Thursday, October 12, 2017

Erik Truffaz & Sly Johnson - Paris

Styles: Vocal And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:13
Size: 85,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Mr Wyatt
(3:00)  2. Come Together
(4:47)  3. Addis Abeba
(3:01)  4. Nature Boy
(3:57)  5. Nina's Dream
(3:17)  6. La Mouche
(2:55)  7. Goodbye Tomorrow
(3:35)  8. Don't Stop
(6:29)  9. The Fly

Erik Truffaz received an early introduction into the world of a professional musician, thanks to his saxophone-playing dad. When he was ten years old, the French trumpeter began performing in his father's dance band. As he grew older, Truffaz performed with other bands in the region until he was 16 and heard Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. The great jazz trumpeter's music inspired him to learn more, and he set off for Switzerland's Geneva Conservatoire, where he became a student. Truffaz's repertoire expanded to works by Mozart and Verdi, and he performed as part of L'Orchestre de Suisse Romande. He also played in cover bands before establishing a group called Orange. The band concentrated on Truffaz's compositions. Among its members was Marc Erbetta, a drummer who continued to play with Truffaz as the trumpeter evolved.

Truffaz's jazz fusion artistry led France's Jury du Concours National de la Defense to bestow upon him the 1991 Prix Special, that country's coveted jazz award. Within three years, he became a leader with the release of Nina Valeria. In 1991, he made the first of his three appearances on the stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival. For two years beginning in 1994, he toured Europe, Russia, and Brazil, thanks to funds bestowed by the ProHelvetia Foundation. In 2000, Truffaz signed with Blue Note Records and released The Mask, a straight-ahead jazz session with Miles Davis similarities. By his second Revisité and third Mantis discs, however, Truffaz began to stretch the boundaries of contemporary jazz by incorporating drum'n'bass and hip-hop rhythms, establishing himself as a cutting-edge artist in his own right. In 2003, both Walk of the Giant Turtle and Bending New Corners were issued on Blue Note. Saloua from 2005 expanded his interest in hip-hop by adding some rap. From there he continued to release records that blurred genre lines, regularly collaborating with French hip-hop artist Oxmo Puccino. By the time he began recording 2015's Doni Doni it was time for longtime drummer Marc Erbetta to hand over the drumsticks to Arthur Hnatek, a young yet very talented musician known for his work with the likes of Tigran Hamasyan, John Patitucci, and Shai Maestro. ~ Linda Seida & Al Campbell https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paris-avec-sly-johnson/id693219783

Personnel:  Trumpet – Erik Truffaz;  Vocals – Sly Johnson

Paris

Astrid Seriese - The Wheel Of Life

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:32
Size: 134,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:53)  1. There's A Land In Us
(3:39)  2. Melting Pot
(4:00)  3. The Wheel Of Life
(5:06)  4. God Give Me Strength
(4:03)  5. Chocolate Jesus
(3:53)  6. Another Hundred People
(3:41)  7. Ibu Saya
(4:18)  8. Trust In Me
(4:01)  9. Meantime
(2:33) 10. Won't Give Up
(3:40) 11. On Children
(3:36) 12. Creation
(3:19) 13. If I Were A Blackbird
(4:54) 14. Secret O'Life
(3:50) 15. No One Is Alone

Astrid Seriese ( The Hague , February 26 1957 ) is a Dutch jazz singer, actress and singing teacher . Seriese was born as the daughter of an Indian mother and a Dutch father as the youngest in a family of five children. After grammar school she attended initial training at the Conservatory in Amsterdam and the Academy for Cabaret in the same place. After a few years they stopped the conservatory.  In 1985 she sang-with Mathilde Santing and Julya Lo'ko - in the Dutch team at the Knokke Song Contest . She then formed a duo with Nedly Morales . In 1987 followed her acting debut in the Dutch film Blonde Dolly .

The years that she performed in several theater productions and toured Europe. In Britain it was in 1991 on the BBC to see if player / singer in the musical television production "M is for Man, Music, Mozart" with video of Peter Greenaway and music of Louis Andriessen . (In the Netherlands broadcast by the AVRO .)  In 1992, she sings along in Fausto, the opera composer Harry de Wit . In 1993 her debut album came out showing crafted covers to hear. "Eclipse" The album is well received in the Netherlands. After a theater tour appeared in 1994 her second solo album "Secret World". Together with Peter Meuris Seriese composed the music in 1995 at the five-part NCRV series "Condemned". In the years that followed Seriese toured the Netherlands and they brought some albums. In 2000 she quit her own shows, because they could no longer financially for life.  In 2006 she began bassist Wim Processed and visual artist Mieke de Haan with performances under the title Charcoal Songs . Bio ~ Trasnslate by google http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrid_Seriese

The Wheel Of Life

Joe Henderson - Barcelona

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:10
Size: 87,5 MB
Art: Front

(20:18)  1. Barcelona
( 7:46)  2. Barcelona cont.
( 4:53)  3. Mediterranean Sun
( 5:12)  4. Y Yo La Quiero (And I love her)

Tremendous, frenzied trio date by tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, recently released with bassist Wayne Darling and drummer Ed Soph. After many years of obscurity, Henderson has become famous in the last few years. But the whirling lines, huge tone, and astonishing solos that he routinely offers on this album have been prized by jazz fans since the early '60s. ~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/album/barcelona-mw0000097129

Personnel: Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone); Wayne Darling (bass); Ed Soph (drums)

Barcelona

Kenny Rankin - Because Of You

Styles: Vocal, Piano And Guitar Jazz 
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:27
Size: 107,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. Berimbau
(5:39)  2. What Am I Gonna Do With You...Aime?
(3:04)  3. Haven't We Met?
(3:48)  4. 'Round Midnight
(5:20)  5. Someone To Watch Over Me
(6:27)  6. Erienda
(2:44)  7. I Could Write A Book
(2:30)  8. Always
(4:04)  9. This Old Man
(3:40) 10. Doralice
(4:38) 11. Because Of You

Recording his only CD for the audiophile Chesky label, Rankin moved closer to making a full-blown comeback. His reworking of old favorites such as "Berimbau" and "Haven't We Met," alongside such pop evergreens as "Round' Midnight," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "I Could Write a Book," "Always," and "Because of You," brought some of the old Rankin magic back. The pronounced jazz sound made more sense in light of Rankin's direction at the time, but the album failed to break through to any sizable audience. 

It features some of Rankin's best singing in years, as well as superb sound, making it his best release since The Kenny Rankin Album. ~ Stephen J. Matteo https://www.allmusic.com/album/because-of-you-mw0000271916

Personnel: Kenny Rankin (vocals, piano, guitar), George Young (saxophone, flute), Danilo Perez (piano), David Finck (bass), Dave Ratajczak (drums), Steve Kroon (percussion).

Because Of You

Will Downing - Soul Survivor

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:52
Size: 100,9 MB
Art: Front

(1:31)  1. Soul Survivior Theme
(5:02)  2. I Just Want to Say Thank You
(4:46)  3. I'm Feeling the Love (feat. Avery*Sunshine)
(4:44)  4. Since You Been Gone
(3:41)  5. Stop To Start (feat. Phil Perry)
(4:50)  6. Everything I Want in My Lady (feat. Maysa)
(4:36)  7. Our Time
(5:54)  8. Hurry Up This Way Again (feat. Najee)
(4:47)  9. When We Make Love
(3:57) 10. Tell Me About It

Will Downing, widely known as The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul, is an icon in both the R&B and jazz worlds. Having sold more than four million albums in his brilliant career, Will continues to tour nonstop to the delight of his devoted fans! Soul Survivor features special guests Avery Sunshine, Najee, Phil Perry, Maysa and others. Highlights include Will's inspired interpretations of such classics as Blue Magic's "Stop To Start," The Stylistics' "Hurry Up This Way Again," "Tell Me All About It," a hit for both Michael Franks and Natalie Cole, plus a host of great Will Downing originals. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Survivor-WILL-DOWNING/dp/B074D1PZCT

Soul Survivor

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Lisa Loeb - No Fairy Tale

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:31
Size: 104,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:42)  1. No Fairy Tale
(2:58)  2. The '90s
(3:26)  3. Weak Day
(3:26)  4. Walls
(2:44)  5. A Hot Minute
(3:30)  6. Sick, Sick, Sick
(3:39)  7. Matches
(3:06)  8. Married
(2:52)  9. Swept Away
(4:34) 10. He Loved You So Much
(3:08) 11. Ami, I'm Sorry
(2:12) 12. The Worst
(3:31) 13. A Holiday Song
(3:37) 14. Fall Back Guy

Lisa Loeb's recording career has frequently found her caught in a tug of war between the quiet, introspective side of her musical personality, typified by her first and biggest hit, "Stay (I Missed You)," and her fondness for writing big, bright pop hooks ("I Do" from Firecracker was such a seemingly perfect single it made most of the album that followed sound dreary). Eighteen years after "Stay," No Fairy Tale finds Loeb throwing caution to the wind and letting her pop instincts hold sway for almost an entire album; Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory co-produced the sessions with Loeb and plays lead guitar on most tracks, and if his standard-issue SoCal electric guitar crunch doesn't sound all that special within the context of his own band, here it gives Loeb's melodies a sharp kick in the butt, and Loeb seems to be having a grand time throwing her music into third gear. Loeb's lyrics on No Fairy Tale are informed by the ennui and relationship troubles that have long dominated her songwriting, but the tone overall is sharper and more playful, and "Married," "Matches," and the title tune find her giving her themes just a bit of a twist, much like her music, and she sounds fully engaged with the material, letting the melodies and her voice roll out with the chug of the guitars. Loeb even has a bit of fun with her own reputation on "The '90s" (though she was a different type of MTV babe than the character in the song), and her collaborations with a handful of outside writers (including Maia Sharp, Morgan Taylor, Marvin Etzioni, and producer Gilbert) similarly seem to push her out of her usual comfort zone, with impressive result. (Loeb also covers two numbers by Tegan and Sara, which fit the set nicely.) And if you miss the old Lisa, the pensive "Ami, I'm Sorry" confirms she hasn't gone away. No Fairy Tale may not be the best or most personal album of Lisa Loeb's career, but it's hands down the most fun, and it's hard to imagine even the most subdued of her fans begrudging her for enjoying herself as much as she does on these 12 songs. ~ Mark Deming https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-fairy-tale-mw0002448165

Personnel:  Vocals – Lisa Loeb;  Guitar – Chad Gilbert

No Fairy Tale

Lee Morgan - The Procrastinator

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1967
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:29
Size: 93,5 MB
Art: Front

(8:06)  1. The Procrastinator
(6:02)  2. Party Time
(6:55)  3. Dear Sir
(6:12)  4. Stopstart
(6:11)  5. Rio
(7:02)  6. Soft Touch

It is surprising that Lee Morgan's The Procrastinator was not released when it was recorded in 1967 for the sextet (which includes Wayne Shorter, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Higgins) lives up to their potential on a well-rounded set of originals by Morgan and Shorter. The music ranges from the funky "Party Time" (which sounds like it could have been written by Horace Silver) to more explorative pieces. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-procrastinator-mw0000177020

Personnel: Lee Morgan (trumpet); Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Ron Carter (bass); Billy Higgins (drums).

The Procrastinator

Ray Gelato - Hey There

Styles: Vocal, Swing
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:09
Size: 117,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:34)  1. That's Amore
(3:14)  2. You're Nobady Till Somebody Loves You
(3:19)  3. When You're Smiling
(2:32)  4. Hey There
(3:14)  5. Mambo Italiano
(2:58)  6. Just One Of Those Things
(3:04)  7. My Last Meatball
(5:37)  8. Angel Eyes
(2:45)  9. Birth Of The Blues
(4:38) 10. Topsy
(3:44) 11. Three Handed Woman
(5:18) 12. Them There Eyes , I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me
(2:05) 13. Ban It Stop It
(3:47) 14. Mutton Leg
(2:13) 15. New York New York

Ray Gelato is credited for helping kick off the Swing revival in the early '80s. This interest in vintage Swing/Jazz and R&B went massive in the '90s, spreading all over the US, and spawning bands like The Brian Setzer Big Band and The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies to name but a few. Ray started playing the tenor sax in 1979 and learned initially by playing along to his Dad’s old Rock'n'Roll records. He diligently learned the solos of such greats as Bill Haley’s sax player Rudy Pompilli, and Little Richard's sax man Lee Allen and was gigging within six months of owning a tenor sax! Playing the Rock'n'Roll and Blues circuits, he credits this training ground for him developing a huge sound on the tenor and realizing that your tone is your trademark. During this time, Ray also started studying music formally at the City Lit College in London and took private lessons from UK sax great, the late Pat Crumly. His interest in music soon developed beyond R&B and Rock'n'Roll into really studying the jazz greats such as Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and many more. He numbers amongst his strongest influences, Illinois Jacquet, Gene Ammons and Coleman Hawkins. However, Ray still recognizes the importance of those early Rock'n'Roll / R&B sax greats, and always keeps a part of them in his playing, up to this day.

Ray is proud to have been a part of the vibrant London club scene of the early to mid 1980's. Fronting the highly successful band The Chevalier Brothers gained him great experience working before an audience.  At their peak, The Chevalier Brothers were playing around 200 shows a year ! It was in this band that Ray developed his distinctive, Louis Prima  influenced vocal style that people still love to this day. Respected Jazz critics such as Jack Massarik (Eve Standard), Clive Davis (The Times) and Martin Chilton (Daily Telegraph) have given Ray very high accolades about his ‘Swing based' saxophone playing, giving special note to his sound and phrasing and also to his original, swinging vocal style.  Ray has had a fruitful career and has been fortunate to have worked with many greats in this business including, Sam Butera, Scott Hamilton, Al Grey ( Count Basie), Buddy Tate, Van Morrison, Al Casey (Fats Waller). He has also performed with Pete Long’s Echoes of Ellington Orchestra, The Barcelona Big Blues Band, and Philadelphia’s City Rhythm Orchestra. Ray and his acclaimed band The Giants have been a favourite at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, holding down a 14 year residency over the Christmas period. Personal highlights of his career include playing Umbria Jazz in Italy 8 times! The Montreal Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note NY, The Lincoln Center NY and Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding. He has also opened for Robbie Williams at The Royal Albert Hall and performed on two occasions for HM The Queen. Mr. Gelato continues to lead his long running band The Giants and is also touring with the great Claire Martin O.B.E  in a show entitled A Swingin’ Affair. https://www.raygelato.com/home

Hey There

Sherrie Maricle & Diva - I Believe In You

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:43
Size: 130,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:39)  1. I Feel Pretty
(3:46)  2. Limehouse Blues
(4:10)  3. Happy Days Are Here Again
(6:38)  4. I Believe In You
(9:36)  5. A Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald
(6:09)  6. In A Sentimental Mood
(5:28)  7. The Claw
(6:22)  8. 'Tis Autumn
(7:51)  9. You And The Night And The Music

Diva, according to Webster, is the female derivation of the Latin word divus in English, “divine” which is as accurate a term as any to use when describing drummer Sherrie Maricle’s high powered New York based big band whose third recording, I Believe in You, crackles with the sort of energy and passion inspired by Maricle’s peerless role model, the late Buddy Rich. When I first heard DIVA a number of years ago the band was quite good; today, in spite of the unavoidable changes in personnel, it is even better. Staying together and rehearsing regularly enriches any band, and for that we must thank Maricle, Stanley Kay, Mike Abene, Tommy Newsom and the many others who support DIVA and help keep it going. On the evidence here, there’s not much these women can’t do, and do as well as anyone. Section work is as tight as Camryn Mannheim’s corset, and the band swings without pause at any tempo. As with any topnotch ensemble, everything starts with the lead trumpet, and DIVA has one of the best in Liesl Whitaker (for confirmation, listen to her impressive sky notes on the ballad “In a Sentimental Mood” and her bold command throughout). 

As we mentioned, there are several newcomers on the date, and Maricle puts them right to work. Claire Daly’s successor, baritone saxophonist Lisa Parrott, solos on the breezy opener, “I Feel Pretty,” and is featured on Ellington’s “Sentimental Mood.” Alto saxophonist Karoline Strassmeyer, Laura Dreyer’s talented legatee, is showcased on Scott Whitfield’s volcanic arrangement of “Limehouse Blues” and solos as well on “I Believe in You,” “The Claw” and “You and the Night and the Music” (the last a framework for Maricle’s dazzling drum–kit artistry). Barbara Laronga is featured on Abene’s sultry Streisand like arrangement of “Happy Days Are Here Again” (flugel) and solos on “I Believe in You” (trumpet). DIVA often performs in concert its tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (arranged by Newsom), and here alto Kristy Norter has her turn on “Stompin’ at the Savoy” while pianist Lorraine Desmarais and bassist Debbie Kennedy are heard on “Lady Be Good.” Laronga, Jami Dauber and Lolly Bienenfeld comprise a delightful Andrews sisters–style vocal group on “A Tisket, a Tasket.” Among the holdovers, trombonist Deborah Weisz shines on “’Tis Autumn,” Dauber on “I Feel Pretty” (opening with a quote from “Killer Joe”) and tenor Cynthia Mullis on “The Claw” and “You and the Night and the Music.” The charts, by Newsom, Whitfield, Abene, Ellen Rowe and John McNeil, give the ensemble plenty of nourishing meat to chew on, and they devour each one with unbridled enthusiasm. This is one of the country’s foremost working bands, period. The more you listen, the more you hear. For a truly memorable experience, catch DIVA in person; if you can’t do that, here’s the best alternative. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/i-believe-in-you-sherrie-maricle-diva-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php 

Personnel:  Sherrie Maricle, leader, drums; Karoline Strassmayer, alto sax, flute; Kristy Norter, alto, soprano sax, clarinet, flute; Cynthia Mullis, Grazia DiGiorgio, tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Lisa Parrott, baritone sax, bass clarinet; Liesl Whitaker, Barbara Laronga, Tanya Darby, Jami Dauber, trumpet, flugelhorn, shaker; Lolly Bienenfeld, Deborah Weisz, trombone; Leslie Havens, bass trombone; Lorraine Desmarais, piano; Debbie Kennedy, bass.

I Believe In You

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Scott Whitfield - New Jazz Standards (Volume 2)

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:15
Size: 173,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:07)  1. Prudence
(6:30)  2. More Wine
(5:46)  3. Big Darlin
(6:14)  4. Melodocity
(6:24)  5. I Remember Thad
(5:49)  6. B Squad Blues
(6:13)  7. Gamma Count
(6:21)  8. Lolly's Folly
(6:50)  9. Juarez
(6:07) 10. Another Tune for Bernie
(5:53) 11. Last Night's Samba
(6:54) 12. Symphonky Blues

On New Jazz Standards, Volume 2 (yes, the title may seem a tad optimistic at first glance; more about that later), trombonist Scott Whitfield leads a well-honed quartet playing the music of Carl Saunders. If the name Carl Saunders is new to you, he is quite simply one of the finest jazz trumpeters you've never heard and he may well be one of the best composers too. As for Whitfield, Saunders' personal choice to preside over this album, he is one of the Los Angeles area's foremost jazz trombonists, one who has led big bands on both coasts, played with a number of others, recorded ten albums as a leader and more than fifty as a sideman while "doubling" as a vocalist with wife Ginger Berglund and teaching at San Jose State University. If that sounds like a heavy schedule, it is and as you will hear, for good reason. When Saunders isn't playing trumpet in some group or other which, it must be said, isn't often and when he has free time during gigs, he writes. And writes prolifically. In fact, Saunders recently assembled more than three hundred of his compositions in book form and published it as New Jazz Standards, hence the name of this album, Volume 1 of which featured the late flutist Sam Most (Summit Records 630). 

Most was a master craftsman, as is Whitfield. Few contemporary trombonists can match Whitfield's clarity of tone or technical dexterity, traits that bring to mind such past masters as Carl Fontana, Urbie Green, Bill Harris and Jimmy Cleveland. And as for improvisation and flat-out swinging, he sets the bar high there as well. Saunders not only chose his helmsman well, he gave him a backup crew that is second to none, anchored by timekeeper par excellence Peter Erskine and featuring the always-resourceful pianist Christian Jacob and metronomic bassist Kevin Axt.  As to Saunders' themes, they are consistently bright and charming. While the presence of any new jazz standards is for listeners to determine, there's no doubt that Saunders has a keen ear for captivating melodies and the ability to arrange them in a tasteful and harmonious musical context. Most of them aren't based on popular standards, a staple of many jazz composers, but created out of whole cloth using only Saunders' fertile imagination as groundwork. The results are never less than admirable and often brilliant, ranging from ballads to blues, Latin to funk and straight-ahead swing. To add variety, Whitfield is overdubbed on four tracks to form a trombone choir. He and the quartet are superb, as are Saunders' prospective New Jazz Standards, which await only the auspicious verdict of an impartial jury. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/new-jazz-standards-volume-2-scott-whitfield-summit-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Scott Whitfield: trombone;  Christian Jacob: piano;  Kevin Axt: bass;  Peter Erskine: drums;  Carl Saunders: composer, arranger.

New Jazz Standards (Volume 2)

Vonda Shepard - Heart and Soul

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:36
Size: 114,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:10)  1. Read Your Mind
(4:07)  2. 100 Tears Away
(3:28)  3. Someday We'll Be Together
(4:42)  4. To Sir, With Love (Duet with Al Green)
(3:13)  5. Sweet Inspiration
(3:31)  6. Crying
(2:36)  7. Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
(3:02)  8. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted
(2:55)  9. World Without Love
(3:25) 10. Confetti
(4:41) 11. Baby, Don't You Break My Heart Slow (Duet with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls)
(3:35) 12. This Is Crazy Now
(2:46) 13. This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
(3:18) 14. I Know Him By Heart

Vonda Shepard's curious ascension into pop prominence on the heels of the Ally McBeal television series offers evidence that, if you just hang around Los Angeles long enough, you may finally get recognized. After years of laboring as a lower echelon L.A. rock singer/songwriter and backup singer (a second-rate Bonnie Raitt, one might say), Shepard hit paydirt of a sort playing a club singer on TV, and the quasi-soundtrack album Songs from Ally McBeal, which includes oldies covers from the '60s and '70s, was a million-selling Top Ten hit in 1998. The inevitable follow-up is more of the same, though this time around Shepard gets to pen five of the 14 tracks. Like its predecessor, however, Heart and Soul: New Songs from Ally McBeal shows that what may work on TV (or in the movies or on-stage, for that matter) a singer-actress-whatever covering old, familiar songs within the context of a plot, doesn't necessarily translate to a recording that, by its nature, has to compete with the original recordings whose emotional resonance lent the show its gravity to begin with. Put simply, who needs to hear Vonda Shepard singing "Crying" when we still have Roy Orbison's version? Even more egregious, at the behest of the TV producer, lyrics to some songs have been changed or deleted now it's "To You, with Love" rather than "To Sir, with Love"! You can understand the songwriters and music publishers acquiescing to this (a payday is a payday), but it's even more reason to disdain these threadbare covers. The irony is that, on her own, Shepard is not untalented: "Read Your Mind," the lead-off track, is a tentative acceptance of love that might as easily be directed to Shepard's unexpected (and no doubt temporary) new audience as to a new boyfriend; "Confetti" is a '60s-style rocker that seems to be attacking the kind of kids who look to Ally McBeal for fashion and dating tips; and "Baby, Don't You Break My Heart Slow" is a good romantic ballad in the currently popular Diane Warren/adult contemporary style. Such material demonstrates that Shepard is worthy of a major-label release of her own songs, and it can only be hoped that she gets one, given that the disappointing early response to this collection suggests that the Ally McBeal connection has probably run its course. ~ William Ruhlmann https://www.allmusic.com/album/heart-and-soul-new-songs-from-ally-mcbeal-featuring-vonda-shepard-mw0000254099

Personnel: Vonda Shepard (vocals, guitar, piano); Al Green, Emily Saliers (vocals); Val McCallum (acoustic & electric guitars, background vocals); Bruce Watson, Michael Landau (guitar); Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar); Charles Bisharat (violin); Matthew Funes (viola); Suzie Katayama, Martin Tillman (cello); Mitchell Froom (accordion, piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ, harmonium, Chamberlain, Claviola, celeste, electric harpsichord, bells); Jeff Young (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B-3 organ, background vocals); Davey Faragher, Jimmy Haslip, Jim Hanson, Leland Sklar (bass); Pete Thomas, Andy Kamman (drums, percussion); Lynn Davis (background vocals).

Heart and Soul

Mongo Santamaria - Hey! Let's Party

Styles: Latin Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:11
Size: 75,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:01)  1. Walk On By
(2:52)  2. I Got You (I Feel Good)
(3:27)  3. In the Mood
(4:02)  4. Baila Dance
(2:19)  5. Louie, Louie
(3:47)  6. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
(2:53)  7. Hey!
(2:48)  8. Call Me
(2:32)  9. El Bikini
(3:26) 10. Shotgun

Hey! Let's Party represents one of percussionist Mongo Santamaria's first and most engaging plunges into the world of contemporary pop, galvanizing well-known chart smashes with the energy and abandon of Latin soul. It's a simple formula that proved remarkably successful and flexible across a series of likeminded LPs Santamaria approaches texts like "Walk on By" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)" with deep respect and understanding, creating soulful, righteous rhythms that snake in and out of the original melodies with brilliant precision. Even battered warhorses like Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" breathe new life, proving Santamaria's uncanny capacity for making the familiar funky. ~ Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/album/hey!-lets-party-mw0000866762

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Bobby Capers;  Bass – Victor Venegas;  Drums – Mongo Santamaria;  Piano – Rodger Grant;  Saxophone – Hubert Laws;  Timbales, Drums – Carmello Garcia;  Trumpet – Marty Sheller

Hey! Let's Party

Monty Alexander - Jamboree Ivory & Steel

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:09
Size: 118,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Sly Mongoose
(6:35)  2. Think Twice
(3:56)  3. No Woman No Cry
(5:07)  4. Look Up
(5:00)  5. Accompong
(5:21)  6. You Can See
(4:24)  7. Big Yellow Taxi
(4:07)  8. Reggae-Later
(6:15)  9. Criying
(4:23) 10. Linstead Market

Pianist Monty Alexander's "Ivory And Steel" group combines together bop-based jazz with Jamaican calypsoes and West Indian rhythms. On this quite enjoyable set, Alexander utilizes both Othello and Len "Boogsie" Sharpe on steel drums, either Marshall Wood or Bernard Montgomery on bass, drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith and the hand drums of Robert Thomas Jr. Alexander contributed four of the rhythmic originals which are joined by some Jamaican folk songs (including "Sly Mangoose"), Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" and a couple of obscurities. The accessible results are often memorable. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/jamboree-monty-alexanders-ivory-and-steel-mw0000197745

Personnel:  Monty Alexander (piano); Bernard Montgomery (electric bass); Marshall Wood (bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums); Othello Molineaux, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe (steel drums).

Jamboree Ivory & Steel

Joe Henderson - An Evening with Joe Henderson

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:18
Size: 108,9 MB
Art: Front

(14:25)  1. Ask Me Now
( 8:47)  2. Serenity
(10:46)  3. Beatrice
(13:20)  4. Invitation

Although Joe Henderson's pianoless trio recordings for Blue Note in 1985 received a fair amount of publicity, this similar date for the Italian Red label has been almost completely overlooked. Joined by bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Al Foster, Henderson is in excellent form, giving "Beatrice," "Invitation," Thelonious Monk's "Ask Me Now" and his own "Serenity" lengthy and rewarding explorations. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/evening-with-joe-henderson-mw0000195895

Personnel:  Joe Henderson – tenor saxophone;  Charlie Haden – bass;  Al Foster – drums

An Evening with Joe Henderson

Monday, October 9, 2017

Lee Konitz & Bert Van Den Brink - Dialogues

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:13
Size: 158,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:19)  1. East of the Sun
(5:47)  2. Yesterdays
(5:54)  3. Kojo no Tsuki
(7:18)  4. Spring Fever
(6:27)  5. Thingin'
(6:25)  6. If You Could See Me Now
(5:59)  7. Dialogue
(4:37)  8. I Love You
(6:16)  9. Moonlight in Vermont
(7:40) 10. Lover Man
(6:26) 11. Cherokee

Dialogues may be one of saxophonist Lee Konitz's best albums in a discography both prolific and still expanding. The sounds of Bert van den Brink (piano), Hein Van de Geyn (bass) and Hans van Oosterhout (drums) blend perfectly with the leader's alto sax. So attractive is the sound that one hopes this session is not a one-off affair. Starting with a joyous, swinging version of "East of the Sun, Konitz'a improvisation blurs the line between melodic statement and soloing. "Yesterdays, a favorite of jazz improvisers, is also deeply touching it's clear that Konitz's hero is Lester Young. His statement is an alternate, swinging, singing melody and certainly not a collection of licks designed to impress. Monk recorded "Kojo No Tsuki as "Japanese Folk Song, to be eventually released on Straight, No Chaser (Columbia, 1966). The Konitz/van den Brink version is no less beautiful but, of course, receives a very different reading. One is reminded of Keith Jarrett's beautiful Belonging (ECM. 1974): music that's intelligent but not afraid to be simple and direct. Furthermore on "Thingin', Van de Geyn's short bass solo invokes Charlie Haden's playing alongside Jarrett with a certain similarity of directness and lyricism in his playing. Far from being a monochromatic approach to a jazz quartet presentation, each piece is unique and fresh, moving from solo to duo to full quartet conversations that renew faith in the art of jazz communication. Dialogues, the CD title, says it all. ~ Francis Lo Kee https://www.allaboutjazz.com/dialogues-lee-konitz-challenge-records-review-by-francis-lo-kee.php

Personnel:  Lee Konitz: alto saxophone;  Bert van der Brink: piano;  Hein Van de Geyn: bass;  Hans van Oosterhout: drums.

Dialogues

Patricia Kaas - Dans Ma Chair

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:26
Size: 137,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:20)  1. Quand j'ai peur de tout
(4:34)  2. Dans ma chair
(3:23)  3. Chanson simple
(3:50)  4. J'ai tout quitte pour toi
(4:06)  5. Je me souviens de rien
(4:15)  6. Les lignes de nos mains
(3:11)  7. Je sais
(4:18)  8. Je voudrais la connaitre
(4:31)  9. Fais-moi l'amitie
(3:38) 10. L'amour devant la mer
(5:05) 11. Je compte jusqu'a toi
(4:05) 12. Sans toi
(4:59) 13. Don't let me be lonely tonight
(4:03) 14. When the night rolls in

After the success of the previous studio album, Je te dis vous, Kaas decided to released a new album in 1997, which was entitled Dans ma chair. The album marked the second collaboration with the French songwriter and singer Jean-Jacques Goldman who had already written her 1993 hit single "Il me dit que je suis belle". To date, Kaas continues to be associated with Goldman for the composing of her songs, and this collaboration remains one of the most important of the singer's career. The album was recorded in New York, but also in Paris, and produced by the singer and Phil Ramone, who had previously worked with artists such as Ray Charles, Billy Joel and Paul Simon.  The album was also composed by several famous contributors : for example, the American songwriter and singer Lyle Lovett, with the song "Chanson simple" (Eng: "Simple song"), and James Taylor with "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" (the song, the last track, is performed as a duet). French artists participated in the writing of the album, such as Didier Barbelivien, who had also worked with Kaas for her previous studio album, and Zazie. Philippe Bergman, who co-wrote three songs of this album, was Kaas' boyfriend at the time.  In France, two singles were released from this album : "Quand j'ai peur de tout" (Eng: "When I'm afraid of everything") in February 1997, which reached #11 and achieved Silver status, and "Je voudrais la connaître" (Eng: "I Want to Know Her") in July 1997, which peaked at #20. The first single, "Quand j'ai peur de tout", was written by Diane Warren and was successfully covered in English-language in 2003 by the pop band Sugababes, but the song was re-entitled "Too Lost in You".

In France, the album remained on the chart for 57 weeks. It started at #2 on March 22, 1997, and reached again this position two weeks later, but its sales were less than Andrea Bocelli's extremely successful album Romanza, which topped the chart then. Kaas' album remained for only nine weeks in the top ten, but dropped slowly on the chart. It was certified Platinum by the SNEP and the tenth best-selling album of 1997 in the country. The album was a smash success in Belgium (Wallonia) : it went to #2 on April 5, 1997, then climbed to #1 and stayed there for four not consecutive weeks. It totaled 27 weeks in the top ten and remained on the chart for 61 weeks. It fell off it after the chart edition of July 11, 1998.  In Switzerland, the album reached number 5 in its first and second weeks, and remained on the chart for 20 weeks, from March 30 to August 31, 1997, including five weeks in the top ten. It hit Gold certification in 1997.  In Finland, Dans ma chair was charted from the early 1997 and peaked at #8 in its third week, after a debut at #12. It featured for 17 weeks in the top 40.  In other countries, the album was less successful even if it met slightly good sales, peaking at #16 in Germany, #27 in Belgium (Flanders) (it remained on the chart for eight weeks, from April 12 to June 14, 1997), #45 in Austria where it was charted for three weeks and #77 in the Netherlands where it appeared for five weeks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dans_ma_chair

Dans Ma Chair

Scott Whitfield - Speaking Of Love

Styles: Vocal And Trombone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:09
Size: 157,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. A Beautiful Friendship
(4:20)  2. Sugar
(4:25)  3. Come To Me
(5:49)  4. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(6:32)  5. I'm A Romantic Sap
(5:44)  6. Adagio In Pearl
(4:18)  7. Two People
(5:09)  8. It's You!
(8:07)  9. Only At Lonely Times
(4:17) 10. I Love You
(4:48) 11. What Went Wrong
(5:16) 12. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(1:56) 13. When I Fell In Love
(4:14) 14. All Of You

Coated with sugar and filled with swing, Speaking of Love offers a blast from the past as Scott Whitfield scat sings with the enthusiasm of Mel Tormé, introduces a vocal quartet that recalls the Four Freshmen, teams with guest artists Cheryl Bentyne, Bucky Pizzarelli, Marvin Stamm, Memo Acevedo and Scott Robinson, and adds lovely trombone melodies to enhance the romance. Through original songs and memorable standards, Whitfield brings an upbeat message of good cheer to the forum. His trombone dashes and darts gracefully through casual melodies and invites camaraderie from his sidemen. On "Adagio in Pearl, for example, he introduces the reflective piece with a mellifluous trombone soliloquy and follows later with a velvet interlude that supports the vocal duet between himself and Bentyne quite well. Trumpeter Stamm and saxophonist Robinson add considerably to the session's swinging spirit, while Whitfield's rhythm section provides a strong foundation. The big surprise of the album is the Manhattan Project, which provides stellar examples of lyrical delight. The group is right on target, and each member plays an instrument too. Whitfield is at his best on trombone. While he scat sings quite well, his vocal lyric interpretations are not warm, convincing or thrilling. There's a great contrast between his vocals and those of his guests. He seems to enjoy singing, but he never gets deep enough into his subject matter to make a difference. Whitfield's singing takes a significant turn on "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, where his manner comes close to an impersonation of Dean Martin. It's better than the rest of the program, but his "main squeeze rests with the love that he gets from his trombone. The instrument never fails to give Whitfield a clear picture of what he wants to express. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/speaking-of-love-scott-whitfield-summit-records-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Scott Whitfield: vocals, trombone, arranger; Ted Kooshian: piano; Mary Ann McSweeney: bass; Willard Dyson, Terry Clarke: drums; The Manhattan Vocal Project: Pete McGuinness, Scott Whitfield, Kevin Osborne: vocals, trombone; Joe Elefante: vocal, alto saxophone; Special Guests: Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar; Cheryl Bentyne: vocals; Marvin Stamm: trumpet, flugelhorn; Memo Acevedo: percussion; Scott Robinson: tenor saxophone, bass saxophone, bass flute.

Speaking Of Love

Ray Brown - Jazz Cello

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 110,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:17)  1. Tangerine
(4:14)  2. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:38)  3. That Old Feeling
(5:12)  4. Ain't Misbehavin'
(2:40)  5. Alice Blue Gown
(3:06)  6. Rosalie
(4:00)  7. But Beautiful
(3:17)  8. Poor Butterfly
(4:53)  9. Memories Of You
(2:07) 10. Rock A Bye Your Baby

On the last day of August and the first day of September 1960, bassist Ray Brown recorded his third album for the Verve label, focusing most of his attention upon the cello while Joe Mondragon handled the bass. The 11-piece band on this date was conducted by arranger Russ Garcia and included reed players Paul Horn and Bob Cooper as well as pianist Jimmy Rowles. The results were typical of late-'50s West Coast mainstream jazz: familiar ballads and friendly, uplifting standards, tidily performed. Some of the tunes reach back to the 1920s, with "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody" serving as a surprisingly hip link with vaudeville as Brown's pizzicato maneuverings are punctuated with punchy blasts from reeds and brass. If one takes the time to place this recording within an historical context, an impressive evolution reveals itself. The first bassist to cross over to cello on records in modern times is believed to have been Oscar Pettiford, while Fred Katz popularized the warm-toned instrument through his work with drummer Chico Hamilton. 

The progression of jazz cellists since then is impressive, from Ray Brown, Sam Jones, Percy Heath and Ron Carter to Abdul Wadud, David Holland, David Darling, David Eyges and Diedre Murray. By the first decade of the 21st century, an unprecedented number of improvising cellists had appeared, making Ray Brown's 1960 Jazz Cello album seem like a sunny little episode in the foundation of a fascinating modern tradition spanning several generations. ~ arwulf arwulf https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-cello-mw0000022965https://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-cello-mw0000022965

Personnel: Ray Brown (cello, bass); Russ Garcia (arranger, conductor); Don Fagerquist (trumpet); Jack Cave (French horn); Harry Betts (trombone); Bob Cooper, Med Flory, Bill Hood, Paul Horn (reeds); Jimmy Rowles (piano); Joe Mondragon (bass); Dick Shanahan (drums).

Jazz Cello

Franco Ambrosetti - A Jazz Portrait of Franco Ambrosetti

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:01
Size: 170,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:15)  1. Enriquete
(3:06)  2. Blue in Green
(5:01)  3. My Shining Hour
(5:34)  4. My Old Flame
(8:36)  5. Bye Bye Blackbird
(6:48)  6. Like Someone in Love
(5:08)  7. Minority
(2:03)  8. Blue in Green (take 2)
(2:28)  9. Blue in Green (take 3)
(3:50) 10. My Shining Hour (take 2)
(3:46) 11. My Shining Hour (take 3)
(0:50) 12. My Old Flame (take 2)
(7:38) 13. Bye Bye Blackbird (take 2)
(0:19) 14. Like Someone in Love (take 2)
(7:01) 15. Like Someone in Love (take 3)
(4:31) 16. Minority (take 2)

Franco Ambrosetti has had dual careers as a very successful businessman, and as a fine trumpeter and flügelhornist inspired by Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis. His father Flavio Ambrosetti was an excellent saxophonist. Franco had piano lessons for eight years but is self-taught on trumpet, which he did not take up until he was 17. In 1972, he was one of the founders of the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, and through the years he has recorded quite a few worthy hard bop-ish albums for Enja in addition to leading his own groups. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/franco-ambrosetti-mn0000195215/biography

Personnel:  Franco Ambrosetti (trumpet), Giorgio Azzolini (bass); Franco D’Andrea (piano); Franco Mondini (Batteria)

A Jazz Portrait of Franco Ambrosetti

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Lou Donaldson - Birdseed

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:19
Size: 114,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Cherry
(6:56)  2. Walkin' Again
(6:31)  3. Pennies From Heaven
(8:15)  4. Red Top
(5:48)  5. Blue Bossa
(5:02)  6. Black Door Blues
(5:23)  7. Dorothy
(6:44)  8. Birdseed

Like fellow alto saxophonists Phil Woods, Jackie McLean, Frank Morgan, Ernie Henry, and Sonny Criss, Lou Donaldson started out with a very Charlie Parker-like tone but went on to develop a recognizable sound of his own. Bird's influence never disappeared from Donaldson's playing, although he successfully combined that influence with many ideas of his own. The title Birdseed might lead some to wonder if this 1992 date is a tribute to Parker -- it isn't, and the CD doesn't contain any Parker songs at all. However, that title is Donaldson's way of acknowledging Parker's tremendous contributions. (Producer Orrin Keepnews put it best when he said that there are basically two types of jazz: before and after Charlie Parker). Though the uptempo title song has a very Bird-like melody, it is Donaldson's own ideas that make this album as appealing as it is. From the Johnny Hodges-minded ballad "Dorothy" (written by singer Rudy Nichols) to earthy blues statements on Gene Ammons' "Red Top" and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson's "Back Door Blues," Birdseed finds Donaldson in fine form at 65. 

The CD's most surprising track is "Pennies From Heaven," which has usually been heard at a fast or medium speed in recent decades but is returned to a ballad tempo by Donaldson (who is joined by organist David Braham, drummer Fukushi Tainaka, percussionist Ralph Dorsey, and the Grant Green-influenced guitarist Peter Bernstein). Produced by Bob Porter, Birdseed falls short of essential but is inspired and swinging. 
~ Alex Henderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/birdseed-mw0000093840

Personnel: Lou Donaldson (alto saxophone); David Braham (organ); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Fukushi Tainaka (drums); Ralph Dorsey (congas).

Birdseed