Don Bagley - The Soft Sell

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:53
Size: 92,1 MB
Art: Front

(8:03)  1. The Soft Sell
(2:55)  2. Manitou
(2:31)  3. Dot-Cats
(3:20)  4. For Heaven's Sake
(3:38)  5. It's Cooler Inside
(4:50)  6. Paul's Blues
(3:52)  7. The Boy Next Door
(3:25)  8. Never Let Me Go
(3:40)  9. Pitchin' Easy
(3:37) 10. Say Si Si

Formally trained in bass, composition and arranging, Don Bagley made his early reputation touring and recording with Stan Kenton from 1950-1953. He subsequently would work with Kenton again at different times, but in 1954 Bagley began heading his own bands. He was quite busy as a session musician as well; Bagley recorded in Los Angeles with Nat "King" Cole, Maynard Ferguson and Dexter Gordon from 1950-52, then did overseas dates with Zoot Sims, Lars Gullin and a sextet led by Frank Rosolino and Ake Persson in Paris and Sweden in 1953. Bagley worked extensively with Kenton again and with Les Brown between 1956 and 1967, but still found the time to record in 1957 and 1958 with bands whose rosters included at times Jimmie Rowles, Shelly Manne and Phil Woods. There were also engagements with Pete Fountain in 1959 and Ben Webster in 1961. The lucrative world of television and films beckoned, with Bagley doing many arrangements and compositions in the '70s and '80s, plus working from 1976-1984 for noted pop songwriter Burt Bacharach. ~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/artist/don-bagley-mn0000794713/biography

Personnel:  Don Bagley (bass), Paul Horn (flute), Shelly Manne (drums), Jimmy Rowles (piano), Tommy Loy (trumpet)

The Soft Sell

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Alguímia - DOS

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:53
Size: 129,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:05)  1. Serial Blues
(5:34)  2. Alegría
(6:48)  3. This Is For David
(5:01)  4. DOS
(4:26)  5. TNT
(5:29)  6. Xpòvia Kai Xpòvia
(8:07)  7. Txatxatxell
(9:11)  8. CCS
(5:08)  9. The Clownster

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 Vella Jazz Festival '96, L'hora del Jazz '96, Barcelona OFF Festival '96. The recording of his first record job is about to see the light and he will do it live next April in the Jamboree room in Barcelona. Translate By Google https://www.jazzterrassa.org/es/node/10099

DOS

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Wes Montgomery - Willow Weep For Me

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1965
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:54
Size: 99,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:45)  1. Willow Weep For Me
(5:06)  2. Impressions
(2:47)  3. Portrait Of Jenny
(5:26)  4. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(5:29)  5. Oh, You Crazy Moon
(9:33)  6. Four On Six - Live
(6:45)  7. Misty

Shortly after Wes Montgomery's shockingly early death, Verve rummaged around in the vaults and came up with some additional tapes from the live Smokin' at the Half Note sessions with the Kind of Blue rhythm section, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. And then after-the-fact producer Esmond Edwards did a controversial thing he commissioned Claus Ogerman, the arranger on Tequila, to overdub wind and brass arrangements on four tracks: the title tune, "Portrait of Jennie," "Oh! You Crazy Moon," and "Misty." The critics promptly pounced on Verve, NARAS responded by giving the album a Grammy, and the whole issue became moot when subsequent reissues of the four tracks erased the new backing charts. Yet on the whole, Ogerman did a good job; his arrangements are subtle and, in the case of the title track, swinging, with the flutes adding effective responses within Montgomery's statements of the theme. "Impressions," oddly enough, was left alone perhaps due to its lightning tempo and this classic solo has since been reissued many times as the prime example of Montgomery in his Verve period. "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and an alternate take of "Four on Six" (with a bad edit cutting off Kelly's solo in mid-flight) are also free of orchestrations. 

In any case, what you will hear, bathed in winds or not, is prime, mature Wes Montgomery stretching out in full, with unbelievable confidence in his ear and technique at all times, experimenting now and then with mild electronic effects devices. The sound is oddly dim and shallow on the LP, which is surprising since the Smokln' album sounded so good. ~ Richard S.Ginell https://www.allmusic.com/album/willow-weep-for-me-mw0000215764

Personnel:  Wes Montgomery – guitar; Wynton Kelly – piano;  Paul Chambers – bass;  Jimmy Cobb – drums

Willow Weep For Me

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Burak Bedikyan - Leap of Faith

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:09
Size: 161,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:38)  1. Astral Traveller
(6:06)  2. Prelude No. 1 Birth Of Innocense
(5:53)  3. Hommage A Bud Et Francis
(7:33)  4. Ashes To Ashes
(9:17)  5. Leap Of Faith
(9:34)  6. Hydrogen Atom
(5:57)  7. Prelude No. 2 Lonely Planet
(7:37)  8. The Unspoken
(4:57)  9. Der Zor (Deir Ez-Zor)
(6:33) 10. Gravity

One of Turkey’s leading pianists Burak Bedikyan has been rapidly establishing himself as a star player on the international jazz scene since the release of his first SteepleChase Lookout album “Circle Of Life” SCCD 33109 (2013). For his second album here Bedikyan further showcases an exciting process of on-going development as a performer and composer with unique musical background.

“This is an interesting overture for the Turkish newcomer, but it sounds like there’s much more in reserve.” ~ John Fordham 

“Burak Bedikyan takes charge of the finest quartet recording for 2013, Circle Of Life… Bedikyan is a name to remember and an artist whose musical stock is an arrow pointing straight up!” ~ Brent Black

Personnel:  Piano – Burak Bedikyan; Bass – Ron McClure; Drums – Billy Drummond; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Chris Cheek

Leap of Faith

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Carol Sudhalter - Shades Of Carol

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:43
Size: 146,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:40)  1. Firm Roots
(5:38)  2. A Weaver Of Dreams
(6:01)  3. Dry
(3:24)  4. Fast
(8:53)  5. Soultrane
(2:14)  6. Youth
(5:08)  7. Lotus Blossom
(4:22)  8. Lullaby Of The Leaves
(3:45)  9. In Walked Bud
(4:29) 10. On A Slow Boat To China
(6:22) 11. It's Time
(6:40) 12. On A Misty Night

This beautifully orchestrated set showcases Carol Sudhalter, who plays saxophones and flute, in a compilation of four sessions with different musical groupings. It gets off to a jumping, upbeat start with Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots, immediately showing off her roots firmly in happy, mainstream swing, Andrea Torozzi's piano providing exhilarating company for the warm tenor sax. What follows is a rarely heard beauty, Victor Young's "A Weaver of Dreams, on which Vittorio Sicbaldi's drums provide just the right amount of light seasoning, accentuating Sudhalter's own very appealing flight of fancy. On her own "Dry, Sudhalter plays a gentle, samba-like melody on flute which wafts as lightly as an ocean breeze on a warm summer day. Of a pair of vocals with Martha J, the too-rarely-heard "Lotus Blossom (Strayhorn/Schore), a fine late-night lament, is especially welcome. Three tunes are performed by the Astoria Big Band, which Sudhalter founded in 1986. For this listener they're the highlight of the collection. This trifecta is made up of the old perennial "Lullaby of the Leaves, Monk's "In Walked Bud, and Frank Loesser's "On A Slow Boat to China. Sudhalter's flute is especially expressive on the Monk tune, while the orchestra and the fullbodied warmth of her baritone sax lends a depth to Loesser's pop tune, which is nothing less than transformational. There's a spirited energy in the work here, which audiences have long enjoyed in this adopted New Yorker's performances. The tones and colors on Shades of Carol prove to be varied and inviting. ~ Andrew Velez https://www.allaboutjazz.com/shades-of-carol-carol-sudhalter-alfamusic-review-by-andrew-velez.php

Personnel: Tracks 1,3,5,12: Carol Sudhalter: tenor saxophone, flute; Andrea Tarozzi: piano; Guido Giacomini: bass; Vittorio Sicbaldi: drums; Olivier Berney: trumpet; Track 4: Martha J.: vocals; Tore Spano: acoustic piano; Carol Sudhalter: flute; Track 7, Martha J.: vocals; Tore Spano: acoustic piano; Lucio Falco: double bass; Tracks 2,6,9,11: Carol Sudhalter: tenor saxophone, flute; Jack Davis: trombone (9,11); Bill Gerhardt: piano; Dve Ruffels: bass; Tootsie Bean: drums; Myrna Lake: vocals (9); Tracks 8,10: Carol Sudhalter: baritone saxophone and flute with Astoria Big Band; L. Presgrave: piano; W. Lin: bass; B. Martone: bass; T. Bean: drums; R. Stone: guitar; G. Petropoulos, L. Moses, S. Gluzband, A. Bavota, G. Gonzalez: trumpets; J. Davis, N. Mayland, W. Frazier: trombones; L. Caputo, S. Bielski: saxophones.

Shades Of Carol

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Piccadilly Dance Orchestra - I Won't Dance

Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:43
Size: 125,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. I Won't Dance (From "Roberta")
(2:47)  2. Manhattan (From "The Garrick Gaieties")
(3:02)  3. No Strings (From "Top Hat")
(2:28)  4. They All Laughed (From "Shall We Dance")
(2:24)  5. Experiment (From "Nymph Errant")
(4:08)  6. How Could We Be Wrong? (From "Nymph Errant")
(2:45)  7. Puttin' On the Ritz (From "Puttin' On the Ritz")
(2:55)  8. Love Walked In (From "Goldwyn Follies")
(2:48)  9. Dearly Beloved (From "You Were Never Lovelier")
(2:43) 10. Do, Do, Do (From "Oh, Kay!")
(3:33) 11. A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody (From "The Ziegfield Follies")
(2:42) 12. Pick Yourself Up (From "Swing Time")
(2:11) 13. Slap That Bass (From "Shall We Dance")
(2:46) 14. My Heart Belongs to Daddy (From "Leave It to Me")
(2:07) 15. Slumming On Park Avenue (From "On the Avenue")
(3:09) 16. Soft Lights and Sweet Music (From "Face the Music")
(3:31) 17. They Can't Take That Away from Me (From "Shall We Dance")
(2:42) 18. Rosalie (From "Rosalie")

Michael Law's Piccadilly Dance Orchestra owned and managed by Michael and Alan Bennett Law, is world famous for providing superb entertainment to a very high standard and much sought-after for concert and cabaret performances as well as for private parties and corporate events. From the Charleston of the 1920s Gatsby era through the beautiful classic songs of the 1930s, to swing and jazz hits, Michael Law's Piccadilly Dance Orchestra performs the greatest dance music and the best tunes of the Jazz Age. Elegant, musically immaculate and infused with toe-tapping rhythm, the PDO’s recordings have recently been chosen for the soundtracks of CSI, Gotham as well as an award-winning documentary about Stanley Kubrick…and two of the PDO’s recordings (Happy Feet and Dance Little Lady) have been heard by more than two and a half million people on YouTube. The PDO enjoyed residencies at London's Ritz and Savoy Hotels and have recorded six CDs. Their sensational Café de Paris events have set a new standard for recreations of 1920s/30s high society entertainment. At The Savoy, The PDO were the last to perform on the legendary stage where so many great bands of the past had performed, including Carroll Gibbons and the Savoy Hotel Orpheans, Geraldo, Fred Elizalde and Debroy Somers. Acclaimed worldwide for their spirited recreations of the music of the British Dance Bands, Michael and the PDO were especially chosen for BBC 4's highly successful Len Goodman's Dancing Feet and a sequel, Len Goodman's Dance Band Days - and following their concert at John Dankworth and Cleo Laine's Wavendon theatre: "this was probably the most entertaining evening I can remember...the orchestra is really superb". http://www.pdo.org.uk/about-us

Personnel:
The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra Conducted by: Michael Law
With soloists: Julia Shore, Michael Law
Special Guest Vocalists: Danielle Carson, Melanie E. Marshall

I Won't Dance

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Katharine McPhee - Live On Soundstage

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:51
Size: 129,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:14)  1. Blame It On My Youth - You Make Me Feel So Young
(4:49)  2. I'll Be Seeing You - Some Other Time
(5:14)  3. Night And Day
(4:00)  4. I Fall In Love Too Easily
(3:04)  5. Sooner Or Later
(5:36)  6. It Never Entered My Mind
(3:38)  7. Everything Must Change
(3:51)  8. The Last Time
(4:23)  9. I've Grown Accustomed To His Face
(3:55) 10. Who Can I Turn To
(3:40) 11. All The Way
(4:34) 12. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
(4:46) 13. That's Life

After her unforgettable rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on "American Idol" in 2006, Katharine McPhee catapulted to instant stardom. Further propelling her success was the hit single “Over It” from her 2007 chart-topping debut album. McPhee’s talents also extended to acting, which she put to good use in two popular television series, "Smash" and "Scorpion," and she is no stranger to PBS specials, having guested on "Foster and Friends" and "Chris Botti in Boston." In this jazz-filled installment of "Soundstage," McPhee gets the spotlight to herself (with a little help from her friends David Foster, Eric Benet, and Frederic Yonnet) performing selections from her fifth studio album, "I Fall In Love Too Easily." Audiences across America will fall in love very easily with this "Soundstage" performance. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Live-Soundstage-Blu-ray-Katharine-Mcphee/dp/B07HSX3CYV

Live On Soundstage

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Anat Cohen Tentet - Happy Song

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:28
Size: 123,1 MB
Art: Front

( 3:57)  1. Happy Song
( 4:42)  2. Valsa Para Alice
( 8:36)  3. Oh Baby
(12:16) 4. Anat's Doina(A Maysé,Der Gasn Nigun,Foile-Shtick)
( 6:51)  5. Loro
( 6:52)  6. Trills and Thrills
( 4:30)  7. Goodbye
( 5:40)  8. Kenedougou Foly

In his fascinating autobiography, Miles Davis once said that Gil Evans would call him on the phone now and then just to share a quick thought you know, the kind of thing some people used to do before these random impulses were relegated to texts or Tweets. His classic example was a 3AM call where his longtime friend and collaborator rang to say "If you're ever depressed, Miles, just listen to 'Springsville,'" and just as abruptly hung up. Anat Cohen deserves such a story as well not just because everyone should have such a friend in their life, but because her titular "Happy Song" is just the same kind of ray of sunshine that's worth waking someone up to share. The piece is adeptly expanded from its initial trio rendition on Luminosa (Anzic, 2015), beautifully encapsulating the spirit of this new ensemble and providing a perfect introduction to their wildly colorful debut. Not content to rest too long after a previous pair of enchanting Brazilian-themed recordings, the poly-faceted clarinetist follows up here in delightful fashion with a bigger musical palette and expanded group to match. 

Cohen's catalogue has always encompassed music all around the world, and the Tentet (well, the term just sounds more fun and informal than "dectet") is a crack team of fellow New York City players who share the same love of all encompassing groove and swing. Alongside the ever-present South American element, Happy Song visits the golden age of Hollywood with a big-band Bix Beiderbecke romp, crosses over to west Africa with the infectious rhythmic trance of "Kenedougou Foly," and shows the leader's native roots by using a klezmer piece as the loose basis for its dramatic extended centerpiece. Her fleet clarinet twines with some fuzzy guitar in the slow-burner of "Trills and Thrills," a wailing jam contributed by musical director Oded Lev-Ari. He isn't counted as one of the ten, but he's as vital in shaping the album's form as anyone else; the arrangements are wonderfully adroit in using all the players without ever feeling crowded. Even with a couple thoughtful lulls in "Trills" and Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye," Happy Song bounces and swings with all the warmth its title promises. It shows Anat Cohen's wide-ranging mind and instrumental prowess as expansive as ever, and it's a vibrantly joyous affair indeed. ~ Geno Tackara https://www.allaboutjazz.com/happy-song-anat-cohen-anzic-records-review-by-geno-thackara.php

Personnel: Anat Cohen: clarinet; Oded Lev-Ari: musical direction; Rubin Kodheli: cello; Nadje Noordhuis: trumpet, flugelhorn; Nick Finzer: trombone; Owen Broder: baritone sax, bass clarinet; James Shipp: vibraphone, percussion; Vitor Gonçalves: piano, accordion; Sheryl Bailey: guitar; Tal Mashiach: bass; Anthony Pinciotti: drums.

Happy Song

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Banu Gibson - 'Zat You, Santa Claus?

Styles: Christmas
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:26
Size: 99,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:11)  1. Christmas In New Orleans
(3:13)  2. Winter Wonderland
(4:32)  3. Christmas Will Be A Little Lonely This Year
(2:52)  4. Santa Claus Blues
(2:47)  5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
(3:11)  6. I Want You For Christmas
(2:35)  7. 'Zat You, Santa Claus?
(3:09)  8. Christmas Night In Harlem
(2:43)  9. Let It Snow
(2:32) 10. At The Christmas Ball
(3:59) 11. Christmas On The Bayou
(3:33) 12. I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus
(3:02) 13. Santa, Swing Me A Christmas Tune
(2:01) 14. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

The talented classic jazz singer Banu Gibson and her New Orleans Hot Jazz band are in fine form on a set of Christmas songs. Most of the material is swinging (including "Santa Claus Blues," the touching "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "At the Christmas Ball," "Christmas Night in Harlem" and three originals by Gibson and/or John Sheridan), and there is space for concise solos by trumpeter Duke Heitger, trombonist David Sager, pianist David Boeddinghaus and the reeds of Tom Fischer. This is a cheerful set that even sounds good in July. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/zat-you-santa-claus-mw0000669381

'Zat You, Santa Claus?

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Paul Nash (featuring Tom Harrell, Michael Cochrane, Michele Hend - Second Impression

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:36
Size: 112,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Song for Lanie
(4:34)  2. New York Nocturne
(8:30)  3. After Words
(5:02)  4. Intermission
(5:32)  5. (It's A Few Steps) From Broadway to Amsterdam
(2:20)  6. Uplift
(6:11)  7. Pentepic
(3:15)  8. Passing Glance
(7:44)  9. Starlit Skylight

The music of composer and guitarist Paul Nash reflects a restless commitment to musical experimentation integrating by turns the sound worlds of jazz, classical, and rock through his own personal synthesis. Nash’s musical path began in the late 60’s when his Bronx teenage rock band opened for the Blues Project and followed a then unknown Jimi Hendrix at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village. This was followed by years of music study earning respectively B.M. and M.A. degrees in music composition from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1972 and Mills College in Oakland (CA) in 1976. San Francisco provided a fruitful outlet for his passion for larger jazz aggregations. In 1977, the ten-piece Paul Nash Ensemble, which featured saxophonist Noel Jewkes, drummer Eddie Marshall and trumpeter Mark Isham, began performances around the Bay Area and in Los Angeles. Later, Nash became instrumental in the creation of the Bay Area Jazz Composers Orchestra (BAJCO), a new type of jazz orchestra that included a string quartet founded in 1987. Upon his return to New York City, Mr. Nash expanded on that same instrumental model by establishing the Manhattan New Music Project in 1990. Nash’s interest in classical forms has evolved alongside his work in jazz. Among the music groups that have performed Nash’s chamber and orchestral pieces have been the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, the Aspen Music Festival, the Chamber Symphony of San Francisco, the San Francisco Symphony, the Reading Symphony Orchestra (PA) and Ridgefield (CT) Symphonies is scheduled in 2002. Musical Elements, and Composers Concordance and Eclectix.

As a leader, Nash has produced five impressive recordings including three for Soul Note Records (Italy), which have featured jazz artists such as Tom Harrell, Jack Walrath, Tom Varner, David Samuels, Mark Isham, and Art Lande. Paul Nash: A Jazz Composers Ensemble (1979), Second Impression (1985), Night Language (1987), Mood Swing (1993) and Soul of Grace (2000). His jazz writing suggests somewhat contradictory influences, most notably the cool orchestration of Gil Evans and the fiery proclamations of Charles Mingus. Projects slated for publication in print include Fingerstyle Jazz Workbook (Mel Bay Music) and Jazz Duos for alto sax and piano (Advance Music). An accomplished guitarist, Mr. Nash's musical thinking is also distinguished by his adoption of system of a symmetrical tuning in fourths as well as his use of custom designed acoustic and electric seven string guitars. In 1997 Nash began a new musical direction with the creation of site-specific musical work, culminating in a series of nine special performances in New York City parks. His Still Sounds Run Deep deploys musicians around public spaces and provides for interactivity with ambient sounds and the rhythms of passersby. Another long standing goal was realized in the his hour long theater creation, Intimate Structures, fashioning a dialogue adapted from Lovers’ Discourse by the late French philosopher Roland Barthes, and supporting it with an hour of continuous music blending baroque, modern jazz and ambient sounds. Grants and fellowships have served as a vital support for Nash’s work, coming from sources such as the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Jerome Foundation, the Banff Center for the Arts, Yaddo, Meet the Composer, the National Endowment for the Arts, the University of California at Berkeley, the MacDowell Colony, and the Djerassi Foundation. Finally, Nash has been an arts advocate as well, serving as a nationally elected Board Member of the American Composers Alliance. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/paulnash

Personnel: Michael Cochrane – piano; Tom Harrell – trumpet; Alan Braufman – alto sax, soprano sax; Gerard Carelli – trombone; Paul Nash – seven string guitar, flute; Anthony Cox – bass; Jimmy Madison – drums; Gregory Yasinitsky – soprano sax on Intermission, tenor sax on Starlit Skylight; Ann Yasinitsky – flute; Michele Hendricks – voice

Second Impression

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Joe Magnarelli - If You Could See Me Now

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 62:08
Size: 101,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. Lady Bird
(5:59)  2. On A Misty Night
(6:48)  3. Bula Beige
(6:12)  4. TheTadd Walk
(7:25)  5. If You Could See Me Now
(6:59)  6. The Dream Is You
(7:37)  7. I Think I'll Go Away
(8:59)  8. Sando Latino
(5:31)  9. Super Jet

This all-star band of trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer George Fludas breath new life into the compositions of the great Tadd Dameron. A supremely swinging affair, If You Could See Me Now includes two never before recorded Tadd Dameron tunes: The Dream Is You and Sando Latino. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/If-You-Could-See-Now/dp/B07GGCZF5N

Personnel:  Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Ralph Moore on tenor saxophone, Anthony Wonsey on piano, Dezron Douglas on bass and George Fludas on drums

If You Could See Me Now

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Eugenia Choe - Magic Light

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:09
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. Shades of Light
(5:38)  2. Koquirri
(1:15)  3. Petals
(5:25)  4. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
(5:28)  5. The Magic Light
(4:55)  6. Scattered Chant
(5:42)  7. Maison de Crescent
(4:57)  8. When Lights Are Low
(5:48)  9. Where Our Hearts Stay
(5:34) 10. Astor Botanic

It takes nerve to come from (seemingly) out of nowhere to present a piano trio disc. The history runs deep there: Bud Powell, Tommy Flanagan, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett just a scratching of the surface of the bop and post bebop players in the game. Eugenia Choe, a new-to-the-scene New York-based pianist, enters the arena in a big way with her debut, Magic Light, and not as might be expected on a set heavy on the Standards. Eight of the ten tunes on the disc are Choe originals, with Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" and Benny Carter's "When Lights Are Low" serving as the familiar touchstones. For top level piano trio players, technical excellence is the norm. The artist who rises above the crowd is the one who injects the music with the essence of their being, their soul, and brings a personal (bio) luminescence to the sound. Choe does that, deftly, already. Light is something of a theme here. 

The disc's opener, "Shades of Light" and the title tune, and Carter's "When Lights are Low," are all subtly crafted gems, glowing on multiple facets, painted in an impressionist style of diffuse light and muted colors. The tunes have a liquid architecture and an entrancing shape-shifting quality. Choe's "Petals," a brief opening of a delicate blossom, leads into a lovely reading of Strayhorn's "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing." The title tune, perhaps the only jazz piece ever inspired by a jellyfish, is a small masterpiece of composition and delivery, with the work of Choe's marvelous band mates drummer Alex Wyatt and bassist Danny Weller punching up the sound with assertively intricate interplay. 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 https://www.allaboutjazz.com/magic-light-eugenia-choe-steeplechase-lookout-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php

Personnel: Eugenia Choe: piano; Danny Weller: bass; Alex Wyatt: drums.

Magic Light

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Tsuyoshi Yamamoto - Life

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:29
Size: 93,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:49)  1. Green Dolphin Street
(5:14)  2. When I Fall In Love
(4:05)  3. Someday My Prince Will Come
(5:43)  4. If You Could See Me Now
(6:37)  5. Billysam Blues
(5:14)  6. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
(7:44)  7. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Yamamoto Tsuyoshi, born 23 March 1948  is a Japanese jazz pianist and composer. Yamamoto was largely self-taught as a pianist, although he did have piano lessons as a child. He attended Nihon University. As a student there, he played professionally, first as an accompanist to pop singer Micky Curtis; they toured Europe in 1967. In 1974, he became house pianist at Misty, a Tokyo jazz club. He also made his recording debut as leader that year. He played major international festivals in the late 1970s. He also "lived in New York for a year, when he performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Carmen McRae, Sam Jones, Billy Higgins, Elvin Jones, and Sonny Stitt, among others." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuyoshi_Yamamoto

Personnel:  Piano – Tsuyoshi Yamamoto;  Bass – Sam Jones; Drums – Billy Higgins

Life

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Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band - Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas

Styles: Christmas, Big Band 
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:54
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. Main Title
(4:18)  2. Attention Holiday Shoppers
(2:04)  3. Kiss Me, It's Christmas
(2:47)  4. That Spitting Problem
(3:57)  5. The Taskmaster 7000
(2:19)  6. Profits On The Rise
(2:53)  7. The Lucky Duck Orphanage
(2:32)  8. This Is The Final Indinity
(4:50)  9. Bugs Hides Daffy
(5:12) 10. Bah, Humduck! Finale
(5:26) 11. Yo Tannenbaum
(4:32) 12. This Is Christmas
(5:30) 13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas is the soundtrack for the cartoon movie of the same name, which is basically the Looney Tunes version of A Christmas Carol. But unlike what some might think, this is not full of songs courtesy of Bugs, Daffy, Tweety, and friends, instead actually comprised entirely of the jazz/big-band score composed for the movie by Gordon Goodwin. The soundtrack is thus perfect as a wintry background piece for both Christmas parties and as a simple tool to bring some holiday spirit into the home. Parents will presumably be more into the instrumental soundtrack than the kids the movie is actually aimed at, but it's still worth purchasing due to the bonus disc of singalongs just for them Christmas favorites sung by the entire Looney Tunes crew (complete with their bickering and side comments) alongside a chorus of exuberant youngsters. Speedy Gonzalez joins on for "Feliz Navidad," Porky Pig helps out with "Little Drummer Boy," everyone lends a hand to "12 Days of Christmas," and Marvin the Martian makes sure Mars is included during "Joy to the World." Kids are sure to love the gang's antics, but a warning for older listeners: the Kidz Bop Christmas meets Looney Tunes vibe of the bonus disc is fun at first (youthful yet ridiculous), but if your child is the obsessive type, this album might need to be eventually hidden for your sanity's sake as the holiday season gets into full swing. ~ Corey Apar https://www.allmusic.com/album/bah-humduck%21-a-looney-tunes-christmas-original-movie-soundtrack-mw0000775768

Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas

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Louie Bellson - Don't Stop Now!

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1984
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:22
Size: 97,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:57)  1. Don't Stop Now!
(6:19)  2. Lover Man
(4:58)  3. Indian Summer
(5:12)  4. Cipriana
(5:15)  5. With Bells On
(5:05)  6. Darn That Dream
(7:16)  7. Three Ton Blues
(3:17)  8. Seven Come Eleven

Recorded in 1984 for Pete Christlieb's Bosco label, this outing by the Louie Bellson Orchestra has plenty of power, more variety than usual, and swings up a storm; half of the selections actually feature a small group from the orchestra. The big band tracks have spots for trumpeters Conte Candoli and Ron King, trombonists Carl Fontana and Andy Martin, tenor great Christlieb and drummer Bellson (who is showcased on Thad Jones' "With Bells On"), while the combo tracks put the focus on trumpeters Conte Candoli and Steve Huffsteter, trombonist Fonanta (featured on "Indian Summer") and Christlieb. This is a rather obscure and hard-to-find release, but is worth the search, for the musicians sound consistently inspired. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/dont-stop-now%21-mw0000694508

Personnel:  Drums – Louis Bellson;  Bass – Dave Stone ; Keyboards [Dx7] – Mike Melvoin;  Piano – Frank Strazzeri;  Saxophone – Dave Edwards (3), Joe Roccisano, John Bambridge, Pete Christlieb, Bill Green; Trombone – Andy Martin, Carl Fontana, Mike Wimberly, Bob Payne; Trumpet – Conte Candoli, John Audino, Ron King, Steve Huffsteter, Walt Johnson

Don't Stop Now!

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Michael Kanan Trio - Convergence

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 1999
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 56:39
Size: 92,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Crosscurrent
(7:41)  2. A Family Song
(5:02)  3. Victory Ball
(7:55)  4. Ghost of a Chance
(6:03)  5. Leave Me
(4:39)  6. Subconscious-Lee
(6:38)  7. Stardust
(7:33)  8. Ablution
(5:38)  9. You Do Something to Me

Michael Kanan hails from Boston, Massachusetts where he first began to play the piano at age 7. He started improvising at the keyboard early on, and by age 10 he was listening to jazz. His first instructor was pianist Harvey Diamond, a student of jazz innovator Lennie Tristano. During his years at Boston College, Michael had the opportunity to perform with several jazz greats including Tal Farlow, Lee Konitz, Al Cohn, and Alan Dawson. After graduating college and doing some freelance work around Boston, he moved to New York in 1991 to study with another Tristano student, the pianist Sal Mosca. He established himself in New York, playing and recording with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, and Jorge Rossy, among others. He also developed a growing reputation as a vocal accompanist. In 1996, he joined the band of legendary singer Jimmy Scott, touring the US, Europe, and Japan and recording 4 CDs. In 2001, Michael became the accompanist and arranger for one of today's most celebrated vocalists, Jane Monheit. With Ms. Monheit's group, he has toured all over the world, recorded several CDs and DVDs, and made many TV appearances, including The David Letterman Show and The Conan O'Brien Show. 

When not on the road with the Monheit band, Michael performs and records with his own groups. He has made two trio recordings for Barcelona's Fresh Sound New Talent label: "Convergence" and "The Gentleman Is A Dope", both featuring bassist Ben Street and drummer Tim Pleasant. He has also recorded a duet with his longtime collaborator, alto saxophonist Nat Su, entitled "Dreams And Reflections". He can be heard around New York with his trio featuring guitarist Greg Ruggiero and bassist Neal Miner. Today, Michael lives in Brooklyn, and is a student of classical piano teacher Sophia Rosoff. http://www.michaelkanan.com/bio.htm

Personnel:  Michael Kanan, piano; Ben Street, bass; Tim Pleasant, drums

Convergence

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Marlene VerPlanck - Ballads...Mostly

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:54
Size: 150,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:46)  1. I Wish I Knew
(3:48)  2. Witchcraft
(5:03)  3. My Dream Is Yours
(5:50)  4. Love Dance
(4:59)  5. I Only Have Eyes for You
(4:36)  6. It Amazes Me
(2:54)  7. Baby Dream Your Dream
(4:35)  8. There Will Never Be Another You
(3:24)  9. The Rules of the Road
(4:29) 10. I'm Gonna Laugh You Right out of My Life
(5:45) 11. I Walk a Little Faster
(3:33) 12. Listen to the Piano Man
(4:33) 13. Why Try to Change Me Now
(3:13) 14. You Fascinate Me So
(4:20) 15. Why Was I Thinking of Springtime

As the title says, this 2013 collection finds Marlene VerPlanck singing Ballads...Mostly, which isn't especially a surprise this singer. Then again, surprise isn't the name of the game here, at least in terms of approach. She's relying on eight arrangment sby her late husband J. Billy VerPlanck, she sings nearly as many songs by Cy Coleman, and she's working with a familiar cast of supporting musicians including drummer Ron Vincent, bassist Boots Maleson, bassist Jay Leonhart, pianist Tedd Firth, trumpter Claudio Roditi, pianist Mike Renzi and saxophonist Houston Person. Comfort doesn't necessarily mean complacent, however, as all involved do take their time to deliver precise, yet robust, versions of late-night supperclub vocal jazz. It's a warm bath of a record, one that soothes and relaxes. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine https://www.allmusic.com/album/ballads-mostly-mw0002545542

Ballads...Mostly

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Michael Cochrane - Song Of Change

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:26
Size: 151,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. S.c.c.
(6:52)  2. Once I Loved
(6:48)  3. Prelude To A Kiss
(6:51)  4. On Green Dolphin Stret
(5:09)  5. No Gain No Pain
(8:02)  6. Surrey With The Fringe On Top
(6:11)  7. Cloud 9
(7:10)  8. Autumn Leaves
(6:58)  9. Song Of Change
(5:18) 10. Bemsha Swing

An excellent straight-ahead hard bop pianist, Michael Cochrane performs four of his originals and six standards, including swinging versions of "On Green Dolphin Street," "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," and "Autumn Leaves" on this trio set. 

Assisted by bassist Marcus McLaurine and drummer Alan Nelson, Cochrane adds his own musical personality to the hard bop tradition, creating music that should please straight-ahead jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/song-of-change-mw0000621572

Song Of Change

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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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