Ken Stubbs - Ballads

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:12
Size: 147.0 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[7:07] 1. You Are Too Beautiful
[6:21] 2. You Don't Know What Love Is
[4:24] 3. Over The Rainbow
[7:30] 4. But Beautiful
[3:28] 5. Prelude
[5:16] 6. Skylark
[7:30] 7. That's All
[7:40] 8. Someone To Watch Over Me
[7:37] 9. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
[7:13] 10. I Thought About You

Alto saxophonist Ken Stubbs combines his light, dry alto saxophone timbre with minimal accompaniment on a session for romantics. Working with guitar trio on two tracks, piano on two and the piano trio elsewhere, Stubbs weaves slowly in and around familiar standards. They’re lovely songs that recall lyrics and stories. Appropriately, Stubbs adapts his vocal-like phrasing to interpret each melody comfortably. It’s an album for sitting back, pouring yourself something useful and listening; while daydreaming about better days.

Representing an entire century of jazz, Ballads celebrates the warmth contained in song. Stubbs’ view of “swing” is conservative and subdued. His arrangements allow for adventurous improvising without any overt hint of passion. Rather, the session pulls from a world where cooler heads prevail. The warmth in Stubbs’ style is intended to be appreciated on a personal level. Rather than shout I LOVE YOU from the rooftops, the saxophonist prefers to whisper it in your ear. While his accompaniment appears musically uneven, Stubbs says it beautifully through his horn. ~Jim Santella

Ballads mc
Ballads zippy

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Jeremy Davenport - Maybe In A Dream

Styles: Vocal And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:57
Size: 133,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:07)  1. A Beautiful Friendship
(5:29)  2. I Thought About You
(4:51)  3. Maybe In A Dream
(5:41)  4. Let's Leave
(4:29)  5. Moonglow
(5:50)  6. What Ever Happened?
(5:37)  7. P.S. I Love You
(5:02)  8. Spirit Of St. Louis
(3:49)  9. You Are The One For Me
(6:14) 10. A Second Chance
(4:43) 11. They Didn't Believe Me

Jeremy Davenport has good credentials. Like Harry Connick, Jr., with whom he has been compared, he studied with Ellis Marsalis in New Orleans after receiving classical training in St. Louis, and also studied with Wynton Marsalis. Maybe in a Dream is made up of standards and his own compositions; there's also a short visit by Diana Krall as she joins Davenport on his "Let's Leave." Davenport has a pleasant enough voice which is much more effective on the standards, since his compositions do not compare well with the more familiar material on this disc. His originals can best be described as cute, without much substance and not likely destined to be covered by many other performers. Given the lightness of Davenport's voice, it is hard to discern any real feeling in his phrasing and interpretations. Everything is done with the same boyish charm, but there seems to be little effort to put his own imprimatur on the standards that is, to make the song his own for the four or five minutes he controls the music. Of the five pieces written by Davenport, "What Ever Happened" is the most entertaining. The lyrics are clever and the tune offers an opportunity for the members of the group to stretch out. Davenport's trumpet, on which he uses a mute most of the time, is understated and reticent, much like Chet Baker's. The one song where Davenport shines is "Moonglow," linking jazz trumpet with a vocal. He gets excellent support here, and throughout, from Glenn Patscha on piano, who has worked with Davenport on previous recording sessions. "P.S. I Love You" is notable for the fine solo by eminent bassman Peter Washington. Gregory Hutchinson provides solid tempo support for the sessions with some good cymbal work. When the mood calls for it, this album can be turned to for some pleasant, low-density listening. A nice added attraction is that the lyrics to all the tunes are reprinted in the liner notes. ~ Dave Nathan https://www.allmusic.com/album/maybe-in-a-dream-mw0000600204

Personnel: Jeremy Davenport (vocals, trumpet); Diana Krall (vocals); Glenn Patscha (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Gregory Hutchinson (drums).

Maybe In A Dream

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Marlene VerPlanck - What Are We Going To Do With All This Moonlight

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:32
Size: 155,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:08)  1. Nobody Else But Me
(3:53)  2. The Real Thing
(4:44)  3. Close Enough For Love
(4:36)  4. Beautiful Friendship
(3:38)  5. Star Eyes
(5:23)  6. Detour Ahead
(2:47)  7. Embraceable You
(3:30)  8. Sing Me To Sleep
(4:56)  9. Wonder Why
(5:21) 10. Sweet And Slow
(3:13) 11. My Future Just Began
(2:47) 12. When In Rome
(3:29) 13. I Never Had A Chance
(3:30) 14. Nobody, But Nobody
(2:29) 15. I've Got Your Number
(4:45) 16. I'm Sticking With You, Baby
(4:13) 17. What Are We Going To Do With All This Moonlig

Recorded at two separate sessions in Paris, this album reveals why Marlene Ver Planck continues to occupy a place in the upper echelon of contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Many of the tunes are from the movies and Broadway musicals. The subtitle for the album, "Saxomania-Reeds and Rhythm," recognizes the contribution made by the excellent group of French reedmen and the rhythm section, which affords consistently first-rate accompaniment for Ver Planck throughout the session. For a pleasant diversion from the usual, the album features not just standards, but songs that are not heard all that frequently. Despite Ver Planck's valiant efforts, it becomes clear very quickly why one doesn't hear some of these ditties very often: They simply are not very good. On the other hand, there are some real gems that Ver Planck has brought to light. The Harry Warren/Al Dubin track "Sweet and Slow," from the 1935 film Broadway Gondolier, is done in a syncopated style which makes the music interesting, even though the lyrics are a bit simplistic. There's some great ensemble work on this tune and it accommodates to Ver Planck's scatting style quite nicely. The Gerry Mulligan Mel Torme-penned "The Real Thing," a truly beautiful tune, gets a gorgeous rendering from Ver Planck, with plenty of help from the sax section and Stanley Laferrier's piano. "This Is the End of a Beautiful Friendship" is a vehicle for each member of the band to solo. Claude Tissendier's clarinet and Claude Braud's tenor especially stand out. Marlene's talented husband, J. "Billy" Ver Planck composed several tunes for this session; "Nobody, But Nobody" is the best of these, with a nice fox trot arrangement that may well encourage listeners to get up and dance. Braud's tenor gets some solo space on this tune. "Star Eyes" is kicked off with a fast-paced sax ensemble, slowing down to a manageable beat for Ver Planck's vocal. This is one of the highlights of the set. All in all, whether familiar standards or not, all of the 17 tunes on the play list are done with style and grace, and mostly in a sprightly, uptempo beat. Even "Embraceable You," usually played slowly and soulfully, gets a rare uptempo reading from Ver Planck and the group. As expected, Ver Planck's diction, phrasing, and handling of the lyrics are impeccable. What Are We Going to Do With All This Moonlight is another in a long run of Ver Planck classic vocal albums and is a fun-filled, toe-tapping collection. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-are-we-going-to-do-with-all-this-moonlight-mw0000725400

R.I.P.

Born: November 11, 1933, Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: January 14, 2018

What Are We Going To Do With All This Moonlight

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Mike Di Lorenzo - Urbanized

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:17
Size: 131,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. City Vibe
(5:38)  2. Loosey Goose
(4:39)  3. Urbanized
(6:36)  4. Severance
(4:40)  5. Too High
(3:51)  6. West 47th
(3:40)  7. My Time
(6:02)  8. Groovemaster
(4:04)  9. Motified
(6:15) 10. Northern Samba
(4:23) 11. After Midnight
(3:33) 12. Curb Appeal

NY-based keyboard player, composer and production specialist Mike Di Lorenzo provides his own brand of New York chill featuring a fresh blend of contemporary jazz with Hip-Hop, Latin and R&B elements. "Joe Sample, George Duke, Down To The Bone, and Michael Brecker aficionados will be well-served with this assortment of urban instrumental arrangements which highlight Mikes various influences and versatile writing, playing and production style."

11 original fresh, funky, instrumental compositions and an outstanding remake of Stevie Wonders "Too High" make up this very musically hip and groove-oriented CD. By incorporating contemporary rhythms and textures with the musicianship of some of New Yorks finest, Mike is able to incorporate his varied experiences and wide range of musical influences into an impressive and tasteful debut. "The idea behind the CD is to connect with the rhythms and grooves that are happening today and hopefully provide an interesting blend where melody and harmonic creativity can be incorporated with popular rhythm formats."

~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Urbanized-Mike-Lorenzo/dp/B0007UZLZM    

The Players: Mike Di Lorenzo ~ piano, keyboards, Rhodes and programming, Vinnie Cutro ~ trumpet, Bob Malach ~ tenor saxophone, Frank Valdes ~ percussion, Willy Dalton ~ nylon string guitar, Karl Latham ~ drums 

Urbanized

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Bruce Forman - River Journey

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:23
Size: 110,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:16)  1. River Journey
(7:58)  2. A Simple Waltz
(6:16)  3. Two Bits
(4:04)  4. St. Thomas
(3:31)  5. Chances
(4:58)  6. I Just Got Back In Town
(7:17)  7. Nature Boy

An upbeat album from the early '80s by guitarist Bruce Forman, playing with a group that includes torrid alto saxophonist Richie Cole. His fluid, bluesy solos on fast, mid-tempo, and slow numbers injects some spark into the date, and also makes Forman extend himself. 

~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/album/river-journey-mw0000865857

Personnel:  Guitar, Leader – Bruce Forman;  Alto Saxophone – Richie Cole;  Bass – Bob Magnusson, Rich Girard;  Drums – Scott Morris;  Keyboards – Frank Martin; Piano – Russell Ferrante

River Journey

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O.V. Wright - We're Still Together

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 86,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. We're Still Together
(4:12)  2. I Found Peace
(3:41)  3. It's Cold Without Your Love
(3:28)  4. Baby Baby Baby
(3:22)  5. I'm Gonna Stay
(5:12)  6. The Hurt Is On
(4:45)  7. Today I Sing The Blues
(4:30)  8. Mirror Of My Soul
(4:28)  9. Sacrifice

Released at the peak of disco fever in 1979, We're Still Together is a product of its era. Willie Mitchell's production is slick and overpowering, with dense string arrangements and vocal choruses that flatten everything around them. Although the material, including a cover of Aretha Franklin's "Baby Baby Baby," is strong and Wright is in fine voice throughout, it's tough to consider We're Still Together anything more than an ambitious failure. ~ Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/album/were-still-together-mw0001059778

We're Still Together

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Hadda Brooks - I've Got News For You (2-Disc Set)

This two-CD set spans Brooks' career from 1945 to 1998 and does a fine job of gathering bits and pieces from the veteran singer/pianist's catalog. Divided into two sections --"Hadda Sings" and "Hadda Swings" -- which unsuccessfully tries to separate essentially similar patterns in Brooks' style and manner, this amounts to a representative, if incomplete, compilation of progressing, artistic achievement. The '90s recordings featured here aren't bad, but it's the late-'40s material -- particularly Brooks' sublime take on "That's My Desire" -- that gives I've Got News for You something to shout about. ~Michael Gallucci

Album: I've Got News For You (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:34
Size: 104.3 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues vocals, Piano blues
Year: 1999

[2:42] 1. That's My Desire
[2:44] 2. I Feel So Good
[3:09] 3. Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere
[4:05] 4. Dream
[3:13] 5. You Won't Let Me Go
[2:47] 6. Time Was When
[3:35] 7. You Go Your Way And I'll Go Crazy
[2:53] 8. Sometimes I'm Happy (Featuring Carla Bozulich)
[3:24] 9. Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl
[3:12] 10. Who Did You Fool After All
[4:24] 11. Stairway To The Stars (Featuring Charles Brown)
[3:49] 12. How Do You Speak To An Angel
[2:34] 13. Them There Eyes
[2:56] 14. Miss Brown To You

I've Got News For You (Disc 1) mc
I've Got News For You (Disc 1) zippy

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Album: I've Got News For You (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:11
Size: 103.5 MB
Styles: Jazz-blues vocals, Piano blues
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[2:48] 1. Swingin' The Boogie
[2:54] 2. Chop Chop Boogie
[2:41] 3. Hip Shakin' Boogie
[3:00] 4. Humoresque Boogie
[2:34] 5. Rock And Roll Boogie
[2:26] 6. Variety Boogie
[2:39] 7. Bluesin' The Boogie
[2:24] 8. Teenage Boogie
[2:41] 9. Boogie Celeste
[2:20] 10. Stompin' The Boogie
[2:40] 11. Honky Tonk Boogie
[6:23] 12. Mama's Blues
[4:20] 13. Misty
[5:14] 14. Rhapsody In Blue

I've Got News For You (Disc 2) mc
I've Got News For You (Disc 2) zippy

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Clark Terry, Depaul University Big Band, Bob Lark - Express

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:43
Size: 157.3 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 1996/2015
Art: Front

[4:21] 1. Just Squeeze Me
[4:08] 2. Juniflip
[4:08] 3. Rockin' In Rhythm
[6:15] 4. Just A-Sitting And A-Rockin'
[6:47] 5. Star Crossed Lovers
[4:46] 6. Easy Does It
[5:33] 7. C.T.'s Express
[4:53] 8. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
[4:35] 9. I Want A Little Girl
[4:38] 10. Launching Pad
[3:28] 11. Harlem Airshaft
[5:19] 12. Nodido
[3:23] 13. Cotton Tail
[6:22] 14. Something To Live For

Alto Saxophone, Flute – Dave Hutten, Doug Angelaccio; Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet – Jeff Erickson (2); Bass – Sharay Reed; Bass Trombone – Thomas Michaud; Drums – James Ward (7) (tracks: 5, 7, 8, 13, 14), Tom Hipskind (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 9 to 12); Guitar – Steve Jacobson (3); Piano – Michael Stryker; Tenor Saxophone – Robert Gardiner (2); Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Rob Denty; Tenor Saxophone, Guest – Mark Colby (tracks: 12); Trombone – Steve Bradley (6), Tom Hanton; Trombone [Lead] – Troy Anderson (2); Trumpet [Lead], Flugelhorn [Lead] – Jason Aspinwall; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Amir El Saffar*, Eric Nelson (10), Gil Wukitsch, Vance Thompson. Recorded December 5-6, 1995 at The Concert Hall, DePaul University, Chicago IL.

Possessor of the happiest sound in jazz, flügelhornist Clark Terry always played music that was exuberant, swinging, and fun. A brilliant (and very distinctive) soloist, Terry gained fame for his "Mumbles" vocals (which started as a satire of the less intelligible ancient blues singers) and was also an enthusiastic educator. He gained early experience playing trumpet in the viable St. Louis jazz scene of the early '40s (where he was an inspiration for Miles Davis) and, after performing in a Navy band during World War II, he gained a strong reputation playing with the big band of Charlie Barnet (1947-1948), the orchestra and small groups of Count Basie (1948-1951), and particularly with Duke Ellington (1951-1959). Terry, a versatile swing/bop soloist who started specializing on flügelhorn in the mid-'50s, had many features with Ellington (including "Perdido"), and started leading his own record dates during that era. He visited Europe with Harold Arlen's unsuccessful Free & Easy show of 1959-1960 as part of Quincy Jones' Orchestra, and then joined the staff of NBC where he was a regular member of the Tonight Show Orchestra. He recorded regularly in the '60s, including a classic set with the Oscar Peterson Trio and several dates with the quintet he co-led with valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer. Throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s, Terry remained a major force, recording and performing in a wide variety of settings, including as the head of his short-lived big band in the mid-'70s, with all-star groups for Pablo, and as a guest artist who provided happiness in every note he played. Terry died on February 21, 2015, at age 94, after an extended battle with diabetes. ~ Scott Yanow

Express mc
Express zippy

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Ray Charles - Forever

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:00
Size: 112.2 MB
Styles: R&B, Soul
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:14] 1. A Song For You
[3:39] 2. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
[3:07] 3. Ring Of Fire
[3:40] 4. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[4:11] 5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[4:06] 6. Till There Was You
[4:06] 7. Isn't It Wonderful
[5:02] 8. None Of Us Are Free
[4:25] 9. Imagine
[4:53] 10. If I Could
[3:58] 11. So Help Me God
[3:34] 12. America The Beautiful

Concord Music Group releases the Ray Charles Forever album, which includes re-mixed and re-mastered versions of some of Ray's classic hits and the previously unreleased "They Can't Take That Away From Me." In conjunction, the U.S. Postal Service proudly honors inspiring musician Ray Charles with a stamp, one of several that inaugurates the Music Icons Forever® series.

Forever mc
Forever zippy

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Ken Navarro - The Test Of Time

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:57
Size: 128.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[5:08] 1. Imagine
[3:51] 2. Little Martha
[6:06] 3. Just Like A Woman Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands
[4:34] 4. Message In A Bottle
[8:12] 5. Eight Days A Week/Ticket To Ride Day Tripper
[5:02] 6. The Days Of Wine And Roses
[4:23] 7. Wichita Lineman
[2:37] 8. Letter From Home
[2:40] 9. Caroline No
[6:41] 10. Europa
[3:24] 11. Bach Bwv 998
[3:13] 12. When You Wish Upon A Star

Solo guitar like you never imagined it. Genuine, flawless performances with melodies, bass lines, harmonies and percussion... all masterfully played simultaneously on just one guitar. Every song is an original Ken Navarro masterpiece.

The Test Of Time mc

Sharon Marie Cline - Interplay: Live At Simon's Wine Bar

Styles: Vocal  Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:49
Size: 123,6 MB
Art: Front

(0:34)  1. Introduction (Introduction By Martin Pett)
(4:03)  2. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:33)  3. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(7:55)  4. A Foggy Day
(4:21)  5. Fly Me To The Moon
(7:17)  6. The Nearness Of You
(6:52)  7. Star Eyes (Instrumental)
(7:44)  8. The Look Of Love
(6:08)  9. Night And Day
(4:17) 10. Ain't Misbehavin' - I Can't Give You Anything But Love

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Sharon Marie is quickly becoming a favorite in LA’s jazz club scene and performs with the finest jazz musicians and in the most exclusive rooms on the west coast and across the country. She’s performed on the same stage as such jazz greats as Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett and Chris Botti. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Sharon Marie is an extraordinary vocalist who brings a unique & distinguished sense of jazz history to her song stylings. Her approach to standards, show tunes and classic jazz is charming and refreshing… she often employs rhythmic and tempo variations that breathe enjoyable new life into familiar standards. Her brilliant interpretations and her smooth mellifluous sound leave a lasting impression on her listeners that is truly unforgettable! Backed by exceptional musicians, Sharon fondly dubs her group “The Bad Boyz of Jazz”. They are known for their innovative rhythmic sense, lush arrangements and musical prowess. Her core group of “Boyz” includes : Rich Eames (piano), and Luther Hughes (bass), Adrian Rosen (bass) and Jon Stuart (drums), and Victor Orlando on Percussion. However, there are many extraordinary musicians that offer their great talent on this album: Ryan Cross (cello and bass), Reinhold Schwarzwald (alto saxophone), Lee Thornberg (trumpet), John Belzaguy (bass), Adam Cohen (bass), Bram Glik (tenor saxophone), Rob Hardt (flute), and Jacques Lesure (guitar).The Divine Ms. Cline is exciting, sexy, fun and mesmerizing. Her style is reminiscent of a time gone by, yet is distinctively contemporary. Sit back and enjoy the romantic swingin’ melodies of Sharon Marie Cline and The Bad Boyz of Jazz. http://sharonmariecline.com/about-sharon/

Interplay:  Live At Simon's Wine Bar

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Andy LaVerne Trio - Time Well Spent

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:15
Size: 135,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:30)  1. Common Knowledge
(3:25)  2. There Is No Greater Love
(5:19)  3. Cantaloupe Island
(5:27)  4. On A Misty Night
(4:24)  5. Time Well Spent
(5:28)  6. I Should Care
(7:04)  7. Lover Man
(3:29)  8. A Single Petal Of A Rose
(4:12)  9. Fall
(4:17) 10. Blue Interlude
(6:37) 11. Stellar
(4:00) 12. Rhythm And Blues

Andy LaVerne is a fabulous pianist with an exquisite touch. The trio includes George Mraz on bass and Al Foster on drums. They all perform well on Time Well Spent. However, except for Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" and the title track, most of the tracks on Time Well Spent are not memorable. ~ Tim Griggs  https://www.allmusic.com/album/time-well-spent-mw0000646719

Personnel:  Andy LaVerne (piano); George Mraz (bass); Al Foster (drums).

Time Well Spent

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David Newman - Under a Woodstock Moon

Styles: Flute and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:39
Size: 137,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:39)  1. Nature Boy
(5:18)  2. Amandla
(4:29)  3. Up Jumped Spring
(5:14)  4. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
(4:40)  5. Autumn in New York
(2:58)  6. Sky Blues
(4:59)  7. Another Kentucky Sunset
(4:58)  8. Summertime
(5:38)  9. Sunrise
(6:16) 10. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
(4:52) 11. Skylark
(5:32) 12. Under a Woodstock Moon

Veteran David Newman is heard in fine form on his excellent CD, switching between tenor, alto and flute. He is joined by a supportive rhythm section (which includes vibraphonist Brian Carrott and pianist David Leonhardt) and occasionally four strings for a cheerful set of ballads and originals. The project is listed as "a personal tribute to the rhythms of Mother Nature," and all of the song titles (other than the original calypso "Amandla") have something to do with either the seasons or the sky, but fortunately, the date is far from being a reverent set of new age music. In fact, despite the mostly relaxed tempos, it is one of David Newman's stronger straight-ahead efforts and is easily recommended, particularly for Newman's appealing tenor playing. Highlights include "Up Jumped Spring," "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square," and the title cut. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/under-a-woodstock-moon-mw0000597801

Personnel: David "Fathead" Newman (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Matthew Raimondi (strings); David Leonhardt (piano); Bryan Carrott (vibraphone); Winard Harper (drums).

Under a Woodstock Moon

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Dr. Lonnie Smith - All In My Mind

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:37
Size: 133,3 MB
Art: Front

(8:18)  1. JuJu
(6:55)  2. Devika
(9:27)  3. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
(7:44)  4. On A Misty Night
(9:51)  5. Alhambra
(8:20)  6. All In My Mind
(5:58)  7. Up Jumped Spring

Recorded during his 75th birthday celebration at the Jazz Standard in New York City, All in My Mind follows B-3 boss Dr. Lonnie Smith's acclaimed 2016 release, Evolution, which marked his return to Blue Note Records. Again unobtrusively produced by label boss Don Was, the seven-track set places the great organist in the company of his working trio with guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg and drummer Jonathan Blake. In addition, drummer Joe Dyson and vocalist Alicia Olatuja appear on a track each. The program, like Smith's best Blue Note work from the days of yore (1968-1970), is wildly diverse. It opens with a cooking read of Wayne Shorter's classic modal composition "Juju." Smith's Hammond B-3 goes deep beneath the surface structure of the tune to reveal the subtle colors and tones inherent in the original melody, Kreisberg highlights them with slippery grace and shifting arpeggios, and Blake drives the strident yet mysterious groove with tasty breaks and fills. Smith's labyrinthine solo builds on the changes to balance groove and keyboard pyrotechnics. Another highlight is the nine-and-a-half-minute version of Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover." Commencing as a slow burn with Kreisberg stating the melody and guest Dyson relying heavily on funky, syncopated breaks, Smith's entry offers subdued tonal shades in the changes until the refrain, when the trio shifts gears toward improvisation, carrying the tune into previously unknown regions. Smith's trio displays its elegant chops and close camaraderie on a sultry, lyrical read of Tadd Dameron's classic "On a Misty Night." They listen closely, while implicitly knowing how to utilize harmonic and dynamic understatement for maximum expression. Smith includes a pair of his own compositions here as well. First is the long, moody, and exploratory "Alhambra," with his keyboard strings and muted trumpet sounds, eventually evolving into a free-for-all jam with everyone digging deep. He also revisits "All in My Mind," from 1977's Funk Reaction. The latter is a more retiring (but no less satisfying) version, with Olatuja's gorgeous voice as its focal point. The set closes with a soul-jazz cum post-bop read of Freddie Hubbard's sprightly "Up Jumped Spring" that finds the great organ master allowing his playful side to come to the fore, gliding through the changes to set the pace for his sidemen. While this set doesn't possess the raw fireworks of his recordings on Palmetto such as Boogaloo to Beck, Too Damn Hot, and Spiral, it more than compensates in taste and outstanding musicianship, making for a thoroughly enjoyable listen from end to end. ~ Thom Jurek https://www.allmusic.com/album/all-in-my-mind-mw0003131644

Personnel: Dr. Lonnie Smith (vocals, organ, keyboards); Jonathan Kreisberg (guitar); Johnathan Blake (drums).

All In My Mind

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Blossom Dearie & Phil Scorgie - Me And Phil: Blossom Dearie Live In Australia

Size: 168,4 MB
Time: 72:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1994/2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Won’t Dance (Live) (4:55)
02. Everything I've Got (Live) (3:39)
03. Quiet Time (Live) (5:38)
04. I'm Hip (Live) (3:10)
05. I Don’t Remember (Live) (5:03)
06. My Attorney Bernie (Live) (4:53)
07. Bye Bye Country Boy (Live) (5:53)
08. Someone’s Been Sending Me Flowers (Live) (2:56)
09. Bruce (Live) (3:55)
10. Liz, Ralph And Calvin (Live) (3:45)
11. I'm Shadowing You (Live) (3:23)
12. Blossom (Live) (4:40)
13. Peel Me A Grape (Live) (4:22)
14. Lush Life (Live) (4:42)
15. If I Were A Bell (Live) (4:51)
16. Sweet Georgie Fame (Live) (6:09)

A distinctive, girlish voice, crisp, impeccable delivery, and an irrepressible sense of playful swing made Blossom Dearie one of the most enjoyable singers of the vocal era. Her warmth and sparkle ensured that she'd never treat standards as the well-worn songs they often appeared in less capable hands. And though her reputation was made on record with a string of excellent albums for Verve during the '50s, she remained a draw with Manhattan cabaret audiences long into the new millennium.

Actually born with the name Blossom Dearie in the New York Catskills, she began playing piano at an early age and studied classical music before making the switch to jazz while in high school. After graduation, she moved to New York and began appearing with vocal groups like the Blue Flames (attached to Woody Herman) and the Blue Reys (with Alvino Rey). She also played cocktail piano around the city, and moved to Paris in 1952 to form her own group, the Blue Stars of France. Dearie also appeared in a nightclub act with Annie Ross, and made a short, uncredited appearance on King Pleasure's vocalese classic, "Moody's Mood for Love." She recorded an obscure album of piano solos, and in 1954, the Blue Stars hit the national charts with a French version of "Lullaby of Birdland."

After hearing Dearie perform in Paris in 1956, Norman Granz signed her to Verve and she returned to America by the end of the year. Her eponymous debut for Verve featured a set of standards that slanted traditional pop back to its roots in Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and cabaret. Her focus on intimate readings of standards ("Deed I Do," "Thou Swell") and the relaxed trio setting (bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jo Jones, plus Dearie on piano) drew nods to her cabaret background.

On her next few records, Dearie stuck to her focus on standards and small groups, though her gift for songwriting emerged as well with songs like "Blossom's Blues." She performed in solo settings at supper clubs all over New York, and appeared on the more cultured of the late-'50s New York talk shows. Her husband, flutist Bobby Jaspar, made several appearances on her records, notably 1959's My Gentleman Friend. After a recording break in the early '60s, Blossom Dearie signed to Capitol for one album (1964's May I Come In?), but then recorded sparingly during the rest of the decade.

Finally, in the early '70s, she formed her own Daffodil Records label and began releasing her own work, including 1974's Blossom Dearie Sings and the following year's My Favorite Celebrity Is You. She also performed at Carnegie Hall with Anita O'Day and Joe Williams, billed as the Jazz Singers. She continued to perform and record during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, centered mostly in New York but also a regular attraction in London as well. She retired from playing live in 2006 due to health concerns and died quietly in her Greenwich Village apartment on February 7, 2009. ~by John Bush

Me And Phil

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Scott Bradlee - Songs I Know By Heart

Size: 100,0 MB
Time: 38:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz/Pop Piano
Art: Front

01. Hey Jude (3:57)
02. Pure Imagination (3:17)
03. Where Is My Mind (3:22)
04. Honeysuckle Rose (3:00)
05. Redbone (3:18)
06. Perfect Day (3:36)
07. La Vie En Rose (2:28)
08. Rick And Morty Theme (1:59)
09. Space Oddity (3:51)
10. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (3:25)
11. Karma Police (3:39)
12. Super Mario Bros. Theme (2:11)

PMJ founder Scott Bradlee flips the script on this solo piano CD, taking a break from retro-izing new hits to reminisce on some old (and not so old) favorites. On Songs I Know By Heart, Scott takes a musical look back on some nostalgic memories and key influences while delighting in some more recent earworms that have burrowed their way into his brain. Anyone who's been paying attention to PMJ's eclectic mix of song choices and stylistic twists shouldn't be surprised that this very personal playlist runs the gamut from certified rock classics to sentimental treasures and from cutting-edge '90s rock to surprising new discoveries. Whether these songs are old favorites or fresh discoveries, we're sure it won't take long before you know Scott's renditions by heart.

Songs I Know By Heart

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Margo Rey - The Roots Of Rey | Despacito Margo

Size: 120,4 MB
Time: 51:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Latin Jazz
Art: Front

01. Prelude To Angel Eyes (1:25)
02. Angel Eyes (3:35)
03. This Masquerade (4:13)
04. The Nearness Of You (4:20)
05. Mi Gran Deseo (My Heart's Desire) (4:27)
06. Windmills Of Your Mind (4:57)
07. Nuestra Cancion (4:12)
08. Speak Low (2:47)
09. Verdad Amarga (3:32)
10. Nature Boy (4:03)
11. You Don't Know What Love Is (4:01)
12. Chan Chan (5:26)
13. My Heart's Desire (4:26)

Personnel:
Margo Rey - Vocals
Oscar Hernandez - Piano
Jimmy Branly - Drums
Rene Camacho - Bass
Ramon Stagnano - Guitar
Justo Almario - Sax & Flute
Joey De Leon - Percussion

"Margo is a high-energy, self-motivated singer...What she does with a melody and a groove is just gorgeous! It's no wonder, she has exploded on to the music scene." ~BBC Radio

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, arranger and producer, Margo Rey, has had a rich career of performance and songwriting, including eight Billboard Top 20 hits over the years.The Roots Of Rey is Margo conceptualizing and embracing her roots as an accomplished Latin Jazz musician, presenting a modern American & Latin American songbook reimagined for the times. Performed by Rey in English and Spanish and arranged by multi-Grammy-winning pianist, Oscar Hernandez (Spanish Harlem Orchestra), the 13 songs cover some of the most memorable work from composers like Leon Russell, Hoagy Carmichael, and Michel LeGrand, and also includes an inspired 10-year anniversary salsa arrangement of Rey's original jazz composition, My Heart's Desire. "...a velvety sensuality within which one can discern a very well trained voice. Fans of Nora Jones and Sade have much to celebrate because the intimate vocalizations of Margo Rey with her rich and sensual voice evokes these figures but in Rey's case, she does it with a personal and modern twist." ~American Airlines Magazine.

The Roots Of Rey

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Steve Hobbs - Tribute To Bobby

Size: 171,9 MB
Time: 74:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. The Craving Phenomenon (6:17)
02. Into The Storm (6:22)
03. Besame Mucho (6:02)
04. New Creation (5:31)
05. Tres Vias (5:46)
06. Millie (7:35)
07. Thelonious Funk (5:51)
08. The Road To Happy Destiny (6:04)
09. Blowing In The Wind (6:06)
10. El Sueno De Horace Silver (5:14)
11. In From The Storm (4:45)
12. Let's Go To Abaco! (5:18)
13. Where Or When (3:39)

Steve Hobbs's third CD featuring this quartet is studded with lively compositions, mostly written by him. The paradoxically breezy opener (considering the dark derivation of its title) "The Craving Phenomenon" is an example of this lightness of touch. Hobbs is heard here on marimba as he is on the next track "Into The Storm," a labyrinthine piece played at a helter skelter speed, mostly in 5/4. The standard "Besame Mucho" brings the pace down a little and there's a gripping piano solo from Bill O'Connell. There's a brief self-contained little coda too.

An early Coltrane feel haunts "New Creation" and Adam Kolker's muscular tenor sax certainly adds credence to this groove. "Tres Vias," so named because of its three sections, evinces an innate charm, Hobbs's angular marimba to the fore, is followed by Kolker on soprano and lastly O'Connell on piano. The rock-influenced "Thelonius Funk" shares some similarities with mid-period Frank Zappa when the late iconoclast, experimenting with more complex time signatures employed Ruth Underwood on marimba to great effect. "The Road To Happy Destiny" is an upbeat gospel sounding tune featuring three guest vocalists and replete with a scat solo from Marvin Thorne is followed by a brisk vibes solo from Hobbs. Bob Dylan's "Blowing In The Wind" is afforded a gently respectful treatment with Hobbs featured again on vibes.

"El Sueno De Horace Silver" ("The Dream Of Horace Silver") is a Latin-tinged homage to the great man with some restrained hard bop overtones. "In From The Storm," the second and final track to feature the guest vocalists, is a lush bossa nova with Hobbs again on vibes. The penultimate number is a calypso, "Let's Go To Abaco!" and the set concludes with the Rodgers and Hart song "Where Or When" played at a fairly fast tempo. As its title suggests, this CD is a paean to the late, great vibraphone virtuoso Bobby Hutcherson and its seventy five minutes is filled with attractive pieces, expertly executed. Hobbs main instrument throughout is marimba, an instrument less heard in jazz than others, especially in a soloing context, so it makes for an interesting recording. As a side note, Hobbs has troubled to provide a booklet containing no few than thirteen pages of very informative sleeve notes plus photos, which add useful context to the tracks.

Personnel: Steve Hobbs: marimba, vibraphone; Adam Kolker: tenor and soprano saxophones; Bill O’Connell: piano; Peter Washington: bass; John Riley: drums. Carol Ingbretsen, Maurice Myers, Marvin Thorne: vocals.

Tribute To Bobby

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Jeff Baker - Phrases

Size: 173,7 MB
Time: 74:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Neruda (6:00)
02. And So It Goes (8:54)
03. People Of Paper (5:36)
04. Ballad Of The Sad Young Men (7:36)
05. Harbor (8:04)
06. Lost (7:46)
07. A Hundred Less One (5:56)
08. Salinger (5:46)
09. Not 'Cause I Wanted To (6:55)
10. Stay Alive (6:19)
11. Don't Worry 'bout Me (5:56)

After a seven-year absence, vocalist/composer/arranger/educator and foremost fan of the Boise State Broncos, Jeff Baker has returned to the studio to add to his already impressive discography, which includes: Baker Sings Chet (OA2, 2004); Monologue (OA2, 2005); Shopping for Your Heart (OA2, 2007); Of Things Not Seen (OA2, 2009).

The distance between the earthy, basic Of Things Not Seen and the present airy and ethereal Phrases is a vast one. Baker increases his instrumentation dramatically, from a quintet on the former to a septet, adding an additional four as a string quartet for several selections. He also pulls all the stops on his composing, having written the majority of the 11 selections included. Foremost of the original compositions are those based on the writings of Pablo Neruda ("Neruda"), JD Salinger ("Salinger"), and Salvador Plascencia ("People of Paper"). Baker's melodies are lofty and light and his voice, solid with a rich hint of androgyny, meld well with the lyrics garnered.

"Ballad of the Sad Young Men" is nearly perfect in its adaptation to the surrounding material. Pianist Darrell Grant does an admirable job keeping this recording's light-as-air approach aloft and moving forward. It is a recognition of Baker's talent that he attracts bassist Clark Sommers and alto saxophonist Steve Wilson into his creative fray. Baker arrived years ago. It is now time for us to pay attention.

Personnel: Jeff Baker, voc; Marquis Hill, tpt; Geof Bradfield, ts; Steve Wilson, as; Gregory Uhlmann, g; Clark Sommers, b; Brian Blade, d.; plus Blaise Magniere, violin; Marie Wang, violin; Anthony Devroye, viola; Cheng-Hou Lee, cello.

Phrases

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