John Wright - The Last Amen

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:17
Size: 90,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:39)  1. Les I Can't
(5:57)  2. Be My Love
(2:50)  3. The Last Amen
(4:24)  4. Stella By Starlight
(5:28)  5. But Beautiful
(4:07)  6. 'Deed I Do ( Do I Love You )
(4:18)  7. More Than You Know
(8:30)  8. Sheba

Maybe the most obscure album in that excellent 60s run that Chicago pianist John Wright cut for Prestige Records and the last one too! Features Eugene Taylor on bass and Walter McCants on drums on titles that include "Sheba", "Les I Can't", "The Last Amen", and "Stella By Starlight".

Personnel:  John Wright - piano; Gene Taylor - bass; Walter McCants - drums

The Last Amen

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Hollyridge Strings - The Beach Boys Songbook Vol. 2

Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 27:24
Size: 64,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. Good Vibrations
(2:09)  2. Caroline, No
(2:19)  3. Sloop John B
(2:16)  4. Dance, Dance, Dance
(2:03)  5. California Girls
(1:57)  6. Little Deuce Coupe
(2:44)  7. God Only Knows
(2:33)  8. Wouldn't It Be Nice
(2:25)  9. Surfer Girl
(2:25) 10. Help Me, Rhonda
(2:33) 11. Be True To Your School

The Hollyridge Strings was a catchall name for the group of largely interchangeable studio musicians who recorded a series of easy listening instrumental albums for Capitol Records at the peak of the British Invasion era. The project was masterminded by music industry veteran Stu Phillips, a composer and producer who previously headlined his own series of Capitol easy listening records including Organ and Strings in Stereo before leaving the label in 1960 to become head of A&R for Colpix Records, where he produced a series of pop smashes including the Marcels' "Blue Moon," Shelley Fabares' "Johnny Angel," Paul Petersen's "My Dad," and James Darren's "Goodbye, Cruel World." In 1964 he returned to Capitol, where his familiarity and dexterity with the rock idiom made him the logical choice to cash in on Beatlemania with a record targeted at a more mature audience; the first Hollyridge Strings record, The Beatles Song Book, was a Top Ten hit, and resulted in similarly syrupy collections of hits by Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, the Four Seasons, and Simon & Garfunkel. At one point in time, no fewer than three different Hollyridge Strings LPs hovered in the Billboard Top 20, and their success spurred copycat projects from labels including Vee-Jay (the Castaway Strings), Liberty (the Sunset Strings), and MGM (the Fantabulous Strings). During his Capitol stint Phillips also headlined his own Feels Like Lovin', a minor classic of '60s soft pop that added vocals to the signature Hollyridge Strings sound. ~ Jason Ankeny https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-hollyridge-strings-play-the-beach-boys-songbook-vol-2/715822884

The Beach Boys Songbook Vol. 2

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Ace Cannon - Ace Cannon's Sax

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:26
Size: 70,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:36)  1. Love Letters
(1:55)  2. Yakety Sax
(3:02)  3. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
(2:21)  4. Sleep Walk
(3:26)  5. Night Fever
(3:03)  6. Nadia's Theme
(3:24)  7. Have You Never Been Mellow
(2:53)  8. For Your Eyes Only
(4:18)  9. Endless Love
(3:23) 10. Chariots of Fire

One of Nashville's premier session men from the late '50s through the early '70s, alto saxophonist Ace Cannon began playing at the age of ten and signed with Sun Records during the early days of rock & roll. He performed with Billy Lee Riley and Brad Suggs but then in 1959 joined the original Bill Black Combo, recording for the Hi label. He stayed with the band until 1961, when he made his solo chart debut with the instrumental "Tuff," which made it to the country Top 20. This in turn was followed by a Top 40 hit, "Blues (Stay Away From Me)," and a minor hit for the Santos label, "Sugar Blues." He had two more hits in the mid-'60s with "Cotton Fields" and "Searchin'," both recorded for Hi. A decade later, he became the subject of the 1974 documentary film, Ace's High. After moving to Nashville in the mid-'70s, Cannon's version of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" became a minor hit and was nominated for the Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy that year. Cannon continued to perform into the '90s and frequently toured with such legends of early rock & roll as Carl Perkins. ~ Sandra Brennan https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/ace-cannons-sax/1438931485

Ace Cannon's Sax

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Donald Brown - People Music

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:29
Size: 123,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:48)  1. Biscuit Man
(6:26)  2. Gaslight
(5:06)  3. Prism
(9:01)  4. Reruns from the Sixties
(5:46)  5. Over at Herbie's Juke Joint
(5:48)  6. I Love It When You Dance That Way
(7:00)  7. Graylon
(5:46)  8. Booker T
(4:45)  9. Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.)

Fine '90 date by a Memphis pianist. He plays nice bluesy chords and gospel-influenced phrases, but is also an effective straight-ahead and hard bop improviser. He's backed by a large group that features an interesting configuration with a trumpet/alto sax/vibes front line, and also uses vocals at times. Vincent Herring plays with fire on alto, while Steve Nelson adds a different dimension on vibes. ~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/album/people-music-mw0000278194

Personnel:  Donald Brown – piano; Tom Harrell - trumpet, flugelhorn; Vincent Herring - flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone; Steve Nelson - vibraphone; Robert Hurst – bass; Samurai Celestial – drums, vocals; Daniel G. Sadownick– percussion; Lenora Zenzalai Helm – vocals (track 6)

People Music

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Alguímia - Standards

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop 
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:22
Size: 135,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:09)  1. Bewitched
( 7:17)  2. They Say It's Wonderful
( 6:16)  3. Straight Street
( 5:29)  4. Solitude
( 4:49)  5. Retrato em Blanco e Preto
( 5:46)  6. Old Devil Moon
( 6:46)  7. My Ideal
( 4:02)  8. Infamia
(10:44)  9. Red Cross

Group formed in November 1995, based on the initiative of Alexis Cuadrado and Guim Garcia- double bass and alto sax, respectively-, with the common goal of researching, sharing and developing their own concepts in the language of improvisation, leaving the way Free of any idea or attractive influence to its members, without any stylistic limit imposing its excess weight. The idea of forming Alguimia therefore arises spontaneously, without any initial approach or prejudice, and this is how its members want it to be the music they play in this group. The wide experience of each of the components of Alguimia in the field of Jazz makes the sound of the group an attractive combination of elements that range from spontaneity and the risk to maturity, never neglecting the freshness and energy on the stage. The group's repertoire is based on original compositions by two of its members, -Guim García and Alexis Cuadrado-, thus introducing a totally original view of Jazz in the music scene of our time. With an enthusiastic audience and critique, Alguimia has played in the most important clubs in Barcelona and the surrounding areas: Jamboree, Blue Note, BCN Pipa Club, Nova Jazz Cava de Terrassa, etc. He has also participated in numerous festivals such as Altaveu Frontera '96, Ciutat V Jazz Festival

Members:  Joan Monné - Piano; Alexis Cuadrado - Bass; David Gómez - Drums; Guim Garcia - Saxophone.

Standards

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Hollyridge Strings - The Beach Boys Songbook

Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:16
Size: 61,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:17)  1. I Get Around
(2:24)  2. Don't Worry, Baby
(2:11)  3. She Knows Me Too Well
(2:29)  4. Fun, Fun, Fun
(2:57)  5. In My Room
(2:14)  6. Little Saint Nick
(1:54)  7. Surfin' U.S.A.
(2:52)  8. The Warmth Of The Sun
(2:19)  9. Wendy
(2:04) 10. Shut Down
(2:30) 11. Girls On The Beach

The Hollyridge Strings was a catchall name for the group of largely interchangeable studio musicians who recorded a series of easy listening instrumental albums for Capitol Records at the peak of the British Invasion era. The project was masterminded by music industry veteran Stu Phillips, a composer and producer who previously headlined his own series of Capitol easy listening records including Organ and Strings in Stereo before leaving the label in 1960 to become head of A&R for Colpix Records, where he produced a series of pop smashes including the Marcels' "Blue Moon," Shelley Fabares' "Johnny Angel," Paul Petersen's "My Dad," and James Darren's "Goodbye, Cruel World." In 1964 he returned to Capitol, where his familiarity and dexterity with the rock idiom made him the logical choice to cash in on Beatlemania with a record targeted at a more mature audience; the first Hollyridge Strings record, The Beatles Song Book, was a Top Ten hit, and resulted in similarly syrupy collections of hits by Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, the Four Seasons, and Simon & Garfunkel. At one point in time, no fewer than three different Hollyridge Strings LPs hovered in the Billboard Top 20, and their success spurred copycat projects from labels including Vee-Jay (the Castaway Strings), Liberty (the Sunset Strings), and MGM (the Fantabulous Strings). During his Capitol stint Phillips also headlined his own Feels Like Lovin', a minor classic of '60s soft pop that added vocals to the signature Hollyridge Strings sound. ~ Jason Ankeny https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-beach-boys-songbook/715571539

The Beach Boys Songbook

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Greetje Kauffeld - A Song For You

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:55
Size: 110,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. A Song For You
(4:18)  2. (Up A) Lazy River
(3:59)  3. Sweet Georgia Fame
(5:51)  4. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
(5:29)  5. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(4:08)  6. Alright, Okay, You Win
(3:25)  7. If
(3:17)  8. You Turned The Tables On Me
(5:12)  9. Because Of You
(2:34) 10. Just One Of Those Things
(4:41) 11. For All We Know

Born 26 November 1940, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. As a very small child Kauffeld would sing along with records by artists such as Doris Day and Frank Sinatra. When she was aged 13 she sang on radio and also with a local band, the Raindrops. Her professional career was launched early in 1957 with an appearance on a national radio programme with the Skymasters big band. Not long after this, she sang in Berlin as a guest with Werner Müller and the RIAS Big Band. Her career developed in the Netherlands and Germany and in these years she appeared with many artists, including Toots Thielemans, Kurt Edelhagen, and Svend Asmussen. A move to the USA found her working in Los Angeles and Las Vegas with jazz musicians such as Ray Brown and Herb Ellis. Back in the Netherlands, through her new husband, producer Joop de Roo, she met and sometimes sang with many visiting jazz luminaries, among them Thad Jones, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pederson, Jiggs Whigham and Phil Woods. She also recorded My Favorite Ballads with the Metropole Orchestra under the direction of Rob Pronk and Fernand Terby; one track thereon, ‘Yesterday I Heard The Rain’, features a guest appearance by Stan Getz. In addition to working with large orchestras and small groups, such as Cees Slinger’s Diamond Five, Kauffeld has also sometimes worked in unusual formats as she did on sets with a guitar-tenor saxophone duo: The Song Is You and I’m On My Way To You. Kauffeld continued to tour internationally, meanwhile also teaching at the Hilversum Conservatory of Music, an activity she ceased in the early 00s to allow more time for performing. During her career, Kauffeld has received many awards, including, in the 80s, Best Soloist at the Euro-Nordring Radio Festival and the Rotterdam Golden Heart culture prize; in the 90s, De Gouden Notenkraker and Hertogenbosch Duke of Duketown Award; and in the 00s, she received the Bird Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival, and her 40th anniversary as a professional musician was celebrated when she was honoured with a Dutch knighthood, the Ridder In De Orde Van De Nederlandse Leeuw. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-song-for-you/1394946556

A Song For You

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Ian Mcdougall Quintet - In A Sentimental Mood

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:34
Size: 183,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:35)  1. In A Sentimental Mood
(4:11)  2. It Don't Mean A Thing
(6:03)  3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(4:34)  4. Come Sunday
(6:31)  5. In A Mellow Tone
(5:08)  6. Tonight I Shall Sleep`
(6:11)  7. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me
(2:06)  8. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(7:24)  9. Take The A Train
(4:11) 10. Star Crossed Lovers
(8:00) 11. Just Squeeze Me
(8:59) 12. Black And Tan Fantasy, Things Ain't What They Used To Be
(4:33) 13. Chelsea Bridge
(1:54) 14. Cotton Tail
(2:07) 15. Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Ian McDougall is well known for his work with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass, where he was lead trombone for twenty years. This "Ellington Songbook" also features 4 other wonderful musicians including bassist Neil Swainson, who played with George Shearing for over 2 decades, guitarist Oliver Gannon, who has won many awards in Canada, pianist Ron Johnston, who is Canada's answer to Bill Evans, and drummer Craig Scott, who is the driver of this world class band. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/ianmcdougall

Personnel:  Trombone, Liner Notes – Ian McDougall; Bass – Neil Swainson; Drums – Craig Scott;  Guitar – Oliver Gannon; Piano – Ron Johnston

In A Sentimental Mood

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Greta Panettieri - Brazilian Nights - Live at ZincBar NYC

Styles: Vocal, Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:16
Size: 143,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:47)  1. Voce E Eu
(6:34)  2. Ladeira Da Preguica
(5:52)  3. A Ra
(9:51)  4. Aquele Abraço
(5:50)  5. Beijo Partido
(9:29)  6. Mas Que Nada
(7:33)  7. Bebe
(6:15)  8. Fotografia
(6:01)  9. Amor Ate O Fim

Brazilian Nights Live at Zinc Bar is the result of over a year collaboration with legendary Brazilian pianist Cidinho Teixeira, bassist Itaiguara Brandao, drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and vocalist Greta Panettieri. With every show the idea of making a record grew stronger in the band till it finally came to life. This album is a comp of three magical shows that took place at Zinc Bar in the core of NYC West Village. The repertoire ranges from classic Brazilian hits like 'Mas Que Nada' (Jorge Bem) and Aquele Abraco (Gilberto Gil) to more sophisticated compositions like Bebe (Hermeto Pascoal) and Beijo Partido (Toninho Horta). The great interplay among the band members creates wonderful moments of improvisations able to take the listener back in the days of the most intense Jazz vanguard. Cidinho and Greta's harmonization and improvisations blend together always pushed and supported by Itaiguara and Mauricio's incredible grooving abilities. The quartet takes us in a high speed highway of pure musical energy. Special guest on two tracks is the amazing saxophonist Rodrigo Ursaia. https://news.allaboutjazz.com/greta-panettieri-brazilian-nigths-live-at-zinc-bar.php

Personnel: Greta Panettieri - Vocal;  Cidinho Teixeira -  piano;  Itaiguara Brandao - bass;  Mauricio Zottarelli - drums;  special guest Rodrigo Ursais - tenor sax.

Brazilian Nights - Live at ZincBar

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Art Farmer - Art Farmer Quintet At Boomers

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:52
Size: 105,3 MB
Art: Front

(13:05)  1. Barbados
(10:55)  2. I Remember Clifford
(13:24)  3. 'Round About Midnight
( 8:27)  4. Will You Still Be Mine

Although flugelhornist Art Farmer permanently moved to Europe in 1968, he has returned many times to the United States to play. For this live LP (recorded for East Wind and released domestically by the defunct Inner City label), Farmer joins up with tenor-saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Billy Higgins for lengthy versions of Charlie Parker's blues "Barbados," "I Remember Clifford," "'Round Midnight" and "Will You Still Be Mine." The group had not rehearsed beforehand but rehearsals were not really needed for these hard bop veterans and even an uptempo version of the ballad "Will You Still Be Mine" comes off quite well. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/at-boomers-vol-1-mw0000785165

Personnel: Art Farmer - flugelhorn; Clifford Jordan - tenor saxophone; Cedar Walton - piano; Sam Jones - bass; Billy Higgins - drums

Art Farmer Quintet At Boomers

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Art Farmer Quintet - At Boomers #2

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:02
Size: 112,7 MB
Art: Front

(11:48)  1. Fantasy In ''D''
(12:07)  2. Manha Do Carnival
(13:54)  3. Blues For Amos
(11:12)  4. What's New

This exciting live set by Art Farmer is also culled from the same 1976 performances as the earlier album Live at Boomer's. Although the full quintet had not rehearsed prior to the engagement with Clifford Jordan (the rhythm section, consisting of Cedar Walton, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins, had been working together with Farmer for over a year), the sparks fly as they stretch out on each of the four tracks present. The tenor saxophonist particularly shines in Walton's up-tempo "Fantasy in D," while the leader's inventive flügelhorn keeps "Manha De Carnaval" from being reduced to a cliché. Sam Jones is showcased on his well-known original blues "One for Amos," and the finale is an energetic take of the often placid ballad ""What's New." This well-recorded album, which was available only briefly during the LP era, was reissued by the Japanese label East Wind in early 2003. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/at-boomers-vol-2-mw0000764273

Personnel: Art Farmer - flugelhorn; Clifford Jordan - tenor saxophone; Cedar Walton - piano; Sam Jones - bass; Billy Higgins - drums

At Boomers #2

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Charlie Byrd - Christmas Carols for Solo Guitar

Styles: Guitar, Christmas
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:57
Size: 62,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:20)  1. O Holy Night
(2:08)  2. The Bells of Bethlehem
(2:51)  3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
(1:51)  4. Silent Night, Holy Night
(1:34)  5. Do You Hear What I Hear?
(1:43)  6. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
(1:18)  7. Joy to the World
(1:41)  8. What Child Is This (Greensleeves)
(1:39)  9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(2:03) 10. Coventry Carol
(1:08) 11. Good King Wenceslas
(2:13) 12. The First Noel
(1:40) 13. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
(1:41) 14. We Three Kings

Christmas Carols for Solo Guitar is a lovely, understated collection that's not only ideal as low-key holiday music, but it's also a good showcase for Byrd's interpretive talents. He doesn't necessarily reinvent these songs, but his tasteful, elegant readings of "O Holy Night," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Joy to the World," "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)," "The First Noel" and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" are certainly individual. Holiday music is rarely this graceful; for fans of pretty instrumentals and accomplished guitar playing, this is a perfect Christmas record. ~ Robert Lovering https://www.allmusic.com/album/christmas-carols-for-solo-guitar-mw0000030230

Personnel: Guitar [Solo] – Charlie Byrd

Christmas Carols for Solo Guitar

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Maria Pia De Vito - Core (Coração)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:14
Size: 134,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:49)  1. 'A costruzione
(3:40)  2. Facimmo ampresso
(5:39)  3. 'O piccerillo
(4:28)  4. M'abbasta 'nu juorno
(4:29)  5. Teresella
(3:48)  6. Todo Sentimento
(4:07)  7. Dio ce penzarrà
(5:50)  8. Notturna
(3:12)  9. Je t'amo
(4:44) 10. 'O ritorno d''o Jammone
(4:34) 11. Ll'acqua e 'o vino
(3:28) 12. E dimme - Você você
(3:18) 13. Curre Maria

Core [Coração], the new album from Maria Pia De Vito, was recorded between Rome and Paris. It is a record that is very much felt, and it is intensely transcultural; the title clearly indicates a work of the heart, whose candle was lit by Maria Pia's encounter with the Brazilian composer and guitarist Guinda, and the following poetic meeting with Chico Buarque, who is featured on two pieces of the record, "Todo Sentiment" and "O Meu Guri" (the second a duet in Neapolitan). A translation paper, from Portuguese to Neapolitan, was created side-by-side with the authors, in particular with Chico, in order to preserve and keep intact the beauty, poetry, and musicality of the original texts made in the Neapolitan language. In this metamorphic vision, just like a deep dive into the Brazilian songwriting world, Neapolitan dances meet the Brazilian ones, the visionary samba of Tom Zè meets a Tammurriata and together frame the Chico Buarque masterpiece "Construção"; "Agua E Vinho" by Egberto Gismonti blends to "Voce Voce", a wonderful example of the great Neapolitan melodic tradition. Along with Maria Pia, there are great musicians and long-time companions, instrument virtuosos with a deep sense of interplay; bearers of intimacy and feeling which only the common and long-staging of stages allows: Welsh pianist Huw Warren, who has recorded two albums, Dialektos (2008) and 'O Pata Pata (2011), with Maria Pia. The virtuoso clarinetist Gabriele Mirabassi, with his classical and jazz style, has been linked for many years to Brazilian music and culture; The Brazilian guitarist Roberto Taufic, author of many arrangements and a musician of extraordinary sensibility; Roberto Rossi, a peculiarly creative and unconventional percussionist. https://www.forcedexposure.com/Catalog/de-vito-maria-pia-core-coracao-cd/VVJ.115CD.html

Core (Coração)

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Kit McClure Band - Just The Thing

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:37
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Diggin Dirt
(4:25)  2. One O'clock Jump
(4:28)  3. Just the Thing
(5:01)  4. I Never Get Tired
(3:51)  5. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:10)  6. Vi Vigor
(4:16)  7. Jump Children
(5:03)  8. She's Crazy With the Heat
(4:32)  9. Don't Get It Twisted
(5:34) 10. Slightly Frantic
(5:15) 11. Nyc Rap

Just the Thing is Part Two of the Kit McClure Band's warmhearted salute to the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a groundbreaking all-woman ensemble that came out of a school for poor black children in Piney Woods, Mississippi, to become one of the most widely successful and admired big bands of the World War II era. Whereas Part One was devoted for the most part to faithful transcriptions of original charts played by the Sweethearts, this second component consists of updated arrangements of those same charts, flavored with hip-hop, funk and salsa, presumably denoting the way the Sweethearts would be playing them today. As the Sweethearts are no longer with us, no one can reasonably argue the point. The first ten selections on Part 2 are the same as on Part 1 (although not in the same order), with Juan Tizol's "Perdido, the last track on the earlier album, replaced on this one by the clunky "NYC Rap, which, as one would expect, suffers by comparison (in other words, they don't write 'em like they used to). McClure had a hand in arranging and reupholstering every number, helped at times by pianist Cathy Harley, bassists Kim Clarke and Nicki Parrott, drummers Barbara Merjan, Bernice Brooks, Lakecia Benjamin and L. Olivia Sci, trombonist Britta Langsjoen and composer/arranger Maurice King who had written five of the tunes for the Sweethearts themselves. It's a sincere and interesting endeavor but as a rule lacks the vitality and enthusiasm of Part 1, which was a tad more straight-ahead and swinging. Several numbers "Vi Vigor, "Just the Thing, Don't Get It Twisted, "She's Crazy with the Heat, Basie's "One O'Clock Jump, a more laid-back version of Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose  are neat and handsome in their new clothing, while others don't fare quite as well. In that respect it's a split decision, one that rests in part on one's penchant for classic swing vs. cool and modern. 

Two selections "Jump Children and "I Never Get Tired were enhanced on the earlier session by one of the original Sweethearts, guitarist/vocalist Carline Ray, who's absent this time. Part Two's most explicit advantage lies in the playing time, 51:36 as opposed to the first album's meager 34:27. That gives the soloists more room to stretch, and McClure, Harley and the others make the most of it. Trumpeter Tanya Darby contributes a number of animated solos, as do drummer Benjamin (especially on "Vi Vigor ) and saxophonists Tia Fuller and Erica Von Kliest. While I'd give a narrow edge to Part One of The Sweethearts Project for overall charm and pleasure, Part Two has much to offer in its own right and is easily recommended. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/just-the-thing-kit-mcclure-band-redhot-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Kit McClure: alto, tenor sax, leader; Liesl Whitaker, Barbara Laronga, Laurie Frink, Tanya Darby: trumpet; Lakecia Benjamin, Lisa Parrott, Tia Fuller, Erica Von Kliest: alto sax; Kristy Norter: tenor sax; Claire Daly: baritone sax; Britta Langsjoen, Jennifer Krupa: trombone; Cathy Harley, Jill McCarron: piano; Nicki Parrott, Kim Clarke: bass; Barbara Merjan, L. Olivia Sci, Bernice Brooks: drums; Sue Hadjopoulos, Karen Jones: percussion.

Just The Thing

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Burak Bedikyan - Awakening

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:24
Size: 159,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:09)  1. Idée Fixe
(8:56)  2. Mother Earth
(7:50)  3. All Alone
(6:09)  4. Unfair Blues
(8:33)  5. Awakening
(8:47)  6. Memory of a Fading Dream
(5:50)  7. Ad Infinitum
(9:56)  8. Do Not Fear
(6:11)  9. The All Seeing Eye

On his third release as a leader, Istanbul based pianist, Burak Bedikyan seamlessly blends his dual education in western classical and jazz and his national/ethnic heritage into an intriguing and cohesive album. Awakening comprises of nine Bedikyan originals that are elegantly crafted balancing intricate harmonies with deceptively effortless fluidity. The gently rolling refrains on the lilting ballad "Mother Earth," for instance, have a warm, Near Eastern lyricism. Saxophonist Loren Stillman embellishes the melancholic theme with yearning spontaneous phrases filled with passion. Bedikyan fashions his expressive solo with series of resonant notes that ring with wistful poetry. Stillman and Bedikyan trade contemplative and dynamic lines on the dramatic "Do Not Fear." Over Bedikyan's shimmering keys, Bassist Ugonna Okegwo plays a lithe and darkly hued soliloquy with a mystical edge. Stillman's exquisitely tender and emotive improvisation ushers in the piece's conclusion. At times the disc also crackles with visceral energy and breathtaking instrumental acrobatics. On the hard bop-ish "Idée Fixe," Bedikyan lets loose a cascade of dense chords with delightful agility. His arpeggio filled performance ebbs and flows with crystalline lucidity and a vibrant, organic sound. Stillman's vibrato filled muscular alto meanders with nimble dexterity around the band's percolating vamps. Drummer Donald Edwards's thunderous beats and exuberant polyrhythms bring the music back to the gripping head. Stillman opens the expansive "Unfair Blues" with fiery lines and a soulful swagger. Bedikyan weaves an eloquent and earthy melody together with Edwards' thumping kit and Okegwo's reverberating strings. The four men exhibit captivating camaraderie in a stimulating conversation that is one of the tune's highlights.  With Awakening Bedikyan, as a composer and a musician, has achieved his personal best to date. The motifs he utilized in previous recordings, his intelligent inventiveness and charming virtuosity have all coalesced into a superb and mature work. If he stays the course Bedikyan is certainly assured a bright future and a promising career. ~ HRAYR ATTARIAN https://www.allaboutjazz.com/awakening-burak-bedikyan-steeplechase-lookout-review-by-hrayr-attarian.php

Personnel: Burak Bedikyan: piano; Donald Edwards: drums; Loren Stillman; alto and soprano saxophones; Ugonna Okegwo: bass.

Awakening

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Eugenia Choe - Verdant Dream

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:13
Size: 129,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:34)  1. Verdant Dream
(5:52)  2. Sunday Fatigue
(6:01)  3. Odd Birds
(6:51)  4. Ever Green
(5:32)  5. Midnight Mingle
(4:50)  6. Blue in Green
(4:28)  7. What
(4:32)  8. Milomonalo
(6:31)  9. Knock Knock
(4:58) 10. Wind Catcher

Korean-born New York-based pianist/composer Eugenia Choe received superlative reviews for her 2016 debut album 'Magic Light' (SCCD 33127) from the international press. Eugenia's second album is an impressive display of her original and intriguing compositions presented superbly by her working trio. https://www.propermusic.com/product-details/Eugenia-Choe-Verdant-Dream-261512
 

"Eugenia Choe rode her personally distinctive currents into this amalgamated music and made a magnificent record." ~ James Nadal, All About Jazz
 

"Everything's here: the pianist's exquisite touch, her compositional acumen infused with an alluring and idiosyncratic intelligence, her soul, sympatico trio mates, adept sequencing, and a cool cover photo and design. This could be the debut of the year." ~ Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz

Personnel: Eugenia Choe (piano), Danny Weller (bass), Alex Wyatt (drums)

Verdant Dream

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Dana Robbins - 11

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:08
Size: 90,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. Let's Find Out
(3:44)  2. It's So Fine Knowing You
(5:06)  3. Dreamland
(3:18)  4. Soul Serenade
(3:51)  5. Life Is Better With You
(3:11)  6. I'm Yours, You're Mine
(4:45)  7. We're Gonna Work It Out
(4:05)  8. Stomp
(3:59)  9. Emergency Whiskey
(3:47) 10. Hinkin' About Angels

“Dana Robbins is Music City's saxophone MVP,with a fluent, commanding and original approachto R&B, soul, rock, jazz, funk and off-the-cuff improvisation. And through it all her bold, warm tone is ever ready to shift from slow burn to utter conflagrance  whatever it takes to get to a song's emotional core."~ Ted Drozdowski, Nashville Scene https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/danarobbins3

11

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Marlene VerPlanck - A Quiet Storm

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:23
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:07)  1. I Wished on the Moon
(3:15)  2. Things Are Looking Up
(5:33)  3. Medley: Soft Lights and Sweet Music/When Lights Are Low
(3:35)  4. The Lies of Handsome Men
(3:54)  5. Sister Moon
(3:37)  6. A Quiet Storm
(2:42)  7. Lovers in New York
(2:01)  8. Cinnamon and Clove
(3:25)  9. Taking a Chance on Love
(2:28) 10. Dream Dancing
(2:57) 11. Who Can I Turn To?
(2:39) 12. I've Got Just About Everything
(3:14) 13. To Late Now
(4:42) 14. Medley: I Love to Dance/The Last Dance
(4:07) 15. So Long Sadness

Marlene VerPlanck paid tribute to the Great American Songbook. VerPlanck, who grew up in Newark, New Jersey listening to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald on WNEW radio, collaborated throughout her long career with her husband, arranger, composer, and conductor Billy VerPlanck. Her 17th album, 2000's My Impetuous Heart, reunited her with some old friends, including jazz pianist Hank Jones and special guests jazz pianists George Shearing and Marian McPartland and guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. VerPlanck's career was a long string of success stories, which showcased her as a versatile singer with a gorgeous, pliable voice that knew how to tell a story. She started singing at age 19. Her career stretched back to the '50s when she worked with Tex Beneke and Charlie Spivak. Her first big break came in 1955 when she teamed up with pianist Hank Jones, flutist Herbie Mann, trumpeter Joe Wilder, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Kenny Clarke on I Think of You with Every Breath I Take on Savoy Records. She met her husband while performing with Charlie Spivak's band, then both moved over to the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. Tommy Dorsey died in 1956, so the VerPlancks decided to stay in New York City to pursue studio work with the likes of Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and even Kiss. Millions of people outside the jazz world first heard VerPlanck's voice, though, doing jingles in the '60s: "Weekends were made for Michelob/Yeah!" and "Winston tastes good like a cigarette should!" and "Mmm good/Mm-mm good/That's what Campbell's Soups are/Mm-mm good." After thousands of commercial jingles and hours and hours of studio session work in New York, the VerPlancks decided to settle down in their house in Clifton, New Jersey, and began performing and recording together. Their first recording together was A Breath of Fresh Air, arranged, produced, and conducted by Billy VerPlanck in 1968. 

In 1976, Marlene VerPlanck hooked up with North Carolina-based composer/pianist Loonis McGlohon, who hired her to do two installments of a radio show he co-hosted called Alec Wilder's American Popular Song. Afterwards, she recorded Marlene VerPlanck Sings Alec Wilder, and later, after Wilder's death, she appeared on the radio show The American Popular Singers, co-hosted by McGlohon and opera singer Eileen Farrell. Ver Planck performed at Carnegie Hall, Michael's Pub, and the Rainbow Room in New York City. She appeared on Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show, and CBS Sunday Morning. In the Digital Mood, featuring VerPlanck, Mel Tormé, and Julius La Rosa with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, became the first big-band CD to go gold in the '90s. VerPlanck remained active as a live performer and recording artist in the 2000s and 2010s, following up the aforementioned My Impetuous Heart with such albums as Once There Was a Moon (2008), One Dream at a Time (2010), Ballads... Mostly (2013), and The Mood I'm In (2016), all released by the Audiophile Records label. Marlene VerPlanck died in January 2018 in Manhattan at the age of 84. ~ Robert Hicks https://itunes.apple.com/lk/album/a-quiet-storm/826266784

A Quiet Storm

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Joe Diorio, Steve Bagby - Straight Ahead to the Light

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:41
Size: 81,9 MB
Art: Front

(10:27)  1. Straight Ahead to the Light
( 8:05)  2. Gong
(10:13)  3. India
( 6:55)  4. Bagbito

This is the third in a series of five CD reissues from guitar legend Joe Diorio's classic Spitball Records recordings from the mid-70s. Originally released in 1976 on Spitball Records, Straight Ahead to the Light was recorded on May 23, 1976 at The First Unitarian Church in Miami, Florida and features Joe Diorio on guitar and Steve Bagby on percussion. Now available for the first time on CD including the original album cover artwork from the LP release. The album contains four original compositions by Joe Diorio and Steve Bagby which include “Straight Ahead to the Light", clocking in at over ten minutes long, “Gong", “India", another extended song that lasts for over ten minutes and “Bagbito" which features an extended percussion/drum solo by Steve Bagby. 24-bit digital remastering by Paul G. Kohler at Art of Life Studios in Charleston, South Carolina in March 2018. Art of Life Records is pleased to make this long out-of-print recording available to the world once again. Stay tuned for more Joe Diorio CD reissues from Art of Life Records. https://news.allaboutjazz.com/joe-diorio-and-steve-bagbys-straight-ahead-to-the-light-reissued-on-cd-wav-flac-and-mp3-from-art-of-life-records.ph

Personnel:  Joe Diorio - guitar; Steve Bagby - percussion

Straight Ahead to the Light

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Andrew Rathbun - Character Study

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:20
Size: 141,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:08)  1. The Golden Fool
(6:49)  2. Team of Rivals
(8:49)  3. Alphabet Deaf and Forever Blind
(7:09)  4. His Quiet Determination
(7:09)  5. Etcetera
(9:28)  6. The Long Awakening
(6:40)  7. Character Study
(9:05)  8. Turmoil

Jazz saxophonist Andrew Rathbun was born and raised in Toronto, in 1991 earning a Canada Council for the Arts grant to study in Boston, where he attended the New England Conservatory under the tutelege of Jimmy Guiffre and George Russell. Playing and recording with artists including Jeff Hirshfield, Kenny Wheeler, John Abercrombie and Ingrid Jensen, from 1994 to 1997 Rathbun also taught at the University of Maine before moving on to the Amadeus Conservatory in Westchester, NY; his solo debut Scatter Some Stones followed in 1999. The experimental True Stories came out the next year, offering two Margaret Atwood poems set to music. The heady and complex Sculptures was released two years later.~ Jason Ankeny https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/character-study/1444115015

Personnel:  Andrew Rathbun -  tenor saxophone; Tim Hagans -  trumpet; Gary Versace -  piano; Jay Anderson - bass; Bill Stewart - drums

Character Study

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