Dave Pell Octet - Love Story

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:00
Size: 99,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:31)  1. Can't We Be Friends
(2:15)  2. I've Got A Crush On You
(3:34)  3. I've Got A Geeling I'm Falling
(3:31)  4. Love The Sweetest Thing
(3:31)  5. If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
(3:07)  6. Let's Do It
(3:14)  7. You Can't Pull The Wool Over My Eyes
(4:56)  8. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered
(3:03)  9. Just One More Chance
(4:20) 10. Who Walks In When I Walk Out
(4:33) 11. Solitude
(3:19) 12. I've Found A New Baby

?Dave Pell started out touring with the Tony Pastor, Bob Astor, and Bobby Sherwood bands as a teenager, before moving to California in the mid-'40s. He found work with Bob Crosby on the latter's Ford radio show in 1946, then played with the Les Brown band from 1947 to 1955. Drawing from the ranks of the Brown band, he began leading his own groups in 1953, usually in an octet format, augmented by guests like Pepper Adams, Benny Carter, Mel Lewis, Red Mitchell, Marty Paich, and Art Pepper. He also played as a sideman on records by Shorty Rogers, Pete Rugolo, Benny Goodman, and Gene Krupa in the 1950s, while recording under his own name for Atlantic, Kapp, Coral, Capitol, and RCA Victor. 

His primary focus of activity in the 1950s and '60s was in the record business, working as a producer for the budget Tops label in the '50s, and Liberty (where he supervised a few hit pop/rock records for Gary Lewis & the Playboys) and briefly Uni in the '60s. He formed a group in the late '70s called Prez Conference, a variation on the theme of Supersax, as a tribute to Lester Young, recording two albums for GNP/Crescendo. In the '80s and '90s, Pell revived his octet for recordings on the Fresh Sound (1984) and Headfirst (1988) labels, and sporadic live dates in the Los Angeles area, including an appearance at the Jazz West Coast festival in 1994. ~ Richard S.Ginell https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dave-pell-mn0000690700/biography

Personnel: Dave Pell (saxophone, tenor saxophone);  Maury Berman (baritone saxophone);  Don Fagerquist (trumpet);  Ray Sims (trombone);  Tony Rizzi (guitar);  Mel Pollan (bass);  Irv Kluger (drums).

Love Story

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Lils Mackintosh - 40 Years On Stage

Size: 101,9 MB
Time: 43:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Wild Is The Wind (3:32)
02. You've Changed (3:00)
03. Mr. Paganini (2:34)
04. You're Driving Me Crazy (2:54)
05. Nature Boy (3:00)
06. Blue Skies (3:16)
07. Round Midnight (6:07)
08. House Of The Rising Sun (3:04)
09. Swing It Brother Swing (2:09)
10. We Three (2:42)
11. You Don't Know What Love Is (4:48)
12. Stand By Me (3:25)
13. Perfect Day (2:57)

Lils Mackintosh (born June 11, 1955) is an award-winning jazz and blues singer and is considered one of the most distinguished artists in the Dutch jazz scene. Mackintosh has worked with the likes of Oscar Peterson, B.B. King, Scott Hamilton, Rita Reys, het Rosenberg Trio, Cor Bakker, Madeline Bell, Hans Dulfer, Candy Dulfer, Louis van Dijk, The Beets Brothers, Georgie Fame and the Dutch Swing College Band.

40 Years On Stage

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Chet Baker - Chet Baker's Last Recording As Quartet

Size: 169,6 MB
Time: 73:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Funk In Deep Freeze (Live) (17:05)
02. I'm A Fool To Want You (Live) (12:07)
03. Portrait In Black And White (Live) ( 7:10)
04. In A Sentimental Mood (Live) ( 6:08)
05. If I Should Lose You (Live) (15:54)
06. Arborway (15:03)

Personnel:
Chet Baker: trumpet, piano
Nicola Stilo: flute, guitar
Luca Flores: piano
Marc Abrams: bass

Recorded live at Rosenheim Jazz festival 17 April 1988.

Chet Baker was a primary exponent of the West Coast school of cool jazz in the early and mid-'50s. As a trumpeter, he had a generally restrained, intimate playing style and he attracted attention beyond jazz for his photogenic looks and singing. But his career was marred by drug addiction.

Chet Baker's Last Recording As Quartet

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Lena Nymark - Trapped In The Silence

Size: 105,9 MB
Time: 45:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Niece In Paris (2:26)
02. Beast In The Dark (3:59)
03. Flying Tuna (4:04)
04. Good Times (3:38)
05. Trapped In The Silence (4:16)
06. Black Hole (3:52)
07. Sad Ocean (3:52)
08. Western Australian Coral Pearl (4:17)
09. The Mirror (4:26)
10. No Soul Syndrome (4:54)
11. Sukkerspinn Av Glass (5:36)

Norwegian pop-jazz, singer-songwriter-flutist-clarinetist Lena Nymark sophomore solo album «Trapped In The Silence» brings again the issue of silence of our lives, as on one of her previous albums, «Beautiful Silence» (Grappa, 2014). It may be the quiet, peaceful surroundings of the Sula island where she lives or the long terms of silence that she needs to write her music. Nymark work in the last decade focused mainly on collaborations with percussionist Terje Isungset’s ice project and with fellow-Sula resident, clarinetist Jens Arne Molvær (father of trumpeter Nils Petter).

«Trapped In The Silence» was recorded at the pastoral studio of Ocean Sound Recordings in Giske, the same place that Nymark recorded «Beautiful Silence», and radiates similar innocent, disarming atmosphere, dipped in reserved melancholy. Nymark delivery – as a vocalist and flutist and clarinetist – is warm and clear, leaving enough space for pianist Dag-Filip Roaldsnes, bass player Jo Fougner Skaansar and drummer Stig Harald Rennestraum. Still, Nymark vocal delivery sound more natural and nuanced when she sings in Norwegian, with a playful Sula accent, on the last song «Sukkerspinn av glass», the only song that is sung in Norwegian.

Nymark suggests a series of touching, emotional environments in her songs, but careful not to surrender fully to these emotions. Even when she visualizes the winter darkness as the darkness inside her in «Beast in the Dark», a darkness that turns her «into a beast», she knows that she will turn this darkness into love. In the title song the gory images of a a deserted, angry lover do not match the restrained emotional envelope of the song. And on «No Soul Syndrome» she reaffirms her trust in love despite the realization that our world is filled with many «people with no soul».

Nymark most beautiful song on this album is «The Mirror», where she balances images of yearning, sea and aging with a delicate, poetic playing of all.

Trapped In The Silence

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Camane - Canta Marceneiro

Size: 146,7 MB
Time: 63:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Traditional Fado, World
Art: Front & Back

01. Cabare (2:48)
02. Quadras Soltas (3:23)
03. Bebado Pintor (5:35)
04. Olhos Fatais (4:40)
05. Senhora Do Monte (4:11)
06. Ironia (3:08)
07. O Louco (4:10)
08. A Lucinda Camareira (With Carlos Do Carmo) (4:44)
09. Mocita Dos Caracois (4:11)
10. Empate Dois A Dois (3:19)
11. O Remorso (5:58)
12. Despedida (5:09)
13. A Casa Da Mariquinhas (4:02)
14. Lembro-me De Ti (4:53)
15. O Pagem (3:11)

Personnel:
José Manuel Neto - Guitarra Portuguesa
Carlos Manuel Proença - Viola
Paulo Paz - Contrabaixo

Camané (born in Oeiras, 20 December 1966) as Carlos Manuel Moutinho Paiva dos Santos Duarte, is a male vocalist, and a forerunner of the new generation of fado male singers. "The greatest fadista since Amália Rodrigues and Maria da Fé," is how British biographer David Bret, describes him.

He started gaining recognition in Portugal in 1979 after winning the 'Grande Noite do Fado' (Great Fado Night). After this first step, he continued to consistently work toward commercial success with critically well-received albums and a concert tour that touched upon both large and small venues, including 'Casas de Fado' (fado clubs) in Lisbon. He toured outside Portugal to sold-out audiences throughout his European tour.

He has released six million-selling albums: Uma Noite de Fados (1995), Na Linha da Vida (1998) marking the beginning of three records produced by José Mário Branco, Esta Coisa da Alma (2000), Pelo Dia Dentro (2001), Como sempre... Como dantes (live in 2003), and Sempre De Mim (2008). These have been released in several European and Asian countries. He has been distinguished with several awards for his voice and talent.

Canta Marceneiro

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Simon Mulligan - American Songbook

Size: 143,9 MB
Time: 61:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Art: Front

01. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (2:43)
02. All Of Me (2:41)
03. Georgia On My Mind (5:06)
04. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (4:20)
05. Misty (5:40)
06. Lazy River (3:43)
07. Desafinado (5:53)
08. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (3:10)
09. Two Sleepy People (2:42)
10. Stardust (6:32)
11. It Had To Be You (2:27)
12. I Should Care (6:41)
13. As Time Goes By (4:20)
14. One For My Baby (5:29)

British pianist Simon Mulligan has been described by The Times of London as ‘the most abundantly gifted of pianists’, by Yehudi Menuhin as ‘one of the finest pianists I have ever had the pleasure of performing with’ and by Herbie Hancock as ‘phenomenal’. Following his début with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon has performed and recorded with the BBC Symphony, Detroit Symphony (under Slatkin), English Symphony Orchestra (Boughton), Warsaw Sinfonia (Menuhin), Hong Kong Philharmonic (Atherton), Malaysian Philharmonic, and the Royal National Scottish Orchestra (Serebrier) to name a few.

Simon made his first compact disc under the direction of Yehudi Menuhin, which led to a seven-year collaboration and friendship, culminating in what was to be Lord Menuhin's final concert in Düsseldorf. Since then, recording highlights include Piano for Sony Classical, featuring his own arrangements, compositions, and adaptations for piano and orchestra. Simon has also made compact discs for Universal, Decca, Nimbus and Naxos. His recording The Piano Music of Alexis Weissenberg for Nimbus, includes spontaneous improvisations recorded in the presence of the composer.

As a chamber musician, Simon collaborates with many notable artists. Simon was just nineteen when he began worldwide tours with ‘cellist Lynn Harrell. He soon began recital tours with violinist Joshua Bell, performing at every major international venue as well as a live broadcasts for Lincoln Center and the Grammy Awards. Simon has performed for President Barack Obama, Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family, and has collaborated with Dame Shirley Bassey, Branford Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Van Morrison, and Sting.

Alongside an extensive solo repertoire and almost sixty concertos, Simon’s focus on contemporary music has led to first performances of works by Hans Werner Henze, James MacMillan, Paul Moravec, Tobias Picker, Mark Anthony Turnage and Alexis Weissenberg. Simon’s passion for improvisation has featured in numerous publications including Downbeat, JazzTimes, International Pianist, and Gramophone. He enjoyed a close friendship with film composer Michael Kamen, and is soloist on Kamen’s album The New Moon in the Old Moon’s Arms (for Decca), with the BBC Symphony conducted by Leonard Slatkin. He also collaborated with Kamen and is featured on the soundtrack to the HBO television series Band of Brothers, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. As a jazz pianist, he gives concerts with his London quartet and New York trio.

Last season saw a Beethoven album release on Arkiv, performances at Colombia’s Mozart Festival and concerto appearances with Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Simon is a Steinway Artist and has recorded over forty hours of music for the Steinway Spirio, a new high-resolution playback piano.

A Music Scholar of St Paul’s School in London, Simon began his studies with Andrew Pledge, before winning a scholarship to study with Alexander Kelly at the Royal Academy of Music and Jacques Rouvier in Paris. He also studied Beethoven at the personal invitation of Alfred Brendel. Simon won a further scholarship to the International Piano Academy at Italy’s Lake Como where he began his studies under Alexis Weissenberg. Simon is one of the youngest recipients to be awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music for his musical achievements. He additionally counts among his mentors Charles Rosen and Murray Perahia.

American Songbook

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Lolo Gervais - Queen Of F_cking Sheba

Size: 114,3 MB
Time: 49:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Take On Me (2:32)
02. Boogie Oogie (4:54)
03. Hotel California (6:31)
04. Karma Chameleon (4:47)
05. Walk Like An Egyptian (2:37)
06. Cake By The Ocean (3:47)
07. Time After Time (5:20)
08. Don't Stop Believin (4:59)
09. Sweet Love (3:18)
10. Africa (5:31)
11. Tainted Love (1920's Party) (4:43)

"Queen of F*cking Sheba" is a romp rolling good time. The band has headed into these waters before with their previous three releases, but this one takes the cake. Literally, Cake By The Ocean is a track and it's kinda awesome. The tracks flaunt fun and inventive silliness but can't hide the players' obvious rich experience and love of Jazz, both for improvisation and danceable rhythms. There is an obvious nostalgia and respect for these compositions, and this album would delight any listener regardless of age or genre affiliation.

Queen Of F_cking Sheba

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Eric Gale - Multiplication

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:31
Size: 86,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:24)  1. Oh! Mary Don't You Weep
(5:55)  2. Thumper
(5:26)  3. Multiplication
(8:30)  4. Morning Glory
(4:53)  5. Gypsy Jello
(5:22)  6. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

A guitarist who was used for many R&B-oriented dates and occasionally played jazz, Eric Gale had an appealing sound and was best while performing lazy melodic blues. He was most significant to the jazz world in the early '70s, when he recorded often as a sideman for CTI, later on with the group Stuff, and on isolated tracks on his own sessions. Gale's fine 1987 EmArcy set In a Jazz Tradition shows what he could really do. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/lb/album/multiplication/id921843571

Personnel:  Eric Gale (Guitar); Willie Weeks (Bass); Charles McCracken , Richard Locker (Cello); Bob James  (Clavinet, Synthesizer, Producer); Steve Gadd (Drums); Ralph MacDonald (Percussion); Richard Tee (Piano, Organ); Jerry Dodgion (Saxophone Alto); George Marge (Saxophone Baritone); Eddie Daniels (Saxophone Tenor); Paul Faulise , Wayne Andre (Trombone); David Taylor (Trombone Bass); Jon Faddis , Lew Soloff , Marvin Stamm , Randy Brecker (Trumpet); Barry Finclair, Emanuel Vardi (Viola); David Nadien, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Lamar Alsop, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Max Pollikoff (Violin).

Multiplication

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Herlin Riley Quintet - Watch What You're Doing

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:15
Size: 129,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:28)  1. Watch What You're Doing
(8:53)  2. New York Walk
(4:05)  3. John Lewis
(5:16)  4. Soscalalah Blues
(6:45)  5. Sunshine in My Pocket
(5:57)  6. Coodie Coo
(5:28)  7. Warm All Over
(8:30)  8. Myrosa's Mirage
(5:49)  9. Blood Groove

While I’d hate to be accused of hyperbole, we’ll save a lot of time here if we just cut to the chase. Drummer Herlin Riley’s debut set as a leader is as strong a maiden voyage as anything in recent memory, along with being an early contender for one of the best new jazz releases of 2000. Taking a cue from boss Wynton Marsalis, Riley has assembled a diverse and devastatingly attractive set of nine originals that have been tailored to meet the needs of the ensemble at hand, very much in keeping with Ellington and Marsalis conventions. Even if you weren’t aware of Riley’s New Orleans heritage, the title track sports a buoyant second-line groove complete with those Southern spices, Victor Goines’ lusty baritone akin to James Carter’s forays on the instrument. Tweak things up a notch and you’ve got the up-tempo burner “New York Walk,” complete with an extended tag that launches some pyrotechnics from Riley at the tune’s conclusion. Creative voicings come your way with soprano sax and muted bone on “Coodie Coo,” an odd-metered line in 7/4. 

In fact, a break with conventional time signatures continues with “Myrosa’s Mirage” which is in five and with “Soscalalah Blues” which shuffles between a 12/8 groove and a straight ahead 4/4. As lead voices, Gordon, Goines and Kisor (on two cuts) conjure a robust sound that actually makes this band sound like a larger unit than what it is in reality. The former makes delicious use of various mutes, while the latter develops a distinctive voice on his many saxophones as well as clarinet. Whitaker and Barron form an exceedingly unified team with Riley, whose own well-dispersed solos are musical blockbusters in their own right. But there I go belaboring the point. Grab this disc. It’s a gem; ‘nuff said. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/watch-what-youre-doing-herlin-riley-criss-cross-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php?width=1920

Personnel: Herlin Riley- drums; Ryan Kisor- trumpet (tracks 2 & 4 only), Wycliffe Gordon- trombone; Victor Goines- clarinet, tenor, soprano, & baritone saxophone; Farid Barron- piano; Rodney Whitaker- bass.

Watch What You're Doing

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Maria Jacobs - Lucky Girl

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:40
Size: 92,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. My Favorite Things
(3:24)  2. If We Never Touch Again
(5:55)  3. Lucky Girl
(4:13)  4. What If
(3:39)  5. Pour Me a Cup of Yesterday
(3:33)  6. I Wanna Feel Your Body
(4:18)  7. Can We End This Love
(4:39)  8. My Blue Heart
(3:05)  9. This Song
(3:13) 10. Closer to Christmas (Birth of a Savior) (Bonus)

Lucky Girl is the sixth studio album by singer/songwriter Maria Jacobs. It is an eclectic mix of smooth and straight ahead jazz, pop and just a hint of country. Track 5, Pour Me A Cup of Yesterday, is the radio edit for a radio campaign which earned it a place on 200 smooth jazz stations across the country, as well as on the Groove Jazz Charts. It features string arrangements and performance by acclaimed keyboardist and songwriter Lafayette Carthon (The Winans, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson.) ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Girl-Maria-Jacobs/dp/B077R4JPQY

Lucky Girl

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Olu Dara - Neighborhoods

Styles: Vocal, Cornet, Guitar
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:36
Size: 105,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:58)  1. Massamba
(4:54)  2. Neighborhoods
(4:45)  3. Herbman
(3:26)  4. Strange Things Happen Everyday
(3:50)  5. Bell & Ponce (At The Movie Show)
(4:09)  6. I See the Light
(3:57)  7. Out On the Rolling Sea
(4:30)  8. Bluebird
(3:18)  9. Used to Be
(4:10) 10. Red Ant (Nature)
(2:35) 11. Tree Blues

?Olu Dara used to be known as a melodic avant-garde cornetist, but in the 1990s he completely changed his musical identity, emerging as a singer and country blues guitarist. Strangely enough on this set, although he is pictured with a guitar, Dara does not play much guitar (other than on a couple solo pieces) and primarily focuses on singing, with his cornet making a few brief appearances. The music is mostly outside of jazz, more in the areas of pop, funk, reggae, and folk music. Unfortunately, the 11 performances (all but the traditional "Out on the Rolling Sea" are Dara originals) are not at all memorable, his singing is a bit mundane, and a guest spot for Cassandra Wilson on "Used to Be" is rather forgettable. The results are disappointing overall. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/neighborhoods-mw0000391886

Personnel: Olu Dara (vocals, cornet, wooden horn, harmonica, guitar); Coster Massamba (vocals, congas, cowbell, shekere); Cassandra Wilson (vocals); John Abrams (tenor saxophone); Rod Williams (piano, electric organ); Dr. John (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Fredger "Said" Dupree (Wurlitzer electric piano); Kwatei Jones-Quartey, Ivan Ramirez (guitar); Alonza "Skip" Gardner (bass); Larry Johnson, Greg Bandy (drums); Cantrese Alloway, Terrill Joyner, Rucyl Mills (background vocals).

Neighborhoods

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Ivo Perelman - Breaking Point

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:31
Size: 141,1 MB
Art: Front

( 8:14)  1. Harsh Moon
( 8:02)  2. Dance Matters
( 6:12)  3. Catch 22
( 9:58)  4. The Haunted French Horn
( 6:49)  5. Sound Healers
(14:54)  6. The Forest of Feet and Bass Drums
( 7:19)  7. Breaking Point

Tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman usually releases albums in waves. Thus, Breaking Point is one of five concurrent productions issued on UK-based Leo Records, and offers the listener a kaleidoscopic glimpse of various ensemble lineups. Over the years Perelman has attained a comfort zone and noticeable synergy with the artists' performing on this outing, as the saga continues on Breaking Point. Perelman's super-powered lungs are in full force, but his tender side is also evident, especially during his somber interactions with violist Mat Maneri on "Harsh Moon," which opens up into a staggered bump and grind episode. Here, the band steps it up with a day of reckoning like underpinning amid frenzied interweaving notes and drummer Gerald Cleaver's swarming polyrhythmic pulse. Other tracks offer irregular currents encompassing mood-evoking sentiment and a few abrasive gambits along with imagery of a histogram, depicting a horde of dips and spikes.

The quartet dishes out an expansive program and a surfeit of fleeting mini-themes, framed on unabashed freedom of expression, where boundaries simply do not exist. Toss in a few Spartan interludes with the saxophonist's galactic plaintive cries; moments of pathos, densely layered improvisational segments and you will get an idea of the band's kinetic output. But "The Sound Healers" is a tad playful in scope as the soloists' linear movements and spiraling crescendos lead to a fast and furious game-plan. " The Forest of Feet and Bass Drums" is where the quartet reaches that point of no return as Perelman and Maneri exchange terse phrasings and expressive discourses, contrasted by some bizarre effects and a multitude of aftershocks. Moreover, bassist Joe Morris lays down a pliant underpinning as Cleaver stretches out, leading to a finale then ends on a murmur. Here and throughout, the quartet arrives at breaking points but also thaw tense situations. Yet they often regroup and renew these cyclonic plots with the greatest of ease. ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/breaking-point-ivo-perelman-leo-records-review-by-glenn-astarita.php

Personnel: Ivo Perelman: tenor saxophone; Mat Maneri: viola; Joe Morris: bass; Gerald Cleaver: drums.

Breaking Point

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Herlin Riley - New Direction

Styles: Vocal, Post Bop
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. New Direction
(6:01)  2. Spring Fantasy
(6:43)  3. The Crossbar
(6:14)  4. The Big Banana
(5:54)  5. Shake Off the Dust
(5:32)  6. Connection to Congo Square
(7:03)  7. Herlin's Hurdle
(7:19)  8. Hiccup Smooth
(7:22)  9. Harlem Shuffle
(4:34) 10. Tootie Ma

There’s a subtle but pointed message implied in the title, as it relates to most of the music on this disc: Contrary to what some revivalists and progressives might insist, music can explore new directions without self-consciously proclaiming either its iconoclasm or its purity. Discovering new beauty and truth is a triumph of the spirit, not an ideological manifesto. Herlin Riley is a New Orleans native, and the streetsy, Latin-tinged rhythms of that city’s musical heritage wind through this set. “Connection to Congo Square,” on which Riley and guest conguero Pedrito Martinez interweave with joyful abandon, propelling a melody line that roils with postbop fury, exemplifies this ancient-to-the-future continuum. But then so does “Harlem Shuffle,” which evokes “Night Train” updated with soul-jazz swagger. There, Godwin Louis’ alto saxophone solo reaches back to Johnny Hodge’s swing-era grace, and trumpeter Bruce Harris combines a classicist’s precision with modernist exultation and freedom. “Hiccup Smooth” plays on the paradox of its title with juxtaposed rhythms/time signatures; Louis negotiates the shapeshifting rhythmic terrain with confidence. Although he’s the session leader, Riley is mostly content to set the groove, adding coloration and texture and goading his bandmates-Louis, pianist Emmet Cohen, Harris, bassist Russell Hall, Martinez, guest guitarist Mark Whitfield-with an unforced but relentless will. The major exception is “Herlin’s Hurdle,” written by Cohen, on which Riley allows himself a tightly wound yet explosively unfettered solo. The ballad “Shake Off the Dust” may sound conventional, even prosaic at first listen, but in fact could serve as this set’s manifesto: By revisiting vintage conceits and celebrating their vivacity, we can transform them into vehicles for fresh exploration. David Whiteis https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/herlin-riley-new-direction/

Personnel:  Herlin Riley – Drums & Vocals;  Emmet Cohen – Piano;  Russell Hall – Bass;  Bruce Harris – Trumpet;  Godwin Louis – Alto & Soprano Saxophone;  Pedrito Martinez – Conga;  Mark Whitfield – Guitar

New Direction

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Olu Dara - In The World: From Natchez to New York

Styles: Vocal, Trumpet, Cornet And Guitar 
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:01
Size: 109,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:50)  1. Okra
(4:35)  2. Rain Shower
(3:36)  3. Natchez Shopping Blues
(4:00)  4. Your Lips
(5:48)  5. Harlem Country Girl
(3:14)  6. Zora
(4:45)  7. Young Mama
(3:04)  8. Bubber (If Only)
(3:32)  9. Father Blues
(5:02) 10. Jungle Jay
(4:31) 11. Kiane

?In the World: From Natchez to New York is certainly a surprise. Well known as a lyrical avant-garde cornetist, Olu Dara emerges here as an effective country-blues singer and guitarist. Fortunately, Dara does not neglect his cornet but the music is definitely much different than one might expect. The material, all written by Dara, deals with country life, difficulties with love, and survival in today's society, and includes a tribute to the vegetable and fruit peddlers of yesteryear ("Okra"). 

A few numbers feature other vocalists and storytellers, but overall the multi-talented Dara is the main voice (both vocally and instrumentally) throughout the fascinating and successful effort. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-the-world-from-natchez-to-new-york-mw0000032628  

Personnel: Olu Dara (vocals, trumpet, cornet, guitar, bass drum, percussion); Mayanna Lee (vocals); Nas (rap vocals); John Abrams (tenor saxophone); Rudy "Obadeli" Herbert (Hammond B-3 organ); Kwatei Jones-Quartey (acoustic & electric guitars, percussion, background vocals); Ivan Ramirez (electric guitar, guitar, background vocals); Alonzo Gardner (bass, background vocals); Greg Bandy (drums, percussion, background vocals); Richard James (congas); Melba Joyce, Joyce Malone, Cantrese Alloway, Darada David (background vocals)

In The World: From Natchez to New York

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Vanessa Mae - Subject To Change

Styles: Classical Music
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 156,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:47)  1. Yantra
(5:29)  2. White Bird
(2:54)  3. Picante
(6:42)  4. Destiny
(4:36)  5. Night Flight
(5:06)  6. Clear Like Ice
(6:06)  7. Laughing Buddha
(4:23)  8. Pasha
(4:29)  9. Solace
(2:50) 10. Love Is Only A Game
(6:14) 11. Deep South
(8:59) 12. Jamais

2001 album for the international artist who's conquered the classical music world as well as pop. Teaming with producer Youth (Fine Young Cannibals, Bananarama, James, Crowded House, the Orb) to create this trance/dance infused album. 

Highlights include the first two singles, 'Destiny' & 'White Bird'. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Subject-Change-Vanessa-Mae/dp/B00005BIQ8 

Personnel: Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares (vocals); Juan Ramirez (guitar); Keith Nelson (banjo); Bob Loveday (pennywhistle); Geraint Watkins (accordion); J. Neil Sidwell, Sid Gauld (brass); Peter Lockett (bodhran, tabla); Louis Jardim (percussion)

Subject To Change

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Lisa Loeb - Lullaby Girl

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:50
Size: 96,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:13)  1. Be My Baby
(3:23)  2. Don't Stop
(2:56)  3. Close Your Eyes
(3:15)  4. Dream a Little Dream
(4:15)  5. In My Room
(3:36)  6. O-O-H Child
(3:57)  7. Rainbow Connection
(2:40)  8. All the Pretty Little Horses
(2:10)  9. Lullaby Girl
(4:05) 10. Inch Worm
(2:58) 11. What the Wold Needs Now Is Love
(2:27) 12. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
(2:47) 13. Tomorrow

Pull up the covers and relax with Lisa Loeb and a world-class quartet led by keyboardist Larry Goldings. An Amazon Originals release, Lullaby Girl offers fresh and dreamy arrangements of classic songs from a variety of genres. Lisa’s distinctive voice adds intimacy and expression to these familiar melodies. Hushed and meditative, the recording was co-produced with Lisa's longtime collaborator Rich Jacques and Goldings, who is known for his work with James Taylor, John Mayer, as well as many top jazz artists. World-renowned songwriter and guitarist Adam Levy (who tours and records with Norah Jones and Tracy Chapman) also performs. The album was originally planned as a traditional lullaby record for children. As they began the recording process, Lisa, Larry and Rich found a uniquely different path, and it became clear that this would be a record for everyone. “I’m so excited for everyone to hear this collection of classics recorded with an amazing group of musicians. I feel like we’ve come up with a new take on classics that people will really enjoy. We live in a time where everything happens so quickly, but with this album, you’ll be able to slow it all down and relax!" shares Lisa. Indeed, Lullaby Girl is an album for insomniacs. Lisa's performance reminds us of why songs like “Be My Baby,” “All the Pretty Little Horses,” “Dream a Little Dream,” "What the World Needs Now Is Love" and “Oooh Child” remain classics. Lisa’s original songs “Close Your Eyes” and "Lullaby Girl" flows right in with the pristine arrangements of tunes like Brian Wilson’s “In My Room” and Annie's“Tomorrow.” Lullaby Girl is the perfect companion to Lisa's other award-winning family music releases Nursery Rhyme Parade! and Feel What U Feel. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Lullaby-Girl-Lisa-Loeb/dp/B0753SFDM5

Lullaby Girl

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Ruby Braff - Ruby Braff Plays Standards And Evergreens

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:39
Size: 120,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:14)  1. I've Got A Grush On You
(5:58)  2. Lady Be Good
(3:12)  3. Maybe
(3:50)  4. My Foolish Heart
(3:12)  5. Sweethearts On Parade
(5:38)  6. My Shining Hour
(7:05)  7. Sugar
(4:26)  8. As Times Goes By
(4:47)  9. You're Sensational / I Love You, Samantha / True Love
(4:08) 10. Basin' Street Blues
(5:04) 11. Linger A While

One of the great swing/Dixieland cornetists, Ruby Braff went through long periods of his career unable to find work because his music was considered out-of-fashion, but his fortunes improved by the 1970s. A very expressive player who in later years liked to build his solos up to a low note, Braff's playing was instantly recognizable within seconds. Braff mostly worked around Boston in the late '40s. He teamed up with Pee Wee Russell when the clarinetist was making a comeback (they recorded live for Savoy), and after moving to New York in 1953, he fit easily into a variety of Dixieland and mainstream settings. Braff recorded for Vanguard as a leader, and with Vic Dickenson, Buck Clayton, and Urbie Green. He was one of the stars of Buck Clayton's Columbia jam sessions, and in the mid-'50s worked with Benny Goodman. But, despite good reviews and occasional recordings, work was hard for Braff to come by at times. In the 1960s, he was able to get jobs by being with George Wein's Newport All-Stars and at jazz festivals, but it was not until the cornetist formed a quartet with guitarist George Barnes, in 1973, that he became more secure. 

Afterward, Braff was heard in many small-group settings, including duets with Dick Hyman and Ellis Larkins (he had first met up with the latter in the 1950s), quintets with Scott Hamilton, and matching wits with Howard Alden. He remained one of the greats of mainstream jazz until his death in 2003. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ruby-braff-mn0000357057/biography

Personnel:  Ruby Braff - cornet; Gene Di Novi (1-5) - piano;  Howard Alden (6-11) - guitar;  Frank Tate (6-11) - bass             

Ruby Braff Plays Standards And Evergreens

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Mary Ann Redmond - Send The Moon

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:00
Size: 117,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:56)  1. Fly Away Home
(5:04)  2. Fifth Gear
(5:29)  3. Not Dark Yet
(3:42)  4. I'll Get Over It
(4:12)  5. Strong Too Long
(5:14)  6. Send The Moon
(5:17)  7. I Don't Wanna Be Right
(4:54)  8. Should I Let You Know
(4:20)  9. He Wont Fall
(4:58) 10. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
(3:50) 11. Damned

"If Aretha is the Queen of Soul, Redmond must be considered an official Lady in Waiting." ~ Dave Nuttycombe, Washington City Paper

"Every once in a while, a real knockout lands in the [CD] pile, a genuine jaw-dropper. Mary Ann Redmond is a stunning vocalist, she is not just covering these songs, they are transformed by her, exalted into something completely new. Her own songs are equally fine..." ~ Chris Jorgensen, Billings Gazette

"It's startling when the petite blonde with a perky smile opens her mouth and out pours an amalgam of Gladys Knight, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin." ~ Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes.

"Virginia's Mary Ann Redmond falls somewhere between Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin. Yes, her voice is that good." ~ Mike Ryan, Boston Herald.

Redmond is well-known in her home base of Washington, DC, where she's won a staggering 14 WAMMIE Awards from the Washington Area Music Association (Best Female Jazz Singer; Best Rock-Pop Vocalist, Best Roots Rock/Traditional R&B Vocalist, Best Urban Contemporary Vocalist and Best Female Blues Vocalist.) A native of Richmond Virginia, she has toured with her close friend Mary Chapin Carpenter (the first and only background singer Carpenter has ever brought on board), and has opened for an array of artists including The Pointer Sisters, The Neville Brothers, Ashford and Simpson, The O'Jays, and Smokey Robinson. She was also a close friend of the late Eva Cassidy. In addition to their vocal power, they both shared the gift of putting themselves into a song and making it her own. "Eva taught me that no matter what happens, it's got to be real," Redmond says. "You can hear it in every song she sang. And she was right." ~ AllAboutJazz.com  https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/maredmond

Send The Moon

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Bobby Timmons - Sweet And Soulful Sounds

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:51
Size: 92,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. The Sweetest Sounds
(5:27)  2. Turn Left
(5:02)  3. God Bless The Child
(4:37)  4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:12)  5. Another Live One
(6:01)  6. Alone Together
(3:40)  7. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
(5:53)  8. Why Was I Born?

?Sweet and Soulful Sounds, from 1962, is a most atypical record for Bobby Timmons. Long thought of only as a funky piano player in the style that Ramsey Lewis would later make commercially successful, Timmons could also play prettily, as he does on this ballad-heavy set. There's a little funk here; the up-tempo "Another Live One" sounds like a potential Cannonball Adderley hit (Timmons, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Roy McCurdy were all once and future Adderley accompanists). But for the most part, Timmons keeps his cool, showing a very strong Bud Powell influence throughout. (Actually, the two solo tracks, "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" and a meditative "God Bless the Child," sound as if Timmons had been listening to Bill Evans' solo records, as the latter in particular has the same rhythmically loose, melodically free style.) The highlights are the three standards, Richard Rodgers' "The Sweetest Sounds," a relaxed and swinging take on Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and a version of Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern's "Why Was I Born?" that turns it from a show tune into a despondent blues. This is an unusual record for Bobby Timmons, but a great one. ~ Stewart Mason https://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-and-soulful-sounds-mw0000239114

Personnel: Bobby Timmons (piano); Sam Jones (bass); Roy McCurdy (drums).

Sweet And Soulful Sounds

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Red Garland - Satin Doll

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:50
Size: 91,3 MB
Art: Front

( 9:47)  1. Satin Doll
(10:44)  2. The Man I Love
( 5:38)  3. A Little Bit of Basie
( 7:10)  4. It's a Blue World
( 6:30)  5. M-Squad Theme

This out-of-print LP released for the first time five unknown selections featuring pianist Red Garland in a trio with drummer Specs Wright and either Doug Watkins or Jimmy Rowser on bass. 

"Satin Doll" has since been added as a bonus cut on another CD, but the other four numbers ("The Man I Love," "A Little Bit of Basie," "It's a Blue World" and "M-Squad Theme") have not yet resurfaced, making this an album of interest to Red Garland completists. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/satin-doll-mw0000911709 

Personnel:  Red Garland - piano;  Jimmy Rowser - (tracks 4 & 5), Doug Watkins (tracks 1-3) - bass;  Charles "Specs" Wright - drums

Satin Doll

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