Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Mary Lou Williams Trio - Free Spirits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:57
Size: 155.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1975/2010
Art: Front

[4:48] 1. Dat Dere
[7:53] 2. Baby Man (Take 2)
[8:28] 3. Baby Man
[6:56] 4. All Blues
[5:05] 5. Temptation
[4:27] 6. Pale Blue
[5:00] 7. Free Spirits (Take 2)
[5:22] 8. Free Spirits
[5:37] 9. Blues For Timme
[5:52] 10. Ode To Saint Cecilie
[2:55] 11. Surrey With The Fringe On Top
[5:29] 12. Gloria

Hard to believe that somebody could add something to Miles Davis' and Gil Evans' "All Blues" but Mary Lou Williams does it. This woman is one of the unsung geniuses of modern jazz. Why she has not received the same acclaim as people like Coltrane and Monk is beyond me. Sexism? Probably. Do yourself a favour and pick up one of her albums. If you love jazz, you will love Mary Lou Williams. ~Bob O'Jazz

Free Spirits

The Devin Kelly Organ Trio - First Things First

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:04
Size: 137.5 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. Pisces Soul
[6:07] 2. Ceora
[5:42] 3. You Are So Beautiful
[6:27] 4. Night Mist Blues
[5:09] 5. While We're Young
[6:39] 6. The Touch Of Your Lips
[4:49] 7. Moonlight In Vermont
[7:38] 8. These Are Soulful Days
[6:25] 9. Where Or When
[5:09] 10. In Love In Vain

Bob Sneider: Guitar; Dino Losito: Hammond Organ; Devin Kelly: Drums.

Devin Kelly is a freelance percussionist based in King Ferry, New York. A native of Ithaca, New York, Mr. Kelly has shared the stage with Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Barry Harris, Gary Foster, Bob Sheppard, Bill Cunliffe, Bobby Militello, Peter Bernstein, Larry Koonse, Mark Soskin, Stacy Rowles, Sam Most, John Campbell, Julie Kelly, Judy Wexler and many other jazz luminaries. Notable performance venues include The Blue Note NYC, Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, as well as the Rochester, San Jose, Lewiston, Northwest and Dubai Jazz Festivals.

Mr. Kelly’s "New York-based organ trio" is made up of Rochester, New York based guitarist Bob Sneider (Chuck Mangione, Nat Adderley, Gene Ludwig & Lou Donaldson) and Elmira, New York based organist Dino Losito (Houston Person, Eric Alexander, Nancy Kelly & Joe Romano). Devin's "California-based organ trio" features guitarist Gary Solt (Nancy Wilson, Clark Terry, Don Rader) & organist Joe Bagg (Anthony Wilson, Jon Daversa, Larry Coryell & Bill Holman).

In addition to playing jazz, Devin works as a studio percussionist for Sonicsmiths & Cinesamples, sampling software companies based in Los Angeles & New York City. Many leading television, film and video game composers use their products.

First Things First

Trio Esperança - A Capela Do Brasil

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:18
Size: 122.0 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Brazilian traditions
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[2:42] 1. Aquarela Do Brasil
[2:30] 2. Casaco Marrom
[3:11] 3. O Pato
[3:23] 4. Qualquer Coisa
[3:36] 5. Aquele Um
[2:32] 6. La Vie En Rose
[2:11] 7. Corcovado
[4:06] 8. Coisa Feita
[2:19] 9. Comecar De Novo
[0:27] 10. De Passagem
[2:58] 11. Gold Heranca
[1:35] 12. Watashi (Sapporo 76)
[4:04] 13. Rua Ramalhete
[2:52] 14. Expresso 2222
[2:31] 15. O Que Sera (A Flor Da Pele)
[2:25] 16. Conversa De Botequim
[3:05] 17. Toada
[3:19] 18. San Vicente
[3:23] 19. Deixa Isso Pra La

The Trio Esperança was formed in 1958 by siblings Mário Correia José Maria, Regina Correia José Maria, and Eva Correia José Maria (Evinha), who were respectively ten, 12, and seven at the time. They debuted in radio in 1961, at Rádio Mundial (RJ), soon recording their first single, Menino do Amendoim (José Messias), through Odeon. In 1963 the group recorded their first LP, Nós Somos o Sucesso, which contained their first hit, "Filme Triste" ("Loudermilk" adaptation by Romeu Silva). Many of their songs fell into the then-popular jovem guarda category, such as "Festa do Bolinha" (Roberto Carlos/Erasmo Carlos), "Gasparzinho" (Renato Correia), and other similar tunes. Until 1968, the year in which Evinha departed for her solo career, the trio recorded five LPs. Joined by another sister, Marisa Correia José Maria, the trio recorded seven more LPs and CDs by 1999, remaining active in Europe during that time. They also incorporated a variety of musical styles into their repertoire, including MPB. ~Alvaro Neder

A Capela Do Brasil

Lester Young, Teddy Wilson Quartet - Pres & Teddy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:09
Size: 98.8 MB
Styles: Standards, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:11] 1. All Of Me
[7:39] 2. Prisoner Of Love
[5:20] 3. Louise
[6:52] 4. Love Me Or Leave Me
[5:12] 5. Taking A Chance On Love
[6:32] 6. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[6:21] 7. Prez Returns

Bass – Gene Ramey; Drums – Jo Jones; Piano – Teddy Wilson; Tenor Saxophone – Lester Young.

Although it has been written much too often that Lester Young declined rapidly from the mid-'40s on, the truth is that when he was healthy, Young played at his very best during the '50s, adding an emotional intensity to his sound that had not been present during the more carefree days of the '30s. This classic session, a reunion with pianist Teddy Wilson and drummer Jo Jones (bassist Gene Ramey completes the quartet), finds the great tenor in particularly expressive form. His rendition of "Prisoner of Love" is quite haunting, the version of "All of Me" is also memorable, and all of the swing standards (which are joined by his original "Pres Returns") are well worth hearing. This date (which has been reissued on CD) was recorded the day after Young's other classic from his late period, Jazz Giants '56. ~Scott Yanow

Pres & Teddy

Davina & The Vagabonds - Nicollet & Tenth

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:46
Size: 152.8 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz/blues
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Knock Me A Kiss
[2:22] 2. Black Cloud
[3:25] 3. Sunshine
[2:31] 4. Ain't That A Shame
[3:45] 5. Louisiana Fairytale
[5:20] 6. Shake That Thing
[2:31] 7. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water
[7:07] 8. You Must Be Losing Your Mind
[3:27] 9. Lipstick And Chrome
[2:50] 10. Start Runnin'
[5:07] 11. I'd Rather Go Blind
[3:03] 12. Red Shoes
[3:25] 13. Pocket
[2:42] 14. Trav'lin' All Alone
[4:00] 15. 5 Ft 2
[2:32] 16. Bee Sting
[5:26] 17. St. James Infirmary
[3:59] 18. His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Over the past several years, Davina And The Vagabonds have been building an audience around the globe. Their shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments that evoke Kurt Weill, and tender gospel passages. Singer/pianist Davina Sowers’ presence is indelible, while her voice defies simple categorization. Evoking comparisons as diverse as Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday and Betty Boop, she is simply a true original, presenting a personal vision that celebrates a century of American music. ~Matt Marshall

Nicollet & Tenth

Bob James & Kirk Whalum - Joined At The Hip

Styles: Keyboards And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:08
Size: 144,9 MB
Art: Front

(10:04)  1. Soweto
( 6:01)  2. Kickin' Back
( 5:19)  3. Out Of The Cold
( 8:15)  4. Deja Blue
( 5:47)  5. Midnight At The Oasis
( 7:17)  6. Tell Me Something Nice
( 6:35)  7. Tour De Fourths
( 5:15)  8. The Ghetto
( 8:31)  9. The Prayer

Bob James learned the value of give and take between musicians, along with the fine art of collaboration, from his early experiences on the road with mentor Sarah Vaughan. Later, when he became an artist in his own right, he did more than simply take those lessons to heart -- he built a great part of his storied career on landmark duet recordings with David Sanborn, Earl Klugh, and Fourplay. Remembering what it was like to be young, gifted, and hungry to learn, James not only became an icon to a new generation of contemporary jazz performers, but also personal mentor to one of the genre's most respected young players, saxman Kirk Whalum. After many appearances on each other's solo efforts since the mid-80's, Whalum and James are now on equal terms, Joined at the Hip for a project more spontaneous and soulful than most of their recent output. Keeping that adventurous spontaneity going are the duo's inventive support band of guitarist Jeff Golub, bassist Chris Walker, and drummer Billy Kilson all inspired choices neither had previously worked with. 

The fresh approaches of these new collaborators helps make Joined at the Hip unique from any previous James/Whalum recording. Golub is particularly sharp, easing from rock distortion to funky blues while soloing with all the fiery intensity of his own two solo discs on the no-holds-barred "Out of the Cold." He also adds edgy emotion to the dark tones of "Tell Me Something Nice." Tilson captures the spirit of the project with his crucial input on the playful "Kicking Back." As James explains it, Tilson sat at his kit and started pounding out a rhythm, which James then noodled over to create the initial framework of the playful "Kicking Back."~ Jonathan Widran https://www.allmusic.com/album/joined-at-the-hip-mw0000073167

Personnel: Kirk Whalum (saxophone); Bob James (keyboards, synthesizer); Kevin Whalum (vocals, chant); Hilary James (vocals); Chris Walker (chant); Hiram Bullock, Jeff Golub (guitar); Billy Kilson (drums)                

Joined At The Hip

Louis Hayes - Nightfall

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop 
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:23
Size: 145,5 MB
Art: Front

( 4:32)  1. Route 88 East
( 8:30)  2. Sun Showers
( 7:46)  3. Nightfall
( 9:12)  4. Marie Antoinette
(10:45)  5. There's Something About You I Don't Know
( 5:49)  6. André
(10:26)  7. I Waited For You
( 6:19)  8. The Spoiler

A superior hard bop drummer best known for supporting soloists rather than taking the spotlight himself, Louis Hayes led a band in Detroit as a teenager and was with Yusef Lateef during 1955-1956. He had three notable associations: Horace Silver's Quintet (1956-1959), the Cannonball Adderley Quintet (1959-1965), and the Oscar Peterson Trio (1965-1967). Hayes often teamed up with bassist Sam Jones, both with Adderley and Peterson and in freelance settings. He led a variety of groups during the 1970s, including quintets co-led by Junior Cook and Woody Shaw, and appeared on many records through the years with everyone from John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor to McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, and Dexter Gordon. He started leading his own sessions beginning in the '70s, including 1974's Breath of Life, 1977's Real Thing, and 1979's Ichi-Ban. Other well-received albums followed, including 1983's Colour, 1989's Una Max, 1994's Blue Lou, and 1996's Louis at Large. Hayes continued to stay busy in the 2000s, releasing albums like 2002's Dreamin' of Cannonball and 2009's Time Keeper. On his 2017 Blue Note album, Serenade for Horace, Hayes paid tribute to his friend and former boss the late pianist Horace Silver. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/louis-hayes-mn0000237496/biography

Personnel: Louis Hayes (drums); Gerald Hayes (alto saxophone); Eddie Allen (trumpet); Larry Willis (piano).

Nightfall

Esbjorn Svensson Trio - 301

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:05
Size: 141,0 MB
Art: Front

( 3:42)  1. Behind the Stars
(11:51)  2. Inner City, City Lights
(13:35)  3. The Left Lane
( 3:33)  4. Houston, the 5th
( 5:49)  5. Three Falling Free Part I
(14:36)  6. Three Falling Free Part II
( 7:56)  7. The Childhood Dream

Australia in January 2007, the height of summer, a time for relaxing on the beach and for taking it easy in the post-Christmas comedown but not for the Esbjörn Svensson Trio. Hiring Sydney's Studio 301 for a couple of days, the band spent its time jamming and improvising, yielding what would seemingly be the groundbreaking trio's final studio album, Leucocyte (ACT, 2008), for Svensson's untimely death was less than 18 months away. In late 2011, bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Ostrom returned to the unreleased music and, in collaboration with sound engineer Åke Linton, prepared 301. 301 refers to the recording studio, but it can also be read "3 as 1" or "3 minus 1." Semiologists might wish to linger on those options, but for e.s.t.'s many fans, the music remains the priority. Unsurprisingly, there is a distinct similarity in sound between 301 and Leucocyte: a mix of acoustic instrumentation and electronica in which first one, then the other, takes center stage. Of the electronica-led tunes, the most successful is "Three Falling Free Part II." Öström's powerful drumming dominates initially, and a heavy dose of electronically created noises gives the tune a decidedly prog-rock sensibility e.s.t. channeling the spirit of ELP. The overall feel is pretty lighthearted, but elsewhere there are times when the electronics tend to detract from, rather than enhance, the acoustic instruments. The wholly electronic "Houston The 5th" sounds oddly anachronistic and out of place.

When the bass, piano and drums are given control, the organic beauty of e.s.t.'s music shines through. "The Childhood Dream" combines Svensson's delicately sorrowful piano with Berglund's restrained bass playing and Öström's hand drums, the result sounding like a valediction. "Behind The Stars" is a Svensson solo, apart from Berglund's occasional sparse arco bass. It's a graceful, contemplative ballad. On "Three Falling Free Part I," Svensson's moving, emotive piano has a real "after hours" sound thrown into relief by the freer, more fragmented bass and drums. By contrast, the lengthy "The Left Lane" is a more upbeat, jaunty number. Driven by Öström's percussion groove, Svensson and Berglund gradually rack up the tension across 13 minutes, before the release comes with the bassist's pizzicato solo. It's a quartet of tunes that stand with the best of the e.s.t. canon. 

The jazz and rock catalogs are littered with posthumously released recordings that do nothing to enhance the reputation of the musicians concerned. There need be no such concern about this album. 301 carries on where its predecessor left off. While it doesn't feel quite so innovative it does, after all, appear four years after Leucocyte it's still stylish and at times hauntingly beautiful. It's a worthy, welcome reminder of the majesty of e.s.t. ~ Bruce Lindsay https://www.allaboutjazz.com/301-esbjorn-svensson-act-music-review-by-bruce-lindsay.php

Personnel: Esbjörn Svensson: piano, electronics, transistor radio; Dan Berglund: double bass, electronics; Magnus Öström: drums, voices, electronics.

301

McCoy Tyner Trio - Bon Voyage

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:40
Size: 127,3 MB
Art: Front

(10:29)  1. Bon Voyage
( 6:12)  2. Summertime
( 4:59)  3. Don't Blame Me
( 4:32)  4. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
( 8:52)  5. Jazz Walk
( 7:42)  6. How Deep Is The Ocean
( 4:41)  7. Yesterdays
( 7:11)  8. Blues For Max

Not one of McCoy Tyner's better known CDs, this trio session is nevertheless one worth acquiring. The thunderous title track is not even hampered much by Avery Sharpe's switch to electric bass, though the bassist is far superior on "Summertime" where he can show off his bowing skills in a waltz setting. Tyner is at his lyrical best on "Don't Blame Me," accompanied by Hayes' soft brushwork; though his formidable technique is incredible on his solo performance of "Yesterdays," foreshadowing his brilliant solo CDs that he would record for Blue Note in the immediate future. Although six of the eight tracks are labeled out of order, this release is definitely one worth picking up.~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/bon-voyage-mw0000690148

Personnel: McCoy Tyner (piano); Louis Hayes (drums).     

Bon Voyage

Joyce Moreno - Fiz Uma Viagem (Songs of Dorival Caymmi)

Styles: Vocal, Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:23
Size: 132,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:32)  1. Maracangalha
(2:59)  2. Fiz uma viagem
(4:08)  3. Sábado em Copacabana
(2:22)  4. Vatapá
(5:03)  5. Não tem solução
(8:16)  6. História de pescadores
(4:51)  7. Nunca mais
(5:02)  8. Maricotinha
(3:28)  9. Canoeiro
(2:34) 10. Saudade de Itapoã
(3:16) 11. Nesta rua tão deserta
(2:32) 12. Acalanto
(4:14) 13. Canto de Nanã

Over the course of an international career, Joyce (aka Joyce Moreno) has recorded over 21 solo discs and over 300 of her songs by some of the greatest names in Brazilian and international music, such as Flora Purim, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, Gal Costa, and others. Her compositions have been featured in television, theater, and film soundtracks, such as The Player by Robert Altman. Touring internationally every year, she consolidated herself as an original artist with a distinctive voice and a personal compositional style predominantly celebrating her femininity. Her first recording, as a member of a vocal group, was in 1964 on the LP Conjunto Sambacana. Her first solo album, titled Joyce (Philips), was released in 1968. The album wasn't successful because it already had Joyce's pioneering trademark: a female subject singing in the first person, which was a difficult thing to swallow back then. She recorded two albums for that label (the next being Encontro Marcado in 1969), with extremely competent arrangers Dorival Caymmi, Gaya, and Luiz Eça, but the consolidation of her musical style would only come later. In 1970, she joined the group A Tribo, which had important musicians like Nelson Ângelo, Toninho Horta, Novelli, and Naná Vasconcelos (later replaced by drummer Nenê). Backed by them, she recorded a four-track record for EMI, with "Caqui," "Adeus Maria Fulô," "Nada Será Como Antes," and "The Man from the Avenue" (1971). After signing with Odeon in 1972, she teamed up with Nelson Ângelo to record Nelson Ângelo & Joyce . 

After taking a break from performing, she returned in 1975 after an invitation from Vinícius de Moraes to accompany him on an international tour both as a singer and as a guitar player. On one of the tour stops, Rome, Joyce met the Italian producer Sergio Bardotti, who produced an album with her for the Italian label Fonit-Cetra, Urban Bird (released in Brazil by Continental as Passarinho Urbano two years later). In 1977 she moved to New York, where she committed herself to record an album produced by Claus Ogerman featuring Michael Brecker and other brilliant musicians, but it was never released. However, that short stint with American jazz musicians confirmed her own style. In 1980, her song "Clareana" (with Mauricio Maestro), a lullaby dedicated to her daughters Clara and Ana, was successful at that year's MPB festival, becoming a national hit, a fact that put her career in perspective. Her songs became successfully recorded by such stars as Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, Maria Bethânia, and many others.  Signing a new contract with EMI, Joyce recorded Feminina (1980), her first self-created solo work. The next LP, Água e Luz, featured virtuoso accordionist Sivuca. Her own independent production of Tardes Cariocas (1984) was fruitful, as the album was awarded Best Independent Album of the Year. Saudade do Futuro (Pointer, 1985) earned her an invitation from the Yamaha festival in Japan. This was followed by an album with limited distribution on the Funarte label in conjuction with Continental, which was devoted to the important sambista Wilson Batista (Wilson Batista, Samba Foi Sua Glória, 1986). 

With her international career at full speed, Joyce recorded albums in Brazil, the U.S. (Verve), Japan, and Germany. During the '90s, in the heat of the dance-oriented "new bossa" or "drum'n'bossa" movement, her music had additional impetus in Europe, more specifically in England. In 1997 she released a book chronicling the behind-the-scenes world of MPB, Fotografei Você na Minha Rolleyflex (MultiMais Editorial). Moreno finished out the decade with two acclaimed albums, 1998's Astronauta: Cancões de Elis on Blue Jackel and 1999's Hard Bossa, her first recording for the U.K's Far Out label. Her relationship with Far Out fostered a true renaissance for the singer. The 21st century saw Joyce immersed in a whirlwind of activity. In 2000 she issued Tudo Bonito on Sony, followed a year later by Gafieira Moderna on Far Out in the U.K. and Biscoito Fino in Brazil. Joyce and husband Tutty Moreno her producer and drummer toured behind both recordings, which prevented her from recording again until late 2002. The splendid Bossa Duets album was issued by Sony in 2003. In 2004 Joyce issued a global hit record that has become a classic entry in her catalog: Just a Little Bit Crazy, backed by Banda Maluca (led by pianist Bugge Wesseltoft). It was released by Far Out everywhere but Brazil, where it was issued by Biscoito Fino. 

The album was so widely celebrated that it was followed by a live DVD documenting its supporting tour.  Moreno didn't rest on her laurels, however: she recorded an album with Dori Caymmi entitled Rio Bahia for Far Out in 2005. She and Tutty shared billing on the excellent Samba-Jazz & Outras Bossas in 2007, again for Far Out. She issued a live CD/DVD combo package, Ao Vivo, in 2008. In 2009 Far Out released Visions of Dawn, a gorgeous lost album recorded with Naná Vasconcelos (percussion) and Mauricio Maestro (bass, electric bass, producer) in Paris in 1976. The year 2009 also saw Celebrating Jobim with the WDR Big Band released exclusively in Japan, and the Brazil-only Slow Music on Biscoito Fino. Moreno toured almost incessantly during 2010 before returning to the studio. These sessions also for Far Out became the completely solo Rio de Janeiro, which saw release at the end of 2011. It was followed by Tudo, a collection of bossas, sambas, and jazzy ballads with her trio -- husband Tutty Moreno on percussion and pianist Hélio Alves. To celebrate her 50th anniversary as a recording artist, she released Raiz (translated Roots) in January of 2015, a collection of iconic bossa standards with her trio and bassist Rodolfo Stroeter. ~ Alvaro Neder  https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joyce-mn0000292876/biography                      

Fiz Uma Viagem (Songs of Dorival Caymmi)

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Rosemary Clooney, Duke Ellington & His Orchestra - Blue Rose

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:14
Size: 101.3 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Big band
Year: 1956/2008
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. Hey Baby
[2:57] 2. Sophisticated Lady
[2:28] 3. Me And You
[4:33] 4. Passion Flower
[2:37] 5. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
[2:48] 6. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[4:10] 7. Grievin'
[2:21] 8. Blue Rose
[3:09] 9. I'm Checkin' Out, Goombye
[3:07] 10. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
[6:28] 11. Mood Indigo
[3:01] 12. If You Were In My Place (What Would You Do )
[2:39] 13. Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin'

Billy Strayhorn conceived of this 1956 album while watching Duke perform in New York; it's all Strayhorn compositions arranged by the master himself, with Ro Clooney the perfect vocalist for the job.

Blue Rose

Jimmy Gourley, Barney Wilen - Double Action

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:20
Size: 131.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Jazz-blues
Year: 1999/2006
Art: Front

[8:45] 1. Goodbye
[3:26] 2. Blues For Gene
[3:23] 3. Four And Six
[3:13] 4. Summertime
[4:39] 5. C.T.A
[4:59] 6. Denzil's Best
[8:29] 7. Embraceable You
[7:27] 8. Body And Soul
[4:03] 9. Tafira Alta
[4:05] 10. Autumn Leaves
[4:45] 11. Blue Lester

Bass – Dominique Lemerle; Drums – Philippe Combelle; Guitar – Jimmy Gourley; Tenor Saxophone – Barney Wilen. Recorded the 23 December 1987 at "Théâtre Jean-Marie Serraut" Paris.

Gourley was born in St. Louis in 1926. He met saxophonist Lee Konitz in Chicago when both were members of the same high school band. He credits Konitz with encouraging him to become a serious musician. Gourley's father started the Monarch Conservatory of Music in Hammond, Indiana, though he didn't teach, and he bought Gourley his first guitar. Gourley took his first guitar classes at the school. He became interested in jazz while listening to the radio, enjoying in particular Nat King Cole. For his first professional experience as a performer, he dropped out of high school to play with a jazz band in Oklahoma City.

From 1944–1946, Gourley served in the U.S. Navy. After he returned to Chicago, he met guitarist Jimmy Raney and wanted to play like him. He worked in bars and clubs with Jackie Cain & Roy Kral, Anita O'Day, Sonny Stitt, and Gene Ammons. Through the G.I. Bill, he received tuition for three years to any college in the world.

Beginning in 1951, Gourley spent the rest of his life in France, working with Henri Renaud, Lou Bennett, Kenny Clarke, Richard Galliano, Stéphane Grappelli, Bobby Jaspar, Eddy Louiss, Martial Solal, and Barney Wilen. He played with American musicians who were passing through, including Bob Brookmeyer, Clifford Brown, Stan Getz, Gigi Gryce, Roy Haynes, Lee Konitz, Bud Powell, Zoot Sims, Lucky Thompson, and Lester Young.

Double Action   

LeeAnn Ledgerwood - Compassion

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:51
Size: 141.6 MB
Styles: Bop, piano jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[ 7:34] 1. After The Rain
[ 5:42] 2. 5th House
[ 6:21] 3. Love
[ 6:40] 4. Venus
[11:15] 5. Naima
[ 3:42] 6. Resolution
[ 5:17] 7. Wise One
[10:50] 8. Compassion
[ 4:25] 9. I Wanna Talk About You

For this solo piano album, LeeAnn Ledgerwood performs eight John Coltrane compositions plus the ballad "I Want to Talk About You." To her credit, she does not just play some of 'Trane's better-known tunes but explores some of his obscurities, including those from his last period. It is not too common to hear solo piano versions of "5th House," "Venus," "Resolution," and "Compassion." Ledgerwood puts plenty of feeling into her interpretations and, without copying McCoy Tyner or Alice Coltrane, she is able to bring back the spirit of this often-forgotten music while not de-emphasizing her own musical personality. This is a well-conceived release that rewards repeated listenings. ~Scott Yanow

Compassion

Joey McIntyre - Talk To Me

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:30
Size: 88.1 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[3:55] 1. The Way You Look Tonight
[4:04] 2. I Get A Kick Out Of You
[3:43] 3. My Funny Valentine
[3:43] 4. Bewitched
[3:04] 5. Come Dance With Me
[2:55] 6. Talk To Me
[3:01] 7. Makin' Whoopee
[3:31] 8. Moon River
[4:26] 9. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:10] 10. I've Got The World On A String
[2:52] 11. All The Way

In this latest album McIntyre pays homage to his boyhood idol Frank Sinatra. By finally recording an album of standards he also does his father proud! Long ago, in another life, Joey McIntyre was the baby faced member of THE original boy band, "New Kids on the Block". When that group parted ways after a decade of mega stardom Joey took time to return to his acting roots before returning to the record business. In 1999 he sealed his fate as a pop artist with a solo release that got air play across the country, sold well and put him back on the map and on our TV sets climbing the TRL charts. Subsequent albums did not get as much attention but "Talk to Me" puts him back on the map. McIntyre covers classics like "All the Way" and "My Funny Valentine" with ease. His respect for the music is tangible. Joey also takes a light hearted approach to tunes such as "Makin' Whoopee" and "Come Dance With Me" which are stamped with his unique sense of style. With this release, a whole new generation of listeners has a chance to embrace this sound! Long time fans will not be disappointed and new listeners will no doubt be pleasantly surprised. In my opinion this album is McIntyre at his best! ~L.A. Malone

Talk To Me

Buddy Tate - Buddy Tate & His Buddies

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:25
Size: 99.4 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1973/1994
Art: Front

[ 8:16] 1. Rockaway
[ 6:15] 2. Medi 2
[ 7:39] 3. Paris Nights
[10:04] 4. When I'm Blue
[11:10] 5. Sunday

Bass – Milt Hinton; Drums – Gus Johnson; Guitar – Steve Jordan; Piano – Mary Lou Williams; Tenor Saxophone – Buddy Tate, Illinois Jacquet; Trumpet – Roy Eldridge.

Jam sessions featuring swing veterans were not that common an occurence on record during the early '70s, making Hank O'Neal's Chiaroscuro label both ahead of and behind the times. This CD reissue is most notable for having pianist Mary Lou Williams (who rarely was invited to this type of freewheeling session) as one of the key soloists. Also heard from are the tenors of Buddy Tate and Illinois Jacquet and the aging but still exciting trumpeter Roy Eldridge; the backup players are rhythm guitarist Steve Jordan, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Gus Johnson. Together they jam three group originals, Buck Clayton's "Rockaway" and the standard "Sunday" and, although falling short of being a classic, this infectious and consistently swinging music is worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow

Buddy Tate & His Buddies

Louis Smith Sextet - Strike Up The Band

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:44
Size: 159,9 MB
Art: Front

(10:31)  1. I Hear A Rhapsody (Frejus-Baker-Gasparre)
( 6:33)  2. It's All Right (Edwards)
( 8:15)  3. Don't Misunderstand (Parks)
( 7:38)  4. Edwaa (L. Smith)
(10:45)  5. Stablemates (B. Golson)
( 9:06)  6. Lover (Rodgers)
( 9:10)  7. Night and Day (C. Porter)
( 7:43)  8. Strike Up The Band (Gershwin)

This session, under the leadership of trumpeter Louis Smith, brings hard bop veterans together with a couple newcomers who were at the time helping to revive the style. This is the kind of recording session where one gets a taste of the fireworks that would result from a live jam session featuring the participants. Each soloist launches into the heart of the tune, cutting out the preliminaries and never reaching the heights more extended blowing would allow. Each song gives the frontline and pianist Kevin Hays a chance to have their say. The hornmen have complementary yet distinctive approaches. Tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, like Smith a former member of Horace Silver's combo, is a study in soulful reserve, whittling statements from the grain of the tunes. Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, in contrast, plays with barely restrained passion. He can't seem to wait to burst into doubletime. On &"Stablemates" he picks up Cook's last phrase and rips ahead like the anchor runner on a relay team. The leader's style has Cook's restraint matched with Herring's penchant for rapid fire runs. No matter how fast he plays, though, he never loses his knack for plucking the plumpest notes off the chords. That harmonic structure is well rooted by the rhythm section, especially bassist Steve LaSpina. On the ballad &"Don't Misunderstand", LaSpina burrows deep to create a melodic as well as harmonic counterline to Smith's tender theme and variations. 
~ David Dupont https://www.allmusic.com/album/strike-up-the-band-mw0000978277  

Personnel:  Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Louis Smith ;  Alto Saxophone – Vincent Herring;  Bass – Steve LaSpina;  Drums – Leroy Williams;  Piano – Kevin Hays;  Tenor Saxophone – Junior Cook

Strike Up The Band

Kristin Chenoweth - Some Lessons Learned

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:10
Size: 103,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. I Was Here
(3:11)  2. I Want Somebody (Bitch About)
(3:13)  3. Fathers And Daughters
(2:48)  4. What Would Dolly Do
(2:58)  5. God And Me
(3:16)  6. Change
(3:23)  7. What More Do You Want
(3:48)  8. Wreck You
(2:43)  9. I Didn't
(4:03) 10. Borrowed Angels
(3:37) 11. What If We Never
(4:11) 12. Mine To Love
(4:16) 13. Lessons Learned

Having already won an Emmy for her stints in Pushing Daises and Glee, and a Tony Award for her leading roles in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Wicked, Broadway veteran Kristin Chenoweth could well have to make room on her mantelpiece for a Grammy with her fourth studio album, Some Lessons Learned. Eschewing the musical standards of her 2001 debut, Let Yourself Go and the Christian AOR of 2005's As I Am (although the latter's "Borrowed Angels" does appear here in a slightly altered version), the follow-up to her holiday-themed A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas, sees the versatile singer/actress instead go back to her roots on 13 tracks inspired by the country songs she used to sing while growing up in Oklahoma. It's a change in direction which perfectly suits her distinctive nasal twang, especially on the more uptempo numbers, such as the tongue-in-cheek search for unconditional love of "I Want Somebody (Bitch About)," the radio-friendly Shania Twain-esque "What More Do You Want," and the jaunty, old-fashioned honky tonk of "I Didn't." But unsurprisingly, she's just as adept on the slower numbers, as she emotively croons her way through the gentle, steel guitar-laden "God and Me," the fingerpicking acoustics of "Fathers and Daughters," and the faithful cover of Carrie Underwood's "Lessons Learned." Recorded in Nashville with producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel), in between her performances in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises, Chenoweth, perhaps understandably, occasionally fails to leave her show tune background behind, particularly on the soft rock power ballads "I Was Here" and "What If We Never," which sound like the kind of show stoppers Kurt and Rachel would belt out at the end of a Glee episode. But the spirit of childhood hero Dolly Parton is never far behind, as evident on an affectionate, lilting rendition of "Change" (from her 1996 album Something Special) and "What Would Dolly Do?," a self-penned tribute to the country icon packed with toe-tapping rhythms, doo wop vocals, and rockabilly riffs. Her most high-profile release to date, Some Lessons Learned is a convincing first attempt to embrace the mainstream, which suggests that Chenoweth can now add authentic country-pop singer to the list of her many talents. ~ Jon O'Brien https://www.allmusic.com/album/some-lessons-learned-mw0002190092

Some Lessons Learned

Jerry Bergonzi - Wiggy

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:06
Size: 120,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. Just In Time
(5:04)  2. Wiggy
(5:16)  3. Inside Out
(7:25)  4. A Different Look
(9:45)  5. Channeling
(6:23)  6. Comitted
(6:07)  7. New In The Neighborhood
(5:10)  8. Doing The Tron

Jerry Bergonzi's third Double-Time release again features the potent backing of organist Dan Wall and drummer Adam Nussbaum (both members of John Abercrombie's mid-'90s trio). After kicking off with a 7/4 rendition of "Just in Time," the trio tackles seven crafty originals. Bergonzi slams like a hurricane, particularly on "A Different Look" and "Channeling." (The latter, based on "Alone Together," fades after nine minutes or so, suggesting that the take went on for quite a while.) This fiery and advanced post-Coltrane tenor can do more than just burn, however, as "Wiggy," a marvelous mid-tempo piece, and "Committed," an inspired ballad, make clear. Highly recommended. 
~ David R.Adler https://www.allmusic.com/album/wiggy-mw0000098554

Personnel: Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Dan Wall (Hammond B-3 organ); Adam Nussbaum (drums).                

Wiggy

Mose Allison - Down Home Piano

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:09
Size: 89,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. Dinner On The Ground
(3:47)  2. Crepuscular Air
(3:57)  3. Mule
(4:39)  4. Creek Bank
(3:27)  5. Town
(4:08)  6. Devil In The Cane Field
(3:33)  7. The Minstrels
(4:06)  8. Moon And Cypress
(3:04)  9. Carnival
(4:05) 10. Mojo Woman

Although Mose Allison is perhaps best known for his enjoyably idiosyncratic vocal style, he is first and foremost a marvelous piano player with a unique style pitched somewhere between a New Orleans bordello and the rhythmic and harmonic experimentation of Thelonious Monk or Sun Ra. This well-chosen 1966 compilation (released after Allison had split for Atlantic Records) pulls together ten of his best instrumentals from four of his six Prestige albums, and it makes a strong case for Allison as one of the most inventive piano players and composers of his generation. 

The selection runs from the definitive performance of Allison's signature ballad "Crepuscular Air" (which foreshadows nearly the entire career of West Coast cool pianist Vince Guaraldi) to the witty, technically impressive and musically joyous post-bop workouts "Devil in the Cane Field" and "The Minstrels." Throughout, Allison's interplay with his longtime bassist Addison Farmer is fantastic; Allison's left-hand walking bass runs are usually in counterpoint to Farmer's inspired comping, adding greatly to the songs' rhythmic complexity. Mostly, however, Down Home Piano is just enormous fun to listen to. ~  Stewart Mason  https://www.allmusic.com/album/down-home-piano-mw0000593830

Personal : Piano – Mose Allison;  Bass – Addison Farme;  Drums – Nick Stabulas, Ronnie Free

Down Home Piano

Bob Baldwin - Music With a Message

Styles: Jazz, Jazz Funk 
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:09
Size: 88,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. Where's That Smile
(3:56)  2. Be Blessed (No Stress)
(4:19)  3. Global Warming
(4:44)  4. Make Love, Not War
(4:04)  5. Stand Tall 3000
(7:09)  6. Ukuphila (The Healing Song)
(4:15)  7. Be Blessed (No Stress)
(4:58)  8. Stand Tall 3000

Pianist, composer, arranger, and producer Bob Baldwin is an adept performer known for his many contemporary jazz albums. Born in 1960 in Mount Vernon, New York, Baldwin was first introduced to the piano around age four by his father, bassist and pianist Robert Baldwin, Sr. By his teens, Baldwin was listening heavily to jazz and R&B. After high school he attended Geneva College, where he earned a business degree, and later even worked as an accountant. However, all the while, he continued developing his music skills and by the '80s had transferred to a full-time performer and recording career. As a solo artist, he debuted in 1990 with A Long Way to Go, an album that also garnered him the Sony Innovator in Music Award. Buoyed by this early accolade, Baldwin embarked on a successful run of albums including 1992's Reflections of Love and 1997's Cool Breeze. An in-demand sideman, Baldwin also found work with a bevy of name artists including Marion Meadows, Regina Carter, Will Downing, Pieces of a Dream, and many more.

During the early 2000's Baldwin stayed active, releasing a steady stream of albums, many of which reached the Top 20 on Billboard's Jazz charts, including 2000's BobBaldwin.com, 2002's Standing Tall, 2005's All in a Day's Work, 2008's NewUrbanJazz.com, and 2009's Lookin' Back. In 2010, he put his smooth jazz twist on the King of Pop's sound with Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson. NewUrbanJazz.com2: Re-Vibe appeared a year later. Baldwin then delivered another soul-themed homage with Betcha by Golly Wow: The Songs of Thom Bell in 2012. In 2013, he celebrated his 20th anniversary as a recording artist with Twenty. The Stevie Wonder tribute album, MelloWonder: Songs in the Key of Stevie, appeared in 2015. In 2016, Baldwin explored his love of bossa nova and the compositions of Brazilian artists like Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, and Sergio Mendes with The Brazilian-American Soundtrack. ~ Matt Collar https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/music-with-a-message/id1305503937

Music With a Message