Harry Allen Quartet - French Lullaby

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:50
Size: 146,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:36)  1. I Will Wait For You
(6:35)  2. La Mer
(5:14)  3. C'est Si Bon
(5:47)  4. The Summer Knows
(5:49)  5. Chateau En Suede
(5:15)  6. Autumn Leaves
(5:05)  7. C'est Magnifique
(6:26)  8. My Way
(3:28)  9. La Vie En Rose
(5:03) 10. I Love Paris
(4:46) 11. I Wish You Love
(3:40) 12. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?

A popular jazz, tenor, saxophonist in Japan, Harry Allen is the second round following a competition album with Vladimir Shafranov "Nostalgic Stockholm"! I made a romantic melody such as full-length French film music, chanson, masterpiece of Michelle Le Grand, etc. as a first-class jazz album.

Personnel:  Harry Allen - tenor sax;  Jacob Fischer - guitar;  Hans Backenroth - bass;  Kristian Leth - drums

French Lullaby

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Frank Sinatra - Sinatra Sings Gershwin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:06
Size: 114.7 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 1943/2003
Art: Front

[1:51] 1. Somebody Loves Me
[3:17] 2. I've Got A Crush On You
[2:52] 3. Embraceable You
[3:17] 4. Someone To Watch Over Me
[2:56] 5. Oh Bess, Where's My Bess
[5:17] 6. Porgy And Bess Medley # 1
[3:43] 7. It Ain't Necessarily So
[1:04] 8. 's Wonderful
[1:42] 9. A Foggy Day
[2:26] 10. I've Got A Crush On You
[1:29] 11. Night And Day (Show Opening)
[1:57] 12. Soon
[2:38] 13. Embraceable You
[8:37] 14. Porgy And Bess Medley # 2
[2:22] 15. Someone To Watch Over Me
[3:05] 16. Love Walked In
[1:23] 17. Closing Comments

Sings Gershwin compiles Sinatra’s studio recording of Gershwin songs for Columbia with fourteen previously unreleased Sinatra radio and TV programs broadcast while he was a Columbia artist, including his famous 1947 Gershwin tribute for CBS radio, Songs by Sinatra. He’s essentially the pop crooner here, dedicating “Embraceable You,” for example, “...to little Nancy on her seventh birthday.” And his repartee with his female co-lead in “It Ain’t Necessarily So” shows him a charming comic. But some Gershwin material allows Sinatra room to explore jazzy effects, too, as in the way the swinging trumpet sings back to his verses in “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”

Sinatra was obviously a big fan of Porgy & Bess, from which he broadcast two different medleys. The first splits “Summertime” in half with quick snatches of “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’” by a supporting vocal group. The second, from the CBS radio tribute, strings together “Summertime,” “There’s A Boat That’s Leaving Soon For New York,” “Street Cries,” and “Bess You Is My Woman Now,” and in every one Sinatra’s voice resonates strong and true. “Someone to Watch Over Me” finds Sinatra still bright-eyed and in love with love; decades later, he would sound more suspicious he might never find her... ~Chris M. Slawecki

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Bobby Selvaggio - Modern Times

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:14
Size: 153.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:23] 1. Quick Solutions
[8:10] 2. Timbuktu Step
[6:32] 3. You've Changed
[4:41] 4. Whirlwind
[8:12] 5. Waiting
[6:49] 6. More Or Less
[6:19] 7. Out Of Time
[9:14] 8. Fastfood Wisdom
[7:20] 9. Time Being
[4:30] 10. Modern Times

Bobby Selvaggio: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone (4, 5, 10); Kenny Werner: piano (3-5, 7, 9, 10); Sean Jones: trumpet (1, 2, 6, 8); Matt Wigton: bass; Nathan Douds: drums; Dan Murphy: piano; Paul Tynan: flugelhorn.

Alto saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio carries an expressive torch when he fronts this ensemble. His fifth CD as leader brings nine original pieces and a cover of "You've Changed" into the improvisation arena for a program of acoustic modern jazz that ranges from quirky and dynamic to bluesy and frank. His fluid tone and easygoing articulation carry the alto and soprano on a journey that respects tradition while pumping new energy into the scene. Selvaggio leaps with high-octane drive on numerous romps and simmers gently with passion on the session's ballads.

A few expressive squeals and experienced blue tones help the leader to create his message with class. He and trumpeter Sean Jones interpret "More or Less" with an authentic legacy that recalls Julian "Cannonball" Adderley feeling down home and pretty much at ease. Along with piano, double bass and background drums, the quintet shines enthusiastically in its candor. Walking bass and an economical rhythm make this track stand out as an automatic favorite. The same happens with "Fastfood Wisdom," which provides sparks for Selvaggio's quintet in a flurry of expressive conversation. This unit has plenty to say, and it's all highly creative. Selvaggio's title track takes a dreamy situation and allows it to ramble with lethargy as a tired soul with moaning interest. Other selections, such as "Out of Time" and "Timbuktu Step," follow a quicker pace that provides spontaneity and refreshing solace. Selvaggio moves randomly through a field where nothing stays the same as he lifts the music and shares it with his fellow artists in a show of rhythmic variety.

Pianists Kenny Werner and Dan Murphy add considerably to the leader's modern jazz session by planting its harmonic foundation and stretching out with creative solo work. Selvaggio enjoys the interplay and smokes alongside their stellar support. Each track contains a new surprise that finds the saxophonist and his musical partners carrying the jazz torch over uncharted territory.

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Anita O'Day - Waiter, Make Mine The Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:53
Size: 95.9 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1961/2007
Art: Front

[2:27] 1. That Old Feeling
[3:40] 2. Angel Eyes
[2:12] 3. The Thrill Is Gone
[4:23] 4. Detour Ahead
[5:10] 5. Yesterdays
[3:20] 6. Waiter, Make Mine Blues
[4:41] 7. Whatever Happened To You
[3:02] 8. When Sunny Gets Blue
[2:49] 9. Stella By Starlight
[3:25] 10. Mad About The Boy
[3:00] 11. A Blues Serenade
[3:39] 12. Goodbye

Waiter, Make Mine Blues pairs Anita O'Day with arranger Russ Garcia, whose delightful and imaginative treatments perfectly complement the singer's lithe vocals. West Coast greats including Barney Kessel and Bud Shank are also on hand to lend the session an even lighter, sweeter tone that couches the melancholy the album's title portends -- songs like "The Thrill Is Gone" and "When Sunny Gets Blue" capture O'Day at her most affecting, balancing her trademark sophistication with the world-weary resignation of one who has loved and lost. ~Jason Ankeny

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Dick Reynolds - Music & Friends

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:53
Size: 127.9 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Otra Vez Alvarez (A Tribute To Ruben Alvarez)
[7:13] 2. A Song For Johnny (A Tribute To Johnny Frigo)
[3:03] 3. Playin' It Cool
[4:16] 4. Fancy Miss Nancy (A Tribute To Nancy Wilson)
[2:45] 5. Special Thoughts Of You (A Tribute To Carol Ettman)
[5:01] 6. Elena
[3:40] 7. A Benny For Your Thoughts (A Tribute To Ben Mocini)
[3:26] 8. Border Town
[3:30] 9. A Song For Stan (A Tribute To Stan Getz)
[5:12] 10. Gentle Is The Breeze
[3:37] 11. The Gospel Truth
[5:08] 12. Hipity Hopity Funkity
[3:46] 13. Reflections (A Tribute To My Fishing Pond)

DICK REYNOLDS - piano, electric piano (except 1,7,12); RICHARD DREXLER - piano (1,7,12), electric bass (12); PAULINHO GARCIA - guitar (6,9,10); KELLY SILL - bass (except 12); JOEL SPENCER - drums; ALEJO POVEDA - percussion. HORNS (1,4,7,12): Trumpets: DANNY BARBER, KIRK; GARRISON, DOUG SCHARF, ART HOYLE; Trombones: SCOTT BENTALL, ANDY; BAKER, TOM MATTA, MIKE YOUNG; Saxes: MIKE SMITH, PAT MALLINGER; STEVE EISEN, ROB HAITE, JERRY DIMUZIO. HOWARD LEVY - harmonica (6,9); ART HOYLE - fluegelhorn (2); MARK COLBY - tenor sax (3,8,11); VICTOR GARCIA - trumpet (3,8,11); TOM GARLING - trombone (3,8,11); MIKE SMITH - alto sax, flute, alto flute (2,5,8,11).

Through the jingle house he co-founded in the 1960s, composer, pianist, arranger and producer Dick Reynolds ruled Chicago's commercial recording scene throughout its heyday, supplying the world with thousands of melodies and slogans, many still recognized today. By then, he had also been the house pianist at the famed Mr. Kelly's for over a decade, where he accompanied all the greats of the period including Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughn, and Carmen McRae. With "Music & Friends," Reynolds steps back into the studio he left at retirement in 1996, creating a joyous, hard-swinging session with a reassembled band of many of the musicians he worked with over the years, including Howard Levy, Mark Colby, Mike Smith, Kelly Sill, and many more of Chicago's finest.

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Charlie Galbraith & His All Star Jazz Band, Kenny Ball's Jazzmen - Touring The Clubs

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:47
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Jazz
Year: 2005/2015
Art: Front

[3:25] 1. Weary Blues
[5:57] 2. Solitude
[2:02] 3. Manchester Rag
[4:27] 4. Wait Till The Sun Shines Nellie
[5:34] 5. Saratoga Swing
[3:05] 6. Sensation
[3:17] 7. Waiting For The Day
[4:44] 8. Savoy Blues
[4:55] 9. Journey To The Sky
[3:29] 10. Willie The Weeper
[6:57] 11. Creole Love Call
[4:19] 12. Otchi-Tchor-Ni-Ya
[3:57] 13. Rollin' Ball
[5:35] 14. Tiger Rag

Charlie Galbraith,tbn; Bryan Jones, tptMartin Downer, sop. s; ax; Pat Mason, pno; Tim Streeton, bjo; Matt Patton, bass. Tunes 11-14: Kenny Ball, tpt; Dave Jones, clt; John Bennet, tbn; Ron Weatherburn,pno; Paddy Lightfoot, bjo; Vic Barton, bass; Ron Bowden, drs.

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Dexter Gordon - The Essential Dexter Gordon: The Columbia Years (2-Disc Set)

Dexter Gordon (tenor saxophone), Louis Hayes (drums), Ronnie Mathews (piano), Woody Shaw (fluegelhorn), Stafford James (bass), Woody Shaw (trumpet), Dexter Gordon (soprano saxophone), Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone), Frank Wess (piccolo), Benny Bailey (fluegelhorn), Wayne Andre (trombone), Slide Hampton (trombone), Benny Bailey (trumpet), Frank Wess (flute), Frank Wess (alto saxophone), Victor Lewis (drums), George Cables (piano), Rufus Reid (bass), Eddie Gladden (drums), Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone), Dexter Gordon (speaker), Percy Heath (bass), Cedar Walton (piano), Art Blakey (drums), George Benson (guitar), Tony Williams (drums), Stan Getz (tenor saxophone), CBS Jazz All-Stars (vocal).

Dexter Gordon (February 27, 1923 – April 25, 1990)[1] was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was among the earliest tenor players to adapt the bebop musical language of people such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell to the instrument. Gordon's height was 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), so he was also known as "Long Tall Dexter" and "Sophisticated Giant". His studio and live performance career spanned over 40 years.

Gordon's sound was commonly characterized as being "large" and spacious and he had a tendency to play behind the beat. He was famous for humorously inserting musical quotes into his solos. One of his major influences was Lester Young. Gordon, in turn, was an early influence on John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. Rollins and Coltrane then influenced Gordon's playing as he explored hard bop and modal playing during the 1960s.

Album: The Essential Dexter Gordon (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:18
Size: 179.3 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[13:46] 1. Gingerbread Boy
[13:09] 2. 'round Midnight
[13:02] 3. Body And Soul
[14:00] 4. It's You Or No One
[ 7:36] 5. Laura
[ 8:50] 6. Red Top
[ 7:52] 7. Fried Bananas

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Album: The Essential Dexter Gordon (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:14
Size: 181.4 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[ 6:35] 1. The Moontrane
[ 7:23] 2. Tanya
[ 8:42] 3. Ruby, My Dear
[13:03] 4. Blues Up And Down
[ 0:54] 5. Introduction
[17:02] 6. More Than You Know
[ 9:34] 7. Hi Fly
[ 9:18] 8. Gotham City
[ 6:39] 9. Polka Dots And Moonbeams

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Billy Butterfield - The Golden Horn

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:47
Size: 82,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:49)  1. Stardust
(3:00)  2. Wonderland By Night
(3:12)  3. And The Angels Sing
(2:47)  4. Love Theme From La Strada
(2:57)  5. You Made Me Love You
(2:56)  6. Melancholy Serenade
(3:00)  7. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
(3:10)  8. Oh, Mein Papa
(2:36)  9. Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White
(2:58) 10. Pretend
(3:13) 11. Tenderly
(3:05) 12. Memories Of You

A versatile pre-bop trumpeter with a beautiful tone, Billy Butterfield could play pretty ballads and heated Dixieland with equal skill. After early experience in the mid-'30s with the bands of Austin Wylie and Andy Anderson, Butterfield became famous while playing with Bob Crosby's Orchestra (1937-1940), taking the main solo on the original version of "What's New," and making numerous records with both the big band and the Bobcats. In 1940, he was with Artie Shaw, participating in the famed Gramercy Five sessions and taking a classic solo on Shaw's rendition of "Star Dust"; in addition, Butterfield can be seen and heard playing "Concerto for Clarinet" with Shaw in the film Second Chorus. After stints with Benny Goodman (1941) and Les Brown, Butterfield spent time in the military, and then led a lyrical (but commercially unsuccessful) big band (1945-1947). He worked mostly in the studios during the 1950s and '60s, occasionally emerging for Dixieland dates with Eddie Condon, and was a key member of the World's Greatest Jazz Band (1968-1972). In later years, he continued popping up in Dixieland settings both for records and concerts. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-butterfield-mn0000767816/biographyhttps://www.allmusic.com/artist/billy-butterfield-mn0000767816/biography

The Golden Horn

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Olivier Hutman & Alice Ricciardi - Is It Real

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:43
Size: 107,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. No Way by Mistake
(3:46)  2. A Coin Without a Face
(4:11)  3. Your Call
(5:17)  4. Sweet Inertia
(4:53)  5. Don't Think Twice
(4:31)  6. Sunday Morning Drive
(3:53)  7. Is It Real?
(3:58)  8. Tana Bolero
(4:29)  9. Strange Deal
(7:31) 10. The Night We Called It a Day

Born in 1954, Olivier Hutman first studied classical piano, then, after discovering Oscar Peterson, he turned to jazz: he is part, with Jacky Terrasson, Baptiste Trotignon, Manuel Rocheman, the great tradition jazz of the French scene. He has played with guitarist Christian Escoudé, trumpet player Eric le Lann and many American musicians like Art Farmer, James Moody and Steve Grossman and, at the Jazz in Liege in 2009, we could hear him with Rick Margitza. In trio, he notably recorded Five in Green and accompanied several singers: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Anne Ducros (Urban Tribe in 2007) and Denise King (No Tricks in 2010, Give me the high sign in 2013).

Here he is, in the company of the Italian singer Alice Ricciardi . Graduated from the Milan Conservatory, she also took classes with Rachel Gould. In her name, she recorded Comes love, with Roberto Tarenzi on piano and Omptics with Pietro Lussu. If Denise King is part of the great tradition of American vocal jazz (Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Carmen Mc Rae, with a serious register, with inflections from the blues), Alice Ricciardi is closer to current white singers like Stacey Kent. In the repertoire, next to Bob Dylan's Do not think twice to the folk moods and Matt Dennis's The night we called it the day, eight original compositions: music by Olivier Hutman, lyrics by his wife Viana Wember-Hutman. After several albums perfectly rooted in the great classical jazz tradition, Hutman, with the contralto voice of Alice Ricciardi, turns to very melodic original compositions combining different stylistic influences: jazz, folk and pop.~ Claude Loxhay http://www.jazzhalo.be/reviews/cdlp-reviews/o/olivier-hutman-meets-alice-ricciardi-is-it-real/

Is It Real

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Joe Lovano - Sounds of Joy

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:29
Size: 138,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. Sounds of Joy
(6:38)  2. Strength and Courage
(4:30)  3. I'll Wait and Pray
(7:00)  4. Cedar Avenue Blues
(7:55)  5. Bass and Space
(9:33)  6. Ettenro
(4:20)  7. Until the Moment Was Now
(8:24)  8. This One's for Lacy
(5:33)  9. 23rd Street Theme

From Joe Lovano: This was not only my first trio recording as a leader, but the first time I played with the great Ed Blackwell. I wrote all the tunes for the session with Blackwell in mind, because he's been a great inspiration through the years. Blackwell's sound, touch, ideas, execution and personality all came through when he played. He was an amazing improviser and always created a very complete dialogue with you. The title, Sounds of Joy, is what I felt from Blackwell from all the music I heard him play through the years. Strength and Courage I wrote for him because that was his essence. He endured many years of kidney problems. In fact, he was one of the longest surviving dialysis patients, pioneering a technique where you could travel and do the procedure at different hospitals on the road. I played with Blackwell for two years, when we recorded this, and my first gig at the Village Vanguard. Like me, Anthony Cox, the bassist, was playing with John Scofield s group at the time. https://www.amazon.com/Sounds-Joy-Joe-Lovano/dp/B000027MH1

The Lovano date is a tour de force. In, out, the blues, ballads, the man from Cleveland has it all covered, from A to Z and beyond. Bret Primack ~ Jazz Times   

Personnel:  Joe Lovano tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet;  Anthony Cox bass; Ed Blackwel drums.

Sounds of Joy

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Lynne Arriale Trio - Live

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:56
Size: 158,1 MB
Art: Front

( 8:09)  1. Iko Iko
( 6:11)  2. Home
( 6:34)  3. Braziliana
( 7:17)  4. Arise
( 8:21)  5. Come Together
( 5:55)  6. Flamenco
( 7:18)  7. Seven Steps to Heaven
(11:28)  8. Mountain of the Night
( 7:39)  9. Bemsha Swing

This CD/DVD set was recorded at the 36th annual Burghausen Jazz Week last year. The trio, which has been together since 1993, brings fresh ideas to the forum for this concert date, which took place in a large auditorium with excellent acoustics. The performance swings comfortably, and yet it's loaded with surprises. Pianist Lynne Arriale is a master of cool persuasion. She likes to caress the keyboard and let things settle in gradually. Whether she's interpreting a warm ballad or an up-tempo romp, she ensures that the music will proceed naturally without forcing the issue. Every note is to be savored for the value that it adds. Her performance is delicate; yet she swings her trio with ease. Lyrical beauty remains most important in this performance. The DVD (83 minutes) presents the full concert, while the CD (69 minutes) captures all selections save one. 

The camera zooms in, pans the stage, and captures each artist effectively. All the emotion of the trio's performance comes alive as they "get down. One particularly interesting camera angle shows the pianist and bassist working together, with the drummer's active reflection coming by way of the flat surface of the piano's lacquered body. The DVD also includes additional special features, including interview excerpts and valuable commentary. Songs such as "Come Together, "Seven Steps to Heaven, "Bemsha Swing and "Iko Iko are probably familiar to any audience. The group assembled for this occasion felt that intuitively. Arriale puts dramatic intensity into every piece without forcing a thing. Her interpretations flow naturally with plenty of heartfelt soul. The passion in her music makes this recommended performance an affair to remember. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-lynne-arriale-motema-music-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Lynne Arriale: piano; Jay Anderson: bass; Steve Davis: drums.

Live

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Peter O'Mara - Stairway

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:36
Size: 141,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:37)  1. Abertura
(8:01)  2. Stairway
(6:16)  3. Round & Round
(7:05)  4. Crescent
(6:18)  5. Mr. Lucky
(5:33)  6. For Emily
(5:45)  7. Weather or Not
(8:19)  8. Change of Mind
(6:38)  9. Continuity
(2:01) 10. Irish

Born in Sydney, Australia in 1957. Early Studies at Academy of the Guitar under George Golla, Sydney Conservatorium as well as jazz clinics under Aebersold, Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, John Scofield & Hal Galper. ...More http://www.peteromara.com/bio.html

Personnel: Peter O'Mara (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Anthony Jackson (guitar); Tony Lakatos (saxophone); Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards); Tom Brechtlein (drums); Alex Acuña (percussion).

Stairway

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Steve Cole - Moonlight

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:51
Size: 102.7 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[6:56] 1. Moonlight
[3:02] 2. You Can Close Your Eyes
[4:05] 3. (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over
[4:51] 4. Undun
[6:23] 5. Angel
[3:56] 6. You Don't Know Me
[5:12] 7. Cry Me A River
[5:03] 8. The Look Of Love
[5:19] 9. Long And Winding Road

Steve Cole (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Dale Prasco (guitar); David Mann (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, keyboards); Mike Logan (piano); Steve Rodby (acoustic bass); Tom Hipskind (drums); Dede Sampaio (percussion).

Moonlight is the Artistry Music debut of saxophonist Steve Cole, who has sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide and scored four #1 radio hits in the US. This alternative American songbook interpreting compositions by James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Lennon & McCartney, Bacharach & David and more-backed by the strings of the prestigious Millennium Chamber Players of Chicago-is a lush and moving testament to the timeless soul of great songs. Featuring Mike Logan (Will Downing) and Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets) on piano; Steve Rodby (Pat Metheny Group) on bass; and tenor man Steve Cole.

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Christian Sands - Reach

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:22

Size: 149.7 MB

Styles: Piano jazz

Year: 2017

Art: Front

[5:07] 1. Armando's Song

[6:17] 2. Song Of The Rainbow People

[6:03] 3. Pointing West

[6:47] 4. Freefall

[6:30] 5. ¡Óyeme!

[7:10] 6. Bud's Tune

[7:08] 7. Reaching For The Sun

[7:27] 8. Use Me

[5:57] 9. Gangstalude

[6:52] 10. Somewhere Out There

Christian Sands: piano; Marcus Baylor: drums; Yasushi Nakamura: bass; Gilad Hekselman: guitar (7-9); Christian McBride: bass (8); Cristian Rivera: percussion (5); Marcus Strickland: tenor saxophone (3, 4), bass clarinet (4).

A lot plays into the success of an artist's reach, with content and presentation obviously ranking high on the list. But above all, an artist has to be willing to extend a hand if they expect listeners to do the same. Many simply reach for the musical stars without really considering the need to reach out to potential audiences through the music. Pianist Christian Sands doesn't fall into that trap. His reach—both up and out—is long and wide, exemplified on this aptly named date.

Despite any potential allusions in the previous paragraph or the titular ideal, Reach doesn't pander to populist tastes or compromise in anyway. It simply has quality material performed at an extremely high level that can appeal to a wide variety of listeners, ranging from the jazz curious to the jazz cognoscenti. If you've found your way to this site and this review, chances are there's something that appeals to you here, whether you fancy yourself a modernist, a traditionalist, a blues adherent, a neo-soul devotee, a post-bop fan, a Latin jazz lover, or something else entirely. Sands manages to craft unique statements that touch on all of the aforementioned topics, often blending or countervailing one with the other within a single song, and once your ear is hooked, that's it.

Reach opens with "Armando's Song," a nod to the great Chick Corea that seems to be cut from the same cloth—or, perhaps, the same vocabulary—as Corea's "Armando's Rhumba." Sands, however, isn't one to plagiarize, and the propulsive swing roller coaster that follows the theme proves that point. A rush of optimism blotting out the face of hate follows that eye-opening number. "Song Of The Rainbow People" speaks to the need for unity and togetherness, both in name and sound. There are hints of gray skies in the mix, but the sun burns the clouds away.

Those opening invitations expose listeners to the tightly-formed trio that's the backbone of this album—Sands, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Marcus Baylor—and the three tracks that immediately follow demonstrate how that group reacts to new voices in the mix. Marcus Strickland first spurs the band on with his tenor saxophone on the driven "Pointing West." Then he puts his tenor and bass clarinet to good use on an electro-dusted chill ride dubbed "Freefall." Both numbers find the core band expanding its outlook and adapting to the presence of their guest. The same thing can be said to happen when percussionist Cristian Rivera drops in to add some Latin sizzle to the festive "¡Óyeme!."

The second half of the album is just as inclusive in all respects. "Bud's Tune" pares things back to a trio configuration as Sands salutes bebop pioneer Bud Powell; "Reaching For The Sun" walks on a pseudo-Brazilian groove, carries hints of Corea and Pat Metheny in its DNA, gives Sands a chance to dazzle with his glistening glances, and brings guitarist Gilad Hekselman into the picture for the first of his three consecutive appearances; a cover of "Use Me" retains its Bill Withers-born soulfulness while taking on a new skulking-turned-swinging-turned-skulking rhythmic shape and opening up some space for Christian McBride to bow the truth; and "Gangstalude" injects a hip-hop attitude and foundation into the program. Then Sands ends with what's, perhaps, the biggest surprise of all: a heartfelt performance of "Somewhere Out There" from An American Tail (Amblin Entertainment/Sullivan Bluth Studios, 1986). It opens lyrically and loyally before taking flight in reflective-cum-resounding fashion. It's the last chapter in this tale of many tones, serving as the final indication of Sands' willingness to embrace diversity in sound and scope. Everything and everyone seems to be within his reach. ~Dan Bilawsky

Reach                

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Malakoff Kowalski - I Love You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:14
Size: 89.8 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[1:59] 1. Prologue
[1:59] 2. Blue Magic Berlin
[2:59] 3. How I Think Of You
[2:20] 4. Texas Neapolitano
[2:51] 5. Take Some Abuse
[3:38] 6. The Western Belafonte
[1:48] 7. Sweet Anna
[2:57] 8. The Scent Of Wood
[3:42] 9. Carcosa
[2:21] 10. Mulholland Chocolate Martini
[1:54] 11. My Papaya Fruit
[3:49] 12. Kinder-Yorn
[0:56] 13. Please Kiss Me
[3:59] 14. Notlimah Wy
[1:55] 15. Epilogue

Mellotron, Accordion, Harmonica, Percussion, Drums, Mixed By – Malakoff Kowalski; Contrabass – Johannes Huth (tracks: 14); Piano – Martyn Heyne (tracks: 12); Synthesizer – Marco Barotti (tracks: 1); Vocals – Genia Fajerman (tracks: 12).

Malakoff Kowalski (born June 21, 1979 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA as Aram Pirmoradi) is a German-American-Persian singer, musician, composer and producer. His parents are from Tehran and he was raised in Hamburg, Germany. In 2005, Kowalski released his debut record Action with his band Jansen & Kowalski, which he later referred to as “a memorial for a monumental failure.” In 2009, after the band had broken up, Kowalski released his first solo-album Neue Deutsche Reiselieder, a progressive and vintage Krautrock record.

Malakoff Kowalski currently lives in Berlin, Germany and has resided there since 2007.

I Love You mc
I Love You zippy

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Leny Andrade - Bossa Nossa: Leny Andrade Canta Fred Calcao

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:35
Size: 90.6 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[2:30] 1. O Amor Pegou Na Veia
[3:14] 2. Maré Cheia
[3:54] 3. Instantâneos
[3:42] 4. Promessa Temporã
[4:06] 5. Inútil Resistir
[3:01] 6. Alô Donato
[3:27] 7. Bossa Nossa
[3:04] 8. Janela Aberta
[2:44] 9. Pedaço De Amor
[3:38] 10. Motivo Pra Vida
[3:19] 11. Tons De Ipanema
[2:51] 12. Valsa De Ipanema

Leny Andrade Lima, known by the stage name LENY ANDRADE considered by many the greatest Brazilian jazz samba singer, was born in Rio de Janeiro, on January 25, 1943, and is a singer of Brazilian music.

At six years old, Leny Andrade began playing piano. At nine, she entered the Brazilian Conservatory of Music and the fifteen already appeared as "crooner" orchestras. As a girl, she sang with the trio of Sergio Mendes at the time of the Lane. Born in Rio de Janeiro, debuted professionally at age 15, the only singing crooner Dick Farney in the orchestra. She recorded her first LP in 1961 called "The Feeling". The following year, released the LP "The Art Major Leny Andrade".

In the 60s, with Pery Ribeiro and Bossa Three group, with whom she recorded her first live album, debuted at the nightclub Basement 73 the anthology show "Gemini 5" Ronaldo Bôscoli and Miele, show that this caused her move to Mexico where she lived for five years. In 1965 she broke with the disc in mulatto "We are there" especially the title track of Mauricio Einhorn, Durval Ferreira and Regina Werneck. Embarked on the forefront of samba in the 70s, with the disc "Uproar" and closed the decade with the album "Record" a work remarkable samba-jazz. Singing alongside artists like Luiz Eca, Wagner Tiso, Eumir Deodato, Francis Hime, Gilson Peranzzetta and João Donato, Leny Andrade became known for her remarkable ability to improvise.

Leny Andrade is a favorite of musicians and has performed with Paquito D'Rivera, Toots Thielemans, Fred Hersch, Roberto Menescal, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Leo Gandelman, Trio Chain Sambop Quintet, Mauricio Einhorn, Romero Lubambo, João Carlos Coutinho, and several other renowned musicians. The eclectic style of Leny Andrade is a synthesis of samba, jazz, MPB, bolero, songs, ballads, in short, good music.

Bossa Nossa: Leny Andrade Canta Fred Calcao mc
Bossa Nossa: Leny Andrade Canta Fred Calcao zippy

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David Newman - Mr. Fathead

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:46
Size: 91.0 MB
Styles: Jazz/Funk/Soul
Year: 1976/2010
Art: Front

[3:54] 1. Dance With Me
[5:50] 2. Groovin' To The Music
[4:34] 3. You Got Style
[5:29] 4. Ebo Man
[4:04] 5. Shiki
[4:30] 6. Promise Me Your Love
[6:12] 7. I Love Music
[5:09] 8. Mashooganah

At its best, soul-jazz has successfully blended the accessibility of R&B with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz. Many of David "Fathead" Newman's more commercial recordings of the 1960s and 1970s fit that description, like Hank Crawford, Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Turrentine, and David Sanborn, Newman showed a lot of R&B fans that improvisatory horn solos weren't something to be afraid of. Improvisation, however, isn't something that you will hear a lot of on 1976's disappointing Mr. Fathead, which was produced by Joel and Jonathan Dorn. For the most part, this erratic and unfocused LP isn't soul-jazz, most of the material is either disco-funk or lightweight instrumental pop. A few of the tunes are OK; "Groovin' to the Music" is a catchy disco-funk item along the lines of the Brass Construction and the Crown Heights Affair, and the gritty, infectious "Mashooganah" is somewhere between soul-jazz and fusion. But for the most part, Mr. Fathead wastes Newman's considerable talents. This record is strictly for completists. ~Alex Henderson

First time on CD for this 1976 album from the Jazz saxophonist. Originally issued on Warner Brothers records, it features jazz luminaries Ron Carter, Jimmy Johnson, Pat Rebillot, Anthony Jackson, Ralph MacDonald and Patti Austin.

Mr. Fathead mc
Mr. Fathead zippy

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Lee Konitz - Strings for Holiday - A Tribute to Billie Holiday

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:22
Size: 137,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. The Man I Love
(5:04)  2. You've Changed
(4:27)  3. God Bless the Child
(6:06)  4. But Beautiful
(5:18)  5. I Cried for You
(5:30)  6. Lover Man
(4:19)  7. All of Me
(5:26)  8. Good Morning Heartache
(5:23)  9. For Heaven's Sake
(4:48) 10. Easy Living
(4:47) 11. These Foolish Things
(3:41) 12. For All We Know

Always eager to record in new situations, on this CD Lee Konitz is showcased with a string sextet (two violins, violas and cellos), bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Matt Wilson. The cool-toned altoist pays tribute during a dozen songs to both Billie Holiday and (in a more subtle fashion) tenor great Lester Young, two of his early idols. Daniel Schnyder contributed all of the arrangements for the set. Rather than weighing down the proceedings, Schnyder has the strings adding rich harmonies and phrases that seem to anticipate the leader's phrases, and they even swing. Lee Konitz, who added a vibrato to his sound for the project so he could recreate some of Billie Holiday's feeling, handles the ballads and medium-tempo material beautifully. Highlights include "The Man I Love," "I Cried For You," "All Of Me" and "Easy Living." A memorable and heartfelt effort by all concerned.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/strings-for-holiday-mw0000099426

Personnel:  Lee Konitz alto saxophone;  Mark Feldman violin;  Cenovia Cummin violin;  Jill Jaffe viola;  Ronald Lawrence  viola;  Erik Friedlander cello;  Daniel Pezzotti cello;  Michael Formanek
bass;  Matt Wilson drums.

Strings for Holiday - A Tribute to Billie Holiday

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Alice Ricciardi - Comes Love

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:05
Size: 135,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. Comes Love
(2:31)  2. Summer Song
(4:07)  3. Give Me The Simple Life
(4:49)  4. I Was Doing Allright (The Goldwyn Follies)
(6:10)  5. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life
(2:26)  6. Who Cares (As Long As You Care For Me) (Of Thee I Sing)
(4:03)  7. If I Should Lose You
(4:50)  8. The Boy Next Door
(4:16)  9. I'll Remember April
(5:00) 10. Ghost Of Yesterday
(4:08) 11. Here Lies Love
(3:02) 12. By Myself
(4:52) 13. Le Tue Mani
(4:17) 14. Where Are You

Italian jazz singer and composer, born in Milan now living between Rome and New York, approached music at seven, attending the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan where she studied violin and piano. In 1998 she started studying jazz singing at "Accademia Internazionale della Musica" in Milan directed by Enrico Intra and Franco Cerri. In 2002 she achieved European diploma "F.N.E.I.J." (Fèdèration Nationale des Ecoles d' Influence Jazz et des Musiques Actuelles) in France, valid for the instruction of jazz and modern music in all Europe. Award Winning 2nd prize at 2005 International Montreux Jazz Festival Voice Competition - Performer at 2006 IAJE Conference in New York and at Jazz at the Lincoln Center Dizzy’s Club. She also studied with Rachel Gould in Italy, and with Jazz Legend Ran Blake in Boston. Collaborations include some of the most renowned Italian and international musicians such as: Fabrizio Bosso, Nicola Conte, Flavio Boltro, Pietro Lussu, Giovanni Amato, Gaetano Partipilo, Dario Deidda, Enrico Intra, Franco Cerri, Mario Raja Big Bang, Randy Ingram, James Cammack, Joseph Lepore, Adam Arruda,Tommy Crane, Adam Pache, Will Terrill, Neal Miner, Jesper Lundgaard, Morten Lund, Darrell Green, Ameen Saleem, Dezron Douglas, Saul Rubin, Paul Gill, Spike Wilner, Josè James,Till Brönner, Magnus Lindgren,Teppo Mäkynen. She performed at:Teatro Morlacchi Umbria Jazz, Jazzhus Montmartre Copenhagen, Blue Note Tokyo, Cotton Club Tokyo, Jazz Cafè London, HighLine BallRoom NYC, Regatta Bar Boston, The Kitano NYC, The Big Chill Festival UK, Blue Note Milano, Auditorium Parco Della Musica Roma, Casa Del Jazz Roma, Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory Milano, Villa Ada Roma, Piccolo Teatro Milano,Teatro Romano Verona, Anfiteatro Romano Cagliari, Sferisterio Macerata, Stadio dei Marmi Roma, Istanbul Jazz Center, Montreux Jazz Festival, Aarhus Jazz Festival, Bangen Jazz Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, KOKO Jazz Club Helsinki, Jakobstad Jazz Festival, A-Trane Berlin, ShapeShifter Lab NY, Smalls Jazz Club NYC, Cornelia Street Cafe NYC, NUBLU NYC, ROCKWOOD Music Hall NYC. Her debut album "COMES LOVE”, acclaimed by critics and public, was released for the label Blue Note/EMI. Her latest album “OPTICS” came out for the Greg Osby’s independent label Inner Circle Music. http://www.alicericciardi.com/biography/

Personnel:  Alice Ricciardi vocals Gaetano Partipilo flute/alto sax Pasquale Bardaro vibes Marco Bovi guitar Roberto Tarenzi piano

Comes Love

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Gil Scott-Heron - Real Eyes

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:22
Size: 81,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:47)  1. The Train From Washington
(3:56)  2. Not Needed
(4:48)  3. Waiting For The Axe To Fall
(3:40)  4. Combinations
(3:41)  5. A Legend In His Own Mind
(6:22)  6. You Could Be My Brother
(4:49)  7. The Klan
(3:16)  8. Your Daddy Loves You (For Gia Louise)

In 1980, Gil Scott-Heron had a nice opportunity to promote his Real Eyes album when he became the opening act on Stevie Wonder's Hotter Than July tour. On his own, Scott-Heron usually played small clubs, but opening for Wonder gave him the chance to perform in front of thousands of Wonder fans in major stadiums and sports arenas. Many of Wonder's white fans seemed to be unfamiliar with Scott-Heron (who had never had a major pop hit), while a lot of Wonder's black fans at least knew him for "The Bottle" and "Angel Dust" even if they hadn't bought a lot of his albums. Opening for all those Wonder fans certainly didn't hurt Scott-Heron's career, but it didn't make him a superstar either. While it's possible that some Wonder fans enjoyed Scott-Heron's opening sets enough to go out and purchase Real Eyes, most of the people who acquired this LP were already confirmed Scott-Heron fans. Unfortunately, Real Eyes lacked a hit single, although the material is excellent nonetheless. As usual, Scott-Heron has a lot of sociopolitical things on his mind "The Train From Washington" concludes that the working class can't depend on the U.S. government for anything, while "Not Needed" angrily points the finger at companies who consider longtime employees expendable. And the album's less sociopolitical songs are equally memorable. "Your Daddy Loves You" is a touching ode to Scott-Heron's daughter Gia Louise (who was only a child in 1980), and the jazz-oriented "A Legend in His Own Mind" is a humorous, clever put-down of a wannabe "Casanova" who isn't nearly the ladies' man he brags about being. Scott-Heron's love of jazz serves him well on "A Legend in His Own Mind" and the smoky "Combinations," but make no mistake: Real Eyes is an R&B album more than anything.~ Alex Henderson https://www.allmusic.com/album/real-eyes-mw0000845967 

Personnel: Gil Scott-Heron (vocals); Ed Brady (guitar); Vernon James (flute, saxophone); Carl Cornwell (flute, tenor saxophone); Glen Turner (harmonica, keyboards, synthesizer); Kenny Sheffield (trumpet); Kenny Powell (drums); Ethan Ivy (percussion); Amnesia Express.

Real Eyes

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