Roni Ben-Hur With The Barry Harris Trio - Backyard

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:40
Size: 116.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[8:10] 1. The Thrill Is Gone
[5:40] 2. Dance Of The Infidels
[3:54] 3. Ask Me Now
[5:08] 4. Backyard
[3:56] 5. Canal Street
[5:03] 6. Never Let Me Go
[4:51] 7. Audubon
[6:18] 8. Something To Live For
[7:37] 9. Burgundy

Often one can judge the merits of a lesser-known player by the musicians he or she uses on their recordings. For this fine release from the Swiss TCB label, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is joined by the immortal bop pianist Barry Harris, bassist Lisle Atkinson and drummer Leroy Williams for a set of delightful bop. Ben-Hur, who came to New York in the mid-1980's so as to study with Harris, has a cool sound (a little reminiscent of Jimmy Raney) and is a relaxed and inventive improviser. The repertoire features attractive chord changes and underplayed standards including "The Thrill Is Gone," Bud Powell's "Dance Of The Infidels" and Sonny Rollins' "Audubon." There are also two originals by Harris (the title cut is based on "Embraceable You"), one from the guitarist and an effective vocal by Ben-Hur's wife Amy London on "Something To Live For." This set is easily recommended to fans of bop. ~Scott Yanow

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Tito Rodriguez - Latin Jewels

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:32
Size: 81.4 MB
Styles: Latin
Year: 1959/2017
Art: Front

[2:11] 1. Granada
[3:24] 2. Ojos Verdes (Green Eyes)
[3:05] 3. Quiereme Mucho (Yours)
[2:48] 4. Frenesi
[2:44] 5. Duerme (Time Was)
[2:36] 6. Noche De Ronda
[2:43] 7. Quizas Quizas Quizas
[3:28] 8. Amapola
[3:16] 9. Piruli
[3:46] 10. Martha
[3:03] 11. Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado (What A Difference A Day Made)
[2:22] 12. El Manisero

Multi-instrumentalist Tito Rodriguez played an important role in New York's thriving Latin dance scene of the 1950s and '60s. His expressive playing was an important factor in the success of his brother Johnny Rodriguez's band. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez displayed his talents at a very young age. Accomplished on a variety of instruments, he could interpret popular tunes while still in his childhood. He secured his first contract as a musician at the age of 13. Although he made his first trip to the United States as a member of Cuarteto Caney, his tenure with the band was short-lived. After coming late to an important gig, he was fired by bandleader Noro Morales. He quickly found employment with the band led by Enrique Madriguera. Following his brother to New York in 1939, Rodriguez accepted a position with the Johnny Rodriguez Orchestra. Although he was tempted by offers to join Xavier Cugart's group, he remained faithful to his brother's group. While in New York, he sharpened his skills as a student of Professor Moe Goldenberg. In 1952, he received a mention of honor award from the Century Conservatory of Music of New York. During the early rock era, Rodriguez played for a while with Leroy Holmes' orchestra and produced albums by El Cuarteto Los Hispanos, Los Montemar, and Teddy Trinidad. In the mid-'60s, Rodriguez returned to Puerto Rico. In addition to performing frequently in San Juan hotels, he hosted popular television show El Show de Tito Rodriguez. Rodriguez died from leukemia on February 28, 1972. ~ Craig Harris

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Michael Blanco - No Time Like The Present

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:39
Size: 113.7 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Dutch Kills
[5:31] 2. No Time Like The Present
[4:06] 3. You Really Shouldn't
[6:22] 4. Midnight
[4:51] 5. RSVP
[8:24] 6. Smithlike
[5:32] 7. Emily's Wedding
[2:38] 8. Postcard (For Solo Bass)
[6:50] 9. Ellis Island

Michael Blanco: bass; John Ellis: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Jonathan Kreisberg: guitar; David Cook: piano; Mark Ferber: drums.

A talented in-demand Broadway/jazz bassist, Michael Blanco's No Time Like The Present announces his second album as leader presenting a collection of refreshing new jazz originals offered by a dynamic quintet that features veteran saxophonist John Ellis and New York guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg among the cast. The two-time recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award, designs a sparkling session of riveting modern-style jazz not to be missed. Though it's Blanco's compositional skills that carry the date on this outing, the bassist's strong performance throughout is not to be dismissed as his solo performance on "Postcard (for solo bass)" so aptly demonstrates.

Overlooking the intimidating title ("Dutch Kills") of the opening track, the music reveals an elegant light texture marked by glowing solo statements from members of the band. The title piece is fast-paced and up-tempo featuring Ellis and Kreisberg trading salvos in the first burner of the disc. "You Really Shouldn't" follows in much the same vein this time featuring pianist David Cook and drummer Mark Ferber providing the energy. Propelled by torrid tenor solos and strong guitar riffs, the fire seems to burn brightest on the hard-driving "RSVP," one of the bassist's finest compositions. Another outstanding score is the spacious "Smithlike" featuring a superb bass solo from the leader and highlighting the saxophonist on the soprano.

All is not hot and steamy however, as warm-toned solos from both guitarist and bassist bolster the light and beautiful "Midnight," one of several mid-tempo, even mellow mood pieces on the album. The enchanting "Emily's Wedding" is a perfect example of some more tasteful light jazz perfect for a relaxing setting. Perhaps as a tip of the hat to saxophonist Ellis, the closing number, appropriately titled "Ellis Island" serves as the swan song for the reed man but also includes dynamic solos from the guitarist as well as the leader.

Michael Blanco is certainly one of the young guns in the jazz scene today and with No Time Like the Present brings the background bass to the front line of jazz. Comparisons to some of the finest jazz bassist in modern jazz such as Christian McBride, John Patitucci, Gary Peacock and Charlie Haden to name a few, are inevitable. His approach and clever charts can only serve to elevate his music and cement his reputation as an excellent composer and a bassist of note. ~Edward Blanco

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Maxine Linehan - Beautiful Songs

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:05
Size: 112.4 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[3:07] 1. Walk Through The World
[3:30] 2. Love Can't Happen
[2:21] 3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
[5:30] 4. There Won't Be Trumpets/It's A Quiet Thing
[3:36] 5. I Love Paris
[4:23] 6. Hyme Á L'amour
[3:47] 7. I Think Of You
[3:39] 8. Sway
[5:20] 9. God Only Knows/What'll I Do
[4:00] 10. One
[3:52] 11. Danny Boy
[3:10] 12. End Of The World
[2:44] 13. Never Never Land

Here is an excellent album of popular songs by a strong and talented singer. Maxine Linehan is an Irish native who has adopted New York. This actress, singer, and recording artist has performed many theatrical roles including Charlotte in the solo play Brontë; A portrait of Charlotte, and the Lead Nurse in Lincoln Centre’s TONY award winning South Pacific. Her recent album "Beautiful Songs" features Maxine's wonderful and engaging interpretation of popular songs from a wide variety of genres.

One of my favorite tracks on this album is "One" which Maxine nails with her assertive style and confident vocals. I actually prefer Maxine's stylish version over the original Bono rendition. In this song she showcases her dynamic voice that is appealing and engaging. This song is very well-done with instrumentation that is balanced and interesting, and that fits Maxine's astounding performance perfectly. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves popular music that is masterfully interpreted with skill and style. ~Russell Suereth Jr

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Charlie Persip & The Jazz Statesmen - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:04
Size: 82.6 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1960/2015
Art: Front

[6:38] 1. Sevens
[6:41] 2. The Song Is You
[5:20] 3. Right Down Front
[7:48] 4. Soul March
[9:35] 5. The Champ (A Suite In Six Movements)

Drummer Charlie Persip has not had that many opportunities to lead sessions through the years; in fact, this album was his only one until 1980. His quintet includes up-and-coming players (trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Roland Alexander, pianist Ronnie Matthews, and bassist Ron Carter) whom one assumes he could not hold onto for long. The music (even the original) is essentially mainstream bop with some strong solos from the horns and several spots (most notably on "The Champ") for the leader. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave subs for Hubbard on one of the five cuts. ~Scott Yanow

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Spyros Manesis - Undelivered

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:15
Size: 101.3 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Cold Inside
[6:44] 2. Not Yet
[5:53] 3. Amsterdam
[5:47] 4. On Green Dolphin Street
[5:08] 5. Falling
[4:54] 6. The Pinwheel
[5:20] 7. Undelivered
[5:44] 8. Exodos

With Joao Hasselberg on bass, Kaspars Kurdeko on drums and Spyros on piano, the trio which formed in Amsterdam in 2010 has recorded its debut album for the Portuguese label JACC Records. The album, Undelivered was officially released in Europe.

Greek pianist Spyros Manesis composes new music, arranges old jazz standards and plays the piano together with Portuguese double bassist João Hasselberg and Latvian drummer Kaspars Kurdeko, who embrace Spyros's musical ideas with deep musicality and remarkable dedication.

The understanding and the unique chemistry among the three musicians have helped the trio develop a distinguished sound characterized by lyricism, a wide range of dynamics and textures, a high level of musical interplay and a real improvisation spirit, which are elements that make their live performances unique musical experiences. Their debut album “Undelivered" is now released by JACC Records.

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The Brian Dickinson Quintet - The Rhythm Method

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:37
Size: 147.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[7:15] 1. Orion
[6:10] 2. Open Season
[7:30] 3. Bon Voyage
[5:46] 4. Moonshine
[6:44] 5. 'tude
[6:49] 6. Lennie's Loonies
[6:57] 7. Trane Trip
[5:22] 8. Stepping Out
[6:43] 9. It's Hugh Or Nolan
[5:17] 10. Raking Leaves

Brian Dickinson: piano; Kelly Jefferson: tenor sax; Luiz Deniz; alto sax; Neil Swainson: bass; Ted Warren: drums.

Toronto-based pianist Brian Dickinson explores the "quintet with a two sax front line" on The Rhythm Method. He takes his lead from the somewhat overlooked pianist/conceptualist Lennie Tristano, who broke the ground with his historic 1949 Capitol Sessions featuring Lee Konitz on alto sax and Warne Marsh on tenor sax; and with his 1956 recordings with Marsh and Ted Brown, both on tenor.

The set opens on Wayne Shorter's "Orion," featuring a sparkling extended solo by Dickenson that brings Shorter's collaborations with Herbie Hancock to mind, while alto saxophonist Luis Deniz stretches his lines, a la Lee Konitz, and tenor sax man Kelly Jefferson blows with a sharper, more powerhouse diction. "Bon Voyage, " a tune brimming with a floating loveliness, unrolls from the like a silken fabric from a smooth-rolling spool, with bassist Neil Swainson and drummer Ted Warren cushioning the rhythm with a nuanced grace. "'Tude" is more propulsive, popping and snapping, with a relentless verve.

"The Rhythm Method Suite" makes up the disc's last five turns. It serves as a spirited and exploratory tribute to the Tristano/Marsh school of music making—a cool, relaxed school that never has gone out of style, even if its roots aren't as acknowledged as they perhaps should be. And the group makes it seem so effortless—the circuitous piano solos, the flexible rhythms, the saxophone conversations—on this set of first rate compositions (all from Dickinson's pen), giving a classic, time-tested approach a compellingly beautiful, modern shine. ~Dan McClenaghan

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Coleman Hawkins - Body & Soul Revisited

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:54
Size: 169.2 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[2:58] 1. (It's No) Sin (Single Version)
[2:57] 2. And So To Sleep Again (Single Version)
[3:05] 3. Spellbound (Single Version)
[3:06] 4. Lost In A Fog (Single Version)
[2:27] 5. Carioca (Single Version)
[2:54] 6. Midnight Sun (Single Version)
[3:12] 7. If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) (Single Version)
[2:55] 8. I Can't Get Started (Single Version)
[2:25] 9. Ruby (Single Version)
[2:58] 10. Song From Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart ) (Single Version)
[2:58] 11. My Blue Heaven
[3:34] 12. Honeysuckle Rose
[3:07] 13. Organ Grinder's Swing
[4:39] 14. Perdido
[3:40] 15. Sweethearts On Parade
[7:01] 16. The Man I Love
[1:24] 17. Foolin' Around
[5:36] 18. Time On My Hands
[5:10] 19. Ornithology
[4:22] 20. Body And Soul
[3:17] 21. Unlisted Blues

Hawkins had been the dominant tenor-saxophonist from the mid-'20s up until 1940, but even though he remained a major force, his influence was waning, due to the emergence of Lester Young and then Charlie Parker. By the early '50s he only recorded on an infrequent basis. Fortunately a few years later (partly due to the rise of Sonny Rollins whose original hero was Hawk), his fortunes were on the rise again. This Decca CD contains quite a variety of music. There are ten selections of melodic "mood" music from 1951-53 in which Hawkins mostly sticks to the melody (an exception is an excellent version of "If I Could Be with You"). Then the great tenor is heard in an occasionally exciting session with Cozy Cole's All-Stars; cornetist Rex Stewart steals the show with a couple of colorful solos. The best music on this CD is taken from a 1955 radio broadcast in which Hawkins plays "Foolin' Around" (based on the chords of "Body and Soul") totally unaccompanied and roars on "The Man I Love." This set concludes with three selections (one previously unissued) from a fine session led by clarinetist Tony Scott. ~Scott Yanow

Body & Soul Revisited 

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Ian Shaw - Change Partners

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 87:20
Size: 199.9 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:59] 1. Change Partners
[4:02] 2. It Could Happen To You
[3:03] 3. This Can't Be Love
[5:34] 4. The Echo Of A Song
[2:59] 5. I Wish I Were In Love Again
[4:15] 6. Goodnight Angel
[3:26] 7. I'll Be Seeing You
[3:22] 8. Taking A Chance On Love
[4:42] 9. My Heart Is Haunted
[5:35] 10. Time After Time
[3:59] 11. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[4:22] 12. You Are My Hearts Delight
[5:46] 13. It's Easy To Remember
[4:44] 14. Just Let Me Look At You
[5:17] 15. My Funny Valentine
[4:11] 16. Have You Met Miss Jones
[4:07] 17. Little Girl Blue
[3:24] 18. Where Or When
[3:37] 19. I Concentrate On You
[5:48] 20. With A Song In My Heart

Ian Shaw (born 2 June 1962) is a Welsh jazz singer, record producer, and stand up comedian. Shaw was born in St. Asaph, Wales, and took his music degree at the University of London. His career in performance began in the 1980s on the Alternative Cabaret Circuit, alongside such performers as Julian Clary, Rory Bremner, and Jo Brand. At the same time, he was playing in piano bars and at festivals in London and throughout Europe.

In 1990 he toured Europe and recorded with fellow singer Carol Grimes. Since this time, Shaw has regularly worked in duo settings with other singers, including Claire Martin, Linda Lewis, Liane Carroll, and Sarah Jane Morris. By the mid-1990s, he was regularly performing at the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and in 1995 released two albums on the club's Jazzhouse label: Ghosthouse and a tribute to Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart Taking It to Hart. In 1996, Shaw led his own 'Very Big Band' on a UK tour, and by the late 1990s he was performing regularly in the U.S. In 1999, he released In a New York Minute, the first of two albums on New York's Milestone Records label. This and Soho Stories, released in 2001, featured American musicians, including Cedar Walton, Lew Soloff, and Eric Alexander. On the album A World Still Turning (2003), he worked with Billy Childs and Peter Washington, and guest vocalist Mark Murphy.

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Anita O'Day - Verve Jazz Masters 49

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:57
Size: 109.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[2:27] 1. That Old Feeling
[3:44] 2. Boogie Blues
[3:38] 3. Angel Eyes
[3:45] 4. (Fly Me To The Moon) In Other Words
[3:33] 5. When The World Was Young
[2:13] 6. Ten Cents A Dance
[3:10] 7. Easy Come, Easy Go
[2:32] 8. The No Soap, No Hope, No Mouse, No House Blues
[2:47] 9. Just In Time
[2:52] 10. Old Devil Moon
[4:00] 11. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
[2:39] 12. Them There Eyes
[2:53] 13. If The Moon Turns Green
[1:50] 14. Johnny One Note
[3:20] 15. Waiter, Make Mine Blues
[2:28] 16. What Is This Thing Called Love

This is an excellent one-disc roundup of Anita O'Day's output for Clef, Norgan and Verve -- arguably her most important, most experimental period -- and it is especially valuable because Anita and her manager Alan Eichler made the selections themselves. It was during this decade of activity that O'Day made the transition from a spent former big-band thrush to an acclaimed jazz diva, despite the turmoil in her personal life and her feeling that she was playing second-fiddle to Ella in Norman Granz' recording stable. The selection is remarkably wide-ranging, sampling from twelve of O'Day's sixteen albums for Granz and his successor at Verve, Creed Taylor, with lots of loosely swinging mid- and uptempo numbers and ballads that can be alternately world-wise and innocent. Among the many highlights that illustrate the diversity of O'Day's Verve period are "No Soap, No Hope Blues," from O'Day's first rare ten-inch album for Granz; her saucy remake of "Boogie Blues" with the innovative Gary McFarland orchestra; and the sexy, swaggering title track of Waiter, Make Mine Blues. Anyone seeking an entryway into the tough yet vulnerable song world of Anita O'Day will get a lot of helpful direction from this album. ~Richard S. Ginnell

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Ana Caram - Não Ando Só

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:03
Size: 100.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz. Christian
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[2:44] 1. Ó Deus De Amor
[3:30] 2. Do Santo Sábado És Senhor
[2:33] 3. Bem De Manhã
[3:15] 4. Querido Jesus
[3:28] 5. Seu Maravilhoso Olhar
[3:37] 6. Saudade
[3:51] 7. Muito Além Do Sol
[4:03] 8. Abre, Senhor, Os Olhos Meus
[4:18] 9. Que Te Darei, Meu Mestre
[4:14] 10. Não Ando Só
[3:38] 11. Quero Estar Ao Pé Da Cruz
[3:00] 12. Ser Igual A Cristo
[1:46] 13. Dá-Me Tua Paz

ANA CARAM lent his voice to the world of popular music and is still known today. She has performed alongside big names and renowned audiences in Brazil and around the world.

After a turnaround in her life, decided to dedicate her voice and his talent to sing songs that, in some way, reveal his new spiritual experience. After some experiences with independent releases, he launches his first work with the label MusiCasa. (Translated from Portuguese.)

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Bill Laswell - In Dub

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:00

Size: 148.8 MB

Styles: World music, Reggae, Experimental

Year: 2015

Art: Front

[5:34] 1. Enharmonic

[5:40] 2. Residue

[3:42] 3. Occult Persuasion

[6:05] 4. Metabolic Regulator

[5:22] 5. Entretiens

[4:02] 6. Unveiled

[3:47] 7. Physica Subterranea

[4:42] 8. Spirals

[4:33] 9. Painting In Space

[4:58] 10. Hombre Invisible

[2:42] 11. Polarity, Pt. 1

[4:06] 12. Nonmatter

[5:52] 13. Enharmonic (Extended Version)

[3:49] 14. Polarity, Pt. 2

American bassist, composer and music producer Bill Laswell has an expansive and eclectic discography and has been involved in hundreds of recordings with many artists from across the world. Laswell's music is influenced by a plethora of musical genres, such as funk, world music, jazz, drum and bass, dub and ambient music. Starting in 1978, Laswell has built a reputation as an accomplished bass player and composer. He has also had a prolific career as a music producer and sound engineer, overseeing the recording process of diverse musical acts such as Sly and Robbie, Afrika Bambaataa, Bernie Worrell, Blind Idiot God, Henry Threadgill and Buckethead

In Dub                 

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John Pizzarelli - My Blue Heaven

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:19
Size: 135.8 MB
Styles: Guitar & vocal jazz
Year: 1990/2008
Art: Front

[4:00] 1. My Blue Heaven
[3:46] 2. I'm An Errand Boy For Rhythm
[3:22] 3. It Could Happen To You
[8:02] 4. Oh, Lady Be Good
[2:32] 5. The Touch Of Your Lips
[4:05] 6. Can't Take You Nowhere
[2:51] 7. Take My Smile
[3:02] 8. That's What
[2:42] 9. Stray Horn
[2:45] 10. Best Man
[3:24] 11. Oh Me, Oh My, Oh Gosh
[3:10] 12. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[3:16] 13. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[4:12] 14. Passion Flower
[4:25] 15. Zoot Walked In Morning Fun
[3:37] 16. Candy

Just prior to signing with RCA/Novus, John Pizzarelli recorded two sets for Chesky that featured him playing in the swing style that he would soon make quite popular. Although joined by all-stars (pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Connie Kay, his father, guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and flugelhornist Clark Terry) rather than his regular trio, Pizzarelli's likable vocals and relaxed guitar solos are not overshadowed. In fact, this is a delightful date, with memorable renditions of such songs as "I'm An Errand Boy for Rhythm," "Lady Be Good," "The Best Man," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" and "Candy." Easily recommended to John Pizzarelli fans. ~Scott Yanow

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Paolo Fresu - Mamut

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:21
Size: 115.3 MB
Styles: Modern Creative jazz
Year: 1986/2009
Art: Front

[7:19] 1. Dedalo
[3:08] 2. Yatra (First Take)
[3:59] 3. In
[1:03] 4. Yatra (Second Take)
[5:27] 5. Pin Pon
[4:01] 6. Dibuixos Sobre La Sorra Carillon
[6:53] 7. Mamut
[1:58] 8. March (First Take)
[0:55] 9. Birds
[3:04] 10. March (Second Take)
[3:34] 11. 'round About Midnight
[1:31] 12. Mar-Home-Mar
[7:21] 13. Pà

Bass, Electric Bass – Attilio Zanchi; Congas, Percussion – Mimmo Cafiero; Drums, Percussion – Ettore Fioravanti; Piano, Keyboards (Yamaha DX7) – Roberto Cipelli; Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Tino Tracanna; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, Pocket Trumpet, Arranged By – Paolo Fresu.

Mämût is trumpet player and composer Paolo Fresu's first major statement as a bandleader. Though he has been awarded many honors, including Musician of the Year by the Italian Critics' poll in 1990, it wasn't until 1985 when the first of these works was recorded that Fresu's ensemble and his compositional style had reached its chromatic sophistication and intervallic elegance. The odd thing is, the music found on Mämût was recorded in 1985 and 1986 with music composed for two theater productions. The most remarkable thing about this album is how all of it flows as if from a single source, including the glorious cover of Monk's "'Round About Midnight," which occurs at the end of the disc. The 12 originals are a mix of pastoral swinging lyricism, post-bop modal inventions, and bluesed-out lyricism. The two takes each of "Yatra" and "March" are evidence of just how deep Fresu's ability to transfer emotion is without syrup or sentimentality. Part of this is due to the fact that he writes specifically for his wondrous sextet, which includes the great saxophonist Trino Tracanna, pianist Roberto Cipelli, bassist Attilio Zanchi, and drummer Ettore Fioravanti with percussionist Mimmo Cafiero. These men are all wise in the manner of understatement and are all intimately familiar with the curiously spare dynamics of Fresu's compositional methods. It can be argued on the basis of this lush, haunting record alone that without this band, Fresu's music would have an entirely different timbre. No matter, it's this sextet who performs the 13 tunes here and this band who expresses what to everyone, with the exception of Fresu, would be inexpressible. This is Italian jazz at its very best. ~Thom Jurek

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Rigmor Gustafsson - I Will Wait For You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:24
Size: 124.5 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[3:56] 1. Empty Hearts
[4:10] 2. Is It A Crime
[4:49] 3. If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
[3:58] 4. Makin' Whoopee
[4:00] 5. Fire And Rain
[5:45] 6. It Never Entered My Mind
[3:45] 7. Fever
[4:33] 8. The Moon's A Harsh Mistress
[4:19] 9. I Will Wait For You
[4:41] 10. It's Been So Long
[5:20] 11. Black Coffee
[5:03] 12. The More I See

Bass – Lars Danielsson; Drums – Wolfgang Haffner; Piano – Roberto Di Gioia; Strings [Guest] – The Fleshquartet; Trombone, Vocals, Producer, Liner Notes – Nils Landgren; Trumpet [Guest] – Staffan Svensson; Vocals – Rigmor Gustafsson. Recorded and Mixed by Jan Ugand at Polar Studios, Stockholm, Sweden in January and April 2003.

"Rigmor is the greatest jazz singer that we have had in Sweden for a very long time" wrote the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. For years Rigmor Gustafsson has been a star of the young, vital Swedish jazz scene and has already released three albums in her own name. In Germany her highly-praised performance at the Berlin Jazz Festival in 2001 led to an invitation to the JazzBaltica Festival in 2002 as a result of which she could be introduced to the wider German audience as a "new star in the vocal heaven" (Jazzthetik). In the same year she guested on Nils Landgren’s successful Sentimental Journey album (ACT 9409-2). Now with the first ACT release I Will Wait For You she finally proves that she inherits seamlessly the tradition of great Swedish female vocalists such as Monica Zetterlund, Lill Lindfors and others.

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Janos Varga, The Mediterranean Combo - Latin Fantasy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:49
Size: 118.6 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:37] 1. Mediterranean Nights
[5:18] 2. Copacabana
[5:12] 3. Shall We Dance
[6:03] 4. Samba
[4:37] 5. Flamenco Flounces
[6:34] 6. Bacardi
[3:23] 7. When I'm Going To You
[6:52] 8. Castillan Hills
[4:32] 9. Fading Clouds
[4:36] 10. Sweet Dream

If you love the Latin/Mediterranean sounds of artists such as Oscar Lopez, Armik, the trio (Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucia, John Mc Laughlin) and other fiery acoustic players, you’ll really enjoy the legendary ex-East guitarist Janos Varga’s project recorded with his son Varga Jr. on second guitar and Zsolt Nagy on piano and Tsoukalas Hristos on darbuka. Entitled Latin Fantasy, the tunes exude passion and excitement while offering a melodic treat for the ears. Varga and Nagy also add some wicked hand percussion to the proceedings - in short, some amazing Latin and Mediterranean style music from a place you might not expect - Hungary.

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Don Bagley - Jazz On The Rocks

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:02
Size: 75.6 MB
Styles: Progressive jazz
Year: 1957/1999/2012
Art: Front

[5:29] 1. Batter Up'
[4:56] 2. Come Out Swingin'
[4:40] 3. Odd Man Out
[4:17] 4. Bull Pen
[8:47] 5. Hold In There
[4:50] 6. Miss De Minor

Alto Saxophone – Phil Woods; Bass – Don Bagley; Drums – Charlie Persip; Guitar – Sal Salvador; Piano, Vibraphone – Eddie Costa.

Don Bagley was better known as a sideman than a leader during the 1950s, touring with Stan Kenton and recording with the likes of Nat King Cole and Dexter Gordon. This is the second of just three records the bassist made as a leader, with a lineup of rising young stars including Phil Woods, Eddie Costa, Sal Salvador, and Charlie Persip. All six tracks are originals by Bagley, starting with the perky "Batter Up." The leader and the drummer set up the exotic groove to "Come Out Swingin'," which features a superb solo by Woods. "Odd Man Out" spotlights Bagley, with some delicate background accompaniment by Costa on piano. Costa switches to vibes for the driving bop vehicle "Bull Pen" and the playful "Hold in There." Originally recorded for Regent and reissued by Savoy on LP, this album finally reappeared in 1999 as a CD on the Spanish Blue Moon label. ~Ken Dryden

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Holly Cole - Dark Dear Heart

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:54
Size: 118.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1987
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. I've Just Seen A Face
[3:58] 2. Make It Go Away
[4:03] 3. Onion Girl
[3:58] 4. Dark, Dear Heart
[4:30] 5. You Want More
[3:48] 6. Timbuktu
[5:16] 7. World Seems To Come And Go
[4:43] 8. River
[4:31] 9. Hold On
[4:51] 10. Brighter Lonely Day (Run, Run, Run)
[4:19] 11. I Told Him That My Dog Wouldn't Run
[4:24] 12. All The Pretty Little Horses

Instead of opting for the full-on pop diva route, Cole travels a far more interesting path towards the mainstream that picks up on the vapor trails of "I Can See Clearly Now" and her album of Waits covers. "I've Just Seen a Face" retains echoes of its signature melody, but is otherwise a smart reinvention, and Sheryl Crow's "You Want More" or the slinky Aaron Davis cowrite "Timbuktu" make fine follow-ups. Larry Klein's spartan production shines in particular on the title track. ~Jeff Bateman

Showcasing Cole in her most innovative and evocative setting yet, Dark Dear Heart promises to take her way beyond her rabid following. Leaving behind most of the jazz trappings that graced her earlier efforts, Holly moves squarely into a unique pop region which she will undoubtedly claim as her own. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin), music here ranges from breezy to unforgettable. 1st AAA single/video: A reworking of the Fab Four's "I've Just Seen a Face."

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Dave Valentin - Red Sun

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:28
Size: 104,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. With A Little Help From My Friends
(5:12)  2. Red Sun
(3:47)  3. Two Steps Ahead
(5:17)  4. We'll Be Together Again
(4:34)  5. Beyond The Ridge
(4:29)  6. Lia's Song
(5:05)  7. Loco Motion
(6:23)  8. Little Sunflower
(4:15)  9. Pensativa

This was flutist Dave Valetin's 15th release for GRP and, as with his previous ones, it features impeccable musicianship, subtle funk grooves, some heated Latin rhythms and rather lightweight melodies. Despite some passionate moments, the music always sounds a bit controlled, never exceeding prescribed time limits or emotional boundaries. There are some strong moments of interest on this relatively pleasing CD, particularly a restrained melodic statement by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on "We'll Be Together Again" and a groovin' version of "With a Little Help from My Friends."~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/red-sun-mw0000097869

Personnel: Dave Valentin (flute); Jon Lucien (vocals); Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Arturo Sandoval (flugelhorn); Steve Turre (trombone); Bill O'Connell (piano, synthesizer); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Lincoln Goines (acoustic bass); Robby Ameen (drums, cymbals, percussion); Richie Morales (drums, cymbals); Milton Cardona (congas, cowbells, percussion); Sammy Figueroa (percussion); Steve Shapiro (programming).

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Renee Olstead - Skylark

Styles: Vocal  Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:41
Size: 123,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. Midnight Man
(5:02)  2. Lover Man
(3:15)  3. Stars Fell On Alabama
(3:03)  4. My Baby Just Cares For Me
(4:43)  5. When I Fall In Love
(3:01)  6. Thanks For The Boogie Ride
(4:02)  7. Hold Me Now
(4:12)  8. Skylark
(3:26)  9. Midnight In Austin Texas
(3:23) 10. Hit The Road Jack
(3:28) 11. You've Changed
(2:46) 12. Ain't We Got Fun
(4:11) 13. Nothing But The Blame

Much like her self-titled debut from 2004, the second album by television actress and jazz-pop singer Renee Olstead finds the flame-haired teenager working with producer and arranger David Foster on a track list consisting mostly of standards from the Great American Songbook. A more than adequate singer with a surprising depth for such a young age (just 17 when this album was recorded), Olstead shines on classics like "Stars Fell On Alabama" and "Lover Man."~ Charity Sttaford https://www.allmusic.com/album/skylark-mw0000794568

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