Red Garland - The P.C. Blues

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:57
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:29)  1. Ahmad's Blues
( 6:26)  2. Lost April
( 5:49)  3. Why Was I Born?
(13:18)  4. Tweedle Dee Dee
( 9:53)  5. The P.C. Blues

P.C. Blues is a trio album from 1957 that features pianist Red Garland with bassist Paul Chambers (the "P.C." in the title), and drummer Art Taylor. 

In addition to the four original titles (which are highlighted by a sensitive version of "Lost April" and the lengthy "Tweedle Dee Dee"), Garland's feature on a 1956 Miles Davis record, "Ahmad's Blues" (which features him with Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones), adds to the value of this thoughtful but swinging release. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/pc-blues-mw0000075514

Personnel: Red Garland (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Art Taylor, Philly Joe Jones (drums).

The P.C. Blues

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Lynne Arriale - Nuance - The Bennett Studio Sessions

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:12
Size: 127,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Wrapped Around Your Finger
(5:02)  2. I Mean You
(3:57)  3. Longing
(4:04)  4. Crawfish & Gumbo
(7:39)  5. Ballad Of The Sad Young Men
(5:21)  6. Carry On
(5:36)  7. La Noche
(6:22)  8. Yada Yada Yada
(4:24)  9. I Hear A Rhapsody
(5:37) 10. A Night In Tunesia
(2:18) 11. A Gentle Soul

Known strictly as a jazz piano trio artist, Lynne Arriale breaks that mold with the addition of trumpeter Randy Brecker, and it is a welcome complement. This is not to say her piano-bass-drums recordings had run their course far from it. What the seasoned and literate brass man brings to the table ignites Arriale's innate passion, and inspires her dream sequence style of playing into a netherworld of darker passion and modernist ideas that are startling in their pure inventiveness. She's stretching further, reaching for deeper energy, and plays beautifully in tandem with her new partner. Bassist George Mraz is also along for this ride, as able as any player on his instrument ever, a fact seemingly lost on far too many listeners and critics. Of the six originals penned by the pianist, "Longing" and "Yada Yada Yada" certainly live up to and reflect their titles perfectly, from serenely sad to bobble head chatter respectively. "Crawfish & Gumbo" uses modified New Orleans funky strut and swing via the drumming of Anthony Pinciotti with Mraz on top, while a quick stairstep motif with only slight Latin inference informs "La Noche." 

The band tackles Sting's "Wrapped Around Your Finger" in a terrific modal framework and mysterious mood, with Arriale's piano remarkable in its Arabic, flashing style contrasting Brecker's even pace. This is an exemplary interpretation, as is "I Mean You" with the entire band playing brilliant, staggered phrases more pronounced than its writer Thelonious Monk originally conceived. Arriale's Bill Evans influence blossoms during her regal, free, and ethereal version of the standard "I Hear a Rhapsody," while she and the musings of the consistently refreshing Brecker use another slight modality, changing up Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia." A DVD performance with differently programmed tracks and stretched out versions of everything on the CD is available, and in 5.1 surround sound to boot. More and more rewarding upon repeat listenings, this recording fronted by one of the more skilled pianists in modern jazz and a criminally underrated trumpeter commands attention from start to finish, and deserves grand accolades, including a strong candidacy for Jazz CD of 2009. 

~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/nuance-the-bennett-studio-sessions-mw0000815379

Personnel:  Lynne Arriale (piano); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); George Mraz (bass instrument); Anthony Pinciotti (drums).

Nuance - The Bennett Studio Sessions

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Kate Rusby - Ghost

Styles: Vocal, Folk
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 138,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:56)  1. The Outlandish Knight
(5:43)  2. The Youthful Boy
(4:11)  3. We Will Sing
(5:43)  4. The Bonnie Bairns
(3:39)  5. Three Jolly Fishermen
(5:06)  6. I Am Sad
(4:17)  7. Martin Said
(4:50)  8. After This
(4:49)  9. The Magic Penny
(5:42) 10. The Night Visit
(5:08) 11. Silly Old Man
(5:48) 12. Ghost

Ghost received generally positive reviews from music critics. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Martin Chilton stated that the album has a "pleasing freshness", partly down to the blending of Stevie Iveson's electric guitar with more traditional folk instrumentation.

Uncut's Neil Spencer said that, while the album gives the listener the impression they have heard much of Ghost before, Rusby's "many fans won't mind". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_(Kate_Rusby_album)

Ghost

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Ray Brown, Milt Jackson - Ray Brown, Milt Jackson

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:13
Size: 92.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Big band
Year: 1965/1982
Art: Front

[5:30] 1. Lined With A Groove
[4:33] 2. For Someone I Love
[4:15] 3. Dew And Mud
[6:15] 4. I Just Can't Fool Myself
[4:49] 5. Lazy Theme
[5:12] 6. Now Hear My Meaning
[6:01] 7. In A Crowd
[3:35] 8. Monterey Mist

Bass, Leader – Ray Brown; Drums – Al Heath, Grady Tate; French Horn – Ray Alonge; Piano – Hank Jones; Saxophone – Danny Bank, Jerome Richardson, Jimmy Heath, Phil Woods, Bob Ashton, Romeo Penque; Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Tom McIntosh, Tony Studd, Urbie Green; Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Eugene Young; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry; Vibraphone [Vibes], Leader – Milt Jackson.

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Roni Ben-Hur, Santi DeBriano - Our Thing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:48
Size: 130.0 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:14] 1. Green Chimneys
[3:55] 2. Milonga For Mami
[4:27] 3. Our Thing
[4:30] 4. Fotografia
[5:43] 5. Afroscopic
[5:19] 6. Anna's Dance
[4:40] 7. Isabella
[5:08] 8. Earl's Key
[7:29] 9. Suave
[5:27] 10. Ela É Carioca
[3:50] 11. Let's Face The Music And Dance

Roni Ben-Hur: guitar; Santi Debriano: acoustic bass; Duduka Da Fonseca: drums, percussion.

Together on disc for the first time, this unusual trio fabulously expresses the passionate emotionality, worldly diversity, and musical virtuosity that defines the contemporary jazz of New York City. Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, bassist Santi DeBriano, and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca converged on the NYC jazz scene in the 1980s, and have been influencing the sound of the jazz metropolis ever since. This New York-based all-star trio features artists, well-known to jazz fans as leaders and sidemen, who have consistently performed at clubs and festivals, received high press accolades, and gained significant collective jazz and world radio spins for their releases

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Spanky Wilson, The Quantic Soul Orchestra - I'm Thankful

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:40
Size: 81.7 MB
Styles: Funk/Soul/Jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:01] 1. I'm Thankful (Part 1)
[3:38] 2. A Woman Like Me
[3:14] 3. Blood From A Stone
[3:25] 4. Don't Joke With A Hungry Man (Part 1)
[3:24] 5. Don't Joke With A Hungry Man (Part 2)
[4:13] 6. That's How It Was
[3:01] 7. Message To Tomorrow
[3:44] 8. Waiting For Your Touch
[2:56] 9. You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover
[4:01] 10. I'm Thankful (Part 2)

Since she burst onto the scene in the late 1960's, Spanky Wilson has performed and recorded with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Sammy Davis Jr., Lalo Schifrin, Jimmy Smith, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Pretty Purdie, and Willie Bobo. Renowned as a soul, blues, and jazz singer, she's released seven albums under her own name, and tracks like "Sunshine Of Your Love" and "You" have become DJ and collector favorites worldwide. "I'm Thankful" is a stunning collection of 21st century jazz, funk, big band, and soul music. "A dance floor-filling salute to the tough bumpin' sound of the Meters and James Brown's JBs" - Now Magazine. "Filled with burbling bass lines, a stabbing horn section, sweeping strings, and chunky guitars...proof that they haven't yet built machines that can replace human musicians" ~Creem.

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Les McCann, Joja Wendt - Pacifique

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:25
Size: 97.1 MB
Styles: Bop/Soul/Jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. What's Goin' On
[4:15] 2. Amazing Grace
[2:40] 3. Little Blue Volkswagen
[2:39] 4. Pacifique
[4:12] 5. Bare Blues
[6:38] 6. Prince Of Peace
[2:14] 7. Cold Duck Time
[4:28] 8. What A Wonderful World
[6:48] 9. With These Hands
[3:23] 10. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Les McCann carried on with his music despite suffering a serious stroke in 1995, although he often needed the help of a second keyboardist. While McCann's first recording after his stroke, Listen Up!, was little more than a workmanlike reminder that he was back, his second, Pacifique, is a joy despite, or perhaps because, of its unusual, stripped-down format. The CD consists of a series of duets where Les comps on Fender Rhodes electric piano, exercises his gravelly voice, and finds a helping hand and soulmate in the rollicking acoustic piano of European keyboardist Joja Wendt. Many of the tunes are remakes, often fine ones, of past McCann rousers like "What's Goin' On," "With These Hands," and a rumbling, scatted "Cold Duck Time" (in memoriam, Eddie Harris). Ever a devotee of the sacred and the profane, Les offers deeply felt renditions of "Amazing Grace" and "Prince of Peace" (formerly known as "The Longer You Wait") almost back-to-back with some lascivious blues, while also celebrating life with "What a Wonderful World." Pacifique is probably the best, most truthful record Les has made in at least 20 years, for at last, the real bawdy, devout, soulful, swinging Les McCann is back. ~Richard S. Ginnell

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Pacifique zippy

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Julian Lage - Modern Lore

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:32
Size: 97.4 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[3:56] 1. The Ramble
[3:51] 2. Atlantic Limited
[5:26] 3. General Thunder
[4:09] 4. Roger The Dodger
[3:59] 5. Wordsmith
[3:54] 6. Splendor Riot
[3:30] 7. Revelry
[3:00] 8. Look Book
[4:09] 9. Whatever You Say, Henry
[2:16] 10. Earth Science
[4:17] 11. Pantheon

Julian Lage: guitars; Scott Colley: bass; Kenny Wollesen: drums, vibraphone; Tyler Chester: keyboards; Jesse Harris: maracas, casio, acoustic guitar.

As a young guitar prodigy, Julian Lage often went to gigs at the Bay Area jazz club Yoshi's. There he would sit up front, put his head on stage and watch admiringly. Backing his early heroes at Yoshi's were two musicians who now form a trio with Lage. Double bassist Scott Colley and drummer Kenny Wollesen performed on Lage's 2016 album Arclight (Mack Avenue Records) to wide acclaim. The threesome reunites here for Modern Lore, with Lage's friend and collaborator Jesse Harris involved again. Nowadays it's others who lean close to the stage and gaze enrapt at Lage. Collusions with the likes of Chris Eldridge and Nels Cline have seen him mixing bluegrass, pop and jazz, with a hint of classical, even avant-garde. But whereas Arclight found Lage delving into early twentieth century tunes, Modern Lore seeks out the very foundations of rock music and digs deep. The acoustic guitar having been his early tool of choice, Lage indulges a love of the Telecaster here, like he did on Arclight. The sound has an unfussy clarity, as if Lage is playing your living room with his Fender and a home-made amp. The work of Chicago-based Bill MacKay often comes to mind when Lage finds a similar purity of melody. The two also share a style of lucid strumming, where each crotchet or quaver really counts for something.

So to the album's title, Modern Lore. This more than hints at the present-day mixing with a sense of learning. Opening cut "The Ramble" bears this out, when a strutting bass intro and rattling rhythm sticks give way to Lage in B.B. King mode. Catchy bluesy chords lead to a pinging solo, with notes so sparkling they might be freshly dew-dropped. You also get a hint of fuzzed-up Jimmy Page and John Abercrombie's pure picking. Retro this is not, refined it certainly is. Julian Lage is the ultimate jazz curator, with history in his fingertips. He conjures bygone eras, shakes off their dust, then hands you them anew. Each cut brings something new to the party. "Roger The Dodger" mixes funky chords and refined solos, "Wordsmith" rumbles into true rock 'n' roll and "Revelry" is like the air of a folk ballad. More revelations come on "Earth Science" when Lage seems to drill his fretboard into your very core with metallic rigour.

Tagging this collection as some kind of 'jazz-rock' outing would be simplistic and gruff. For sure it moves Lage into new arenas, but when did he ever remain static? Modern Lore is a perfect paean to the electric guitar and all its sensual traditions. ~Gareth Thompson

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Nino And April - Sing The Great Songs

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:37
Size: 70.1 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 1964/2011
Art: Front

[2:26] 1. Tea For Two
[2:09] 2. I'm Confessin' That I Love You
[2:34] 3. Honeysuckle Rose
[2:57] 4. Stardust
[2:32] 5. All The Things You Are
[2:59] 6. St. Louis Blues
[2:24] 7. Whispering
[2:26] 8. Begin The Beguine
[2:08] 9. My Blue Heaven
[2:09] 10. Who
[3:18] 11. I Surrender Dear
[2:31] 12. I Can't Give You Anything But Love

Nino Tempo & April Stevens (Antonino and Carol LoTempio) are a brother and sister singing act from Niagara Falls, New York. Formed in the early 1960s when Nino Tempo and April Stevens signed as a duo with Atco Records, they had a string of Billboard hits and earned a Grammy Award as "best rock & roll record of the year" for the single "Deep Purple". "Deep Purple" is notable for April Stevens' speaking the lyrics in a low, sweet voice during the second half of the song while her brother sings. When the duo first recorded the song as a demo, Tempo forgot the words, and Stevens spoke the lyrics to remind him. The producers thought Stevens' spoken interlude was "cute" and should be included on the finished product, but according to Stevens, her brother was not as easily convinced: "He didn't want anyone talking while he was singing!"

Producer Ahmet Ertegün had originally intended "Deep Purple" to be the B-side of a song called "I've Been Carrying A Torch For You So Long That It Burned A Great Big Hole In My Heart": he was dubious of Tempo's belief that it would be a hit, calling it "the most embarrassing thing" the duo had ever recorded. When radio stations preferred "Deep Purple," Ertegun relented, and so "I've Been Carrying A Torch ..." held the distinction of being the longest title of a flipside of a Billboard number one record, until Prince's "When Doves Cry" in 1984 had "17 Days ..." on its flipside.

Despite being considered "rock and roll," "Deep Purple" also reached number one on Billboard's Adult Contemporary singles chart. The record was followed by a series of singles of more oldies in a similar style: "Whispering", "Stardust", "Tea for Two".

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Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine - Prayer Meetin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:04
Size: 126.1 MB
Styles: Soul jazz, B3 Organ jazz
Year: 1963/2004
Art: Front

[5:43] 1. Prayer Meetin'
[9:23] 2. I Almost Lost My Mind
[3:42] 3. Stone Cold Dead In The Market
[6:09] 4. When The Saints Go Marching In
[7:37] 5. Red Top
[6:27] 6. Picnickin'
[8:50] 7. Lonesome Road (Aka Lonesome Road Blues)
[7:11] 8. Smith Walk

Drums – Donald Bailey; Guitar – Quentin Warren; Organ [Hammond] – Jimmy Smith; Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine. Recorded on February 8, 1963 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Playing piano-style single-note lines on his Hammond B-3 organ, Jimmy Smith revolutionized the use of the instrument in a jazz combo setting in the mid-'50s and early '60s, and arguably his best albums for Blue Note during this period were the ones he did with tenor sax player Stanley Turrentine. Recorded on February 8, 1963, at Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, and featuring Quentin Warren on guitar and Donald Bailey on drums in addition to Smith and Turrentine, Prayer Meetin' is a delight from start to finish. Forming a perfect closure to Smith's trio of albums with Turrentine (Midnight Special and Back at the Chicken Shack were both released in 1960), Prayer Meetin' was the last of four albums Smith recorded in a week to finish off his Blue Note contract before leaving for Verve. The blues roots are obvious here, and the Smith-penned title track might even be called jazz-gospel, but the single most striking cut is a version of Ivory Joe Hunter's "I Almost Lost My Mind," with both Smith and Turrentine building wonderful solos, suggesting new pathways for organ and sax as complementary instruments. ~Steve Leggett

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Lurlean Hunter - The Velvet Voice Of Lurlean Hunter (2-Disc Set)

Lurlean Hunter (vcl), Al Nevins, Manny Albam, Phil Moore, Jimmy Giuffre (dir), Ernie Royal, Joe Newman, Harry Edison (tp), Urbie Green (tb), Hal McKusick, Frank Wess, Al Cohn, Bud Freeman (saxes), Herbie Mann (fl), Hank Jones (p), Jim Hall (g), Milt Hinton, Trigger Alpert (b), Osie Johnson (d). Original sources: CD 1, tracks #1-12 from the RCA Victor 12" LP "Lonesome Gal" (LPM 1151), CD 1, tracks #13-24 from the VIK 12" LP "Night Life" (LX 1061), CD 2, tracks #1-12 from the VIK 12" LP "Stepping Out" (LX 1116), CD 2, tracks #13-23 from the Atlantic 12" LP "Blue And Sentimental" (SD 1344). 24-Bit Digitally Remastered.

Lurlean Hunter (1928-1983) was, with all her skills, one of the most underappreciated singers in America. Other singers, who held her in universal high regard, were in no doubt as to her quality. A singers singer, she was revered for her near perfection in vocal styling, technique, and delivery, gifts she blended into a captivating combination. This distinction is self-evident in the four albums she recorded during her career: Lonesome Gal (1955), Night Life (1956), Stepping Out (1957), and Blue and Sentimental (1960). On them she is accompanied by orchestras filled by some of the best New York jazz musicians. The skillful writing was provided by a handful of top arrangers, including Quincy Jones, Marion Evans, Manny Albam, Al Cohn, Ernie Wilkins, Phil Moore, and Jimmy Giuffre. All of them with the exception of Cohn and Wilkins also conducted their own scores. Throughout she is refreshingly unselfconscious, her voice strong and firm, her conception mature and intelligent and her phrasing meaningful. Blessed with fantastic intonation, effortless ease and innate musicianship, she also had an innately lyrical approach to the songs she sang, and they flowed out of her like something made of rich velvet, done in exquisite taste.

Album: The Velvet Voice Of Lurlean Hunter (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:32
Size: 179.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2012

[3:59] 1. Lonesome Gal
[4:56] 2. Alone Together
[3:13] 3. It's You Or No One
[3:40] 4. You Don't Know What Love Is
[2:37] 5. You Make Me Feel So Young
[2:57] 6. My Heart And I Decided
[5:05] 7. It Never Entered My Mind
[3:11] 8. Brief Encounter
[2:19] 9. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[4:40] 10. A Stranger In Town
[3:01] 11. But Not For Me
[4:10] 12. On Green Dolphin Street
[3:59] 13. Georgia On My Mind
[2:25] 14. What A Difference A Day Made
[3:06] 15. That Old Feeling
[2:38] 16. Gentlemen Friend
[2:05] 17. Have You Met Miss Jones
[3:52] 18. It's The Talk Of The Town
[3:25] 19. Night Life
[2:39] 20. It Could Happen To You
[2:00] 21. Sunday
[2:58] 22. Like Someone In Love
[3:01] 23. Moondrift
[2:27] 24. This Time The Dream's On Me

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Album: The Velvet Voice Of Lurlean Hunter (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:50
Size: 157.6 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:12] 1. Steppin' Out With My Baby
[2:39] 2. Easy To Love
[2:18] 3. I Feel So Smoochie
[2:37] 4. Kiss Me Again
[2:17] 5. Old Devil Moon
[2:34] 6. If I Could Be With You
[3:25] 7. Blues In The Night
[2:58] 8. Nobody's Heart
[2:41] 9. You Do Something To Me
[2:48] 10. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[2:13] 11. Oh! Look At Me Now
[2:49] 12. Some Other Time
[3:04] 13. Blue Turning Grey Over You
[2:46] 14. If You Could Love Me Now
[3:15] 15. My Kinda Love
[3:25] 16. Crazy He Calls Me
[3:31] 17. Just Imagine
[3:43] 18. Blue And Sentimental
[1:49] 19. The Song Is You
[5:31] 20. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
[3:47] 21. Fool That I Am
[4:06] 22. We'll Be Together Again
[2:09] 23. As Long As I Live

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Paquito D'Rivera, Christopher Dell, WDR Big Band - Benny Goodman Revisited

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:23
Size: 174.8 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Big band
Year: 2009/2016
Art: Front

[ 8:39] 1. Slipped Disc
[ 6:45] 2. Let's Dance
[ 7:49] 3. Memories Of You
[ 7:23] 4. Stompin At The Savoy
[ 5:39] 5. Benny @ 100
[ 8:19] 6. Don't Be That Way
[15:28] 7. Soft Winds
[11:27] 8. Sing Sing Sing
[ 4:48] 9. Goodbye

This 2009 recording Benny Goodman Revisited is one of several fine tributes to Benny Goodman that have been made over the years. Eddie Daniels also recorded a terrific homage, Benny Rides Again but what sets this apart is the superb nature of the arrangements and the WDR Big Band at whom you can throw almost anything and they will throw it right back at you with just as much force. Remember also this record was made during the Michael Abene years (as arranger and conductor) at one of the most prominent Big Bands in Europe and, indeed, the world as well. This is actually more than a mere musical tribute; it is a tableau featuring two extraordinary musicians (clarinettist Paquito D’Rivera and the vibraphonist Christopher Dell) playing the parts of two extraordinary characters vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and clarinettist Benny Goodman, who led several of the greatest Big Bands in the history of music.

Paquito-D'Rivera-Benny-Goodman-RevisitedIt is a tall order not only to play that music well, but also to recreate the aura of the Benny Goodman Big Band with flair and panache. But that’s exactly what you get when the forces of the WDR Big Band under the baton of Michael Abene combine with Paquito D’Rivera as well as Christopher Dell. These musicians play with unbridled skill that melds together with the Goodman songbook of endlessly evolving compositional virtuosity and what a grand celebration in music it is. Voluptuous melodic lines rub slinkily against clawed and harmonically arresting performances by the Big Band. Woodwind and reeds soli soar breathlessly and Paquito D’Rivera needs but a gentle prod with a note or a phrase to unleash his fluttering solos.

True Memories of You, Stompin at the Savoy and Sing Sing Sing are exceptional in their expressive intensity but if brightness only occasionally falls from the air the majority of Mr Goodman’s works, with their volte-face humour and open-hearted delight in the unexpected and in their swing, reflect a joy in compositional wizardry. Such qualities are dazzlingly articulated by Paquito D’Rivera and Christopher Dell (when called upon to solo), and, of course, the great WDR Big Band, with one performance after another of crystalline brilliance and musicianship. Hear the gloriously perky and resilient opening to Sing Sing Sing or the way Paquito D’Rivera conveys the mock grandeur of Stompin at the Savoy almost as if the dancers of the Savoy were relishing it all over again.

The musicians capture all of the music’s grandeur (its simultaneously elegiac and assuaging use of sixths and thirds) and is warm conciliatory in the slower, more statuesque movements before firing off the finales’ testy and explosive whimsy. These performances are clearly a prime love for Paquito D’Rivera and Christopher Dell, as well as the WDR Big Band. They will also surely be a prime love for all connoisseurs of Benny Goodman’s music as well, which is why this is an essential recording on many fronts. ~Raul de Gama

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The Ames Brothers - Amor

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:29
Size: 88.1 MB
Styles: Easy Listening, Group harmony vocals
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[2:31] 1. Amor
[2:22] 2. Frenesi
[2:49] 3. Ella
[2:09] 4. Quizas, Quizas
[2:57] 5. Besame Mucho
[2:20] 6. Maria Elena
[2:38] 7. Tres Palabras
[2:15] 8. Adios Mariquita
[2:13] 9. Mi Lo Dijo Adel
[2:52] 10. Tu Solo Tu
[1:55] 11. Brazil
[2:31] 12. La Ultima Noche
[2:43] 13. Cancion Mixteca
[2:10] 14. Amapola
[2:07] 15. Lisboa Antiqua
[1:49] 16. Perfidia

A close-harmony vocal quartet with few equals during the '50s, the Ames Brothers hit number one in 1950 with "Sentimental Me," and found their biggest hit three years later with "You, You, You." Though they were indeed a family group, the Ames Brothers' surname was actually Urick. Joe, Gene, Vic and Ed were all born within four short years of each other in Malden, Massachusetts. After winning a few talent contests in their hometown, the group moved to Boston and began performing in nightclubs. They soon made the leap to New York and even Los Angeles, and signed to the Coral label in late 1958. After a few moderate hits, the Ames Brothers hit big in early 1950 with a double-sided number one hit, "Rag Mop"/"Sentimental Me." The B-side eventually triumphed over its flip, and the group hit again later in 1951 with "Undecided." The biggest hit of the Ames Brothers' career was 1953's "You You You," and their continued success during 1954 with "The Naughty Lady of Shady Land" bore fruit in the form of their own television program.

Though the quartet continued to record throughout the '50s, the dawn of the rock era definitely damaged their career; the group managed two Top Ten hits in 1957 ("Tammy," "Melodie d'Amour"), but then folded in 1959. Ed, the youngest Ames brother, continued a performing career and appeared as an Indian named Mingo on the Daniel Boone TV series before hitting the Top Ten as a solo act with 1967's "My Cup Runneth Over." He also appeared on Broadway.

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Charlie Parker - Bird After Dark

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:58
Size: 128.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. All The Things You Are
[3:23] 2. Lover Man
[3:10] 3. This Is Always
[3:21] 4. Embraceable You
[3:07] 5. My Old Flame
[3:46] 6. Out Of Nowhere
[2:46] 7. Don't Blame Me
[3:28] 8. How Deep Is The Ocean
[8:57] 9. Slow Boat To China
[3:17] 10. Out Of Nowhere
[2:56] 11. How High The Moon
[5:00] 12. White Christmas
[4:36] 13. East Of The Sun
[2:07] 14. These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You
[3:10] 15. Goodbye

Bird After Dark combines tracks off several of alto saxophonist Charlie Parker's various Savoy label sessions, including Newly Discovered Sides and Bird at the Roost: The Savoy Years, Vol. 1. Given that these albums go in and out of print, this budget compilation seems like an acceptable addition to Parker's catalog -- though diehards will still want to seek out the original albums. ~Matt Collar

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Lou Donaldson - Everything I Play Is Funky

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:43
Size: 88.6 MB
Styles: Soul-jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1970/1995
Art: Front

[5:26] 1. Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)
[6:37] 2. Hamp's Hump
[7:12] 3. Over The Rainbow
[6:44] 4. Donkey Walk
[6:27] 5. West Indian Daddy
[6:15] 6. Minor Bash

Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson; Bass Guitar [Fender Bass] – Jimmy Lewis; Drums – Idris Muhammad; Guitar – Melvin Sparks; Organ – Charles Earland, Lonnie Smith; Trumpet – Blue Mitchell, Eddie Williams. Recorded on August 22, 1969 & January 9, 1970.

Although purists might not find it as much to their taste as Midnight Creeper, Everything I Play Is Funky is easily one of the best examples of Lou Donaldson's commercially accessible period of the late '60s and early '70s. Donaldson's forays into funk and R&B-driven soul-jazz could sometimes sound stiff, but the grooves here -- which feature many of the same players -- are consistently limber and unforced. And, typical of the style, the grooves (not adventurous improvisation) are what make the album tick. For once, Donaldson's attempt at an R&B cover -- in this case, the Lee Dorsey-sung, Allen Toussaint-penned "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)" -- is pulled off well enough to make for an entirely convincing statement of purpose. That number kicks off an entertaining program also highlighted by three Donaldson originals -- the cooking funk number "Donkey Walk," which seems to inspire the fieriest solos on the record, the cheery calypso "West Indian Daddy," and the hard bop-flavored "Minor Bash." There's also a version of "Over the Rainbow" done in Donaldson's caressing, melodic ballad style, and the simple funk vamp "Hamp's Hump." It's a nicely varied assortment, all anchored by the percolating rhythm section of guitarist Melvin Sparks, bassist Jimmy Lewis, and drummer Idris Muhammad (Charles Earland and Dr. Lonnie Smith switch off on organ, and Blue Mitchell and Eddie Williams do the same on trumpet). This is the sort of record that modern-day Donaldson disciples like the Sugarman Three cherish, and one of his few truly consistent efforts in this style. Recommended wholeheartedly to funk and rare-groove fans. ~Steve Huey

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Pierre Swärd & The Hammond Jazz'n Soul Group - Jazz'n Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:17
Size: 163.2 MB
Styles: B3 Organ jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[4:55] 1. Get On Down To The B3 Sound
[5:24] 2. Griff's Groove
[6:25] 3. Freedom
[4:46] 4. Mr. Clean
[4:51] 5. September Times
[3:19] 6. Groovin'
[5:45] 7. Lady's Blues
[6:12] 8. Can't Get Satisfied
[6:06] 9. Ps Blues
[7:58] 10. Mc Scott
[8:21] 11. Jazz'n Blue
[7:09] 12. Watermelon Man

Pierre Swärd (B3-org); Jan Ottesen (g); Hans Rolin (dr); Per Grebacken (ts-bs) (1.4.8); Per Johansson (as) (5.6). Recorded 1991-1995 in Stockholm (1.2.3.4.5.6.7.9.10.11.12), Recorded in Rättvik (8).

Pierre has been playing Hammond organ since 1969, and in recent years he has been a dedicated Nord C2D player. Pierre's organ playing has been in huge demand and featured in numerous live, TV and radio performances as well as album recordings.

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Chano Dominguez - Over The Rainbow

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:31
Size: 156.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[6:53] 1. Django
[5:17] 2. Drume Negrita
[5:15] 3. Evidence
[9:37] 4. Gracias A La Vida
[7:11] 5. Hacia Dónde
[5:11] 6. Los Ejes De Mi Carreta
[6:18] 7. Mantreria
[9:03] 8. Marcel
[6:02] 9. Monk's Dream
[7:39] 10. Over The Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is a genius effort from a historic musician who continues his storied narrative here in America. We are honored and grateful he is here. It is a giant leap forward on a musical pilgrimage with no end. His offerings along the way have a unique organic presence that reminds us that we all emanate from a colorful palate of cultures worldwide, but exist as a single canvas of humanity. As we express each color as unique and beautiful, we search for ways to have them blend together, to add and subtract them, to create an interaction of unity going forward. Dominguez continues to draw from the cultures and people that inspire his creative genius, and apply them to a tangible form we can all understand, and aspire to emulate. There is a maturity in his playing on this record, a thoughtfulness that pays homage to the multiplicity of musical currents that rise to the top during solo performance. To a listener unfamiliar with the work of Mr. Dominguez, it serves as a sampler of his stunning virtuosity, and joyous fusion of flamenco and jazz. To those already engaged in his musical voyage, it represents a snapshot along the way to new horizons, behind the moon, beyond the rain. ~Paul Rauch

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Big Band Swing Express - The Big Band Hits (You've Never Heard Before)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:50
Size: 125.6 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:28] 1. Silk Socks
[4:59] 2. Shoo In
[4:35] 3. A Few Notes On The Blues
[4:23] 4. No Rain
[4:50] 5. Chuck's Wagon
[5:48] 6. Sweet Water
[4:41] 7. Ken's Special
[5:33] 8. From 1 To 12
[5:39] 9. Like Blues
[4:49] 10. Li'l Dipper
[4:01] 11. Mighty Max

The Big Band Swing Express invites you to Get Aboard and experience "The Big Band HITS you've never heard before. All of the tracks are original compositions from the late Ken Farrar that were never released until now. Everything you like about Big Band music is represented here from the soft intimate melody of Sweetwater to the finger-snapping toe-tapping hot swinging sounds of the Big Bands best.

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Roy Clark, Joe Pass - Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:13
Size: 117.3 MB
Styles: Country/Jazz/Pop
Year: 1994/2006
Art: Front

[4:13] 1. Hey, Good Lookin'
[4:56] 2. I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)
[4:30] 3. Your Cheatin' Heart
[3:11] 4. Blues For Hank
[3:44] 5. Cold, Cold Heart
[4:48] 6. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
[3:28] 7. Long Gone Lonesome Blues
[4:43] 8. Why Don't You Love Me
[3:23] 9. Honky Tonk Blues
[4:49] 10. There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
[4:17] 11. I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
[5:06] 12. Kaw-Liga

At first glance, this project, which would be Joe Pass' final recording, might seem a bit unlikely. Pass is teamed up with country guitarist Roy Clark to play a set of Hank Williams tunes, but the date is actually quite successful. Clark has long been a closet jazz player; many of Williams' tunes have attractive chord changes, and Pass had his longtime rhythm section (rhythm guitarist John Pisano, bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Colin Bailey) serving as a solid foundation. Such songs as "Hey, Good Lookin'," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" and "There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight" work quite well in this setting. Since Clark (a brilliant guitarist himself) had long been a Joe Pass fan, the results are both competitive and complementary. Recommended. ~Scott Yanow

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Scaramouche - You And The Night And The Music

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:42
Size: 95.5 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. You And The Night And The Music
[3:47] 2. Carinhoso
[3:48] 3. Just One Of Those Things
[5:37] 4. My Funny Valentine
[3:57] 5. Love For Sale
[4:00] 6. My Favourite Things
[3:41] 7. Ceci N'est Pas Un Blues En Mineur
[3:44] 8. You're Not There (Paquito)
[4:33] 9. Jardin À L'arbre Du Vent
[3:47] 10. Everybody Wants To Be A Cat

Inspired by the Django Reinhardt's music, Scaramouche play jazz manouche in a different and personal way, but always with the simplicity and joy of this style, which will not be able to stop moving your legs. Their repertoire travels from the classic cafes of Paris to the funky, rumba and bossa manouche, offering a diverse and broad vision of gypsy swing.

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