Eric Alexander - Song Of No Regrets

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:07
Size: 128,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:11)  1. But here's the thing
(5:59)  2. These three words
(5:49)  3. Grinder
(2:54)  4. Corazon perdido
(6:44)  5. Mais que nada
(7:27)  6. Boom zoom
(5:31)  7. Song of no regrets
(7:19)  8. Cede's shack
(7:10)  9. Up, up and away

Eric Alexander, who has been wielding as impressive a tenor saxophone as anyone on the scene for more than two decades, returns to the studio for what seems the umpteenth time with an abundant stockpile of point-blank pleasures on Song of No Regrets, an essentially Latin-grooved session that leaves room on the first two numbers for the superlative trumpet work of guest artist Jon Faddis. One of Alexander's strengths, and perhaps the one that has caused him to be so consistently underrated when the talk turns to contemporary tenor masters, is that he makes everything seem so implausibly easy. The technique and fluency are such that there's literally nothing Alexander can't do on his horn. Ballads? No one plays them with more warmth and understanding. Barn-burners? No tempo is too rapid to outpace his dexterous fingers. As for solos, Alexander's are models of perception and tastefulness. Oh, and he also composes ("Grinder," "Corazon Perdido," "Boom Zoom"), arranges and even plays organ on Stevie Wonder's "These Three Words."

Even with Faddis lending a Diz-inspired hand (open on pianist David Hazeltine's "But Here's the Thing," muted and open on "Three Words"), Alexander leaves no doubt who's in charge, soloing with his customary power, perception and panache while "backing" himself with some emphatic organ phrases on "Three Words." Buoyant Latin rhythms are predominant on "Grinder," "Mas Que Nada" and "Boom Zoom," a framework that is enriched by the splendid talents of percussionist Alex Diaz. Sergio Mendes' "Song of No Regrets," a soulful ballad, shows Alexander's tender side, then it's back to swinging as usual on drummer Joe Farnsworth's shuffling "Cede's Shack" and Jimmy Webb's classic "Up, Up and Away," introduced by the Fifth Dimension in 1967 (and never sounding better, even without Marilyn McCoo on board). As always, Alexander is afforded a wide comfort zone by his longtime colleagues and friends Hazeltine, Farnsworth and bassist John Webber, and as always, he makes the most of it. In the perennial sweepstakes among straight-ahead small-group sessions, Song of No Regrets is a clear and decisive prize winner. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/song-of-no-regrets-eric-alexander-highnote-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Eric Alexander: tenor saxophone, organ (2); Jon Faddis: trumpet (1, 2); David Hazeltine: piano; John Webber: bass; Joe Farnsworth: drums; Alex Diaz: conga, bongos, auxiliary percussion.

Song Of No Regrets

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Ann Richards - The Many Moods Of Ann Richards

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:29
Size: 88,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:28)  1. By Myself
(3:50)  2. Be Easy,Be Tender
(2:37)  3. Where Did You Go
(4:28)  4. I'm Gonna Laugh
(2:23)  5. I Gotta Have You
(4:10)  6. Lazy Afternoon
(2:57)  7. Something's Coming
(3:32)  8. Everytime
(3:20)  9. When The Sun Comes Out
(4:01) 10. Poor Little Extra Girl
(3:09) 11. Seasons Reasons
(1:28) 12. I'm Late

As its title promises, The Many Moods of Ann Richards captures the singer in a series of different contexts and styles, precisely the kind of project that could amount to little more than a patchwork mess in the hands of a lesser talent. But arrangers Ralph Carmichael, Bill Holman, and Tak Shindo all prove sympathetic collaborators, spotlighting Richards' smoldering vocals in milieus that perfectly complement her lusty vibrato. For all their cosmetic differences, Holman's cool jazz sensibilities and Shindo's Far East exotica boast a comparably sensual atmosphere, and Richards seizes the moment with a series of assured, intelligent performances that prove her versatility and consistency. ~ Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-many-moods-of-ann-richards-mw0000864075

The Many Moods Of Ann Richards

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Brian Bromberg - Portrait of Jaco

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:55
Size: 122,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:55)  1. Portrait of Tracy
(7:40)  2. Continnuum
(4:52)  3. Teen Town (Bass Version)
(6:58)  4. A Remark You Made
(6:13)  5. Three Views Of A Secret
(6:02)  6. Tears
(4:44)  7. Slang(ish)
(4:48)  8. Come On, Come Over
(3:45)  9. The Chicken
(4:53) 10. Teen Town (Piccolo Bass Version)

This is a logical tribute album from one great bassist (Brian Bromberg) to another (Jaco Pastorius). The front of the CD purposely resembles Pastorius' debut recording and the program features six Pastorius songs (including two versions apiece of "Come on, Come Over" and "Teen Town"), Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made," the R&B standard "The Chicken," and Bromberg's "Tears." A master at tapping his bass and equally skilled on electric and acoustic basses, Bromberg also has the ability to sound a bit like Pastorius when he wants. This excellent tribute set uses different personnel and instrumentations on each selection and shows off the many sides of Pastorius, both as a bassist and as a composer. Highly recommended. This is a logical tribute album from one great bassist (Brian Bromberg) to another (Jaco Pastorius). The front of the CD purposely resembles Pastorius' debut recording and the program features six Pastorius songs (including two versions apiece of "Come on, Come Over" and "Teen Town"), Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made," the R&B standard "The Chicken," and Bromberg's "Tears." A master at tapping his bass and equally skilled on electric and acoustic basses, Bromberg also has the ability to sound a bit like Pastorius when he wants. This excellent tribute set uses different personnel and instrumentations on each selection and shows off the many sides of Pastorius, both as a bassist and as a composer. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/portrait-of-jaco-mw0000231285

Personnel: Brian Bromberg (arranger, acoustic & electric basses, programming); Bill Champlain (vocals); Dan Higgins, Larry Williams, Bob Mintzer, Eric Marienthal (saxophone); Gary Grant, Jerry Hey (trumpet); Andy Martin (trombone); USC Symphony Orchestra (strings); Tom Zink (piano, keyboards, programming); Jeff Lorber (electric piano, keyboards, programming); Gregg Mathison (Hammond B-3 organ); Gannin Arnold (guitar); Derrick "D Lok" Walker, Joel Taylor (drums); Chris Wabich (steel drums); Alex Acuna (percussion).

Portrait of Jaco

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Burton-Corea-Metheny-Haynes-Holland - Like Minds

Styles: Vibraphone And Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:24
Size: 156,8 MB
Art:

( 6:23)  1. Question and Answer
( 5:21)  2. Elucidation
( 6:17)  3. Windows
(10:41)  4. Futures
( 5:50)  5. Like Minds
( 6:26)  6. Country Roads
( 6:33)  7. Tears of Rain
( 6:24)  8. Soon
( 5:23)  9. For a Thousand Years
( 9:01) 10. Straight Up and Down

Talk about all-star groups this quintet date matches together vibraphonist Gary Burton with pianist Chick Corea, guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Roy Haynes. Burton and Corea have recorded frequently through the years, while Metheny gained some early fame working with Burton; Holland was with Corea in Miles Davis' late-'60s group, and Haynes was formerly with both Burton and Corea. However, not all of these musicians had played together before  Corea had never worked with Metheny previously, nor Burton with Holland. No matter, the masterful players fit together quite well. The vibraphonist is the lead voice in the ensembles, where Metheny at times sounds close to Jim Hall and seems a bit restrained, but everyone gets a chance to contribute to the success of the CD. Metheny contributed five songs (including "Question and Answer" and "Elucidation," which deserves to be a standard), while Burton brought in two; Corea's three contributions include his classic "Windows." The lone standard is George Gershwin's "Soon." The music is modern straight-ahead jazz; the solos are concise and the rhythm section is quite tight. In fact, this sounds like a regularly working band. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/like-minds-mw0000045247

Personnel: Chick Corea (piano); Gary Burton (vibraphone); Pat Metheny (guitar); Roy Haynes (drums).             

Like Minds

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Marilyn Crispell & Stefano Maltese with Gioconda Cilio - Blue

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:33
Size: 151,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. Breath of Sun
(4:13)  2. Ring Around Circle
(8:18)  3. Roof of Sky
(5:24)  4. A Wind of Roses
(3:53)  5. No Scorpions in Fall
(7:20)  6. Moon-Wheel
(6:29)  7. So Glad to Be Sad
(8:04)  8. You Don't Know What Love Is
(4:22)  9. Behind the Wings
(5:03) 10. Rain Around
(7:09) 11. Burning in the Shade

?Blue is easily the most mysterious and beguiling of pianist Marilyn Crispell's many releases. Recorded in duet with Italian reed and woodwind wizard Stefano Maltese, Crispell recorded 11 spontaneous improvisations, all centered around the notion of color as sound, and placed that supposition in various settings reflected by the individual pieces titles: "Breath of Sun," "Ring Around Circle," "Roof of Sky," "So Glad to Be Sad," etc. There is also a very loose cover of "You Don't Know What Love Is" that fits here perfectly with the way its harmonic and chromatic terrains have been raided for tonal and dynamic nuances. Blue is the opposite of Crispell's fiery, hundred-notes-a-second approach to improvisation and is far closer to the temperament displayed on Amaryllis although there are moments of sublime and intense dissonance such as on "Behind the Wings," which feels like a blue jay in mid-morning ramble and confrontation with everything around him. Maltese's interactions with Crispell are articulated on any number of instruments, including but not limited to soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, and flute. His breathing seems to pace the pianist, who moves up and down the middle register looking for sync energy and, once that is found, a kind of melodic frame for certain ideas that have come up during that process. On the final two cuts, the great Italian vocalist Gioconda Cilio joins the duo for worded and wordless improvising that contributes deep, breathy atmospherics that has as much to do with elongating the breath of all the players as it does with tonal inquiries. Through it all, Crispell uses a Zen-like detachment, engaging each player and the music itself openly, but without exuberance, preferring to remain outside its ever widening circle of hues, textures, tempos, whispers, and screams. This is a jazz record that moves the definition of jazz to a margin; which one isn't exactly clear, except to say that it is new and welcome and warm and heartbreakingly, poetically beautiful. ~ Tom Jurek https://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-mw0000042192

Personnel:  Piano – Marilyn Crispell;  Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute – Stefano Maltese

Blue

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Zoot Sims - For Lady Day

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:33
Size: 111.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1990
Art: Front

[3:40] 1. Easy Living
[4:59] 2. That Ole Devil Called Love
[4:56] 3. Some Other Spring
[4:24] 4. I Cover The Waterfront
[5:49] 5. You Go To My Head
[4:30] 6. I Cried For You
[3:19] 7. Body And Soul
[4:46] 8. Trav'lin' Light
[3:43] 9. You're My Thrill
[3:03] 10. No More
[5:19] 11. My Man

Bass – George Mraz; Drums – Jackie Williams; Piano – Jimmy Rowles; Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims. Recorded april 10th, 11th, 1978, New York.

It is strange that this album was not released until the CD came out in 1990, for tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims and pianist Jimmy Rowles' tribute to Billie Holiday is melodic, tasteful, and largely memorable. Together with bassist George Mraz and drummer Jackie Williams back in 1978, they perform 11 songs associated with Holiday, including quite a few that would have been lost in obscurity if Lady Day had not uplifted them with her recordings. Highlights include "Easy Living," "Some Other Spring," "I Cried for You," "Body and Soul," and "You're My Thrill." A lyrical and heartfelt tribute. ~Scott Yanow

For Lady Day mc
For Lady Day zippy

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Melody Gardot - Live In Europe (3-Disc Set)

After a serious car accident when she was 19, Melody Gardot used the experience as a springboard to musical success she might never have achieved otherwise. Gardot had played the piano before the accident, and a doctor suggested that she use music as a kind of recovery therapy. Since she couldn't sit comfortably at the piano, she picked up a guitar and now after several albums she is celebrating the international tour success of her career so far by brings us her first ever album of live recorded music. “Live In Europe” presents live versions of her greatest hits recorded at concerts worldwide between 2012 & 2016. An album personally curated by Melody herself, hits include Baby I’m A Fool, My One and Only Thrill, Les Etoiles & March For Mingus.

Album: Live In Europe (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:51
Size: 95.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2018

[ 6:19] 1. Our Love Is Easy
[ 4:19] 2. Baby I'm A Fool
[11:18] 3. The Rain
[ 6:53] 4. Deep Within The Corners Of My Mind
[ 5:30] 5. So Long
[ 7:30] 6. My One And Only Thrill

Live In Europe (Disc 1) mc
Live In Europe (Disc 1) zippy

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Album: Live In Europe (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:49
Size: 100.3 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2018

[ 7:04] 1. Lisboa
[ 5:04] 2. Over The Rainbow
[ 2:09] 3. (Monologue) Special Spot
[ 4:01] 4. Baby I'm A Fool
[ 3:18] 5. Les étoiles
[ 4:05] 6. Goodbye
[ 0:22] 7. (Monologue) Tchao Baby
[11:14] 8. March For Mingus
[ 6:30] 9. Bad News

Live In Europe (Disc 2) mc
Live In Europe (Disc 2) zippy

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Album: Live In Europe (Disc 3)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 19:38
Size: 44.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[ 7:17] 1. Who Will Comfort Me
[12:20] 2. Morning Sun

Live In Europe (Disc 3) mc
Live In Europe (Disc 3) zippy

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Kristian Jørgensen Quartet - Love Letters

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:14
Size: 128.7 MB
Styles: Violin jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[6:13] 1. That Old Soccer Boy
[6:38] 2. Laura
[4:37] 3. Love Letters
[4:29] 4. You Can't Get A Man With A Gun
[5:32] 5. Escualo
[7:24] 6. Intervals
[5:36] 7. But Not For Me
[4:50] 8. Recreation Ballad
[5:18] 9. Belle De Boskoop
[5:31] 10. The H Chord Blues

Bass – Thomas Fonnesbæk; Drums – Karsten Bagge; Guitar – Jacob Fischer; Violin – Kristian Jørgensen.

Kristian Jørgensen is a promising young Danish jazz violinist, with this being his fifth CD as a leader. Accompanied by frequent collaborator Jacob Fischer, bassist Thomas Fonnesbæk, and drummer Karsten Bagge, Jørgensen shows a remarkable freshness on his instrument, which is also helped by his choice of offbeat songs like Irving Berlin's lyrical gem "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun" (from the musical Annie Get Your Gun), which features lyrical solos by the leader and Fischer. But Jørgensen transforms tango master Astor Piazzolla's "Escuallo" into more of a fusion setting, giving it a bluesy sound as he swings like mad. He recasts the sole standard, "But Not for Me," by alternating between funk and swing. Jørgensen's originals are just as potent. "That Old Soccer Boy" is full of whimsy, while "Belle de Boskoop" blends Gypsy swing with bossa nova. Recommended. ~Ken Dryden

Love Letters mc
Love Letters zippy

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Morris McCraven - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:49
Size: 134.7 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[ 5:51] 1. Chitlins' Con Carne
[ 7:29] 2. The Days Of Wine And Roses
[10:57] 3. Meditation
[ 7:29] 4. On Green Dolphin St
[ 5:31] 5. When Sunny Gets Blue
[ 5:24] 6. Comin' Home Baby
[ 4:42] 7. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
[ 6:34] 8. The Girl From Ipanema
[ 4:48] 9. Honky Tonk

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Morris is a graduate of Langston University with Music Education and Elementary Education degrees. Morris moved to Oklahoma City in 1963. Over the years he has performed with Preacher Smith, Leon the Demon, The Freedom Riders, The Fantastics, The Soul Messengers, Leon Nelson 4 Hits and a Miss, Hart and Soul, and Bottom Line Transaction. He participated in the International Blues Contest in Memphis winning the competition with Smilin Vic and the Soul Monkeys Band and toured the Caribbean playing on the Blues Cruise. In 2001 he was again at the International Blues COntest with Shortt Dogg.

After many years of playing and recording with others as a sideman, 2009 marks his debut recording as a leader. Released on Lunacy Records, the CD is comprised of several standards and soul/jazz classics and is his definitive statement of 50 years of tenor saxophone playing.

Morris McCraven mc
Morris McCraven zippy

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Cæcilie Norby - Queen Of Bad Excuses

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:10
Size: 146.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[ 4:17] 1. Cuban Cigars
[ 5:05] 2. Fly
[ 6:19] 3. Psyko Pippi
[ 5:11] 4. Everyone Beneath The Sun
[ 4:22] 5. You
[ 5:13] 6. Thick Blue Grass
[ 4:09] 7. Newborn Broken
[ 4:35] 8. Milkman
[ 5:33] 9. Remember Rosa
[ 3:20] 10. Himalaya's Bijou
[ 5:25] 11. Meet The Monotone
[10:36] 12. Our Day Will Come

While many pop jazz vocalists such as Holly Cole and Diana Krall are releasing great vocal jazz albums of cover tunes and standards, few are writing songs of the quality that Norby produces. Queen of Bad Excuses is probably the best contemporary pop jazz vocal performance I've heard. Caecillie's previous albums have included a few good originals (especially the excellent Snow on My Little Corner of the Sky) admidst the covers, but this album is fresh, original, and features Norby's exquisite vocals and songwriting from start to finish. From the beautiful Forever Broken to the frantic Psyko Pippi, Norby's voice is smooth and agile, and her piano playing solid and supportive, regardless of the type of music she's doing. Highly, highly recommended. ~Jeffrey J Hanson

Queen Of Bad Excuses mc
Queen Of Bad Excuses zippy

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The Fred Hersch Trio - Dancing In The Dark

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:24
Size: 156.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1993/2008
Art: Front

[5:37] 1. So In Love
[7:11] 2. For All We Know
[5:31] 3. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[5:05] 4. If I Should Lose You
[5:34] 5. Dancing In The Dark
[5:05] 6. Out Of Nowhere
[5:42] 7. Secret Love
[5:36] 8. Wild Is The Wind
[6:48] 9. All The Things You Are
[8:26] 10. My Funny Valentine
[7:43] 11. Bye Bye Blackbird

Fred Hersch and his bandmates interpret 11 standards on their fine album, Dancing in the Dark. Hersch is a lyrical player who possesses a light touch and a sophisticated sense of style. His playing is unmistakably influenced by Bill Evans, and his trio work is marked by some of the characteristics that made Evans' best trios so memorable: cohesive, "whole is greater than the sum of its parts," musical communication. Drew Gress (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums) are outstanding throughout and their efforts become even more apparent with repeated listenings. The best tracks on Dancing in the Dark happen to also be the least well known; the brisk "So in Love," the delicate, solo vehicle "If I Should Lose You," the soft, orchestral "Wild Is the Wind," and the bright, swinging title piece. Though he occasionally takes a dissonant, avant-garde approach ("Out of Nowhere"), it is clearly not his most effective style. Hersch is at is best when he "sings" on the piano and his ballad playing is consistently first rate. This is a quality album, branded by excellent trio playing and tasteful interpretations of the standard repertoire. ~Brian Bartolini

Dancing In The Dark mc
Dancing In The Dark zippy

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Jan Garbarek Group - Twelve Moons

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:38
Size: 173,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:37)  1. Twelve Moons
( 6:33)  2. Psalm
(10:20)  3. Brother Wind March
( 8:39)  4. There Were Swallows...
( 5:51)  5. The Tall Tear Trees
( 6:24)  6. Arietta
(11:58)  7. Gautes-Margjit
( 4:56)  8. Darvánan
( 7:32)  9. Huhai
( 5:43) 10. Witchi-Tai-To

Recorded in 1992, this album emphasizes production value and slick performances. Largely a feature for Jan Garbarek's soprano sax (he only plays tenor on three tracks), each song is dreamy and quite mystical. Compositionally, TWELVE MOONS is a curious blend of light jazz and Norwegian folk melodies. This is especially apparent on "Psalm" and "Darvanan," both of which feature female vocalists, while "Huhai" borrows from a traditional folk tune. 

Fans of Garbarek's penetrating, English horn-like soprano sax sound are treated to some inspired playing throughout, and drummer Manu Katche, best known for his work with Peter Gabriel and Sting, shines on every track. Additionally, there is nice interplay between Garbarek and the band on "Witchi-Tai-To," a remake of a tune first recorded by the saxophonist on a '74 album of the same name. https://www.allmusic.com/album/twelve-moons-mw0000107592   

Personnel: Jan Garbarek (soprano & tenor saxophones, synthesizer); Agnes Buen Garnas, Mari Boine (vocals); Rainer Bruninghaus (piano, synthesizer); Eberhard Weber (bass); Manu Katche (drums); Marilyn Mazur (percussion).

Twelve Moons

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Grant Green - Talkin' About

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:55
Size: 94,6 MB
Art: Front

(11:41)  1. Talkin' About J.C.
( 7:26)  2. People
( 7:42)  3. Luny Tune
( 7:36)  4. You Don't Know What Love Is
( 6:29)  5. I'm An Old Cowhand

On the heels of Matador and Solid, two of his most advanced albums, Grant Green decided to continue the more modal direction he'd begun pursuing with the help of members of Coltrane's quartet. Accordingly, he hooked up with organist Larry Young, who was just beginning to come into his own as the first Hammond B-3 player to incorporate Coltrane's modal innovations into his own style. Talkin' About is the first of three albums the Green/Young team recorded together with Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones, and it's exceptional, one of the most underrated items in Green's discography. With just a basic organ trio lineup, the album works a fascinating middle ground between the soul-jazz of Green's early days and the modal flavor of his most recent work. Though Young's style wasn't quite fully formed yet, he's no longer the in-the-pocket Jimmy Smith disciple of his earliest sessions; his playing here is far more adventurous than the typical soul-jazz date, both harmonically and rhythmically. Jones and Young often play off one another to create an intricate, percolating pulse that's miles ahead of the standard soul-jazz groove. The trio's interplay is best showcased on Young's Coltrane tribute, "Talkin' About J.C.," a monster jam that's worth every one of its nearly 12 minutes, and the cheerful "I'm an Old Cowhand," popularized as a jazz tune by Sonny Rollins. Meanwhile, Young and Green positively shimmer together on the ballad numbers, "People" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." It all makes for a terrific album that ranks in Green's uppermost echelon. ~ Steve Huey https://www.allmusic.com/album/talkin-about%21-mw0000259010

Personnel: Grant Green (guitar); Larry Young (organ); Elvin Jones (drums).        

Talkin' About

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John McLaughlin With Shakti - Natural Elements

Styles: Fusion
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:34
Size: 93,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:47)  1. Mind Ecology
(5:58)  2. Face To Face
(1:58)  3. Come On Baby Dance With Me
(7:03)  4. The Daffodil And The Eagle
(4:28)  5. Happiness Is Being Together
(3:52)  6. Bridge Of Sighs
(7:02)  7. Get Down And Sruti
(3:22)  8. Peace Of Mind

The third and final Shakti recording from the '70s. The songs here are shorter than those on Shakti and Handful of Beauty, but no less impressive. The novelty of combining Eastern and Western musical styles had worn off and McLaughlin sounds comfortable. This allows for memorable compositions and interchanges, rather than the blistering virtuosity that characterized the first two releases. From the intense ("Daffodil and the Eagle") to the joyful ("Happiness Is Being Together"), Natural Elements stands as a milestone in McLaughlin's illustrious career. ~ Robert Taylor https://www.allmusic.com/album/natural-elements-mw0000031689

Personnel:  John McLaughlin – guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals;  Zakir Hussain – bongos, dholak, percussion, tabla, timbales, triangle, vocals;  Lakshminarayana Shankar – viola, violin, vocals;  Vikku Vinayakram – ghatam, kanjeera, percussion, vocals

Natural Elements

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Marion Meadows - Soul City

Styles: Jazz, Smooth Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:15
Size: 108,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Soul City
(3:56)  2. Dreamin
(4:42)  3. You
(3:34)  4. Merry Go Round
(5:28)  5. Time After Time
(3:56)  6. Consequences
(5:28)  7. Be With You
(4:49)  8. Samba De Playa
(4:06)  9. No Wind, No Rain
(6:21) 10. Only

Smooth Jazz Superstar Marion Meadows is without question one of the most popular and unique talents on the jazz scene today. Marion has sold close to one million albums in his brilliant career. His constant string of radio hits and relentless touring have garnered legions of fans, and his appearances with such varied artists as The Temptations, Michael Bolton and Will Downing are a testament to his broad audience appeal. Soul City, Marion's most intimate and heartfelt album to date, is a star-studded event that takes the listener on a sensuous journey through a soundscape of brilliant original compositions and masterful improvisations. The album is co-produced by Marion's long time hit-making collaborators, Chris "Big Dog" Davis (Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Maysa), Rahni Song (Najee, Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson) and Dave Love. Soul Traveler, Marion's previous Shanachie release, debuted at #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts, and garnered 3 top 10 Smooth Jazz Radio singles. Highlights include the funky "Soul City" featuring Norman Brown, the deeply sensuous ballad "Be With You" with vocals by the amazing Will Downing, "Merry Go Round" featuring Smooth Jazz icon Peter White and much more! ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Soul-City-Marion-Meadows/dp/B077K49GS2

Soul City

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Jimmy Raney - Jimmy Raney Visits Paris

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:15
Size: 115.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 1958/1989/2017
Art: Front

[4:30] 1. Tres Chouette
[4:34] 2. Imagination
[4:01] 3. Dinah
[3:01] 4. Love For Sale
[5:17] 5. Have You Met Miss Jones
[4:50] 6. What's New
[4:18] 7. Fascinating Rhythm
[4:42] 8. Too Marvelous For Words
[2:32] 9. Cherokee
[4:05] 10. Everything Happens To Me
[4:22] 11. Night And Day
[3:58] 12. Someone To Watch Over Me

Bass – Jean-Marie Ingrand; Drums – Jean Louis Viale; Guitar – Jimmy Raney; Piano – Maurice Vandair; Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Jaspar; Trumpet – Roger Guerin. Recorded in Paris, February 10, 1954.

It is a mid-winter's day, 1954. The French publication, Jazz Hot", comes out with the French jazz poll results: Jimmy Raney has just been voted "Number One Guitarist". That same evening, the Jazz Club U.S.A. tour plays a one-night stand in Paris. One of the featured groups is the Red Norvo Trio. Featured with the trio was Jimmy Raney. Some weeks later this LP was cut with Bobby Jaspar, Maurice Vandair, Jean-Marie Ingrand and Jean Louis Viale. These Paris recordings gave the American audiences an opportunity to hear not only more of Raney's fine style and sound, articulated as always with brilliance and taste, but also something of what was going on in jazz across the ocean.

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Etta Cameron - Sunrise

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:51
Size: 98.1 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[5:05] 1. Mayday
[3:53] 2. There Is Nothing Like A Rainy Day
[3:17] 3. Warming Up
[3:29] 4. Forgotten Days
[6:23] 5. The Gambler
[3:17] 6. Eenie Meenie Minie Moe
[3:05] 7. Bossa Novissima
[5:45] 8. Lucky Me
[4:54] 9. For You My Love
[3:38] 10. San Francisco Sunrise

Etta Cameron (b. Ettamae Louvita Coakley, November 21, 1939, Nassau, Bahamas – March 4, 2010, Aarhus, Denmark) was a Bahamian–Danish singer. She especially sang jazz and gospel, and left her mark in the Danish music culture through her entire career from her arrival in Denmark in the 1970s. She was made a Knight of Dannebrog in 1997. Etta Cameron was also well known as one of the judges in the first two seasons of Scenen er din, the Danish version of the American TV show Star Search. She came to Denmark from the DDR, but found herself unable to leave East Berlin for five years, after a performance commitment during which time she had lost her passport.

Etta died on March 4, 2010 after a long illness. She had two children, Debbie and Steve. Debbie Cameron is following her mother's footsteps and is going for a singing career.

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Aldo Romano - Inner Smile

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:25
Size: 110.9 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:08] 1. Positano
[5:12] 2. More
[4:09] 3. Kind Of Autumn
[3:31] 4. Anny's Lullaby
[3:37] 5. Il Piacere
[5:32] 6. Old Devil Moon
[4:00] 7. Inner Smile
[8:50] 8. My Funny Valentine
[2:06] 9. Where Is Aldo
[2:55] 10. E Si Sogna
[4:19] 11. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

Although born in Italy, Aldo Romano moved to France with his family at a young age. He was already playing guitar and drums professionally in Paris in the '50s when he heard Donald Byrd's group with drummer Arthur Taylor. Since then, he has dedicated himself to the drums and contemporary jazz. In Paris jazz clubs like le Chat Qui Pêche and the Caméléon, Romano has accompanied visiting Americans like Jackie McLean, Bud Powell, Lucky Thompson, J.J. Johnson, and Woody Shaw while also exploring free music with Don Cherry and Gato Barbieri, Frank Wright and Bobby Few, Michel Portal, François Tusques, Jean-Louis Chautemps, and Steve Lacy. Romano's boundless curiosity for any living music brought him in contact with electric jazz in the '70s, playing at the Riverbop with longtime associate/bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark, in addition to François Jeanneau, Henri Texier, Charlie Mariano, and Philip Catherine. In 1978, he released his first album as a leader with Claude Barthélémy (Il Piacere, OWL), followed by 1980's Night Diary with Didier Lockwood and Jasper Van't Hof, and 1983's Alma Latina with Philip Catherine. In 1980, Romano brought pianist Michel Petrucciani to the world's attention, introducing him to the producer of Owl Records. His Italian roots were lovingly remembered with the foundation of his Italian Quartet with Paolo Fresu, Franco D'Andrea, and Furio Di Castri. The quartet recorded To Be Ornette to Be and Water Dreams (Owl) and Non Dimenticar, a collection of Italian songs (Verve). Palatino -- named for the Rome-Paris night train -- also includes Fresu, with Glen Ferris on trombone. Intervista (Verve, 2001) -- with bassist Palle Danielsson, saxophonist Stefano di Battista, and Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras -- is a magnificently played overview of his musical career, with Ornette Coleman-ish tunes, Latin-American compositions, and operatic arias; a bonus CD contains a charming interview. ~ Francesco Martinelli

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Carl Filipiak - Hotel Real

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:49
Size: 120.9 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz, Fusion
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[ 7:57] 1. Hotel Reál
[ 5:27] 2. Mayberry
[ 6:11] 3. Cause We've Ended As Lovers
[ 4:45] 4. Hey Jimi
[ 5:49] 5. Song For Irene
[ 5:11] 6. Theme From The Lottery Incident
[ 6:43] 7. Blues In O
[10:43] 8. Cause We've Ended As Lovers (Alternate Version)

Guitarist Carl Filipiak developed both as a guitarist and a composer throughout the 1990s without achieving much fame. He jams "Blues In O" like a credible straightahead jazz musician, hints at Pat Metheny in some other spots and has a few fiery rockish fusion solos too. The music is certainly helped by the inventive playing of drummer Dennis Chambers and keyboardist Paul Soroka while three different tenor-saxophonists make one appearance apiece. Overall, this is stimulating music easily recommended to open-minded fusion collectors. ~Scott Yanow

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Little Anthony & The Imperials - The Best Of Little Anthony & The Imperials

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:29
Size: 72.1 MB
Styles: Doo wop, R&B
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[3:05] 1. I'm On The Outside (Looking In)
[2:24] 2. Goin' Out Of My Head
[2:13] 3. Hurt So Bad
[2:36] 4. Take Me Back
[2:32] 5. I Miss You So
[2:06] 6. Hurt
[2:49] 7. Better Use Your Head
[2:29] 8. Gonna Fix You Good (Everytime You're Bad)
[2:15] 9. It's Not The Same
[2:38] 10. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
[3:03] 11. The Ten Commandments Of Love
[3:01] 12. Help Me Find A Way (To Say I Love You)
[0:13] 13. Careful Driving

13 top tracks-including the "Careful Driving" Announcement-highlighted by the hits Goin' Out of My Head; Hurt So Bad; Take Me Back (single version), and more.

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