Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Eddie Cano - Danke Schoen

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:27
Size: 72.0 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Boogaloo
Year: 1963/2008
Art: Front

[2:31] 1. Danke Schoen
[2:47] 2. Days Of Wine And Roses
[2:49] 3. Baby Elephant Walk
[3:03] 4. Teach Me Tonight
[2:20] 5. Dime With A Halo-Theme
[3:14] 6. Hello, Young Lovers
[2:27] 7. Our Day Will Come
[2:01] 8. Moon River
[3:39] 9. A Taste Of Honey
[2:21] 10. Mr. Lucky
[1:47] 11. Panchita
[2:22] 12. What Kind Of Fool Am I

Pianist Eddie Cano spent most of his career connecting the dots between jazz and Latin styles. He found an appreciative audience for a series of albums under his own name released in the '50s and '60s by labels such as Atco, Reprise, and RCA, his following similar to that of vibraphonist Cal Tjader and bandleader Les Baxter. Cano also drew on dance crazes such as the cha cha and the Watusi to promote his efforts. His family was rich musically, Cano's father a bass guitarist, his grandfather a member of the Mexico City Symphony. Cano studied bass with his grandfather and private teachers, also studied piano and trombone, spent two years in the Army beginning in 1945, and then began hitting stages in a group led by Miguelito Valdés.

He soon made a connection with Herb Jeffries, a singer whose forte was balladry and with whom Cano would collaborate off and on over the next decade. The pianist had his own bands going as early as 1948, but continued working with Jeffries, Bobby Ramos, and Tony Martinez. As a composer, Cano came up with a large repertoire, including the tasty "Algo Sabroso," the friendly "Cal's Pals," the wiggly "Watusi Walk," and the thrilling "Ecstasy" -- not to mention "Honey Do," which could be a cross-genre answer song to Carl Perkins' popular "Honey Don't." While many of his peers concentrated on the peerless thrust of Latin rhythms, Cano hardly ignored this component but seemed equally intent on emphasizing the kind of complex, provocative harmonic and melodic structures associated with modern jazz. ~ bio by Eugene Chadbourne

Danke Schoen

Joe Brown - The Ukulele Album

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:46
Size: 107.1 MB
Styles: Pop/Rock
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:40] 1. When I'm Dead And Gone
[2:53] 2. Mr Blue Sky
[2:35] 3. Tickle My Heart
[4:07] 4. I'm Not In Love
[3:07] 5. I'll See You In My Dreams
[3:03] 6. Hula Girl
[3:30] 7. You've Got Your Troubles
[3:18] 8. Pinball Wizard
[2:11] 9. When I'm Cleaning Windows
[2:07] 10. I Like Ukuleles
[3:18] 11. The Ace Of Spades
[3:39] 12. There's No Pleasing You
[3:04] 13. Where Were You Last Night
[3:19] 14. I Like You
[2:48] 15. I Like Bananas

Joe Brown can justifiably lay claim to being the current King of the Ukulele. He has been cited by some of the world's biggest rock performers as a world class player. The top two ukulele performed favorites world-wide are 'Over the Rainbow', recorded by thousands of people, and 'I'll See You in My Dreams' recorded and popularized on uke by only Joe. The ukulele has been an instrument Joe has always loved and played. In 1963 it even got him into big trouble. Joe was one of the very first artists to have a record banned by the BBC - his recording of the old George Formby song 'With My Little Ukulele in My Hand' performed on the ukulele was deemed way too risqué! in 2006 Joe was approached by major USA ukulele manufacturer KALA, the direct result of ukulele sales having increased world-wide more than tenfold since the Concert for George. Kala credited Joe with much of that success and they asked him to design and endorse his own Signature Series.

The Ukulele Album

Margaret Whiting - Too Marvelous For Words

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:44
Size: 148.2 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1980
Art: Front

[3:05] 1. My Ideal
[2:41] 2. Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home
[2:51] 3. Love Among The Young
[2:07] 4. I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan
[2:31] 5. My Future Just Passed
[2:24] 6. Sleepy Time Gal
[1:58] 7. You Go Your Way
[2:55] 8. Something's Gotta Give
[1:56] 9. An Old Flame Never Dies
[3:02] 10. They're Either Too Young Or Too Old
[3:49] 11. Can't Teach My Heart New Tricks
[2:15] 12. On The Good Ship Lollipop
[2:10] 13. You Grow Sweeter As The Years Go By
[2:29] 14. Have You Got Any Castles, Baby
[3:06] 15. Something You Never Had Before
[3:12] 16. She's Funny That Way
[2:20] 17. Day In Day Out
[2:24] 18. Guilty
[4:18] 19. One For My Baby
[3:17] 20. Make The Man Love Me
[2:42] 21. Namely You
[2:14] 22. Trouble Is A Man
[2:13] 23. Too Marvelous For Words
[2:33] 24. I Remember You

Audiophile, one of the George H. Buck, Jr. Jazz Foundation family of record labels, is home to many singers of the great popular songs. When they record for this label, they are usually approaching the tail end of their careers, although their skills have not diminished. While voices may be a little huskier and the higher notes more difficult to reach, these fine singers nonetheless still possess their feel for the music, which has been honed with years of experience. The label provides a valuable service to lovers of this kind of music by not letting some of the finest practitioners of the vocal art fade from public view. Among the many who have found a home here is one of the most beloved singers of popular songs, Margaret Whiting. Too Marvelous for Words is a tribute to her father, Richard Whiting, and to Johnny Mercer. A reissue of material released in 1980, the CD has eight more tracks than the LP and a more resonant sound. Time has been good to Whiting. There's a more mature feel to her voice, replacing that girlish sound that characterized her singing in earlier years. Accompanied by Loonis McGlohon, who has accompanied many of those recording for Audiophile, Whiting does songs written by those whom she met as visitors to her father's home when she was a child, bringing a special intimacy to her performance. The rich vibrancy of her voice, coupled with her masterful delivery techniques, comes through on such familiar tunes as "Sleepy Time Gal" and "I Remember You." These qualities make lesser-known works like "Have You Got Any Castles, Baby?" and "Can't Teach My Old Heart New Tricks" sound better than they should. This reissue is a happy addition to the library of vocal recordings of American classic popular music. ~Dave Nathan

Too Marvelous For Words  

Stephen J. Menold - Live At Cafe Resonance

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:00
Size: 107.6 MB
Styles: R&B/Jazz/Swing
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[ 9:35] 1. Off Kilter
[10:02] 2. New Gospel
[ 6:42] 3. In Waiting
[ 8:34] 4. The Writer
[12:05] 5. Purson McFurson

Bass - Stephen James Menold; Piano - Joe Ferracuti; Drums - Peter Colantonio; Sax - Alex Francoeur; Trumpet - Martine Labbé. Recorded, and performed live on the brisk, late night of April 3rd 2017 at Cafe Resonance in the heart of Montreal's Mile End. Stephen James Menold is a young bassist, composer and arranger in Montreal who's consistently working with numerous artists from near and far.

Take a step into this album and be prepared to wallow in the effortlessly cool ambiance found on these original jazz compositions. Shimmering lead melodies, mellifluous piano, and steady pulsing drums are all perfectly held together by fresh bass lines that are traipsing about this album. Whether you're looking to sit back and relax on a cold rainy night, or head out on a refreshing spring morning- this album's got something for everyone.

Live At Cafe Resonance

Charles Earland - Living Black

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:56
Size: 128.0 MB
Styles: Jazz/Funk/Soul
Year: 1970/2009
Art: Front

[ 9:43] 1. Key Club Cookout
[ 8:25] 2. Westbound #9
[14:31] 3. Killer Joe
[ 4:36] 4. Milestones
[ 8:26] 5. More Today Than Yesterday
[10:13] 6. Message From A Black Man

Recorded in 1970 at the Key Club, Living Black! is notable for many reasons, not the least of which is that it showcased Earland in an inspired live setting. From choosing his sidemen to the material to reading the audience to pure instrumental execution, there isn't a weak moment on this date, nor a sedentary one. Earland makes the band roll on all burners from the git and never lets up. Consisting of four extended tunes, there's the burning rhythm and stomp of "Key Club Cookout," which blazes with wisdom and funky fire. Earland's own soloing is revelatory, but it is the way he drags absolutely unexpected performances from his sidemen that makes him so special as a bandleader. Grover Washington never played like this again-- at least on a record--deep in the soul groove on his tenor, he turned it inside out, looking for new embouchures in which to get the sounds out of the horn. He dug deep inside his trick bag and left no one wanting. Likewise, guitarist Maynard Parker, who came from the Chicago blues school, gets to exercise that side of his West Side soul personality -- check out his break on "Westbound No. 9." "Killer Joe," the longest track on the record is swaggering blues strut. It features a slow, strolling horn line from Washington and trumpeter Gary Chandler that opens out onto a gorgeous pastoral frame before popping out with the blues feel once again. Parker's guitar playing fills all the places Earland chooses not to, so the band's density is total. There is a moving short version of "Milestones" that closes the set, but it wasn't even necessary. Everybody who was there had their minds blown long before. ~Thom Jurek

Living Black

Jack Montrose - Blues And Vanilla & The Horn's Full

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:46
Size: 186,0 MB
Art: Front

(18:29)  1. Concertino Da Camera (Blues And Vanilla)
( 3:43)  2. Bockhanal
( 5:47)  3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
( 2:52)  4. A Dandy Line
( 3:35)  5. For The Fairest
( 5:47)  6. Crazy She Calls Me
( 5:09)  7. Dark Angel
( 3:18)  8. Bernie's Tune
( 3:17)  9. Headline
( 3:16) 10. Rosanne
( 5:04) 11. Polka Dot And Moonbeams
( 3:03) 12. The Little House
( 3:25) 13. Solid Citizen
( 2:56) 14. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
( 3:29) 15. True Blues
( 2:44) 16. The Horn's Full
( 2:47) 17. Goody Goody

The two LPs compiled here are among the best works by the late Jack Montrose (1926-2006), a fine tenor sax player, remarkable jazz composer and arranger, and a key figure in the 1950s West Coast jazz movement. The first includes Montroses extended work Concertino da Camera (subtitled Blues and Vanilla), his most ambitious project, devised within an essentially contrapuntal structure. The quintet sides prove the cleverly conceived aspects of his compositional concepts, with their sense of symmetry in the use thematic material. Montrose is accompanied here by some strong voiceswith a high level of individual performancesuch as Joe Maini, Shelly Manne, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, and Red Norvo. The interplay, sympathy and good feeling between them are something to hearand one thatdoesnt pall with repeated hearings.

Personnel:  Jack Montrose (ts), Joe Maini (as), Red Norvo (vib), Jim Hall, Barney Kessel (g), Buddy Clark, Max Bennett, Lawrence 'Red' Wooten (b), Shelly Manne, Bill Dolney, Mel Lewis (d)

Blues And Vanilla & The Horn's Full

Nancy Reed - Jazz Is Here To Stay

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:34
Size: 95,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:49)  1. Jazz Is Here To Stay
(4:35)  2. I Got The World On A String
(2:25)  3. Havin' A Party
(4:33)  4. Love Thy Neighbor
(5:43)  5. Bluesette
(3:14)  6. You Are There
(2:42)  7. Toodle-Ee-Yoo-Doo
(5:07)  8. Once
(3:02)  9. Savin' All My Sugar
(3:12) 10. All Boy
(4:08) 11. Unbelievable

Singer Nancy Reed has good musical genes. Her father was a jazz pianist and her mother an opera singer. Her first professional gig was at the age of 19 recording at the A& R studios in N.Y.C.. Over the years, she has performed at jazz festivals and concerts with such luminaries as Phil Woods, Slide Hampton, and David "Fathead" Newman. 1993 saw Reed working with singer Stephanie Nakasian on Nakasian's album Bitter Sweet. In 1996, Reed was on Bob Dorough's CD, This Is a Recording. In the same year, she recorded with her husband-guitarist, Spencer Reed, leading to the aptly named CD, Together. She joined the David Leonhardt Jazz Group in 1997 and she tours regularly with them throughout the United States. Their maiden album, A Time for Love, was released in 1998 and a second album, released in May of 1999, is devoted to music for tap dancing, called Swingin' Tappin' and Jammin'. Like the singers she cites as major influences, Sarah Vaughan and Shirley Horn, Reed's voice is defined by its lovely tone and excellent pitch. She can swing and sing ballads with equal aplomb. Reed is a regular performer at venues throughout the Poconos in Pennsylvania, as well in Mexico and Japan. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nancy-reed-mn0000366406

Jazz Is Here To Stay

Gigi Gryce - Gigi Gryce

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:03
Size: 80,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. In A Sentimental Mode
(3:04)  2. Blues March
(2:32)  3. Sea Breeze
(2:48)  4. Bangoon
(3:16)  5. It Don't Mean A Thing
(2:39)  6. Cold Breeze
(3:32)  7. Rich And Creamy
(2:50)  8. My Ideal
(3:01)  9. Baba's Blues
(2:28) 10. Little Susan
(2:32) 11. Lullaby For Milkman
(2:39) 12. Somewhere

Prior to this album, saxophonist Gigi Gryce had never recorded on anything but his celebrated alto. We wanted to get on tape sounds and styles that have never been associated with him, said producer Jack Lazare. So, for the first time, Gryce recorded on flute, clarinet, tenor and baritone sax- in addition to alto, playing several of these instruments in the same tune through multiple tracking.  Gryce also provided his group with provocative arrangements of some well known jazz standards and some originals. The rhythm section offers strong support, with pianist Hank Jones contributing not only as pianist and composer, but also in doing much to make this challenging musical venture a successful one. http://www.freshsoundrecords.com/gigi-gryce-albums/5017-gigi-gryce-quartet.html

Personnel:  Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinet, piccolo, flute;  Hank Jones - piano, celeste;  Milt Hinton – bass;  Osie Johnson - drums

Gigi Gryce

Nicole Mitchell - Awakening

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:39
Size: 148,3 MB
Art: Front

( 7:01)  1. Curly Top
( 9:08)  2. Journey On A Thread
( 7:07)  3. Center Of The Earth
( 2:47)  4. Snowflakes
(11:40)  5. Momentum
( 8:58)  6. More Than I Can Say
( 6:24)  7. There
( 6:07)  8. F.O.C.
( 5:23)  9. Awakening

Flautist Nicole Mitchell's generous improvisational abilities are at the musical heart of Awakening. Not only does she move effortlessly from single-note lines and sliding honks to wispy, soft timbres, but she is equally comfortable moving from pure melodic phrasing to more experimental, free content. Coupled with an exceptional trio backing, Mitchell's album crackles with infectious spontaneity. Her music manages to be at once reflective and energetic, accessible as well as clever. "Curly Top" kicks of the set in a laidback groove, with splendid give and take between lead flute and guitarist Jeff Parker's fluid comping. In fact, Mitchell and Parker's musical synergy is key to the album's success. Again and again they fortify each other's musical flights with perfect harmonic support, giving the music a wide sonic texture and cleverly making the most of its melodic landscape. Behind them, Harrison Bankhead's bass and Avreeayl Ra's percussion team up to lay down a funky groove, pushing each other along in creative, rhythmic accents. On "F.O.C." and the title track, the quartet also plays with a straight-ahead feel and rides out the melody for all it's worth, weaving loping, angular solos into an established song structure.  On other tracks, though, the band breaks more dramatically from straight forms and moves into avant-garde territory. Both "Journey On A Thread" and "Center of The Earth" incorporate progressive musical experimentation while retaining a semblance of melodic structure. And the band is as tight and unified in the experimental modes as they are in the more traditional aspects of the songs. This balancing act results in music both exciting and approachable, and makes Awakening a vibrant musical statement. ~ Jack Huntley https://www.allaboutjazz.com/awakening-nicole-mitchell-delmark-records-review-by-jack-huntley.php
 
Personnel: Nicole Mitchell: flute;  Jeff Parker: guitar;  Harrison Bankhead: bass;  Avreeayl Ra; drums, percussion.

Awakening

Naoko Terai - Hot Jazz...And Libertango

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:50
Size: 153,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:45)  1. Tango Pour Claude
(6:29)  2. Slow Dance Of Love
(6:53)  3. Fragile
(6:09)  4. Blue Bossa
(5:26)  5. A Story Of Wind
(4:21)  6. In The Velvet
(6:51)  7. Spain
(3:28)  8. Happy Bird
(6:19)  9. November
(4:44) 10. Ariake Dawn
(4:57) 11. Libertango
(4:21) 12. Shenandoah

From the age of 4 began to learn the violin, 1988 to professional jazz violinist debut. In 1997, with the Japanese jazz pianist Kenny Barron co-starred in the opportunity to participate in the recording of New York, in one fell swoop attention. After that, we carry out extensive music activity with concerto-centered, television, radio, advertisement, etc., with full expression of expressiveness and rich style of play.  With fine expression and passionate playing, active in the world stage jazz violinist. Translate by google http://www.zh-tw.barks.jp/artist/?id=52008425&m=bio

Hot Jazz...And Libertango

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Amos Garrett Jazz Trio - Jazzblues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:53
Size: 116.5 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[ 3:44] 1. Freddy Freeloader
[ 6:27] 2. Misterioso
[ 3:57] 3. Blue Monk
[ 6:24] 4. Cocktails For Two
[10:16] 5. Little Sunflower
[ 8:42] 6. Bob Erlendson Medley
[ 7:10] 7. All Blues
[ 4:08] 8. Skylark

In addition to recording blues and roots music solo albums for Stony Plain, Amos has been leading his Jazz Trio for several years. The band's motto is "bringing blues back to jazz." The Trio's debut album reminds us all that blues was once a major part of the jazz world. Best known as a legendary first call session guitar player (Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Emmylou Harris, etc.), Amos was also a member of Paul Butterfield's Better Days and Maria Muldaur's bandleader. Amos has appeared on more then 150 artists' recordings in all genres of music.

Jazzblues

Dave Ratajczak - Almost Grown

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:04
Size: 181.0 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:50] 1. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
[5:59] 2. Broadway
[5:05] 3. Fancifree
[3:34] 4. 'round Midnight
[3:05] 5. Almost Grown
[5:42] 6. Moten Swing
[6:03] 7. Sultry Serenade
[4:46] 8. I Love You, Samatha
[3:55] 9. When It's Sleepy Down South
[5:24] 10. If I Only Had A Brain
[6:03] 11. In A Mellow Tone
[3:53] 12. It's All Right With Me
[5:31] 13. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[6:49] 14. Move
[3:34] 15. Rosetta
[4:45] 16. Bye, Bye Blackbird

Dave Ratajczak is a full time percussionist in the New York metropolitan area. A highly versatile performer, some of the artists Mr. Ratajczak has performed and recorded with include The Woody Herman Orchestra, Gerry Mulligan, Audra McDonald, Rosemary Clooney, Eddie Daniels, Gerry Niewood, Grady Tate, Milt Hinton and Kenny Rankin. One of Mr. Ratajczak's career highlights involved recreating the role of jazz drumming great Gene Krupa with Bob Wilbur's orchestra in a Carnegie Hall performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of Benny Goodman's historic 1938 jazz concert.

As a studio musician, his wide range of recording experience includes movie soundtracks (Dead Man Walking, Cradle Will Rock, Wolf, The Pelican Brief, Object of My Affection, It Could Be You, Miller's Crossing, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues), television commercials and radio jingles.

On Broadway he has performed in the orchestras of such Tony award winning shows as Titanic, City Of Angels and Crazy For You. In the Spring of 2000, Mr. Ratajczak will be performing in a new production of the Broadway classic Music Man

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Dave is also in the music education field. In addition to Hofstra University, he is currently a member of the NYU and New Jersey University Music Department faculties, and has performed master classes and clinics at Michigan State, the Eastman School of Music, Hartt College, Rowen College, the University of Connecticut at Storrs, as well as numerous clinics while with Woody Herman's Orchestra.

Almost Grown

Marvin Gaye - Vulnerable

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 28:23
Size: 65.0 MB
Styles: Soul, R&B
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[2:38] 1. Why Did I Choose You
[3:26] 2. She Needs Me
[2:43] 3. Funny, Not Much
[2:53] 4. This Will Make You Laugh
[3:07] 5. The Shadow Of Your Smile
[2:34] 6. I Wish I Didn't Love You So
[2:53] 7. I Won't Cry Anymore
[2:37] 8. Why Did I Choose You (Alt. Take)
[2:35] 9. I Wish I Didn't Love You So (Alt. Take)
[2:53] 10. I Won't Cry Anymore (Alt. Take)

Vulnerable is the end result of a project entitled The Ballads that Marvin Gaye began in 1966. Gaye intended the project as a showcase for his crooning, as well as a way to pay tribute to the pop and jazz standards he loved. It was a labor of love that took him 12 years to complete, and even after it was finished, the record wasn't released until 1997. Was it worth the wait? For dedicated fans, it certainly was, since Gaye's voice is as beautiful and soulful as ever. However, anyone who is not a dedicated fan will find Vulnerable intriguing but significantly flawed, especially since several of the songs seem ill-suited for Gaye's seductive vocals. Which means that even though Vulnerable is a nice addendum to his catalog, it's little more than a curiosity. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Vulnerable

Bill Heid - Asian Persuasion

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:05
Size: 135.2 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[6:18] 1. Kirai
[7:09] 2. Minor Glide
[7:30] 3. MacDuff Type Thang
[6:29] 4. Kimchi Bop
[5:18] 5. Hustle Bustle (Fan Hua)
[7:51] 6. Asian Persuasion
[6:33] 7. Crumb Cake
[7:31] 8. The Dinh Dynasty
[4:21] 9. It's A Living

Keyboardist/vocalist Bill Heid was born August 11, 1948, in Pittsburgh, PA. A natural and virtuosic musician who was inspired to play jazz and blues by listening to the radio, he played in both piano and organ groups. His brother is the well-respected drummer and producer George Heid. Originally influenced by Jimmy Smith and Don Patterson, Heid heard the chitlin' circuit greats at the Hurricane Bar, including Smith and Patterson, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Down the street at the Crawford Grill were the jazz bands led by Freddie Hubbard, Max Roach, Gene Harris, Bobby Timmons, and Wynton Kelly.

On occasion he would sit in with some of these groups and pester them for information. Spending time in Chicago and later in New York, he met and hung out with his mentor, Larry Young, often visiting the family-owned Newark Club in Young's hometown of Newark, NJ. He was also privy to playing with the best organ drummers like Joe Dukes and Billy James. And he heard the local contingent of jazz greats like Ahmad Jamal, Art Blakey, Erroll Garner, George Benson, Eddie Jefferson, Mary Lou Williams, and Stanley Turrentine.

His quest for musical knowledge found him on the road when in 1963, in search of rare 78-rpm rhythm & blues records, he began a journey/career of hitchhiking. He did this in the contiguous 48 states of the U.S.; through Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and China; and to the Thailand/Cambodia border. His over 400,000 documented miles of thumbing a ride gained Heid a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records. Some of his journeys led him to the so-called chicken houses and organ rooms of major cities, where he interned with Jimmy Witherspoon, Jimmy Ponder, Sonny Stitt, Grant Green, David "Fathead" Newman, Ira Sullivan, and Mickey Roker, and was a pianist with Don Patterson.

A move to Chicago brought him closer to the urban blues as he worked or recorded with Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and especially Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Fenton Robinson, and Roy Buchanan. He also did two LPs and played in the bands of contemporary jazz guitarist Henry Johnson. Moving to Detroit, he spent two decades there playing in his own groups; helping to revive the career of a local legend of blues guitar and vocals, Johnnie Bassett, as the music director of his Blues Insurgents; and backing the veteran singer Alberta Adams. During and since his time in Detroit, Heid could be found making music soundtracks for adult films in Los Angeles, then touring worldwide for the U.S. State Department as a jazz ambassador, particularly on tours of Japan and Vietnam. In August 2003, Heid played more of the Pacific Rim in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Upon moving back to the Eastern United States, he could be heard on organ and piano engagements at various venues in the Washington, D.C., area. Of his mindset, Heid was quoted as saying "I can't live a day without playing 1-4-5s," incorporating those standard blues changes with cool McCoy Tyner minor riffs, vicious funk songs in Japanese, and what he calls Talifunk. "I approach this thing like total war and have been lucky to have avoided a day job." His hip vernacular, unique vocal language, and risqué sense of humor, melded with his passion for baseball, have made him an entertainer nonpareil. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Asian Persuasion

Denis Solee, The Beegie Adair Trio - Sinatra On Sax

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:22
Size: 124.5 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:37] 1. Come Fly With Me
[4:29] 2. You Make Me Feel So Young
[3:24] 3. Strangers In The Night
[4:07] 4. The Way You Look Tonight
[4:15] 5. All The Way
[3:50] 6. New York, New York
[3:23] 7. The Lady Is A Tramp
[3:12] 8. I've Got The World On A String
[4:21] 9. Young At Heart
[3:01] 10. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
[4:44] 11. Witchcraft
[4:13] 12. Summer Wind
[3:48] 13. I've Got You Under My Skin
[3:52] 14. One For My Baby

Beegie Adair has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Jazz. She has interviewed them too, when she hosted her own radio show, "Improvised Thoughts" in the 1990's - and her own star continues to rise. Her extensive collection of songwriter series CD's are critically acclaimed and her international releases have made her a sensation.

Denis Solee has lived in Nashville since 1974 and his superb playing on saxophone, clarinet, and flute has been heard and recorded in virtually every style of music. Denis has played in military bands, symphony orchestras, Broadway shows, big bands, and small groups. He has appeared on radio, TV, films, and recordings for artists from Ray Stevens to Ray Charles; Mel Tillis to Mel Torme; Louis Bellson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Sarah Vaughn, Amy Grant, Liberace, Aretha Franklin.... and the list goes on. Denis has released four CD's as a leader, including 2007's "Sinatra on Sax" with the Beegie Adair Trio.

Sinatra On Sax

John Lewis - Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East-3 Degrees West

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:10
Size: 83,2 MB
Art: Front

(8:23)  1. Love Me Or Leave Me
(3:36)  2. I Can't Get Started
(4:19)  3. Easy Living
(6:12)  4. 2 Degrees East - 3 Degrees West
(3:10)  5. Skylark
(9:28)  6. Almost Like Being In Love

Also reissued as 2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West and occasionally listed under tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins' name, this classic session is the ultimate in cool jazz. Perkins' mellow tone matches quite well with the quiet but inwardly passionate playing of pianist John Lewis, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Chico Hamilton. Lewis is featured with the rhythm section on "I Can't Get Started," Hall is added for "Skylark," and the full group plays three standards plus Lewis' memorable (and atmospheric) "2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West."~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/grand-encounter-2-degrees-east-3-degrees-west-mw0000194407

Personnel:  John Lewis – piano;  Bill Perkins - tenor saxophone;  Jim Hall – guitar;  Percy Heath – bass;  Chico Hamilton - drums

Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East-3 Degrees West

Pamela Rose - On The Jazzy Side Of Blues

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Swing 
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:34
Size: 114,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. Three-Handed Woman
(2:41)  2. Ain't-Cha Glad?
(2:37)  3. Oh Grandpa
(2:08)  4. No Moon At All
(3:55)  5. I Was Just Hoping You'd Have Me Again
(4:17)  6. Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby)
(3:59)  7. Slipper
(3:49)  8. Take Me Back
(5:05)  9. Please Don't Do It Again
(2:43) 10. A Chicken Ain't Nothing But A Bird
(3:58) 11. The Tender Trap
(3:01) 12. A Little Better Soon
(4:10) 13. Say It
(2:46) 14. On The Jazzy Side Of Blue


Joined by the Nate Ginsberg Trio, augmented on some tracks by horns, vocalist Pamela Rose tackles a program of original compositions plus some modern blues pieces. Despite her self assessment that she "is a blues singer who loves jazz," the amount of the blues present depends a lot on the song. "Three-Handed Woman" gets that down-and-dirty treatment with a bit of the torch with Jeff Ervin's salty tenor in the background. Other cuts, such as "No Moon at All," are delivered with a loose and easy exuberance. On "Slippery," Rose shows off her swinging qualifications as she moves sprightly through this tune backed by the clarinet of Kent Cohea. Everyone has a lot fun with the novelty tune "A Chicken Ain't Nothin' but a Bird," with Nate Ginsberg kicking things along with his barrelhouse piano. Then there's some singalong on an upbeat and another fun tune, "Take Me Back," where Rose calls off a laundry list of promises if she can come home. Of the Rose/Ginsberg-composed material, "Say It" stands above the rest with some of the blues inflection promised by the album's title. Here, Rose is joined not only by Ginsberg's trio, but by the horns that help put her singular trademark on this piece. Rose is a talented singer blessed with a unique vocal timbre (a little from both Kay Starr and Dinah Washington, perhaps), excellent diction, and a feel for the music. As this, her inaugural album, demonstrates, she is at home with any type of tune played with any kind of tempo. A singer with panache and flair, this album is recommended. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/on-the-jazzy-side-of-blue-mw0000586917

On The Jazzy Side Of Blues

Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble - Black Unstoppable

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:37
Size: 181,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:04)  1. Cause and Effect
( 7:24)  2. Black Unstoppable
( 5:42)  3. February
( 8:51)  4. Love Has No Boundaries
( 7:57)  5. Sun Cycles
(12:46)  6. The Creator Has Other Plans For Me
( 9:07)  7. Life Wants You To Love
( 4:05)  8. Navigator
( 8:37)  9. Thanking the Universe

Co-President of the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and voted Down Beat Magazine's # 1 Rising Star Flutist for the past two years, Nicole Mitchell is the most significant jazz flutist of her generation. A former student of flutist James Newton, Mitchell is a peerless improviser, having fully absorbed the extended vocal techniques pioneered by Rahsaan Roland Kirk and the abstruse verticality of Eric Dolphy. Bolstering emotionally direct lyricism with edgy phrasing and expressive vocalisms without abandoning structure or form, she consistently maintains thematic focus, even in uncharted territory. Reminiscent of the halcyon days of the Loft Era, Mitchell's writing balances inside and outside aesthetics gracefully, vacillating between extremes of freedom and structure with ease. Skillfully weaving circuitous lines of bracing angularity with accessible, buoyant harmonies that recall the glory days of hard bop, Mitchell's tunes both challenge and entertain. Mitchell's flagship group, the Black Earth Ensemble, epitomizes the AACM's credo Great Black Music, Ancient to the Future." Trafficking in advanced post-bop structures, free-form improvisation, stirring blues, passionate soul, simmering funk and even Afro-Beat, the Black Earth Ensemble offers a kaleidoscopic array of the finest African-American musical traditions. 

Their fourth album, but first for Delmark, Black Unstoppable follows Vision Quest (2001), Afrika Rising (2002), and Hope, Future and Destiny (2004), all on Dreamtime Records. Available as a studio recorded CD and a live performance DVD, both editions of Black Unstoppable catch the band up close and personal, in brilliant sonic detail. The Black Earth Ensemble features a stellar line-up of some of Chicago's finest improvisers. Ubiquitous guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise, New Horizons) displays boundless creativity, ranging from supple, linear introspection to acerbic, EFX-laden abstraction. Stalwart bassist Josh Abrams serves alongside cellist Tomeka Reid, a rising presence on the Windy City's vibrant jazz scene. Lesser known, but no less accomplished, saxophonist David Boykin and trumpeter David Young form a dynamic front line with Mitchell. Boykin's turbulent tenor tantrums and Young's highly vocalized mute work add a broad sense of stylistic diversity to the group. Rounding out the ensemble are drummer Marcus Evans, playing with subtle restraint throughout; and pianist Justin Dillard, who guests on three tunes. Singer Ugochi Nwaogwugwu contributes soulful vocals, engaging in a robust blues duet with David Young on "Love Has No Boundaries," and soaring over the infectious Afro-Beat groove of "Life Wants You to Love." With rousing soul power, she leads "Thanking the Universe," spurring the instrumentalists onward and upward. An enthralling blend of styles and genres unified by an organic sensibility, Black Unstoppable is a definitive statement from the new face of the AACM, and a tribute to the organization's longevity.~ Troy Collins https://www.allaboutjazz.com/black-unstoppable-nicole-mitchell-delmark-records-review-by-troy-collins.php

Personnel: Nicole Mitchell: flute, alto flute, piccolo; David Boykin: tenor saxophone, percussion; David Young: trumpet, flugelhorn, vocal (4); Jeff Parker: guitar; Justin Dillard: piano (4, 5, 8); Tomeka Reid: cello, shakere; Josh Abrams: bass; Marcus Evans: drums; Ugochi Nwaogwugwu: vocals (4, 7, 9).

Black Unstoppable

Gil Mellé - Primitive Modern/Quadrama

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:10
Size: 156,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:58)  1. Dominica
(4:00)  2. Ironworks
(6:49)  3. Ballet Time
(6:02)  4. Adventure Swing
(4:45)  5. Dedicatory Piece to the Geophysical Year of 1957
(4:51)  6. Mark One
(5:17)  7. Full House
(3:36)  8. Quadrama
(4:50)  9. In a Sentimental Mood
(3:25) 10. Walter Ego
(6:53) 11. Rush Hour in Hong Kong
(5:20) 12. Jacqueline
(6:18) 13. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

This two-fer is an odd mix of jazz arrangements and pseudo-classical third-stream compositions, with the presence of musicians like Shadow Wilson, not usually found in such settings. It is ultimately a mixed message, for Melle fans only. ~ Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/primitive-modern-quadrama-mw0000676148

Personnel:  Baritone Saxophone – Gil Mellé;  Bass – Billy Phillips, George Duvivier;  Drums – Edmund Thigpen, Shadow Wilson;  Guitar – Joe Cindrella

Primitive Modern/Quadrama

Gigi Gryce - The Rat Race Blues

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:32
Size: 93,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:38)  1. The Rat Race Blues
( 7:49)  2. Strange Feelin'
( 7:03)  3. Boxer's Blues
( 7:48)  4. Blues In Bloom
(11:12)  5. Monday Through Sunday

Altoist Gigi Gryce's next to last album before permanently dropping out of jazz has been reissued on this CD. With trumpeter Richard Williams, pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Julian Euell, and drummer Mickey Roker also part of what was a working quintet, Gryce (underrated as a soloist and a particularly strong composer) had one of his finest bands. The group swings its way through two of Gryce's lesser-known originals and three then-recent obscurities. Interesting and generally fresh straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-rat-race-blues-mw0000263253

Personnel:  Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone;  Richard Williams – trumpet;  Richard Wyands – piano;  Julian Euell – bass;  Mickey Roker - drums

The Rat Race Blues