans may only know Jerry Butler from his Late sixties hits and for them this disc alone will be enough. But if you remember his whole career you will want to have both. ~johnf

The Best Of Jerry Butler

---

Various - Best Of The Soul Jazz From The Groove Merchant Vault Vol. 1

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 156.5 MB
Styles: R&B, Jazz-Soul
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:48] 1. B. Baker Chocolate Compay - Snowblower
[5:01] 2. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Dreamer
[5:40] 3. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Carousel
[6:38] 4. Joe Thomas - Plato's Retreat
[5:47] 5. Joe Thomas - Masada
[4:38] 6. Joe Thomas - Poinciana
[4:44] 7. Joe Thomas - Gemini Flyin' High
[2:32] 8. O'Donel Levy - Where Is The Love
[4:40] 9. O'Donel Levy - People Make The World Go Round
[3:42] 10. O'Donel Levy - I Want To Make It With You
[6:04] 11. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Keep On Lovin
[6:07] 12. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Sweet Honey Wine
[5:54] 13. Dr. Lonnie Smith - Journey To Within

Best Of The Soul Jazz From The Groove Merchant Vault Vol. 1

---

Jon Zeeman - Zeeland

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:05
Size: 123.8 MB
Styles: Jazz guitar
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:49] 1. Mr. Head
[6:07] 2. Surfside
[5:30] 3. Zeeland
[4:47] 4. Slow Night Blues
[5:59] 5. Kingsize
[4:15] 6. Coral
[6:10] 7. Hard Roll
[3:42] 8. Get It
[3:54] 9. D.A. Blues
[6:19] 10. Y
[3:28] 11. Mr. Head Reprise

From the age of 8 Jon Zeeman has been obsessed with guitars, amplifiers, wah-wah pedals, power tubes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, the Beatles, the Stones etc.....growing up outside NYC he studied classical piano as well as guitar and decided on a career in music at the age of 13. Early jobs at ihop and others taught him that the business world, or anything that required waking up early was not for him, so he spent his high school years practicing more and more, and doing less and less homework.....After studying music at Ithaca College for 2 years Jon left school to play on the road. Leaving Ithaca in the mid 80's for NYC jon became involved with producing, session work and song writing, working at his " studio Z" in a downtown loft. The New York years were punctuated by many trips to Scandinavia, where he toured and recorded with several groups....Jon began performing his own music in the mid 90's, working regularly at the 55 club and othe downtown venues...Leaving NYC at the birth of his daughter Zoe, Jon now resides in Martha's Vineyard and West Palm Beach FL, where he performs regularly...He has toured, recorded and performed with such notables as Susan Tedeschi, Janis Ian, The Burns Sisters Band ,Chris Spedding, and the Allman Brothers Band. his first cd "Still Life" was released in Europe in 2003 to much acclaim and will be followed by "Zeeland" in 2008 and the upcoming "Jupiter Session".

Zeeland mc
Zeeland zippy

---