Rita Reys - The Cool Voice Of Rita Reys (2-Disc Set)

"Rita Reys had a long career often keeping serious jazz company. Wessell Ilcken was largely responsible for directing her early career (they were married from 1945 until his death in 1957), while better known was Pim Jacobs, her second husband, although he appears here only on the tracks with a studio orchestra. Jerry Van Rooyen is distinguished in jazz and film score composing; his brother, Ack, still leads a small group. The two sessions with the Jazz Messengers straddle Silvers departure, although the second sessions charts are his work. Mathews plays the unpopular (in jazz circles) accordion, yet improvised inventively and arranged well.

Throughout, Reys sound and approach are mature (she was approaching 30 at the time of the first of these dates) and she sings with rhythmic flair, good jazz phrasing and interprets the lyrics well. Her diction is husky yet clear and her pronunciation such that only rarely, on some vowel sounds, is it apparent that she is singing in what is for her a foreign language. Among instrumentalists providing well-taken solos are Gullin, playing alto on the first two tracks, baritone on the others, Byrd, Mobley, Sullivan and Silver, all on the Jazz Messenger dates, and Mathews.

Instrumentalists aside, this album focuses on the singer and it is thoroughly enjoyable, providing as it does a portrait of a significant Dutch jazz singing talent in good form. Some of this material has been reissued on CD but not I think as comprehensively as this and Jordi Pujol is to be congratulated for bringing this fine singer to wider attention." ~Bruce Crowther

Album: The Cool Voice Of Rita Reys (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:27
Size: 149.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2015

[3:07] 1. Deed I Do
[2:49] 2. Over The Rainbow
[3:03] 3. Lullaby In Rhythm
[3:06] 4. He's Funny That Way
[2:29] 5. Exactly Like You
[2:33] 6. There's A Small Hotel
[2:47] 7. My Funny Valentine
[3:12] 8. Wailing For Weelink
[2:38] 9. I Should Care
[2:27] 10. There Will Never Be Another You
[3:14] 11. For Minors Only
[2:37] 12. It's All Right With Me
[2:34] 13. Gone With The Wind
[2:36] 14. But Not For Me
[3:28] 15. Moonlight In Vermont
[2:09] 16. Ill Wind
[3:35] 17. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[2:34] 18. Taking A Chance On Love
[3:29] 19. I Cried For You
[2:55] 20. That Old Black Magic
[4:13] 21. My One And Only Love
[3:41] 22. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year

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Album: The Cool Voice Of Rita Reys (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:55
Size: 118.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:39] 1. Old Devil Moon
[4:17] 2. Star Eyes
[3:12] 3. The Song Is You
[3:10] 4. Keepin' Myself For You
[2:33] 5. Falling In Love With Love
[3:57] 6. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[2:21] 7. He's My Guy
[3:19] 8. (There Is) No Greater Love
[4:06] 9. Please Be Kind
[3:45] 10. Where Are You
[3:14] 11. They Didn't Believe Me
[3:05] 12. Only A Moment Ago
[2:44] 13. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
[3:00] 14. It's Mine After All
[3:57] 15. When The Blues Come On
[2:30] 16. All Of You

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Marcin Wądołowski - My Guitar Therapy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:58
Size: 105.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[6:01] 1. So, Let's Go
[3:34] 2. Please, Drive Me Home
[4:33] 3. Capisci
[4:41] 4. Guitar Meditation
[3:56] 5. For Stevie Ray
[5:30] 6. My Secret World
[6:28] 7. Time And Space
[3:20] 8. Uncle Mark
[7:51] 9. Night Blues

Marcin Wądołowski – gitary; Piotr Lemańczyk – kontrabas, gitara basowa; Adam Czerwiński – perkusja; Paweł Rutschka – tajemniczy głos.

Recent years have seen significant changes in Polish jazz music with a new generation of young musically highly-educated musicians demonstrating masterly instrumental musicianship and great improvisation skills thus promptly matching up the circle of top artists. As a composer and guitar virtuoso, Marcin Wądołowski emerges as one of the finest of his generation. His latest album My Guitar Therapy includes nine musically-diversified originals combining elements of popular among young audiences funk fusion music fittingly makes a good case for it. Equally, Marcin Wądołowski is joined by two renowned and impressively accomplished fellow jazz musicians, drummer Adam Czerwiński, and double bass and bass guitar player Piotr Lemańczyk.

All recordings on the album of outstanding craftsmanship evoke an image of a party of easy-going musician friends greatly enjoying the ongoing recording session and in doing so suitably delivering this very message of joy to all jazz fans. ~Przemek Dyakowski

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David Clayton-Thomas - 2 albums: Soul Ballads / Combo

Album: Soul Ballads
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:46
Size: 104.8 MB
Styles: Jazz/Soul/Blues
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:52] 1. Midnight Train To Georgia
[3:50] 2. A Change Is Gonna Come
[3:44] 3. People Get Ready
[3:20] 4. If You Don't Know Me By Now
[5:06] 5. Sunny
[2:56] 6. I've Been Loving You Too Long
[3:32] 7. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
[4:26] 8. Ruby
[3:35] 9. When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
[3:17] 10. You Don't Know Me
[3:57] 11. You Really Got A Hold On Me
[3:06] 12. When A Man Loves A Woman

After nearly two years of devoting himself to the writing of his autobiography “Blood Sweat and Tears” David decided to take a break from writing and record an album of songs honoring the great soul artists that formed the foundation of that unmistakable Clayton-Thomas vocal style. The results are spectacular! Soul Ballads, a twelve song set of tunes by Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Gladys Knight and other iconic R&B artists.

David and producer/arranger Lou Pomanti weren’t looking for obscure tunes that no-one had heard before, rather they were looking for songs that everyone knows and loves and set out to give them a fresh new sound. When A Man Loves A Woman, Dock Of The Bay, You Don’t Know Me, Midnight Train to Georgia, all recorded with full orchestra and innovative new arrangements. This is a labor of love for David and it shows, these are the songs he sang in the bars of Toronto as a young singer. The Clayton-Thomas pipes are in fine form and the charts are beautifully conceived. This is a joyous album, a renowned singer at the peak his powers singing songs that he loves.

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Album: Combo
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:54
Size: 114.2 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. As Time Goes By
[4:22] 2. Nature Boy
[5:24] 3. Summertime
[5:13] 4. Stormy Monday Blues
[3:15] 5. The Glory Of Love
[4:20] 6. Freedom For The Stallion
[5:50] 7. God Bless The Child
[3:27] 8. September Song
[5:37] 9. Stardust
[3:46] 10. When I Fall Ln Love
[3:54] 11. Smile

“Clayton-Thomas is a legendary blues/r&b performer in his own right yet stripping away the big brass BS&T sound for a rudimentary jazz combo only serves to enhance his vocal talents. To hear him tackle nuggets such as “As Time Goes By”, “Smile”, “When I Fall in Love”, Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child” and “Summertime” is to tune into a class artist giving his own distinctive vocal talents to a set list of memorable songs.” ~Keith Sharp

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Mildred Anderson - Person to Person

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:43
Size: 70,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. I'm Gettin' 'Long Alright
(4:57)  2. I'm Free
(4:33)  3. Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)
(3:47)  4. Hello Little Boy
(3:07)  5. Person to Person
(2:57)  6. Cool Kind of Poppa
(3:50)  7. Kidney Stew Blues
(4:45)  8. I Didn't Have a Chance

Mildred Anderson, who recorded with organist Bill Doggett as early as 1953, only made two albums as a leader and, although thought of as as being in the R&B/blues field, both records have some notable jazz players supporting her. For this CD reissue, Anderson is joined by tenor-saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, organist Shirley Scott, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill for such songs as "Hello Little Boy," "Person to Person" and "Kidney Stew Blues" (the latter two tunes were associated with Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson). Despite being rather brief (just 31 minutes), this set is worth checking out if quite obscure. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/person-to-person-mw0000108898

Personnel:  Mildred Anderson - vocals;  Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - tenor saxophone;  Shirley Scott - organ;  George Duvivier - bass;  Arthur Edgehill - drums

Person to Person

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Didier Lockwood - New York Rendez-Vous

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:22
Size: 135,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:45)  1. Jiggling In Central Park
(7:30)  2. Waltzy
(5:25)  3. Cousin William
(6:49)  4. Anatole Blues
(5:28)  5. Gordon
(6:16)  6. Reminesence
(7:02)  7. Don't Drive So Fast
(5:46)  8. Estern Dance
(7:17)  9. Tom Thumb

Here is a fusion record that will delight lovers of the best violinist of the genre to have emerged since Jean-Luc Ponty. With a great melodic ease never faulted and an exemplary phrasing, Didier Lockwood imposes his particular lyricism served by some sizes including a superlative rhythm (Dave Holland / Peter Erskine) and two elders of the group of Miles (Dave Liebman on saxophone, Mike Stern on guitar) whose bassist was also a part. A superb "Anatole Blues" and a cover of "Tom Thumb" by Wayne Shorter should delight fans of Steps Ahead. ~ Hervé Comte https://www.amazon.fr/York-Rendez-Vous-anglais-Didier-Lockwood/dp/B000024HUO

Personnel:  Didier Lockwood (Paintings, Violin);  Peter Erskine (Drums;  Gil Goldstein (Accordion);  Dave Holland (Bass);  Dave Kikoski (Piano);  David Liebman (Saxophone);  Mike Stern (Guitar).

New York Rendez-Vous

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Eddie Henderson - Be Cool

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:01
Size: 179,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:37)  1. Smoke Screen
(5:01)  2. Be Cool
(7:04)  3. After Youve Gone
(7:00)  4. Loft Funk
(6:25)  5. Fran Dance
(5:26)  6. The Moontrane
(7:07)  7. Naima
(6:44)  8. The Sand Castle Head Hunter
(8:17)  9. Nightride
(6:37) 10. Toys
(5:44) 11. Easy Living
(6:55) 12. Dla Juzi

Though he's run the challenging career gamut from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock's lauded explorations with Mwandishi he was an integral part of 1973's watermark Sextant (Columbia Records) to a doctorate in psychiatry and acclaimed records of his own, ie: '93's Inspirations (Milestone Records), '73's electronic spaciness Realization (Capricorn Records) among others, trumpeter Eddie Henderson has managed to swing low under the horizon, a highly regarded, highly respected player in the circle of players and all knowing jazz heads.  As solid and sturdy as any band of vets, the cool unwinds with the soulful, bubbling syncopation of Kenny Barron's "Smoke Screen," heralding in Henderson's Be Cool, and we're off to the races real quick. In the service of cool, Henderson has enlisted hip help from pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Essiet Essiet, saxophonist Donald Harrison and drummer Mike Clark. All are on their A Game, especially Henderson, whose brassy, bluesy tone sets the pace, knowing this could be a record to be remembered for. 

The usually kicking "After You're Gone" is daringly taken here as a still, reflective conversation of souls and hearts between trumpeter, pianist, and bassist. "Loft Funk" written by drummer Mike Clark and Jerd Levy, brings back the sparkling bounce as Essiet holds forth, his cohorts jumping and funking around him, having a particularly playful time. A spirited "Fran Dance," a percolating reverie on Woody Shaw's "The Moontrane," Harrison's lavish "The Sand Castle Head Hunter" and a punchy nod to Herbie Hancock with "Toys" makes Be Cool a high point for veteran camaraderie and ensemble playing, with one standout tracking following on the heels of another, leaping from one bedrock to the the next. Before he walks out the door to his next gig, Henderson says that his wife always advises him to be cool. And you know what the philosopher's have passed down through the ages: "Happy wife, happy life." With it's sweet mix ballads and bop, Be Cool proves to be, for the moment, Henderson's best. It has taken the words of his missus to heart. ~ Mike Jurkovic https://www.allaboutjazz.com/be-cool-eddfie-henderson-smoke-sessions-records-review-by-mike-jurkovic.php

Personnel: Eddie Henderson: trumpet; Donald Harrison: saxophone; Kenny Barron: piano; Essiet Essiet: bass; Mike Clark: drums.

Be Cool

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Rogier Telderman Trio - Contours

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:07
Size: 112.5 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:55] 1. Goodbye, Monsieur Belkin
[5:24] 2. On A Tuesday
[6:14] 3. Minor Conspiracy
[5:19] 4. Sketch
[8:01] 5. Strange Place
[6:59] 6. Slippers
[4:40] 7. Song For A.C
[5:03] 8. Skippy Mash
[2:28] 9. Waltz

Rogier Telderman: piano; Guus Bakker: double bass; Tuur Moens: drums.

The debut recording from Holland's Rogier Telderman Trio, Contours features nine of the pianist's original compositions. In partnership with Guus Bakker on bass and Tuur Moens on drums, Telderman has crafted an album notable for its varied musical and emotional range as well as for its excellent musicianship. Telderman's writing is melodic and lyrical but with an added edge when the mood of the piece requires it. He's jazz-influenced certainly, but classical, ambient and rock influences also find their places in his writing—there's a more soulful side to his work too, as evidenced by his writing and playing in the superb Dutch band Melphi.

There's nothing too wild on Contours, too raucous or out-of-control. There's plenty of upbeat positivity, however, as well as a selection of more measured compositions. "Skippy Mash" (great title) does indeed skip. It bounces too, thanks to Bakker's bass line. "Minor Conspiracy" is reminiscent of another European piano trio, Phronesis, in its relaxed yet irresistible groove and melody. "On A Tuesday" grabs the attention from the off—an odd mix of Telderman's repetitive rhythm, Bakker's arco bass and Moens' emphatic drumming gives way to a sweeter section dominated by Telderman's piano melody. "Slippers" is another tune that focuses on the groove—this time it's mostly from Telderman's emphatic left hand. "Song For AC" centers on its pretty melody but Bakker punctuates the tune with some strong, punchy, bass notes.

Of the gentler tunes "Sketch" is a graceful, melancholy, piece—Bakker's bass is a key factor in establishing the mood while the interplay between all three men is graceful and intricate. "Goodbye, Monsieur Belkin" is blessed with a beautiful melody, coupled with a degree of tension (for which Moens can take much of the credit) that gives it added drama. "Strange Place"—at just over eight minutes, the album's longest tune—is Telderman's most cinematic composition. An expansive number that seems to give the trio the most scope for improvisation, it appears to be heading for the album's most energetic and explosive ending before a sudden shift in tempo and mood leads to a calmer close. Contours finishes with "Waltz," a slow and lovely tune that's notable for the restrained playing of all three musicians. It's a beautiful finale to an impressive debut album from the Rogier Telderman Trio. ~Bruce Lindsay

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Vincent Courtois, Sylvie Courvoisier, Ellery Eskelin - As Soon As Possible

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:00
Size: 130.5 MB
Styles: Avant-garde Jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[7:18] 1. Sotto Voce
[8:22] 2. Obvious Obtuse
[4:49] 3. As Soon As Possible
[6:46] 4. Nocturne
[8:22] 5. Mesure D'ailleurs
[3:28] 6. Lexington Market
[4:28] 7. All'improviste
[5:07] 8. La Fontaine De Mars
[2:14] 9. Extended
[2:47] 10. Sequence
[3:13] 11. Antiphons

Ellery Eskelin (Tenor Sax); Sylvie Courvoisier (Piano And Prepared Piano); Vincent Courtois (Cello, Electronics). Recorded in New York on 17, 18 September 2007 at Sear Sound Studio Recording.

The happiness of these three to bring forth the beauty of extraordinary music, but, at the same time, matured over the years, is the result of successful sharing, and generates the effect of complicity in the listener. ...As Soon As Possible is an outstanding recording where equilibrium reigns, the circulation of ideas is sweet, and voices combine while they reply, without ever giving up their originality. ~Philippe Méziat

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Mike Vax, Ron Romm - Collaboration

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:35
Size: 125.0 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[7:22] 1. The Shadow Of Your Smile
[3:27] 2. Cornet Chop Suey
[3:07] 3. My Pal Yachee
[3:31] 4. I Remember Clifford
[3:00] 5. Up Jumped Spring
[3:46] 6. Haydn Trumpet Concerto
[4:51] 7. Collaboration
[3:11] 8. Lenny Leaps Out
[3:19] 9. The Brave Matador
[4:59] 10. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
[6:11] 11. Theme From Summer Of '42
[7:44] 12. Sweet Emma

“If you, like me, love great trumpet playing, Collaboration (Summit – 713) by MIKE VAX & RON ROMM is a must have album. Vax is best known for his time spent as the lead trumpet on Stan Kenton’s Orchestra, and his subsequent efforts to keep the Kenton legacy alive through many educational projects and leadership of the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra. Romm was a founder and long time member of the Canadian Brass and currently serves as Professor of Trumpet at the University of Illinois. These two gentlemen have been friends for decades, and have talked about recording together for much of that time, but until recently circumstances stood in the way of that happening. Now that it has occurred, the world is a better place. They laid down twelve tracks, most of them with Jack Peterson on guitar, Ioannis Goudelis on piano, Selwyn Reams on bass and Clive Huff on drums. There are guest appearances by Dr. David Hickman on trumpet, Tony Vacca on reeds, Scott Whitfield on trombone, Joel Robin on piano, and Avis Romm on piano. Trying to single out any of the tracks for special mention is unfair to those not so recognized, so just suffice to say that no matter which track you hear, “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Cornet Chop Suey,” “My Pal Vachee,” “I Remember Clifford,” “Up Jumped Spring,” “Hayden Trumpet Concerto, Movement Two – Andante,” “Collaboration,” “Lenny Leaps Out,” “The Brave Matador,” “just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “The Summer Knows” or “Sweet Emma,” you will be transported to a magic place where trumpets rule the day. As the titles indicate, a lot of musical ground is covered, all of it as tastefully and musically adept as possible. This is a Collaboration in the best sense of the word.” ~Joseph Lang

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Robin Phillips - Old Street, New Groove

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:14
Size: 103.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:08] 1. It Ain't Necessarily So (Feat. Gareth Lumbers)
[3:30] 2. Just One Of Those Things (Feat. Neil Penny)
[3:44] 3. Cry Me A River
[3:42] 4. But Not For Me
[5:08] 5. God Bless The Child (Feat. Gareth Lumbers)
[6:04] 6. My Foolish Heart (Feat. Tony Royle)
[3:44] 7. Woman (Lover Man)
[3:46] 8. Fever (Feat. Kirsty Jarvis)
[2:52] 9. This Can't Be Love
[5:27] 10. It's Probably Me (Feat. Sarah Ellen Hughes)
[4:04] 11. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

This album is the result of the many varied experiences I have had in my professional life over the past five years as a jazz singer, pianist, and band-leader. The last four of these years have been spent living and working as a full-time performer in central London. The arrangements, feelings, and grooves reflect my experiences both on and off stage living in London: one of the most vibrant and eclectic cities in the world.

I must first and foremost thank all the musicians who collaborated with me on this album; especially Claire and Vilem who continue to be a huge support to my career. The marvellous guest musicians who performed on this CD really helped to take the album to a new level and I am eternally grateful for their involvement. This album is dedicated to everyone mourning the loss of Esbjörn Svensson (Esbjörn Svensson Trio / EST); may we continue to celebrate his life and music.

Robin Phillips is one of London's top male jazz singer/pianists performing most days of the week across the captial. As well as an arranger and performer Robin is also a bandleader of various ensembles, including the Robin Phillips Trio and Pinstripe Suit six-piece swing band. Robin is also a performer and founder member of duel-vocal jazz group Kir Royal Trio and jazz/poetry collective The Jehane Markham Trio.

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Don Shirley Trio - Water Boy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:41
Size: 90.9 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 1965/2010
Art: Front

[4:50] 1. Water Boy
[2:48] 2. Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess
[3:24] 3. In A Moonrish Marketplace
[4:23] 4. The Man I Love
[5:10] 5. This Nearly Was Mine
[4:19] 6. Blue Skies
[3:31] 7. Adieu Madraz
[3:56] 8. By Myself
[3:05] 9. Freedom
[4:11] 10. When Your Lover Has Gone

Bass – Ken Fricker; Cello – Juri Taht; Piano – Don Shirley.

Employing the rather unusual configuration of cello and bass combined with his piano for Waterboy, one of three albums Don Shirley recorded for Columbia Records during the 1960s. This trio setup is consistent with Shirley's training as a classical pianist as well as his compositional record with that genre of music. Shirley is the composer of three symphonies, two piano concerti, and three string quartets, among other pieces. He holds a Ph.D. in music (and one in psychology). In sum, his playing can be characterized as a cross between Art Tatum and Artur Rubenstein.

Shirley's playing on this album reveals his wide breadth of interpretative interests and skills. In fact, the performances are so wide ranging, one wonders which track is the real Don Shirley. On the title tune, Avery Robinson's arrangement of the old prison tune "Waterboy" the trio expresses the flavor of the thud of the mallet on the rocks that prisoners are compelled to split. In contrast, Shirley becomes appropriately introspective and ruminating on "By Myself." On his own "Adieux Madraz," Shirley recalls his West Indian heritage. With his impressive and wide ranging educational background, his linguistic abilities (he supposedly speaks eight languages), and his interest in a wide variety of music, Shirley is a man for all seasons, including a piano virtuoso. But sometimes the virtuosity overwhelms the music and is more than some songs can tolerate. Some tunes are simple and their musical message can be lost when their playing is overly embellished as on "The Man I Love." The playing is dazzling to the point of inundating the essence of this Gershwin piece. After a self-enforced sabbatical, Shirley is actively performing again. Reacting to the renewed interest in his work, the Golden Classics label is reissuing many of the LPs he made for Cadence during the 1950s. ~Dave Nathan

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Nicola Conte - Free Souls

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:05
Size: 144.4 MB
Styles: Soul-jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:52] 1. Shades Of Joy
[4:19] 2. Goddess Of The Sea
[3:37] 3. Free Souls
[4:19] 4. Spirit Of Nature
[6:09] 5. Ode To Billie Joe
[4:20] 6. Soul Revelation
[4:07] 7. Ahmad's Blues
[3:56] 8. If I Should Lose You
[4:20] 9. Baltimore Oriole
[4:23] 10. Uhuru
[3:32] 11. Sandalia Dela
[4:19] 12. African Other Blues
[4:47] 13. Sunrise
[5:58] 14. A Prayer For Lateef

Italian producer and guitarist Nicola Conte first gained recognition for his cunning re-imaginings of acid jazz via influences from bossa nova, classic Italian film scores and Indian music. More recently, he’s focused solely on Latin jazz. With Free Souls he takes another left turn, constructing a brilliantly complex soul-jazz sound with Latin, African and Afro-Cuban inflections.

Conte’s core group is mostly Italian (Swedish saxophonist Magnus Lindgren the obvious exception), as are the majority of his guests (save American saxophonists Greg Osby and Logan Richardson). But Free Souls is truly a global affair. Six exceptional vocalists weave in and out of his ever-shifting tapestry, including dynamic young Haitian-American Melanie Charles, British-Ghanaian Bridgette Amofah (a powerful mix of Shirley Bassey and Aretha Franklin), the Netherlands’ eminently cool Natasha Tusk (a.k.a. Tasha’s World), Brits Marvin Parks and Heidi Vogel and American José James.

The playlist volleys between Conte originals, exploring liberty from multiple angles, among them the freedom of nature-James’ loose, shimmering “Goddess of the Sea,” Charles’ undulating “Spirit of Nature”-and East Africa’s Uhuru campaigns for independence, plus a curious assortment of covers. Those interpretations include Parks’ oddly but magically upbeat “If I Should Lose You,” Amofah’s sinewy “Baltimore Oriole,” Charles’ furtive “Ahmad’s Blues” and, again from Amofah, a slow-burnin’, Stax-worthy “Ode to Billie Joe.” The rhythms and styles are literally all over the map: breezy bossas, muscular funk, dense African percussion, earthy soul. True to Conte’s grand vision, it is gloriously emancipating. ~Christopher Loudon

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Paula Prophet - From Me To You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:24
Size: 53.6 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:42] 1. From Me To You
[4:02] 2. Show Me
[4:06] 3. Only You
[3:32] 4. Don't Worry 'bout Me
[3:39] 5. That Man
[4:20] 6. Little Bird

From the first note of her clear, fervent sound it is easy to become a believer in this soulful messenger. Having performed in a wide variety of bands covering several musical genres, Paula's vocal interpretations reflect a special blend of personal expression influenced by a broad range of professional experience. I love writing and singing songs that inspire emotional growth or helping people to push though tough times, commented Paula. Her debut CD, FROM ME TO YOU is a testament to her amazing talent as a published songwriter and lyricist. A Chicago native, Paula was exposed to music at an early age. Her only real formal music training was studying classical guitar for several years and the rest she learned from listening to a variety of singers from Motown to classic jazz standards. Because of her dedicated work in a healing profession Paula is not afraid to dig deep into the human psyche in an attempt to uncover the meaning of life. Although she was committed to focusing her time on raising her sons, her dream of a music career never left her and she managed to juggle musical performances whenever possible as a vocalist with one of the most popular local groups in the San Diego area, Dr. Feelgood and the Interns of Love touring with the group throughout the US and internationally. Says Paula, I love jazz standards because they express such pure and simple emotions beautifully, honestly and deeply and I love Motown because it touches my soul. They both carry the power of this human experience we all share. Her sincere hope is to sing from her heart in a way that quiets the mind and awakens inner knowledge. She understands that, whether through instruments or the human voice, there are few things in this world that are more humbling and exhilarating than communicating to others through the magic of music. Listening to Paula Prophet there's no doubt that her divine message and vocal beauty is a blessing to all.

From Me To You mc
From Me To You zippy

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The Three Sounds - Bottoms Up!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:28
Size: 90.4 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1959/2009
Art: Front

[3:59] 1. Besame Mucho
[5:07] 2. Angel Eyes
[4:48] 3. Time After Time
[6:01] 4. Love Walked In
[4:49] 5. I Could Write A Book
[4:51] 6. Jinne Lou
[3:07] 7. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You
[6:43] 8. Falling In Love With Love

Bass – Andrew Simpkins; Drums – Bill Dowdy; Piano, Celesta – Gene Harris. Recorded At – Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey.

The second record by the Three Sounds (which, like too many of their recordings, has yet to be reissued on CD in the U.S.) features the increasingly popular group in prime form. Pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy are in top form performing their brand of funky jazz, which left plenty of room for inventive solos along with the percolating grooves. On this set, the trio plays seven standards (including "Besame Mucho," "Love Walked In" and "I Could Write a Book"), plus the original "Jinne Lou." Well worth searching for. ~Scott Yanow

Bottoms Up! mc
Bottoms Up! zippy

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Marcus L. Miller - Quintessential

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:45
Size: 109.3 MB
Styles: Comtemporary jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[ 4:25] 1. Brazil
[ 9:13] 2. The Lick
[12:08] 3. Mode For Mingus & Marley
[ 7:59] 4. Spring Has Sprung
[ 8:07] 5. Chocolate Pound Cake
[ 5:50] 6. M&m

A fixture in the Southern California artist community for over 20 years, Marcus works as a composer, band leader, workshop facilitator, and educator. A natural born drummer, his experiences include several world tours and hundreds of performances at theaters, nightclubs, & festivals throughout the world. In addition, Miller composes music for film and stage.

Miller's fourth release for the Universe Soul records label. This album highlights some of Millers more thematic compositions and is enhanced by dynamic solo performances.

Quintessential mc
Quintessential zippy

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Tom McDermott & His Jazz Hellions - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:18
Size: 119.8 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, new Orleams jazz
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. Jubilee
[3:03] 2. Douce Ambiance
[3:01] 3. Avalon
[3:49] 4. Summer
[2:51] 5. They All Asked For You
[5:17] 6. I Wished On The Moon
[3:22] 7. Um A Zero
[4:18] 8. Once In A While (Butler)
[4:12] 9. Let Them Talk
[2:38] 10. Kermit's Rag
[2:33] 11. Alligator Crawl
[4:22] 12. The Mooche
[2:45] 13. Little Rock Getaway
[2:56] 14. For Brenda
[3:38] 15. Twilight In Turkey

Tom McDermott, piano; Jack Maheu, clarinet; Connie Jones, cornet; Steve Yocum, trombone; Matt Perrine, bass; Richard Taylor, drums...with Tony Green; Dan Levinson , tenor sax; Tim LaughIin and Jeffrey Walker, clarinets on #3; Dave Sager, trombone and Leigh "Lil Queenic" Harris.

Tom McDermott is one of New Orleans’ premiere piano players and composers. He grew up in St. Louis, where he earned a Masters’ Degree in Music, wrote music journalism for the morning paper, and soaked up the sounds of ragtime and traditional jazz that flourished there in the 1960s and 70s. In 1984, spurred by his love of James Booker, Professor Longhair and Dr. John, he moved to New Orleans, a trip enabled by a gig at the World’s Fair. Tom has been quite busy the last 30 years. For much of the 1990s he was a Duke of Dixieland, which took him to Europe, Asia, South America and all over the States (including Carnegie Hall); he recorded several albums with the Dukes, including a tribute to Jelly Roll Morton with the fabled raconteur Danny Barker.

In 1995, after arranging a tune for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band album “Jelly,” he co-founded the modern brass band the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. During his stay with the band they recorded three albums, two for the Rounder Records label. Tom has written for the theatre (the Obie-award-winning off-Broadway show, “Nita and Zita”), and appeared in bit roles in the movies (“He Said She Said”). In the New Orleans-based HBO series “Treme,” he played himself five times in three seasons and had 10 pieces of music used on the soundtrack. His original music has also appeared in Showtimes’ “The Knick.” He has recorded 15 albums as a leader, and there is more info on these recordings in the CDs section. These recordings include 75 original tunes. His music has been heard frequently on NPR, i.e. “All Things Considered”, “American Routes”, and “The Moth.” A group he co-led with clarinetist Evan Christopher, the Danza Quartet, appeared on NPR’s New Year’s Eve show “Toast of the Nation” on 2008-2009.

Tom is known for his eclecticism, and is just about the only New Orleans pianist to stretch from the mid-19th-century music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk to the funky New Orleans piano today. He has a great love of Brazilian music (17 trips there so far), the Beatles, European classical music, early Duke Ellington, and much more. In addition to music, Tom is a voracious traveller: he’s visited all 50 states and six continents, and writes about them whenever he can.

Tom McDermott & His Jazz Hellions

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Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis - Jaws Strikes Again

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:53
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Don't Worry About Me
(5:17)  2. The Man I Love
(8:45)  3. Light And Lovely
(4:30)  4. Stompin' At The Savoy
(4:09)  5. When Sunny Gets Blue
(3:26)  6. Blue And Sentimental
(6:09)  7. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
(5:31)  8. When Your Lover Has Gone
(7:00)  9. Pennies From Heaven
(6:03) 10. After You've Gone
(7:20) 11. Candy

Possessor of a cutting and immediately identifiable tough tenor tone, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis could hold his own in a saxophone battle with anyone. Early on, he picked up experience playing with the bands of Cootie Williams (1942-1944), Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk (1945-1946), and Louis Armstrong. He began heading his own groups from 1946 and Davis' earliest recordings as a leader tended to be explosive R&B affairs with plenty of screaming from his horn; he matched wits successfully with Fats Navarro on one session. Davis was with Count Basie's Orchestra on several occasional (including 1952-1953, 1957, and 1964-1973) and teamed up with Shirley Scott's trio during 1955-1960. During 1960-1962, he collaborated in some exciting performances and recordings with Johnny Griffin, a fellow tenor who was just as combative as Davis. After temporarily retiring to become a booking agent (1963-1964), Davis rejoined Basie. In his later years, Lockjaw often recorded with Harry "Sweets" Edison and he remained a busy soloist up until his death. Through the decades, he recorded as a leader for many labels, including Savoy, Apollo, Roost, King, Roulette, Prestige/Jazzland/Moodsville, RCA, Storyville, MPS, Black & Blue, Spotlite, SteepleChase, Pablo, Muse, and Enja. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/eddie-lockjaw-davis-mn0000166025/biography

Personnel:  Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis – tenor saxophone;  Wild Bill Davis – organ;  Billy Butler – guitar;  Oliver Jackson – drums

Jaws Strikes Again

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Adrian Cunningham - Unspoken

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:32
Size: 129,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. The Preacher
(8:34)  2. Zambezi
(7:04)  3. Unspoken
(6:57)  4. Triste
(7:53)  5. Blue Skies
(7:28)  6. Soul Food
(3:15)  7. White Diamond
(8:22)  8. There Is No Greater Love

Adrian Cunningham has already established himself as one of this Australia's finest jazz musicians and multi-instrumentalists, with countless club and festival appearances plus a number of highly acclaimed albums. Having been been based in NYC since 2008, Adrian has been playing regularly in the Big Apple, throughout USA and Europe. In 3 short years he has appeared some of NYC's finest clubs- Smalls, Birdland, 55 Bar, Fat Cat, the Apollo Theater, Dizzy's (Lincoln Centre) and even a private event at the hallowed Village Vanguard; with such luminaries as Lew Soloff, Wycliffe Gordon, George Coleman Jr and Bucky Pizzarelli.

 
Unspoken is the first album by this unique and talented artist and is already receiving critical acclaim from industry reviewers and musicians alike. Since the age of sixteen Adrian has been performing professionally on clarinet, saxophones, flute and piano, and has been a featured soloist for such notable artists as James Morrison, Don Burrows, Monica Trapaga, Emma Pask, Galapagos Duck and John Morrison's Swing City. Adrian has performed in New York, Japan, Indonesia, Africa and has studied extensively with internationally renowned clarinetist & recording artist Eddie Daniels. "Unspoken was inspired by those powerful moments in life that are beyond words, moments of intense happiness or tragedy. Communications beyond words; unspoken. Enjoy!" ~  Adrian Cunningham

"Through his beautifully played clarinet and tenor, Adrian tells us exactly what he has to say; and it's certainly worth hearing, believe me!" ~ Don Burrows AO MBE

"This new and emerging young jazz artist has a refreshing sound and style all his own beautiful" ~ James Morrison AM

Walkabout from internationally acclaimed jazz composer and musician Adrian Cunningham is a wonderfully executed collection of twelve original, self composed tracks. Adrian brings to the table a smooth, playful and notably cohesive sound, with each track drawing inspiration from his travels and time spent in New York.

Personnel:  Adrian Cunningham - alto & tenor saxophones, clarinet, Bill Risby - piano, Craig Scott - bass, Gordon Rytmeitster - drums

Unspoken

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Danny Adler - Coffee Day In Night Town

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:45
Size: 102,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:28)  1. Crazy 'Bout Oklahoma
(5:22)  2. The Wayward Wind
(2:31)  3. Hoodoo Man Blues
(2:36)  4. Rocks In My Pillow
(3:14)  5. Volare
(3:31)  6. Kiss It Goodbye
(3:04)  7. Oden Boogie
(3:23)  8. Sunnyland
(2:59)  9. Laura
(3:02) 10. Don't Let Your Deal Go Down
(3:37) 11. Born On A Train
(3:07) 12. Christmas Dogs (Solo Version)
(3:49) 13. Moon Nocturne

Encouraged by the renewed interest in his LP catalogue, courtesy of iTunes, Danny began writing more new original songs, touring and gigging more frequently. This LP from 2007 reflects an evolution of his expressive style and also a sense of continuity with his original Roogalator concept in forward development. Also included are several songs recorded live at the venerable folk institution Club 47 (Passim) in Cambridge MA during September 2006. Danny plays Hoodoo Man Blues, a Sonny Boy Williamson (The 1st) Blues tune to help celebrate witnessing the great Chicago Bluesman, Junior Wells jam this very same song at Club 47. Junior was accompanied by The Aces (Freddy Bellow and the Myers Brothers, Little Walter’s former backup band) in September 1966, almost 40 years to the day before Danny’s recording. https://dannyadler.bandcamp.com/album/coffee-day-in-night-town

Coffee Day In Night Town

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John Tropea - Short Trip to Space

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:27
Size: 85,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:12)  1. The Funk You See, Is the Funk You Do!
(4:15)  2. Can't Hide Love
(3:43)  3. Southside
(5:18)  4. You Can't Have It All
(7:14)  5. Short Trip to Space
(6:16)  6. Blue Too
(2:06)  7. Love's Final Moment
(4:20)  8. Twist of the Wrist

John Tropea is one of the most admired and highly regarded guitar players of his generation. His playing shows a vast knowledge and respect for the tradition of the instrument as well as an original style that continues to define how the guitar best serves a wide variety of musical styles. He is a musician’s musician who attracts the finest players for his own projects. Tropea has written for and played with major recording artists from around the world. In his long career, his contributions to other artist’s successes have been numerous, including his solo work with Deodato, (2001 theme), projects with Laura Nyro, Harry Chapin (Cat’s in the Cradle), Paul Simon (Fifty Ways), Alice Cooper (Goes to Hell), Eric Clapton (Journey Man), Dr. John, and many others. He is also a composer, arranger, and producer whose vital work is ably demonstrated by his personal projects. Tropea has a deserved worldwide reputation as an artist of quality among both audiences and other musicians. Tropea began guitar studies at the age of 12. His musical education continued at Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he studied jazz guitar, harmony, composition, and big band arranging. Immediately after arriving in Boston, Tropea began playing live R & B and jazz gigs with many different bands in the area, including The Three Degrees. Influenced by Wes Montgomery, Johnny Smith, Louis Bonfa, Pat Martino, and George Benson, it was at this time that Tropea began to absorb those influences into an original style of his own. Also among his mentors at the time were the great B3 organ players Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith. After Berklee, Tropea recorded and toured with Deodato. Moving to New York in 1967, Tropea quickly became one of the most sought after session players. He soon became a peer among New York’s finest studio musicians. As well as world touring, Tropea wrote and produced three critically acclaimed solo albums with TK records. His first solo album “Tropea,” was released in 1975, followed by “Short Trip to Space,” and “To Touch You Again.” With those early recordings and other projects, Tropea formed close musical alliances with other great New York musicians including: David Spinozza, Warren Bernhardt, David Sanborn, Randy and Michael Brecker, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, Don Grolnick, and Richard Tee (Tropea played in The Richard Tee band).

During this time Tropea also wrote and arranged music for film and broadcast advertising. With his frequent co-producer and friend Will Lee, Tropea went on to release “Simple Way to say ‘I Love You,’ and “Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blues” Live gigs from that era by The Tropea Band at Mikell’s, in New York City, remain legendary. Along with his own projects, Tropea currently plays with the Original Blues Brothers Band. Recently, Tropea has formed an astonishing band that not only gives voice to his “standard influences” but also defines him as a player, composer, and arranger of consummate musicianship and exciting presence. “When I was in college at Berklee School of Music, I was introduced to the Hammond B3 Bands and it was a heavy influence in my development. At this time in my life now, it is my passion to continue to play with this format.” Tropea’s band plays live regularly these days and has produced two CDs, “Standard Influence,” and “Standard Influence II/Rock Candy,” both “must haves” in any CD collection. Made up of world-class players, this is no pick up band; this is a REAL band that plays with the refined sense of ensemble one finds in the finest string quartet or chamber music group. Made up of: Ronnie Cuber, baritone sax, Clint de Ganon, drums, or Steve Gadd, drums, Anthony Jackson, electric bass, Dave Mann, tenor sax, Lou Marini, tenor sax, and Chris Palmaro, Hammond B3; everyone in this band is a virtuoso, yet no one ever over-plays.

While the band has a refined sense of time and a compelling groove that makes it impossible to sit still while listening, the arrangements have, at the same time, a transparency that allows the listener in, where all the intricacies become apparent. The sound is always balanced. You hear what everyone is playing. The musicians in this band know how to use space in their playing. And while all the solo playing is creative, musical, and virtuosic, it is the rhythmic component, the sense of accent, the power of the ensemble playing that drives this group to astonishing heights of excitement. The comping, the back up playing, is as vital, as intricate, as interesting as the solo playing integrated with it. Here is a refined group of musicians whose playing complements one another, whose aim is the sound, the quality of the band as a whole. They achieve this goal to the highest degree.  The band plays jazz, R&B, and Funk standards, along with original compositions. But each tune is made up of an original, tightly constructed, and sophisticated arrangement. This quality is a delight for the listener and makes an audience eagerly look forward to the next tune and what wonderful surprises that next tune will bring. Don’t look for long solos, endless choruses from this band. That is not what they are about. There is no dross here. While the band demonstrates complete understanding and mastery of a variety of musical styles, they play entirely without cliché. And this band knows how to program a set. Offering a wide dynamic balance, The Tropea Band plays with a savvy and wit that is appreciated by its audiences. Continually bringing new elements and surprises with each new tune, they know how to drive a set to an unbelievably energetic and satisfying conclusion. With the respect he has gained from some of the finest musicians playing today, Tropea has been able to put together a group that shares his vision, that continues to re-define venerable traditions, and that makes music together that is of lasting beauty and significance. Tropea has once again gotten back to his live audience, as well as those who follow his recordings, and with this band, he has found his apotheosis. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/johntropea5

Personnel:  Guitar – David Spinozza , John Tropea;  Bass – Richard Davis, Will Lee ;  Drums – Rick Marotta, Steve Gadd ;  Keyboards – Don Grolnick;  Organ – Leon Pendarvis;  Percussion – Ralph MacDonald, Rubens Bassini;  Producer – John Tropea;  Reeds – George Young , Lew Delgatto, Lou Marini, Michael Brecker;  Trombone – Dave Taylor, Sam Burtis;  Trumpet – Alan Rubin, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker;  Tuba – Tony Price ;  Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri

Short Trip to Space

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