Ilya Portnov - Strong Brew

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:30
Size: 92.7 MB
Styles: Harmonica blues/jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[3:34] 1. Sunny Afternoon Blues
[4:25] 2. Surfin' The Baltic Sea
[3:50] 3. Dance Of A Lonely Doll
[2:56] 4. Cincinnati Flow Rag
[5:13] 5. In A Town Garden
[3:25] 6. Behind The Wall
[5:38] 7. Strong Brew
[5:14] 8. 1928
[6:10] 9. Till The Early Morning

The twenty-eight year old Ilya Portnov grew up in Russia and started playing piano at the age of four. His father exposed him to British rock but he mostly studied classical and folk music. His first harmonica teacher introduced him to the music of Jason Ricci, Howard Levy, and Carlos del Junco.

Portnov came to the U.S. to further study at the New England Conservatory in Boston. He was the first person to be accepted with the diatonic harmonica as his main instrument and has since earned a Master’s degree. Using a technique he learned to play a full chromatic scale on a diatonic harp. Since living in the States he has been playing a lot of blues, roots and jazz. This all instrumental album includes seven originals and two covers in a variety of musical styles.

This is Portnov’s solo debut and the album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Kid Anderson at Anderson’s Greaseland Studios in San Jose. Portnov plays both diatonic and chromatic harmonicas; included also are Anderson, guitar and bass; Chris Burns, piano and keyboards; and June Core, drums and percussion.

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Nancy Ames - Spiced With Brasil

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:55
Size: 61.7 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova, Easy Listening
Year: 1967
Art: Front

[2:27] 1. Pow Pow Pow (Mas Que Nada)
[2:06] 2. Love's Like Wine (Love Are Wine)
[3:10] 3. Cherish
[2:50] 4. Laia La Daia (Reza)
[2:51] 5. Meditation
[2:36] 6. I Feel Fine
[2:35] 7. A Man And A Woman
[2:46] 8. Reach Out I'll Be There
[2:46] 9. Someone To Light Up My Life (Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Vocé)
[2:43] 10. So Nice (Summer Samba)

Nancy Ames (born 1937 as Nancy Hamilton Alfaro) is an American folk singer and songwriter. She regularly appeared on the American version of the television series That Was the Week That Was. The TW3 Girl, as she was known, sang the show theme and special material. She was born in Washington, DC. She is the granddaughter of Ricardo Joaquín Alfaro (1882–1971), who served as President of Panama from 1931 to 1932. The daughter of a physician, she grew up in Washington. She attended Holton Arms College and Bennett College, both of them for girls. By 1964 she was married to Romanian hypnotist Triaian Boyer. By 1968, they had divorced. After the divorce, she married Jay Riviere, a golf course designer. Ames has resided in Houston, Texas since 1972. She and her husband Danny Ward are the co-founders of Ward and Ames Special Events.

A folk singer with a partially Latin repertoire, she was signed to Liberty Records; her first album was entitled Cu Cu Rru Cu Cu La Paloma. She broke the top 100 twice in 1966; "He Wore the Green Beret," her answer song to Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler's "Ballad of the Green Berets," hit number 89, and later in the year "Cry Softly" also placed in the charts.

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Al Smith - Midnight Special

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:15
Size: 73.9 MB
Styles: Urban blues, Soul-blues
Year: 1961/1996
Art: Front

[7:00] 1. Five Long Years
[4:30] 2. You're A Sweetheart
[3:32] 3. Don't Worry 'bout Me
[2:33] 4. Ride On Midnight Special
[4:08] 5. The Bells
[3:21] 6. Goin' To Alabama
[3:37] 7. I'll Never Let You Go
[3:30] 8. I Can't Make It By Myself

Bass – Leonard Gaskin; Drums – Bobby Donaldson; Guitar – Jimmy Lee; Organ – Robert Banks; Tenor Saxophone – King Curtis; Vocals – Al Smith. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ; August 11, 1960.

For many decades, African-American churches have worried about losing their best singers to secular music. And inevitably, many of them will, in fact, explore secular music instead of devoting 100 percent of their time to gospel. Al Smith is a perfect example. The obscure singer's roots were gospel, but he favored a jazz-influenced approach to blues and soul when he recorded two albums for Prestige/Bluesville: Hear My Blues in 1959 and Midnight Special in 1960. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's famous New Jersey studio, Midnight Special finds Smith backed by a rock-solid quintet that consists of King Curtis on tenor sax, Robert Banks on organ, Jimmy Lee Robinson on electric guitar, Leonard Gaskin on acoustic bass, and Bobby Donaldson on drums. While the lyrics are totally secular, Smith's gospel background never goes away. You can tell that the passionate, highly expressive singer has a church background whether he is embracing straight-up blues on "Goin' to Alabama" and Eddie Boyd's "Five Long Years" or getting into soul on "I Can't Make It By Myself," "You're a Sweetheart," and "The Bells." Smith has a big, full, rich voice, and he uses it to maximum advantage throughout this excellent album (which Fantasy reissued on CD in 1996 for its Original Blues Classics series). With the right exposure, Smith might have become a major name in 1960s blues and R&B -- he certainly had the chops and the talent. But, unfortunately, he never enjoyed the commercial success that he was most deserving of. Nonetheless, Midnight Special is an album to savor if you're the type of listener who holds classic soul and the blues in equally high regard. ~Alex Henderson

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The Great Jazz Trio - The Club New Yorker

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:23
Size: 99,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:45)  1. 'S Wonderful
(4:00)  2. Autumn in New York
(3:57)  3. Love Is Here to Stay
(5:39)  4. I've Got a Crush on You
(2:53)  5. Manhattan
(4:46)  6. Someone to Watch over Me
(4:16)  7. They Can't Take That Away from Me
(4:11)  8. Isn't It Romantic?
(4:22)  9. Embraceable You
(4:30) 10. But Not for Me

By 1983, the only original member remaining from the first Great Jazz Trio was pianist Hank Jones, though this CD is the best overall among the many put out under the group's name. Predominantly a Gershwin songbook, the trio (with Eddie Gomez on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums) brings out the best in Jones' swinging arrangements, especially "S' Wonderful" and "Our Love Is Here to Stay." Violinist Lewis Eley is added on several numbers, including an elegant "Autumn in New York" and a lush "Isn't It Romantic," though his style is closer to classical than jazz. But it is Jones' playing that makes this CD particularly worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-club-new-yorker-mw0000649543

Personnel:  Hank Jones - piano;  Lewis Eley - violin;  Eddie Gomez - bass;  Jimmy Cobb - drums.

The Club New Yorker

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Pamela Luss - Your Eyes

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:55
Size: 119,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. Baby, Don't You Quit Now
(4:06)  2. Our Day Will Come
(3:32)  3. How Do You Keep the Music Playing?
(3:14)  4. Get Here
(4:01)  5. In Passing Years
(5:12)  6. Over the Rainbow
(4:37)  7. Your Eyes
(5:04)  8. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
(3:13)  9. Wild Is Love
(5:39) 10. Send in the Clowns
(4:16) 11. Look of Love
(4:32) 12. Those Who Were

Pamela Luss' Your Eyes seems to feature two distinctive singers in one. On the midtempo material, Luss shows that she is a superior jazz singer, whether being sensual on "Baby, Don't You Quit Now," finding surprising life in a faster than usual "Over the Rainbow," or swinging on "Our Day Will Come." However, on ballads, her renditions are mostly very straight, closer to cabaret and even light pop than jazz, as if she is fearful of straying from the lyrics and the melody line for more than a moment. Quite a few of the younger jazz-inspired singers have difficulty making ballads their own and finding ways to improvise on slower material while also paying respect to the songwriters' intent. Luss' ballad renditions are listenable but not at all adventurous, and one wonders why "Send in the Clowns" was revived for the umpteenth time. On the plus side are four guest appearances apiece from tenor great Houston Person and altoist Aaron Heick, while Hendrik Meurkens is featured on harmonica on one of the few ballads that works on this set, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." Overall, this is a mixed bag. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/your-eyes-mw0000746671

Personnel:   Pamela Luss - vocals;  Houston Person - Saxophone;  John Di Martino - Piano;   Aaron Heick - Saxophone, Flute;   Richie Goods - bass;  Greg Hutchinson - drums.

Your Eyes

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Candy Dulfer - Live At Montreux 2002

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:24
Size: 125,0 MB
Art: Front

( 5:10)  1. Dance
( 7:40)  2. Moara's Dance
( 4:59)  3. Longin' For The Funk
( 5:29)  4. Lost And Gone
( 6:45)  5. I'll Be Released
( 4:53)  6. Do Watchu Like
(10:35)  7. Sax-A-Go-Go
( 8:49)  8. Oooh Let's Go

Candy Dulfer is one of the most in-demand saxophone players in the world. She has combined a highly successful solo career with guest spots for a host of musical greats including VAN MORRISON, BLONDIE, ARETHA FRANKLIN, PINK FLOYD, DAVE STEWART (with whom she had the UK top 10 hit Lily Was Here) and, perhaps most notably, PRINCE, who has memorably said "When I want sax, I send for Candy." Candy Dulfer has played at Montreux on several occasions with her band Funky Stuff. This CD focuses on her concert from 2002, which Candy believes is her finest performance there, and is complemented with bonus tracks from her appearance in 1998, including the hit single Lily Was Here. And the AVERAGE WHITE BAND classic Pick Up The Pieces. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Live-Montreux-2002-Candy-Dulfer/dp/B000AQ68XW

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Candy Dulfer;  Bass Guitar – Manuel Hugas;  Drums – Cyril Directie;  Guitar – Ulco Bed;  Keyboards – Thomas Bank;  Keyboards, Vocals – Roger Happel;  Saxophone – Peter Lieberom;  Trumpet – Jan van Duikeren;  Vocals – Monique Bakker

Live At Montreux

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Jay McShann - What a Wonderful World

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:01
Size: 159,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:34)  1. Piney Brown  Blues
(3:36)  2. Cherry Red
(7:05)  3. Just For You
(2:39)  4. Gee Baby A´int I Good To You
(5:16)  5. Crazy Legs and Friday Strut
(3:50)  6. Rain Is Such a Lonesome Sound
(4:57)  7. Land Of Dreams
(3:59)  8. Lonely Boy Blues
(4:32)  9. Hot Biscuits
(3:05) 10. Blue Monday
(4:23) 11. What a Wonderful World

Jay McShann was 83 at the time of this CD, but the pianist-singer sounds very much in prime form and had certainly not lost his enthusiasm. He teams up with some of the better Kansas City musicians active in the late '90s (tenor saxophonist Ahmad Alaadeen, guitarist Sonny Kenner, bassist Gerald Spaits, and drummer Todd Strait) on a variety of blues, originals, and swinging tunes, some of which are taken as instrumentals. Even if "What a Wonderful World" did not need to be played yet again, there are plenty of high points throughout this joyous set from McShann & friends. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/what-a-wonderful-world-mw0000599893

Personnel:  Vocals, Piano – Jay McShann, Luqman Hamza;   Bass – Gerald Spait;  Cymbal – Todd Strait;  Drums – Todd Strait;  Guitar – Sonny Kenner;  Tenor Saxophone – Ahmad Alaadeen

What a Wonderful World

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Brian Bromberg - Thicker Than Water

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:55
Size: 154,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:35)  1. Is That the Best You Can Do?
(5:59)  2. Minneapolis, 1987
(6:32)  3. Thicker Than Water
(1:26)  4. Coupe De Ville (Intro)
(6:06)  5. Coupe De Ville
(3:27)  6. Changes
(7:46)  7. Trials and Tribulations
(2:12)  8. It's Called Life (Intro)
(5:59)  9. It's Called Life (For Mom)
(7:06) 10. Uh-Huh
(5:58) 11. Your Eyes
(6:34) 12. Land of the Rising Sun
(2:10) 13. A Familia

Brian Bromberg specializes in smooth jazz. That's music with rough edges removed. He plays it on basses, upright and electric, and on piccolo basses which are tuned to sound like guitars. It's all fiendishly clever but Bromberg remains modest. He uses a whole side of the album's cover to thank everyone, including God, "for trusting me with the gifts that you have given me." He's had his ups and downs. In 1979, when he was just 19, Bromberg toured with Stan Getz, then went on to release a series of solo albums used all over the world to demonstrate high quality stereo equipment, and was nominated for a Grammy. Then two years ago an accident resulted in him breaking his back in two places with severe trauma. He made an amazing recovery, celebrated here with what he describes as "high energy, funky, in-your-face, original music ensconced in memorable melodies, infectious grooves, and deep pocket." George Duke, Randy Brecker, Brandon Fields, and Gary Meek helped in its creation. There's actually a reflective, almost melancholy feel to many of the tracks, with Bromberg paying homage to the blue-eyed soul sounds of his youth. Most are based on funky, repetitive bass riffs, kicking off with "Is That The Best You Can Do?" and "Minneapolis 1987." The title track is looser, more jazzy.  "Coupe De Ville" builds slowly before settling on a bass riff, followed by a tenor solo from Najee, which keeps the proceedings very much on the smooth side of soul. "Trials and Tribulations" sees Bromberg in thoughtful mood but with some very fast piccolo bass work (sounding like guitar). "Uh-Huh" shows off his orchestrating skills with a cast that includes George Duke playing one of his last gigs. "Your Eyes" is a lovely, relaxed ballad and is followed by "Land Of The Rising Sun," Bromberg's take on Japan. This comes as a welcome surprise after all the bass riffing, featuring Mark Hollingsworth on bamboo flutes and June Kuramoto, from the band Hiroshima, on koto. To close, Bromberg reverts to upright bass for "A Familia," keeping it short and sweet, which is how upright bass solos should be. ~ Chris Mosey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/thicker-than-water-brian-bromberg-mack-avenue-records-review-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel: Brian Bromberg: upright, electric and piccolo bass; Everette Harp, Najee, Doug Webb, Brandon Fields, Gary Meek, Mark Visher, Vince Trombetta, Marion Meadows: saxophone; Lee Thornburg, Randy Brecker, Willy Murillo, Tony Guererro: trumpet; Nick Lane, Jason Thor: trombone; Tom Zink, Brian Simpson, George Duke: keyboards; Gannin Arnold, Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar; June Kuramoto: koto; Franklin Richardson III: drums; Lenny Castro, Alex Acuna: percussion; Mark Hollingsworth: bamboo flutes; Zack Bromberg: loops.

Thicker Than Water

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The Duke Pearson Nonet - Honeybuns

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:01
Size: 71.0 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1965/2012
Art: Front

[7:04] 1. Honeybuns
[5:14] 2. New Girl
[4:18] 3. You Know I Care
[4:17] 4. Is That So
[4:09] 5. Our Love
[5:57] 6. Heavy Legs

Alto Saxophone – James Spaulding; Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet – Pepper Adams; Bass – Bob Cranshaw; Drums – Mickey Roker; Flute – Les Spann; Piano – Duke Pearson; Trombone – Garnett Brown; Trumpet – Johnny Coles.

This 1998 Koch CD reissues a Duke Pearson LP from 1966, containing music from the previous year. Other than "Our Love" (a familiar classical theme adapted to American pop music by Larry Clinton), all six selections are originals by the pianist. Utilizing a nonet that includes trumpeter Johnny Coles (who does his best to be soulful on "Honeybuns"), trombonist Garnett Brown, flutist Les Spann, altoist James Spaulding, tenor saxophonist George Coleman, baritonist Pepper Adams, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Mickey Roker, Pearson performs music in a style that would have fit in quite well on Blue Note. Most memorable among his originals is "Is That So." This is not an essential date, but it is nice to have this rarity back in print again. ~Scott Yaow

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Adrian Cunningham, Ken Peplowski - Duologue

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:45
Size: 134.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing, Bossa Nova, Cool Jazz
Year: 2018
Art: Front

[4:23] 1. Show Type Tune
[4:10] 2. Jimmy Up Jimmy Down
[4:28] 3. Ballade
[5:03] 4. Background Music
[4:33] 5. Carinhoso
[5:33] 6. Mozart After A Few Beers
[5:05] 7. Dois Grandes Grinos
[5:09] 8. Looking Back
[6:40] 9. I'm Just A Lucky So And So
[3:44] 10. Luiza
[5:59] 11. Sonic Garden
[3:52] 12. Alligator Crawl

Bass – Martin Wind; Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Liner Notes – Adrian Cunningham; Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Producer, Liner Notes – Ken Peplowski; Drums – Matt Wilson; Piano – Renee Rosnes. Recorded on May 10 & 11, 2017 in New York City.

A co-leader project often is an opportunity to hear an old favorite in a new context—and perhaps to discover a new favorite musician. Such is the case with Duologue, icon Ken Peplowski’s album with fellow clarinetist Adrian Cunningham, an Australian native now based in New York who has collaborated with other acclaimed bandleaders, including trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and bassist Vince Giordano. But the title of this excellent straightahead disc is somewhat misleading because the project involves a flexible, collaborative quintet, and the other three band members made essential contributions, adding one composition apiece to the recording. Acrobatic pianist Renee Rosnes gave this program “Jimmy Up Jimmy Down,” a gem she composed for saxophone legend Jimmy Heath. Bassist Martin Wind offered “Looking Back,” which adds a supremely memorable melody to a program filled with them. Gregarious drummer Matt Wilson supplied “Sonic Garden,” an avant-leaning piece that demonstrates how musical elements from Earth can meld well with those from Saturn. The co-leaders’ shared affinity for Brazilian tunes is evident: The band transforms Pixinguinha’s “Carinhoso” into a brilliant flute showcase for Cunningham, while Rosnes and Peplowski’s duo reading of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Luiza” illustrates why the clarinet master is invited to perform at festivals around the globe.

Elsewhere on this 12-track album, Cunningham and Peplowski offer authoritative dual-clarinet segments, particularly on the buoyant “Dois Grandes Gringos.” (Other woodwinds factored into the recording sessions as well, with the co-leaders contributing tenor saxophone and bass clarinet.) This album’s smile-inducing renditions of Duke Ellington’s “I’m Just A Lucky So And So” and Fats Waller’s “Alligator Crawl” will be catnip for fans of classic jazz. Additionally, this project showcases Cunningham’s sense of humor, not only in the song title of his “Mozart After A Few Beers,” but also in his liner notes essay: “Ken’s idea to record the album entirely [with the musicians] drumming on reclaimed Tupperware was suggested, and put aside … as was his idea of having us play underwater, with only the bubbles of air recorded as they hit the surface. (Preliminary bathtub tests proved unsuccessful.) All jokes aside, this album is terrifically successful. ~Bobby Reed

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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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